GROUPS

Members - see note

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Members should click on the 'Groups. Full Details' or 'Schedule. Full Details' in the members area to see contact details for group leaders. You will need the members area user name and password.

Why not start a group?

 

Active Pursuits & Games

BRIDGE (1)

A mixed ability, "help each other" group, not for absolute beginners, but improvers are welcome.

Alternate Thursdays 10.00am - 12.30pm.
Wimbledon. Close to 57, 131 and 163 bus routes. Limited parking.

BRIDGE (2)

Play and improve as part of a friendly, relaxed group. Not suitable for beginners. Standard ACOL used, but with opportunity to practice conventions.

Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.30 pm. South Wimbledon area.

BRIDGE PLAY FOR BEGINNERS

Ideal for those who have just learnt and would like to develop their new found skills with supervision and advice.

Alternate Mondays 11.00am - 12.30pm. Wimbledon Park area.

 

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLERS

Various speakers visit the group to share their travel experiences, illustrated with slides. Come and be transported to different parts of the world without any airport queues! Tea/coffee prior to meeting. Small fee for room hire. Start 9 September.

Alternate Fridays 10.30am – 12.00pm. Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (near Tube Station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk (Walpole Road stop).

CANASTA for rusty players

Can we rediscover together the joys and rules of Canasta?

Fortnightly Thursday 2.00pm. Mitcham. Buses nearby and on-street parking.

CHESS

Reasonable standard necessary but anyone welcome. Feel free to bring your own Chess set.

Weekly on Tuesdays 3.00pm - 5.00pm.
Wimbledon Library.

CRIBBAGE

For 2, 3 or 4 players. Complete beginners welcome.

Twice a month on Tuesdays 3.00pm - 5.00pm.
Near Morden Park.

GARDENING

Members share garden experience, knowledge, cuttings, seedlings etc. Outside visits are arranged in Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Last Wednesday of each month 10.30am - 12.30pm. Normally in Kingston near 57, 131 and 213 bus routes, but sometimes at other venues.

WALKING & LUNCH

Walks within Freedom Pass Zone and with a 1 hour stop for lunch (pub/cafe etc). Aim is for 3hrs total walking (1½ before lunch, 1½ after) at 3/3.5mph. Itinerary and next meeting date decided at each walk after discussion on members' suggestions.

Every 2½ weeks, alternating between Sunday and mid-week.
Next walk - mid January, date and destination yet to be decided.

 

"GREEN" WALKS IN OR NEAR LONDON (1)

Walks are generally 4-6 miles in length and taken at about 2 mph, with stops, where appropriate, to note points of interest. Adryth tries to vary the walks as much as possible - park, towpath, wood etc. The group is friendly and relaxed but members are expected to attend on a fairly regular basis & to tell Adryth if unable to join a walk so that others are not kept waiting.

Monthly on 2nd Sunday, with the occasional exception, for 9 months of the year. Starting time usually 11.00am at an underground or railway station - occasionally at a bus stop.

"GREEN" WALKS IN OR NEAR LONDON (2)

Walks will generally be 5 - 7 miles in length, taken at 3 mph with lunch and comfort stops on route. The group is a small friendly, relaxed group which welcomes new members.

Monthly on the 4th Friday. Starting time currently 11.00 am at an underground or railway station. Members are expected to confirm attendance prior to the day of the walk. Contact Jacqui for further details.
No walks in December or January.

LONDON WALKS

This is a small, friendly, relaxed group. Walks will be up to 5 miles in length, taken at 2.5 mph. Lunch and drop off points on route. Please note these are not historical guided tours but exploratory walks taken at a medium pace.

Meet 1st & 3rd Friday of the month. Starting time 11 am at an Underground Station. Please confirm attendance prior to the walk date. Contact Jacqui for further details.
No walks in December or January.

LOOSE ENDERS

Stella Fifield 8947 9458

Every few months we get together in a member’s home and plan our programme, which includes theatre trips and visits to places of interest. We normally include lunch.

We meet about twice a month, always on Saturday.

 

SCRABBLE (1) & (2)

These groups aim to help you enjoy the game, improve your word-power and amaze your friends with your knowledge of two-letter words.

Merton Park group (1) twice a month on Tuesdays 1.45 pm.
Raynes Park group (2) twice a month on Mondays 2.00pm.

SCOTTISH DANCING

This group is run through Kingston U3A and welcomes Merton U3A members.

Every Friday 10.00am - 12.00pm. New Malden.

TABLE TENNIS

This group encourages people of all abilities to enjoy Table Tennis and have fun. There may be a possibility of some coaching in due course. These are not Drop In sessions, so please phone/email if you are interested.

Weekly Wednesdays 9.00am - 11.30am. Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (short walk from Tube Station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room hire.

TENNIS

Free! Join our tennis group so we can always have someone to play.

Every Monday & Thursday, weather permitting, 8.15-9.45am. No sessions during January. Joseph Hood Recreation Ground near Merton Park.

Current Affairs & History

HOW THE PAST HAS FORMED US

This group will study and discuss: How have our human lives and society been shaped by the past? Subjects chosen by the group lead into exploration of the historical impact of any aspect of the natural world, or of human culture, and how that past impact affects the way we think and act today.

Meets 4-weekly/monthly Tuesdays at Linden Lodge School, 61 Princes Way, Wimbledon, SW19. 10.30am - 12.30pm. A 10 minute walk up a steep hill from Southfields Underground Station. 39 & 493 buses go almost past the door and there is some free street parking, though increasingly far from the school.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (1)

A discussion group dealing with the background to current affairs. Members will be encouraged to start off each meeting with a little basic research before the discussion gets going. We have covered a wide variety of subjects, for example: the Economy, MPs’ expenses, Surveillance by the State, Education, the Prison System.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00pm. Edge Hill, Wimbledon.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (2)

The group discusses recent events in the news as well as debating issues such as drug legislation, Britain’s foreign policy and the Middle East conflict and the BBC.

Alternate Mondays 2.30pm - 4.30pm.
Wilton Grove.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (3)

Members discuss issues as they arise in the news, willingly sharing their views, opinions and sources of information. Topics have included Medical Research & health issues alongside NHS funding, Educational Policies, the Media and the Election & the resulting Coalition Government.

Alternate Mondays 2.30pm. Merton Park. A few minutes walk from Morden Station.

FAMILY HISTORY (1) - Finding Your Roots

Members undertake individual family history research and need to be computer literate, in order to take advantage of the many on-line resources for family history and computerised sources at centres such as the National Archives at Kew.

Monthly on Wednesdays 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Southfields.

FAMILY HISTORY (2)

A group for members interested in finding out more about their ancestors and their place in social history. The Group Leader has 30 years experience of family history research so may be able to help if you hit a brick wall. Access to a computer is useful in order to take advantage of the wealth of genealogical material now on line. Beginners welcome but they must be interested in pursuing their own research as well as hearing about other people's findings.

Monthly on Thursdays 2.00pm-4.00pm. Dates for the Autumn Term are 22 September, 13 October, 17 November and 15 December.

Cannon Hill area, 164 bus from Wimbledon/Morden (St. James Church) or 413 from Morden/Sutton (Northway or Cherrywood Lane).

SHARING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

Experienced family historian and creative writing teacher is leading a group aimed at those who have already researched their family history but would like help in presenting their discoveries in a style and format that can easily be shared with others and that will interest and engage its readers. Group members coached towards this within a collaborative learning environment.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12noon. 1st meeting 30 November. West Wimbledon, buses 200 & 57. Easy parking.

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Using the four canonical gospels an objective reading, study and discussion of: How Jesus fomented insurrection within a movement called ‘The Way’; how a following was built up until its leader, John the Baptist, was beheaded and how the movement then declined; how Jesus was anointed king of the Jews by Mary of Bethany (using oil valued at some £5,000); the subsequent abortive rising known as the ‘Cleansing of the Temple’; Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion and improbable rescue by a desperate strategy; how the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ relate; and how the traitorous Paul, first a persecutor and then a member of ‘The Way’, subverted the valiant if abortive insurgency movement. It’s all there, plain as plain, for those who have eyes to see, ears to hear – “for whomsoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance”.
Fascinating! Better than an Agatha Christie.

Alternate Thursdays 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Morden.

HISTORY IN CONTEXT

This group concentrates on the UK using the monarch as the focus from which to span outwards on “the life and times” of a particular reign. It is run as a workshop where everyone contributes. We began with the Norman Conquest and we start the autumn term with the political matters of the reign of George III.

Monthly Tuesdays 2.00pm - 4.30pm, followed by tea and biscuits.
Close to Wimbledon Park tube station.

A YEAR IN HISTORY

We choose a year and members prepare a presentation on any topic of their choice relevant to that year, as much latitude as required being allowed for explanations of cause and effect. We typically spend 5 sessions or more on a chosen year, and presentations average about 40 minutes. Our approach is unsystematic, but not unscholarly, and the variety of presentations is a delight.

Monthly 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 10.00am -12.00pm. Raynes Park.

LOCAL HISTORY

This group is cancelled until further notice because the Group Leader has suffered a gardening accident resulting in injuries that require at least several weeks' recovery time. Best Wishes for a speedy recovery!

Geographically Putney to Morden. Aspects of general interest to members. Can include architecture, personalities, scandals & authors.

Monthly on Tuesdays 10.00am - 12.00pm. Wimbledon Village.

Languages

ARABIC for not quite beginners

Self help group for Arabic Learners. Arabic speakers also welcome to come and help out!

Fortnightly Wednesdays 10am. Next meeting 11 January 2012.
South Wimbledon. 2 mins walk from 200 bus stop.

EASY FRENCH

For those with just a little French, maybe from schooldays, and who want to brush it up, possibly for travel or holidays. A very relaxed and convivial approach, with emphasis on the spoken language.

Alternate Thursdays 10.30am - 12.00pm.
West Wimbledon area. Easy parking.

FRENCH REVISION

This is a conversation class for members who already have some knowledge of French and would like to both revise key points of the language and improve their Listening and Speaking skills.

Weekly on Thursdays 11.00am – 12.30pm. Various venues.

FRENCH CONVERSATION

For those with basic French keen to brush up their skills in convivial conversation, with a nudge in the right direction when a gender is wrong or pronunciation a bit dodgy. We have been reading poetry and plan to read a book as part of the session.

Alternate Mondays 10.30am -12.00pm. Drake House. Wimbledon.

FRENCH ADVANCED CONVERSATION

In a relaxed atmosphere you will be encouraged to speak French and gradually become more confident and fluent, with increasing understanding. Learn how to listen for the general meaning, not translating word for word, so that you can continue to participate in any conversation.

Alternate Thursdays 10.00am - 12.00pm. Border Wimbledon/Kingston. 57 bus stops opposite.

 

GERMAN BEGINNERS

Learn German in an informal atmosphere with a native German speaker.

Alternate Thursdays 10.30am - 12.00pm. Wimbledon Village.

GERMAN INTERMEDIATE

Conversation, some classical and modern German literature, and games with minimal grammar.

Alternate Thursdays 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Raynes Park area.

ITALIAN ELEMENTARY

This is a basic level group with no Italian speaking member so will be very much self help. Small charge to cover room hire.
First meeting Monday 20 February.

1st & 3rd Mondays 11.00am - 12.30pm. Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood SW19 2BY (near Tube Station). Adjacent car park.
Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk (Walpole Road stop).

ITALIAN EASY CONVERSATION

For those with some basic knowledge of Italian.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00pm. New Malden.

ITALIAN INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION

For those with some knowledge of Italian to practise conversation. Facilitated by Paolo, an Italian speaker.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00pm. Near Wimbledon Park Station.

ITALIAN INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

This group reads books, does a lot of conversation and some grammar. It expects regular attendance, though this is not essential.

Alternate Mondays 10am - 12pm. Drake House.

SPANISH BEGINNERS

New Course starts 6 September 2011. Complete beginners. Starting from the Spanish alphabet, verbs, grammar, CDs etc. It is important for this group to attend regularly.

Alternate Tuesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Girdwood Road, Southfields.

 

SPANISH INTERMEDIATE (1)

Conversation, grammar, listening, reading.

Alternate Wednesdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm. West Wimbledon. 57, 131 & 163 buses.

 

SPANISH INTERMEDIATE (2)

New course starts 8 September 2011. Using a Book. Cassettes. Grammar & Homework.

Alternate Thursdays 10.30am – 12.00pm. Pirbright Road (3 mins. walk from Southfields Station).

SPANISH ADVANCED & CONVERSATION

New course starts 5 September 2011. Dictation, Reading, Conversation, Translation etc.

Alternate Mondays 10.00am – 12.00pm. Pirbright Road (only 3 mins. walk from Southfields Station).

 

Music

SINGING FOR FUN (1) & (2)

Everything from “Abide with Me” to “Younger than Springtime”. No need to be able to read music and it doesn’t matter if your voice is rusty. Just come and enjoy yourself.

Alternate Mondays 2.00 - 3.00pm. (2 Parallel groups). Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

MAHLER - AND BEYOND (Shostakovich) (1) & (2)

The Mahler course will conclude at the end of 2011, and has been enjoyed by all 20 participants. There is very little of it left.

A new course on Shostakovich Symphonies may be launched in January 2012 . This depends on the level of interest

Alternate Thursdays OR Fridays (there are two groups following the same course) 2.00pm - 4.00pm with refreshments break.

OPERA APPRECIATION

Sessions will be about two hours, though some may over-run. Two venues, one having a “cinema” suitable for showing DVDs. The sessions will not be academic. We listen to complete operas - or complete Acts in the case of long operas, with a short introduction. If time, we will also discuss the group’s views on the pieces and their interpretation. It is not a rigorous course. Limit about 15 participants. The 2011/2012 season will open on
8 September with a look at Verdi’s SIMON BOCCANEGRA.

Alternate Thursday afternoons at 2.00pm prompt. Two venues, both Central Wimbledon off the Ridgway.

ORCHESTRA (Kingston & Surrounding U3As)

Players of all standards are welcome. Whether you play regularly or are a bit rusty, this is an opportunity to brush up your skills and have fun learning with others. Places are currently available for string and brass players.

Kingston Orchestra rehearses on Wednesday mornings in Kingston and gives two public concerts a year, in May and December. Each spring it holds a weekend playaway at Bordon in Hampshire.

On 13th December 2011 the Orchestra will be celebrating Kingston U3As 20th Anniversary with a Gala Concert in All Saints Parish Church. Taking part also will be the U3A Singers and the Singing for Fun Group.
The programme will include Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine, Holst's Christmas Day, Corelli's Christmas Concerto and songs from around the world. Further information from
www.surreycommunity.info/kingstonu3aorchestra

MUSIC & POETRY

This is an informal, friendly and chatty group. We play a selection of CDs/DVDs, and read poetry. Members are encouraged to bring any music or poems they enjoy hearing. Regular attendance is preferred.

Alternate Fridays 10.30am - 12.00pm.
Raynes Park area.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

Very much a self-help study group concentrating on the development of Western Music following on from Baroque.

Fortnightly on Wednesdays from 10.00am - 12.00pm. Not far from Dundonald Road tram stop - controlled parking.

RECORDER FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
(New for September/Descant only)

No previous knowledge of reading or playing music required. Descant. Recorders can be borrowed if necessary. Regular attendance is essential.

Fortnightly Tuesdays 3.00pm - 4.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram Route 3.

RECORDER FOR IMPROVERS
(Descant only)

Introduction to rounds and duets. Returners also welcome.

Fortnightly Tuesdays 2.00pm - 3.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram Route 3.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE FOR IMPROVERS
(Descant, Treble, Tenor)

Early stages of ensemble playing for players who can sight read to intermediate standard. Descant, treble, tenor.

Alternate Tuesdays 2.00pm – 3.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
(Descant, Treble, Tenor, Bass)

For experienced players. Descant, Treble, Tenor and Bass.

Alternate Tuesdays 3.00pm - 4.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

The Arts

BOOK CLUB (1)

This group is run by the members with each one in turn suggesting a book for the next meeting. New members very welcome. Meetings held at various members' homes.

Monthly on the last Thursday. 10.30am - 12.30pm

BOOK CLUB(2)

We read both new and classic novels, and may also take in some non-fiction. New members are very welcome.

The dates for the next three meetings are

Wed Jan 18th 'Vile Bodies' by Evelyn Waugh & 'Snowdrops' by AD Miller

Wed Feb 15th 'Alone in Berlin' by Hans Fallad

Wed Mar 14th TBA

Monthly Wednesday evenings at the houses of group members, most of whom live in the Dundonald area - parking is easy and the tram stop is nearby.

CINEMA

Films chosen by group members, usually with coffee and discussion immediately afterwards.

Monthly on 3rd Wednesday, afternoons only. Wimbledon Cinemas.
Dates for 2011 Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18, June 15, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sept 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21.

ART APPRECIATION

Informal group discussing artists we love. New members welcome.

Monthly on Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm. Drake House.

HISTORY OF STAINED GLASS (1) & (2)

This traces the development of stained glass in this country from its beginnings through to the present day. There will be some organised visits.
Group (1) began in January 2010 and at the start of the autumn term will be looking at the Arts & Craft period. This group will complete this course by Easter 2012 with the work of the first ten years of the 21st century.
Group (2) began in October 2010 and will be looking at the 15th century at the start of the autumn term.

Monthly.
Mondays Group (1) Tea/Coffee and biscuits from 10am.
Talks 10.30am - 12.00pm.
Wednesdays Group (2) Tea/Coffee and biscuits from 2pm.
Talks 2.30am - 4.00pm.
Near Wimbledon Park tube station.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE (1) & (2)

The 20 lectures of the first version of these lectures has now concluded, but a second and different version in 10 sessions will start on March 5th.  

Architecture offers a unique experience of past civilisations that can only be partly appreciated in words.  Photography is the best substitute for visiting the real thing, and there are plenty of pictures in Martin’s films, which he will present with introduction and discussion.  The BBC hasn’t tackled this vast subject yet, so U3A has got there first with a production exclusively for us!

There will be monthly group sessions, given twice, morning and afternoon on a Monday, and you are cordially invited.  Previous participants may enjoy the chance of going over the ground again slightly differently.  Coffee and handouts.  Near Wimbledon Park tube.  Parking rota.  Vacancies for early applicants.

Synopsis: 1 Prehistory, Mesopotamian & Egyptian, 2 Greek, 4 Roman & Early Christian, 5 Middle Ages, 6 Renaissance, 7 Baroque, 8 18th century, 9 19th century, 10 Modern, 11 Post-modern.

Monthly on Mondays. Group (1) 10.00am - 12.00pm.
Group (2) 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Near Wimbledon Park tube station.

PHILOSOPHY

We study the history of ideas and the concepts which underlie our thinking. Members are encouraged to participate and to run discussions.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00pm.
Edge Hill, Wimbledon.

PLAYREADING

This is a small group of about 12 who read whole plays in a session without rehearsal. Members take it in turns to choose the play, prepare the session, outline the characters and allocate the parts to ensure everyone has a turn.

Plays are selected from the library of the Drama Association of Wales, which holds a large number of sets. Thanks to an arrangement with Merton U3A which pays the DAW membership fee, the charge for hire is only about £1.50 per person per meeting. Meetings include a break for coffee and biscuits.

Monthly on Fridays. 10.00am - 1.00pm
Close to Wimbledon Park Tube Station.

GREEK PLAYREADING in translation (1) & (2)

We take one or two sessions to read each play, with breaks as appropriate for discussion of staging, characterisation and so on. We tend to change readers with each change of speaker, since many of the speeches are long! No specialised knowledge is needed, just an interest in drama and a wish to learn more about some of the famous tragedies written and performed at Athens in the fifth century BC.

Greek Playreading (1) Monthly on 3rd Tuesday. 10.00am -12.00pm
Greek Playreading (2) Monthly on 3rd Tuesday. 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Raynes Park.

 

POETRY

Members of the group take turns to introduce the poet/topic and everyone chooses poems to read and discuss. We have looked at a varied range of poetry, including the Metaphysical poets, Kipling and Tennyson.

Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm at various venues on or near Ridgway, Wimbledon. Bus 200.

SPEAKING & DEBATING

Meetings will include developing our speaking skills and confidence, and debating of various types. The scope for variety is endless. The group will be enjoyed both by those wishing to learn the art of effective speaking and by those who enjoy debating.

1 September 2011 and fortnightly thereafter.

Alternate Thursdays. 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (near Tube Station) Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room hire.

UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE

In-depth study of Shakespeare plays.

Monthly Fridays 10.00am. Worple Road Wimbledon.

READ, LISTEN, WATCH & DISCUSS

Read, Listen, Watch & Discuss is essentially a self-help group, where members enjoy discussing the life and times of a contemporary author through his or her work, a book or essay or poem, etc., giving members ample time to read and select points of discussion.

Last Tuesday of the month 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Worple Road.

READING SHORT STORIES

Gillian Murcutt 8739 0735 gmurcutt@btopenworld.com
Laura Collyer 8946 6371 bernardandlaura@yahoo.co.uk

We will choose and present in turn a story, initially from the Oxford Book of English Short Stories, (ed. A.S. Byatt, RRP £9.99), which we will read during the meeting and discuss.

1st and 3rd Mondays of each month to start 19 September 2011. 10.30am to 12.00pm. Worple Road (near 57 and 131 bus stops), or Raynes Park (2 mins. from station and buses 57, 131,152, 163 and 200). Parking difficult at both venues.

 

CREATIVE WRITING (1)

This group chooses a subject for homework on a rota. Writings are then read out at the next meeting. The variety makes for much interesting discussion.

Monthly on Wednesday 10.30am - 12.00pm. Near the Broadway in Central Wimbledon.

SHAKESPEARE EXPLORED

We study the text, structure, history and background of one play at a time. We read, each taking a part and also watch it on DVD. It's fun.
New members most welcome.

Fortnightly Thursdays 10-12 noon. Central Wimbledon.

Crafts & Art

 

PAPIER MACHE SCULPTURE

Have you ever thought you would like to try sculpture but couldn't bear the thought of using clay? So why not try constructing in papiermache? It really is fun, and so easy to do. Really therapeutic, with the added advantage of recycling!

Alternate Tuesdays 10.00am - 12.00pm. Kingston Hill.

PATCHWORK & QUILTING (sewing machine not required)

Using colourful fabrics - make a quilt or a cushion - in this absorbing and fascinating craft. Let your imagination run riot and produce an heirloom!

Monthly 1st Wednesday 2.00pm - 4.00p.m. Drake House.

PHOTOGRAPHY

We are usually out and about taking photos or visiting photography related exhibitions or galleries.
Occasionally the group will meet at a member’s house, in Morden, for practical advice and to plan future visits. This is a friendly group and anyone with even the most basic camera is welcome.

Alternate Tuesdays - various venues. Travel, by public transport, from Colliers Wood and Wimbledon (normally leaving at 10am) will have been discussed beforehand.

POTTERY

Handbuilding, sculpture, modelling, wheelwork, slipwork moulds, glazing and decorating.

Alternate Fridays 10.00am - 12.00pm.
West Wimbledon, Raynes Park area.

TAPESTRY & EMBROIDERY

An individual choice of needlework e.g. crewel or cross-stitch needlepoint in a stimulating and cheerful atmosphere. There is no formal course but regular attendance is expected.

Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
South Wimbledon.

WATERCOLOUR BEGINNERS(1)

For those who have never tried watercolours but would like to have a go and also those who have tried but haven’t quite succeeded, this is a relaxed, informal way of learning the basics and going on to develop individual style.

Twice Monthly on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays. 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Drake House.

WATERCOLOUR BEGINNERS (2)

If you have always wanted to try your hand at watercolours this is an informal and friendly way to learn the basics, meet new people with a similar interest, and explore the relaxing world of painting. While I am not a qualified art teacher, I have painted all my life and enjoy sharing my knowledge with those who wish to learn. As with most learning groups, a reasonable degree of commitment is necessary. At Colliers Wood, there is a charge for the use of the hall which is £10 per session and is shared among the group members.

Twice monthly on 2nd & 4th Mondays 10.30am - 12.30pm
Colliers Wood Community Centre

 

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP (1)

A subject is agreed and there is a brief talk on appropriate techniques before painting starts, and time is set apart for general criticism at the end of the session. When weather permits painting is done out of doors. All levels of ability are welcomed and regular attendance is expected. We aim to have a Group Exhibition at the Centre each term.

£2 per session. Lantern Centre, Raynes Park Methodist Church. Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP (2)

We encourage all taking part to enjoy all forms of art including Acrylics, Watercolours and Pen and Ink sketching.

Alternate Wednesdays 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Merton & Morden Guild, Aberconway Road, Morden

VINE TO WINE

Group leader with own vineyard in Morden will demonstrate vine growing/cultivation and wine making, filtering and bottling, with tastings along the way.

Monthly on Wednesday usually at 10.00, or more or less frequently depending on necessary activities within the vineyard.
On site parking. 7-8 minutes walk from Morden Underground station, South Merton and Morden South overground railway stations. 163 bus stops almost outside at Maycross Avenue stop.

 

 

Science

ASTRONOMY - THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND PLANETARY SCIENCE

Largely based on Open University material, this course will deal with the origin of the solar system, its composition and evolution as well as the requirements for emergent life in exoplanetary systems. Topics will include quite a bit of geology: volcanism and surface formation on terrestrial planets, gas giants and their atmospheres, comets, meteors etc as well as new exoplanet discoveries. Those interested should preferably have internet access.

Fortnightly Wednesday 10.30am Clapham South (or another mutually agreed venue)

SCIENCE

The coordinator has a background in teaching and writing about physical sciences.

Format: illustrated talks and discussions. Rather than devote each meeting to a single subject, a theme is chosen for the term so that we can explore a topic in some depth by considering different aspects of it. For details of past and future topics and much else, see the science website.

Next term we also hope to organize the occasional visit to sites of scientific interest such as museums, observatories & exhibitions.

Monthly Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm at Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (near Tube Station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk (Walpole Road stop).

 

 

Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66/72 High Street, Colliers Wood, SW19 2BY

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