2008-9 Study Programme

Clicking on the any group below brings up that subject in detail.

Members - see note

 

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Members should click on the 'Full Study Programme' in the members area to see contact details for group leaders. You will need the members area's user name and password. (Members are reminded that they can activate the check box in the security panel that appears on their computer so as to avoid the need to remember the passwords for subsequent visits.)

 

Active Pursuits & Games

BRIDGE

This group consists of happy players who help each other without an official coordinator. Mixed ability, though not suitable for absolute beginners.

Alternate Thursdays from 10.00 to 12.30 pm

COUNTRIES PLACES PEOPLE

This group invites different speakers who show their slides and talk to us about the places they have visited. In the past they have included places from Iceland to Peru .

Meetings are held at Holmhurst, a sheltered housing property on alternate Fridays from 10.30 to 12.30 pm , September to Easter.

GARDENING CLUB

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 West Wimbledon near 57, 131 and 163 bus routes, but sometimes at other venues.

"GREEN" WALKS IN OR NEAR LONDON

Walks are generally 4 to 6 miles in length and taken at about 2 mph. The organiser tries to vary them as much as possible - park, tow-path, wood etc. The group is friendly and relaxed, and walks fairly briskly, but stops to note points of interest and indulge in a sense of history.

Walks are on a Sunday, monthly starting at 11.00 am from an underground or railway station, with a variable finish point, and there is a programme of walks. This is an established group who are expected to attend on a fairly regular basis, and certainly to let the organiser know if they cannot come - so that the others are not kept waiting for them.

LONDON WALKS

Organised and run by an experienced London Walks leader.
The walks will end by lunch time with a coffee break along the way and then lunch at the end of the walk for those who would like it. Members can then disperse or come home together.

First Wednesday of the month at 9.30am at Wimbledon Station. There is a break over the winter.

SCRABBLE

This group aims to help you enjoy the game, improve your word-power and amaze your friends with your knowledge of two-letter words.

Meet fortnightly. Merton Park group 2nd and 4th Tuesdays pm. Wimbledon group 1st and 3rd Tuesdays pm

SCOTTISH DANCING

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

Every Friday. 10am to12 noon. New Malden.

 

TABLE TENNIS

This group encourages people of all abilities to enjoy table tennis and have fun.

Weekly Wednesdays. 9.30am - 11.30am. Collier’s Wood Community Centre,66-72 High Street, Collier’s 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.

Current Affairs & History

HOW THE PAST HAS FORMED US.

Neil Munro - 8947 0857

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. 10.45am - 12.15pm .
Wimbledon, a 10 minute walk up a steep hill from Southfields Underground Station. 39 and 493 buses go almost past the door and there is free street parking.

 

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS(1)

A discussion group dealing with the back-ground 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 State of the Economy, The Rise and Rise of China, the EC after the Irish Referendum.

Meets in Edge Hill on alternate Wednesdays, 10.30 to 12.00.

CURRENT AFFAIRS(2)

Newer group. A discussion group dealing with the background to current affairs. Members select topics a few weeks in advance. Recent topics: Intervention in other countries, the relevance of the C of E, and the BBC.

Meets Wilton Grove or Cottenham Park Road
alternate Mondays 2.30 to 4.30

 

HISTORY IN CONTEXT

This group is concentrating 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 new term with the last days of Charles I and the Interregnum.

Meets monthly on Tuesday afternoons from 2.00 to 4.30 pm followed by tea and biscuits.

HISTORY OF ART WORKSHOP

This course is slowly working its way through art history from "Cave Art" to "Pop". It is a workshop in which members contribute in turn, and regular attendance is pretty essential. The visual material is generally presented with books, photocopies and videos, with the occasional gallery or exhibition visit.

Meetings are held on the last Monday in the month near the Ridgway in Wimbledon from 2.00 pm. until 4.00 pm .

HISTORY OF STAINED GLASS

This traces British stained glass from its beginnings and is now entering the final phase of this course with the late 19th Century through to modern times. Some organised visits.

 

Meets monthly on Mondays near Wimbledon Park tube station. Coffee and biscuits from 10.00 am. Meeting from 10.30 to 12.00 noon .

Languages

BEGINNERS' FRENCH

For newcomers to French, those who would like to brush up their school days French or want to use it for holidays. A very relaxed approach with emphasis on the spoken language.

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

ELEMENTARY FRENCH SELF-HELP

This is a structured course with fixed start and end dates and is for members interested in learning from books and tapes. Members are expected to attend regularly.

The group meets in West Wimbledon on alternate Tuesdays from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm.

 

FRENCH CONVERSATION

To listen to and speak French. Alternate Mondays from 10.30 am to noon.

INTERMEDIATE FRENCH

This group makes a study of French culture through reading magazines, listening to tapes, translation, some grammar and conversation.

It meets in West Wimbledon on every other Friday from 10.30 am to 12.00 noon followed by coffee.

LE CERCLE DES AMIS FRANCAIS

A group of friends meet once a fortnight to talk in French.

Held on alternate Thursdays 10.00 am to 12.00 noon .

INTERMEDIATE GERMAN

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

Alternate Thursdays from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm in the Raynes Park area.

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 from 10am to 12 noon. Drake house.

MANDARIN FOR BEGINNERS

Maggie Woo 8879 0126

The leader learns alongside group members. Pinyin (romanised spelling) is the phonetic system used. Emphasis is on spoken Mandarin, but for those interested, there is the opportunity and encouragement to learn the Chinese script.
Regular attendance and self motivated learning are expected.

2nd and 4th Wednesday afternoons. Drake House.

SPANISH ADVANCED

20 to 30 minutes of conversation followed by reading aloud and translation for approximately one and a half hours.

This group meets in West Wimbledon on Mondays from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm.

 

 

MUSIC

SINGING FOR FUN

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.

Weekly, Mondays 2.00pm - 3.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus
Starts 22 September.

OPERA APPRECIATION

Sessions will be about two hours, though some may over-run. Two venues, one has a “cinema” suitable for showing DVDs. The sessions will not be academic. Basil has in mind listening to complete operas - or complete acts in the case of long operas - with refreshments and chat, preceded by a short introduction. It will therefore not be a rigorous course. Limit about 12 participants - and there will not be a “double course” this time, as with the last Landmarks of Opera.

Alternate Thursday afternoons.
Two venues, both Central Wimbledon off Worple Rd.

MUSIC AND POETRY

This is an informal, friendly and chatty group in the Raynes Park area. We play a selection of discs and tapes, and read poetry. Members are encouraged to bring any music or poems they enjoy hearing. Regular attendance is preferred.

Alternate Fridays from 10.30 am to 12 noon. Raynes Park area.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

The leaders have a large music room which can hold up to 20 people, and they introduce a choice of music - Kitty specialises in symphonies and concerti and Theo in chamber music, songs and piano works. There is no formal programme of study so that members can attend without regularity - provided there is room. They use hi-fi and occasional video or DVD recordings.

Not far from Dundonald Road tram stop - controlled parking. Fortnightly on Thursdays from 10.30 to 12 noon

RECORDER FOR BEGINNERS

No previous knowledge of reading or playing music required.

Alternate Tuesdays. 3pm - 4pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus.

RECORDER FOR IMPROVERS

For students who have completed the introductory course, or “returners” who can already play and read music with reasonable fluency.

Alternate Tuesdays. 3pm - 4pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE

For competent players who can read music with confidence.

Alternate Tuesdays. 3.00pm - 4.00pm.
Starts 30 September. Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus.

 

THE CLASSICAL STRING QUARTET

This group will this year explore some significant 20th century composers (especially Bartok and Shostakovich) before concluding the series with a detailed exploration of the late quartets of Beethoven.
There will be lots of music and we will listen to complete quartets as well as looking at their structure and form.
However, the course is about enjoyment rather than rigour, but will appeal to those of a quiet, reflective disposition.

Meet fortnightly on Thursdays 2 to 4 pm with the usual refreshment break. Wimbledon.

The Arts

BOOKCLUB

Books are chosen by the members and the discussions can be quite lively.
Books being currently read:
Julius by Daphne du Maurier
The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel.
Also visits to places relevant to the books. “Whenever there is a related outing, cinema or theatre visit we go for it!”

Last Thursday of the month. 10.30am - 12.30pm (including coffee break). Off Parkside, Wimbledon. Easy parking and 93 bus.

ENJOYING ART

Art appreciation with a difference. What makes you happy: looking at pictures, sculpture and other forms of art and going to exhibitions.
Come and find out more about the world of art.

First Wednesday of the month.
10.30am - 12.30pm. Drake House.

PHILOSOPHY

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

Edge Hill. Alternate Wednesdays from 10.30 to 12.00 noon

PLAYREADING GROUP

This is a small group of about 10 who read whole plays in a session without rehearsal. Members take turns to choose the play, prepare the session, outline the characters, and allocate and re-allocate parts to ensure everyone gets a turn.
Plays are selected from the library of the Drama Association of Wales, which holds sets of practically all plays. Thanks to an arrangement with the Third Age Trust, the charge for hire is about £1 per person per session. Sessions include a coffee break and a chat. Ring to see about vacancies – usually need men!.

Monthly on Fridays. 10.00am - 1.00pm
near Wimbledon Park Station

POETRY

This year we are planning to start with a study of some of the work of Lord Byron, beginning with Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, and it is hoped that group members will already have read some of this in advance. Later, members of the group will have the opportunity to present the work of a poet of their choice.

Alternate Mondays 2.00 - 4.00 pm. Various venues on or near Ridgway. Bus 200.

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WRITE?

 

Come and join our friendly group and enjoy the fun of producing and reading aloud your own original pieces.

 

Monthly on Fridays. Easy parking. Autumn:
19 September, 24 October, 21 November and 19 December

UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE

Elizabeth Thomas 8543 3297

We will be continuing our in-depth study of Shakespeare next term and we have decided to begin on a new play, Richard III, and would ask members to please read the play before the next meeting. We are hoping new members will join us for our interesting discussions and readings.

Autumn: Friday 12 September, 24 October, 14 November and 12 December all at 10.30am. Easy parking.

 

READ, LISTEN, WATCH AND DISCUSS(1)

Read, Listen, Watch and Discuss is essentially a structured group, where members enjoy discussing the life and times of a contemporary author through his or her work, albeit 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.
Drake House. Starts 30 September.

READ, LISTEN, WATCH AND DISCUSS(2)

This is a new group initially meeting in the Wimbledon area. Discussions where anything and everything is open to debate: films, television, radio, theatre, books, exhibitions etc If you are interested contact one of the above.

Monthly on Tuesdays. 10.30am - 12 noon.

 

THEATRE GROUP

This group attends a carefully chosen performance and then meets again to discuss it. It is essential to come to both performance and discussion.

One performance and one discussion per month.

CREATIVE WRITING

This small group is for anyone who would like to try their hand at the craft of creative writing, both prose and poetry, fiction and non-fiction. There is no set curriculum, but members take it in turn to suggest homework which is then presented and discussed by everyone at the next meeting. Recent topics have included New Year, a new beginning; a book of relevance to your life and an incident with different accounts from three different witnesses.

Meets near the Broadway in Central Wimbledon on one Wednesday in each month from 10.30 to 12.00 noon.

Crafts & Art

PATCHWORK, QUILTING and GENERAL NEEDLEWORK (sewing machine not required)

Sheila O’Connell 8715 6343

Help given with any needlework problems.

First Wednesday of the month at Drake House 2.00pm - 4.00pm

 

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

This group discusses photos taken by members, experiments with equipment, has practical indoor sessions, takes photos on a theme as well as going out to photograph surrounding areas.

Alternate Tuesdays. 10.30am -12 noon.
Collier’s Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Collier’s Wood (near Tube Station).
Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a two minute walk.

PORCELAIN DOLLS FROM LIQUID CLAY TO FULLY DRESSED

This is a practical course in doll-making, including all the processes involved, and requires a regular attendance. There is a charge for expenses.

Lower Morden on alternate Thursdays from 10.00 am to 12 noon .

POTTERY

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

Alternate Fridays in West Wimbledon, Raynes Park area from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon .

SOUND & PICTURE. A film maker and his craft.

Varied self-contained programmes of animation, documentary etc. using productions made over a lifetime by Martin Funnell. The course shows completed films, but also looks behind the scenes at aspects of the craft – which is intended to increase your awareness and enjoyment generally.
The group may occasionally be split so that all can get turns in the production Studio, and numbers are limited. If you are not listed as a member of the group please check for dates and to see if there is room. If members are unable to attend a session they are expected to let us know in advance so that we can then try to fill the place for that occasion.

Occasional Monday mornings near Wimbledon Park Station.

USES OF PLANTS THROUGH THE AGES

1. Aromatherapy: Fact or Fiction
2. Scented Plants: their usage through the ages from Ancient Egyptian times to the present
3. Medicinal Plants (European and Chinese etc): their use and misuse (including adverse effects)
4. Perfumery through the Ages
These are topics for short courses to be run in the Autumn. Contact Maria, who was Reader in Biochemistry at South Bank University with research interests in the topics listed above and author of several books, numerous scientific papers and had a stand 5 times at the Chelsea Flower Show on these subjects.

 

TAPESTRY AND EMBROIDERY

There is an individual choice of needlework (eg crewel, cross-stitch needlepoint) in a stimulating and cheerful atmosphere. There is no formal course but regular attendance is expected.

Alternate Tuesdays 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
South Wimbledon.

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.

£2 per session. Starts 8 September
Lantern Centre, Raynes Park Methodist Church.
Alternate Mondays from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOPS (2)

This group encourage artists of all abilities (including complete beginners) to relax and enjoy painting for pleasure. They meet in Morden, where there are generous facilities and room for a dozen members.

Alternate Mondays 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

WATERBASED COLOURS AND ACRYLICS

All abilities welcome.
There is a small charge towards room hire.

Mondays. 2pm - 3.30pm/ 4pm.
Collier’s Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Collier’s Wood (near the tube station). Adjacent car park.
Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk.

 

Other U3A Organisations
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