Groups by Name
For people no longer in fulltime employment for lifelong learning and social activities.
Need to see which groups or activities are active on a specific day and time? Go to Groups Schedule. You can also view all the groups in specific Faculties, or sections.
Members: Section Leaders or the Groups Coordinator can help you choose and join a group. Their contact details are on the Committee page.
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The activities of groups whose status is shown as "Current" have been adapted to comply with the restrictions imposed during the Covid 19 pandemic.
A Year in History
Status
Current
Tuesday am
From
10:00
To
12:00
Monthly 2nd and 4th Tuesdays.
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
Currently meeting via Zoom, 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 five 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.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Adventures in Music
Status
Suspended
Friday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Alternate Fridays
Venue:
Off Ridgway; good public transport; limited car parking by prior arrangement.
Sessions are currently suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
Pieces follow a brief background and are followed by refreshments and maybe more music and discussion. The content will appeal to anyone interested in any genre of classical music.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Art Appreciation
Status
Current
Wednesday pm
From
14:30
To
15:30
Third Wednesday of each month, except August, 2.30pm - 3.30pm.
Venue:
Drake House
Re starting on September 15th - new members welcome
Powerpoint presentations are used to illustrate the life and work of an artist, or an art related theme.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Art and Design
Status
Current
Wednesday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month
Venue:
Drake House
Group sessions of drawing and painting incorporating the formal elements of art and design using water-based paints and mixed media materials. The sessions will cover knowledge of colour and of composition in drawing – using line, tone, pattern and perspective. The group is not suitable for absolute beginners and the maximum group size is 10. The group meets at Drake House in central Wimbledon.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Birdwatching 1
Status
Current
Tuesday am
From
To
Alternate Tuesdays
Venue:
Trips to birdwatching sites
The new birdwatching "season" for Group 1 starts on Tuesday 5 October 2021 and will continue fortnightly until June 2022. We travel to birdwatching spots in and around London, including wetland centres and RSPB reserves. Some outings involve 4-6 miles walking. Binoculars and email essential.
Bird photos on this page kindly supplied by Michel Julien, Group 1 member.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Birdwatching 2
Status
Current
Wednesday am
From
To
Alternate Wednesdays
Venue:
Trips to birdwatching sites
The new birdwatching "season" for Group 2 starts on Wednesday, 6 October 2021 and will continue fortnightly until June 2022. We travel to birdwatching spots in and around London, including wetland centres and RSPB reserves. Some outings involve 4-6 miles walking. Binoculars and email essential.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Book Club 1
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
10:30
To
12:30
Monthly on the last Thursday.
Venue:
Internet via Skype
This group, which currently meets via Skype, is run by the members with each one in turn suggesting a book for the next meeting. New members very welcome.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Book Club 2
Status
Current
Wednesday evening
From
To
Monthly Wednesday evenings
Venue:
Members' homes
We read both new and classic novels. We also share some wine and have a good chat about books and everything else. New members are very welcome.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Book Club 3
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
To
monthly on third Thursday
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
We are a friendly group, currently meeting via Zoom. Members take it in turn to choose a book and lead the discussion. We welcome a wide variety – fiction and non-fiction.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Book Club 4
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
first Thursday of the month
Venue:
Homes Central Wimbledon
Meets in members homes in Central Wimbledon (close to station) New members welcome
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Bridge 1
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
10:00
To
12:30
Alternate Thursdays
Venue:
Wimbledon. Close to 57, 131 and 163 bus routes. Limited parking.
A mixed ability, 'help each other' group, not for absolute beginners, but improvers are welcome.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Bridge 2
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:00
To
16:30
Alternate Mondays
Venue:
South Wimbledon area. Close to 57, 131, 219 and 93 bus routes.
Play and improve as part of a friendly, relaxed group. Not suitable for beginners. Standard ACOL used, but with opportunity to practise conventions.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Bridge for Improvers
Status
Current
Tuesday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
most Tuesdays
Venue:
Holy Trinity Church, Wimbledon, in the Broadway, next to the Polka Theatre.
This is a new group playing bridge with support and help available from a qualified bridge teacher.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Bridge, Social
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
16:30
Alternate Thursdays
Venue:
Harmon Room Queen Alexandra's Court
Restarting on 29th July
Play Contract Bridge in a relaxed atmosphere under no time pressures. Not suitable for beginners. Standard ACOL used but with agreed conventions.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Canasta 1
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
Weekly
Venue:
Group members’ homes, rotating by agreement.
The Canasta group is now back to meeting each Thursday at 2pm at different members homes.
We have been back to 4 or 6 of us meeting indoors, for quite a few weeks now. The group is currently full.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Canasta 3
Status
Current
Saturday pm
From
14:00
To
17:00
Every Saturday
Venue:
members’ homes, mainly in Morden area, and accessible by public transport, plus parking available.
Game starts at 2.00pm
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Canasta 4
Status
Current
Wednesday evening
From
19:00
To
Alternate Wednesday evenings
Venue:
group members’ homes, around Wimbledon, Stoneleigh and Cheam mainly, rotating by agreement.
The group is now meeting again after the suspension for Covid.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Climate Change
Status
Current
Wednesday pm
From
15:30
To
Venue:
Zoom
The group will meet using Zoom. We will study and discuss all aspects of climate change.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Cosmology
Status
Current
Tuesday pm
From
15:00
To
17:00
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
This group is for members interested in Cosmology and Physics. We meet via Zoom to view, discuss and learn from on-line courses, lectures and videos. Some knowledge of science, especially Physics or Maths would be useful.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Creative Textiles and Thread
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
Fortnightly
Venue:
Internet via Zoom and WhatsApp
Meeting via Zoom and in members gardens when it is not raining, and also using WhatsApp, . This is a group for people who enjoy doing things with textiles and thread. This could be anything from the very practical to highly decorative work. The emphasis will be on gaining new skills and combining them imaginatively. We will explore traditional and newer techniques, both academically and practically by visiting exhibitions, museums and galleries, running workshops to learn or improve our skills (using group members’ expertise and online or print resources) and having design sessions which could be anything from colour theory to planning individual or group projects.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Creative Writing 1
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Third Thursday of every month
Venue:
Internet via Skype
Friendly group currently meeting on Skype. Assignments are set by group members in turn and we read and discuss what we have written.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Creative Writing 2
Status
Current
Wednesday am
From
10:30
To
12:30
Monthly on third Wednesday
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
We are currently meeting in person in my house as I have a large airy room with patio doors we can open (to varying degrees depending on the weather). I am situated in the Cannon Hill area of Morden, bus 164 and 413. We think we could have 8 people present without feeling uncomfortably crowded. Those unable to attend in person, or preferring not to, have joined us on Zoom, so hybrid meetings are also possible. We decide the next topic for our writing by mutual agreement and we are currently exploring further ways to give feedback and spur each other on to greater creative feats.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Cribbage
Status
Current
Tuesday pm
From
14:30
To
16:30
twice a month
Venue:
members’ houses
For 2, 3 or 4 players. Complete beginners welcome.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Current Affairs 2
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:30
To
16:30
Alternate Mondays
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
Meeting near Dundonald, the group discusses recent events in the news as well as debating issues such as drug legislation, Britain’s foreign policy, the Middle East conflict and the BBC, not to mention Coronavirus and Brexit.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Current Affairs 3
Status
Current
Tuesday pm
From
To
Third Tuesday afternoon of the month
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
Currently meeting via Zoom, this fairly new and friendly group discusses a wide range of Current Affairs. For the first part of the meeting members can raise issues that they have noticed in the previous month. The second half concentrates on a special topic which will have been agreed at the previous meeting. As we are the newest Current Affairs Group, we still have a few vacancies. We warmly welcome a very broad range of opinions and views.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Current Affairs 5
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Monthly on the first Monday of each month
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
We are currently meeting via Zoom. During the first half of our meeting we have a general discussion about events and issues in the news. In the second half, discussion focuses on a single topical issue selected by the group at the previous meeting (and on which group members will hopefully do some reading/research). We also make occasional group visits to organisations which play an important role in the running of society, such as national and local government, the legal system, the health service, transport, and the financial and commercial sectors. 2.00pm for about two hours.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Current Affairs 6
Status
Current
Wednesday pm
From
14:30
To
once a month on a Wednesday
Venue:
Members' homes
Like some of the other groups, we spend the first part of each meeting discussing recent events and issues. In the second part, we discuss in depth topics which members have chosen prior to the meeting. Each member researches the topics using articles in newspapers, magazines and the internet before the meeting.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Cycling
Status
Current
Monday am
From
To
Fortnightly on Monday mornings
Venue:
We normally start at the Nelson Medical Centre on the Kingston Road.
We meet approximately every two weeks on a Monday for a ride, weather permitting. We take it in turns to lead a ride and, where ever possible, try to use quiet roads and cycle paths. We normally start at the Nelson Medical Centre on the Kingston Road. Distances range from 20-30 miles with sometimes longer rides. Normal practice is for a coffee stop about midway.
Mainly we ride hybrids and, ideally, participants should wear something yellow on top for easy identification.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Easy French
Status
Suspended
Thursday am
From
10:30
To
12:00
Alternate Thursdays
Venue:
SW20 on 413 bus route with 163 and 293 bus stops nearby.
Group sessions are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased but the group leader distributes articles in French by email.
For those with just a little French, maybe from school days, who want to brush it up, possibly for travel or holidays. A very relaxed and convivial approach, with emphasis on the spoken language.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Family History 1
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
15:30
To
16:30
Fortnightly on Thursday
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
Meeting via Zoom, this is a self-help group of individuals interested in finding out about their ancestors, taking advantage of the ever-increasing resources available via the internet. The group leader has been investigating her own family histories for many years so hopefully can help members avoid some of the pitfalls and dead-ends which we inevitably encounter. Members of the group are actively researching their own families and the sharing of information gained is of benefit to the whole group. New members are welcome but in the current situation must have access to a computer in order to be able to progress.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Folk Songs
Status
Current
Saturday am
From
To
Venue:
Members' homes
The Folk Songs group consists of up to 10 or so members. It meets on the last Saturday of each month at the home of one of the members, to sing folk songs in English, French and German, together with other popular songs
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
France Culture
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:30
To
Fortnightly on alternate Mondays
Venue:
Internet via Zoom/ members gardens
A new group with a Zoom friendly format for members with a good command of French. When weather permits we try to meet in members gardens, with a fall back to Zoom. We will be exploring all aspects of French culture by reading articles, watching short videos and discussing what we find – with the emphasis being on the spoken word. Meetings alternate with Parlons Français.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
France Encore
Status
Current
Monday am
From
10:30
To
12:30
Weekly
Venue:
10-minute walk from Southfields station/3-minute walk from 39 and 493 bus stops.
Group sessions are suspended until we can all meet safely indoors again, probably September.
For those with a thorough knowledge of the French language and grammar. The aim is to use short extracts from the French media to foster the ability to participate fluently and intuitively in French conversation covering a range of topics.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
French Adv Revision 1 and 2
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
To
Alternate Thursday mornings
Venue:
Internet via Zoom and email
For members with a good knowledge of French. We currently meet via Zoom and also use email. We have structured sessions of discussion based on texts from French press or internet, general conversation and revision of key grammar points (e.g. the dreaded subjunctive).
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
French Advanced Conversation
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
10:00
To
12:00
Alternate Thursdays
Venue:
New Malden bus 57
We are back and running almost as normal; garden preferred but inside spaced apart with French (!) doors open if the weather is not good.
The Group does not believe in “homework”. We just arrive and talk about what we have done, what is going on in the world or whatever takes our fancy. This results in some unexpected vocabulary being unearthed. In a relaxed atmosphere members are encouraged to speak and become more confident, listening and conveying the general meaning rather than translating word for word, so that you can continue to participate in a wide range of conversations
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
French Cafe Conversation
Status
Current
Friday am
From
10:30
To
First Friday of each month
Venue:
Venue to be decided
Meetings are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
A chance to speak French once a month with members from other U3A groups, not just French groups. We meet over a cup of coffee and stay for as long or short a time as you wish.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
French Converse Improvers
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
11:00
To
12:30
Venue:
Internet via Zoom and outdoors
Meeting via Zoom, in gardens and parks. We are a friendly informal group with the aim of improving members’ fluency. We start each meeting with a general discussion of individual activities/topical items of interest then discuss prepared questions on a French novel.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Friday Walks
Status
Current
Friday am
From
10:15
To
First and third Friday of each month from February to November.
Venue:
Wimbledon station
The Friday walks group resumed several weeks ago using WhatsApp as a convenient way of organising groups of 6. Now that we are able to meet out doors in larger groups we have resumed our previous system. We usually meet outside Wimbledon Station main entrance ready to leave at 10.15
Walks take place on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month and are notified in advance using email. Members are expected to take turns in planning and leading a walk. The walks are of about 5 miles and are within the Freedom Pass Area.
It is up to individuals to decide whether they feel confident about using the relevant public transport.
The main focus of the group is to get some excercise in a social setting.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Gardening
Status
Current
Wednesday am
From
10:30
To
12:30
Last Wednesday of each month
Venue:
Lower Morden not far from Beverley roundabout. Nearest bus routes 163, 293, 413, 93.
Members share garden experience, knowledge, cuttings, seedlings etc. Outside visits are arranged in Spring, Summer and Autumn.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
General History
Status
Current
Wednesday pm
From
To
Last Wednesday of the month
Venue:
Meetings are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
The format of our meetings can be either a presentation (if a group member wishes to make one) or DVDs on historical and related themes, followed by discussion. We usually meet in the afternoon.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
German Conversation
Status
Discontinued
Tuesday am
From
10:30
To
12:15
Alternate Tuesdays
Venue:
Raynes Park
Meetings are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
Conversation, some classical and modern German literature and games with minimal grammar.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
German Int Adv Converse
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:00
To
15:30
Fortnightly on Monday afternoons
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
We currently meet via Zoom for lively general conversation, reading and discussing texts from German papers or literature. Later in the year, weather and Covid-19 regulations permitting, we will meet outside in the garden following all government/U3A guidelines.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Get Together
Status
Current
Ad hoc
From
To
Venue:
Various cafes, restaurants, theatres
Government roadmap permitting, we have regular Sunday Lunches and Coffee Mornings, which are announced in the newsletter under Get Together and also in the updates. These are relaxed and friendly opportunities to meet other members. Places for the lunches need to be reserved by email as there are limited numbers. To access upcoming get togethers on the website, go to the Events Diary page and select Get Together.
Coffee Mornings: 6th September at Dibbas Down Wetherspoons in Wimbledon, 15th October in Elys, all at 11am. Contact Frances Partridge at frances_partridge@yahoo.co.uk
Sunday Lunches: 19th September at the Babylon Restaurant Raynes Park and 24th October in Carluccio Wimbledon Village, all at 1pm. Contact Patricia da Costa at patricia.dacosta@btinternet.com. Please be aware that we can only accommodate 10 people at each of these lunches, so please let Patricia know as soon as possible if you wish to attend.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Golf Buddies
Status
Current
Monday am
From
10:30
To
Every third Monday
Venue:
Horton Park Golf Club
Are you interested in playing golf but not good enough to play in a club? If you would like to have company in your efforts to play a round, do come and join us.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Hindi Conversation
Status
Discontinued
Tuesday am
From
11:00
To
12:00
Venue:
Zoom at present
For those with a little Hindi who want to improve their conversational skills. New members welcome, particularly native or fluent speakers who can help those who aren't.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Hist Western Architecture
Status
Current
Monday am
From
10:00
To
12:00
Monthly on Mondays. Please call the leader Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Venue:
Near Wimbledon Park tube station
The group continues to follow a series of lectures centred mainly on the History of Western Architecture. New members are welcome at any time. Sessions start with chat and refreshments. .
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
History in Context
Status
Current
Tuesday
From
14:00
To
Monthly on Tuesday afternoons. Please call the leader Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Venue:
Close to Wimbledon Park tube station
This group is run as a workshop with everybody contributing. Currently studying William I and William II. From 2.00pm with a break for tea and biscuits.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
History of Stained Glass
Status
Current
Monday am
From
10:30
To
12:00
Tea/coffee and biscuits from 10.00am. Please call the leader Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Venue:
Near Wimbledon Park tube station.
The course will reach the Nineteenth Century in January 2020 and will continue through to the present day in the months to come. Monthly.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
How the Past has Formed Us
Status
Current
Tuesday am
From
10:30
To
12:30
Monthly. Ten minute walk up a steep hill from Southfields Tube station. 39 and 493 buses go almost past the door and there is some free street parking, though increasingly far from the school.
Venue:
Internet via Zoom and email
This group meets monthly on a Tuesday morning, usually in the middle of the month. It discusses how our lives have been shaped by the past. Subjects chosen by the group are introduced by members in turn. The group explores the impact of any aspect of human history or culture on how we live today. Meetings are at present held in the homes of two or three members and we usually have a light lunch after the meeting.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Italian Intermediate Adv
Status
Current
Monday am
From
10:00
To
12:00
Alternate Mondays
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
Meeting via Zoom, this is a friendly self-help group, some of whose members take it in turns to run the sessions. Each session includes some conversation, reading, listening and grammar. A good basic knowledge of Italian is required. New members are welcome.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Italian Upper Intermediate
Status
Current
Wednesday am
From
10:15
To
12:00
Alternate Wednesdays
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
For those with some knowledge of Italian, without being fluent. Meeting via Zoom, we discuss articles, as well as things we have done or seen, and use grammar and listening exercises.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Jazz Appreciation
Status
Current
Friday pm
From
14:00
To
16:30
Last Friday of each month
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
Our group meets via Zoom to learn about, share music tracks, and discuss the many facets of jazz we have discovered on different media. Our programme is guided by the U3A National Jazz Co-ordinator, but its development is very much our own.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Knitting and Crochet
Status
Current
Friday pm
From
13:30
To
15:30
1st and 3rd Fridays of the month
Venue:
Wimbledon Guild Cafe
This is a new group. All levels of ability welcome. Come along and learn from each other. Bring your own pattern and projects or join a group project to make items for the charity Knit for Peace UK, which sends clothes, blankets, toys, etc to those in need.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Latin Intermediate
Status
Current
Wednesday am
From
10:30
To
12:30
Fortnightly on Wednesdays with optional catch-up sessions on the Wednesdays in between for students who feel very rusty.
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
The group has been running successfully for several years but we can accommodate newcomers provided they have a basic knowledge of Latin grammar, albeit rusty. Meeting via Zoom, we revise points of grammar and practise the language in order to enjoy reading and discussing Latin texts in a relaxed atmosphere.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Law in Action
Status
Current
Monday am
From
11.00
To
12.30
Monthly
Venue:
Queen Alexandras Court or members homes
Restarting at the end of September
This group meets as a series of short courses on different aspects of law and famous cases. It plans to meet on Monday mornings this autumn, but days may vary.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Local History
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
10:00
To
Usually last Thursday of the month
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
After a long gap, this friendly group has restarted, using Zoom. Newcomers with access to the internet are welcome. In more normal times, one member presents a talk or arranges a visit to a place of historical interest in the surrounding area. We are looking at not only Merton but also Richmond, Sutton, Wandsworth and Kingston. Subject possibilities are suggested, or members may wish to offer their own ideas.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Loose Enders
Status
Current
Saturday am
From
To
We meet about twice a month, always on Saturday.
Venue:
We are currently meeting in large airy spaces for coffee, with the occasional outing for lunch, most recently at the outdoor cafe at the Windmill on Wimbledon Common.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Mah Jong
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:30
To
16:30
fortnightly on Mondays
Venue:
central Wimbledon
We are back playing every two weeks. New members welcome.
We are a mix of complete newcomers to the game, returning players who may not have played for many years, and one or two more experienced players. We have been having fun learning or remembering the game. There are several versions of Mah Jong. We use the British Mah Jong Association rules as our guide.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Nordic Walking
Status
Current
Tuesday am, Wednesday am
From
09:30
To
Weekly, alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Venue:
Mostly on Wimbledon Common, but occasionally further afield.
New members welcome.
Nordic Walking is fun and sociable. It is also a specific fitness technique with the aim of improving physical fitness and wellbeing. It uses poles to add to the benefits of normal walks. Using the poles correctly helps to propel the walker along, so the walker works harder than usual but the support given by the poles makes it feel easier. To get the most out of Nordic Walking, we run introductory courses which teach the correct use of poles, walking technique and posture for which poles are provided. , starting 9.30 am.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Opera Appreciation
Status
Suspended
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
alternate Thursdays
Venue:
Off Ridgway, near the 200 bus route; limited car parking available.
Group sessions are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
Sessions are held in a cinema environment, and usually are about 2 hours. Longer operas usually last more than one session. A wide variety of operas are shown on DVDs with subtitles, preceded by an introduction and followed (if time) by a discussion of the piece and its interpretation.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Painting and Sketching
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Fortnightly
Venue:
Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street Colliers Wood SW19 2BY. Adjacent car park, near Colliers Wood Tube station. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk.
This group is aimed at those with any level of experience or ability who share a love of putting pen, pencil, brush or whatever to paper. Sessions have a focus e.g. still life/landscape/perspective, which group members are encouraged to approach from their own perceptions, medium, level of expertise, and the emphasis is on furthering current skills and learning new ones in a mutually supportive environment - and having fun!
Charge in advance to cover eight 2 hour sessions (usually in the region of £5 per term of 8 sessions). This covers rental of the room, printing costs and refreshments.
The group is currently full at 20 members, but please email Sue on the email address below if you are interested in being put on the waiting list.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Papier-mache Sculpture
Status
Current
Tuesday am
From
10:00
To
12:00
Weekly
Venue:
Kingston Hill
Have you ever thought you would like to try sculpture but couldn’t bear the thought of using clay? Why not try constructing in papier-mâché? It really is fun, and so easy to do. Really therapeutic, with the added advantage of recycling!
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Parlons francais
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:30
To
16:30
Fortnightly on Mondays
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
The group plans to meet outdoors when possible with a fall back to Zoom. It is a group for members who already have a good command of French and would like to use it in discussions on a wide range of topics. The emphasis will be on spontaneous conversation, which could be prompted by articles from the French press, short video clips, or by the interests of any of the group members.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Patchwork and Quilting
Status
Current
Wednesday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Monthly, 1st Wednesday
Venue:
Drake House
We are back in Drake House at separate tables, masks to be worn until we are seated.
Sewing machine not required at meetings but some experience of hand sewing is required. Two hours of sewing and chat with amazing results! Whether you wish to follow a regular design or ‘block’ each month or ‘do your own thing’, it is exciting to produce a wonderful patchwork quilt, table runner or cushion. All group members are willing to help each other with advice, colour suggestions and practical demonstrations if needed. There is a charge of £2 per member, per month, for the room hire.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Philosophy
Status
Suspended
Wednesday am
From
10:30
To
12:00
Alternate Wednesdays, Spring, Summer and Autumn terms.
Venue:
Edge Hill (off road parking available)
Group meetings are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
The Philosophy Group members do not need to have a philosophical background but should be interested in the questions which philosophy asks. It is a highly participative group, and members volunteer to introduce subjects for discussion. We synchronise with Current Affairs 1. New applicants are accepted for three trial meetings. Regular attendance required (common sense excuses accepted). About one third practise formal religion. Few members have had formal education in philosophy. Genders roughly equal.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Photography
Status
Current
Tuesday am
From
10:00
To
Alternate Tuesdays
Venue:
Venue to be agreed
Mostly we meet up with our Freedom Passes and cameras and go to one of the many great places in London. Sometimes, particularly in summer, we travel further afield. We also visit photographic exhibitions. All plans are made and agreed by the group at occasional meetings in Morden. We will make time to share our photographs and discuss any problems. There is no need for expensive equipment; any camera will do. Alternate Tuesdays, often meeting at 10.00am. New members are very welcome
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Playreading 1
Status
Current
Friday am
From
10:00
To
Monthly on a Friday. Please call the leader Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Venue:
Near Wimbledon Park Tube
Our group reads whole plays at a meeting without rehearsal. Members take it in turns to choose the play, prepare the session, cast the parts to ensure everyone has a good turn at reading. We borrow playsets from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and we also use local libraries. Thanks to the generosity of Merton U3A, who pays the membership fee, the group is only responsible for the fee for hire at each session, which is usually only £3.00 per person inclusive of postage. Break for tea/coffee and biscuits halfway through.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Playreading 2
Status
Current
Friday pm
From
14:00
To
First Friday of the month. Contact leader 10.00am - 3.00pm weekdays please.
Venue:
Wimbledon Village
Group meetings are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
We include three workshops in aspects of drama. We read playlets or excerpts from prominent playwrights. Scripts are provided and there is an opportunity for discussion. We subscribe to the Surrey County Drama Library. There is a charge of £3 per session to cover costs of hiring scripts. Refreshments available.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Poetry Appreciation
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Alternate Mondays
Venue:
Communication via email
Communicating via email, 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.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Popular Science and Technology
Status
Current
Thursday am
From
10:30
To
12:30
Every four weeks
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
You don’t need to have a background in science to join us, just an enquiring mind. Meeting via Zoom, though hope to return to Colliers Wood Community Centre in the autumn. We cover a very wide range of subjects – from how our bodies function to astronomy, and renewable energy sources to how the internet works – anything that interests us. We have talks given by visiting speakers and some of our members, discussions covering popular and topical science and technology and we are also planning visits to places and exhibitions of interest. We are a thriving and welcoming group and are very happy for you to come and try us out. When we can meet personally, we share the costs of room hire and refreshments (about £1 a meeting).
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
QiGong
Status
Current
Wednesday am
From
10:00
To
Weekly
Venue:
Central Wimbledon
QiGong can be described as a meditation for the body, or health through movement. It is beneficial for relaxation, fitness and longevity. It is rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and consists of movements which improve posture and balance. It brings many health benefits, including well-being, energy and a strengthening of the immune system. Suitable for people of all ages, of any body shape or fitness level. The main requirements are an open mind and a commitment to do regular practice between sessions. Led by a qualified QiGong instructor,
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Racketball
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
13:00
To
14:00
Weekly
Venue:
Wimbledon Lakeside Squash Club, Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AG (entrance opposite Gate 5 of the All England Lawn Tennis Club). 493 bus in Church Road, car parking.
Racketball is THE growing sport being actively taken up by seniors. We are keen to promote it, having found the non-sporty and those who have forgotten they were are enjoying the exercise. Racketball is played on a squash court but the racket and ball are similar in size to those used in tennis so the game is slower than squash and is appropriate for all ages and abilities. We provide coaching sessions and loan of equipment. Court hire £4.00/hr - cost shared by members and is usually around £2 each per hour. Weekly, Thursdays 3.00 to 4.00pm (but please check as times may vary).
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Reading Herodotus' Histories
Status
Discontinued
Tuesday am
From
10:30
To
Third Tuesday of each month
Venue:
Richmond Road, Wimbledon
This group has been discontinued.
We read selections from the work of the world's first historian, which centred around the titanic clash between the forces of east and west in the 5th century BC. Herodotus' interests and travels went much further: he gives many fascinating stories of the good and the great from all parts of the world he knew, though he did not believe them all himself.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Reading Short Stories
Status
Current
Monday am
From
10:30
To
12:00
2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.
Venue:
Communication by email
We read a varied selection of short stories from newly published and established anthologies. Currently, members read the same stories and exchange views by email.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Recorder, Advanced
Status
Suspended
Tuesday pm
From
To
Fortnightly on Tuesday
Venue:
Merton Park
Group sessions are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
The group meets usually in Merton Park, and plays a variety of recorder ensemble music, both classical and modern. We welcome experienced recorder players – descant, treble, tenor and bass. We have some instruments available to borrow. The emphasis is on enjoyment.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Recorder, All In Ensemble
Status
Suspended
Tuesday pm
From
14:00
To
Every fourth Tuesday
Venue:
Group sessions are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
This group welcomes recorder players of all levels of expertise, except absolute beginners, and meets on Tuesday afternoons at 2.00pm, before every other Advanced group meeting.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Recorder, Intermediate
Status
Suspended
Friday am
From
10:00
To
2nd Friday of the month
Venue:
Toynbee Road, Wimbledon
Group sessions are suspended until Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Saturday Walks
Status
Current
Saturday am
From
10:00
To
Fortnightly on Saturday
Venue:
Outside the Windmill Tea Rooms. Car parking and loos available. Bus route 93, Parkside Hospital stop.
We will be walking again from Saturday 6 November. We walk on Wimbledon Common, every other Saturday morning, starting from the Windmill. Our walks last between an hour and an-hour-and-a-quarter (occasionally a little more) and cover three-to-four miles.
There are as many walking routes on the Common as there are walkers. If you would like to explore the Common, getting to know it better in congenial company, why not join us?
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Scrabble
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:00
To
Alternate Mondays
Venue:
Internet Scrabble Club and via Zoom
We meet on alternate Mondays, from 2pm to 4pm (approx), in Merton Park. Close to buses 163, 164, 152 and K5, and some parking is available.
New members and inexperienced players are welcome.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
South Westerners Walking Group
Status
Current
Tuesday am, Wednesday am, Thursday am
From
To
Every two weeks
Venue:
Walks are 5-7 miles, sometimes a little longer, and take place every two weeks, rotating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (avoiding the Walking Group 4’s days). We explore the open spaces, river banks and canal towpaths of south west London and Surrey. All walks are reached by public transport. Group members are encouraged to take a turn to suggest and lead a walk. New members welcome.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Spanish
Status
Current
Monday am
From
10.30
To
12.00
Venue:
Merton Park
For members with a good knowledge of Spanish. We meet fortnightly on Mondays between 10:30 and 12:00, either in Merton Park or on zoom. We have no vacancies at present.
The sessions are structured following a coursebook, and consist of conversation, reading, exercises and revision of grammar points
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Speaking and Debating
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Alternate Thursdays
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
Meetings, currently held via Zoom, will include developing our speaking skills and confidence, and debates 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 speaking and debating.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Table Tennis 1
Status
Current
Wednesday am
From
09:00
To
11:30
Weekly on Wednesdays
Venue:
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.
As of October 2021, we are playing doubles again with appropriate covid risk reduction measures in place. These are not drop-in sessions, so please phone/email if you are interested. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Table Tennis 2
Status
Current
Friday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Fridays (but not first Friday of month)
Venue:
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.
As of October 2021, we are playing doubles again with appropriate covid risk reduction measures in place. New members welcome. These are not drop-in sessions, so please phone/email if you are interested. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Tapestry and Embroidery
Status
Current
Monday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Meeting fortnightly
Venue:
South Wimbledon
An individual choice of needlework e.g. crewel or cross-stitch needlepoint in a stimulating and cheerful atmosphere. There is no formal course but group members help each other in solving problems. Regular attendance is expected.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Theatre
Status
Current
Irregular
From
To
Monthly theatre visit
Venue:
Theatres and Wimbledon Guild café
The Theatre Group has had its first face to face meeting in 18 months. It was a joy to get together again over a cup of tea and a delicious brownie to talk about what is on in theatreland. We chose a selection of plays to see in the coming months to Christmas and flagged up some opening in the new year. The group would be happy to welcome new members. If you are keen on the theatre and would like to join the group to enjoy a show once a month and meet up every 6 weeks for discussion and share news and ideas about interesting productions, please contact our leader.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Ukulele Beginners
Status
Current
Friday pm
From
14:00
To
15:30
Venue:
Drake House
Ukulele for those that are new to the instrument or those that need additional help.
The sessions are currently held at Drake House with a charge of £3.50 each to cover the room hire.
Help is available on types of ukulele, strings, tuners etc.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Ukulele Intermediate
Status
Current
Thursday pm
From
12:30
To
14:00
Venue:
Drake House
Ukulele for those that play the instrument but want more varied arrangements.
The sessions are currently held at Drake House with a charge of £3.50 each to cover the room hire.
Help is available on types of ukulele, strings, tuners etc.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Visits
Status
Current
Ad hoc
From
To
Ad hoc
Venue:
Visits is not a group and it has no regular members.
Any Merton u3a member may apply for a place on any visit. Planned visits appear on the Events page; choose Visits in the dropdown at the top of the page.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Walking Group 4
Status
Current
Tuesday am, Wednesday am, Thursday am
From
To
Fortnightly
Venue:
This is a group for people who love to plan and lead walks as well as enjoying walking through the many and varied locations readily accessible from Merton. Group members take it in turns to lead a walk either singly or jointly at last once a year to ensure that an interesting mix of walks features in each quarterly programme. The fortnightly walks rotate between Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, giving members the chance to participate despite their other regular commitments. The group started in October 2014 and has enjoyed a varied programme of walks along the Thames and other rivers and canals, sections of the London Loop and Capital Ring, parks and commons and many other routes. The walks are between 5 and 7 miles long, include a lunch stop and are all reached by public transport.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Welsh Conversation
Status
Current
Wednesday pm
From
14:00
To
16:00
Alternate Wednesdays
Venue:
Internet via Zoom
This group is now meeting via Zoom. Do you speak Welsh? Are you a learner interested in gaining confidence through conversation or a proficient Welsh speaker interested in keeping your language alive? This group provides an opportunity for members who already have some knowledge of Welsh to converse in the Welsh language through culture and literature.
Contact:
Name
Name
Phone
Phone
Members: Sign in to see contact details
Our photos
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Our documents
May include any document the group chooses to upload; programme of events, newsletter, activity reports etc.
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