North
Down & Ards
University of the Third Age
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Page Last Updated 4-June-2010
INTEREST GROUPS
ACTIVATE YOUR HEALTH
(An affiliated group) We join forces here with an outside group as of course
a member tutor would need to be well-qualified! So popular that sessions are
now available twice a week. Activities comprise exercise and dancing all to
music, followed by a coffee, some health education and ending with a relaxation
session. Sorry gentlemen, so far it’s ladies only. Of course any one
qualified could start his own group!
ART
One of our longest established groups. Weekly sessions with an excellent member
tutor, herself an artist and experienced teacher. All media and levels are
catered for with a mixture of free choice and structured expert tuition. It’s
amazing what can be achieved by raw beginners!
BIRD WATCHING GROUP
Depending on the weather,
we either stay in for our study of birds or go out visiting wetlands, woods,
seashores and urban sites. In the spring and summer we go away for a whole
days 'Birding'
Note!. Warm layered waterproof clothing; strong walking boots/shoes, binoculars
and flask with hot drink are essential.
BADMINTON
New members, both new and experienced will be made most welcome. We have have
both home and away "friendly" matches and rackets and shuttle cocks
can be made available..
BEGINNERS
BRIDGE
A small group of beginners meets weekly for tuition and a social evening at
the home of a member. This has been very successful, some of the trainees
going on to join our own Social Duplicate Bridge club or local bridge clubs
COFFEE MORNING
Morning coffee party. Lively conversation and some delicious home baking.
COMPUTERS
We run short 6 week courses for Beginners and some informal sessions on specific
subjects. Our aim is to give members an insight into the world of Computers
and pass on hints and tips among ourselves.
CRAFT
The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month and do a wide
variety of crafts including patchwork, knitting, embroidery, tapestry, cross
stitch, appliqué, crochet, beading, quilting, etc. Members of the group
pay £1 per session which covers the cost of rent, gifts and some materials
for the group.
CREATIVE ARTS
A group of activities linked by the expression of ideas and work with words:-
1:- Bookworm. Each month we have the exciting task of reading a different book. It may be classical, it may be brand new, it may have won the Booker prize, it may be from another culture. Books are suggested by members of the group and chosen jointly. If anyone has strong objections, the book in question is usually rejected, so we’re very democratic. A common comment is "Well I’m glad I had that opportunity. That book was well worth reading but I would never have read it without a push." The subsequent animated discussions often take an unexpected turn.
2:- Creative Writing. We all find great enjoyment in improving our writing skills. Each month our enthusiastic leader or one of our members may suggest an aspect of writing or a topic for us to consider, discuss and try out for the following meeting. We have had some hilarious mornings listening to what people have come up with. The imagination is a wonderful thing! Some people just come to listen, there’s no obligation to write but making a contribution is always more enjoyable.
3:- Play Reading. The Play Reading Group meets punctually at 2pm on the 4th Wednesday of each month from September to June, excluding December. A variety of plays are read from comedies to thrillers and everyone is encouraged to participate.
DANCING.
This group has proved more than successful, we have learned about 20 sequence
dances which include the waltz, tango, foxtrot, swing, etc. The dances we
do are for beginners and many of them use the same basic steps, it is only
the rhythm that changes. This means that newcomers can join the group very
successfully.
NB If you want specialist dancing, you may contact the appropriate convenor to join an affiliated group
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Have you recently purchased a digital camera and would like to know how to
enhance your photographs? A series of 6-week courses has been arranged in
Age Concern premises, but we can only accommodate four members at each session.
If you would be interested, you can add your name to the waiting list by contacting
Roberta Hagan.
LUNCHEON CLUB
This group has been meeting for the past 2 years. We use a variety of restaurants
in the locality and usually meet once a month. Each member is encouraged to
select a different venue and decide on the date and day. The group is open
to all members of ND & Ards U3A, however we would ask you to book in advance
by contacting the relevant person. All details will be found in the Newsletter.
FILM WITH SUPPER
Our expert film buff endeavours each month to take us to a film of her choice
shown in the Queen’s University Film Theatre, Belfast. At a nearby restaurant
we discuss our expectations over a main course, returning to discuss what
we saw over sweet and coffee. Occasional films at other venues.
FUN
WITH FLOWERS
We are a group of people who enjoy working with flowers. Having fun is the
priority and hopefully, the more relaxed we are, the more creative and artistic
our arrangements become.
GARDENING
Groups 1, 2 & 4
Gardening is consistently popular, so much so that we now have four groups,
giving more comfort and room for expansion. Led by experienced members, the
groups meet in private homes where, as well as looking at the host’s
garden, there are many opportunities for learning and discussion. Everyone
welcome, but contact convenor if interested.
GARDENING
GROUP 3
This group meets on Thursday morning, so if the Wednesday groups don’t
suit you, please come along to this group instead. Led by experienced members,
the group meets in private homes where, as well as looking at the host’s
garden, there are many opportunities for learning and discussion. Everyone
welcome, but please contact the convenor first.
GOLF
A group of dedicated golfers play at Blackwood once a week. Many but not all
started from scratch and are enjoying games, together with opportunities for
improvement provided by practice. They are learning from each other and sometimes,
if required, from the professional coach. With increased members, a morning
group may develop.
GUITAR
This new group has started
in May 2010 and are meeting to learn and improve their skills in playing the
guitar. Beginners and experienced musicians very welcome.
HAPPY SNAPPERS
This group is for those who have completed the 6 week IN FOCUS course and
are interested in developing their photographic skills further. There will
be some meetings held inside when we may be able to look at our photographs
on laptops and at other times, we will go out to photograph our surroundings,
searching for interesting compositions and subjects.
HISTORY.
Normally the first Tuesday of each month in Hamilton House, however watch
the newsletter for changes. They are fairly frequent!
This lively group meets regularly once a month for an in-house session. We
follow themes, both local and further afield, often using slides, tapes, videos
or, occasionally, visiting speakers but with members always adopting a do-it–yourself
approach. Frequent field trips have become a regular feature of our busy programme,
likewise an annual Christmas party based on the current theme. The emphasis
is very much ‘hands on,’ researching in groups or working together
to produce a record of our activities. Recent examples include folders on
‘The Life and Times of Frederick Hervey, Bishop of Derry’ and
‘The Sea, a Look at Maritime History.
HERITAGE HOPEFULS
A group of enthusiastic members who enjoy meeting each other to exchange advice
and to hear the opinions of other group members. This is an educational group
and any member who decides to invest does so of his own accord as the U3A
does not accept any financial liability for such transactions.
INDOOR BOWLS
If you would like to learn the basics of indoor bowling join us on a Wednesday
morning. We have some experienced bowlers and some learners who all get on
well together and the ‘craic’ is good. So if you have not bowled
before, don’t worry, come and enjoy yourself
IN FOCUS
This is a new group starting in September to help members
understand the workings of their camera, as well as learning to take more
creative photographs. Each course is for 6 weeks and for the complete course,
it will cost £9, to be paid on the first day.
LANGUAGES
One of the first groups to be established, this is a fine example of U3A self-help,
with the aid of linguist member tutors. We work in small groups and offer
FRENCH, SPANISH,
ITALIAN and GERMAN
at varying levels. Plenty of light-hearted help from tutors, tapes and other
group members, interspersed with friendly chat, hopefully in the language!
A good afternoon out.
SPANISH WORKSHOP
As Spanish has been so popular, a second group have started, meeting in Hamilton
House.
LATIN
This new group, which promises to be fun, is an addition to the language family.
Mythology, and Latin literature are not as fusty as you might think, (we hope
you’re broad minded!). Contrary to common belief, it is pretty well
the basis of everything. Come and be astounded at some of the eye openers
concerning this language Everyone welcome, from beginners to university professors.
LEISURE ART
The aim of the Leisure Art Group is to assist those
members who are interested in and have a desire to paint. As well as acquiring
artistic knowledge and skill, members of the group are encouraged to partake
in group activities, assist each other, mix, make new friends and generally
socialise.
LOOK AROUND US
A new walking group that will be walking, looking around and discussing history,
flora, fauna, archaeology, geology, the impact of man etc, etc. Depending
upon the venue. The moderate walks will be approximately 2 miles. Note! Wear
comfortable footwear.
MUSEUM AND ART APPRECIATION
We frequently visit exhibitions locally, in Belfast or sometimes in Dublin,
usually with a guided tour. We are in close contact with the Ulster Museum
with whom we have worked a lot in the past and look forward to their reopening
in 2009. Two years ago several members worked jointly with Belfast U3A and
the Ulster Museum, interviewing and producing information sheets on Ulster
Artists, whose work is in the Museum. We cover a wide variety of topics but
tend to concentrate on Art and Art History.
MUSIC APPRECIATION
We have an expert tutor who has introduced us to many composers and their
music. The programme is varied and includes talks with tapes and CD's covering
jazz, film, operaand even pop. There are also BBC lunchtime concerts and summer
invitation concerts (See Message Board for details)
NATURE
The group usually meets on the 4th Tuesday in the month, however this will
be confirmed in the newsetter. Venues include many of the wonderful wetlands
and nature reserves that we are fortunate enough to have in this area. During
the course of our visits we major on geology, flora, fauna and learn to identify
different species of birds. In the colder months of the year, we meet inside
and those meeting last for 2 hours between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. In better weather,
our meetings can vary in length from 2 hours in an afternoon, to going further
a field, bringing a picnic and making the most of the day.
PAINTING FOR PLEASURE
Our leader, Sheila Roberts, is a talented artist willing to help others learn
or improve. Our main medium is watercolour, but others can be accommodated.
For further information contact Liz Wilkinson.
PARCHMENT CRAFT
Parchment is a very old craft used by the monks 15 centuries ago to decorate
their books and scripts, by embossing a sheet of parchment/ velum with the
use of hard tools and then decorating the work, in their case it would have
been with gold.
PHILOSOPHY
Our subjects are chosen by group suggestion and advertised in the local U3A
Newsletter. Bob gives a short talk on the advertised subject, which he has
researched, and this leads to a general discussion by the members. Everyone
is free to take part and all points of view are respected and welcomed. Occasionally,
Bob invites a guest speaker, and video and tapes are also sometimes used.
At present we have an average attendance of 20 members per meeting.
PILATES
Pilates is a series of exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor and
abdominal muscles, developing body awareness, improving body alignment and
increasing flexibility. Members should wear comfortable clothes and bring
a mat/towel to lie on. We are hoping to start this new group on the 4th September.
For further information please see the Newsletter.
PILATES FOR MEN
Pilates for men is now a very successful group with attendances of 15 to 20
members under the guidance of our tutor Eileen. Many of us who were quite
reluctant to join have been surprised by the benefits of participation, including
relief for stiff backs, trapped nerves and general unlocking of joints. Whatever
your level of fitness we would welcome you as a new member to a most rewarding
and interesting activity.
POETRY READING
A group of people meeting to read and appreciate their favourite poems. Those
who have written poetry will, hopefully share their work with the group.
QUESTA
The Questa group visits a wide variety of places of interest. Meetings are
arranged by members of the group or by the convenor. Recent visits have been
to the Eden Pottery, Millisle, the City Hall, Belfast and a Museum in Dublin.
SINGING
The Singing Group, under our conductor Hazel Barron, is in its sixth year
and consists of around thirty-five members singing four parts. It meets twice
a month and works on two programmes per year – Spring and Christmas
– with the aim of providing the programme for the June and November
meetings of U3A. We are particularly busy around Christmas time, with requests
for entertainment from nursing homes and old peoples’ homes, etc. Last
year we did a concert for St Gall’s Church.
SOCIAL
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
We have had a very successful year. Membership continues to grow and at present
stands at 66, with an average of 8 – 9 tables each Thursday. All concede
that the atmosphere is pleasant and friendly – conducive to good bridge.
At Christmas 37 of us went to Papa Joes and had a very enjoyable lunch outing.
SWIMMING
We are very lucky in our leaders, an enthusiastic convenor and a skilled member
/ instructor who has the uncanny knack of teaching even the most timid people
to swim. We own some very up to the minute swimming aids. For those who want
to improve their style this is the group for you.
TABLE
TENNIS
Table Tennis has been going for the past 2 years now and continues to be “great
craic” as well as keeping us fit! The group has risen to 23 members
with an almost equal number of men and women players. Recently we acquired
a 3rd table and 12 new bats so there is not much “sitting around! We
meet every Thursday in the George Green Centre Rathgill Parade, Bangor. The
afternoon is one of sporting rivalry, friendly coaching and plenty of running,
bending, stretching, in an attempt to master that “little white ball”
into a winning shot! Anyone interested in having a go, please come along for
a “Taster Session” and wear suitable soft-soled footwear.
TAI CHI
Is practised simultaneously by breathing exercises and a series of slow, graceful
flowing postures. These are said to to improve body awareness, enhance strength
and coordination, as well as physical and emotional well-being.
THEATRE
Another long-standing group, we have seen many fine performances, both locally
and elsewhere, especially in Belfast. Care is taken to plan a varied programme
and to keep most costs at a reasonable level, although inevitably top performances
often command top prices.
TRAVEL
1
Each year, we offer three ways for U3A members to take holidays, one abroad
(usually France or Spain) and another to somewhere of interest in the British
Isles, for example Greenwich, Northumbria or Bath. A third possibility is
to join up with other U3A members from all over the UK on some of the many
cultural holidays offered by the U3A Travel Group. Adverts for these holidays
are found in the U3A news
TRAVEL 2
This new group aims to offer hotel based travel experiences in various areas
of Europe. Holidays will be offered throughout the year and designed to suit
the wide variety of interests within the U3A. All holidays will be advertised
in the Newsletter well in advance and members are requested to register their
interest as soon as possible.
WALKING
A popular activity at all levels.
Strollers. This group meets every Thursday except the last in the month, to accommodate the Monthly Meeting. The short 1 hour walks are designed to follow as far as possible, fairly flat terrain with the opportunity to use seats and have rest stops if desired. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes/boots and bring along a walking aid, e.g. stick, if necessary to ensure greater confidence. Walks conclude with a welcome cuppa and a chat!
Short Walks. A good brisk walk, usually along well defined paths and lasting 1½ to 2 hours, finishing with a cup of tea and a chat. Some paths can be quite muddy, especially in the winter, so good strong shoes or walking boots are recommended.
Ramblers. Walking is a popular activity at all levels. Ramblers venues vary and take place on the second Sunday in the month. A good brisk walk and usually along well defined paths. A full day out with a packed lunch.
Scramblers.
Scramblers go out on the Fourth Sunday in the month. For experienced walkers
only, a full day on rough terrain. For safety reasons, by invitation only.
If you’re interested join the ramblers first.
NB For both Ramblers and Scramblers participants should bring
lunch, drink, waterproofs and spare warm clothing in a back-pack and wear
comfortable footwear, preferably boots ( essential for many walks, especially
in bad weather)
WINE TASTING
A very occasional group, meeting usually three times a year, when we invite
a visiting expert wine-buff to bring along a selection of wines for us to
taste, usually with a theme. It’s amazing what we have learned over
the years, not only about wine but about geography, types of grape, growing
requirements and pests.
YOGA 1 and 2
These two groups are very popular and start with 10 minutes relaxation followed
by gentle stretching, standing and/or balance postures and various bends.
Classes start with 10 minutes relaxation followed by gentle stretching, standing
postures, balance postures and various bends. Breathing exercises are also
practised followed by a final 15 minutes relaxation. Wear loose clothing and
bring yoga mat if possible, a large towel will suffice otherwise
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