Wetherby & District U3A

The Shape of Things to Come

things to comeMany of our activities are already up and running; some others are ready to start soon.
There is a third set of activities and topics which you have told us you might be interested in joining, but where we aren't yet quite ready to start - or are just getting going and still looking for more members.

The spirit of the U3A is that of members offering to run interest and activity groups for each other.
New groups and activities are coming into existence all the time. If there is plenty of interest, these start when someone volunteers to be the leader or coordinator.

The role varies from group to group. It usually begins with an informal meeting with all those who are interested. The meeting gives all members the opportunity to chat about what they want from, and can offer to, the group and its organisation.

posterIf you see a group that covers a topic of interest to you, but which hasn't so far got a coordinator, then think about whether you can help to get it off the ground.

If you might consider starting a new group or helping with an existing group, please get in touch with Lesley to discuss what you feel you can offer and what the role may involve.

Lesley Newnham
Tel: 01937 845773 Email: groupsu3aWAD@hotmail.co.uk

You could, you know...........

talking headIn my job as Groups Organiser I hear so many people say –
‘Oh, I couldn't possibly run a group.'
Let me tell you a little story.
I sing in a local choir and, as is my wont, I talk about U3A to all and sundry. Last July, one of my fellow altos was extremely pleased to hear that U3A had started. However, she was really disappointed.
A: ‘Do you know,' she said, ‘the one group I was hoping to do isn't on your programme.'

L: ‘What's that? ' said I.
A: ‘Play Reading .'
L: ‘That's a real shame. How about starting one?'
A: ‘Oh I don't know whether I could.'
L: ‘ There is a lot of help to get you going and the library can lend sets of book – give it a try, and see how many people are interested.'

This lady – who is by no means one of our newly retired members, agreed to give it a go and set about ringing a few friends and the library.
One month later ( amazing speed) I went along to her first meeting in case she needed her hand held. Totally unnecessary - she has a full group and they have had their first meeting and reading of ‘Under Milkwood', which she reported had them laughing out loud.

I can see word of mouth building the waiting list up enough to start a second group in no time at all.
What's more she said to me

‘I knew I would enjoy the play reading – what I didn't realise was how much of a joy it would be to organise something I love for other people.'

If you might consider starting a new group or helping with an existing group, please get in touch with Lesley to discuss what you feel you can offer and what the role may involve. Lesley Newnham Tel: 845773
Email: groupsu3aWAD@hotmail.co.uk

Introduction to Bowls

Have you ever wanted to try bowls but lacked the courage to go alone to the bowling club?
Would you like to try in the company of other beginners?
Henry Maude is a member of Wetherby Bowling Club and is experienced and enthusiastic. He is also a good advert
for the benefits of bowls with regard to longevity and liveliness.
He and other members of the club are offering u3a members a four week course, free of charge with the loan of all equipment, as a taster.
They are of course hoping you will become ‘hooked’ and join the club but no pressure will be brought to bear.
Group Contact Henry Maude Tel 586430

New Gardening Group (3)

At a recent Open Meeting, six people expressed interest in starting a 3rd Garden Group.
Gail Cownden is willing to be the contact point for this new activity. Gail will help a new group to get going in the Spring but will not run it - it will operate as Garden group 2 does with a contact point and input from members.
New members welcomed to make contact.
Contact details gailhc@virginmedia.com Tel 07458926602

Digital Photo Group

After completing the 'Digital Camera' course people were looking for something else to move on to and this seems to be the logical progression, however anyone with an interest in photography is welcome to join.

We meet on the 3rd Thursday afternoon of each month and we all bring two or three digital images of a subject that was picked at the previous meeting. (The current subject is Christmas). We all then discuss the images in turn and give constructive feedback and encouragement to encourage everyone in their photography.

We currently meet in people's homes but as the group expands we shall be looking for a meeting room

John Wood Tel:585657 john_wood@live.co.uk

Embroiderers

Contact Valerie Dyer 583666 tony_dyer@ntlworld.com
Valerie is hoping this group will consist of like minded people who have done a fair amount of embroidery, who would like to work in company, and who would be willing to share their enthusiasms and techniques with the rest of the group.

Bridge (for Beginners and Improvers)

Have you always wanted to learn bridge?
Now is your chance!

This Years sessions end in July. From September this Group will be called Bridge. The present members will then have completed their first Year and be starting a new series of lessons . They have made great progress.

We meet at Wetherby Bridge Club and have the full use of the Premises which include two separate playing areas. There will be two sessions running on a Monday morning from 10.00.
A new group of members are now invited to Start the course. If you would like to learn to play Bridge or have tried and would like to give it another try, please register your interest now, ready for the start in September.

We also have people in the group who have been playing for some time but have wanted practice in bidding and or play. This may be what you need. We try to please..
Group contacts: Jean Thompson and Angie Browning07801414345
jeanethompson@gmail.com