U3A Programme 2010/11

This page shows the list of groups for the 2010/11 U3A session.

The dates and times shown are mostly confirmed. Where a start date is shown this is definite. There is a timetable chart.

The policy for dealing with groups which are over-subscribed is still under discussion. Last year, we managed to accommodate everyone after a bit of juggling.
Important
Groups vary very much in the ways in which they operate. Some are very much taught by a leader, and others are self programming, with many variants in between. When you register yourself for a group, it is hoped that you will feel able to follow certain conventions.

 
Art Appreciation — John Geale
1st Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 5 October
3rd Tuesday — — 2.00pm — — visit to an exhibition — — 19 October
The first Tuesday in October will take the form of a planning meeting, with members of the group encouraged to bring forward material for future meetings on the first Tuesday of the month. The third Tuesday of each month will be a visit to a gallery usually with Frank Gordon. A relaxed meeting format, where members of the group can suggest ideas and subjects.
 
Book Group — Ann Dowdall
3rd Monday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Members’ homes — — 20 September
An informal meeting where members take it in turns to choose a book for general discussion. This leads to reading a wide variety of books which would not normally be on your own agenda.
 
Card Making — Wendy Newby
3rd Thursday — — 10.00am-12.00noon — — Giggleswick — — 16 September
3rd Thursday — — 1.00-3.00pm — — Giggleswick — — 16 September
The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Mrs Newby’s home in Giggleswick. Materials provided for a small charge. No more than 12 members, split between the morning and afternoon sessions.
 
Chamber Music — Brian Birkby
2nd & 4th Tuesday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — — 14 September
This group has evolved out of Song Cycles. This year the group will focus more on chamber music than song cycles.
The group could change the day to suit participants.
 
Circle Dancing — Pat Smith and Gillian Walton
Every Friday — — 10.00-11.00am — — Langcliffe Institute — — 17 September
Come and join in a wide variety of dances, traditional and modern, from many different countries. Most of the dances are relaxed and gentle with just a few energetic exceptions. Partners are not required, nor is previous dance experience. There will be an introductory session on Friday September 17th from 10am - 11am at Langcliffe Institute, but regular sessions will not start until October 15th. All sessions will be at Langcliffe Institute as the Victoria Hall is not available most Fridays.
 
Computers — Derek Hewitson
2nd & 4th Wednesdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — TBD
This is literally a "self-help" group for members who have had a range of experience in using computers, from raw beginners to those with many years of mouse clicking and keyboard tapping behind them. Members share their current problems with the rest of the group and usually help and advice can be found from within the membership. Those lucky enough to have experienced some recent satisfaction, or to have “discovered” some new and useful technique in their computing, pass on these experiences too. The aim is to follow “U3A Computer Basics for Seniors” − writing, e-mails, the internet, etc. Beginners really are welcome.
 
Current Affairs — Chris Petrie
2nd Monday — — 10.30am — — Victoria Hall — — 13 September
A group addressing the most important issues of the 21st century. A group discussing a current topic of concern will continue in 2010/11, and the topic may well be Climate Change.
After the planning meeting in September, each meeting will take the form of a discussion on an article (e.g. web page, magazine) led by a member of the group (volunteers only − no pressed persons).
The first item on the agenda for the meeting on 13 September will be whether to change the day and/or time.
 
Creative Writing — Jean Stevens
1st Thursday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 7 October
A group for those who wish to write prose and/or poetry. Initially once a month.
Whether you’re an experienced writer or a beginner this will be an opportunity to increase your writing skills and receive feedback on your work in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. The course won’t deal with journalism or the writing of articles.
 
Digital Image Manipulation — Frank Higginson
2nd & 4th Mondays — — 2.00pm — — Victoria Hall — — 11 October
The purpose of the group will be to explore the use of Adobe Photoshop Elements software to manipulate digital photographs to improve the original image. Use of tools to Crop images, to Clone out unwanted items, to make Selections of part of the image, to Adjust contrast etc. will be demonstrated and practised on members own images. It is hoped to be able to allow members to have hands on experience in the use of the tools in small group situations rather than just instruction. It will be an advantage if members have attended the Digital Photography group prior to enroling for this Group.
 
Digital Photography — Frank Higginson
2nd & 4th Fridays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 10 September
The aim of this group is to help those new to digital photography to organise, email, enhance, and print their digital photographs. Help will also be available to get the most out of your digital camera and how to avoid the most common mistakes when taking photographs. No prior knowledge will be assumed. Topics covered will include: taking better photos, getting photos into the computer, organising photos and emailing them, cropping and making simple enhancements (e.g. lighten/darken, adjust colour) and printing. We will investigate the use of free software, such as Picassa and Gimp as well as the use of Adobe Photoshop Elements. Members’ photos will be used whenever possible. It is hoped to continue to exhibit the results of the members’ efforts during the year, for the interest of other U3A members.
 
Exercise — Gillian Walton
Every Tuesday — — 10.00-11.00am — — Cricket Club — — 14 September
Keep fit and have fun with gentle but thorough exercises to a wide range of music. Many of the exercises are chair-based. The aim of the exercises is to loosen and mobilise joints and to strengthen muscles whilst working safely, according to individual needs and abilities. There will be a "Taster" session on September 14th and we shall start in earnest on October 5th.
 
Family History — Jean Asher
4th Friday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Friends’ Meeting House — — 24 September
If the group is over-subscribed there may well be some special arrangements. Only 20 people can be accommodated.
A group for those interested in family history with some knowledge of the basic research processes involved. The programme will combine work on specific topics, in small groups and in plenary sessions, opportunities to bring individual queries, and visits to relevant libraries, record offices etc.
 
Continuing French — Olwyn Bolger and Anne Richer
Every Monday — — 10.00-11.30am — — Victoria Hall — — 4 October
This is a very friendly group, all of whom have some previous knowledge of French. We use tapes, CDs, and radio broadcasts and the printed word to further the study of the language. The emphasis is on speaking and understanding and on the enjoyment of group work.
 
Intermediate French — Anne Richer
2nd & 4th Wednesdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 13 October
I hope that it will be possible to continue next year but there is some doubt because of responsibilities at home.
If you have learnt some French before, even a long time ago, and want to bring it up to date in a light hearted way, then come and join our friendly group. The class is for members who have learnt some French before, albeit many moons ago!
 
Geology and Landscape — Paul Cochrane
3rd Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 21 September
To explore geology and geological processes, especially those that created our landscape. There is no assumption of previous knowledge. The aim is to share information, thoughts visiting sites of geological interest locally and following this with group discussions.
 
Continuing German — Brian Birkby
2nd & 4th Wednesdays — — 10.00-11.30am — — Victoria Hall — — 22 September
We read stories and poems as well as understanding grammar and practising speaking German. Some previous knowledge of the language is necessary.
 
Intermediate German — Alison Tyas
1st & 3rd Wednesdays — — 10.00-11.30am — — Victoria Hall — — 15 September
Reading stories and poems with reference to grammatical points as we go along. The aim is to gain confidence in understanding and speaking German. Not for absolute beginners.
 
Great Lives — Jean Imrie
3rd Wednesday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — — 15 September
We welcome new members to this interesting group. At each meeting a talk is given on the life of one or two famous people - past or present. A discussion follows.
 
Heraldry — Hilary Baker
mostly 3rd Thursday — — am — — various — — 21 October
This group is suitable for those with a background knowledge of heraldry. The programme will consist of occasional visits and one or two talks. There will not be a meeting every month, and members will be notified of the dates of meeting/visits.
 
Jewellery Techniques — Rowena Magdan
every Monday — — 2.30-4.00pm — — Northfields Crescent — — 20 September
A basic introduction to jewellery techniques and bead-work. The first one or two meetings will be of a general nature, leading on to more specialised activity on the basis of preferences of group members. Group sessions will be arranged according to demand & interests. All necessary tools will be supplied. A small charge will be made to cover the cost of materials.
 
Line Dancing — Eileen Bamford
1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Thursdays — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — St John’s Hall — — 16 September
A fun way to exercise both body and mind. An active class, tutored by Joan Lord. Previous experience and partner not necessary.
An open taster session on 16 September.
 
Listening to Music — Janet Stafford
3rd Monday — — 2.00-4.00pm — — Members’ homes — — 18 October
Members are invited to bring a recording of their own choice − CDs only.
The venue changes fairly often so it is important to keep an eye on the newsletter.  It isn’t necessary to have a knowledge of music, we all share our favourites and introduce new items.  Everyone welcome.
 
Looking at Old Buildings — Debi Burridge
mostly 4th Thursday — — mostly pm — — various — — 23 September
Usually meets on 4th Thursday of each month, but occasionally at other times.

The group has been focussed on visits to look at old buildings in the local area and sometimes further afield to see how they are constructed and look for any interesting features that may help to date them. There has usually been a local guide or historian to show the group around and talk about the buildings. Each visit is arranged by an individual, who is responsible for putting the information regarding the venue, time and travel arrangements in the Newsletter the previous month.
 
Madrigals and More — Alan Hemsworth
1st & 3rd Tuesday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — St John’s Hall — — 7 September
A group aimed at small ensemble mixed-voice unaccompanied singing. It is necessary to have some sightreading ability. As well as madrigals, the group’s singing goes far beyond the confines of the 16th and 17thCents. There is a need for more sopranos to join the group.
 
Needlework and Natter — Alison Tyas
Every Monday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Settle — — 13 September
Bring something to do and help each other with knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc. The established group has enough skills to be able to teach a beginner in almost any branch of needlework New members always welcome.
 
Philosophy — Colin Scales and Roy Anderson
4th Tuesday — — 2 pm — — possibly Austwick — — 28 September
We hope to meet at Roy’s home in Austwick.
In the past year we have been considering topics such as Belief in God, Determinism, Politics & Justice, Philosophy of the Mind, Ethical Choice and other equally diverting topics. Our discussions were relaxed and entertaining and of course no definitive conclusions were reached - but then Philosophy is more concerned with exploring and challenging ideas than with providing the ultimate answer to the meaning of life!
In the coming year we propose to focus on the work of a number of individual philosophers whose ideas have been particularly influential. Group members will have some say in this, but possible candidates might be Plato, Descartes, Spinoza, Kant, Schopenhauer, Nietsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, Foucault, Wittgenstein and Popper. We shall be suggesting some light reading in preparation for each session and so as not to exclude folk who have been just too busy to do their homework our meetings will take the form of a brief introduction and resumé before we launch into an informal discussion.
No prior expertise is required and all are welcome to join our group . Potential members will be given details of suggested reading for the first session well in advance.
 
Poetry Appreciation — Jean Stevens.
2nd & last Thursdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 14 October
We read a wide variety of poems leading to group discussion which always proves lively and thought-provoking and often suggests further topics for future meetings. There is a relaxed atmosphere and members of the group can suggest topics. Ideally around a dozen members, but more could probably be accommodated.
 
Recorders — Pam Elstub
1st & 3rd Fridays — — 11.15am-12.30 — — Victoria Hall — — 17 September
Continuing from previous sessions. New members are always welcome with any size of recorder.
We are working at intermediate level of ability on the instrument.
It may be possible to start a beginners’ group if there is interest.
 
Relaxation for Health and Wellbeing — Pam Elstub
1st & 3rd Mondays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 13 September
This group is suitable for anyone wishing to learn simple and quick methods to de-stress the whole body. Benefits include: The group leader has had fifteen years’ experience of teaching these techniques in her previous job as a physiotherapist, both in groups and with individuals.

The group will take the format of a seven week course from September to December, every first and third week of the month. Sept 13 and 27; October 4 and 18; November 1 and 15; December 6. Another course will commence in January 2011 if there is enough demand.
 
Science, Engineering and Technology — David Holdsworth
2nd Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 12 October
This is a new group that is an evolution out of the Mathematical Puzzles group. We shall look at the science behind a whole variety of phenomena, both natural and man-made, often with a topical relevance. Members of the group are encouraged to bring issues that interest them, either to explain to the rest of the group, or to ask the group for answers. There is a wide variation in level of difficulty, and the science ranges over the interests and knowledge of the group members. The current leader is quite strong on the physical sciences, and hopeless on biology.
 
Scrabble — Brenda Pearce
2nd Monday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 13 September
The emphasis is on enjoyment rather than achievement. New members are very welcome.
 
Singing for Pleasure — Maisie Holmes and Edna McLeod
Every Wednesday — — 10.30am-12.noon — — Victoria Hall — — 8 September
Sing and be happy is the motto of this group which is not performance oriented. The “pleasure” aspect is the pleasure of the individuals in the group, which is generated by the feel good factor which comes from singing and which is enhanced by singing along with others. Our songs are wide ranging in terms of era, genre and country of origin. Group members frequently add to the collection by introducing their own favourite songs. No previous singing experience or knowledge of written music is necessary.
 
Walking — Margaret and Michael Cullingworth
2nd, 4th, (5th?) Tuesdays — — 10.00am — — walks (approx 5 miles) — — 30 September
1st, 3rd, (5th?) Thursdays — — 9.30am — — walks (6 - 10 miles) — — 30 September
All walks start at the Cricket Club car park to arrange lifts if necessary. A list of the walks is available from the Cullingworths, or can be seen at the Tourist Information Centre, Settle Library or on the U3A website.