Settle District U3A − Programme 2011/12

This page shows the list of groups for the 2011/12 U3A session.

The dates and times shown are cirmed in almost all cases. There is a timetable chart.

Where a group is over-subscribed the group leader will have the final say on who has to go on the waiting list. 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 — Kate Helm
1st Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 4 October
3rd Tuesday — — often 2.00pm — — visit to an exhibition — First Meeting: 18 October
The group operates from October to March inclusive. The meetings in Victoria Hall are group led and cover a wide range of topics suggested by members of the group. The first meeting on 4th October will focus on the work of Barbara Hepworth. More detail can be found on the Art Appreciation section of the website.
 
Book Group — Chris Stephens
3rd Monday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Members’ homes — First Meeting: !9 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 — First Meeting: 15 September
3rd Thursday — — 1.00-3.00pm — — Giggleswick — First Meeting: 15 September
The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Mrs Newby’s home in Giggleswick. Materials provided for a small charge. There will probably be 2 sessions, but that depends on how many people sign up. No more than 12 members can be accommodated in total.
 
Chamber Music — Brian Birkby
2nd & 4th Tuesday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 11 October
This group has evolved out of Song Cycles. This year the group will focus more on chamber music than song cycles, and may even range more widely.
The group could change the day to suit participants.
 
Circle Dancing — Pat Smith and Gillian Walton
Every Friday — — 10.00-11.00am — — Langcliffe Institute TBC — First Meeting: 16 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.
 
Computers — Derek Hewitson
2nd & 4th Wednesdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 14 September
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.
 
Digital Image Manipulation — Frank Higginson
2nd & 4th Mondays — — 2.00pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 26 September
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 Thursdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 22 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 — First Meeting: 13 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. If you have any health issues, check with your doctor first.
 
Family History — Jean Asher
4th Friday — — 10.00am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 23 September
For those interested in family history. 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 — First Meeting: 3 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 — First Meeting: 12 October
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.
 
Geology — Paul Cochrane
3rd Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 20 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 — First Meeting: 12 October
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 — First Meeting: 17 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 — First Meeting: 21 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 — First Meeting: TBD
There will not be a meeting every month, but there may be visits to places of heraldic interest.
 
Jewellery Techniques — Rowena Magdan
every Friday — — 2.30-4.00pm — — Northfields Crescent — First Meeting: TBD
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.
 
Landscapes and Townscapes
of North Craven
− insights from the archives — Tony Stephens
1st Tuesday — — 10.30am — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 4 October
The group will look at documentary sources from Domesday to the census of 1851, and will cover issues such as The townships covered will be Burton in Lonsdale, Long Preston, Settle, Giggleswick, Rathmell, Langstrothdale and Littondale, and I would envisage half a dozen meetings and perhaps three or four visits to look at the places of interest.
 
Line Dancing — Eileen Bamford
1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Thursdays — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — St John’s Hall — First Meeting: 15 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.
 
Looking at Old Buildings — Debi Burridge
mostly 4th Thursday — — mostly pm — — various — First Meeting: 22 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 — First Meeting: 4 October
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 — First Meeting: 15 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
1st & 3rd Mondays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 19 September TBC
In the past we have considered Determinism, Politics & Justice, Philosophy of the Mind, Ethical Choice, Belief in God and other equally diverting topics. Our discussions are relaxed and entertaining and of course no definitive conclusions were reached - but then our U3A Philosophy is more concerned with exploring and challenging ideas than with providing the ultimate answer to the meaning of life!
Our recent sessions have focused on the work of a number of individual philosophers such as Plato, Descartes, Spinoza, Kant, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche whose ideas have been particularly influential. The group will decide whether to continue this pattern with more recent "giants" such as Heiddeger, Camus, Sartre, Wittgenstein, Popper etc., or to revert to a more topic based approach. Whilst we encourage members of the group to do some background reading no prior expertise is required and all are welcome to join our group. Our meetings will take the form of a video presentation before we launch into an informal discussion.

 
Poetry Appreciation — Jean Stevens.
2nd & last Thursdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 13 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 — First Meeting: 9 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 — First Meeting: 5 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. Another course will commence in January 2012 if there is enough demand.

A new seven week course will be starting in autumn providing there are enough people interested at the August meeting.

(Last session before Christmas is 5 December.)
 
Science, Engineering and Technology — David Holdsworth
2nd Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 11 October
This group evolved from the Mathematical Puzzles group last year. We 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. It is hoped to continue having some sessions in which group members give the technological background to their previous working lives. There is a wide variation in level of difficulty, and the science ranges over the interests and knowledge of the group members. In the last year discussion has often focussed on energy supplies. 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 — First Meeting: 12 September
The emphasis is on enjoyment rather than achievement. There is a need for some new members.
 
Singing for Pleasure — Catherine Holland and Pauline Langford
Every Wednesday — — 10.30am-12.noon — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 21 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.
 
Continuing Spanish — Linda Martingell
last Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — First Meeting: 27 September
This is a new group, intended for those who have sound knowledge of Spanish, and who wish to practise the language with a view to retaining their existing ability, and perhaps getting a bit better. The exact nature of the group’s activities will depend on discussion among the members of the group.
 
Walking — Margaret and Michael Cullingworth
2nd, 4th, (5th?) Tuesdays — — 9.30am — — walks (approx 5 miles) — First Meeting: next week
1st, 3rd, (5th?) Thursdays — — 9.30am — — walks (6 - 10 miles) — First Meeting: next week
Settle District U3A Walking Group has two levels of walks, the Tuesday walks average between 4 and 6 miles and are usually fairly easy. Thursday walks, which average about 8 miles, are more challenging. Both groups meet at the Cricket Club Car Park at 9.30 a.m. unless otherwise stated on the programme. Copies of the programme are available today and are also displayed in the TIC and Settle Library. New members are always welcome.