U3A Programme 2009/10

The date shown is the first meeting in Autumn 2009. Where no date is shown, people who register will be informed later.
You can register at either the 13thAugust meeting or the 10thSeptember meeting. There is also a new facility for registering on-line.
This means that first-come-first-served is not appropriate. If a group is over-subscribed, we will first try to find another person to lead a parallel group, and so run two groups in parallel. If we are unable to find a duplicate leader, places will be alloted by a lottery, and the losers kept on a reserve list. Any member of a group which has a waiting list who misses two consecutive meetings without apology, will be deemed to have left the group, and the head of the reserve list will take the place.

If a group attracts too few people registering, it may well not operate this year.

The new table is here.
Volunteers are needed to organise two of the groups listed here. If you feel that you would like to discuss whether you might be one of these volunteers, please click to make contact with David H.
Please feel free to register for such a group in the hope that a leader will emerge (rather like prime ministers in times past). It helps in guaging whether it is worth putting in effort to identify a leader.

 
Art Appreciation — Frank Gordon
1st Tuesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 6 October
3rd Tuesday — — 2.00pm — — visit to an exhibition
An introduction/explanatory presentation on the first Tuesday in preparation for the gallery visit, together with something on some wider aspect of art appreciation. 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 — — 22 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 — — 17 September
A small group meeting once a month. Materials provided, for which a small charge is made.
Only 8 members can be accommodated, but a second group is a possibility.  
Card Making 2 — Wendy Newby
3rd Thursday — — 1.00-3.00pm — — Giggleswick — — 17 September
Second group
 
Circle Dancing — Pat Smith and Gillian Walton
Every Friday — — 10.00-11.00am — — Victoria Hall — — 25 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.
 
Climate Change Caucus — Chris Petrie
1st & 3rd Monday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — — 21 September
A group addressing the most important issue of the 21st century. After the planning meeting on 21 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). Subjects are likely to be selected from:
 
Computers — Derek Hewitson
2nd & 4th Wednesdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 23 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.
 
Creative Writing — Jean Stevens
1st Thursday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 1 October
A new 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 Photography — Frank Woodhams and Frank Higginson
2nd & 4th Fridays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 11 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 — — 15 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.
 
Family History — Jean Asher
4th Friday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — — 25 September
A group for all those interested in ancestry research, beginners and the more experienced alike. The programme will combine a focus on specific topics, the opportunity to address individual queries, and visits. The first session on Sept. 25th 09 will be a planning session, to which all are welcome.
 
Continuing French — Olwyn Bolger and Anne Richer
Every Monday — — 10.00-11.30am — — Victoria Hall — — 5 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 — — 14 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. 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 — — 15 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 — — 23 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 — — 10.15-11.45am — — Victoria Hall — — 16 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 — — 16 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
1st Thursday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — — 5 November
A short course for those wishing to know more about the history, language and art of heraldry.
 
Heraldry Visits — Hilary Baker
Occasional visits for those who have previously attended the Heraldry classes. This group will probably have some visits this year.
 
Line Dancing — Eileen Bamford
1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Thursdays — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — — 17 September
A very active class, continuing from previous sessions. Tutored by Joan Lord. Newcomers always welcome.
 
Listening to Music — Shirley Wolfenden
3rd Monday — — 2.00-4.00pm — — Members’ homes — — 21 September
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 knowlege 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 — — 22 October
Usually meets on 4th Thursday of each month, but occasionally at other times. There is a visit already booked for 1st October, when the group will have a guided walk round Appletreewick.

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.

In the recent past the group has visited Slaidburn, Long Preston and East Riddlesden Hall and has had very interesting talks on Bridges and Buildings at risk in the Dales.

The 22nd October meeting will be in the Victoria Hall at 2pm, and will focus on planning the forthcoming programme.
 
Madrigals — Alan Hemsworth
1st & 3rd Tuesday — — 10.00-11.30am — — St John’s Hall — — 6 October
A group aimed at small ensemble mixed-voice unaccompanied singing. It is necessary to have some sightreading ability. There is a need for more sopranos to join the group.
 
Mathematical Puzzles — David Holdsworth
2nd & last Tuesdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 29 September
We look at mathematical brain teasers. There is a wide variation in level of difficulty. Even if you failed O-level maths but still find maths interesting there will be something within your grasp. Sessions are surprisingly jolly. New members very welcome.
 
Needlework and Natter — Alison Tyas
Every Wednesday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Settle — — 16 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
4th Tuesday — — 2 pm — — Victoria Hall — — 22 September
The group concentrates on discussion of philosophical topics of today. Before each session participants are encouraged to read a short article to set the scene. The first session will look at a paper form Stanford called “Dirty Hands“, http://plato.stanford.edu/enties/dirty-hands/.
 
Poetry Appreciation — Jean Stevens.
2nd & last Thursdays — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 8 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.
 
Recorders — Pam Elstub
1st & 3rd Fridays — — 11.15am-12.30 — — Victoria Hall — — 4 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.
 
Scrabble — Pat Lodge
2nd Monday — — 2.00-3.30pm — — Victoria Hall — — 14 September
The emphasis is on enjoyment rather than achievement. New members are very welcome.
 
Singing for Pleasure — Sally Wright
Every Wednesday — — 10.30am-12.noon — — Victoria Hall — — 16 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.
 
Song Cycles — Brian Birkby
2nd & 4th Tuesday — — 10.30am-12.00noon — — Victoria Hall — — 22 September
Study and enjoyment of music by Schubert, Mahler, Brahms, Strauss and Vaughan Williams amongst others.
The group could change the day to suit participants.
 
Strollers — Janet Stafford
Various Wednesdays — — 2.00pm — — Cricket club — — March
This group functions from April to October, once a month on a different Wednesday each month to avoid clashes with other organisations. The walks are short, taking about 1½ hours. They are easy, with no stiles, very rough ground or steep hills. Some members walk with a stick and the pace is slow. We meet at the Cricket Club unless otherwise stated on the programme. We use our bus passes or cars if there is no bus suitable, that is, if we are not setting off on a walk from town. We usually manage to find a ‘teashop’ for well-earned refreshment.
 
Walking — Margaret and Michael Cullingworth
2nd, 4th, (5th?) Tuesdays — — 10.00am — — walks (under 5 miles) — — 8 September
1st, 3rd, (5th?) Thursdays — — 9.30am — — walks (6 - 10 miles) — — 3 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.
Here we have two groups for which we do not yet have leaders/co-ordinators, one group which has run in the past, but whose leader wishes to go on to other things.
The idea of Spanish is responding to a few verbal hints that it would be a good idea.

Please register for these groups and we will try to find (cajole) someone to be leader if there is a sufficient number of people showing interest.
 
Beginners’ French — volunteer needed
TBD — — am or pm — — not yet known — — October?
We need a teacher for a group learning French as beginners.
 
Spanish — volunteer needed
TBD — — am or pm — — not yet known — — not yet known
There have been suggestions that a Spanish group would be a good idea.