North
Down & Ards
University of the Third Age
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Page Last Updated 5 November 2011
INTEREST GROUPS
For further information, please click on activities which are underlined
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! It's so popular that sessions
are now available twice a week. Activities comprise exercise and dancing to
music, followed by coffee and some health education and ending with a relaxation
session. Sorry gentlemen, so far it’s ladies only. Of course, anyone
qualified could start his own group!
ART
This is one of our longest established groups. There are 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
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
day's 'birding'.
Note! Warm layered waterproof clothing, strong walking boots/shoes, binoculars
and flask with a hot drink are essential.
BADMINTON
New members, both new and experienced, are most welcome with games played
twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. We have have both home and away 'friendly'
matches and rackets and shuttlecocks can be made available.
CARD & BOARD GAMES
Members come together in each other's homes twice a month to play cards and
board games of their choice. We are limited to between 8 and 10 members.
CHAIR YOGA
The group is designed for members who would like gentle exercise but are not
able to stand for long periods and who physically cannot get up and down easily
from the floor. The exercises are all performed while sitting on a chair and
each session lasts one hour.
COFFEE MORNING
This is a morning coffee party with 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 Tuesdays of the month and do a wide
variety of crafts including patchwork, knitting, embroidery, tapestry, cross
stitch, appliqué, crochet, beading and quilting. Members pay £1
per session to cover the cost of rent, gifts and some materials for the group.
CREATIVE ARTS
This includes 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 2.00pm 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. 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 accommodate only four members at each session.
If you would be interested, you could add your name to the waiting list by
contacting Roberta Hagan.
FILM SHOW
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. Occasionally films are seen 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
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
is welcome, but contact the convenor if interested.
GARDENING
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
is welcome, but please contact the convenor first.
GOLF
A group of dedicated golfers play at Blackwood twice 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 group started in May 2010
and are meeting to learn and improve their skills in playing the guitar. Beginners
and experienced musicians are very welcome.
HERITAGE HOPEFULS
We are 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 or her own accord,
as the U3A does not accept any financial liability for such transactions.
HISTORY
This lively group meets normally on the first Tuesday of each month in Hamilton
House; however watch the newsletter for changes - they are fairly frequent!
We follow themes, both local and farther 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'.
INDOOR BOWLS
If you would like to learn the basics of indoor bowling we now play twice
a week, on Wednesday and Thursday. We have some experienced bowlers and some
learners who all get on well together and the 'craic' is good. So if you haven't
bowled before, don’t worry; come and enjoy yourself!
IN FOCUS
This is a group 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 the complete course costs £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. There's plenty of light-hearted help from tutors, other
group members and from tapes, interspersed with friendly chat, hopefully in
the language, for a good afternoon out! As Spanish has been so popular, a
second group has started, meeting in Hamilton House.
LATIN
This group is now in its second year. 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 is welcome,
from beginners to university professors.
LOOK AROUND US
This is a walking group which aims to look around and discuss history, flora,
fauna, archaeology, geology, the impact of man etc, depending upon the venue.
The moderate walks will be approximately 2 miles. Note! Wear comfortable footwear.
LOW IMPACT AEROBICS
The emphasis is on improving flexibility, toning the arms, tummy and legs,
while working the heart and lungs that little bit harder. There is no bouncing
or jumping.
LUNCHEON CLUB
This group has been meeting for the past two 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 day and date. 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.
MONDAY
PAINTERS
The aim of the Monday Painters Group is to assist those
members who are interested and have a desire to paint. As well as acquiring
artistic knowledge and skill, members are encouraged to partake in group activities,
assist each other, mix, make new friends and generally socialise.
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. For example, 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 CDs covering
jazz, film, opera and 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 and fauna and learn to
identify different species of birds. In the colder months of the year, we
meet inside and those meetings 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 farther afield, bringing a picnic and making the most of the day.
NORDIC WALKING
Nordic walking exercises both the upper and lower body and members do some
warm-up exercises before each walk. Two poles, which are provided, are used
and the walks last approximately 2 hours. Although the group meets at the
leisure centre, members drive by car to one of the coastal paths in county
Down. NB. Good walking shoes/boots are essential.
PAINTING FOR PLEASURE
Our leader, Sheila Roberts, is a talented artist willing to help others to
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 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 U3A Newsletter.
The group leader 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,
a guest speaker is invited and videos and tapes are also sometimes used. At
present we have an average attendance of 20 members per meeting.
PHOTO PLUS
This group is designed for members who wish to improve their photographic
skills, enabling them to produce better photographs. The leader/s give talks
and instruction on bettering our compositions, lighting issues and many more
hints on producing more creative photographs. They also set photographic themes
and critique the results. We have the opportunity to project our photographs
on to a screen so that we can view them together as a group.
PILATES
We now have two groups, on Tuesdays and Fridays. 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.
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
This group meets 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 or by the convenor. Recent visits have been to the Eden
Pottery, Millisle, Belfast City Hall and a museum in Dublin.
SHARED LEARNING PROJECTS
Shared learning projects can be started at any time by any member who has
an interesting topic to research. Groups from ND&A U3A have already worked
on five projects. So how about you and/or your group starting up a project
of your own?
SINGING
The Singing Group, under our conductor Hazel Barron, is in its sixth year
and consists of around 35 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 people's homes, etc. Last year we did a concert for
St Gall’s Church.
SOCIAL
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Membership continues to grow and at present stands at 66, with an average
of 8 – 9 tables each Thursday. All agree that the atmosphere is pleasant
and friendly - conducive to good bridge.
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 and
stretching, in an attempt to master that little white ball into a winning
shot! If you're interested in having a go, please come along for a 'taster
session' and wear suitable soft-soled footwear.
TAI CHI
Tai Chi is practised simultaneously by breathing exercises and a series of
slow, graceful flowing postures. These are said to to improve body awareness
and enhance strength and coordination, as well as physical and emotional well-being.
THEATRE
This is another long-standing group and 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 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
This is 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 This involves 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 Ramblers' venues vary and take place on the second Sunday in the month. It's a full day out with a packed lunch involving a good brisk walk, usually along well-defined paths.
Scramblers Scramblers
go out on the fourth Sunday in the month. This is for experienced walkers
only, with a full day on rough terrain so, for safety reasons, is by invitation
only. If you’re interested, please 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
This is 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 classes start with 10 minutes' relaxation
followed by gentle stretching, standing and/or balance postures and various
bends. Breathing exercises are also practised, followed by a final 15 minutes'
relaxation. Wear loose clothing and bring a yoga mat if possible; a large
towel will suffice otherwise.
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