What We Do
Report from Groups
- Ambling
- Birdwatching 2
- Book Choice 3
- Bridge Overview
- Bridge (Improvers)
- The Buddha's Life (new)
- Cooking for Men (New)
- Digital Photography (Intro)
- Drawing ... (Follow on)
- Family History...
- Lunch Clubs 1
- Mahjong Club (New)
- Music Appreciation
- Opera for All (Group B)
- Painting 3
- Poetry for Everyone
- Shakespeare
- Stargazing
- Three Famous... (new)
- Yoga
- Badminton (New)
- Book Choice 1
- Boules
- Bridge Club
- Bridge (Imp. 3rd Tue - Finished)
- Computing for Beginners
- A cultural Miscellany (New)
- Dig. Photo. (Special Topics)
- Drawing for Fun
- The Greeks... (New)
- Lunch Clubs 2
- Maths for Fun
- Opera for All
- Painting 1
- Patchwork 1
- Rambling
- Singing for Fun
- Table Tennis 1
- Walking 1 (New)
- Birdwatching 1
- Book Choice 2
- Bowls
- Bridge (2nd Year Beginners)
- Bridge Workshop
- Computing ... Plus (New)
- Current Affairs
- Drawing for Beginners
- Embroidery
- Local History (New)
- Mahjong (Beginners)
- Medieval History
- Opera for All (Group A)
- Painting 2
- Patchwork 2
- Scrabble
- Spanish for Complete Beginners
- Table Tennis 2
- Walking 2 (New)
Ambling 1st Thursdays, am
It was with regret that Cherry had to relinquish her role as leader due to an injury problem which at the time was steadily worsening. Thank you, Cherry, for all your enjoyable walks. Since I knew the local highways and byways well, I took over from her.
We’ve had many pleasant meanderings, during which I like to encourage identification of the many birds, butterflies, wildflowers, etc, that we encounter. It’s good to fully appreciate the wonderful range of natural history on our doorstep.
Steve
Badminton — NEW 1st and 3rd Fridays, am
This course is for all standards of players who enjoy badminton. I’ve played for more years than I wish to remember, but have always enjoyed the challenge and the people. All that’s needed is a sense of fun and sportsmanship (or sportswomanship!), a badminton racket and a pair of trainers (not black-soled as they would mark the floor). Twice a month, we shall have four courts for two hours at the Charterhouse Club in Godalming. A small charge will be made for the shuttles.
All are welcome. Come and have some fun.
Barbara
Birdwatching 1 2nd Wednesdays, am
Birdwatching 1 group meets in Milford and we usually go to local commons, such as Witley and Thursley, for the morning. We also go to the coast at Farlington Marsh in Portsmouth Harbour, or to Pagham Harbour. Last season there were 13 members in the group and turnout averaged about eight.
We visited most of the the local commons and also made three visits to the coast. The first was to Pagham Harbour in September for the autumn migration of waders, then Farlington Marsh in February for the wild geese and ducks, and lastly to Pagham Harbour and Selsey Bill in April for the spring migration. At the end of May we had an evening meeting to listen to Nightingales, Nightjars and Woodcock.
A full account of all the meetings, including the birds seen, can be viewed on the Milford and District U3A website.
David
Birdwatching 2 2nd Tuesdays, am
LAST SEASON — as usual we concentrated on the birds to be seen locally during the year on Thursley Common near Elstead, which is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). .Thursley is noted for its rare heathland fauna and flora and breeding birds.
On our first visit in September we witnessed flocks of House Martins and Swallows on their return migration southwards. In October we were lucky to see the arrival of a Great Grey Shrike, probably from northern Scandinavia. This rare winter visitor fortunately remained on Thursley Common throughout the winter and only departed in the first week of April. This bird was even joined by a second individual from late February onwards . On the same visit we also saw the first Redwings from the north. In November we saw the arrival of flocks of Redpolls and Siskins, which remained on the common over the winter.
Unfortunately the visits in December, January, February and March had to be cancelled because I had seriously injured my foot. Then in April the first spring migrants from Africa were seen, including two Wheatears, several Redstarts and a Cuckoo. We also saw a pair of Curlew, which had taken up residence in West Bog, and had glimpses of Bramblings near the Moat. In May we had good views of two Red Kites soaring above Pudmore Pond. We also saw more summer migrants including two dashing Hobbies back from their winter in Africa, a flock of Swifts and a Tree Pipit performing its parachuting song flight into the tree tops.
You can access full reports and photographs from Birdwatching 2 on the Milford and District U3A website.
THE COMING SEASON — there is not space here to name all the birds we hope to see (more than those listed above) that are known to favour Thursley for breeding, hunting prey, or simply passing through. Our visits usually last about three hours and entail about 3-4km of walking with frequent stops to observe the birds and other wildlife.
Doug
Book Choice 1 2nd Fridays, am
We have had another season full of cosmopolitan action: a Pied Piper in France, a White Tiger in India, a House by the Dvina in Russia; The Help, a Hard Time and deathcell Candlemoth from the USA; not to mention back home with a Loseley Lady and the Poet, and a plague Year of Wonders rounded off with epilepsy in The Music Room!
Over an admirable garden luncheon in June, our year of nourishment is deliberated and decided. Honoured the authors who get through our pre-prandial selection process. Armed usually with volumes provided by Clare through the library, we tuck in each month. The full guided tour comes at each meeting, chaired with skill by Jill. This is followed by fascinating reactions and comment from the members, who have such varied life experiences to bring.
So it’s hardly surprising that this group has no vacancies.
Timothy, a member of Book Choice 1
Book Choice 2 3rd Tuesdays, pm
This past year we have welcomed several new members to our reading circle, and have all got to know each other as we’ve pooled our ideas of what we’d like to read and enjoyed sharing our responses to the different titles selected for each month. Our group, like Book Choice 1, has now reached capacity and so it’s good to know that Kirsten is starting a third book group. We wish it well as it caters for a growing interest among U3A members.
Rosemary
Book Choice 3 — New Mostly 1st Mondays, pm
To satisfy popular demand we have decided to start a third book group. It will be run along the same lines as the other two groups and participants, together, will choose the books that we will read. For the first meeting on Monday September 5th we will discuss Pompeii by Robert Harris.
The only qualification required for joining this book club is that you like reading, nothing else is necessary. We like to have a good mix of points of view so I would encourage male readers in particular to join.
Kirsten
Boules Saturdays, am
This year our friendly group of players has expanded to capacity, with a regular turnout. As we are only able to play two games simultaneously, any further interest will require the founding of a new group and leader. On Enrolment Day we shall be taking the names of any U3A members interested in forming a second group.
Pamela
Bowls Mondays and Fridays, pm
We had a small but enthusiastic group this year – the weather was good and everyone enjoyed themselves. We shall be doing the same again next year.
Norman
Bridge — Overview
As has become the norm, this section of the U3A attracts many people and it is not unusual to have 40 people in Milford Village Hall enjoying the cut and thrust of playing bridge, meeting new friends and enjoying their tea.
We are very sorry to be losing two teachers this summer, Elizabeth Port and Elizabeth Copeman, who have both been good and inspiring teachers and have made their sessions on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays truly enjoyable for all who come. They will be sorely missed. However, we are lucky to have found Vivian Taskes to take over on the 2nd Tuesday – she already teaches one day a month in Haslemere and will be an asset to our bridge team. She plans to continue with the Intermediate section and to introduce some new conventions to keep you all on your toes.
Christine
Bridge Club 1st Tuesdays, pm
The bridge club meets monthly and will continue to provide an afternoon of bridge played within a competitive framework. Players are able to improve their skills and will play hands against different opponents.
Ted
Bridge (2nd year Beginners) 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, pm
We have just completed our first year and we have 12 very enthusiastic learner bridge players who are quickly mastering the game. We look forward to seeing them all in the autumn after their summer of practice. This September they will be completing their Beginners course, so anybody who wishes to join this class has to have the rudiments of bridge playing in order to integrate.
A new Beginners class will start in Autumn 2012.
Christine and Iris
Bridge (Improvers) 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, pm
Judi and I have enjoyed helping the intermediate (Improvers) class again last season. We usually have some 10 tables and it’s always a very cheerful occasion.
I shall miss everybody, but felt the time had come to retire whilst it was still enjoyable. I’m sure you will welcome Viv who is replacing me.
Elizabeth C
I hope just to continue the good work everyone has put in over the last few years.
Vivien
Bridge (Improvers, 3rd Tuesdays) NOW FINISHED
Another year has sped by and this Improvers’ group has continued to meet enthusiastically and with great perseverance. The group has shown great initiative and improvement in playing is evident.
As I will not be leading a group next year I would like to send my good wishes to the members and hope they will continue to have happy times at the bridge table.
Elizabeth P
BridgeWorkshop (formerly Bridge Advanced)3rd Tuesdays, pm
Over the last year we have focused on a range of topics in bidding and play through discussion, practice hands and written notes. Areas covered have included Competitive Bidding after a NT Opening, Bridge Odds, Signals and Discards, and Slam Bidding.
For 2011-2012 we have renamed the class ‘Bridge Workshop’ to better reflect this format – which is designed to appeal to any player who wishes to improve their bridge technique. We will start the new year by looking at the Losing Trick Count method of hand evaluation. If you want to know how to bid 20 point games and 25 point slams then you will want to join this group!
John
The Buddha’s Life — New 2nd Fridays, pm
I shall be giving a series of talks about a giant of his time in the spiritual field – Siddhata Gotama, otherwise known as the Buddha. I will be talking mainly about his life and times (of which there is a considerable record), rather than presuming to give a course on Buddhism, though his teachings of course cannot be separated from his life.
Nick
Computing for Beginners Thursdays, pm, Oct-Dec
We will begin with keyboard and screen and then go on as far as you wish. Home practice is encouraged to consolidate what you learn in the sessions. There is a charge of £15 for this course.
Pam
Computing for Beginners Plus — NewThursdays, pm, Jan-Mar
This course is intended for folk who are not raw beginners but would still like some support in gaining experience of more techniques or applications. There is a charge of £15. The emphasis will be driven by the members’ own needs and preferences, but will probably include:.
- Simple editing of photographs and attaching to emails
- Powerpoint-style presentations
- Skype for video phone calls
- Maps and Google Streetview
- Spreadsheet for calculations and lists
- Google documents – do all your work on-line without expensive software on your computer
Don
Cooking for Men — New 4th Wednesdays, am
This is a basic course for those with no experience who would like to be able to cook simple meals for themselves. I hope we will have fun learning to shop for, prepare, and cook tasty 2-course meals and then eating them in good company. This will be a fully hands-on experience – each member will be expected to help with the cooking and eat the results!
The cost of each meal, including a glass of wine and coffee or tea will be £5.00. Unfortunately the capacity of the kitchen limits the number of members to 12.
Margaret
A Cultural Miscellany — New 4th Thursdays, pm
This group will discuss topics in art, architecture, literature, music, etc that are chosen by the members. The concept is that there will be a short (5-10 minutes) introduction by the member proposing the topic, followed by general discussion. All members will get a chance to propose their favourite topic. There could be two or three topics per session. The precise format will be up to the members. Topics might include The Arts & Crafts Movement, Book vs DVD, The Renaissance, medieval manuscripts, myths and legends, the photographs of Ansell Adams, local domestic buildings, Gertrude Jekyll, classical versus pop.
Hugh
Current Affairs 4th Thursdays, pm
The format of the discussion group on Current Affairs will remain the same. All participants can raise subjects for discussion, whether local, national or international, and the leader may provoke discussion on subjects if necessary.
It’s a very friendly group in which to put the world to rights.
Robert
Digital Photography (Introduction) 1st Mondays, am
What do all those little buttons on digital cameras do? A digital camera is like having a half dozen different film cameras in one. We will explore what can be done beyond “point and shoot,” see the effects of some of the basic settings and functions on most digital cameras, such as white balance, ISO, image size, the relation between F-stops and shutter speed, zoom, auto focus, metering mode, burst, macro and explore basic editing on a computer. Other functions will depend on the camera, so you need to bring yours, and the manual (sometimes a bit cryptic, but full of information) with the battery charged and space on your memory chip, to meetings to find out some new tricks and ideas for taking good pictures in general. You will need to tell me what camera you have at enrolment, so I can group people with similar cameras. Each session will have handouts with space to add notes for your camera.
If you know very little about digital cameras, I would strongly recommend you read the U3A sponsored book Digital Photography for the Older and Wiser by Kim Gilmour (£9.09 from Amazon including postage.) This will give you the basics and, while there is some overlap, I will go considerably further. There will be a small charge for photocopied handouts and coffee. This year there will be a limit of 24 for the seven sessions, which are:
- Buttons and icons, scrutinising pictures, image size
- White Balance, ISO/ASA, exposure: speed vs aperture
- Auto focus, depth of field (DoF)
- Exposure value (EV), Records of what the camera did (“Scenes”), Exposure metering, and Histograms
- Flash, zoom, macro, and burst
- &7. Some computer editing: colour, levels, contrast, sharpness, etc
Tom
Digital Photography (Special Topics) 3rd Mondays, am
This series of six or seven mornings is for survivors of the first course and other experienced photographers who have developed some skills in digital photography and want to learn more. The emphasis will be on sharing our expertise, challenges and enthusiasm. Each 2-hour morning will be divided in two sessions with a different person volunteering to lead each hour. For example, you could present something for 10-20 minutes to start a discussion or raise questions and even look at photos that everyone brings as a starting point. Building on basic knowledge of digital photography, many of us would like to know more about such topics as editing (e.g., “curves,” histograms, layers and other tools in editors like Photoshop CS/Elements, Picassa, Paintshop Pro, Gimp, etc). In the past, we have had sessions on good practices for macro photography, using flash, converting to black and white, digital scanning, restoring old prints, flowers, portraits, wildlife and scenery, general editing, digital microscopes, RAW format, and preparing for web publishing. Since we all improve and learn more, many of these could be repeated or gone into in even greater depth, plus any other topics you would want to lead a discussion on or challenges and frustrations you have encountered that could be shared would be welcomed.
I do only one or two sessions and make the coffee, so volunteers are needed for the other 8+ sessions. The digital projector and laptop will be available and I set it up for each morning.
Tom
Drawing for Beginners 1st Wednesdays, am
We start by getting to know our materials, creating shapes and using basic shading techniques to give form and depth, then moving on to simple textures such as cloth and silks. We will quickly cover the spotting of important aspects of an object for making preparatory sketches, and will also be using grids to copy photos. All through this course we will be progressing gradually towards drawing the human form.
Mike
Drawing for Beginners (Follow on) 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, am
We shall continue drawing more complex objects, some of which will be the more popular ones from last year. All the time we shall be free to explore new and interesting subjects: bark, leaves, feather and fur, light reflections on metal or mirrors, sunlight on water, etc. The list can be as wide as your imagination.
See our results on the Milford and District U3A website.
Mike
Drawing for Fun 3rd Wednesdays, am
Our season was enjoyable and with the group changing over time we tried different materials and subjects. For the new season we hope to welcome some new members and will be trying different techniques of drawing and different subjects – as always having fun while we enjoy the many aspects of drawing.
Marion
Embroidery 1st and 3rd Fridays, am
Our group has had another enjoyable year. Several new people have joined us and are making enthusiastic progress. Some of our more experienced members have produced heirloom pieces for their families. Sixteen of us travelled to the Alexandra Palace Exhibition using the Clockhouse (Day Centre) minibus; it was a very reasonable, comfortable Milford door-to-door service. Our bank balances were a little lighter by the end of our visit with such a huge choice of delights. Visits were also made to the Ramster Garden Textile Art Exhibition.
We are a friendly group, with busy fingers while we chat, offering a welcome to anyone who might like to try something new or renew old pleasures.
Eileen
Family History Using Computers – A and B 3rd Thursdays, am and pm
Our two groups last season both ran as planned from September to April. Each group had to be limited to 12 members because of the space constraints imposed by the Pepperpot – the only accommodation available to us at a reasonable price and with free wireless access to the internet. This meant that one or two who had put their names down for the afternoon group were in the event disappointed.
The morning group (A) is for those reasonably familiar with the computer and now wanting to make use of it for family history research purposes. Attendance at meetings was again irregular and the group gradually got smaller over the first four sessions, meaning that too often we had to retrace our steps to the disadvantage of the few regular attendees. So attendance at the last four sessions was limited to those members of the group whose attendance had demonstrated that they would benefit from further experience, and the spare places were taken up by members from the previous year who had been unable to secure a place in the afternoon sessions.
The afternoon group (B) continued to work well together for the fourth year running on developing knowledge and solving problems. There continued to be no shortage of problems and with further frequent additions to the sites and material available on the internet this seems likely to be the case for some time to come.
For this season, the intention is to continue with the afternoon group broadly as last year, operating in the Pepperpot but with a reduced class size. With one exception all members of last year’s group have indicated a wish to continue to meet and so once again there is unlikely to be a vacancy on this group for the coming season, particularly given the need to reduce its size.
If there is a demand for a new teaching group in the morning then one will be established. It will run for four sessions on the third Thursday in the month, the precise months yet to be determined. Those signing up for this group will be asked to commit to attendance at each of the four sessions insofar as this is reasonably possible. The remaining four (or five) sessions will be problem-solving ones for those who have attended regularly or who have the necessary experience but cannot get a place in the afternoon group.
Christopher
The Greeks: How They Changed the World — New 2nd Thursdays, pm
This season we shall turn from Greek mythology to Greek history and culture. The topics will be:
- The great epic poet Homer, who describes the gods and heroes of Greek history.
- The history of the development of Athens and Sparta and the war against the Persians.
- How democracy came to Athens but not Sparta. The Athenians and Spartans. The importance of Solon, Cleisthenes and especially Pericles for introducing democracy.
- The great philosophers of Athens and their views, especially Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
- The great Greek writers and poets including Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus whose plays were performed in many theatres in Greece.
- The Acropolis, including the Parthenon and other important buildings and artistic monuments.
- The Olympic Games and their importance and continuation to our own day.
Andreas
Local History — New 1st and 3rd Fridays, am
This will be a series of seven talks on local historical events in Godalming and district. It will cover the following periods: Iron Age and Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Mediaeval, Tudor, Civil War, 18th Century and 19th Century. All information will be based on documents available in Godalming Museum’s local history library.
Bernard
Lunch Club 1 4th Fridays
| Venue | Percentage score |
|---|---|
| Sir Roger Tichbourne | 90 |
| The Withies | 88 |
| The Stag | 85 |
| The White Lion | 82 |
| The Harrow | 82 |
| The Crown | 78 |
| The Parrot | 76 |
| The Woolpack | 75 |
This year, in our area as in many others, the number of customers eating out has fallen. A swathe of clients taking a lunch break, either with friends or entertaining business associates, has all but disappeared. Apparently it is cheaper to eat a takeaway platter of sandwiches with a bottle of wine in the boardroom. In some ways this is good for the likes of our group, as we have more space and are welcomed with open arms. Look out for tempters such as the complimentary bowl of soup to all customers ordering a meal at the White Lion during January and February. Inevitably though, restaurateurs are struggling, staff are laid off and, in the worst cases, an establishment has to close. Prices have increased, but it is worth spotting where and how. Popular items are marked up significantly, for instance a single glass of wine costs as much as a full bottle of a similar quality from a supermarket. Some prices remain unchanged, there are bargains, and it’s fun to seek them out.
Our first choice for the year was the Sir Roger Tichbourne – look on our website for a review of our May visit – and a booking has been made for a re-visit on Friday 23rd September.
Most of the group have rejoined for another year, but there are still some places left for you.
Mary
Lunch Club 2 3rd Fridays
Once again we have had an enjoyable year. We have lunched at several public houses, some for the first time and some well-tried places. I have 20 members on the register, although not everyone manages to attend each time – if they can’t come they usually let me know in advance, which is helpful when making final bookings.
I must say we’re a happy group, having got to know each other quite well over a few years now, and all want to join again for the next season. If you can’t attend the Enrolment Day, please contact me beforehand to ensure your place.
Richard
Mahjong 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, pm
Typically about 24 people, mostly complete beginners, gathered on Wednesday afternoons to learn to build the Great Wall of China, chase dragons and hopefully declare mahjong. By the end of the course everyone could play with enthusiasm and ability – many had attempted more complex and riskier strategies.
This year I shall again be running a course for beginners. Steve will be running a ‘play only’ non-tutored club for those who want to carry on playing and improve their game by practice.
Jeanne
Mahjong Club — New 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, pm
This Mahjong group is for the beginners from last season who wish to continue playing on a regular basis, having discovered what a thoroughly interesting and absorbing game it is. Others already familiar with Mahjong are also most welcome to join in, relax and share fun with friends.
Steve
Maths for Fun 3rd Thursdays, am
A MAGICAL NUMBER
Write down any 3-digit number, but with all 3 digits being different.
Reverse that number and then write down the difference between the two numbers.
Write down the reverse of the last number and add this to the difference number.
Make a note of your magical answer.
Now repeat the process for another 3-digit number and another and prepare to be amazed.
[N.B. If you land up with 99, assume that the 3-digit number is 099.]
Now write down the multiplication table for your magical number —
1 x ........., 2 x ........., up to 9 x .........
Look very carefully at your answers and be amazed.
(Hint: the prime factors of this fantastic number are 32 x 112, 32 = 9 and 112 = 121)
Monica
Medieval History 1st and 3rd Thursdays, am
It was an interesting first year, with a dozen members putting in a reasonably consistent attendance. There was a lot of ground to cover and we managed to get from 200AD to 800AD, dealing with Western Europe in a reasonable manner. I hope to continue in the coming year, picking up the threads in late September, and working forward from 800AD to the beginning of the Renaissance.
New members are welcome. The lessons are relatively self-contained, so study of the earlier years, whilst useful, is not essential. Just turn up at enrolment or on the first listed date.
Mike
Music Appreciation 3rd Thursdays, pm
The music played in the group has been mainly classical, which is the focus of the group, though on occasions examples of any other type of music could be included. Last year we heard a wide range of pieces, including many lesser known pieces, often by more obscure composers. Various topics have been dealt with, such as types of singing voice, fugues and a brief look at score reading. On one occasion the group brought their own CDs and enjoyed a varied programme.
This year the plan is to continue as before, listening to mainly classical music, from any period, and looking at topics concerned with appreciation, performance and background, in fact anything relating to music. If members of the group have ideas of topics for inclusion, or if they are willing to lead a meeting this would be welcomed, though that would, of course, be entirely voluntary.
Robin
Opera for All
Overview
Opera seems to be very popular at Milford U3A. Last season I ran two groups each consisting of about 50 members, with some people still on the waiting list.
Visits
During the past season both groups visited Opera South in Haslemere, which performed the rarely seen comedy Peter the Great by Lortzing. In July a group of 45 members will be visiting the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for a back-stage tour and to attend a performance of Massenet’s Cendrillon (Cinderella).
Again in the new season we hope to arrange some visits to the opera.
Michael
Opera for All (Group A) 1st Thursdays, pm
We have just concluded the fifth year of this course, which again has been very well supported by its regular members. This was a season of the Ms — Massenet, Monteverdi, the Metropolitan Opera House, Manon, Manon Lescaut, Mussolini and some Musicals. All this plus The Flying Dutchman, Kings College and a few other subjects.
In the sixth year I plan to discuss subjects ranging from Puccini and the verismo composers, opera under the Nazis, Rossini, mezzo-sopranos and some leading singers of today. Again the programme will be varied and, I hope, fun for all of us.
Michael
Opera for All (Group B) 1st Thursdays, am
During the first season for this group I introduced members to the world of opera and talked about its history, some important composers (Verdi, Wagner and Mozart) and some important singers (Kathleen Ferrier, Peter Dawson, Joan Sutherland and Jussi Bjorling). We also visited, by means of slides and DVDs, Glyndebourne, La Scala Milan and the Sydney Opera House.
In year two I plan to talk on a wide variety of subjects including opera in England and Russia and a profile of the celebrated soprano Maria Callas.
Michael
Painting 1 2nd and 4th Thursdays, am
Our group has had a year of fun and application, epitomising the U3A ethos of learning from each other and committed to improving. We have produced works of invention and high quality, and trust to do the same during next season.
Tom
Painting 2 1st and 3rd Fridays, am
Having enjoyed a good season with everyone making good progress, and our exhibition an experience that gave a further boost to things, we are hoping again to enjoy ourselves next season. We shall try to extend our range of materials, get to grips with new subjects to paint, and maybe welcome a few new demonstrations in techniques. We also look forward to welcoming new painters to the group.
Marion
Painting 3 2nd and 4th Fridays, am
We have had another successful year as a self-help group. This has allowed us to develop our artistic skills in whichever medium we are using, sharing advice and encouragement. Members provide their own materials. Why not join us and have a go!
Pat
Patchwork 1 2nd and 4th Mondays, am
When friends hear that patchwork is my hobby they’re not really interested, thinking that all there is to it is sewing little bits of material together. In reality, it’s a very complicated mix of precise geometric shapes together with accurate angles and seam measurements. For artistic people the next stage is wonderful, combining the endless variety of shapes, colours and textures, and the finished articles can be stunning as well as unique. Maria’s pupils understand this and keep returning to produce more beautiful and individual pieces of work.
Our group is thriving and, as it’s done before, has produced two baby quilts for a local charity. This time the charity is ‘The Country Mice’, which is managed by the local doctors’ surgeries at Milford Crossroads and Witley and provides extra carers for people in their own homes.
Iris, a member of Patchwork 1
Patchwork 2 2nd and 4th Thursdays, am
Another successful year for Thursday’s patchwork group has passed with many new members joining us, in a happy and encouraging atmosphere. Many projects were tackled, which included covered boxes, crazy patchwork, cushion covers, Christmas decorations and stained glass work. Larger projects included quilts, ranging from cot quilts to a queen size quilt in florals; there was even a disappearing nine-patch quilt made with stunning Australian fabric and completed in Australia by one of Thursday’s members.
Beginners or otherwise are more than welcome to join the group, where you will enjoy learning and make new friends.
Carolyn, a member of Patchwork 2
Poetry for Everyone — New 1st Tuesdays, pm
This is a new group for everyone who has a love of poetry and a desire to share that love with others. It will be an informal group in which, rather than taking verses and dissecting every line, we will discuss what poems we most enjoy — how they touch our innermost feelings and resonate for us. Poetry written by members will be encouraged.
Steve
Rambling 2nd Tuesdays, am
It’s good news to hear that other walking groups are to start up this year as our Tuesday group has grown in numbers and is strongly supported each month. Its success is due to the enthusiasm of the members, who continue to find routes for us to explore and who take turns in leading us. This makes for many different starting points and great variety in the areas covered, so enabling us to take advantage of this rather special corner of south-west Surrey.
Rosemary
Scrabble 3rd Wednesdays, pm
This has been an enjoyable year and all meetings have been well supported. Most of us take along our own Scrabble sets, varying from simple to frankly luxurious models, but if you are thinking of joining us you don’t need to provide your own set if you don’t yet have one.
We are astonished by the decision of the powers that be – to introduce place names as valid Scrabble words, never mind such cryptic offerings as INNIT. For the time being we shall be abiding by the old rule book, which provides quite enough challenges for most of us!
Pauline
Shakespeare 3rd Mondays, pm
The highlight of the winter programme was a showing of a DVD of Twelfth Night, which we had just finished reading and studying. This was thanks to Beryl and Geoff Disley, to whom the group is grateful for a most enjoyable afternoon. The other play studied was Richard III.
The group reads two plays each season, discussing the characters and ideas suggested by each. There are no formal lectures. It’s quite acceptable just to listen, and you don’t have to know anything about the plays in advance. Opportunities arise to re-read some of the best poetry.
The plays for the 2011-2012 season are The Winter’s Tale before Christmas and King Henry IV Part 1 after Christmas. The latter will give us a chance to look at the character of Falstaff and possibly read other plays in which Falstaff appears.
May I persuade members to use the Penguin edition of the text, which has useful notes.
Angus
Singing for Fun NOW FINISHED
Over the season we enjoyed singing a range of songs from American musicals, folk songs, a Handel opera, Ivor Novello and a selection from Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Eighteen of us gave a lunchtime concert in May to the Wednesday regulars of the Milford Day Centre to round off our season, and we believe we were well received. (Let’s see if they ask us back one day – it hasn’t happened yet!).
I am taking a break from this activity now, but maybe it will reappear in the 2012/13 programme.
Nick
Spanish for Complete Beginners 1st and 3rd Fridays, pm
We will cover: holiday Spanish, useful grammar, and games. We don’t use a book, but a Spanish dictionary, a notepad and pencil are essential.
Pam
Stargazing 1st Wednesdays if clear skies
The weather limited our viewing evenings this winter, but we managed two very good evenings gazing at galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets and the moon. If you would like the chance to see Jupiter with its moons, why not join us next winter?
Hoping for clear skies. Warning – we meet in the dark on, usually, cold evenings but it’s worth it.
Ted
Table Tennis 1 Mondays, am
We have had an excellent season. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the jovial but competitive atmosphere – plenty of laughs and a perfect way to start a week. We all look forward to the coming new season.
There is a small annual charge of £5 for this course.
Ron
Table Tennis 2 Wednesdays, am
The second season of Table Tennis 2 has seen continued success. The members of the group, with only one or two changes in personnel, have given further enthusiastic support. Of 20 registered the average weekly attendance has been 13. I think everyone has improved their skills and therefore increased their enjoyment of the game. As leader, I should like to say to my members: thank you all so much for your support and friendship. It is much appreciated.
There is a small annual charge of £5 for this course.
Roger
Three Famous 18th Century Characters NOW FINISHED
spoke about Benjamin Franklin (statesman, scientist, inventor as well as many other things), William Herschel (astronomer and discoverer of Uranus) and Mungo Park (African explorer, diarist, botanist). These were all men of extraordinary vision, courage and attainment in quite different fields, but each was very much a man of the Age of Reason and Enlightenment to which they belonged.
Nick
Walking 1 (exploring the natural environment) — New 3rd Thursdays, am
These short walks (between 3 and 5 miles depending on what we find) will take place at a variety of venues and the idea is to enjoy the countryside and to look at what’s around us. For example, autumn will bring a wealth of fungi, fruits and seeds. In winter we can look more closely at trees; in spring and summer we’ll be spoilt for choice with flowers, butterflies, beetles and dragonflies, and of course in every season there will be birds.
The walks will not only be on our local commons but also at other sites of interest such as West Dean woods and Ebernoe.
The first walk will be at Witley Common.
Sara
Walking 2 (and learning about plants) — New 4th Tuesdays, am
The walks will be 2 – 3 1/2 hours with occasional stops to learn about local plants. Participants will be encouraged to share their knowledge. A variety of habitats will be visited to sample the flora.
Members must make their own way to the starting points. The first walk will begin from the café at Newlands Corner (on the A25 near Guildford). A schedule of subsequent walks will then be provided, and members will be encouraged to share transport to the starting places.
The December event will be in my house to look at how plants are classified and how they can be identified.
Alan
Yoga Tuesdays, pm
! really enjoyed my year taking the yoga and relaxation class for the U3A. Attendance was very good and enthusiastic, and it was nice to watch the class develop.
Not being a U3A member myself, it was great to be welcomed so warmly by the class and I thank them all for their good luck wishes and gift. I hope they all take advantage of the new weekly class with Elizabeth and continue enjoying their yoga and the health benefits it brings.
Suzanne
I am really looking forward to taking over from Suzanne in September, when we will be working towards physical and emotional well-being through gentle yoga practices suitable for all class members. Sessions will include physical postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama), meditation (dhyana) and relaxation.
There is a small charge – just £5 for the year.
Suzanne