Alexander the Great – NOW FINISHED
This was a 5-part course which sought to trace the epic life, travels, conquests and remarkable exploits of
the young Macedonian king in the 4th century BC. With considerable help from Michael Wood’s TV series In
the Footsteps of Alexander, we were able to get a good flavour of the perilous and exceedingly uncomfortable nature
of his expedition from the comfort of the Dower House armchairs. Alexander is not ultimately a very attractive
historical figure – at times both sadistic and barbaric – but there is something quite extraordinary
about his sheer bravado and daring which made for a fascinating and irresistible story.
Nick
Ambling 2nd Thursdays
Amblers have been rather thin on the ground this year, reasons for absence ranging from creaking joints to
exotic holidays! The walks we have done have been enjoyable, with Surrey’s attractive scenery and our congenial
group. New members are always welcome.
Jean
Birdwatching 1 - 2nd Wednesdays
Last season there were 12 members in the group and turn-out averaged about 8. Except for the very last meeting,
we were extremely lucky with the weather: in the midst of rain and gales we always had wonderful sunny, warm days,
even in mid-winter.
We visited the local commons but because there were not many birds around we made three visits to the coast. The
first was to Pagham Harbour in September where we had a spectacular day: there was a very obliging Grey Phalarope
at Sidlesham Ferry, very close to the road, and then a Wryneck on the seawall – two rarities in half an hour
– followed by a flock of Avocets and on the way home Black Terns at the Chichester Gravelpit.
In December we went to Farlington Marshes at Portsmouth where we saw all the usual Brent Geese, wild ducks including
Goldeneye, Pintail and Red-breasted Merganser and tens of thousands of waders including Avocets. At the end of
April we went again to Pagham Harbour hoping to see the spring migration of terns and seabirds coming up the Channel,
but there was a dead calm and extremely low tide so nothing was moving. But we saw plenty of good waders and warblers
so we were not disappointed.
David
Birdwatching 2 - 2nd Tuesdays
Thursley and the adjacent commons have a wide range of habitats for birds which includes dry and wet heaths, mires,
woodland, freshwater ponds and streams.
The area is probably one of the best sites in Surrey for observing birds of prey: up to 14 species of raptors
are recorded each year. Winter visitors include the Great Grey Shrike (present from mid-October to the end of
March during the winter of 2007/8). We were fortunate to have good views of this rare visitor on two of our visits,
plus the elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Flocks of Fieldfares, Redwings and a variety of finches may be seen
in the winter months. A mixed flock of over 200 finches including Linnets, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Chaffinches
was recorded on our visit in October. In autumn and spring there are opportunities to observe migrant birds on
passage.
Our walks are usually no more than 2-4 km in length, with frequent stops to obtain good views of the birds and
other wildlife.
Doug
Book Choice 1 - 2nd Fridays
Choosing a book can be a formidable task; the choices seem to be over-whelming: go to Waterstones and you are
confronted by tables stacked and shelves filled, or to the library where the choice seems equally unlimited. But
how do you select one that you know will interest you?
Well, this year, as a new girl to Book Choice 1, I haven’t been faced with this dilemma. Each month members
have read a selected book and these have been amazingly varied, from The Forgotten Lady of DNA (a biography of
Rosalind Franklin) to the classic The Great Gatsby or the light-hearted Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Each one
has led to a stimulating discussion with varied opinions voiced at the meeting. Not every book is classed as an
‘enjoyable read’ but all have been worthwhile and we find we have been introduced to authors and genres
we could otherwise have missed.
But the highlight of the year is the summer lunch party hosted by one of the group where, fortified by a glass
of wine, each member puts forward their recommendations for a ‘good read’ for consideration in the next
year’s reading list.
Understandably, the chance for newcomers joining the group is limited as no-one wants to leave and the group is
officially full – but you may be lucky, like me, and I’m told that a few more male opinions wouldn’t
go amiss!
Heather, a member of Book Choice 1
Book Choice 2 - 3rd Tuesdays
Tuesday’s Book Choice group now meets in St John’s Church Hall where we can follow our discussion with
a cup of tea.
Twice a year we choose the book we will read each month, from suggestions made by the group members. Our present
list goes from September to January, so anyone joining us in the autumn term will be able to contribute suggestions
for early 2010.
We include biography, classic titles, even a play this year, as well as novels from writers around the world.
Something we all seem to share is a willingness to be surprised! “I’d never have read that!” is
not infrequently heard as we settle down to exchange views.
Do feel welcome to join us.
Rosemary
Boules Saturdays
We are a small, friendly group who meet throughout the year.
Unfortunately the piste provided for us at Rodborough School last year proved unsatisfactory, but we continued
to meet at Holloway Hill Recreation Ground. However – GREAT NEWS – we now have a new piste courtesy
of Witley Parish Council in the lay-by opposite the Burton Pavilion in Milford.
New players are always welcome, and no experience is necessary. Please come and join us on Saturday mornings,
10.30 – 12.00.
Pam
Bowls Fridays and Mondays
We had just half-a-dozen people take part in the Bowls sessions this year. Everyone enjoyed themselves, so we
will do the same again next year and hope for better weather.
Norman
Bridge Club 1st Tuesdays
The Bridge Club will continue every first Tuesday. Ray has stopped as leader
and we thank him for his terrific effort over the last nine years. The club
will continue to provide an afternoon of Bridge played in a competitive way.
The format will evolve . . . but the 52 cards will be the same!
Ted
Bridge (2nd year Beginners) 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
Last season, the Beginners’ class was larger than we have ever had before,
with very few people dropping out. Normally 16 to 18 attend. We meet every fortnight
for tuition and play with much hilarity as we all try to understand how to get
the best out of the game.
Now we are moving on to become 2nd year Beginners. Consequently, we will not
be running a Beginners’ class and anybody who would like to join us has
to know the rudiments of bridge before we can accept them.
Christine
Bridge (Improvers) 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
On the second and fourth Tuesdays in the month, Judi and I enjoy helping a very cheerful group of some 28 people
to improve their Bridge. We don’t move people around, so friends can sit together and those who don’t
know others very soon make friends.
I, personally, try to encourage players to bid correctly and boldly – this makes the game much more exciting!
We look forward to seeing our friends and any others who would like to join us in September.
Elizabeth C
Bridge (Improvers) 3rd Tuesdays
On the third Tuesday, Mary and I have a busy afternoon with usually 9 or 10 tables.
We start with a teaching/revisiting session on bidding and then play some hands to match the theme. We like to
move people on, so that they play against different partnerships and get to know each other quickly.
After the most important part of the afternoon, TEA, Mary talks through ‘playing the cards’, and then
some randomly dealt hands are played.
We look forward to another busy time from September.
Elizabeth P
Bridge (Advanced) 2nd Wednesdays
Another successful year and there has been demand to keep the class running
for another season with most members re-enlisting. Usually we have about six
tables in play. Next year we are going to concentrate on playing the cards and
perfecting the art of getting the best out of the cards we have. This involves
a short tuition session followed by examples of hands to play where we can practise
what we have learnt.
Partners are not needed for this group.
Christine
Card Making 4th Fridays
There is no report available for the Card Making group, but we understand that it’s thriving and has many
enthusiastic members. Please note the change of day from 2nd Thursdays to 4th
Fridays.
Chess 1st Thursdays
We have continued playing Chess at all levels of ability. If you play Chess, or more likely “haven’t
played for years”, do come along and re-activate that part of the brain that has been lying dormant. If there
is a demand I’m happy to incorporate a beginners’ section, so why not learn? Pawn to King Four.
Ted
Computing for Beginners 1 and 2 Thursdays
There were two courses, each of 10 sessions, one running up to Christmas and the other following. With eight members
starting each course the computer suite at St Mark’s was quite full. Although each session covered the same
ground, the first spent more time on word processing and the second had a bias towards e-mail and e-mail attachments
according to member preferences.
Naturally more progress was made by folk who were using their own computers at home to build on what was done
in the course.
It was strange to find ladies exchanging e-mails with video clips of lady drivers ramming petrol pumps –
it’s as well it wasn’t any of the men doing this or they would have been in trouble!
Next season I shall run the10-session course from September to Christmas, and Pam will run the course from January
to March.
Don
Computing Workshop 4th Thursdays
The Pepperpot was an interesting room for our meetings – maybe we should have asked for a short talk about
its history. We had about 14 people attending most sessions, nearly as many as could get in the room.
Topics covered were wide-ranging, from using the keyboard to cut-and-paste to helping members check that their
security and updates were all working well. Group members gave talks on topics that they were interested in, from
‘Using the Internet for Family History’ to ‘Creating Power Point Presentations.’
Next season new applicants will be given priority over existing course members as the workshop is intended to
help improve the knowledge of people who have recently started with a computer.
Keith W
Current Affairs 4th Thursdays
The Current Affairs group continues to flourish and, each month, manages to cover a wide range of national and
local issues from all angles, without at any time coming to blows. Unsurprisingly, the MPs’ expenses scandal
generated a lot of heat at the last session of the 2008/9 season, for example, and will still probably continue
to provide us with lively subject matter when we start again in September.
The number of members attending has remained at a high level, with 40 people originally registering and the monthly
attendance usually standing in the high 20s, which is about the maximum if everyone is to feel able to contribute.
Robert Bayley wholeheartedly hosted the last session and it is hoped that more ‘guests’ will be happy
to chair a meeting or two in the 2009/10 season.
Keith J
Digital Photography (Introduction) 1st Mondays
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 speed, zoom, auto focus, metering mode, burst, macro and histograms. Other functions will
depend on the camera, so you need to bring yours, and the manual (sometimes a bit cryptic, but full of information),
to meetings to find out some new tricks and ideas for taking good pictures in general.
If you do not have one yet, come along and look over someone’s shoulder. You will need to tell me what camera
you have or hope to have, so I can group people with similar cameras. Each session will have handouts with space
to add notes for your camera. There will be a limit of 32 for the sessions so we have room to sling a cat (or
a camera).
Tom
Digital Photography (Special Topics) 3rd Mondays
This series of five or six 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 questions and even look at photos that everyone brings as a starting point.
Building on a 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, etc) and digital scanning. Last year, we had sessions on good practices for macro photography,
flowers, portraits, wildlife and scenery, general editing, digital microscopes, RAW format, and preparing for
web publishing. Some of these could be repeated or gone into in even greater depth, plus any other topics you
would want to lead a discussion on. Challenges 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 6-8. The projector and
laptop will be available and set up for each morning.
Tom
Dr Johnson: 300 this year – NEW 1st Fridays
This is a 3-part course on the life of Samuel Johnson, the literary giant of the 18th century, whose tercentenary
is being celebrated this year. I am an avid fan of Dr Johnson, and am currently reading my fourth biography of
him! He is an unjustly neglected figure in my view, and I will aim to arouse some interest and enthusiasm by telling
something of his life story, his successes and failures, his celebrated friendship with his young biographer,
James Boswell, and his inspiring charitable nature.
Nick
Drawing for Beginners 1st Wednesdays
In this group, we start by creating shapes and use basic shading techniques to give form and depth. Then we
move on to simple textures such as cloth and silks. We quickly cover the spotting of important aspects of an object
for making preparatory sketches, and make use of grids to copy photos. During this course we will be progressing
gradually towards drawing the human form.
Mike
Drawing for Beginners (Follow on) 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
This group will continue drawing more complex subjects and capturing their textures – items such as tree
bark, fir cones, sponges and half-eaten pomegranates. There will be more human form drawing with more subtle shading.
Mike
Drawing for Fun 3rd Wednesdays
We enjoyed, under Ann’s guidance and wonderful help, a year that has seen us move forward in our drawing
techniques. We have honed our skills and thoroughly explored different themes.
We shall miss Ann, who is moving on to pastures fresh, and wish her luck in her new ventures.
We are continuing as a ‘self-help’ group, considering new topics and different materials, and look forward
to the next season with confidence.
Marion
Embroidery 1st and 3rd Fridays
With our number almost doubled this year, we have had an interesting time exploring our strengths in helping those
to whom embroidery was totally new. A variety of projects have therefore been tackled as members proceeded on
individual pieces.
In March a group of us visited the Olympia Embroidery & Craft Exhibition, which disappointed us slightly as
we felt it had been affected by the ‘crunch’. There were fewer contributors and less choice. However,
we attended two workshops, one on shaded blackwork which was unusual and clever, and another headed by the Royal
School of Needlework to learn some finer points of Jacobean work.
Our winter morning stitching in company is much enjoyed, enhanced by the sense of achievement on completing something
new.
Eileen
Family History 1 and 2 3rd Thursdays
During the 2008/09 season, in addition to the Family History for Beginners group, two further Family History groups
were run – the first for those wanting to make full use of computers in their family history work and the
second for those who had already made extensive use of computers for this purpose but wanted a forum in which
to share experience.
Both groups met in the Pepperpot to take advantage of the free wireless broadband access currently available there.
It proved to be a very convenient and suitable venue for small groups of up to 14 in number. However, the wireless
link did not always prove to be wholly adequate for the purpose and it is to be hoped that this can be rectified
before any future use of this venue.
The Forum (the more advanced group) was very well supported at every session and the number of sessions was increased
during the season in response to demand. All those attending have expressed the wish to continue to meet in the
2009/10 season and so this group will run again. However, at best there will only be one or two places available
in this group, and these will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
Attendance at the other group was slightly disappointing. It too had requested an increase in the number of sessions
originally planned, but by the time of the last session only two of the original 10 members turned up. A slightly
different approach is therefore planned for the 2009/10 season.
The Family History for Beginners group will no longer run and its place will be taken by a group for those who
are reasonably computer literate, have access to a computer and wish to make use of it for family history work.
A basic knowledge of family history research would therefore be desirable but not necessarily essential. This
group will meet on a number of occasions in the autumn to explore, by way of case studies, some of the sites available
to them on the internet and how to access the information to be found there. These sessions will be followed by
a break to allow members to practise what they have learnt.
The group will then meet again in the spring to discuss their experiences to date and try to resolve any problems
they may have encountered. If this group is to be of any real value to its participants, regular attendance is
desirable and then quite a lot of practice necessary to gain experience before the spring session.
Christopher
Lunch Clubs 1 and 2 4th Fridays
Venue Percentage score
Winterton Arms, Chiddingfold 85
The Withies, Compton 84
Onslow Arms, Loxwood 84
Parrot, Shalford 83
Star, Witley 82
White Lion, Milford 82
Wheatsheaf, Grayswood 81
Manor, Farncombe 80
Noah’s Ark, Lurgashall 79
Crown, Chiddingfold 78
Cricketers, Farncombe 76
Percy Arms, Chilworth 68
Elstead Mill 68
By completing a returns sheet each time, members have given a fair idea of their perceptions of the venues we
have visited. Some places were seen by only one group and others by both, in which cases the results were averaged.
It looks as if everyone has had an enjoyable year. Next year we plan to continue to explore the area and we may
have a few places in each group. If we don’t, we shall just start another one! It is not practical to cater
for more than 20 members at a time.
As The Withies had the highest score with Lunch Club 1, that is where we plan to go for our first meeting on 25th
September at the slightly earlier time of 12.15. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Mary
Lunch Club 2 enjoyed a lovely season of meetings. With Mary’s blessing, I made some small changes in our
group: instead of alternating strictly with Lunch Club 1 we decided to try a few different places, with some further
afield. In March we met at the Onslow Arms at Loxwood where, to save too many cars fighting for parking spaces,
some of us got together for car-sharing. This worked well so we are now making a habit of it. We have been to
various other venues, some following Mary’s recommendation and some that were untried. Our last meeting took
place at the Noah’s Ark at Lurgashall (recently under new management) and we enjoyed an excellent meal there,
probably the best of the season.
We don’t forget venues on our doorstep though. In April we tried The Cricketers in Farncombe, and everyone
agreed it was very nice.
Occasionally we are low on numbers due to illness or holidays but normally there are about 12 of us. During our
lunches we have some lively and amusing discussions.
Our first venue in September will be The Merry Harriers at Hambledon. I look forward to seeing all our old friends
and perhaps some new ones too.
Richard
Maths for Fun 3rd Thursdays
Fill in the missing letters:
M . l . i . l . F . e . u . n . y F . c . o .
A . g . b . a O . d . r U . i . y
T . e . r . m R . n . o . N . m . e .
H . x . g . n
S . u . r .
Have a go! (Answers here)
Join our friendly and supportive group on the fourth Thursday of the month at Rodborough School.
Monica
Modern Greek and Greek Mythology 1st Thursdays
This year we have a new venue – the Dower House in Milford.
MODERN GREEK will be between 2.00 and 2.30pm
GREEK MYTHOLOGY will be between 2.30 and 4.00pm.
Those who want to do only Mythology please come at 2.30pm. This season several of our topics will be illustrated
by DVDs. The topics we shall be covering are:
1. Introduction: What did the myths mean to the Ancient Greeks and how do they continue to our own day? The importance
of the Delphic Oracle to Greek mythology.
2. The creation of the world according to Hesiod. The importance of Gaia (Earth), Ouranos (Sky), Cronos (Saturn)
and Rhea (Cybele).
3. How Zeus came to power. The Olympians and other gods and goddesses.
4. The genesis of man and the influence of Prometheus and Pandora.
5. The Greek heroes (Theseus, Heracles, Jason and the Argonauts, Perseus and others).
6. Homer:
(a) The Iliad (Helen of Troy and the Trojan war)
(b) The Odyssey
7. Conclusion: The most remarkable and in most cases incredible Greek myths.
Andreas
Music Appreciation (was Music for Pleasure) 3rd Thursdays
There were nine meetings last season, at which we listened to a wide range of mainly classical music. Some of
the music played was well known, though many of the pieces were less familiar items that it was hoped most people
would enjoy. Other members contributed sessions, including a very successful jazz programme and a mixed programme.
At the start of the season I included quite a bit of theoretical background, which in retrospect was a mistake.
I shall not repeat this, although I shall still be introducing people to aspects of music that are perhaps unfamiliar.
While the majority of the programmes are likely to be of immediately appealing pieces, I shall also include some
items, perhaps as extracts, which are rather more challenging. In view of these aims, I am changing the name of
the sessions to “Music Appreciation”. The programmes will continue very much as during the latter part
of last season.
Robin
Opera for All 2nd Thursdays
We have just completed the third year of the Opera for All course. One of the popular opera composers that we
studied was Guiseppi Verdi and some important singers who have performed his operas. As a follow-up we went to
a performance of one of his greatest works: at the end of June, 30 members of the group attended a performance
at Covent Garden of La Traviata, sung by the celebrated American diva Renée Fleming.
Another theme this year has been the lighter side of the German repertory. In February the group made a visit
to hear Martha, a charming opera by the German composer Flotow, performed by Opera South in Haslemere. We also
looked at black American opera and some important black singers. Finally, we investigated Czech opera and also
the art of conducting opera.
Because of the ongoing support for the group, I shall be running a fourth year of this course. While the programme
is not yet complete, we shall be investigating French opera in some detail and shall be looking at some important
librettists and the literary sources that have influenced the history of opera.
We have 50 members in the group, most of whom have rejoined for the new season. Because of the limited space at
the Dower House it will not be possible to accept any new members unless I receive some cancellations. There is
already a waiting list to join the group.
Will members please note that we shall start the course in September but that there will be no meeting in November.
Also please note that the time has changed and in future we shall meet from 2.00 to 4.15pm.
Michael
Painting 1 - 2nd and 4th Thursdays
We have had an enjoyable and productive season. In the absence of a teacher/instructor we organised an extensive
collection of reproductions and photographs to stimulate the creative juices. We ‘did’ Van Gogh for
six weeks together. Great fun!
Two in-house exhibitions were organised by Peter, with some exceptional paintings on show.
We enjoyed high attendances and no losses during the year, and the members all wish to return in September.
We have kept in touch with Sylvia who is greatly missed. She kindly attended our first exhibition.
Tom
Painting 2 - 1st and 3rd Fridays
We have again had a good year, with attempts at many subjects, finding great fun in some and challenges in others!
Each member has gained in confidence and done well.
From September to December we looked at skies, clouds and water – even exploring water drops on still life.
January through to May brought variety. We talked about acrylics and following the flow of a painting in composition.
We experimented with various pastels and oil pastels, and tried 2-tone pictures in sets of purple/black and yellow/brown
of the same subject, with good results. Various themes, from Teddy bears to Caribbean shells to ‘spring’,
were explored alongside our individual projects. We enjoyed too a very good figure-drawing session, with models
volunteering from the class.
In next season’s sessions we hope again to explore main themes, and will look at tackling the basic stages
of a picture. We will try new materials and subjects, with the emphasis on enjoying painting.
Marion
Painting 3 - 2nd and 4th Fridays
This Painting group is a self-help group. This allows us to develop our artistic skills in whichever medium we
are using, sharing advice and encouragement. Members provide their own materials.
Join us and have a go – you don’t know what you can do unless you try!
Pat
Patchwork 2nd and 4th Mondays
Wow! We had an explosion of new members at the start of the season. They all are very keen and Maria has been
extremely busy both teaching basic patchwork to the beginners and giving her invaluable support and expertise
to the more practised students.
We have enjoyed the very happy, friendly and relaxed atmosphere and are all looking forward to next season and
new projects.
Iris, a member of the Patchwork group
Rambling 2nd Tuesdays
Do you feel that you are not getting out enough? Perhaps you would like to join us on our monthly walks of 4 to
6 miles in the surrounding countryside. We have such variety on our doorstep: heathland, field paths, pretty villages,
woodland and riverside walks.
Various group members take it in turn to lead our walks, which by popular request continue throughout the year.
We publish a list of starting points, so if you have comfortable, stout walking shoes or boots, want to explore
new places and join a friendly group, then do come along.
P.S. If support continues to grow we’ll be able to have a second group walking on a different day/week. Do
let the Committee have your views.
Rosemary
Scrabble 3rd Wednesdays
Our Scrabble group started in 2002 with six regular Scrabblers. Numbers increased year by year, and last season
burgeoned to 22. This means that we now have a real mix of abilities and that at each session we can have really
enjoyable games with a player of a similar standard to ourselves. All very satisfactory; so much so that this
year the area Scrabble Jamborees have not had much support from our group, perhaps because we find our monthly
sessions meet our needs so well!
If numbers continue to grow, which we hope they will, we have contingency plans for using St John’s Church
Hall fortnightly, so don’t think that we don’t have room for you. Some people will prefer to carry on
with monthly meetings, but flexibility will be possible and we look forward to enrolling as many new Scrabblers
as wish to join us. Complete beginners to experienced players – you will all be very welcome.
Pauline
Shakespeare Mondays
We have had another enjoyable autumn/winter of discussing and reading two of Shakespeare’s plays. This
time we looked at King Lear and the dangers of absolute power and what can happen when it is challenged, and the
delightful comedy Love’s Labour’s Lost in which Shakespeare shows the absurdity of indulging in ill
thought-out and impracticable plans. The main purpose of the meetings is to show that, through reading the plays
in a group and discussing our thoughts, we can see that his work is not as difficult as it first seems. Also one
finds that it is not necessary to know anything about Shakespeare and his work before one starts.
Next, we shall be considering Troilus and Cressida before Christmas and Macbeth after. I would suggest using the
Penguin Shakespeare editions obtainable at Waterstones.
We shall be using a new venue, Elstead Pavilion in Thursley Road, which has ample parking on the site, comfortable
couches, no interruptions from external noises, and easy access which will cut down delays in starting. I shall
contact all involved about how to get there.
Angus
PLAY- READING GROUP
I have been asked if I would be prepared to run a Play-reading group and the answer is that I wouldn’t.
However, I am prepared to see if there is sufficient interest to start a group, perhaps after Christmas. Farnham
U3A ran a very successful group when I was a member and their model would be a useful one to follow. A wide range
of playwrights such as Rattigan, Agatha Christie and Ayckbourn could be covered. The only requirements are that
a) people should enjoy reading in a group, b) someone must arrange to borrow copies from the library, c) someone
must organise which plays to read, and d) someone must allocate parts.
If you would be interested in taking part and helping to run such a group, give me a ring (01252 703442) or come
and see me at the Shakespeare table on Enrolment Day in August.
Angus
Singing for Fun 2nd Tuesdays
A core group of about a dozen saw through this course, which culminated in a concert at the Farncombe Day Centre.
At this, we sang folk songs, two numbers from Phantom of the Opera, a Cole Porter medley, a favourite song of
mine by Handel, six songs for general ‘singalong’, and the hour’s entertainment ended with a selection
from Oklahoma. There was absolutely no pressure attached to this course, and so I hope it lived up to its name.
I intend to run it again in the autumn on a monthly basis as before, and welcome all-comers!
Nick
Spanish for Complete Beginners 1st and 3rd Fridays
This was a new class in 2008/9. We made good progress, although it was a ‘Spanish for Fun’ group and
the course included games and competitions. We hope to carry on next season until May 2010.
Pam
Stargazing Wednesdays if clear skies
This year of stargazing has introduced more wonderful sights of the night sky to our members. We have gazed at
galaxies, nebulae, star clusters planets and the moon. If you would like the chance to see Saturn’s rings
and Jupiter’s moons why not join us next winter. Hoping for clear skies.
Ted
Table Tennis 1 and 2 Mondays and Wednesdays
It has been another very successful and greatly enjoyable season for all our players. Our average attendance has
been 22 members, who have fully appreciated the exercise and competition.
Due to our present success it has been decided to start another Table Tennis group, which will meet on a Wednesday
morning, same place, same time. Roger will lead this group.
Just a gentle reminder – the £5 annual levy still stands, to cover the cost of room hire.
Ron
Travel Report
I am still offering a Travel Programme through Guildford U3A, in which members of Milford U3A are welcome to participate.
If you phone me (01483 424945) I will happily forward details, or you can find a link to the Guildford Travel
Programme on our website . All bookings will now operate under the
Guildford banner.
At the time of writing I am still booking for visits to ‘Midlands Houses and Gardens’ in late July and
‘Sorrento’ in October.
Mike
Yoga 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
The Yoga group had a very good year, and classes were well attended right up until the end of term. Next season
the class is moving to new and better premises in the Village Hall at Elstead, and we shall start again on 15th
September.
The paragraph below gives a very short outline of the work that will be done in our Yoga lessons.
Edelgard
YOGA CLASSES
GENTLE EXERCISE AND RELAXATION
The contents of each class will depend on the flexibility and general fitness of all students attending.
In general, however, Yoga postures are designed to promote flexibility and physical well-being. Through Yoga students will become aware of the benefits of deep breathing, relaxed movements and mental concentration.
Relaxation, which forms part of all classes, greatly helps to relieve stress.