group news.htm

ITALIAN CONVERSATION 1 & 2	Contact Gillian. Two mixed ability groups. Group 1 - 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10.30 am Group 2 - 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 10.30 am You will need some previous understanding of the spoken language. Meet at leader's house. At present the venue cannot accommodate more people but, as many participants have many other commitments, including travel, it is possible that new members might be accommodated from time to time, so do call Gillian if you are interested since it could be possible to offer you a taster session; however you need to be warned that the venue is reached via four flights of stairs.
LEARN TO SING/SINGING for FUN	Contact: Jennifer Gegg. Venue: Welcome Hall, Fore Street, Devonport, [opposite Bingo Hall] Day/Time: 2nd and 4th Tuesday mornings from 10.30 to 11.30 - NO AUDITIONS! We have a new instructor, Steve Lodge, and he is a great help. All are welcome.
LITERATURE GROUP 1	Contact Barbara Bullock or Beryl Northwood. Meeting at the William Venton Centre, Plymstock Broadway on the 3rd. Monday of the month from 10.30 am to 12.00 noon. Discussion of books chosen within the group, led by individual members. 16th. January - Personal choice - a piece of poetry/prose to share before our lunch 20th. February - Agent Zigzag by Ben Macintyre 19th. March - The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell 16th. April - The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (to be confirmed)
LITERATURE GROUP 2	Contact: Jean Dale. Venue: Church of the Ascension, Crownhill Day/Time: 3rd Tuesday each month, 10.30 - 12 noon.
LONG WALKS GROUP	Walks of between 6 and 10 miles, fortnightly on 2nd & 4th Thursdays. Details in members' Newsletters. Contact Robin Mealing on 01752 319043 or Lynda Williams
LOOKING AT ART	Contact Viv Andrews. Meets in the Wolseley Trust Conference Room, 4th Monday of each month. Two sessions 10.00am to 12noon & 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Videos, discussion, some gallery and museum visits. Jan 23rd - DVD Simon Schama’s Power of Art – Rembrandt Van Rijn 1606-1669 Feb 27th - Bob Crowe ‘Birmingham/Walsall Revisited’ am Group –Birmingham. pm Group – Walsall March 26th - Bob Crowe ‘Birmingham/Walsall Revisited’ am Group –Walsall. pm Group – Birmingham April 23rd - DVD Simon Schama’s Power of Art – Jacques-Louis David 1748 -1825
LUNCH AT THE CCP.	Monthly lunch at the City College Plymouth. Contact Janet Vosper for your reservation. Dates Booked are:- Wednesday 25th. January, Tuesday 28th. February and Friday 23rd. March. Meet at the College 11.45am. These are open to any member, and you are welcome to bring a non-member guest. The College is a training establishment for young people wishing to make a professional career in the catering business, and we enjoy a three-course meal with waiter service for £10. The restaurant has a licensed bar. These lunches are a particularly good way for new members to meet U3A people in a relaxed atmosphere.
MARITIME HISTORY -	History of seafaring in many forms. Research, discussion videos. We meet at the Group Leader’s house on the first Monday of the month, at 10am to study wide aspects of Maritime History. Recent topics have included The Spanish Armadas, Barbie Thompson’s presentation on Dr. Magrath – (Nelson’s Forgotten Surgeon), Admiral Collingwood, and another of our members, Norman will be leading on Captain Jackson’s contribution to early Maritime radio. In the New Year Viv Andrews will be telling the group about HMS Bellerophon. After a presentation or video/ DVD, a coffee break and discussion, ideas are put forward for areas of study. A great strength of this group is the willingness of the members to share their expertise and maritime interests and to occasionally lead the area of study. 1st Monday of the month at 10 am. At Group leader's home. Contact Doug Constable. NO MEETING IN JANUARY. (This group is now full and a waiting list is in operation).
MATHEMATICS	Contact: David Derham, Venue: Members homes, subject to change, members will be advised by phone Day/Time: 3rd Wednesday of each month 2pm No meeting in December Details/dates: January & February meetings at The Hoe
MUSIC	Listening to and discussing music selected by the group with some videos. Details of forthcoming concerts etc. Meets at the Wolseley Centre, 2nd Friday of the month at 10.30. Telephone Maggy or Michael
Myths and Legends	Contact: Susan Welsh Venue: Wolseley Conference Centre, with a room charge Day/Time: 1st Friday of each month 2pm Exactly what this group will study and how it goes about it will depend on the members of the group. There is much significance within old myths besides the actual story, and when is a myth not a legend? Interested? Please come to the first meeting on January 6th, bring pen and paper and wear your name badge. Bus 43 every 10 mins from stop A4 Royal Parade, takes about 7 mins. Plenty of parking spaces.
NATURAL HISTORY RAMBLERS	Starts again on March 15 through to September 20. Tue 20 March. Tamerton Foliot to Warleigh Point. Start 11.10. Fore Street-Station Road junction (map12, 1A). Bus party: join leader on City Bus No. 42 at Royal Parade stop A18 at 1020. 3 miles. Mainly road, some rough ground. Tue 10 April (Note SECOND Tuesday). Between Devon hedges Start 11.08. Roborough Down (OS 508644). Bus party: join leader on First Bus No. 83 at Royal Parade stop A18 at 1040. 5 miles. Mainly lanes, some moorland. Contact Martin for information
PHOTOGRAPHY	This group is run by Clive Beenham at his house on the 1st. Tuesday of each month. We welcome enquiries for membership as we have lost some members due to the formation of the new Ivybridge U3A. 2pm - 4 pm. Telephone him for further details.
POETRY, PLAY-READING & DRAMA	First Wednesday of the month 10.30 to 12 noon, Quaker Rooms, Mutley Plain Wednesday 1st February - New Love/Lost Love Wednesday 7th March - Mechanical Things. Wednesday 4th April - Foolish Things Wednesday 2nd May - Occupations. Contact Judy de la Hay or Pat McCarthy for details of next meeting.
PORTUGUESE for BEGINNERS	Contact: Alan Bricknell Venue: Meet at home of one of the group members Date/Time: 1st. and 3rd. Modays of each month, 10.30 to 12.30.
QUILTING GROUP	Contact: Pam Capps. Venue: St Edwards Church Hall, Eggbuckland Day/Time: 2nd and 4th Thursday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00 We are a small friendly group, with very talented Quilters who are more than happy to pass on their skills and knowledge. If interested please call Pam.
RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD	Meets on the first Tuesday of each month 10.30 to 12.30 at the Welcome Hall, Devonport. Tues 7th Feb -Church of England - Part 2. Tues 6th March - Jehovah’s Witness. Tues 3rd April - Methodist Contact Ann Stevens. I shall be looking after things until the end of January and then Vella Craven and Margaret Thompson will be taking over until I return in July.
SCRABBLE -	Scrabble and other board games at a room at Emmanuel Church Mannamead. Third Monday of the month from 2pm. Details from Janice or Gloria.
SHARED LEARNING	This enthusiastic group led by Barbie Thompson looks at local and natural history and talks are given by the members at Plymouth Museum.
SHORT WALKS GROUP -	Many thanks to Pam for once again organising a first class lunch at Morgan's Restaurant on Friday the 20th. January. Walks of approx 3 miles. Two walks each month, on the First Tuesday and third Friday. Details in the members' Newsletter and separate page on website. A group for Even Easier Walks would be welcomed.
SPANISH CONVERSATION	1st and 3rd Friday in the month, 2pm at Members' homes. Not suitable for absolute beginners. Please contact Doreen if you would be interested in taking part in this group.
SWIMMING GROUP	Contact Pam Capps Meet every Monday morning 9.00 - 10.00am at Marjon sports & Leisure Centre, excluding Monday of General Meetings. Cost is £2.50 per session. Over 60s group.
TAI CHI. 1.	Contact Cindy Wright. 2nd and 4th. Wednesday of each month at Emmanuel Church 1.30pm.
TAI CHI 2. New Group	Would you like to join in the New Year? 1st. & 3rd. Wednesdays of each month, 1.30 to 2.30pm. 10 Sessions, starting Wednesday 4th. January 2012 at Wesley Hall, Pennycross Methodist Church, Peverell Corner. Contact Sylvia on 660455 for details.
THEATRE AND CONCERT VISITS	Look at the Theatre page for full details of these bookings. Contact Rose Hamley or Rosie Jenkins.
WINE APPRECIATION	New Group Being Formed - Contact Harry Vosper. Introductory meeting on April 14th. at 2.15pm. Unfortunately some wine tasting may be involved!
WRITERS' GROUP -	1st Wednesday of the month at members' homes. Tel Keith The group agrees a theme, members read their own work, followed by informal discussion. Have a look at www.openwriting.com for U3A members to have your writing shown on the web.
YOGA	Twice a month - 1st and 3rd Wednesday 10.30 to 11.45 am. at Christchurch, The Elm Centre, Estover. Cost £30 for 10 sessions based on 15 members. Contact Pam Capps for full details.
Zumba - New Group	Contact: Cindy Wright My attempt to start a ZUMBA class was a great success, so much so that hopefully I will be looking at running the class on Monday mornings in the new year. Once I’ve found a hall, I will contact everyone on my list. I will be looking at doing a 10 week session, twice a month, with payment up front, and see how that goes.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES -	Contact Susan Foster. Meet on the 4th. Thursday of each month 10.30 am to 12.30 pm., at Stoke Library. There is now, unfortunately, a waiting list for this group, but let Susan know if you would like to join.
ARCHITECTURE -	Meetings at Plymstock Library Meeting Room, 4th. Thursday of the month. Details in the Newsletter or from Hilary.
BRIDGE - SOCIAL BRIDGE	Novices and Learners welcome. Very informal meetings with a tutor and non - competitive. Contact Carol Rose. Meeting at leader's home 2nd. Tuesday and 3rd. Thursday of each month, 2.00 to 4.00pm. The March Thursday meeting is on the 22nd (4th. Thursday) and there is no Thursday meeting in April.
CARAVAN / MOTORHOME GROUP.	Members of the group spent two weeks near St.Just, way down in Cornwall, at the end of September. The site was well situated for coastal walks and visits to nearby National Trust properties. The bus stopped right outside the site, so it was easy to visit St. Ives or Penzance without using a car. The weather gradually improved during the fortnight and we ended the visit in quite summery conditions. A coffee morning will be held at Jim and Shirley Whyte's home at 11a.m on Friday 20th January 2012 to reminisce and discuss future plans. Members and anyone interested in joining the group are welcome. Please phone Plymouth 660093.
CLASSIC FILMS	Venue in the Wolseley Centre first Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm. Parking available in the bottom end of the Co-op car park. Contact Jim Whyte
COMPUTING -	A vacancy exists! Anyone with an interest in computers and able to help others with pc problems please contact a member of the committee.
COUNTRY DANCING	Meets on the third Friday of each month 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Colebrook Community Centre. Contact Janet Merrill.
CRAFTS:	Contact Jennifer Manly. Normally this is the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1.00 pm to 4.00pm. at the leader's house.
Crafts 2	Contact: Jacky Partridge Venue: Leader’s home Day/Time: 1st Wednesday of each month - 13.30 start Please contact Jacky if you are interested in joining this group
DISCOVERING HISTORY THROUGH BUILDINGS	No previous history knowledge needed, although welcome. Will meet on the 3rd Thursday at Morrisons, Outland Road at 9.45 am. Contact Susan Welsh for further information. Jan 19th 2012 Devonport Lines and the Park. Start off with coffee in the cafe. Feb 16th Dartmoor Tramway (Tyrwhitt) in sheltered Plym valley. Route likely to be very muddy in places and maybe some steep slopes. Hiking sticks recommended. March 15th Medieval Tavistock - before Lord John Russell took over! April 19th Penlee Battery beyond Cawsand. Possibly muddy and also steep in places. Waterproofs & hiking sticks recommended. If weather is inclement we’ll stay in Kingsand and Cawsand.
DISCOVERING MAN'S USE OF DARTMOOR	1st Thursday of the month 10.am meeting at Morrisons car park, Outland Road Be prepared for walking on the Moor but not more than about 3 miles. Please contact Jeff for further details.
DISCUSSION -	Newsworthy or social issues of interest to the group. The Welcome Hall, Fore Street Devonport. Dates: Second Wednesday of each month 10.30 am to 12.00noon. Contact Tony for further information.
DODOs GROUP 1	A new look at forgotten things! Meeting on the 2nd Friday of each month at Eileen's home at 2.00 pm. Ring Susan W. if you are interested.
DODOs GROUP 2	Contact: Susan Welsh A second DODOs Group has started in Plympton close to the Ridgeway Co-op on the 2nd Thursday at 2.0pm. At the time of writing there are 2 vacancies. Contact Susan if you are interested.
ETYMOLOGY - FUN WITH WORDS!	Meets 10.00a.m. on the 1st Monday of the month at Raffles, Ermington Terrace, Mutley. If you are interested, contact Margaret Hancock, but currently there is a waiting list. No meeting in January or May. NEW GROUPS:- Contacts: See below. Owing to great demand - 3 new groups. Content and format will be similar to original group but may vary over time. Please wear your name badge at all meetings. PLYMPTON ETYMOLOGY - meets on the 4th Wednesday afternoon in June’s house but is already full. ETYMOLOGY 2 - will meet on 4th Tuesday at 2pm in the Wolseley Trust Conference Room where parking is easy and many buses stop at the Co-op nearby. First meeting is on 24th January 2012. There will be a room charge so bring cash & notebook and pen. To join this group call Susan MILEHOUSE ETYMOLOGY - will meet 3rd Monday at 10.30am in Christine’s house at Milehouse. First meeting 16th January 2012. Contact Christine to join. PLANNING MEETING FOR ALL THESE ETYMOLOGY GROUPS in the Theatre Royal coffee shop on Thursday 29th December at 10.45am. Everyone welcome to come to find out more about the groups. Special rates with Plymcard Bus Pass on tea/coffee!
EXPLORERS	Explore different areas and have lunch with friends. Meet on the 4th. Thursday of the month 10.00 to 10.30am. Contact Irene Clements or Olive Wreyford. 26th. January - Plympton. 23rd February – Ivy bridge. Ring Olive 242775. X38 10.45am Bretonside. Walk to be arranged in Ivybridge. Lunch at local venue. 22nd March – Saltram House and Garden NT. Lunch at Saltram Café. House is open to go around if you don’t want to do walk around park or if it pours with rain!!. 26th April – Penzance by Train - £4.75 for fare in groups of 4. Walk around the shops or visit some of the attractions. Lunch in Penzance. 9.21am from Plymouth station returning on 4pm train arriving at 5.30pm
FAMILY HISTORY - GENEALOGY -	Research. Held at members' homes on the 3rd Wednesday at 10 am. Contact Keith for further details.
FRENCH FOR BEGINNERS	Contact: Sarah Rollinson 01752 484 197 Venue: Raffles Club, Mutley Plain Day/Time: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. 10.00 am
FRENCH CONVERSATION -	Contact Ruth Woollons. 1st and 3rd Friday at 10.30 am. Sorry not for beginners! Held in leader's home. A lively and interesting group which discusses a variety of topics. Contact Ruth to see if there are any vacancies.
FRENCH CONVERSATION 2.	This new group is being run by Lilane Binschedler at her home. 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. 10.00am
FRENCH FOR VISITORS	Contact Lynne Davison for details. Meet 3rd & 4th. Tuesday of the month in the afternoon. There is a waiting list at the moment
GARDENS GROUP	4th Friday of the month at 10.30am. Arranged visits, by car or coach. Contact Ruth or Peggy No meeting in December. Fri January 27th Christmas meal at Otter Nurseries. Fri February 24th Tartendown Nurseries Nr Landrake. 11am short talk from Dawn (Owner) Look around nurseries then back to Carkeel Nurseries for snack/lunch and look around. Fri March 23rd Devonport Park Plymouth. Tour of park looking at restoration, planting and history. Cafe in park.
GEOLOGY	Contact Bob Thomas. Meet 2nd. Wednesday of each month. Fieldwork - Devon and Cornwall. Mixed ability group.
GERMAN	Meet 2nd. & 4th. Friday of each month in Leaders home, in the afternoon. Contact Deirdre or Bill We are having a winter break until March 2012 when we hope to welcome a few more people to our group.
HISTORY - MODERN -	2.30-4 pm 4th Thursday of the month at Wolseley Trust Conference Room 1. New subject: The Rise of the West. How western culture became dominant in the 20th. Century. Contact George. No meeting in December.
HISTORY- MEDIEVAL	Telephone Jim Anson for further details. Now meeting earlier at 2pm This group meets on the 3rd Wednesday afternoon of the month 2.00 - 4.00pm at the Swarthmore Centre, Mutley Plain. No meeting in December. The group is a forum for the study and enjoyment of Medieval History with the opportunity to listen, talk as much or as little as you want. Over 20 members attend regularly. Please contact Jim for the suggested syllabus and offers of help with history knowledge.