ARCHAEOLOGY

We investigate this subject through wide-ranging talks and practical activities using local experts and our own researches, backed by Surrey Heath Archaeological & Heritage Trust and Surrey Heath Museum.

ART

A relaxed friendly group where members look at anything and everything connected with the visual arts, delve into things that interest them and share their learning with others.

Interested in Russian Art? Why not join our friendly group to look at, discuss art created in Russia, past and present? We meet in the Garden Room, St Paul’s Church, Church Hill. All welcome.

BADMINTON

The club is currently full but we maintain a waiting list. Please contact Group Leader for details.

BALLROOM DANCING

This group continues to thrive and the Tea Dance is well attended. If you are interested in learning the basics of Ballroom and Latin Dancing we have a Beginners Class where you can learn. The Tea Dance and Beginners Class are held on alternate weeks. Both sessions are conducted in a relaxed informal manner and new members are always welcome.

BOOK CLUBS

We decide as a group which book we would like to read - a recommendation, an award winner, a favourite author - and discuss it in a friendly way the following month. We are largely reading contemporary fiction, but not exclusively so.

We read contemporary books, agreed by mutual discussion, and chat about them informally. It’s amazing how a different perspective can enhance understanding and appreciation of our choices! We are lucky enough to be given excellent service from Camberley library who provide all the copies. The big question is - are we choosing to read the classics of the future?

We continue to be enthusiastic and vacancies seldom arise for new members, however, there is a waiting list. This year we’ve read The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark, Captain Courageous by Joseph Conrad and are currently reading The Warden by Trollope. All our book choices stimulate wider discussion on topical matters.

BOWLING (Indoor)

We are continuing this year to use 2 lanes at the Camberley Indoor Bowls Club although there is a restriction in the number of people that can play. There are currently some vacancies so if you are interested and would like to begin to bowl please contact the Leader.

BRIDGE

Like to learn Bridge? This group is suitable for those who have little or no previous experience of the game.

A follow on from Beginners Bridge. Divided into 2 sessions both of which are open to all group members. 10.00am to 11.00am will be a teaching session at "intermediate level" specifically aimed at last year’s Beginners or as a "refresher" for others. 11.00am to 1.00pm will be social play with advanced tuition.

We have a mix of those who are experienced Bridge players and those who have recently taken it up. Some play Rubber and others Chicago Bridge. No tuition is given so newcomers need to have had some training through U3A Beginners or other classes before joining. No partner is necessary. We are a friendly group and where some help is needed there is usually a willing experienced player to offer advice. The group provides a means of gaining experience and confidence.

This is a self-help group for players with some experience. Basic play is informal Chicago, but we are also developing regular Duplicate sessions. There are structured discussions on topics chosen by members. The group continues to be popular, but maintains a waiting list.

This is a group for experienced players and new members are welcome. A partner is required.

COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH

The group will reform this Autumn and the theme will be "Touch and Talk" therapies. As previously we will invite professionals from their various fields to talk and demonstrate their particular skills and answer questions from the group. Please see Newsletter for further details.

COMPUTING

The aim of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the PC, to learn how to operate it via the mouse and keyboard and provide an introduction to the vast range of things that can be done by easy-to-use software. (Please see Newsletter for further details.)

These sessions will give members the opportunity to learn the new technology of the World Wide Web and learn about email.

CRAFT

We are a self-help group with different talents and are pleased to share them with one another. We make many things from Greetings Cards to decorated clothing. Be inspired! Make your own jewellery. This term will mainly be about Christmas, with gifts and cards and ideas to make the season bright. Hope to see you.

At meetings we discuss, review, plan and/or work on ideas brought by members. A variety of sources are used although the main publications are ‘Lynne Edwards, The Sampler Quilt’, ‘Karen Hellaby, Magic Pillows, Hidden Quilts’ and from the internet ‘Nine Patch Nirvana’.
In Beginners we introduce the techniques of patchwork towards a sampler quilt. In Developers Year a quilt is constructed and quilting design introduced. Year 3 builds on skills for a ‘Nine Patch Nirvana’ quilt and the Advanced Year supports individual projects and introduces additional techniques as they arise. During all years, projects are worked on according to the tastes of the groups. Economy is stressed and use of recycled fabrics is encouraged. Newcomers are very welcome and no previous experience of sewing is necessary. Anyone can do this!

CREATIVE WRITING

This group aims to explore the art of writing. The members enjoy sharing individual work in a supportive and informal setting. Anyone who enjoys writing for pleasure is most welcome.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY SOFTWARE

See Newsletter for details.

DISCUSSION GROUPS

This fortnightly group has been going for many years and is very successful. Unfortunately we have no room for new members at the moment.

Though a small group, we have very lively discussions. We are of varied ages and interests but all with a good sense of humour. New members welcome but numbers are limited for comfort and informality.

This is a relatively new group with vacancies for new members.

DRAMA WORKSHOP

We welcome people who have never acted before (or even set foot in a theatre), or those who are experienced in acting or directing at all levels. The only requirement is participation. This is a workshop in which, in small groups or perhaps together, we explore and rehearse both scripted plays and improvised situations. All for fun: no learning lines, no public performances, no worries!
Some examples of plays that we have explored are ‘Blithe Spirit’ by Noel Coward, ‘Bright and Bold Design’ by Peter Whelan, ‘Private Fears in Public Places’ by Alan Ayckbourn and some scenes from Shaw and Shakespeare. We’re a jolly crowd, but numbers are limited.

FAMILY HISTORY

Discovering your ancestry is fun, exciting, addictive and sometimes surprising. New members welcome. Meeting in the autumn and spring terms, each session comprises a tutorial and a talk and over the course of the 12 sessions covering all the main techniques and resources (including censuses, civil registrations, parish records & wills) needed to explore your pedigree and your family's history - illustrated with real examples. Talks are given by members of the Group about their own family history and/or their experiences, problems, successes and excitements during their research. Beginners attend both parts, those with more experience attend just the talks. Nobody is expected to reveal any of their family history if they prefer to keep it private. For more information see http://www.camberleyu3a.org.uk/familyhistory or contact one of the joint leaders.

09.30-10.30 Beginners
10.30-11.00 Coffee break
11.00-12.15 Experienced Researchers

FILM AND MEDIA

Do you leave the Atrium Multiplex feeling that there must be much, much more to the Art of Cinema? If so, why not join the Film & Media Group? Not only will you have the opportunity of seeing Oscar Winning Films from Hollywood, Bollywood & Pinewood but the chance of discussing them with kindred spirits and learning a little more about the Silver Screen. In addition Foreign Language (Subtitled) Classics, Art House Shows and Films from across the world will be on the Menu. See the Newsletter for forthcoming film titles.

FLOWER ARRANGING

Flower arranging is a popular U3A subject and last year a new group was started to meet the growing demand. Both groups are very social and enjoy learning new skills in a very friendly atmosphere. Group 1 is full but there are some vacancies in Group 2 for both beginners and those who want to refresh their skills.

FRENCH

These 2 groups will run concurrently during the Autumn Term. We shall concentrate on the Beginner’s programme for the first hour and then the Improvers in the second hour.
To join Beginners you require little or no knowledge. We use a book to give us a structure and tapes to practice between sessions, and since the aim is to encourage people to speak basic French there will be plenty of opportunity to practice verbally. The Improvers will mostly consist of this year’s class.

This is a friendly group, whose members converse in French for two hours fortnightly on a Monday morning. The arrival of fluent speakers recently has raised our level.

We are primarily a "self help" group for those who have a post-beginners knowledge of the language and who wish to improve their skills in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

We are primarily a "self help" group for those with an intermediate knowledge of the language who wish to improve their skills in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

GARDENING GROUPS

We meet once a month with speakers, and also have outings to places of interest to gardeners during the summer months. We are a very large group and although we welcome new members, there will probably be a waiting list to join.

We are a very friendly Gardening Club which offers talks, gardening tips and an opportunity to share knowledge with other members. New members are always welcome.

GEOLOGY

See Newsletter for details.

GERMAN CONVERSATION

Wir sind eine kleine Gruppe und treffen uns einmal im Monat. Wir sprechen über Themen, die Sie interessieren: Bücher, Politik, Zeitgeschehen, Musik. Es soll Spass machen, und Grammatik steht daher nur auf dem Stundenplan, wenn gewünscht.

GREEK LITERATURE

We so enjoyed our study of Greek Tragedy that we are going to look at more ancient Greek literature; this time epic, poetry, comedy and history. Input will be from experts on DVD then together we will look at a piece of writing by the author of the day. New members are welcome.

HISTORY

This year, the focus changes to wartime Home Front Britain and the subsequent years of austerity. Topics should include demobilisation, the bleak 1947 midwinter, decolonisation and the Kenyan Mau Mau insurgency, the foundation of the welfare state, and, as a beacon of hope for better years, the 1951 Festival of Britain.

Continuing the History of C19 Europe, we shall deal with the revolutions of 1848 and their consequences, e.g. the unification of Italy and the formation of a German Empire dominated by Prussia and led by Bismarck.

JAZZ APPRECIATION

See Newsletter for details.

KEEP FIT

The classes are based upon an exercise to music format, mobilisation of joints, toning and stretching aerobic exercises and relaxation. Exercises are progressive and adaptable to encourage everyone to work within their own safe limits.

Keep fit and stay fit. Enjoy movement to music. Posture awareness. A wide range of music is used to encourage and enhance mobility for pleasure and lifestyle.

KNITTING FOR BEGINNERS

We are a small group of people with various grades of experience in knitting. Beginners and improvers will be most welcome.

LINE DANCING

There are 3 groups for beginners and those who have done line dancing previously. These are fun groups, very sociable and good exercise. Give it a try and make new friends.

LUNCH GROUP

This is an informal group where members meet at different restaurants and enjoy lunch together. For further details please contact the Group Leader.

MONTHLY MEETING

These are held on the third Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise specified in the newsletter), and take place at 2.00pm in the Camberley Theatre. Members are able to hear an interesting talk, meet other members including committee members and have a free cup of tea or coffee.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

Jointly run by two regular presenters, each choosing their own varied selection of classical music for the group to listen to. The overall yearly selections include instrumental, chamber, orchestral and vocal music from the Baroque period through to the twentieth century. New members are always welcome.

OPERA GROUP

We will be covering the story of opera from its early beginnings; our first DVD will be Monteverdi’s Coronation of Poppea with its deliciously dreadful protagonists Nero and Poppea. The session lasts 2.5 hours which allows time for news and discussion round the tea table as well as sufficient time to watch substantial parts of the opera. I wish to promote the friendliness of a private venue and therefore, if enough demand exists, a second time and place will be arranged.

PAINTING WORKSHOP

We are a friendly self-help group using water colour, pen or pencil. There are many different subjects painted within the group and a range of books and magazines are available to borrow for inspiration and help.

POETRY

The group meets to read aloud and enjoy all kinds of poetry; whatever members choose to share. The group is deliberately kept small to allow all to participate fully but vacancies do arise, so do check if you are interested in joining us.

PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is the Science of Mind and Behaviour. We are taking a look at a variety of human behaviours from a scientific, psychological perspective. Along the way we encounter the philosophies that lie behind psychologists’ thinking and some of their investigative work.
For the Autumn Term the existing Beginners and Advanced Groups will remain as they are and any new members will be asked to join the "Beginners" Group.

QUIZ

See Newsletter for details.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE

Numbering 13 players we have taken part in several events. New members are welcome however rusty their skills. If there is sufficient demand for a Beginners’ Group I will consider how this could be fitted in.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Group is aimed at scientists, engineers and those interested to learn more of subjects of a technical nature. A varied programme of high calibre speakers is arranged together with contributions from our own members. Interest visits are organised and members are encouraged to take part in occasional in-house projects.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

An initial get-together for those interested in joining the Scottish Country Dancing Group has been arranged. See the Newsletter for more details.

SCRABBLE

If you love words and have some experience of the Great Game, join the Scrabble group. We are not too strict and we promise that you will enjoy the morning and learn some new words in the company of like-minded players. Occasionally we play against other U3A Scrabble groups. Why don’t you come along and give it a try?

SINGALONG

See Newsletter for details.

SINGING FOR FUN

Our repertoire consists of harmonised arrangements of light and popular songs. We entertain at various local venues. The continued loyalty of our members indicates they are having fun!

SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is concerned with how our society is structured, how we behave within it, the conflicts that occur, and how they might be dealt with. We shall have a particular topic at each meeting. In the first half we shall consider the facts, as best we can, from a variety of perspectives. After a coffee break we discuss questions arising from the day’s topic. This is for anyone who is interested in how the society we live in operates and who enjoys lively discussion.

SPANISH

A course for absolute beginners and those who have a few words of Spanish. The emphasis will be on speaking and listening with some written work for homework.

This course will help you improve and broaden existing knowledge with the accent on speaking and listening. There are a few vacancies for new members.

A more advanced course using a variety of verb tenses, with accent on speaking and listening.

SUNDAY GROUP

We have had some enjoyable Sunday outings and will be continuing next term. If you are on your own and would like to join, why not come along to one of the monthly Monday meetings when proposed future outings are discussed and chosen by members of the Group over a cup of coffee. Please contact the group leader for further information.

TAI CHI

This is an amazingly popular class and current practitioners will tell you that it is a system with slow progression which is incredibly relaxing, energising and strength building. In addition, it needs great concentration, which obviously benefits the mind as well. Most participants will be continuing next term and therefore it is unlikely that there will be any vacancies for new members. However, if you are interested in joining, we can put your name on the waiting list in case a vacancy arises.

TAP DANCING

A very good form of aerobic exercise which can help with balance, posture and co-ordination, and tone up the muscles - especially the legs! So if you prefer taking your exercise to music, then this tap dancing class could be what you are looking for. You may have tapped when you were young or perhaps this is your first time? With or without experience, we aim for this class to be fun!

THEATRE

This is a group for all theatre lovers! Numbers are not large enough for coach travel, so people make their own way there. Tickets are very favourably priced because we are given a group rate. Many shows that come to this theatre are pre- or post-London runs. The types of drama we choose suit all taste from ballet to light opera, from whodunits to Shakespeare and modern dramatists to musicals.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

For the last few years, we have successfully arranged day trips and short breaks abroad and in this country. We also hold two travelogues a term where we have a speaker (please see Newsletter for details), coffee and biscuits and information about our various outings. All U3A members are welcome.

WALKS

We produce a Schedule of Walks for the year, giving outline details of each walk. Most of the walks are about 5 miles and normally start within a 15-mile radius of Camberley. All groups have members who volunteer to either lead walks or act as back-ups, and this works very well. We have been very encouraged to find that often after their first year of membership, we have new volunteers and thus new walks, so widening our knowledge of fairly local areas. The social contact between walkers is very enjoyable, both on the walk itself and at some local hostelry at the end of a walk where we can congratulate ourselves for having a healthy life-style.

We are a friendly group of strollers who walk once a month, always on the last Tuesday of the month. We walk between 2½ and 3 miles. We go over stiles and up hills but at a pace that suits the group. We also like to visit a pub when the stroll is over (this is optional). Unfortunately, the group is almost full but we will maintain a waiting list and take on new people as soon as we have spaces.

The Amblers are a small group catering for people who cannot walk too far or too fast, cannot tackle stiles as they used to but who still like to walk and exercise. Our ambles are about 2 miles long and take about 1¼ hours, no stiles, and no steep hills to discourage us. We have time to ‘stop and stare’, whenever or at whatever we fancy.

WHIST

See Newsletter for details.

WINE TASTING

This is a self-help group, which meets monthly at private venues. For that reason membership has to be restricted and currently there are no vacancies. A waiting list will be maintained and places offered as and when vacancies occur.

We aim to promote knowledge of the wines of the world by informed tasting and group discussion. Included in the tasting talks - apart from the wines themselves! - will be illustrations of the vineyards, chateaux and caves and potted histories of the vignerons, thus bringing to life the areas where the wines are produced.

YOGA

The Yoga classes continue with a loyal following. We practise gentle Hatha yoga. Exercises are progressive and adaptable to encourage everyone to work within their own safe limits.