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

This group discusses a wide variety of issues connected with the visual arts. Members are encouraged to participate and give short presentations on items that interest them.

Our self-help group continues looking at North American art from 19th century to today. We will look at paintings, sculpture, architecture, jewellery and more, time permitting. We use PowerPoint presentations, DVDs, videos or books to illustrate our sessions. Anyone can take part - all you need is an interest in the subject. All welcome to our friendly group.

The course will be a romp through the history of art from classical Greece to the High Renaissance. The idea behind it being to enhance the way we look at the environment around us concentrating on architecture, sculpture and painting. No previous knowledge of the subject or artistic skill is needed.

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BADMINTON

We are a mixed ability group. It is obviously advantageous, if you have played a racket sport and all that is required, is your own badminton racket.

BALLROOM DANCING

The group has been running successfully for two years, is very well supported, and gives members the opportunity to refresh their dancing skills or for anyone new to dancing to be able to ‘get around the floor’. We have general dancing to live music together with basic tuition in Ballroom, Latin and Sequence which, is given by experienced teachers/dancers. Our sessions are enjoyable and sociable occasions. We welcome new members.

This new group is for absolute beginners and those who feel the need for a brush up on technique.

BEAUTY AND MAKE-UP

Starting in January 2010, this new group will give an insight into different ways of using make-up.

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 meet every first Monday of the month - except when it’s a bank holiday - and then we negotiate another date. 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?

Members of this group continue to be enthusiastic and vacancies seldom arise for new members. However, there is a waiting list for anyone interested in joining. Recently we read Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolfe. Her musings are reminiscent and not to everyone’s taste but are understandable when one knows the history of the author. In the future we will be reading All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. 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 spaces available so if you are interested and would like to begin to bowl please contact the Leader.

BRIDGE

An introduction to this popular pastime. This is the first year of a two year course and is suitable for those with very little or no previous experience of Bridge.

Second year of instruction for Beginners. Group mainly comprises existing members but there are a few vacancies for people who have played in the past but need to be reminded of the game.

The current group consists of a mix of those who have played Bridge for some years and those who have taken it up in retirement. Some play Rubber and others Chicago Bridge. No tuition is given and it is recommended that newcomers 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 group is for the more experienced players and any new members must have had some previous training through U3A Beginners or other similar classes before joining. We mainly play Duplicate Bridge with some Chicago and ‘prepared’ hands. Limited tuition is also given on occasion.

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. (Please see Newsletter for further details.)

CRAFT

We are a self-help group. We all have different talents and are pleased to share them with one another. We make many things from Greetings Cards to decorated clothing. The Autumn Term is going to be mainly about Christmas, with gifts and cards and ideas to make the season bright. We meet in a nice room a High Cross Church. Hope to see you there.

At our 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

The aim of this workshop is to try and de-mystify the technology surrounding digital cameras. It is aimed at those people who either have a digital camera or are about to purchase one.

DISCUSSION GROUPS

The Discussion Group goes from strength to strength and we always find some topic to discuss. Admittedly we do not always stick strictly to the subject but discussion always throws up new thoughts and ideas. We enjoy our light hearted discussions, then have tea and biscuits and follow up with local news or happenings in the world on which we all may have varied opinions, so much the better! We don’t fall out, we agree to differ!!

This group has had some very interesting and lively discussions on a variety of topics. New members are welcome though numbers would be limited to be able to maintain comfort and an informal atmosphere.

This is an overflow from Group 1 with the same format. If you would like to join, please telephone the Group Leader as soon as possible to book your place (contact details in the newsletter).

DRAMA WORKSHOP

This group is for absolutely anybody, from people who have never acted before - or even set foot in a theatre - to 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 all 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. We offer a format which we hope will appeal to all abilities. Whilst a considerable amount of information is available on the internet, unless you are looking at an image of an original document, there is always a possibility of error in transcription. Beginners are therefore invited to join a course of 6 classes in each of the Autumn and Spring terms where information will be given on researching from original records - civil registration, censuses, parish registers etc. You will gain more if you can attend as many classes as possible but many Beginners repeat the first year to fill in gaps and to do some revision.
After a break for coffee, Beginners join with Experienced Researchers for talks given by members of the Group about their own family history and/or their experiences, problems, successes and excitements during their research. During the last couple of years we have heard some extremely interesting, informative and helpful talks and we already have a similar programme planned for 2009/2010. We do emphasise that nobody is expected to reveal any of their family history if they prefer to keep it private.

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.

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

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.

Most of the members of the group have family living in France or are regular visitors to France. In an informal setting, we help each other through French conversation and study of a wonderful magazine called ‘La Vie Outre Manche’ to which we are all subscribers.

This course is 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.

Another group for those with an intermediate knowledge of the language.

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 fairly new, very friendly group and would welcome new members with open arms.

GERMAN

In this group we concentrate on conversation and vocabulary while not forgetting grammar.

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 TRAGEDY

With modern translations and productions Greek Tragedies still fascinate audiences. We will focus on one tragedy a month, with background from experts on DVD. After reading the play at home we will discuss any aspects that interest us before moving on. No previous knowledge is required for this course.

HISTORY

New upper class of American and profiteers, an expanding middle class, then disgust with government’s ‘cash for honours’ scandal and the rise of Fascism are topics for discussion.

The sessions will continue to study the History of Europe 1789 - 1914. So far the course has reached the Napoleonic era. Newcomers are welcome as individual sessions are self-contained.

ITALIAN

We are actively trying to establish an Italian Beginners group. Unfortunately, we have not been able to secure a Group Leader. However, there may be the opportunity for a self-help beginners group, studying with the aid of a ‘teach yourself’ course, such as those from the BBC. This has been successfully trialled with one of our French Groups. Help and support is available. If you are interested in a Beginners’ Italian group please see contact details in the newsletter.

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

This is to be a beginners’ group for those who have no, or very little, experience of knitting. Members should bring along a pair of size 4mm [8] knitting needles and a small ball of double knitting wool.

LINE DANCING

This new group has been started in response to the growing demand for this very popular dance.

These groups are for those who have done line dancing previously. Both are 2-hour sessions, the Improvers group following immediately after the Beginners group. They 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.

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

The Group is run jointly by two regular presenters, each choosing their own varied selection of classical music, usually on alternate months. Each presentation lasts for two hours, with a tea/coffee break at mid-session. We try to cater for most tastes and the overall yearly content covers instrumental, chamber, orchestral, vocal and choral music, from the Baroque period through to the twentieth century. Each piece of music is given a short introduction.
New members are always welcome, so why not come along to listen and relax in pleasant surroundings with friendly people. Classical music does not have to be stuffy - join us and give it a try - you may be pleasantly surprised.

OPERA GROUP

Subjects for discussion will be chosen by members who will be encouraged to contribute. We will use a variety of sources of information including DVDs and CDs. New members welcome.

PAINTING WORKSHOP

We are a happy, self help group of mixed abilities. However we are fortunate in that we almost always have a tutor at our sessions to provide help and encouragement and who also does demonstrations from time to time. We use a variety of media including water-colour, pen, pencil acrylics and pastels.
There are a number of books and magazines to inspire us and the range of subjects we tackle are diverse, from animals to landscapes and flowers.
We have a spacious room at High Cross Church Centre for our two hour sessions held fortnightly on Tuesdays at 13.30, and we can purchase refreshments at the restaurant should we feel the need.

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.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE

The Camberley U3A Recorder Ensemble now has twelve members who, between them, play descant, treble, tenor and bass instruments. We are enlarging our repertoire all the time in both classical and more modern directions. In October we did two spots in an eclectic concert programme at Camberley Baptist Church. The ‘Classic Recorders’ slot was not difficult, but our challenge of the year, Scott Joplin’s Easy Winners, which some were convinced would sound more like Desperate Losers, was a huge success, especially with the last-minute addition of keyboard percussion!
The term ended with much simpler Christmas music, some of which was included in another little outing for the group at an Advent Special afternoon meeting at the above church. New players always welcome.

SAINTS ALIVE

This course looks at the lives of Christian Saints in order to identify their attributes, allowing us to distinguish them when we come across them in art and in churches. The course has proved popular in the past, so I am repeating it with a different day and venue over the Autumn and Spring terms.

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.

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?

SELF AWARENESS

Self-awareness helps us to identify options for dealing with situations where a different approach could be beneficial. We will consider how we can enhance our relationships with others: exploring why we behave in the way we do and how we and others get into patterns of behaviour, which may not be useful.

SINGING FOR FUN

Our repertoire is light and popular. We do try three and four-part arrangements, but there is also unison singing. Apart from our fortnightly meetings, we entertain at homes, day-centres and clubs and perform concerts. Sometimes they even ask us to return!

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. Sometimes we may invite outside experts to talk to us.

SPANISH

Last year’s total beginners are now able to communicate at basic level in this most popular language. This year we will be building on the basics. Classes are relaxed and informal, and if you already have a little knowledge of Spanish this could be the class for you. (I hope to start a new class for complete beginners in September 2010.)

This course will help you to improve and broaden existing knowledge with the accent on speaking and listening. There are a few vacancies for new members, so if you already speak some Spanish, why not come and join us.

SUNDAY GROUP

The Social Group has 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 at St. Paul’s Church (see programme for dates), 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, please telephone the Leader and ask for your name to be placed on the waiting list should a vacancy arise.

TAP DANCING

Tap Dancing for adults is a very good form of aerobic exercise. It can help with balance, posture and co-ordination, and it also tones 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! Trips are currently arranged to the New Victoria Theatre in Woking and mostly for the Wednesday matinee. 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 tastes: from ballet to light opera, from whodunits to Shakespeare and modern dramatists to musicals.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

For the last 3 years, we have successfully arranged day trips and short breaks abroad and in this country. We also hold two meetings a term where we have a speaker (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. Both 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 GROUP

Starting in January 2010, a monthly Whist Group for all who enjoy playing this highly enjoyable game.

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.

The aim of the group is 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.