Fairford and District U3A


Group Activities: Study



Book Circle Family History
French Geology
History of European ArtPhilosophy
Poetry  
Timetable: Study Group Activities  

Book Circle

  • Group Leader:
    Denny Rawlinson
  • Telephone:
    01285 - 711009
  • Meetings:
    2nd Tuesday at 2:30pm

The Book Circle meets in the afternoon of the second Tuesday of the month. We chose a list of books for the year, together with venues for the meetings at the houses of our members

We aim for variety and balance; fiction, biography, travel and most years we include a classic, and a foreign novel. Among our books this year are "An Equal Music" by Vikram Seth, "North and South" by Mrs Gaskell, an American novel by Anne Tyler, and " The Leopard" by Giuseppi di Lampedusa. One of us 'presents' the 'Book of the Month', usually his or her own choice, then it is open to us all to contribute our views

The discussion is informal and lively; conflicting opinions add to the enjoyment!

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Family History

  • Group Leader:
    Miriam Scott 
  • Telephone:
    01285 713441
  • Meetings:
    Third Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm

This is a new group whose first meeting was on 20 September 2006. Meetings are held at 2.30 on the third Wednesday of the month at 21, The Orchard, Fairford.  They will provide an opportunity for members to exchange ideas, to browse in a variety of sources, including microfiches, and for those with more experience to help the novices. Each month there will be a short talk on a particular topic such as the census, military records, or wills. Outings to record offices are a possibility for 2007.

 The group is full for the moment but if you would like to join the waiting list or to know more, ring Miriam Scott on 01285 713441

 or email Miriam-Donald@Scott11.freeserve.co.uk

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French Conversation

  • Group Leader:
    Rosemary Westlake
  • Telephone:
    01285 - 712329
  • Meetings:
    Weekly on Monday at 11:00am

The French conversation runs on two different levels.  The advanced group meet weekly on Monday mornings and the intermediate group meets on alternate Mondays.  There is an opportunity either to brush up your 'O' level French, or to converse at a higher level.   Both groups are very friendly and welcome new members.  If you are not sure which would be best for you, try one and then decide!

More information from Rosemary Westlake.

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Geology

The group meets on the second Wednesday afternoon of the month.

For information contact either:-

Brian Routledge (01285 712853) or Clive Watson (01285 713003)
(Joint Group Leaders)

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History of European Art

The History of European Art group meets each month, as convenient. 

The group enjoys regular popularity and unfortunately cannot accommodate any new

members at the moment.

For further information, contact

Denys Hodson (01285 712462) 

 

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Philosophy

  • Group Leader:
    Donald Scott
  • Telephone:
    01285 - 713441
  • Meetings:
    3rd Wednesday at 2.30pm

We have expanded recently and there are now twelve members, all bringing their lifetime’s experience and wisdom to the group. We also try to remember what Socrates said about not being really wise until we realise we know nothing.  I hope, in fact, we are a good example of the U3A’s principle The Teachers learn and the Learners teach.

Sometimes we deal with individual philosophers, for example, Socrates, Epicurus, Nietzsche and others, all of whom have things to say that are relevant to modern times. In these sessions we started off by listening to tapes of a series of talks by Alain de Botton.  We have also looked at the application of Philosophy to current problems, like medical ethics and the environment.  

Sometimes individual members prepare topics for discussion, giving the rest of us prior notice.  Behind all our discussions is the famous dictum of the late Professor Joad in the BBC Brains Trust: “It depends what you mean...........”    It is always useful to be clear about what we think and why we think it. 

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month, at 2.30pm and members take it in turns to be hosts.   

Any further questions to the Group Leader, Donald Scott, 21 The Orchard, Fairford. Tel. 01285 713441

 

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Poetry Circle

  • Group Leader:
    Keith Cottam
  • Telephone:
    01285 - 711054
  • Meetings:
    1st Friday at 3:00pm

The Poetry Circle started in 1995 with five members under the leadership of Humphrey Gillett

The group meets monthly in the homes of members. The host for the month has usually set the theme and we are always surprised and delighted at the variety of poems chosen. The group has developed its own harmonious identity, with good-natured acceptance of each other's tastes

The friendly appreciative atmosphere encourages those who wish to present their own poems, efforts, which are enthusiastically or sympathetically received. The group has expanded and our pleasure in poetry is ongoing

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TIMETABLE of GROUP ACTIVITIES

Weekday

First Week

Second Week

Third Week

Fourth Week

Monday am French 1 & 2
Yoga
French 1 & 2
Yoga
French 1 & 2
Yoga
French 1 & 2
Yoga
Monday pm Art
Short Tennis
Bridge
Short Tennis
Art
Short Tennis
Bridge
Short Tennis
 Tuesday am Circuit Training Circuit TrainingCircuit Training Circuit Training
Striders
Tuesday pm Main Meeting Book Circle 1&2 Bird Watching
Wednesday am Walking + Pub Lunch Five Rhythms Dance Cycling + Pub Lunch
Wednesday pm  Geology Digital Photography
Family History
Philosophy

Thursday am Model Boats
Model Making
Model Boats
Straddlers
Model Making
Thursday pm Jazz Garden
Rummikub
Friday am
Friday pm Poetry  Music

Group Activities: STUDY groups are shown in BOLD

The Needlework Group meets on alternate Wednesday afternoons - from Wednesday 8th November

The History of European Art Group generally meets on a Thursday or Friday, as decided each month in advance

 
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Last updated: 07.01.2008
Webmaster: Denis Brophy
Telephone: 01367 252118