Fairford and District U3A | ||
Group Activities: Study | ||
| Book Circle 1 Book Circle 2 | Family History 1 Family History 2 | |
| French | Geology | |
| History of European Art | Philosophy | |
| Poetry | ||
| Timetable: Study Group Activities | ||
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| Book Circle 1
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| 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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| Book Circle 2
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Book Circle 2 meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. In January we choose our books for the year and organise venues at members’ homes. We aim for a varied reading list, including fiction - modern, classic and in translation - biography, travel writing, popular science .... We occasionally discuss 2 books on similar, or contrasting, themes. One member introduces the chosen book, others, in turn, give their views and the discussion is then opened to all. | |
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![]() | Family History 1
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Meetings are held at 2.30 on the third Wednesday of the month, usually 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 and discussion on a particular topic such as the census, military records, or wills including the use of the internet. From time to time we shall practise reading old handwriting and occasional outings to record offices can be arranged. Since we started the second group we no longer have a waiting-list but vacancies are limited. If you would like to join the group or to know more, ring Miriam Scott (number above).
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![]() | Family History 2
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Meetings are held at 2.30 on the third Wednesday of the month, usually at 19, Homeground Lane, Fairford. This group was started towards the end of 2008 because of the long waiting-list of members with an interest in Family History. So far we have concentrated somewhat on the internet facilities available for Family History research and we are partly dependant on expertise available from Family History 1. If you would like to join the group or to know more, ring Michael Johnson (see above).
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| French Conversation
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French Conversation – Intermediate. This long-standing group aims to give members an opportunity to brush up O level French and, hopefully, improve their fluency. We use the magazine ‘Rendez-vous’ to keep us up to date with life in France and to extend our vocabulary. New members are always welcome. If you are not sure which is the right level for you, try both groups and then decide! Meetings Mondays at 11am – venues varyFrench Conversation – Advanced. We are a very friendly group of people who are reasonably able to understand and express themselves in French, and we help each other a lot! Typically we spend 30 minutes or so chatting about whatever takes our fancy, and then the rest of the hour reading and discussing items from “La Vie Outre-Manche” the sister publication to “Rendez-vous”. We try hard to use as little English as possible! Meetings Mondays 11am to noon chez Jeanne Watkins
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GeologyThe group meets on the second Wednesday afternoon of the month. For information contact either:- Brian Routledge (01285 712853) or
Clive Watson (01285 713003) | |
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| Philosophy
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We have nine members, all trying to bring our lifetime's experience and wisdom
to the group, while not forgetting Socrates' famous dictum that we're not wise
until we realise we know nothing.
Sometimes we study an individual philosopher - the latest one being Aristotle, who certainly has things to say about modern times. We also have sessions where we look at the application of Philosophy to current problems, like medical ethics, the environment, or education. We don't have any professional or academic philosophers among us, but try to be a living manifestation of the U3A principle " The Teachers learn and the Learners teach" From time to time members undertake to prepare topics of their choice and lead the discussion, giving the rest of us prior notice. There is absolutely no pressure for this, nor is there any pre-planned syllabus. Very often next month's subject suggests itself as the previous discussion draws to a close. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 2.30pm. Those of us with sitting rooms that can accommodate us all take it in turns to be hosts. Any further questions to the Group Leader, Donald Scott, 21 The Orchard, Fairford (01285 713441)
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| Poetry Circle
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| 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 | ||||
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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 | Bridge Short Tennis | Bridge Short Tennis | Bridge Short Tennis | Bridge Short Tennis |
| Tuesday am | Keep Fit | Keep Fit | Keep Fit | Keep Fit Striders |
| Tuesday pm | Main Meeting | Book Circle 1&2 | Bird Watching | |
| Wednesday am | Petanque | Walking + Pub Lunch Petanque | Petanque Five Rhythms Dance | Cycling + Pub Lunch Petanque |
| Wednesday pm | Geology | Family History Philosophy | ||
| Thursday am | Model Boats | Model Making | Model Boats Straddlers | Model Making |
| Thursday pm | Jazz | Rummikub | Garden | |
| Friday am | ||||
| Friday pm | Poetry 1& 2 | Latin Recorders | Music Listening | Recorders |
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
Last updated: 20.03.09