Bishop Auckland

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Bishop Auckland u3a Groups

Android IT     

When 2022
Information The formal training is now finished. Members are now directed to the Living with Technology webpage to continue self-study as necessary.

Apple Devices     

When 
Information 

Art & Architecture     

When Announced at the monthly meetings
Information This group does not meet regularly but arranges lectures,talks, films and gallery visits. The group also arranges study visits to places of interest and once a year there is a residential visit to a city or area of particular interest, in which case the group would normally travel by coach be away for a few days in which case hotel accommodation is arranged by the Group Leaders.

Badminton     

When 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the Month
Normally meets 13:00 to 14:00
Information 

Bridge     

When Every Friday. ( unless notified otherwise)
Normally meets 09:45 to 12:00
Information The Bridge Group has 23 members.The Group was formed in September 2011 and formal lessons were given until Summer 2015. The Group continues as a learning group, with the occasional revision lesson. Deal and Play Duplicate pairs sessions take place each week with one session monthly being scored. In December members enjoy a 'fun party bridge' session with prizes The Group actively welcomes the participation of any U3A member. New starters can be helped at our learning table, by sitting in on play sessions, also by making use of our collection of training materials, books and DVDs. Although we are still trying to master this wonderful game, we are not forgetting that we are playing for fun and that bridge has a strong social element. The sessions are held at Bishop Auckland Golf Club in a comfortable, light and airy room with lovely views. Refreshments are available and parking is free. The atmosphere is relaxed,friendly and fun. Come and join us and enjoy a convivial morning with like-minded folk. Running costs are shared by members and paid quarterly in advance.

Brugge Christmas Market     

When NULL
Information 

Card & Board Games     

When 1st Thursday of the month
Normally meets 13:00 to 15:00
Information Indoor Games starting Thursday, 6th June

Computing     

When Ongoing
Information Online IT-related videos and self-study material to enable members to pick and choose what they want/need to learn and take responsibility for their own learning. Help is on hand if needed.

Contingency     

When 
Information To hold the o/s balance following group account adjustments

Current Affairs     

When The fourth Monday of the month (pm)
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information The Group meets to discuss issues arising from current affairs. The meetings are informal but structured. There is a small charge to cover the cost of refreshments. New members will be welcomed.

Drawing and Painting     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month 1pm to 3pm
Information 

Family History     

When Second Thursday of the month
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Information Since summer 2022 we have been sharing the Teesdale monthly meeting at Enterprise House, Harmire Estate in Barnard Castle. The group closed for a while due to the health of the Barnard Castle leader but has restarted late 2024. The original day is no longer suitable so a poll of members was taken to establish the most popular day. From January 2025 the genealogy meetings will be held at Enterprise House as usual but on the second Thursday of the month 13.30 - 15.30. The room has been booked for the whole of 2025. As usual Alan will email reminders and the topic for the meeting. This is a joint group between Teesdale and Bishop Auckland. Members of either u3a can attend these group meetings but must be a full member of either Teesdale or Barnard Castle u3a to take part in this, or any other, interest group activity.

French     

When 
Information 

Garden     

When Irregular programme - see calendar or website
Information The Garden group aims to visit a number of different gardens each year, primarily during the spring and summer months. Sometimes these visits include optional talks or garden tours by a senior member of the gardening staff at the property. Fairly local outings within the county are generally reached by car-sharing but for longer trips we use a coach. During 2024 we introduced talks over the cooler months. These were organised by Sue M and have been so well-received that more are planned 2024-25. Jean listed our popular independent charity NGS and village garden outings this year and will be doing that in 2025 as well. These venues are generally too small for a coachload but there are usually a steady stream of u3a visitors during the afternoon.

History     

When 2nd Friday
Information This is one of the largest groups but one that is still able to welcome new members. Monthly meeting have a speaker focusing on the broad subject but where possible the group is focused on local history. Some trips away are arranged, usually by coach.

Indoor Bowls Group     

When 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month
Normally meets 15:00 to 17:00
Information Indoor Bowls for anyone

Italian     

When 2nd and 4th Tuesday monthly
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Information We are a small group working at an intermediate level. We welcome new members but they would need to have a basic knowledge of Italian language and grammar.

Italian for Beginners     

When Monday PM
Normally meets 13:45 to 14:45
Information 

Papercraft and Card Making     

When 1st Tuesday of the month and following Wednesday
Information Venue - Newton Aycliffe. Tuesday Group meets 13.30 to around 15.30. Wednesday group meets 10.30 to around 12.30.

Photography     

When 3rd Thursday Monthly
Information Photography group for all to enjoy and Improve their photography knowledge and skills

Reading     

When 2nd Monday
Normally meets 10:30 to 11:40
Information Please contact group leaders or visit our website for further information.

Science,Engineering,Technology     

When Irregular
Information Science Engineering and Technology (SET) This is a group that will visit related facilities of interest and be open to any ideas for talks or educational opportunities within this broad remit. The group leader(s) will coordinate the timetable with members responsible for arranging the visits.

Spanish     

When 
Information New group

String Band     

When 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information Playing guitars, bass, mandolin, ukulele and other acoustic instruments such as flute, harmonica and kazoo. We are a group for those who enjoy pop/rock, country and folk music. Everything from Abba to Cole Porter, Led Zeppelin to Simon and Garfunkel, Fairport Convention to The Kinks - you name it we'll play it!

Sunday Lunch     

When 3rd Sunday of month, time to be advised
Information Members can volunteer to organise a sit-down Sunday Lunch at a local pub/restaurant. Members make their own way to venue and pay their own bill at the end of the meal.

Tea and Coffee Social     

When Various days & times
Information A social meeting of members over a Tea or Coffee on various days to suit

Ten Pin Bowling     

When 1st Wednesday
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:30
Information Bowling, companionship, laughter, competition, tea and/or coffee - anything missing? Why not join us for a fun morning? 10.00 for 10.30 prompt start

Ten Pin Bowling (2)     

When 4th Thursday Monthly
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:30
Information Bowling, companionship, laughter, competition, tea and/or coffee - anything missing? Why not join us for a fun morning? Ten pin bowling group meeting at 10.00 for 10.30 prompt start

Theatre Visits     

When Notified in slides and at monthly meetings
Information Visits usually include transport. We aim to attend all genres of productions . Visits are mainly to Theatre Royal Newcastle, sometimes to Sunderland Empire and at Christmas to Keswick for their annual production at The Theatre by the Lake.

Walking (2-4 miles)     

When 2nd Thursday of the month weather permitting
Normally meets 10:15 to 12:30
Information A walk generally with limited gradients and stiles. Walks are led by the members taking turns and are usually not too far away. Full details are provided ahead of the walk and many include points of interest which will be covered by the walk leader. 10.30 Prompt start

Walking (4-6 Miles)     

When Last Tuesday Monthly
Normally meets 10:15 to 14:30
Information This group walks between 4 and 6 miles usually on the last Tuesday of each month. If you wish to join a walk but are not yet a member then please contact the Group Leader so that you can receive details of late changes especially weather related.

Walking (6 - 8 Miles)     

When Second Thursday of each Month.
Normally meets 10:30 to 15:30
Information The Group normally meets at 10.15 for a 10:30 start Full details of each walk are available each month at the U3A General Meeting and on the group web page.

Walking Holidays     

When As arranged
Information A Group for those interested in strolling/walking holidays of a few days - varying distances and always flexible.

Welcoming     

When 
Information 

Windows IT     

When 2023
Information The formal training is now finished. Members are now directed to the Living with Technology webpage to continue self-study as necessary.