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Beeston u3a Groups

Adventures beyond comfort zone     

Meets Monthly, day varies,12:15pm.Activities as arranged
Venue The Star Inn - map
Normally starts 12:15 to 01:00
Details For people who want to try something a bit different. We have been to a climbing centre, escape room, axe throwing and Go Ape, and we have paddleboarding and clay pigeon shooting sessions booked. We are currently meeting monthly to plan and research future activities. All ideas welcome!

American History     

Meets Monthly Every 2nd Tuesday 2pm
Venue Beeston Library, upstairs room - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The modern-day USA exerts huge influence on our lives today, reversing the situation which existed before 1776. How did they become so powerful? How did the first settlers deal with the native Americans? What areas were colonised by which country? What was the Civil War all about? Which Presidents had the most impact? What is the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement? The war in Vietnam, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Watergate…the topics are endless! A programme of topics will be devised and circulated to interested people.

Archaeology     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Details This is a suggestion for a new group. It will be organised when there is sufficient interest.

Art Gallery Visits     

Meets Monthly. 3rd Thursday. 2.00pm
Venue Beeston Methodist Church Or Gallery Visits - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 00:00
Details We attend talks at exhibitions/venues given by local staff which usually last between 20-45 mins. We can then look round the exhibition/venue ourselves and meet up for refreshment afterwards so that members have the opportunity to socialise. At BMC meetings a member volunteers to give an introduction to an artist or an art movement of their choice, and all members can contribute to the session.

Art History and Appreciation 1     

Meets Monthly. 4th Tuesday 10.30am
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details Sessions may be talks or interactive activities, usually led by members of the group, on a variety of topics connected with the history and appreciation of art. Members can choose to attend either the morning or afternoon session, as the topic is repeated.

Art History and Appreciation 2     

Meets Monthly. 4th Tuesday. 1.30pm
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:00
Details Sessions may be talks or interactive activities, usually led by members of the group, on a variety of topics connected with the history and appreciation of art. Members can choose to attend either the morning or afternoon session, as the topic is repeated.

Badminton     

Meets Every Wednesday. 10.15-11.15 in term time
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 10:15 to 11:15
Details There are three courts available. Pre-Play gentle warm-up is encouraged. There are some racquets available to borrow, and shuttlecocks are provided. New members are encouraged preferably with some experience, as we do not have a coach. Abilities are mixed but we have a fun session.

Badminton 2     

Meets Monday afternoons 1.30-2.30 pm in term time
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 14:30
Details Social Badminton for players with a knowledge and understanding of the game, we cannot offer any coaching for beginners

Bee Writers     

Meets 1st and 2nd Wednesday of the month 10am.
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We cover a full range of writing: poetry, short stories, travel writing, writing for newspapers, plays, writing stories through diaries or letters and autobiography. Writing is not a linear experience so many of these topics have been and will be revisited. Our programme of events covers a full year and is agreed upon by the members who also agree to lead those sessions - with the support of others if required. During the year we have at least one guest speaker (a local novelist or poet) to talk about how and why they have become writers or to lead a practical session. We also meet on the second Wednesday of the month 10.00 at Tesco Community Room (Swiney Way). This allows us to share work and to help each other improve. This is an active, practical group and members are expected to join in with the writing sessions and with the follow-up exercises at home. Whatever your ability, you will be made welcome by this supportive and friendly group.

Beer Appreciation     

Meets 1st Tuesday & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4 pm
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 16:00 to 18:00
Details Meet at a pub to drink and chat. Most people will be sampling the various beers available, and some of the conversation will be about them, but you're welcome to drink and talk about whatever you fancy. The venue is notified by email - often at The Crown in Beeston, but also at other Beeston pubs, or pubs on an easy tram or bus route. The cost is just whatever you spend on drinks and transport. Come along and enjoy a drink and a chat in convivial company.

Between the Covers Book Group     

Meets 3rd Monday of each month 1.30pm
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 14:30
Details The primary purpose of this book club is to read and enjoy literature! We include books by various authors, across all genres. If you enjoy reading, and you're ready to share your views ... come along and join us, new members are very welcome.

Birdwatching     

Meets The second week of the month (the day is variable)
Venue Various Venues
Details Bird identification through plumage, calls and song. Identifying habitat requirements to help us target particular species. Advice on appropriate equipment.

Book Group 1     

Meets Monthly. 2nd Tuesday at BMC 10.30am
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details We normally discuss one book at each meeting. We read a range of literature, mostly contemporary fiction/non-fiction, but are open to suggestions. Decisions about what to read are made by the group. We rely on recommendations from group members & what is available to order from the library. The book for each month is chosen well in advance so that we can order copies from Beeston library, though some members like to buy or download their own copies. Occasionally we decide to read something the library cant get for us.

Book Group 3 (Murder)     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month 1.30pm
Venue The Star Inn - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 14:40
Details Each month the group will look at a book or series of books from the crime/thriller genre - as long as the book contains a murder! Every member of the group selects either an individual book or the first of a series of books and leads the session. We are then given a potted history of the writer as well as some details about the book we have read or the characters from the series. We have agreed that everyone attending should have read the book so that there are no 'spoiler' alerts. Each book is rated according to certain criteria. If any member cannot make the meeting, but would like to send in comments, then we also run a WhatsApp group. At the end of the meeting we like to recommend crime books we are currently reading and any crime series watched on television.

Book Group 6 SF & Fantasy     

Meets Second Tuesday of the month
Venue The Star Inn - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details This group started in March 2024. It will consider literature that is broadly in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres.

Book Group 7 Non Fiction     

Meets 1st Tuesday 10am
Venue Resource Centre - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details This is a new group to read and discuss a range of non-fiction books. You are welcome to attend regularly or to drop in when you see a book you like. You can also suggest books for us to read.

Book group4 Readers Rendezvous     

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month 2pm
Venue Beeston Library, upstairs room - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details We discuss one book at each meeting, chosen and agreed by group members. Most books are ordered in advance from the library, and so far, their list has given us plenty of scope for some interesting reading. Currently meeting at Beeston library. We are currently full.

Bowls - short mat     

Meets Mondays am
Venue Christ Church - map
Normally starts 10:45 to 12:45
Details Christ Church Hall is our current venue. Meeting on Monday mornings. Beginners and experience bowls welcomed. For moor detail please contact Group facilitator via BeestonU3A website. I look forward to your enquiry. Google ‘Short Mat Bowls Youtube’ to see a game in play. There is a set of rules, but nothing too onerous to learn. 3 places available (23/4/24

Bridge     

Meets Weekly. Monday. 1.30pm- 4.00pm.
Venue Church Hall, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:00
Details The Bridge Club continues to enjoy weekly sessions of rubber bridge where members are trying to improve on their skills of 'Acol' bridge, sometimes successfully, sometimes not, but on those occasions the fault lies in the cards of course!! Please note that on the third Monday of the month we play Duplicate Bridge. We welcome all levels of bridge players except complete beginners. It is quite different to many bridge clubs in that we do talk to each other about the game, discussing different bidding techniques or how we could have bid!! - always in the friendliest manner and with no blame attached. There are a number of more serious competitive clubs in the area, but if you enjoy bridge and want to improve and to meet similar minded bridge players do please come and join us.

Bridge beginners     

Meets Monday afternoon weekly 1.30pm
Venue 
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Learn the basics of ACOL bridge in a small group. Course of 8 weeks. Then continue to learn by joining the main bridge group who are all very patient with beginners.

British sign language     

Meets Monthly - 3rd Monday 10.00 to 12.00
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details The intention of the group is to learn some basic sign language while also increasing deaf awareness and an appreciation of Deaf culture. No prior knowledge is presumed or required.

Buddies     

Meets Monthly, Last Friday@10.30am
Venue Beekeeper - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:45
Details Buddies is a friendship group for single, divorced, or widowed members. We also welcome those with spousal caring duties who maybe in need of an informal occasional social outlet. It is a means of making friends and taking part in activities which are more pleasant in company. We organise both a lunch time meal and an evening meal once a month. Members can make friends and are free to arrange activities between themselves, such as cinema visits, meeting for coffee, going for a walk, shopping, pub quiz etc. We also organise various activities and outings periodically.

Calligraphy     

Meets 2nd and 4th Thursday in month from 2-4pm
Venue Conservative Club - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The aim of the group is to learn and practice together the art of beautiful handwriting using various modern and traditional calligraphy styles and techniques.<br> We are a group of 15 with a range of expertise who meet to share ideas, learn from each other and have some fun!

Camping Caravan & Motorhome     

Meets 2nd Wednesday at 2pm
Venue Boat and Horses - map
Details This group is for members who are interested in camping in any form - motorhome, caravan, tent, campervan. Join other enthusiasts to chat about places to visit, routes, hints and tips etc

Canasta     

Meets 2nd, 4th and 5th (if any) Thursday 9.30am
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 09:30 to 12:00
Details Canasta is an extension of Rummy whereby the emphasis lies on scoring melds, then Canastas and comparatively little on going out. Generally, group members play in groups of four, in partnership with the person opposite, although there are two, three and five handed versions where each player plays for him/herself.

Chess     

Meets Second and fourth Thursday 10 a.m.
Venue Christ Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details The group normally meets at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Players (and non-players) of all levels are welcome. Meetings are held at Christ Church, College Road, Chilwell NG9 4AS

Concert visits     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Details This is a possible new group. Similar to Theatre Visits but to attend concerts as a group.

Craft     

Meets Monthly 4th Thursday. 1330-1600hrs
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:00
Details Crafts for 2024 : Decorated Planters; Can Butterfly Pictures; Owl Paperweights; Quilling: Felt applique; Button Pictures; Stitched Cards; Paper Flowers; Folded fabric Pinwheels Origami Christmas rees and tissue paper pompoms

Cribbage     

Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday at 1.30
Venue The Star Inn - map
Details We are a small group averaging between 6 and 8 people each time. All very friendly !

Cryptic Crossword-Intermediate     

Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays 12.15-13.45
Venue The Star Inn - map
Normally starts 12:15 to 13:45
Details A group for the less confident solver or those that have completed 'Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords' by Henry Howarth the U3A cryptic crossword guru. It seeks to improve skills and knowledge by solving 'Quick' cryptic crosswords together in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Cryptic Crosswords Beginners     

Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month 12.15-13.45
Venue The Star Inn - map
Normally starts 12:15 to 13:45
Details A group that meets and works through a book by Henry Howarth called 'How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords' in order to develop an understanding of how cryptic crossword clues work. It is aimed at beginners or those with very limited experience and will be led by a number of more experienced crossworders. It will also offer the opportunity to have a go at 'real' cryptic crosswords and to do some clueing too.

Cryptic Crosswords-Experienced     

Meets 2nd & 4th Monday 12.15-13.45
Venue The Star Inn - map
Normally starts 12:15 to 13:45
Details Do you enjoy solving Cryptic Crosswords? (1. Solo unit changes answer (8)) Would you like to try solving together with other like-minded people, sharing and extending your skills and having some fun while you do it? (2. Quiet! A call for being companionable (7)) Then the Cryptic Crosswords group is for you! (3. Tie up America? Come along! (4,2)) We meet on the 2nd & 4th Monday of the month (12:15pm at The Star, Beeston). We solve two Guardian Cryptic crosswords at each meeting, and look at some selected Times clues.

Cycling     

Meets Every Tuesday 1.30pm
Venue 
Normally starts 13:30 to 00:00
Details Meet at junction Cartwright Way / Queens Rd. Routes vary but are off road where possible and around 12 to 20 miles with a break at a cafe en route. We hope to offer a second group starting at the same time/place which offers shorter rides of 7 to 12 miles. So you can choose which group to join on the day.

Dominoes     

Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 2pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The dominoes group meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at 2pm in the Wesley room at Beeston Methodist Church. We are a small and friendly group and would welcome some new members. We play run out, Maltese cross and 5's and 3's. Beginners and experienced players are welcome.

Family History/Genealogy     

Meets Monthly. 3rd Wednesday. 10am
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This group runs at about maximum capacity and at times does not accept new members, then with a waiting list for applicants. If you wish to join, please enquire. If we are full, we hope it won’t be long before we see you. The group aims to cater for both newcomers to and those more experienced in family history and genealogy. At our meetings we have presentations and discussions on family history, some where members show what their research has found, others explaining the techniques that family historians can use. We also have an email forum for members, which can be used, for example, to inform about new internet resources or raise queries where help is requested. Members represent a complete range from absolute beginners to more than 20 years’ experience of family history, so there is a considerable amount of exchange of questions and knowledge.

Film studies on Zoom     

Meets 4th Monday of month 5pm to 6.30pm
Venue Online
Normally starts 17:00 to 00:00
Details Join members from across the Notts network. If watching and discussing classic and more contemporary films appeals to you, why not join us on Zoom? We select a couple of films to watch each month, then discuss and share our thoughts about them. Quite often, especially with classic films, we can find short YouTube videos to enrich our understanding and enjoyment of the film. We meet on the fourth Monday of the month from 5:00pm to 6:30pm having watched the films at times of our own choosing beforehand.

French Conversation     

Meets Second and Fourth Monday of every month 9.30-11.00
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 09:30 to 11:00
Details The group requires some knowledge of the language. It is a conversation class but a limited knowledge is fine. There are people in the group who are more fluent than others but listening is as important as talking so the less fluent will learn a lot just by listening to the others in the first instance. The group starts as one then splits by ability for part of the session.

Garden Visits     

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month 10am
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church And Visits - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 00:00
Details Each meeting we chat about visits enjoyed, and discuss ideas for future trips. We have speakers, DVD shows, Quizzes. We talk about seasonal places to visit, for example, Bluebell or Snowdrop Walks.

Gardening     

Meets 1st Tuesday in the month 10am
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details The meetings last for about 1hr 30 mins each month. We include a practical demo and a topic for the group relevant to the season. We encourage members to talk about their own interests and we have a plant swap table each month. This group is currently full.

German Conversation     

Meets EveryTuesday of the month 10am
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details The German Conversation Group is for members who can speak some German and want to further enhance conversational abilities. There are 2 parallel groups - 1st & 3rd Tuesday and 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 10am to 11.30am.

German intermediate     

Meets 2nd& 4th Monday 2pm
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details This is a small, friendly group for those who know a little of the language and would like to improve their fluency.

History     

Meets Monthly. 2nd Friday 10am
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 00:00
Details This is mainly a participatory group with either several brief talks or one longer talk given by a member or occasionally an invited outside speaker. The Group is run by a Team, Noel Kelly [leader]Judith Foxon [Committee Member], Marina Turner [Treasurer] Jim W Turner [Speaker/Seeker] Jo Muxlow [Committee Member] and Chris Chater [Communications] Members are encouraged to suggest topics, venues for visits etc. to the team. Meetings take place at Beeston Methodist Church in the Guild room. Details sent out a week in advance.

International Dance     

Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 10.30-11.30
Venue Church Of The Assumption, Church Hall - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details We enjoy dances from many countries - Russia, Rumania, Israel, France, Belgium, Portugal, England and many, many more. The dances are taught and led by Gill Morral. No partner necessary. No experience necessary. Circle dances, line dances, set dances. Dances with bells, scarves sometimes. Varied rhythms and styles. Lovely music. Laugh along with us. Mix of partner dances non partner dances.

IT support     

Meets 1st and 3rd Friday morning each month
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details A regular twice monthly meeting to which all members are invited to come along to seek help for their IT problems. A team of volunteer IT-savvy members will arrange to be there to help whoever wants to attend.

Italian     

Meets Fridays 10-11.30am
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details We meet at the Beeston Methodist Church, Wesley Room from 10:00 until 11:30 every Friday (except on the 4th Friday when we are in the Epworth room) We read and listen to simplified books at Level A2-B1 and try to chat about specific subjects. We are also learning about the History of Rome from A.D. 700 to present day

Jazz Appreciation     

Meets Weekly Zoom Meetings, Wednesday 1.30pm
Venue Member's Home
Details We have found that we prefer to listen to a playlist at home rather than at the Methodist Church as we did before lockdown. We are continuing to have weekly Zoom meetings to listen to jazz requests from members. These are on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm. If you would like to participate, please contact Sue Pringle

Landscape and Environment     

Meets 4th Tuesday of the month at 10.00 to 11.30
Venue Beeston Library, upstairs room - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details Anyone with an interest in the landscape and its features will be most welcome. No prior knowledge is expected. In this group we will aim to recognise and understand different landscape features- mountains, valleys, rivers and sea coasts, rock structures and soil types, and how they arose in geological history. We will look at the impact of humans on the landscape- clearing forests for farming, extracting minerals from underground, building towns and cities, roads and railways. We will look at the impact of climate change on the landscape and examine progress in the development of green energy. In the summer months, we will schedule a field trip to look at local landscape features.

Latin 1     

Meets Monthly. 3rd Wednesday 10:00 - 11:30
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details The group enjoys exploring words and phrases in everyday use derived from Latin as well as studying the grammar, discovering links with other languages and learning about life in Roman times. Most of the group studied Latin to "O" Level many years ago and already have some knowledge of the basic grammar. The group has already worked through several of a series of text books which would make it difficult for an absolute beginner to join. Group members prepare mutually agreed sections of the text book between sessions, then share translations and queries during the meetings. The group motto is "semper ridemus" (we always laugh, which is very appropriate).

Latin for beginners     

Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. 2-3.30pm
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details The group uses a series of text books to cover the basics of Latin, to discover links with English and other languages and to learn about life in Roman times. Group members prepare mutually agreed sections of the text book between sessions, then share translations and queries during the meetings. The group motto is "Semper ridemus" (We always laugh) which is very appropriate.

Let's Make Music     

Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details If you can play an instrument to a reasonable standard we would love to hear from you. At present we do not need any more guitarists, but can add you to a waiting list. We play and sing 50s 60s and 70s pop, some folk and country, jazz and blues, plus standards from films and shows. We perform sing along concerts for various local community groups. If you are interested in joining, please get in touch.

Line Dancing     

Meets Friday afternoon 2pm
Venue Chilwell Memorial Institute - map
Normally starts 02:00 to 03:00
Details Line dancing with an experienced member. A fun dancing and exercise session. This group is full and there is a waiting list.

Lunch 3     

Meets 2nd or 3rd full week on a Weds, Thurs or Friday
Venue Various Venues
Details This is a small Lunch Group of up to 24 members. Members are expected to take it in turn (in pairs) to organise meals - usually lunches - in local restaurants or in Nottingham. We organise the meals once a month on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and usually on the 2nd or 3rd full week of a month.

Lunch Group 2     

Meets Monthly in the third week of the month,varying day
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 12:00 to 00:00
Details The aim of the Lunch group is to visit a variety of restaurants in and around Nottingham enjoying good food and good company. We sample a variety of foods ranging from Chinese, French, Vegetarian, Greek etc and of course British !! Venues are ideally local or accessible by public transport. Meals very in price, details available as each venue is booked. A deposit of £10 is collected at the monthly U3A meeting prior to the meal and the balance, in cash, is collected on your arrival at the restaurant. Depending on the restaurant and if sufficient notice is given this MAY be refunded for non-attendance.

Mah-Jong     

Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesday in the month 2pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 00:00
Details Mah-jong is a very entertaining Chinese game played by 4 players. Beginners are welcome. The game has similarities to Gin Rummy but played with tiles.

Model railways     

Meets Monthly as arranged
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details we meet at members houses to view and operate members layouts and discuss model railway topics.

Music Appreciation     

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month 10am
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details In this group we listen to music of all kinds from classical to jazz, from folk to pop. Each person chooses one piece of music, based on the topic for that month, and explains why they have chosen it. A list of topics is decided at the beginning of the year and so each month there will be a topic such as a composer, a period of time, colours, travel, weather etc. Members can bring their own CD or the piece selected can be found and played immediately from Spotify. Occasionally there is a retro meeting and vinyl records are played. Coffee and biscuits are served as part of the £2 fee We also ,occasionally, have a talk or sessions from visitors with a musical background or from one of the members. It's always very relaxing and fun.

Opera Zoom group     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month 10am
Venue Online
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details Discuss operas with members from u3as across the Nottinghamshire network on Zoom. Organised by Carlton & Gedling u3a. At each meeting we discuss an opera we have all watched in the preceding month and one of us introduces the next opera we are going to watch in the next month. So far, we have never had to pay to watch an opera, since there are so many operas available to stream for free. We are a mix of opera novices and quite experienced opera fans and everyone is welcome whatever your level of prior knowledge. To be able to join the Zoom discussion you will need a computer/laptop/tablet/phone with a camera and microphone capability.

Patchwork & Quilting     

Meets 2nd Monday Each Month 10am
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We are a mixed group of Patchwork and Quilters ... from complete novices to the more experienced and accomplished. Some members prefer to hand sew their projects whilst others prefer to sew by machine. We generally have a demonstration of various techniques on alternate months, as well as working on a particular project. Members are encouraged to share their skills and ideas, and lead a session if they so wish. Some members prefer to work on their own projects whilst gaining advice from more experienced quilters. A number bring​ their own sewing machines. We have group equipment (rotary cutters, cutting mats, rulers and irons) so new members that do not have any equipment can try before purchasing their own if they so wish.

Philosophy And Religion     

Meets 1st Monday of the month 10.30-11.50am
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:50
Details The Philosophy & Religion group has been running for about 10 years and in that time we have covered a wide range of beliefs and ideas both eastern and western. Topics are proposed by the members who then initiate the discussion. We are very considerate of the opinions of others even when we disagree! You don't have to be an expert to join us - just open minded. If there is any theme under the broad heading of philosophy and/or religion which interests you and which you would like to discuss, this might be the group for you.

Photography     

Meets 1st Monday of the month 10.00am to 12noon
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details Members submit, ahead of the meeting, up to 10 images on a selected topic. Recent topics have included 'water', 'colour' and 'weather'. We view images at the meeting and members are invited to offer friendly comments about individual photos. We discuss ways of improving composition, different techniques etc. We respect differing opinions. We share skills and knowledge on taking and manipulating photos; we review equipment; occasionally a member will organise a technical presentation.

Piano/keyboard     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Details A new group with the aim of working together to improve keyboard skills.

Pickleball 1 Wed     

Meets Every Wednesday
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 11:30 to 13:00
Details Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Ideal for the over 60s. Played on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. This group is full.

Pickleball 4     

Meets Every Wednesday 11-12 am
Venue Chilwell Memorial Institute - map
Details Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Ideal for the over 60s. Played on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. This group is full.

Pickleball EVERYONE     

Meets Friday
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 12:00 to 15:00
Details Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Ideal for the over 60s. Played on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. This group is full.

Play Reading     

Meets 3rd Friday of the month 2pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We read a variety of plays chosen by the members. This Group is suitable for anyone who enjoys reading aloud and likes to add a bit of characterisation!

Poetry Appreciation     

Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month 1.30-3pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:00
Details We are a group for anyone who wants to explore poetry, however little or much they know. We enjoy learning from each other by sharing poems and enthusiasm at our monthly meetings, which are usually on a single poet or a topic. Members bring one or two poems to read to the group and discuss. The programme is chosen by the group and we often get a volunteer to introduce the subject.

Practical Art 1     

Meets First and third Thursday of the month 2pm
Venue Conservative Club - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Bring your own artwork and equipment – any media – oil, watercolour, acrylic, pencil, pastel. Enjoy your painting, drawing, etc. working with friendly like-minded people, giving you the opportunity to exchange ideas and working practices. If you hit a problem or want to develop new ideas the members of the group should be able to help. Beginners and experts will be welcome.

Practical Art 2     

Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 2pm
Venue Conservative Club - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Bring your own artwork and equipment – any media – oil, watercolour, acrylic, pencil, pastel. Enjoy your painting, drawing, etc. working with like-minded people, giving you the opportunity to exchange ideas and working practices. If you hit a problem or want to develop new ideas the members of the group should be able to help. Unconstructive negative criticism of other peoples’ work is not allowed. Beginners and experts will be welcome.

Psychology/Sociology     

Meets 4th Monday of the month at 10.30am
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details Psychology: covering behaviour and mind, embracing all aspects of conscious and unconscious experience as well as thought. Sociology: covering social behaviour or society, including its origins, development, organisation, networks and institutions. Within these two social sciences we shall explore, question and discuss the human condition, A look into the future for humanity through our fast moving world of the internet, AI, globalisation and our own communities. There is no end to the possibilities ahead of us.

Quiz     

Meets 3rd Friday of the month 10am for 10.30 start
Venue Blue Bell - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details 20 General Knowledge Questions, a quiz by a member and a Fun Quiz. Our Quiz sessions are intended to be enjoyable and fun. No one gets too serious about it. There is a small prize of sweets for the winning team. Its a pleasant 90 minutes for people who enjoy taxing their brain a little.

Recorders     

Meets Second and fourth Wednesdays in the month 2-3pm
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details We are a small, friendly group and would welcome new members. The group is suitable for absolute beginners or those who wish to dust off their old school recorders! We mainly play short, well-known tunes and aim to have fun whilst we learn. Some members of the group are progressing from Descant recorders to play Treble and Tenor recorders. We aim to slowly improve and increase our repertoire in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Rummikub     

Meets 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 1.30pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:30
Details The game of Rummikub dates back to the 1940s when there was a ban on playing cards in Israel. Invented by Ephraim Hertzano, the game is based on Rummy with tiles of numbers, 1-13 (2 sets of four colours) and 2 jokers. Easy game to learn. There are 2 types of Melds: 1 Sets made up of the same number with 3 or 4 different colours 2 Runs with at least 3 tiles in sequential order of the same colour e.g. 7,8,9

Science     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month 10am (not July and Aug)
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details We are considering a number of topics. These are either of general interest or of fundamental science. Topics covered so far have been GM Crops; Nuclear Power; Global Warming; Fine Tuning of the Universe; Origin of Life; Evolution; Science Methods; Thermodynamics; Transistors; Cancer Molecules; Continental Drift; Rosalind Franklin; the chemical bond; the periodic table of the elements; an introduction to cancer; a discussion on the future of science; a discussion on science education; polymers and rubber technologies; big data; Albert Einstein; Florence Nightingale; Elizabeth Anderson; the development of flat screen television; the physics of weather; how lasers work; separating nature's molecules; gravitational waves; the genesis of the natural elements inside the stars; a discussion on the current situation of the Covid pandemic.

Scottish Country Dancing     

Meets 2nd and 3rd Thursdays. Some week 5s, 10am
Venue Church Hall, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:45
Details Group meetings are held in the main hall at Beeston Methodist Church at 10 am. Beginners are welcome and can be offered a little help on the basics before the start of the main class. Experienced Scottish Country Dancers are welcome. If you would like to join please contact the group organisers. The NHS says that Scottish Country Dancing is an easy way to keep active and socialise at the same time. It will certainly exercise your brain and legs! More to the point, it is a lot of fun. There is a very wide repertoire of Scottish Country Dances and we are progressing from the simpler dances to more complex dances as we gain more experience.

Scrabble     

Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 2.00 - 4.00 pm
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:15
Details We are a friendly and welcoming group. Depending on numbers, we divide into groups of 2 or 3 players. Learners are helped, and play against less accomplished players. We usually move around after each game to play with different people. Dictionaries and word lists are available. Several players also have a Scrabble app on their phone which is very useful for checking whether words are acceptable. We usually fit in 2 or 3 games with a break for refreshments.

Sewing, upcycling & repairing     

Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month 1.30 - 3.30pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 14:30
Details This is a new group to encourage repairing and altering of clothes, upcycling etc. A chance to exchange sewing skills and ideas in a friendly, chatty atmosphere. Starting in April 2024 on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm in the Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church.

Shared Reading     

Meets 1st Thursday afternoon monthly 2-3pm
Venue Online
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details A monthly topic is agreed and members research text on that topic. It can be poetry or prose, even a newspaper article. The texts are circulated beforehand and then read and discussed at the Zoom meeting. There is no pressure to read at the meeting and some members just join the discussion.

Singing For Fun     

Meets 4th Thursday of the month 10.00 for 10.10 start
Venue Church Hall, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 10:10 to 11:45
Details We sing popular songs from the 50s 60s and 70s- rock and pop hits, favourites from films and shows, plus some folk and jazz/blues and traditional numbers. You do not need to be able to read music. All Beeston U3a members are welcome to attend- you can just turn up when you want and we will sign you in. Give us a try- singing is good for your wellbeing. Cost is £2 including tea coffee and biscuits.

Snooker     

Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays 1.45pm
Venue Conservative Club - map
Details This is a new group which has recently started. The group meets at the Conservative Club, Station Road, Beeston on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 1.45 pm to 3.45 pm. All equipment can be provided. The group is intended for people who want to play snooker socially.

Spanish Conversation     

Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month 11-12.30
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:30
Details Both groups require some knowledge of the language. They are conversation classes but a limited knowledge is fine. There are people in the groups who are more fluent than others but listening is as important as talking so the less fluent will learn a lot just by listening to the others in the first instance

Strollers     

Meets 3rd Monday of each month 10-12
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details A group for those less mobile, but who still enjoy a gentle stroll lasting around an hour on good, flat surfaces. We try to ensure that walks are accessible by both private and public transport, and finish at a local café. Walks are usually in the morning on the 3rd Monday.

Table Tennis 1     

Meets Every Monday in term time 10-11am
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details This is a group which meets to have fun. We have a range of abilities, and we all play together in a very friendly spirit, with much laughter and good humour. We do so in accordance with the rules of the game, whilst employing an appropriate degree of discretion and tolerance. We normally play doubles matches, but occasionally there may be the opportunity for singles if numbers allow. There is a fee of £1.50 per session attended. Playing time starts at 10.00am, but you can arrive from 9.50am, to allow time for warming up etc.

Table Tennis 2     

Meets Every Monday in term time 11.10-12.10
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 11:10 to 12:10
Details We have 3 tables and as we play doubles we have a maximum 12 playing at a time so ideally no more than 15. At the moment we have 16 members and so are not taking on any new members. We have a range of abilities, and we all play together in a very friendly spirit, with much laughter and good humour.

Table Tennis 3     

Meets Every Thursday in term time 10-11am
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details We have 3 tables so our numbers are limited. We have a range of abilities, and we all play together in a very friendly spirit, with much laughter and good humour.

Table Tennis 4     

Meets Every Friday in term time 10.30-11.30am
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details This is a group which meets to have fun. We have a range of abilities, and we all play together in a very friendly spirit, with much laughter and good humour. We do so in accordance with the rules of the game, whilst employing an appropriate degree of discretion and tolerance. We normally play doubles matches, but occasionally there may be the opportunity for singles if numbers allow.

Table Tennis 5     

Meets Thursdays in term time 11.10-12.10
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 11:10 to 12:10
Details This is a group which meets to have fun. We have a range of abilities, and we all play together in a very friendly spirit, with much laughter and good humour. We do so in accordance with the rules of the game, whilst employing an appropriate degree of discretion and tolerance. We normally play doubles matches, but occasionally there may be the opportunity for singles if numbers allow.

Tennis     

Meets Tuesdays 1-3pm, May to September
Venue 
Normally starts 13:00 to 15:00
Details The group plays on the courts in Queen Elizabeth Park, Toton Lane. Cost is £2 per session.

Theatre Visits     

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month 2-3pm
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church And Visits - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details If you are interested in theatre, the Theatre Visits Group is the place to be! It meets monthly for members to plan and discuss visits to any of the many theatres in the area. Members can benefit from group discounts where available and a wide range of plays are on offer. Panto, ballet, mystery, ghost stories, thrillers? Nottingham has it all. Visits are regularly arranged for the Theatre Royal, Playhouse, Duchess, Lace Market and more. Can’t make the meeting? No worries. Be on our mailing list and receive updates on what interests our members. We look forward to seeing you.

Transport     

Meets 4th Wednesday of every month 10-12.00
Venue Guild Room, Beeston Methodist Church And Visits - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We are a friendly and open-minded group, interested in most mechanical forms of transport. Meetings consist of a general chit-chat and a talk, presentation or slide show. We hope to arrange visits to museums and other places of interest as the Group sees fit. We aren’t just interested in the ‘nuts and bolts’: the political, social, artistic, photographic, human and business aspects of transport are important to us as well. While nominally focussed on trains, planes, ships, buses, trams, cars and other vehicles, we are open to extending it to anything mechanical (past, present and future) that either carries or propels people and objects from place to place. Group members are kindly asked to let the Group Facilitator know what their particular transport interests are and also be prepared at some stage to share their particular knowledge, expertise and passion(s) with other members. All the talks, presentations and slide shows will be aimed at a general audience, so those not particularly interested in any topic will still enjoy the meeting and learn something new. The Group will be what its members make it, so please join us and share your transport passion(s) with like-minded people! The Group Facilitator will ensure that everyone’s interests are catered for, so nobody should feel left out at any stage.

Ukulele Group 2     

Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 2pm
Venue Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The beginners group is for new starters just starting to learn to play. Each member pays £3 per session to cover the cost of room hire and printing. More experienced members help lead the group in learning new skills; everyone is very supportive and shares tips on techniques and resources but most of all the sessions are very informal and good fun. We hope to welcome members from the beginners group into Group 1 as they become more confident and proficient.

Ukulele Strummers     

Meets Second and fourth Thursdays 2pm
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The Beeston ukulele strummers group is meeting every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 2pm on a regular basis at the Beeston Methodist Church. We each pay £2.00 per session to cover the cost of room hire. More experienced members help lead the group in learning new skills; everyone is supportive and shares tips and techniques, but most of all the sessions are very informal and good fun. Members are encouraged to bring new songs to try together. We welcome new members and beginners alike. Beginners can be quickly brought up to speed as we have two spare ukuleles and a song folder which we can loan for the session to anyone who would like to come along to give it a try.

Walking With Dogs     

Meets Various times, usually on Fridays
Venue Various Venues
Details A group of us get together on a monthly basis to walk our dogs together, with each member taking turns at arranging the walk and the meeting point. We walk for about an hour or so covering a couple of miles, and if we end up near a coffee shop then so much the better! The dogs seem to enjoy it too!

Walks (Long)     

Meets Once a month, about the third week. 9am
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 09:00 to 00:00
Details Most walks are in the Peak District. We are out all day and take drinks and a packed lunch. Sometimes we end up in a tea-shop or a pub! We tend to walk locally in January & February when the days are short and the weather is uncertain. Post Christmas, we have a evening social meal usually at the Vitoria Inn in Beeston. Many of us are in the long walk group as well as one of the medium walks groups.

Walks (Medium) Group 1     

Meets Last 2 weeks of the month, Tue, Wed or Thur 10am
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 10:00 to 00:00
Details Walks vary in length from 5 to 8 miles and are usually in the easy or moderate category, although, a few have been considered strenuous. Start times vary according to the length and distance to the start. We normally have coffee and lunch stops but, depending on the route, these may be combined. Group members are asked to offer to lead a walk at some time . Walks are mainly in Derby and Leicestershire in the summer. The Peak District is very popular with group members. More walks are taking place in Nottinghamshire, particularly in the winter. Since Covid, the practice of sharing cars has almost died out. One or two members offer to share, meeting in Bramcote Park.

Walks (Medium) Group 2     

Meets 3rd or 4th week of month. Day varies. 9.30am
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 09:30 to 00:00
Details Walks are 5 - 7 miles. Easy or moderate. Members of the group volunteer to lead the walks throughout the year and choose which day of the week to walk. We stop en route for a drink/snack and often finish near a pub or tea room. You can bring your own pack up if you prefer.

Walks (Medium) Group 3     

Meets 1st or 2nd week in each month 10am
Venue Various Venues
Details We usually meet on Mondays or Fridays but Tuesdays are also possible. Our walks are fairly local and between 5 and 7.5 miles. We meet at the start of the walk at 10 am which normally allows us to finish by lunchtime. There is always a short break for coffee/tea en route and if a suitable cafe is at the end we sometimes make use of that. Members are encouraged to lead a walk occasionally. The group is very friendly and would welcome new members.

Walks (Short)     

Meets Second week in each month, day varies
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:45
Details Walks are between 3 and 5 miles in length, usually relatively local and accessible by public transport while others require transport by car. Some walks have a seasonal theme e.g. snowdrops or autumn leaves. When available we may end at a tea shop or pub. Details of walks include the absence or otherwise of stiles, the terrain, steepness etc so that individuals can decide on the suitability of the walk for them.Socially distanced, risk assessed walks.

Walks Short 2 - local     

Meets Last 2 weeks of month
Venue Various Venues
Normally starts 10:20 to 12:30
Details Our walks are accessible by public transport or start close to Beeston. They are usually fairly gentle and up to 4 miles long. We usually meet about 10.15 to leave for the walk no later than 10.30. We take it in turns to research and lead walks. Details of the walk are sent out by email.

What The Papers Say     

Meets 3rd Friday of the month 2pm
Venue Beeston Library, upstairs room - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We discuss items from the news as suggested by members on the day. People who have brought a news item for discussion have their names put in a hat and if drawn out, introduce the subject and we discuss it for around 20 minutes. Half way through we break for refreshments. We finish by going round the table to allow everyone who wants to to have a minute or two to mention some item of news that has particularly caught their interest.

Whist     

Meets 4th Friday of the month 10am
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We meet on the fourth Friday of each month starting at 10am in the Wesley Room at Beeston Methodist Church, Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1EH

Wine Appreciation 1     

Meets First Thursday of each month 1.45-3.30pm
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 13:45 to 15:30
Details We usually have themed tastings of six or seven wines, whites, reds and sometimes a rose, with the occasional sweet wine, from anywhere in the world. Cost depends on the number of people. Typically, the cost would be about £8 per person for the wines and room hire. Currently we meet on the first Thursday each month at 1.45 pm at The Pearson Centre.

Wine Appreciation 2     

Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1400 to 1600
Venue Christ Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details An opportunity to try wines of good quality from supermarkets and wine clubs. You will learn about the terroir of wine areas across the world & hone your tasting skills in entertaining & supportive company. Each meeting typically costs £6-£8. Members periodically share the cost of room hire (£5 each every 3-4 months).

Wine Appreciation 3     

Meets Every Month on the 3rd Thursday 1.45-3.30pm
Venue Pearson Centre - map
Normally starts 13:45 to 15:30
Details Wine Appreciation Group Three meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1.45 pm at the Pearson Centre. We usually taste 6 or 7 wines, usually three white, three red and a rose or sweet wine. There is usually a theme, such as a country or region or wines for drinking at a particular time of year. Costs depend on the numbers present, but are typically around £6 to £8 per meeting.

Wine Appreciation 4     

Meets Ist Tuesday of the month
Venue Christ Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details An opportunity to try wines of good quality from supermarkets and wine clubs. You will learn about the terroir of wine areas across the world & hone your tasting skills in entertaining & supportive company. Each meeting typically costs £6-£8. Members periodically share the cost of room hire (£5 each every 3-4 months).

Yoga     

Meets Weekly on a Friday 9.45-11am
Venue Church Hall, Beeston Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 09:45 to 11:00
Details This group is currently full. There is a waiting list.

Yoga - self help     

Meets Wednesday morning 10.30-11.30am
Venue Wesley Room, Beeston Methodist Church, - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details In this group members with several years experience of yoga come together to share their knowledge of yoga. It is not suitable for beginners as there is no qualified yoga teacher. We follow printed yoga sequences or devise our own practice. We meet on zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 10.30-11.15 and in Beeston Methodists, plus a zoom link, on 2nd, 4th and 5th Wednesdays.