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Plymouth u3a Groups

Ancient History     

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 13:45 to 15:45
Details Come and join us in our quest to learn about the distant past of human cultures and events. This friendly group looks at early civilisations, currently the Roman Empire. Our handouts cover key facts, so no prior knowledge is required. Additional research or discussion is totally optional.

Antiques and Collectables     

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details This is a new group where we can get together to look at and discuss all types of antiques and collectables. You may be an expert in the type of things you collect or you may be a novice and want to know more. We welcome all levels of knowledge and expertise.

Art - Sketching Outdoors     

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details We are a group of sketchers using various mediums to capture the world around us. We meet from on the first & third Tuesday of each month in places in and around Plymouth, outdoors whenever possible. New members welcome.

Book Club     

Meets 1st Monday of the month
Normally starts 14:45 to 15:45
Details This friendly group makes use of Plymouth Library Services' book club facility, which allows us to borrow a set of 10 books each month, free of charge. Titles span an interesting range of classics, crime, non-fiction and many others. We discuss the book we’ve read over a nice cuppa!

Building Visits     

Meets 2nd Monday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group monthly visits interesting buildings and sites around Plymouth. Plus gets guided tours of places most people don’t get to see. We normally arrange visits for the afternoon on the same day as Plymouth U3A’s general meetings at the Duke of Cornwall, ( second Monday of month) but it depends on when the places we want to visit are available. A few of us usually have lunch together somewhere before our visit and catch buses together, but this is optional. Generally there is no commitment needed in advance. If we use Richard Fisher the local historian for his brilliant accompaniment then we pay him £5 on the day. Else free or a small contribution to the buildings donation box. Visits 2023 were for example … Cobb building Plymouth Uni, Plymouth synagogue, RNLI Lifeboat building millbay. Stonehouse barracks, William yard, Council chambers Guildhall and lady Astor’s house, Barbican history tour, Thorn park pharmacy  museum, Stoke church and Devonport park, Union street including Tamaritans old warehouse , Millfields royal naval hospital buildings, Devonport Dockyard heritage museum.

Canasta and Bolivia     

Meets Every Wednesday
Normally starts 10:15 to 13:00
Details Canasta is a card game in the rummy family of games. Both Canasta and Bolivia are played by our members, with most now playing Bolivia, a version of Canasta played with three packs of cards instead of two. We generally have about 20 members attending. New members are welcome.

Card Making     

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:00
Details Card-making has become the craft of our time. This group welcomes beginners and experienced crafters alike. Come along and see what we do. All materials provided. There is a small fee to cover the cost of materials.

Computer Help     

Meets As required
Details If you have queries about how to send emails, add an attachment, or other tasks when using iPads, tablets, laptops, or smart phones, there is a free help service on offer for u3a members. Phil Strickland is an experienced IT person (in addition to being a Plymouth u3a member), and he has generously offered his time to anyone who needs help with PC problems.

Computers and IT Help Desk     

Meets 2nd Monday of the month (at the general meeting)
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details This group helps Plymouth u3a members with queries about using their phone, tablet, or computer in a drop-in session at the u3a monthly general meeting. Ask us about how to access emails, find what you need on the Plymouth u3a website, or other technical questions. Please bring your device with you.

Country Dancing     

Meets 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Country dancing is a great way to have fun whilst you’re exercising. We do a variety of traditional English folk dances and often have live music courtesy of a talented piano-accordionist. New members are always welcome. No previous experience necessary!

Executive Committee     

Meets 1st Monday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The Executive Committee meet every month. Any contributions to be included in the agenda can be emailed to chairman@plymouthu3a.org.uk and any Plymouth u3a member can request to attend a meeting. We would welcome anyone who would like to join the committee and contribute to the running of the Plymouth u3a.

Facebook for Plymouth u3a     

Meets Anytime
Details Our Facebook page provides an opportunity for Plymouth u3a members to share photos and information about events and exchange thoughts, views, and ideas. Find us on Facebook as Plymouth u3a Members and ask to join the group.

Family History     

Meets 3rd Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details This group offers an opportunity to discover and/or develop your family history in the company of others with varying levels of expertise. It is interesting to add to the understanding of the lives of ancestors with aspects of social history, good and sometimes bad times for our ancestors. We take turns to host the meeting and to provide information and informal "talks" to each other.

Features and Facts     

Meets 4th Thursday of the month
Normally starts 13:45 to 15:45
Details This group watches factual documentaries from our extensive DVD library and discusses them. Topics are chosen by a different member of the group each month. Handouts are provided by the group leader, although people can take their own notes if they prefer. No prior knowledge is necessary, and any research is optional.

French Conversation 1     

Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details We are a friendly group with an excellent teacher who attends most of our meetings. She produces varied, amusing, instructive articles and activities that encourage us to express our opinions in French, develop our vocabulary, and improve our grammar. We are not a beginners group but neither are we totally fluent and abilities are varied.

French Conversation 2     

Meets 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details This group requires a fair standard of French but equally a willingness to try. We work from written texts and discuss a wide range of subjects.

From Script to Screen     

Meets Last Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group develops screen projects, including original scripts, acting concepts, editing techniques, and special effects like animation or “green screen”. We welcome new members, novice or experienced, who are interested in audio and video projects. Smart phone, digital camera, and video camera users are welcome.

Garden Visits     

Meets Normally the 4th Friday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details The Garden Visits group takes advantage of the many wonderful public gardens we have in the local area. We meet up at Morrisons, Outland Road, Plymouth, the leader having already decided how many cars we need and arranged car pool to the garden of the month. New members are always welcome, especially those with cars who are willing to offer lifts to others.

Gardening Together     

Meets Every Wednesday
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We explore all aspects of practical gardening, helping each other in our own gardens. We make occasional visits to public gardens, allotments, and community spaces, and have talks and workshops as appropriate. We meet all together on the first Wednesday of month to plan the month’s activities, and then garden together each subsequent Wednesday.

Genealogy     

Meets 1st Friday of the month
Normally starts 09:30 to 11:30
Details This group is aimed at people with some knowledge and experience of using the various family history resources available online. We focus on what resources are available and how to access them from home. Meetings are held via Zoom.

German Conversation     

Meets Every other Thursday
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group is for those who want to practice their German and so requires at least a basic level of fluency. We practice reading and speaking, using books, articles, and online exercises. This is not a taught course, though there is a German teacher among us!

History of Art     

Meets 4th Monday of the month
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:30
Details This group explores art movements with artists of all genres and their techniques. For the coming year we are leaving the 19th and 20th centuries to take a look at “The Grand Tour” from 1600 to 1900. This will include artists, architects, craftspeople, designers and others of interest to the group.

Italian Conversation 1     

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details This group is aimed at those who already have a fairly good knowledge of the language, as we usually converse in Italian for one and a half hours. We talk about interesting things we have done in between meetings, like trips abroad, visits to the theatre or cinema, etc. Everyone present is encouraged to participate; then we sometimes read an extract from our book (Read and Think Italian) or play games like 20 Questions. Occasionally we choose a topic to discuss at the following meeting, to give us time to prepare what we wish to say. We always welcome suggestions from group members about possible new activities.

Knit and Natter     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 13:00 to 15:00
Details This group is a friendly, sociable meeting place for both beginners and experts in knitting and crochet. The sessions are informal, and we natter as much as we knit!

Lipreading     

Meets 1st Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:15
Details The ability to read lips is useful for those who have trouble hearing and understanding others or who have friends and family who are hard of hearing. This group provides the opportunity to develop and practice lipreading skills. We meet online via Zoom and each month select a particular sound to practice.

Literature 1     

Meets 3rd Monday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details Members of this group take turns choosing a book and leading the discussion, though members are under no obligation to lead as there are always plenty of enthusiasts willing to do so! Sometimes we pick a genre like humorous books, with everyone bringing along a favourite. Our discussions range from the literature itself to issues (social, political, historical, etc.) raised in the books.

Looking at Art AM     

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details Monthly meetings often consist of watching an art DVD and having a discussion. Sometimes we have a members’ showcase, visit a gallery or exhibition, or go on a safari type progressive outing.

Looking at Art PM     

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Monthly meetings often consist of watching an art DVD and having a discussion. Sometimes we have a members’ showcase, visit a gallery or exhibition, or go on a safari type progressive outing.

Mahjong     

Meets Every Wednesday
Normally starts 13:00 to 16:00
Details Mahjong is a tile-based game developed in China during the 19th century. It is a game of skill, strategy, and luck played by four players. New members are very welcome and should be prepared to commit to six weeks of regular play to learn the rules.

Maritime History     

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This friendly group studies all things maritime, whether military or civilian. We are pleased that our group attracts both men and women who share this interest. Our talks range from early maritime history to the future of our seas. We generally have at least one annual outing combined with the Military History group.

Mathematics     

Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group offers a friendly meeting place where we discuss topics of a mathematical nature over Coffee/Tea. We welcome all members who have any interest in mathematics.

Medieval History     

Meets 3rd Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group provides a forum for the study of medieval history.

Meditation     

Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:30
Details Meditation is a technique used to enhance feelings of physical relaxation and inner peace. This friendly, welcoming group enjoys guided meditation sessions followed by discussion.

Meet and Mix     

Meets 2nd Saturday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details This is not a regular group where members are expected to attend every session; any Plymouth u3a member can come along for a chat when they want without having to commit to future meetings. Join us if you feel like it on the day – no need to book in advance. Just turn up with your Plymouth u3a membership card, buy a drink or snack at the theatre’s café if you like, and find us upstairs. This group is especially good for new members, providing the opportunity to meet informally and discuss any queries about Plymouth u3a, its website, and its interest groups. There is normally at least one committee member present.

Military History     

Meets 2nd Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details Group Leaders: Carl, Heather and Gary This is a flourishing group, currently numbering almost 40 members, both male and female, many of whom have served in one of the Armed Forces. Our monthly meetings usually incorporate a presentation by one of our members or a visiting speaker and have ranged from the Norman Conquest to the Cold War. We aim to include at least one trip each year to a place of historical interest.

MUD Walks     

Meets 1st Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details The South West of England is an ancient and compelling landscape, seemingly very natural but in reality much modified by our predecessors. This legacy is everywhere to be seen: from Bronze Age settlements, quarrying of granite and slate, tinning, excavation of peat and clay, farming, and all those transportation resources needed. We walk between 5 and 8 miles to explore various sites in our area and go fully equipped for walking. Please note that this is not primarily a walking group, there are a number of other groups solely for walking available in Plymouth u3a.

Music Appreciation     

Meets 2nd Friday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details In this group, we listen to music, usually videos, and try to improve our knowledge and understanding of all kinds of music. We watch opera, orchestral music, ballet, modern music, and also the lives and careers of performers. We often watch interviews given by great artists with examples of their work, and occasionally we have a live presentation. We are a very friendly group, not experts by any means, just people who enjoy music. New members are always welcome.

Myths and Legends     

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We are a small friendly group with an enthusiasm to explore a wide variety of myths and legends. We all research a chosen topic and contribute our findings at the following month’s meeting. In 2024 we will start by looking at mythical creatures.

Natural History Ramblers     

Meets 2nd &/or 4th Tuesdays of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 00:00
Details We ramble where we find things to identify: wild flowers, deer, butterflies and other insects, birdsong, badger setts, etc. We keep walking till we come to some area of interest, then stop for 10-20 minutes before continuing. Wildlife is readily frightened, so not suitable for dogs. Wear sturdy walking shoes/boots. Bring sun-gear, rain-gear, picnic, drink, something to sit on (e.g. a plastic bag). Most walks contain uphill and downhill sections, sometimes brief steep sections. Start time varies with the public transport schedule. Average walking time is 3-4 hours, finishing mid to late afternoon. Every ramble is accessible by public transport.

Needles     

Meets 3rd Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 13:00 to 15:00
Details This friendly group is led by a retired textiles teacher. Members can bring any type of project or item that uses any form of needles to create, sew, make, recycle or repair. Two sewing machines are available. It is all about enjoying what we do and sharing ideas and knowledge of all the different sewing skills people have - or would like to learn.

Philology     

Meets 4th Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Philology can be defined as the study of the development of language as used in literature. We like to think of it more as having fun with language and, while we may be pedants, we can all see the funny side of pedantry.

Philosophical Discussion     

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Normally starts 12:15 to 13:45
Details This is a general discussion group that takes a philosophical slant. We cover a range of subjects, religions, philosophies, current affairs, and topical issues. Everyone’s opinion is interesting and valid, and we try to make sure everyones voice is heard.

Photography     

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:00
Details We are a small group who meet at various locations as agreed by group members. For more information please see the Photography page on the Plymouth u3a website. (https://www.plymouthu3a.org.uk/photography/)

Play Reading     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 10:15 to 12:15
Details This group enjoys reading plays aloud, each member taking one or more parts. We sit around a table and, with input from each member, pick a play to read the next month. The group leader researches the play to make sure there are enough characters and makes slips for each one. Those slips are placed face down in two separate groups (men and women) for the readers to pick their part.

Play the Blues Too     

Meets Alternate Thursdays
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details A group for musicians who want to play and sing the blues together, jam together, improve their skills together, and have some fun!

Poetry     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We are a small friendly group who enjoy reading and listening to poetry. We have an agreed theme each month, which is sometimes appropriate to the season.

Portuguese     

Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details This group is aimed at those who have some basic knowledge of the Portuguese language. Between meetings, group members either prepare short pieces in Portuguese or translations from Portuguese to English. The meetings include sharing the prepared pieces and introducing new vocabulary. New members are welcome.

Quizzes and Quizzing     

Meets 2nd Friday of the month
Normally starts 10:15 to 12:00
Details We are a friendly, quizzical group with questions to suit everyone. We play by tables, so you won't be on your own. You don’t have to be an egghead to join in and have fun. Do come along and exercise your grey matter!

Recorder Consort     

Meets Alternate Tuesdays
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:30
Details This is a friendly group of people who are learning to play in consort. An ability to read music reasonably well and some knowledge of recorders is required, along with a commitment to practice regularly. You will need to provide your own recorder and music stand.

Rummikub     

Meets 3rd Monday of the month
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:30
Details If you like taking part in number games, then Rummikub is your kind of pastime. A warm welcome awaits anyone who would like to join this friendly group. Come along and tease your brain. The venue is a café, and some members come along and have lunch beforehand (at 12:30). Please feel free to join us.

Russian Conversation     

Meets 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This group is a Russian course for beginners taught by a native speaker. We use structured lessons, videos, and homework to develop our skills in Russian conversation.

Science and Technology     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 10:15 to 12:15
Details Our programme includes presentations on a range of interesting subjects – by members of the group or by visiting experts. We are fortunate that our University connections allow us access to amazing facilities and expertise. We make frequent visits to technology or science-based organisations in the area and our programme should appeal to a wide range of interests – you certainly don’t have to be a geek!

Shared Learning     

Meets 4th Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 11:30 to 00:00
Details We are currently working on a publication investigating the impact on Plymouth of Charles I’s ascension in 1625. Newcomers are welcome. Why not come along for a taster and sit in on one of our meetings? A warm welcome is guaranteed. Coffee, tea, wine, and light meals are available.

Social Bridge 1     

Meets 2nd Tuesday & 3rd Friday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The Social Bridge group holds very informal meetings with continuous play. Attendance is limited to 12 players each time, though a limited number of observers may join us to learn how to play. We are a very friendly and non-competitive group. Novice players and learners are welcome. Refreshments are provided.

Spanish 1     

Meets 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group caters for those who already have a degree of command and understanding of the Spanish language. Personal, local, national and international news, and topical subjects play a big part in our group discussions.

Spanish Conversation-Advanced     

Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details This group has conversations in Spanish on a range of topics using different verb tenses. We are fluent enough to keep the conversation flowing. None of us is an expert, we just enjoy learning from each other. Prospective members of the group are welcome to come for one or two sessions to see how they get along.

Spanish Culture/Basic Spanish     

Meets 1st & 2nd Mondays of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group is predominantly a conversational session for people who want to improve their Spanish and are interested in Spain and Spanish culture in general (literature, art, food, wine, etc.). It is not a taught group and so not suitable for complete beginners.

Spanish Improvers     

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details When this group recommenced in October 2021, it was as a Beginners Spanish group and most of the participants were complete newcomers to the language. However progress has been impressive and anyone joining now will need some previous knowledge. Sessions are fairly formal and structured, basically it is a taught group rather than a conversational one. Our sessions are a mixture of speaking, reading and listening with the odd bit of writing (mostly as preparation work for the next session - I don't want to use our face-to-face time for it). My aim is to give the group a thorough understanding of how the language works and good pronunciation skills, in order to be understood and to understand others. I add vocabulary into the start of a set of 2 or 3 sessions and cover quite a bit of grammar. Some of the group take their grammar seriously, whilst others just speak in the present tense, use time markers and concentrate on getting the verb ending + nouns correct! Whatever their level, everybody gets something out of it (hopefully). Please understand that you need to commit to attending on a fairly regular basis and you will need to look at and prepare material between sessions - it is not a group you can just drop in and out of. I would hasten to add that I am not a qualified Spanish teacher, but I was a secondary school teacher for 40 years and am a qualified teacher of English as a Foreign Language who happens to speak reasonable Spanish, but I am no more than Intermediate level. If I don't know something than I will say so.

Sunday Lunches     

Meets 1st Sunday of the month
Normally starts 11:30 to 14:30
Details This group meets to eat… and chat! We meet once a month for a Sunday lunch out somewhere nice. We discuss future venues and set the world to rights.

Swimming     

Meets Every Monday
Normally starts 11:30 to 12:45
Details This group enjoys a casual weekly swimming session at a local leisure centre. After a relaxing swim, we meet at the centre's café, which serves snacks and light meals.

The Borrowers     

Meets 2nd Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details This monthly book group uses sets borrowed from the library service. Members are invited to make selections from the list of titles available. There is a range of classic and contemporary fiction and non-fiction on various subjects. At our meeting we discuss and exchange thoughts on the book we’ve just read and recommend others from our own reading choices. We usually include a poem or light-hearted quiz on books and literature.

The Film Unit     

Meets Varies
Details The Film Unit takes on projects such as filming u3a events, making publicity shorts for u3a groups, and various video-making projects. We also digitise film and videotape and, if submitted for archiving, classify and add non-commercial material to the u3a Film Unit National Archive.

The Hive (volunteers' group)     

Meets 2nd Monday of the month
Normally starts 09:30 to 12:00
Details The lovely volunteers who make up the Hive are committed to supporting our u3a. Their help is invaluable at general meetings, at subscription renewals time, at the annual group leaders’ meeting, on u3a Promotion Day, and at other events. The group also has a social side, meeting for coffee or lunch to chat about life as well as future volunteering possibilities. Joining the Hive is a good way to learn about Plymouth u3a and make new friends along the way.

University Events     

Meets Various
Details This is not a regular Plymouth u3a interest group; it is a list of members who are interested in hearing about events run by Plymouth University. This allows the University Liaison to send emails with event details to Plymouth u3a members who have signed up. If interested in being on this mailing list, send an email to the contact.

Walking - Intermediate     

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 14:30
Details Our walks are between five and seven miles, avoiding the rougher ground on Dartmoor and the Southwest Coast Path. We meet at the arranged location and start walking at 10:30. We stop for coffee and a packed lunch on route and normally return to the cars about 14.30. For our latest walks schedule, see the Plymouth u3a website: www.plymouthu3a.org.uk/walking-intermediate-walks/

Walking - Longer Walks     

Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 16:00
Details This group walks twice a month, all year round, on varied terrain in many beautiful locations. Although we often walk on Dartmoor or the South West Coast Path, we also explore the rolling countryside in between. Sometimes our walk leaders take us to places we know well but offer new perspectives or unusual routes. This is a very sociable group, and we are always delighted to meet new people. You don’t need expensive kit, but proper walking boots, suitable clothing (layers are best), including hat and gloves, waterproofs, and a comfortable day rucksack are essential. Our walks are between 7 and 8 miles in length, with a coffee break and a lunch stop. We generally travel by car for circular routes, but from time to time we have a day out by train or bus, which enables us to do linear walks.

Walking - Short Walks     

Meets 1st Tuesday & 3rd Friday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details We are a very friendly group and anyone new is always made to feel welcome. Most walks are about 3-4 miles, and we try to set a pace that all participants can manage. We explore many different areas and there is usually an option to have a pub lunch after the walk.

Watercolour Painting     

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month
Normally starts 11:00 to 13:00
Details This group provides a time and a place to paint! We experiment with different materials, techniques, and subjects. Sometimes there is a theme, demonstration, or short presentation. We learn from each other as well as from the group leader.

Weekenders     

Meets 1st Saturday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details We are a group of approximately 30 members who enjoy going out as a group on the weekends. On the first Saturday of the month, we all meet to have have our say and decide about outings and lunches we think would be of interest to group members for the weekends of that month. Unless booking is required, we agree venues, times, etc., and any members who are interested simply turn up on the day.

Wildlife     

Meets 4th Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 15:30
Details This group gets together to seek out, observe, share knowledge, discuss, and enjoy all forms of wildlife throughout the year. Walking boots, rain gear, and hiking poles recommended. Binoculars and hand lenses are useful. Bring a drink and a packed lunch. We wander for up to 4 miles and up to 5 hours. We will try to advise about mud and steep sections before each meeting. Past outings have included Dartmoor, Slapton, Saltram, the Tamar, saltmarshes, rockpooling, and pond-dipping.

Wine Appreciation 1     

Meets 2nd Thursday of the month
Normally starts 14:15 to 16:15
Details This group has fun learning about wine, trying different grapes and wines from around the world. We have a rota to take turns choosing the wines each month and doing a bit of research. At our meetings, we do a blind tasting, followed by information about the wines and discussion.

Wine Appreciation 2     

Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details At our usual meetings we taste and compare three different wines from around the world. We also occasionally go off piste and hold a party where we all contribute food and wines to go with it. Sometimes we visit wineries… or even breweries!

Wine Appreciation 3     

Meets 4th Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group usually tastes three wines each month. We meet at each others’ homes and take turns choosing wines to try. Wines of many varieties from around the world have crossed our palates over the years. For Christmas we have a special meeting with food as well as wine.

Wine Appreciation 4     

Meets 2nd Monday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details As the name of the group suggests, wine appreciation is exactly what we do. Our meetings enable us to taste different wines from different countries, try many types of grapes and varieties, and in general catch up on latest news and put the world to rights. We have made new friends in the process.

WordPress     

Meets As required
Details For group leaders wishing to edit their group information page on the Plymouth u3a website. There is a guide to help group members understand how to use WordPress: WordPress Guide for Basic Editing. This can be downloaded from the WordPress page on the Plymouth u3a website.

World Religions and Customs     

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We are a diverse group who enjoy a mixture of speakers linked to world religions, customs, and outreach projects. We also visit places of interest in the local area. Past visits have included Plymouth synagogue, the Greek Orthodox and Coptic churches, and Ford Park Cemetery. Our most challenging morning was probably our attempt to master Hindu dance! We have explored outreach activities in Plymouth and in other parts of the world, such as the Shekinah Mission, the food bank, street children in India, and various local chaplaincies.

Writers' Group     

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details A title/theme/topic is agreed for each month, and at the meeting we each read out our prepared piece and get honest and constructive feedback. We are not a taught group - so no lessons on how to write. A major part of the interest in the group is hearing how others have interpreted an idea. Because of this format, our writings tend to be fairly short pieces, so that everyone gets to be heard. “Part-works” are possible too, but this is not the place to try out your autobiography or next novel!

Yoga     

Meets Every Tuesday
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details Yoga helps to improve flexibility, balance, stability and strength. It can also help promote a sense of wellbeing and an enhanced quality of life. This is a traditional Hatha yoga class for members of Plymouth U3a, suitable for all abilities and concentrating on strenghening poses and focused breathing.