Belper & District

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Belper & District u3a Groups

Ad Hoc Art Group     

Meets Wednesday afternoon 5 or 6 times a year
Normally starts 14:00 to 17:00
Details Ad hoc art group This group meets via Zoom on a Tuesday from 2 to 3.30pm every 6 weeks or so. Each session consists of three parts: 1 Inspire. We will look at a selection of art work that members have come across recently. It could be from an online exhibition, on a website or from another source such as a book. We could say a few words on how we responded to the art work. You are invited to share suggestions for the discussion in advance. 2 Challenge. Each month we will agree a prompt or challenge for creating an art work for the next time. It could be any media or size. 3 Create. We agree on a subject or task for a live drawing or painting challenge that we then each complete to the clock in a set time. Participants then have the option to share their work and comment on the results .

Astrology Group     

Meets 3rd Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details The astrology group is for anyone interested in birth charts. The practice of astrology goes back thousands of years and has been studied and used all over the world. Astrology uses the movement and position of celestial bodies in the heavens to draw up a chart at a particular time and then interprets the chart to explore how these celestial bodies influence a person or an event. The group gets together to discuss star signs and planets and how they traditionally affect our lives.

Audio Visual Support Team     

Meets First Friday of each month
Normally starts 09:00 to 12:00
Details The group provides support to each Open Meeting at Strutts by assembling, operating, dismantling and storing U3A owned audio visual equipment. This equipment comprises a wireless microphone based audio system and computer based visual presentation system, both used in helping the presenter of the day in their role. The group is always open to new members and no experience is needed as full training will be given. There is some manual handling involved

Badminton 1     

Meets a.m. Monday 10.00 am-11.00 pm
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details We are a friendly group of average ability, who just enjoy badminton. Open to members of Belper U3A only. Costs £2.00 a week to cover shuttles and gym hire.

Badminton 2     

Meets a.m. Wednesdays
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details We play badminton at a social level, experienced players or returners. New members welcome

Badminton 3     

Meets Wednesday afternoons
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details We have fun doing the best we can and enjoy playing badminton!

Badminton 4     

Meets a.m. Thursday
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details Keep active by playing badminton in a mixed group. Need to have played before and have a good level of fitness and mobility.

Bird Watching     

Meets Last Thursday of month
Normally starts 10:00 to 15:00
Details We try to use public transport when we can, but sometimes pay towards car share or train fare. All welcome. Binoculars needed. The main aim of the group is to see and identify birds but we also look at natural history in general. Examples of activities, past or planned: trips to nature reserves, parks etc. We have enjoyed 11 trips this year and identified 81 different species of bird. We are not experts just people who like to get out and about and enjoy bird life. We learn from one another.

Board Games - Backgammon     

Meets 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Normally starts 13:00 to 15:00
Details This new group of 6 members will be meeting at Dead Poets in Holbrook on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month starting on Monday, April 15th 2024. Any members of U3A interested in joining the group should contact the coordinator. We plan to expand the group to 12 members and may develop a league table in the future.

Board Games - Scrabble     

Meets p.m. 3rd Wednesday
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The Scrabble group are a friendly non competitive group . We usually manage a couple of games plus tea and biscuits. Costs £1 per person to cover the cost of the room. Tea or coffee available at a small charge.Everybody welcome who are members of Belper U3A including beginners. Scrabble boards provided. The group is aiming to have fun and try to keep the brain cells active.

Book Group - Dead Authors     

Meets am 1st Wednesday
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details Each month we individually read a book by a dead author. That doesn’t mean it is mainly classics. Any author that has died can be on the list and we do try to ‘mix it up’ as the saying goes. Previously,these.books were from the library but library cuts have necessitated the need for us to purchase individual second hand books or get individual library copies. Books can often be purchased for modest amounts from charity shops or second hand vendors. The meetings are designed to be informal and friendly but encourage members to read books from a range of genres and from different periods and countries. At the meeting we discuss the book looking at the style, characterisation, plot,, pace and the interest level. We may use book group questions, to stimulate and focus our thoughts. We always start with a hot drink and cake/biscuits and make time for a friendly chat and a smile over topics of interest. New members are very welcome to try us out.

Book Group 1     

Meets p.m. 1st Thursdayof each month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Any costs No Who it will suit Anyone who enjoys a wide variety of reading for pleasure Any particular materials/equipment required No Examples of activities, past or planned We recently enjoyed 'Black Diamonds' by Catherine Bailey, an extraordinary true story of the rise and fall of an aristocratic family whose wealth was built on Yorkshire coal-mining. What the group is aiming to do Read and discuss various fiction and non-fiction books. Loans are arranged by choosing from a list supplied by Belper Library. As they are not always able to supply the selected books, this has resulted in the group reading and enjoying things they would not normally choose. After reading 'Sons and Lovers' the group visited DH Lawrence's birthplace in Eastwood. A successful session discussing poems has been held.

Book Group 2     

Meets a.m. lst Monday Monthly
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We obtain books through the Derbyshire Library Service. We submit lists of what we would like to read. We have good discussions over coffee and biscuits.

Book Group 3     

Meets a.m. 2nd Wednesday
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details We enjoy the social gathering and reading books we might not normally choose to read.

Book Group 5     

Meets p.m. 2nd Monday
Normally starts 01:30 to 00:00
Details We read,then discuss, a book a month(supplied from a list compiled by the library and members).The library supply us with books monthly.At the end of the meeting I collect the books and hand out the ones for future reading and discussion.

Book Group 6     

Meets a.m. various days to suit the group
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details this group will suit anyone who enjoys reading for pleasure.

Book Group 7     

Meets a.m. 2nd Tuesday each month
Normally starts 11:00 to 00:00
Details We read books chosen by the group members and then discuss them looking for varying opinions and overviews.

Canasta Card Game Group     

Meets 2nd and 4th Monday afternoons
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:00
Details We meet to play Canasta in an informal, non-competitive atmosphere. The aim is to have a relaxed, fun afternoon with refreshments available at the venue. No previous experience required. We meet at The Railway pub, Kings Street, Belper There is metered parking with access to the rear entrance of the venue in Field Lane car park or free (for now) parking in the Coppice car park off the market place.

Card Games - Bridge - Kitchen     

Meets p.m. Weekly on Wednesdays
Normally starts 19:00 to 21:00
Details A social bridge club for those who like to play but not too seriously.

Chess     

Meets p.m. Thursday
Normally starts 14:00 to 17:00
Details This group will suit any Belper U3A members with an understanding and knowledge of the game. No particular materials/equipment are required. What the group is aiming to do is to enjoy a few games of chess. It is not a teaching class for beginners, but neither are we Grand Masters. If you enjoy a game of chess in the family and fancy some new opposition in a friendly atmosphere come and join us. No leagues, no ladders...just fun.

Computing - Linux     

Meets a.m. Wednesday 9.30
Details Linux Computing self help group. Initially a small group at my home we could rotate the meeting place. Internet access would be required. What the group is aiming to do is to be adventurous and confident, to do something different and gain a deeper understanding of opensource and free computing, sharing and researching. Who would enjoy it. Any computer user who wants to explore Linux or BSD computing and IT in a supportive group. What equipment is needed? A Laptop, your every day Microsoft PC (even that old microsoft xp laptop, 10 years old in the back of the cupboard could be used), a USB flash stick may be required which can provided at cost. Operating systems and all software are free. Examples of activities and research, Exploring Linux and BSD Operating systems, computer building and maintenance, keeping safe online, Bash Scripts, Office applications, 3D design, python programming, Stop Motion filming, networks, Running web servers, Blogs, Wikis, digital mapping, the list is endless.

Confidence with computing     

Meets Thursday afternoons
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details This group aims to provide answers to, often small problems, which are preventing you using your computer as you would wish to. One to one help can be given either at a group meeting or by email/ Zoom. There is a lot of good help online too, often with video. I also give you exercises to improve your ability at using Google to find answers to your problems there.

Country & Natural History     

Meets Thursday evenings monthly
Normally starts 19:00 to 21:00
Details We are interested in the natural world; plants, animals, geology, climate etc. and in the impact of human beings on that world. During the colder months of the year, we have talks from guest speakers and our own members, practical workshops e.g. making Christmas Wreaths from hedgerow materials; making hedgerow baskets planted up with primroses for Easter. In the Spring and Summer, we organise field trips to local nature reserves often with a knowledgeable guide. Details of each meeting will be sent out to members before the date. They will also be included in the u3a Newsletter. All our events are free, but we may take a collection to cover the cost of room hire or to make a donation to the speaker, who often speaks for free, so please bring some change with you - just in case! With the environment in mind we are happy to help members arrange car sharing for any of the meetings held outside of Belper.

Craft - Charity Crafting     

Meets p.m. 1st Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details There are lots of people who have odd balls of yarn and scraps of fabric and we meet to knit or crochet blanket squares, make little patchwork quilts, make prem baby hats, fabric dolls for refugee children, create fabric or woollen objects for Belper Woollen woods, knit balaclavas for deep sea fishermen etc, etc.The possibilities are endless. They are all be given away to worthy causes. It is just a way of using up all those odds and ends but with a helpful purpose. Please email Janet the Group coordinator for more information how to join

Creative Writing Group 1     

Meets a.m. 2nd Monday of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 00:00
Details The meeting usually takes the form of a challenge each month (commonly called homework).We write approximately 1,500 words which we read to the group who give constructive feedback.

Crown Green Bowls     

Meets Tuesday mornings
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details Crown Green Bowls The group will meet on Tuesday mornings at Denby Bowls Club, Denby Institute, Derby Road, Denby from 10.30am - 12.30pm NO MEETING ON JULY 4TH Bowls can be provided. Bring your own drink. Flat shoes are required. Toilets are available. Cost £2.50 each session.

Cycling     

Meets Every Friday 10.30am start. 1 April - 31 Oct.
Details We are a relaxed cycling group with a broad range of ages and abilities some of us ride battery assisted bikes but we all ride together. We communicate through a WhatsApp group each week giving a comprehensive description of the ride and detailed instructions of how to get to the starting car park. As a group, we enjoy each others company as well as the cycling. Our rides generally include a stop for coffee/tea and cake, and a lunch stop. Most people bring a pack up and a drink. Rides vary in length from 10-20 miles but most are around 14... We start at 10.30am and we bank on being out until about 2pm or sometimes later. Mostly we follow cycle trails, canal tow paths, and off road tracks. Our aim is to avoid serious hills or bumpy off road rides. We support each other with regards to bike maintenance but members need to have a back up plan if their bike becomes damaged or irreparable whilst out on a ride. We all find cycling is a fantastic way to exercise and explore vast areas of the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. For further information and how to join this group please contact the group co-ordinator.

Dance - Beginners Line Dance     

Meets Weekly on a Wednesday.
Normally starts 13:15 to 14:00
Details This group has now finished.

Dance - Line Dance     

Meets a.m. Every Saturday morning
Normally starts 09:30 to 10:30
Details We are a friendly group who dance just for fun. We are of mixed ability, all are welcome so why not give line dancing a try?

Dance - Wednesday Line Dance     

Meets Wednesday
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details This line dancing group meets at Strutts. We dance to keep fit and have fun. Group members share their knowledge of different dance genres and enjoy the music, exercise and sense of well being that dance can bring. We are not able to teach partner dancing.

Dickens & Victorian Novels     

Meets 2nd Friday of the month
Normally starts 10:15 to 11:45
Details We read a chosen number of chapters of our current novel and discuss our responses.

Digital Photography     

Meets p.m. 2nd Monday
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:30
Details If you have an interest in developing your understanding of photography you’re welcome to join us. We have an on-line forum where members can post photographs of their choice or their response to a monthly theme that we set to encourage an exploration of techniques, composition and genres. These are discussed at our monthly meetings along with presentations and demonstrations from members or external speakers. We also have additional sessions where we visit exhibitions or locations which encourage photography and coincidentally usually have a café for tea and cakes!

Discussion Group     

Meets Meets Every First and Third Tues
Normally starts 14:15 to 16:15
Details The Discussion Group meets every first and third Tuesday in the month at a club in Belper. It's a lively group that discusses a topic of the day chosen at the previous meeting. A group member normally introduces things and leads the meeting into the discussion. Topics discussed have included the General Election, Foreign Aid, Faith Schools, US Gun Control and, inevitably, Brexit. The group is always informal and friendly and we take the opportunity to have plenty of tea and coffee or, if fancied, something stronger. It is not a debating society. Numbers are limited to maintain the conviviality of the group.

Economics Group     

Meets p.m. Wednesday monthly at 2pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 00:00
Details Approximately £1 per week to pay for room hire. Monthly meetings, Open to members of Belper U3A only. This group discusses issues of economics and the manner in which this affects our politics and our daily lives.

Family History     

Meets p.m. Last Tuesday
Normally starts 14:15 to 16:15
Details We run sessions from September through to March. We research our ancestors by free access to websites including Ancestry and British Newspapers through the Derbyshire Library's service. We have talks on topics related to family history and sometimes have sessions where we share what we know about some of our ancestors. We also try to help each other to break through our brick walls. Ripley Library has 8 computers for our use. Some individuals bring their own laptops.

Floristry 1     

Meets Every third Saturday morning
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This group meets at Strutts on the third Saturday of the month from 10 am-12 pm The group is now full but can offer a waiting list to interested members who would like to join the group regularly. We recently offered a display of our themes at the last open meeting. Our next meeting will be a hand-tied bouquet tutorial with an outside speaker.

France and all things French!!     

Meets Tuesdays each week
Normally starts 12:00 to 13:00
Details Having progressed, the Group are looking for new members with an understanding of French grammar and language and who wish to improve their understanding of French Culture and Language.

French - Further     

Meets every fortnight, Thursday
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:00
Details We meet in Belper Community Cottage, opposite the bus station. The aims and objectives are to further our listening and speaking skills in French. We use general news, various topics and articles to have discussions in French. It would benefit anyone who is happy to hold a conversation within a group in French. For further information and how to join this group please contact the Group coordinator.

French Conversation     

Meets a.m. Tuesday - Meets fortnightly
Normally starts 12:30 to 13:30
Details Members of varying French language skills talk about wide-ranging topics and seek to help each other improve.

French Improvers     

Meets p.m. Tuesday Fortnightly 10.am-12.00
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:05
Details Open to members of Belper U3A Group only. Costs attached--- Contributions towards refreshments. Who would enjoy it--- Anybody interested in improving basic French. Any particular materials/equipment required?--- No What the group is aiming to do--- Improve French for visiting France.

French Readers' Group.     

Meets Thurdays
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:00
Details This group is for people who enjoy a comfortable armchair setting for reading together novels written in French, translating and discussing in a friendly atmosphere. There is a small charge to cover the cost of room hire and members will need to borrow, share or buy copies of the book we are reading. Bien venue.

Garden Lovers Group     

Meets Usually the 3rd Thursday but can vary.
Normally starts 09:00 to 00:00
Details We visit notable gardens by coach, throughout the year. Our aim is to visit and enjoy looking at wonderful gardens - large and small! There are some costs involved due to transport costs and entry to the gardens visited.

Intermediate Italian.     

Meets p.m. Monday Twice a month
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details This group suits those with a fair understanding of Italian grammar looking to increase fluency and comprehension.

Italian - Improvers     

Meets Monday
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details The group is now full, but please contact the coordinator if you would like to be put on a waiting list.

Jigsaw     

Meets p.m. 3rd Thursday each month
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details We work together to assemble our selected jigsaw.

Jigsaw Merry-go-round     

Meets 
Details This group is for people who enjoy doing jigsaws, and to introduce U3A members to others who would like to swap jigsaws.

Latin Group 1     

Meets Normally 1st and 3rd Tuesday 2pm-3pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details Open to members of Belper U3A Group only. Costs attached (see materials) Anyone with an interest in words, development of language or an interest in history or culture might enjoy this group or anyone who would like to revive their study of Latin. Any particular materials/equipment required? Course book, dictionary, books adding to historical knowledge. Each member has his/her own aims e.g. to revise Latin learned at school, to begin learning the language, to develop vocabulary and breadth of understanding, to enjoy what is offered in each area. This group has vacancies.

Local History Group 1     

Meets p.m. 1st Monday of the month
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details Our group carries out research on a chosen theme relating to the history of the area.

Local History Group 2     

Meets a.m. Meets the Second Thursday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 15:00
Details Members take it in turn to organise visits to local places of historic interest e.g. towns, stately homes, castles, industrial heritage, churches and chapels, also talks usually at Strutts Community Centre. The 1st meeting of the calendar year in January, held at Strutts, is to plan the entire year's events.

Local History Group 3     

Meets a.m. 3rd Tuesday of every month
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details We investigate the local history of Belper and the surrounding area through guided walks, PowerPoint presentations and visits. Presentations are usually given at Strutts Community Centre in room 14. For the majority of events, we arrange to meet up at a specific venue. This area has a fascinating history to uncover from the earliest settlements through the industrial age to the present day. Examples of topics we have already explored:- Strutt family and their houses; Mills and industrial heritage; Roman heritage; Mediaeval heritage; Military history; Churches and chapels; Belper's oldest pubs; Cromford Canal; Shining Cliff woods; Lea Hurst - Florence Nightingale's home; Wirksworth Heritage Centre; Mining museum at Matlock. A social meeting is held at the end of each year to discuss ideas and plan the programme for the next year. Members may volunteer to research a topic or organise an event but this is entirely optional.

Mahjong     

Meets Fortnightly Fridays
Normally starts 11:00 to 13:00
Details Mahjong is a table game for teams of 4 players. It is played with small 'tiles' in a similar (but more complex) style to the card game of rummy. We welcome new members, beginners and improvers.

Meet and Greet     

Meets First Friday
Normally starts 09:30 to 10:30
Details This is not an Activity/Interest Group. This is a group of volunteers to meet and greet new members and visitors at the monthly open meetings. It is set up here for administrative purposes. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Chair via email.

Modern Board Games     

Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays 11am-1pm
Normally starts 11:00 to 13:00
Details This group plays modern board games which require thought and strategy. All games are family friendly and intended as an introduction to the modern board gaming hobby. We meet at the Railway pub, King Street, Belper.

Music Makers     

Meets Monday evenings
Normally starts 19:00 to 21:00
Details This group started in May 2022 and is made up of mixed abilities, primarily on guitar. During the life of the group we have attracted quite a number of guitarists and we now have to accept that no further guitarists are required. However we would very much like to extend our membership by attracting a female singer(s) and violinist/fiddler to add an extra dimension to the songs we cover in the folk/country/pop/blues genres. Bring with you your personal preferences or simply join in with what we cover. Personally, in terms of ability, I am currently restricted to playing guitar, and I’m not overly proficient at that, but I am learning and - hopefully- improving. I cannot sing so I am looking for people who can at least do that. Additionally it would be nice to have other instruments involved, for example additional guitars, banjos, violins/fiddles, pianos, mandolins, ukeles and harmonicas, along with perhaps woodwind and maybe others - probably not brass. It is not intended to cover classical music or music from musicals but tending more towards blues, folk and country styles. I’m not sure how the group would work but it would depend to an extent on the numbers interested and their preferences. Not every member would need to get involved with a style or tune/song not to their taste. If there is anybody out there that feels they could write lyrics that we could possibly put music to, all the better...next Xmas Number 1? My initial thoughts are for ALL members to meet once each month - probably at Strutts- agree on a tune/song to focus on over 4 weeks then at the monthly meeting perform the chosen tune/song. ‘Practice’ meetings could possibly take place in individual homes, but am open to suggestions from prospective members. Interested members should email me on mike@bmchristie.plus.com using Subject ‘Music Makers’ in the subject line, or phone 01332 880764.

New Members Meeting     

Meets as needed
Details List of members to be invited to the next available New members Meeting

Patchwork, Quilting and Appliq     

Meets 1st Monday in the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details Come and share your skills and enthusiasm to create beautiful items, large and small. The choice is yours. Beginners are very welcome, you'll be thrilled with what you make, and you'll soon become addicted!

Philosophy Group     

Meets Last Thursday of Month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details Group meets once per month. Topics selected are either the work of a particular philosopher or a subject of general philosophical interest. The discussion will be led by a volunteer (not necessarily the group co-ordinator) and all present are invited to participate. Cost £1 per session to cover the room hire.

Pickleball     

Meets Thursday 11.am
Normally starts 11:00 to 13:00
Details Fastest growing sport in the world Easily accessible sport for any age. Good company. optionally Training/Knockabout on Sunday afternoons at Belper Leisure Centre

Reading Group - Play Reading     

Meets Last Monday of the month
Normally starts 10:15 to 12:15
Details A play - provided by the library service - is read, usually over 2 sessions. A play is selected by a member of the group who then introduces the play and casts it. A variety of plays are read - comedies, tragedies, human interest - by different playwrights - Priestley, Ackbourne, Shaw, Wilde, Thomas, Stoppard.....

Reading Group - Play Reading 2     

Meets Second Wednesday of each month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details A play - provided by the library service - is read, usually over 2 sessions. A play is selected by a member of the group who then introduces the play and casts it. A variety of plays are read - comedies, tragedies, human interest - by different playwrights - Priestley, Ayckbourn, Shaw, Wilde, Thomas, Stoppard.....

Reading Group - Poetry     

Meets p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 19:30 to 00:00
Details We are a group of people who love poetry and enjoy reading it aloud and listening to it. We choose a different theme each month. It's not an academic group and there's no attempt to analyse the poems.

Real Ale Appreciation Group     

Meets 1st Thursday 3pm
Normally starts 00:15 to 18:00
Details Currently meets in the afternoon of 1st Thursday of the month at pubs chosen by group members at the previous meeting. The group samples and discusses the wide variety of ales available in the area, as well as the pubs that serve them. We get a turnout of between 6 and 16 and always choose somewhere within public transport travel of Belper, for obvious reasons!

Refreshments     

Meets Monthly Meetings
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This is a group of people who would be prepared to help with preparing or serving tea, coffee or refreshments at Monthly Meetings or other U3A gatherings. To offer your help please use the contact email above.

Roman History     

Meets Thursday am - fortnightly
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details What have the Romans ever done for us? It is an informal group where members are welcome to contribute thoughts, ideas, knowledge and experience. Meetings take place fortnightly on Thursday morning, 10.30-12.00 at Strutts. Refreshments will be available (via a coin-operated machine) and the cost of the room hire will be shared between the group members.

Short Courses     

Meets Various
Details This is an umbrella group for various Short Courses which may be offered from time to time.They will be set up as sub-groups for their duration so that their organiser/coordinator can use the ledger and email facilities as needed. This will provide a record and a financial trail.Members may not join themselves to this group.

Singer/songwriter group.     

Meets evenings, Wednesdays
Normally starts 19:30 to 20:30
Details A singer/songwriter group aimed at supporting and encouraging those new to song writing. Weekly Zoom meetings, evenings, possibly Wednesdays. Everything done from the comfort of your own home. Discussion of song writing techniques and strategies, how to find a tune for your song. Gain confidence in singing your own songs for and in front of others. Weekly/two weekly challenges/themes aimed at sparking your creativity. For anyone who has ever thought "I'd love to be able to write a song" or "I'd love to be able to sing in front of other people", then this might be the group you never knew you were looking for !

Social Cuppa and Stroll     

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month
Details This group aims to provide an opportunity for members to meet up once a month, have a chat over a cuppa in a nice cafe, and then maybe go for a short stroll in the area, depending on the weather. A different venue will be chosen each month which is either easily accessible by public transport from the Belper area or sometimes, for venues a little further afield, members are willing to car share.

Sunday Lunch Group     

Meets 3rd Sunday of the month
Details We have lunch together.

Table Tennis 1     

Meets p.m. Thursday At Strutts
Normally starts 19:15 to 21:15
Details Our group plays competitive doubles table tennis with all members being able to compete and meet socially, enjoying our sport.

Table Tennis 3     

Meets p.m. Tuesday Weekly 1.30-3.30pm
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:30
Details Meets Tuesday afternoons 1.30-3.30pm in the Gym at Strutt Centre. This group is for players at intermediate level who enjoy table tennis but don't take it too seriously. Not suitable for beginners. The group are currently looking to add new members.

Table Tennis 4     

Meets p.m. Thursday Weekly 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:00
Details This group suits those that enjoy table tennis but we are not particularly competitive. We manage to have fun as well as a good game.This group is currently full.

Table Tennis 5     

Meets a.m. Wednesdays Weekly
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details Table Tennis 5 is a group for improving players. There is a cost of £2 session to cover room hire. We are a friendly group playing table tennis for fun and exercise.

Table Tennis 7     

Meets p.m. Monday
Normally starts 19:30 to 21:00
Details Play table tennis and be sociable.

Table Tennis 8     

Meets p.m. Thursday 5 to 6pm
Normally starts 17:00 to 18:00
Details Table tennis group 5:00 to 6.00pm on Thursdays .

Tai Chi 1     

Meets a.m. Saturday 10.30-11.30am
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details Our group practises gentle exercises to improve breathing, posture and mobility to set routines. It is best to wear loose clothing, trainers or soft shoes.

Tai Chi 2     

Meets a.m. Every Wednesday 11:30 ~ 13:00
Normally starts 11:30 to 13:00
Details We meet every Wednesday 11:30 ~ 13:00. Open to members of Belper U3A only. We study Yang Style Tai Chi - We start with basic breathing exercise, then the ChiGung 'warm up' Routine, followed by the new Tai Chi For Diabetes (sometimes called Tai Chi for Health) Form. We finish with the Beginners/24 Steps form. I teach beginners /32 step Sword form (as an optional extra 11:00 'till 11:30), . There is a small charge for room hire (£2.00 at the present time). For further information and how to join this group please contact the group co-ordinator John Devine by clicking on the mail envelope on this page.

Tai Chi Long     

Meets Every Wednesday 10.00 to 11.00
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details The Tai Chi Long Group is a select advanced class studying the Yang Zhen Dhuo Long Form.

Talk About Film     

Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:30
Details Do you love watching films and TV series, and talking about them? We are a friendly group, and we discuss films, series and programmes that we have seen either at the cinema, on TV, on catch-up/streaming or on DVD. We meet in various cafes in Belper. Members often say they get 'great recommendations' from our meetings. So if you like watching films and series, and enjoy stimulating discussion, sharing ideas and discovering new things, why not contact Talk About Film?

Testing     

Meets As required
Details An entry to enable AC to test what GCs can and can't do.

Transport Interest Group     

Meets a.m. 3rd Monday of the month
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:00
Details During the Autumn, Winter and early Spring we organize talks on Local Transport matters(Road, Rail and Air) covering industrial archaeology and modern practice.After Easter and in the early Summer months we arrange visits to places of local interest. Many of our members are retired Transport Professionals and able to make presentations to the group.

Travel - Golden Gappers     

Meets Various Holidays
Details THE U3A GOLDEN GAPPERS TRAVEL GROUP The Golden Gappers group organises holidays abroad for members/associate members of the Belper U3A. This means it is a familiar, friendly, supportive group on holidays tailor-made for our interests and requirements. Both Couples and Singles for whatever reason will feel comfortable, and enjoy the company of others in similar situations. It's a large group (about 150 names on the list) and we don't have regular meetings, but I am open to suggestions from any member who has an idea of a possible destination! We organise a couple of overseas trips each year, taking a group of about 30, and using a licensed (ABTA/ATOL) travel operator, so the bookings and payments are as secure as for any package tour. There is such a lot I could tell you about our Group – where we have been, what we have done, how we operate, what is our ethos etc., – so, if you are interested in knowing more, please contact me, either through Beacon or by direct email (terrypool6@gmail.com) and I will send you details with no obligation to join, but if you do, you will receive information about future plans which go out to everyone on the group mailing list. Terry Pool

Travelling Light Group     

Meets Generally 3rd or 4th Monday of the month
Details Our group aims to explore Derbyshire and the world beyond using only public transport and our own limbs.

Walking - After Eights     

Meets 3rd Thursday of each month.
Details 8 - 12 mile walks. Meet at Strutt's car park, to share cars or get public transport to the start of the walk. Sometimes we will go in a pub after the walk. This group will close during the winter. Members will take turns at leading the walks.

Walking - Evening Walks     

Meets Fortnightly - Tuesday evenings
Normally starts 18:00 to 20:00
Details This group operates during the months when evenings are lighter, probably April to September. The walks take place fortnightly on Tuesday evenings, starting at 6pm and last for around 2 hours. We are a social walking group and choose relatively gentle walks of up to 5 miles. We aim to enjoy the scenery and the company. At the end of the walks we may go for a drink together

Walking - Friday Fivers     

Meets Friday Weekly
Normally starts 10:00 to 16:00
Details Walking Group. Meets - Fridays 10am weekly. Costs - contribution to drivers based on mileage. Benefit - exercise, fresh air, lovely scenery, good company. Equipment required - walking apparel. Aims and Objectives - Walking 5-8 miles in the countryside. This group has vacancies. For more information you can contact the Group Coordinator.

Walking - Inbetweeners     

Meets a.m. Monday Weekly 4-6 miles approx.
Normally starts 10:00 to 00:00
Details Meeting place: often Belper Bus Station. Costs attached: Travel.Usually we travel by bus and those who have them can use bus passes, sometimes some travel by train fare or car. We usually take a packed lunch. Who would enjoy it: Anyone who enjoys the countryside,walking and talking.Being Derbyshire, the walks are rarely flat, but always scenic. What the group is aiming to do:Get people out walking in a group, improve fitness, explore different areas and appreciate our wonderful countryside and wildlife. For further information and how to join this group please contact the Group coordinator.

Walking - Mid Week Wanderers     

Meets Every Wednesday 10am
Details The Mid Week Wanderers Walking Group is primarily a social group that walk. We car share from the meet point, travelling to the walk start point and sharing petrol costs. Most walks are off-road in rural areas so suitable footwear and clothing are required as well as food and drinks for two stops. The aim of the Wanderers is to walk for a distance of approximately 6 miles whilst enjoying good company and stunning views. A reasonable level of fitness is required. A two-monthly programme is produced with contributions from members of the group and we include at least one easy walk each month which will be less challenging, without compromising on distance.

Walking - Shorter Walks     

Meets Friday - 2nd and 4th Friday in the month 10.15 am
Normally starts 10:15 to 13:30
Details A very sociable group, meeting at 10.15 for 10.30 start, generally ending at a cafe or pub stop around 1.00/1.30 pm. The walks will alternate between a 5 mile walk on the second Friday of the month and a 3 mile walk on the fourth Friday of the month. Members take turns to lead the walks if they feel comfortable in doing so, plenty of support from the group to go through walks in advance.

Walking - Wednesday Walkers     

Meets a.m. Wednesday Weekly 6-8 miles
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details We meet every Wednesday morning, usually at the start of the walk. Lifts can be arranged from the Belper area if necessary with a contribution towards petrol. Our group would suit anyone fit enough to walk 6-8 miles over varied terrain that usually includes stiles. Most of our walks are circular e.g. from Kirk Ireton, Carsington Pastures, Parwich, Ashover, Ilam, Monsal Head. From time to time, we like to include a themed walk (e.g. historical, area of interest) or a linear walk (taking public transport to the start and walking back to Belper). Suitable walking gear is needed (strong footwear, waterproofs etc.) and drinks/butties for two stops. We are a happy, inclusive, social group and we arrange to meet and greet new members. Any interested party will be sent a copy of the current walking programme, which includes detailed walk descriptions, after their maiden walk with us.

Wild Flower Group     

Meets every 1st Thursday from April to August
Details We meet every 1st Thursday from April to August and undertake short walks (1-4 miles) with the prime purpose of identifying and enjoying wild flowers.

Wine appreciation Group     

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month in 2024
Normally starts 19:00 to 00:00
Details Hello Belper U3A Obviously we all enjoy wine in its different forms and tastes but all enjoy the journey wine can take us. We meet in members' homes but hope in the future to incorporate wine-tasting events at different venues and maybe even a vineyard. Depending on numbers we taste 3-4 bottles of wine per meeting plus snacks of some sort provided by the host. We charge £5 per person attending a meeting. Some of us have an educated history with wine and some of us just enjoy the experience. We look forward to meeting some of you in the future. This group has some vacancies at present.