Gloucester

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Gloucester u3a Groups

Art     

Meets Thursdays
Venue Highnam Community Centre - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:30
Contact Lesley Brain
Details We use most media (watercolour, pastels, drawing, acrylic and anything else you fancy trying!) but not oils. The major feature of the group is the opportunity to draw and paint together as a fellowship. Members assist one another if help is required - and we definitely learn from seeing the work and techniques of others! We have a broad range of abilities. The Hall has plenty of parking spaces.

Badminton     

Meets WEEKLY - Every Monday Evening
Venue Crypt School - map
Normally starts 17:45 to 19:30
Contact gregbartonsmail@gmail.com
Details The Badminton group takes place weekly on Monday evenings at Crypt School. We have four courts for an hour and a half, and usually have around 12-18 players, so there are opportunities to take a breather. The standard is friendly, competitive, with the emphasis on friendly. Contact the Coordinator (Greg Barton) before coming along for your first session, OR JUST TURN UP AND ENJOY! Subs - £3.00 per weekly session.

Book Club     

Meets Third Tuesday of the month
Venue 
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Contact babs.morgan50@gmail.com
Details This new group (first meeting 16/5/23)seeks to read and discuss a diverse range of books, both fiction and non-fiction, selected by the members. We will primarily use the Reading Group Sets provided by the Library but other books can be chosen. We will read one book per month and discuss it at next meeting.

Bridge     

Meets Wednesdays
Venue Hucclecote Community Centre - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:00
Contact John Turner
Details The bridge group meets on Wednesday afternoons at Hucclecote Community Centre, with typically 4 tables each week. We play Chicago scoring, and ensure that everyone gets a good game by rotating partners throughout the session. We have a break for refreshment during the session. If you are fairly new to bridge, or want to learn, then please do contact the Group Leader, JohnTurner, as there may be classes for learners and many of the learners then join the Wednesday sessions.

Bridge Beginners     

Meets Wednesday (from 22nd September 2021)
Venue Hucclecote Community Centre - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Contact Alan Stanfield
Details As set of 12 lessons for beginners, using the English Bridge Union's Fast Track course

Bridge Improvers     

Meets Mondays
Venue Hucclecote Community Centre - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 16:00
Contact Dorothy Farley
Details Primarily aimed at players who have a basic knowledge of Bridge and wish to continue playing and learning in a relaxed social setting. Experienced players looking for more playing time welcome.

Chess     

Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 10am
Venue Home
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Contact Ian Smith
Details We are a small but growing group, who meet at the group leader's home in Kingsholm. The sessions have recently been extended from one to two mornings a month. We enjoy our chess and though we naturally like to win, the games are played in a sociable atmosphere. No clocks!

Choir     

Meets Fridays
Venue St Mary's Congregational Church - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:00
Contact John Merrick
Details The Gloucester U3A Choir was formed in 1994. We meet most weeks, except during school holiday periods. Our conductor is John Merrick, and our accompanist Elvin Young. The choir's aim is to learn and sing music in a way that's both fun for the members and (although its not primarily a performing group) fun to listen to! We do perform twice a year to entertain other members of U3A; we produce a Carol Concert each December, sing carols in the street for charity and also provide some entertainment at one of the U3A monthly meetings, normally towards the end of June. We regularly take part in the Singing Day for U3A choirs from Gloucestershire and neighbouring areas, usually performing a couple of items for the other groups there, and joining with the other choirs in a mass rehearsal and performance. In 2019 we are hosting this event ourselves on 29th May. The Choir is about 50 strong. This is really our limit but we always need tenors and basses! You do not have to be able to read music (although a little experience probably helps!) and there are no auditions to worry about. This years repertoire ranges from Elgar to Henry Mancini. We sing both accompanied and unaccompanied pieces and lots of Christmas carols in the Autumn!

Circle Dancing     

Meets Thursdays (1st and 3rd)
Venue Hucclecote Community Centre - map
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:00
Contact Anne Bostock
Details Modern circle dance draws on the rich and diverse traditional dances of many countries, including the Balkans, Greece, Israel, Russia, and France. There is also a growing repertoire of new dances to classical music and contemporary songs. Circle dances can be energetic and lively or gentle and reflective. The style and mood reflects the group and the interests of the teacher. The aim always is to experience the joy of dancing with others. Anyone of any age or ability can circle dance. Each dance is taught, there is no audience and you don't need a partner. Most dances can be adapted for specific problems you may have, such as not being able to turn on the spot without getting dizzy. You do not need special clothing just wear something comfortable and soft, low heeled shoes. Why not give it a try? New members always welcome.

Concert     

Meets Various dates
Venue Varies Or Virtual
Contact rjcanning53@gmail.com
Details This Concert group goes mainly to Classical Concerts but I will look at Ballet and Opera where they are not too far away. I will also look at various other Concerts if anyone would like to suggest some which I will follow up by contacting the members. However, Gloucester and Cheltenham concerts I am mainly leaving to individuals to book themselves. Should a group of you wish to go to either of the above and would like transport (a coach)I let me know as I may be able to get reduced ticket. 10 or more is a good starting point.

Craft     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Contact Monica Evans
Details New group to meet at Robert Raikes

Electronics & Robotics     

Meets Fridays (1st, at 10am)
Venue Home
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Contact Keith Bostock
Details Circuits we have investigated, designed and produced: "Midnight snack deterrent", aka light sensing circuit using a transistor. "Allotted Time Warning Device", to assist the speaker at any U3A group. "Television Simulator, Security Device". We cover all elements of electronics , and are willing to advise and construct circuits to suit your requirements. We have also organised and competed in the u3a National U3A Robot Challenge, in 2022 we came first. This is a STEM activity, which involves making suitable attachments to a manouverable chassis. A welcoming, sociable group, always willing to see new folks.

Enjoying Music     

Meets Second Tuesday of each Month
Venue St Mary's Congregational Church - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Contact Clive Harper
Details We are a friendly group who meet simply to listen to a varied programme of music on CD selected by members or the group leader. Anything is possible from classical through to 60/70's rock and roll. It's always a surprise when you turn up, but whatever, we endeavour to have an enjoyable time. You never know but you may get to like something new. So come along and see, sorry hear.

Folk Band     

Meets term-time Mondays (except BHs)
Venue Lonsdale Rd Methodist Church - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Contact Sarah Maidlow
Details If you sing and / or play an acoustic instrument you're welcome to come along and see if you'd like to join "Third Age Folk". Beginner or experienced; music-reader or playing by ear; with or without a folk background: we'll be glad to see you. We play a few 'gigs' each term, usually for audiences known to one of the members. (Please contact leader in the first instance: Sarah Maidlow 07479 580580 TXT only)

German Improvers     

Meets Mondays (2nd & 4th)
Venue Guildhall - map
Contact Sue Parker
Details The group began over 2 years ago as a Beginners' Group, although some of the members already knew some German. However, those who are attending now are almost all people with previous knowledge who hope to improve this and go over the basics. (Some of the members have lived in Germany or Austria.) So we are thinking of re-naming our group Improvers' German. The course is loosely based on the textbook "Deutsch Plus" but we also include other articles. We usually begin by talking about what has happened recently, both in our own lives and also in the wider world. The lessons include exercises, either in writing or orally, and sometimes a vocabulary test.

Horticulture     

Meets Wednesdays (1st)
Venue Guildhall - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Contact Marian Carroll
Details From September to April, we meet in the Guildhall and have a program of speakers with illustrated talks. 2022 included birds of Trinidad and Tobago, Gardens of France, Bagatelle and Giverny. We have been out to Westonbirt, Bowood, and Waterperry Gardens. We have a Party and Plant Sale. Horticulture Group - Autumn Programme – 2021 1st September – talk on zoom by Bill Laws entitled “The curious history of vegetables” 6th October – proposed visit to Westonbirt Arboretum to see Acers, Liquid Amber, etc in their Autumn foliage colours. Further details to follow on email. 3rd November – It is hoped to resume meetings at the Guildhall, details of the speaker yet to be finalised. 1st December – Tony Conder with his Odyssey talk – the history and tradition of the county. Horticulture Group - Autumn Programme – 2021 1st September – talk on zoom by Bill Laws entitled “The curious history of vegetables” 6th October – proposed visit to Westonbirt Arboretum to see Acers, Liquid Amber, etc in their Autumn foliage colours. Further details to follow on email. 3rd November – It is hoped to resume meetings at the Guildhall, details of the speaker yet to be finalised. 1st December – Tony Conder with his Odyssey talk – the history and tradition of the county Horticulture Group - Autumn Programme – 2021 1st September – talk on zoom by Bill Laws entitled “The curious history of vegetables” 6th October – proposed visit to Westonbirt Arboretum to see Acers, Liquid Amber, etc in their Autumn foliage colours. Further details to follow on email. 3rd November – It is hoped to resume meetings at the Guildhall, details of the speaker yet to be finalised. 1st December – Tony Conder with his Odyssey talk – the history and tradition of the county Horticulture Group - Autumn Programme – 2021 1st September – talk on zoom by Bill Laws entitled “The curious history of vegetables” 6th October – proposed visit to Westonbirt Arboretum to see Acers, Liquid Amber, etc in their Autumn foliage colours. Further details to follow on email. 3rd November – It is hoped to resume meetings at the Guildhall, details of the speaker yet to be finalised. 1st December – Tony Conder with his Odyssey talk – the history and tradition of the county

Italian     

Meets Thursdays (2nd & 4th)
Venue 
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Contact Gaia Parfitt
Details This started on 10th September 2015. The venue is Robert Raikes, Southgate Street, Gloucester.

Local History     

Meets Tuesdays (Last)
Venue Guildhall - map
Contact Marian Carroll
Details We are large friendly group which meets on the last Tuesday of the month, (except July, August and December), in the Guildhall, Gloucester. We have a varied programme of talks on all aspects of history from knowledgeable and expert speakers. Our outing to Stanway House & Garden, Fountain and Watermill is the 31st July 2018. The coach leaves at Highnam at 12.10 with the usual pick up points, Castlemeads, Brunswick Road, London Road, Hucclecote Royal Oak, Hucclecote Top Shop. Cost £16.00

Mah Jong     

Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
Venue St Mary De Lode - map
Contact Pippa Zaheh
Details Mah Jong is a Chinese game using decorative tiles and is a little like Rummy with sets and runs, nothing like the 'Pairs' game on the computer! We are a friendly group, sometimes chatting so much we forget whose go it is, playing the British version of rules. If you can play 'Special Hands' we would particularly like you to join us, but Beginners are always welcome.

Monthly Meeting     

Meets Mondays (4th)
Venue Brunswick Baptist Church - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Contact NULL
Details 

Piano Duets     

Meets Wednesdays (1st)
Venue Home
Contact Margaret Eyles / Kathleen Bell
Details 

Play Reading 1     

Meets Tuesdays (4th)
Venue Home
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:30
Contact Ian Smith
Details On the whole, we read plays that are fairly light: e.g.: comedies, mysteries. But occasionally we try something a little more serious, even classics (e.g.: Chekhov). We are very friendly, and concentrate on making it a fun session around the table. We are very lucky in Gloucester in having a large number of playsets available at the Library10. The following are plays that we have read over the past couple of years: The Conscience of Sergeant Cluff Leslie Sands Autumn Manoeuvres Peter Coke Murder in the Neighbourhood Watch Stewart Burke Continental Quilt Joan Greening Love on the Dole Ronald Gow Celebration Keith Waterhouse Racing Demon David Hare One of the Family Charles Cameron After September Jimmy Chinn Ladies of Iniquity David Appleford Separate Tables Terence Rattigan Tag Match Douglas Donald Here Endeth the Lesson Stewart Burke Patient Agatha Christie Twenty-Five Not Out Hazel Wyld Murder Mistaken Janet Green Murder in Neighbourhood Watch Stewart Burke Fishy Business Margaret Wood Siege of Sebastopol Terrace John Waterhouse The Orchard Walls RF Delderfield Counter crime Olive Chase The Cherry Orchard Anton Chekhov Bunkered Lynn Brittney Deadly Nightshade Francis Durbridge Annie, one, two, three: a murder mystery David Summers

Poetry Slam!     

Meets Friday mornings (usually last)
Venue Varies Or Virtual
Contact NULL
Details Face-to-face meetings are held monthly at The Folk (museum) Westgate St. Online joining details (winter months only) are sent out the previous week.

Recorders     

Meets Mondays (2nd & 4th)
Venue Matson Baptist Church - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Contact John Thorn
Details We usually start with rhythm exercises and scales before launching into our extensive repertoire over 130 pieces of music. Most sessions also include one piece of new music with a view to improving our sight reading. Our music ranges over a great variety of styles, eras and rhythms including; classical (mostly renaissance and baroque), folk, ragtime and jazz, popular songs and hits from the musicals. Sometimes we supplement the Recorder Band with other instruments, e.g. cello, trombone, percussion, or the piano, and sometimes some of the group sing. We all get a real buzz out of playing together in a friendly atmosphere. There is a real sense of achievement when a new, rather demanding piece of music is finally conquered, with every part entering at the right time,-- and nobody playing in the rests! The group plays mostly for its own enjoyment, but we do occasionally perform for an audience, and have done some joint performances with the U3A Choir. We also have occasional joint playing sessions with U3A Recorder groups from neighbouring U3As. The Group is not really suitable for beginners. If you already play another musical instrument and are a reasonably competent music reader, it would not take too long to teach yourself the basics of recorder playing such that you could join the group. The tenor recorder, rather than the descant, is recommended as the best starter instrument.

Scrabble     

Meets Tuesdays (2nd & 4th)
Venue Guildhall - map
Contact Janis Thompson
Details We are a small group with varying levels of experience and expertise who do not take ourselves too seriously. We are sociable and like a chat whilst hopefully improving our word power as we go. We play 2 or 3 games per session and lists of 2 and 3 letter words are provided for consultation throughout. New members are always welcome - just turn up on the day if you wish to give it a go.

Singing Together     

Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month
Venue St Mary's Congregational Church - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Contact Clive Harper 01452 522619
Details Singing with the artist's records for enjoyment and relaxation, from the eras of 50s-80s. Can't sing! You are not alone. Come anyway, You may be surprised at what you can do! Words and music provided.

Social Cycling     

Meets Varies
Venue Varies Or Virtual
Contact Simon Pollington
Details We aim to ride about once a month in better weather, less often in the winter. We ride for an hour or so to somewhere nice for lunch then back again, avoiding hills and traffic as much as possible. We ride as a group at the pace of the slowest rider. We try to be as inclusive as possible so whatever sort of bike you have please get in touch if you're interested in joining us.

Social Events     

Meets Various
Venue Varies Or Virtual
Contact Pollington@btinternet.com
Details This is a new group. It is to enable Gloucester u3a members to get together socially and attend a variety of events together. This could include local theatre, cinema, pub quizzes, live music or meals out. I am open to event suggestions! The criteria is that it should be accessible to all by public transport from Gloucester City - so that would include Cheltenham and other surrounding towns reachable by bus/ train. I aim to organise at least one a month.

Steam Railways     

Meets Members of the group will be advised of events.
Venue Guildhall - map
Contact John Smith
Details This well supported group will be of interest to all of those who have a passion for steam railway travel and the history of UK railways. We have interesting talks from different speakers who have an in depth knowledge of their subject. We also arrange for visits to heritage railway lines and museums. For further information contact John Smith on 01452 536270 or at jws.ikb@gmail.com

Table Tennis (Intermediate)     

Meets Fridays
Venue Highnam Community Centre - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Contact Dave Ginman
Details The Intermediate Table Tennis group meets every week for two hours of fun at Highnam. All play is in scored doubles matches to ensure maximum use of our three tables, in a spirit of friendly competition. We have a system for deciding the pairings for the next free table so the turnaround is quick and nobody sits out for long - just time for a bit of chat and friendly banter. Pairings can be all men, all women or mixed, we're all just players. Our weekly table tennis sessions are not gentle ping pong! We play for fun, not prizes but every game is played in a competitive spirit, we play to win and give no quarter. Table tennis is a very fast game requiring a high level of agility as well as good 'bat skills'. Getting out of your partner's way can be one of the challenges of the game! We may all be in our Third Age, but the number of years under our belts has nothing to do with the standard of play. We have some pretty useful players who give the younger ones a good run-around. That keeps everybody on their toes and improving, but we are not a beginners' group. New members able to play to our average standard are welcome and we are currently able to accommodate new members. We can take up to a maximum of 30 members. If you are interested in joining, please phone our group leader.

Table Tennis Beginners     

Meets weekly on Thursday mornings
Venue Longlevens Community Centre
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:00
Contact 01452 419301
Details Playing Sessions take place at Longlevens Community Centre, Church Road, Longlevens on every Thursday morning from 1100 hours with effect from Thurs. 3rd October, 2019.

Theatre     

Meets Varies
Venue Varies Or Virtual
Contact Ann Williams
Details Trips to local theatres (mainly Malvern and Cheltenham) organised for the Winter months, usually September to April. Information about trips always displayed in monthly Newsletter giving details of where and when and how to contact organiser.

Travel     

Meets Wednesdays (3rd)
Venue Guildhall - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Contact Carol Wheeler
Details The Travel Group is one of the largest in the Gloucester U3A. During the year we have a mixture of speakers, socials, study day trips and an annual 5 day study trip. Please feel free to join us at any time. Our programme for the rest of this year, 2023 is: Weds 18/10/2023 Panama by Arthur Ball Thurs 16/11/2023 Winter Social at St Johns Hall, St Johns Lane 2pm-3.30pm Weds 20/12/2023 No Meeting Our first meeting for 2024 will be at the cinema in The Guildhall Weds 17/01/2024 South Georgia by Philip Mugridge We look forward to seeing you there. Carol Wheeler TRavel Group Leader

u3a Group Buggatti     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Contact NULL
Details 

u3a Javelin 14th May '24     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Contact NULL
Details 

u3a Javelin 16thApril '24     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Contact NULL
Details 

u3a Javelin 29 Feb '24 Confirm     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Contact NULL
Details Hello, Here are the details and requirements for the visit to the Javelin incinerator site on the 29th February. Please fill in the form for Each person which will be returned automatically to site. Non return will mean no admission.

u3a Javelin visit 2023 PAST     

Meets Oct 3 2023
Venue 
Contact NULL
Details Did you receive this?

u3a Javelin waiting List 2024     

Meets Various TBD
Venue 
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Contact Clive Harper 522619
Details This Group is a list of members wishing to go on the Incinerator Visits at Javelin Park. No further visits are possible this year but will be sought for 2025. Each visit is limited to 25 members and so will require more than one to clear the waiting List. If you would like to be added to the waiting list contact me. Cheers, Clive.

u3a Laithwaits '24     

Meets Various
Venue 
Contact pennyandcliveharper@talktalk.net
Details A visit to Laithwaites Winery near Brockworth. Includes a tour of the Warehouse plus a talk on the history of the place and tasting of various wines with Cheddar Cheese and crackers. A visit lasts approx two hours. Look out for emails for times.

Walkers - Fridays     

Meets Fridays (3rd)
Venue Varies Or Virtual
Normally starts 10:15 to 00:00
Contact Charles Martin
Details Friday Walkers Group Leader Charles Martin (tel. no. 07914004642 email charlesm031251@gmail.com). The Group normally meet on the 3rd Friday of each month. We meet at a designated pub at 10am for a 10.15am start. Food is ordered in the pub prior to the walk for those wishing to eat afterwards. This is a friendly walking group. Typically the walk is 4 to 5 miles in length chatting as we proceed at a leisurely pace. There is always a stop around the halfway point. The published walk description will state the degree of difficulty giving the length, no. of stiles, if it is flat, hilly or somewhere in between. Members are encouraged to suggest and lead walks with the support of the Group Leader. New members are very welcome please contact Charles Martin before going on their first walk.

Walkers - Wednesdays     

Meets Wednesdays (4th)
Venue Varies Or Virtual
Normally starts 10:00 to 13:00
Contact Sue Bartlett
Details The walking groups take place on the 3rd Friday and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Each group has its own Coordinator and each walk has its own Leader. The walks are usually circular, starting from a pub, where we order lunch and use the facilities, then finishing back at the pub for a well-earned lunch. We usually have around 10-20 walkers and we always have a break at a suitable midpoint. In June, we have a combined picnic walk for all three walking groups - everyone brings their own picnic lunch, seats, drinks, plates etc. Please contact the relevant Coordinator before coming along for your first walk. The Coordinators are always keen for members to identify and lead walks.

What the Papers Say     

Meets 1st Thursday of month
Venue Guildhall - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Contact Clive Harper
Details Meet on the First Thursday of the Month at Gloucester Guildhall in George Hunt room at 10-30am Have you read something interesting in the papers? If so, bring it along and the group can enjoy it too. If not, come along anyway to listen and chat.

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