merton guide to groups - merton u3a

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE Enjoyable Learning OCTOBER 2013

www.mertonu3a.org.uk Registered Charity No 291074

MERTON GUIDE TO GROUPS

OUR RANGE OF ACTIVITIESWe currently have about 100 study and activity groups. We also organise monthly talks, visits to places of interest, study days, short courses, shared learning projects, summer schools and social events. Members can also participate in further activities organised by U3A regionally, nationally and online. Up-to-date details of all groups and other activities are available to members via our newsletters and website www.mertonu3a.org.uk

ACTIVE PURSUITS & GAMES pages 3-4Section Leader: Carolyn Hartley 020 8542 [email protected]• Armchair Travellers• Bridge – 2 groups• Canasta• Chess• Cribbage• Cycling• Gardening• ‘Green’ Walks in or near London• London Walks• Loose Enders• Racketball• Scottish Dancing• Scrabble –2 groups• Table Tennis – 2 groups• Tennis• Walk & Lunch

CURRENT AFFAIRS & HISTORY pages 4-5Section Leader: Sue Mullen 020 8540 [email protected]• Current Affairs – 4 groups• Family History – 4 groups• Historical Jesus• History in Context• How The Past Has Formed Us• Local History • A Year in History

LANGUAGES pages 5-6Section Leader: Bill Lakin 020 8788 [email protected]• Arabic• Brazilian Portuguese• French – 8 groups• German Intermediate• German Intermediate/Advanced Conversation• Italian – 4 groups• Intermediate Latin• Spanish – 3 groups• Welsh Conversation

MUSIC pages 6-7Section Leader: To be nominated• Beethoven Symphonies – 2 groups • Jazz Appreciation• Music Appreciation• Opera Appreciation• Orchestra (Kingston)• Recorder Groups – 6 groups• Singing for Fun – 2 groups

STUDY AND ACTIVITY GROUPS BY SUBJECT

THE ARTS pages 7-8Section Leader: John Naylor 020 8946 [email protected] • Art Appreciation• Book Club - 2 groups• Cinema• Creative Writing• Exploring Paintings in London• Greek Playreading - 2 groups• History of Architecture – 2 groups• History of Stained Glass• Philosophy• Playreading• Poetry• Read, Listen, Watch & Discuss• Reading Short Stories• Shakespeare Explored• Speaking & Debating• Theatre• Understanding Shakespeare

CRAFTS & ART page 9Section Leader: Sandra Neilson 020 8542 [email protected]• Come Paint Watercolours with Me• Knit & Natter• Painting for Pleasure• Painting & Sketching• Papier Mâché Sculpture • Patchwork & Quilting• Photography• Pottery• Tapestry & Embroidery• Vine to Wine

SCIENCE & IT page 10Section Leader: John Naylor 020 8946 [email protected] • IT Mutual Help • Psychoanalytical Theory• Science• Science & Engineering

WHO TO CONTACT

Membership Secretary: Sue Gregory 020 8395 8615 [email protected]

Groups: To enquire about availability of places, join a waiting list or ask about starting a new group, contact the relevant Section Leader or Groups Co-ordinator Bill Lakin 020 8788 8876 [email protected]

2013/14 PRINTED ANNUALLY



GROUP SCHEDULEDay Morning AfternoonMonday Brazilian Portuguese

France EncoreFrench ConversationHistory of Architecture (1)History of Stained GlassItalian Intermediate/AdvancedPsychoanalytic TheoryReading Short StoriesTennisVine to Wine

Bridge (2)Current Affairs (2)Current Affairs (3)Current Affairs Discussion GroupHistory of Architecture (2)Painting for PleasurePoetryScrabble (2)Science & EngineeringSinging for Fun (1) and (2)Tapestry & Embroidery

Tuesday A Year in HistoryGerman Intermediate/AdvancedGreek Playreading (1)How the Past has Formed UsItalian Upper Intermediate/AdvancedLocal HistoryPapier Mâché SculpturePhotographyResearching Your Family History, BeginnersSpanish Advanced

Chess Come Paint Watercolours with MeCribbageGreek Playreading (2)History in ContextIT Mutual HelpRead, Listen, Watch and DiscussRecorder – Descant Year 2Recorder – Descant ImproversRecorder – Treble Recorder Ensemble for ImproversRecorder Ensemble for Experienced Players

Wednesday ArabicArt AppreciationCreative WritingCurrent Affairs (1)Exploring Paintings in LondonGardeningHistorical JesusIntermediate LatinItalian Easy ConversationItalian Intermediate ConversationMusic AppreciationOrchestra (Kingston)PhilosophySharing Your Family HistorySpanish Intermediate (2)Table Tennis (1)

CinemaBook Club (2) – eveningFamily History (1)Patchwork & QuiltingScrabble (1)Spanish Intermediate (1)Welsh conversation

Thursday Book Club (1)Bridge (1)Easy FrenchFrench Advanced ConversationFrench Conversation/ImproversFrench Revision (1) and (2)ScienceShakespeare ExploredTennisWalk & Lunch

Beethoven Symphonies (1)CanastaFamily History (2)German IntermediateOpera AppreciationPainting and SketchingRacketballSpeaking and Debating

Friday Armchair TravellersBeginners Spoken FrenchKnit & NatterLondon WalksPlayreadingPotteryScottish DancingUnderstanding Shakespeare

Beethoven Symphonies (2)Jazz AppreciationTable tennis (2)

Saturday Loose EndersSunday ‘Green’ walks in or near London

Walk & LunchN.B. Cycling and Theatre groups meet on various days/evenings of the week.



‘GREEN’ WALKS IN OR NEAR LONDON Walks are generally 4-6 miles in length and taken at about 2 mph, with stops, where appropriate, to note points of interest. Jacqui tries to vary the walks as much as possible - park, towpath, wood etc. The group is friendly and relaxed but members are expected to attend on a fairly regular basis and to indicate if unable to join a walk so that others are not kept waiting.Monthly on 2nd Sunday, with the occasional exception, for 9 months of the year. Starting time usually 11.00am at an underground or railway station - occasionally at a bus stop.

LONDON WALKSThis is a small, friendly, relaxed group. Walks will be up to 5 miles in length, taken at 2.5 mph. Lunch and drop off points en route. These are not historical guided tours but exploratory walks taken at a medium pace.1st & 3rd Friday of the month. Starting time 10.15am atatubestation.Attendancetobeconfirmedpriorto the walk date. No walks in December or January. Walkers are asked to attend regularly.

LOOSE ENDERSEvery few months the group gets together in a member’s home and plans our programme, which includes theatre trips and visits to places of interest. We normally include lunch. A shared lunch is organised every 4 months or so. We meet about twice a month, always on Saturday.

RACKETBALLInterested in taking up a new sport? Initial free coaching and loan of equipment. Racketball is a racket and ball sport, played on a squash court and appropriate for all ages and abilities. The ball moves more slowly, giving more time to react and the rallies last longer. The racket is similar to a tennis racket and the ball is similar in size to a tennis ball. Court hire £4.00/hr - cost shared by members.Thursdays 2.30pm. Wimbledon Lakeside Squash Club, Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AG (opposite the All England Lawn Tennis Club).

SCOTTISH DANCINGThis group is run by Kingston U3A and welcomes Merton U3A members.Every Friday 10.00am - 12.00noon. New Malden.

SCRABBLE (1) & (2)These groups aim to help you enjoy the game, improve your word-power and amaze your friends with your knowledge of two-letter words.Merton Park group (1) twice a month on Wednesdays 1.45pm. Raynes Park group (2) twice a month on Mondays 2.00pm.

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLERSVarious speakers visit the group to share their travel experiences, illustrated with slides. Come and be transported to different parts of the world without any airport queues! Tea/coffee prior to meeting. Small fee for room hire. Alternate Fridays 10.30am – 12.00noon. Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood SW19 2BY ( near tube station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk (Walpole Road stop).

BRIDGE (1)A mixed ability, 'help each other' group, not for absolute beginners, but improvers are welcome.Alternate Thursdays 10.00am-12.30pm. Wimbledon. Close to 57, 131 and 163 bus routes. Limited parking.

BRIDGE (2)Play and improve as part of a friendly, relaxed group. Not suitable for beginners. Standard ACOL used, but with opportunity to practise conventions.Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.30pm. South Wimbledon area. Close to 57,131,219 and 93 bus routes.

CANASTA for rusty playersCan we rediscover together the joys and rules of Canasta?Fortnightly Thursday 2.00pm. Mitcham. Buses nearby and on-street parking.

CHESSSome knowledge of chess will be helpful, but the group is open to players of all abilities.The group meets on alternate Tuesdays in Wimbledon, 3.00pm - 6.00pm about 10 minutes’ walk from Wimbledon Library; fiveminutes from Bus 156 or493. Parking restrictions lifted from 3 pm.

CRIBBAGEFor 2, 3 or 4 players. Complete beginners welcome.Twice a month on Tuesdays 3.00pm - 5.00pm.Near Morden Park.

CYCLINGThe Cycling Group meets monthly on different pre-arranged days of the week to cater for the diverse engagements of its members. See website and Newsletter for planned dates. Favoured start point is Gooseberry Bush café, south end of Palmerston Road, SW19 1LT

GARDENINGMembers share garden experience, knowledge, cuttings, seedlings etc. Outside visits are arranged in Spring, Summer and Autumn. Last Wednesday of each month 10.30am - 12.30pm.Lower Morden not far from Beverley roundabout. Nearest bus routes 163, 413, 93.

ACTIVE PURSUITS AND GAMES



TABLE TENNIS (1)This group encourages people of all abilities to enjoy Table Tennis and have fun. There may be a possibility of some coaching in due course. These are not drop-in sessions, so please phone/email if you are interested.Weekly Wednesdays 9.00am - 11.30am. Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood SW19 2BY (short walk from tube station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room.

TABLE TENNIS (2)This new groupmeets for the first time on FridaySeptember 20th from 3.00pm – 5.00pm. venue as for Table Tennis (1) above.

TENNISFree! Join our tennis group so we can always have someone to play.Every Monday & Thursday, weather permitting, 9.00am – 10.30am. No sessions during January. Joseph Hood Recreation Ground near Merton Park. Pleasetelephonefirstasthisisnotadrop-insession.

WALK & LUNCHWe meet every two weeks on Thursdays and Sundays alternately. We walk between three and five miles at a fairly leisurely pace andalways stop for lunch at a café or pub. Walks are generally around London, Surrey or the local area.

CURRENT AFFAIRS & HISTORY

CURRENT AFFAIRS (1)A discussion group dealing with the background to current affairs. Members will be encouraged to start each meeting with a little basic research before the discussion gets going. We have covered a wide variety of subjects, for example: the Economy, MPs’ expenses, Surveillance by the State, Education, the Prison System.Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00noon. Edge Hill, Wimbledon.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (2)The group discusses recent events in the news as well as debating issues such as drug legislation, Britain’s foreignpolicy and theMiddleEast conflictand the BBC.Alternate Mondays 2.30pm - 4.30pm.Wilton Grove.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (3)Members discuss ongoing and current issues. Sometimes, if a member has a special interest in a subject or has worked in a specific area, wemayask that member to talk about the NHS, Education, immigration, but otherwise there is general discussion. The aim is to give each member an opportunity to raise a subject should they wish.Alternate Mondays 2.30pm. Location Merton Park.

CURRENT AFFAIRS DISCUSSION GROUPThis group meets monthly in the afternoon of the firstMondayofeachmonth.Duringthefirsthalfofthe meeting we have a general discussion of events and issues which have been in the news over the previous few weeks. In the second half discussion focuses on a single topical issue selected by the group at the previous meeting (and on which group members hopefully do a little background reading/research – not with the aim of giving a presentation, but to help enhance the scope and depth of the discussion).The discussion group is held in Merton Park, starts at 2.00pm and lasts about two hours.

FAMILY HISTORY (1) - Finding Your Roots Members undertake individual family history research and need to be computer literate, in order to take advantage of the many on-line resources for family history and computerised sources at centres such as the National Archives at Kew.Monthly on Wednesdays 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Southfields.

FAMILY HISTORY (2)A group for members interested in finding outmore about their ancestors and their place in social history. The Group Leader has 30 years’ experience of family history research so may be able to help if you hit a brick wall. Access to a computer is useful in order to take advantage of the wealth of genealogical material now on line. Beginners welcome but they must be interested in pursuing their own research as wellashearingaboutotherpeople’sfindings.Meet monthly Thursdays 2-4pm. Cannon Hill area, unrestricted parking. 164 bus from Wimbledon/Morden (St. James Church) or 413 from Morden/Sutton (Northway or Cherrywood Lane).

SHARING YOUR FAMILY HISTORYAn experienced family historian and creative writing teacher is leading a group aimed at those who have already researched their family history but would like support in presenting their discoveries in a style and format that can easily be shared with others and that will interest and engage its readers. Group members are coached towards this within a collaborative learning environment.First Wednesday of every month, throughout the year. 10.00am - 12.00noon. West Wimbledon, buses 200 & 57. Easy parking.

RESEARCHING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY (BEGINNERS)This group was started to provide support and advice for those in the early stages of research into family or local history. Following an introductory meeting, a programme was agreed to develop and extend our research skills, based on members’ research interests and experience.Monthly on 2nd Tuesday. 10.15am - 12.15pm. Mansel Road Centre, Mansel Road, Wimbledon (next to Wimbledon High School). 8 minute walk Wimbledon Station. Meter Parking Mansel Road. There is a small charge for the room hire (shared between group members).



HISTORICAL JESUSHave you never wondered why the people of Nazareth wanted to throw Jesus over a cliff just because he’d quoted a passage from Isaiah (Lk 4/29)? Or whether water really was changed into wine at the wedding in Cana (Jn 2/9)? Or where the twelve baskets at the end of the Feeding of the Five Thousand came from (Lk 9/17)? Or why Jesus addressed Judas, his betrayer, as ‘Friend’ in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26/50) – or even why the owner of the vineyard similarly addressed the head of a delegation of disgruntled workers in the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard (Mt 20/13)? So many questions and such a riveting political thriller! Of course, you may know, or elect to never know, the answers. Or you could join Bill Harper’s course and discover ‘The Gospel Truth’.Fortnightly Wednesdays. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Morden.

HISTORY IN CONTEXT This group concentrates on the UK using the monarch as the focus from which to span outwards on ‘the life and times’ of a particular reign. It is run as a workshop where everyone contributes. We began with the Norman Conquest and we start the autumn term halfway through the reign of Victoria looking at the politics of the reign. We shall reach Edward VII by February 2014.We meet monthly on Tuesday afternoons from 2.00pm with a break for tea and biscuits. Close to Wimbledon Park tube station.

HOW THE PAST HAS FORMED USThis group will study and discuss how our human lives and society have been shaped by the past. Subjects chosen by the group lead into exploration of the historical impact of any aspect of the natural world, or human culture, and how that past impact affects the way we think and act today.Meets 4-weekly/monthly Tuesdays at Linden Lodge School, 61 Princes Way, Wimbledon, SW19. 10.30am - 12.30pm. A 10 minute walk up a steep hill from Southfieldstubestation.39&493busesgoalmostpast the door and there is some free street parking, though increasingly far from the school.

LOCAL HISTORYGeographically Putney to Morden. Aspects of general interest to members. Can include architecture, personalities, scandals and authors.Monthly on Tuesdays 10.00am - 12.00noon. Wimbledon Village.

A YEAR IN HISTORYWe choose a year and members prepare a presentation on any topic of their choice relevant to that year, as much latitude as required being allowed for explanations of cause and effect. We typically spend 5 sessions or more on a chosen year, and presentations average about 40 minutes. Our approach is unsystematic, but not unscholarly, and the variety of presentations is a delight.2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 10.00am -12.00pm. Raynes Park.

LANGUAGES

ARABIC for not quite beginnersSelf-help group for Arabic learners. Complete beginners would be encouraged, but it really is self-help!Fortnightly Wednesdays 10.00am. South Wimbledon. 2 minute walk from 200 bus stop.

BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE CONVERSATIONAn intermediate knowledge of the language is required. The Group would welcome new members.9.00am-10.00am 1st & 3rd Monday of the month. Merton Park area.

BEGINNERS’ SPOKEN FRENCHThe group is composed of different ability levels, all interested in extending ‘holiday type phrases’ into general simple conversation. Alternate Fridays 10.30am. West Hill Wandsworth.

EASY FRENCHFor those with just a little French, maybe from schooldays, and who want to brush it up, possibly for travel or holidays. A very relaxed and convivial approach, with emphasis on the spoken language.Alternate Thursdays 10.30am - 12.00noon.West Wimbledon area. Easy parking.

FRENCH REVISION (1) & (2)These two groups are for members who already have some knowledge of French and would like to both revise key points of the language and improve their listening and speaking skills. Intermediate Revision (1) For members who did French at school, albeit many years ago, and would like to go back to basics. Alternate Thursdays 10.15am - 11.45am. Worple Road Wimbledon.Advanced Revision (2) For members who already have a good knowledge of basic French grammar but want to extend it. Alternate Thursdays 10.30am - 12.00noon. Various venues.

FRENCH CONVERSATION FOR IMPROVERSA friendly informal group with the aim of improving members’ fluency. We start each meeting with ageneral discussion of individual activities/topical item of interest then discuss prepared questions on a French novel. New members willing to make a regular commitment welcome.Fortnightly Thursdays 11.00am - 12.30pm. Near Wimbledon Common. Top of Parkside, Wimbledon, 5 minute walk from 93 & 493 bus stops.

FRANCE ENCOREFor those with at least a basic knowledge of the French language and grammar. The aim is to use short extracts from the French media to foster the abilitytoparticipatefluentlyandintuitivelyinFrenchconversation covering a range of topics.Weekly Mondays. 10.30am - 12.30pm. 10 minute walkfromSouthfieldsstation/3minutewalkfrom39& 493 bus stops.



FRENCH CONVERSATIONFor those with basic French keen to brush up their skills in convivial conversation, with a nudge in the right direction when a gender is wrong or pronunciation a bit dodgy. We read poetry and books as part of the session.Alternate Mondays 10.30am -12.00noon. Drake House. Wimbledon.

FRENCH ADVANCED CONVERSATIONIn a relaxed atmosphere you will be encouraged to speakFrenchandgraduallybecomemoreconfidentand fluent, with increasing understanding. Learnhow to listen for the general meaning, not translating word for word, so that you can continue to participate in any conversation.Alternate Thursdays 10.00am - 12.00noon. Border Wimbledon/Kingston. 57 bus stops opposite.

GERMAN INTERMEDIATE Conversation, some classical and modern German literature, and games with minimal grammar.Alternate Thursdays 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Raynes Park area.

GERMAN INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CONVERSATIONThe intention is to get people to chat to each other in a relaxed atmosphere, with topical themes or members’ special interests as starting points. We’ll use articles from German media and short stories, translate if necessary, discuss. Grammar can be investigated if required. Meet fortnightly on Tuesdays, 10.00am-11.30 am. Halfway between Wimbledon and South Wimbledon stations. Buses 93, 57, 131, 219 stop on Broadway (Wimbledon Theatre stop)

ITALIAN EASY CONVERSATIONFor those with some basic knowledge of Italian. Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00noon. Raynes Park area.

ITALIAN INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATIONFor those with some knowledge of Italian to practise conversation. Facilitated by Paolo, an Italian speaker.Alternate Wednesdays. 10.30am-12.00pm. Near Wimbledon Park tube station.

ITALIAN INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCEDThis group reads books, does a lot of conversation and some grammar. It expects regular attendance, though this is not essential.Alternate Mondays 10.00am - 12.00pm. Drake House.

ITALIAN UPPER INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CONVERSATIONAn intermediate knowledge of the language is required. The group would welcome new members. 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. 10.00am – 12noon. Merton Park area.

INTERMEDIATE LATINThe aim is to read and discuss Latin texts for enjoyment, and we are currently working towards that aim using the Cambridge Latin Course.Meet fortnightly on Wednesdays from 10.30am - 12.30pm with an optional catch-up session on the Wednesdays in between for students who feel very rusty. Dorset Road, Merton Park (nearest tram stop Merton Park).

SPANISH INTERMEDIATE (1)Conversation, grammar, listening, reading.Alternate Wednesdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm. West Wimbledon. 57, 131 & 163 buses.

SPANISH INTERMEDIATE (2)Basic grammar and conversation.Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm.GirdwoodRoad,Southfields.

SPANISH ADVANCEDMore advanced course involving wider vocabulary, more complex grammar and reading of Spanish texts.Alternate Tuesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm. Girdwood Road,Southfields.

WELSH CONVERSATIONDo you speak Welsh? Are you a learner interested in gaining confidence through conversation or aproficientWelshspeakerinterestedinkeepingyourlanguage alive? This is a recently formed group, for members who already have some knowledge of Welsh to have the opportunity to converse in the Welsh language through culture and literature.Alternate Wednesdays. 2.00pm – 4.00pm. West Wimbledon. Bus route: 57, 131.

MUSIC

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONIESA course covering all the Beethoven Symphonies will start in late September 2013 and will continue at fortnightly intervals until Spring 2014. Each session will last for up to 2 hours and tea and biscuits will be served. The course will cover both background/analysis and performance, and although no previous musical knowledge is required, a keen interest is a sine qua non of enjoyment of the course.It will be held at two venues: 31 Lanherne House, 9 The Downs starting at 2.00pm on Thursday 26th September OR at 41 Wilton Grove starting at 2.00pm on Friday 27th September. Please contact Don Moore to indicate your interest.

JAZZ APPRECIATIONFor anyone interested in Jazz. Find out about the History of Jazz. Listen to and discuss Jazz on cd/mp3.

Monthly Fridays 3.00pm - 5.00pm. Day and venues agreed amongst members.



MUSIC APPRECIATIONVery much a self-help study group concentrating on the development of Western Music following on from Baroque. We have now reached the early 19th Century.Fortnightly on Wednesdays from 10.00am - 12.00noon. Not far from Dundonald Road tram stop - controlled parking.

OPERA APPRECIATIONSessions will be about two hours, though some may over-run. Two venues, one having a ‘cinema’ suitable for showing DVDs. The sessions will not be academic. We listen to complete operas - or complete Acts in the case of long operas, with a short introduction. If time, we will also discuss the group’s views on the pieces and their interpretation. It is not a rigorous course. Starts 3rd October 2013 with Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.Alternate Thursday afternoons at 2.00pm prompt. Two venues, both Central Wimbledon off the Ridgway.

ORCHESTRA (Kingston and surrounding U3As)Whether you play regularly or are a bit rusty, this is an opportunity to brush up your skills and have fun learning with others. Places are currently available in the orchestra for violins, violas and brass players.Kingston U3A Orchestra rehearses on Wednesday mornings in Kingston and gives two public concerts a year, in May and December. Each spring it holds a weekend playaway at Bordon in Hampshire.For further information visit: www.surreycommunity.info/kingstonu3aorchestra or contact Liz Bartlett.

DESCANT RECORDER FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS Tobearrangedifthereissufficientdemand.

DESCANT RECORDER (YEAR 2 OR RETURNERS)Weekly from 10th September – new term starts. 1.15pm – 1.45pm Tuesdays. Merton Park, 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram Route.

DESCANT RECORDER FOR IMPROVERSNew notes, speeding up and playing duets.Regular attendance is essential. Fortnightly Tuesdays 2.00pm–3.00pm. Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram Route 3.

RECORDER (TREBLE) YEAR 2Introduction to duets and notes above the stave. Returners also welcome.Fortnightly Tuesdays 3.00pm–4.00pm. Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram Route 3.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE FOR IMPROVERS(Descant, Treble, Tenor)Earlystagesofensembleplayingforlessconfidentplayers. Practise playing in three parts. Descant, treble, tenor.Alternate Tuesdays 2.00pm–3.00pm from September 17th. Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS(Descant, Treble, Tenor, Bass) For experienced players. Descant, treble, tenor and bass.Alternate Tuesdays 3.00pm–4.00pm. from September 17th. Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

SINGING FOR FUN (1) & (2)Everything from ‘Abide with Me’ to ‘Younger than Springtime’. No need to be able to read music and it doesn’t matter if your voice is rusty. Just come and enjoy yourself.Alternate Mondays 2.00pm-3.00pm. (2 Parallel groups). Merton Park 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

THE ARTS

ART APPRECIATIONInformal group discussing artists we love. New members welcome.Monthly on Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm. Drake House.

BOOK CLUB (1) This group is run by the members with each one in turn suggesting a book for the next meeting. New members very welcome. Meetings held at various members’ homes.Monthly on the last Thursday. 10.30am - 12.30pm.

BOOK CLUB (2)We read both new and classic novels, and may also takeinsomenon-fiction.Wealsosharesomewineand have a good chat about books and everything else. New members are very welcome.Monthly Wednesday evenings at the houses of group members, most of whom live in the Dundonald area. Parking is easy and the tram stop is nearby.

CINEMAFilms chosen by group members, usually with coffee and discussion immediately afterwards.Monthly on 3rd Wednesday, afternoons only. Wimbledon cinemas.

CREATIVE WRITINGThis group chooses a subject for homework on a rota. Writings are then read out at the next meeting. The variety makes for much interesting discussion.Monthly on Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00noon. Near the Broadway in Central Wimbledon.

EXPLORING PAINTINGS IN LONDONThe group meets every other Wednesday. One Wednesday at a London Gallery at 11.00am to look at a particular painting and the next Wednesday at the Group Leader’s home in Wimbledon from 10.30am to midday, to discuss the painting and to decide on the next painting to be viewed. We do not take an art historical view of the paintings we explore.



GREEK PLAYREADING in translation (1) & (2)No specialised knowledge is needed, just an interest in drama and a wish to learn more about some of the famous tragedies written and performed in Athens inthefifthcenturyBC.Wetakeoneortwosessionsto read each play, with breaks as appropriate for discussion of staging, characterisation and so on. We tend to change readers with each change of speaker, since many of the speeches are long!

Greek Playreading (1) Monthly on 3rd Tuesday. 10.00am -12.00noon: we will read 5 plays by Sophocles or Euripides.

Greek Playreading (2) Twice monthly on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 2.00pm - 4.00pm: we will read at least 10 plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles or Euripides. Both programmes include Sophocles’ Antigone and King Oedipus. Raynes Park.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE (1) & (2)The group continues to follow a series of lectures concentrated mainly on the History of Western Architecture. New members are welcome at any time. Sessions start with chat and refreshments.Near Wimbledon Park tube station. Monthly on Mondays. Group (1) 10.00am - 12.00noon.Group (2) 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

HISTORY OF STAINED GLASSThis group traces the history of stained glass in this country from its beginnings through to the present day. It is hoped to organise some visits during the course. The Group started in January and in the autumn term will be studying glass of the 14th and 15th centuries. Next year will continue through the centuriesendingwith thefirstyearsof thecurrentcentury.Monthly. Mondays. Talks 10.30am - 12.00noon. Tea/coffee and biscuits from 10.00am. Near Wimbledon Park tube station.

PHILOSOPHYWe study the history of ideas and the concepts which underlie our thinking. Members are encouraged to participate and to run discussions. Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am-12.00noon. Edge Hill, Wimbledon.

PLAYREADINGThe group aimed to have about ten people – at present it has thirteen, which is not as successful as a smaller number because of giving everyone a decent part. It would be good if another group could be set up.Our Group reads whole plays at a meeting without rehearsal. Members take it in turns to choose the play, prepare the session, cast the parts to ensure everyone has a good turn at reading. Plays are borrowed from the library of the Drama Association of Wales which holds a large number of playsets. Thanks to the generosity of Merton U3A, who pay the membership fee, the group is only responsible for the fee for hire at each session, which is usually only about £1.50 per person inclusive of postage.

We meet monthly on a Friday from 10.00am with a break for coffee and biscuits about halfway through.

POETRYMembers of the group take turns to introduce the poet/topic and everyone chooses poems to read and discuss. We have looked at a varied range of poetry, including the Metaphysical poets, Kipling and Tennyson.Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm at various venues on or near Ridgway, Wimbledon. Bus 200.

READ, LISTEN, WATCH & DISCUSSRead, Listen, Watch & Discuss is essentially a self-help group, where members enjoy discussing the life and times of a contemporary author through his or her work, a book or essay or poem, etc., giving members ample time to read and select points of discussion. New Members very welcome.Last Tuesday of the month 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Worple Road. Bus 57 & 131.

READING SHORT STORIESWe will choose and present in turn a story, at present from the Oxford Book of Short Stories, (ed. V. S. Pritchett, RRP £9.99), which we will read during the meeting and discuss.2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. 10.30am to 12.00noon. Worple Road (near 57 and 131 bus stops), or Raynes Park (2 minutes from station and buses57,131,152,163and200).Parkingdifficultatboth venues.

SHAKESPEARE EXPLOREDWe study the text, structure, history and background of one play at a time. We read, each taking a part and also watch it on DVD. It’s fun.Fortnightly Thursdays 10.00am-12noon. Central Wimbledon.

SPEAKING & DEBATINGMeetings will include developing our speaking skills and confidence, and debating of various types.The scope for variety is endless. The group will be enjoyed both by those wishing to learn the art of effective speaking and by those who enjoy speaking and debating.Alternate Thursdays 2.00-4.00pm. Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood SW19 2BY (near tube station) Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room hire.

THEATREA local actor invites theatre-goers to join the group for theatre outings. As a jobbing actor, she sometimes has insider information about what’s on, and access to reduced prices and (occasionally) free performances. Days/times according to availability.

UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEAREIn-depth study of Shakespeare plays.Monthly Fridays 10.00am. Worple Road Wimbledon.



CRAFTS & ART

COME PAINT WATERCOLOURS WITH ME (formerly Watercolour Beginners)After quite a long break I am pleased to say that we are re-starting our Watercolour Group at the Colliers Wood Community Centre. I have decided to make a few changes as to how we do things in the new group Several of the existing group members have made great advances in their painting skills and I hope to encourage them (and new members) to go on improving their technique and individual styles.The new group will therefore be mainly for those who have some basic knowledge of watercolours and who would like to improve their skill rather than for those who have never painted before. We will continue to learn new techniques but will also keep going over the basics from time to time. Above all, the aim is to enjoy this very relaxing and often addictive pastime in an informal, friendly atmosphere while continuing to explore its endless and exciting possibilities. Fortnightly from Tuesday, September 10th, between 2 and 4pm. Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood SW19 2BY (near tube station) Adjacent car park. Buses 57,131, and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk.As before, there is a charge of £10 per two hour session which will be divided amongst the group. Coffee/tea and biscuits will be provided in the break as usual at a small charge of £1 per head at the firstsessionandagainonlywhenIneedtore-stocksupplies!

KNIT & NATTERExperienced knitter will give guidance and advice - just bring your needles and wool (and pattern)! Any ability welcome, including complete beginners.Alternate Friday mornings 10.00am - 12.00noon. Raynes Park. (No parking).

PAINTING FOR PLEASURE

This is a small friendly group which encourages members of all abilities to enjoy the challenge of Watercolour Painting. No teaching is given but we learn from each other. A subject is agreed for each week, and at the end of the session there is time to discuss each other’s work. New term begins September 16th.The cost is £2.50 per session payable by the term. Venue: Raynes Park Methodist Church. 195/205 Worple Road SW20 8ET. Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Tea and biscuits provided. New members welcome.

PAINTING AND SKETCHINGThis is a new group which started in July, aimed at those with any level of experience or ability who share a love of putting pen, pencil, brush or whatever to paper!Sessions have a focus (e.g. still life) which group members are encouraged to approach from their own perceptions/medium/level of expertise, and the emphasis is on furthering current skills and learning new ones in a mutually supportive environment –

and having fun!Thursdays 2.00 – 4.00pm Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street Colliers Wood SW19 2BY. Adjacent car park, near Colliers Wood tube station. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room hire.

PAPIER MACHE SCULPTUREHave you ever thought you would like to try sculpture but couldn’t bear the thought of using clay? Why not try constructing in papier mâché? It really is fun, and so easy to do. Really therapeutic, with the added advantage of recycling!Weekly. Tuesdays 10.00am - 12noon at Kingston Hill. (May be alternative venues).

PATCHWORK & QUILTING (sewing machine not required)Using colourful fabrics, make a quilt or a cushion in this absorbing and fascinating craft. Let your imagination run riot and produce an heirloom! There is a charge of £2 per member, per month, for the room hire.Monthly 1st Wednesday 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Drake House.

PHOTOGRAPHYMostly we meet up with our Freedom Passes and cameras and go to one of the many great places in London. Sometimes, particularly in summer, we travelfurtherafield.We also visit photographic exhibitions. All plans are made and agreed by the group at occasional meetings in Morden. We will make time to share our photographs and discuss any problems. There is no need for expensive equipment; any camera will do.Alternate Tuesdays, often meeting at 10.00am.

POTTERYHandbuilding, sculpture, modelling, wheelwork, slipwork moulds, glazing and decorating.Alternate Fridays 10.00am - 12.00noon.West Wimbledon, Raynes Park area.

TAPESTRY & EMBROIDERYAn individual choice of needlework e.g. crewel or cross-stitch needlepoint in a stimulating and cheerful atmosphere. There is no formal course but regular attendance is expected.Alternate Mondays 2.00pm – 4.00pm. South Wimbledon.

VINE TO WINEGroup leader with own vineyard containing 300 vines in Morden, will demonstrate vine growing/cultivation, wine making with appropriate product sampling along the way.Monthly on the first Monday in each month at10.00am. Depending on activity in the vineyard or wineryadditionalmeetingsmaybearrangedatfirstMonday meetings. Onsite parking. 7-8 minutes’ walk from Morden tube station, South Merton and Morden South overground railway stations. 163 bus stops almost outside at Maycross Avenue stop.



SCIENCE & IT

IT MUTUAL HELPFor PC / Windows users, (but possibly straying into Android phones / tablets). Mainly finding our wayaround Windows or making programs do what we want them to do. Members raise an issue where they have a problem, or would like to do more. If David doesn’t know the answer, together we research and findasolution.e.g.• Understanding and responding to Windows

messages • Understanding what the clipboard does• Using email and browsing the web• Getting smarter in Word processing or

spreadsheets• Broadband connection via Wireless router and

other ways to connectMeet alternate Tuesdays 2.15pm - 4.15pm. Rodway Road, Roehampton. Parking unrestricted in afternoon. New members welcome regardless of IT skills (or lack of them).

PSYCHOANALYTICAL THEORYLaura Collyer 020 8946 6371 [email protected] A group for those interested in discussing the ideas of Freud, Jung and Winnicott.Monthly on third Monday 10.30am – 12.30pm Worple Road, Wimbledon.

SCIENCEThe co-ordinator has a background in teaching and writing about physical sciences. You don’t need a background in science to join the group, just an enquiring turn of mind. Talks are either by members or visitors from neighbouring U3As.Monthly Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm.Colliers Wood Community Centre 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood SW19 2BY (near tube station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk (Walpole Road stop).

SCIENCE & ENGINEERINGDid you work in science, engineering, mathematics or medicine? New Merton U3A Science & Engineering Group welcomes additional members to join in activities connected to science and engineering. Programme 2013:Monday 9th Sept Big Brother is Alive and Well: Surveillance and Ethics, Part 2 Caroline WardleMonday 14th Oct Darwin Linda EvansMonday 11th Nov Book Reading: The Hidden Reality by Brian Green Jerry CuthbertMonthly 2nd Monday. 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Various locations Wimbledon/Raynes Park.

WHAT’S NEW?Last year’s Guide listed 85 groups, whereas this year’s has climbed to 100 (a growth of more than 15%). We also see a growing spectrum of activity as new groups are formed in previously unexplored territory such as IT Mutual Help and the possibility of a Radio Group later in the year. In more established areas, groups are multiplying to meet demand so there are now 4 Current Affairs and Family History groups, and 8 French groups.Another major change this year, due to the growth in groups, is the nomination of the six Section Leaders who will be providing closer support for the groups in their areas. Section Leaders will ensure that vacancies within groups are matched with people waiting to join, and will also provide a port of call for Group Leaders seeking advice.

AND WHY NOT START A GROUP OF YOUR OWN?Leading a group can be fun and rewarding. Some group leaders need to be knowledgeable in the subject, but in many cases leaders can be ‘facilitators’ with an interest in the subject and the willingness to organise a group. Don’t let the inability to meet in your own home put you off, there are other options.

If you have a particular interest and wish to form your own group, please contact our Groups Co-ordinator, Bill Lakin 020 8788 8876 [email protected]

GROUPS can be ongoing or for a limited period and can start at any time of the year. Groups usually meet fortnightly or monthly, and some close for a few weeks over the summer. Most activities take place during the day time Monday - Friday, but a few take place in the evenings and on weekends.

Ourgroupsareinformalandtherearenoqualificationsor examinations. Each group has its own volunteer leader or co-ordinator who has a particular interest or expertise in the subject. Groups mostly meet in members’ houses and may be limited in size by the room available, but some groups that require more space may meet in the Colliers Wood Community Centre, Drake House in central Wimbledon, or other local venues.Members are retired or semi-retired and offer their services free of charge, whether it is expertise or a room in their home or help with administration, and this enables the annual subscription to be kept low.Small contributions may be requested toward expenses such stationery or venue hire.

MEMBERSHIP FEES: Annual subscription runs from September 1: £12 single, £20 couple. For those who have already paid a full subscription to another U3A the additional fee is only £8.50 (or £13 for couples).

INSURANCE: All attendees of our groups and activities must be U3A members, otherwise the insurance we have is invalid for the entire group, even for attendees who are members. The only exception is that non-members may attend once or at most twice as a ‘taster’ session.



THE U3A STORYWhat is the Third Age?The First Age of learning refers to compulsory learning at school. The Second Age involves learning related to work and family responsibilities. The Third Age refers to retirement and a presumed freedom to pursue learning for pleasure. In fact, there are no hard boundaries and the U3A movement in Britain has no upper or lower age limits.

French beginnings In 1968, the French government passed legislation making universities responsible for the delivery of Lifelong Learning. In 1972, a group of retired people met at a summer school organised at the University of Toulouse. It was so popular, that the university put on further coursesduringtheforthcomingacademicyear.ThefirstUniversitéduTroisièmeAge(UTA)wasopen to anyone who had reached statutory retirement age and was prepared to pay a nominal fee. The concept of the University of the Third Age (U3A) was therefore born.Learningactivitiestookplaceindaytimeandforfivedaysaweekduringtheacademicyear.Althoughlectureswerecombinedwithdebates,fieldtrips,recreationalandphysicalactivities,university staff were responsible for curricula and teaching and maintaining high academic standards thus justifying the “university “ label. The movement quickly gained international recognition, with the French model being adopted within 3 years by Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Spain and Quebec in Canada.

British adaptationIn1981,thefirstU3AwasestablishedinCambridge,andquicklyspreadtoothertowns,butthe British U3As changed to an independent self-help approach, without support from the state or established academic institutions. Whilst not tied into any university structure, the name stuck however, and the concept was more like the mediaeval universities where people got together in small groups to learn about a shared interest. As expressed by Peter Laslett, a Cambridge academic and one of the co-founders, there should be “no distinction between those who teach and those who learn, where as much as possible of the activity is voluntary”. The U3A took off in England after a 5-minute talk on Radio 4’s “You and Yours” in 1982 by Eric Midwinter, another co-founder of U3A in Britain. From that talk he had about 400 letters from people asking how they could join a U3A. His answer was “you’ll have to set one up yourself!” and now some 30 years later there are over 800 separate U3As in the UK with over a quarter ofamillionmembers.MertonU3Awasoneofthefirsttobesetup,in1983,andDianeNorton,who was at that time employed by Age Concern, provided space in her house in Wimbledon for thefirstUKnationaloffice.

Global expansionThe U3A has become one of the most successful movements in later-life learning. It has spread across the whole world with groups on every continent, some following the French model of being connected to universities, some following the British model of independent groups, and some taking a mixed approach.

Digital developmentsU3Aonlinecourseswere initiallydeveloped for thebenefitofelderlypeoplewhocouldnotphysically participate in classes because they were housebound or living in remote areas. Now, however, Internet and other communication developments have enabled access to interactive online learning across the globe. U3AOnline offers a range of courses developed by tutors in Britain, Australia and New Zealand, and accessible for either self-tuition or through virtual learning groups. The Virtual U3A (vU3A) doesn’t deliver structured online courses, but enables members to form their own independent online learning groups along the lines of the British model.

Further reading: U3A website www.u3a.org.uk

merton guide to groups - merton u3a

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