Dronfield & District

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Dronfield & District u3a Groups

2024 u3a Xmas Party     

When Wed 11th Dec 2024
Venue Dronfield Civic Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information Sorry to say that the party is now full. If you want to join the waiting list, please 1.Click on Join Group above. 2.When a pop-up window opens, click on Join Group again. You may need to scroll down your screen to see the pop-up window. Any problem please telephone 01246 900201.

60's Music     

When 4th Friday 10am to 12 noon
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information The group meets for two hours on the morning of the last Friday of the month, the meetings being hosted at members' homes on a rotation basis. The meetings each have a music theme such as weather, peoples names, places etc and we all choose songs to listen to. This works really well and generally we all do a lot of research to find obscure songs to listen to. The meetings are relaxed, fun, informal and there is no serious listening, rather we listen but also reminisce about the past and where we were at the time, concerts, clubs, buying records etc. There are usually quite a few musical anecdotes and, often we come away having learnt something - not easy to do in our later years. Just shows you can always find out something new.

Art Activities     

When 2nd Monday 2pm
Venue The Peel Centre, Dr Fletcher Room - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information The group enjoys exploring different art styles, materials and mediums and crafts in an easy-going, friendly environment. Each month we attempt a different topic or medium suggested by members - or do your own thing. It's all good fun and we are sharing skills and learning together.

Art Appreciation     

  Note that Art Appreciation is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 3rd Thursday of each month
Venue The Peel Centre, Dr Fletcher Room - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Meetings are held in the Peel Centre at 2.00 pm on the third Thursday of each month =================================================== We are a small friendly group who wish to learn more about the wonderful world of art. The activities include invited speakers, gallery visits and we learn from each other.

Birding     

When Wednesday 4 December 09:30 Dronfield CC car park
Venue 
Information The venue for our 4th December meeting is Carsington Water. It has three bird hides (though one is currently closed for renovation) plus a Wildlife Centre hide, an impressive Visitor Centre, restaurant, café, shops and toilets.  We do not need to tackle the full 8.5 mile perimeter walk as the bird hides are concentrated on the north-western shoreline between the Visitor Centre and ‘Hopton End’ at the reservoir’s most northerly point about a 3 mile round trip. Meet as normal at 09:30 by the notice board at the corner of the Civic Centre, Farwater Lane car park (What 3 Words reference ///blues.nuns.kind), by Poundstretchers trolley park. Alternatively meet at Carsington at 10:30. I suggest we park at Sheepwash Car Park on Shiningford Lane (What 3 Words ref ///decking.handed.pardon) costs £2 for 2 hours and £4 for over two hours via cash or card payment but note there are no toilet facilities. We can visit the feeding station in the centre of the car park then head to Paul Stanley Hide where Marsh Tits have joined Willow Tits (among others) on feeders. These hides have various bits of useful information including from Carsington Bird Club. We can then make our way south towards the Lane End Hide and the Wildlife Centre which has a heated hide containing displays, wildlife information and a wildlife recording book. It overlooks an island for breeding birds and a feeding station favoured by Tree Sparrows and Willow Tits. A little further south is the Visitors Centre (10:00 til 17:00) for toilets, a shop and refreshments from a large restaurant or cafe. We can then retrace our steps back to the Sheepwash Car Park (briefly revisiting the hides if you wish) and we should be away for about 15:00. If anyone else is interested we could maybe have a brief hesitation in a pub on the way home. Paths should be pretty easy but are likely to be varied, possibly wet and uneven. Stout footwear is recommended. The reservoir is deep and all visitors should take particular care around water.

Book 1 (Mondays)     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 2nd Monday
Venue Dronfield Library - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Information WE REGRET THAT THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY FULL. Whenever possible members from the waiting list are invited to join the group if current members are absent.We are now having to make a charge to cover the cost of room hire introduced by Derbyshire County Council, currently £10. This will increase from September.Our group philosophy is to read books by unfamiliar authors exploring a variety of genres. Dronfield Library loans us a set of 8 books each month which we read and discuss and we supplement these loans with our own reading choices at regular times throughout the year when we purchase books. PLEASE CONTACT THE COORDINATOR TO JOIN THE WAITING LIST OR FUR FURTHER INFORMATION

Book 2 (Fridays)     

When First Friday of the month.
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 11:00 to 13:00
Information To discuss books in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Book 3 (Wednesdays)     

When 3rd Wednesday of the month 2pm
Venue Dronfield Library - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:00
Information We now have vacancies for 2 new members

Bridge - Social     

When 2nd & 4th Mondays
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information We have a few casual hands of bridge. In order to improve our play, and to help newcomers to the game, we sometimes discuss the hand as we play it.

Bridge - Wednesday     

When 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 14:15 to 16:15
Information The Bridge Group-Social(2) evolved in June 2017 from the Bridge Group for Beginners which was launched in June 2016.This was a teaching and learning group using the Acol System to play Rubber Bridge, within a fun and friendly atmosphere This group meets in members' houses on a fortnightly basis.

Chess at the Games Cafe     

When Friday Afternoon
Venue Coal Aston Methodist Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information The crew at the Games Cafe are opening up the venue for chess players who want to explore the game further.There are thousands of Chess variants that use a standard board as well as odd shaped boards. They are fascinating to play and fun to try and master. Its a great way for a beginner to learn without the pressure of playing standard chess. level the playing field and try Chess at the Games Cafe.

Climate Matters     

When 2nd Thursday 2pm
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information The Climate Matters group studies the current state of the Earth and what actions both globally and as individuals can be taken to prevent short and long term damage to the environment, and use of the Earth's resources. The group will link to the national u3a Climate Change Network

Croquet     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Monday afternoons. Weekly from Mid May - End Sept
Venue Coal Aston Cricket Club - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information We meet at Coal Aston Cricket Club weather permitting and are all helping each other to learn the game for a fun afternoon of Croquet. Our pitch accommodates 8 people at a time and we work a rota system to allow everyone to have a game. The cost is £2 per session including tea/coffee and a £5 joining fee

Crown Green Bowls     

When Wednesday Afternoons. Weekly May - End Sept
Venue Coal Aston Village Hall - behind the hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Meeting at Coal Aston Bowling Club Max 16 players on green at any one time Open toed footwear inappropriate

Cycling     

When 2nd Monday of each month
Venue 
Normally meets 10:30 to 00:00
Information We meet twice per month April to October and once per month November to March. We ride between 10 and 25 miles on tracks/trails, old railway lines and very quiet roads such as the Monsal and High Peak Trails and round Derwent/Ladybower. Any type of bike is OK although a mountain/trail/hybrid bike is best for the type of rides we are doing. Only general fitness is required. E-bikes are also welcome.

Discussion     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 1st Thursday of each month
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information The topics for discussion are chosen by general consent. One group member starts the discussion with a presentation of facts and/or with a statement of their opinion on the matter. Issues discussed have included:The Boundaries Commission proposals; Which is the more effective way of changing behaviour - the carrot or the stick? Britain belongs in Europe; To Frack or not to Frack what is the question?; Is the quest for universal peace hopeless? How can we sustain the NHS? There is no strict protocol for the discussions. We have civilised exchanges where everyone listens to one person, then another person has something to say, wanting clarification or questioning what has been said. Some members listen more than others, while others have more to say. Everyone's opinion is valued, though it may also be questioned. The discussion will normally fill the first hour, and then will be given over to items that group members bring to the table for the second hour.

Dry Stone Walling     

When Monthly, on pre-arranged Tuesdays or Thursdays
Venue 
Normally meets 10:00 to 16:00
Information We believe we are the world's first and only u3a Dry Stone Walling Group. The Group was set up some 8 years ago with the cooperation of the Ranger Service of the Peak District National Park. We are currently meeting in two groups each group meets monthly, on pre-arranged Tuesday or Thursdays. Meetings start at 10am and finish around 4pm or earlier in winter months. There are no charges and equipment is provided, other than personal protective clothing and footwear. For more information, to see examples of our work, or to contact the group coordinator, see the Dry Stone Walling page on our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/page/36252

French     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Thursdays
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Information This group is aimed at intermediate to advanced French speakers. We usually commence by talking in French about our recent activities and then proceed to study and practice an aspect of French grammar. We translate from English to French and vice-versa and look at a text of topical interest. We try not to be too intense!

Friday lunch club     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 2nd Friday every month
Venue 
Information Monthly lunch club at Dronfield and district venues. Meets on the second Friday of the month.

Games Cafe     

When Friday afternoon
Venue Coal Aston Methodist Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information The Group meets to play all manner of card and board games, old traditional and new.

Garden Growers     

  Note that Garden Growers is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 4th Monday of each month, 2-4pm
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information This group focuses on the practical aspects of growing all types of plants and vegetables with members sharing their expertise and knowledge. Each monthly meeting includes a discussion about previously agreed topics. The group meets in members' homes over the summer, enjoying a chat, a tour of the host's garden and usually a drink with a biscuit or two. In the winter it meets in rented venues, with members sharing the room rental costs. For more information see the Growers page on the website: http://www.u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/page/50858.

Garden Visits     

When 3rd Tuesday, unless otherwise arranged
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre Car Park
Normally meets 10:00 to 16:00
Information We learn about gardening by visiting public gardens in the region - depending on opening times these may be at different times and/or on other days of the week. Details are provided in the schedule.

Genealogy     

When Second & Fourth Thursday
Venue Dronfield Library - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Information Relaxed, friendly and with varying skills, we aim to help each other discover our ancestors and research their lives. Experienced members assist those new to research, share their knowledge and help when we're stumped. No such thing as a brick wall? It is useful for members to have access to a computer and Internet databases for their research. The Library has wifi and the group is encouraged to bring laptops and tablets/iPads to meetings in order to connect to genealogy websites. We have a projector for demonstrations or for visiting speakers.

Geography     

When 1st Tuesday
Venue The Peel Centre, Edward Lucas Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information Armchair travellers- members sharing travel experiences

German Advanced     

When Meet on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 09:30 to 11:00
Information Advanced German meets on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month, starting at 09:30 in the facilitators home. The sessions last 90 minutes without a break. This is a small committed membership suitable for those that are at A'level or equivalent.

German Intermediate     

When Meets on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 11:10 to 12:40
Information Meets on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month unless it is a five week month. Then it is the 3rd 4th and 5th Tuesdays. It is expected that some basic knowledge of German will be known.

History     

When Fourth Wednesday 10 am
Venue The Peel Centre, Thomas Taylor Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information Layer by layer history has piled up beneath your feet. Its effects exist all around you. If you are interested in discovering what history has done for you, then the History Group is your key to unlocking the secrets of the past.

International Folk Dance     

When Wednesdays
Venue Fred Hopkinson Memorial Hall Unstone - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information This is a group for anyone interested in dancing or looking for some enjoyable exercise. Traditional dances are found all over the world and we include those mostly from Eastern Europe, Israel, Russia, Greece and other European countries. We choose dances with authentic music from local villages or regions as they would be danced or performed by the communities themselves. Partners aren't needed since most of the dances are in lines or circles, neither is any previous experience because we teach and lead simple dances which are easy and enjoyable to do. The cost covering hall rent varies each quarter depending on the number of sessions and group members.

Long mat bowls     

When Monday afternoon 1-3pm November to March
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:00 to 15:00
Information Weekly indoor long-mat bowls sessions providing good practice for outdoor bowlers during the winter months. Would mostly suit people with prior experience of green bowling but coaching can be given and equipment is available.

Maths For Fun     

When 1st Thursday of each month
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information This group meets in a member's home each month. We look at maths topics such as theories, historical aspects, the use and misuse of statistics, and recreational maths problems and puzzles. We are taking part in the National U3A weekly Maths Challenge puzzles which are available to all U3A members.

Photography     

When 3rd Thursday or as arranged
Venue Dronfield Civic Hall, The Council Chamber - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information This is a group for anyone interested in photography. No skill is required to join and participants learn from each other. Our aim is to make more use of our equipment, improve our photography and enjoy it. Indoor workshops are used to learn the basics: use of controls, basic and advanced shooting techniques, composition, lighting and have more fun with photography. We use a laptop to view each others photos and discuss the results. Meetings are not always held indoors. In the summer, weather permitting, we have 'field events' where we can put our workshop theory into practice, winter months we meet in a prearranged venue, costs shared by the members. Most of us learn best by seeing and doing.

Pickleball (Tuesdays)     

When Tuesdays (weekly)
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:15 to 15:00
Information A great opportunity to give this very popular sport a go. It's a cross between Badminton, Tennis & Table Tennis played over a low net with a bat and plastic ball. We will meet weekly due to popular demand. If you would like to come along, please email the relevant Group Coordinator from the Groups page of the website: https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/groups

Pickleball (Wednesdays)     

When Wednesdays - weekly (term-time only)
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:15 to 12:45
Information A great opportunity to give this very popular sport a go. It's a cross between Badminton, Tennis & Table Tennis played over a low net with a bat and plastic ball. If you would like to come along, please email the relevant Group Coordinator from the Groups page of the website: https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/groups

Rummikub & Canasta     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Every Tuesday evening
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 19:00 to 21:00
Information We are a small friendly group who meet to play Rummikub every other week and Canasta on alternative weeks. The group is full at the moment, but the co-ordinator is more than happy to retain a waiting list.

Short mat Bowls - Thurs am     

When Thursday mornings Oct- April
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:25 to 12:05
Information The group meets weekly throughout the winter. If you are interested, please email the coordinator from the Groups page of the website: https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/groups

Short Mat Bowls - Thurs pm     

When Every Thursday through the winter Oct- April
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:30 to 16:00
Information We meet weekly during winter months only. If you are interested, please email the Coordinator from the Groups page of the website: https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/groups

Short Mat Bowls - Tues     

  Note that Short Mat Bowls - Tues is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When Every Tuesday at 2:25 Oct- April
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:30 to 16:00
Information The group meet weekly throughout the winter. If you are interested, please email the coordinator from the Groups page of the website: https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/groups

Social Studies     

  Note that Social Studies is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 4thThursday of each month
Venue The Peel Centre, Dr Fletcher Room - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Each meeting will have a topic, chosen in advance and visits may be arranged to places of social interest. Members share the cost of room hire.

Spanish Conversation     

When (usually) 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 16:00
Venue The Peel Centre, Dr Fletcher Room - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 16:00 to 17:30
Information This group is for people who have previously learned Spanish and just want to keep in practice. We talk Spanish in pairs or larger groups, discuss videos we have watched, do grammar and vocab exercises, read aloud and attempt translations together.

T&V Nottingham     

When Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Venue 
Normally meets 09:00 to 00:00
Information Coach trip to Nottingham on Wednesday 23rd October 2024. Cost £12 per person. Booking will open at the u3a's July monthly meeting. For more information see the Trips and Visits page of the website https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/page/36243

Ten Pin Bowling     

When Monday afternoon in term time
Venue 
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Meet at Chesterfield Bowl first and third Mondays in a month. A social occasion with regular, short bursts of exercise.

Trips And Visits     

When NULL
Venue 
Information Trips are now being planned for 2024. If you have any suggestions for possible trips please email the Trips and Visits Coordinator via the Trips and Visits group page on the website https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/groups

Walking     

When Walk Details are on our page on the website
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre, Back Car Park
Information Walk details are sent out to members that wish to receive them. The programmes are also available on the Walking part of the DDu3a website: https://u3asites.org.uk/dronfield/page/98398 The Walking Group aims to foster happiness and friendship between members by virtue of a common interest in the healthy and enjoyable pursuit of walking. The Group organises a rolling programme of walks designed to appeal to walkers of all abilities. All walks are classified by grade and pace. Walking group members are asked to pay £1 a year to cover the purchase of first aid kits and walking guides. Newcomers are welcome.