Dronfield & District

Return to Dronfield & District u3a

Dronfield & District u3a Groups

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 Wed 9 July 2025 at 09:30 Civic Centre car park
Venue 
Information Our next outing is to YWT Potteric Carr, Doncaster on Wednesday 9 July.

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     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
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.

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

Cream Tea 2025     

When 7 August 2025
Venue Coal Aston Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:05
Information The entertainment will be provided by the Bus Pass Buskers. Places must be booked. The cost will be £5.00 per person. Tickets will be available at the monthly meeting in June. If you cannot make the monthly meeting to book, please contact our groups manager

Creative Writing     

When 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 1pm to 3pm.
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 13:00 to 15:00
Information A space and time for anyone who has thought they might like to start writing to meet with others and put pen to paper. The group will practise some writing exercises and with growing confidence share some of their work with the group. For anyone who has a notebook full of ideas, this might just be the inspiration you need to get started. We will welcome poets as well as short story and novel writers. The group will be led, but not taught in a professional manner.

Croquet     

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 and fourth Thursday 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.

Discussion group 2     

When 4th Wednesday of each month
Venue Member's Home
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. 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     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
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 games of Rummikub, Canasta, Scrabble, Chess, Bridge and other classic games. It costs £2 a session. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. New players always welcome.

Garden Growers     

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 we meet in The Manor Hotel, only requirement they request we buy a tea, coffee, or cold drink. 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

Guitar Group     

When Fortnightly, Tuesdays 2-4pm
Venue The Peel Centre, Dr Fletcher Room - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Are you an acoustic guitar player at beginner or intermediate level? Do you have a guitar gathering dust that you would like to pick up again and carry on where you left off? If so we meet at the Peel Centre in Dronfield Civic Centre on alternate Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. Come along and have fun learning to play (and sing if you wish) your favourite tunes whilst making progress with kindred spirits - we are a small friendly group. For more information contact the coordinator from the Groups page of the website.

History     

When Fourth Wednesday 10 am
Venue The Peel Centre, Edward Lucas 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.

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 (Thursday)     

When Thursday afternoon 2-2:45
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Information Pickleball is a sport for all ages and abilities. It’s easy to pick up for beginners and is a great way to exercise. Best of all, it’s a low-impact sport, that’s easy on the joints and it can help you build your fitness while playing a fun and challenging game. We are starting a new group of this popular activity on Thursday 24th April. Initially the sessions will be from 2pm to 2.45, at Dronfield Sports Centre, but this can be extended to 3.30 if needed. Absolute beginners welcome, as well as existing players who might like an extra session. Current Dronfield u3a members can join this group online via the u3a Members' Portal or by emailing the Coordinator. Non-members who would may be interested in joining please email the Coordinator from the group's page on the u3as website.

Pickleball (Tuesday)     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
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 (Wednesday)     

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 other Tuesday evening
Venue Member's Home
Normally meets 19:00 to 21:00
Information We are a small friendly group who meet fortnightly, playing Rummikub at one session and Canasta at the next. The group is full at the moment, but the co-ordinator is more than happy to retain a waiting list.

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 some 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.

Summer short mat bowls     

When Every Tuesday & Thursday 2:25pm May-September
Venue Dronfield Sports Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:30 to 16:00
Information Suitable for all abilities, we are a friendly group that meets every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon to enjoy a sociable game of bowls. Equipment provided if needed.

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 - Chorley & Lytham     

When Tuesday 10 June 2025
Venue 
Information Group used to record names and payments of members going on trip to Chorley Market and Lytham St Annes.

Trips - Leamington & Warwick     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Tuesday 29th April 2025
Venue 
Information Group used to record names and payments of members booked on trip to Leamington Spa and Warwick

Trips - Leeds     

When Friday 10 October 2025
Venue 
Information Group used to record names and payments of members booked on trip to Leeds

Trips - Melton Mowbray, Stamf     

When Friday 25 July 2025
Venue 
Information Group used to record names and payments of members booked on trip to Melton Mowbray and Stamford.

Trips - Ryedale & Helmsley     

When Monday 15 September 2025
Venue 
Information Group used to record names and payments of members booked on trip to Rydale Folk Museum and Helmsley

Trips - Wedgwood & Trentham     

When 22 May 2025
Venue 
Information Group used to record names and payments of members booked on trip to Wedgwood Factory Tour and Trentham Gardens

Trips - York Christmas Market     

When Wed 3rd December 2025
Venue 
Information Group used to record names and payments of members booked on trip to York Christmas Market

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.

Weekenders     

When Alternate Sundays
Venue Wards Garden Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:00 to 13:00
Information If you think about it, and to be honest, few of us do, the u3a is a ’working’ organisation. It operates Monday to Friday. Activities, talks and meetings etc happen during the week. The two days at the end of the week are left for shopping, washing, gardening etc. The Weekenders Group is different. We meet every second Sunday for a cup of coffee and a chat. It's a chance to get to know each other. Why not come and join us?