Groups

Woodley and District

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Woodley and District u3a Groups

Afternoon film group

Meets		3rd Mon pm
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		14:00 to 15:30
Contact		Film@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The group will meet to discuss films and arrange visits to local cinemas to see films of interest to group members. New members would be welcome.

Art Appreciation 1

Meets		3rd Tuesday am
Venue		Members Home
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This discussion group is for anyone interested in looking at and talking about art. The topics we focus on and what we talk about will be in the hands of the members. We are not Art experts but all members will be expected to contribute to research and share their results. The group meets at each other’s homes as well as visiting exhibitions.

Art Appreciation 2

Meets		Friday
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		15:00 to 16:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group is for anyone interested in looking at and talking about art. The topics we focus on and what we talk about will be in the hands of the members. We are not Art experts but all members will be expected to contribute to research and share their results. The group will organise visits to local art events / art galleries / exhibitions if there is sufficient interest.

Badminton

Meets		Friday pm
Venue		Woodford Park Leisure Centre
Normally starts		14:00 to 15:30
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		An opportunity to play friendly, sociable games of badminton. All abilities are welcome providing you know the basics of the game. We play at Woodford Park every Friday from 2.00 till 3.30. More members would be welcome. Why not bring a racket and please come and join us.

Bird-watching

Meets		Monthly 3rd Thursday am
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		10:30 to 12:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This is a group for members to enjoy going out birdwatching, to appreciate birds and all of nature.

Board Games Group

Meets		2nd Thursday 2-4pm
Venue		Radstock Lane Community Centre, Earley
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Do you like playing board games? Don't have anyone to play with or want the challenge of playing with someone new? Well, how about coming along to this new group. The date of the first meeting of this new group is to be confirmed but do express an interest in joining the group.

Book Group 2

Meets		2nd Monday
Venue		Convenor's Home
Normally starts		10:30 to 12:30
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A monthly group for book lovers where members in turn champion a quality contemporary or classic novel they have read so that other group members can read it over the following month. The group then share their thoughts about the book at the subsequent meeting. The aim of the group is to share and celebrate the joys of reading with like-minded people, and discover or revisit new and established works of literature in a friendly, relaxed way.

Book Group 3

Meets		2nd Tuesday pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		14:30 to 16:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Do you enjoy reading? Do you enjoy talking about books in a relaxed and informal setting? And having the opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions while enjoying a cuppa and a biscuit? Interested? Contact groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk initially.

Book Group 4

Meets		1st Tuesday pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		14:00 to 00:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A friendly book group reading a variety of books suggested by members. We are currently full.

Bridge all levels

Meets		Weekly Tuesday am
Venue		Radstock Lane Community Centre, Earley
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		Ktbridge@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Are you a occasional bridge player who would like to play with others in a sociable friendly group? If so then this could be the group for you.

Bridge for Beginners

Meets		tba
Venue		Convenor's Home
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		Ktbridge@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A brief introduction to the game of bridge

Card Making

Meets		2nd Weds of month am
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		Cardmake@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group is for members who enjoy card-making and want to learn new skills in a friendly and supportive environment. The group would welcome new members.

Creative writing

Meets		Mon pm
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The Creative Writing group would welcome new members. In these sessions, members will be introduced to the characteristics of writing in a number of different literary genre and have the opportunity to practise their skills and to gain and provide feedback in a non-threatening environment. Sessions will consist in part, of hearing the written passages of members and then of identifying the distinguishing features of a different genre each week. There will also be opportunities to write during some of these sessions. A wide range of genres will be covered including short-stories, romantic fiction, fantasy and science-fiction, horror and ghost stories, historical and local history, writing for young readers, crime, mystery and detective fiction. It will also cover writing for a wide variety of mediums including radio, television and stage and magazines.

Cribbage

Meets		Thursday Evenings fortnightly
Venue		Members Home
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A small friendly group which plays social games of Cribbage.

Crochet

Meets		Tuesday pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		For members of all abilities to learn how to crochet, and for the more experienced members a chance to show off their skills and support the beginners.

Cycling for Pleasure

Meets		2nd Wednesday am
Venue		Varies
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This new group is for cyclists who feel confident to ride, once a month on the second Wednesday, on roads and cycle routes, on paths and tracks from local starting points within two miles of Woodley. The intention is to cover a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 10 miles with a leader/tailer to ensure safe gaps for a small group (maximum of 10). Helmets, Hi VIS, a pump and lights and properly maintained bicycles are advisable and the responsibility of riders participating. The rides are intended for exercise and socialising and a regular coffee stop will be incorporated. A First Aid Kit and an Agreed Risk Assessment process will be in place. We encourage participation of all riders in the Group in the formulation and leading of routes. This will be discussed in December 2022 after an initial introductory starter ride on 9th November, 2022 covering 5 miles.

Discovering Science

Meets		4th Thursday
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		We believe that science is interesting even to those who avoided science at school. Some of the topics that we looked at over the last 3 years include women in science, where we have discovered and discussed some fascinating and ground breaking individuals in all the centuries back to the medieval period. We have discussed the history of science, and asked why it is mainly viewed from a European point of view, dismissing middle eastern, central Asian and far eastern scientific breakthroughs. We have looked at science in art, literature, plays and films. The group is evenly split between members with a scientific background and those with no science knowledge. This leads to interesting and challenging discussions. We also try answer questions from our non-science members of can you explain….. We can help you discover science.

Dressmaking

Meets		Monthly Wednesday pm TBC
Venue
Contact		GroupsCo@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group would cover selecting a pattern and fabric; reading the pattern; pattern laying and cutting; transfer markings; tacking and making up.

Embroidery

Meets		4th Thursday
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		14:00 to 15:30
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This is a friendly, low key group for anyone interested in any type of embroidery, whatever their level of experience from complete beginners to expert. The aim is to support each other in developing ideas and carrying out personal projects and to have an enjoyable and relaxing time. We meet in members' houses or gardens when Covid allows.

Family History Research Group

Meets		1st Tuesday of the month
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		10:30 to 12:30
Contact		chris.mould2@btinternet.com
Details		A group for people who have already researched much of their family history, who meet to help each other with problem solving. The groups provides mutual support and investigates ways to get past problems that are blocking further progress. Members will need to have their own laptops or tablets to bring to the sessions.

French Conversation

Meets		1st & 3rd Wed am
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Develop your French conversation in a friendly and supportive group. Topics for the conversation will vary between meetings and will be decided at the previous meeting.

German Conversation

Meets		TBC
Venue		Members Home
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This is a proposed new group for people who would like to use basic German to practise conversing in the language. The group needs more members to sign up to make it viable.

Guitar Group 1

Meets		Fortnightly Thursdays am
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This is a group for guitar players to play together. We are not Spanish or Classical guitar, we are mostly strumming with some of us singing. We will have a go at anything including Buddy Holly, Abba, Eva Cassidy and much more; we have even tried Ed Sheeran – we will try anything any of us in the group come up with. Players need to be able to play some basic chords to participate as no formal tuition is provided, though lots of encouragement is offered.

Guitar Group 2

Meets		Varies
Venue		Members Home
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		We are a fun, friendly and relaxed acoustic guitar group. Most of us have been learning for a year or so and we have an experienced guitarist as our "Encyclopedia Guitarica". We strum and sing enjoyable new songs whilst learning new chords to progress our repertoire. To join us you should already have knowledge of basic guitar chords. We have access to a vast music library which you will be able to download and print. Meetings last a couple of hours and will include time for a drink. We will meet in one of the group member's home.

History Topics

Meets		4th Friday of the Month
Venue		On-line
Normally starts		10:30 to 13:00
Contact		chairman@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The Group will hold a variety of Meetings combining Outside Speakers, Members Research, Day Visits and presentations. Presentations by different members of the Group about a specific subject should last 20 to 30 minutes. Followed by a discussion and questions about the subject. Initially Meetings will be held over Zoom.

Italian for Beginners

Meets		1st Wednesday am
Venue		Convenor's Home
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Members of this group have now been working for over a year on the BBC’s Talk Italian course and are no longer complete beginners. There are spaces in the group for those having some background in Italian, and/or a strong background in other languages. Talk Italian is strongly conversation-driven, focusing on everyday situations – hotels, restaurants, shopping, travel etc. It comprises two volumes with accompanying CDs which we are working through over some 24 months. The group will then decide whether and how it wishes to continue. The group will meet for a 2-hour session on the first Wednesday morning of every month. In between sessions, group members will be encouraged to meet informally to practise conversation and identify problems that can be brought up next time. Each chapter of Talk Italian builds on elements of the previous one – so regular attendance will be necessary to ensure a group member doesn’t fall behind.

Jazz Appreciation

Meets		1st and 3rd Tues pm
Venue		Convenor's Home
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A group for people who enjoy music and would like to have an understanding of jazz and related music. We currently have space for a few new members to join us. The group is meeting virtually during lockdown. We will listen and discuss a wide range of jazz. We will also consider other music, in particular improvised music, which has a relationship with jazz. People who love jazz but also people completely new to the music would be equally welcome.

Knitting & Wool Craft

Meets		3rd Friday pm
Venue		Woodley Baptist Church Meeting Room - map
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		Cardmake@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		For members of all abilities to enjoy a relaxed time knitting charitable items or projects that you may have started and to help each other with any issues and learn new skills.

Local Theatre Visits

Meets		Varies
Venue		Varies
Contact		membershipsecretary@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		We are very fortunate to have a wide-range of theatrical productions, from professional and amateur companies, available to us in the local area. This group will take advantage of this to arrange outings to some of these. The choice of outings will depend upon the interests of the members. The group remit is limited to productions within thirty minutes travel. Each member will be expected to organise at least one outing each year to one of these events. Guidance will be provided to members on how to book outings to ensure no financial risk to them. We will hold a planning meeting every three months in Woodley Baptist Church to agree the programme for the next booking period.

Lunch with Friends

Meets		4th Thursday each month
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		13:00 to 14:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This is a small friendly group meeting for mid-week lunch at local venues. Start time 1pm. This is open to all members not just members on their own (MOTO). The members agree the venue whilst enjoying lunch together.

Mah-jong for Improvers

Meets		Every Thursday 10am
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:15
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Members are invited to join this friendly group to play sociable games of Mah-jong. Anyone who has played Mah-jong before would be welcome to join us.We usually play "Special Hands" as most of us have been playing for a while. The aim of the group is to have fun and develop our Mah-jong skills at the same time. We use the rules adopted by most u3a groups .

Maths Topics

Meets		2nd & 4th Wed am
Venue		On-line
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		Maths@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The aim of the Group will be to start with the current GCSE as a base level, with a view of heading towards the current A level. The content will be modified to suit the group’s interests and backgrounds. The group would love to have new members join us. The group is meeting virtually currently.

MOTO 1

Meets		Varies
Venue		Varies
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group offers Members On Their Own (MOTO) an opportunity to go out to local venues, meet for coffee, share meals together. The events available will depend on what members want to do and are willing to arrange. There will be two coffee meetings each month on the second and fourth Mondays where members will chat and contribute ideas for activities during the next few weeks. Please see MOTO Cinema Group for visits to the cinema on the morning of the third Monday each month.

MOTO 2

Meets		Varies
Venue		Varies
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A friendly group for members on their own. Initially the group will meet once or twice a month and hope to have a range of activities. Members will contribute to the ideas for outings and the organising of them.

MOTO Cinema Group

Meets		3rd Monday am
Venue		Showcase Cinema, Winnersh
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group offers Members On Their Own (MOTO) an opportunity to visit the Showcase Cinema on the third Monday morning of each month and afterwards an optional catch up over coffee or lunch.

MOTO Evening 2

Meets		Varies
Venue		Varies
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This MOTO group would meet in the evening to go out together to enjoy the incredible opportunities available to us in the area but it needs one or more members willing to make it happen. If you can help please email the contact for the group. Outings could include the cinema, pubs, restaurants, theatre and events in local towns or cities. We might watch foreign films, travel documentaries or online lectures or prepare and share a healthy meal at each other’s homes, perhaps with a glass or two of wine. Dates and frequency will depends on events chosen and members interests/availability.

MOTO-Evening friends

Meets		2nd Tuesday evening
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		19:00 to 21:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A MOTO group that meets in the evening for meals, card and board games and to socialise. Sometimes we also have a lunch at a local garden centre

Nature Walks

Meets		2nd Thursday
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Gentle walks in and around Woodley and the surrounding area taking time to enjoy what we see on the way. Footpaths and quiet backroads in Woodley give access to Aldermoors, Dinton Pastures, the River Loddon and Charvil Lakes. Stop to watch birds, identify fungi and photograph flowers, etc using members’ knowledge and perhaps some identification apps. Expect to spend 1½ - 2 hours and walk less than 2 miles. Suitable for anyone wanting a little fresh air and exercise who enjoys the countryside.

On-line Quiz Group

Meets		4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm
Venue		On-line
Normally starts		19:30 to 21:30
Contact		maths@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Enjoy taking part in a team quiz in the comfort and safety of your own home. All you need is a laptop, tablet or smartphone and a free copy of the Zoom app.

Out and About

Meets		Varies
Venue		Varies
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group arranges visits to galleries and museums plus other interesting places. Guided walks and visits to gardens are also a possibility. We will use public transport and car shares. Each member is expected to organise at least one visit each year. We will hold a planning meeting every 3 months in Woodley Baptist Church . There will be a charge of £5 per year for each member to pay for the room hire.

Painting and Drawing

Meets		Monthly 3rd Thursday
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		A group for anyone who is interested in painting and drawing. The group meets in members' homes but also has outdoors painting meet-ups as well.

Photography

Meets		3rd Wednesday of month at 10:00 am
Venue		On-line
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		vicechairman@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group encourages its members to take a wide variety of themed photos based on an agreed theme for the period, and for each of the members to review the output so we can all learn from each other. The intention of the group is not to be focused on the technology of taking photos so any camera type is welcome and all levels and abilities are welcome. New members would be welcome.

Playreading

Meets		4th Tuesday pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		We read through a variety of plays by both well-known and lesser known authors. No dramatic performances are required!

Playreading 2

Meets		3rd Wednesday of Month
Venue		Convenor's Home
Normally starts		14:30 to 16:30
Contact		GroupsCo@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Reading through a variety of plays by both well-known and lesser known authors. Can you take words from the page and breathe life into them? Do you believe in the power and majesty of our native tongue? Then this is the group for you.

Poetry Appreciation

Meets		3rd Wednesday pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		16:00 to 17:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group where members will share and discuss poems they enjoy. Topics will be chosen by members in turn. You don't have to be an expert to be part of the group just someone you enjoys poetry. We meet in member's houses or gardens.

Poetry Writing

Meets		2nd Tuesday pm
Venue		On-line
Normally starts		14:00 to 15:30
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group will meet virtually during the lockdown. It will be an informal group for people who already write poetry and want to learn more about writing poetry and for people who would like to start writing poetry. For each monthly meeting a subject would be chosen and then the group would listen to the group members’ prepared contributions. There is no right or wrong way of writing poetry as each person has their individual style, but writers would be encouraged to try different poetry forms and learn about meter, rhyming, and rhythm and to explore their uses. In addition as part of the learning process, the group would read and discuss the work of published poets.

Rummikub

Meets		4th Wednesday afternoons
Venue		Convenor's Home
Normally starts		14:30 to 16:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		If you are an absolute beginner or an experienced Rummikub player then come and join us to develop your playing ability. Help from more experienced players will be available.

Rummikub for Improvers

Meets		4th Wednesday am
Venue		Convenor's Home
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Are you looking to play Rummikub with others in a friendly setting? If so then sign up for this one which will meet monthly. Please note that this group is aimed at members who already know how to play.

Scrabble

Meets		2nd Tues pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		14:15 to 16:00
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Sociable games of Scrabble for those who can already play or want to learn to play the game.

Spanish conversation 1

Meets		Thursday am
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		09:45 to 10:30
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This group is for people who would like to use basic Spanish to practice conversing in the language.

Spanish Conversation for Fun

Meets		Thursday pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		14:30 to 15:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This is a small friendly group for people wishing to improve their Spanish conversation or just love to speak the language. We often pick a topic to talk about. It is not suitable for absolute beginners, although there is a range of capability. We meet fortnightly in members' homes. New members would be very welcome.

Sunday Lunches 1

Meets		1st Sunday of month
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		12:30 to 00:00
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Members meet together in a local pub/restaurant once a month,to enjoy a sociable Sunday lunch. Members pay for their own meal and drinks individually on the day.

Sunday Lunches 2

Meets		2nd Sunday
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		12:00 to 14:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The group will visit local eating places to enjoy a sociable Sunday meal. This group is particularly suitable for members on their own. Members will pay for their own meal and drinks.

Sunday Lunches 3

Meets		3rd Sunday
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		12:00 to 14:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The group will visit local eating places to enjoy a sociable Sunday meal. This group is particularly suitable for members on their own. Members will pay for their own meal and drinks.

Sunday Lunches 4

Meets		Sundays - varies
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		12:00 to 14:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The group will visit local eating places to enjoy a sociable Sunday meal. This group is particularly suitable for members on their own. Members will pay for their own meal and drinks.

Sunday Lunches 5

Meets		Sundays - varies
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		12:00 to 14:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The group will visit local eating places to enjoy a sociable Sunday meal. This group is particularly suitable for members on their own. Members will pay for their own meal and drinks.

Textile Crafts

Meets		2nd and 4th Wed pm
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The Textile Crafts group encompasses a wide variety of projects that can be created in fabric. Members bring their own interests and skills to the party and we all learn from each other. While needlework of all kinds is the norm, new ideas and crafts are welcomed – if you can make it with textiles, we’ll give it a go. All levels are welcome and more experienced members will offer help and support when they are able to.

Ukulele

Meets		Thursday pm Fortnightly dates
Venue		Convenor's Home
Normally starts		14:00 to 16:00
Contact		groupco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The group will offer the opportunity to sing and play the ukulele in a small group for personal enjoyment and possible amateur performance. Participants will be given the chance to learn the instrument from scratch as well as develop and contribute their musical knowledge, working from strum-along songs to more sophisticated arrangements. This will be very much dependent on the group’s abilities and interests. The group would welcome more members to come and join us.

Walking For Pleasure

Meets		3rd Wed am
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:00
Contact		Ktbridge@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		Circular walks of up to 6 miles in the local areas using well used footpaths and routes in a small and friendly group. The walks will be at a moderate pace but may involve some short climbs and stiles so members should ensure they are fit enough to do the walk. Members take turns to organise walks.

Walking with Cameras

Meets		2nd Fri am
Venue		Varies
Normally starts		10:00 to 12:30
Contact		Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		The group is open to anyone who enjoys walking and taking photographs. All abilities are welcome and you do not need to have a fancy DSLR camera - anything goes even a camera phone. The walks usually end at a pub so members can enjoy a pub lunch together. The group would welcome new members.

Wine Appreciation

Meets		1st Wednesday evening
Venue		Members Home
Normally starts		19:00 to 20:30
Contact		groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk
Details		This is a small and friendly group where members will share their love of different wines. Each meeting will involve members bringing a bottle for a chosen theme. This could be country of origin, type of wine, grape variety or anything the members want to try. The wines will be sampled and discussed with the rest of the group. Members will also bring along snacks/nibbles to enjoy with the wine. The group may also attend suitable wine tastings at local wine merchants. Places are being offered to people on the waiting list but spaces may become available. The first meeting will be on Wednesday 2nd November.