Melbourne Area Derby

Return to Melbourne Area Derby u3a

Melbourne Area Derby u3a Groups

Archery     

When NULL
Venue 
Information Temporary group for sigle event. Booking required

Art Appreciation     

When Monthly on Wednesday afternoon
Venue Melbourne Assembly Rooms - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:00
Information Art Appreciation meetings are held monthly on a Wednesday afternoon (1.30-3pm) at Melbourne Assembly Rooms. £2 per person, including tea or coffee, to pay for the room hire. Sessions usually last one and a half hours. Topics for discussion to date have included the 'isms' from Realism to Conceptualism, Women artists, American photography, German Expressionism, the Pre-Raphaelites, Joseph Wright, Marcel Duchamp and conceptual art. We are currently looking at UK Artists and Art Schools. Anyone can volunteer to give a talk; we have had some lively discussions! The MAD u3a Art Appreciation Programme 2025 covers UK Artists and Art Schools. We have also arranged trips to art galleries, including Cambridge, Nottingham Contemporary, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Barber Institute.

Book Club     

When 2nd Thursday / month
Venue Thomas Cook Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:30 to 13:30
Information We are Book Group 1. We meet from 11.30-1.00 on the second Thursday of each month (no meeting August) and read one book per month. Some recent choices have included- The Wanderers Rules of Civility The Miniaturist Someone I used to Know Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine This group is currently full. You are welcome to join the waiting list or start another book group. Contact the Groups coordinator for more details.

Book Group 2     

When Last Tuesday monthly 5.30pm
Venue Various by agreement
Normally meets 17:30 to 19:00
Information The group is very informal, meeting monthly in each-other's homes to discuss the book chosen at the previous meeting. We read a full range of fiction, non-fiction, new releases and classics revisited. This group is currently full. You are welcome to join the waiting list or start another book group. Contact the Group coordinator for more details.

Bowls     

When Last Wednesday of the Month
Venue Kings Newton Bowls Club - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:30 to 00:00
Information The group meets monthly on the last Wednesday in the month from March to October at 1.30pm (pending weather and green conditions) at Kings Newton Bowls Club on Pack Horse Road, Melbourne. No experience required. We are booked in for a 2 hour slot and there is a charge of £3 for the session, including tea/coffee.

Bridge     

When Every Monday throughout the year
Venue Melbourne Sporting Park MSP - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Bridge sessions take place in the Melbourne Sporting Partnership pavilion, Cockshut Lane. Melbourne from 2.00 till 4.00 every Monday. We play rubber bridge, each session is suitable for beginners, improvers and experienced players. We change partners and opponents regularly to vary the games and help less experienced players. These sessions are very informal and great fun. Each session costs £2 per person towards the room hire. Come and join us.

COMMITTEE     

When 3rd Thursday each month
Venue Will be confirmed by email
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information The executive committee meets monthly to agree/monitor priorities and to ensure that MADu3a meets statutory and other requirements.

COMMITTEE events     

When Ad-Hoc
Venue Various by agreement
Information This sub-committee plans MADu3 non-group activities (eg monthly meetings, social events and taster sessions). It reports to the main Committee.

Crafting     

When 2nd Thursday of the month 1:30-3:30
Venue Thomas Cook Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Information Cost £4 per session which includes room hire, refreshments and materials. No Meeting August

Current Affairs     

When 3rd Friday monthly
Venue Local pub confirmed by email
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Information The group usually meets on the third Friday of the month in the afternoon, 2pm to 3.30pm in a local pub. The first part of the afternoon focuses on a particular topic, which members may like to read about in advance; then we have the opportunity to discuss any burning issues of the day. The meeting is very informal; members suggest topics for discussion and have the opportunity to lead on an issue. We steer clear of taking sides in Party Politics, respecting everyone's views but focusing on evidence. Previous topics discussed have included HS2, NHS, House of Lords, the US elections, the environment and climate change, crime and justice, local government and the Commonwealth.

Family History     

When Monthly on the 2nd Wed
Venue Honner Room - Melbourne Parish Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Our Family History group will be meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 2pm - 4pm in Melbourne Parish Church Honner Room Members enjoy sharing their family history stories and helping each other break down research 'brick walls' in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Foraging     

When One off walk on September 12th
Venue Will be confirmed by email
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:30
Information Shepshed area; a morning walk of about 2 hours, led by an experienced forager. Cost £10; add your name to list by 12th July.

French Dance and music     

When Last Thursday / month
Venue Thomas Cook Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Hi We meet in Thomas Cook memorial Hall. There is a small charge of £2 to cover room costs and tea/coffee and biscuits. Dances we learn are schotishes, bourrees, waltzes, mazurkas, gavottes and Breton dances. Steve plays melodeon (button accordion) and Peter plays fiddle so there is lovely live music to dance to. Some dances are couples dances but don't worry if you haven't got a partner - one will be found! The Breton dances are usually done in lines or circles and no partners are needed. Come along and give it a go. Diana

Friday Book Group     

When Monthly on the last Friday of the month
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 17:00 to 18:00
Information A range of novels, classic and modern, biographies, short stories and poetry will be read and discussed. Note that the dates ay change, depending on members' availability.

Garden Visiting     

When ad-hoc
Venue Various by agreement
Information A seasonal group visiting gardens opening for the NGS and similar organisations as well as arboreta, botanic gardens and horticultural events. The majority of the visits will be made to locations within 30 - 40 minutes drive of Melbourne, with the possibility of the occasional day trip further afield. Group members are involved in planning the programme of visits. Car sharing will be encouraged.

Grow Your Own     

When ad hoc
Venue Will be confirmed by email
Information We are a collaborative gardening group that comes together on an allotment, as weather and enthusiasm permits, to grow fruit and veg. Community, shared effort and enjoyment of the outdoors will be the key motivators. No dig is the current philosophy, but that doesn't mean no work. No free lunch.....

History     

When Monthly, every second Friday
Venue Melbourne Assembly Rooms - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 15:00 to 16:00
Information The theme is currently history during the life of a 900 year Parish Church.

Members' Monthly Meeting     

When First Thursday afternoon every month
Venue Melbourne venue will be confirmed by email
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Information A monthly all member meeting either with an invited speaker or a social event. Guests interest in finding out more about the u3a very welcome.

Mercia Marina - Boat trip     

When NULL
Venue 
Information Single event group. Booking required. Contact Diana.

MOTO - Members on their own.     

When Whatsapp call
Venue Various by agreement
Information MOTO. Members on their own. A group for members who are either permanently or temporarily on their own and wish to participate in activities with other members, e.g. going to the cinema or to a concert or theatre; meeting for lunch or a coffee, evening meal or drink; meeting for a walk.

Photography Step-by-Step     

When 1st Wednesday of the Month 1330hrs
Venue Various by agreement
Normally meets 13:30 to 16:00
Information “PHOTOGRAPHY STEP-BY-STEP“ A peer supported self-learning group for budding photographers. The emphasis is on starting from the absolute basics; through camera operation and picture taking principles. The programme builds progressively week-on-week, towards a goal of taking more rewarding photographs. Each group member will follow a weekly on-line programme of lessons supported, as appropriate, by handouts from the group co-ordinator and advice from peers. Monthly meetings will offer group members time to share and discuss both their photographs and their learning insights.

Pickleball     

When Weekly on Monday afternoons
Venue Melbourne Assembly Rooms - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:00 to 14:30
Information This game for four players (two pairs) is best described as a cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis; it is played indoors on a badminton court with a tennis height net, paddle-bats and light plastic balls. We meet every Monday 1pm. There is no need to attend regularly but members are asked to reserve a place about a week ahead so there are no more than 8 participants per session. There is a £3 or £4 cost per session to cover room hire.

Poetry Appreciation     

When 1st Monday of the month at 2pm
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Information Members present a poet of their choice, such as Simon Armitage or W.B. Yeats or we bring a poem related to a theme, for example, a seasonal poem or one of hope or friendship. We discuss poetic form as well as meaning and there will be opportunities to have a go at writing a short poem for ourselves.

Poetry Appreciation 2     

When Monthly on the 3rd Wed afternoon of the month
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Information Members present a poet of their choice, such as Simon Armitage or W.B. Yeats or we bring a poem related to a theme, for example, a seasonal poem or one of hope or friendship. We discuss poetic form as well as meaning and there will be opportunities to have a go at writing a short poem for ourselves.

Quiz Group     

When As advertised
Venue Thomas Cook Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 19:00 to 21:00
Information This group is open to anyone interested in quizzing for fun. We aim to have some regular quiz evenings, Thursdays at 7 pm for a 7.30 start until 9pm. Cost is £3 per person and this includes a hot drink and biscuits. There will also be a prize for the winning team. You are welcome to come as a ready-made team of 4, on your own, or as a couple, and we will aim to put everyone in a team of 3 or 4. We may also put out a call for anyone interested to join us at a local pub quiz from time to time."

Reflections of Our Time     

When First Monday of the month.
Venue Melbourne Assembly Rooms - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Information Reflections: Looking back at what has happened in our lifetime. Starting with a brief look at the end of the second world war to consider what shaped our grandparents' and parents’ lives. From there, we explore the decades up to 2000. Music, Radio, Homelife, Fashion, School, Television, World Events etc. I will offer the prompts for the meetings and it will be up to you to bring your memories along and share them through informal discussion. This is a new idea after reading some books by Paul Feeney so we will be all reminiscing and learning along the way. Once the group is up and running, we will have a better idea of a structure and where you want to take it. Some may want to document their memories for future generations.

Road Cycling     

When Weekly, Tuesday morning
Venue Various by agreement
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information This group is for experienced road cyclists. Currently it goes out each Tuesday at 10am for 2 hours or so (including a café stop), starting at either Melbourne or Breedon. Routes are all on road and average 11 or 12 mph – a pace suitable for regular cyclists on modern road bikes. In future, it is hoped that mixed terrain routes will be organised, such as on the Cloud Trail; making these rides more suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes.

Scrabble     

When Monthly, fourth Tuesday
Venue Thomas Cook Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Information Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Thomas Cook Hall, Melbourne.

Short Breaks     

When ad hoc
Venue 
Information Short Break group, with a view to joining at least one holiday each year, either to Europe or within the UK. We will join existing tours with reputable companies and members will book themselves on to the tours so that no money is involved between u3a and the members. However, you can book safe in the knowledge that other members will also be joining the trip so that you will not be alone. Single travellers can be matched up with each other if they wish in order to save paying the single supplement. The first trip will be in April 2023 to the Netherlands to see the tulips at Keukenhof. Other trips will be decided on among the members.Occasional meetings will be held to discuss each trip and allow members to get to know each other.

Short walking group     

When AD HOC
Venue 
Information For people who want an easy walk of about 3 miles at a slightly slower pace with only a few easy stiles. We aim to enjoy the countryside in all seasons bearing in mind conditions underfoot.

Singing for Fun     

When Monthly on the fourth Wednesday
Venue Melbourne Assembly Rooms - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 17:00 to 18:00
Information This new group meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 5pm to 6pm at Melbourne Assembly Rooms to sing-along to well known songs from Soul, Motown, Pop, Jazz and Musical genres. The group has been set up for anyone who loves to sing but does not believe that they are good enough to sing in public! Good singers are also very welcome but don't expect us to be singing in tune. The focus of the group is to have fun. There is a small charge to attendees (£1-£2), to cover room hire.

Small Tasks As Required (STAR)     

When As required
Venue 
Information STAR is a list of members who are willing to help out with small tasks on an ad hoc basis, eg making tea, putting out chairs, welcoming members, contributing to the newsletter and website, etc. Any member is welcome to add their name to the list.

Tapas Evening     

When September 10th 2025
Venue Will be confirmed by email
Normally meets 18:30 to 22:00
Information Full details to follow. Booking essential; reserve your place now!

Walking     

When 2-3 times / month
Venue Various by agreement
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Information We aim to schedule two to three walks a month. The length and difficulty of the walks varies as does the day they take place. This flexibility suits the group and we have regular planning meetings so that group members can be involved. Most walks are in the morning and in the local area. We have had a few walks further afield - a couple up in the Peak District and one around the National Arboretum. We walk at a leisurely pace and usually stop at a pub or cafe for refreshments en route or at the end of the walk. The day we walk is flexible but we walk mainly in the morning. We also support walks organised in neighbouring areas and the local monthly walk organised by the Melbourne Footpath’s Group. New members always welcome. Sharon and Frances

Walking Netball     

When Second and fourth Monday morning
Venue Melbourne Sporting Park MSP - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:30 to 12:30
Information A fun and friendly group. No experience required and no running allowed. We play outside with the aim of improving fitness, coordination and balance. £2.00 per session attended to cover hire of court. Please note that suitable clothing and footwear should be worn. Activity undertaken at own risk.

Whist     

When 3rd Tuesday of the month
Venue Thomas Cook Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 19:00 to 21:00
Information The Whist Drive will follow the rules of Progressive Whist. Each person will play with a partner. If they lose they remain on the same table but split. The winning pair move. The winning man moves down 4, 3, 2, 1 and the winning woman moves up 1, 2, 3 …. There will be tea, coffee and biscuits available half way through and a prize is awarded for the man and woman with the highest score at the end. **This group is currently full; please consider joining the waiting list in case places become available or another group is set up**

Wine Appreciation     

When Ad hoc
Venue Melbourne venue will be confirmed by email
Normally meets 20:00 to 22:00
Information Meeting occasionally in public venues and members' homes. Costs shared.