Tower and Town, December 2021

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Groups

Our Interest Groups form the basic structure of u3a and we have sixty-five of them. These extend from outdoor activities to indoor ones such as art, history, sports and games, books, scientific and discussion, theatre and travel, wine and languages. Interest groups are self-creating and self-run by their members who each have a group leader. Whilst the majority of the interest groups flourish as they have for many years, some go because they are no longer required and new ones on varying subjects are formed. That is the proper way of things because these groups provide what their members want.

An example of this principle is the Petanque Group which was created when outdoor and indoor bowls had to stop because of the pandemic. This game could be played within the Covid rules. The group was suggested by one member and after a search for a site, an existing Petanque Terrain was found at a local pub. Very little negotiation was needed with the landlord as after a few games there is usually a thirst to be quenched and lunch to be enjoyed in a social environment. It did not take long for enough members to show an interest and within a few months new skills were learned and enjoyed. A husband and wife took on the job of group leader and all the u3a principles resulted: learn, laugh and live of which there is plenty, plus applause at some point for every player.

The groups are formed for the benefit of their members and run by them, A new group for learning basic German started because there was a need whilst Music Appreciation is to be reorganised. Groups evolve. Local History is changing and the changes will be advertised in our monthly newsletter and at our Coffee Exchange talks.

Most groups meet in halls like the Wesley Hall or the Friends Meeting House, whilst smaller groups such as embroidery meet in members’ homes. The walking groups, Flora and Fauna and Birdwatching are outside activities. Meetings vary from weekly to monthly as agreed by the members and their leaders. Many u3a members belong to more than one group. Research shows that meeting up ‘face to face’ as socialising, is an important factor in u3a membership.

Jeff Hyde