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PROGRAMME FOR 2011 - 2012
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ARCHAEOLOGY
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The aim of this group is to give members an understanding of the background, theories, methodologies, specialist skills, and fieldwork of archaeology, where possible using local facilities and resources. The group will be encouraged to participate in projects or prepare topics for group discussion.

   
ART APPRECIATION
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This Group is for those who appreciate art in all its forms. It is run by 4 coordinators and it is hoped that members will provide part or all of the programme at each meeting by giving short or long talks on their chosen subjects - an artist, a painting, a sculpture etc. Visits to Art Galleries and an occasional guest speaker may be arranged.

ART - CARRY ON DRAWING
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The group welcomes anyone wishing to practise and improve their drawing skills, explore a variety of subjects and the use of different materials and techniques.

   
ART - DRAWING WORKSHOP 1
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Drawing Workshops 1 & 2 cater for all levels of ability.  Tuition is offered, especially for anyone who is a complete beginner.  We use pencil, pen, charcoal and coloured media.  The aim is to enjoy drawing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

   
ART - DRAWING WORKSHOP 2
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Drawing Workshops 1 & 2 cater for all levels of ability.  Tuition is offered, especially for anyone who is a complete beginner.  We use pencil, pen, charcoal and coloured media.  The aim is to enjoy drawing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

   
ART - PAINTING 1 (WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP)
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This is a friendly, informal, self-help group suitable for those with some knowledge of painting and drawing. Members are free to pursue their own interests: flower painting, miniatures, landscapes, etc. We learn from each other's abilities and experience. The occasional still- life and a monthly DVD provide fresh ideas.

   
ART- PAINTING 2
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The group is open to all levels of ability, from beginners to more advanced. Water colour painting is the norm but the use of other media is encouraged, with the subject matter ranging from still life, imaginative composition and occasionally from the model. We also try to take advantage of good weather to paint outside.

   
ART - PAINTING 3
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This group is for beginners and more experienced painters who wish to experiment and expand their work in an informal and friendly group.

   
AVIATION & MILITARY HISTORY
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The group covers the full spectrum of people, campaigns and events, from Hannibal to the Gulf War, from the first flight of Icarus to Space Travel. Members of the group are encouraged to come forward and give presentations on subjects of interest to them and the group. Occasional outings to places of interest will be arranged.

   
AWARENESS
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This is an established group following an on-going programme. Anyone interested and wishing to know more should contact the group leader through the Membership Secretary.

 
BEADING - Groups A & B
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All aspects of beading, from re-stringing old pearls and necklaces to new creations from the many beads available.  Those wishing for excitement can experiment with bead embroidery, wrapping, braids, weaving, wire-work etc.  Information sources of materials will be available.  The A group is especially for beginners.

   
BRIDGE BEGINNERS
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Bridge lessons for those who have little or no knowledge of how to play the game, although knowledge of trick winning card games such as whist is always helpful. Students will be taught how to bid and the rudiments of playing the cards so that they can play socially between lessons in order to practise and build up experience.

   
BRIDGE INTERMEDIATE
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Supervised bridge for those in their second year onwards who seek to practise and gain experience in playing hands. Guidance will focus on card play and playing techniques. The course is complementary to the Beginners Course where a greater emphasis is placed on bidding.

   
BRIDGE RUBBER PLAY
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This group offers a friendly atmosphere and a chance to improve rubber bridge skills, obtained from beginners U3A classes or adult education. No formal tuition is given.

   
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
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This friendly and social group welcomes all players who want to gain experience in playing duplicate bridge. Help is available. No partners required.

   
CALLIGRAPHY PROJECTS
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The group welcomes new members who will initially be taught the Foundational Hand Style of writing with which to enhance Christmas, birthday and Easter cards. The more experienced are encouraged to share their artistic and creative skills to produce colourful posters, quotations and poems using various calligraphy alphabets.

   
COMPUTING - BEGINNERS COURSE
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This course runs from late April to June. There are eight weekly classes for 14 members with individual workstations. We charge a fee to cover the cost of these facilities. It is for absolute beginners and is designed to get them started. Those joining are expected to have access to a computer so they can practise the lessons learned using the notes provided.

   
COMPUTING - NEXT STEPS
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Gaining confidence with your computer, and exploring further applications, such as file management, drawing, photo-management, skype etc. Some digression into the history of computers throughout our lifetime. There may also be a clinic for visitors with sick PCs.

   
COMPUTING - SOFTWARE FREEDOM
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We shall start with some of the excellent free programs for Windows. In later sessions we'll find there are even more for Linux. But we can have the best of both, Windows and Linux can coexist side by side on your PC.

   
COMPUTER WORKSHOP/FORUM
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The aim is to promote confidence about both computer security and computer use both on and off the internet. It is for those who have reasonable computer skills, not for beginners. Topics for each session are varied, time is given to solving individual problems and members are encouraged to share their skills. Email is essential.

   
CRAFT
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A friendly, informal group, suitable for all abilities. The main emphasis is to learn and share techniques, to make cards, and occasionally to scrapbook, knit and crochet and make Christmas Crackers, gifts and gift boxes. During each session a project will be available for all to join in.

   
CURRENT AFFAIRS 1
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The aim is to encompass any aspect of current affairs. Core topics are selected for each meeting, with other topics arising at the meeting. Sometimes a group member will give a short presentation on an agreed topic. Relatively informal discussion is encouraged, whilst ensuring all members have every opportunity to speak.

   
CURRENT AFFAIRS 2
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Group members are encouraged to express views on a range of local, national and international topics. Members with a particular interest are welcome to lead part of a session.

   
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - BASIC
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The aims of this group are to know the functions of your camera and to take better pictures, by recognising a 'good' picture. Members will also learn to save pictures from the camera to a computer, edit them using 'Picasa' and identify ways available of showing people their photographs.

   
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - INTERMEDIATE
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A self-help group, ownership of a digital SLR or compact camera is required and access to a computer. The aim is to improve camera skills, recognise better pictures, and to improve editing skills using Picasa, or Adobe Photoshop Elements. Members are encouraged to introduce topics for discussion and show their own photographs.

   
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - ADVANCED
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We are a self-help group sharing our knowledge and skill across digital photography, image editing and presentation. Enthusiastic and experienced photographers are welcome and are expected to raise topics for discussion, and to show their own photographs. Ownership of a digital bridge or SLR camera with access to a computer are assumed. The venue has wi-fi access.

   
ECONOMICS AND REALITY
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This course has no mathematics, and is all about what you already know. Its aim is to explain how countries actually work. We will discuss what is driving the globalisation and economic disparity phenomena, as well as the causes that lie behind slumps and booms. We will review a bit of history and also touch on ethics.

   
FITNESS
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Through this activity we seek to promote fitness in a relaxed, non-threatening and pleasurable setting. Simple movements are intended to develop suppleness stretch and strength and, after a brief introduction, are performed to music. Men and women of all abilities are equally welcome unless advised otherwise by a doctor.

   
FLAT GREEN BOWLING COURSE
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This course is for those wanting to learn how to play Flat Green Bowls. There are eight weekly classes for 8 members running through May and June. We charge a fee to cover the cost of using the bowling club facilities and equipment. Members are required to wear suitable clothing and flat, heel-less footwear.

   
FLOWER ARRANGING
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This group will pool together their own ideas and learn the basics of Flower Arranging. The group will be informal and learn various styles of arrangements.

   
FRENCH CONVERSATION
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This is a small friendly group of over a dozen people who enjoy speaking French and are reasonably fluent. Everyone has the chance to present a topic which often leads to a general discussion. Mistakes are corrected at the time and grammatical explanations are given.

   
FRENCH INTERMEDIATE
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French conversation held in a friendly atmosphere. Maximum of 18 participants so all can speak. The leader corrects mistakes, explains the grammatical reasons and encourages improved use of vocabulary and turn of phrase. No home work but reading encouraged.

   
GARDENERS' FORUM
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Membership is open to those still actively gardening, both experienced and novice gardeners aiming to improve their skills or share their knowledge with others. Members are expected to contribute to group activities and be prepared to welcome members to their garden or allotment.

   
GARDENING CO-OPERATIVE
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The new group aims to encourage members to help one another by exchanging their knowledge and experience of gardening. We intend to hold general discussions, occasional talks by experts and make garden visits to enable everyone to get more out of their gardens, no matter how large or small.

   
GENEALOGY BEGINNERS GROUP
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This small group is for complete beginners to Genealogy. IT WILL RUN DURING THE AUTUMN TERM ONLY. We explain the main areas of research using Census Returns,Civil Registration and Parish Registers both on line and from Record offices. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

   
GENEALOGY
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We help members with research already begun and explore new ways to record our findings. We share recent discoveries using the internet as one of our main sources and members can talk about their special interests and breakthroughs at meetings. We occasionally have professional speakers and visit the National Archives.

   
GERMAN CONVERSATION
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A reasonable fluency in German is needed, with the ability to contribute in general conversation.

   
ITALIAN CONVERSATION
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Practise and improve your Italian in a friendly and lively atmosphere.

   
JAZZ APPRECIATION

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We cover the entire jazz spectrum - over 100 years of great music. Whether you're a long-time aficionado or just enjoy good music there'll be something for you. We're an informal, friendly group and members are encouraged (but not obliged) to make presentations based on their particular area(s) of interest, or they can just sit back, relax, and enjoy all that jazz.

   
KNIT, CROCHET, CRAFT AND NATTER
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A brand new sociable, monthly ,self help group, where you can bring along your Knitting, Crochet or any other craft that you enjoy doing. Share your knowledge, learn a new skill, make items for charities or just dig out those bags of knitting, crochet and crafting you have been meaning to finish. Plus, a cup of tea, maybe a biscuit or two, and a natter.

   

LATIN

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This is a new group. The precise format will be decided after consultation with the members. Every effort will be made to accommodate all interests even if this means two sub-groups. The guided self-instruction approach will be appropriate for adult learning. Size of the group will be limited.

   
LINE DANCING
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Please note the change in both venue and pattern for this year. There will be one continuous session of two hours starting with Absolute Beginner dances followed by Beginner and ending with Improver. Spend as little or as much time as you like. All levels welcome. Keep fit and have fun!

   
LIVING HISTORY
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A discussion group where we talk about a range of subjects within our living memory. New members who could introduce more topics would be very welcome.

   
MAH JONG
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This ancient Chinese game is played twice a month by a friendly group who have varying knowledge of the game.

   
MUSIC APPRECIATION
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Although most of the music is classical, no prior musical knowledge is required, simply an open mind and willingness to give a fair hearing to sometimes unfamiliar music. Sometimes the concentration is on the work of a composer whilst at other times we review particular musical features from the work of various composers.

   
MUSIC, EASY LISTENING
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This group covers popular classical music in the first half and the other half includes anything other than classical music such as jazz, music from shows, well known singers etc.

   
NAVAL HISTORY
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This group is for those interested in dramatic events of world-wide naval history, mainly during the period from 17th C 'Ships-of-the-Line' to the nuclear age. Volunteers from the group give talks on a wide range of naval subjects, covering events, personalities, ship and equipment design, and personal/family naval.

   
NEEDLEWORK, CROSS-STITCH AND TAPESTRY
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Members of this group are free to choose what to do - cross-stitch, tent stitch or any other embroidery stitches. They can work from a kit or design their own pattern and get help to make greeting cards, pictures, needle cases, pin cushions, sampler bags, cushion covers, stool tops or bell pulls and much else besides.

   
PEOPLE, POLITICS & SOCIETY
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This group discusses events and developments that have shaped society, drawing from personal knowledge, experience and thoughts. A written commentary on a topic is provided for each session to initiate the debate. Examples of topics are slavery, the emancipation of women, social effects of religion.

   
PILATES
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Pilates is a non-aerobic body conditioning fitness routine that helps to not only build flexibility, but also strength and control. This class will concentrate on mat-work, focusing on building the body's core strength. It will be aimed at beginners although all abilities are welcome. Anyone with health problems should consult their doctor before enrolling.

   
PLAY READING
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The group, which began in 2010, has read the works of Moliere, Rattigan, Wilde and others. More members are very welcome. No acting ability is required

   
POETRY FOR RECREATION
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Poetry ancient and modern, and in between too. We choose a theme each month and bring along appropriate poems. Some write their own verse, both serious and light hearted. We also enjoy old favourites and bits of prose may creep in too.

   
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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This is friendly group, sharing information and talks. Recent meetings covered energy, rare elements, steam locomotives, navigation, oil production, Science Quiz and popular visit to Bletchley Park. We welcome all, not only ex scientists, engineers and technologists, but also those with general interest. Everyone can contribute.

   
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING
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Join the Scottish Country Dancing group - a friendly way of keeping fit and having fun! This group has proved most popular - do come and join us. Our Group Leader/Tutor has been teaching for many years. Interested and want more details? Contact Gaynor Toohey (01932 402240).

   
SCRABBLE
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Our Scrabble group is now well established! We play for enjoyment and to keep our wits sharp! The group is sociable and friendly, and welcomes beginners.

   
SHAKESPEARE
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Three sessions are normally devoted to the chosen play. Features explored include themes, plot, diction, characters, background, interpretation and performances. Part of each session Is spent reading scenes from the play, and we try to conclude with some form of illustrative video. An individual copy of the play is recommended.

   
SINGING
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Sheila has been singing in choirs in and around Woking for many years and now enjoys passing on the experience she has gained. If you feel you would like to sing but can't read music, come and join up (also those who can read music!). We learn as we go along and sing anything from Bach to Lloyd-Webber!

   
SOFT FURNISHING / UPHOLSTERY
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Members should bring their own items to work on, such as small chairs, drop-in seats, headboards, curtains, lampshades and should also bring basic tools. The Group Leader will assist with the provision of some materials and with individual tuition of most soft furnishing techniques. Call the Group Leader for further information.

   
SPANISH CONVERSATION
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This group will suit those who have a good basic vocabulary. The idea is to use, maintain and improve your spoken Spanish.

   
TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS
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Bringing mind and body together to increase our sense of well being through a series of breathing, posture and Qigong exercises. We will also practise the Yang Style Long Form. Please wear comfortable clothing and flexible shoes and note we are on our feet a lot.

   
THE NOVEL
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Members read a chosen book before each meeting, either a classic or modem novel. Members volunteer to choose the book and organise the discussion, either individually or with one or two others. The group looks at background, content, style and characterisation in a quite academic way, enjoying the books with a deeper understanding.

   
TOLKIEN
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This small group meets monthly to study and discuss the works of JRR Tolkien. As well as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, the group examines The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin and other works. The film, stage and radio adaptations of Tolkien's works are also considered.

   
WALKING
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All walks start at a meeting point which will be advised at the start of term by the Group Leader. The distance of walks is about four to six miles taking two to three hours. Walking shoes/boots are essential and waterproofs if inclement. If the weather is severe, members are advised to check with the Walk Leader before setting out.

   
WALKING / RAMBLING
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The group undertakes rambles of about 10 miles, normally within an hour's drive of Woking, with pub lunch or picnic. All ramblers are welcome but priority will be given to those prepared to consider leading a walk during the year ahead (a selection of prepared walks is available).

   
WRITING FOR FUN
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This friendly group meets to exercise their brains, improve their writing skills, and entertain their fellow members. New aspirants welcomed.

   
YOGA
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The aim of the class will be to maintain flexibility, strengthen the body and cultivate good health in a non-competitive and relaxed environment. The group will concentrate on the classical yoga postures and breathing techniques of Hatha Yoga. All abilities are welcome - anyone who has doubts about the suitability of the class should consult their doctor.

   

 

Page last updated on 11 December, 2011
Woking area U3A is a Registered Charity - 1031717