Groups

History Study to Painting

History 1

 

The History group meets once a month to study specific periods of history with a view to increasing our understanding of the way of life during that particular period. Recent studies have included the Dark Ages in Britain, and the effects of the Norman Conquest. We are currently studying the early medieval period.

 

Having agreed a period of history for study, during the sessions we discuss the topics for the next meeting and agree who will contribute.  At the meeting the contributor normally shares his/her findings reading from notes, and amplifying from a source book if necessary. The members receive copies of the notes to study at their leisure.

 

As this is a self-help group, members are encouraged to contribute to the study from their own research using the library and on occasions the internet. One important factor that we take into account during our study is the likely bias of the writer whose work we are using. There are no set time limits on our study.

 

The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 10 – 12 noon.

 

History 2

 

This group meets once a month to discuss specific topics chosen and researched by members of the group.

 

Each topic may span several sessions and individual members of the group select different facets of the topic they would like to study and at subsequent meetings we present and discuss our findings.  Topics studied have included:  The English Agricultural Revolution, India before and after The Raj and The British Parliamentary system.

 

We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 2 .00 - 4.00 pm

 

History of Southampton

 

This group meets on a monthly basis to study specific periods of Southampton's history. Once the group decides upon a period of study, different aspects of the history of that period ie transport and trade, walls and defences etc are chosen by each group member for their individual research.  At subsequent meetings we present and discuss our findings. Often this opens up the field of study on to a wider basis.

 

The group welcomes anyone with an interest in extending their knowledge of the history of Southampton.

 

We meet on the 1st Friday of the month from 2.00 - 4.00pm

 

Mah Jong 1

 

We are a friendly relaxed group, and nobody minds if we have to play a table of 3 people if there are insufficient numbers for the normal tables of 4 players - the bonus is that those tables get more turns. The members are very kind and pay the recognised amount to the game host each evening, and the money is donated towards overcoming leukaemia.

 

We would welcome any other U3A members wishing to attend as observers with a view to setting up an additional Mah Jong Group; our current members would be willing to offer advice and demonstrate play.

 

This group meets in the evening on the last Thursday of the month 7.30 – 10.00pm

 

Mah Jong 2

 

This group meets once a month. Depending on how many members are able to attend we have two or three tables. Mah Jong can only be played with 3 or 4 players per table.  Several members of the group bring their own Mah Jong sets. We are willing to teach new members but logistically this means that we may need to form a new group.

 

This group meets at 2.30pm on the 4th Sunday of the month

 

Mah Jong 3

 

This group meets once a month. It consists of a number of regular members who previously had little or no knowledge of the game. The emphasis of the group is to have fun together, whilst improving our skills and knowledge of the game. New members are most welcome.

 

This group meets on the 3rd Friday of the month at 7.30pm.

 

Music Appreciation

 

This group is a social gathering of friends linked by a love of music in all its various forms. Tastes in music are disparate - one does not like Bach, another hates chamber music (although she admits she has never knowingly listened to any!).  One adores classic FM whilst others dislike it, another cannot stand opera.  A vast knowledge of music is not essential, but a love of music is.  Some of the group are experts, others (including myself) are musical beginners …but eager to learn!

 

The group consists of a gaggle of attractive females and one grumpy old man. (None of the ladies is over 21 but some are prematurely grey!)  Each person has the opportunity to demonstrate their musical likes and dislikes to the group as they take it in turn to present a programme of CDs (presentation of a programme is entirely voluntary - but most choose to take part). Between discs there is animated discussion - and not always about music! I have to admit - the leader has a difficult job keeping discussion away from grandchildren, holidays, plumbing problems and health!

 

Once or twice a year we have a lucky dip meeting when each member brings one item of their choice to play lasting about 12 minutes. Some members like to devote the entire programme to one composer whilst others mix their selection. There are no fixed rules and suggestions are always welcomed.

 

I would like to expand the group to include more members but I am, unfortunately, unable to accommodate any more people in my house. If any other U3A member is interested in starting such a group, I shall be more than happy to help in any way that I can.

 

The group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from  2 - 4.00pm

 

Music Performance

 

We are a group of musicians who meet to perform once a month. At present we have 4 pianists, a flautist and pianist and a singer. We should be pleased to extend our group, which is designed to keep us practising and to enjoy making music in a non-critical and fun way. We should be pleased to see new members, particularly if you sing or play an instrument other than the piano. Please contact us if you are interested.

 

This group meets at 2.00pm on the 3rd Friday of the month.

 

Painting

 

This group meets twice a month in the Reading Room at Cobbett Road Library in Bitterne. Parking is available close at hand in Cobbett Road.

 

Each month we work on a different topic. Recent topics have included: rivers and reflection, mountains and sunset, winter trees, blossom and cats. Members bring their own materials choosing from a selection of:  water colour, acrylic, oils, gouache, pastels, charcoal, pen and ink and pencils.

 

Work is carried out in the Reading Room, on sloping surfaces which support our work, and advice and tuition is offered to assist members as and when needed. New members are welcome to join us.

 

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 1.30 - 3.30pm .

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