Special Interest Groups

Each Group organises its own programme and pays its own expenses if any. The topics covered by a group may be quite narrow or very broad. We don't tend to go in for formalised courses, although some Groups might organise for themselves a series of 'lessons', mostly delivered by a member of the group. The emphasis is very much on Group members with expertise passing on their knowledge and skills, or members of the group researching a subject of interest and then giving a presentation to the group.
If a subject is not covered, we can start another group! If the group you want to join is full, make sure you send your name to the Groups Coordinator so that another group can be started.


Some Groups have their own pages on this site and their page links are listed under the Group Programmes heading to the right of this page. Contact details for Group coordinators are only available from the hard copy of the Newsletter, from the noticeboard at the monthly meetings, or from the Membership Secretary who can be contacted at membership@welshpoolanddistrictu3a.org.uk

Interest Group List


The days and times given below are the normal times. Occasionally, a Group will meet on a different day or time, so please check with the Group Co-ordinator if you haven't been for a while.

GROUP MEETS ON
 CO-ORDINATOR
  Bird GroupPlease click on the Bird Watching button located on right- hand menu nearer the top of the page for our full programme 2nd Friday, am   Paul Corby and Jenny Heard
Book Club 1 Every month we read and discuss a book chosen by one of the group. We read fiction: contemporary, classic, popular and sometimes the more obscure. Our list has also included non-fiction and biography. Discussions reflect the variety of our tastes and experience; they are always interesting and sometimes quite fiery. We would all agree that we learn a lot and have broadened our literary horizons. 4th Tuesday, pm Sue Walker  
Book Club 2 Second Book Club was created when the first Book Club numbers became a bit too big to manage. 4th Tuesday, pm   Peter Stelfox-Griffin 
  Dog WalkingWalking with dogs for 1-2 hours at various local locations. 2nd & 4th Thursday, 10.30am   Karin Thompson
Everything Textiles The Textile group meets on the third Monday of the month at the St Winefred's Hall at 2pm. We carry out our own projects and teach each other skills. 1st & 3rd Monday pm Jill Smith
Family History Ever since the programme Who do you think you are? came to our screens, more of us want to look at our own family histories. Join others who are doing just that and having fun at the same time. 3rd Tuesday am Elisabeth Barnes
  Film Group MontyThe MONTGOMERY FILM GROUP meets at Dragon Hotel, Montgomery to discuss the film which has been viewed by the group the previous month. Each month a member selects their choice with a view to stimulating discussion and debate. We have ranged over old black and white films, classics, award winners (Cannes, Oscars etc), subtitled foreign films and many others, even cartoons if members think they're worth a viewing. Almost invariably these meetings move into very wide ranging discussions, picking up themes and parallels from the film but also having a lot of fun. Over time we've all learned a lot, even some finer technical points on film making from our resident 'movie buffs'. Clearly some of us had misspent youths! 1st Wednesday, am    Jacqui Davies
  Film Group Pool This Film Group is for people in the Welshpool and surrounding area. The Group meets once a month to discuss the film chosen in the preceding month. We also go to 'Flicks in the Sticks' in Welshpool or Castle Caereinion, held monthly and showing a variety of films, and we also share our thoughts on this film at our monthly meeting. Discussion of the films always leads to interesting general discussion on related topics. 1st Wednesday, am   Liz Mathieson
  Focus DiscussionThe Focus Discussion group does just that. We focus on a topic and discuss it. At each monthly meeting , taking ideas from the members, we decide on the topic for the next month. This gives us time to carry out some research, which makes for a lively and informed discussion. We meet in the COWSHACC. 4th Friday, am    Robert Robinson
FrenchThe FRENCH GROUP is an intermediate level group designed for those who know a little French but are not confident French speakers. Members translate and listen to current articles as well as covering a little grammar. Some attempt at French conversation is also made in a very relaxed atmosphere with Members helping each other along the way in English as necessary. The group is limited to a maximum of 9 people and meets in a member's house in Welshpool. 1st & 3rd Monday, am   Barbara Read
French Conversation Do you speak good French?
You may want to come along and use it sometimes
This group meets for a snack lunch once a month to chat in French and discuss all kinds of topics. It is designed for good French speakers who want a chance to enjoy the language and use it in company with others. 		2nd Wednesday, 10.30 am    Gerry Skinner
Garden Visits Members decide on Garden visits and the general programme in November and who will organise each meeting. In January and February we do not meet because of the poorer weather. In 2017 we’re planning to visit Claire Austen’s Nursery, a member’s garden and to have at least one video; as well as the planning meeting in November and a Christmas lunch in December. 1st Friday, am Lynda Dhabinett
  Knit and Natter Knit and Natter meet at the Royal Oak in Welshpool at a reserved table. No particular skill is needed just the ability to learn.
(and Natter of course!) 		3rd Thursday, pm   Lynne Geldart
  Learn To Draw 2nd Monday   Jacqui Thompson
  Local/Social History The local history group meets at the COWSHACC in Welshpool. We have various talks on the history of Powys and the Marches and this year (2017) we shall be visiting various places including Pennant Melangell, Llandrindod Wells , Lake Vyrnwy and Erddig so you can see we are quite wide ranging. 3rd Tuesday, pm   Elisabeth Barnes
  Luncheon 3rd Wednesday   Paul Harris
  Medieval History
 ResearchMedieval Local History Research Group studies a local topic for research with publication of an article in a History Journal as the intended end result. Members of the Group will be introduced to the many sources of access to medieval documents. Knowledge of Latin or Norman French is not required as most of the material has been translated and is available online. Ability to use an internet search engine and email is essential. Meetings are held at times and frequency to suit members. 		contact    John Davies
  Philosophy/Mythology and Civilisation The group will attempt to learn and understand the thinking and stories that contribute to our civilastion. We will use online briefings, courses and group discussion. 2nd Wednesday, 10.30am to 12.30   Phil Williams
  Photography The Photography Group members aim to develop their artistic and technical ability in photography. Meetings cover practical matters such as use of photo software, equipment, audio visual presentations, practical workshops, photographic outings, members showing their pictures. Members have a wide range of experience and photo skills and equipment used, the only essential is an interest in photography. 3rd Thursday, am   Ann Whale
Psychology/NLP NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Group
NLP is about how to live a great life – whether that’s as a successful business owner, an elite sportsperson, a high academic achiever or simply a healthy and well-balanced individual. Each month we discuss different topics and do practical exercises to help group members improve in that particular area. Past topics have included achieving goals, changing behaviour, relating better to other people, kicking bad habits, understanding motivation, healthy living and much more. 		Last Wednesday, pm Carol Harris
Singing The group meets at the leaders home: Pentre Isaf, Llangyniew, Welshpool, SY21 0JT. Tel 01938 810069. 1st Thursday, 10.30am to 12.30   Linda Dabinett
Spanish The group uses a number of different mediums of study. We are following a Spanish course, but also use CDs, books, articles, games, and always have a period of conversing in Spanish. Since we have been learning together for several years, it would not be a suitable group for a beginner. 2nd & 4th Friday, am   Liz Mathieson
  Strolling Strollers Group is a walking group that complements the main Walking Group but offers easier and shorter walks for those members who cannot manage the longer distances or have health issues. Walks are about 4 miles long, some are canal side walks but are in any case over easier terrain, stiles are kept to a minimum. As walks usually finish at about midday and for those who wish to, we go to a local public house or cafe for something to eat afterwards. 2nd Monday, am (Apr - Nov)   Paul Lucock
  Supper Club Supper Group members choose where to meet according to everyone's preference on the third Tuesday evening at 6.30. As restaurants and pubs change hands we take this into account when choosing a venue. Please contact Lynette Davies for details of the next meeting (phone number on hard copy of the Newsletter) 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 pm   Jenny Skelding
WalkersPlease click on the Walking button located on right- hand menu nearer the top of the page for our full programme 4th Friday, 10am   Penny Tozer
 Woodwork Group The WOODWORK GROUP meets in the leaders workshop to learn woodworking skills. 3rd Saturday, 9.30am-12.30   Jim Tozer
 Wine Appreciation The WINE APPRECIATION GROUP meets to taste, discuss, compare and rate wines to a previously agreed theme i.e. by grape (e.g. cabernet sauvignon), country, region, type (e.g. dessert wines) etc. To compare value for money, single members provide a wine at regular supermarket prices whilst couples bring a bottle at twice the price. The evenings host(s) provide 'nibbles' to suit the wines. Meetings are held in member's homes, ideally on the second Tuesday of the month but we are flexible to accommodate attendance. 2nd Tuesday, pm   Jacqui Davies
  Writing for Pleasure As agreed by group members
 Janet Willson