Beeston U3A

Groups Co-ordinators’ News

What Happens if I Email groups@beestonu3a.org.uk?

When you send an email to this address, either Anne Pinnock or Kathy Shipway, Beeston U3A’s Groups Co-ordinators will receive it.

If it is a general enquiry about Beeston U3A’s Interest Groups, Anne or Kathy will reply to you.

If it is a query about a specific interest group, they will normally forward it to the relevant group facilitator.

Over-subscribed Groups

We are attracting new members every month and hope to attract even more at the groups fair in October. It is very disappointing if they apply for a group and find that it is full. So, in the Autumn we will be starting a campaign to encourage existing members of popular groups to start a second, third etc group. Leading a group is not a one-person job as the tasks of group facilitator can be easily shared between several people. We hope that members who have benefited from a group will be willing to share this experience with more members.

Groups That Are Full

Have you ever wanted to join a particular group only to be told that it’s already too full and names will have to go onto a waiting list? It’s frustrating for people, particularly new members, who have their choices diminished by this.

The solution is to open new groups, e.g. medium walks 2 and 3 etc but it’s not always easy to get people to help run the new groups. Being a kind and sociable U3A means helping new groups get started and supported to continue into the future. There may be existing members who would help make another group become viable by switching groups or helping a new group get established.

However, if some members are on the membership list of more than one of the groups, which means that there are no places available for others, it would be helpful if they are actively helping to start up new groups as well. Let’s all do our bit to help groups thrive and get new groups off the ground so that all members have the widest choice available to them.

Email Contacts for Interest Group Facilitators

The committee has decided that all the email addresses on our website will be generic rather than personal, to protect group facilitators email addresses from Spammers and Fraudsters. This means that any one enquiring about a group from the website will be contacting groups@beestonu3a.org.uk. This email will be opened by one of us, Anne Pinnock or Kathy Shipway, the joint Groups Co-ordinators. We will forward queries to the relevant group facilitator or answer them ourselves if appropriate.

New Groups News

We, Anne Pinnock and Kathy Shipway, are introducing ourselves as your new Groups Co-ordinators.

Beeston U3A now has about 80 interest groups, so hopefully, there should always be something that you like the idea of trying out.

However, we are always keen to hear from you about any suggestions you have for setting up new groups. Once a new group idea has been approved by the committee, the next step is to advertise it on the monthly rolling notices, in order to start compiling a list of interested people. We then usually organise a meeting for those people to get together to discuss the best way forward to get the group up and running. We always try to encourage a team approach to running a group, so that the responsibility doesn’t fall on to just one person.

If you have a suggestion for a new group, please email us at groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Stop Press information on Groups

For the full list of Groups and when and where they meet look on the Groups page.

Possible New Groups in 2020 

We are hoping to start a range of new groups during 2020.
The following have been suggested:
Walking with Dogs; Model railways; Cribbage; Running/jogging; Beading; Long Walks 2; Extra-long walks and “Saving the Planet”.
If any of these appeal, register your interest by emailing – groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Do bear in mind that there are as yet no leaders in place for these suggested new groups.
If you have any other ideas for possible new groups, do let us know.
Anne Pinnock and Kathy Shipway (Joint Groups Co-ordinators)

As new Joint Groups Coordinators, we are available in the foyer at monthly open meetings, near the entrance to the church.
Please come to see us to obtain information on any Beeston U3A interest group. New members are especially welcome there as a quiet place to discuss groups that the U3A can offer.
Contact Anne Pinnock and Kathy Shipway – groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

New Groups starting after Christmas

Crosswords

Do you like doing crosswords?
Synonyms, cryptic, skeleton etc.
Would you like to get together to solve crosswords and improve your skills?
If so, the new group that we aim to start in the new year could be perfect for you.
Please email – groups@beestonu3a.org.uk if you would like to find out more.

Table Tennis 5

We now have enough interested people to start a 5th Table Tennis Group.
The first session of the new group will be on Thursday 16th January, 11.10am until 12.10pm at The Pearson Centre.
If you are interested in joining this new group, please email groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Writing for Pleasure

The Writing for Pleasure group has been a very popular, oversubscribed group for quite some time now. We are delighted to announce that a new writing group will be set up in January, which members of the existing group will initially support, to help get things started. We already have enough interest to form a new group, but a few extra members would be very welcome.
If you are interested in being part of this new group, please email groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Current Groups

Interested in joining the Bowls Group?

We are now taking names for the next tuition session.                                                        Meeting at Nottingham Indoor Bowls Centre, Beechdale Road, Bilborough.
Bowl sessions are arranged for all Fridays at 10.30am lasting 2 hours plus two weekly roll-up sessions on Mondays 12.30 – 2.30pm and Thursdays 2.30 – 4.30pm.                              Contact Peter Noon for more information – groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Calligraphy Group

We are looking for new members to join our fun and friendly group.
Our aim is to learn and practice the art of beautiful writing using old and modern calligraphy techniques in order to hand write personalised messages and greetings.
We are also learning together the art of illuminated lettering and the relaxing technique of zentangle.
We meet fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4pm at Beeston Conservative Club, Station Road. The entrance to the room is through the car park at the rear of the building. Our next meetings are :- Tuesday 14th and 28th January and
11th and 25th February 2020
Please come and join us and share ideas and skills.
For further information please contact – groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Chess Group

Meets at the Flour Brewer on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 10 a.m.
Next meetings
January 9th and 23rd, February 13th and 27th, March 12th and 26th.

A second group will be started on a trial basis meeting on Tuesdays, also at the Flour Brewer at 10 a.m. First two meetings -Tuesday February 4th and 18th.                                     For more information please contact – groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

History Group

Friday 10 January 2020 10am at the Pearson Centre
Peter Lee – Who was the richest man in the world
Any apologies to Georgina, please (lyonscorner2@yahoo.com)

Sign up for the proposed summer outing to Moseley Old Hall on Thursday 18 June

Knit, Crochet and Natter

We will be meeting at the Pearson Centre from now on. Meeting 1st Tuesday & 3rd Thursday of the month – 2.00-4.00pm. – Come and join us.
For more information please contact Sheila – groups@beestomu3a.org.uk

Long Walks (8-12 Miles)

Walkers’ Information Sheet (Long)

U3A Long Walks Group Meal

Hi All,

Just a gentle reminder to those of you who intend to join us for the Long Walks group meal which will be at The Victoria Inn Beeston at 6.00pm next Wednesday, 22nd January. We currently have 15 members but it is not too late for any late-comers.

Regards, Mike.

U3A Long Walk 14/1/20

Hi All,

Just a gentle reminder that our next U3A Long Walk around Whatstandwell and Crich is on Tuesday 14th January. This is the walk which had to be postponed from last November due to floods and bad weather. This 14.5 km / 9 mile walk will be led by Anne Pinnock. Please note the meeting time at Bramcote car park is 9.00 am. (Opposite the Hemlock Stone and adjacent to Coventry Lane, NOT at the Leisure Centre).

Please let me know (email mushnpuss@gmail.com , land line (0115) 917 7150, Mobile 07759 400966) if you intend to join the walk or you have to cancel at the last minute. NB, It is always worthwhile checking your email inbox just before the walk in case it has had to be cancelled at the last minute for any reason.

I’ve copied the email below from Anne giving details of the walk. Hope to see you there.

Regards,
Mike

Whatstandwell and Crich:
The walk (approx 9 miles)begins with free parking in a large lay-by on the A6 between Ambergate and Whatstandwell. The paths are generally good, but a stick could be useful on some steeper sections of the walk, with some muddy conditions possible. After walking along a scenic stretch of Cromford Canal tow path past Whatstandwell, we then begin a steady climb – initially through some ancient forest and then with open views of the Amber Valley to Holloway (possible coffee stop here, with coffee shop plus toilets for customers; grassy bank for others) and then on to Wakebridge. Continuing to climb towards Crich Stand War Memorial, we pass the end of the tram track of the Crich Tramway museum. Magnificent views of the surrounding area can (hopefully, dependent on weather!) be had from the War Memorial’s picnic area for lunch. ( cafe and toilets unfortunately do not open on Tuesdays). Dropping down past the Tramway Museum, we cross fields into Crich. Going along paths with open views, we head down into woods and wind our way down towards Ambergate, then head back along the canal towpath to the car parking.

No public toilets on route, but plenty of trees/ bushes! Please bring a picnic lunch and drink. Cafe coffee stop with toilet is an option in Holloway.

Meet at Bramcote Hills Park at 9am. Suggested route to start of walk: A610 to Ambergate. Turn right on to A6 and after approximately 1.5 miles park in first large lay-by on left ( where there is usually a refreshment van) grid reference 338530.

Lunch Group 1

Friday, 31st January -12.00 for 12.30 -The Cornmill, Chilwell
Organisers – Pam Brown & Jose Gibson

Recorder Group

Meeting on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, now in the Epworth Room, Beeston Methodist Church, 2-3pm.
We are a small friendly group and would welcome new members. The group is suitable for absolute beginners or those who wish to dust off their old school recorders!.
We play mainly short, well known tunes and aim to have fun whilst we learn.
Contact: groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Scottish Country Dancing

The Group is not be able to take any more beginners until further notice. There are still spaces for experienced dancers who should contact Sue Morrison.
Email: groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Singing for Fun

Led by Margaret Johnson, we sing with enthusiasm and enjoyment. There are no auditions. We meet the 4th Thursday of each month from 10.00am – 11.30am.
For more information please contact Margaret – groups@beestonu3a.org.uk

Writing for Pleasure

The winner of the Short Story Writing competition for 2019 is Peter Hilton with his story, “An Act of God”. Congratulations to him and to everyone who took part.
Peter’s charming story, plus those of the runners-up, can be read on our website: beestonwriting.com