Interest groups are an integral feature of the U3A. They are groups that meet together regularly (often monthly) to study subjects of common interest. The meetings usually take place in members' homes. Each group has a convener who takes on responsibility for organising the meetings.
Membership of a group is only available to members of Leicester U3A. Any member who would like to join a group can either contact the specific Group convener or alternatively contact The Group Co-ordinator by e-mail,| convener: | Marion Hare |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The third Thursday in every month |
| Time: | 2:30 p.m. for about two hours |
| Venue: | In members' homes. |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The group was formed in 2009 with the aim of exploring the nature of architecture through a programme of presentations, discussions, talks and visits aiming to reflect the aesthetic, historic, cultural, social, political and technical aspects of the subject.
Members own contributions form the basis of the programme, and all are encouraged to participate, sharing their special interests with the group. Guest speakers with relevant expertise are occasionally invited to contribute to the programme.
The work of individual architects and defined movements feature as well as period styles and other influences which have affected the built environment. In the past the group has considered sustainability in recent buildings, the rejuvenation of local redundant buildings, and presented accounts of buildings considered to have outstanding merits, from all parts of the world and periods of history.
The current programme will contain an investigation of the “Bauhaus” movement, aspects of theatre design in relation to the participating audience, a visit to the Eco House, two guided study visits to Leicester City centre, looking at planning and retail development and contributory sessions on architectural topics by members of the group as a result of their observations and research. A full day visit outside Leicester is also planned. Prospective members can obtain a detailed programme from the Group convener.
| convener: | Doug Gray |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Third Thursday in the month |
| Time: | Normally 10:30 but varies depending on the visit or venue |
| Venue: | At the home of the convener unless visiting elsewhere |
| Refreshments: | not provided |
The group welcomes members who have an interest in visual culture. We follow a varied programme which includes visits to and presentations on contemporary and historical art and design. Past visits have included day and half day excursions to Birmingham - The Barber Institute; Coventry - The Herbert Gallery; Nottingham - The Castle Museum and other galleries. The City Museum exhibitions figure regularly, where we follow their visiting and in-house programmes and view the permanent collection. Alternatively, members meet at a suitable location to discuss/debate the diverse cultural tendencies occurring in contemporary art and design practice.
Discussions and presentations have ranged from ‘Bad taste Xmas Cards’, ‘The Enfants Terribles of British Art’ to ‘The Life and Work of the Basque Sculptor Eduardo Chillida’.
This year’s programme has already included ‘Artists Rooms – Gerhardt Richter’ and ‘The Small print: Big Impression’ at the city museum. Plans to visit venues further afield are actively being considered as development for the coming months of 2011.
| convener: | Anne Blackwell |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Weekly |
| Time: | 10:30 a.m. |
| Venue: | At the home of the convener |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The group began in 2009 and is now well established. Sessions start around 10:30 am and last about two hours. Our aim is to teach members, mainly beginners, to play social bridge.
The class is currently full until some of the members become experienced enough to transfer to the second bridge group. Meanwhile if you wish to learn please contact Anne and she will take your details and let you know when there is a vacancy.
| convener: | Bob Collins |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Weekly on Wednesdays |
| Time: | 2:30 pm |
| Venue: | Usually at the home of the convener but sometimes at other members’ homes |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
We are a new group aimed at giving an opportunity to those who have a grounding in bridge and wish to improve their expertise. We would appeal to those who played regularly when younger but not for a while and now feel ‘rusty’. We play Duplicate Bridge (Acol bidding system) but this could change to Rubber Bridge if preferred – we like to be flexible.
As soon as the size of the group has stabilised we intend to purchase the necessary equipment. A small charge will be levied on a per person per meeting basis to cover the cost. This will cease when the total cost has been covered. It is not necessary to have a partner to join as most members are ‘singles’. Meetings are intended to be friendly and helpful to members.
| convener: | Margaret Potter |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The second Friday of each month |
| Time: | 2:30 p.m. for approximately two hours |
| Venue: | The home of the convener in Glen Parva |
| Refreshments: | There is no charge for tea or coffee but members take it in turns to bring biscuits. |
The group has now been running for four years and allows like minded people to meet and sew, knit or craft in company.
Margaret also has card making and sugar craft equipment at her home and is happy to set people off on these crafts on a 1-1 basis.
Have you a project in mind that you never get round to picking up? Come and join us over tea and biscuits once a month and see it grow. Congenial company guaranteed.
| convener: | Anne Kind |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Twice a month on a Thursday. At each meeting the date of the next one is fixed. |
| Time: | 2:00 p.m. for approximately 2 hours |
| Venue: | The home of Anne Kind in Oadby |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The aim is to get the members to write poems or prose, whichever suits them, on a given subject.
During the session members are given writing exercises to do, and they then read them out for comments. No one is forced to submit work. The whole idea is to make members feel they can trust each other.
| convener: | Susan O'Brien |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Fortnightly on a Wednesday morning |
| Time: | 10-12 |
| Venue: | Susan O’Brien’s house in the Wetscote area of the city |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The aim is for members of the group to develop our ability to write prose and/or poetry on a variety of subjects within a supportive environment.
During each session we take part in a range of writing activities, read the results aloud and share our views.
There is a piece of writing to complete, if possible, between sessions.
| convener: | Charles Norman |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | First Tuesday of each month |
| Time: | 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
| Venue: | Members' homes |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The Current affairs Group has a membership of 15. There is a very wide range of views and everyone's contribution is welcome. This always leads to a lively, interesting discussion in a very supportive environment.
Each member brings a topic of their choice to the meeting, often from a newspaper or from the Internet. We generally get through several topics in an afternoon finishing with refreshments and a social chat.
Past topics have included:
We always welcome new ideas and hope you will join us.
| convener: | Bob Hall |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The first Thursday of each month |
| Time: | 2:30 p.m. |
| Venue: | A centrally situated meeting room for which a small charge may be made |
| Refreshments: | Tea or coffee and biscuits on a rota basis |
The digital camera group is a new group started in 2012 – a spin off from the successful Digital Imaging Group. The aim of the group is for members to learn together how to get the most from their digital camera. Group members will have the opportunity of choosing a specific aspect of camera use which all members will be encouraged to discuss and explore.
It is envisaged that the group will comprise members with a wide variety of experience and camera types ranging from basic point-and-shoot to the digital SLRs.
An assessment of members images will be the basis of understanding of the potential pitfalls and achievements of digital camera photos. Members are encouraged to support each other between meetings and so need to provide contact information to all other members of this group.
| convener: | Mike Goodrich |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The second Thursday of each month |
| Time: | 2:30 p.m. |
| Venue: | A centrally situated meeting room for which a small charge will be made |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The DI group has now run successfully with a membership of 7-10 persons for 6 years. In December 2009 the group held its first public exhibition of work in Leicester City Gallery which was very well received and has attracted more members.
New members do not have to be expert in computing or photography, nor do they need expensive equipment. All they need is enthusiasm and some creative thinking. Members are encouraged to participate by presenting their own pictures or images they have found stimulating. During the last two years members have taken it in turn to choose the topic for the monthly meeting and to lead the presentation. Members are encouraged to support each other between meetings and therefore need to provide the group with their contact details.
| convener: | Anne Harcourt |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The third Tuesday of the month, except for August. |
| Time: | 2:00 p.m. for approximately two hours |
| Venue: | Member's houses in the Leicester area |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
This group has been running for over ten years and has been a source of friendship and good company to us all. We take turns in presenting the subject, which is usually decided well in advance, and the presenter gives us an introduction which can last anything between five and twenty minutes.
We do have a list of possible subjects but more often than not members suggest a subject from their personal experience. We learn more about the subject and about each other and, hopefully, widen our horizons. We enjoy the company and often find lots to laugh about.
The maximum number we can accommodate is fourteen. As we currently have about twenty members we need to know who is coming and who is not so that we can tell our host how many to expect. So far, no one has had to be refused. It would be helpful if some more members could offer hospitality as currently only four do so and for various reasons some of these are not always available.
| convener: | Chris Thomson |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The first and third Wednesdays of the month |
| Time: | 2 pm |
| Venue: | At the convener's home |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The French Conversation for Beginners Group is for any member of U3A who is interested in the French language and in improving their French conversational skills. We are a mixed group from complete beginners to some who can hold a limited conversation in French. We are very friendly and supportive.
We have 6 members at present and we have two meetings a month. We have adopted a book to be used in our sessions – DK Hugo in 3 months French. This book is available on Amazon. The meetings are based on a variety of activities including:
At each meeting we decide upon the structure and topic for the next meeting.
| convener: | Hugh Graham |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Every 2 weeks on a Friday |
| Time: | 10:30 am |
| Venue: | At the home of the convener |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
We are a new group set up in response to a high level of interest among Leicester U3A members for an opportunity to refresh or improve their fluency in the French language. All are welcome, but the word “advanced” does assume a reasonable knowledge of the language and the ability to contribute to conversations in French on a variety of subjects.
This is not a French “class” but we are all quite happy to correct each other when necessary and engage at times in lively debate on various points of French grammar, idioms, etc.
Our meetings are informal and topics varied and spontaneous. They are also subject to time, day and venue changes to meet the preferences of members.
For further information please contact the convener.
| convener: | Irene Ault |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Once a month. Day not fixed currently |
| Time: | 10:30 am |
| Venue: | Discussion meetings in members’ houses. |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The gardening group is in its infancy. So far we envisage that our activities will include: visits to gardens in and around the Leicester area, extending to expeditions further afield as we become more ambitious, sharing our experiences of gardening; which plants thrive in our local growing conditions and which mope and sulk, swapping plants and sharing seeds; investigations into various topics such as garden ponds, organic gardening, composting, etc. Our aims are to improve our gardening skills, be introduced to new plants and planting ideas and,above all, to enjoy our gardens.
Anyone who is interested in gardening, whatever their level of expertise or lack of it, is very welcome.| convener: | Marjorie Mallory |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Meetings held on an ad hoc basis to suit members |
| Time: | 10:30 am |
| Venues: | The homes of Dorli Meek or Ute Foggensteiner |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
The German Conversation Group is for any member of Leicester U3A who is interested in the German language and in improving their German conversational skills. We are a mixed group from almost beginners to fluent speakers. Dorli Meek is a native speaker and is happy to lead our efforts.
We now have a total of 8 members and two meetings each month. One is a Kaffeeklatch (coffee group) at Dorli Meek's where the conversation is random and general. The second is at Ute Foggensteiner's home where we have a more structured session which includes the study of articles from German publications. Some members attend both meetings.
| convener: | Deborah Hartridge |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The first Thursday in the month except July, August and December |
| Time: | 10 am to 12 noon |
| Venue: | In each other's houses, mainly in the Evington and Stoneygate areas but occasionally in Groby |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits after the talk |
We do like members to participate by producing one topic during the year. The subject matter is left to the individual rather than the group studying a subject for several months. This makes the programme very diverse. We have covered topics ranging from Port Sunlight, The Victorian Workhouse, The Women of the Raj, and the history of Fray Bentos to the Spanish Civil War, plus more historic talks on Queen Elizabeth 1st and Queen Victoria and her family. We have talked about Darwin and Faraday culminating in a short scientific experiment which was enjoyed by us all. We also viewed one member's precious collection of china and pottery. So you see it is an interesting programme throughout the year and those giving a talk just do their best.
We try to arrange the programme one year in advance which gives everyone ample time to prepare their talk, the duration of which is about one hour.
| convener: | Jean Cloud |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The second and fourth Thursdays in each month with some variation |
| Time: | 2:30 to 4 p.m. |
| Venue: | The home of the convener |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
This group is for people interested in reviving their knowledge of the Latin they studied at school. Although all members have achieved ‘O’ or ‘A’ level they want to start again.
A wide range of materials can be used, from the Cambridge Latin Course to fairy tales. Members of the group need to get hold of a course book and perhaps one or two texts. These can usually be obtained quite cheaply via the internet, and Jean is happy to help anyone who does not have access to it.
Members pay a contribution of £1 per term to cover the cost of photocopying
Comments from Group Members:- “It’s relaxing – helps to take your mind off problems” “Amusing, fun, satisfying to refresh your skills” “We learn not just language but various aspects of Roman life” “No pressure of exams – no homework” “Pleasant company and a convivial afternoon”
New members are very welcome
| convener: | Ruth Armitage |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | About once a month on a Monday |
| Time: | 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. |
| Venue: | Generally at the home of the convener |
| Refreshments: | 25p for coffee and biscuits |
The game of Mah-Jong originated in China, but became popular in this country during the early part of the twentieth century. It is a game for four players, though it can be played with three and a “dummy”, and is played with 72 tiles, traditionally made of bamboo and bone or ivory, with intricate and sometimes very pretty coloured designs incised on them. The rules of play and the system of scoring are quite complex, but actually the game most resembles a rather glorified kind of Rummy. However, unlike Rummy, it has a formal structure; for instance, a complete game of Mah-Jong lasts a minimum of sixteen “hands” of play, so it is quite rare for a game to be played to a finish all in one go – it needs plenty of time!
If you are interested in playing please contact Ruth.
| convener: | Helen Parsons |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The third Friday of the month |
| Time: | 10:30 a.m. |
| Venue: | In members' homes. |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea and biscuits |
This long-running group continues to meet every month, to discuss one of the many excellent novels which are still being written. Some critics claim that the novel is a dying art form, and that no really good books are being produced these days, but this has not been our experience; our problem has rather been, which of the many to choose. Books we have read recently include: The Betrayed by Helen Dunmore; Started Early, Took my Dog by Kate Atkinson; One Day by David Nicholls.
Members take it in turns to choose a book, introduce it and (generally) host the meetings which are usually very lively. The atmosphere is quite informal: our sessions end with tea, biscuits and chat!
| convener: | Liz Warren |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The third Monday of the month |
| Time: | 10:30 am |
| Venue: | At the home of one of our members |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
All the meetings are held at the home of one member of the group and the programme reflects the varied interests and enthusiasms of group members. Each meeting is normally led by one of the group members but contributions are welcome from everyone. The aim is to share and enhance our appreciation of a wide range of music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. No-one needs to have any expertise; we all have different levels of knowledge and interest to share.
Topics covered over the last three years include:- Settings of poems by A.E. Houseman; Music to remember - individual members' favourites; Music related to the theme of 'death/final moments'; Music for the flute; Beethoven - his deafness and his music; Music for Christmas and other festivals; Opera; 28 years of singing with 'The Phil'; History through music; A lifetime of music (one member's personal story); The life and works of Haydn, Schubert, Handel, Purcell, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Mozart, Chopin, Brahms.
| convener: | Liz Warren |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The third Wednesday of each month |
| Time: | 10:30 |
| Venue: | A member's home |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
All the meetings are held at the home of a member of the group and the programme reflects the varied interests and enthusiasms of group members.
The first meeting of the group took place very recently, when individual members contributed their favourite piece of music.
The programme for the first four meetings will cover:-
Our purpose is to enable members to broaden their appreciation of music in a friendly atmosphere where individual interests can be shared with others.
There are now two Philosophy groups.
| convener: | Barbara Corlett |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Fortnightly on a Thursday for 6 sessions per term, perhaps only 5 in the summer |
| Time: | 2:00 pm for about 1.5 hours |
| Venue: | In members' homes. |
| Refreshments: | There is no charge for refreshments |
We are a group of 12 members which we regard as the most we can accommodate. The average attendance is 10.
It is not necessary to have studied philosophy to be a member. More important is the desire to think about the ethics of living, concepts such as truth, freedom, justice, etc.
Members are expected to buy the chosen course book for a given area of philosophy. At the moment the book is Guilty Robots Happy Dogs dealing with philosophy of mind issues. Members are expected to read a chapter (roughly) per session and to contribute to a general discussion.
| convener: | Judy Hastings |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Every other Thursday |
| Time: | 2 p.m. to 3:30 pm |
| Venue: | The home of the convener |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea and biscuits (which also covers the costs of printing etc.) |
Judy writes: "I have completed five years of philosophy study with the Open University, and I love to share my fascination with the subject with others. I find that the best way to learn philosophy is actually to do it. So we are working through philosophy books and essays, section by section, discussing the ideas within those sections, and any associated ideas that come to mind along the way. My ideal method of learning is to encourage debate within the group, and to relate what we are discussing to real life.
In the past few months we have worked our way through Bertrand Russell's Sceptical Essays, discussing along the way morality, freedom of speech, freedom in society, education and politics, and future books include Human Nature after Darwin, Why Truth Matters, Ethics - Inventing Right and Wrong and many others.
For those of you who have never read or studied philosophy I have a couple of handouts that will get you started. But as Simon Blackburn writes in his book Think:
"[Philosophy] is for people who want to think about the big themes, knowledge, reason, truth, mind, freedom, destiny, identity, God, goodness, justice. [These] are things that men and women wonder about naturally, for they structure the ways we think about the world and our place in it".
| convener: | Helen Parsons |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The first Monday of each month |
| Time: | 11 a.m. |
| Venue: | The home of the convener |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits at the start of the meeting |
The group was formed in 2005, and has flourished from the start. Each member of the group in turn chooses the poem or poems for the following month. These are distributed in advance of the meeting and introduced by the person who has chosen them. There are no rules about what poet or poems can be studied; the only stipulation is that there should not be too much material to be looked at in the space of about an hour - so no epics!
We have ranged very widely, according to the tastes and preferences of the members, and have considered poets such as Seamus Heaney, George Crabbe, Philip Larkin, Matthew Arnold, Carol Ann Duffy, and also lesser known writers. We have also looked at poems on a theme such as garden poems, summer poems, London poems and so on - the possibilities are endless.
| convener: | Jane Michel |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The first Monday of each month |
| Time: | 11 am |
| Venue: | At the home of the convener |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea or coffee and biscuits at the start of the meeting |
Poetry Reading Group 2 was started very recently, in December 2011, as a result of the growing number of U3A members waiting to take up the subject. All you need to be one of the group is an interest in poetry and an enjoyment in reading it aloud.
Each meeting will be based on either one person’s choice of poet or each member bringing one or two poems on a chosen subject, for example ‘Winter’. The aim of the meeting is for each to share their pleasure in a full range of poetry, from ancient to modern.
We extend a warm welcome to all new members and anyone wishing to join us or wanting more information should contact our convener Jane Michel.
| convener: | Doug Gray |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The second Monday of the month |
| Time: | 10:00 am Practical work for 2.5 to 3 hours. |
| Venue: | A meeting room in Lancaster Rd |
| Refreshments: | Provided for a token charge |
This group started in 2010. For those interested, it is emphasized that inexperience, or no experience, is no barrier to joining the group. As one long versed in the teaching of drawing and painting at all levels - from beginners to post graduates - Doug Gray believes that enthusiasm and enjoyment are the keys to releasing the creative skills inherent in everyone.
Participating members are encouraged to work freely within the group in a non-competitive way. They will be introduced to objective and imaginative subject matter and asked to use materials that are suitable to the task in hand. The development of further ideas and topics is continued at home with advice and tips provided by e-mail attachments - if required. Very specific materials are avoided but members are free to use those that they feel comfortable with and have confidence in using.
Within the limited time allowed in the monthly meeting the techniques of drawing in line and tone are explored together with the use of analytical and emotive colour to express personal ideas. Starting from the principle 'buckets of encouragement and thimbles of criticism produces the best results' Doug is sure members can release those innate talents that have been held in check for too long.
| convener: | Janet Hall |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Twice per month. No fixed day |
| Time: | 9:45 for 10 a.m. start |
| Venue: | Usually a pub chosen by the walk leader |
| Refreshments: | Members take their own for coffee break. Lunch is available at the pub after the walk. |
The Rambling Group meets every approximately every two weeks. We aim to have two walks departing from the same place, a longer one of about 5 miles and a shorter one about 3 miles in length. We usually meet at a pub where we can park and have lunch after the walk. Numbers can vary from 6 to 16. We don't have a specific day of the week for our walks. The day is chosen by whoever is leading the walk. This enables each of us to do at least some of the walks without clashing with other regular commitments.
We stop for a coffee break about half way through the morning. People bring their own drinks etc. We walk anywhere in Leicestershire and Rutland, using the well signed footpaths. Occasionally we venture into neighbouring counties. In the winter we sometimes use the canal/river paths through the city to avoid the risk of mud and puddles.
We take turns leading the walks and it is up to the leader/leaders to decide where the walk will be. It is expected that the leaders will do a reconnaissance walk to check the route before the group does it. New members are not expected to lead until they feel confident to do so, and experienced members can help them if necessary.
Planning meetings are held 2 or 3 times a year to set the dates of the walks and for members to sign up to lead. A list is then prepared so that people know who to contact about the walks. We also ask those intending to walk to let the walk leader know so that they can give numbers to the pub. We are very lucky in having a varied and beautiful countryside to walk in and also lots of cheerful pubs in attractive villages to enjoy.
| convener: | Jill Reville |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The third Monday of each month |
| Time: | 2 pm. |
| Venue: | At the members' homes |
| Refreshments: | 50p for tea and biscuits |
We are a newly formed group open to anyone who enjoys reading but also wants to share that enjoyment with others. The only criterion for our chosen reading material is that we hope it will give pleasure to its readers.
The selection of material is a group decision, but each book is introduced by a member who leads the discussion. Our choices for the first six months are all modern fiction, but are diverse.
We welcome new members and anyone wanting further information should contact our convener.
| convener: | Richard Thompson |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The last Thursday of each month, except for July, August and December |
| Time: | 2:30 p.m. |
| Venue: | At a convenient City location. Those attending are each asked to contribute £1.00 toward the hire of the room. |
| Refreshments: | not available |
Topics for discussion are chosen by the group members to reflect the challenges of current developments in science and technology. The format for meetings varies. Sometimes one member gives a talk, sometimes several of us make shorter contributions. We do not restrict ourselves to scientific theory but also discuss the social and economic implications of technology. Occasionally we arrange a visit, usually in place of the June meeting.
The group welcomes all U3A members who are interested in exploring and discussing scientific developments and their implications.
| convener: | Dorli Meek |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Once a month but on different days of the week |
| Time: | 2:00 to 4:00 pm |
| Venue: | In member's houses. |
| Refreshments: | 25p for tea or coffee and biscuits |
At present we have 9 members. Our meetings are arranged on a month by month basis and could be on different days of the week to suit the members likely to attend.
We begin each session with coffee, biscuits and conversation and then get down to the more serious business of playing the game.
New members are very welcome and should there be more than our group can accommodate an additional group would be set up.
| convener: | Liz Brandow |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | The second and fourth Wednesdays of the month |
| Time: | 2:00 - 4:00 pm |
| Venue: | South Lodge, 307 London Rd, Leicester |
| Refreshments: | Free |
What is it about Shakespeare’s work which makes it so fascinating? Perhaps it’s the range; love stories, both comic and tragic, acute political analysis, insights into what makes us tick, both as individuals and society, and a topicality which never dates. I’ve had the privilege of working with Shakespeare for many years, both as a teacher and student, recently at the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford, so co-ordinating a group for the U3A seemed an obvious next step.
We have the free use of a large meeting room with video and refreshment facilities. We read the plays closely, sometimes aloud, exploring the text in context of the cultural background. Whenever possible. We watch productions on DVD and Video. Visits to see live productions can also be organised. 1599 by James Shapiro is a good read and gives a fscinating insight into the world of the Globe, its theatre company and its resident playwright.
| conveners: | Peggy Parry |
| Contact: | by email |
| Frequency: | Visits to 3 or 4 theatres per year |
| Time: | About 10:30 am to catch the coach |
| Venue: | Theatres within 1 to 1.5 hours coach ride from Leicester (meet at Glebe Rd. by the University Botanical Garden) |
| Joining fee: | One off charge of £5 paid by new members to cover admin costs. |
Our theatre group was started in 2007, and has proved very popular. We meet early in the year for a coffee morning to discuss the past year and get ideas for the coming year. We aim to go to both classical and modern plays and to mix comedy with tragedy/serious works at Midland theatres – Birmingham Rep; Nottingham; Coventry; Stratford; Warwick Art centre and more recently to Sheffield’s Crucible. We often have to make block bookings months in advance. Costs for theatre and coach vary between £25 and £40 and must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Tickets usually go very quickly.
There is a small planning committee which chooses the plays, arranges transport, sends out the information by post to all members and distributes tickets. At least one committee member always goes with each trip. Members make their own arrangements for lunch for which we allow plenty of time, and we provide information about cafes/restaurants near the theatres.