Teifi-side U3A
“U3As are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.
Our Teifiside U3A group meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 10.30am for 11am at the Community Hall, Church lane, Newcastle Emlyn.
Our 2012 Monthly programme is as follows:
7th March – ‘HUTS’ – A local Charity assisting those suffering mental health problems.
22nd March – Easter Lunch at Coleg Aberteifi.
4th April – Jill Sutton From Bag-Age talking about Fair-Trade
2nd May – Felix Aubel – Bring an antique to find out more about them
6th June – Peter Mercer – Notable Medieval Women
4th July – A.G.M. followed by a quiz
Throughout each month we also have Special Interest Groups. These take place in the Newcastle Emlyn area, at various venues, on different days and different times to suit each individual group. In some cases a group will even meet at the home of the leader.
Please note: Our Special interest Groups are open to U3A members only
If you have a favourite special interest, or hobby, you’d be happy to pass on to our members or would like to learn a new one then please come along and tell us about it. We are always happy to welcome visitors, so why not come to one of our monthly meetings and see what you think of us. (Full membership is £14 BUT no charge for your first two visits) You never know, you might decide to become a member and also join one of our special interest groups. (Once you are a member of U3A there is no charge for joining any of our groups)
Our Current list, of Special Interest Groups, is as follows:
- History – Looking at Social history of different countries through the centuries. (No meeting in February. The next one will be in March)
- Discussion Group – Topical subjects in the news or local interest. On Wednesday 15th February we discussed Town Centre High Streets and the ‘Little’ Shop versus Supermarkets and Retail Parks etc.
- After the usual friendly and lively discussion, which included the personal experiences of a group member, we reached no firm conclusions save one, ‘everything’ will change.
- Family History – Tracing Family History.
(Next meeting Wednesday 22nd February at 10am) - Reading for Pleasure – Popular books read and discussed light-heartedly. The group said “We agreed that reading Hard Times by Charles Dickens, was well worth it even though some of the speech was a struggle. The discussion of the book was lively. Our book for March is ‘Pure’ by Andrew Miller.
- French Language – Learning via the set book and tapes French Experience One. Also reading short articles in Paris Match. During our February session we covered family and relations. We also read and translated an article, from a French magazine, about the late Amy Winehouse. In our March session we will revise numbers.
- Scrabble - The popular board-game played with great fun.
(Each session takes place on the last Friday of month. For further information please phone Betty 01559 371497) - Strollers – Local leisurely walks.
(Next walk - 23rd February – Llanerchaeron to Aberaeron) - Digital Photography – A beginners guide on ‘How to use your camera.’ Each session will progress according to the members requirements. (Next two sessions – 27th Feb. and 6th March.
- For further information about this group please contact Malcolm Smith 01239 711787 randm@gnomewood.me.uk
- Lunch Club – Meeting at various venues, enjoying lunch in friendly, sociable company
(Next lunch - 22nd February at 1pm. For further information of this group please contact Dot Snowden 01239 615538 dorothy.snowden1@btinternet.com
For more information about the U3A Organisation or further details of our Special Interest Groups, please phone Ann Sibley on 01545 590134 (unless otherwise stated)
February Monthly Meeting Report
Thanks to our speakers, Jim and Ann, talking about their obsession with all things dog related, our members were more animated than seen before. The questions, observations and immediate feedback came thick and fast. It seems that the beautiful and fascinating Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, Beared Collies and Catalan Sheepdogs are an endless source of fun and the inevitable frustration as their owners attempt to groom them in preparation for travel and shows etc.
On the serious side Jim and Ann described the many ways other breeds are used as Assistance Dogs in Education, Autism, Mental Health, Diabetes, Epilepsy and Cancer etc. Sniffer Dogs currently help in Search and Rescue, Drugs, Explosives and Medical Diagnosis. Our Pets, whichever breed, are a wonderful source of Social contact Exercise, Stress relief, Security and they help aid our recovery when feeling low. They also help to lower our Blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Just some of the many gifts a single dog gives, unconditionally, to us humans.