Interest Groups
Update - please note that some interest groups have been suspended for the present, until the Coronavirus situation is resolved. Please see descriptions below for what each group is able to do.
Grantown on Spey u3a currently has 11 interest groups. If you would like to join any of these groups, please email the group leader who can give you more information on when and where the next meeting is for their group.
We always welcome new ideas - if you would like to set up a group of your own, or if you have an unfulfilled longing for more information on a topic not currently covered, please email Sue - chair@grantownu3a.org
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Art Club
Contact: Suzi Wilson suzi@grantownu3a.org We are happy to welcome people who are complete beginners or experienced artists. We have members interested in botanical drawing, still life, landscape, graphic design, Celtic art.....If you want a new challenge and have paints standing idle, dust them off and join us. We are non-judgemental and very supportive of each others efforts. During the summer we meet outdoors and in autumn & winter indoors at the Grant Arms (10am - lunchtime, with a break for tea & coffee) Dates for 2021-22 First Session (2021) : 4 October, 18 October, 1 November, 15 November, 29 November, 13 December Second Session (2022) : 10 January, 24 January, 7 February, 21 February, 7 March, 21 March, 4 April |
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Cinema & Theatre
Contact: Janet Gould cinema@grantownu3a.org This an informal group who get together for visits to a wide range of events, mainly at Eden Court. We aim as far as possible to attend daytime events travelling by bus (using our Saltire cards), but sometimes will share cars. If you see something you would like to attend, contact Janet using the email link above, who will circulate details. This group does not depend on numbers: if two people have company for an event, that's a success. Contact: Janet Gould 01479 258205 cinema@grantownu3a.org Cinema and theatre enthusiasts are currently unable to visit theatres – but are able to share news of performances worth watching at home on YouTube. |
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Film Club
Contact: Elspeth Sage film@grantownu3a.org Meetings to be held monthly on Wednesdays, at 2.00 pm at the Grant Arms Hotel. Films will be decided by the membership and will be announced nearer the time. May be able to meet socially distanced when Covid restrictions are lifted |
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The French Speakers Group
Contact: Ann Hadley french@grantownu3a.org The French Group will be meeting on alternate Mondays at 2.00 pm at various venues - primarily for conversation. Contact Ann for further details. |
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Natural History
Contact: Sue Sykes nathistory@grantownu3a.org A friendly group of like-minded enthusiasts and beginners, who may have some particular interest or simply want to know more about the natural history of the area, and enjoy our stunning scenery. Usually we meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and were one of the group is knowledgeable, they will take the lead - where we all feel the need to know more, an expert is found. We always welcome newcomers. Members of the group have kept in touch through newsletters throughout the pandemic and are now able to meet again, though still cautiously and keeping to safety guidelines. May – a small group walk through Anagach Woods and along the River Spey in Grantown June – Twin Flower walk July – The Wildflowers of Newtonmore August – Fungi Foray September – Fishing Osprey and other Birds. A trip to Findhorn Bay. October – Red Deer and Eagles up Strathdearn |
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Poetry Reading
Contact: Elspeth Sage poetry@grantownu3a.org Meetings have usually been held on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30 am in members’ homes, to read poems and have a chat. During the pandemic the group continued to meet as usual on Zoom and is now cautiously beginning to meet again face to face. The first meeting is: Thursday 23rd September at 2.30pm in the Wheatley Hall For more information please contact Elspeth. |
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Singing for Fun
Contact: Jill Teear singing@grantownu3a.org The Group meets fortnightly at St Columba's Church Hall, Grantown-on-Spey - 2.30pm in the Wheatley Hall. There is a charge of £2 per session which includes tea/coffee. New members are very welcome, whether as regular or occasional attendees. No previous singing experience is required. - the aim is solely to enjoy ourselves with a wide variety of enjoyably singable tunes, in relaxed company. Sadly this group is totally unable to meet whilst Covid restrictons are in place but will start again when it is safe to do so. |
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Gardens
Contact: Sue Sykes gardens@grantownu3a.org In the summer months, when there is sufficient interest, group visits are arranged to members gardens and to those in the Scottish Gardens Scheme. For obvious Covid reasons visits will not be possible until gardens reopen. |
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Book Group
Contact: Mary-Ann Connolly books@grantownu3a.org Life Stories A book group for readers who are interested in other peoples lives. Inspirational, tragic, funny, bizarre or just a plain good read. Books are each chosen by a different member so plenty of variety. Readers in the Group met on Zoom whilst this was still necessary, but are now carefully meeting in each other’s homes again. Dates of meetings depend on group members other commitments and upon the length of the book! But are roughly every six weeks. Previous choices have been: The fascinating glimpse into life in China: “Mao’s Last Dancer” by Lee Cunxin “Selective Memory” by Katherine Whitehorn Michelle Obama’s inspiring autobiography “Becoming” Sue Gee’s encounters with twelve writers entitled “Just You and the Page” We are currently reading “The Less You Know” by Juliet Butler and the next meeting is on Friday 1st October. Please contact Mary-Ann for details. |
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The German Speakers Group
Contact: Jackie Wilson german@grantownu3a.org This new group is holding its first meeting on Monday 11th October at 2.00pm. This will be an inaugural meeting for members to learn a bit about each other’s experience of the language and to discuss what form the meetings would take and how frequently they will be held. Newcomers will always be welcome; to join us for this initial stage please contact Jackie. |
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PhotographyContact: Mike Hems or Eileen Sutherland
photography@grantownu3a.org This new group will hold its first meeting as soon as the current Covid restrictions are lifted and members can meet face to face. |
