Groups co-ordinators Lionel Cartlidge and Geoff Saunders would like to hear your ideas for adding to our range of study and interest groups…
Dorking & District U3A is a buoyant organisation with more than 600 members. We have almost 50 study and interest groups and these are the backbone of the organisation. In keeping with the principles of the U3A the groups are organised and taught, where appropriate, by our own members with the exception of a very small number that need expertise not available from our membership.
In the past year or so we have encouraged and aided the establishment of groups for bridge, computing, archaeology, music theory, quilting, history, local history, military history and wine appreciation. It is quite a successful picture, but it is important that we should continue the initiative and endeavour to develop new groups that reflect the wishes of our members.
Each new group has to appoint a leader, who may be assisted by others and will have to tackle practical issues of finance and venue. We will be pleased to hear from any members who would like to set up a new study or interest group with our support. This support will include publicising the proposal and setting up an initial meeting for those members who are interested. It will be essential to attract a viable number to join and support any new group.
Several suggestions have been recorded recently which could be developed if there is enough backing for any of them. The list includes geography, debating, play reading, drama/pantomime, psychology, world religions, church history, watercolour painting and upholstery. There will undoubtedly be other possibilities. We would like you to let us know what groups you would like us to develop in the immediate future and we would be especially pleased to hear from anyone who would be willing to lead a new group.
Do please give us your views by email or telephone to groups co-ordinator Lionel Cartlidge (01306 898491 or email ljcartlidge@lineone.net) or assistant groups co-ordinator Geoff Saunders (email tallship@eircom.net).