Ruthin and District U3A Group Acvies and Details Page 1
Ruthin and
District
U3A
Group Activities and Details
Ruthin and District U3A Group Acvies and Details Page 2 Ruthin and District U3A Group Acvies and Details Page 3
The Backyard Chicken Group
This group welcomes any member who has chickens, would like to have
chickens or would like to know what having a few feathered friends entails.
As the group is rather small I am able to hold the monthly meengs at my
home in Derwen. Everyone just bringing ideas, stories about what has been
happening to their ock and of course cake.
We can cover everything from helping the rst me chicken owners, feed,
ailments, general daily care, the highs & lows, dierent breeds, incubang
eggs, infact anything you need to know. We have even had few ‘chicken
oungs’. I have now added guinea fowl to our programme and owners of a
few ducks, turkeys, quail etc would be most welcome. It’s just a shame that
Coronavirus has caused us all into lockdown and I don’t expect that we will
meet up again this year. Thank goodness we can keep in touch by email.
During one meeng my eggs were due to hatch, we watched as a small crack
grew bigger and an enormous foot began to appear, by the me we had
nished our tea and cake the chick was out and about supporng the largest
feet I’ve ever seen on a chick.
I have missed these happy, chay meengs and look forward to safer mes.
Isabel Stewart isyhst[email protected]om
The hatching of Bigfoot!
Away Days Group
We are a small group of individuals who meet once per month - usually on
the 3rd Thursday of the month - and go out together for the day, usually
including lunch! To keep costs down we car share ..... that’s more dicult
at present! Some trips are quite local and others further aeld, usually a
maximum of 1.5 to 2h. We are a diverse group and welcome anyone to join
us and bring some new ideas. See below the list for some of the places we
have visited:
Gladstone Library and Hawarden airport, Ironbridge. Secret Bunker in
Nantwich, Ness gardens, Trefriw Woollen Mill and Fn y Parc gallery, Gwydir
castle, Styal Mill, Bird of Prey centre, Guide dog training centre, Chester
including trip on the river, Emma Bridgewater poery, Penrhyn castle, Plas
Newydd on Anglesay etc
A Naonal Trust membership card can be useful but not essenal. As you
can see a very varied list oering something for everyone.
Since lockdown was eased we have ventured out just once to ‘test the
waters’ and visited Errdig House. We mostly travelled in our own cars
but there were a couple of people who each travelled as a passenger and
observing all the guidance available.
If you are interested in joining this friendly and welcoming group then do
contact me (see below) and try it out.
Dorothea Harber email: dvharber@yahoo.co.uk mob: 0781 3722 654
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Badminton, Table Tennis and Snooker group
The above group will be restarng on Thursday 17th September, 2pm unl 4
pm, in Neuadd Eleanor village hall, Llanfair D C.
Neuadd Eleanor has done a very comprehensive risk assessment, as has the
group. Instead of playing doubles we will be playing singles and any waing
parcipants will score.
In the snooker room, with two tables, social distancing is very easy.
Parcipants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it.
Alternavely, equipment is available to use. The hall is providing all saniser,
disinfectant and paper towels to clean any equipment or surfaces touched.
Bring your own refreshments should you require it.
We look forward to meeng up again aer such a dierent 6 months.
If you would like further informaon please contact Phil Webb 01824 704163
Bird Watching.
This group started out by accident. I went on a U3a Hill Walk(nearly killed
me) in Snowdonia, during which I kept stopping to look at and listen to birds,
which slowed the others considerably, they very politely asked me to try bird
watching instead.
We usually meet the rst Wednesday of each month. We have access to
some of the nest sites in the country, the Dee Estuary, the North Wales
Coast, Anglesey but we have also been up to West Lancashire, down to
Shropshire and over to Cardiganshire.
The group members are all really nice people, their bird watching skills have
developed immeasurably, a coee stop on the way out and aernoon tea on
the way back, makes for a very enjoyable trip. The day out doesn’t involve
too much walking, the company is superb.
Contact. Lyn Evans. Mobile. 07523 341985
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Creave Wring During Co.vid19 Crisis
The format and aims of the group remain the same although we are unable
to meet as before. Quite a number of our group suer from deafness, so
holding a meeng with social distancing is not an opon. It is clear that
members miss the enjoyment of sharing their wring pieces with each other
although some have been able to contribute pieces for the ‘Covid Collecon’
during this me.
The feeling among the group seems to be a cauous wish to return to some
kind of meeng, even if not face to face and that it would be an idea to give
Zoom a try.
Further details from:
Gill Jones 01824 703379 gillian712jones@bnternet.com.
Members of group reading Christmas poems at U3A party, December 2019
Canasta
CANASTA is a card game played by 2, 3, or 4 people with two packs including
the jokers with wild cards. Making it an interesng skilled game. At present
we have 7 members and meet in Wetherspoons every other Wednesday
at 10.00am. If you would like to join phone 01824705580 or email Bob
Blackburn [email protected].
Musical Appreciaon Group
The group is for classical musical enthusiasts wanng to explore music of
all kinds ranging from early medieval to contemporary. We meet in each
other’s homes on a Tuesday aernoon once a month for two hours. Usually
one or two people lead the session having chosen the music to listen to and
giving some background informaon on each piece. This is followed by what
is a lively discussion and exchange of views. Contact either David Canter
on 07968 032336 or Sandra Canter –s.canter@bnternet.com if you are
interested in joining.
Creave Wring For Pleasure
The aim of our group is to share our pleasure in wring in a friendly and
supporve atmosphere. Members explore all kinds of wring, ranging
from con, poetry, autobiographical wring and drama. Each member’s
contribuon is appreciated and given posive feedback. The usual format
is that at the end of the meeng a wring prompt is given for members to
use to write a piece for next me. There is no compulsion, however! If me
allows we will do a wring exercise, or discuss other aspects of wring.
In 2018, in conjuncon with Flintshire U3A wring Group we produced an
anthology, ‘Reecons from a Third Age’ which was very well received.
Meengs are held on the third Friday of the month in Llys Goodman meeng
room, Church Walks, Ruthin between 2,00pm – 4,00pm. The cost of hire
of the room is divided among the members present, usually no more than
£3.00 per person.
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Cycling
We cycle on road or designated routes (not o-road). Distances covered
will probably be 10 - 15 miles - but avoiding serious climbs. Mostly local but
further aeld if the group wishes
We meet on second Wednesday in the month with possibility of extra rides
over summer months.
For more details please contact Geraint Jones on
ger[email protected] or 01824 707168
Disco dancing
I’ve been in touch with my dance group and they would like to connue
with the disco classes. I’ve also contacted Sarah at the Rugby club. She says
the commiee hasn’t decided when to open up the room for hire so at
the moment can’t give a start date for our group. When it does restart the
classes will be every other Tuesday from the rst Tuesday in each month
from 10.30 to 11.45.
Contact Beverley Williams Email [email protected]
Cribbage
The cribbage group of U3a met on a Monday
aernoon. The day, me and locaon may well
be re-arranged by members shortly.
For up to date informaon please contact
Rosanne Jarvis on 01824 704500.
All levels of play knowledge or indeed no
knowledge at all are welcome to join the
group. It is a fun game which can become quite
excing as people in small groups interact over
the aim to win!
Bowling
The bowling group from U3a meets by agreement when 2 or more
parcipants wish to enjoy a game. The green is situated at the Llanfwrog
centre opposite Ruthin Rugby Club and members of the group can aend
and bowl for a small fee any day of the week in season.
For detail please contact Rosanne Jarvis on 01824 704500. She can advise
on the availability of equipment and mes when other bowlers may be
available to play or advise on technique! The game is a lovely way to enjoy
gentle exercise in beauful surroundings.
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Flower Arranging Group.
Meet 3rd Friday Morning of each month. Venue may be changed aer
lockdown.
At the start of September, January, and April the group decides on a
theme for the following weeks. This may be seasonal, colour, containers
etc. Each member brings along owers and containers and constructs an
arrangement.
Members are encouraged to parcipate in the Ruthin show each August and
several members have won prizes.
No previous experience is necessary we all learn from each other. Basic
supplies are available.
Facilitator Dian Moulsdale. [email protected]
Drama
The group meet fortnightly to share interests in Drama in all of its forms
through devising scripts which could then be performed for a wider U3A
audience. Presentaons would involve staging, set and prop creaon,
lighng and sound eects and of course acng. Once a script was devised
it would then be rehearsed fortnightly increasing to weekly in the weeks
before performance. Unlike many other groups where it is much easier to
‘dip in,’ once a producon is planned a degree of commitment is necessary
which may frequently not t with other demands on group members me.
At the present me with social distancing guidelines, acng and performing
are not currently possible.
Contact Mike Vandereijk on mikevandereijk1112@bnternet.com
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Fun with Canines
Fun with Canines is a self help dog club, with walks, chat at a cafe or
such,operates once a month oen joining up with strolers, not necessary to
have a dog to join. We pop to gardens and the seaside the idea is to enjoy
the oung, it is possible for members to look aer other members dogs, if
some problem arrives I can be contacted by phone 01824 710677 or mob
0786565840 or email hacked1o@hotmail.com Bernard
French Life and Language
This is a group for people who love France and the french way of life. Within
the Group there are sub groups to cater for the dierent levels of language
skills, ranging from the beginner to the improver to the uent. In each group
we adopt the approach which the members favour. This may be more formal
language learning or a group conversaon. But in all cases the objecve
is to use and improve our language and to share our interest in aspects of
french life. Generally each sub group meets monthly and shares a piece of
text, perhaps from a newspaper, magazine or on line resource. This will be
translated, discussed and lead on to sharing our experiences, using whatever
language skills we have (usually lapsing into English when neccessary).
Each year we celebrate July 14th with a garden party where all the
subgroups meet together. We enjoy lots of lovely french food provided by
members, french wine (of course) and some sort of entertainment provided
by ourselves. This year we were, unfortunately, in lockdown. The photograph
shows baslle Day 2019.
No meengs are taking place at present although some of us are keeping
in contact on WhatsApp and sharing our interest and experiences. Lets
hope that we will soon be able to resume some acvies, observing Corvid
protocols. I think we may have to adapt to the current circumstances and
nd innovave ways to meet our objecves. Even so we would be delighted
to welcome new members. Anyone interested in joining us please contact
Patricia Lyne, 01824 704269
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Geology Group.
If you ever see some odd looking rocks, a quarry or wonder why some areas
are at but others nearby are hilly you should join our extremeley interesng
group. We meet monthly with eld trips or visits from March to October and
presentaons or hands on sessions in Ruthin library during the winter. We
are a very friendly, welcoming group.
At the moment due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the expected winter u
epidemic I have closed the meengs for the rest of this year. All our past
visits & talks can be found on the geology group website, including our
wonderful visit to Iceland.
So we have visited many geological sites in Snowdonia, Anglesey, Ruthin,
Bala, Mold, Wrexham, Llangollen, GreatOrme and more, usually with a
geologist guiding us. We have been in quarries, up mountains, in mines ,
Liverpool Museum and many more delighul places. Not forgeng Iceland,
well who could forget that!
As soon as it’s safe to venture out and about I will have a full programme for
us all. There is plenty of geological informaon on Google which is great for
those of us who can’t do without it.
Stay safe,
Isabel Stewart isyhst[email protected]om
Garden Interest Group
Meet 2nd Monday aernoon each month.
Venue various.
This group encompasses a wide range of garden interest acvies. When
possible we visit gardens, small and large. The year usually begins with a
visit to a garden specialising in snowdrops. Members contribute ideas for
places to visit oen gardens featured in the Yellow Book. Members oen
open up their own gardens where we can pick up ps, ideas and plant
swaps. Acvies in the winter months include garden centre visits or talks
by local garden enthusiasts. All of our meengs include coee or tea and
very oen cake!
Visits are usually within a 10 mile radius of Ruthin and we operate a car
share scheme.
Facilitators, Morfudd contact [email protected] and Dian
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Hillwalking
The Hillwalking Group meets on the rst Friday of the month. Winter walks
may be in the local hills, in summer we hope to walk in Snowdonia. Walks
are led by volunteers from the group, but there is no pressure. Please
contact Jill Marson if you have any quesons. Once you are on the contacts
list you will be emailed a descripon of the next Hillwalk.
Jill Marson jillandraymond@scali.co.uk
The Go Group
Go is a 2-player strategy board game, in which the aim is to capture pieces
and surround territory. It was invented in China over 2,500 years ago and
said to be the oldest connuously played board game in the world. It is
played with black and white stones on a board marked in a grid paern
board
Prior to Covid, the Go group met every 2 weeks to play. You can google “Go
(game)” on Wikipedia for an overview of the game. To study in detail, try
Sensei’s Library at hps://senseis.xmp.net/?Go
New and old members can try playing on line against a computer (“bot”) or
live player via “GoQuest”, which is free from the App Store or Google Play.
Choose the 9x9 board to begin, and you get a 3 minute game. Pick up the
rules as you go along. You can play against strangers or friends. Then, when
groups start meeng again, you’ll be ready to join us face to face!
For more informaon on how to play, email Peter.lund@btopenworld.com or
message 07812 439479
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History
We meet monthly (the last Thursday) in the Library from 9am ll noon.
On average (over the last year) 13 members have been present.
Over a few years we have been looking at English polical history from the
16th century onwards. At our last meeng before lockdown we
considered events in the 1930s leading up to WW2.
Usually the facilitator gives a paper but others have also given papers
on subjects relevant to the period that interest them.
We are at a point where we need to decide in which direcon
to go next. Some wish to look at some Welsh history, others the history of
USA or some medieval history, ( we deliberately don’t do local history
as there is a society in Rhuthun that does this). A decision will be made
about the way forward at our next meeng.
With best wishes,
Eric. (01824 702757)
iPads for Beginners
This group is for people who have either just
bought their iPad or perhaps have had one for
a while and are struggling with it. We will look
at common tasks that can be carried out with
your iPad such as Email, taking photographs,
browsing the Internet and perhaps delve into
internet shopping - it depends on what the
group wants to do.
For further details contact David Hislop 01824
705331 or dav[email protected]
Lan and Greek
Our small, but beaufully formed, group connues to meet via Zoom at
2.30pm every Wednesday, one week Lan, one week Greek.
However we have plans to meet in our gardens whenever the weather is
kind. In Lan, we have nished our course up to GCSE, and are condent
we could pass it quite well. We are now considering pushing on to A level
standard.
We nd Greek prey dicult, and what with the funny leers and the weird
grammar, we are progressing more slowly.
But we have a laugh, enjoy each others’ company, and get pleasure from
knowing that we may not be uent in these old languages, but we know
more of them than most people do!
Mike Skuse [email protected]
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Low Level Walking Group
We walk on the second Friday of each month. Wherever possible starng at
a pub or cafe at 10.00. Our walks are between 2.5 and 3 hours depending
on the terrain and length of walk, usually 4.5/5 miles. Walkers should wear
appropriate clothing including footwear. There is a rst aid kit which is
passed to the walk leader of the day. Dogs are not allowed on our walks.
We usually have lunch (sandwiches or more) at the conclusion of the walk.
Since lockdown in March we have exchanged emails with photographs of the
beauful scenery around Ruthin/our gardens etc. and describing how we
are lling our me. We are pung our walking boots on for the rst Covid
19 restricted walk in October. We are meeng the Welsh Government Covid
19 Regulaons, Naonal U3A and The Ramblers’ protocols. This walk and
the next in November (depending on walkers’ views) will again be limited
to10 (including walk leader and back marker). There will be no “turn up and
walk” gatherings unl next year. Walkers’ safety and well being during the
Covid 19 period is of the upmost importance to everyone.
To parcipate in our walks please ensure you are a fully paid up member of
U3A, otherwise your insurance cover will be invalid.
For further informaon please contact the current walk co-ordinator: Mary
Johnson at mary194johnson@bnternet.com
Mens Lunch Group
We meet on the last Wednesday of the month in Wetherspoons at 12.30
aer whist.
Please contact David Humphreys for further details or to join this group
jilldavidsyn1@bnternet.com
Petanque
Our u3a group meet on a Monday aernoon at 2.30 all welcome.
However the court is available any me to members and any potenal
members who might wish to use it.
The court will have to be taken up when the rugby season starts.
Eorts are connuing to nd a permanent base.
Contact Jack Shakespeare for more details on jackshak[email protected]om
Poetry Reading for Pleasure Group
The Poetry Group have usually met monthly in person but currently meet
‘over the ether’, sending in poems by email to the member who is collang
contribuons that month. Those without email are included by post or
delivery, usually via myself. Contributors are welcome to give very brief
details about the poet and perhaps why the poem/s have been chosen, if
wished.
The collator role circulates between those who are willing to undertake it, in
alphabecal order of rst name, or by arranging an alternate if unavailable.
The next Collator usually suggests a theme at the previous session for ‘their’
month’s session; happily, a wide range of poems seems to emerge each
me, including members’ own creaons in some cases.’
For more details please contact Jean Leith on [email protected]
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Philosophy
We are a group interested in asking questions and thinking about themes such
as knowledge, reason, truth, freedom, God, science, ethics, justice. ese are
things that most of us wonder about naturally from time to time because they
structure the ways we think about the world and our place in it.
We’ve looked at (and continue to do so) the development of philosophy from
Plato and Aristotle through to philosophers of the present day.
No previous knowledge is required and all opinions and views are welcomed.
In normal times we meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Naylor
Leyland Centre, Ruthin but over the last few months we have been communi-
cating through e mail.
For our next project we plan to read and discuss a short book (essay?) by the
philosopher Bernard Williams on Morality.
IMG_3063.jpeg
For more details contact Buddug Pritchard through
buddpritchard@gmail.com
Reading / Book Club
The U3A Reading Group has now been running for just over 12 months.
There are currently 18 members with a normal aendance of 8 - 12 people
each month.
The group now meets rst Wednesday of each month from 10 - 12 in the
meeng room at Ruthin Library. Room hire is £15 per session with the cost
being shared between aendees.
Coee making facilies are available to the group and each session starts
with coee and a chat before we start to discuss the book we have been
reading.
Discussion tends to be wide ranging and everybody is able to parcipate.
Every few months the group spends some me agreeing book choices for
the coming months. Not everyone likes every book but most members have
said that part of the fun has been the opportunity to read books by writers
that they have not considered before and hear what others think about
them.
For further details please contact Helena Thomas
helena.thomas@talktalk.net
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The Recorder Group
e group is for people wanting to enjoy and improve their recorder playing
as an ensemble. We are able to play a whole range of music as we have peo-
ple who can play descant, treble, tenor, bass and great bass recorders. Players
practice pieces at home and come together as an ensemble usually conducted
by the leader of the group. We welcome all that want to try, regardless of level
of experience or how rusty you may be. We meet in the Ruthin area but loca-
tion can vary.
Contact Sandra Canter at s.canter@btinternet.com or 07787 563198
Rubber Bridge
A game for 4people to play in pairs, an expanded form of Whist where a con-
tract is made to win a declared number of tricks.
Wednesday 2 to 4pm At Weatherspoons Ruthin
We will be starting from the basics. I suggest that people buy the essential
guide for those new to the game “Bridge for Complete Beginners” by Paul
Mendelson.£6.99 or cheaper by Amazon.
For more details please contact Ann Daniels (01824 705640)
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Singing Group
We are a small group of about 12 members, all female at the moment. We are
lucky to have a piano accompanist, and we sing a variety of mostly light heart-
ed songs ranging from old folk to old pop songs. We have a break half way
through for tea and biscuits, chat and laughter!
We meet on the rst Tuesday of the month from 2:00 until 3:30 pm. e venue
is the Presbyterian church hall next door to the Co-op. e cost of the hall
hire is shared between members present at the session.
If you are interested in joining please contact:-
Buddug Pritchard at buddpritchard@gmail.com
Spanish Beginners Group
e U3A Spanish Beginners group meets 10.30am, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of
month, at Ruthin Wetherspoons. If you would like to nd out more, please
message your name and mobile number to: Peter.lund@btopenworld.com
(07812 439479)
Strollers
We’ve been blighted by the weather and haven’t really met since lockdown
eased. In truth, though: ‘We are mostly now part of the Fun with Canines
Group, giving and receiving more scenic suggestions, usually with a refresh-
ment stop at the end. We rarely walk for over 1 hour 15 minutes over easy
terrain, but with footwear suitable for wet or muddy conditions. Lis, of
usually less than 45 minutes, can be available if compliant with current Covid
regulations.
For more details please contact Jean Leith on [email protected]
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Sunday Lunch Group
Meet last Sunday in each month.
Variety of venues attended.
Good food and conversation.
Contact Sylvia McCabe for more details:
U3A ‘Sustainable Living’ group - outline
Would you like to reduce your environmental impact but don’t know how
best to go about it? Are you unsure where to concentrate your eorts? Do you
want to do something about climate change, but wonder what an individual
can actually achieve? Are you boggled by all the information and advice that’s
available?
Well this might be the group for you! e intention is to inspire members
(and maybe through them, their friends and families) and explore the infor-
mation and tools needed to make a dierence.
e plan is for the group to meet monthly, with a mixture of speakers, lms,
discussions, sharing of members’ knowledge and site visits. Members could
also research a particular topic and then report back to the group.
Topics to be covered could include the following. ese are shown in the
order of priority indicated by a show of hands at the preliminary meeting held
on 3rd October – the intention being simply to give us guidance on which
topics to address rst. It is clear however that many of the topics are complex
& inter-related.
• Waste – reduce / reuse / recycle including which materials really are recy-
cled.
• Plastics, especially single use plastics and how to avoid them.
• Food – growing / buying local, reducing food miles, impact of dierent
ingredients (e.g. Palm Oil).
• Climate change – what can the individual do?
• Shopping, fashion, ethical products.
• What can the individual do, at home?
• Travel – including carbon o-setting for air travel, diesel vs petrol, electric
vehicles, etc.
• Renewable energy and energy eciency, switching suppliers etc.
• Biodiversity, nature conservation and soils.
• Air quality and pollution.
• Carbon footprinting – what is it and what tools are available?
• Local authority activities, policies and projects
• Water and water quality.
• Noise and light pollution
• Ethical investment – what is it and what are the options?
To register your interest in the group or for more information, contact Carol
or Nick Ward on welshwardies@btinternet.com or 01824 703796.
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Ukulele Group
In normal times the Ukulele group meet weekly on a Monday morning in
Keith’s house. In total there are about 11 of us although about 8 meet very
regularly.
You would really need a little basic knowledge of at least 3 chords to join this
group as we have been meeting for a couple of years.
We call ourselves e Pleasant Pluckers. Over the couple of years we have
been meeting we have played at many Charity and Community events for
which we make no charge.
For more details please contact Keith Moulsdale on 01824 707506 or
Whist
e group meets on alternate Wednesdays at 10:00 in Weatherspoons. Please
contact Jack Shakespeare for further details jackshakespear[email protected]m
Ruthin and District U3A Group Acvies and Details Page 32
