500
The 500 club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month – 1.30 to 3.30pm, at Remuera Gardens Lounge – new wing. Plenty of parking in the grounds or in the Underground Parking Building.
The aim of the group is to provide an opportunity for U3A members who are interested in playing cards and have some competence in the game of 500, to get together with others to play 500 in order to be mentally stimulated, have fun, and improve their skills in the game. At each session there will be one, two, or three tables of 4 players. Players will be rotated to ensure participation by all. This will also enable players to have different partners so that they are learning from others and getting to know all the people in the group. If there are 2 or 3 players not in a game at any time, they could play another game while they are waiting for their turn eg Gin Rummy, 2 or 3 handed Whist.
There will be a coffee break mid-session in the lounge where the meeting takes place. Coffee and tea are provided. Players will take turns to bring a packet of biscuits.
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Art History
The Art History Group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 1.30 to 3.30pm.at Remuera Gardens Lounge – new wing.
The aim of the group is to provide an opportunity for members who are interested in visual art to study art in depth. We aim to look at works of art not just as objects, but as a way of understanding the world and the societies in which they were created. Visual art could include paintings, sculpture, architecture, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, glass. At each session, two people will give a presentation on a theme or work of visual art of their own choosing. The presentation can be interactive and involve discussion. They will need to research background information of the artwork and the artist to present to the group.
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Book Club
The Book Club meets in members’ homes on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. The meeting starts at 1.30pm.
The aim of our group is to share our reading experiences with the rest of the group. This is done not only by providing a review of the book that we have read but also by giving some information about the author’s background and other writings. It is expected that all members will be active members to ensure a wide range of books and authors are presented.
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Books and Authors
Books and Authors meets at Shalom Court (169a St. Johns Road) on the 4th Thursday of the month from 1.45p.m. to 3.45p.m.
Each member reviews two books that they have read recently. These may include fiction, nonfiction, biographies, autobiographies, historical, environmental, poetry, short stories and crime. Thus, a large range of interests are covered, leading to some animated discussions.
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Bridge: An Introduction
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 1:30pm at 1/7 The Parade, St Heliers.
We aim to introduce members to the game of bridge. Members will play hands of bridge, of increasing levels of complexity, learning first the basics and then the more advanced techniques of both play and bidding.
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Classic Films 1
The Classic Films group meets at 7pm in Member’s homes on the last Wednesday of the month.
The films are selected by different members of the group to ensure that a wide variety of films are studied. A lively discussion follows each viewing. A common point of debate is whether the film is actually a Classic film. The Group’s definition of a Classic film includes: that the film stood the test of time, that it has been recognised by the film industry and critics, that there is evidence new techniques and technological advances and finally that the film has the ability to draw the viewer into the plot and to identify with characters.
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Classic Films 2
This Classic Films group meets on the 4th Friday of the month in the members’ homes starting at 7pm.
We watch, discuss and enjoy classic films. The term classic film is not restricted to a timeframe. We choose films that can stand up to the test of time!
The member who is hosting the evening chooses the film to be seen on DVD. The host also prepares a description of the film and presents it to the group before the film is viewed. Members are informed in advance which film is to be shown so they are prepared to participate in the discussion at the beginning or end of the film. The film is subject to criticism on its merits, its faults and why it was chosen etc.
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Current Events
The Current Events group meets at the Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lucia Glade, Meadowbank at 10am on the 1st Wednesday of each month.
The objective of the Current Events group is to encourage our members to keep up to date with local, national and global events by providing them with a forum in which they can share their interests and knowledge with others in the group.
An informal approach is followed as Members are encouraged to bring matters that interest them to the meeting for general discussion. The agenda is created as these topics are added to a whiteboard at the start of the meeting. Respectful discussion is encouraged as on many issues opinions vary on the topics introduced. Background information presented as the topic is raised can lead to a developing understanding of those topics.
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Dollars and Sense
This group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month in members’ homes from 10am till noon.
We discuss topics of the day – both nationally and internationally that involve financial matters. Each member can raise an issue that has interested them over the past month and inevitably a vigorous discussion ensues!
We often have different perspectives which can be challenging but are always informative.
We limit the group size to between ten and twelve people so that we can each have input, and welcome visitors if we have the space.
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Foodie
We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10am until noon at Remuera Gardens Village.
The aim of the group is to discuss food from many cultures and countries, creating and cooking food, and sharing it. We go out to places where food may be manufactured/grown (e.g. Olive oil production) and attend any workshops on offer from Master Chefs.
At our meetings we talk about the food we have prepared, cook anything else needed in the kitchen with all members involved in one way or another, and then eat it. Members should be passionate about food and willing to participate in all sorts of food preparation. There is a limit of six people in the group.
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French
We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, from 9.45 to 12.00. We take it in turns to meet at each other’s homes.
To be a member of this group you would need some degree of fluency in French. We do not really do formal exercises, but an hour or so of preparation is necessary before each meeting. A meeting might start with a fun activity in French, then on to prepared translations of French to English and English to French. Other activites could be a French dictation, a listening to French comprehension, and a conversation on a given topic.
The group is limited to 10 members.
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History
The group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month (February to December) from 10.30 at the Meadowbank Retirement Village.
The objective of the History group is to learn the history of a chosen country from pre-historic times to the present. We do incorporate people who have helped to make the country great.
Usually, two members select a topic to present at each meeting while the others contribute to the discussion. We often have to carry over the topic to the next meeting.
The second presentation is delivered after a short Coffee break.
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Jazz
We meet on the 1st Friday of each month at 10am in The Keeling Room at St Andrews Village Glendowie, coffee in hand.
The aim is to gather together a relaxed and friendly group of people who have an interest in Jazz, and to increase their knowledge of the many styles of Jazz and the artists involved.
We do this by different members of our group volunteering to present at one of our meetings. The presentations last about 90 minutes and typically involve listening to jazz music from a wide variety of different sources that the member has enjoyed and would like to share; usually with a commentary about the musician and/or composer. On occasion there is a discussion of what is happening in Jazz around Auckland.
Visitors and new members are always welcome.
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Literature
We meet in members’ homes on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10 am.
The aim of this long-established group is to study and enjoy outstanding examples of literature. We consider books from many different genres, from many different counties and from contemporary works to more established classics.
We have a schedule for the year, with each member taking turns to choose a book and lead the discussion. Spirited debate is encouraged!
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Memoir Writing
We meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 2pm in The Keeling Room at St Andrews Village, Glendowie
Our aim is to gather together a relaxed and friendly group of people who have an interest in memoir writing. We encourage group participants to write regularly using the monthly meeting as a motivation factor.
Our monthly meetings are a time for members to share what they have written (500-600 words) in the past month. After each member has read their writings there is a little time for constructive feedback. A fascinating raft of stories have emerged, including NZ memories of World War Two, overseas experiences, migrant tales and childhood escapades
. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
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Modern American Literature
The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2pm at members’ homes.
The Modern American Literature group reads mainly 20th and 21st century Pulitzer Prize winner books. The objectives are to gain an understanding and appreciation of the writing techniques of these modernist authors and their subjects.
The books are chosen by members of the group. Each member is expected to give a presentation on one of the books; including biographical information about the author, writing style and themes. This is followed by a group discussion and afternoon tea.
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Money Matters
We meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 10am-12noon at St Andrews Village, Glendowie.
Our aim is to stimulate awareness and encourage discussion on Economic/Financial matters and their potential impact on NZ and us as individuals. Our Agenda includes Financial Literacy, The Investment Scene ie. Shares, Managed Funds, Property, Housing, Private Equity, Banking, as well as Global Markets.
Members are encouraged to either give a presentation or invite a guest speaker to talk on any of these subjects. All this makes for interesting and stimulating conversation.
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Music
This group meets in members’ homes between 2-3.30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and listens to a variety of music in a relaxed atmosphere.
An annual music plan which reflects the availability of each member is created at the start of each year. The presenter decides the aspect of music that they are going to showcase. The options are almost endless, and the session often ends with a short comment by the presenter.
While the emphasis is largely on classical music, we sometimes stray into music that may not be considered ‘classical’
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New Zealand History
We meet on the 2nd Monday of the month from 10am to noon at the Keeling Room at St Andrews Village.
The aim of the New Zealand History group is to review the development of our country from its earliest days to the present. Each meeting consists of two presentations of about 45 minutes each followed by a general discussion. A wide range of topics are selected by the members who in turn take turns at researching and presenting them to the group.
We welcome new members.
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Poetry
We meet in members’ homes on the 3rd Thursday morning of the month from 10am – noon.
Our group is interested in poets and poetry, and we like to share interests in poetry from historic times up to the modern day.
Each member takes a turn to lead a session about a poet or topic of their choice, introducing the poet/topic and selected poems, and then members take turns reading the poems.
Some of the poems lead to fascinating discussions regarding the meaning of the poem, and sometimes wider issues raised by the poem, while others are clear and easily understood.
We would welcome new members.
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Ramblers
The Ramblers meet every Thursday at 10a.m. to walk for up to an hour.
We ramble through local reserves with lots of trees or bush, or next to the sea. We’re lucky that our area provides plenty of interesting routes that have good paths so that we can include people with varying levels of fitness.
We always go to a café afterwards so everyone gets a chance to be sociable.
Walks are organised from February to mid-December, and we meet whatever the weather. If we decide it’s too wet to walk, we go to a café first and hope the rain will ease off enough to go later.
You’re welcome to join us if you’d like to find out more.
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Saints and Sinners
The group meets in St Andrew’s Village Keeling Room an 10am on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Saints and Sinners explore the lives of notable people – living or historical – whose activities have made them prominent. Saints will be individuals who are of good character and whose achievements have been beneficial to society. Sinners on the other hand will usually have led lives which have caused misery and hardship to others. However, we anticipate that lives in either group are not always be clear cut. Some saints might have some slightly selfish motives while certain sinners might fall into the ‘naughty but nice’ category.
Two members will speak about Saints and Sinner candidates at each meeting and there will be a brief discussion about the subject after each address.
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Science and Technology
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The Science and Technology group meets on the 2nd Monday of the month between 10.15am and 12.15pm in the lounge at 7 St Vincent Street, Remuera. Members choose a subject to present, often with supporting photos or text and computer access is provided. Sometimes two or more members will co-ordinate to present a subject of mutual interest. Other times there may be two different subjects. Over the years a very wide range of subjects have been presented. Many of these have been related to the presenter’s professional life or personal experiences. Others have been subjects that the presenter has researched. |
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Shared Reading 1
This group meets in the St Heliers Library on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10am.
Our Shared Reading group reads a short story and a related poem at each session. The Reader Leader chooses the short story and poem from a wide variety of New Zealand and world literature and the group reads it together. The short story is divided up into smaller sections of 2-3 paragraphs, and read by the group, sight unseen. After each break in the story, time is taken to reflect on the content with questions such as ‘What do you think the characters are thinking at this moment? How does this situation resonate with you?’ After the short story, a short, related poem is read and discussed as it relates to the story.
We start the reading after coffee/tea and beautiful home baking.
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Shared Reading 2
We meet at 1.30 on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the home of the convenor
This group was formed after the original Shared Reading group reached capacity. The aim of Shared Reading is to share the experience of reading thought provoking short stories and poems together.
The leader selects a story and poem that are linked together thematically. The group then takes turns to read the story and poem aloud, pausing to discuss the subject along the way.
The aim of Shared Reading is to make human connections through reading literature together.
There is no preparation required, just a willingness to share.
We would welcome 1-2 new members.
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Short Walks
Our short walks take place the 3rd Thursday of the month and usually last between 1 and 1.5 hours, not too fast but not too slow.
We stay relatively close to home but a couple of times a year go further afield. An itinerary for the year is supplied in February, a recce done, usually by the Convenors and notification a week prior. We are a friendly, mixed group who enjoy the mandatory cafe stop.
Our aim is to use public transport where possible. However, when this is not possible, we park the cars in the Meadowbank Shopping Centre by 9.15 ready for a 9.30 departure and car pool to the destination.
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Time Poor Walkers
We meet every Wednesday morning by the St Heliers Bay Playground at 9:00am
The aim of Time Poor Walkers is to provide exercise and company for busy people who “want a quick weekly walk with good company”
A friendly discussion takes place as to who wishes to walk up Cliff Road or just walk Tamaki Drive depending on your fitness that morning. Our aim is to walk for an hour returning to La Vista Cafe at 10:00am for coffee and lively chat. Some walkers prefer to do their own walk but still join us at the Cafe. If you have other commitments on a Wednesday morning this is not a problem
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Wine Studies
Our meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month, in members’ homes.
The host chooses the wines and provides bread, cheese and water to accompany the wines. The host’s cost is reimbursed from a $20 fee paid by each member attending. Members take turns hosting
The Wine Study group tastes 4-6 wines, half white and half red. The wines are concealed in a black bag and marked out of 20. After the wines have been tasted, each member reveals their marks and comments on the wine. Then the wine is unmasked and the host advises details about the wine; grape variety, year, origin, where purchased and price. Lively discussion follows.
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Interest groups are the heart of U3A Meadowbank.
All members of U3A Meadowbank are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one group. For new members this is a great way to make new friends and become more involved.
There is a folder displayed at the monthly meetings giving contact details of each group, and a list of vacancies will be on the information Board