… if you’re expecting dull lectures and erudite trips. Because the u3a is far from being boring – it’s all about joining in and being part of an active community of like-minded people who want to share and develop their interests and skills.
Dorking & District u3a runs over 40 groups ranging from Badminton and Line Dancing to Photography, wine tasting and French lunches. All groups are run by members for members – no experts here, just a convivial atmosphere where everyone takes part in organising and running group activities.
Their guitar group started with just four members a couple of years ago but has since grown, meeting twice a month and showcasing their incredible skills. They have a very popular Singing for Pleasure group and an enthusiastic Ukulele group, both of which entertained members at our Christmas meeting. And their photography groups set themselves monthly challenges and showcase the best clips on their website.
Want to learn Bridge or other games? No problem – they have a group for you. Want to chill out then join the Tai Chi group that runs at Oddfellows Hall every week. Keeping fit with the Exercise for Health group not only helps you keep trim but dancing to music really gets the heart pumping.
They also organise events for the whole membership such as their very successful summer picnic at Buckland Lake Park and their days out and short trips are always fully booked. Last year they organised two trips – one to Devon and one to the Peak District. This spring they plan to explore Constable country and Suffolk including a trip on the river.
Monthly meetings enable people to meet informally, enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake while listening to well-known presenters on a wide range of subjects. Some of their talks are not for the faint hearted, covering such topics as Sex and Scandals at the Royal Court or Passports, Assassins, Traitors and Spies.
They don’t forget that some members join to meet others in a relaxed social atmosphere so the Vice Chairman organises regular lunches at a local pub or restaurant. And all are invited…
The Surrey Network also runs monthly study days so if you’re into archaeology or poetry or art, there’s a wide range of lectures you can choose to attend.
Intrigued? Check out the website www.dorkingu3a.org.uk or contact the membership Secretary John Sinclair on 01306 711542.
