Fitness
Courses in
Detail
FIT 01: BADMINTON: WEDNESDAY
Organiser: Mo Sibbons
Day and time: Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
A social badminton session for players. Racquets (if required) and shuttles are provided. For more information see FIT 02. The cost is £2.30 per session payable to KKSC. This session is not suitable for beginners.
Note: Starts 7th September.
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FIT 02: BADMINTON: FRIDAY
Organiser: Mike Walker
Day and time: Friday throughout the year 10.00 - 12.00
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 24
Badminton is excellent exercise and great fun. The course is now in its ninth year with a core of regular players, some of whom also play on Wednesdays - same times, same venue. We play on almost every Friday of the year, regardless of U3AC term dates, with the exception of days when KK management require the hall for major events. There is no coaching or tuition and previous badminton experience is vital but there is a range of ability. A reasonable fitness standard is essential. The cost is £2.30 per session, levied by KKSC who provide racquets.
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FIT 03: CIRCLE DANCE
Leader: Ursula Stubbings
Day and time: Monday 1.30 - 3.00
Venue: The Centre at St Pauls, Hills Road
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 30
Sometimes called Sacred Dance, these dances are drawn from all cultures but mainly Eastern European, Greek and Israeli. All dances are done in a circle and partners are not necessary. Dances will be chosen to suit the group - many are slow and meditative, but more lively ones can be included. The atmosphere evoked by moving to this beautiful and traditional music is very therapeutic. Previous members must enrol formally if they wish to continue. New members are always welcome.
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FIT 04: GENTLE BALET MOVEMENT 1
Co-ordinator: Sheila Farrant
Day and time: Wednesday 10.15 - 11.15
Venue: St Columba's Church, Downing Place
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 12
This class is taught by a qualified ballet and exercise teacher. Its aim is to offer a gentle, fun dance class that incorporates ballet exercises in a way that enables mature bodies to enjoy artistic movement safely. No previous ballet experience is necessary and the class is open to all those who love dancing and moving to ballet music. Tracksuit leggings and T shirt can be worn alongside ballet shoes or socks.
Note: Additional fee of £55 to pay for the tutor, payable on application.
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FIT 05: GENTLE BALLET MOVEMENT 2
Co-ordinator: Sheila Farrant 
Day and time: Wednesday 11.00 - 12.00
Venue: St Columba's Church, Downing Place
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 12
Course outline as FIT 04.
Note: Additional fee of £55 to pay for the tutor, payable on application.
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FIT 06: TAP DANCE
Co-ordinator: Gillian Adams
Day and time: Tuesday 1.30 - 2.30
Venue: St Columba's Church, Downing Place
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 15
Previous experience of tap dancing is not necessary, but enthusiasm and a reasonable level of fitness is needed. New members would be most welcome to this friendly group. A professional tutor is employed to teach the class, for which there is an additional fee of £99 for the year, payable on application. This can be paid by 3 post-dated cheques of £33 (contact the office for further details).
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FIT 07: SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING (MONDAY)
Tutor: Hazel Ashment
Day and time: Monday 11.00 - 1.00
Venue: The Orchard Community Centre, Central Avenue, Orchard Park
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
Scottish Country Dancing is for those who want to have fun using their brains as much as their bodies. You need to be really fit with a good memory. This is not Ceilidh dancing.
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FIT 08: SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING (WEDNESDAY)
Tutor: Hazel Ashment
Day and time: Wednesday 2.00 - 4.00
Venue: Unitarian Church, Emmanuel Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
Course outline as FIT 07.
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FIT 09: THIRD AGE DANCE
Tutors: Maddy Tongue & Hazel Francomb
Day and time: Wednesday 10.00 - 11.00
Venue: St Andrew's Street Baptist Hall, St Andrew's Street
Terms: Autumn, spring (8 weeks each term).
Number of places: 24
New venue, but more of the same. A Laban based class developing movement phrases into dance. Teaching is shared between the tutors.
Note: Venue has changed to St. Andrew's Street Baptist Hall in Central Cambridge.
Starts 12th October.
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FIT 10: EXERCISE GROUP 1
Co-ordinator: Christine Russell
Day and time: Monday 10.00 - 11.00
Venue: The Studio, Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
Exercise to music, which aims to improve fitness, flexibility and strength is taught by a suitably qualified member of the KK staff. Comfortable clothing and trainers/plimsolls to change into required. The class runs throughout the year, except August, for a total of 36 weeks. There are half term breaks to coincide with local schools.
Please make a note of dates:
19 September - 12 December not 24 October
9 January - 26 March not 13 February
16 April - 23 July not 7 May, 28 May or 4 June
Note: There is an additional fee of £45 to pay for the tutor to be paid in advance with application form.
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FIT 11: EXERCISE GROUP 2
Co-ordinator: Christine Russell
Day and time: Monday 11.00 - 12.00
Venue: The Studio, Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
As for FIT 10.
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FIT 12: GENTLE EXERCISE
Co-ordinator: Jennifer Houghton
Day and time: Monday 10.00 - 11.00
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Jesus Lane
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 16
This class will be a self-help group following the gentle exercises of previous years, aiming at improving posture and maintaining mobility of the joints. Members may do as much or as little as they wish. They may like to bring a small mat or blanket to lie on, and one or two paperbacks for a headrest.
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FIT 13: MOVING WITH EASE: THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD
Tutor: Susan Dillon
Day and time: Tuesday 11.15 - 12.15
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Jesus Lane
Terms: Autumn, spring, possibly summer.
Number of places: 12
This course, based on the work of Dr Moshe Feldenkrais, will help you learn to move with minimum effort and maximum efficiency - not by using muscular strength but by becoming more aware of how you move. You will be verbally guided through sequences of movements in basic positions: sitting or lying on the floor, standing, or sitting in a chair. The emphasis will be on recognising habitual movement patterns and developing new alternatives. These sometimes subtle movements are relaxing and help to increase flexibility and co-ordination. You may wish to bring a towel or blanket to put on top of the mats that will be provided.
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FIT 14: ROCK CLIMBING
Leader: Ian Steen
Day and time: Thursday 2.00 - 4.00
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 15
Activities include climbing and abseiling, with instruction in movement and rope work at the Sports Centre and during the Summer possibly in the Peak District and elsewhere. The course is open to all ages and abilities and beginners are welcome. A weekly entrance fee will be payable to Kelsey Kerridge for use of the climbing wall.
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FIT 15: ROWING
Co-ordinator: Kate Merrington
Day and time: Wednesday 9.30 - 11.30
Venue: Combined Colleges Boathouse, Logan's Way
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 12
The U3AC rowing class is part of Camrowers, a club which provides recreational, non-competitive rowing for pleasure and health. We provide rowing instruction by qualified coaches. St John's College kindly lets us use their facilities, which include changing rooms, showers and a place to have coffee. Each session starts with a warm-up on the indoor rowing machines. We then go down the river, mostly in single sculls. We use 'Virus' training boats. We also have larger coxed boats for 2 or 4 people. The only requirement is that you can swim 50 metres. There is a £1 Club membership fee plus £4 per session. We also make a one-off £10 charge to cover training. We meet thoughout the year, not just in term times with a phased start from mid September.
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FIT 16: TABLE TENNIS (AM)
Organiser: Richard Newstead
Day and time: Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 28
Table tennis is beneficial for hand-eye co-ordination, and is surprisingly good exercise but the main objective is simply to have fun. The groups encompass a wide range of ability. Kelsey Kerridge supply bats and balls and the cost is £2.30 per session.
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FIT 17: TABLE TENNIS (PM)
Leaders: Anne Pitman & John Fairclough
Day and time: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 24
Table tennis is a delightful game, good exercise and useful for hand-eye co-ordination but the main objective is to enjoy it. The standard varies a great deal. Don't worry if you haven't played for many years, just come along and try your hand again. Bats and balls are provided by Kelsey Kerridge and the cost at time of writing is £2.30 per session.
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FIT 18: TABLE TENNIS 3
Co-ordinators: Lilas Davison, Jenny Macmillan & Allan Richford
Day and time: Monday 3.00 - 5.00
Venue: Manor Community College, Arbury Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 22
All welcome to join though some knowledge of the game would be preferable. Bats and balls provided. Closed on Bank Holidays.
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FIT 19: TABLE TENNIS 4
Co-ordinators: Barbara Patterson & David Thear
Day and time: Friday 3.00 - 5.00
Venue: Manor Community College, Arbury Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 25
Join us at our new venue in Arbury. Beginners very welcome. Bats and balls provided. Lots of exercise and plenty of laughs.
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FIT 20: T'AI CHI CHAUN AND CHI KUNG BEGINNERS PART 1
Tutor: Mike Tabrett
Day and time: Wednesday 11.50 - 12.50
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
T’ai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung are ‘internal’ arts rooted in the healing, meditational and martial traditions of China. They integrate relaxation, meditation, breathing and postural elements that help us develop balancing and harmonious movements. They include both individual exercises and flowing sequences (or ‘forms’); this class will concentrate on individual exercises and is suitable for beginners or advanced. They are an excellent stand alone practise for health or can provide a good foundation for learning a form (a form class is taught earlier in the day).
These arts emphasise working with the natural stuctures and movements of the body according to well established basic principles that allow for a great deal of flexibility in their expression. In addition to the physical element of the practise the mind is encouraged to quieten and focus through the movements. In combination these different elements enable people of all ages, types and abilities.
We start by learning relaxation techniques, correct breathing and posture and develop these through movements that can be practised without the use of any special equipment. The emphasis is on learning at a patient, gentle pace; through repetition, familiarity with the movements and principles increases, enabling individuals to continue their practise safely in their own homes should they wish to.
T’ai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung have proven to be effective in helping to manage a wide range of chronic health conditions including: stress related conditions; Diabetes; MS; respiratory and cardiac problems; long term consequences of stroke and head injury; balance and mobility problems; arthritis; poor flexibility and high blood pressure.
Dates: 12 October - 14 December 2011, not 26 October
11 January - 28 March 2012, not 15 February
25 April - 30 May 2012
Note: Additional fee of £32 to pay for the tutor, payable on application.
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FIT 21: T'AI CHI CHAUN AND CHI KUNG BEGINNERS PART 2
Tutor: Mike Tabrett
Day and time: Wednesday 9.30 - 10.30
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
This class will be a continuation of the Beginners 1 class held last year. We will continue learning the Short Form and basic principles in the same way as last year, aiming to complete the sequence by the end of the academic year. If you are new to T’ai Chi it is best to consider the ‘Tai Chi and Chi Kung Exercise’ class (FIT 20) as a beginners class that will prepare you for entry in to the T’ai Chi form class at this time in the following academic year.
Please note that this class will require you to be standing and moving around for an hour; if you have any concerns about your ability to do this class or any particular health needs that you wish to discuss please contact the tutor to determine if this is the right class for you.
Note: Additional fee of £32 to pay for the tutor, payable on application.
See FIT 20 for dates.
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FIT 22: T'AI CHI CHUAN AND CHI KUNG INTERMEDIATE
Tutor: Mike Tabrett
Day and time: Wednesday 10.40 - 11.40
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 30
This course will work with the whole of the Short Form and exercise programme to enable students to develop and deepen their practise. You will need to have completed a beginner's course, although enthusiasm is more important than skill!
Note: Additional fee of £32 to pay for the tutor, payable on application.
See FIT 20 for dates.
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FIT 23: WALKING - RAMBLING
Organiser: Philip Shaw
Day and time: Thursday 9.00 - 3.00
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer throughout the year.
Number of places: 80
Rambling is for those who wish a day's walking each week for 51 weeks of the year. The walks are mostly within 25 miles of Cambridge and are between 8 and 11 miles. Appropriate outdoor clothing is essential. In winter we use pubs for lunch, in the warmer months we take a picnic.
Programme of walks October 2011 - March 2012 here
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FIT 24: WALKING - 6 MILES
Co-ordinators: Robin Turner & Ray Howarth
Secretary: Di Barton
Day and time: Monday 9.45 - 12.40
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer throughout the year.
Number of places: 34
Walks will be between 5½ and 6½ miles, lasting about 2½ hours. We meet at a village pub or similar normally within about 15 miles of Cambridge, where lunch may be taken. Car sharing is encouraged to reduce the need for parking space, so contact details of members will be circulated. If you do not wish your contact details to be released to other members, please indicate this on your application form.
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FIT 25: WALKING - EASY RAMBLING
Organisers: David Evans & John Bebbington & Chris Wright
Day and time: Alternate Thursdays 10.00 - 1.00
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 58
Easy Rambling is for people who are happy to walk in all weathers. Walking is on alternate Thursdays, with members divided into two groups. The walks mostly start within 15 miles of Cambridge, cover between 5 and 6 miles, and take about 2½ hours. Stout footwear and outdoor clothing are essential and a stick is advisable. Each walk is followed by a pub lunch. (Optional but enjoyable).
Note: There will be an introductory meeting at 10.15 am on Thursday 29th September at St James' Church, Wulfstan Way, Cambridge. All members are expected to attend, especially new walkers, when the programme of walks will be distributed. Could applicants indicate if they are willing to lead a walk (routes supplied).
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FIT 26: WALKING - GENTLE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinators: Penny Ainsworth & Ken Smith
Additional Co-ordinator: Mark Moss
Day and time: Alternate Wednesdays 10.00 - 12.30
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 19
These walks are designed for those who enjoy walking gently in the countryside for 3-4 miles. As far as possible walks will avoid stiles and paths difficult to negotiate. Walks will start within 15 miles of Cambridge at a village pub where lunch can be taken after the walk. Members are encouraged to lead a walk or be deputy leader of a walk and do a recce of the walk to be done the following week.
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FIT 27: WALKING FOR PLEASURE (WEEKLY)
Organiser: Philip Shaw
Day and time: Tuesday 9.30 - 2.00
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer throughout the year.
Number of places: 80
There will be a walk each week throughout the year. Walks will be between 5½ & 7 miles. Appropriate clothing is sensible and a stick helpful. Walks start and end at a pub where lunch is available.
If you have an email address let the office know, it is most useful for organising the group.
Programme of walks October 2011 - March 2012 here
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FIT 28: WALKING FOR PLEASURE (FORTNIGHTLY)
Organisers: Philip Shaw & Graham Kirkup
Day and time: Alternate Tuesdays 10.00 - 12.30
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 45
This group is an alternative to FIT 27. We possibly walk a little less fast, but basically the same format. Members will receive the programme of walks prior to the start of term.
Programme of walks October 2011 - March 2012 here
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FIT 29: WALKING - VERY SHORT WALKS GROUP
Co-ordinators: Judy Wilson & Barbara Tregear
Day and time: Alternate Thursdays 10.30 - 1.00 (meet at 10.15)
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 25
This friendly group is for members who enjoy a good country walk at a reasonable pace, but are limited in how far they can go, for whatever reason. The group normally walks for 2.5 to 3 miles, occasionally undertaking a longer walk of 4 miles. We try to use routes, on average, around 10 miles from Cambridge. Most members take turns in the year to be leaders or deputies, singly or in pairs, who do a recce the previous week. People leading for the first time are offered suggestions on walk routes and as much or as little help as they feel they want from experienced leaders. Use of sticks, rainwear and strong footwear are recommended for all members.
An optional pub lunch is booked for the end of the walk and there are two additional lunch meetings during the year in members' homes. We don't arrange lifts but exchange contact details so people can ask other members to share transport with them if they want.
A briefing meeting will be held on Thursday 6th October at 10.30 in Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street - everyone is asked to attend. The first walk will be held on 13th October.
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FIT 30: YOGA: MONDAY
Leader: Clive Whitfield
Day and time: Monday 2.00 - 3.15
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Hartington Grove
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 15
We practise a wide range of Yoga poses including stretching, balancing and relaxation to increase suppleness and flexibility. You should check with your doctor before starting any new exercise regime, or if you have any health problems. You should wear loose stretchable clothing and bring a non-slip yoga mat.
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FIT 31: YOGA: WEDNESDAY
Leader: Janet Scally
Day and time: Wednesday 11.30 - 12.40
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Hartington Grove
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 18
We practise a wide range of Yoga poses including stretching, balancing and relaxation to increase our suppleness and flexibility. Check with your doctor if necessary before enrolling. You will need to wear loose clothing and use a non-slip mat.
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FIT 32: YOGA (LYENGAR)
Tutor: Julia Dale
Day and time: Thursday 10.30 - 12.00
Venue: Unitarian Church, Emmanuel Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 15
Alignment in Yoga asanas soothes and strengthens the body, preparing the mind for meditation. These classes will also focus on simple breathing and relaxation in savasana. Do bring a blanket with you, and a mat if you already have one. Wear suitable clothing - not constricting; bare feet. Check with your doctor, if necessary, before enrolling.
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FIT 33: YOGA AND RELAXATION 1
Tutor: Richard M Parker
Day and time: Wednesday 9.45 - 11.00
Venue: The Centre at St Paul's, Hills Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 24
Yoga is a healing therapy especially with daily practice. The word Yoga means 'union', thus the practices aim to integrate all the various aspects of one's being (the spiritual, mental and physical). The Yoga methods are a multi-dimensional approach, incorporating physical exercises, breathing techniques, diet, massage, relaxation, meditation and philosophy. The effects of Yoga practice are both curative and preventative and will be reflected not only in the body but also in the spirit and mind.
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FIT 34: YOGA AND RELAXATION 2
Tutor: Kate Grillet
Day and time: Wednesday 11.15 - 12.45 (arrive at 11 am)
Venue: The Centre at St Paul's, Hills Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
Yoga is the oldest physical discipline there is. Yoga postures stretch, extend and flex the spine. They exercise the muscles and joints, keeping the body strong and supple. They also stimulate circulation, digestion, nervous and endocrine systems, keeping you healthy and energetic. Relaxation and breathing reduce stress and put you in touch with your inner strength, particularly important as you grow older. You will learn to let go of stiffness and tension that inhibit movement. We will include some simple massage to help you relax and unwind. Wear loose stretchable clothing and bring a Yoga mat and a thin blanket. Designed for all abilities but consult your doctor before you apply, and call Kate to discuss the class if you are new to Yoga.
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FIT 35: WISE DANCE, WILD DANCE - COMMUNITY DANCE GROUP
Tutor: Hazel Francomb
Day & Time: Monday 11.00 – 12.30
Venue: St. Columba’s Church Hall, Downing Place, Cambridge.
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 20
Creative dance for fun and fitness. Explore your world through dance. These sessions combine healthy movement training with creativity. The work is specifically tailored for people who love dance who are over 55. The classes draw from the teacher’s thirty years of teaching experience in Contemporary and Laban dance, improvisation and choreography, T’ai Chi and dance for health. New and inexperienced members are welcome.
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FIT 36: YOGA: MONDAY 2
Day and time: Monday 3.30 – 4.45
Repeat of FIT 30.
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CYCLING CLUB
Co-ordinator: Beth Morgan
Assistant Co-ordinators: Dick Wilson & Richard McMullan
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Most rides start in Cambridge though some will use the train to get further afield.Rides are of varying distances, and will be labelled slow, medium or fast. You choose which rides you fancy from the programme (which is continually updated), whether you wish to go on one or on many.
There is no limit to membership and you can join at any time by sending an email to: cyclingu3ac@gmail.com or by contacting the office.
Note: The Cycling Club should not be included as one of your choices on the application form.
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SWIMMING AT THE LEYS SCHOOL
Organiser: Greg Wren
U3AC Swimming at the Leys School
**Important change for September**
After over 20 years we are now unable to provide for more than one session per week. The recent flexibility to switch between Tuesday and Thursday has been a major attraction.
However from September the Leys Sports' Centre Management will increase the hire charge from £60 to £70 per one hour session. This is to meet extraordinary cost increases. We are therefore forced to reduce to one session per week.
At the time of printing the August newsletter our members are voting to choose between Tuesday and Thursday. Existing membership is 33; some may not wish to continue. However for next term we cannot take on new members or anyone beyond the present 33 until the position is clearer.
The December Newsletter will report on progress and the arrangements for January - April 2012.
Prospective new members are offered a sample free swim to see if the 25 metre pool and facilities suit them.
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