Leisure
Courses in Detail
LEI 01: U3AC Bird Club
Organisers: Claude Smith & Robin Harrison
Day and time: Alternate Fridays all day
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 75
The club welcomes both novice and experienced birdwatchers to its all-day outings visiting reserves throughout East Anglia. Occasional short trips of 2-3 days are made elsewhere, and in each year a one week visit is arranged either in the UK or elsewhere in Europe. Day trips take place every other Friday in the autumn, spring and summer terms, meeting for coffee at or near the venue at 10am. Journeys are in members' cars, with passengers, at their discretion, contributing to the fuel costs. Social events include occasional club lunches and a coffee morning for new members before the autumn term.
Administration costs: the annual subscription is £3 per household. Please include a separate cheque for £3 made payable to 'U3AC Bird Club' with your main U3AC application form.
Members will be informed of the proposed programme each term.
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LEI 02: Bird Watching for Beginners
Tutor: Jeremy Clare
Day and time: Monday 1.15 - 2.15
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 40
An introduction to bird watching for absolute beginners. This is aimed at those who can tell the difference between a robin and a sparrow, but would like to be able to recognise the commoner birds that they come across. Information on bird guides, binoculars and where to see birds in East Anglia will also be covered.
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LEI 03: Bird Watching for the more Advanced Birder (spring term)
Tutor: Jeremy Clare
Day and time: Monday 1.00 - 2.00
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 20
This course is for those who want to be able to sort out some of the more difficult to recognise birds that can be found in East Anglia. Such as sorting out Greater and Lesser Scaup. It will also cover where and when to find some of the rarer and more difficult to find birds in East Anglia.
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LEI 04: U3AC Bowls Club (summer term)
Organisers: Ken & Ruth Richards
Day and time: Tuesday 3.00 - 5.00
Venue: Alexandra and Beehive Bowls Club, Alexandra Gardens, Carlyle Road
Terms: Summer.
Number of places: 32
Have you ever wanted to play bowls? … well, now is your chance. U3AC Bowls Club has a mixture of experienced and novice bowlers and we are always pleased to welcome new members in either category. We meet from early May until late August. The green we use is by kind permission of the Alexandra and Beehive Bowls Club. The facilities at this venue are extremely good. Tuition is available for complete beginners and learners and all equipment is supplied with the exception of shoes, which must be lightweight and have completely flat soles. Unlike previous years this class MUST be entered as one of your choices on your application form. There is a fee of £12 (+£2 if bowls required) for the 18 sessions (payable in May).
Note: Starts 3rd May.
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LEI 05: Bridge - Beginners Bridge
Tutor: Fred Peirce
Day and time: Thursday 2.00 - 4.30
Venue: St Mark's Parish Hall and Community Centre, Barton Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 32
Absolute beginners are welcome to this class which will teach you how to play the most fascinating card game in the world. You need no special equipment but you must be prepared to engage your brain and give time between classes to practise. Lapsed players have found this a good way of rekindling ancient memories, and everyone agrees that it’s the perfect antidote to senility - and fun at the same time.
Please do not park in Millington Road.
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LEI 06: Bridge - Chesterton Novice Bridge Group
Co-ordinators: Monica Williams & Sylvia Lock
Day and time: Thursday 10.00 - 12.00
Venue: St Andrew's Hall, Chesterton
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 14
This is a small, friendly group for players who are relatively new to the game and have a working knowledge of basic ACOL bidding and basic declarer and defensive play. There is no tutor so the group is unsuitable for beginners. New members can be sure of a warm welcome and many hours of enjoyable play.
Note: There will no longer be an additional fee for this class as a decrease in the hire charges of the venue has occurred
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LEI 07: Bridge - Coton Rubber Bridge Club
Organiser: Rowland Ware
Day and time: Thursday 1.30 - 4.00
Venue: Women's Institute Hall, Coton
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 40
Friendly rubber bridge for improvers, existing members, and players returning to the game after a break. Participants are expected to help set up occasionally.
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LEI 08: Bridge - Duplicate Bridge Club
Organisers: Richard Tregear & Fred Peirce
Day and time: Tuesday 1.45 - 4.15
Venue: St Mark's Parish Hall and Community Centre, Barton Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 48
This club is intended for rubber bridge players seeking to play Duplicate. Play and scoring will be explained to new members. Partners are chosen randomly at the beginning of each session except for those at the end of each month, where partners can be chosen. All pairs are required to play Standard Acol with a weak no-trump. All other conventions should be agreed with your partner and must be declared to opponents. Our aims are to enjoy and improve!
Please do not park in Millington Road.
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LEI 09: Bridge - The Fledgling Bridge Group
Organiser: Cynthia Clinch
Day and time: Friday 1.45 - 4.00
Venue: St Mark's Parish Hall and Community Centre, Barton Road
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 30
This is not a teaching class: it is intended for players who are relatively inexperienced or out of practice, and is not suitable for beginners. A knowledge and use of Basic Acol are essential. We enjoy rubber bridge in a relaxed and friendly environment where questions can be asked and notes consulted. If you arrive on your own you can be sure of a welcome and a table to join.
Please do not park in Millington Road.
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LEI 10: Bridge - Rubber Bridge Club
Co-ordinator: Val Lund
Day and time: Monday 1.45 - 4.00
Venue: St Mark's Parish Hall and Community Centre, Barton Road
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 80
Like all rubber bridge clubs, members will play rubber bridge throughout the afternoon. Tables and partnerships will be made up on arrival and changed after each rubber. Regular partnerships are not allowed. The emphasis is on enjoyment and good manners. Weaker players will not be ostracised and criticism is discouraged.
Please do not park in Millington Road
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LEI 11: Crossword Club
Convenor: Brenda Pryor
Day and time: Wednesday 11.15 - 12.30
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
A friendly club for experienced crossword solvers.
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LEI 12: Cryptic Crosswords Beginners (condensed)
Tutor: Rosemary Leach
Day and time: Monday 11.30 - 12.30
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 15
Learn the 'tricks of the trade' and about helpful books and gadgets, with notes to aid you on your way. The latter time in class will be spent solving crosswords in small groups. (Bring own ballpoint pens).
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LEI 13: Croquet (summer term)
Tutor: Keith Heywood
Day and time: Thursday 2.00 - 5.00
Venue: Histon and Impington Recreation Ground
Terms: Summer.
Number of places: 6
We will introduce course members gradually to all they need to know for an enjoyable afternoon and start games in the first or second week. We play association croquet. (There is something called golf croquet which we don't play!) The course is intended for beginners or those who have played before, our main objectives being fresh air, fun and a social activity including a tea break. There is the possibility of playing on into the summer after the course finishes.
Note: Starts 21st April.
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LEI 14: U3AC Garden Group
Co-ordinator: Eunice Fisher
Day and time: Alternate Wednesdays 10.30 - 12.00
Venue: Baptist Hall, Green End, Comberton
Terms: Autumn, spring (5 weeks each term)
Number of places: 30
Garden enthusiasts meet to enjoy illustrated talks on a wide range of aspects of gardens and gardening. Alison Davies will continue to be a valued contributor, along with other knowledgeable plants people. Members are encouraged to participate in discussions and share their expertise. In the summer garden visits will be arranged.
Note: Starts 13th October.
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LEI 15: Practical Gardening
Co-ordinator: Cathy Jennings
Day and time: Fridays, monthly throughout the year 10.30 - 12.00
Venue: Members' homes/gardens
Number of places: 10
Whether you are experienced, new or looking to branch out, this group is for keen gardeners. We will meet monthly throughout the year, visiting each other's gardens and sharing our experience of plants, garden design, pruning, propagation and other perennial problems. Then over a cup of coffee we might exchange plants, borrow books and make plans for the coming season.
Note: Starts 15th October.
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LEI 16: Mah Jong Group
Convenor: Margaret Riches
Day and time: Monday 1.30 - 3.30
Venue: Room 2, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 16
Mah Jong is a game for 4 players using a set of 144 tiles. We play the Western version of the game and follow the rules set out in A Game of Mah Jong Illustrated by Patricia A Thompson & Betty Maloney. It is a non-gambling game and enjoyable to play. Experienced players, rusty players and beginners are welcome.
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LEI 17: Scrabble Group 1
Leader: Helen Thacker
Day and time: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 12
An opportunity for beginners and more experienced players to meet informally and enjoy a couple of games. A friendly sociable group.
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LEI 18: Scrabble Group 2
Organiser: Pat Bass
Day and time: Monday 2.00 - 4.00
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 12
A cheerful, "mixed ability" group. The only qualification is a love of Scrabble.
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LEI 19: Punting (summer term)
Tutor: Ursula Stubbings
Day and time: Thursday 11.00 - 12.00
Venue: Meet on Silver Street bridge
Terms: Summer.
Number of places: 5
Would you like to learn to punt so you can take your visitors out on the Cam? Basic instruction and advice will be given by a non-professional punter! Bring non-slip shoes and a towel. Only swimmers need apply.
There will be a charge for the hire of the punt.
Note: 5 sessions only, timing/day of the classes may change for some weeks
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LEI 20: Social Card Games
Tutor: Carlos De La Riva
Day and time: Monday 3.30 - 5.00
Venue: St Andrew's Hall, Chesterton
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 15
This course teaches a wide variety of card games, dice and casino type games using an open play technique to help players acquire the required skill. The autumn term sets the basis for the more challenging games of the spring and summer terms. No prior knowledge is required besides a willingness to learn new sets of rules. The course material can be tailored to the abilities and aspirations of students. This is a fun activity achieved in a relaxed social setting where abundant practice furthers proficiency at play.
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Film Group
Do not apply for this on your application form for courses.
The Film Group programme will consist of a wide range of international productions. Full details of the Autumn season of films will be included in the U3AC August newsletter. New members are always welcome to join in the informal after show discussions. Screenings will all take place at the Arts Picturehouse on Tuesday afternoons.
Note: There is a charge of £27.50 per term payable to Arts Picturehouse.
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