Sutton Bridge

Interest Groups

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The U3A Sutton Bridge Executive Committee recently advised and recommended that all Interest Group meetings be suspended for a period of three months. Government directions have now forbidden meetings such as these, and we urge all members to abide by these restrictions.

We know that most Interest Group Leaders and their members are already planning how to stay in contact with each other, and exploring ways to continue to enjoy their chosen subjects in spite of not being able to meet. The Committee is also working hard to identify ways to support groups in this aim. Regular updates, and notice of initiatives, will be circulated to all members, so please look out for these.

The U3A and the U3A News tabs at the top of this page have additional advice and information from National Office. U3As around the country are sharing ideas for staying in touch in these difficult times, and your own group might be inspired by some of these suggestions.

Our Interest Groups

Interest Groups are the lifeblood of U3A Sutton Bridge and reflect the knowledge, skills and expertise of our members.

Over the years since the start of U3A Sutton Bridge there has been a flourish of groups starting. The range of groups which function depends on the members who have may have a skill or interest which they would enjoy sharing with others, or simply a desire to learn something new.

It is in the groups that friendships are forged as members follow their shared interests. Leaders of groups are not necessarily experts - enthusiasm is more important, as the direction taken is generated by the group.

It is easy to join a U3A Sutton Bridge group, just come along to one of our regular monthly General Meetings, details of which are on the Welcome page and you can enrol there and then.

Larger groups meet in a hired room, smaller groups in members' homes.

Most groups meet during the day.

Visitors are not permitted to enrol in any Interest Group or to attend an Interest Group Meeting until the membership fee is paid and a membership number issued.

We are always seeking to expand the range of groups which we offer. If you have a particular interest and think you might like to form a group, please discuss it with the Interest Group Coordinator or any member of the committee.

New and Proposed Groups

Beer, Wine & Bus Pass Quizzers

This new group has come about because of the constraints of the COVID-19 crisis. The original Beer, Wine & Bus Pass group is, of course, currently confined to barracks, but to keep the spirits of group members up, they have recently trialled a quiz session via Zoom video conferencing. We're told that it was great fun, and a lot of laughs were had. Goodness knows we all need a bit of that at the moment!

If you are not already a member of the original Beer, Wine & Bus Pass group (who have automatically been transferred into the new group) but fancy a spot of quizzing from the comfort of your own home, please contact Group Leader Chris Livesey.

For more details about what you will need and how to take part, please click this link: Beer, Wine & Bus Pass Quizzers.

Tutto Italiano

The Italian Group is changing to Everything Italian!

Group Leader, Jim Stalley, proposes that this group focuses less on the Italian language, and more on wider Italian life, as there is so much to explore and celebrate about this fascinating country. Jim's background is in Italian wine, so that's a pretty good start!

Other topics might include cuisine, culture, customs, art & architecture, music, cinema, cities .... the possibilities are endless, and will be decided upon by group members.

In the course of looking at the many aspects of Italian life, knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and idioms should increase as a matter of course, without the dry study often associated with learning a foreign language.

Jim would particularly welcome help in organising this group. This could be one person, or the various duties could be shared amongst group members. Please consider stepping up to help Jim develop this eclectic group.

Astronomy
Seven members have signed up. A Group Leader is required.

Discussion 2
Ann Elwes, the Group Leader of the original Discussion Group, has been turning away new members because it's felt that the group already has the ideal number of participants. To accommodate new members, Ann would be happy to lead a second Discussion group from her own home.

German Conversation
This is a small, friendly group for those who already have a knowledge of spoken German, and who would enjoy practising their skills with others. Five members have signed up so far, with Merle Crosse as Group Leader. This is not an appropriate group for complete beginners.

Let's Make Some Music
Three members have signed up, with Clifford Wood as Group Leader.

Lunch Group 3
The Dining Out group (formerly Lunch & Dinner Group 1) and Lunch Group 2 are both full to capacity, so a third option is now available. Roger Lancaster has proposed Lunch Group 3 to accommodate those on the waiting lists for the first two foodie groups. It also offers an alternative to current members of both those groups, as they can also sign up for Lunch Group 3, to take advantage of different venues with different menus. 13 members have already signed up, so it looks good to go!

Photography
Six members have signed up. A Group Leader is required.

Anyone can lead a group. No experience is required, just enthusiasm. The Interest Group Coordinator will give you all the help you need, so please come forward and talk to us about it. You can make a difference by helping to get a new group off the ground, and we want you to have fun doing it!

If you are interested in joining any of these groups contact the Interest Group Coordinator, Maureen Sinclair-Currie.
Please ensure you know your Membership Number when joining groups.

A polite request - If you are a member of a group, but find you are unable to attend one of the meetings, or if you no longer wish to be part of that particular group, PLEASE inform your Group Leader as soon as possible.

Full groups are indicated by a grey background.
New groups are indicated by a yellow background.