Thatcham U3A Study Days
We have been running some more Study Days since 2013. The first one on Creative Writing has resulted in a new group being set up. Contact the Study Day Organiser if you have a suggestion for a study day.
Please note For members not on email. Details of Study days will be sent out to you if you provide SAE to either the Secretary or the Study Day Organiser. Application forms will also be available at the preceding General Meetings.
Previous Study Days
Creative Writing
November 2022 - Another successful workshop with 16 members
February 2018 - Leader Claire Dyer, a published author.
How to build characters and write dialogue.
Music Appreciation
September 2018 - Leader Terry Barfoot
British Composers and The Great War.
Cryptic Crosswords
March 2018 - Leader Henry Howarth
A blend of theory and practical activities on how cryptic clues work and how to solve them.
Singing Workshop, Old Blue coat School
May 2017 - Leader Nik Stoter
Once again breathing exercises and vocal warm-ups were followed by some singing games and tongue twisters. Some of the songs covered were Oklahoma and Edelweiss.
Art Study Day- Kennet School
April 2017 - Leader Tanya Patey
The Study Day introduced participants to the techniques involved with producing a multi-media picture.
March 2016 – Leader Tanya Patey
The Study Day introduced participants to the techniques involved with using pastel pencils. The subject matter was animal portraits and flowers.
Study Days 2015
Singing Workshop, Old Blue coat School
July – Leader Nik Stoter
After some theory on voice production and tips on protecting your voice work began on breathing exercises and some challenging warm-ups. Songs included ‘It’s getting better’ Mamas and Papas, Carpenters ‘Sing, sing a song’ and ‘I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair’ from South Pacific.
The Knights Hospitallers , Old Bluecoat School
October - Leader Canon Martin Coppen.
The Knights Hospitallers, also known at the Knights of St John (of Jerusalem,) were an ancient order formed during the Crusades to run a hospital in Jerusalem. They eventually moved their HQ to Malta. They played a significant role across Europe and in Great Britain, with estates, and houses even, in North Hampshire and West Berkshire. Through presentations and hands-on research we discovered together their history, and found traces of their presence locally, not least in the continuing work of the Order. An inspiring story.
Historic Buildings in Thatcham, Old Bluecoat School
September- Leader Dr Nick Young
Most members know Nick who is a long standing and well- known local historian and writer of books on the history of Thatcham. He has given us some stimulating talks about Thatcham. Nick offered us a glimpse of a few hidden and lost corners in the centre of the ancient village which appears in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest continuously inhabited site in Britain.
An outline history of Thatcham was followed by an introduction to some historic buildings in the village, some of which sadly no longer exist. We were given a guided walking tour of the town centre and Nick gave us a feeling of the history of the old village.