CURRENT AFFAIRS

Members of our group volunteer to prepare talks for meetings on a subject of their choice. Each meeting consists of coffee, a talk lasting around ¾ hour, followed by a lively discussion. Members do not have to give a talk if they would prefer just to listen and join in the discussion. Anyone interested is welcome to attend one or two meetings before deciding whether to join the group.
The subjects of the talks are very wide ranging, and we aim to cover them in rather more depth than is usually provided by the media. Last season’s talks included “Energy Policy”, “Scottish Devolution”, and “The PPE Controversy”
Anyone interested in joining the group is welcome to attend one or two meetings to try it out. (Vacancies)

Contact :   Jill Griffiths

Meetings :   Monday,   3rd,   10.00 - 12.00

ETHICAL DILEMMAS

After an initial presentation members enthusiastically discuss a wide range of difficult ethical problems. Subjects are chosen and presented by the members of the group.

Contact :  Ann Slater

Meetings :   Thursday,   2nd,   10.00 - 12.00

EUROPE TODAY

The group studies issues or themes by individual European Country or those that are common across the European Union as a whole. The theme for each year is agreed at a summer lunch and have included such topics  as the militarisation of Europe, the history of Muslim Spain, devolution, trade post-Brexit, transport, migration, disputed borders and much more.

 The group meets October to May.

Contact:  John Harris

Meetings :   Friday,   2nd,   10.00 - 12.00

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

This lively group covers a wide range of subjects related to Europe. Subjects are chosen 3 months in advance by the members. Some bring along press cuttings, opinion pieces or even short presentations but others just come for the friendly discussions. Last year we covered Refugees, Health in the EU, Living and Working in the EU, Research in UK vs. Euroope and many othe topics.
We share with other “European” Interest groups, arrange joint sessions and even visit European restaurants.
Vacancies

The group meets October to May.

Contact:  Rob White

Meetings: Mondays 1st, 2.00 - 4.00 PM

EUROPEAN FILM GROUP

This study group has run successfully for over 8 years now. It meets monthly, rotating between members’ homes, in the afternoon of the second Tuesday of the month.
The genesis of the group was a modern literature study group which meant that we adopted a different format from other film groups. Rather than watch a film together and have a short discussion immediately afterwards, we watch the chosen film at our own homes, reflect upon it and then get together for a 1 1/2 to 2 hour discussion led by the member who selected the film. Members take turns to choose a European film (with subtitles!) and lead the discussion. The discussions are expected to be wide ranging including exploring the social background at the time the film was made, the themes/questions posed by the film and how they reflect society and its values. Discussion of the cinematic technique etc is encouraged but knowledge of these aspects is by no means a requirement. On the contrary current members have little knowledge of this but are very willing to learn together!
In recent years we have studied Italian Neo-Realists from 1945 - 1975 and then went on to study the French New Wave which was influenced by it. We then had an Ingmar Bergman “season” before moving on to the German films of the 1970’s and 80’s influenced by the New Wave movement.
Members normally view any film either as a DVD or by streaming it. With Amazon Prime and its linked sites such as the British Film Institute many films can easily be streamed. Some members purchase the DVDs and lend them to other members before a meeting. The cost of the DVD will accordingly be borne in mind in choosing a film. Films are usually found at less than £7 through Amazon/its partners, local shops, second hand or the BFI shop. The organiser is happy to do research on the availability of films before one is selected by a member. We’ve got very adept at passing DVDs on between members prior to a meeting.
If you are interested in participating in this group please contact John Clark. Details below
 

If you are interested in participating in this group please contact John Clark. Details below.

Contact :   John Clark

Meetings :  Tuesday, 2nd, 14:00 to 16:00.

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MIGRATION OF PEOPLE

We study people who migrated in any period of history for reasons of persecution, economic  religious or other causes.  Individuals make a study for a discussion in the group choosing a migration of people from any period in history of a family or tribe, religious sect or a race who migrated for reasons of persecution, economic, religious etc

Contact :   Linda Alleeson

Meetings :   Tuesday,  3rd,   10.00 - 12.00

PHILOSOPHY

The Group meet to read and discuss a shared  philosophical text. No previous experience required.  We meet in members’ homes. 

Contact :   David Milman

Meetings :   Tuesday,   1st,   10:15 - 12:00

STOCK MARKET DISCUSSION

We discuss world economies, politics, currencies and stockmarkets.  There is an underlying  “game” where members pick one share to hold for the year and another to change every 2  months.  The winner is the one whose shares perform best over the year.  No actual investment takes place!
.Vacancies.
 

Contact :    Roger Fishwick

Meetings :   Wednesdays,   3rd,   14:00 - 16:00