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Study Groups
How Groups Work
Study groups are organised by subject and each subject group is listed on this website. Go to Groups by Category tab and the Group Index tab to find out more details about a specific subject.
Our Insurance Policy covers U3A members and the occasional non-member. Sevenoaks U3A allows non-members intending to join our U3A to attend group meetings or outings as guests on a one-off basis.
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Information on a Number of Walking Guides can be found in our Members Section under Publications
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Garden Group 3 |
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Each heading below contains a list of all the subject groups within that category. To find out more about any specific group, click on the link for that category and it will take you to the page which contains full details of each group. Please then click on the tab for the group you are interested in. |
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NOTE: Below is the list of all our subject groups. To find out more about any specific group, click on the link for that group and it will take you to the Category page. Please then click on the tab for the group you are interested in.
Monday Morning |
Monday Afternoon |
Current Affairs (3rd) |
Apple Group (4th) |
Garden 5 (2nd) |
Chess (3rd) |
Italian Conversation (2nd & 4th) |
Computer Open Group (3rd) |
London Studies 2 (1st) |
Music Appreciation A (3rd) |
Science Discussion 1 (1st) |
Music Appreciation B (4th) |
English Concertina (Alternate) |
Singing For Fun (1st, 3rd) |
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Science Open Group (2nd) |
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Writing - Sevenoaks Scribes (2nd, 4th) |
Tuesday Morning
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Tuesday Afternoon |
Wednesday Morning |
Wednesday Afternoon |
Bridge for Pleasure (2nd, 4th) |
Book Circle Wednesday (3rd) |
Churches - London (3rd - all day) |
Books - Slim (3rd) |
Cycling (Weekly) |
Crochet (4th) |
Researching Family History (4th) |
European Affairs (3rd) |
Gallery Group 1 (1st & 2nd) |
French Conversation (2nd) |
Wire & Beaded Jewellery Making (2nd) |
Gallery Group (1st, 2nd) |
Post Classical History (1st) |
Monthly Meeting (4th) |
Scrabble (2nd) |
Peace & Conflict Studies (2nd) |
Table Tennis 1 (2nd & 4th) |
Piano Playing (2nd) |
Table Tennis 2 (1st & 3rd) |
Stockmarket Discussion (3rd) |
Walking - Ambling (3rd) |
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Walking, Nordic (2nd) |
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Wine Appreciation 1 (2nd) |
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Wine Appreciation 4 (2nd) |
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Writing For Pleasure (1st & 3rd)) |
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Wire & Beaded Jewellery Making (2nd) |
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Thursday Morning |
Thursday Afternoon |
Art - Painting (Weekly) |
Books Comparing Novels (3rd) |
Books - Comparing (3rd) |
Book Circle - Thursday (2nd) |
Botanical Painting (1st & 3rd) |
London Villages (3rd) |
Ethical Dilemmas (2nd) |
Jazz & Blues 1 (4th) |
German Language & Culture (3rd) |
Jazz & Blues 2 (1st) |
History of Transport (3rd) |
Snooker (2nd & 4th) |
London Studies 2 (1st - all day) |
Wine Appreciation 5 (Eve 3rd) |
Italian Improvers (2nd & 4th) |
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Science Discussion 2 (1st) |
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Friday Morning |
Friday Afternoon |
Aviation (3rd) |
Circle Dancing (2nd & 4th) |
Digital Camera 3 (2nd) |
Industrial Heritage (3rd) |
Europe Today (2nd) |
Psychology (3rd) |
Folk Dancing (2nd) |
Table Tennis 3 (1st & 3rd) |
Garden 3 (1st) |
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Garden 4 Visits (3rd) |
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Opera (1st) |
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Poetry 1 (1st) |
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Poetry 2 (Last) |
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Science - Our Universe (2nd) |
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Walking 1 (3rd) |
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Walking 2 (2nd) |
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Wine Appreciation 2 (Last) |
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1st, 2nd, etc = week of the month |
GROUP VACANCIES - SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Vacancies in various Groups come and go throughout the year. If there is a Group that you are interested in joining, please see the contact details for the Group Organiser in the relevant section of this website under Group Categories or the Group Index (Tabs above) or in the Handbook.
If there are any vacancies, it will usually say “New Members Welcome”. Alternatively contact the Group Organiser directly
For Open Groups (see Tab above) there are not normally restrictions on numbers attending. They are normally open to all U3A members but enquiries should be made to the appropriate Organiser before attending.
Sevenoaks u3a runs a wide range of groups which are open to all members of the u3a this means that members can just turn up on the day but for those groups that operate as teams please check with the Group Organiser.
Open Groups are for all Sevenoaks u3a members. You do not have to sign up for these groups as you would with specialist groups. Just turn up on the day
PLEASE NOTE
Car parking is always difficult at Otford Village Memorial Hall, and the Bat & Ball Centre, so please share cars if it is at all possible.
BRIDGE FOR PLEASURE
Intermediate level Chicago Bridge. These sessions will appeal to players of some experience who want to improve their Bridge in a friendly atmosphere. The group meets in Otford Village Memorial Hall. A small charge covers the hire of the hall and coffee.
Open Group.
Contact : Sue & John Christy
Meetings :Wednesday, 2nd & 4th, 09.50 - 12.15
MONTHLY MEETINGS are expected to return to the Community Centre in the Autumn. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday afternoon, 2-4 pm. After the talks, tea and biscuits are served, free of charge.
PLEASE NOTE THAT CARS ARE LEFT IN THE CAR PARK AT THE OWNER’S RISK. MAKE SURE THAT CARS ARE LOCKED AND ANY VALUABLES ARE LEFT OUT OF SIGHT
MONTHLY MEETINGS PROGRAMME OF EVENTS |
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2021 |
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October 27th |
Sevenoaks u3a Relaunch Open day |
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November 24th |
The Master Masons - The men who built the Cathedrals |
Imogen Corrigan |
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2022 |
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January 26th |
Wildlife on your Doorstep |
Tom Way |
February 23rd |
The Flowers of Alsace & Lorraine |
Chris Stewart |
March 23rd |
Bruges its more than just chocolate! |
Melanie Gibson-Barton |
April 27th |
The Art of Albrecht Durer |
Imogen Corrigan |
May 25th |
40 years of catching smugglers |
Malcolm Nelson |
June 22nd |
AGM + The Can Can - high kicks |
Martin Heard |
Note: due to the Corona Virus pandemic the General Meetings will be conducted as virtual meetings using Zoom.
COMPUTER OPEN GROUP MEETINGS
Open to all members of Sevenoaks U3A
The meetings are held at Otford Village Memorial Hall, normally at 2 p.m on the third Monday of each month (October to May).
Entrance £2, includes tea.
There is usually a talk on a topic of interest, followed by a question-and-answer session. Talks are normally illustrated and projected onto a large screen. Members may also raise problems they are having with their computers. A reciprocal agreement with Knole u3a means that members both u3a organisations are welcome to attend each other’s Computer Group meetings.
Due to Covid, Some meetings may be conducted using Zoom see below
For more information, contact the Group Organiser.##
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Programme 2022 |
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Time & Location |
Description |
21st February |
2:00 PM - Zoom |
Computing from 1940 to present time - Vincent Boswoth, Natonal Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park |
21st March |
2:00 PM - Zoom |
Frauds and Scams and how to avoid them - Aimee Page - Kent Police |
18th April |
2:00 PM - OVHM |
Update on Alexa - David Gardner (u3a Member) |
16th May |
2:00 PM - OVHM |
Getting Answers to questions/problems using the web- Charles Hebert (u3a Member) |
SCIENCE OPEN GROUP MEETINGS
These are held in the Otford Village Memorial Hall Club Room.
An entrace fee, including tea will be charged at the door.
The group usually meets at 2.00pm on the second Monday each month, between October and May, for talks on a wide range of scientific and technology topics. In addition to the talks, one or two visits are arranged each year to places of interest. There are, also, occasional special events.
The Science Group has an open membership (no need to ‘sign up’) and all members of Sevenoaks U3A are welcome to attend any of the meetings and to join group visits
Further information can be obtained from the Group Organiser.
2021 - 22 PROGRAMME |
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October 11th |
Missions to Mars |
Prof David Southwood |
November 8th |
Dying to be Beautiful |
Dr Kathryn Harkup |
December 13th |
No Meeting |
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2021 |
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January 10th |
Vaccines |
Mike Trevethick |
February 14th |
Water Strategy for SE England |
Lee Dance |
March 14th |
Conservation of artefacts held by English Heritage |
David Thickett |
April 11th |
The Passive Eco House |
Chris Stewart |
May 9th |
Sustainable energy and food security |
Dr Howard Lee |
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WALKING (AMBLING)
Our circular walks cover about 4 miles in 2 hours, taking time to admire and appreciate places of interest and the countryside. An optional pub lunch follows at a local pub. We encourage members to contribute ideas and lead walks. Open to all u3a members and details of monthly walks are advertised in the newsletter and on the Calendar page of this website.
Contact : Nick White
Meetings : Wednesdays, 3rd, 10 am.
This new group is walking for exercise with poles. A training walk of about 3 miles with exercises will be undertaken followed by an optional pub lunch This group is shared with Knole u3a and is seeking new members. If you are interested in joining contact Nick White (Sevenoaks Members) or Ian Galletti (Knole Members) |
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Contact : Nick White |
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WALKING (STROLLERS)
A gentle walk of about one and a half hours, starting at 11 am, followed by a pub lunch, if desired. Members are encouraged to take turns in leading the strolls. Sensible walking shoes are required (not wellingtons). We frequently pass through fields with animals, thus we are unable to take dogs. An email contact is needed in case of alteration/cancellation due to adverse weather. Details are normally posted in the Calendar section of this website.
Contact : Group Organiser
Meetings : Tuesday, 3rd, 11 am.
There are three Table Tennis Groups accessible to u3a Members. These are held at the Otford Village Memorial Hall and members play with various levels of skill. Equipment supplied and modest charges apply for hall hire.
The three Groups are as follows:-
Table Tennis 1 |
Table Tennis 2 |
Table Tennis 3 |
Contact: Margaret Thorpe (Knole u3a) |
Contact: Diana Pearsall |
Contact: Margaret Thorpe (Knole u3a) |
Meetings: Wednesdays, 2nd & 4th 10:00-12:00 |
Meetings: Wednesdays, 1st & 3rd 10:00-12:00 |
Meetings:Fridays, 1st & 3rd 2:00-4:00 pm |
SUGGESTIONS |
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We welcome input from members with suggestions as follows: |
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Computers |
French for Improvers |
These shared groups are run by Knole U3A and may have spaces available for Sevenoaks members.
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Genealogy for Beginners |
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Medieval History |
Money Matters |
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Poetry 1,2 & 3 |
Poetry 3 |
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Science for all (Open Group) |
Spanish for Beginners (Yr 4 & 6) |
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Spanish Intermediate |
Table Tennis 1 tabletennis@kole.org.uk |
A number of Groups in Sevenoaks u3a allow members of other u3as to join their Group. These arrangements work well especially for specialist subjects. Local u3as may also allow Sevenoaks u3a members to join in with their group activities. As a general rule the following should be considered.
Group Organisers who wish to offer spaces in groups which meet the above criteria should contact Group Development Groupdev@Sevenoaksu3a.org.uk to discuss their proposals. Where funding is involved in Group activity then management of accounts should be discussed with the treasurer of the parent u3a.
The Third Age Trust have a number of Subject Advisors. These people are here to help anyone starting a new interest group or to advise on problems in established groups. For more details please see the National u3a Subject Advice web page. |
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If you would like to pursue your favourite subject in greater depth, the u3a would like to hear from you. This would be an opportunity to study a subject in greater depth than is currently possible within the current u3a group set-up.
The range of subjects to be offered depends entirely on what u3a members want, but there is the potential for all kinds of exciting developments in informal adult education.
The u3a Trust is initially seeking to run pilot groups, making use of the internet.
Where members have suggested new group ideas they will be posted on this page. If you have ideas pleaee contact the Group Development Officer details below.
Nordic Walking |
See Contact Details |
London Villages |
This News from the Groups section provides updates on Group Activity. It will be updated periodically
Sevenoaks U3a - Summary of Group reports - June 2021
Aviation
The group did not meet after the initial lockdown in March until October 2020 when we started meeting monthly on Zoom. We agree a topic for in advance of each meeting and look for material to support the subsequent discussion. Recent topics include: biofuels; drones; hydrogen as a fuel; additive manufacture (3-D printing); revival of supersonic airliners. Recently we have also watched DVDs of aviation interest. Currently we are a small group and would welcome one or two new members. We meet in the morning of the third Friday in the month.
Group Organiser: Frank Matthews aviation@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
Book Circle - Wednesday
We read mainly modern fiction, but not exclusively. We meet in members’ homes from May to October. Books are chosen by members plus suggested titles from Sevenoaks Library.
New Members Welcome
Group Organiser: Mary Arthur or Anne Evans booksweds@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
The Industrial Heritage Group has continued to meet on Zoom throughout the lockdowns. In the last few months we have had presentations on such diverse subjects as the History of Winemaking in SE England, Orchards in Kent, Industry in the Ashdown Forest, Gunsmiths and Electric Traction on the rails. We have a good program which will take us through to December. and will cover more eclectic subjects such as Pins and Needles, Joseph Lucas and the History of Astronomy.
Group Organiser: David Gardener iheritage@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
Garden Group 2
Throughout both Lockdowns the group continued to hold monthly Zoom meetings to discuss future gardens to visit, and found sites we could visit on line and then discuss.
A few members did book and visit gardens that were part open. Most members are keen gardeners, including those who don’t garden now, all enjoy the outings.
We sometimes manage two gardens in one day if they are close to each other.
Group Organiser: Cherry Moss garden2@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
German – Language and Culture - This group meets monthly via Zoom. We subscribe individually to the publication ‘Presse und Sprache’ which prints topical articles from German newspapers which we read aloud and discuss.
Group Organiser: Isabel White germanculture@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
London Studies 1 - Meeting monthly using Zoom, we have taken it in turns to talk about either a London-based topic, or reviews of past visits and visits we had planned to take last year & hope to make in due course. Also we have had talks about the work of particular London architects and about people commemorated by Blue Plaques & statues.
Group Organiser:: Diana Goymer londonstudies1@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
Tai chi
During the lockdown relaxation period last summer, when it was permissible to meet outdoors, we continued having sessions on the patio at the back of my house. Everyone was masked & suitably distanced. We have now started again recently in the open air again. but depending on the governmental policy may soon be able to meet again at St. Edith's church hall every Wednesday morning.
New members need to be familiar with the ‘24’ form and, if not, it is suggested they start by joining the Sevenoaks Adult Education Centre to learn this form.
Group Organiser: Magdalen Kit Fong-Fry taichi@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
Wire and Beaded Jewellery Making
This Group has continued in fine form throughout the Lockdown, not only exchanging emails and texts but also directly using Zoom and recently even in the garden (suitably distanced). We enjoy exchanging ideas, learn and help each other or even sometimes with the help of a professional jeweller.
The first ‘proper’ meeting will be in June on the 2nd Wednesday.
Group Organiser: Cherry Moss jewellery@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
Other Groups
The following Groups have already restarted or are looking forward to restarting very soon, showing the person to contact if you wish to join. Contact details are in our Handbook.
Snooker. David Gardner
Crossword. Sheila Bonnett
Chess Magda Sweetland
Digital Image Manipulati on 1, 2 and 3 Janet Austin
Researching Family History Jean Stirk
Folk dancing Peter and Lyn Nixon
History of Transport Michael Harwood
History of Art Lyn Mead
Wot is Art? Lyn Mead
Migration of people Lynda Alleeson
Poetry 2 Hilary Walker
Issue Dated 23 May 2021
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