Group News

Proposed new groups for Autumn 2018

Non-Fiction Writing Group

Many people want to start writing something – from personal essays to autobiographies – and can’t find the beginning point. Or, once started, get stuck and can’t move forward. This group would bring together people writing all sorts of non-fiction work; we would talk about our process, read our work to each other, and spend some time each meeting working on our individual pieces.

 Woodwork for Beginners
This group could only go ahead if we can find a member with the necessary knowledge and skills and having access to a suitable workshop. Please contact us if you are that person.

If you would are interested in any of the above please get in touch with group facilitators using our contact form or using the contact details on the printed groups list which is distributed to all members.

Stewartry U3A members tackle Marine Litter

U3A Beach Clean Team at Carsethorn

Our Stewartry U3A area hugs the coastline of both the Solway and Irish Sea.  When the problem of ‘Marine Litter’ and its devastating effect on wildlife was highlighted we realised we were geographically, perfectly situated to do something about it.

Over 40 members signed up to the group within a couple of days of its announcement which showed their concern and commitment.

We meet every 2 months and depending on tides, vary the beaches across our area.  We clean for 2 hours and then socialize over a pub lunch or picnic.  Local councils would lend us equipment but most of our members are very supportive and come armed with their own.  However our U3A has purchased a few litter pickers as spares.

What surprised us was how the nature of the marine litter varied from beach to beach. Recently at Carsethorn, we collected over 60 bags – mainly fishing wire and rope tangled in seaweed! The ‘Steamboat Inn’ offered us all a free drink for our efforts.  It was nice to be appreciated.

Not all members can attend every beach clean event but we usually get an excellent turnout and we feel we have made a difference however small.

Interested in Music and Memories?

This is a new group planning to start in September.  It is for those who enjoy popular music of various genres from the twenties to the eighties – either just listening or singing along.  A large selection will be available streamed from the internet with pictures.  Members special interests and requests will be catered for.  It is hoped to meet once a month in members houses possibly moving to a fixed venue later.

If you are interested in this group, contact Ron Newton using our contact form

Knitting and Crochet Group

When Alison Cresswell started the group, she wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested. Turned out she need not have worried, as the group now have 10 members.

Alison always enjoyed knitting, like a lot of people she was a hand knitted child, her mother, grandmother and aunts all knitted and she was taught by them when she was so young that she cannot remember being taught.

Knitting and Crochet went through an identity crisis in the 80’s and 90’s, but now it’s in vogue again. The image of a bunch of old women knitting grey socks is thankfully something of the past. The choice of beautiful wools from small artisan suppliers and innovative patterns means knitting can be fashionable and challenging.

This group ranges from beginner to expert and there is a wide expertise to tap into. Some amazing work has been produced. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Alison using our contact form.