Groups Information
Purbeck U3A has a varied and changing range of Activities. If you are interested in joining a group please contact the Group Leader / Facilitator to check that spaces are available and to obtain further details.
Most Groups welcome non-members for one trial visit by prior appointment and if you wish to continue attending it is a simple matter of enrolling with Purbeck U3A.
Virtually all communications within Groups are conducted by email. Members without their own email facilities are encouraged to use a public computer or find a buddy with email who will pass on information.
If you have a passion for a subject but don’t see it listed please contact our Groups Coordinator. With your passion and our support you can inspire and reach more people in the Purbeck area.
If you find an error in these Groups listing or are unable to contact the Leader please notify groupscoord@purbecku3a.org.uk
GROUPS meeting (by day of week) Frequency = nth = week in month week = weekly month = monthly alt = alternate for = fortnightly
Monday (am) - Speak Shakespeare (week) |Gardening (3rd) | German 2 (week) | Italian Improvers (week) | Painting Self Help (2nd) |Table Tennis (week) | Walking (week) \
Monday (pm) - Creative Memoir (alt) | Spanish Improvers (alt)| Spanish - Intermediate (alt) | Fiction Writing (alt) | Music Appreciation (2nd&4th)
Debating (2nd) | Seaswim ALT
Tuesday (am) - Art Appreciation (1st&3rd) | Cycling for Fitness & Fun (week) | Cycling for Softies (alt) | Cycling Intermediate (week) | German 1 (week) | Bridge Club (week) | Latin Beginners (week) Seaswim Alt
Tuesday (pm) - Mah Jong (for)
Wednesday (am) - Classic Writers Book Group (last) | French Intermediate (week) | | QiGong (week) | Science & Technology (3rd) Play Writing (alt Wed)
Wednesday (pm) - Genealogy (3rd) | Music Appreciation (2nd&4th) | Singing (1st&3rd). | Pickleball (week)
Thursday (am) - Book Group 1 (3rd) | Book Group 3 (2nd) | Book Group 4 (2nd) | eCycling (week) | Latin Improvers (week) | MEETING POINTS (last) | Classical Music (3rd) | Nature Walks (2nd) | Photography (1st?) | Purbeck Patchwork & Quilting (1st&3rd) | Crib/Games (1st&3rd) |
Thursday (pm) - Astronomy (week) | Short Tennis (1st&3rd) | Ukulele (week) | Beginner French. (Week)
Friday (am) - Archaeology (4th) | Bridge For Fun (week) | (2nd) | Genealogy | Nordic Walking (fort) |Cycling Non E bike (week) | Boule (week)
Friday (pm) - French Conversation (week) | Guitar Group (1st&3rd).
Saturday Club 
Group Leaders Handbook
- ArchaeologyMore
Location:
Harmans Cross Village Hall
Date/Time:
Monthly - fourth Friday 10.00 – 12.00
Details:
A friendly group hosting speakers who cover the range of human activity from ancient times to modern. Often talking about local buildings, excavations and artefacts but sometimes further afield. Occasionally visits are arranged.
Contact:
Mary Buck - archy@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Art AppreciationMore
Location:
Wareham Home based
Date/Time:
Twice monthly, first & third Tuesday 10.30 – 12.30
Details:
Studies of art in general with use of videos and visits.
Contact:
Sue Upton - art@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Astronomy
MoreLocation:
Sandford Community Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Thursday 3.00 pm Starts 19th September 2024
Details:
A programme of 26 meetings / lectures / demonstrations on Astronomy spread over 3 academic terms by Graeme Nash.
Topics covered are far ranging and structured covering for example the history of astronomy from the dawn of civilization to the present. He covers the origins, formation and structure of our own planet and the solar system. This leads on to a series of talks on Cosmology describing the structure, development and origins of our universe and finally speculative theories of the end scenario. Graeme keeps members up to date with
Graeme keeps us up to date with current discoveries in cosmology especially regarding the "arly formation of our universe and life cycle of galaxies."
Meetings are much more than a formal lecture format. Graeme welcomes and encourages audience interaction and always entertains us with his wit, erudition and above all his abundant infectious enthusiasm.
Contact:
Alan Bagley - astronomy@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Book Group 1 (Purbeck Book Group)
MoreLocation:
Home based - Swanage, Corfe Castle and Wareham
Date/Time:
Monthly 3rd Thursday 10.30 – 12.00
Details:
Do you enjoy reading and talking about books? Books chosen by members.
Contact:
Hazel Pepperell/Angela Hainsworth - swanagebooks@purbecku3.org.uk
- Book Group 3 (Ridge Book Group)
MoreLocation:
Ridge - Home based
Date/Time:
Monthly 2nd Thursday 10.00 – 12.00
Details:
We meet monthly in members’ homes to discuss books over a cup of tea/coffee. We choose the reading list together from the Dorset Libraries catalogue (there are about 800 titles, so plenty of choice) and often find ourselves reading books we might not otherwise have picked up. It’s a great way to broaden horizons. We sometimes have quite different opinions about the books we have read and enjoy discussing our different perspectives.
Contact:
Liz Day - ridgebooks@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Book Group 4More
Location:
Home based
Date/Time:
Monthly 2nd Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 (Starting 18 May 2017)
Details:
For anyone who loves reading and who welcomes the opportunity to read – and discuss – books they would not necessarily have picked out for themselves. Everyone gets the chance to choose a book.
Contact:
Veronica Ryder/Barbara Bennett - books4@purbecku3a.org.uk
- BoulesMore
Location:
Corfe Castle Commumity Club, East Street Opposite the School
Date/Time:
Weekly Friday 10.30 - 1.00
Details:
A friendly group playing for fun. We usually play until around 12.45 - 1.00 and then stop for a drink and roll or snacks from the Club.
Contact:
- Bridge Club
MoreLocation:
Kings Arms pub, Stoborough
Date/Time:
Weekly Tuesday 10:00-12:00
Details:
This group is not suitable for beginners but will expect a reasonable level of skill and a commitment to turn up regularly and in time help set up in order to start play at 10.00am.
For more details please contact:
Contact:
Virginia Lynch - bridgeclub@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Bridge for Fun
MoreLocation:
Stoborough Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Friday 09.45 – 12.15
Details:
Bridge for Fun is just that! - a social group who play bridge for fun and would welcome any new members who enjoy the game. We are not a club, you do not have to come with a partner, indeed we like people to mix. We are far from experts, but you would need to be able to play a basic game. Although not suitable for complete beginners "Rusty" is no problem! Members are helpful rather than competitive and will usually help/remind anyone who wishes it as the hands are played.
Meetings are held on Friday mornings nearly every week of the year .If you are still not sure if it is for you contact me on the email below for a chat and any further information.
Contact:
Carol Worledge - bridgefun@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Classical Music
MoreLocation:
Studland Home based
Date/Time:
3rd Thursday of the month - 10:30 am
Details:
Members will present a piece of music. They will explain why they have chosen the piece, what it means to them, and something about its background. Then the piece will be played (sound bar) or maybe, to see a visual performance, using YouTube plus sound bar. Then there will be refreshments and a group discussion about the piece. The group leader’s interest is classical music, but this is not necessarily the case for other members of the group. All genres of music will be acceptable.
Contact:
Virginia Lynch - classicalmusic@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Classic Writers Book Club
MoreLocation:
Members Homes
Date/Time:
Last Wednesday of the Month
Details:
''This book club is a little bit different, concentrating on classic books from circa 1850 to 1940. It is a small group, with a maximum of 6 people, to enable the chosen book to be comprehensively discussed and analysed in some depth. We will be looking at the book's themes and messages, the life of the author, and the historical background in which the book was written. All members get to choose the book for the month, and to host a meeting. As numbers are limited please contact the Group Leader to register your interest in the first instance.
Contact:
Jim McGivern
email: - classicwritersbookclub@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Creative Memoirs Group
MoreLocation:
Wareham - Scout and Guide Headquarters
Date/Time:
Alternate Mondays 2.00
Details:
The Group meets every other Monday at the Scout Hall in Wareham, Best Wall, from 2.00 pm. Everyone reads a piece they have written on a particular memory, sometimes this will be amusing, thought provoking, occasionally sad, but these are memories which sometimes have been jogged by another member’s story. Photographs are a great source of inspiration. You would be surprised just how many stories are locked away in your memory just waiting to appear on paper. If this is something you would like to try or find out more information
Contact:
Sue Upton - creativememoir@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Cribbage and GamesMore
Location:
Stoborough Village Hall
Date/Time:
1st and 3rd Thursday 10.00 - 12.00 from September to June. Summer break July and August
Details:
A fun group for both competent players and those who wish to learn crib . You do not need to come with a partner.
Part of the hall is used for Majong, and other board games such as scrabble, yatzee, rumikub are also available.
Contact:
Barry Stocks - crib@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Cycling E BikeMore
Location:
Purbeck - Various start points in and around the area
Date/Time:
Weekly Thursday 10.00 start
Details:
Rides will start at 10.00am and will last up to 3 hours. The approximate distance travelled will be 20 - 30 miles, depending on the surface, terrain, gradient & general difficulty. Rides may be on road, off road, or a mixture of the two. The rides will be circular, starting from a car park. This will generally be a different location each week, to ensure a good variety of rides. The start (& end) point is likely to be a cafe or pub, so that lunch can be planned & available at the end of the ride. Participants will therefore need to be able to transport their bike(s) by car, unless the chosen location is near enough to cycle from home.
After a short introductory period, participants will be expected to take turns, (via a rota) to devise, plan & lead rides. The emphasis will be on E for enjoyment, so that where necessary, riders can use different levels of motor assistance to even out differences in strength & endurance levels. Nevertheless a moderate degree of fitness will be required to complete the rides.
Contact:
Elaine Jones - ecycling@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Cycling Non E Bike
MoreLocation:
Purbeck
Date/Time:
Weekly Friday 9.45 for 10.00 start
Details:
As implied in the title this will be for non-electric bikes. Rides will be limited to 2 1/2 hours starting at 10 am and should run at a ‘reasonable’ pace with a banana break or cafe stop around halfway. This usually means between 12 and 18 miles depending on elevation. Rides will be primarily on roads and easy tracks.
There will be a rota planned out for leaders to design and reccie the ride if necessary. Rides are normally planned in pairs so that we can have a back marker or split into 2 groups when there is a large turnout.Contact:
Debs Kelly - nonebike@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Cycling for Fitness and Fun
MoreLocation:
Various start points in South East Dorset - Owermoigne in the west, Milborne St Andrew north and Colehill east.
Date/Time:
Weekly Tuesday 9.45 for 10.00 start
Details:
U3A cycling group. Cycling on and off road: 20 miles if totally off road - 25 miles if a mixture of off and on road - 30 miles if totally on road. Your input will be required in planning and leading rides most of which start from pubs or garden centres so that refreshments are available at the ride end.
Contact:
- Cycling – Intermediate
MoreLocation:
Purbeck Various start points and routes
Date/Time:
Weekly Tuesday 9.45 for 10.00 start
Details:
U3A Intermediate cycling group usually meets and sets off from a pub/cafe car park. We usually are 10 – 15 riders and we cycle for 2 - 2.5 hours on a mixture of on/off road. No special equipment needed.
''March 2020 - PLEASE NOTE - due to the great popularity of this activity, we are currently unable to take on more members. Please register your interest with the Group Leader, in the first instance.''
Contact:
- Cycling for Softies
MoreLocation:
Purbeck - Various routes both on and off road
Date/Time:
Alternate Tuesdays, 9.45 for 10.00 am start
Details:
We are a friendly group who meet up for a leisurely cycle ride of 10 -14 miles in the local area. We go at the speed of the slowest rider and ride a mixture of on and off road routes. Walking up steep hills is always permitted!
We typically start from a local pub, cafe or garden centre and return about 2 hours later for a coffee or similar. We always have a breather halfway round. Riders need to wear a high visibility jacket or gilet and wear a correctly fitting cycle helmet.
Cycling with us is a lovely way of seeing more of the Purbeck area.
Contact:
Jackie Richardson / Margaret Bibby - softies@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Debating
MoreLocation:
Wareham - Home based
Date/Time:
Monthly 2nd Monday 2.00 - 4.00pm
Details:
The group discuss a range of topics. Each meeting has one member proposing and one member opposing for roughly 5 minutes followed by a group discussion chaired by another member. The members take turns in propose/oppose/chair.
Contact:
Jane Lewis - debate@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Dessert Club
MoreLocation:
Purbeck - Various locations - home based
Date/Time:
Monthly – Next date decided at each meeting
Details:
The Group is for anyone who has an interest in food, in particular, desserts. We meet once a month in a member’s home and take it in turn to produce a dessert for everyone to sample. We then discuss the dessert and exchange recipes. We are a friendly group and welcome new members.
Contact:
Pat Stanley - dessertclub@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Fiction WritingMore
Location:
Scout & Guide HQ Wareham
Date/Time:
Alternate Mondays 2.00 – 3.30pm
Details:
Always wanted to write fiction but never found the time, or given up halfway? If so, this could be the group for you.
We’ll be working together to explore ideas, using exercises that help shape characters, getting them talking, interacting and moving through the plot. Find your own style, keep your writing flowing, and learn about editing and marketing, wherever your interest lies – crime or historical novels, writing for adults or children, magazines, radio or the latest TV drama –come and share ideas in a safe and supportive group.
Contact:
Caron Parrot - fictionwriting@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Film ClubMore
Location:
Swanage Mowlem / Rex Wareham
Date/Time:
No set date or time. The date, time and venue are decided a few weeks in advance depending on what’s on.
Details:
The film group aims to meet once a month. We go and see a film either at The Mowlem in Swanage or The Rex in Wareham. A key part of the group activity is engaging in a convivial discussion about the film over refreshments afterwards. Members are welcome to suggest films that they believe would be of interest to the group. All ideas are welcome including the screening of cult, epic, classic or foreign films through screening services in members’ homes.
Contact:
Vanessa Johnson - films@purbecku3a.org.uk
- French BeginnersMore
Location:
Home Based
Date/Time:
Weekly Thursday 2.00 – 4.00
Details:
Members will need to purchase a text book
Contact:
Robert Pulleyblank - frenchbeg@purbecku3a.org.uk
- French ConversationMore
Location:
Home Based
Date/Time:
Weekly Friday 2.00 – 4.00
Details:
Group members organise the programme.
Contact:
Ruth Chaffey - frenchcon@purbecku3a.org.uk
- French Intermediate
MoreLocation:
Harmans Cross Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Wednesday 10.30 – 12.00
Details:
We are a self-help group seeking to improve our conversational skills and knowledge of the French language in a relaxed environment using text book, reading book, occasional videos, tourist leaflets etc. which members bring back from France. Everybody takes a turn at suggesting and preparing activities as and when they feel able to. Members have different levels of competence and the group is very supportive of all but it is not really suitable for complete beginners. Coffee and biscuits play an important part.
Contact:
Sue Sides - french@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Gadget Group
MoreLocation:
Harmans Cross Village Hall and on Zoom ON HOLD NOT MEETING AT PRESENT
Date/Time:
Second Friday Monthly - Gadget Group 9.00 - 11.00 am
Formerly the computer group. This is now a group that looks at any new devices , phones (both android and i phones), computers, tablets, i pads, laptops, desktops, digital TV's and Alexa devices. We are a friendly group who enjoy the discussions and of course the refreshments. Please bring your gadgets if you have one and it is possible, or you can come along just for advice.
Contact:
Mark Fielder Groups Coordinator
- Gardening
MoreLocation:
Stoborough Village Hall
Date/Time:
Monthly 3rd Monday 10.00 – 12.00 commencing 20th Nov
Details:
Share plant, flowers, fruit and veg knowledge. Seed and cuttings swops, fund raising produce sales and charity sales. Gardeners question time. Tools and equipment to help in the garden. Recipes using garden produce. Random raffles. Spot demonstrations, cuttings and propagation. Dealing with pests, choosing shrubs.
Contact:
Carol - gardening@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Genealogy
MoreLocation:
ON HOLD AT PREENT
Date/Time:
Third Wednesday 2.00 - 4.00
Details:
We are an informal self help group welcoming beginners and the more experienced to share their knowledge of genealogy for the benefit of the group.
Contact:
Mark Fielder - groupscoord@purbecku3a.org.uk
- German - Group 1
MoreLocation:
Wareham - Home based - ZOOM MEETINGS AT PRESENT
Date/Time:
Weekly Tuesday 10.00 – 12.00
Details:
All abilities welcome. Using a variety of audio and visual materials.
Contact:
Jean Dixon - german@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Guitar Group
MoreLocation:
Stoborough Village Hall
Date/Time:
First and Third Fridays 14.00 – 16.00
Details:
The Guitar Group has been formed to play and learn the guitar together. All standards are welcome. We are learning chords, picking, and singing songs together following a simple music notation, which makes it easier and great fun.
Contact:
Paul Lurie - guitar@purbecku3a.org.uk
- HistoryMore
Location:
Wareham Library MEETINGS SUSPENDED AT THIS TIME
Date/Time:
First Friday of the month 10.00 – 11.30 ish
Details:
Talks are given by those Members who feel able, on a subject they have found interesting. We have had presentations on local brewers, the Plantagenets, a Boer War heroine and Royal residences and their kitchens and Tudor food, to name but a few. So as you can see we cover a range of interests. Once a term we try to have a guest speaker. We usually have space for one or two more members and on the rare occasions when everyone attends we are tightly packed. Meetings take place on the first floor of Wareham Library and last for about 1½ hours. Access is possible by stairs or a lift. Refreshments are available but there are no toilet facilities on the premises.
- Italian for Improvers (group full)
MoreLocation:
Stoborough Village Hall - Live Meetings are Suspended - Currently Meeting on Zoom
Date/Time:
Weekly Monday 10.30 – 12.00
Details:
Learn everyday language skills using Contatti 1
Contact:
Jane Balderson - italianintermediate@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Latin IntermediateMore
Location:
Wareham Scout Hut
Date/Time:
Weekly Tuesdays - 11.00 – 12.30 pm
Details:
Members will learn the language and about how the Romans lived. Members will need to obtain a copy of the 4th (not 5th) edition of the Cambridge Latin Course. Some are available second hand.
Contact:
John Newth - latin@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Latin ImproversMore
Location:
Wareham Scout Hut
Date/Time:
Weekly Thursdays - 2.30 – 4.00pm
Details:
This group is for members with some knowledge of Latin and may have progressed from the intermediate group. Members will continue to learn more of the language and about how the Romans lived and will need a copy of the 4th (not 5th) edition of the Cambridge Latin Course. Some are available second hand.
Contact:
John Newth - latin@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Mah-Jong More
Location:
Home based
Date/Time:
Fortnightly Tuesdays - 2.00 – 4.30ish
Details:
The Group is for the more experienced Mah Jong players who play at members homes around the Wareham area. Spaces are limited and members are typically drawn from the established Games Group.
Contact:
Barbara Colley - mahjong@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Nature WalksMore
Location:
Various locations around Purbeck
Date/Time:
Usually Mornings Monthly 2nd Thursday but please contact The Group Leader for specific dates and times
Details:
A self help group, though some or our members are very knowledgeable and we do have one expert!
We don’t usually walk very far as we tend to find that Purbeck is full of interest – both fauna and flora..
Link to our forthcoming programme.
Contact:
David and Lynne Willis - naturewalks@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Nordic WalkingMore
Location:
Various locations around Purbeck
Date/Time:
Fortnightly - Fridays at 9.50 for 10.00 a.m. start
Details:
Walks last for about 1 ½ hours, usually in the Purbeck area. Members must have undertaken Nordic Walking Training and be accredited.
Contact:
Gill Calvin Thomas - nordic@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Painting – Self Help GroupMore
Location:
Stoborough Village Hall - Back Room
Date/Time:
2nd Monday Monthly 10.30am – 1.00pm
Details:
Members bring work for help and try new ideas.
Contact:
Jill Embleton / Janice Hale - painting@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Photography
MoreLocation:
Various locations across Purbeck
Date/Time:
3rd Tuesday Monthly
Details:
The group leader will advise on locations
Contact:
Mark Fielder - groupscoord@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Pickleball
MoreLocation:
Corfe Castle Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Wednesday 12.45 - 4.45pm
Details:
A new fun sport for the u3a. Pickleball is played using a paddle bat and flight balls on a badminton sized court.
Contact:
David Atkin - pickleball@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Play Writing Study
MoreLocation:
Wareham Scout Hut SUSPENDED UNTIL NEW YEAR
Date/Time:
Alternate Wednesdays 10.00 - 12.00 am (not July & August and only once in December)
Details:
Members read plays from a variety of playwrights at home and then discuss the themes, characters etc at the group meeting. If you are interested and want more information
Contact:
Jim McGivern - plays@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Purbeck Patchwork & Quilting (PPQ)
MoreLocation:
Harmans Cross Village Hall
Date/Time:
1st & 3rd Thursday 9.30 - 12.30
Details:
Purbeck Patchwork and Quilting ("PPQ") is a group for all abilities and if you are interested in joining the group or learning more about it please contact Delia by email.
Contact:
Delia Fitch - ppq@purbecku3a.org.uk
- QiGong
MoreLocation:
Sandford Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Wednesday 10.00 - 11.00
Details:
Qigong is part of the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) system using standing exercises to benefit personal health and well being. These are run as courses of six weeks duration at a cost of £30. They are run by Penny Youssef, a highly qualified BHQA accredited (British Health Qigong Association) instructor. The non refundable cost for each set is £30.00 payable in advance. For more information contact:
Contact:
Nola Latham-Boal - qigong@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Saturday Group
MoreLocation:
Various across Purbeck
Date/Time:
Weekly Saturday - varied times depending on activity
Details:
Various activities such as pub lunch followed by a gentle stroll, visit to museum or gardens, walks along the beach , and a discussion group. Visits are led by members interests.
This group communicates by a Whats App and if you would like to join this or just require more information please send your mobile number to Heather who will arrange for you to be added.Contact:
Heather Cerullo -saturdaygroup@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Science & Technology
MoreLocation:
Harmans Cross Village Hall
Date/Time:
Monthly 3rd Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00
Details:
The Science & Technology Group has a dedicated website for all S&T Group News and future monthly presentations at https://greenacre.info/technology (or search “PU3A tech” on Google).
They welcome new members to their monthly meetings and the subject of future talks by Guest Speakers is shown on the Programme page of their website tabulated below.
Check out the updated website which is full of information, so please take a look by clicking HERE for its Menu tabs and see the Next Meetings page for available details of forthcoming meetings.
Contact:
John Hale - s&t@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Sea Swimming/Dipping
MoreLocation:
Swanage Banjo Pier at 3.00pm
Date/Time:
Weekly - Mondays week 1 and Tuesdays week 2 continuing alternately.
Details:
Sea swimming and dipping meet weekly and everyone is welcome. There is no commitment to get in the sea, just paddling is fine as is supporting from the beach. We will be meeting alternate Mondays week one and Tuesdays week 2 from the banjo pier in Swanage at 3 pm.
Click HERE for timetable
Contact:
Poppy Holmes - seaswim@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Short Tennis
MoreLocation:
Furzebrook Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly between October and March Thursday 2.00 – 4.00
Details:
Bring own equipment and footwear. All abilities welcome.
Contact:
Steve Drew - tennis@purbecku3a.org.uk
- SingingMore
Location:
Wareham Carey Hall
Date/Time:
1st & 3rd Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00
Details:
The Group continues to flourish under the leadership of Paul Martin, and we are always looking for new members to swell the sound. No audition is required, and you don't need to read music.- you just need to love singing!
Their repertoire is varied, including rounds, traditional songs, songs from musicals and more. We sing in unison, or in 2 or 3 part harmony.
Do come along for a taster to see if this is for you. We are particularly short of male voices.
Contact:
Veronica Ryder/Cyril Palmer singing@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Spanish Intermediates & ImproversMore
Location:
Harmans Cross Village Hall (small meeting room)
Date/Time:
Alternate Mondays
2.00 - 3.30 - Intermediate Level -Suspended at present
3.30 - 5.00 - Improver Level - Suspended at present
Details:
Structured sessions including conversation, audio cassettes, some reading and grammar, and interactive practical exercises relating to everyday transactions. A limited amount of home preparation work occasionally involved. Intermediates will have previously studied Spanish to a reasonable proficiency and fluency level, whilst Improvers will have acquired some basic knowledge or experience of the language. Not suitable for total beginners.
(Please note that the group has been suspended for the time being due to low level of numbers attending. Anyone interested in joining should register their name with the Groups Coordinator, who will restart the group when/if the level of interest reaches a sustainable level.
Contact:
Mark Fielder groupscoord@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Speaking Shakespeare
MoreLocation:
Stoborough Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Monday 10 – 11.30
Details:
We read extracts from various Shakespeare plays starting with ‘Romeo and Juliet’, we will focus on the pleasure of speaking aloud, exploring the characters in all their moods and dipping into various texts as they arise.Text will be provided. Please bring a pencil and eraser for marking up the text.Wear comfortable clothing and sensible footwear, as there will be the opportunity to move around. Bring a bottle of water.The emphasis is on the fun of speaking Shakespeare, not learning lines – don’t forget your reading glasses!Contact:Sylvia Coates: shakespeare@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Table Tennis
MoreLocation:
Harmans Cross Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Monday 09.00 – 12.00
Details:
We are a mixed ability group that meet every Monday mornings except Public Holidays and those in the month of August. The first 45 minutes of the session is used to set-up the tables and generally warm-up, develop skills and practise in a relaxed atmosphere. After that we play games, mostly in doubles but sometimes singles as needed. We are generally able to play games with different people and abilities making a good mix through the session.
PLEASE NOTE: group currently over-subscribed. Please contact group leader before attending for the first time, as there is a waiting list.
Contact:
Brenda or Carolyn - tabletennis@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Ukulele
MoreLocation:
Stoborough Village Hall
Date/Time:
Weekly Thursday 2.00 – 4.00
Details:
We are a group of joyous people of mixed abilities all wanting to learn and play the ukulele. The group started in 2018 with 15 wanting to learn the ukulele. The group became so popular that it quickly grew, we are now over 40 members. We meet each week to sing and play our hearts out.We meet weekly and practise daily. We also sing and play at local events, garden centre, pubs and festivals.Please use the email below if you are interested and would like to be on the waiting list, which is reviewed every 3 months.Contact:
Maxine Bacon - ukulele@purbecku3a.org.uk.
- K9 WalkersMore
Location:
Various start points
Date/Time:
Monthly 3rd Thursday 10.00 – 12.00
Details:
For owners and dogs who enjoy walking for up to two hours and are not averse to hillwalking.
Contact:
Rosalind Ham - k9s@purbecku3a.org.uk
- Walking Group
MoreLocation:
Various start points
Date/Time:
Monthly 2nd Monday 9.50 for start at 10.00 a.m.
Details:
Purbeck U3A Walking Group meets monthly throughout the year for circular walks starting from various locations in the Purbecks and lasting about two hours. The start points always have parking available and are never more than a short drive from one of the main towns. We encourage car sharing.
In some cases the start and finish point will be where those so minded can stop to socialise over refreshments or lunch.
Suitable footwear is essential, and waterproof clothing and walking poles or sticks are recommended. There may be stiles to negotiate. Please bring a drink.
Non-members are welcome for an initial walk but you must take out membership of Purbeck U3A prior to any further walk in order that the necessary insurance cover is in place.
Our programme of walks (2025) is to be found HERE
Contact:
John Kirwin - walking@purbecku3a.org.uk