The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a nationwide organisation based on local groups providing opportunities for retired and semi-retired people to come together and develop their interests. We’re not a university in the traditional sense. We don’t study for qualifications, and there are no qualifications necessary to join. A U3A is a learning co-operative of equals. In the words of Peter Laslett, a founder member of the U3A movement, “Those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach”. We just enjoy taking part and meeting people.
Holywood U3A was set up in 2013 and we now have approximately 270 members who join the various interest groups. We draw on the strengths and enthusiasms of all our members who share their knowledge and skills with one another. There are learning opportunities, outdoor pursuits, social events and outings on offer including anything from history to gardening to theatre trips.
Monthly meetings are held on the last Friday in every month in the Queens Leisure Complex. The speakers booked for these meetings cover a variety of topics and there is always a welcoming “cuppa” which allows time to meet and chat to other members.
The annual subscription is currently £20, which is reviewed annually. No member of the U3A can benefit financially from their membership – it is all voluntary. Members going on outings do contribute to the cost. The monthly newsletter provides Holywood U3A news and information as well as details of U3A events. This is posted on the website.
The Holywood U3A is a registered Charity and is conscious of its duties as a Charity to the public and to conform to the Charities Order. NIC100647
Come and learn with us and have fun at the University of the Third Age!
Notices
JANUARY NEWSLETTER
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January 2020 Newsletter
COFFEE AND CHAT
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Membership
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Please click here to find out about joining & renewing membership
Our Groups
Amblers Walking Group
WALKING GROUPS:
AMBLERS Do 40 to 60 minutes walking usually with a coffee break on route.
Normally we walk twice a month on a Monday at 10.30 am with car sharing from a convenient location. All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and suitable outer wear for the season.
Just turn up at the car sharing place or at the start of walk. See the monthly news sheet on this web site for location of this month’s walks.
RAMBLERS Do 2 to 2.5 hours walking, bring their own refreshments and packed lunch or go to local eatery. Normally this on a Thursday staring at 10.00am. This may include some rougher/wetter going so boots, poles, and suitable weather gear may be required.
Note this is in association with Belfast U3A, please see their web site u3a.sites.org.uk/belfast/page/
SCRAMBLERS More Strenuous walking usually in Mourne Mountains is also available if you show your fitness by doing a few Rambles
WALKING HOLIDAY BREAKS Are available Spring & Autumn
PLEASE NOTE
The Third Age Trust’s Public Liability Insurance covers U3A members while out walking, but does not provide personal accident insurance. Participants on walks (including guests) should take responsibility for their own care, safety and equipment. They should remain with the group.
For Ambles & Rambles just turn up or contact Joy by completing the form.
Local History
‘The Holywood (Local) History Group meets on the first Wednesday morning each month, either in Holywood Library (at 10.30am) or on a visit to a place of historical interest. While we often bring in expert speakers, members of the Group are also encouraged to draw on their own expertise for the benefit of colleagues.
This thriving Group is additionally responsible for the History Archive in Holywood Library, on which it has already drawn to create three exhibitions which have been held in the Library. The Group is also working on other projects eg a book on local personalities (nearly all from the past), organising commemorative events, and contributing to other local historical ventures.’
Convenor: Robin Masefield by completing the form below.
Out & About
Various outings occur throughout the Year, follow the Newsletter for details or contactConvener: Joy Montgomery by filling out the form below.
Philosophy
The aim of the philosophy group is to study, in an informal way, the main questions that have been addressed by philosophers over the millennia since the western tradition of philosophy began in ancient Greece.
Questions like – How should we live?
What is the nature of reality?
What can we know for certain?
What is the nature of value and where does it come from?
How is it possible that the physical world contains thinking creatures like ourselves?
No previous knowledge of philosophy is required.
The group meets on the last Monday of the month. Meetings are on Monday mornings at 10.30 in room 4, upstairs in Holywood library
Contact Alan by completing the form below.
Coffee & Chat
This Group meets at a variety of venues usually once a Month just to simply catch up for a coffee and a chat
Convener: Joy Montgomery or email Joy by completing the form below.
Book Reading
We meet every 3rd TUESDAY of the month 2 – 4 pm in Room 4 Holywood Library.
Unfortunately we are limited to 20 Members – due to being able to supply any more copies of the books we read but do contact the Convenor if you are interested in joining the waiting list
Convener: Denise contact by completing the form.
Choir
The U3A choir is directed by Barbara Foster and meets every Wednesday during term time from 4 pm to 5 pm in the choir room at Holywood Parish Church.
The ability to sing in tune is the only requirement but no previous choir experience is necessary and there is no audition .
A typical rehearsal begins with vocal exercises, followed by revision of songs already learnt and the introduction of a new song . A varied repertoire of music will be covered including classical, traditional, musical theatre and popular songs
The Choir has only been going for a very short time.
They had their 1st Public Performance at the U3A Holywood and District Annual Christmas Lunch in December and it was very well received.
There is talk about maybe competing this Year.
The Choir is still looking for Members.
Please Contact the Convenor
Barbara Foster by email by completing the form below.
Exploring the Short Story
‘The things I like to find in a story are punch and poetry.’ – Seán Ó Faoláin
Every second Wednesday of the month this group meets at the Holywood library from 10.30 to 12.30 to discuss a short story, each with its own style of ‘punch and poetry’.
From classic to contemporary, from local writers to international, the group explores the themes. These stories generate lively and often humorous discussions over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits and chocolate too.
Short lectures are also given by the Convenor on the craft of writing short stories, allowing writers or readers of short stories to better understand the depth and complexity of this shorter form.
A small fee is charged for photocopying of the stories and refreshments.
Please contact Denise by completing the form below.
Indoor Bowling
The season continues on Mondays @ 7.00pm in Holywood Methodist Church Hall (corner of Church View/Church Rd,) ( in association with Holywood Methodist Bowling Club).
Do come along for some mild exercise, fun and competition. Tuition and bowls are available for novices, all you need is £2 and a flat soled pair of shoes.
New faces are always welcome!
Convenor: contact Ronnie McPeak by completing the form below.
Lawn Bowls
LAWN BOWLING GROUP – This group runs from May to September each year.
Players will require to have:
– Flat soled shoes – to change into before going on the green
– 4 matching bowls (Some will be available for new bowlers)
Cost will be 50p – No refreshments available so bring your own.
Limited coaching will be available for beginners.
Contact the Convenor: Michael by completing the form below.
Loose Ends
As the name suggest this Group comes up with fun ideas for those who might find themselves “At a Loose End” and would like to join like minded people.
There have been super Sunday lunches at Fontana and Noble. Jazz events at SD Bell. Visits to the Mac and the Grand Opera house to name a few.
If you are interested please contact Sandra or Valerie the Convenors.
Gardening
We are an enthusiastic group of gardeners & non-gardeners interested in hearing about & visiting gardens locally & slightly further afield.
We meet once per month, usually on a Monday…
November-March in Holywood Library for talks from guest speakers.
April-October we visit gardens with the owner or head gardner to show us around.
A cup of coffee & plenty of chat is always an intergral part of our events !
Do contact the Convenor if you would like to be part of this activity.
Convenor. Liz Wallace. If you wish to email Liz, please complete the form below.
Food & Drink
Enjoy meeting monthly for demonstrations, discussions, tastings and outings all related to Food & Drink. A bit of eating and drinking might be involved
If you are interested in joining us then Contact is below.
Convener: Sharyn Williams email by completing the form below.
Crafts
First Monday in the month.
St Columbas, Knock.
29 Kings Road.
Belfast
BT5 6JG.
Bring anything you are working on or try something new – materials provided. Or just have a coffee and a bit of craic.
Any questions email Joy by completing the form below.
Flower Arranging
Flower arranging.
This is a popular group organised by Norma Cooper the group had to split into smaller groups if you are interested please contact Norma.
Latest Newsletter
HOLYWOOD U3A NEWSLETTER WILL IN FUTURE APPEAR ON THE NEW HOLYWOOD & DISTRICT WEBSITE AND WILL NOT BE EMAILED TO YOU DIRECTLY. Our website is at www.holywoodu3a.org
The committee is aware of the risks of corruption by emailing you from a domestic computer. This is how viruses to your computer are spread and computers can be hacked. It is much safer to access this information by looking up the website. This means that after next month, I will not be sending out the information directly to you, but it will go on the website at the beginning of the week that has the general meeting on the last Friday of the month.
You cannot access the new website on a link from the old. You have to put holywoodu3a.org into your browser. If you would like help to put an icon onto your iPad or phone, bring it along to the next meeting and I will do that for you.
Group leaders should be contacted by clicking onto that group on the website. If they wish to give you information, it should appear on the link on the website.
Hard copies of the Newsletter will be available as usual (at the general meeting) for those who have no internet facility.
Any problems please contact Luane John or myself. (Sharyn)
HOLYWOOD & DISTRICT U3A
MONTHLY MEETING
FRIDAY, 23rd FEBRUARY 2018 AT 10.30 AM
QUEENS LEISURE COMPLEX
SPEAKER: JULIA HARKNESS
“The Community Development Game Plan”
ALL WELCOME
GROUPS INCLUDE:
AMBLERS BOOK READING COFFEE & CHAT
GARDENING CHOIR FLOWER ARRANGING
FINE DINING FOOD & DRINK CREATIVE WRITING
BOWLS LOCAL HISTORY LOOSE ENDS
OUT & ABOUT FILM CLUB PHILOSOPHY
SHORT STORY RELAXATION & MEDITATION
IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT A CONVENOR OF ANY INDIVIDUAL GROUP, PLEASE VISIT THE INDIVIDUAL GROUP ABOVE THIS NEWSLETTER AND COMPLETE A FORM WHICH WILL BE EMAILED DIRECT TO THE CONVENOR
AMBLERS WALKS
Amble Monday 5th March Glenavna Whiteabbey ( includes a murder mystery talk),
Meet 10.00am Tesco Knocknagoney bottle-bank for car sharing or 10.30 at Jordanstown Loughshore car park.
Go via M2 then M5 then A2 past Whiteabbey take next right into Loughshore car park, (this is before traffic lights at Jordanstown Rd on left)
Coffee at Whose Art Café Whiteabbey
Amble Monday 26Th March, Conswater Community Greenway,
Meet 10.00am Tesco Knocknagoney bottle-bank for car sharing or 10.30 in Victoria Park ( no car access from Sydenham Bypass) drive through Sydenham using Park Avenue (beside Hotel)& into park via Bypass underpass opposite Kyle St.
For Ambles just turn up.
BOOK READING GROUP
The book group meets every third Tuesday of the month, from 2-4pm, at the Holywood Library, upstairs in Room 4.
At the 20th of March meeting, we will be discussing ‘All the Light We Cannot See’, by American writer, Anthony Doerr.
His novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction as well as the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, both in 2015.
Although written by an American, the book focuses on how WWII dramatically effected the lives of a young blind French girl and her family and those of a young German boy drafted into fighting.
This historical novel reads like a thriller, a real page turner.
CHOIR
The Holywood U3A Choir is putting the final touches to the programme of songs which will be performed at the U3A Songfest in the Loughshore Hotel, Carrickfergus on 25th April.
We need to confirm numbers soon as the venue is providing refreshments ( cost £3 ) although if anyone prefers it the restaurant in the hotel will be available for a meal on the day.
If any other U3A members would like to come to be in the audience could you let me know as I need to pass on expected numbers to the organisers. The starting time is 1.30 and participants are required to be in their seats by 1.20.The event should be finished by 4.30.
The choir will stop for the summer at the end of May but if anyone thinking of joining in September would like to join us for the last few practices after the Songfest in April they will be made very welcome .
COFFEE & CHAT
Tuesday 20th February at 10.30am
Panini Holywood
25 Church Road
Holywood BT18 9BU
Tuesday 13th March at 10.30am
Maud’s of Holywood
64 High Street
Any tea or coffee £1.50
All welcome. Just turn up for coffee and chat if you are free.
CREATIVE WRITING
Creative Writing meets every third Wednesday of the month, from 2-4pm, at the Holywood Library, upstairs in Room 4.
Our next meeting is on the 21st of March, when we will be starting to prepare for our next LitFest and choosing a date for the event, to be held within the next few months. Details will be announced as we know them!
New members are always welcome, complete beginners or more practised writers. The group nurtures and fosters all writing: poetry, fiction, essays, memoirs. Visit the Group and complete a form.
EXPLORING THE SHORT STORY
Exploring the Short Story, second Wednesday of the month, 10.30 to 12/12.30, Holywood Library, upstairs in Room 4.
Our next meeting is on 14th March, when we will be discussing the short story, ‘This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen’, by the Polish writer Tadeusz Borowski, to commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day (post event, which was on 27 January).
New members are always welcome to this very lively and vibrant group. A small fee is charged for photocopying and teas/coffees and biscuits/chocolate.
FILM CLUB
Our next film will be on FRIDAY 23RD FEBRUARY.
Details of film,venue and time will be e-mailed to members on Tuesday 20th.
Next month’s proposed film nights :
9th March
23rd March
FINE DINING
There will no dining experience in March. This is due to the last Wednesday of the month being very close to Easter. Look forward to eating out again in April.
FLOWER ARRANGING GROUP
Apologies for the confusion last time due to the installation of a bollard to prevent unauthorised parking in the church forecourt. This has now been resolved, and I have the necessary key.
Our next get together will be on Tuesday, 6 March at 10.30 am. High Street Pres. Church Welcome Area. Members’ own choice.
Due to the Easter holiday, we will also meet on Tuesday, 27 March when we will create baskets for Easter. Baskets supplied for those who don’t want to use their own.
FOOD & DRINK
Wednesday 21st February 10.30am
Morning coffee and scones in Holywood Baptist Church.
Please come and join us sampling some home baked scones.
Thank you to all those who have volunteered to bake, and to any one else who will do so. But please don’t feel you can’t come if not able to offer – we need tasters!
Thursday 1st March 10.30am
Visit to Comber Market.
We are invited for coffee and a tour of Comber Market escorted by Deborah Girvan.(Local Councillor who was involved in setting up the market)
Coffee and scones etc (donations please) are served in the Church Hall in the corner of the market which is in the corner of Comber Square. Meet 10.30am in the hall. Please let me know if you are coming as I have to give numbers. Those who have told me already don’t need to do so again. See you there.
GARDENING
Next meeting is on Monday 12th March in Room 4, Holywood Library at 10.30.
Ann Fitzsimons will talk to us on “Interesting & Unusual Perennials”
Look forward to seeing you there.
INDOOR BOWLS
We are now at capacity, Should you wish to join us please vist the Group and fill in a Contact form.
LOCAL HISTORY
Topic: Clandeboye House and Estate
Speaker: Lola Armstrong
Date and Time: Wednesday, 7th March at 10.30am.
Venue: Holywood Library, Room 4.
LOOSE ENDS
Sunday Lunch at Noble Restaurant, Church Road, Holywood.
We have reserved 20 places for Sunday lunch at Noble, Church Road, Holywood on Sunday 18th March. Two courses £18 and three courses £23 plus 10% service. We suggest you round this up to £20 and £26.50 respectively. Drinks are extra and should be paid for separately with 10% added.
We have 18 names so far. Notify Sandra if you want the remaining two places. A reminder will be sent to all who have put their names down, nearer the time.
Saturday 7th April, 2.45pm at The Lyric Theatre in The Naughton Studio
The Jazzabelles
Sell-out show, The Jazzabelles, is a musical set in 1950s Belfast. It tells the story of three girls who long for a better life. After a chance meeting they form a vocal trio, The Jazzabelles, and dream of performing at the prestigious Floral Hall. When a smooth manager enters the frame it looks like their dream might become reality. However, the road to stardom is far from smooth. they must overcome bullying husbands, blackmail and bigotry along the way. Is friendship and music enough to see them through? We are thinking of going for a meal at Holohan’s Pantry, University Road, after the show. We will send another email about this, nearer the time.
Price £10 Concessions. The Naughton Studio has free seating – first come gets the best seats. Please book your own tickets at this link: https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/the-jazzabelles/
OUTDOOR BOWLS
Outdoor Lawn Bowls The 2018 Outdoor Bowling season will soon be starting again in mid April. Details of starting date will follow in the next Newsletter.
PHILOSOPHY
Monday 26th February Holywood Library 10.30am
In view of Alan’s absence on holiday this month, I have volunteered to fill in with some moral/philosophical questions of a legal nature at the next meeting. This is at end of the month (26/2/18) at the usual time and place. Donal McFerran
The March meeting of the philosophy group will be at 10.30 am on Monday 26th in the usual venue, room 4, Holywood Library. I plan to continue with issues related to the scenario introduced by Donal in his email a few days ago.
RELAXATION & MEDITATON
The follow up groups will be meeting in March and have been informed.
There will then be a break until September when the group will recommence monthly,dates t.b.a.
The list will be available again at the June monthly meeting.
Film Club
We usually see two films on the second and fourth Friday evening of the month in one of the following cinemas.
Queen’s Film Theatre, University Square
Dundonald Omniplex, Kings Road.
The Strand Arts Centre, Holywood Road
Details of films , times and cinemas are e-mailed to members a few days in advance of the date.
Sometimes we meet afterwards for coffee or a meal .
It is a sociable group and new faces are very welcome
Convenor: Anne McMurray.
To contact Anne, please fill out the form below
Relaxation/Meditation
Meditation is a stress management technique which has been proven to counteract the physiological effect of stress in our body.
The group will be offered a guided relaxation followed by coaching in meditation techniques to practise at home.
The group will be limited in number and will meet monthly in Holywood Library from September. Dates to be arranged
If you are interested in joining, please contact Eileen via the form below.
Fine Dining
Dining Club consists of forty like minded people who like to sample the gastronomic delights of our top restaurants. We meet the last Wednesday of each month (excluding July, August and December). Usually we dine in the evening but occasionally at lunchtime. Dining Club consists of forty like minded people who like to sample the gastronomic delights of our top restaurants. We meet the last Wednesday of each month (excluding July, August and December). Usually we dine in the evening but occasionally at lunchtime.
Unfortunately we have found it necessary to restrict our membership due to restrictions of many restaurants, however we do have a waiting list for those who would like to join us in the future. Unfortunately we have found it necessary to restrict our membership due to restrictions of many restaurants, however we do have a waiting list for those who would like to join us in the future.
Convenors: Brenda Clingen and Liz Carson contact using email completing the form below.
Creative Writing
Writing is driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way. – E.L. DOCTOROW Writing is driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way. – E.L. DOCTOROW
Is there some magic formula for writing? Or a definitive nuts-and-bolts manual? The above quote by Doctorow seems to dispel this notion. Most writers work in the dark and a fog as they proceed with their work, which is why meeting with fellow writers can be an enlightening and clarifying necessity. They are your first readers. And first readers can shine a light on—and some insight into—whether your work is achieving what you had set out to do. Is there some magic formula for writing? Or a definitive nuts-and-bolts manual? The above quote by Doctorow seems to dispel this notion. Most writers work in the dark and a fog as they proceed with their work, which is why meeting with fellow writers can be an enlightening and clarifying necessity. They are your first readers. And first readers can shine a light on—and some insight into—whether your work is achieving what you had set out to do.
The Creative Writing group has been meeting since June, 2014, with some original members, some newer ones, and new members are always welcome. It is still led by the same Convenor, who holds an MA in Creative Writing and a BA in German Language and Literature. The Creative Writing group has been meeting since June, 2014, with some original members, some newer ones, and new members are always welcome. It is still led by the same Convenor, who holds an MA in Creative Writing and a BA in German Language and Literature.
In addition to having helpful and constructive feedback as well as discussions on the craft of writing, the Creative Writing group organises a literary festival to showcase their work to the public. In addition to having helpful and constructive feedback as well as discussions on the craft of writing, the Creative Writing group organises a literary festival to showcase their work to the public.
Creative Writing, every third Wednesday of the month, from 2pm to 4pm, at Holywood Library. Creative Writing, every third Wednesday of the month, from 2pm to 4pm, at Holywood Library.
Photography
Course run by Daria Casement. Daria has lectured on photography at QUB and runs her own photographic courses at Comber leisure centre and runs outdoor photography session e.g. Street photography; dawn and dusk photography; special photographic environments etc.
For people with basic photography skills or interests who want to take better photos, The course focuses on the following aspects of photography:
- Composition: How to compose the photograph, compositions for particular genres, Posing your subject etc.
- Functional aspects of your cameras: iPhone etc. How to get the best out of your camera.
- Photo Techniques
- Post processing: How to crop, enhance your photograph:- on iPhone, Android phone, iPad etc.
- Which Apps to use
Course convener – Paul Weir
If you would like to join the course please use the contact form below.
Canasta
contact: cmj.montgomery@ntlworld.com