Art Group

All mediums of art involving painting and drawing are done, with the exception of oils. We are a very social group and have lunches together e.g. for birthdays. We have the occasional organised trip out to an art show or to visit an Art Gallery, e.g. the Wallace Collection in London and Compton Verney. We have also contributed to the Christmas party for the residents at the Hawthorns.

Art Appreciation Group

The group has been running for over 3 years. For The first year we read Looking at Paintings by Mary Acton as a study guide. In the second year, members selected an artist for discussion each month. We have had visits to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and to Birmingham Art Gallery. On the whole the group depends on members’ own enthusiasm for an artist or topic but from time to time outside experts (like Mary Acton) are invited to the group. Current subjects for discussion include war artists and textiles. We have also recently made use of DVDs on loan from the U3A Resources Department at HQ. New members are always welcome.

Book Group

We select one book a month – member’s choice and preference is usually given to paperback editions. Usually the member who suggests the book is given the task of giving a fairly brief review at the next meeting and then other members in turn are given the chance to make their own observations. Over the years – we are now in our 12th year – our choice has been quite varied. Originally the group attempted to read Booker Prize nominations but this has broadened out and from time to time we have taken a fresh look at classics such as Middlemarch, Madame Bovary and Bleak House. Recent books read have included One Day by David Nichols, The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal, The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson and The Long Song by Andrea Levy.

Bridge Group

We only meet to play bridge and we sometimes play at additional times e.g. Friday evening. Other Banbury U3A members participate to fill vacancies when needed. We do not teach bridge or include beginners but would welcome other groups of 4 or more for another table.

Bridge Group (Social Bridge)

We have a lively cheerful group, which has grown since moving to the Chestnuts Bowls Club. Whilst we are currently 8 strong, we would be pleased for 2 or 3 new regular members.

Coffee Shop Current Affairs Group

We are a small but very friendly and lively group of 6-8 regular members who meet upstairs at Costa Coffee House in the Castle Quay Centre from approx. 10.45 a.m. A discussion soon gets going on a topical theme and we soon become motivated. The staff assist us with coffee and nibbles. The meeting ends about midday. We welcome new members.

Country Walking Group

Our aim is to enjoy the beauty of the local countryside by walking along its footpaths. The group meets at 10.15 a.m. at a pre-arranged location (often a village church or similar easily identified place), and does a circular walk of usually 4 – 5 miles, returning at lunchtime; those who wish to often stay for a drink or lunch at a local pub.

We meet twice a year (January and July) at a member’s house, have lunch (everyone contributing food) and plan walks for the next 6 months. Members are encouraged to suggest walks and volunteer to lead them. Occasionally we plan a longer, all-day walk of 6 – 8 miles with either a picnic or pub lunch, and occasionally an evening walk, starting 5 p.m.

There seems to be an inexhaustible supply of new places to explore and we rarely repeat a walk. The countryside around Banbury is varied and endlessly interesting, and the network of footpaths is extensive.

Members need to be reasonably fit and able to climb stiles, and they are advised to wear stout shoes or boots and be prepared to encounter mud for most months of the year.

Creative Writing Group

The group is involved in writing stories or essays each month from a suggested title by a group member. We have also been experimenting with writing at the group meeting, which has proved popular, and produces some interesting results. We will continue to change the format as we progress and it would be true to say that we are a participatory group with the group leader only really co-ordinating meetings and ensuring that meetings run smoothly.

Family History Group

This recently formed group brings together members with a variety of expertise and interests in researching their family history in order to swap experiences and ideas. There is a cost of £3.00 per person per month which will cover a year’s subscription to a Family History website. This gives full access to Census records up to 1911, births, deaths and marriage records and a wide range of other databases.

French Group 1

We meet each week in order to speak and try to improve our spoken French as well as to enjoy each other’s company. The first half of the session is some activity devised by the host of the day – a game, discussion or exercise in grammar. After coffee, we listen to a CD, in conjunction with a French journal consisting of articles, short stories, crosswords etc. Currently we are reading a book in French, of which each has a copy. We also visit Chipping Norton Theatre when there is a good French film to see.

French Group 2

This small group meets in each other’s homes on a weekly basis to have French conversation. We usually relate our past week’s activities or sometimes choose a topic to discuss. We read a magazine, La Vie Outré Manche, and quite often this provokes discussion. Occasionally we give ourselves set scenarios, such as shopping, preparing for a walk or having guests to stay, which will stimulate the use of everyday or even colloquial French. We have a maximum of 10, which we find a manageable size to allow everyone to speak.

French Group 3

We are a loose association of members who meet as regularly as their other commitments permit in order to hone their French conversational skills. It is not a ‘class’ and there are no ‘lessons’ but we can use a French language magazine and from time to time attempt some of its grammatical exercises. Otherwise we converse on activities undertaken, current affairs etc. and listen to the CD associated with the magazine, read and translate the text.

French Group 4

This is a group of enthusiasts who want either to resurrect school French, or try French out for the first time.  We use two textbooks, Voila, a course in French for adult beginners, and Living French, both of which aim to immerse the student progressively in the language – so far, the group is in up to its ears! (par-dessus la tête).  We aim to go ever further, of course!

Both books are designed to be largely self-teaching, so “classes” and “lessons” are not the order of the day, although of course, revision and independent guidance are always necessary.  It’s quite hard, but enjoyable work, and it gets the brain-box ticking over nicely!

German Group

This is a small lively group which looks at varying aspects of German Language, life and culture. Use is made of newspapers, magazines and other texts to practise and enhance language skills, and members are encouraged to make contributions based on their recent travels, personal experiences and interests. The proceedings are conducted as far as possible in German, and it is therefore not at present possible to accommodate beginners in the language.

History Group

The group started over 10 years ago. We have tried themes over the years but more recently have left it to members to produce a piece on a topic that interests them and talk on it for a while, then the rest of the group join in. This is a very simple idea but it seems to have worked well. Our talks have included: Wars of the Roses, Crystal Palace, the Witches of Salem, suffragettes, gas lighting, railways, the history of Iraq and the enigma of Bletchley Park. As we are rather a large group, new members are invited as guests who can come and see what they think of our activities. We have acquired some very interesting speakers this way.

Italian Group

We simply chat in Italian, read, listen to and translate Italian work. This always involves a cup of coffee and fun.

Music Groups (Wednesday) and (Thursday)

Two groups meet on adjacent days, allowing larger numbers to participate. Our mission statement is “It does not matter how ‘musical’ members are, everyone can listen carefully, thoughtfully and without distraction on their own terms.” We have varied, enjoyable and educational listening experiences, usually within or just outside the range of musical tastes within the group. A theme, chosen in a previous meeting, provides basis for the music that some of the members bring for us to listen to, on CD, mp3, DVD or through internet. A brief introduction is often provided for each piece of music and a short discussion often follows.

Philosophy Group 1

This long established group is now having fun exploring modern philosophical ideas and is enjoying weighing these against our individual wide experiences and knowledge. We are finding Stephen Law’s Book ‘The Philosophy Gym’ a varied and lively presentation that, although sometimes deceptively simple to read, it is a good brain exercise. We have enjoyed tackling ‘puzzles as old as the hills but so topical for today’ as we consider conflicting sides of arguments. The only qualifications needed for membership are an open mind, a sense of humour and tolerance as we try to deal with the paradoxes of life in this ever-changing world.

Philosophy Group 2: The History of Western Philosophy

This second Philosophy Group, which started meeting in January 2010, aims to put philosophy into its historical context; starting with the early Greeks and working up to modern times.  We are using books such as Bertrand Russell’s famous A History of Western Philosophy, first published in 1945 and never out of print since, plus more modern books, among them Nigel Warburton’s Philosophy, the Classics. Part of the fun of philosophy is that, as Bertrand Russell says, “No man (woman) is likely to have arrived at the complete and final truth on any subject whatever.” So there’s plenty to discuss.

Play Reading Group

We resource plays from Oxford library, trying to get as much variety as possible, i.e. drama, comedy and farces, and hopefully discuss them if time allows. We are restricted to 7 members owing to limited space.

Peoples’ Park Group

This group began with an interest in Banbury’s local park near the town centre but now also involves other parks and visits to a wide range of other outdoor venues around Banbury and further afield (such as Oxford and Birmingham Botanical Gardens). Sometimes we meet in members’ homes when someone has prepared a topic for learning. This can be about wildlife, flora and fauna, rocks and soils; in fact anything to do with the natural world.

Poetry Group

We choose 4/5 poems to read out at the meeting, taking it in turns to read our chosen poem, and then briefly discuss it. Maybe that particular poem has a significant meaning for someone or it is by their favourite poet. It is a very relaxed and enjoyable afternoon. The group is currently full at 7 so it would be a good idea for someone who was willing to start another group.

Scrabble Group

The group has a membership of 12 at present although usually 8-10 attend regularly. Members bring 3-4 boards to each meeting. We divide into appropriate numbers and someone keeps the score in their group. The winner then passes to the next table so that we are not playing with the same people. Each meeting last about 2½ hours, and finishes with tea and biscuits. We have room for new members, as guests in the first instance.

Shakespeare Appreciation Group

The group leader suggests the play to be studied and purchases cheap penguin copies (approx. £2 each). For 3 months the chosen play is discussed, analysed and play-read. Robust discussion frequently ensues with differing opinions encouraged.

Spanish Group 1

We are lucky to have a native Spaniard who helps us a lot with Spanish conversation. We do a bit of grammar, reading, translating and speaking.

Spanish Group 2

The group aims to help members gain fluency in speaking Spanish and to improve their listening skills. It is suitable for those who already have a reasonable grasp of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Conversations are wide-ranging and informal and have recently covered, for example, Spanish history, art and politics, as well as topics of general interest. Members have recently attended local Spanish language film showings and live performances of flamenco and other aspects of Spanish culture. In January 2010, the group visited an exhibition of Spanish religious painting and sculpture at the National Gallery.

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Table Tennis Group

This is a fairly informal group with players of varying abilities. The more able ones advise and support those of us with weaker skills but we mix together in both singles and doubles matches. As we have only one table, we are limited in the number of players we can have but have room for at least one more member and would welcome any enquiries. We don’t pay anything for the hire of the room or to use the equipment, but each player pays £2 per year to become a member of St. John’s Club.

Walks Exploring Villages

This is not a ‘group’ in the usual sense as any member of Banbury U3A can come along for an individual walk by ensuring their details go on to the list beforehand. One of our team of walk leaders, often with the assistance of a knowledgeable resident of the village, gives us a guided tour. A fee (usually about £2) is charged towards a donation for our guide and any related expenses (e.g. for their refreshments). Walks cover around 1½ miles and last about 1½ hours, after which we usually finish at a local pub for refreshments/loo stop.