PHOTOGRAPHY +

Photography
Laurence Hopes 362113 contacted me some months ago now with a suggestion for no less than three new groups, but at the time he did not feel confident enough of his own knowledge to lead any of the groups. So he turned to extra mural classes on Photography and armed with new knowledge and a view of formal education he is now to lead a group. A very good example of how to proceed with your pet project.

The group will meet for the very first time this Tuesday 21 April between 10am and 12 at the Vivian Hall, Blackpill, and will continue to do so throughout the summer. At least three people who joined the U3A following the Life Begins at 50+ event have indicated their support. As I understand it, one of the the suggestions is to go out as a group on Photo Shoots and then to study and discuss every ones results. How the group develops is of course in large part decided between the people who join. However it seems likely to be largely complementary to Digital Media which is largely concerned with the digital computer manipulation of photographs, and should be ideal for those whose interest is to improve the quality of photographs they take on trips and holidays, and of family.

U3A Science-Technology Summer Seminar
This is being organised by the Science, Technology and Society Network of The U3A. For those new to the U3A I should explain that certain Groups work as Regional or National Networks. Geology is a popular group which operates across South Wales with a fair proportion from the Swansea U3A. The science seminar is being held at the Ty'r Morwydd Environmental Study Centre at Abergavenny from Monday 17 August to Thursday 20 August and any U3A members (not just members of that Network) are welcome to attend. Anyone interested should contact Nic Griffin 01747-855720 nicgriffin@hotmail.com , or Peter Rockwell 020 8445 3574 peter@rockwell.net

The total cost will be £180 for residents or £120 for day students, including wine for those socialising in the evenings. They are expecting contributions, of general rather specialist level, on Aeronautical Engineering, Navigation, Secret Message Technology in WW11, Polymers/Plastics, Blood Transfusions and the Properties of Light. The main visit will be to SS Great Britain in Bristol Docks.

Politics and Citizenship
Much information was given this month on the European Union ahead of the forthcoming Elections to the European Parliament by Roger Knight and Marjorie Vanston. Most of the discussion was held over until the May meeting.

Margaret Hammond (tel 883680), not for the first time, gave notice of relinquishing the post of convener after the September Meeting with Edwina Hart. She of course is one of the pillars of the U3A, who has also run the Research Group for years, but who now considers the load too heavy - having reached her 85th year. She pleaded for a replacement, and whispered to me that it should not by default land up with the overloaded willing horse Roger Knight.

It is a discussion group which anyone with keen interests in current affairs, moral dilemmas (eg euthanasia or religion), Welsh, UK or European politics, would find stimulating. The next convener would ideally come from the current group, but there is absolutely no reason why it should not be one of the newer and generally younger members. I have attended several sessions, and enjoyed them all. There are clearly many members willing to lead particular sessions, so the main task of the convener is to Chair the meetings and guide the meeting in the choice of the next topic and appropriate leaders.

New members would be welcomed at the meeting on Tuesday the 12 May in the West Cross Community Centre which will be just ahead of the European Elections. There is no other way to find out whether groups are to your liking than to attend and form your own judgement, it is courtesy to contact the convener beforehand.

Roger Knight emailed me details of two web sites relevant to European politics http://euobserver.com/#

http://europarl.org.uk/

Painting for Pleasure
Mary Lane proposes to start a new group under this title for NON-BEGINNERS ONLY on Tuesday October 6 at All Saints Mumbles. Her current group is for Water Colour for Beginners

GROUPS ACTIVITIES
MONDAY
Chess meet for the last time until October at 10 am in Hazel Court.
Italian meet at 10 am at Hazel Court, also for the last time until October.

TUESDAY
Photography first meeting 10.30 at Vivian Hall West Cross
Writing 2 meet this week at 10am at Hazel Court to consider what they have written on 'The Essence of Spring'
Welsh Language/Culture meet every Tuesday until July at 10am in the Vestry St Mary's Church, central Swansea.

WEDNESDAY
Astronomy will meet in the Grove after the lecture to see some film
Art Appreciation Please note that Mo Ellard will be collecting £3 in payment for the trip to Cardiff 28 April after the lecture.

THURSDAY
French will meet at 10am until the end of April. Celia Roberts is taking the group at present due to the illnesses of Steve Johnson and Beryl Edney, who have our best wishes for speedy recoveries. The topic for discussion this week is The Environment.

FRIDAY
History meet at 2pm at the Dolphin on the theme King George 2nd and the Development of the British Empire.
Tai Chi meets 9.30 and at 11am at Hazel Court. Convener Susan Hutson 391058.

MONDAY 27 April
Concert Goers meet at 2.15pm in the Civic Centre to hear Chris Weeks in preparation for the concert with works by Beethoven and Mahler at the Brangwyn Hall on Sat 9 May.


Reading Group 4 Earlier versions of this blog suggested they would be meeting a week Monday, that was incorrect. Their next meeting is 10.30 in Hazel Court on Monday 11 May.