U3A Tawa > New Courses

Art Group [ART] RUNS ALL YEAR

Calling all people who are interested in art, please come to share your skills and interests with the art group. You will be very welcome as we are a very sociable group. We want to encourage everyone with or without an ability to sketch or paint to come along to give art a go. We have a wide range of equipment available. You may prefer to work on your own project which would be inspiring to the group.

Leader: Margaret Herbert, [email protected] (232 6828 / 027 232 6828)
Co-ordinator: Alison Bayly, [email protected] (027 437 9215)
Every Thursday 10.00am till noon, begins January 23rd
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Books1 [BK1] RUNS ALL YEAR

Members talk about the books they have been reading. No set book. Books are frequently shared. The discussion about a book often triggers wider discussion on topical issues.

Leader: Faith Delaney (232 6730)
2nd Monday of the month at 10am, begins February 10th
Venue: Member's home

Books2 [BK2] RUNS ALL YEAR

Members talk about the books they have been reading. No set book. Books are often shared. The discussion about a book often triggers wider discussion on topical issues.

Leader: Sally Horan, [email protected] (027 439 2731)
4th Monday of the month at 10am, begins February 24th
Venue: Member's homes

Botany [BOT] RUNS ALL YEAR

The aim is to enable group members to study and learn about the many types of New Zealand and exotic flora, especially trees. The Botany group encompasses people with a wide variety of botanical skills and a wish to identify new specimens while exploring rich native ecosystems including native bush, swamp areas and coastal zones like estuaries. The Wellington area provides excellent opportunities for botany study both in the field and in imaginative indoor study facilities such as Te Papa. Every effort is made to balance out the more demanding outdoor venues with easier to visit ones.

Leader: Richard Herbert [email protected] (027 445 5942)
Co-ordinator: Helen Roper, [email protected] (027 696 3150)
2nd Monday of the month at 9:30am, begins February 10th
Venue: Meet at Davies Street/Luckie Street car-park, Tawa

Choir [CHR] (U3A Singers) RUNS ALL YEAR

Over 25 voices sing a wide variety of music. Some popular songs arranged for mixed choir, some serious choral works like Opera Choruses or Oratorios. Some Folk Songs, songs from Musicals and Films and some popular songs. Some are challenging, others are really simple. There's always going to be a good selection that you will enjoy.

Leader: Jancis Potter, [email protected] (232 3915 or 027 635 4733)
Co-ordinator: Gail Milner, [email protected] (027 417 4422)
Every Monday at 1:15pm, begins February 10th
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Computer Chatter [CMP] RUNS ALL YEAR

If you are interested in computer technology and related topics, you are welcome to join this discussion group. You don’t need to be a technology expert to join this group! It is an opportunity for you to learn from others in the group. There is a discussion subject for each meeting. At the start of the meeting a presentation takes place followed by a group discussion on the subject matter. There is usually time to discuss other matters and help each other with problems we may be having with our computing devices.

February, Security cameras and CCTV

March, Looking inside computers

April, What's new in technology?

May, Help session for all U3A Members

June, Windows 11

July, YouTube channel creation

August, Password managers

September, Spreadsheets

October, Useful utility programs/apps

November, Helping group members with technology problems

December, Home automation

Spare, Smart phone cameras

Leader: [email protected]. (027 622 8066)
4th Thursday of the month at 10am, begins February 27th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

CRAFT GROUP (CRA)

There will be small interesting projects offered that can be completed in a day. Please bring a school notebook to the first session.

Leader: FAITH DELANEY (04 232 6730 )
1st Monday of each month 10 am–12 noon, starting 7th July
Venue: 6B Cecil Road, Tawa

Cryptic Crossword Solving (CRS) RUNS ALL YEAR

Have more fun and exercise your brain with cryptic clues! Easy to learn how to work them out as they follow patterns. Bring a pen! Experienced puzzlers welcome!

Co-ordinator: John Bolland, [email protected] (232 6126 / 021 264 0941)
2nd Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm, begins February 12th
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Current Affairs [CAF] RUNS ALL YEAR

This group examines and reflects on political events and social trends in NZ and around the world. Topics are chosen by the group and the leader then promotes discussion on each of those topics. Everyone who wishes to speak is always accorded the opportunity. Coffee and tea are served both before and after the session.

Leader: Various
Co-ordinator: Helen Roper, [email protected] (027 696 3150)
1st Wednesday of the month at 10am, begins February 5th
Venue: Tawa Union Church hall

Discussion Group [DIS] RUNS ALL YEAR

A small group, meeting to have a discussion on proposed topics of community interest after enjoying a simple morning tea.

Leader: Digby Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110)
Co-ordinator: Lola Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110)
2nd Wednesday of the month at 10am, begins February 12th
Venue: Member's home

Environmental Discussion Group (EDG)

This course supersedes and expands the focus of the RRR Course. Topics that may be discussed at the meetings include (but are not limited to) the following:

· Climate change / Global warming.

· Deforestation/Reforestation.

· Waste minimisation - Reduce rubbish, Reuse and Recycle (RRR).

· Renewable energy.

· Sustainable agriculture/horticulture.

· Pollution.

· Carbon footprint reduction.

· Green washing and Consumerism.

Leader: Ray Walker [email protected]. (027 622 8066)
Wednesday, August 20th @ 2.15pm.
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

FILMS ON DVD (FSD) RUNS ALL YEAR

Watch and discuss a wide range of films, old and new. Limit of 6 people plus coordinator.

Leader: Dave Smith [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404 )
Tuesdays fortnightly @ 2pm, begins February 11th
Venue: Member's home

FLAX WEAVING (FLW)

A beginner and intermediate class teaching techniques of Raranga (flax weaving). For those who attended last year Clare will give you extension projects or you can practise the same projects with other beginners.

Leader: Clare Smith, [email protected]
Co-ordinator: Judith Havill, [email protected] (027 319 8235)
Will be on consecutive Tuesdays, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm starting 8th July.
Venue: Tawa Union Church hall

Health Issues [HLT] TWO SESSIONS

Topical health issues, followed by your questions. Two talks per semester

Co-ordinator: Gillian George 021 231 4240 and Sally Horan 232 6006 or 027 439 2731 ([email protected] or [email protected])
Tuesdays, 5th August and 7th October at 10.30 am
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Indoor Bowls [INB]

All welcome. If you have never played, come and give it a try. Gabrielle will give you a hand. Please enrol online or contact the coordinator, Gay Quirke.

Co-ordinator: Gay Quirke, [email protected] (027 242 3288)
7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th July and 1st and 4th August for 10.30-12 noon
Venue: TBA

Keep-fit Classes [KFT] RUNS ALL YEAR

Tutor Mark Anderson gives specific advice as required and leads members in exercises to improve cardio, strength and flexibility. Mark ensures the exercises are safe and tailored to your specific needs. Only U3A members are present during the agreed times so most attendees know each other well. A warm and supportive atmosphere is maintained at all times.

NB $9 per half hour. Times:

Mondays 1:30 -2.00 pm

Thursdays 2:00 -2.30 pm

Fridays 1:00 -1.30 pm

Leader: Mark Anderson (027 458 8674)
Co-ordinator: David Bray, [email protected] (021 0297 4430 )
Venue: Revolve Fitness, Tawa Mall

Knitting Together [KNT] RUNS ALL YEAR

A friendly group who get together each month to knit, share knitting skills and patterns, and have a good chat!

Co-ordinator: Gillian George, [email protected] (021 231 4240)
1st Tuesday of the month at 2.00-3:30 pm, begins February 4th
Venue: Members' homes

Literature (LIT) SEMESTER TWO

New Zealand writers between the wars.

Leader: Mary-Lynn Boyes (232 2815 / 022 465 6433)
Co-ordinator: Valerie Saxton, [email protected] (232 7303 or 021 166 3373 )
Two consecutive Wednesdays 27th August and 3rd September at 1.30 pm
Venue: Tawa Library

Meccano [MEC] RUNS ALL YEAR

This group is extremely popular, and it is not just restricted to the guys! Novices are welcome as all models to build are provided whether they are large or small. Numbers are limited

Leader: Max George, [email protected]
Co-ordinator: Gillian George, [email protected] (021 231 4240)
2nd and 4th Mondays from 9.30 – 11.30am, begins February 10th
Venue: Member's home

Movie Group [MOV] RUNS ALL YEAR

Come along and see some good films and enjoy a free cuppa courtesy of the cinema. Suggestions of upcoming films you would like to see are welcomed. We rideshare to the venue if you wish to do so.

Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am, begins February 19th
Venue: Lighthouse Cinema, Pauatahanui

Music Performance Group [MPG] RUNS ALL YEAR

Members perform short items to each other. You don't have to be a virtuoso – just interested in giving yourself a reason to practice something ready to perform for others to enjoy. There is a wide range of abilities and everyone is very supportive of the other performers. Room for more if you'd like to join us.

Co-ordinator: Jay Smith, [email protected] (027 461 2866 (prefers texts))
1st Thursday of the month at 2.00pm, begins March 6th
Venue: Tawa Union Church

New Books in the Library [NBL] RUNS ALL YEAR

Group members choose books from the Wellington City Council library collection, with a focus on books published in the last two years. Members orally review books at the monthly meeting, passing on recommended books (provided they are not on reserve on the library system). Members find others’ recommendations often broaden their reading interests, genres and authors.

Co-ordinator: Rosemary Nourse, [email protected] (027 337 8922)
2nd Thursday of the month at 10am, begins February 13th
Venue: Tawa Library

Outings with Porirua U3A (OWP) RUNS ALL YEAR

Porirua U3A often organise one-off day trips to events and various places of interest, and Tawa U3A members are always welcome to join them. If you would like to be added to Bill’s contact list please enrol in the usual way so that we can then pass on your contact details to Bill.

When & Where: As advised

Leader: Bill Gebbie, [email protected] (027 677 0180)

Petanque [PET] RUNS ALL YEAR

We play on the petanque court at Aotea Park next to Aotea Lagoon, which is a lovely location. There are weather related notifications each week from our coordinator. Tea, coffee, biscuits and playing equipment are provided.

Co-ordinator: Jane de Waal, [email protected] (027 364 1272)
Every Friday, 10am - 12pm, begins January 3rd 2025
Venue: Aotea Lagoon

Piano Recital [PNO]

Jancis and Chris will present another recital of piano music. Solos, duets and works for two pianos. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the recital.

Leader: Jancis Potter, [email protected]
Co-ordinator: Jancis Potter, [email protected] (232 3915 or 027 635 4733)
Tuesday, September 9th 10.00 - 12 noon
Venue: Member's home

Play-Reading [PLR] RUNS ALL YEAR

Come and read a part in a variety of plays – we share the roles throughout the plays, so we all have a turn reading! Maximum of eight people.

Co-ordinator: Susan Bultitude, [email protected]
4th Wednesday of the month at 11.00am
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Quiz [QUZ] TWO SESSIONS, SEMESTER ONE

Come along and pit your wits against other quiz addicts. Teams of 4 to 6, but if you don’t have a team just come along and join in with an existing team.

Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
Wednesdays at 1.30pm, April 30th & June 25th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Ramblers [RBS] RUNS ALL YEAR

If you wish to join a friendly walking group, this is it. We enjoy urban and bush walks all over Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti. We carpool (donation to the driver) or use our Gold Cards. Wear suitable clothing, shoes and a hat. Bring lunch and water.

Co-ordinator: Shirley Williamson, [email protected] (232 6746)
Every Thursday at 10am, begins January 30th
Venue: Meet at Davies Street/Luckie Street car-park

READING SHAKESPEARE (SHA)

Richard II and Coriolanus. Three sessions for each play. Everyone in the group gets to read a number of parts in each play.

First is a DVD of the play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Second play will be a commercial production directed by Ralph Fiennes.

Leader: Dave Smith (232 5084/021 991 404 [email protected])
Thursdays - Dates to be advised
Venue: To be advised

Science, Technology & Us (SCI) RUNS ALL YEAR

This course will help you understand more about the science and technology affecting our lives. Each monthly session will address the science or technology behind a specific topic, through a presentation with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Topics addressed in 2024 included: What is Science?; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Matariki; Why things Stay Up (Engineering); Earthquakes in New Zealand; A Structural Engineer’s Perspective on Earthquakes and the Christchurch Rebuild; Black Holes; Greenhouse Gases and Future Climate; Genetic Modification.

Co-ordinator: David Wratt, [email protected] & Peter Woods, [email protected] (David - 232 9950 & Peter - 029 462 2408)
4th Wednesday of the month at 10.00am, begins March 26th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Scrabble (jointly with Mana U3A) RUNS ALL YEAR

We have been invited to join Mana U3A members in their Scrabble games. It’s good for keeping the brain active! Contact John for more details and to enroll. Fridays, fortnightly at 10am

Co-ordinator: John Bolland, [email protected] (232 6126 / 021 264 0941)
Fortnightly on Friday mornings at 10.00am, begins January 17th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Scrap-Booking / Cards [SCB] RUNS ALL YEAR

Join our friendly group to learn techniques to display your photos in an interesting and lasting way.

Co-ordinator: Barbara Russell, [email protected] & Shirley Taylor (Barbara 232 5831 / 021 049 3599 & Shirley 027 611 9373)
Every Friday, 10.00am to noon, begins February 7th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Spiritual Discussions (SPD) RUNS ALL YEAR

Open to discussions on Christian views on many issues and your questions. Variety of Biblical topics. Encouragement and exploration. The importance of a spiritual perspective.

Leader: Digby Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110)
3rd Tuesday of the [email protected], begins February 18th. No April meeting
Venue: Member's home

Table Tennis [TTN] RUNS ALL YEAR

Friendly group running during school terms. No experience necessary - beginners are welcome: you will be given instruction to help you learn to play.

Leader: John Bolland, [email protected] or Tim Davin, [email protected] (JB 232 6126/021 264 0941; or TD 027 204 9536)
Every Thursday at 9:30am, began Jan 16th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre Hall

Tai Chi [TCM] Jointly with Mana U3A

Mercedes teaches contemporary forms using the Yang style. All exercise movements done in a session have health benefits. Repetitions are normal in Tai Chi to improve movement. These are relaxed, controlled movements which help improve fitness and flexibility and reduce the risk of joint injury.

NB - $4.00 per session

Leader: Mercedes Godinez
Co-ordinator: Jeanette Satterthwaite,[email protected] & Michael Lynch, [email protected] (Jeanette 027 348 7475 & Michael - 022 606 8066)
Every Friday, 10 - 11am, begins February 14th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Tawa Hikers (THS) RUNS ALL YEAR

This friendly group who enjoy bush walking is suitable for people whose fitness level is moderate to fit. We have weekly walks in the Wellington region ranging from 9-14kms. You will need to bring your lunch for all our walks. We carpool with a koha for the driver. Wear suitable clothes for hiking, hiking shoes or boots, walking poles if required and a jacket for all walks.

Co-ordinator: Allan Johnson, [email protected] (021 138 1233)
Every Thursday at 9.00am for a 9.15am departure, begins 9th January
Venue: Tawa Rugby Club, Lyndhurst Road

Tawa History [TWH] ONE SESSION

Talk

A to B: from Arohata to Baptist Church, along Main Street

Leader: David Parsons, Tawa Historical Society
Co-ordinator: Alison Bayly, [email protected] (027 437 9215)
Monday October 6th @ 10.00am
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Tawa- Linden Walkers [TLW] RUNS ALL YEAR

We are a friendly walking group who enjoy urban and bush walking. You will receive our programme of weekly walks in the Wellington region when you join the group. We meet on a Tuesday at Tawa Junction, Wellington Beds end of the car park, 9.00am for a 9.15am departure. We carpool, and a koha to the driver is indicated in the programme. You need to bring a drink (preferably water) and something to eat for morning tea and lunch on the lunch days which are indicated in the programme. Wear suitable clothing e.g. walking shoes or hiking boots, walking poles if required and a jacket for all walks.

Co-ordinator: Allan Johnson, [email protected] (021 138 1233)
Every Tuesday at 9:00 am, begins January 7th
Venue: Meet at Tawa Junction, Wellington Beds end of car park

Theatre Visits [THV] RUNS ALL YEAR

Our local theatres offer a brilliant range of productions. Most months I’ll email you with suggestions and ask for expressions of interest. After I've made a provisional booking I will ask you to pay into the U3A theatre account, which is then transferred to the appropriate theatre: Circa, Mana Little Theatre, Gryphon, Khandallah Arts Theatre, Kapiti Playhouse or Hutt Repertory.

Co-ordinator: Alison Bayly, [email protected] (027 437 9215)
Monthly, to be advised
Venue: Various

Travel Adventures [TRA] RUNS ALL YEAR

Each month a member shares a ’slide show’ of their holiday. The semester one program is:

June 13 Geoff Marshall - Trans-Siberian (Beijing to Lake Baikal)

July 11 Tony Cross - Vietnam

August 8 Tom and Paula - Northern Kenya

September 12 Peter Lang - Hawke Bay, or Hawke’s Bay

October 10 Angela Ryan - TBC

November 14 Geoff - Lake Baikal to St Petersburg

December 12 Ross Williamson - USA and Mexico - Canyons

Co-ordinator: Carole Naylor, [email protected] & Geoff Marshall [email protected] (Carole 021 0861 6626 )
2nd Friday of the month at 10am, begins February 14th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Ukulele Strum [UKU] RUNS ALL YEAR

More songs with another chord to add to your repertoire. This is an immensely popular group who find it a most enjoyable way to make music together without needing a great deal of study.

Co-ordinator: Malcolm Haddon, [email protected] (021 114 8852 )
Every Friday, 1.00 to 2.30pm, begins January 31st
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

VIETNAM WAR (VIE)

The war was a reflection of the Cold War, with America supporting South Vietnam, and China/Russia aiding North Vietnam.

This followed the collapse of the French empire in south east Asia in 1954. It was the first war in which the US was defeated; despite fielding around 0.5m troops. NZ forces were marginally involved in the late 1960s.

There will be four sessions employing parts of the classic Ken Burns documentary.

Leader: Dave Smith [email protected] (232 5084/021 991 404 )
Thursday 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th November at 2 pm
Venue: TUC Back room chapel

WHAT I’M READING (WIR) RUNS ALL YEAR

– NB Limit of 7 people

Co-ordinator: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084/ 021 991 404 )
Last Thursday 10.00am till noon, begins 6th March
Venue: Member's home

Write It! (WIT) RUNS ALL YEAR

A meeting to share your writing with others. Be inspired to continue your Family History, Memoir, Short Story, Novel or Poem. Usually one of the members suggests a theme for the following meeting for those willing to accept the challenge. Writing is limited to 500 words to allow reading time to be shared.

Co-ordinator: Lola Gudsell, [email protected] (232 6110 / 021 147 0133)
Tuesdays fortnightly @ 1.00pm, continues from 4th February
Venue: Tawa Community Centre, Boardroom entrance