March 2025

To send an email to an Interest Group Leader select the group from the Interest group page and fill out the form. It will be forwarded to them

BOOK GROUP
Our next book is ‘Meet Me at the Museum’ by Anne Youngson. A novel of self- discovery and second chances. Written entirely in letter form between two individuals.
Ros

CURRENT AFFAIRS GROUP
We have secured a presentation/discussion session with Andrei Moore -our local City Councillor.
However, because of Council commitments, he can only attend on the 4th Wednesday (instead of our usual 3rd Wednesday). As there is a small number of our regular members who can’t attend on that date, we will have a few places(up to 6) for other members of U3A.
Should you be interested in attending (first come first served) – contact Graeme McNally

CYCLING GROUP
We have two organised rides each month, on the 3rd Monday and the last Friday.
We ride mainly on dedicated cycleways. Each ride has two start points to accommodate distance and speed preferences of members. Most members have e-bikes. New members are always welcome.
On Monday 17th of march we cycled from Honby to Halswell, around Broomfield to Church Corner (South Express Cycleway) thento the Pioneer Centre (Nor’West Arc Cycleway) then to christchurch adventure Park where we had coffee. It was a hot NW day so lovely stop for our 8 members to enjoy a good chat. We headed back to Halswell on the Quarryman’s Trail.
On Friday the 28th of March we cycled from Halswell into the CBD (Quarryman’s trail) then to Mona Vale where we joined the Northern Line to Northlands. From there we cycled on the Papanui Parallel to Meshino’s where we had coffee. The 7 of us enjoyed our chat then continued onto Bealey Ave and the CBD. We followed the Promenade to the Boat Sheds then headed back to Halswell on the Southern Motorway cycleway.
As you can see we are on cylceways for almost all of every ride.

FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
Our last meeting, on the worst day of March weatherwise, was centered around the topic of what images should be included in our family histories and what images should be put into albums. Also discussed was the importance of sorting and labelling photos.
We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm.
If you would be interested in joining in our meetings contact either Carole at
or Julia

HISTORY GROUP
We will be studying Unit 3 of The Shaping of the Modern Mind – A New Heaven and a New Earth, covers the 17th Century and how Science proves to be immensely important

MOVIE GROUP
Usually about ten of us enjoy a movie at the Academy Gold Theatre in Colombo Mall every fourth Tuesday of the month. New faces are welcome! The choice of film is varied and often no choice as I just book whatever is showing on a Tuesday morning! No disasters yet as mostly the entertainment has been pleasing to all. Afterwards everyone is happy to share a coffee or eats at one of the cafes in the mall or we walk around to the Just Desserts in Wordsworth St for a change. We are a friendly group and please join us!!
Gill

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
The photography Group had a good meeting on Friday 21st February when we discussed close-up photography and the use of extension rings to achieve the same result as a macro lens. Then we practised using various camera extension rings and exchanged experiences on their use.
We also tried a few close-up shots and discussed possible camera settings. At the next meeting we will continue with exploring close- up photography options and settings plus any other topics raised.
Because of Good Friday and ANZAC day are on Fridays in April, our next meeting will be Friday 2nd May at 10am at 20A Victors Road Hoon Hay. Additional members very welcome.
Eric

THEATRE APPRECIATION GROUP
Members of our group are looking forward to a visit to the latest Elmwood Players performance of ‘Hold the Arsenic’ later in April. We will then be booking seats for Repertory’s production of ‘Killer Boobs’ a month later. If any U3A members would like to join our party, please let me know. Note that our regular meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 1.15pm. Again let me know if you would like to be included.
David