Camera Group
This group provides an enjoyable learning experience, helping members to see the world through different eyes (and lenses). Anyone interested in photography can join, regardless of their level of experience and whether or not they have a fancy camera.
The group started with an introduction to the functions of a camera and a discussion about different types of cameras, clarifying what they can and can’t do. They moved on to discussing some of their photos and sharing their knowledge about photographic composition and techniques, editing and printing.
Cuisine
The Cuisine group is learning about cooking techniques, including preserving, smoking, curing and pickling and the use of spices. But this is more than a cooking class.
The group is looking deeper, learning how dishes, ingredients and techniques are influenced by culture, geography, climate and religion. The history of food availability and the spice trade add a historical flavour! We ask why did that culture eat this or that, and how did the situation in that country contribute to the way its people cooked.
Just Writing
This is a friendly and supportive group. Each month one genre of writing (e.g. short story, poetry, travel writing, plays, children’s stories, haiku) is chosen and members develop the idea in their own way. We all read our writing to the group for comment and constructive suggestions. Often we stimulate our creative juices with quick word games and activities and sometimes we share favourite snippets of inspiring published writing. Numbers are kept small to allow for lots of discussion.
Singing for Fun
Shower singers, songsters, trillers, crooners, yodellers… anyone who wants to get together for a singsong can join us. No auditions required. The talentless and talented alike are welcome. Members do not need to be able to read music, nor is there any requirement to be able to sing in tune.
The primary objective for this group is getting together for musical fun and the enjoyment in making music (or some semblance of). The songs we sing reflect the musical tastes of our members – and our age!
Members are encouraged to contribute to each month’s program by finding songs in some type of audio format (CD, YouTube, Spotify…) for the group to sing along with. Not everyone needs to do this, just enough to make our sing-alongs worthwhile. We also like to know something of the song’s background, usually about the song itself but sometimes why it was chosen. This often leads to other stories and further discussion. To supplement member’s musical contributions we have a body of existing audio files and word sheets plus from time to time, live accompaniment.
Board Games
Remember all the fun you had playing board games when you were growing up or when your children were small? This group gives members a chance to enjoy that experience all over again and keep their brains active. Activities include card games and board games including traditional games like chess, backgammon, and draughts as well as new games. Some members enjoy working together to solve puzzles such as cryptic crosswords or to learn new games from other members.
U3A Bay of Islands, NZ 