Ancestry Search [ANS] RUNS ALL YEAR

Each week the group members learn about a feature of family history in more detail and share their knowledge when discussing any family history research challenges the members may have. We sometimes have a special guest speaker or have a field trip to aid our research. It is useful to record our family stories for the following generations. Come and be inspired.

Co-ordinator: Doug Miller, [email protected] (04 293 6624 / 020 464 5537)
3rd Friday of the month at 10.00am, Semester 2 continues from July 21st
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Art Group [ART] RUNS ALL YEAR

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, just bring paper. 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, Semester 2 continues from July 6th
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, Semester 2 continues from July 10th
Venue: Member's home

Books2 [BK2] Course is Full - no new enrolments

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] (232 6006)
4th Monday of the month at 10am, Semester 2 continues from July 24th
Venue: Member's home

Botany [BOT] RUNS ALL YEAR

The aim is to enable group members to study and learn about the many types of New Zealand 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. Bring lunch.

Co-ordinator: Helen Roper, [email protected] (897 0155)
2nd Monday of the month at 9:30am, Semester 2 continues from July 10th
Venue: 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, Semester 2 resumes July 17th
Venue: Tawa Union Church

Computer Chatter [CMP] RUNS ALL YEAR

Discussions about and keeping up to date with computers, smart phones & tablets (including iPhones & iPads) and software. We’ll announce by email the main topics for the next session. Please enrol now even if only some sessions might interest you.

27 July. Cloud computing.

Cloud data storage including synchronisation with your computer/device. Cloud applications. Comparison of what different cloud providers offer. What do we get for free!

24 August. Video conferencing.

Skype, Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet, Facebook messenger. Whatsapp. Audio and video setup. Speakers and microphone.

21 September. Hard disk management.

Hard disk types: IDE, SATA, SSD. Disk partitioning. USB external storage. Using a hard disk cradle. How to wipe data from old hard drives.

26 October. Scams including phone, text and email scams.

This meeting will be for all U3A members. I hope to get an external speaker in to present this topic.

23 November. Apple computers/devices

How do Apple computers differ from Windows computers? What are the good at doing? Presentation will include a very basic demonstration of the operating system.

Leader: Ray Walker [email protected] (027 349 7777 or 237 6501)
Co-ordinator: John Baldwin [email protected] (04 237 6501 / 027 349 7777)
4th Thursday of the month at 10am, Semester 2 continues from July 27th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) ONE SESSION

Most new Government policies have a CBA attached to them. These often determine whether e.g. a new hospital gets built, a set of traffic lights are installed or we go into lockdown. There is often a trade-off between lives and money. The process is fascinating and highly skilled.

Leader: Professor Martin Lally
Co-ordinator: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404)
Wednesday July 26th @ 10.00am
Venue: Emmaus Centre

CPR [CPR] ONE SESSION

A “hands-on” session run by the Wellington Free Ambulance. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator training.

Co-ordinator: Jan Jones, [email protected] (021 259 9797)
Date: Tuesday August 22nd @ 10.00am
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

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: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 or 021 991 404)
Co-ordinator: Helen Roper, [email protected] (897 0155)
1st Wednesday of the month at 10am, Semester 2 continues from July 5th
Venue: Emmaus Centre

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, Semester 2 continues from July 12th
Venue: Member's home

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) ONE SESSION

What happens if you can no longer take care of your affairs? An enduring power of attorney (EPA) is a legal document which sets out who can take care of your personal or financial matters if you can't. That person is called your attorney. Come along and find out all about how it works.

Leader: Nicola Turner
Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
Thursday August 17th @ 10.30am
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Garden Group [GGP] RUNS ALL YEAR

Come along to see and talk about all things garden - plants, their care, where and when to plant, and many more topics.

Co-ordinator: Prue Theobald, [email protected] (04 232 0241 or 021 234 5621 )
1st Friday of the month at 10.00am, Semester 2 continues from July 7th
Venue: Emmaus Centre

Health Issues [HLT] FOUR SESSIONS

Topical health issues, followed by your questions. Two talks per semester - the first will be on mind health, later topics TBA

Co-ordinator: Gillian George 0212314240 and Sally Horan 0274392731 ([email protected] or [email protected])
Tuesdays August 1st & October 10th at 10.30am
Venue: Tawa Union Church

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.

$7 per half hour.

Times available: Monday 1.30pm, Thursday 2.00pm Fridays 1.00pm

Leader: Mark Anderson (027 458 8674)
Co-ordinator: Brian Wilson, [email protected] (234 7085)
Every Monday, Thursday and Friday, times vary. Semester 2 continues from July 3rd
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 2.00pm, Semester 2 continues from July 4th
Venue: Members' homes

Law and our Legal System (LAW) FOUR SESSIONS

The media gives a very selective and distorted view of our legal system. Here we look at how it evolved, what it seeks to protect and the breadth of its reach. It is a broadbrush approach that takes us from everyday criminal/civil law through to tax, family, Waitangi cases and international laws. 4 sessions.

Leader: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404)
Dates: Thursdays Sept. 7th & 21st and October 5th & 19th at 10.00am
Venue: Emmaus Annex

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

2nd and 4th Mondays 9.30am – 11.30am

Leader: Max George, [email protected] (021 023 59955)
Co-ordinator: Gillian George, [email protected] (021 231 4240)
2nd and 4th Mondays from 9.30 – 11.30am, Semester 2 continues from July 10th
Venue: Member's home

Movie Group [MOV] RUNS ALL YEAR

This has proved to be a very popular group, and we have seen some wonderful films such as "The Duke", with Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent, and a French film called "The Rose Maker", which many said they would not normally go to see, but which proved to be an absolute gem. Suggestions of films you'd like to see are very welcome; we share transport to the cinema or you can meet us there.

Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am, Semester 2 continues from July 19th
Venue: Lighthouse Cinema, Pauatahanui

Music of Richard Rogers (MRR) FOUR SESSIONS

We look at the shows, films and songs produced by this prolific man and Lorenz Hart in the 1930s and Oscar Hammerstein in the 1940s and 50s. Please note: Attendees will be limited to 6.

Leader: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404)
Co-ordinator: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404)
Tuesdays July 18th, August 1st, 15th & 29th @ 2.00pm
Venue: Member's home

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: Jancis Potter, [email protected] (232 3915 or 027 635 4733)
1st Thursday of the month at 2.00pm, Semester 2 continues from July 6th
Venue: Member's home

New Books in the Library [NBL] RUNS ALL YEAR

U3A Tawa enjoys enormous cooperation from the Tawa Library staff. This course involves U3A receiving long term loans (six weeks) of books that are new to Tawa Library. Members then read and discuss the books. If a member of the group is impressed with the reports from the others they will usually be allowed to have that book next, provided there is no formal reserve on it in the general library system. Members of the group are encouraged to write reviews of their books and these reviews are featured on the library’s “New Books” shelves. Everyone is encouraged to widen their reading range by reading outside their personal comfort zones if possible. Tea and coffee are provided by the library.

Co-ordinator: Pauline Gallagher, [email protected] & Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 4653 - Pauline & 232 5084 / 021 991 404 - Dave)
2nd Thursday of the month at 10am, Semester 2 continues from July 13th
Venue: Tawa Library

Petanque [PET] RUNS ALL YEAR

We play at the very pleasant Aotea Park by the Aotea lagoon. Hot drinks and biscuits are provided at half time. These games are somewhat weather-dependent but the hardy souls in this group turn out regardless of the weather! A minimum of 8 players is required to be viable.

Equipment is provided.

Leader: Jane de Waal (027 364 1272)
Co-ordinator: Jane de Waal ([email protected])
Every Friday, 10am - 12pm, Semester 2 continues from July 7th
Venue: Aotea Lagoon

Philosophical Issues (PHI) RUNS ALL YEAR

Each monthly session will address a modern day issue as chosen by the group itself. Using the philosophies of mainly post- Enlightenment thinkers the issues will be clarified and addressed by the whole group. Participants will receive a 10 page booklet that clearly states each issue and refers to helpful websites or other sources. Discussion of upcoming issues, one on one, over a coffee is welcomed.

1st Monday of the month at 10.00am

Leader: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404)
1st Monday of the month at 10am, Semester 2 continues from July 3rd
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

Piano Recital [PNO] ONE EVENT EACH SEMESTER

Jancis and Chris will present another recital of piano music. Solos, duets and works for 2 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 November 7th, 10.00 - 12noon
Venue: Member's home

Quiz [QUZ] FOUR SESSIONS

Come along and pit your wits against other quiz addicts. Sessions will be held on a Tuesday afternoon in March, June, August and October.

Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
Tuesdays August 29th & October 24th at 1.30pm
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Ramblers [RBS] RUNS ALL YEAR

A social walking group. Bring water and your lunch. Meet at Davies Street/Luckie Street car-park.

Co-ordinator: Shirley Williamson, [email protected] (232 6746)
Every Thursday at 10am, Semester 2 continues from July 6th
Venue: Davies Street/Luckie Street car-park

Reading Shakespeare (RSH) TWO SESSIONS

The class reads aloud the dramatic (but edited) text of Macbeth

Leader: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404)
Co-ordinator: Dave Smith, [email protected] (232 5084 / 021 991 404)
Thursdays July 6th & 13th @ 2.00pm
Venue: TBA

Reduce Rubbish, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) TWO SESSIONS

September session cancelled - will return in 2024

Leader: John Baldwin, [email protected] (237 6501 / 027 349 7777)
Wednesday September 6th at 2.00pm
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Scrabble (jointly with Mana U3A) PLEASE DO NOT ENROL ONLINE

We have been invited to join Mana U3A members in their Scrabble games. It’s good for keeping the brain active! Held fortnightly on Friday mornings at a member’s home. Contact John for more details.

Starts: January 27th at 10am, alternate Fridays

Venue: Members’ homes

Co-ordinator: John Bolland, [email protected] (232 6126)
Fortnightly on Friday mornings at 10.00am, Semester 2 continues from July 7th
Venue: Members' homes

Scrap-Booking / Cards [SCB] RUNS ALL YEAR

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

Co-ordinator: Barbara Russell, [email protected] (232 5831 / 021 049 3599)
Every Friday, 10.00 to 12.00am, Semester 2 continues from July 7th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Table Tennis [TTN] RUNS ALL YEAR

Join this group of enthusiastic players on a Thursday morning for your exercise for the day.

Leader: John Bolland, [email protected] (232 6126 / 021 264 0941)
Co-ordinator: Tim Davin, [email protected] (027 204 9536)
Every Thursday at 9:30am, Semester 2 continues from July 6th
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 - This course needs at least 8 members to proceed - regular numbers are currently around 8, so this course will continue in Semester 2. More attendees would be very welcome.

Leader: Mercedes Godinez
Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (027 335 0038)
Every Friday, 10 - 11am, Semester 2 continues from July 7th
Venue: Tawa Union Church Hall

Tawa History [TWH] ONE SESSION EACH SEMESTER

David Parsons will give a talk about one of Tawa’s significant early residents:

James Taylor of Section 56. He lived/farmed opposite William Earp's property for over 50 years.

Leader: David Parsons, Tawa Historical Society
Co-ordinator: Alison Bayly, [email protected] (027 437 9215)
Monday October 2nd, at 10.00am
Venue: Emmaus Centre

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, Semester 2 continues from July 4th
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.

Leader: Alison Bayly (027 437 9215)
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.

July 14th No meeting

August 11 Pakistan. Bruce

September 8 Holland in our Eyes. Paula and Tom Kneebone

October 13 The Solomon Islands. Gwen

November 10 Hopefully the Herberts will be able to give an account of their river trip in Portugal when they get back.

As the second Friday in July falls in the school holidays and on Matariki public holiday we will not have a July meeting.

Co-ordinator: Carole Naylor, [email protected] (233 8032 )
2nd Friday of the month at 10am, Semester 2 continues from August 11th
Venue: Emmaus Centre

Ukulele [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.

Leader: Ann Haddon, [email protected] (027 230 8999 )
Co-ordinator: Malcolm Haddon, [email protected] (021 114 8852)
Every Friday, 1.00 to 2.30pm, Semester 2 continues form July 7th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre

Wellington Libraries - Can We Help? (WLH)

Libraries have changed enormously during the past 30 years. Wellington Libraries have many resources and facilities you may not be aware of. Come along and find out about the many things a modern library can do for you.

Leader: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (0273350038)
Co-ordinator: Pat Hammond, [email protected] (0273350038)
Wednesday July 26th @ 2.00pm
Venue: Tawa Union Church Lounge

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, Semester 2 continues from July 11th
Venue: Tawa Community Centre, Boardroom entrance