Learning Bridge

An ad hoc arrangement whereby members can learn to play bridge should they so wish. Ideally the group requires the participation of four newcomers at a time and so becomes active on demand.

Book Review Club

The group meets once  a month having read a book chosen for discussion. Everyone has input into the choices; an indication of their stimulating variety is the recent reading of The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald to be followed by Homer’s Iliad. It is a very flexible group, and there is room for others if anyone wants to join. Visitors are also welcome.

Visiting churches is exactly what this group does, sometimes with someone who can tell us more details about the history of the building. But the title of the group should be “Church Visits and Afternoon Tea in a Local Café” – the tea bit is much enjoyed by all! New members welcome.

Cycling

No group exists at the moment but Dave is always ready to go for a ride, or help anyone with cycling problems.

French  Conversation

This is a mixed-ability group, where at least some of the members have basic French from school days, but everyone works very happily together. Members enjoy brushing up their skills rather than studying for a qualification.

Family History (Genealogy)

Assistance is given to members wishing to trace their family history particularly through the use of Internet based resources. One to one tuition is available on an ad hoc basis with the group leader. 

History of Art

This is a small but active group with two facilitators. Members choose the paintings and artists for discussion and are encouraged to participate as much as possible, taking it in turns to focus on an artistic movement or an individual artist. Recent activities include a focus on still-life, and a visit to Cardiff Museum to see the Impressionist paintings there. New members are always welcome. Meetings are held monthly, with a break in August.

Coffee and cakes are provided while you explore Military History in this group, which meets every second Friday of the month (August excepted) in the Eco classroom at Lady Hawkins School. The usual format is a talk for the first half of the session on a war-related topic, a break for coffee and then more talk or discussion or a relevant video. Outside visits and external speakers have also featured.

This group is flourishing, with a good core of a dozen regulars, who would welcome newcomers to join them. During the better months they do as many visits as they can; recent ones have included Staunton Mill, for an investigation into its evolution and history, and further afield, Llywernog, a silver-lead mine museum in Cardiganshire, and the clay pipe museum at Broseley in Shropshire.

Italian Conversation

An informal conversation group that discusses IN ITALIAN topics in the news or chosen by the convener, with the main objectives being, to improve confidence and fluency in the language. The group is not studying or being tutored as such, with no one being entirely fluent, but members supporting each other, so that they can effectively communicate when phrases or vocabulary are lacking. There is room for another one or two members, who would be very welcome.

Learning Latin

This small group is currently studying the language using Reading Latin published by the Cambridge University Press as its study guide. Numbers are low but morale is high, and sounds of laughter can often be heard. If you did Latin at school and would like to brush up your skills why not make contact?

The group does not listen exclusively to classical music. We try to make the programmes as varied as possible. Members are encouraged to put together a programme, but only those who wish to do so – there is no pressure. We do not take ourselves too seriously, and enjoy novelty and the odd “murdering of a classic” by e.g. Spike Jones or Victor Borge

Play Reading

This lively group reads all sorts of plays, recent examples being The Amorous Prawn, Twelfth Night, and An Inspector Calls , carrying on over a series of sessions when necessary. They would welcome more members to join them so that they can tackle plays with larger casts. No acting ability is required, and participants change sex and age according to the requirements of character!

No previous knowledge is required to enjoy this group, just an interest in poetry. Poems from Chaucer to the present day have been selected over the last 18 months, and recently there have been explorations into American and Australian writers. In future it is hoped that members will add their own choices to the mix, introducing a favourite poet’s work, perhaps, or contributing poems on particular topics. Working through an anthology is another possibility.

Monthly Lunches

Lunches are arranged in various locations among the many pubs, restaurants and cafes in Kington and surroundings. On these friendly and enjoyable occasions people sit in different groups, sometimes at one big table, sometimes at small ones, and everyone has a chance to get to know each other and learn of each others’ interests, likes and dislikes. An encyclopaedic knowledge of local cuisine must also be being built up!

Singalong

This cheerful group now has a new conductor in Betty Johnson.If you enjoy making music and having fun come along as anyone can join, irrespective of quality of voice and there is absolutely no need to be able to read music and there is definitely no audition.  The group meets for fun and socialisation and frequently visits retirement homes, hospitals and the like to provide entertainment. New members would be warmly welcomed, or they could just come along to sit in and see if it's for them before they commit.

Welsh Conversation

A small home-based group that meet on a weekly basis and which has progressed from a beginners to an intermediate standard over the years.

Come along and learn to relax and enjoy this ancient Chinese martial art form  It meets twice a month in Kington.