Groups

Like all other u3as, we draw upon the enthusiasm, knowledge, experience and skills of our own members to organise and provide a wide range of interest groups and activities. Our interest groups are set up and run by the members themselves.

Any member can start up a group - you do not need to be an 'expert'. Suggestions for new groups are always welcome. These can be put to a member of the committee, by email, phone or in person at any open meeting. The potential new group will then be announced at the next monthly meeting and will be mentioned in the regular monthly newsletter. People will get a chance to sign up for the new group at monthly meetings or by contact with the new group instigator. If enough people express an interest, it’s the first step to getting the new group off the ground.

Usually after this a meeting will be arranged for all the interested members to discuss what they would like from the group and when and where to meet. If several members have expressed interest in a subject or activity, but no one has offered to be the group coordinator, it is hoped that discussion at a meeting will lead to someone volunteering for this role. If no one volunteers, the group will have to be left on hold for a while.

Such ideas will be supported by the resources available to Dougie, our Interest Groups Coordinator. The location of these group meetings depend on the activity and several are held in member's houses, which obviously limits numbers. Any costs incurred by group activities are not included in your annual subscription. Dougie can be contacted here Interest Groups Coordinator

Click on the title of a Group below to see further details and some photos.

Here's a link to our YouTube page which gives details of our groups, including when and where they meet as well as what they do!

ENJOY! https://youtu.be/l_xpUt52S1s

The 'link' is also found in the 'Links' page.

Alphabetical By category By meeting day By venue

Groups listed alphabetically

Art Appreciation
Status: Active
Afternoons
Reformed, variable meetings
Book Review Group 1
Status: Active
On Monday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
6 weekly, member's homes
Book Review Group 2
Status: Active
Monthly on Tuesday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
2nd Tues/month, @ homes
Chess Group
Status: Dormant
Weekly on Tuesday afternoons 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Cinema and TV Group
Status: Active
Monthly on Monday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
2.00-4.00 pm, on the 1st Monday of the month
Creative Writing
Status: Active
Monthly on Thursday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
2.00-4.00 pm o the 2nd Thursday of the month in members homes
Current affairs interest
Status: Active
Monthly on Wednesday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
2.00-4.00 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in members homes.
Exercise for Fun
Status: Active
Weekly on Thursday mornings 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
12.00 noon - 1.00 pm at Penicuik's North Kirk hall
Family History Group 1
Status: Full
Monthly on Wednesday mornings 10:00 am-12:00 pm
4th Wednesday in each month in members homes
Family History Group 2
Status: Active
Monthly on Wednesday mornings 10:15 am-11:45 am
10.15-11.45 on the third Wednesday of the month in Penicuik library
French Conversation
Status: Active
Fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Meet fortnightly in members homes
Fun & Games
Status: Active
Monthly on Thursday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
2.00-4.00 pm on the 2nd Thursday in each month in members homes.
Hill Pechers
Status: Active
Monthly on Monday mornings 9:30 am-4:00 pm
09.30 am on the 1st Monday of each month, weather permitting. Finishing time is variable!
History
Status: Full
Monthly on Monday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
2.00-4.00 pm on the 2nd Monday of each month at St James the Less Episcopal Church hall.
Interest Groups Online (u3a)
Status: Active
Various times, consult the website for more detailed information.
Italian Conversation
Status: Full
Weekly on Thursday afternoons 2:45 pm-3:45 pm
Most Thursdays, not every one!
Mahjong
Status: Active
Monthly on Friday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Initially meeting more frequently than monthly. Plan to ultimately meet on the second Friday of each month
Natter and Noggin
Status: Active
Monthly on Monday evenings 7:30 pm-9:00 pm
7.30-9.00 pm on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Craigie Hotel. Arranged by 'WhatsApp'.
Nature Appreciation
Status: Active
Fortnightly mornings 9:45 am-12:30 pm
2nd Wednesday and 4th Friday each month, weather permitting. Sometimes we finish with an optional lunch!
Needlecraft
Status: Active
Monthly on Monday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
2-4pm on the 3rd Monday of each month in the Storehouse cafe.
Online Across Scotland (u3a)
Status: Active
Monthly
Day of week and time of day varies across the 13 groups. Check the website above.
Oot an' Aboot
Status: Active
Monthly on Friday all day 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Meeting day and timing can be variable depending on activity/location.
Petanque
Status: Active
Weekly
10.00-12.00 am on Mondays and 2.00 - 4.00 pm on Tuesdays in Penicuik Park. Weather dependent.
Science
Status: Active
Monthly on Tuesday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
No meeting room costs. Often a small drink is enjoyed as a form of voluntary contribution to Glencorse Golf Club funds.
Scots, famous and not-so-famous
Status: Dormant
Monthly on Friday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
On the last Friday in the month.
Smartphone surfers
Status: Active
Monthly on Tuesday evenings 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Varies, monthly (7.00-8.30 pm)
Spanish Conversation
Status: Active
Fortnightly on Tuesday mornings 10:30 am-12:00 pm
10:30 am, fortnightly in members homes.
Table Tennis
Status: Active
On Wednesday afternoons
3.30-5, wkly, Ladywood Centre
Tennis
Status: Active
Weekly mornings 10:00 am-11:00 am
10.00-11.00 am, weekly, at Queensway Leisure Centre, weather permitting.
Theatre
Status: Active
Monthly on Friday afternoons 3:00 pm-4:00 pm
Monthly at Penicuik library, to plan when and where to go to the theatre.
Thursday Lunch Club
Status: Active
Monthly on Thursday afternoons 12:15 pm-2:00 pm
Plan the next venue before leaving.
Tuesday Lunch Club
Status: Full
Monthly on Tuesday afternoons 12:15 pm-2:00 pm
Plan the next venue before leaving.
Walking Group
Status: Active
Monthly mornings 9:45 am-1:00 pm
End time will vary depending on location and distance to be walked.
Whisky Tasting
Status: Full
On Friday afternoons 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Meet 4-6 weekly in members homes

Groups schedule Download