GROUPS
Welcome to Formby u3a groups page
Groups are the backbone of Formby u3a and in the eyes of our members the most important part of this great organisation. We want you to be able to join and enjoy the groups that interest you. We therefore work with Group Leaders to try to find vacancies in the groups of your choice and establish new groups where members have expressed a need. If you are having difficulties joining any of the groups below, and Group Leaders and Co-ordinators cannot help you – please contact Groups’ Secretary Graham Higley. Email: groups@formbyu3a.org.uk
Current Active Groups
Please remember that from January 2024 onwards, you will need your GREEN Membership Card at all events, including group activities.
If you do not renew your membership you are deemed to NO LONGER BE A MEMBER of Formby u3a and cannot partake of any of their activities as you will no longer have valid insurance cover
14th February 2024
Formby U3A: Bowls 2024 – Why Not Have A Try At Crown Green Bowling?
Our first meeting of the new season at the bowling green at Holy Trinity church (Formby Village Sports Club) will take place from 10.00 am to 12 noon on Thursday 4th April and continue each week thereafter. I hope to welcome back all those who came along for the end of last season and anyone else who would like to join us. Crown green bowling is a great way for men and women to do a little gentle exercise, meet people and to learn a new sporting skill in a friendly atmosphere.
No prior experience is required as everything you need to get started (bowls, mats and some basic instruction) will be provided – although those with experience are also welcome.
The bowling green is located behind the Beaufort Hall next to Holy Trinity Church in the centre of Formby. The cost (which covers use of the green, clubhouse and equipment) is be £3 per session.
Please contact Keith Jacques on keithjacques01@gmail.com or by telephone on 07713-068312 and come along if you can.
Group Leaders Page – please click HERE
PAST GROUP NEWS
Group news and vacancies 23rd November
There are currently vacancies in two Golf Groups – Tuesday and Friday. Please contact the Group Leaders if you are interested. Tuesday Golf is John Adamson at j_adamson@sky.com and Friday Golf is Bob Boylin at bobboylin@talktalk.net
Group news and vacancies 20th September
U3A Sea Swimmers Group: We meet at the Lifeguards Station on Lifeboat Road Beach, Formby. Nearest postcode L372EB / what3words: //what3words.com/finger.kiosk.pinging. As Formby is tidal, swim times vary day-by-day so can never be at a set day of the week. We swim all year round, whenever the tide is high and weather conditions are favourable. You should feel comfortable swimming at least 400 metres. A wetsuit is essential unless you are fully acclimatized to open water swimming.
Any u3a members who would like to participate should please contact Peter Heron on 07810 752871 or peterheron@yahoo.com.
U3A Running Club: We mainly meet on Sunday morning at 09:30, at the National Trust Car Park (Bay 1), Lifeboat Road, Formby. Nearest postcode is L372EB /what3words: ///chosen.toenail.learns. You should be capable of running 10k at a steady pace without stopping. We set off all at the same time, in groups of varying abilities to run a predefined 10k course through the beach and trails. The quicker runners, loop-back to rejoin the slower runners so no one is left behind.
Any u3a members who would like to participate should please contact Peter Heron on 07810 752871 or peterheron@yahoo.com.
The U3A Bowls Group has had approx. 20 members for the year just coming to an end, but this number is diminishing due to infirmity and bereavement in the past year. We would therefore like to offer new memberships, (up to about 10), for next season – 2024/25.
The arrangements are briefly as follows:
- The Group has exclusive use of Formby Park Green every Tuesday afternoon from 2.00 to 4.00 p.m.
- Mike Benson & Ray Doldon arrange the players into groups for the afternoon, according to their preferences. Beginners are assisted where required, and experienced players are grouped into small “matches”.
- Tea and biscuits are served (free) at the mid-session interval.
- Group members can also play during the mornings, making their own arrangements.
- Membership is limited to U3A fully paid-up members only.
- The total inclusive cost is £35.00 per annum per person.
If you are interested in becoming a Bowls Group member, you could attend a “taster” before the end of September.
Please contact: Mike Benson on mic330benfor@yahoo.co.uk or Ray Doldon on doldon@btinternet.com
Group news and vacancies – August update
New groups and existing Groups with known vacancies are:
- Beer Appreciation – contact Carolyn Allcutt – please click here for details
- Book Club 4 – contact Steve Whitefield – please click here for details
- Book Club 5 (formerly Literature 2) – contact Eileen McManus – please click here for details
- Bowls – contact Ray Doldon – please click here for details
- Line Dancing 1 – contact Judith Pike – please click here for details
- Line Dancing 2 (now for improvers not beginners) – contact Eric Baker please click here for details
- Local History 6 – contact Elizabeth Goodwill – please click here for details
- Local History Group 16 – contact Paula Parker – please click here for details
- Music Appreciation – contact Linda Sharratt – please click here for details
- Spanish Conversation – contact Steve Waddelove – please click here for details
The following Groups may have vacancies at present, but please check with the individual Group for details:-
Art and painting, Bird Watching, Book clubs 3 and 5, Boules, Bridge (apply to Nikki Harrison Bridge Co-ordinator), Canasta 5, Cribbage, Current Affairs, Cycling and Cycling , Discussion, Family History 3, Fell walking, Floral Art, Folk Group, Golf Wednesday, Guitar, Local History 8, Mahjong, Recorder Group, Science, Scottish Dancing, Sew, Chat and Craft, Singing for Pleasure if you are a tenor or a bass, Songs of the Sixties, Swimming, Ukulele, Walking (apply to Jeremy Swinson, Walking Co-ordinator).
We think the information on Groups on the Website Groups – U3A (formbyu3a.org.uk) is now up-to-date but it would be helpful if you could let us know of any errors.
The Committee is aware that many Groups are full at present, so is keeping a note of members interests. Once there is sufficient interest for a new Group, we will try to set one up. Each Group needs a Group Leader/Leaders. The Committee and existing Group Leaders are happy to help new Leaders with advice and support. The U3A is all about self-help, co-operation and learning together.
Please get in touch if you have any ideas or suggestions for
- a new Group
- if you are willing to help organise a Group
Contact Groups Secretary, Graham Higley, at groups@formbyu3a.org.uk or 0780 1261537
Bridge Co-ordinator: Nikki Harrison is the Co-ordinator for the Bridge Groups. She is the point of contact for members wishing to find out more about the different groups and which would be the most suitable group to join according to their experience. Contact Nikki on 871308 or email Nikki
Walking Co-ordinator: Jeremy Swinson of Walking Group 3 has kindly volunteered to liaise with all the walking groups, including ambling and fell walking. Contact Jeremy on 871509 or email Jeremy