Special Interest Groups

Each Group organises its own programme and pays its own expenses if any. The topics covered by a group may be quite narrow or very broad. We don't tend to go in for formalised courses, although some Groups might organise for themselves a series of 'lessons', mostly delivered by a member of the group. The emphasis is very much on Group members with expertise passing on their knowledge and skills, or members of the group researching a subject of interest and then giving a presentation to the group.

If a subject is not covered, we can start another group! If the group you want to join is full, make sure you send your name to the Groups Coordinator so that another group can be started.

Some Groups have their own pages on this site and their page links are listed under the Group Programmes heading to the right of this page. Group Co-ordinators can be contacted by email by clicking on the Group Co-ordinator's name in the Interest Group List below.




Interest Group List

The days and times given below are the normal times. Occasionally, a Group will meet on a different day or time, so please check with the Group Co-ordinator if you haven't been for a while.
GROUP MEETS ON
CO-ORDINATOR
  Bird GroupPlease click on the Bird Watching button located on right- hand menu nearer the top of the page for our full programme 2nd Friday, 10:00 am Peter Stelfox-Griffin
Board Games Alternate Mondays
 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Trish Roberts
Book Club Every month we read and discuss a book chosen by one of the group. We read fiction: contemporary, classic, popular and sometimes the more obscure. Our list has also included non-fiction and biography. Discussions reflect the variety of our tastes and experience; they are always interesting and sometimes quite fiery. We would all agree that we learn a lot and have broadened our literary horizons. Last Wednesday, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm  Peter Stelfox-Griffin
 Dog WalkingWalking with dogs for 1-2 hours at various local locations. 2nd & 4th Thursday, 10.30 am   Karin Thompson
Everything Textiles The Textile group meets on the third Monday of the month at the St Winefred's Hall at 2pm. We carry out our own projects and teach each other skills. Alternate Mondays, 10:00 am Jill Smith
  Film Group - Monty Second Thursday, 11:00 am    Jacqui Davies
  Focus DiscussionThe Focus Discussion group does just that. We focus on a topic and discuss it. At each monthly meeting , taking ideas from the members, we decide on the topic for the next month. This gives us time to carry out some research, which makes for a lively and informed discussion. We meet in the COWSHACC. Last Friday, 10.30 am - 12:00 noon   Robert Robinson
Intermediate Spanish
2nd & 4th Friday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Liz Mathieson
  Knit and Natter Knit and Natter meet at the Royal Oak in Welshpool at a reserved table. No particular skill is needed just the ability to learn.
(and Natter of course!)
3rd Thursday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm   Lynne Geldart
  Learn To Draw Alternate Mondays
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
  Sarah Lees
  Local History The local history group meets at the COWSHACC in Welshpool. We have various talks on the history of Powys and the Marches and this year (2017) we shall be visiting various places including Pennant Melangell, Llandrindod Wells , Lake Vyrnwy and Erddig so you can see we are quite wide ranging. 3rd Tuesday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm    Elisabeth Barnes
  Luncheon 3rd Wednesday,12:30 pm   Paul Harris
  Medieval History
Medieval Local History Research Group studies a local topic for research with publication of an article in a History Journal as the intended end result. Members of the Group will be introduced to the many sources of access to medieval documents. Knowledge of Latin or Norman French is not required as most of the material has been translated and is available online. Ability to use an internet search engine and email is essential. Meetings are held at times and frequency to suit members.
Contact    John Davies
  Philosophy/Mythology and Civilisation The group will attempt to learn and understand the thinking and stories that contribute to our civilastion. We will use online briefings, courses and group discussion. Last Tuesday, 10.30 am - 12:30 pm   Phil Williams
  Photography The Photography Group members aim to develop their artistic and technical ability in photography. Meetings cover practical matters such as use of photo software, equipment, audio visual presentations, practical workshops, photographic outings, members showing their pictures. Members have a wide range of experience and photo skills and equipment used, the only essential is an interest in photography. 3rd Thursday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm   Ann Whale
Psychology/NLP NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Group
NLP is about how to live a great life – whether that’s as a successful business owner, an elite sportsperson, a high academic achiever or simply a healthy and well-balanced individual. Each month we discuss different topics and do practical exercises to help group members improve in that particular area. Past topics have included achieving goals, changing behaviour, relating better to other people, kicking bad habits, understanding motivation, healthy living and much more.
Last Wednesday, 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm Carol Harris
  Strolling Strollers Group is a walking group that complements the main Walking Group but offers easier and shorter walks for those members who cannot manage the longer distances or have health issues. Walks are about 4 miles long, some are canal side walks but are in any case over easier terrain, stiles are kept to a minimum. As walks usually finish at about midday and for those who wish to, we go to a local public house or cafe for something to eat afterwards. 2nd Monday
10:30 am - 12:00 pm (Apr - Nov)
Alan Smithers
Steve Holloway
  Supper Club Supper Group members choose where to meet according to everyone's preference on the third Tuesday evening at 6.30. As restaurants and pubs change hands we take this into account when choosing a venue. Please contact Lynette Davies for details of the next meeting (phone number on hard copy of the Newsletter) 4th Wednesday, 6:30 pm   Penny Tozer
WalkersPlease click on the Walking button located on right- hand menu nearer the top of the page for our full programme 4th Friday, 10:00 am   Penny Tozer
Wellbeing Strollers A WELLNESS STROLL Walk, talk and a get together in a café 1st, 3rd and 4th Monday - 10.30 am Meet in Powys Castle Car Park A very leisurely stroll around the surrounding area of the castle. Return to the castle National Trust Cafe - 1.2 miles max. distance A friendly and welcoming member of the ‘Walkers’ or ‘Strollers’ group will be on hand. It’s a chance to unwind, get the legs moving, get some fresh air and have a good chat. Any shoes or trainers that are comfortable to provide adequate support will do. Even if you are not able to walk the short distance and just need some company you are welcome to join us in the café. Unfortunately, dogs are NOT allowed in the Deer Park. 1st, 3rd and 4th Monday   Steve Holloway
Alan Smithers
 Wine Appreciation 2nd Tuesday, pm    Jacqui Davies
 Woodwork Group The WOODWORK GROUP meets in the leaders workshop to learn woodworking skills. 3rd Saturday, 9.30 am - 12:30 pm   Jim Tozer
  Writing Group This group meets monthly. At the moment we aren’t able to take any more members but, should more people express an interest in writing, we’d be happy to give information and advice to anyone wanting to set up a second Welshpool group. Usually on a Tuesday
Carol Harris