Architecture
Facilitator: Jack Berkovi
This is a new discussion group. It is likely to meet on a monthly basis at a member’s home or at a place or event of interest.
Further details will be added here when finalised.
Art Appreciation Outings
Leaders: Linda Davidson & Lyn Tobin
Outings to galleries for prearranged guided visits, live film presentations, coffee or lunch before/after session to discuss future activities/current outing.
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- Zoom meetings
Craft/Knitting – Evening
Leader: Elizabeth Alcock
Charity knitting is alive and well in HGS U3A! This craft group has responded to local appeals and have worked on their own projects. This year we will begin with Twiddle Muffs for a Hospice appeal (patterns available).
Designed as a social gathering for all skill levels and beginners, to share and learn from each other, we meet at my home ( a non-Kosher, wheat and nut-eating household – bring your own supplies if you wish) — but by agreement any member can offer to host a meeting.
Remember crafting is relaxing and good for your mental well-being — as well as your soul!
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- Members remain in touch by email and Zoom
Crochet for Fun
Leader: Sharon Cavendish
Absolute beginners can learn, intermediate crocheters can improve and competent crocheters can come and crochet and natter. An informal social group for people who enjoy crochet or want to learn.
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- Currently paused
Drawing for Beginners
Leader: Mary Whiting
An 8-week crash course for beginners.
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- Continuing by email
Drawing: Improvers
Leader: Mary Whiting
Structured sessions on what is not often covered in leisure art courses.
Chief areas: perspective, shading, the basics of plant drawing, figure drawing and picture composition. Suitable for those who started last year and for anyone who wishes to improve their understanding and technique.
Monthly: Monday – 2-3.30pm by Zoom
Drawing & Painting
Leader: Diana Brahams
We draw and paint a variety of subjects. All level of skills welcome. Please bring your own materials. Oil paints are not permitted, but other mediums used with care are fine.
For painting, please bring brushes and heavier weight paper — 300g is best for water colours and applied washes, but 250g can be OK if used with care.
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- Currently paused
Improve Your Art — Workshop
Leader: Barbara Jackson

Water colours, drawing, how to compose a picture, how to make a painting.
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- Meeting every four weeks on Zoom
- Contact Hazel Finn for details
Learn how to Draw and use Watercolours
Leader: Shizue Takahashi
A course for absolute beginners. Anyone can learn how to draw, according to Shizue Takahshi. Through many years of teaching, she has developed a simple method based on 3 key principles: Proportion, Angle and Tone. By understanding these principles, you will be able to draw pictures conveying a sense of light, space and depth. You will also learn how to create fresh/vibrant watercolour paintings.
- Friday: weekly 10-11 am: by Zoom
Patchwork & Quilting
Leader: Ellen Fattal
A friendly stitching group: be inspired to cut up perfectly good fabrics into various shapes; then sew them together to make something beautiful and useful!
Our ongoing Sewing Bee has made quilted baby play mats, larger quilts, bags, pouches, table mats, spectacle cases, seating pads, etc. We share our knowledge of quilting patterns and techniques. A home sewing machine is recommended: there will be a sewing machine, iron, some equipment and limited fabric for making sample blocks at the meetings. Members will be advised where to obtain their own items and suitable fabrics.
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- Keeping in contact by email to Group Leader: Ellen Fattal.
- Members are working on projects.
- Photo gallery—see examples of the group’s work
Photography in London
Leader: Myke Jacobs, assisted by Roger Cookson
Photo shoots are currently suspended, but members meet weekly using Zoom showing photographs on an agreed theme. Alternate weeks are dedicated to technical issues, such as ISO settings, aperture- and speed-priority, etc.
It’s intended to be a fun-oriented group rather than a technocratic, competitive society.
- Continuing using Zoom
- When: Wednesday 10.30 am – 12 noon
- Frequency: Weekly
- Number of places: 15
Sewing Circle
Join accomplished needlewoman Diana Darrer for weekly hand sewing classes at her home in the centre of HGS, working on various projects. The Sewing Circle operates as two separate groups meeting on different days of the week.
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- Currently paused
Stained Glass & Glass Mosaic
Leader: Ruth Jacobson
Designing, cutting coloured glass, and laminating it onto a clear glass panel. At a later stage, designing for a leaded glass panel.
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- Currently paused