Book Groups
“No two persons ever read the same book.” – Edmond Wilson
What could be more interesting than discussing books with a group of lively and engaging people? We have three book groups, all meeting monthly. To join any of them, please contact the Joint Groups Organisers.
Monday Evening Book Group
Leaders: Arlene Hyman and Jenifer Millstone
- Location: TBC
- When: Monday, time TBC
Wednesday Afternoon Book Group
Leader: TBC
- Location: Members’ homes
- When: Wednesday 2.00–3.30 pm
- Frequency: Monthly
Thursday Evening Book Club
Leader: Tina Stanton
- Location: Members’ homes
- When: Thursday 8.00–9.30 pm
- Frequency: Monthly
Creative Writing
Contact points: Hazel Finn and Margaret Harris
The writing group is for anyone who wants encouragement to write on a variety of topics; exploring different literary genres. The group currently runs as a mutual support group with occasional volunteer mentoring when available. Members share their pieces of writing.
- When: Thursday 2.30–4.00 pm
- Frequency: Monthly
- Location: On Zoom
- Number of places: The group has room for two more writers
Play-Reading Group
Leader: Bruce Mackay
We are a group who love the theatre and have fun reading a wide variety of plays in a friendly atmosphere. No experience is needed, We choose from a wide selection of play sets available from Barnet library.
- Where: Leader’s home in NW11
- When: Thursdays 2.30–5.00 pm
- Frequency: Monthly
- Number of places: No restrictions
Poetry
Leader: Kathy Davison
Poetry is one of the most powerful forms of writing. So, whether you like the Romantics or prefer the Modernists there is something here for everyone to share. We take turns each month choosing a poet and discussing the poet and their poetry
- Where: Member’s home
- When: First Monday of month 11.00 am – 12.00 pm
- Contact: Kathy Davison
- Number of places: No restrictions
Shakespeare Study Groups
Leader: Richard Abramson

Shakespeare plays: study and discussion of texts.
Richard has given several talks on Shakespeare and recently completed an MA in Shakespeare Studies at Royal Holloway.
The way we study is to read a small section of the play text at a time, and, depending on its complexity and interest, discuss and analyse each part.
We keep the discussion light, while trying to appreciate the joy of the text. Some of us know Shakespeare well, while for others a new vista is opened up.
Study Group 1
- Hybrid meetings in leader’s home in NW2 and on Zoom
- When: Tuesday 10.00 am – 11.30 am
- Frequency: Weekly
- Number of places: 12. Currently full.
Study Group 2
- Hybrid meetings in leader’s home in NW2 and on Zoom
- When: Fridays 11.00 am – 12.30 pm
- Frequency: Fortnightly
- Number of places: 12. Currently full