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Online Prospectus

For October 2023 - June 2024

Art & Crafts

Art for Beginners & Improvers

Tutor: Sue Lewis
Day & Times: Mondays 2-4pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

We like to find out the aims of the members of the class. We provide help in choosing the right materials and media, exploring colour, shape and spatial awareness. Continuation of projects by returning members.

All materials to be provided by the class members apart from the first session.

Drawing & Painting
(Intermediate)

Tutor: Mr A. Jackson
Day & Times: Thursday 09.30 - 11.30 (weekly)
Where: Birstall Library

This is a tutor led intermediate class. We use a wide range of techniques including graphite pencils, pastels, pen and ink wash, watercolours and acrylics.

Currently the group is full but there is a waiting list.

Art Gallery

Flower Arranging

Tutor: Mrs P. Cranmer
Day & Times: Tuesday 1.00 - 3.00 (weekly)
Where: Shawcross Mount Tabor Church

We are a small friendly group. Each week there is a demonstration and the following week the class members replicate the arrangement with their own flowers and vases. We share greenery and plants. The arrangements vary from traditional triangle to modern parallel and all other types. It is always amazing how beautiful and different each member’s interpretation of the demonstration is.

There is an average cost of £7 per week for flowers and sundries.

Handicrafts

Tutor: Cynthia Mallard
Day & Times: Wednesday 10.00- 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Batley Community Centre

We are an informal group who meet weekly to knit, crochet, sew, embroider or cross stitch while having a coffee.
During the sessions we swap patterns/ideas as well as sharing craft problems.
Beginners are welcome; we learn from each other.
We normally work individually but last Autumn we knitted and crocheted a bunting and decorations for Batley Community Centre (where we meet) for all users to enjoy over Christmas.

Come and join our friendly group - you would be welcomed.

Making Collector Teddy Bears

Tutor: Mrs S. Roe
Day & Times: Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: St Andrew's, Batley

Arctophilia is the art of collecting teddy bears.  This course is suitable for the complete beginner or anyone wishing to improve their skills.  We start each project by laying out, marking and cutting the pattern pieces.  We then tack them together to check correct fit.  We mostly hand-sew but you can use a sewing machine if you want to bring it to the class, subject to portable appliance testing.

This is not a cheap hobby as we use quality materials to get the best result.  You will then learn how to finish off your bear placing the eyes, ears and nose and maybe,  adding some extra colour and sculpting to the facial features or paws.  You may wish to dress your bear to give it extra character.  These are not toys and therefore not suitable for small children but make lovely gifts that can become family heirlooms.

Essential tools needed:

  • Small embroidery scissors
  • Pair of craft scissors for cutting card or paper
  • Medium pair of scissors for cutting fabric
  • Stuffing tool – wooden spoon handles work very well
  • Dressmaking pins with glass bead heads
  • Sewing needles

The class members very kindly share their specialised tools and equipment but you may decide to invest in your own.

Painting for Relaxation

Tutor: Mrs B. Conroy
Day & Times: Monday 10.00 - 12.00(weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

A relaxed fun group for all abilities. Help and advice given by the Tutor.

Class members bring their own art materials. Some reference provided or members bring their own photographs and choice of subjects to work from.

Painting for Pleasure

Tutor: Mrs S. Roe
Day & Times: Wednesday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: URC Ravensthorpe

Details to follow

Parchment Craft

Tutor: Mrs D. Boughey
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury
Greeting cards

Learn how to make greeting cards from parchment paper, using tools and pencils.

This is a friendly group and beginners are welcome.

Patchwork & Quilting

Tutor: Christine Cashman
Day & Times: Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

Patchwork & Quilting

Tutor: Dorothy Rudd
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield St Andrew's Church

This class is full 

Photography

Tutor: Mrs S. Bligh
Day & Times: Thursday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

Photography is the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy, and especially light, on a sensitive surface such as a film or an optical sensor. The purpose of photography is to document moments in time.

In the last two decades there have been major changes to photography with the introduction of digital cameras and the ability to edit the image produced on a computer. There are now many ways of editing our images and in this class we look at what makes a pleasing or even a winning photograph and how we can take simple steps when taking the photograph, or by limited editing, to improve the resultant image. We have competitions between ourselves and by comparing our photograph to others which have won, we learn that simple steps may just be needed to improve our images in future. We do not teach the use of the more complex editing software although we sometimes have other photographers coming to show their work and this could include photo editing.

We are a friendly group and everyone is willing to help others with a bit of camera knowledge or editing skills. Most of our members use a bridge camera or a mobile phone regularly but some have more sophisticated cameras. We meet October to March and then have monthly outings in the summer.

Sewing for Fun

Tutor: Mrs E. Newsome
Day & Times: Tuesday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: St Andrew's, Liversedge

The Sewing for Fun class is about friendship, sharing hints and tips, and helping you do your project. This could be Patchwork, Quilting, Crochet, Knitting etc.

If you become stuck in your project, we will try and help. You don't need any skill - just bring your project. If you haven't one, you can discuss what you want to achieve and we will take it from there.

We are a friendly bunch. Hope to see you soon!

Art for Everyone

Tutor: Mr T. Rayner
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

An informal, casual, tutorial-led art class for practitioners of all levels from beginners to competent artists.

We provide the necessary technical skills and abilities to help visualise pictures and paintings across various media - acrylics, oils, watercolour, pens, pencils, other mixed media. We provide help in selecting appropriate media relevant to the chosen subject, mixing some media when and where appropriate.

Create original objects of art by way of demonstrative, tutorial-led sessions, giving support and encouragement when and where it's needed.

We love opening doors to a better understanding of the creative process and the use of chosen materials.

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Games & Physical Activities

Exercise for Over 50s

Tutor: Tutor provided by Huddersfield Town Foundation
Day & Times: Thursday 10.30 - 11.30 (weekly)
Where: Thornhill Lees Community Centre

The class tutor is provided by the Huddersfield Town Foundation.

The Exercise Class recently supported Huddersfield Town Foundation’s Blue & White Day to raise money for their school breakfast clubs.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Mrs A. Jeffrey
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

An indoor bowls class where tuition or help is provided if needed. Bowls are also provided.

A good social activity.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Mr C. Edge
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00(weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

Our group runs on a Tuesday afternoon between 2 and 4pm. We are a very friendly lot, and would assure those interested they would be most welcome and we think they would enjoy our company.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Mrs D. Hodge
Day & Times: Monday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

This Bowls Group is a very friendly group with all bowls and equipment provided. New members welcome so why not come along and make new friends. Beginners most welcome.

Indoor Bowling

Tutor: Peter Beveridge
Day & Times: Thursday 2.00 - 4.00 (weekly)
Where: Ossett Community Centre

Indoor carpet bowls. All equipment is provided by the class. We welcome newcomers with or without experience.

Scottish Country Dance

Tutor: Mrs K. Shaw
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

A very friendly and supportive group. New members are made very welcome.  No previous experience necessary. All you need is a pair of soft, comfortable shoes or sandals.

Social Bridge

Tutor: Richard Porteus
Day & Times: Thursday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury
Social Bridge

Come and learn as you play. Ideal for beginners (with a basic knowledge of the game) and improvers – relaxed atmosphere, friendly advice and guidance available to develop skills.

T'ai Chi (Beginners)

Tutor: Diane Atherton
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly)
Where: Birstall Library

T’ai Chi is a gentle form of exercise consisting of a series of smooth, slow, continuous movements. It relaxes the body and the mind, improves posture, balance, muscle strength and flexibility.

Classes with instruction, open to all abilities but as with all exercise programmes, participants are advised to consult with their GP before starting any new exercise, especially if they have any medical conditions.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and trainers or similar footwear. 

T'ai Chi (Improvers)

Tutor: Diane Atherton
Day & Times: Tuesday 10.00 - 11.30 (weekly)
Where: Birstall Library

T’ai Chi is a gentle form of exercise consisting of a series of smooth, slow, continuous movements.
T’ai Chi relaxes the body and mind; improves posture, balance, muscle strength and flexibility.
Classes with instruction, open to all abilities but as with all exercise programmes, participants are advised to consult with their GP before starting any new exercise, especially if they have any medical conditions.
  Wear loose, comfortable clothing and trainers or similar footwear. 

Table Tennis (1 of 3)

Tutor: Matthew Baldwin
Day & Times: Wednesday 2.00- 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

The Wednesday table tennis group welcomes members of all abilities although some basic table tennis skill would be helpful.

Bats and balls can be provided for members to use and friendly advice on playing techniques will be given if required.

The group generally plays doubles table tennis and members will get the opportunity to play with other group members on a regular basis.

Table Tennis (2 of 3)

Tutor: Mr B. Hardiman
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

Social table tennis – more fun than expertise. Equipment provided.

There may be a few vacancies. 

Table Tennis (3 of 3)

Tutor: Mrs E. Byrne
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Heckmondwike Table Tennis Club 

Table tennis purely for enjoyment.  A large class who are friendly, very sociable and just love to play. We are a happy group who laugh a lot but always play to win.  Most have their own table tennis bats but there are a few spares and of course the balls.

Unfortunately we are at full capacity and at the moment not open to new members.   Names can be put on a waiting list.

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Language, Literature & History

Book Club

Tutor: Mrs A. Parkin
Day & Times: Monday 10.30 - 12.00
(2nd Monday in the month)
Where: Mirfield Library

Monthly meetings to discuss titles chosen by members and provided by Kirklees Library Service. Maximum class size is 12.

There are no spaces at the moment.

Discussion Group

Tutor: Kevin McConnell
Day & Times: Tuesday 2.00 - 4.00pm (weekly)
Where: Trinity Church, Mirfield

An informal, friendly group discussing a wide range of topical issues. Purpose is to inform, stimulate, amuse in a convivial manner.

Local History

Tutor: Mrs C. Ashton
+ a team of 4 others
Day & Times: Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Community Centre

Are you interested in discovering more about the history of local people and places? If so, come and join our very popular, friendly, fun class.

Aiming to cover a varied and interesting programme, we include topics from the whole of Yorkshire. Our programmes include contributions from group members as well as outside speakers and we also organise occasional outside visits.

Spring 2024 Programme

Reading Great Literature Together

Tutor: Jill Fairley
Day & Times: Monday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly)
Where: Mirfield Library

Join our group of literature lovers to share the reading experience. Selected passages of great novels and poems are chosen to read aloud and discuss, then continued at home in whatever way suits you.

Last year we read Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and a selection of classic poems. This year (Autumn 2023) we will begin with Great Expectations. We meet in the friendly atmosphere of Mirfield Library, and sets of books are provided by the Library Service.

Members of the group have enjoyed seeing old favourites through new eyes, as well as making new discoveries. The shared experience is part of the pleasure, so do give it a try!

Yorkshire Dialect

Tutor: Charmaine Straker-Purvis
Day & Times: Friday 2.00  - 4.00 (weekly)
Where: Dewsbury Town Hall

Yorkshire dialect enjoyed in all its formats. Pieces supplied on specific subjects and members encouraged to bring their own choices. Occasional speakers - sometimes other Yorkshire topics covered as well as language.

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Music

Play Guitar (and Sing) for fun

Tutor: Mr C. Brian
Day & Times: Wednesday 4.00 - 6.00pm (weekly)
Where: Croft House, Upper Hopton

A group where we meet to play (and sing) popular songs. No need to read music, just loads of enthusiasm required. Guitarists must have their own guitar (acoustic or electric), be able to play common chords and have an ear for music and timing

Other equipment?

  • a tuner (if your guitar has a built-in tuner, you already have that covered)
  • a music stand (to support the paper "charts" that we work from). The "charts" have chord names and the song lyrics printed on them. We provide these free of charge.
  • a guitar stand (which can support your guitar whilst you are organising other things, such as the chart for the next song). It is safer and better for the nerves than trying to balance your guitar on your knee when you need both hands to organise the pieces of paper.

We have an expanding repertoire of songs, all down to members’ choices. You would like to play and sing a particular song? Then bring your suggestion to the group and we’ll try to do just that.

If you would like to find out more, please ring Chris Brian on 01924 494055.

Play the Ukulele

Tutor: Mr B. Seddon
Day & Times: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 (weekly)
Where: URC Ravensthorpe (with Hopton)

Playing the ukulele FOR FUN (and singing). No experience necessary. No musical knowledge needed. The only requirements are enthusiasm and practice.

The class is suitable for absolute beginners to experienced players.

Students to supply own ukulele (NOT a toy please), a tuner and a music stand. PS. A CAHONE PLAYER would be welcome.

More Information

Singing for Pleasure

Tutor: Mrs M. Boocock
Day & Times: Friday 2.00 - 3.30pm (weekly)
Where: Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury

This class is for anyone who loves music and would love to participate in Singing for Pleasure.

We have a very varied programme of music ranging from classical songs to more up-to-date songs. We aim to give 3 concerts a year.

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Term Dates (2023/24)

Third Age's Membership Year runs from 1st October to 30th September in the following year.

  • Autumn:
    Monday 2nd October – Friday 8th December 2023.
  • Winter:
    Monday 8th January – Friday 15th March 2024
What does it cost?
  • Classes: £20 per term, per class
  • Membership: £5 per year
Our 2023/24 Information Leaflet