Maidstone Invicta u3a Groups
Special Interest Groups are the lifeblood of the u3a.
They are what the movement is all about.
Members of Interest Groups share an interest which they want to develop through study or practice in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual support.
Our current Special Interest Groups are listed below.
If you cannot find what you are looking for or have ideas of your own please
do not hesitate to click
here to contact our Interest Groups’ Team
New Groups
Guitar Improvers , Music Group & Knitting & Crochet Group
Group Activities
For many of the Interest Groups, you don’t necessarily need experience or particular skills, the ‘Leader’ learns along with the members of the Group, Enthusiasm is important, together with a time to spare, the desire to be part of a friendly team and to be with like-minded members.
If you, or anyone you know of, is able to offer any help, with or without knowledge of the subject,
please do make contact with the Group Co-ordinator via the contact button at the top of the page.
Wine Tasting Group
The wine tasting group gives members the opportunity to sample many wines from all over the world. Some meetings are themed (various countries, wine regions, wine styles etc.) and some simply look at a range of wines from a supplier (supermarket, wine merchant etc.) Members are encouraged to make suggestions for tasting and the facilitator discusses the styles, the grape varieties, methods of production and many other aspects of the wine business.
Where: To be decided each meeting.
When: Usually every 4-5 weeks mid week.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Films at the Silver Cinema
What: This is a series of weekly film screenings of popular films, for guests who are over 60. The admission cost varies depending on whether you pre-book or pay on the day and is between £3.50 and £5.00. Tea or coffee and a biscuit are included in the price and are served before the film. The cinema was refurbished during 2020 and now has luxurious recliner seating with tables.
Where: ODEON Silver Cinema, Lockmeadow, Maidstone.
When: Usually on a Tuesday at 1pm. However, this can change during school holidays. The group are welcome to meet up after the film for a drink and a chat about the film.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Music Genre
A group which has come together to investigate the development and history of different genre of music and their influence on music in general.
Each meeting will consist of a presentation, from one or more members of the group, to cover one of the following subjects:
• The history and influences of a specific genre of music and it’s relationship with other genres.
• The history and influences of a specific composer/performer within a genre.
• The history and influences of a specific composer/performer whose careers spanned different genre or who were instrumental in altering the course of that genre.
Meetings last for 2 hours and take place at member’s houses on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10.30 am.
To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Recorder Group
This is for those who enjoy playing as a group and have some experience of playing a recorder.
Where: Members take it in turns to host.
When: 1st Monday morning of the month.
To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Members on their Own
MOTO is a group for members on their own to meet to enjoy outings , garden visits and visits to places of interest including journeys by coach or train. Also to get together for lunches including Sunday lunches, coffee mornings and afternoon teas.
The aim would be to arrange an activity each month with members of the group involved and sharing the organisation of events. Hopefully everyone will be able to find something of interest and make new friends .
Plans are made at regular meetings for coffee and a chat at venue in the centre of Maidstone.
Meetings will be every second Thursday of the month.
To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Lunch Group
There are two lunch groups for members who have the opportunity to select a venue of their choice.
Note: There are currently vacancies for new members for both groups.
Lunch Group 1
Where: By agreement with members
When: Variable as agreed with members but on a monthly basis.
Lunch Group 2
Where: Variable by agreement with members
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month
To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Local History Group
What: This new group is for those that have an interest in Local History. We aim to research and discuss areas of interest selected my our members. Although the Maidstone areas will be a prime focus, the group interest will extend further afield across Kent dependant upon topics selected by members.
Where: Routine meetings take place at various venues in Maidstone we plan visits to local sites too.
When: Meetings will be held on the morning of the 2nd Wednesday morning of each month.
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to Group Contact using this link
Knitting, Crochet and Crafts Group
We are a group of keen knitters and crocheters who also welcome other crafts such as Embroidery, Cross Stitch and Card Making. We meet at a venue in central Maidstone and would welcome new members.
When: We meet on the 4th Friday of the month 10:30- 12:30
Where : A venue in central Maidstone.
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to Group Contact using this link
Quilting Group
We are exploring various patchwork techniques and embarking on a variety of patchwork and quilting projects. We have diverse sewing skills from beginners to advanced. We are learning from each other. New members are advised at their first meeting on any equipment they may need, depending on their chosen project.
We meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 2pm-4pm.
Where: At a member's home in Maidstone.
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to Group Contact using this link
Village Visits - 2 Groups
There are now two Village Visits groups in MIU3A (Group 1 is no longer running).
What they do: Each group makes Monthly visits to Kent Villages to look at their history, usually starting at the church. Other buildings of interest and the village thoroughfares will feature. Lunch will be taken in the village where possible. Some walking will be involved.
The groups will usually meet in the village car park but a meeting point will be advised in advance of the visit.
Group 2 meet on the 1st Tuesday morning of each month. Membership of this group is available.
Group 3 meet on monthly on the first Friday of the month. All members have the opportunity to organise a visit.
This Group is Currently Full
How to Join:
For more information contact the Group Facilitator using the links below.
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group 2 Contact using this link
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group 3 Contact using this link
Table Tennis
A group for members to learn and play table tennis.
Beginners and experienced players welcome. Training provided if you would like it.
Clothes - wear clothes you feel comfortable with and that allow you to move around freely.
Footwear - trainers are best but not essential.
Bats and balls provided - but you may want to buy your own bat as you progress. Advice given if needed.
The meetings are held weekly on Tuesday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00
Where: Allington Baptist Church, 76a London Road. By the traffic lights - junction of London Road and Queens Road - opposite side of the road from the old Somerfield Hospital. Car park at the back of the church - at the traffic lights turn into Leafy Lane, then the first gate on the right and then right again into the church gate.
To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Psychology
Are you interested in why people behave the way they do? Is it nature or is it nurture? Maybe a combination of the two!! If you like to stimulate your mind in our friendly group and discuss some of the interesting issues around human behaviour - then this is the group for you.
N.B Please note this is NOT a therapy group and personal disclosure is discouraged.
Where: At a member’s home in Barming.
When: On the second Monday afternoon in the month 2:00-4:00.
To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Poetry
A group to read and discuss any poetry that appeals to the group or chosen by individual members.
Where: At the home of a member in Maidstone.
When: On the last Friday of each Month from 2 until 4pm.
To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Outings with/without Bus Pass
We are a flourishing group of members who have an enthusiasm for bus travel, and who explore new places each month, taking advantage of our free bus passes, but you don't have to have one to join us!
**Don't forget your Bus Pass (if you've got one) ! **
When: 3rd Thursday of the month, with an occasional Saturday for special outings.
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this link
Music Genre
NEW GROUP
A group which has come together to investigate the development and history of different genre of music and their influence on music in general.
Each meeting will consist of a presentation, from one or more members of the group, to cover one of the following subjects:
• The history and influences of a specific genre of music and it’s relationship with other genres.
• The history and influences of a specific composer/performer within a genre.
• The history and influences of a specific composer/performer whose careers spanned different genre or who were instrumental in altering the course of that genre.
Meetings last for 2 hours and take place at member’s houses on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10.30 am.
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Interest Group Contact using this
link
Guitar Beginners
This Group is where you can learn to play your guitar as an absolute beginner! Pauline Mack is the facilitator and Mike Norman will provide the learning skills.
Members will need a steel strung guitar, plectrum, a tuner and lots of enthusiasm, "cos' it ain't easy" Keith Richards once said.
You will be supported to learn the basics by an experienced player.
When: At 10.00am on Wednesday mornings every two weeks
Where: Meetings are to be held at a members homes in Maidstone
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
German Circle
A group for people with some knowledge of German (rusty or otherwise) with an interest in Germany/Austria on all levels, be it the "Sound of Music"/Strauss or sausages.
Where: At a member's home in Vinters Park
When: On the third Wednesday of the month.
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
French Conversation
This is an opportunity for those who have some knowledge of French and a reasonable level of fluency to meet fortnightly for conversation.
- We meet in a member’s home in the morning of the first and third Tuesday of each month.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Family History 1 & 2
These groups are for people who want to research their family tree and need help getting started or for those who have already begun but would like help and guidance on resources, techniques, strategies and problem solving.
There will be opportunities for group members to share their experiences and expertise and help each other.
A basic knowledge of using a computer would be useful.
Here is a Special Project completed by Group 1
GROUP 1
Where: Allington Library
When : 2nd Wednesday of each month from from 2pm-4pm
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Group 1 Contact using this link
Group 1 is full see details below for Group 2 details
GROUP 2
Where: Allington Library
When : 3rd Wednesday of each month from from 2pm-4pm
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Group 2 Contact using this link
Creative Writing
Write short stories and/or other forms of creative expression and share with each other: to critique each other’s writing in a trusting and encouraging atmosphere and to learn from each other.
Members should have access to a computer, or other device, to send in written piece (usually as a Word document) attached to email.
Where: A member’s home, in Maidstone.
When: We meet at 10.00am on the fourth Friday morning of the month.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Bridge for Improvers
What: For those with some knowledge and experience of playing bridge who want to improve their game.
When: First and third Friday mornings of each month starting at 10am.
When: First and third Friday mornings of each month starting at 10am.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this
link
Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.
Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.
Our Mindfulness Group started in 2016. We are a friendly and supportive group . We were guided by a member who had used mindfulness in her career in mental health plus sourcing information and meditations etc from books and the internet.
At the end of the course we all wanted to continue to meditate together so we meet monthly, we don’t have any tuition now but members take turns to suggest a meditation or reading. Plus of course a break for tea!
When: The last Wednesday in the month at 2 p.m. for 6 months then the Group will decide how they would like to proceed.
Where: At a member’s house in West Farleigh
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
World War 2 History Group
This group explores the history and events of the Second World War, (Politics, Strategies, Tactics, Personalities and Forces engaged etc).
We individually read about/research the chosen topic for the month and then discuss at our meetings.
The subject may be serious but our meetings are informal and friendly.
When: Meetings are held monthly on Thursday mornings at 10 am.
Occasionally, this may be replaced by a full day visit to a relevant place of interest.
Where: Meetings are usually held in the facilitator’s home in Maidstone but may vary on occasion.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Play Reading
We read one complete play at each meeting, ranging from one act comedies to full length plays by well known dramatists.
Authors sampled so far include Alan Ayckbourn, Tom Stoppard, JB Priestley, Nell Dunn, Alan Bennett, Neil Simon, & others!
The plays are chosen and casted by group members in turn and copies are borrowed from the Kent Library Service. We give out the copies and the cast list a month in advance so we can read our part in advance. No previous experience of drama is required.
Group meets at members' homes in and around Maidstone.
Meetings are every 4th Monday at 1.30 p.m and held at members' houses
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Short Walks Group 1
What: This is a walking group for those who want enjoy a less strenuous walk, neither a stroll nor a route march, but at normal walking pace and with time to take in the views or stop for your own cold drink.
Where: Various meeting places to be advised
When: On the Second Friday of the month from 10.00 am – 12.30 pm approx.
Short Walks Group 2
What: This is a walking group for those who want to enjoy a less strenuous walk, neither a stroll nor a route march, but at normal walking pace and with time to take in the views or stop for your own cold drink.
Walks will normally be on a circular route usually from a public house in the vicinity of the walk. Members will be encouraged to take turns in preparing for and leading a walk of their choosing.
Well behaved dogs are welcome.
There are places available for additional members to join this Group.
Where: Various meeting places to be advised
When: On the Second Friday of the month from 10.00 am – 12.30 pm approx.
To Contact the Group 1 Contact: send an email message using this link
Where: Various meeting places to be advised
When: we meet on the last Wednesday of the month at the walk venue - usually a pub - where there will be parking - from 10.00 am – 12.30 pm approx.
To Contact the Group 2 Contact: send an email message using this link
Grumpy Old Men
An opportunity for retired and semi retired folk to get together and discuss many interesting subjects
Grumpy Old Men 1
Date: First Wednesday of each month
Time: 12.30 p.m.
Location: Wetherspoons "Muggletons" High Street Maidstone
For further information about GOM1 send an email message using this link
Grumpy Old Men 3
Date: Third Wednesday of each month
Time: 12.30 p.m.
Location: Wetherspoons "Society Rooms" Week Street Maidstone
For further information about GOM3 send an email message using this link
Discovering Wine
This is a group for wine lovers of all levels. We will look at all the classic grape varieties as well as lesser known varieties, styles of wine – how to taste wine as well as factors which influence style, quality and price such as climate, viticulture and wine making.
We will sample a broad selection of wines from both the Old and New World and through discussion and sharing our thoughts discover new and enjoyable wines that we may not have tried before.
Date: The 1st Thursday of every month
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Location: various locations time and place in Maidstone area.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this
link
Art Appreciation Group
A group for people to get together to view and discuss a wide variety of art. Members take turns to choose an artist and/or paintings to study and discuss. Meetings are a mix of visits to exhibitions & galleries etc. or meeting up to view DVDs etc.
Meetings take place in various members homes, to discuss items/artists as volunteered, suggested by the members, also visiting exhibitions around Kent and sometimes in London.currently meet 2nd Monday afternoon
How to join: To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Photography for Fun!
A group for people of all levels sharing an interest in digital photography. We get together for, discussions on photographic techniques, digital imaging software, digital cameras and accessories, photographic outings and sharing our own photographs.
- Date: Meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of each month
- Time: 2 -4pm.
- Location: Church Cross House, Church Lane, Barming.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Ukulele
The Ukulele is easy to learn, fun to play and cheap to buy. This group caters for absolute beginners and those who can play a little. There is no need for any previous musical experience, and you won't need to learn to read music. We play from song sheets with chord symbols. There are many thousands of song sheets in this format available to download free. We aim to learn basic chord shapes and strumming techniques, and eventually perhaps progress to finger-picking melodies.
NB This is a ‘self-help’ group; there is no teacher, and we are all learning together.
Date: Meetings are held on the FIRST and THIRD Mondays of the month
Time: 10-12 noon
Location: at the facilitator’s house in central Maidstone.
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Longer Walks
This new group is for those who want to walk a little further, 6-8 miles. Our aim is to enjoy the countryside and companionship while getting some exercise. The walks will be circular and we will stop to admire the view, have lunch or snacks and drinks. Members of the group will take turns to organise and lead the walk, help is always at hand. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
Where: Various meeting places, to be advised.
When: Third Thursday of the month, ready to set off at 10.00hrs
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Pickleball
Pickleball is a new sport particularly suitable for the over 55 year olds. Apart from one member we are all beginners but everyone thinks it is great fun. It is a cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis. All the equipment is provided but you can buy your own if you would prefer.
Where: The Y Centre, Melrose Close, Loose.
When: Weekly on Thursdays at 2:00 - 4:00pm,
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
Invicta Art Group
A new group for those interested in drawing and painting - the aim is to do any subject of your own or join in a suggested theme. Bring your own materials and enjoy an afternoon with like minded people.
Where: At the facilitator's home.
When: 4th Tuesday at 2:15 - 4:30,
To find out more please send an email message to the Group Contact using this link
