University of the Third age.Have you ever thought of joining the Axarquia U3A, or has the ‘University’ word put you off thinking, ‘This is not for me’!
Its run on a volunteer basis by members for members as a sociable organisation. The membership fee is 6e for this year, and you can join at any-time if you are over 55, all nationalities are welcome. Some members are here all the year round, others dip in and out, it matters not. Most groups are monthly except for Petanca and Mahjong which are weekly and Photography twice monthly.
I must admit when I was in the UK I thought it was not my scene. Then after a few years in Spain I joined Axarquia U3A, initially to meet new people with similar interests, and have been a member of the Book Group for many years.
Monday……Petanca, Art Appreciation,
Tuesday…Photography, Spanish History,
Wednesday..Book Club, Creative Circle,
Thursday..Mahjong, Singing for Pleasure, Meditation, Creative Writing,
Friday……..Discussion, Munch Bunch, Quiz.
Plenty to think about, below I have described a bit about each group.
THE BOOK GROUP.¡
Richies Bar (near the Bus Station) in Torrox Costa the last Wednesday at 11am. They don’t take themselves too seriously, and they enjoy a laugh. The aim is to discuss books from a wide range of authors, with other like-minded people. Occasionally they will discuss films and TV programs adapted from books.
QUIZ
Parquesol in El Morche the first Friday, at 11am, (near the roundabout with the man pulling a rope) Usually well attended and fun. Different members set the quiz each month, so the questions can come as a surprise!
SINGING FOR PLEASURE
Parquesol the last Thursday at 11am. The ‘singers’ are not a choir, they just like belting out a song or two for their ears only! No singing voice required!
DISCUSSION
‘Cafe Bar Los Juanes’ in Torre the second Friday at 11am (opposite the police station). They mainly discuss current events.
THE MUNCH BUNCH
Meet at various places on the third Friday at 1pm. This group is exactly what it says, they are a ‘bunch’ who ‘munch’ at various restaurants in the area, sampling local food and culture. This is usually well attended and if you are single, or new to the area, its a chance to go to a restaurant that you may not necessarily have been to and try new tastes. All venues are in and around the area suggested by the members. They have been to places from Benajarafe to Torrox and up to Canillias Albaida!
PETANCA
Torre lighthouse which is every Monday at 3pm.
MAHJONG
Benajarafe or Algorrobo Costa every Thursday at 10.30am.
PHOTOGRAPHY.
Meet twice a month on a Tuesday at 3pm, helping each other with tips and techniques. (Sorry I don’t know the venue or which Tuesdays).
MEDITATION
Torrox the thirdThursday at 11.30pm. Learn how to experience a sense of calm.
SPANISH HISTORY
Velez Malaga at 11am. This is a well attended group. There are a few knowledgeable members, who give talks, on Spanish roots, customs and ancestry. Even if you have heard the talk before there is usually something that you might not have remembered (its and age thing) or wish to hear again.
CREATIVE WRITING
Torrox the second Thursday at 11am. This group is run by a published novelist, where they discuss strategies used in writing short stories.
CREATIVE CIRCLE
Chiki Beach Restaurant on the third Wednesday at 11am, for Craft Work, Assistance with Spanish and a U3A meet and greet.
ART APPRECIATION
Lux Mundi on third Monday at 10.30am.
Also there is a scheme to help students at Mario Zambrano college in Torre, with their English classes.
So to sum up: Mainly the venues are along the coast, from Torrox to Benajarafe, accessible by car. If you use public transport, there are buses along the coast road. Members live all over the Axarquia region, not just on the coast and I have occasionally found someone to give me a lift back to Competa!
The activities are varied, and if you have a skill to share please join us.
Why not look on the webpage. www.u3aaxaequia.com for information and contacts.
For venues that are not stated above usually a telephone call or an email to the Group Leader will clarify.
Do come and see for yourself, you don’t need to join until you have attended a couple of meetings. You may be surprised to find that you know a few people by sight from your area. The membership is very large.
(By the way, as from 21st of January the bus to Velez Malaga has been cancelled by Loymer bus, but the Malaga bus still stops at the Hospital and El Ingenio, don’t forget to press the bell!)
Josephine Drew
