The following notes have been supplied by group convenors ...

ART (Painting & drawing): We meet weekly on Thursday from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm at the Catholic Church Hall on Long Street, Easingwold. This year we will have a nine week term followed by two ten week terms. It is hoped that we can arrange various outings and some outdoor sessions in the summer. Members are free to use any media and those who usually only use one medium might enjoy the opportunity to experiment with new techniques. We are a "mixed ability" group who enjoy passing on our knowledge and receiving help from each other! You are welcome to join us. Contact numbers: Jean Woodhouse 01347 824690 or Sheila Wright 01347 821531

The group now has a Logo based on an artist's palette, but with a difference - can you spot it? Click here to see if you can.

BEGINNERS' BRIDGE: Growing rapidly! Up to 16 people currently meet in one another's houses every Friday afternoon from 1.30 pm. We have an hour and a half with a tutor and then continue on our own.

BIRD WATCHING: Every 4th Thursday for a day out to regional bird reserves or bird-watching sites. Meet at Galtres rear car park for 9.30 departure. We share cars & petrol costs. Members bring binoculars, packed lunches & warm/waterproof clothing, and suitable footwear.

COMPUTERS: This group is now a virtual one, working together via our own machines. We contact one another using a group email address and swap problems and solutions. We also pass on good web sites we've found, work individually or in small group through web tutorials and stay alert(ish) to devise other virtual activities. (See, too, the computer page on this web site).
Please contact John Kilburn (01347 824227) if you would like more information about our group, or feel you can help in any way.

CURRENT AFFAIRS & ENVIRONMENT: We meet at 25, Larch Rise, Easingwold, the home of Jill and Ron Minty. We discuss topics suggested by members, who sometimes set off the discussion. All are welcome, either regularly or intermittently. Ring 01347 823553.

MUSIC APPRECIATION: This is great fun. We meet in one another's houses and listen to music and people who know about it. So far this year we have also been to two concerts. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month. For more information ring John Kilburn (01347 824227).

READING GROUP: We read a book every month and meet to discuss it on the third Monday in the month at 2.00 pm in the Parish Rooms. For further information please contact Audrey Freeborn (01347 822846).

SOCIAL: After a very successful year of trips, visits and social events last year we have decided that as so many people want to be involved we will make our outings available to everyone. Details here, or please ring Angie Erskine-McCoy (01347 821122) for more information.

WALKING: We meet monthly on the 4th Tuesday at the Galtres Centre rear car park to depart 9.30 am. Members bring strong footwear, waterproofs and a packed lunch. Cars & petrol costs are shared. Walks vary in length but average 5.5 miles, taking 3 to 3.5 hours including stops.

WAYS WITH WORDS: We have stimulating meetings sharing our own poetry and descriptive and story writing and plan to publish an anthology . We help one another with positive criticism if asked, which members find a valuable experience. Sometimes we read extracts from favourite writers. We have just completed a major project similar in scope to the John Wesley pageant we wrote in 2003. We have written the Easter story from the viewpoints of several of the major participants, and are to present the results as a series of dramatic readings in Easingwold next Easter. We intend to organise excursions to the theatre, poetry readings etc. We normally meet at 4 Stonefield Garth at 2.00 pm usually on the first Thursday in the month. For more information ring Nancy Kilburn (01347 824227).