Keeping the grey matter active

For more than fifteen years, the U3A (University of the Third Age) has operated in Christchurch. Each month groups of retirees across the city discuss and share books, art, music, antiques, films and many other topics of interest. Ann Schrader, president of U3A Rutherford, one of Christchurch’s University of the Third Age chapters, shares the actvities and the history of the group.

Christchurch has been home to some distinctive personalities and thinkers over the years. People like Elsie Locke, Ettie Rout and Professor A.W. Bickerton are examples. Find more about them on the library website.

Finding activities a CINCH

There are dozens of groups / activities listed on our community directory CINCH allowing you and your friends to have fun. If you feel like a bit of exercise trot along to a walking group or try a gentle exercise or tai chi class. Bowls is also very popular. If you fancy stepping out in style, there are numerous dancing groups in the city. Square, old time, Morris, Scottish folk and ballroom are just some of the styles listed. Get along and show the younger ones how it is done!

There are also many senior citizens’ clubs that meet regularly for bus trips, meals, games and entertainment shows. Indoor games groups including contract bridge and scrabble are another option if the weather is against you. Age Concern Canterbury also has a popular jigsaw library that exchanges between 100 and 200 puzzles a week. SeniorNet courses are a fun, friendly way to learn with peers at your own pace about email, internet and word processing. If family history appeals, check out the genealogy group. Local history and museums / historic organisations may also interest you. Go on, try something new!

Become a Friend of Christchurch City Libraries

The Friends of Christchurch City Libraries is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the public library system - people who know that a community with a first rate library is a better place to live. There are regular guest speakers and this month there is the chance to meet Peter Fraemohs and hear about his book Learning with passion. While the book is about accelerated learning, the talk will show the incremental steps of learning to write and the discipline of writing.

2 October 2007, 12:30am - 13:30am at Fendalton Library Boardroom.
Friends of the Library members free, Visitors $2, Donations welcome.
Seating is limited to 45, but bookings are not required.

Resource of the week

Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Security.
Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. Detroit: Gale, 2004.

The Soviet satellite Sputnik I was launched fifty years ago this week, sparking the space race and ramping up tension during the Cold War. This week’s featured database is a comprehensive guide to the history and technology of espionage and intelligence. Although the Cold War is over, the subject remains topical today.

Your library card number and PIN will give you access to this resource.