Science Groups

Group Contact: Tony Natt.   

Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Venue: A variety of outdoor locations.

Beginners and garden birdwatchers are very welcome. The only requirements are footwear and clothing to cope with local weather on the day plus a pair of binoculars. Contact the co-ordinator for a programme of intended times and locations.

Group Contact: Maurice Goodwin

Meetings: 1st Monday, 2.00pm.

Venue: Ashcroft Centre

The aim of the Computer Group is to hear about any problems or difficulties and to offer advice and possible solutions which enable members to navigate and make full use their Mobile Phone, Tablet or Computer, whatever type/make they are using ie: Android (eg Samsung) or Apple (eg iPhone).

We regularly take a look at a particular topic, perhaps demonstrating software that may be new to some. We are now starting to look at AI and ways/areas in which it may help us  - something very new!!

Of course, in addition to just helping members with the modern and new technology, the group provides a friendly, socially interactive atmosphere and of course tea, coffee and biscuits!  

Group Contact: Jill Lang

Meetings:  4th Friday, 10.00am 

Venue: The Ashcroft Centre.

Recent topics included Ancient Maps, Iceland and Svalbard, Geopolitics of the Middle East, Wildfires, Venice.

Recent field trips included Gloucester in Stone and Cotswold Scenery. Future topics will include Water Supply and Weather Systems.

Group Contact : Cashy Smith

Meeting Day : Monday

Meeting Venue : Members Homes, Gardens and Allotments

This Group started in January 2024 and works on the basis of self-learning and shared knowledge.

Topics to be discussed are agreed by members and have included: home compost making, seed varieties that members have had success with, no dig gardening, pests, perennial crops and climate change and its effects on our gardens. We have talked about heritage seed varieties, fertilisers and how to preserve our crops. Other practical matters covered have been what went well last year, the good and bad aspects of a drought year and how to prepare for winter on our plots.

Members also find the incidental gardening chat and exchange of ideas about current issues very useful.

Group Contact  Dennis Peters

Meetings: 4th Thursday of month.

Venue: Normally in members Houses.

A group for those who are in any way interested in railways, from their history through to the present day (and beyond). Members' interests include railway technology, operations and economics and include the impact of railways on the social and economic affairs of nations.

In the summer months we try to fit in trips. These typically include outings to preserved railways, railway museums, and places of particular interest from a railway architectural/historical point of view. We also take occasional trips on lines of interest, Crossrail is high on the list.