Art history spans the entire history of humankind, from prehistoric times to the twenty-first century. 

Group members give presentations on any topic of historical interest from the dawn of civilisation to the fall of Byzantium in 1453. To join the waiting list for this group, please contact the convener.

2024-03-15 Currently in recess

A group for enthusiastic learners of the French language at Intermediate Grade. An opportunity to revisit previous learning and work towards growing oral fluency.

Speaking, listening, reading, writing, translating, singing and exploring en FrancaisSharing our experiences and love of all things French and meeting like-minded Francophiles

This Beginners’ group is for those who have never learnt French or who want to brush up on the French they studied at school - it consists of members with a love for the French language.  We are a fun group, we may visit a French café or go to a French movie. The tutor is an experienced language teacher.  Potential members should contact the Convener in the first instance.

This is a group for those who wish to revive the French they learnt in past years – and to have fun with it.  We prepare a brief talk (in French); we then break up into pairs to pursue a given topic.  We sometimes have dictation or some other point of grammar or we will play a game. Potential members should contact the convener to see if there are spaces available.

2022-12-01 - Xmas 2022

2020-11-05 - Petanque 

Meetings are held fortnightly in the theatre at Bethlehem Shores Retirement Village. Usually two hour sessions. We cover all aspects of classical music including operatic, symphonic, classical and modern dance, church music, composers and singers. Using the significant facilities at the Shores Theatre, members are invited (optionally) to present items of specific interest to them.  The feedback from existing members is excellent.  They find the sessions enjoyable, entertaining and informative.

Group News:

2025-04-10 Sonatas and More

2025-03-13 MM My Favourite Music

2025-02-27 - Carol's Favourites

2025-02-13 - Favourites

2025-02-13 - Notes and Info

2024-12-04 - From Russia with Love-Part 2 

2024-11-14 -  Janice and Derek Fowler-Wilde - Links from their Favourite Music presentation

2024-10-24 - Alexander Borodin - A Life of Music

2024-10-10 - Medieval-to-Baroque

2024-09-12 - Wagner

2024-07 Divas

2024-06-27 - John Williams

2024-05-09 - The Music of War

2024-04-11 - The Natural World

2024-03-28 - Music for Easter

2024-02-08 - Beautiful Music

2023-12-14 - Christmas

2023-11-09 About London

2023-09-28 - Venues - Part 2

2023-09-14 - Venues - Part 1

2023-08-23 - Operetta

2023-08-10 - REPRISE! MUSIC FROM 2022

2023-07-27 - LIVELY & BRIGHT, PEACEFUL & CALM

2023-07-13 - DANCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC

2023-Jul Vivaldi

2023-Jun Classical Music Rip-Offs

2022-Nov Christmas

2022-Oct: Around the world in 80 minutes

2022-Oct Mozart

2022-Aug Alma Deutscher

2022-July Bastille Day meeting

2022-Mar meeting

The aim of the group is to listen to, appreciate and learn about jazz and jazz artists past and present. Members will be invited to give short presentations from time to time on a particular genre or artist of their choosing. The convener has an excellent AV set up for presenting sessions at her Papamoa home. Numbers are limited.

All musicians and singers welcome. Music from the 1960’s to today

Our group will appeal to lovers of traditional and modern ballet which we view on DVD.

Our group is for those who are reasonably accomplished on their chosen instrument and enjoy fun jamming and singing together.  Instruments could include ukulele, banjo, guitar, mandolin for example. Come along and try us out  - solo singers welcome too.  Please contact the convener for further information.

This group is for you if you would like a fun afternoon of playing and singing, have the basic ukulele skills, that is, know a few basic chords, even improve your playing, by joining a great, music loving , mixed group of varying abilities people.