The Shrewsbury U3A runs a number of different interest groups and Folk music is wonderfully represented with several different groups. Ron Kill has been going to these groups and has shared his experiences with us…
For those who don’t know, the u3a (University of the 3rd Age) is an organization for people who are not in full time work to connect with new or old interests and like-minded folk.
Contrary to popular belief (including mine) it is not age-related as such although by its nature members tend to be 50 plus. There is no lower age limit to joining.
Each area of the country has its own set up and you can view all the many Shrewsbury offerings here: Shrewsbury – Learn, Laugh, Live
Each area offers many interest groups, which are run by the members themselves.
Folk Music
In Shrewsbury we have three Folk Music groups. The original group (pictured above) meets twice a month on Monday mornings (10.00-12.00) at the Radbrook Community Centre Committee Room and the general format is an acoustic session where members sing, play an instrument or maybe read out something of interest.
Every other meeting has a theme, recently we have had Crime & Punishment, Irish Songs, Mining, The Sea and so on and members can bring along songs or readings if they want.
The alterative meetings have no theme and you can just surprise us!
You don’t have to be of any standard, the group is friendly and well-attended and has occasionally been asked to perform at certain functions. You don’t even need to play or sing to come along, you just need to enjoy folk music and its stories.
For more information click here: Folk Music – Shrewsbury
Folk 2
As the first group was proving popular and more people wanted to join a second group was started (Folk Music 2) which meets twice monthly at Community In Good Hands Café, Frankwell on Wednesday afternoons.
This group has a slightly different format and members are given certain songs on the website that they might want to learn and perform as a group. Otherwise they can also play what they like as with the first group. There is currently plenty of space in this group for anyone interested.
Folk Tunes Workshop
Finally there is the Folk Tunes Workshop. This is intended for “improvers” who know their way round their instrument & can play a tune, after practice (however hesitantly). Proficient & experienced players are welcomed to help others progress to their level. Players will gain the opportunity of playing with others & may progress in time to play in pub sessions.
This group meets monthly on Mondays from 2.00-4.00pm at the Radbrook Community Centre, every 3rd Monday.
There is lots more information on the Folk Tunes Workshop here: Folk Tunes Workshop – Shrewsbury
