September 2026

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
October read ‘Winter Time’ by Laurence Fearnley a New Zealand writer.
A vivid novel about familial love, friendship and how our lives touch, connect and impact upon one another.

CURRENT AFFAIRS GROUP
Following on from the excellent presentation earlier in 2026 on The Youth Hub -given by Dame Sue Bagshaw -the Current Affairs group has arranged a visit to the Youth Hub.
If you are not a regular member of that group -but would like to join the visit -please email Graeme and you will be provided with the visit arrangements – which is on Wednesday 21 October at 10.00am

CYCLING GROUP September Trips
We have 2 organised rides each month, on the 3rd Monday and the last Friday.
On Monday 14 September (a week earlier than normal) we went on our “Blossom” ride.
Peter had worked out a wonderful ride from Halswell to Aidanfield to Wigram to
Sockburn to Avonhead Park & Cemetery to the University to Riccarton Bush then
Hagley Park. The blossoms were beautiful. We had coffee at 8 degrees which was
perfect with plenty of room for our bikes.
On Friday 25 September we cycled from Motukarara to Little River. There were 8 of us cycling on an unexpectedly beautiful morning. It is always a great ride except for the swarms of flying insects! It was good to see there was maintenance work being done on part of the track.
We enjoyed our coffee at the recently reopened Little River Store.

FAMILY HISTORY
Fact or fiction?
At the last meeting of The FAMILY HISTORY group, we shared the most interesting story or stories we’ve heard that have been passed down in our family or that we have discovered in old papers.
Researching the validity of these stories and where they fit into our families’ histories takes time but is a fascinating task.
Our meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month starting at 1.30 pm.
For further information contact Carole or Julia

HISTORY GROUP
Final unit 9 in our current Australian History course – From colonies to
Nationhood. Explores the complex processes by which 6 independent colonies adopted a constitution creating a new national federation.
Ros

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
At our September meeting we went over the options for the composing and taking of portraits before working in pairs to take side lit head photos of each other. With a bit of experimentation, we discovered some new ways of recording the personality and character of our subjects. We discussed how to get the mood of the person whose photo we are taking so we do not have the standard smiling, subject looking directly at the camera type shot. We reviewed recent photos each had taken, and Mike talked about his trip and experience in photographing gannets.
Our next meeting will be held on Friday 16th October at Eric’s home at 10am and with spring here in all its bloom, we will review photographing of spring blossoms and experiment with some single bloom photos.
Eric

SINGING GROUP
Last week we again welcomed another new member. It’s so encouraging to see our numbers growing as people realise the benefits and joy of singing together, no matter how we rate our voice. It’s become a very social group as well and that’s so nice.
Last month we enjoyed new “Beatles” songs and celebrated Dolly Parton with a couple other songs too. But it’s not all popular or ‘pop’ music by any means. Members have a wide range of tastes, so I hope there is always something for everyone. Let’s celebrate spring and the warmer weather like the birds and “rise up singing’”!
Do come and join us. No serious musical ability required here – we sing for fun. If you love to sing and would like to try us out, we meet at the Halswell Community Hall (now a lovely blue) from 2 to 3 pm on the 1st and 3rd Fridays each month.
See you there!
Bronwen

THEATRE APPRECIATION GROUP
Along with our monthly meetings (4th Thursdays 1.30pm) we have enjoyed attending community theatre productions with bookings for two more before the end of this year. Elmwood Players’ Steel Magnolias In October and Canterbury Repertory’s Ripcord in November. Always happy to include new members in our party.
David Winfield