INTEREST GROUP INFORMATION
Interest Groups continue to be an important part of belonging to CFUW with many members belonging to more than one group. It is a wonderful way to socialize and get to know other members of the club. Since covid became less of a concern, there have been more in-person meetings. However, Zoom meetings have continued in several cases, either through preference, weather concerns or convenience to name a few.
The Biking Group meets weekly from May through October for a ride around the Grand River Loop or on various trails in and around Brantford, including nearby communities. Rides are approximately 20 km, at a senior pace, with flexible dates and times.
The Walking Group meets weekly all year round at the Rotary Bike Park off Grand River Ave. in the winter and various trails in good weather. Members often meet after the walk for a social time at a local Tim Hortons.
The Golf Group meets monthly at Fescues during the golf season, sometimes as early as April for a round of nine holes followed by enjoyable time afterwards on the deck.
There are three book groups, each meeting monthly. Monday Afternoon meetings are in-person over a late lunch at Symposium Café. This group discusses various books that they’ve read in the past month. The meetings for Monday and Thursday Evening vary from Zoom to in-person at member’s homes. Discussion is based on one book from a predetermined list made at a yearly planning meeting. In most cases, discussions are lively and very often veer off the actual book topic.
Bridge Group members chose to continue playing online monthly with two games, one at 1:00 p.m. followed by a quick break, then a second one at 2:15. By playing online, they are able to converse with each other and discuss the various plays at the end of each hand.
The Creative Cooking Group meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday with each member hosting one dinner per year. The host creates a menu of her choice for 6-8 guests/members. When there are more than 8 participants, two hosts volunteer with the group dividing into two. Each guest prepares a recipe of the menu. Typically dinners include appetizers, soup and/or salad, main course and dessert. Members agree that these evenings provide delightful food and lively conversation.
The Dining Out Group operates with flexible dates and times. They dine at various locations, both local and further away, sharing great conversation and delicious meals. Highlights for the 2023/24 season include Elora Mills, Pinecroft, the Golden Teapot, and Good Earth Food and Winery. Many members carpool, especially to out of city locations.
The Food with Thought Group meets monthly on the second Thursday in various members’ homes for pot luck dinners and conversation, both serious and entertaining.
Daytrippers plan various excursions including local and out of town location tours, events or shows. Some suggestions for this coming year include: Backstage tour of the Sanderson Centre, The Olive Oil Company with charcuterie and talk, Le Chocolat du Savoie including tasting, The Canadian Military Heritage Museum, The Brantford Museum & Archives and Mann’s Distillery for a cocktail class (need a ride home!!) The group tends to carpool with the understanding people contribute to gas expenses and that the driver is to accept a reasonable amount. This is especially important for out-of-town trips. Members are encouraged to take turns organizing an excursion.
The Games Group meets twice a month, the second Thursday and the fourth Monday at 1:30 p.m., playing both new and old games. Games take place outdoors in good weather and indoors at members’ homes in the colder weather.
The World Awareness Group meets monthly on either Zoom or in-person discussing a wide range of topics including the world political scene, healthcare, long-term care, as well as other issues that impact members more directly. This is a perfect opportunity to get to know each other as well as broaden understandings of current topics.
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