One of the main aims of the Residents’ Association, which was set up in 2017 when the first residents moved in, is to encourage social activities which will appeal to a wide range of people.
The Association holds regular social drop-ins and ‘bring and share’ suppers. There are also gatherings for special occasions such as carol singing at Christmas. All these events are held in the Common House and are advertised on the WSRA website.
Library evenings and the Woodside Square library
The Woodside Square library of approximately 500 books is housed in the Common House and was originally stocked with the personal library belonging to Doug Schilling.
Every month, on either a Thursday or Friday, there is a library evening from 6pm-8pm when residents can take as many books as they like, either returning them at some stage in the future or passing them on to others. On these occasions many people bring books of their own to contribute to the library so the shelves now hold an eclectic mix of literature reflecting the interests of Woodside Square residents.
Library evenings involve a discussion of recommended books, poetry readings and quizzes. There are also occasional talks, predominantly from residents sharing their expertise. A projector is available for power point presentations. All residents are welcome and the dates of meetings are advertised on the WSRA website.
Art Group
The art group meets weekly in the Common House from 1030-12.30 on Friday mornings. Art activities are self-directed and artists pursue their own interests, sharing with others if they wish to do so. Artists need to bring their own materials and there is an optional still life display provided. Please contact Nina Grant (ninagrant125@gmail.com) for further details.
Bridge
Bridge, using BBO (Bridge Base online) is played on Thursdays generally at 3:30pm for a couple of hours. Anyone interested should contact Marion Shelley 07425 159590, marionshelley@yahoo.com or WhatsApp. All levels are welcome.
German Group
The German group is open to all members who have connections of one sort or another with Germany or Austria. Members include German and Austrian nationals and others who have lived or worked or have relatives in those countries, or who have studied the German language. The group meets monthly in the Common House for two hours of German conversation. Expert knowledge of the language is not essential.
For further information please contact the administrator, Isobel Schroeder isobel.allen175@gmail.com , 07876 125073 or Peter Dean deanpeterh@gmail.com
Table Tennis
Provided it is not raining, table tennis is played on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm on a full-sized table in the raised garden bed area behind Jarman/Levens. All Woodside Square residents are welcome, whatever ability, and bats can be lent. Just turn up – booking is not necessary. Further information from contact Marion Shelley 07425 159590, marionshelley@yahoo.com .
Volunteer Gardening Group
Residents who enjoy gardening have been given the wildflower beds to develop and maintain. These include the pathway to Grand Avenue, the high beds around the Raised Beds, the area around the Liquidambar tree at Hollyhock, the ‘Cat and Bear’ area, the wildflower borders in front of Norton Lees and the swales around Roseneath and Avebury. Activities include weeding, dead heading, gathering wildflower seeds and sowing, planting and watering. Tools are available in the shed in the raised bed area.
Anyone interested in participating should contact Angela Hobsbaum ( angela.hobsbaum@gmail.com )
Yoga classes
Yoga classes are held weekly in the Common House, 10am to 11.15am on Tuesdays. They are independent of WSRA, open to the general public and are aimed at keeping more mature adults fit and supple. Mats and weights are provided, and the cost is £10 per session. The classes are run by a local yoga teacher, Jane Drinkwater (07941 539186).
