Community Groups and Classes using the Church
Knitter , Natter , Craft & Chatter Coffee Group
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We are a well-established group that meets every Wednesday between 10 and 12 midday in the Drysdale room (virus permitting). Please enter by the side door of Church.
Everyone is welcome to join us for coffee (or tea of course) and to share our chat. Our ongoing group projects vary and those wishing to join them are welcome. Further details from Mrs Joan Cooper at St George's Church |
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Christmas Greetings from the Knitter Natter Club to all members
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Seniors Exercise Class
Yoga for All
Lunchtime Concerts
Allie Reid - Singing Tuition
St George's Ladies' Coffee Club
Community Players
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Seniors Exercise Class
The senior exercise class is run by Ronke Gbadebo, who is qualified and works under the umbrella of Age UK. We give exercise classes for seniors and practice low impact aerobics, pilates, Chi Gong, stretching and relaxation. The classes are lively, fun and friendly. Refreshments are provided at the end of the session. Classes are held on Mondays from 10.30 to 11.30 am and from 3 to 4 pm. Cost per session is £3.50. We welcome ladies and gentlemen. For further information please contact Ronke Gbadebo
Yoga for All; a class given by Karen Bell
A NEW, friendly and welcoming yoga class taught by Newcastle’s Karen Bell is now on every Monday from 1pm-2.30pm. It is a friendly class, suitable for all abilities and ages, led by an experienced teacher - trained by the British Wheel of Yoga and a regular on the North of England festival circuit.
These classes will improve your posture and strength, release tension in the body and improve breathing. We always finish the class with some nice relaxation time or ‘Yoga Nidra’. These classes cost £45 for a block of five sessions or £10 drop-in - but you can come and try for just £5 on your first visit and see if you enjoy it. All you need to join a friendly class is comfortable clothes and a yoga mat. See you there! Contact Karen Lunchtime Concerts
Lunchtime concerts take place approximately monthly throughout Autumn, Winter and Spring on Wednesday Lunchtimes; details of dates can be found in the diary. Concerts normally begin at 12.30pm and take place in the main church. Tickets are £3.00 for each concert or £10.00 for four concerts. The music includes instrumental, chamber music, organ and choral, and covers a wide range of classical, jazz and modern repertoire. Tea, coffee and biscuits are normally available from noon and all are welcome. Please contact Gillian Irvine for further information.
Dr Ailie Reid is a professional working soprano, and graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music. She teaches singing and is an active researcher who has just recently graduated with a PhD from Edinburgh University. She specialises in teaching singers with dyslexia and other SpLd's. She teaches all styles including classical singing specialising in Bel Canto to pupils of all ages from 14 upwards and her teaching style is creative, friendly and professional. Her aim is to enable students of all ages to sing in a healthy, fun yet professional manner. Confidence is often the key to singing, along with real assimilation of technique and she strives hard to constantly find new and creative ways to aid singers in a holistic manner. If you want to learn how to sing, improve your technique, confidence, or simply have fun in a way that is great for your health and cognition. Please get in touch with Ailie
St George's Ladies Coffee Club
The Coffee Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 3.00 pm in the Drysdale Room on the first floor of the church. The room can be accessed by the staircase or by the lift (level 1) from the side door of the church opposite Metcalfe' Carpet Shop. Meetings usually have a visiting guest speaker and also provide an opportunity for social contact. There is a charge of £1.50 for each meeting attended, to cover the costs of tea and coffee. The Coffee Club organises several other events including a sale of Christmas Flower Arrangements with a coffee morning; a domino drive and a stall at the Autumn Fair. For further information please contact Suzanne Hamnett or Sarah Cleverley
Community Players
St George’s Community Players was founded in 1929 and presents 2 plays each year – in March and November – each for 3 nights. Our venue is the Church Hall with a capacity of about 120 and in addition to murder mysteries (often "in house" efforts) and comedies, we stage frequent serious dramas, including “A Man for All Seasons”, “The Crucible “ and the like. In 2014 we presented “Oh What a Lovely War” with a cast of 25-30 people and in 2016 we plan to re-stage a musical play written specifically for us, entitled “Crusader” – the story of Ellen Wilkinson who was MP for Jarrow at the time of the Jarrow March in 1936. We first performed this in 2001 and were subsequently asked to stage it at The Customs House in North Shields, a privilege normally reserved for professional companies. In addition to our main performances at the Church, we also usually have a presence at both the annual “Picnic in the Park” and “Morpeth Fair” events.
We are a friendly and welcoming Society of around 30-35 members and we rehearse twice weekly – Monday and Thursday evenings – in the 10 weeks or so run-up to a show. We also have a varied programme of social events including play readings, members’ nights, theatre visits and Summer and Christmas meals. Last year we had fascinating back-stage tours of both The Theatre Royal and the Tyne Theatre. We are very happy to recruit new members - as actors, set-builders, back-stage help, FOH help and so on. If you are interested, please contact our Secretary, Heather Robinson (01670 812870). We have a very loyal body of Patrons and we stage occasional Coffee Bar Theatre nights for them, in the form of an evening of varied entertainment with short sketches and readings, often written by our members, or sometimes a one-act play (again often penned by our members). If you would like to become a Patron, and by doing so help keep local theatre alive and thriving, please contact our Patrons’ Secretary, Sheila Green (01670 514228) and see also the web site |
Social Events in the Church
The Church holds an annual Christmas Social, composed (usually) of a series of sketches, sometimes linked, designed to mildly lampoon current events in Morpeth and more widely. Last year, in a break from tradition, we put on a (sort of) panto. The format is that dinner is served at intervals during the play, and audience participation encouraged. There is also a raffle with some excellent prizes and a cash bar. Tickets from Christine Oakes are usually available from early-mid Autumn in the pre-Christmas season and often sell out very quickly (01670 518608). For many folk, this production is usually a sign that the Christmas Season in Morpeth has begun.
Badminton Clubs
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Morning Clubs
Wednesday mornings in the church hall from 9.30 to 11. There are usually 6 to 8 regular players so there is the opportunity to have four or five games during that time. We welcome new players and if you have not played badminton before or you have not played for a number of years do come and see how you get on. If you interested in joining us please contact either Joyce Calcraft or Sarah Cleverley Tuesday and Thursday mornings all year round, from 10 am – noon on in the church Hall. We are a group of “social” players - when not actually on court, we enjoy coffee, biscuits and chatting – and not necessarily in that order! We pay £1 per session and an Annual Fee of £10 (payable in September) – any surplus funds are donated to the church at the end of the year (£785 in 2015). We could happily accommodate a few more players, so if you have played in the past and fancy taking it up again in a very friendly and sociable group, please contact either Margaret or Jared Johnson |
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Evening BadmintonWe play all year round on Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm. We currently have only 8 or 9 regular players, so occasionally have to cancel evenings when circumstances reduce our numbers too far. So if you already know how to play and would like to re-start, or you know anyone else who would be interested, please contact Margaret or Jared Johnson.
It is a fun evening and is only £1 per session – surplus funds are donated to the church each year (£150 in 2015). You don’t need to bring anyone with you; we will always provide you with a partner and opponents (and these are constantly switched around). Afternoon Carpet Bowls
The Club meets in the church Hall from 2 - 4 pm on Wednesday afternoons between September and March. It is suitable for all ages and no previous experience is necessary – it is an easy game to learn – one afternoon will do it – and it is fun to play. We have a break halfway through the session for refreshments – it is largely a social occasion and nobody takes it too seriously! It costs only £1 per session towards Club funds and any surplus money is donated to the church at the end of the year – last year this amounted to £365. If you are interested, please get in touch with Margaret Johnson
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Table Tennis Club
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The Table Tennis Club is now well-established (Easter 2019) with about 10-12 “regulars” attending. We all have great fun playing (and also enjoy what seems to have become a “mandatory coffee- break” at around 11 am!). Sessions are held on most Saturday mornings throughout the year from 10am – noon and we charge just £1 per session (children half-price). Despite this very modest charge we managed to give £300 to church funds during 2018. The Club was originally set up for church members (and their families). Since we have 2 tables, we could easily accommodate a few more players without folk having to sit-out for very long between games (as we tend to just play the best of 3 sets at a time – up to only 11 points – so the games are pretty quick!). Please contact Jared Johnson for more details.
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Tea-Time Talks
These are a series of monthly talks that have now been running for 7 years and that take place from January – May and September – November at 2.30 on Thursdays in the church Hall.
They were originally envisaged as social, rather than fund-raising events, but any profits that do accrue are very largely donated to church funds. To date we have given the church £3765 plus a further contribution of £560 towards equipment and £210 to two other selected charities.
Talks generally include a slide presentation and last around 45-60 minutes, and are largely meant to be “informative” rather than “anecdotal”, although we do occasionally have the latter. They are followed by a cream tea with home-made scones and jams. Entry is by donation of between £2 - £3 per head. For further details, or to reserve tickets, contact Jared Johnson so that the caterers can bake enough scones! If you would like to volunteer to give a talk, please contact him also. For details of upcoming talks please see the church calendar
They were originally envisaged as social, rather than fund-raising events, but any profits that do accrue are very largely donated to church funds. To date we have given the church £3765 plus a further contribution of £560 towards equipment and £210 to two other selected charities.
Talks generally include a slide presentation and last around 45-60 minutes, and are largely meant to be “informative” rather than “anecdotal”, although we do occasionally have the latter. They are followed by a cream tea with home-made scones and jams. Entry is by donation of between £2 - £3 per head. For further details, or to reserve tickets, contact Jared Johnson so that the caterers can bake enough scones! If you would like to volunteer to give a talk, please contact him also. For details of upcoming talks please see the church calendar
Country-Dance Club
We meet monthly, from 7.30 – approx 9.45 pm, on Saturday nights during September – May (except December). It is suitable for all ages (we currently have an age range of about 3 – 80+ year old!) and no previous experience is necessary – all dances are walked-through in advance and “called” during performances. It is a “fun” social evening – nobody (including the caller!) takes it too seriously – if we start and end a dance together we consider it to be a success, irrespective of what might happen in the middle! We are very fortunate to have our own Ceilidh Band – “sgurc” - a bunch of talented players whose members play whenever they are available – this often results in a band that might contain trombonists and tuba players, as well as the more “traditional” ceilidh band instruments! – but this is all part of the fun!
It costs only £1.50 per session and children come along FREE! Surplus money is donated annually to the church (£150 last year). Bring along your own refreshment and nibbles. Our only stipulation is: NO STILETTO HEELS PLEASE!
For details of forthcoming dates please see the church calendar Please note that there is no club in April – instead many folk attend the “Morpeth Gathering” Ceilidh, also held in our church Hall. For further details please contact Jared Johnson
It costs only £1.50 per session and children come along FREE! Surplus money is donated annually to the church (£150 last year). Bring along your own refreshment and nibbles. Our only stipulation is: NO STILETTO HEELS PLEASE!
For details of forthcoming dates please see the church calendar Please note that there is no club in April – instead many folk attend the “Morpeth Gathering” Ceilidh, also held in our church Hall. For further details please contact Jared Johnson
Zumba Class
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Lisa Oguona holds a Zumba Class every Friday at 10.00 am in the church hall see contact details. Lisa writes:
Over 15 million people are taking a Zumba® class around the world – why not join in the fun? The Zumba® classes at St George’s URC are perfect for everybody and EVERY body! Our dance fitness classes are friendly and fun and often described as exercise in disguise. Let the Latin and World rhythms transport you around the world. Classes focus on all elements of fitness including cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance. Guaranteed high energy and fun to every class and participants describe the classes as: “Zumba with Lisa O has added so much to our lives – not only is the music fab, it’s a great way to keep fit and where else could women of a certain age be able to completely let themselves go, dance like no-one is watching and have great fun?!” Hazel “Zumba is so much fun; it sets me up for the weekend. I feel very positive about myself after the class, inspired by our lovely teacher, Lisa” Chris “I really look forward to Zumba at St George’s church hall. These informal sessions are a great way to exercise without realising it! The fabulous music, funky dance moves and our very welcoming and encouraging instructor Lisa, make this the quickest hour of the week. I now recognise fellow Zumba Ladies all over Morpeth and have made some lovely new friends. I would recommend this class to anyone; Zumba has made a huge difference to my life!” Alison The classes start at 10.00am each Friday morning. No previous experience necessary; all age ranges and abilities welcome (our current participant age range varies from 32 to 86 years of age). Men also welcome! Wear comfortable clothing and don’t forget to bring water! |
Morpeth Meditation Group
We're not so much a class or meditation course as such, more a forum or held space for people who find a regular shared silent slot helps the work of establishing and sustaining a meditation practice. Having said which, people come with no prior experience of meditation in any form, so we usually play guided meditations and short reflections downloaded from the web to help orient beginners, and to refresh non-beginners' understanding of first principles. They're usually from teachers within the Theravada Buddhist tradition, specifically the Thai Forest tributary of the Theravada tradition, in which mindfulness of the body and mindfulness of breathing are core practices for settling and collecting the mind in a present moment awareness - much as they're core practices in the current secular vogue for Mindfulness.
We have an affiliation with Harnham Buddhist Monastery; some of us car share over for the Study and Practice afternoons and occasionally for Sunday evening pujas. From time to time we have teaching visits from bhikkhus and lay meditation teachers, when we extend our meetings to two hours. The monastery's website is a useful starting place if you're unfamiliar with the tradition, with teachings in audio or written format available free. And this is a succinct little primer of the sort of thing we're trying to do.
There's no charge for attending, though contributions towards the £10 room hire fee are welcome.
We should add that we're very grateful to St George's for the forward-looking, multi-faith inclusivity that's enabled us to get up and running.
For more information contact Paul at Morpeth Library
We have an affiliation with Harnham Buddhist Monastery; some of us car share over for the Study and Practice afternoons and occasionally for Sunday evening pujas. From time to time we have teaching visits from bhikkhus and lay meditation teachers, when we extend our meetings to two hours. The monastery's website is a useful starting place if you're unfamiliar with the tradition, with teachings in audio or written format available free. And this is a succinct little primer of the sort of thing we're trying to do.
There's no charge for attending, though contributions towards the £10 room hire fee are welcome.
We should add that we're very grateful to St George's for the forward-looking, multi-faith inclusivity that's enabled us to get up and running.
For more information contact Paul at Morpeth Library
Girl Guides 10-14 age group
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What girls in Guides do
'Guiding is lots of fun because you get to go on lots of trips and you meet your friends every week at the unit.' Guides try adventure sports, put on performances, travel and run their own community action projects. And whether you're a film-lover or an outdoor cook, you can show how much you've learned by working towards interest badges. You can also gain Challenge badges that build towards the Baden-Powell Challenge Award. But what you do is up to you - in groups called Patrols, you'll pick the badges and activities that interest you, and get the support to make them happen.
Guides is for girls aged 10 to 14. If you want to know more or add your name to our waiting list, then please get in touch with Liz Kelly on 077 1448 1089 or email liz.kelly@jcpce.com
Guides take on five types of challenge, and choose what they want to do for each.
Life after Guides: At 14, you can join The Senior Section and gain skills that look brilliant on a CV, travel abroad through guiding, or give something back by leading or mentoring younger girls. After all, you'll have learned a lot to pass on!
'Guiding is lots of fun because you get to go on lots of trips and you meet your friends every week at the unit.' Guides try adventure sports, put on performances, travel and run their own community action projects. And whether you're a film-lover or an outdoor cook, you can show how much you've learned by working towards interest badges. You can also gain Challenge badges that build towards the Baden-Powell Challenge Award. But what you do is up to you - in groups called Patrols, you'll pick the badges and activities that interest you, and get the support to make them happen.
Guides is for girls aged 10 to 14. If you want to know more or add your name to our waiting list, then please get in touch with Liz Kelly on 077 1448 1089 or email liz.kelly@jcpce.com
Guides take on five types of challenge, and choose what they want to do for each.
- Healthy lifestyles – it’s not just about what you eat! Learn how to keep your mind, body and spirit in balance by trying meditation or organising a sponsored sporting event
- Global awareness – how about organising an international evening for your unit, or planning a Fairtrade cookout?
- Discovery of new experiences and challenges – fancy spending the night in a shelter you built yourself?
- Skills and relationships – show off the fun you have at Guides by planning a party for people not involved, or learn how to keep a cool head in an emergency
- Celebrating diversity – find out what it’s like to live with a disability, or get busy planting trees or bulbs to improve your local area
Life after Guides: At 14, you can join The Senior Section and gain skills that look brilliant on a CV, travel abroad through guiding, or give something back by leading or mentoring younger girls. After all, you'll have learned a lot to pass on!
Guides Senior Section
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What you could do in The Senior Section
As a member of The Senior Section you can explore a huge variety of challenges, from travel in the UK (and around the world) to working towards valuable qualifications. The Senior Section is for you if you are interested in:
If you are aged between 14 and 26 and would like to know more or come along and join us on a Tuesday evening, term time only, from 7.00 pm until 8.30 pm, then please contact Liz Kelly on 077 1448 1089 or email liz.kelly@jcpce.com.
Members of The Senior Section follow the Look Wider programme, developing new skills and improve existing ones through eight 'octants'. What you do for each of the eight 'octants' is up to you – these are just a few suggestions.
As a member of The Senior Section you can explore a huge variety of challenges, from travel in the UK (and around the world) to working towards valuable qualifications. The Senior Section is for you if you are interested in:
- challenging awards like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Queen’s Guide Award
- international trips, camps and events - plus national events
- empowering other young women to have body confidence, become better team leaders, and stay healthy through our Peer Education initiative
- leading younger members and passing on what you've learned through guiding
- guiding activities that adapt to your time and commitments
If you are aged between 14 and 26 and would like to know more or come along and join us on a Tuesday evening, term time only, from 7.00 pm until 8.30 pm, then please contact Liz Kelly on 077 1448 1089 or email liz.kelly@jcpce.com.
Members of The Senior Section follow the Look Wider programme, developing new skills and improve existing ones through eight 'octants'. What you do for each of the eight 'octants' is up to you – these are just a few suggestions.
- Community action – perhaps you could organise a fundraising event or volunteer at a local sports club
- Creativity – from fashion to drama or web design!
- Fit for life – you might learn to manage stress or take on a sporting challenge
- Independent living – get the skills you’ll need in the years to come by learning car maintenance or how to budget for an overseas trip
- International – doesn’t have to mean going abroad! You could learn another language or meet guiding members from across the world at an international camp in the UK
- Leadership – develop your own skills by shadowing a local MP for the day or helping younger girls understand what makes a good leader
- Out of doors – maybe you’d like to try off-road driving, or improve your landscape photography?
- Personal values – what makes you unique? You can investigate your beliefs by visiting local places of worship, or explore your family history