ACTIVITY GROUPS AND COURSES – SPRING 2025
The Activities and Courses are open only to members.
Members: Please sign up as indicated in the Newsletter
Non Members: if you would like to become a member, please email int.forum@online.no for an application form.
Please note membership is not automatic. Applications are processed and decided by the Board.
Activities:
International Forum Activity Groups are formed when one member or a group of members get together and organise an activity. No payment is required, and the activities are open to all members depending on availability. Are you interested? See the contact information below.
If you are interested in an activity that is full, sign up anyway, as there may be cancellations. If you have problems joining an activity because it is full, please contact Gunnel Anita Solheim, as we might consider forming new groups.
Contact: Gunnel Anita Solheim.
ACTIVITY GROUPS
The Norwegian Conversation Group (norsk samtalegruppe).
This activity has been paused for a period due to declining demand. Should the need arise again, the group can be resumed.
The framework for the activity as it has been practiced until now:
The intention of the group is to practise speaking Norwegian in an informal setting and to share experiences and interests in our daily life. We have all levels of proficiency. The meetings are held once a month in each other’s homes There is no homework since the main point is to come together and have fun. The hostess decides if she wants to serve a light lunch or just coffee and biscuits (or cake) after the practice session.
Contact: Eva Øglænd by email, or Mona Bækkelund Reinboth by email.
INTERNATIONAL BOOK CLUB I
The gatherings are held on the third Wednesday of the month in members’ homes, in which case the hostess serves a light lunch. We read and discuss books, usually novels by international authors, chosen by the group.
Contact: Dorota Steensland by e-mail.
INTERNATIONAL BOOK CLUB II
The same procedures as those of the International Book Club I. The gatherings take place once a month. As always, we meet in each other’s home for a light lunch on the first Thursday of the month at 13:00. The person who suggested a book prepares a short presentation and leads the discussion.
Contact: Heidi Høivik by email.
Cooking Group
This cooking group has been up and running for many years, I have notes dating back to 1996. Some of the original ladies are still in our group. Since we are an international group, some women are leaving, and new ones are attending. As we rotate between each other’s private homes there will be limited space most times.
Contact: Liss Laan by email.
MONDAY DUPLICATE BRIDGE
We usually play Bridge every Monday in the players’ homes.
Contact: Kirsten Whist by email.
MONTHLY WEDNESDAY BRIDGE GROUP
We generally meet on the second or third Wednesday of the month, depending on the holidays. We are usually 8 or 12 players, on occasion 16. We play duplicate bridge and enjoy a light lunch afterwards.
Contact: Ida Tschudi Heilemann by mobile phone.
WALKING GROUP
Kerstin Pettersen will send an email to the group members and inform them of the first walk of Spring 2025.Walking is great exercise and fun for those who like the outdoors. If you are interested, please send Kerstin your mobile number and email address.
Contact: Kerstin Petersen by email.
PHOTO GROUP
Photo walk at Ekebergparken August 2024
We are amateur photographers. No qualifications are required other than being interested in learning about digital photography. The aim is becoming a better photographer, taking good pictures with camera or smart phone (camera- techniques such as sharp and/or blurred pictures, lighting, picture
composition…). Learn how to edit and organize pictures, how to make Photo Books, post Instagram Stories, etc.
We have workshops ca. 4 times a year at Gunnel Anita’s home at Nesbru or at
another member’s home from 12:30 – 15:00, and we go on outdoor photo walks.
Contact: Gunnel Anita Solheim by email.
SWIMMING AT LYSEBU
The Danish Cultural Centre at Voksenkollen. Members of the International Forum will be most welcome to swim at Lysebu and only have to show their IF membership card at the front desk. The fee being NOK 100.- per visit. This is not a group activity as such, but IF members can use this great, newly renovated facility as a group or individually.
The swimming facilities are open to IF members all weekdays. (While Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for guests at the hotel).
Contact: Gunnel Anita Solheim.
COURSES
TRADITIONAL NORWEGIAN ROSE PAINTING
Rose painting (‘rosemaling’) is a traditional Norwegian folk art which goes back to the 1700s and which is still alive in many parts of the country. Morning and evening courses can be organized for large or small groups.
Contact: Vivian Grieg Teisner by email. Please send request to int.forum@online.no