Hello Cirrus - great to see you using the forum.
Please don't take my questions as in any sense a criticism of Cheltenham Group - it may be just me, and something I need to deal with.
Cirrus wrote: I am also aware of the differences in the group------our natures , histories, present "beliefs".
I think this should be an advantage rather than a problem. But perhaps the consequence is that we each tend to be drawn towards different types of material. I know one or two people were not at all keen on the paper that I found most useful, so I'm a bit concerned about choosing another from that source next term. There is also the issue that some papers do seem to go in a sequence ...
Cirrus wrote:What do we take away from meetings?
We have discussed similar things in the past and I think our practice has changed somewhat. But we all want rather different things!
I think you should definitely ask this question at the beginning of term and also the parallel question "What do we
want to take away from meetings" and try very hard to get an answer from everyone. I'm still trying to work out exactly what I want and how to get it while at the same time ensuring other people get what they want.
Billymole's suggestion is excellent. It's just a pity that Billymole's personal circumstances would currently prevent a visit. But maybe someone else will offer.
I am still hoping that we will get some more replies answering the original four questions as I think that might clarify things when we discuss it next term. Maybe some group takers from other groups could be persuaded to share their ideas about how a group should operate ...
Diogenes wrote:A group of about twelve people (in a private house) is ideal. So ten is not what I would call a small group.
No questions this time, Diogenes?
I was thinking of the average number at any one meeting which is more like eight and comparing that with the groups of around 15 - 20 that I used to go to at Colet very many years ago. But you are right, that's not practical for a country group in a private house.