U3A Scrabble

Next date: Monday, 02 November 2026 | 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

PURPOSE

• Help participants keep their brains active through concentrated thought
• Provide an opportunity for socialising during an enjoyable activity
• Continually refine participants' ability to come up with creative words and place them in such a way as to get the maximum points at your table
• Just to have fun in good company!

HISTORY

The Scrabble group has been a part of U3A for a very long time. The Capricorrn Coast University of the Third Age (U3A) group was founded in 1989, and the current participants in the Scrabble group think it may have been one of the very first U3A activities in the area. It was almost certainly in existence by 1998, but probably before that.

Participants may have kept individual scores at some point, but now everyone tries to help make the highest score possible on their board. There can be a little bit of inter-table rivalry (and gentle teasing if a table does not achieve at least 500 points for a game).

DETAILS

The group is open to any U3A members that would like to play. The group has several Scrabble sets, and can accommodate just about any number of players. Participants are randomly assigned to tables each time so the groups are always fresh. Meetings are held every Monday from 1-4pm in the Community Centre Garage. There is no cost to be part of the activity, other than the low annual U3A membership fee.

PEOPLE

A typical week might see five people playing, but they've had as many as twelve and as few as two. Participants are U3A members, so they're all over 50, but there is no upper limit. Both women and men take part on a regular basis. New learners and Scrabble aficionados are welcome. The only requirements are U3A membership and a love of the English language.

• Paul has been coordinating the group since 2021 or so. Other leaders are always encouraged to step up.
• The book, Grandparents, by Michael Carr-Greig, talks about the boost in vocabulary and spelling for a grandchild playing Scrabble with a grandparent, even from opposite sides of the country.
• Here is a short video tutorial on how to play Scrabble: https://youtu.be/K1KgvZwwJqo?si=9TFnnhoTCG79GPdy
• Scrabble Australia has lots of information about the game: https://scrabble.org.au/

PARTICIPANT QUOTE

"I come because I'm a bit of a recluse. Too often, I get out in the garden and end up spending a whole day alone. I don't like queues and I don't like shopping, but I can come here where there's just enjoyable company. It gets me out of my shell."

Jan, Scrabble group participant

When

Location

Yeppoon Community Centre, 80 John Street, Yeppoon, 4703, View Map