Learn, Laugh, Live.

The Current Affairs group has been formed to aid our understanding of the modern world and try to make some sense of current events. The discussion group will be a "safe place" where you will be able to share your brief topic and ideas taken from the news media, to be discussed by the members. The group will be encouraged to practice Active Listening with Topic Delivery Advice for an enjoyable session with coffee and biscuits. Note: Dates and places of meetings between May and August 2026 are below.

Spring/Summer Meetings:

18 May - Red Lion Hotel
1 June - Salisbury Methodist Church
15 June - Salisbury Methodist Church
29 June - Salisbury Methodist Church
13 July - Red Lion Hotel
27 July - Salisbury Methodist Church
3 August - Salisbury Methodist Church

Meeting Places: Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmund's Church St, Salisbury SP1 1EF. Red Lion Hotel 4 Milford St, Salisbury SP1 2AN.

Current Affairs - Members Quick Guide to Preparation and Assessment of Topics.

Speaking: Topic Delivery Advice comes with opening with a simple powerful and relevant quote, question or fact. This is one of the most effective tactics that can grab attention in a group discussion. Above all keep it brief.

Active Listening: There are five key listening skills to assist in ensuring that you hear what the speaker is saying: • Pay attention. • Show that you are listening, • Try to understand the speaker's perspective, • Defer judgment • Respond Appropriately.

Frequency :	Fortnightly on Mondays for 9 sessions until 3rd August 2026
Applications from:	Applications to join can be made from Thursday 2nd April 2026
Closing Date:	The Closing Date for Applications is 3rd August 2026

Current Affairs - Members Guide to Preparation and Assessment of Topics.

Speaking: Topic Delivery Advice comes with opening with a simple powerful and relevant quote, question or fact. This is one of the most effective tactics that can grab attention in a group discussion. 
The opening statement captures the interest of your listeners and can show your in-depth knowledge of the topic. Remember silence can be a powerful tool.
Make sure that you try to make neutral statements, as strong opinions tend to be divisive. Above all keep it brief.

Active Listening: There are five key listening skills to assist in ensuring that you hear what the speaker is saying:
• Pay attention. Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message….
• Show that you are listening and try not to interrupt... 
• Try to understand the speaker's perspective and provide encouraging feedback.... 
• Defer judgment until the delivery is completed.... 
• Respond Appropriately, ask open questions....