Our u3a supports retirement activities in Silsden, Addingham, Ilkley, Otley, Guiseley & surrounding area.
  
Ilkley & District u3a offers friendly, low-cost retirement activities and social groups across Silsden, Addingham, Ilkley, Otley, Guiseley and the surrounding West Yorkshire communities. With 2,000 members and 100+ interest groups, there’s something for everyone. We’re not Ilkley-centric - read more at around the area.

Founded in 1997, our u3a is part of the national movement, the Third Age Trust. Locally we are managed by a Committee of Trustees. 

• Learn how u3a helps with the transition to retirement. 
• Learn about the ethos and principles of u3a.

So, take this as an opportunity to:

• Meet new people after retirement.
• Pursue new hobbies.
• Become involved, stay active, have fun.
• Enjoy our summer programme and monthly talks.
• Join a short course, some of which are online.

FAQs

• Is u3a for retired people? Yes - u3a is designed for people who are no longer in full-time work and want to stay socially and mentally active.
• Can I join if I live in Silsden, Addingham, Otley or Guiseley? Yes — members join us from across the area. Some even live in Lancashire!
• I don’t know anyone — can I still join? Absolutely! Many members join alone and make friendships quickly through small welcoming groups.
• Will I feel overwhelmed in such a large organisation? Certainly not. Interest groups often have just a dozen or so members so plenty of opportunity to meet others with similar interests. There are, of course, larger groups but you will find all are friendly and welcoming to new members.
• Is there an age limit to join? Whilst there is no upper or lower age limit, a typical member is not in full time work, approaching retirement or already retired and looking for renewed purpose in their lives.
• Will I have to help organise stuff? We are a volunteer-led charity, members being encouraged to help in any way they can. Note the word “encourage”. No pressure. We are all about enjoying life and helping when it’s comfortable for you to do so. There are many opportunities to help from setting out the chairs for a meeting to being the chair of our u3a.

Our members explain why they're glad they joined u3a

• I had just arrived in Otley and knew no one. The Go With group made such a huge difference for me. I started meeting people at a couple of Courthouse events and I have not looked back.
• One of the writing challenges set by the Writing for Pleasure group inspired me to write a book of poetry about Soho, which was published in August. Six months ago, I’d never written poetry or a short story. It’s all down to u3a!
• Joining the u3a I think saved me when I first retired, when I wasn’t sure how I was going to go about reinventing myself. I belong to several groups now, have made many new friends, learnt new skills and discovered that yes, there really is more to life than work!

Read other u3a testimonials and a verse extolling the benefits of Ilkley & District u3a.

What is the cost of membership?

• Costs are covered by an annual subscription (currently £15 for full membership, £10 for Associate membership and free for WestNet membership).
• Our local u3a has no paid staff and is run for the benefit of members, by its members.
• The full subscription includes a fee (currently £4) paid to our parent body. This covers the cost of a quarterly magazine posted to your home address, plus items such as insurance cover for u3a events.
• Attendance at talks, events and groups only incur charges to cover costs such as refreshments and venue hire.