Proposed New Groups

Thanks to everyone who completed the questionnaire in the last News Flash. Register your interest in some proposed new groups by selecting this link . How we’ll use this information is available here .

If emailing newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org to register interest in the following proposed groups, please include the group name in the subject line.

Exploring Psychology Together Our existing psychology group is folding but it may be possible to set up a new one, maybe with a different format at a different time and place. If you’re interested in meeting to discuss how to get the group underway again, email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org . Include a note of your preferred days / times to meet.

German Conversation II This group is open to anyone who wants to improve their German by engaging in lively conversation. Not a  formal German language teaching class but aiming to accommodate members with varying levels of competency allowing them to practice their skills.

Meetings will be very informal with each one focussing on a specific topic to encourage members to learn new vocabulary, to stretch their knowledge and to learn from each other in a friendly and supportive environment. Current plan is to meet Mondays 10:30 - 12:00, Riverside Hotel, near old bridge, Ilkley, alternating with Italian Conversation. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org

Candle Making Run by an experienced candle maker and trained teacher. These will be hands-on sessions in a workshop format, exploring different aspects of candle making with a different seasonal theme for each workshop. An initial session on something like rolled beeswax will get members involved right from the start. The group will probably meet monthly on a Tuesday. Costs will be shared by the participants to include room hire and materials. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org

Karate There was an enthusiastic response to this item in the last News Flash. So, an initial meeting has been arranged for 10:30, Friday 16^th January at Otley Karate, Bay Horse Court. This the student entrance to the studio, next to Coast to Country Café. Details by email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org

Calling all grade 2/3 musicians Would you be interested in practicing with people of a similar standard on a variety of instruments. A way of encouraging each other to practice and develop? At the moment this is only an idea. We need to work out the logistics based on the level of interest and instruments played. If you think this idea might be viable, please express your interest and tell us the instrument you are learning at newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org  

Discover Mindful Wellbeing Online Following the last News Flash, a group of seven will be joining the Centre for Mindful Life Enhancement’s flexible on-line course shortly and then meeting up in Otley to share experiences and try meditation. It’s not too late to join the group. Contact Jacqui Wellbrook (jacqui.wellbrook@gmail.com ) to express an interest. Details of the online course available here .

Introducing u3a Taster Events – a great way to share u3a

We’re pleased to introduce our new Taster Events, a friendly way for people to find out what u3a is all about. They’re relaxed, enjoyable sessions - ideal for welcoming potential new members, especially recent retirees. Our first two events are now open select for details .

• 21^st February monthly talk Just come along as usual and feel free to bring a friend. There’ll be a welcome desk for newcomers with questions or who’d like to join our u3a.

• Afternoon Quiz – Thursday 12 March: Places are limited, so booking is needed. The quiz has an 1980s theme and promises a fun, social introduction to u3a. Select here for further information and to register. Existing members are very welcome to attend on their own or with u3a friends, although we’ll be keeping some places for newcomers who want to find out more about us.

Learn more about Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We are planning a short three session course introducing the use of AI on our personal computers, smart phones and tablets during March. Members can book a place from 19^th January.

There is an online course run by our parent body, the Third Age Trust covering similar ground. This runs on Zoom over four Mondays at 2pm, starting 2nd February. Members of our AI group attended an earlier course in October and found it clear, engaging, and eye-opening. Details and registration are available via this link.

Groups happy to welcome new members

Philosophy – Musings We discuss topics suggested by the members once a month at Ilkley Library. Details and contact information here. Next meeting 10am Tuesday 27^th January.

Rangers Walking Group We meet alternate Thursdays. Those without cars welcome. Select here for more information. The walks will be 10 to 14 miles. If you’re interested in joining, email Andrew Drury andrew.drury@outlook.com

Patchwork & Quilting group. Meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at the Baptist Church on Kings Road Ilkley. More details on this link. Next meeting 15^th January.

Scrabble in Guiseley. Next meeting 2 pm Thursday 26^th January at Everybody's, Guiseley, next to Morrisons. Then every fortnight. Details here or just turn up and say hello.

Creative Writing. This group meets on Zoom every Friday 09.30–11.30am. If you want to get started writing a short story or something longer, this is your chance to share your ideas and get some friendly constructive feedback. Each week members read out (and screen share) their contributions followed by friendly and focussed discussion. Our approach, developed and refined by members, allows us to learn from each other in terms of style and technique. Details here

Railway group. The next meeting is 2:15 for 2:30 start at Clarke Foley main hall on Tuesday 20^th January when one of their own members is talking about restoring the reputation of God’s Wonderful Railway. Details of the group here. During the summer they go on train trips!!

Environment Forum. Has room for more members. They mainly have outside speakers followed by a discussion; some meetings are just discussion. Meet Friday mornings, monthly, Ilkley Playhouse. More information and leader contact information on this link to our website.

Tuesday afternoon Badminton. Meets 2-4pm at Ben Rhydding Methodist Church Hall. Contact Carol Taylor caroltaylorilkley@mail.com. Details of the group on this link to our website.

Online events

Free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select here for details. Topics include a Voyage through the Scottish Hebrides and why snails might have the answer to age related memory loss and the excellent AI course. Many lectures in January and February. All free as part of your subscription.

Diary dates for our u3a

Drop-in this Friday 16^th January10:30 am to 12 noon Clarke Foley, Ilkley.  Select here for more information on all our drop-in events.

Learn about a mobile police museum. Saturday talk on 17^th January. Details here

An open meeting of the Aviation Group. 10 am Wednesday 4^th February, Bracken Hill Golf Club, Addingham. Professor Richard Morris is speaking on archaeological discovery using a light aircraft and the part ariel photography plays to reveal hidden underground shapes. So, a topic likely to have wide appeal. To reserve a place email Michael Beatham michael.b.beatham@gmail.com

Other diary dates

Andys Man Club Ilkley  Meets Abbeyfield’s Riddings Road Ilkley LS29 9BF every Monday evening at 7pm. A men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. They aim to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

YAHR AGM and Good ideas forum .10:30 am Wednesday 18^th March 2026. Leeds. Details and registration on this link .

YAHR u3a Summer School runs from 24^th to 27^th August. 2026. Ten wide ranging courses on offer based at the usual excellent venue of The Hawkhills, Easingwold, YO61 3EG. Select the link for details and to download a registration form.

Solve your smart phone or tablet problems

Ilkley: Clarke Foley LS29 9DZ Friday 16^th January 10.30am to 12:00. Details here

Otley: Chippendale Centre LS21 3AA, every Monday 9.30am to 11.00 am. Details here

No appointment needed. Just bring your fully charged devices along with any passwords and volunteers will do their best to resolve any specific questions.

There are similar schemes run in Addingham, Guiseley and Rawdon. Select the links for more information. If you need help to get started with your smart phone or tablet, help is available from AbilityNet. Select this link to find more details. They will help with issues such as turning on your phone and getting connected to the internet.

Looking for a safe place to keep warm?

Select this link for a map of places offering this free facility. Search by post code for the nearest.

Recent posts from our Facebook page

The following links open on our Facebook page. You don’t need an account to view these posts. In case of difficulty, there is further guidance at the foot of this newsletter. Thanks so much to all the groups sending pictures and updates on their festive lunches. Much appreciated.

Guiseley Film Appreciation Group enjoyed a festive lunch at Everybodys.

Guiseley Go With Group took part in 'Yule Be Singing' .

Member credits u3a for inspiration to write poetry leading to their publication.

Fitness Hub members win quiz award at the tennis club.

.A request to organisers of group activities

Please send photographs, with a couple of sentences and details of meetings or visits to Helen (helen@saltedit.co.uk). This all helps explain u3a to a new audience. Quite a few of our existing members use Instagram and, importantly, so do many in the age group 50 to 65, a key demographic for potential recruitment. You will need an Instagram account to see our posts but do give it a try and opt to follow us. Select here to access.

Market Place for u3a members

For the following items, log in and use the website link for more information. Make contact directly with the poster by selecting their name to get their email and phone number. Don’t forget you can subscribe to receive notification of new postings.

Canon Printer Cartridges  2x 541 colour and 1x 540 large. Canon originals.

Smart watch for sale, It calculates steps and measures blood pressure.

Hope these bring a smile:

Q. Why doesn’t anyone listen to each other on New Year’s Eve? Because the answers go in one year and out the other.

Q. Why should you stand on your left foot during the countdown to New Year? To start the new year on the right foot.

My new year’s resolution is to stop procrastinating…. I’ll start tomorrow.

Best wishes

John & Christine

Email Newsflash@ilkleyu3a.org or call 0300 102 4549 (local rate).

Trouble accessing our Facebook page?

You don’t need an account to view the posts. To use Facebook as a guest, ensure the links take you to the Facebook page via a web browser. When prompted to log in or join Facebook, select ‘Not Now’ or close the prompt using the ‘x’ in the top corner. NB. These links will try to open the Facebook App if it’s installed on your device. Delete the App so the link uses a web browser to open. Then follow the above guidance.

Looking for a group that doesn’t exist?

Our 140 groups were all started by someone saying, ‘what about ---' If you have a passion for a subject and want to share it with others, there’s plenty of help to get started. We’re always looking to add new groups, especially if you’re able to help with their organisation. If you’re interested in setting up a new group, Get in touch using this form.

If you’re concerned about the ongoing commitment, try running a short course for, say, half a dozen sessions. Email shortcourses@ilkleyu3a.org with your thoughts and ideas.

Do you have a story about what u3a means to you?

We’d love to hear it! A few words about your experience can really help show how enjoyable and rewarding u3a membership can be. We’re hoping to share short member stories on our website and in future press articles.

Your story doesn’t need to be long or polished, and adding your name or a photo is completely optional. If you’re interested, just reply to this News Flash—we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Select here to read how attending a short u3a course on Simon Armitage opened up a whole new chapter in the life of Peter Panteli, one of our members.