u3a visit to Barton upon Humber Thursday 16^th April: Spare places

One of those places that is not often visited. The Humber Bridge provides a dramatic entry point to the town whose entries in the Domesday Book (1086) show it as the most prosperous town in North Lincolnshire. This is a visit organised by our Northern Towns Group with pick up points in Ilkley, Burley and Otley by a 35-seat coach. Price including travel, morning coffee, a buffet lunch and a guided walking tour of the town is just £49:50. Select this link  for more information and to book a place.(login required). Alternatively call 0300 102 4549 (local rate) and leave a message for a call back.

Thinking about leading a group? Come and find out more

Group leaders are at the heart of everything we do in u3a. As Ilkley & District u3a continues to grow, so too does the opportunity to create new groups and explore new interests together.

If you’ve ever thought about sharing a skill, an interest, or simply bringing people together around a topic you enjoy, why not come along and find out what’s involved? This informal session is a chance to explore the idea with no commitment. You’ll be able to:

• Discover ideas for new and developing groups
• Meet current group leaders and hear about their experiences
• Learn what support is available to help you get started and run a group
• Ask questions and get a feel for what the role involves.

You don’t need to be an expert - just enthusiastic and willing to help others connect and learn. We are looking forward to meeting you at 2 pm Monday 27th April at our Clarke Foley Ilkley Hub. Select here to book.  

If you want any information beforehand or can't make the meeting but are interested in learning more, please email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org

Initial meeting of potential groups:

Canals of the North A discussion about how the group will run - meeting times, format and future plans. 2pm Tuesday 7th April at Clarke Foley Community Hub, Ilkley LS29 9DZ. Please contact newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org

Dancing, Otley A discussion about setting up new dancing group(s) in Otley. Type of dancing to be discussed, day/time etc. If you’re interested in hearing about ideas, come along to Otley Common, Walkergate, Otley LS21 1HB, 10 am Thursday 16 th April. Contact newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org

Artificial Intelligence for Everyone. Following the recent short course and online workshops run by the Third Age Trust, we now have at least 80 of our members using AI as regularly as some use Google Search. The next logical step is to establish a new interest group. There will be an initial meeting to explore options on Monday morning 27th April. Venue dependant upon the response. If interested, please email Neil Stevens  neil@nebstone.co.uk

Groups with Spaces

Saturday Brunch 11th April:  Cragg House Farm. Cookridge, Leeds LS16 7NH. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org to let us know you’re interested in attending. Please don’t turn up at the venue unannounced as this causes problems for your hosts and the venue.

Grade 2/3 Ensemble is looking for additional members. It gives musicians at this level the opportunity to practice together, whilst having fun and encouraging each other. Meet fortnightly, in Ilkley, Wednesday 10-12. Please contact Cheryl Donnison csdonnison@me.com

Tai Chi – Otley Both classes will soon move to Otley Common, Walkergate, Otley LS21 1HB. 2:45 to 4 pm Thursday 16th April, then weekly. With more space at this venue, places are now available. More information on this link to our website.

Mindful Wellbeing, Otley Following a very successful short course we have decided to form an ongoing interest group. We meet fortnightly on Fridays 2-3pm. Next meeting 24th April at the OTP Room on Mercury Row, Otley. No experience is necessary. It’s an hour of quiet and much needed positivity away from the business and concerns of life. We meditate on chairs and discuss wellbeing topics such as gratitude and kindness. Do get in touch if you’d like more information. Email Mindfulness@ilkleyu3a.org

Suggested ideas for potential groups

If enough enthusiasm is shown, we'll get people together to discuss how best to take a group forward. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org quoting the proposed group’s name and any thoughts about how it might operate.

Dog Walking Group

Walking Book Group Discuss a book you've all read whilst out in the fresh air, then over refreshments.

Women's Circle/Men's Circle

German Refresher This is aimed at those of you who did O level German and would like to revive your skills. There would then be an opportunity to join the Deutsche Plaudergruppe to maintain your conversation skills. Probably a six-week course as part of the summer programme.

Sunday Social Dining Venues accessible by public transport.

Tennis Who wants a social game of tennis at Ilkley Lido over the summer?

Pilates A stand-alone group, not associated with the tennis club. It will be run by a qualified instructor. Ilkley based, exact venue to be determined. 

Online events

Free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select the link to see the full range of talks including Richard Nixon and exploring the English Language.

Summer Programme plans

We need more events to fill the programme and add variety. If you can organise an event, a visit, a talk etc. from mid-June to end July, email your suggestions to summerprogramme@ilkleyu3a.org

Diary dates for our u3a

Drop-in sessions are an opportunity to meet some of our trustees, ask questions about u3a or bring along a friend who might like to join us. All very informal and free refreshments! Select here for more information on all our drop-in events.

• Guiseley today 1st April 1:30 pm
• Otley Friday 10th April 10:30 am
• Burley in Wharfedale 15th April 10:30 am
• Ilkley 17th April 10:30 am

Monthly social and talk for March

The historic Leeds Library . Doors open 10 am Saturday 18^th April. This is a free event provided by u3a as part of your subscription so simply come along and maybe bring a friend or two.

A request for our help from Nell Bank.

This charity just off Denton Road in Ilkley runs outdoor learning events mainly for children (details on the link ). They need volunteers on 8th, 9th and 10th April to help with an Easter Egg hunt. The day starts at 8.30am with refreshments and training; families arrive at 10am. Volunteer roles may include registration, café, supervising water play, toddler trail, Easter Egg hunt and art activities or running an Easter Egg tombola. The day usually finishes by 3.30pm. Training, lunch and refreshments are provided, and no DBS is required. Volunteer using this link .

Other diary dates

Ilkley Hydros The Story of Ilkley’s Health Resort Heritage is an exhibition running from 28^th February to 5^th April. Weekends only. At Ilkley Manor House and curated by Ilkley Civic Society. Select the link for more information. A ‘must see’ event for anyone interested in the history of Ilkley. There is also a talk and coffee morning on the hydros. Friday 27^th March . Select the link for details.

Solve your smart phone or tablet problems

For help on the basics like turning on your device and connecting to the internet, help is available from AbilityNet. This is a charity specifically aimed at getting more people to take advantage of being online. For more information on AbilityNet, including possible home visits, select the link.

For help with specific queries, you can drop in as shown below. No appointment needed. Just bring your fully charged devices along with any passwords and volunteers will do their best to resolve any specific questions.

Ilkley: Clarke Foley LS29 9DZ Friday 17^th April 10.30am to 12:00.

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

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.

Our Psychology group is restarting!

Our Guiseley Film Appreciation group met this week. To discuss two very different films.

Former student or member of staff at Ilkley Grammar School? This might be of interest.

Candle Making group had a go at beeswax pillar candles

Tour of Wakefield Cathedral. A warm welcome to our Voyagers Group.

Northern Towns visit to Leeds. Fascinating architectural tour focussing on terracotta tiles.

Member of Probing the News Group celebrates his 100th birthday.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Subject of a fascinating presentation to the Railway Group

Please send photographs, a couple of sentences plus event details to Helen (helen@saltedit.co.uk). This all helps explain u3a to a new audience. We are now also on Instagram.

Market Place for u3a members

New Water Trails launched in Ilkley

Chair of Trustees for Ilkley Good Neighbours vacancy

Bolton Priory Heritage Concert Series for 2026

A reminder that members can buy, sell or give away items via our Market Place. Log in and use the link for details of the posts. Make contact directly with the poster by selecting their name to get their email and phone number. Subscribe to receive notification of new postings

Hope these bring a smile

Why join u3a? → Tea includes lectures

Why learn tech? → Grandkids lose advantage

Why keep thinking? → Brain avoids retirement

Best wishes

John & Christine

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

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