Issue  22-15 (02 August 2022)

u3a Climate Change network

The really hot period, just two weeks ago, and the driest July since 1911 has brought climate change back to the top of the news agenda. So it seems appropriate to share this link to the u3a Climate Change Network which explains how u3a gets involved in this important issue.

We are fortunate to welcome u3a member Brenda Ainsley to our Summer Programme on Friday 19th August. Brenda set up and led 4 workshops during the COP Climate conference in Glasgow, with an emphasis on Intergenerational Climate Activism. Select here to register for this event and bring a friend.

Summer Programme updates

Here is a list of free events over the next few weeks that still have places. Select the links for information and to book a place:

The Constitution of the USA Tuesday 2nd August. Invite a friend
Six Cradles of Civilisation Wednesday 3rd August Invite a friend
Watch the film “Spellbound” Friday 12th August Invite a friend
Climate Crisis. Some Solutions. Friday 19th August Invite a friend

Discovery of Australia Friday 26th August Invite a friend

For all these events you are welcome to bring a friend as a way of introducing them to u3a. Just book your own place and then email Sue Butler (drsbutler@icloud.com) with details of your guest. They also attend for free.

To see a selection of reports and pictures including the Summer Cracker, Table Tennis taster and the guided stroll through Bradford’s Lister Park, select here

New Group Information

Blues Appreciation:  First announced in last News Flash, Lee Wellbrook has sufficient interest to run two courses, each as 4 weekly sessions from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at The Core, Unit 11 Orchard Gate, Otley, on the following dates:-

 Pre-War Blues – Fri 2^nd, Fri 16^th, Fri 23^rd and Thurs 29^th September

 Post-War Blues – Tues 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th November

Cost is dependent on numbers but is expected to be around £3 per session.

To learn more about the course select this link. To express an interest in joining these courses, please email lee.wellbrook@gmail.com. If there is sufficient interest Lee will then be happy to start up a Blues Appreciation Group.

Walking Cricket: No experience is needed and all equipment is supplied. It is played with plastic bats and a soft ball, so nothing to be afraid of. Men and women alike are finding it a fun and social thing to do, with the brew and chat afterwards as important as the game. We look to play outdoors April to September and indoors October to March. So an around the year activity.

If anyone is interested in hearing more, we are looking to set up an information meeting soon. But in the meantime please feel free to contact Liz Billings to express your interest or any thoughts you may have on setting up this group. Email helenliz@talktalk.net or phone / text 07918 610614

You may also be interested to read this article on the u3a Third Age Trust website about how walking cricket is being developed elsewhere in Yorkshire.

Front Room Films: We will be starting a new Zoom-based film discussion group on Monday 24th October from 1:30pm to 2:30pm and every fortnight thereafter. This is a second film discussion group to be established in a short period as the first one proved so popular.

Two weeks before the group is due to meet, a film will be chosen that is readily available on a non-subscription service (usually BBC iPlayer or All4). Group members can watch the film at their leisure. We then meet via Zoom to discuss the film. Both iPlayer and All4 carry a significant number of non-mainstream and/or foreign language films, so we plan to explore some of the lesser-known film selections.

Help to access to Zoom will be provided but, as we discovered during lockdown, it’s really easy to use. Occasional in-person social meetings are also planned.  If you are interested, or want to find out more, please send an email to Jacqui Wellbrook (jacqui.wellbrook@gmail.com) or Lee Wellbrook. (lee.wellbrook@gmail.com.)

Beginners French: A new group will be formed in September. It is hoped this will give us the experience to set up beginner groups in other languages later. To register your interest in this pilot group, please email languages@ilkleyu3a.org with not only your name and contact details, but also an indication of your current competence in French.

As a pilot scheme, the Ilkley based venue will be free so no financial commitment. We expect meetings will be weekly because practice makes perfect. Date and times to be confirmed.

We have previously asked for members with good language skills to get in touch and support this expansion of our language groups. Never too late to get involved. So if you can hold a good conversation with a native of France, please also get in touch. Email languages@ilkleyu3a.org

A new Coordinator for groups.

Neil Stevens has taken over the established group’s coordinator role from Mark Hall. Margaret McCabe continues to look after the creation of new groups.

We know we need to be more proactive in managing waiting lists and creating new interest groups. If you have an idea for a new a new group, or anything else group related, drop a line to groups@ilkleyu3a.org and one of the coordinators will respond

Early information on our showcase event Saturday 17th September

This is similar to our traditional “meet the leaders but on a bigger scale taking over the whole of Clarke Foley.  However, it will be open to the general public, so wider publicity in the area will be sought in local newspapers, chat websites, social media and radio.

All groups are strongly encouraged to attend - even if your group is full - to show all that u3a does for the community. All group leaders will be contacted by the end of August to check availability. Refreshments will be “on the house” so we hope members will also bring friends to show all we do in the u3a. Read more on this link to our website.

Why are we always being asked help?

It is in our guiding principles! A new section has recently been added to our website for the benefit of potential members. Worth a read as we all need reminding from time to time. Select this link

Two opportunities for everyone to help

• Our u3a Craft group is staging an exhibition at the Manor House on Saturdays and Sundays until 11th September. We have obtained some excellent local publicity in the Gazette and Ilkley Chat. To read our press release and learn more, select here.

We hope to take advantage of the public visiting the exhibition to promote u3a and need members prepared to talk to visitors about u3a. Giving up a couple of hours on a Saturday or Sunday is something we can all do to help.

• Saturday morning socials have a group who welcome members.

Chatting to new members and making introductions with others helps everyone feel at home. Especially important for our Showcase event in September. You just need a welcoming smile and a willingness to chat to others.

Please email Jean Smith (jeanmsmith50@hotmail.com)if you can help or would like more information on these rewarding and enjoyable opportunities.

Do you have experience as a writer or journalist?

The editor of the EYE needs support to write material for our six-monthly news magazine. Select here to read past issues which will give you an idea of content, house style and the audience we’re trying to reach.

The role will involve using contacts within u3a to seek out and write up stories of general interest and also reshaping existing copy to become an interesting read for the casual reader. If this sounds like you, please email Alison Middleton (editor@ilkleyu3a.org).

Who remembers paperchains hanging over the fireplace?

How times change? Relive a few memories by looking at these images on our website. The most recent ones are supplied by Bill Jones. If you think your memories might be of interest to others, let us know and we can add some pictures and words of explanation on our website.

Need cheering up? Our latest jokes page is just what you need. Select here A few topical references are beginning to creep into the submissions from our regular contributors.

Local newspaper scrap book. Select here to read.  Plans for the new Hillards supermarket (now Tesco) and the demolition of the bus depot on South Hawksworth Street.

u3a national newsletter Yet again Ilkley & District scoops the social media post of the month. This time for reporting on the success of our Photography for Beginner’s Group. Read more here >>. There is also a monthly podcast produced. The latest edition includes Ashbourne u3a on establishing a disco group, Gloucester & District u3a on the joys and struggles of robot programming, and Havant u3a's Bus Pass group. Listen on this link

Dates for your diary

Thursday 11th August. Select this link for details of the WestNet quiz night in Gargrave. An opportunity to enjoy some social fun with our friends in neighbouring u3a groups.

Friday 12th August. A drop in at Otley 10:30 am to 12 noon. Details on this link

Friday 19th August. A drop in at Clarke Foley 10:30 am to 12 noon. Details on this link

Saturday 20th August. Our monthly social talk is all about the Co-op. Who remembers their dividend number? Arrive by 10 am for some social time before listening to our guest speaker. Details here

Sunday 21st August Why not pop down to the Burley Summer Festival where u3a will have a presence, helping to raise our profile in the area. Select here to see details of events to enjoy. A super day out for the family.

Thanks to Margaret Baarrans for these definitions

BARBECUE: A long line of plastic dolls.

BUSKING: Owner of many buses.

CHAMPAGNE: To fake injury.

COCONUT: Crazy about hot chocolate.

CONDESCENDING: Prisoner in a lift.

Regards John & Christine Email NewsFlash@ilkleyu3a.org

Visit Whitby for just £43 with our u3a Railway Group

The Railway Group summer programme of activities continues with a visit to Whitby by coach to Pickering and then travel on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

If you would like to join us on Tuesday 20th September, with local pickup points, select here to read more information. Cost just £43. If you wish to bring a guest as a way of introducing them to u3a activities, they will also be welcome but be quick. Places are limited.

On 20th July, the group organised a visit to the new Rail Heritage centre in Doncaster. Select here to read a report and see pictures of a really interesting visit.

An exclusive offer of our u3a members

Two for the price of one to see the Manfreds at King’s Hall Ilkley on Thursday 29th September. Details of the show on this link. Apply (discretely) to the Ilkley Visitor Information Centre (details here) stating you are a member of Ilkley & District u3a. Only 5 pairs of tickets available so you know what to do!

Subscription renewals

Members who had not renewed by the end of July have been sent a final reminder. If you do not intend to renew, please write to membership@ilkleyu3a.org . No need to give a reason, but if we are not living up to expectations, we would like to know so we can address any issues. Thank you