Welcome to new members

Following a significant amount of local publicity during the past six weeks (select here to view), we are delighted to welcome 50 new members who have joined u3a since the beginning of June.

We now have 150 different interest groups

Another milestone for our u3a. So let us thank all those who volunteer their time to keep up a steady supply of new groups and those who ensure our existing groups are engaging places to enjoy the fellowship of this unique organisation. Select this link to find out more about the 150 groups that are an integral part of our u3a.

New groups

Fun with Wine group. Over the summer months, a small steering group will meet to shape a programme of activities. Email Keith keith-new-u-bfg@hotmail.co.uk

An update from Otley Sewing Collective The Beech Hill Church in Otley, where they meet, will be having some building work done during August so there will be no sewing meetings.  The next meeting will be 15^th July but then there will be no further meetings until 5^th September.

The group does have space for more members to join. They meet 10am to 12 noon on the first Saturday and 7pm to 9pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Select this link for more information and contact details.

Groups with spaces

Readers Group 1 Room for two new members who would like to join this friendly group. They meet 2pm on the second Tuesday of the month at St John's Church Lounge in Ben Rhydding. Details here. Members choose a book, which are mostly fiction, and lead a short introduction and discussion on the book. Email Margaret Cook mcrombalds@hotamil.co.uk if interested.

Walk to Lunch A small friendly group that has been meeting for several years. We walk about five miles on alternate Wednesday mornings, ending with lunch in a pub. The terrain includes varying levels of ascent and some fields, stiles and woodland. We aim for a medium pace and include a stop for tea/coffee – possibly in a field! Walks (excluding lunch) take 2.5 - 3 hours. Walks are normally within a one hour drive of Ilkley and start at 10am. We car share where possible. You are welcome to come and join us for a trial walk to help decide whether this is for you. More information is available from Gill Oliver (co-ordinator) by selecting this link to the website.

Grade 2/3 Ensemble 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

Bridge for Fun - Monday 10:00 and 1.30 pm, Chippendale Centre, Otley. The emphasis is on fun. Experienced and beginners welcome - tuition available. 10 am details select here and select here for 1.30 pm session

Table Tennis - Monday 2pm to 4 pm, Otley Common. New group, building slowly, emphasis on fun. All levels welcome. Details here

World War II – 4^th Tuesday of each month. Restarting September. 2pm to 4 pm, Otley Common. Recently moved to Otley, bigger room means spaces available. Details here.

Circle Dancing – alternate Thursdays 10 am, Otley Common. New group, building slowly, gentle exercise, good for fitness and wellbeing. Details here.

Calligraphy – alternate Thursdays – 2 pm, Otley Common. Very mindful sessions, developing skills together. Restarts October. Details here.

Tai Chi - Thursday 2.45 pm and 4 pm, Otley Common. Popular sessions that have moved to a bigger venue, so spaces now available. Details here

First Aid Course

We have enough interest to run a bespoke 3-hour course which covers many aspects of first aid including CPR and defibrillator use. It is run by ‘Home and Away Training’ based in Keighley.

This will be free for those members who have not attended a previous course. Watch out for details and booking arrangements in a future News Flash.

Online events

Free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select the link to see the full range of talks including everything you need to know to get published, and building advanced airliners. A remarkable collection.

Our Summer Programme has nearly finished

We have pictures and reports of some events that have already taken place. Select here to view.

Monthly coffee mornings No need to book. Just drop in and chat with any u3a friends who happen to be around. Maybe an opportunity to bring a friend? Details here.

·         Everybodys, Guiseley 10:30 to 12 noon Wednesday 22^nd July.

·         Clarke Foley, Ilkley 10:30 to 12 noon Wednesday 5^th August.

Regular drop ins, first and third Friday mornings each month at Clarke Foley in Ilkley and second Friday each month at the Core in Otley. All very informal and free refreshments! Details here. Meet some of our trustees, ask questions about u3a or bring along a friend who might like to join us.

Digital drop ins, where we help to resolve specific queries on smart phones, tablets and laptops are run alongside the Ilkley drop ins. First and third Friday mornings each month.

Dates for diaries

The Saturday monthly talk Join Brian Groom as he explores a history of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland with a strong focus on social and cultural themes. 10 am Saturday 18^th July in the large hall at Clarke Foley. Details on this link to our website.

Climate and Nature Crises A series of events throughout the UK showing a film about the climate and nature crises we face and to discuss what actions we need to take. More information and book tickets for Sunday 26^th July (6:30 – 8:30 pm)  St Johns Church, Ben Rhydding.  u3a is also hosting a similar event online on Thursday 30^th July at 10 am. Details and book here

Ilkley Manor House lecture Rob Dimbleby, who specialises in Yorkshire Dialect stories. Friday 31^st July 10:15 am. Details and booking on this link.

Market Place for u3a members

A reminder that members can buy, sell or give away items via our Market Place. Select here to add your items.  You will need to log in. Use the links below to log in to details of the posts described. Make contact directly with the poster. Just select their name to show email and phone number. Subscribe to receive notification of new postings.

Two for the price of one tickets at King's Hall, Ilkley

Sweet Caroline, a tribute to Neil Diamond. 17th December 2026. Also, just a few 2 for 1 tickets to see The Manfreds, with original front man, Paul Jones, performing many of their hits at the King’s Hall, Ilkley on 17th September 2026. Follow the above guidance to purchase

For Sale: Sizzix Personal Die Cutting Machine Press

For Sale: Large Vintage Portmeirion Bowl

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.

Ilkley Live music festival  Dedicated to u3a member Peter Mate who sadly died earlier this month.

Ben Rhydding Croquet Club welcome new u3a recruits to the game.

Travel Group Summer Programme outing Selby Abbey and Little Wold vineyard.

Reporting on our leaflet and prize draw campaign at Ilkley Railway Station

Walking Cricket at the u3a national festival in York

Art and AI part of our summer programme Including an interview with Picasso.

Bird Watching Another example of the wide range of summer programme activities this year.

Piano Duets delighted visitors to their session at the summer programme.

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.

The jokes are back

My friend says her dog will retrieve a ball from over a mile away but that sounds far-fetched to me!

What’s the difference between a dog and a marine biologist?  Dogs wag their tails and marine biologists tag their whales.

I adopted a dog from the local blacksmith. As soon as we got home, he made a bolt for the door.

What do you call a dog that sneezes?  A-choo-wawa.

Best wishes

John & Christine

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

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Renewal of subscriptions

Thanks to over 50% of our members who have renewed their subscription for 2026 / 2027. Please make payment before the due date of 31^st July, it makes life so much easier for our membership secretary.  Visit the website on this link and login. Then click on your name and follow the instructions to pay online.  Further information about renewals can be found here.

Group management support on the website

Now open to all members to view when you login. Select this link to access lots of helpful advice including information about finance, equipment available, venues to use and things to consider when organising visits.

Additional support is available on any of these issues. Just email establishedgroups@ilkleyu3a.org or phone 0300 102 4549 (local rate) and leave a message for someone to call you back.