An update on subscription renewals

We now have just over 300 members still to renew for the year ending 31^stJuly 2027. Final reminders have been sent so if you are not intending to renew, please just reply to this News Flash. If you feel able to tell us why you are not renewing, that will be helpful. Thank you.

For those still to renew, it is not too late. Select here for support.

Do you have difficulty leaving the house?

We were struck by the number of members who felt they should not renew because ill health makes it difficult for them to attend meetings. It is appreciated that attending online events is not for everyone, but these do provide opportunities to participate in u3a activities. So please do have a look at what is available. These are free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select the link to see the full range of talks including

·         The creation of fake news and how to recognise it

·         The history of cryptic crosswords.

·         Exploring World Faiths

·         History of personal hygiene

An update on recruitment

So far in 2026, we have been joined by 227 new members compared to 172 over the same period last year. We are planning to hold a welcome meeting for recent joiners. Invitations by email will follow once we have dates and a venue.

u3a is the ideal organisation to join for those recently retired. It provides a sense of purpose and fellowship that many miss once they leave full time work. Therefore, it is particularly pleasing to report we have seen an increase in the number of new members under the age of 70 who have joined us in 2026 compared to 2025.

This bodes well for the future health of our u3a where we need energetic younger members to keep our organisation thriving in the years ahead. Select here to learn more about how u3a can support the transition from work to retirement.

Are you going to the Burley Summer festival?

Our u3a will be there as well. Look out for us on Sunday 23^rd August. If you can spare an hour or two to help chat to visitors about u3a, Dez Allis would be very pleased to hear from you. Her email is   debzallis@yahoo.com or message on 07740 824965. Select here for festival details.

Monthly Saturday talk.

Next talk is on 10am Saturday 15^th August in the large hall at Clarke Foley when the topic will be the Brontë Parsonage Museum

Groups with spaces

Explore the Early History Group Are you interested in the people, events and ideas that shaped the ancient and medieval world? The Early History Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from September to April, from 2.00–4.00pm in the meeting room at St Margaret’s Church.

Each meeting begins with a topic introduced by a member, followed by questions and lively discussion. Subjects cover many aspects of mainly British and European history, from the earliest times through to the late Middle Ages.

Members are welcome to introduce a topic, but there is absolutely no obligation to do so. All you need is an interest in the period and a willingness to join the conversation. The annual membership fee is about £15. Contact Geoffrey Howard: ghoward44@outlook.com 07768 521699

Our Summer Programme has finished

We have pictures and reports of some events. 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 26^th August

·         Clarke Foley, Ilkley 10:30 to 12 noon Wednesday 2^nd September

Regular drop ins

We are at the Core in Otley this Friday 14^th August. Details here .

Then at Clarke Foley Ilkley on Friday 21^st August. Details here .

All very informal and free refreshments! Meet some of our trustees, ask questions about u3a or bring along a friend who might like to join us.

Digital drop ins

Our digital drop-ins, where we help to resolve specific queries about smartphones, tablets and laptops, run alongside the Ilkley drop ins. Next one Friday 21^st August. Details here.

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.  Log in to see details of the posts. Make contact directly with the poster. Select their name to show email and phone number. Subscribe to receive notifications of new postings.

Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates books for sale Many never opened. See the picture of just a few.

Kitchen unit stainless steel door knobs (for free)

For sale at reduced price Bamboo screen panels

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.

Reminding us all about the partial solar eclipse

Promoting our participation in a monthly u3a quiz online.

Promoting Yorkshire Day on 1^st August

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.

Help celebrate Otley Common’s first anniversary

Saturday 17th October is the venue’s AGM and marks one year since taking ownership and starting work to renovate. So, they have decided to make this a day of celebration including food, music, comedy, and lots of activities for all the family. Our u3a will have a presence so please note the date.

They will be distributing flyers throughout the town. If you can help with this task, please contact Andrew Howarth, development@otleycommon.org

Learn more about this wonderful community iniative. Select this link to watch a short film.

We hope these raise a smile!

Why don't oysters share their pearls? Because they're shellfish.

I tried to organise a hide-and-seek competition this summer, but good players are hard to find.

My neighbour put up a scarecrow in his garden. It's outstanding in its field.

I bought a thesaurus yesterday, but when I got home all the pages were blank. I have no words to describe how angry I am.

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.