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Issue 26-09 (5 May 2026)
u3a members celebrate success as published authors
Another inspiring story from our u3a community: member Peter Panteli has been featured in the local press for his second poetry collection, celebrating nostalgic Ilkley. He credits a u3a short course and creative writing group for uncovering his talent in retirement - read the coverage via the link.
He’s in good company. Susan Dunne recently delivered our April monthly talk based upon her book Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell: Their Lives, Friendship and Writings. And Chris Cobley spoke at an Ilkley Civic Society lecture about his book Samuel Cunliffe Lister: Bradford’s Most Eminent Victorian. All these books are available at local bookshops.
Our annual u3a Showcase is Saturday morning 20th June
Group Leaders. All of our group leaders have been invited to support and attend this annual event. Please take up the invitation as soon as possible so we can plan properly. This is the opportunity to demonstrate to the wider public that retirement does not mean sitting at home and watching TV. Why should we keep u3a to ourselves?
Everyone. This is an opportunity for our existing members to explore new groups, renew their annual subscription and sign up for summer programme events. Select this link to learn more Ilkley & District Showcase.
Summer Programme update
There are dozens of events to join. Running from mid-June until the end of July, it's anticipated the full programme will be revealed on the website this weekend and bookings will open immediately.
We ‘ll send you a reminder early next week. Bookings are taken online but can also be made at the Saturday talk on 16th May, at any of our drop in sessions and at the Showcase on 20th June.
Groups with spaces
Artificial Intelligence Following initial interest, the small hall at Clarke Foley has been booked for 10am on Monday 18th May. The group will then meet on the third Monday morning of each month.
Open to anyone using AI on their devices, the sessions will be a chance to learn together, share experiences and explore how AI can help - whether as a language tutor, research assistant, or more. To express interest, email Neil Stevens (neil@nebstone.co.uk)
Quiz online at 7 pm on the last Wednesday of each month, teams of four from u3a branches across the UK meet via zoom for a quiz. Some are teams quite competitive. We tend not to be! We regularly compete with two teams, but with a few more players we can add a third team. The technology works really smoothly and it’s a wonderful way to have some fun and learn a bizarre range of facts along the way. Select here for more information and to express an interest in joining the group.
Tai Chi for beginners Both classes have moved to Otley Common, Walkergate, Otley LS21 1HB at 2:45 or 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.
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
Exploring Psychology Together New format, new venue. This group will meet every third Thursday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Mary's Parish Centre, Burley-in-Wharfedale. Emphasis will be on practical psychology, relating to real life situations, with short presentations followed by group discussion. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org
Walking Cricket A thriving, year-round group - indoors in winter - welcoming all abilities. New members can try their first session FREE. Find full details on this link. To see pictures of the group in action, select this link to their Facebook page. Login not required.
Flat Green Lawn bowls Restarts 1:45pm Monday 11th May and every Monday until late September. Venue is Ben Rhydding Bowls club, Coutances Way, LS29 8AW. Coaching will be given to beginners. Bowls, shoes and equipment can be provided. More details about the group available by selecting this link to our website. Or contact Peter and Yvonne Kierman on 07726 957047. Email petermkierman@hotmail.com.
Canals of the North Discover the beauty, history, and hidden corners of our northern canals. We meet every third Wednesday of the month, 2–4pm starting 20th May with an introductory talk. Venue is Baptist Church, Kings Road, Ilkley. Then alternating monthly between talks and visits. Expect relaxed outings with light walking and time to truly enjoy the canals and their surroundings. Interested? Spaces are limited - get in touchnewgroups@ilkleyu3a.org
Karate: Fridays 10:30 – 11:30, weekly until end July. Zetsurin Karate, 23-25 Manor Square, Otley LS21 3AP. This group focuses on gentle, accessible karate-inspired movement, designed specifically for adults who want to stay active, improve balance, and enjoy learning something new in a friendly, supportive environment. Qualified and experienced instructors. Develop at your own pace. Easy access to the venue from car parks or bus station. Come along, give it a try. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org
Racquetball Otley Squash Club, 10:40am every Thursday for a 40-minute session. More exercise than badminton, less intense than squash. No previous experience necessary. Coaching available. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org
New groups based at Otley Common, Walkergate, Otley LS21 1HB
Interested in any of these new groups? Email newgroups@ilkleyu4a.org.
- Badminton Otley: 10 – 12, Monday, June 1st, then weekly
- Table Tennis Otley: 2 - 4, Monday, June 1st, then weekly
- Circle Dancing Otley: 10- 12, Thursday 30th April, then fortnightly
Online events
Free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select the link to see the full range of talks including exploring how local communities can save at risk heritage buildings, how faith is portrayed in today’s media and the growing influence of drone technology.
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.
- Otley Friday 8th May 10:30am
- Ilkley Friday 15th May 10:30am
- Coffee & Chat Otley Courthouse Monday 18th May 10:00am
Monthly social and talk for May
Neil Hanson is a ghost writer. If you think every celebrity autobiography is written by the person on the cover, think again! Read more here. Doors open 10 am Saturday 16th May. This is a free event provided by u3a as part of your subscription. Maybe bring a friend or two?
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 possibility of home visits, select link.
For help with specific queries, 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 15th May 10.30am to 12:00.
Otley: Chippendale Centre LS21 3AA, every Monday 9.30am to 11.00 am.Details here
Market Place for u3a members
A reminder that members can buy, sell or give away items via our Market Place. Use the links below to log in 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
Request to support a petition Member wants Airedale Hospital added to 62 bus route
Denon PMA-250 II amplifier Free to a good home.
Free Drum kit Looking for a good home!
Hope these bring a smile
Q. What do you call a man with a crane on his head? A. Derek
Q. What do you call a woman with a radiator on her head? A. Anita.
Q. What do you call a man with a rabbit on his head? A. Warren.
Best wishes
John & Christine
Email Newsflash@ilkleyu3a.org or call 0300 102 4549 (local rate).
For those joining our u3a in May, June and July
First renewal of subscription will be July 2027. So up to 15 months of membership for the price of 12.
New Groups – Have Your Say
We’re always keen to hear ideas for new groups. If there’s something you’d like to see, email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org with the group name and any thoughts on how it might run.
Over the summer, we won’t be launching many new groups as most take a seasonal break but we’re planning ahead for September and would love your input. We’re currently gauging interest in:
· Sunday Social Dining (venues by public transport)
· Pilates (Ilkley-based, led by a qualified instructor)
· Poetry Writing (potential second group)
· Men’s or Women’s Circle
· Walking Book Group (books + fresh air)
· Dog Walking Group (shape it your way)
· VeloVirtual (social indoor cycling, launching Sept 2026)
· Religions of the World
· Russian for Beginners
· Craft Group
· Cryptic Crosswords
· Bridge (experienced players – second group)