Issue  20-19 (14 September 2020)

Do you use Social Media?

Ilkley U3A is active on both Facebook and Twitter. If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, please follow us as this helps us to spread the word about our U3A activities. You can also ‘like’ our posts, add your own comments and even share updates with your family and friends.

Using social media is an effective way to publicise our U3A. This is all part of a strategy to increase membership in these challenging times. And to keep current members informed and entertained too.

There’s more information on our website about why we have a social media presence and how Facebook and Twitter reach different audiences.

An Update on our Talks and Events

For more information and to book your place on these upcoming events, select here.

• 10:30 am Thursday 17 September: Join the Northern Towns group for a quiz with a twist. Includes Spot that Tune and a bit of virtual socialising.

• 10:30 am Saturday 19 September: The Saturday Talk returns with Andy Botherway presenting the extraordinary story of Brunelleschi and the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore.

• 10:30 am Wednesday 23 September: A meeting for members who have recently joined U3A. A chance to hear from some trustees and to ask questions.

• 2:30 pm Thursday 24 September: Learn about St.Pancras Station. A magnificent, innovative building functioning in a way its creators could never have imagined.

• 10:30 am Thursday 8 October: Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas. U3A member Mike Bamford’s illustrated talk includes a description of being caught in an earthquake. Scary stuff!

  We’re looking for volunteers to offer talks or quizzes or anything else you think might entertain your fellow members. Why not follow the example of the Northern Towns group and invite the wider U3A to join one of your group meetings? Contact the team here talksgroup@ilkleyu3a.org

Group News

The two Science & Technology groups held their first joint meeting by Zoom video conference on Wednesday 9 September. 34 members attended a fascinating talk by Austin Hughes on a century of electric power conversion. The two groups have kindly extended an invitation to the wider U3A to one of their talks at the beginning of November. Details to follow.

The Archive group continues to work with the Civic Trust and Manor House Trust to archive documents and artefacts relating to Ilkley and surrounding area. Use this link to see some really interesting content including an 1847 map and an extract from Kelly’s directory 1881. Contact the group here.

Art for Fun have added some stunning images to their collection during lockdown.  Select here to view them.

How is our High Street looking?

A good response to our group looking at the impact of the pandemic on our local shops. But we could do with more members getting involved, especially looking at Otley. Select here to read more about the project which is a national U3A initiative. email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org to take part.

Select the link for the latest updates on our Quirky humour page

Counting the climate cost of the food we eat is the topic for this month’s Green Tip. Select the link to find out more and read topics covered previously.

Q. What do you call a painting by a cat?

A. A paw-trait.

Q. What do you call a funny lizard?

A. Stand up chameleon.

Keep safe

John & Christine

PS. A reminder that help is available if you want to restart your group meetings using Zoom. Select here for guidance and email John Hancock if you want to set up a practice session.

This video from the New Zealand police force on how not to run a zoom meeting has been shared before but it’s worth repeating. If you can see this video on your device, you can also join one of our talks or your group meetings using Zoom. You don’t need a fancy computer. Many members join sessions using their iPad.

PS. If you have a particular hobby or interest, there’s nothing to stop you starting up your own interest group within U3A. Email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org to share your ideas. We’ll help you any way we can.