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Issue 26-05 (03 March 2026)
Taster events are a great way to introduce more people to u3a
It was lovely to welcome over 120 members and visitors to our February monthly talk — and if you joined us for the first time, we hope to see you again soon. You can find details of how we publicised the event, along with photos, here. Details of our next two taster events are available via this link.
Spaces are limited for the 1980s-themed quiz at 1.30pm on Thursday 12th March, so pre-booking is essential. For the talk on the English Civil Wars in Yorkshire at 10am on Saturday 21st March, simply come along.
Both events are perfect opportunities to bring a friend or potential new member and introduce them to everything u3a has to offer.
Can you use a spreadsheet?
With the increase in the number of groups, our finance team needs additional help to monitor our bank account receipts, make authorised payments and ensure these transactions are recorded accurately.
Being able to use a spreadsheet is essential and some sort of financial acumen would be helpful. Rest assured, it’s not just you with these responsibilities. They’re undertaken as part of a team, under overall guidance of our Treasurer. If you’re interested, email chair@ilkleyu3a.org for a no-obligation chat.
Summer Programme plans
Can you help organise an event from mid-June to end July? Email your suggestions and offers of help to summerprogramme@ilkleyu3a.org
If interested in any of the following, contact newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org
Canals of the North. An initial meeting 2pm 7th April at Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley for a discussion about how the group will run — meeting times, format and future plans.
German Conversation II.Will meet 10:30am -12:00 on Monday 9th March at Riverside Hotel, Ilkley. Room free, please buy a drink. This will be partly a discussion on moving the group forward but will definitely include German Conversation.
Psychology.A discussion on how to move the group forward - where and when to meet, format etc. So, if you're interested in joining, come along to hear more. 2pm Tuesday 31st March at Outside the Box café, Ilkley.
Back Nine Golf. Tuesday 24th March 2 - 4pm, Back Nine Golf, Otley. This is a taster session with a view to making it a regular group, so there will be a bit of discussion. A few spaces still available. No equipment needed, all is supplied including golf simulators (and also darts and pool).
Saturday Brunch. Do you like food and a good natter? Meet up on Saturday 14th of March (10:30am at the Wheatley Arms, Ilkley). Spaces still available. Pay for yourself on the day — no pressure to order a full meal if you just fancy coffee. A relaxed, social get-together for up to 16 members. Share favourite eateries, discover hidden gems, meet new people. Second Saturday each month.
Chess.Could be a formal group or informal hookup through Go With groups. If you'd like to see a chess group established, let us know.
Racquetball. At Otley Squash Club, fun and fitness, friendly, low impact. No experience necessary.
Dog Walking Group. We'll get together to discuss logistics if enough interest.
Walking Book Group. Do you like walk and reading? Let's do both. Discuss a book whilst out in the fresh air getting some exercise. I'm sure refreshments will be found too, to allow further discussion. Details to be worked out if we get enough interest.
Women's Circle/Men's Circle. Topics chosen by the membership, focused on conversation, support and shared experience.
Folk and Early Music. Whether you're a musician (playing contemporary or early instruments) or a singer that would like to perform on a regular basis, we are looking to establish a new group. An initial meeting has been arranged at The Ilkley Tap, 7 pm Tuesday 10th March to discuss how to proceed. If you want to attend the meeting, express an interest in the group or can't make the meeting, please email newgroups@ilkleyu3a.org
Groups with spaces
The following groups all have spaces. Select the link to find out more information and to contact the group leader.
· Mahjong
· Poetry
· Karate
A monthly afternoon gathering of book lovers, sharing the books we’ve loved, loathed, can’t put down and can’t get into. Forget reading a set text… we’re about trying anything and everything, swapping a variety of reads – some we all know of, some we’d never have tried. Prefer to read via Kindle (or other device)? No problem, you can still recommend or caution against. A cup of coffee and a natter, based in Guiseley. Day/time/venue to be discussed. Get in touch. Jacqui.wellbrook@gmail.com
Online events.
Free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select the link to see the full range of talks including a workshop on how to write a novel, the role and experiences of women across three different faith traditions, the evolution of AI in our changing world and a look at the bridges across the Thames in London.
Diary dates for our u3a
Drop-in sessionsare 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. We are at Clarke Foley, Ilkley, Friday 6th and 20th March, and The Core in Otley Friday 13th March. All sessions running from 10:30 am to 12 noon.
Informal gatherings over tea or coffee in Otley (10:30 am Monday 9th March) and Guiseley (2 pm Wednesday 11th March). Details here.
Monthly talk for March
English Civil War in Yorkshire . Doors open 10 am Saturday 21st March. This is a free event provided by u3a as part of your subscription. It’s an ideal way to introduce friends to u3a so please bring a guest or two.
Other diary dates
Ilkley Hydros The Story of Ilkley’s Health Resort Heritage is an exhibition running from 28th February to 5th April. Weekends only. At Ilkley Manor House and curated by Ilkley Civic Society. Select the link for more information. A “must see” event for anyone interested in the history of Ilkley.
Organ Recital 12:30pm Friday 6th March at St. Margaret’s Ilkley. Details here
For women of all ages. Ilkley Soroptimists are holding a keeping safe event Saturday 7th March St. John’s Church Hall, Ben Rhydding. LS29 8PN. From 10am to 3pm. Drop in or stay all day. Select here for more information.
Join a coach trip to Doddington Hall and Gardens near Lincoln. Organised by our friends at Bradford u3a. Wednesday 24th June. Pickups in Shipley and Bradford. Full details on this link.
u3a Festival 2026 Tickets now booking. 1st to 3rd July. Details here.
YAHR u3a Summer School runs from 24th to 27th August. Ten wide ranging courses on offer based at the usual excellent venue of The Hawkhills, Easingwold, YO61 3EG. Select the link for details and to download a registration form.
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 charity aims to get more people to take advantage of being online. For more information on AbilityNet, including the possibility of home visits, select the link.
For help with specific queries, the following drop in facilities are available. 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 6th March 10.30am to 12:00. Details here
Otley:Chippendale Centre LS21 3AA, every Monday 9.30am to 11.00 am. Details here
Similar schemes run in Addingham, Guiseley and Rawdon. Select the links for more information. We also notice that Burley library have similar sessions on Tuesday 3rd, 17th and 31st March from 1.30 pm to 3 pm.
Being aware of email and other online scams
In preparing the forthcoming short course on Artificial Intelligence the tutors came across this update from the charity AbilityNet. Even if you think “it will never happen to me”, it is worth a read.
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. Thanks so much to all the groups sending pictures and updates on their festive lunches. Much appreciated.
Reporting on our February monthly talk
Promoting our 1980 themed quiz. Another taster event for potential members Thursday 12th March.
Our Northern Towns Group learning all about milestones and way markers. Fascinating!
Our first ever drop in at Burley in Wharfedale.Overwhelming response. Shows how we need to raise awareness of u3a at every opportunity.
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. Select here to access.
Market Place for u3a members
A reminder that members can buy, sell or give away items via our Market Place. Log in and use the link for details of the following 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.
Unwanted table tennis bats and balls required
Tales from the Dales Yorkshire Cancer Research invite you to an entertaining afternoon in the company of Yorkshire artist Lucia Smith. Bolton Abbey Village Hall on Wednesday 11 March 2pm-4pm.
Welcome to all of our new members
The number of new members joining our u3a this year has now reached 87. It has been some time since we last held a welcome meeting. So, if any of our longer standing members would like to attend, enjoy some refreshments and ask questions of our trustees, please select one of the following links:
Welcome To New Members (4pm to 6pm Thursday 5th March at Clarke Foley, Ilkley)
Welcome To New Members (4pm to 6pm Monday 23rd March at Clarke Foley, Ilkley)
Allocation of responsibilities around our Trustees
Following the AGM and the appointment of new trustees, the various roles and responsibilities have now been agreed. Details can be found on this link to our website. (Member log in required.)
Hope these bring a smile
Knock, knock. Who’s there? A little old lady. A little old lady who? I didn’t know you could yodel!
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Boo. Boo hoo? Don’t cry, it’s just a joke!
Knock, knock. Who’s there? To. To who? It’s ‘to whom’ actually!
Best wishes
John & Christine
Email Newsflash@ilkleyu3a.org or call 0300 102 4549 (local rate).
Christmas Cracker video
With our grateful thanks to Chris Short from our local Rotary Club, we are pleased to provide a link to the video of the various acts at our Christmas Cracker. Select here to access the video on YouTube and relive over two hours of entertainment condensed into just 28 minutes. Sit down with a coffee and enjoy. Pictures from the event can be seen by selecting this link to our website.
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.