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Issue 24-19 (01 October 2024)
Keeping the show on the road
Thanks to those who responded to the request for more members to stand for election to our management committee at the forthcoming AGM.
Running an organisation like our u3a takes time, energy and effort but, many hands do indeed make light work. Please consider contacting our chair (Jacqui Wellbrook chair@ilkleyu3a.org) to discuss how to be more actively involved.
New Groups
Go with (for those with easy access to Ilkley)
In the last News Flash we introduced this facility for those with easy access to Otley. With a dozen members so far, it has encouraged us to extend the idea to those with easy access to Ilkley.
The plan is to create a group of u3a friends around Ilkley who would like to support each other by sharing experiences and activities. No need ever again to be put off going to the theatre or the cinema because you don’t want to go on your own.
Email chair@ilkleyu3a.org and we’ll see if there’s enough interest to proceed. And if you live close to Otley, you are also very welcome to get in touch.
Existing Group Update
Travel Group
Details of a very full itinerary on a 5-day holiday to Northamptonshire. Report and pictures on this link to our website.
Reading for Pleasure & Fun in Otley
We were pleased to receive this report of a group outing to a production at the Court House in Otley. Read details here.
WestNet Quiz night Tuesday 15th October
An annual event. Details on this link. We recognise that this is not something you may want to attend by yourself. So, if at all interested, just reply to this News Flash if you want to go. Tell us if you can offer a lift to others or if you need transport and we will do our best to organise a group participation.
Did you know we have a couple of teams that participate in an online quiz once per month against other u3a groups? Details here if you are interested in joining. With sufficient interest, we can start up a third team.
Bridge for Fun in Otley
This group, meeting on Monday afternoons in Otley, is looking for more new members. Perhaps you once played Acol Bridge? As the name suggests we aim to enjoy our bridge and do not take ourselves too seriously. If interested, please feel free to come along and meet us. 1.30pm every Monday at the Otley Town Partnership upstairs room on Mercury Row. Select here for more information and contact details.
Social gatherings open to all members
We have been pleased to receive reports from the September monthly talk and the monthly coffee meeting at the Court House in Otley. Read details on this link. See details of future events open to all on the front page of our website. Select here
Online Events
Organised through our parent body and free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select here for details. Topics in the next few weeks include the secret lives of bees, decimal number patterns and an insight into Vincent van Gogh.
Listen to the latest u3a Podcast
The u3a radio podcast has returned after its summer break, including interviews from attendees of u3a Festival 24 in York. Also, a new signature tune written and performed by a member of Ilkley & District u3a. Select here to listen to the whole episode.
Short Courses Update
The Works of Poet Laureate - Simon Armitage
The demand for the original course has exceeded expectation so we are running another one. Those on the waiting list for the original course have been advised of this new opportunity so there are just a few places now left Details here
Peacebuilding
Just three places left on this eight-week course starting 25th October. Details here.
Do you want to share your passion for a subject with other members of u3a? A short course or maybe a study day could be the solution. Write to shortcourses@ilkleyu3a.org and someone will be in touch for a no obligation chat.
Diary Dates
Health & Wellbeing at Silsden Town Hall We are supporting this event with a stand so come along and say hello. Thursday 3rd October 10 am to 12:30. More details here.
Drop-in at Ilkley Friday 4th and Otley Friday 11th October 10:30 am to 12 noon. Details of all drop-ins on this link to our website.
WestNet Quiz Night Tuesday 15th October at Gargrave. Details on this link.
Saturday talk 26th October so a one-off change to 4th Saturday this month. Join Peter Mellor from Oldham u3a who is an expert on the Assassination of President John F Kennedy having published and lectured widely on the subject. More information on this link.
AGM 10 am Saturday 16th November at Clarke Foley. Note the change of venue this year. Usual documentation will be sent in due course. A particularly entertaining speaker will also be in attendance. Details here.
Christmas Cracker 10 am to 12 noon Saturday 21st December at Clarke Foley. More details closer to the event.
u3a in the media
Read what the papers say about our wonderful Summer Programme and our board game group in Otley. Details on this link.
A short film has been produced about the u3a Festival 24 which hosted the whole organisation Over 900 members joined together for a three-day event with workshops, talks, music performances and sports tournaments, all led by members themselves. Select here to watch. See if you can spot the Ilkley & District members who helped organise and act as stewards.
A team from Malvern u3a appeared on BBC TV Only Connect last week. Select this link to BBC iPlayer to watch the episode. A splendid explanation of the ethos of u3a as part of the introductions.
Market Place for u3a members
The following items are the latest additions. Select the links and log in for more information.
U3a member recommendation for a Blacksmith and Metalworker
Paper shredder wanted with one to sell or exchange: Please make contact directly with the member posting these items by clicking on their name to reveal their contact details.
Discounted tickets at Ilkley Literature Festival Thursday 17th October
Members can subscribe to the Market Place forum and receive emails when new items are added. This has enabled some items to find new homes since the last News Flash.
From the archive of the Ilkley Gazette
The latest edition of the scrapbook available to read on this link. Topics include building a glider in 1930 / Ilkley during WWII / Donkey Jackson / Robert Collyer's early years / Railway extension to Skipton
A new Vice Chair of Third Age Trust
Congratulations to Margaret Fiddes on her election to this really important role in our national organisation. Margaret is currently the Regional Trustee for the Yorkshire & Humber Region and has been a helpful friend to Ilkley & District u3a over several years. Details on this link to the national website.
More jokes at the Edinburgh Fringe
I wanted to know which came first the chicken or the egg. So, I bought a chicken and then I bought an egg, and I think I've cracked it.
I decided to sell my Hoover... well it was just collecting dust
Working at the Jobcentre has to be a tense job - knowing that if you get fired, you still have to come in the next day
I needed a password eight characters long. So, I picked Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Best wishes
John & Christine
Email: Newsflash@ilkleyu3a.org
A chance to win a cruise with Riviera Travel
Just one of the features in the latest newsletter from our national organisation. See this link.
u3a Matters (A magazine published by the Third Age Trust)
This glossy and informative magazine is available as part of your subscription and mailed to your home address 5 times per year.
The latest edition includes an article on the Digital Legacy Association which provides guidance on managing your online profile when you are no longer around to manage this for yourself. In days gone by, all your correspondence, photographs, financial dealings, insurance policies etc were on paper and accessible. That is increasingly no longer true. Select the above link to find out more.
If you wish to receive the magazine email membership@ilkleyu3a.org to be added to the mailing list.