Just six places left

If you considered joining us when we announced our free informal buffet lunch for prospective volunteers, now is the time to reserve your place.

Come along to the Wheatley Arms, Ben Rhydding, on Tuesday 6 October, from 12 noon to 2pm. Enjoy lunch, meet other members and discover the many different ways you could help—without pressure or any expectation of making a commitment.

To claim one of the six remaining places, email Chair@ilkleyu3a.org as soon as possible.

Help us to shape future activities in our u3a

We are inviting a cross-section of members to complete a short questionnaire to help us to understand what members value, what might encourage them to take part in different activities, and whether changes to the subjects, timing or format of our programme would be helpful.

The questionnaire will be sent this Friday so, if you do receive one, please complete it as soon as possible. It shouldn’t take long, and we’re not asking for names so please be very honest in your responses. Thank you.

New Group

Fun with Wine: Where a taste of adventure awaits

The aim of this new group is to meet new friends through the exploration and enjoyment of wine based around social activities. Planned events will include wine tastings, quizzes and tours around local vineyards. The group will be open to both beginners and wine enthusiasts in a fun pressure free setting. The group will meet the first Thursday of the month on an evening, further details about which will be provided in due course.

Booking the event: Due to its popularity, there will be a limit of 30 u3a members. So please book early! Tickets will be limited to a first come first serve basis. If interested in attending register your interest by email to steve.moorcraft@gmail.com by Wednesday 30th September. Steve will then contact you with details of the online payment arrangements. Payment will be required by 14th October 2026. A reserve list will be created.

If you have any questions about this event or joining the group, please call Keith on 01943 864930 or by email on keith-new-u-bfg@hotmail.co.uk.

Monthly Saturday talk.

Next talk is at 10am Saturday 19^th September in the large hall at Clarke Foley when the topic will be Gorizia, a city on the border of Italy and Slovenia which has a long history and during the cold war became a divided city. In 2025, Gorizia became the European City of Culture and many of the events during that year were designed to break down barriers and unite the city's populations. Select this link to learn more about what promises to be a fascinating talk.

FIRST AID COURSE – open to existing u3a members.

This popular course returns covering the basic principles of First Aid including CPR and defibrillators using manikins. This bespoke 3-hour course will again be run by Home and Away Training (a Keighley based family firm).

The course will be held on Friday 6^th November from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm in the Large Hall, Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, Ilkley LS29 8DZ. The cost of the training will be met by u3a, and the course is open to existing u3a members who have not attended a previous u3a course.

Registration on this link to our website

Group with spaces

The Railway Group starts its autumn programme at 2:15 for 2:30 Tuesday 29^th September in the Large Hall at Clarke Foley when the topic of the presentation is the Darjeeling Railway. Current membership is over 80 but there is no cap on numbers. All are welcome to attend any of the meetings as a taster event. The first outing of the year is scheduled for Tuesday 20^th October to Bridlington for fish & chips followed by a detailed look at Hull Paragon Station. Details of the group here.

If you are thinking of coming on 29^th September, please just reply to this News Flash so the group can be advised. Thank you.

On line presentations from u3a

A really interesting mix of topics, all of which are available to join as part of your recently paid annual subscription. The full list is available on this link including four years of AI chatbots and how they are increasingly being used by u3a and a live vegetarian cooking demonstration.

Interested in the origins and growth of Punk Music in the UK? Tomorrow Thursday 17^th September one of our own members, Lee Westbrook, will be sharing his insight. Lee’s talk is also part of the on line presentations but can be booked directly using this link.

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 23^rd September (details here )

Courthouse Otley 10:00 am to 11:30 am Monday 5^th October (details here )

Clarke Foley Ilkley 10:30 to 12 noon Wednesday 7^th October (details here )

Regular drop ins

We are at Clarke Foley Ilkley thisFriday 18^th September (details here )

Then at Guiseley on Wednesday 7^th October (1:30 pm) (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 this Friday 18th September. (details here )

Market Place for u3a members

Members can seek, sell or give away items via our Market Place. This facility is also available to promote approved activities that might be of interest to our members.  Select here to create a post.

Alzheimer’s Research UK Sponsored Three Bridges Walk 11 am Sunday, September 20th

WANTED : Mobility Wheeler with seat and brake

Tai Chi Shoes size 6 - £6  Cotton soles. Only worn a few times

Mountain bike tyre 26" Just the tyre, not the bike!

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

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.

Promoting huge variety of online presentations from our parent body

Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale is organising a sponsored walk in aid of Alzheimer's Research.

Coming up in Bradford: the world renowned Flower Carpet!

Heritage Open Days are taking place again this year (11-20 September)

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.

Dates for your diaries

Guided walk by Ilkley Civic Society looking at the legacy of Dean Brothers. Three generations of builders that changed the face of the town between 1860 to 1940. 2 pm Thursday 17^th September. Details, booking on this link.

For those interested in Ilkley history. A talk on Sir Peter Middleton (c. 1585-1645) over coffee at Ilkley Manor House at 10:15 am Friday 25th September. Details and booking on this link.

Which is the poshest town in Yorkshire?

According to a tongue-in-cheek cheek video it’s a choice between Harrogate and Ilkley. Part of the evidence in favour of Ilkley is because our u3a offers croquet lessons. Watch the video here. Opens up a Facebook page. Runs for just two minutes. Ignore any requests to join Facebook!

Could AI do more for you?

A dominating subject in the news this week, but AI is available now for individuals to use via smart phones, tablets and home computers. It can do far more than search for answers—it can help with many everyday tasks. Discover its possibilities through the Third Age Trust’s free weekly online course for beginners, highly recommended by dozens of our members who have attended similar courses over the past 12 months.

For those who regularly use Google search, it is a real eye opener. Find out more and book on this link. Starts 2 pm Monday 2^nd November with a total of four weekly sessions.

We hope these raise a smile!

Council signpost. Fouling of this footpath by dogs is an offense. Pedestrians only. (Thanks to Denise Marsden)

When it’s raining cats and dogs, take care not to step in the poodles.

Why do poor dogs chase their tails? They’re just trying to make ends meet.

Best wishes

John & Christine

Email Newsflash@ilkleyu3a.org or call 0300 102 4549 (local rate).

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