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Issue 26-17 (03 September 2026)
Discover another side of u3a membership
Volunteering may not be why most of us joined u3a, but becoming more involved can bring unexpected benefits: new friendships, the satisfaction of contributing, opportunities to use your experience and maybe learn something new. Discover more about the benefits of volunteering on this link
Come along and explore the possibilities. We are holding a free, informal buffet lunch at the Wheatley Arms, Ben Rhydding, on Tuesday 6th October. Arrive anytime from 12 noon. At 12.30pm, there will be a short introduction to how our u3a is run, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and the many ways members can help. Lunch is served from 1pm, and we will finish no later than 2pm.
Helping does not necessarily mean joining a committee. Opportunities range from occasional and behind-the-scenes support to helping with activities, taking a leadership role or becoming a Trustee.
This is a friendly, exploratory occasion. There will be no pressure to volunteer and no expectation that you decide on the day. Just come along, enjoy lunch and find out more.
Places are limited. To reserve yours, email Chair@ilkleyu3a.org as soon as possible. If you have already received a personal invitation, please reply so that we can include you in the catering numbers.
Curious about becoming a Trustee? For anyone who would particularly like to explore this possibility, a free regional u3a information day will be held in Leeds on Tuesday 22nd September. (details and register on this link)
Spare Places on coach trip Monday 28th September
A few places are left for the Historic Houses visit to Browsholme Hall on Monday 28 September. Discover Lancashire’s oldest surviving family home, with its impressive architecture, historic interiors, antique furnishings and gardens. Please see the attached leaflet for full details. Book by emailing Susan Ward (susanward29@icloud.com)
The price of £56 includes coach travel from Otley, Burley-in-Wharfedale or Ilkley, arrival refreshments, a soup-and-sandwich lunch and a guided tour. NB Susan is away for a few days but will pick up her emails in order of receipt upon her return home early next week.
The visit to Rochdale organised by Northern Towns is now full. To join a waiting list select here.
Monthly Saturday talk.
Next talk is on 10am Saturday 19th 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.
Groups with spaces
Table Tennis on Tuesday pm in Ilkley A few people have left the group so there are now vacancies. Details on this link. Contact group leader Phil Reed. p778833@hotmail.co.uk
Readers Group 1 Meets in Ben Rhydding on the second Tuesday each month. They are happy to welcome anyone who enjoys books and lively discussions of, usually, fiction. Please contact Margaret Cook (mcrombalds@hotmail.co.uk) to find out more.
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 the growing and evolving use of drones, the history of personal hygiene and secrets of the human brain.
Interested in the origins, growth of Punk Music in the UK? On Thursday 17th September one of our own members, Lee Westbrook, will be sharing his insight. Lee’s talk is 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.
Courthouse Otley. 10:00 am to 11:30 am Monday 7th September (details here )
Everybodys Guiseley 10:30 to 12 noon Wednesday 23rd September (details here )
Regular drop ins
We are at Clarke Foley Ilkley onFriday 4th September (details here ) Then at the Core in Otley on Friday 11th September (details here ). Also at St. Mary's Parish Centre, Burley in Wharfedale on Tuesday 15th September (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 4th September. (details here )
Market Place for u3a members
A reminder that members can buy, sell or give away items via our Market Place. Select here to add your items. Log in to see details of the posts.
Free for collection - 2 large wooden trunks Ideal for storing stuff!
Tai Chi Shoes size 6 - £6 Cotton soles. Only worn a few times
Mountain bike tyre 26" Just the tyre, not the bike!
Italian Language Books and CDs As new. Originally cost over £100
Wanted - Automatic Car Yes, a real one! Maybe cut out the middle man if you are thinking of selling.
Want to borrow Toys for 3yr old. Grandchildren visiting. Can you help?
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.
Highlighting local newspaper article Featuring one of our walking cricket members.
A large group attending the Coffee and Chat in Guiseley
Celebrating our online quiz team Every month we participate in a u3a wide quiz via zoom.
Report and super pictures from our Canal Group. Visiting the canal at Silsden.
Attending the Burley Summer Festival. Welcome to our new members.
Promoting a u3a online talk by Lee Wellbrook More details elsewhere in this News Flash.
Promoting Heritage Open days (11th to 20th 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.
Raising awareness of u3a
A really effective way is to tell stories in the local media about how individual members embrace u3a activities. A great example is in the Ilkley Gazette on 27th August. Read details here. Thanks to Dave Elliott for agreeing to tell his story. Anyone else want to be featured? Just reply to this News Flash.
Dates for your diaries
Guided walk by Ilkley Civic Society on legacy of Dean Brothers. Three generations of builders changed the face of the town between 1860 to 1940. 2 pm Thursday 17th September. Details on this link.
For those interested in Ilkley history. A talk over coffee at Ilkley Manor House 10:15 am Friday 25th September on Sir Peter Middleton (c. 1585-1645). Details and booking on this link.
The latest newsletter from our parent body
For those who do not subscribe, select here to read a copy. Of particular note this month is the front page cover photograph featuring our own Dales Strider Group on a residential trip to the Lake District. It is a striking image that we often use in our social media posts.
We hope these raise a smile!
Have you heard about the man who changed his bed for a trampoline? His wife hit the roof! (Thanks to Denise Marsden)
What do a credit card and a gymnast have in common? Outstanding balance!
I asked the local gym if they could train me in gymnastics. They said “How flexible are you?” I replied, “I can do Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Best wishes
John & Christine
Email Newsflash@ilkleyu3a.org or call 0300 102 4549 (local rate).
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