Summer Programme booking open!

Over 40 events to be enjoyed from mid-June to end of July. Some have limited availability so book early to secure your place. Select here to read more and book a place.

Learn how to sail without getting on a boat!

Learn to sail remote control model yachts. There are two 4-week courses on four consecutive Sunday mornings. The first course starts on 29th June, and it’s repeated starting on 3^rd August. Expert tuition on Weecher Reservoir, which is situated just east of Dick Hudson’s Pub (postcode BD16 3BE). Just £10 for four sessions. Limited places. For much more detail of what is involved, including pictures, select either of the above links.

If you have a hobby or skill to share, read on

We’re always looking to add new groups, especially if you’re able to help with their organisation. Get in touch using this form. If you’re concerned about the ongoing commitment of a group, you could try running a short course for, say, half a dozen sessions if you have a passion for a subject and want to share it with others. It’s a limited commitment and there’s plenty of help to get started. Email shortcourses@ilkleyu3a.org with your thoughts and ideas.

Groups looking for new members

Local Landmarks and Lunch Not another walking group. We only walk from cars to the landmarks. Maximum of 3 miles total in the day. Outings start on 13^th May and are then on alternate Tuesdays until August. This year’s visits will include landmarks and lunch in Pateley Bridge, Middleton (Ilkley), Threshfield, Baildon and Haworth. They include villages, quarries, listed buildings, gardens and museums. Select here for more information and to contact the leader (Hazel Goulden)

Walking Cricket A friendly group of men and women with differing fitness and ability levels. You don’t need to have played cricket before - the group learns as they play, and the main thing is they have fun. For the summer months the group plays outdoors at Ben Rhydding Sports Club, LS29 8AW. Learn more about the group by selecting this link to our website . A few spaces are available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to15:00. Contact details on the website link.

Boules Group The summer season is underway and the group welcomes new members. They meet at Audley Clevedon, Ben Rhydding Drive every Thursday from 16:00 – 18:00. The season will last as long as the evening daylight and warm weather allows.  For more information including contact details, select this link to our website .

Recorder playing for fun Meeting on third Tuesday afternoon each month, rotating between members’ homes. If you have your own instrument and music stand, even if you last played a long time ago, contact Rosie Carne on 07598 785917 or email rosie.carne@yahoo.co.uk .

Online events

These are organised through our parent body and are free to join as part of your u3a subscription. Select here for details. A never ending range of topics includes one on Turner and Impressionism and another looking at World Faiths. Also, life on a small holding.

Diary dates

Select here for more information on all our drop-in events.

Drop-in Ilkley Friday 2^nd and 16^th May. 10:30 to 12:00.

Drop-in Otley Friday 9^th May 10:30 to 12:00. 

Organ recital St Margaret's Church Friday 2nd May, 12:30.

Ilkley Transport Hub proposals Your questions answered by members of the Steering Group in Clarke Foley Café on Thursday, 8^th May between 16:00 and 17:00. Project information here.

AGM of YAHR (our local regional association) To be held on 12^th May. Details on this link.

Saturday talk 17^th May. Rachel Hardcastle will talk about her experiences of being a local writer and publisher and the processes involved. Learn more on this link.

Our annual showcase event (aka Meet the Leaders) is on Saturday morning 21^st June

Digital drop in

Next session is today (Friday 10:30 to 12 noon 2^nd May) at Clarke Foley. Select here for more information.Bring your fully charged devices along with any passwords and we will do our best to resolve any specific questions. These sessions are about resolving issues, not teaching you how to turn on your phone! Another session in two weeks (Friday 16^th May)

Join u3a today and your annual subscription lasts for 15 months

If you join u3a on or after 1^st May, your next renewal date will be 31^st July 2026. So, this means 15 months of membership for the price of 12. If you know anyone who’s thinking of joining, you know what to tell them! We will soon be encouraging existing members to renew their subscription online, but you can pay by cash or cheque on Saturday 21^st June at our annual showcase event.

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.

Local Webcam to watch breeding peregrine falcons

Walking for Fitness group featuring bluebells and cherry blossom

Latest edition of u3a matters magazine

Wayfarers walking group Visit Brontë Country for a walk up to Top Withins

Please continue to send group news, photographs and anything else of general interest for u3a members to Helen (helen@saltedit.co.uk). This all helps explain u3a to a new audience.

Market Place for u3a members

For the following items, log in and use the website link for more information. Make contact directly with the poster by selecting their name to get their email and phone number.

USA or Canadian $ bills left over from holiday? (Happy to pay the going rate to GBP)

Bramblecrest Bistro Set (See picture on the post to appreciate this item.)

Celebrating Bradford City of Culture 2025

Derek Barker from Bradford u3a adds a daily feature to his blog ‘Bradford Can Take Pride’. Select this link to see all the posts to date and return regularly to see new additions.

Hoping these raise a smile

What happened when a cat ate a ball of wool? She had mittens!

What do cat actors say on stage? Tabby or not tabby!

How is cat food sold? Usually purr-can!

Best wishes

John & Christine Email: Newsflash@ilkleyu3a.org

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.

Attention Group Leaders

On Monday, you will have received an email inviting participation of your group in our annual showcase on 21^st June. Please do respond as soon as possible so the committee can start to plan the layout of tables at Clarke Foley. Didn’t get the email? Reply to this News Flash for another copy.

Next News Flash

It’s holiday time for your editor so the next edition will be early June. However, do watch out for a mid-May update on the summer programme bookings.