Providing opportunities for people who are retired from full-time employment in Skipton and neighbouring areas

CRAVEN U3A PROGRAMME 2025-2026

Welcome to our new Craven u3a Programme. Craven u3a provides opportunities for people
who are retired or semi-retired in Skipton, and the surrounding area. We have over eighty
different group activities for our members to enjoy.

The Programme details can be found on our website, and via the Beacon database

https://cravenu3a.org

OPEN EVENT
TUESDAY AUGUST 12TH
11 am to 1pm
SKIPTON TOWN HALL

Come and chat to our Group Leaders and find out what Craven u3a has on offer for your enjoyment over the next twelve months.

(PLEASE NOTE THE TIME FOR THE OPEN EVENT HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS
YEARS)

Membership

Members fee£20 for the year
Group Leaders fee£15 for the year
Associate£15 for the year

Membership can be renewed from July 1st 2026

Members can join online, information on how to renew membership will be provided. There will be also be support sessions for anyone needing assistance to join or renew their membership at the following events and times.

Summer Programme- Thursday and Friday, July 24th/25th in the morning. 10.30am to 1pm Ermysteds School Hall

Saturday morning Monthly Meeting, August 9th 10 am to 12pm, Champions Church

Open Event, August 12th 10am to 4pm in Skipton Town Hall, Hub

Group Enrolement

Group enrolment for members, will be live on Wednesday August 13th

Craven Stationary on Coach St, will print off copies of the Craven u3a programme, for members, at a small cost

Ad Hoc Walking Group (Out and About)

Irregular, All year 1/9/2025 to 31/8/2026 There is no programme; walks are proposed by group members at short notice taking advantage of good weather. Any group member can propose a walk anytime, anywhere, any length. The proposer can set the maximum group size. Groups are usually small (historical maximum: 18, average: 6). On joining the group, you will be sent the latest guidelines. Surcharge £0.00

Allotment (Out and About)

Joint working on three plots at Broughton road allotments. No experience needed just enthusiasm. The group meets together on Sunday mornings but it is expected that members will work at other times in the week in the busy season and be part of the watering rotation when necessary. Surcharge £5.00

Badminton (Indoor Fun and Games)

Played on marked courts in the main hall at Sandylands, Skipton. Clothing as for indoor sports with non-marking shoes. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Game details: we usually play doubles but also singles depending on numbers. 2 games played to 11 points with 2 points clear. Players rotate between courts.Rackets and shuttlecocks provided.Fees - £4 on a “pay per play” basis. Payable by bank transfer to the Group Leader 3/9/2026 to 26/8/2027 Surcharge - Nil

Book Group - Non-fiction (People and Places)

The only requirement for this group is to have read the book! Meeting on the first Wednesday of the month. Members can choose books in advance from a list provided by Skipton Library which will be emailed before the first meeting. Everyone is responsible for collecting from and returning their book to the library by the due date. There is no requirement to be a member of the library. The venue may vary, using local pubs to meet. Ideally, everyone should be happy to be a member of a WhatsApp group which will be used for reminders and recommendations about books and authors - no pictures of pets, holidays or grandchildren! 1/10/2025 to 1/7/2026 Surcharge £0.00

Book Group Fiction A (People and Places)

Meetings take place on the second Monday of the month, with alternative arrangements if this is a bank holiday. This is an informal group where the only requirement is to have read the book! Members can choose from a list of books provided by Skipton Library which will be emailed in advance of the first monthly meeting Members will need to collect a copy of the book from the library and are responsible for returning it by the due date. The venue may vary, using local pubs to meet. All members should be comfortable with being in a WhatsApp group which will be used for reminders and recommendations of other books and authors- no pictures of pets or grandchildren! 1/9/2025 to 8/7/2026 Surcharge £0.00

Book Group Fiction B (People and Places)

Meetings take place on the second Monday of the month, with alternative arrangements if this is a bank holiday. This is an informal group where the only requirement is to have read the book! Members can choose from a list of books provided by Skipton Library which will be emailed in advance of the first monthly meeting Members will need to collect a copy of the book from the library and are responsible for returning it by the due date. The venue may vary, using local pubs to meet. All members should be comfortable with being in a WhatsApp group which will be used for reminders and recommendations of other books and authors- no pictures of pets or grandchildren! 1/9/2025 to 8/7/2026 Surcharge £0.00

Croquet (Indoor Fun and Games)

2027 Start date May 5 th to Sept 29 th each week The group provides friendly, social competition playing ‘ golf Croquet’ from the beginning of May to the end of September ( weather permitting) . The rules are very straightforward . It is suitable for all members. All equipments is provided. Flat soled shoes should be worn. There will be a weekly charge of £2.50 , in addition to the £10 venue fee per term.

Crown Green Bowls Group 1 (Out and About)

Group Leader - Keith Waddington Instruction and guidance on how to play crown green bowls. 1/5/2026 to 11/9/2026 each week Venue Surcharge £5.00 Instruction and guidance on how to play crown green bowls. 7/5/2027 to 17/9/2027 Venue Surcharge £5.00

Crown Green Bowls Group 2 (Out and About)

Instruction and guidance on how to play crown green bowls. 1/5/2026 to 11/9/2026 each week Surcharge £5.00 Instruction and guidance on how to play crown green bowls. 7/5/2027 to 17/9/2027 Venue Surcharge £5.00

Culture Vultures (Out and About)

Varied irregular meetings all year 1/9/26 - 30/8/27. If you’re into the arts but your friends and/or family aren’t, the Culture Vulture group could be for you! Via our WhatsApp group, we arrange to meet up with other members to attend theatre, cinema, music and other arts events, both in Skipton and further afield. Where appropriate, we arrange to travel together and have been known to meet up before or after events for a drink or two! Venue Surcharge £0.00

Day Trips social group (Out and About)

We are a friendly group who enjoy getting out and about together. We organise our trips on WhatsApp and travel by train, bus and car share. We don't have an organiser, we hope that everyone will suggest destinations. If there is somewhere you want to go or somewhere you enjoy going just comment on our WhatsApp group is anyone interested in to going to ? and people will respond. We have been to Liverpool, Carlisle and lots of interesting places both near and further afield, as well as some lovely scenic walks. Surcharge £0.00

E-biking (Out and About)

We are a relaxed, friendly and supportive group of cyclists of varying experience and fitness. We arrange outings on ad hoc basis via a WhatsApp group, riding more frequently in the better weather! Term dates are a guide only; some hardy souls might like to venture out in the winter. Our routes tend to start from Skipton or Gargrave, and are usually between 20 and 30 miles in length, with a stop at a tea-room. All members are welcome to propose and plan routes. Some members can transport several bikes if necessary. 1/9/2025 to 30/11/2025 1/3/2026 to 31/8/2025 Surcharge £0.00

Fabrics,Threads and Yarns (Creative Arts and Crafts)

Wednesdays 10am to 12pm each week 2026 start date Sept 30th ( no session Oct 28th) end date Dec 9th 2027 start date Jan 6th (no session Feb 27th) end date Mar 17th Working with fabrics and threads is a wonderfully extensive skill that can be applied to small and large, simple and complicated projects. Items to use daily or pieces to give as presents. The Group embrace all aspects of working with fabrics and threads. Everyone can learn to sew or knit, you just require a vision of the finished project and the determination to complete it. If you enjoy sewing or knitting or want to learn to then come along and join our group. We are interested in making all things patchwork from placemats to sophisticated quilts and all the other ways of using this versatile skill. Bring your own work, or a basic sewing kit and some fabric if you want to learn something new. I have ideas for simple starter projects.Everyone welcome, from experienced Quilters/ dressmakers/knitters to complete novices. We can all teach each other what we know and ask for help with what we don’t know. Venue Surcharge £10 per 10 sessions

Floral Art (Creative Arts and Crafts)

Start date Sept 10 -July 8th(on second and fourth Thursday of month) (except Dec 3rd) This group is aimed at people who enjoy flowers and creative thinking. With a different theme each session, and including development of technical skills, it provides an opportunity to interpret titles in individual ways. There is no right or wrong, just your own take on flowers, foliage and mechanics. A supportive and friendly group shares ideas, materials and conversation. We finish with discussion of our ideas and the pleasure of admiring each other’s arrangements and learning from each other, before some planning for our next session Sept 10 - July 8 (2nd & 4th Thursday, except December) Dec 3 Venue surcharge £10.00 (Sept & Jan)

French Conversation (World Languages and Cinema)

An informal course for those already able to speak some French who want to improve their ability and confidence in the spoken word. Members have frequent opportunities to talk in small groups and may also present topics to the class. Modern texts and articles are studied to practice reading, revise grammar and stimulate discussion. 2/10/2026 to 11/12/2026 (No meeting 30.10.26) 8/1/2027 to 19/3/2027 (No meeting 12.2.27) Venue Surcharge £15 per 10 sessions

Gardening (Out and About)

If you enjoy gardens and gardening, this is the group for you. You do not even have to have a garden . We share plants and gardening tips. We visit formal gardens and spend time is each others gardens. It is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours in the spring and summer,in a garden, chatting with our gardening friends over a coffee. We can communicate with each other via Whatsapp and emailWe get together a couple of times a year to plan the following gardening year Surcharge £0.00

Geology Walks (Out and About)

Alternate Monday mornings: 8th March to 20th September 2027 Please come along and join us on our friendly Monday morning walks, mostly following geology trails of up to 4 miles with a focus on the fascinating geology of Yorkshire. The walks are offered and led by Group leaders but please note we are not experts, just keen to share our knowledge and learn from each other. Walk details will be circulated the week before and will include date, time, meeting place, walk length and geology features. Surcharge £0.00

History Extra (People and Places)

An extra History course. Five weekly talks on various things historical. - informative, stimulating, and thought-provoking. From the wonders of early collectors and their eccentricities, via the Frankish empire of the 8th century, to the bosses of the Iron Curtain countries. This course is intended as a priority to enrol those members who were not able to attend the ongoing History Happens course, and will repeat talks give on previous u3a courses. Surcharge £5.00

History Happens (People and Places)

A series of lively talks, on all things historical, with a variety of speakers. Fortnightly, from October to March, specifically designed for our members who enjoy hearing about historical topics that cover unfamiliar ground . . . that take them to unexplored realms . . . that open up new vistas. On a broad range of topics - ancient to modern. From social and cultural history to people, events and politics - such as the story of Rapanui (Easter Island), the peace that followed World War One, archaeology in Uganda, plus geology, garden history and much more. Plenty to entertain and stimulate. Start date Oct 1st every fortnight to Dec 10th 2027 Jan 7th every fortnight to March 18th

Motorcycle Group (Out and About)

The motorcycle group restarted its formal Programme for motorcyclists who enjoy a ride out and a chat. All are welcome. There are scheduled rides from March to October, usually on a Monday or Friday, a couple of times a month. There are also impromptu rides outside the formal programme, around the year, depending on the weather. Send a Whatsapp message to Harry Taylor on 07522 343181 and you'll be added to the group. If you're not already a member of u3a you'll be expected join after a couple of rides. Send an email to harrytaylor1950@hotmail.com and you'll be sent the Programme for this year, but watch out for changes on the Whatsapp group. The rides start from Morrisons Car Park in Skipton at 10 am unless otherwise advised on Whatsapp group.

Nature Rambles (Out and About)

Occasional short walks (no more than a mile) to observe and identify plants and invertebrates along the way. Locations will be selected for their potential variety and will be in the broadly local area. Group members bring and share their knowledge and interest and we all learn from each other. There is also a WhatsApp group where members can share their photographs, observations, questions and comments from other locations and keep interest going between rambles.

Padel Tennis (Indoor Fun and Games)

Wednesdays Autumn 2026 Start Sept 2nd to Nov 4th Spring 2027 Start April 15th to June 16th Weekly Padel Tennis at STC Sandylands, Wednesday lunchtime.1.00-2.30. Two covered courts + one outside court( subject to availability.). All equipment is provided. There will be a coach at the first session to explain the rules. Wear tennis shoes with flat soles please. No trainers or running shoes. There is a club house to socialise in whilst waiting to play Craven u3a has negotiated 90 minute sessions for the next 10 week block. Dates:15/4/2026 to 17/6/2026 Gp A. April 15th, 29th, May 13th 27th, June 10th Gp B. April 22nd, May 6th, 20th, June 3rd, 17th Venue Surcharge for each group of members £20 per 5 sessions autumn and spring

Photo Group (Out and About)

If you are keen on photography, either using your camera or phone, this group will enable you to share your skills with others and maybe learn some new tips on how to improve your photographs. It will be a Whatsapp group where members will meet up at a specific location to take photographs , share your photos on line and discuss the results. There is no leader of the group as the aim is for group members to communicate with each other to decide what they want from the group

Pickleball (Indoor Fun and Games)

2027 Start date April 15 th to June 16 th Come and try Pickleball . It will be on an outside tennis court( weather dependent) The rackets can be purchased at a reasonable price! The Tennis Club will provide some rackets and balls. You can enjoy getting some exercise in the summer, make new friends and socialise in the Tennis Club room whilst waiting your turn to play 2026 May 6th to July 8th Venue Surcharge per group £20 for 5 sessions

Politics Discussion Group (People and Places)

Weekky. Start date Sept 24 th to Dec 3rd ( except ( Oct 29th) 2027 Start date Jan 7 th to March 18 th ( except Feb 11th) The Politics Discussion Group meets weekly to discuss current political events. We also consider the background to political decisions, and the processes of government (in the UK and elsewhere). Group members will bring to bear their wide-ranging experience(s), reading and viewing to try to get a better understanding of what’s going on and where it might lead. Occasionally, a member of the group may offer a more formal input to inform and focus our discussions. The group is not intended to be a forum for political knockabout from entrenched positions, (although members will clearly have, and express, their own views), but rather an educational experience from which we emerge having learned something new or question Venue surcharge £10 per 10 sessions

Racketball (Indoor Fun and Games)

Played on the squash courts at Sandylands, Skipton. Clothing as for indoor sports with non-marking shoes. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Game details: Singles. 2 games played to 11 points with 2 points clear. Players rotate between opponents and courts. Rackets and balls provided. Fees - £5 on a “pay per play” basis. Payable by cash Weekly 7/9/2026 to 30/8/2027 Surcharge - Nil

Shorty Walks (Out and About)

Walks of up to 5 miles can be offered by any group member. The walks can be anything any member would like to share with the group. Amongst others, we have enjoyed town trails, moors walks and canal walks. A walk can be any day of the week, throughout the whole year. If you wish to lead a walk or there is a particular place you would like walk please contact me. 30/8/2025 to 29/8/2026

Sketching outdoors (Creative Arts and Crafts)

We will go on short walks (up to 1 mile or so) using our sketchbooks to observe and capture sights and experiences as we go. Destinations will include woods, rivers, canal, villages, moorland. We will keep it simple - just bring your own sketchbook and some pencils / crayons / charcoal to draw with. For all abilities; this is not a tutored group but advice can be sought, and we can all share our ideas, approaches and techniques. 16/6/2026 to 21/7/2026 Surcharge £0.00

Sunday Lunch Social Group (Indoor Fun and Games)

Our Sunday lunches are are very friendly and all about good food, good chats and catching up once a month. There is no organiser we all take turns to book and organise a lunch when our name comes round. We stay in touch and organise the lunches on WhatsApp, and we car share wherever possible. So far we've had a great mix of local venues and a bit further afield, which keeps things interesting. So suggestions and recommendations for good venues are always welcome. Surcharge £0.00

Table Tennis (Indoor Fun and Games)

2026 Start date Oct 2nd to Dec 4th 2027 Start date Jan 8th to March 20th Each week Have fun and improve your fitness and coordination at the same time. Beginners welcome. Venue Surcharge £5 per 10 sessions

Tenpin Bowling (Indoor Fun and Games)

2026 Start Sept 14th to Dec 11th 2027 Start Jan 11th to April 25th We play 2 games per week. Just for fun! The cost for 2 games is £6 or £7 per week. Surcharge £0.00

Two Hour walks (Out and About)

This group is intended for people who only want a short walk every fortnight, (about 3.5 to 4 miles) or have limited time. They are not necessarily easy, just short. The walks are always within a ten mile radius of Skipton, and there is consideration of access by public transport or lifts can be arranged. There is a small group of walk leaders, but members with walk offers are always welcomed. In the unlikely event of more than twenty wanting to come on a walk, we will restrict numbers, in order to keep within the time limit. Surcharge £0.00

Walk to Lunch 25-26 (Out and About)

We offer morning walks of 4 to 5 miles, every fortnight, followed by a pub/café lunch. Please note that a regular commitment to walks is required and pre-booking for walks/lunches is essential. Members must be fit to walk at a good pace and able to manage hills and stiles. Meeting points and pub menus are circulated by email a week before each walk. You’ll need boots, waterproofs, email access and (sometimes) a sense of adventure !! 9/10/2025 to 24/9/2026 Surcharge £0.00

Walking Cricket (Indoor Fun and Games)

2027 Start Date May 11th to Aug 11th each week Come and have a go at Walking Cricket! The game is played between teams of 6 or 8 players, with each team batting in pairs. Each pair bats for 4 overs. Each time the batter is out, the batters , change ends, unless it occurs at the end if the over or is a run out. Each bowler bowls at least one over( max balls 6) Can bowl underarm. Extras are worth 2 runs. No one is allowed to run!!Modified soft ball is used. No protective equipment needed. 12/5/2026 to 14/7/2026 Venue Surcharge £15

Walking Group 25-26 (Out and About)

2/9/2025 to 1/9/2026 We meet every Tuesday and Thursday weekly for walks in the Yorkshire Dales, Moors and Lake District, between 6 to 13 miles, either easy, moderate or strenuous in grade. Full details in the the group's programme are published for the Winter, Spring and Summer walks. You will receive a copy as a member Surcharge £0.00

Weimar Republic (People and Places)

2026 Thursday every fortnight. Oct 8 th and 22nd, Nov 5th and 19th, and Dec 3rd The Weimar Republic is the name given to the German government between the country’s defeat in 1918 and the beginning of Nazi Germany in 1933. This complex period is characterised by not only political turmoil and economic hardship, but also by new social freedoms and remarkable developments in architecture, art and cinema. The era sets the stage for the unlikely rise to power of Adolf Hitler, thus bringing calamity to Germany, Europe and the world. Try to attend all five talks. Try to attend all five talks. Venue Surcharge £5 per 5 sessions

Wharfedale Walking (Out and About)

Generally every Saturday, all year. A friendly way to walk, at an easy pace up and down the Dales. Walks are mainly in Wharfedale. Typically, walks will be between 6 and 8 miles. You should have appropriate clothing, boots, drink and a picnic lunch. We meet at the start of the walk at 10.00. (Sorry, but no dogs). We like to stop from time to time to take in the scenery and anything else of interest during the walk. A few days before the Saturday walk a description of the walk will be sent by e-mail, and you reply if you want to come on that walk. New walkers can join at any time and members are welcome to offer to lead a walk. 5/9/2026 to 28/8/2027 Surcharge £0.00

Woodturning in Summer 2026 (Creative Arts and Crafts)

Weekly June to August This group will be held in a woodturning club in Carleton. There will be 10 sessions with a set of medium level projects This course is aimed at those with a bit of experience in woodturning but will not be too challenging. It is not the best environment for beginners as time for individual supervision is limited. NB access to the premises involves rough terrain and a steep staircase. There are no toilet or kitchen facilities in the building or the village so members must bring their own refreshments. As we are hiring a club there is a £20 surcharge and also additional costs for materials. At this stage the dates are indicative. Provisional Dates for 2026 sessions: June - 08, 15, 22, 29, July 09,13,20,27, Aug 10,17 Surcharge £20.00

Monday

Group Venue Contact Time Status
Book Group Fiction ALis Cooper18:15 - 19:151 spaces
Book Group Fiction BLinda Hoole18:15 - 19:152 spaces
Geology WalksDiane Killock, Mark Wademan, Richard Collinson10:00 - 12:0022 spaces
RacketballSandylands Sports CentreJon Tomlinson, Michael Swinden, Mike Valiant09:30 - 10:505 spaces
Tenpin BowlingMatrix SuperbowlGail Matthews, Patricia Fawcett14:00 - 16:00Full
Woodturning in Summer 2026Carleton WoodturningAlan Douglas Hirst14:00 - 16:00Full

Tuesday

Group Venue Contact Time Status
Sketching outdoorsNancy Stedman10:30 - 12:30Full
Two Hour walksShirley Davids, Stephanie Crolla, Jamesine Cundell Walker10:00 - 12:00Full
Walking CricketSkipton Sports Community HubAnne F MacDonald10:00 - 12:008 spaces
Walking Group 25-26Mike Valiant, Geoff Wilkinson, Fran Valiant00:00 - 00:00Unlimited

Wednesday

Group Venue Contact Time Status
Book Group - Non-fictionJohn Hoole18:15 - 19:151 spaces
CroquetPendle and Craven Croquet ClubGraham Read13:30 - 15:304 spaces
Fabrics,Threads and YarnsSkipton Sports Community HubBeverly Anne Reay10:00 - 12:001 spaces
Padel TennisSkipton Tennis ClubRoland Styles13:00 - 14:30Full
PickleballSkipton Tennis ClubAnne F MacDonald, Jaqui Fenwick13:00 - 14:305 spaces

Thursday

Group Venue Contact Time Status
BadmintonSandylands Sports CentreJon Tomlinson12:00 - 13:003 spaces
Floral ArtSt Stephens Church Hall SkiptonJesca de Rijk14:00 - 16:007 spaces
History ExtraSwadford Centre Assembly RoomJane Houlton10:00 - 12:0023 spaces
History HappensSwadford Centre Assembly RoomJane Houlton, John Hoole10:00 - 12:0045 spaces
Politics Discussion GroupSwadford Centre Assembly RoomRichard Newson, Susan Ingham, Andrew Dickson13:00 - 15:00Full
Walk to Lunch 25-26Brigida Martino, Jenny Robinson10:00 - 00:00Full
Weimar RepublicSwadford CentreNigel Holden10:00 - 12:0018 spaces

Friday

Group Venue Contact Time Status
Crown Green Bowls Group 1Whinfield Bowling ClubKeith Waddington, Rosemary Bootland11:30 - 14:00Full
Crown Green Bowls Group 2Whinfield Bowling ClubShirley Desgranges, Keith Waddington14:00 - 16:30Full
French ConversationCraven Heifer BloomsJennifer Hanson, Laura Taylor, Pauline Kennedy10:00 - 12:00Full
Table TennisSandylands Sports CentreJennifer Crook14:00 - 16:00Full

Saturday

Group Venue Contact Time Status
Wharfedale WalkingNick Jarvis, Keith Berrington10:00 - 00:00Unlimited

Sunday

Group Venue Contact Time Status
AllotmentAllotmentNoelle Helena Tudhope09:30 - 12:009 spaces
Sunday Lunch Social GroupSheila Mason00:00 - 00:0017 spaces

Varied

Group Venue Contact Time Status
Ad Hoc Walking GroupMike Valiant00:00 - 00:00Unlimited
Culture VulturesWendy Brown00:00 - 00:003 spaces
Day Trips social groupAnne F MacDonald, Sheila Mason00:00 - 00:008 spaces
E-bikingLinda Hoole09:45 - 10:451 spaces
Nature RamblesMaurice White00:00 - 00:0070 spaces
Photo GroupAnne F MacDonald00:00 - 00:005 spaces
Shorty WalksSally Crowley00:00 - 00:00Unlimited

Irregular

Group Venue Contact Time Status
Motorcycle GroupHarold Taylor10:00 - 00:0014 spaces