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

Monday – Groups

Updated July 2024

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Art Forum (62342/Creative Arts & Crafts)

This is a fortnightly group where each member contributes to the discussions by introducing images of Art on Zoom.A regular commitment is required as we each develop our way of seeing together as a member of the Group.

Arthurian Legends (62307/People and Places)

Monty Python, Mallory, Myth and Music – a study in film, opera, literature and art of the legends surrounding King Arthur. Themes include Lancelot and Guinevere, Parsifal and the Grail, Excalibur and Arthur’s death. Sessions mostly consist of a film or filmed opera, with additional material from poetry and art. There is also a screening of Chausson's Le roi Arthus subtitled in English specially for us.

Astronomy, & Planetary Geology (62400/Science & Technology)

Earth’s climate from the viewpoint of astronomy and geology is one of the themes of these illustrated talks on our planet and its relation to the Solar System. We look at planetary origin and evolution, rocks and volcanism, interiors and surfaces, atmospheres and energy. Each talk is self-contained, so don't worry if you miss a session. We also discuss what can be seen in the night sky at the moment.

Birdwatching (62309/Out and About)

Meetings are weekly and alternate between indoor meetings at Bolton Abbey Village Hall (where we have presentations from members and visiting speakers and some DVDs) and trips by car sharing or coach to nearby birdwatching spots. Many are RSPB reserves so membership is useful. The groups is co-ordinated by Jacqui but many long serving members help with leading small groups on trips/ giving presentations/ sorting I.T and making coffee. New members welcome!

Geology Walks (62318/Out and About)

These morning walks take us through some fascinating geology of the Yorkshire Dales. We go to a local feature such as a hill, valley, quarry or mine. On our walk we look at landscape, rocks, fossils and minerals. Beginners and experts are all welcome, we are a friendly group and learn from each other. We meet at 10 am Monday fortnightly at the car parking at the start of the walk (sorry, but no dogs). The walks vary from 1 to 4 miles and may involve some scrambling. Before each walk I email out details, and you reply if you are coming.

Improvisation classes - jazz a (62373/Performing Arts)

The course is an introduction to jazz and popular music improvisation. The aim is to be able to improvise around a melody and its chord sequence. It is jazz based but also includes other music styles.Any instrument would be would be suitable, but the player would need to have about 5 years’ experience, probably playing in a band or orchestra and have some practical knowledge of scales and arpeggios.The classes are aimed at both at beginners to improvisation and those with some experience/competency.The content would be a mix of theory, practical demonstration and individual session. The theory will cover the subjects of harmony and chord progressions.Including:•Major and minor scales, •Dominant 7th and Sustained chords•Diatonic and Pentatonic scales•Creating motives•Cycle of 5th•Jazz articulation•basic chord progression•playing from memory without musicThe practical sessions will include Pre-recorded backing tracks with written music scores.Later in the course, I aim to include a band/rhythm section for experience playing with a live band.

Indoor Games (62320/Indoor Fun, Games and Fitness)

The Indoor games Group provides an opportunity for members to meet socially, during the dreek winter months, and to enjoy some FRIENDLY competition.The group meet weekly at The Three Links Club, where a wide range of games are available, including darts, dominoes, scrabble, draughts/chess, pool and various card and board games. Members are very welcome to bring in their own games to try out. We play purely for FUN - no prizes or trophies. Refreshments are available during the afternoon from the Club Bar.

Italian Continuation (62321/World Languages and Cinema)

This class is for students with a reasonable level of fluency whether obtained through study or visiting/living in Italy. We spend some time chatting in Italian. We do a listening exercise every week, and comprehension exercises that can be prepared at home. We cover a wide range of topics focussed mostly on Italy and things Italian. Occasionally we do some advanced grammar or translation.

Literary Lives (62376/People and Places)

Illustrated talks on the lives of literary figures by Judith Barras, David Turner and guest presenters.

Racketball (62331/Indoor Fun, Games and Fitness)

Played on 4 squash courts as per UK Racketball rules. 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 will rotate between all 4 courts depending on numbers and availability. Short waits may happen at busy times.Court fees: £4 per session payable by bank transfer. No further fees will apply.

Recorder Continuers (62382/Performing Arts)

We are an informal, supportive, self-help group (no tutor) and members have a varied amount of musical knowledge. We play all sorts of 2, 3, and 4 part music. Ideally you should have some previous basic experience, but if in doubt please contact me to check standard needed. Requirements: Recorder and portable music stand. Additional costs to members -Allow £10 for music

Recorder Ensemble (62332/Performing Arts)

Four or five part music will be played on, descant, treble, tenor and bass recorders, from different genre. It is an asset if members can play more than one instrument. The group usually plays at the u3a carol service in one of the Skipton churches. Requirements: Recorders and portable music stand

Renaissance Gardens and Ovid (62383/People and Places)

A journey through gardens, poetry and myth. Many of the famous gardens of the Italian Renaissance draw their design and imagery from the work of the lively Classical Roman poet Ovid. We will look at these fine gardens, and others round Europe; exploring the ideas behind their creation; learning about Ovid, and Renaissance culture, along the way. No prior knowledge of Latin required. Just bring your interest and curiosity, as we explore many corners of literature, hidden history and lost gardens.[Please note that this course runs every two weeks, alternating on Monday afternoons with LIterary Lives]

Science and Technology Discuss (62384/Science & Technology)

Discussion of current scientific topics that are of special interest to group members. If members have expertise in a particular area the group would welcome a presentation. The group distributes discussion documents via their website: https://cravenst971700904.wordpress.com so familiarity with internet technology would be an advantage. Meetings are held in a hybrid in-person/Zoom format. We will have the internet and a large screen at the venue so that participants and articles can be display to all.

Shorty Walks (62334/Out and About)

Walks of 2 - 5 miles for those who prefer gentler exercise in a social context. Walks are offered and led by group members. Our programme includes walks in the Dales town trails canals and anything else any member wishes to offer! The information about each walk is emailed monthly with a reminder a few days before each walk. This includes date, time meeting place transport options walk length stiles and a general description of the terrain. All walks are at members’ own risk.

Stretching / Yoga (62389/Indoor Fun, Games and Fitness)

Exercise for flexibility, core strength and balance. You should be able to sit down on your heels and do a shoulder stand to perform the exercises correctly.A mat is preferable for floor positions. Please bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable clothing.

Ten Pin Bowling (62337/Indoor Fun, Games and Fitness)

We play 2 games of bowling. No experience required. £4/5 per week.The session starts at 2 pm and lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This is friendly bowling no experience required.

Woodturning 1 (62397/Creative Arts & Crafts)

A mixed ability class. Beginners will be taught basic techniques. Returners will undertake more ambitious projects. N.B. This course involves moving machinery and sharp tools, so there are health and safety issues, which will be taught. There will be some exposure to dust, so it may not be advisable for those with breathing difficulties. Physical strength is not required, so it is suitable for both sexes. Persons with health problems such as postural hypotension MUST inform the Group Leader. Additional cost <£5 for cost of materials, wood

Woodturning 2 (62398/Creative Arts & Crafts)

A mixed ability class. Beginners will be taught basic techniques. Returners will undertake more ambitious projects. N.B. This course involves moving machinery and sharp tools, so there are health and safety issues, which will be taught. There will be some exposure to dust, so it may not be advisable for those with breathing difficulties. Physical strength is not required, so it is suitable for both sexes. Persons with health problems such as postural hypotension MUST inform the Group Leader. Additional cost <£5 for cost of materials, wood

Woodturning in Summer (62399/Creative Arts & Crafts)

This group will be held in a woodturning club in Carleton. There will be 10 sessions in which I will do a demonstration of a project and the leave it to the group to make the piece themselves. This course is more suited to those with a bit of experience in woodturning but will not be too challenging. NB the premises to be used involve rough terrrain in the approach and a steep staircase. There are no toilet or kitchen facilities so members must bring their own refreshments.