Providing opportunities for older people in Craven District and neighbouring areas

Monday- Groups for 2023-24

Updated July 2023

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Birdwatching (5377/outdoor)

Meetings are weekly and alternate between indoor meetings at Bolton Abbey Village Hall where we have presentations for 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!

Astronomy (5394/science)

The night sky and understanding the universe are at the heart of Craven u3a's astronomy group. We will meet monthly this winter, in Skipton's Sandylands Sports Centre, for our talks and discussions. We aim to share knowledge in a friendly informal way, and beginners are most welcome. Each month there will be a presentation on some aspect of astronomy and space exploration, which may include video. We will also discuss what can be seen in the sky at night, what stars and planets are visible in Skipton at the moment, and other events such as an eclipse or meteor shower.

Italian - Continuing (5400/languages)

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 d 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.

Recorder (Continuers) (5416/music)

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. Allow £10 for music.

Recorder Ensemble (5417/music)

Four or five part music will be played on Descant, Treble, Tenor and Bass recorders from different genres. It is an asset if members can play more than one instrument. The group is sometimes invited to take part in public performances.

Ten-Pin Bowling (5425/sport)

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

Woodturning 1 (5431/indoor)

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 (5432/indoor)

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.

Exploring Poetry (38449/indoor)

The group will continue to explore poetry selected by theme or author. Group members may wish to present their own selection to share, the themes will be discussed and agreed upon at the start of the course.We already have 6 members who wish to continue so the group is currently full.

Arts Forum (46207/art)

This is a weekly participatory Discussion Group from 2pm on Mondays for a hour where each member contributes image/s of a piece of artwork , theme of an artist/s to discuss. We are on Zoom to be inclusive cheap and to maximise use of images. The aim is for each member to present once per term over the projected two terms . Ideally the maximum number for the group is 11 and the minimum 5.

Economics (54126/science)

Simple guide through basic economic theory to enable a better understanding of how it influences people's lives

Literary Lives (54133/indoor)

Joint leaders David Turner & Judith Barras. Illustrated talks on the lives of literary figures by David, Judith Barras and volunteers.

Opera DVDs (54135/indoor)

To see opera is to see the climax of music and drama, the summit of tragedy and comedy. This is a new Craven u3a group, for anyone interested in exploring opera. We meet fortnightly in Skipton at the Sandylands Sports Centre, and watch an opera chosen and presented by a member of the group, with time for tea and discussion. If you have an opera film on DVD or digital media that you would like to show and give a short talk about, then please offer. I will start off the season with Wagner's opera Das Rheingold. New members can join at anytime

Woodturning in Summer (54145/indoor)

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.£20.00/term

The Economic History of theWar (54160/history)

This course will examine how the combatant managed and organised their economic resources and ultimately effected the outcome of the conflicts.

Exploring the Countryside (54167/walking)

This is a series of summer walks in the Skipton area. Each month we have an informally guided walk in the Craven countryside or village in the Yorkshire Dales. The walk may take about two hours, and may involve a cafe or picnic. Each walk will be organised by a member of the group who will circulate beforehand by email some background information about the place and its history. We will lead the first trip, to Linton, then rely on other volunteers. No dogs, please. We try to use public transport where possible.

Skipton: The Origins (54178/history)

The course examines the transformation of Skipton from an historic market town concentrated in and around the High Street, to a small industrial town characterised by a distinctive pattern of social and spatial segregation, well ordered housing developments, effective governance, mature social institutions, and extensive railway connections. All of this was underpinned by successful engagement with the expanding cotton textile industry. Although the course draws on historical geography, and social and economic history, no prior knowledge is necessary, and all are welcome. The course is presented mainly as generously illustrated lectures, and the intention is to demonstrate that familiar urban landscapes are rich in historical interest. Terraced housing, mills, chapels, and railways are amongst the themes which will be considered. I hope this will be of particular interest to people who are new to the town as well as those who attended Skipton and the Growth of Suburbia in 2022

Stretching/Yoga (54180/sport)

Exercise to improve flexibility posture and balance. You should be able to do shoulder stands and sit down on your heels, Floor work is a crucial part of the class. Please bring a mat and bottle of water and wear comfortable clothing and soft shoes

Stretching/Movement (54181/sport)

Gentle exercise to improve flexibility posture and balance. Some standing, but mostly chair exercise. Please wear comfortable clothing and soft shoes and bring a bottle of water.

Shorty Walks (54182/walking)

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.

Geology Walks (54198/walking)

These morning walks take us through the fascinating geology of Craven.. We go to a local feature, such as a hill, river, quarry or mine. On our walk we look at fossils, rocks and minerals, and see the geology around Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales. Each walk is informally guided by me, and I email out a description a few days beforehand, and you reply if you can come. 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,no dogs). The walks vary from 1 to 4 miles and may involve some scrambling.

Indoor Games (54199/indoor)

The group provides an opportunity for members to meet socially during the dreek winter months and to enjoy some FRIENDLY competition. The Venue provides full facilities for darts dominos and pool. Members also have access to a wide range of board and card games including scrabble chess/draughts monopoly canasta whist and bridge. Members are very welcome to bring along their own games to try out. Refreshments are available for purchase from the Lounge Bar during the afternoon.

Racketball (54201/sport)

Sandylands - Monday 8.50 - 10:50 every week except public holidays. Played on a squash court with similar rules but with a larger ball and racket. Clothing as for squash/tennis with non-marking shoes. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Court fees £2 per session payable in cash or by bank transfer arranged with the Group Leader.