Thursday – Groups

Adventure into Classical Music (70771/Performing Arts)

Do you enjoy listening to classical music but wish you knew more of it and more about it? This group aims to cater for you - we shall listen to all sorts of music - often starting from something familiar and then exploring pieces that relate to it, always accompanied by some explanation or story which sheds new light or asks an intriguing question. There will also be a strand of discovery in each meeting - in this presentation we shall be looking at the music produced by women through the ages.

Art ( various media) and Cafts (70774/Creative Arts and Crafts)

Come and enjoy spending time sharing your artistic skills and learn from each other using different media, watercolours, pastels, pencils, charcoal and acrylics. Beginners are welcome for Calligraphy and guidance will be given by experienced Calligraphers. Practising beautiful handwriting is mindful and relaxing. Come and join our friendly group.

Badminton (70782/Indoor Fun and Games)

layed 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

Bridge for Improvers (70790/Indoor Fun and Games)

This is for those who have played bridge for at least a year and want to improve their bidding and play; preference will be given to those who have recently started to play bridge (rather than those who have played for many years). After a revision of 'Benji Acol' bidding you will play set hands which illustrate points of bidding and play. In the spring of 2026 we will look at some advanced responses and 0ther conventions.

Bridge Play (70791/Indoor Fun and Games)

This is a friendly group who enjoy playing duplicate bridge in a relaxed setting. It is intended for people who have played a bit of bridge before, but inexperienced players are most welcome. There is a host system, so individuals without a partner will always get a game and players are allowed to refer to their bidding system during play. There is a tea/biscuit break half-way through for which there is a 50p charge. £1 a year is charged for materials, and there is a £5 a term charge to cover room hire. Members are asked to arrive by 1-35 at the latest to allow time for setting up.

Drumming Circle (70799/Performing Arts)

Would you like to bang a drum? Then join this group. No experience necessary. Drum circles have grown in popularity in recent years as a means of enjoyment and improving people’s wellness. The circle will involve playing a mixture of simple rhythms on hand drums and other percussion from African to Latin. It will be led by an experienced drummer who will help you to play. Some drums will be provided but if you have your own that would be good too. Course will initially be limited to 12 people due to instrument availability. If you play drums and would like to assist that would be good too. The course will be weekly from Thursday afternoon the Oct 9th 2025 to Thursday Nov 27th between 2.30 to 4 pm at the Skipton Community Sports Hub.

Films on Thursdays (70804/World Languages and Cinema)

The film group meets every Thursday from October to March. Champions Church is a comfortable venue close to the town centre. We show films from a variety of genres, foreign and English. They all have English subtitles. We welcome new members. Like the Tuesday film group, we are happy to see members who just want to come occasionally. If you cannot come every week, it is a good idea to enrol anyway so that you are on the mailing list. We break for refreshments halfway through the film. We find the films stimulate plenty of conversation. Details of the programme will be available at the Open Event in August. There is a venue surcharge of £5 per 10 week session and a weekly charge of £1, which covers refreshments and the purchase of DVDs.

Floral Art (70806/Creative Arts and Crafts)

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

Illuminating Medieval Manuscri (70820/Creative Arts and Crafts)

Beginning with 'From Sheep to Shelf', on the crafts involved in the making of these marvellous books, we follow with their artistic history from the time of the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Book of Kells through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the invention of printing, and thereafter.

Mah Jong (70826/Indoor Fun and Games)

Mah Jong is an old Chinese game based on three suites, winds and dragons. It stretches the mind, is competitive and satisfying, but needs concentration!

Politics Discussion Group (70845/People and Places)

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 questioning our previous assumptions.

Walk to Lunch 25-26 (70873/Out and About)

We offer morning walks of 4 to 5 miles 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 !!

Walking Group 25-26 (70875/Out and About)

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 published Winter, Spring and Summer. You will receive a copy as a member