Wednesday – Groups

Aerobic Fitness Training (70772/Indoor Fun and Games)

The course is aimed at improving overall body fitness levels. Activities include some upper body strength training, as well as the generally accepted aerobic workouts, resistance training, incorporating light weights and use of gym equipment. Numbers are limited so Members should be prepared to do press-ups squats lunges and be able to sustain some high intensity aerobic exercise (HIIT). Suitable clothing essential. Please bring water and check with your doctor that HIIT is OK for you, as heart rates will be elevated.

Art and Architecture (70778/Creative Arts and Crafts)

This is a follow-on course to the History of Art, but it is not necessary to have done that first. This course looks at European art, architecture and design outside in the 19th century France. The second part of the course looks at western art, architecture and design more generally in the 20th century. The course includes an architectural tour around Leeds

Book Group - Non-fiction (70784/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!

Bridge for Beginners (70789/Indoor Fun and Games)

Bridge is a fascinating game of cards which will help you to develop memory, concentration and strategy. This course assumes no prior knowledge, as the first 2 sessions are devoted to the basics of card play, followed by 8 sessions covering varous aspects of bidding and card play. The objective is to reach a standard of play which would enable you to join the u3a Bridge play group which meets on a Thursday afternoon. Total cost is £5 for handouts/homework sheets and tea/biscuits. I will be recommending a website for extra practice but have some resources for people without internet.It will take place at my home in Addingham (24 Coppy Road, LS29 0TA). It is easy to park near the house, and is a 5 minute walk from a bus stop from Skipton and Keighley/Silsden.

Craven u3a Orchestra (70792/Performing Arts)

The orchestra welcomes instrumental players of all abilities. We have varying levels of skill but all share an enthusiasm for making music together. We have a wide repertoire ranging from Handel’s Water Music to Morricone’s film music. The rehearsals are always an enjoyable and rewarding way of spending an afternoon.

Croquet (70793/Indoor Fun and Games)

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.

Geography Forum (70810/People and Places)

Talks, mainly by members of the Forum, on Geography, History, People and Places

History Happens (70038/People and Places)

A new course, with a variety of speakers, this is a series of lively talks, fortnightly, specifically designed for our members who enjoy talks on 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 course of the year 1816, travel by stage and mail coach, and what you would find in cabinets of curiosities. Plenty to entertain and stimulate.

Italian Beginners (70822/World Languages and Cinema)

The class this year (Autumn 2025) will be for complete beginners although places will be reserved for those who persisted through last year and wish to re-enrol. They will help, as revision, with the beginners' classes, but otherwise will be working separately as a group. Beginners is for complete beginners - we do very little grammar in the first year, but through repetition and role-play, by the end of the year you will have acquired a basic 'get by' knowledge of the language to help you on a holiday in Italy. Anyone who is not a complete beginner may wish to join the smaller group who have a basic fluency. They will be revising the very basics, learning some areas of vocabulary, and covering a basic grammar: singulars, plurals gender, definite and indefinite articles, adjectives and how they change to 'agree' with the nouns they describe, and the very basics of how verbs work in Italian: a present, a past, and a future tense - the formation and usage thereof.

Japan: A history in five talks (70824/People and Places)

This highly compressed history of Japan begins with the ancient gods and cherry blossom and ends with a journey on the bullet train past Mount Fuji. The dominant theme is Japan’s clash and fusion with the Western world since the mid-16th century. The talks will entail considerable cross-referencing between different periods of Japanese history. Hence, this is NOT a course for dipping in and out of. Priority of place will therefore be granted to those members who to the best of their knowledge can commit themselves to attending all five talks.

Padel Tennis (70840/Indoor Fun and Games)

Come play Padel Tennis on indoor courts. All equipment is provided. There will be a coach at the first session to explain the rules etcThere are two courts, players can have a rota , taking turns to play. There is a club house to socialise in whilst waiting to play

Pickleball (70843/Indoor Fun and Games)

Come and try Pickleball . It will be on an outside tennis court( weather dependent)You will need to purchase a Pickleball racket as they are not provided. The rackets can be purchased at a reasonable price!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

Pottery Collective (70848/Creative Arts and Crafts)

A creative Co-op with a weekly meet to exchange ideas and support each other in a ceramic journey. We have 2 venues in Sutton and Skipton with (loosly) the Sutton group for everyone including beginners and the Skipton venue for more experienced potters or those with an Arts background

Quilting and Sewing (70849/Creative Arts and Crafts)

Sewing 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 Quilting Group embrace all aspects of sewing. Everyone can sew, you just require a vision of the finished project and the determination to complete it. If you enjoy sewing or want to learn to sew 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 to complete novices. We can all teach each other what we know and ask for help with what we don’t know.

Singing Madrigals (70858/Performing Arts)

In this course we shall get together to sing examples of English madrigals and other simple part songs. Singing in parts is a group activity where we support each other and is good for both body and mind. Enthusiasm and a willingness to try will be more important than musical experience, although some knowledge of musical notation will help.

Spanish Conversation Advanced (70864/World Languages and Cinema)

An opportunity for those who already have a good level of spoken Spanish, to improve their knowledge and ability. We will use some videos and newspaper articles to learn useful Spanish colloquial expressions. The emphasis will be on spoken Spanish although some reading will be required to facilitate it. The course is not suitable for beginners.

Stories of Scientists (70865/Science and Technology)

Stories of Scientists their background and discoveries.

Stretching /Movement (70867/Indoor Fun and Games)

Chair exercise to improve posture, balance and flexibility. Seated exercise, with some standing positions using the chair as an aid. PLease wear comfortable clothing and light soft shoes. Bring a bottle of water.