Providing opportunities for older people in Craven District and neighbouring areas

Indoor Activity Groups

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In Skipton and the Craven area you can choose from a wide range of indoor activities for you to enjoy, Do you play Bridge and would like a group to play with? How about the fascinating world book reviews or learning the art of beautiful writing. Craven u3a offers you the opportunity to do either or both

Calligraphy (5378/indoor)

We are a small friendly group with various levels of experience. We don’t have a tutor but would welcome anyone wanting to learn a new skill or revive what they learnt at school. We can provide books equipment and guidance to get you started. You might just enjoy the mindfulness of the practice or you might want to produce works of art - the choice is yours. If you are unsure whether it would suit you feel free to try it for a few weeks.

Mah-Jong (5402/indoor)

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!!

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. NB the time may be brought forward 30 minutes.

Bridge Play (38441/indoor)

Craven u3a play Duplicate Bridge at Draughton Village Hall on Thursday afternoons between the dates shown in the calendar.  A friendly group which welcomes all, from the area round Skipton, who have played a bit of bridge (see the ‘Bridge - Supervised Play’ group if you are a beginner).  There is a charge of £1 for the year to cover the cost of cards and travellers.

Flower Arranging (38669/indoor)

This is a hands-on have-a-go practical course suitable for all skill levels from complete novice to experienced arranger. The session format consists of each member doing their own arrangement a break for refreshments each member explaining the ideas and process that informed their arrangement a discussion about the next technical aspect. My principal aim is to provide a supportive environment in which we can develop skills and creativity together. Members source their own materials, from their garden foraging or shop.

Politics Discussion Group (39075/indoor)

Ongoing whose members discuss a wide range of contemporary events. Prior knowledge of political and govt structures is important.

Creative Writing (39109/indoor)

This is not a normal U3A group! We do not actually meet... unless by chance... or for social reasons. We communicate by email and each fortnight a new topic is set. We then have two weeks in which to send our contribution (preferably by attaching a Word file) to the rest of the group via a group email address. Contributions can be prose, poetry, drama scripts or whatever. Members may then send private feedback/comments to the writer. There is no obligation to write, or to comment, and the deadlines are flexible. In fact, we don't really like rules. We always treat each other with respect and try to keep to a 500 word limit so that we are not overwhelmed by having to much to read. Suggestions for topics are always welcome. The key is to have a go... use your imagination... and be creative!

Quilting and Sewing (40133/indoor)

ewing 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. We are part of the Skipton U3A and meet in Christ Church Hall, it is large room with plenty of ventilation. Sessions are on Wednesdays 10am to 12am starting on 20th September 2023. Tea, coffee and biscuits available.

Bridge - Supervised Play (46040/indoor)

This group is for Craven u3a Members who have had some bridge lessons and wish to get practice to improve their game.  You will bid and play random hands.  I will then comment on your bidding and play and then say how, and why, I would have bid and played each hand.  Advice to improve your game will also be given.

Literary Lives (54133/indoor)

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

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

Seeing for Ourselves - Options (54176/indoor)

There are a wide range of local options for people seeking more support or care in later life, or indeed for those of us just looking to downsize or move somewhere more suitable. But do we understand what’s on offer? Is Retirement Living the same as sheltered housing? Is Extra Care the same as a care home? What extra help could we get without moving at all? What does it all cost? We’ll visit a range of places, both for sale and for rent, to find out the answers.

Sunday Lunch Club (54179/indoor)

Whats App group who agree monthly Sunday Lunch Club venues

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.

Railway Group (54204/indoor)

Talks on a wide variety of Railway and related topics from historical to modern mainly British but some foreign content included. The talks are given by a mix of group members and guests - some from the railway industry.