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Settle District u3a Groups

Art Appreciation     

When 1st Tuesday 2-3.30pm
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Enquiries ecldh@btinternet.com
Information This group is led by Julie Paisey assisted by David Holdsworth. Much more information is here: <A HREF=https://settle.ddns.net/U3A/AA>https://settle.ddns.net/U3A/AA</A>.

Art study     

When 2nd and 4th Thursday each month ,time 1pm till 3pm
Venue Catholic Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:00 to 15:00
Enquiries daveglass56@icloud.com
Information Leader: Teresa Gordon We shall study Portraits,Life modelling,Still life and Landscapes.

Backgammon     

When Last Monday of the month
Venue The Golden Lion
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries Mark Houston
Information Backgammon group will meet on the last Monday of the month and by agreement between members (usually on the morning of the day) on the other Mondays. Backgammon is a two player board game that is played with counters and dice on a board. Players move their counters around triangular points, according to the throw of the dice. It is suitable for all levels and members will learn to play in the relaxed atmosphere of the Golden Lion in Settle. Group leader Mark Houston can be contacted on 07860445578

Badminton     

When Fridays
Venue Langcliffe Village Hall
Normally meets 10:00 to 11:00
Enquiries Barry White
Information The badminton group meets every Friday at 10.00am in Langcliffe Village Institute The group attracts players of mixed ability, both those with some or no experience of the game. People can meet in a friendly atmosphere and enjoy developing their skills while making new friends. It can be competitive, however, it is more about having fun than winning a championship. All you need is a racket, suitable shoes and a sense of fun. If you feel like stretching your legs and hitting a shuttlecock then join us.

Birdwatching     

When Monthly outdoor and indoor meetings
Venue Other
Enquiries Les Chandler Tel. 07802 543676
Information The aim of the group is to provide members, whatever their level of birding expertise, with the opportunity to: 1. enjoy the experience of looking for, and at, birds in the wild; 2. understand how different bird species live; and 3. develop their skills in identifying individual bird species.

Book Group     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 3rd Monday; 2-3.30pm
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Enquiries 01729 822524
Information Leader: Jackie Allott: We are an informal group meeting and take it in turns to choose a book for general discussion. This means a chance to read a across a range of literature - fiction and sometimes non-fiction - which may not usually be on our own agenda. There is plenty of opportunity to share our thoughts and we always relish differing ideas. The group is limited to about twelve members as it enables everyone to join in as they wish. Pre- Covid we met in each others homes but then 'zoomed'. More recently we have met at Friends Meeting House and it will be a group decision should we decide to continue or change this arrangement. It would be good to hear from you if you wanted to know more or just come along for a 'taster' session.

Book group - short stories     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When First Monday afternoon of month
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Enquiries tim@soundbeam.co.uk
Information This group will focus on the short story form though it may veer into novellas and excerpts from longer works of fiction. Members should try and source a copy of ‘The New Picador Book of contemporary Irish fiction’ (ed Dermot Bolger). Irish writers provide an extremely rich source of reading, but we will also include other iconic practitioners of the form including Annie Proulx, Alice Munro, John Cheever and Raymond Carver.

Bridge     

When Every Monday and every Thursday
Venue Limestone View, Settle
Normally meets 10:15 to 12:30
Enquiries 07788184174
Information Leader: Barbara Herring This Bridge group is for all levels. The Group meets every Monday morning to play bridge online from home. On Thursday mornings we meet in the cafe at Limestone View in Settle. At the moment there are some that play in person, some who play online and some who play both in person and online. The online facility will be maintained even after everyone feels COVID secure. If interested in learning and/or playing bridge ring Barbara Herring on 07788184174

Card Making     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 3rd Thursday 10-12am and 1-3pm
Venue Leader's home
Normally meets 10:00 to 15:00
Enquiries newby868@btinternet.com
Information Leader: Wendy Newby: Third Thursday of each month. 2 sessions -one in morning(10-12am) and one in afternoon(1-3pm). Max 6 members at each session. Each month we make at least two cards using a wide range of techniques and materials (which are supplied for a small charge). The leader provides any specialist tools and equipment required. A basic crafting tool kit of scissors, craft knife and mat, metal rulers etc is useful but not essential.

Classic cinema     

When First Monday of the month 1.30 - 4pm
Venue The Place
Normally meets 13:30 to 16:00
Enquiries sdu3a.vicechair@gmail.com
Information Classic cinema: What makes classic cinema and why do they endure regardless of time ?. Travel back to the golden age of Hollywood and the world of comedy, film noir and melodrama. Stars such as Bette Davis’s and Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Louis Armstrong and Katherine Hepburn were directed by ground breaking directors from across Europe and beyond including Fritz Lang, Carol Reed, Alfred Hitchcock and George Cukor. Each month we will watch a different film and discuss its merits and shortcomings, as well as thinking about the influence it has exerted on future film makers. You don’t have to have any previous knowledge of films, just a willingness to share your opinions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Crafts     

When 4th Friday
Venue Settle Swimming Pool
Normally meets 13:00 to 15:00
Enquiries charlottetreglown@googlemail.c
Information A monthly group which runs September-June. Each month there's an opportunity to try out a craft, as well as to work on your own projects in the company of other crafters. The group is run by Charlotte, who is a natural dyer and botanical printer, and a dabbler in all sorts of other techniques. Group members also share their skills and expertise, either by helping others with their work, by demonstrating what they do, or by running a participative session. The group meets in one of the rooms at the Swimming Pool, so it's be possible to grab a cuppa too. Sign up and bring your knitting (or whatever) along!

Crime Novel Book Group     

  Note that Crime Novel Book Group is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When Second Friday of the month. 2pm- 3.30
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Enquiries Elaine Sargeson 07773 694608
Information Do you enjoy a good crime novel, be it police procedural,cosy crime or murder mystery? If the answer is yes, then this group is for you. Reading and reviewing a wide range of novels in the genre, we will meet once a month in the Activity Room at The Friends Meeting House, the second Friday of the month at 2pm. Starting in September 2024.

Cryptic crosswords     

When Third Thursday of the month
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Enquiries tim@soundbeam.co.uk
Information Cryptic crosswords group will meet monthly. Group members will tackle a cryptic crossword set by the leader. Cryptic crosswords are described as the most challenging of puzzles, whose answers are hidden in the clues themselves. They are said to to ask you to think in layers that combine logic, language and patterns recognition.

Dance Exercise     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Wednesday
Venue Catholic Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:00
Enquiries jillcraig22@gmail.com
Information A mix of Latin, jazz and Zumba Gold which can be high energy or low impact - you choose!

Family History     

When 4th Friday 10.30am-12.30pm
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 10:30 to 12:30
Enquiries Mrsbamford@aol.com
Information Leader: Eileen Bamford: For all who are interested in family history, from beginners to the more experienced. The programme will combine work on specific topics, in plenary sessions and in small groups, give opportunities to bring individual queries and to organise visits to relevant libraries, record offices etc. This is not so much a course, more a discussion and development group, with shared help and encouragement.

Founding Members     

When 
Venue 
Enquiries 
Information 

French (continuing)     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Every Tuesday 14.00 to 15.30
Venue Settle Swimming Pool
Normally meets 14:05 to 15:30
Enquiries 01729 825972
Information Leader: Colin Coleman: This is a very friendly group, whose members all have some previous knowledge of French. We use a range of printed and recorded texts, including literature, poetry, song and journalism with a particular emphasis on members' own experience, to improve our spoken language and understanding of France and the French. All are encouraged to be both teacher and learner and not to worry about making mistakes.

Garden Visit Group     

When Monthly as planned
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information The Garden Visiting Group usually meets once a month, often on a Sunday. We enjoy visiting a variety of gardens and do return to old favourites from time to time. The only requirement from participants is that they enjoy looking at gardens!. If they are interested in identifying any particular plant, another member may know or we can consult an app! We try to ensure that refreshments and toilets are available and we will highlight any possible hazards, if known. However, as most of the gardens we visit are private, it isn't feasible to do a 'dry run' first. Sensible clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather are advised. Where possible, car sharing is encouraged in part to reduce our carbon footprint but especially to enable members, who don't drive, the opportunity to visit the gardens. There is NO expectation that members attend every visit.'

German (conversation)     

  Note that German (conversation) is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 2nd & 4th Wednesday - starting Oct 14th 2026
Venue Catholic Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:30 to 12:00
Enquiries 07401129929
Information Leader: Sheila Goodall: We aim to spend as much time as possible in conversation, with the emphasis on communicating in German so that you can be understood. Getting your message across takes priority over being word perfect. Topics are wide ranging, from discussion of personal interests and experiences, local events or travel to discussions based on magazine articles covering a wide range of subjects which we read together during our sessions. There is no formal programme and group members are encouraged to propose topics or contribute articles for discussion This group is not suitable for beginners.

Get by in Spanish     

When Weekly Weds 11.30am
Venue Members Homes
Normally meets 11:30 to 13:00
Enquiries Robert Jackson
Information A friendly, informal group of people who know the basics but want to practise speaking Spanish in practical situations when they are abroad. Join us as we try to improve out confidence and fluency while having fun along the way.

Great Lives     

When 3rd Wednesday 11am-12.15pm
Venue Catholic Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:00 to 12:15
Enquiries 01729 825786
Information Leaders: John Jebson and Robert Young: The group allows members to present a summary of the life and times of a subject of their choice followed by a group discussion on the presentation.Lives may be current or historical and from any field of human achievement. Participants are guaranteed to learn something new!!

Group Leaders     

When NULL
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information 

Italian conversation     

When Tuesday 6 October
Venue Limestone View, Settle
Normally meets 10:00 to 11:30
Enquiries Clare Leigh
Information We usually meet twice a month (generally on the first and third Tuesdays but occasionally on a different date) to practise speaking Italian, helping each other to become more fluent. If you can already speak some Italian and wish to improve, then get in touch and join in!

Line Dancing     

When Every Thursday 11.15 - 12.15
Venue Catholic Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:15 to 12:15
Enquiries jillcraig22@gmail.com
Information Leaders: Eileen Bamford, Janet Wood and Jill Craig: Line Dancing for all levels, from beginners to those who have been dancing for some time. Fun exercise for body and mind.

Lunch Group     

When 3rd Friday 12.30pm
Venue Other
Normally meets 12:30 to 00:00
Enquiries 01729 825515
Information Leader: Joan Schofield: This group is for anyone who wants to have the occasional lunch out. It may happen on other days. Transport is usually available. The group is kept small and venues are not expensive.

Map Reading     

  Note that Map Reading is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 2-3 week course, dates to be arranged
Venue 
Enquiries kenlarkins@hotmail.com
Information Beginners guide to using a map and compass. Aimed at outdoor lovers who would like to learn how to use a map and compass when out walking. Learn how to locate exactly where you you are on the map. Learn how to recognise features between the map and “what you can see”. Tuition will be given to two or three members at a time over up to three sessions, initially indoors then out in the countryside. Learners will need to be in possession of a local OS map and a compass.

Meditation     

  Note that Meditation is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When Third Wednesday of month 2-3pm
Venue The Place
Enquiries NULL
Information The meditation group will meet monthly in a quiet room for one hour initially. Meditation can increase calm and relaxation when practised regularly. The aim is to introduce meditation, and suggest tools to lead to a regular, personal practice. There will be a opportunity to share our experiences and for members to take turns in leading the session if they wish. No previous experience is required.

Old Buildings     

When Visits are arranged on an ad hoc basis
Venue Other
Enquiries Les Chandler lchandler52@gmail.com
Information The group provides members with the opportunity to enjoy and learn about historic properties in the company of those who share their interest in history, architecture and heritage.

Open Mic     

When Usually 2nd Thursday of the month
Venue Craven Heifer Stainforth
Normally meets 19:45 to 22:15
Enquiries kenlarkins@hotmail.com
Information We meet once a month at the Craven Heifer Pub in Stainforth. Opportunities await anyone who would like to perform something. For those who don't want to perform, we have a great evening in a friendly country pub. As well as providing a performing opportunity for guitarist/singers, we can provide backing for singers who don't play an accompanying instrument. We also hope to include comedy, poetry, story telling, recitations; as well as singers. Anyone can come along, either to contribute, or just to enjoy the show in a friendly country pub. If you want to perform something, come along on the night and put your name on the list. Make sure you bring your friends and family to cheer you on! The event is open to all comers; not just U3A members. For more information, or to check the date of the next session, please email me. Ken Larkins

Philosophy     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 1st and 3rd Thursday 2.15-3.45pm
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:15 to 15:45
Enquiries 01729822380/07890405408
Information Hello. Our first meeting will be at 2.15pm on 17th September at the Friends Meeting House, Settle. Thereafter on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Our first meeting will be to introduce ourselves, have a general overview and discuss future topics. As a base we will be using John Cottingham's Western Philosophy An Anthology, 2nd edition, available second hand in paperback. Looking forward to seeing you, if you are unable to or do not intend to attend please let me know by reply or SMS to my mobile. From Rhys and Kathy.

Pickle Ball     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Monday morning divided into 2 groups
Venue Other
Enquiries Liveandkicking82@gmail.com 01729 268673
Information If you used to play ball sports but would find the tennis court a bit much now or would struggle with the overhead serve, then pickleball could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis, played on a badminton size court. It’s really fun and a great way to exercise without even realising it. But beware - it’s addictive…………. We play on Monday mornings in Settle at St John’s Church Hall in 2 groups 9-1. There is also play on Wednesday mornings at St John’s but this is only for members who have learnt how to play. Please contact Kath if you would like to join the group. All sessions are £2.

Play Reading     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 3rd Tuesday 1.30pm-4pm October - June inclusive
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 13:30 to 00:00
Enquiries 01729 822524
Information Leader: Jackie Allott: The idea is to try a new area of reading, perhaps also enjoy our untapped talents for drama and expression. Do not let the latter put you off though, as advice suggests we focus on the words of the play and just read the lines, become lost in the story and what comes out of that is the point and the fun! Members of the Group will, hopefully, take turns in deciding the play and perhaps direct for the monthly meeting. Other members just turn up on the day with no homework in between (unless you are keen to do your own research which you may find helpful). Think of your wish list of plays you would like to share with others even film scripts maybe. I will help organise/lead, as required. NB we are limited and enabled/delighted by the scripts we can source - we currently rely Leeds Media Library There is a small charge for the monthly loans.

Poetry Appreciation     

When 4th Thursdays 2.15 - 4 pm
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:15 to 16:00
Enquiries Pippa Doran
Information Leader: Pippa Doran: In a relaxed atmosphere, we read a wide variety of poems leading to group discussion which always proves lively and thought-provoking and often suggests further topics of interest. It doesn't matter how much or how little you know about poetry - in fact, the more variety the better. We meet at 2.15pm on 4th Thursday afternoon each month at Settle Friends Meeting House.

Refreshment Volunteers     

When 2nd Thursdays
Venue St John's Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 09:30 to 12:00
Enquiries sdu3a.programmes@gmail.com
Information 

Science for All     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 3rd Friday of month
Venue Catholic Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries Anita Lee
Information We will be meeting in the Catholic Church Hall. Talks will start around 10.30am, and last about an hour. The room is available from 10am Parking is available adjacent to the Hall.

Scrabble     

When 2nd Monday 1.30-3.30pm
Venue Limestone View, Settle
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:30
Enquiries 015242 51816
Information Leader: Barbara Herring and Brenda Pearce: Playing Scrabble with the emphasis being on enjoyment rather than achievement. We are always ready to welcome new members to the group.

Settle Solos     

When 2nd and 4th Wednesday in a month
Venue Other
Normally meets 13:30 to 15:00
Enquiries annebrennand@outlook.com
Information This is a new group aimed at the unattached amongst us. We will be meeting twice a month on Wednesdays initially at The Folly in Settle for light refreshments. We all need to make new friends and meet new people and as someone once said ‘a stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet’. The first meeting will be on 10th May. If you are interested then contact me via my email.

Singing for Pleasure     

When Starting again Tuesday 8 th September 2026
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 10:00 to 11:15
Enquiries 07592 486149
Information Leader: Catherine Holland: The group sings a wide variety of songs from the ones we learnt at school, to recent ones from the musicals and various artists. It is a very informal group and the meetings are based on people enjoying their singing and finding pleasure in attending the session For any new members wishing to join the group, We will be starting again in September on the 8th a Tuesday, 10.00 am - 11.15 am in the Friends meeting house. Cate

Spanish Intermediate     

  Note that Spanish Intermediate is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 2nd and 4th Tuesday mornings
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 10:00 to 11:30
Enquiries Tamsin Candeland 01729 825760
Information Spanish Intermediate Conversation is not for beginners. A great opportunity to progress your language skills with help from Tamsin and other members of the group. The focus of the group will be general conversation, short stories, news items and magazine articles on a wide range of topics. We occasionally work on grammar points arising from the material we have been reading. The topics we work on are generally suggested my members of the group.

Sport     

When Oct to March fortnightly/April to Sept weekly.
Venue Other
Normally meets 15:00 to 17:00
Enquiries Ian Gray 07969 876882
Information Our Sport Group meets twice a month for snooker and darts, October to March at Settle Social Club. April to September, Walking Cricket 3pm-5pm every Monday at Settle Cricket Club (This requires joining Settle CC for a £25 annual membership fee). Walking football and netball are being explored.

Table Tennis     

When every Friday 11-12noon
Venue Langcliffe Village Hall
Normally meets 11:00 to 12:00
Enquiries Kath Hamflett
Information Table Tennis is lead by Kath Hamflett. The group and the venue have been risk assessed. We meet 11.00 -12 on Friday mornings at The Langcliffe Village Institute. This group costs £1 per session. We play most weeks of the year. New members are welcome. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played for years. Come and join us and you will soon improve and you will have a lot of fun whilst playing. We normally provide spare table tennis bats but because of Covid you will need to provide your own. Please phone leader Kath on 01729 268673 if you have any queries.

Talk French     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Alternate Wednesday afternoons
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:15 to 16:00
Enquiries jane.barnes24500@gmail.com
Information Meeting at the Friends Meeting House , Settle, opposite Victoria Hall, in the ground floor meeting room. A relaxed , friendly class for those who have a basic knowledge of French, but maybe it has not been used very much! The class aims to improve Speaking and understanding in everyday situatons. Class dates Alternate Wednesday afternoons with some breaks - contact Jane for Class programme.

Tennis     

When Tuesday pm
Venue Austwick Playing Fields
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries mikesmith452@btinternet.com
Information Tennis for beginners, returners or more experienced players.

Trustees     

When NULL
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Enquiries NULL
Information 

Trustees & significant others     

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Ukulele     

When 2nd and 4th Tuesday
Venue Friends Meeting House
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries 01729 268294
Information Leader: Denis Lord and Elizabeth Bland 2.00pm - 3.45 pm 2ND AND 4TH TUESDAY MEETINGS None of us are experts! We learn from resources on the internet and from each other and have fun playing together. If you want to sample a session before deciding if you want to join feel free to come along to one; you will be made welcome. Beginners must be prepared to use the internet also (lots of free lessons online) and/or self teaching books to learn the basics. Either group leader is willing to give individual help until you get started.

Walking     

When 1st 3rd and 5th Thursday and 2nd and 4th Tuesday
Venue 
Normally meets 09:30 to 00:00
Enquiries NULL
Information Leaders: Annette Linsdell 07512551715 The Group has two levels of walk, the Tuesday walks average between 4 and 6 miles and are usually fairly easy. Thursday walks, which are up to 10 miles, are more challenging. Both groups meet at the Settle Cricket Club Car Park at 9.30 a.m. unless otherwise stated on the programme. New members are always welcome. Details of walks are sent out to group members the weekend before.

Walking Football team     

When TBA
Venue 
Enquiries Ian Gray
Information 

Walking Netball     

When Wednesday mornings
Venue St John's Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 11:00
Enquiries Diane Lalor 07790 018815
Information Walking Netball is a slower version of the game, designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all players, regardless of levels of fitness and experience. Though running or jumping are not allowed, this version can still be surprisingly fast and skilful. The game offers the same social benefits while helping to build skills and confidence. Emphasis is on safe play, however having fun while keeping fit are important components in the sessions. **All regular players must be members of the u3a and should be aware that they take part at their own risk**.St John’s Methodist hall is the usual venue in Settle where the group play on a half-size court. Rules are adapted depending on the number of players. Sessions are suspended now during July and August but will resume on Wednesday 9th of September 2026.

Weekenders     

When Normally 1st and 3rd Saturdays
Venue 
Enquiries Chris Benn 01729 824880
Information This group usually meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. We meet up at The Cricket Club and then head to our chosen destination It is a small friendly group who meet up for coffee and conversation, supporting a variety of local cafes!.  New members and their ideas are welcome.We would like this group to be welcoming and friendly with a mix of themed discussions, out-door time.  The unique element is getting together at the weekend and having an enjoyable and interesting low-cost time. 

Y1 - 99     

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