WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND COOKRIDGE AND HORSFORTH

Next Wednesday's (Nov. 26th) speaker at Forum 2000 has had to cancel at short notice and I've been asked to step in. I'll be presenting the seldom-seen Festive Edition of "Children's Favourites" - the 1950s. It's 10 a.m at the Grove Centre, if any of our members would like to come along for an early dose of Christmas spirit - taking their first 2025 "step into Christmas" for this year, as it were (though there'll be no Elton John songs featured ... and certainly no Ed Sheeran)!

Cheers,

Malcolm

Recently a group visited Cookridge Fire Station. We were reminded that the fire service will visit your house to install a smoke alarm if required.

We now have 3 places available on the Trip to Chatsworth on Friday November 28th. If you are interested please contact Barbara Stearn on 07534243838

There will be a social on Wednesday 12th November at 1.30 pm at the Willows in Horsforth for those booked on next Easter's Fred Olsen cruise to meet up with fellow travellers.  First time cruisers bring your questions and experienced ones share your knowledge and suggestions.  Hopefully, we will have an update on the possible shore excursions on Orkney by then.  

Tea and coffee will be available, and a small donation towards the cost of room hire would be appreciated.  

There are still single and twin cabin discounts available.

u3a FESTIVAL 26

I hope that, by now, you all know that, following on from the success of last year's first ever national festival in York, the second one is scheduled for 1st to 3rd July 2026. 

The great news for our region is that it will again take place on the York University campus. 

Last year over 900 u3a members from all over UK attended (the largest gathering of u3a members ever) and the expectation is that this event could see a greater number of attendees.

Planning is forging ahead, which brings me to the main reason for this email. We still need more stewards. If you would like to be involved and wear a very fetching yellow tabard, please get in touch with Angie Grain, who is again organising the stewarding process, by emailing events@yahru3a.uk. 

If you are interested in offering to lead a group activity or session, get in touch by emailing festival@u3a.org.uk  where Margaret Fiddes will pick up your offer. Margaret is Chair of the YAHR support team and is leading the Festival planning team as she did last year. 

And my final request is rather specific. The organiser of the music part of the festival is looking for Music Stage Managers. This is described as people who have a knowledge of PA systems and can use a Mixing Desk. Double Dutch to me but if this is you and you're interested, please use the festival email,  festival@u3a.org.uk and your details will be passed on.

One last thing, as I'm here, the next YAHR workshop is on 3rd November in Leeds. We'd love to see as many as possible of you there. Details will follow, but also watch the YAHR website.  yahru3a.uk 

Any queries or comments, as always please just get back to me by replying to this 

Pat 

Pat Collard,  Council Rep for YAHR & member of Festival planning team & member of YAHR support team (not sure what hat I'm wearing today) 

Indoor Kurling restarts on Wednesday 15th October at St Pauls Church Hall just off Otley Old Road. All welcome for a friendly game or two. If you have not tried it before it is easy to pick up and enjoy.

Attached is a thank you letter for the donation to the Yorkshire Cancer Research fund for the donation following the talk by  Andy Wilson on Henrietta Lacks.

thank you letter - Cookridge _ Horsforth U3A - 2nd.docx

As you will be aware, the world is facing twin climate and biodiversity emergencies, which are inextricably linked. Nature is in serious decline internationally and nationally, with the UK being one of the most nature depleted countries in the world.

Horsforth Climate Action would therefore like to invite members of Horsforth and Cookridge U3A, as one of the many groups who care about nature locally, to a Climate Conversation event to launch aNature Recovery Plan for Horsforth and to discuss how it can be implemented.

The event is being held on Thursday 10th July at Leeds Trinity University Conference Suite (AG33/AG32) 7pm -9pm. The venue is accessible, parking is free there in the evening and there is cycle parking available.

We have attached a draft outline plan, based on the Community Nature Recovery Plan toolkit produced by Hyde Park Source and Wildlife Friendly Otley (also attached).

To learn more about Nature Recovery, please see the article on our website https://horsforthclimateaction.org/nature-recovery/

Please book tickets on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/.../climate-conversation...

If you are not able to attend on 10th July but are interested in being involved, please let me know.

You may also be interested in the Leeds Nature Recovery and Connections Conference being held at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm on 19th June, details are attached

Nature Recovery Conference Flyers V3.pdf

Community NRP Toolkit.pdf

Horsforth Nature Recovery Plan.docx

The Fred Olsen Cruise to Belfast, Stornaway and Orkney sailing from Liverpool will be on 31st March 2026.  A range of cabins are available, including singles and solo occupancy, all at a 10% discount for CHU3A members.  As 28 members have booked so far, the group is eligible for free coach travel to and from the port (pick up Asda Holt Park).  

You cannot book this online but have to phone a special number and give the code provided.  For further information please log onto the CHU3A site and look in the secure Members area or  ring 2260454 and leave your name and phone number.