WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND COOKRIDGE AND HORSFORTH

Only 4 places left for the evening at Napoleons Casino with meal £32per person on February 10th .

If you are interested register on the Events page of the website  

On Wednesday International Dining Group 2 went to the Roundhay Fox. Below is a review of a long evening

The meal on Wednesday evening at the Roundhay Fox was certainly an experience and was embraced by all with good humour. We were a bit perturbed when it took about 20 minutes to get a drink and despite pre-ordering, another 30 minutes for the starters to come. I had spoken to the manager about the delay and was informed there was a problem with the gas which was being "sorted" as we spoke. The manager was mistaken!! The starters were ok and we waited with anticipation for the mains. And waited and waited and waited. 

New photos have been added to the Gallery page after the lunchtime visit to Napoleons and the last ten pin bowling session of the year where you had to use your weaker arm to throw the bowl. 

The annual evening event for a 3 course meal at Napoleons will be on Tuesday February 10th 2026.

To book your place go to the events page for the full details. Registration will open on December 1st

David Blakeley has informed me that on Saturday 6th December (Christmas lights Turn on day), myself and some the U3A Ukulele band and my friends will be playing in the Old Kings Arms, from 1 o clock, if anyone fancies coming to support us. On Wednesday 10th December in the same venue at 7-45pm, Helen and the Horsforth Community Chior, will be singing some Christmas carols and festive songs, it would be great to see some of our members.

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)