Starting in September 2025, and led by Tim Swingler this group will focus on the short story form though we may veer into novellas and excerpts from longer works of fiction. Participants should try to source a copy of ‘The New Picador Book of Contemporary Irish Fiction’ (ed. Dermot Bolger). Although this text is no… Read more

Leader: Keith Hyde: We are reading extracts from the John Cottingham anthology “Western Philosophy” (2nd Edn.) Our meetings take the form of a brief introduction to the chapter we have read followed by an informal discussion which can be wide ranging and not always “on topic”! None of the group members would claim to be… Read more

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. Read more

This group is managed by David Holdsworth. Members of the group share their love and experience of art in all its forms. All members have a chance participate in discussion either informally or as a presentation. No IT expertise needed. The group’s website is here http://settle.ddns.net/U3A/AA/ [Featured image: Photo by Roger Taylor from Zadie Xa's… Read more

Leader: Jackie Allott: We are an informal group meeting where we take it in turns to choose a book for general discussion. This means a chance to read a wide range of books which may not normally be on our own agenda. There are plenty of opportunities to talk and to listen. The group is… Read more

Led by Elaine Sargeson in The Friends Meeting House. This group reads a selection of crime novels. This year a number of our books will be ‘historical’ crime novels. Read more

Leaders: Eileen Bamford and Margaret Brenchley 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… Read more

Led by Tim Swingler. We will enjoy a mix of more unusual, subtitled 'arthouse' films alongside more mainstream offerings, but the key criteria are that the programme will comprise films that you may be unlikely to have seen before, but also (obviously) well worth seeing. The approach will be non-academic but I will circulate reviews… Read more

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! Read more