Ilkley and District U3A was founded in 1997 on the inspiration of Rev Sam Walden and Alan Kay, then respectively Chairman and Treasurer of the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley. They were seeking ways whereby the services and facilities of the Centre could be expanded to attract more retired and semi retired people, and Sam came across details of the national Third Age Trust and the network of independent Third Age Groups around the country, including the nearby group at Skipton. The demographics of Ilkley and District seemed perfect for a U3A, and with enthusiastic backing from Skipton U3A, in June 1997 a public meeting was called so that potential support for the venture could be assessed.
The response was overwhelming, with over 150 people attending the meeting. Irene Booth, Ethel Hickton, Alan and Julia Kay, Christine Sharp and John Ward volunteered to form a Steering Committee to set up the U3A, and Valerie Dand subsequently joined them. Unfortunately Sam Walden was unable to participate, as he had to spend much time caring for his sick wife.
The next three months saw the Constitution agreed, charitable status established, group leaders identified and persuaded to join the venture, suitable venues found, and a welcome grant of £200 was received from Ilkley Community Fund. The first groups launched were Local History, Art and Design, Literature, Discussion, Investment, and Travel Leisure Environment and Tourism studies. Members were enrolled and the first group meetings took place in September 1997.
By March 1998 membership exceeded 100, and over the following years the organisation has gone from strength to strength; in 2007 it has over 600 members and promotes more than 60 different interest groups.
Contributed by Alan Kay