Members Programme 2026

All Thursday evenings @ 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall (unless stated)

Open to Members (free) and Non-members (£3.00 pay on the door)

Thursday 18th June - William Morris & The Arts and Crafts Movement - John Blewitt

John has written and edited books on Morris, is current editor of the Journal of William Morris Studies and a trustee of the Ilkley and District u3a.

Morris & Co decorated many prestigious properties in Yorkshire, including Castle Howard. The Morris family were good friends with George and Rosalind Howard (later the Earl and Countess of Carlisle). Morris & Co stained glass adorns many churches in the county, including Bradford Cathedral. Morris used Yorkshire-based companies to manufacture carpets to his design, and in 1875 spent a week in Leeds sorting out a case of plagiarism. As founder of the arts and crafts movement in England, he also influenced many architects whose work can be seen in many towns and cities. As a socialist activist in the 1880s, he lectured in Bradford, Leeds, Shipley and Huddersfield and was an inspiration to the men and women who established the Independent.

Thursday 16th July - Leeds Playhouse - Dave Stannard

No members meeting August

Thursday 17th September Astrology versus Astronomy - Martin Lunn

Thursday 15th October - Addingham Heritage Group

Thursday 19th November - A Right Royal Christmas - Colin Alderson

No Members Meeting December