IT was all change at the top for Ilkley and District u3a at their recent annual general meeting.

Members of the popular organisation dedicated to life-long learning voted for their new chair at the AGM.

Treasurer Richard Bell takes over from Jacquie Wellbrook, who is stepping down after two years to become the new groups co-ordinator.

Jacquie, formerly chair of Thanet U3A in Kent, moved to Otley to be closer to family in 2022 and since then she and husband Lee have injected fresh ideas into management and led new groups.

New chair Richard, a retired chartered accountant, who was treasurer for two years, says that the charity now has more than 2000 members and he hopes that they can increase their interest groups and encourage younger people and the newly retired to join and get involved.

“We are trying to widen the scope and the appeal of the u3a to the next generations,” he said.

“We have so many members now that we need to create new groups and we hope that we can get up to 200 over the next three years.”

The u3a is a charity run by volunteers with all kinds of expertise and experience. Ilkley is one of the largest in the country and covers an area from Silsden to Otley offering everything from table tennis to circle dancing, art to travel.

Richard Bell, who is also chair of Ilkley Bowling Club, wants to expand membership in Otley.

“The key focus for the year ahead is to encourage members to create these new groups, embracing the age-old motto that you are never too old to learn.”

Jacquie Wellbrook added: “We have a very vibrant and successful u3a run by the members for the members and we need more people to get involved.”

The charity’s team of trustees were re-elected at the meeting and the guest speaker was Ilkley author Neil Hanson.

Ilkley and District u3a meets regularly at the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley.

There is a drop in event at Otley Town Council's The Core, Orchard Gate on Friday, December 13 from 10.30am to noon, which is an opportunity for potential and existing members to chat to Otley u3a members over a cup of tea or coffee.

Visit ilkleyu3a.org for more information.