The University of Leeds Ladies' Club
Summer 2026
University of Leeds Ladies’ Club
Monthly Newsletter - May 2026
Dear Ladies,
Welcome to the May 2026 edition of the monthly newsletter which I hope you will enjoy reading. This edition includes two important messages from President Judith, as follows, and I would ask you to read them carefully and to make a definite note of the change of date for the AGM.
** IMPORTANT - CHANGE OF DATE FOR AGM **
Please note the revised date for our AGM, which will now be held on
Tuesday 30th June,
in the TV Lounge at the Headingley Golf Club.
Starting at 10.30am.
Everyone is welcome to join us, for this shorter meeting, during which complimentary refreshments will be available.
For catering purposes, it would be helpful if you could let Moira know, if you are planning to attend. Moira's email is in your newsletter.
CAN YOU HELP ON THE COMMITTEE?
The Committee continue to focus on the smooth running of the ULLC. Membership of the club remains strong, and, as the June AGM will show, the Club enjoys an active and varied programme of meetings and events, throughout the year. However, to ensure future success, we are requesting a little extra help from members, in the area of Event Planning. To keep additional commitment to a minimum, we are looking for anyone interested in joining an Event Sub-Committee, which would help with the planning of our larger events such as, Christmas & Spring Lunches.
Also, we are looking for members who are keen to support the ongoing processes of running our vibrant Club. Have you ever thought about joining the Committee? If you have, and are interested in finding out more about what is involved, how about "dropping in" to our next Committee meeting, which is scheduled to follow the AGM, on 30th June.
We'll be discussing events for the summer, and finalising our Autumn programme. If you are interested please email me, in advance, to ensure a warm welcome…and those, all important, tea & biscuits..
To express an interest, or offer your availability, please email me.
Judith
(Email address is in your newsletter.)
News of Members
I am pleased to say that I have not had any new information about member’s illnesses, so can only hope that everyone is keeping fit and well, and enjoying the lovely summer weather!
To all our members who have on-going health issues, we send our very best wishes for better health in the future.
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday 9th June at 10.30am in the Golden Beam, Otley Road, Headingley.
As usual, this will be a ‘drop-in’ session for which there is no charge. Coffee/Tea and other drinks are available to purchase and for those who wish to stay on and have lunch afterwards this also can be purchased, again at own cost.
Report on previous event.
I have received the following report from President Judith about the very successful afternoon meeting on 21st May.
A Celebration of Books and Reading - May 21st at The Headingley Golf Club.
(See below this report for further information)
In a break from our traditional format, of inviting a Guest Speaker to join us, we used the platform of our May meeting to hold an informal "Celebration of Books and Reading. Our contribution to the wonderful National Year of Reading 2026.
At the start of the year, I pledged the ULLC as a supporting organisation, and in a relaxed setting, with the usual tea and cake approach, we aimed to celebrate the many and varied ways in which our members champion books and reading.
On arrival, members were invited to "Swap a Book for Summer". Who doesn't enjoy browsing a table laden with a whole variety of pre loved paperbacks? Especially when the table is also decorated with suitably summer themed prompts - a parasol, sparkling juice, and wicker picnic hamper set the scene, and there was a collection box for voluntary donations to St. Gemma's Hospice, in memory of David Irving.
Our "Reading Champions" then stepped forward, to give a series of short presentations, starting with our own ULLC Book Groups.
Gillie Andrews entertained us with a short history of the most longstanding, Book Group 1.
70 years of memorable moments, books, and people, including the incredible Joy Thody, as Founder and Convenor of the University of Leeds Ladies' Book Club, 1966-2022.
Mary Lance represented Book Group 1 members, by reading a review of one of the latest, and perhaps most apt, titles, read by the Group - How to Age Disgracefully by Claire Pooley. The humour and strong characterisation in the novel were evident, in Mary's resume of the content., and it seems a perfect choice for an uplifting summer read.
Christine Roy, followed, and shared her thoughts about the popularity and importance of Book Groups, and her role, as the Convenor of Book Group 2.
The breadth of titles, and genres, read by the group is impressive, and Christine regularly shares the details with members, in our Newsletters, and at the AGM. She is aware of the appetite amongst members for another Book Group, and encouraged anyone who is thinking of setting up a Group to go ahead. There is a wealth of experience, within our Club, to draw upon, and it is obviously rewarding and enjoyable.
At this point, everyone was invited to "Recommend A Read", which is an activity run by Leeds Libraries, for the National Year of Reading. Members were asked to write the details of their Favourite Read on one of the postcards which are available from the local libraries. This prompted some lively discussions around the tables, before the cards were collected. The details will be recorded, and shared in our next Newsletter, before the cards are given to the libraries, where they will sit on the shelves, to be shared by curious readers.
In her role as President of The Leeds Library, Elizabeth Minkin then spoke about this heritage gem.
The oldest surviving subscription library of its kind in the British Isles, founded in 1768. It re- located, in 1808, to its home in the very heart of central Leeds. The building itself is beautiful, with a wealth of treasures in its collections. However, it also remains very active, with a programme of visits and events, as its members would agree (including those from our own Club).
Please see the website: theleedslibrary.org.uk, for more details about joining and visiting.
Next, a look at three different perspectives on "Volunteering to help with books, in a charity setting".
Gillie Andrews spoke about Oxfam Books, in Headingley. The challenges of maintaining its vast stock, in a fast paced, hugely busy environment. Experience really helps, to keep the collections fresh and spot those highly collectable titles.
Jean Williams gave us a view from the Second-hand Bookshop, at Harewood House, where a browse in the bookshop enhances the overall visitor experience, and produces much welcome income for the charity.
Then I spoke of my own experience, helping at the St. Vincent de Paul Community shop, in Alwoodley, which plays an important role, at the heart of the community it serves.
Jeanne Pritchard then shared with us the help she provides for children, in a Primary school, as a Volunteer, offering reading support. Jeanne's passion shone through, as she told us about the children she meets, and how their confidence has improved, since their reading skills have developed. Fantastic to hear this, and we celebrate other members who help to support reading in an educational setting.
The afternoon concluded with author, and member, Janaki Sastry, showing us her series of illustrated children's books, and her adult title The Whirlpool of Destiny. (ISBN: 9781035857555, E Book ISBN: 9781035857562).
This from a review: "A poignant journey of sacrifice, resilience, and unlikely bonds". What a fitting way to finish.
Thank you to everyone who took part, to all who attended., and to Joanne, for adding the photos of the event to our Gallery, for everyone to enjoy.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter. The next newsletter will be sent out at the beginning of July. If you have any items for inclusion, please do let me have them by 28th June, if you can.
In the July and August newsletters we hope to have more details of events we have managed to arrange for the rest of the Autumn term so do watch out for the newsletters in your inbox.
With my best wishes,
Carole
From last month's March Newsletter and pertaining to Summer Semester:
Book Group One
A message from Gillie Andrews – ‘A catch-up from Book Group One’
Note from admin: to see the books we have read look in Gallery below Spring Lunch 2026
Perhaps it’s time that Book Group One let you know that it’s still thriving. We meet in the afternoons with much mirth, cake and, yes, we discuss books, some great, some not so great, some challenging, some easier reads.
You’d probably like to know which are these books we’ve chosen to mull over during the past season.
Going back to last August, we read Beryl Bainbridge’s Sweet William;
in September, Katherine Rundell’s Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne;
in late October, Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperfield;
in early December, Penelope Liveley’s Moon Tiger;
in January, Sarah Moss’s Night Waking;
in February, Tessa Hadley’s The Party.
And we’ve just met to joyfully talk about Clare Pooley’s How to Age Disgracefully. We all agreed it’s a ‘must read’ to cheer everyone up in these miserable times.
We promise to keep you up to date from now on!
Book Group Two
Thursday 26th March 2026
Another lovely gathering to discuss A Month in the Country by J E Carr.
After an informative and succinct introduction. The ensuing discussion indicated that all we had found this an interesting and beautifully written book which dealt with many meaningful themes and ideas.
Thanks to our hostess for her hospitality and for the wonderful simnel cake.
We decided on the books for April and May and they are as follows: -
April - The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
May - The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
University of Leeds Ladies’ Club
Monthly Newsletter - April 2026
Dear Ladies,
I hope that you are keeping well, that you all had an enjoyable Easter holiday despite the weather and are looking forward to the summer, when hopefully we may see some more sunshine and warmth.
********
As we enter May we have the following events arranged:
Forthcoming Events
Tuesday 12th May from 10.30am onwards, we have our usual Informal Coffee Morning.
This will be held in the Library at The Golden Beam on the Otley Road. The Golden Beam is situated in the former Elinor Lupton building on Otley Road and there is a car park at the rear plus on street parking in the area. The buses travelling on the Otley Road/Headingley Lane all stop outside. Please note that if using the limited stop X84, do check with the driver that he/she will allow you to alight outside the Golden Beam.
If you park in the car park, please note that you should register your car number plate at the Bar to avoid any possible parking fines.
Please note also that the June coffee morning will be held at The Golden Beam on Tuesday 9th June at 10.30am
We hope as many members as possible will be able to attend. As this is a drop-in session no payment is required in advance, just pay for what you have on the day.
******
Thursday 21st May - "A Celebration of Books and Reading"
This meeting will be held in the Main Lounge area, at the Headingley Golf Club and NOT in the TV lounge as usual. Arrive from 1.30pm. £9 payable on the door, to include refreshments. Tea/coffee, and scone/pastries."
This will be a relaxing and informal event, to show our support for 2026 as the National Year of Reading. Everyone is invited to bring along a book, to take part in our "Swap A Book for Summer" book swap, with voluntary donations collected in aid of St. Gemma's Hospice.
Please reserve your place by notifying Moira Wallace, by the end of Thursday 14th May.
********
Recent Events:
Spring Lunch – Wednesday 2nd April.
You can seen Joanne's photos, on this website, which give a very good idea of the happy time we shared together, at our Spring Lunch. We were so fortunate to have a beautiful sunny day, for our event. A real taste of Spring, indeed.
Forty Members, and Guests enjoyed this relaxing occasion, which was held in the Jacobean Suite, at Weetwood Hall.
Judging by the animated conversations around the tables, everyone appreciated this opportunity to get together with friends, and it was agreed that the afternoon had proved a welcome treat"
********
News of Members.
Diamond Wedding Congratulations
Congratulations to Mary Lance, and her husband, Chris, who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in April.
This very special Anniversary was recognised, not only by family, and friends, but also with a card, sent by King Charles and Queen Camilla. I understand that this was organised by Mary and Chris's children. What a wonderful surprise, and unique keepsake, of your 60 happy years together.
We hope that your celebrations will continue throughout the year, Mary, as we add our warmest wishes to those you have already received.
From all your friends, and fellow Members in the ULLC.
********
Happily, I have not heard of anyone who is acutely ill at present although I do know of several members with chronic illness and it is to them and to any other members who are il,l or recovering from illness, we send our very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
********
News from the Groups.
Book Group 2 were scheduled to meet on 30th April, sadly too late for me to include even a short report in this edition of the newsletter. However, I do know that they have been reading ‘The Marriage Portrait’ by Maggie O’Farrell during April and I hope that everyone enjoyed the book.
********
GARDEN GROUP REPORT JANUARY - APRIL 2026
Apologies to all readers for this late summary of Garden Group meetings held since the start of 2026. I have clearly been losing the plot as far as monthly reports are concerned. I’ve also been losing the (garden) plot which after hours of onslaught by finger and fork is only now emerging from its almost full cover of winter weeds.
We have had a good meeting each month, starting with much New Year optimism. Perhaps this will be the year when we can each celebrate not only another birthday, but also the successful thriving of a nurtured plant or two.
Our discussions have covered a wide range of topics, including the following:
McCain Foods in collaboration with the University of Leeds National Pig Centre is to launch a new Farm of the Future in North Yorkshire, which has been the home of McCain’s GB headquarters for 50 years. The aim is to develop a blueprint not only for potato growers
but for different aspects of agriculture. Declining soil health, unpredictable weather, waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and the need for farmers to diversify are all part of the picture.
Gene evidence that plants remember when it’s time to start new spring growth.
British apple orchards need little irrigation, unlike many in hotter, drier zones.
Our forest could benefit from the re-introduction of lynx as research in Germany showed that deer spend less time browsing in areas where they detect predators.
Decline in the number of Yorkshire rhubarb growers, largely due to the increase in heavy rainfall at division and planting time, and again at transference to forcing sheds. Harvesting by candlelight is hardly less arduous.
Stitching the Landscape is a programme supported by a grant from National Trails UK and the work of some 7,000 volunteers. Part of the work involves settling in wool ‘logs’ made of redundant fibre and fabric from local mills to repair blanket bog on Marsden Moor. The aim is to show that clean raw wool in recycled fabric bags works as well as imported coconut coir.
Thanks to so much effort being made by others we can all continue to enjoy oven chips and rhubarb and apple crumble while looking through the window at plants that know when to delight us with their flowers. We can then take a stroll either in the local woodland, or moorland, keeping to the designated paths, of course!
Heather Harrison
********
A couple of items which may be of interest to members:
‘Botanically Beautiful’ - Art and Design Inspired by Nature. At Lotherton Hall. On now, until 18 October.
‘Harewood In Bloom’ 2-4 May. A focus on all things Floral, to link in with the current exhibition, by seasonal artist Sarah Verity. "
And finally!
I have had the following request from Tina Irving.
“Starting to clear my house readying it for sale and have found about two dozen jam jars, half of which are Bonne Maman style. I am not making jam and marmalade anymore so wondered if any University ladies would find them useful. I could deliver if required.”
As I am not allowed to publish Tina’s email (Data protection rules!), if you are interested in the jars please let me know by email and I will pass it on to Tina for her to contact you.
******
The next newsletter will be sent out on 1st June. If you have any items for inclusion, please could you let me have them by no later than 28th May.
My contact details are in my email.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the newsletter and I hope to see you at some, if not all, of the forthcoming events.
Carole
Wednesday 1st July - AGM. 11.00am – A date for your diary
Please note the date and earlier time for this event.
Further details and documentation will be distributed nearer the time so do please watch your inbox.
The next newsletter will be distributed on 1st May. If you have any items for inclusion, please could you let me have them by no later than 28th April.
My contact details are by email. See your email newsletter.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter and I send my best wishes to all for a very Happy Easter.
Carole