Past topics have included: local and national history; aspects of the law; engineers; medical issues; sport; the theatre and technology. Some well-known local and national speakers have welcomed the opportunity to talk to us e.g. Lord Harewood, Sir Thomas Ingilby, and personalities and presenters such as Harry Gration and Duncan Wood.

In the past, there have been self-funding visits to the many RAF stations in the area, including one memorable visit to see the Red Arrows. Visits have also been made to Drax power station and to the Incinerator plants in Stourton (Leeds) and North Yorkshire. More recently, trips have been organised on the Skipton Canal and the North Yorkshire Railways.

What Else Do We Do?

From the outset, there has been social support for members who fall ill or have been absent for some weeks, whether by way of phone call, cards or home/hospital visits. Updates are then provided by members at the meeting. A member also provides a weekly ‘Round Robin’ newsletter, and a regular piece in the local Parish Magazine, both of which are welcome and entertaining recent innovations.

At an early stage, the Spring and Christmas lunches became annual features of the Forum. They provide the opportunity to meet in a more relaxed environment, with members’ wives/partners and sometimes other guests. The Chair of the Forum usually says few words of welcome, but that is the extent of the formalities.

How Are We Organised?

The Forum is run by a Committee with a new Chair elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. Since its founding, the meetings have taken place at the Collingham Methodist Church Hall, with which the Forum has a good and supportive working relationship. A recent partnership has also been developed with the Collingham with Linton Parish Council.

The membership is drawn primarily from Collingham and Linton, but residents of other nearby villages, such as Bardsey, East Keswick and Harewood are also warmly welcomed.