Cryptic crosswords are an enjoyable and stimulating pastime very popular in the u3a. It’s a great activity for u3as, giving members the opportunity to share their learning and enjoyment of solving puzzles.
Solving cryptic crosswords is fun to do and provides a good work out for the mind. It exercises the memory and thinking skills — such as analysis, deduction and lateral thinking — and stimulates an interest in words, language and general knowledge.
Cryptic crosswords: Online Programme for January to March 2025.
Introduction to Cryptic Crosswords: 2-hour taster session 6 February
For anyone who would like to try their hand at solving cryptic clues.
Thursday 6 February, 10:00–12.00 noon
Available for booking from Wednesday 8 January to Tuesday 4 February.
Learn how to solve two types of clue and be introduced to the variety of cryptic clues.
Cryptic Crosswords for Beginners: six-week course starts 20th March
For anyone who wants to learn how to solve cryptic crosswords.
Thursdays 10:00–11:30am, March 20, 27 and April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Available for booking from Wednesday 5 February to Wednesday 5 March
A comprehensive course that leads to an enjoyable and mentally stimulating new pastime.
About the subject adviser
My name is Henry Howarth and I have taught over 700 u3a members how to solve cryptic crosswords. Some of the people I have taught have set up crossword groups in their u3as.
I am also the author of Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners and the app Learn Cryptic Crosswords.
My website has information about learning cryptic crosswords: www.czdcrosswords.co.uk
Cryptic Crossword Groups in u3as
In May 2022 there were more than 121 u3a crossword groups in the UK.
Most groups are focussed on solving puzzles and these may be for improvers only, for beginners only, or cater for both. A few groups also set puzzles and this may be the main focus of the group.
Anyone can learn how to solve cryptic clues, and with practice develop their skills further. This is an activity that has appeal among third agers, and there will be enough interest in most u3as to support a group.
The u3a Cryptic Crosswords Group start up leaflet U3A Cryptic Crosswords Group start up leaflet (94.83 KB) provides practical guidance on getting a crossword group underway:
There are two crossword courses for beginners that have been used at u3as:
Cryptic Crosswords: Introduction to the Basics developed by Nicola Harris (Midhurst u3a)
Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners developed by Henry Howarth (Bournemouth u3a)
Midhurst u3a member Nicola Harris, author of publishing industry textbook Basic Editing, has for several years been developing and teaching a course entitled Cryptic Crosswords: Introduction to the Basics. Over 8 sessions of around 2 hours each, through a wealth of structured exercises and examples, it introduces a small group (ideally 6-8 people) to the joys and frustrations of learning the new language of Crosswordese.
This course is now available on licence for other u3a tutors to use free of charge. The tutor needs to be reasonably competent; students can be beginners. A good deal of effort and printing out is required of the tutor. “If you might be interested in taking this on,contact Nicola Harris
‘We were very pleased with the way the course went and the participants enjoyed themselves. ... [They] often commented about the amount of preparation work in the course, and we credited this to your efforts.’ (Lancing & Sompting u3a)
This course has been used by a number of group leaders and taught to many u3a members.
It starts with the simplest ideas and easiest types of clue and builds step by step to the advanced aspects of solving through six modules. Each topic is followed by exercises and practice clues, each module ends with specially designed practice puzzles and there is also a comprehensive set of reference tools.
“I have finished the weekend Telegraph crossword for the first time ever. Am thrilled, your course is super.” Pauline Manson, Poole u3a 2016.
Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords u3a course guide Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords U3A course guide (334.32 KB)
The course book contains all the course content. The first chapter is available as a sample for download.
Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords chapter 1 Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords chapter 1 (364.59 KB)
Feedback from members
"We were very pleased with the way the course went and the participants enjoyed themselves. ... [They] often commented about the amount of preparation work in the course, and we credited this to your efforts." (Lancing & Sompting u3a)
“I have finished the weekend Telegraph crossword for the first time ever. Am thrilled, your course is super.” Pauline , Poole u3a 2016.