U3A Cryptic Crosswords (Advanced)

Next date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026 | 02:30 PM to 04:30 PM

• Encourage people to use their grey cells
• Learn about the structure and intricacies of cryptic crosswords
• Give curious people an opportunity to learn more about how cryptic crosswords work and see if they like solving them
• Let people try something new
• Stave off dementia with brain exercise

HISTORY

The U3A Cryptic Crosswords group began in February 2024.

All of the U3A groups in Australia were offered the chance to use a video based course on Cryptic Crosswords developed by Barry Lynch, a U3A member in Redcliffe, Queensland. Barry talks through the clues to identify the parts (e.g. key, flags, fodder), then comes up with answers that fit the needed word length and structure. This approach gives participants practice with the process of solving cryptic clues, building their skills over time.

In late 2025, the group split into two offerings, one for Advanced study and one for Beginners. The Beginners group continues to focus on the video course mentioned above, while the Advanced group concentrates on more difficult puzzles, working as a group to solve the clues.

DETAILS

The group is open to any U3A members that would like to attend. Membership in U3A (the University of the Third Age) is open to retired people over the age of 50 for a small annual fee.

The Advanced group meets in the Community Centre's Room C on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 2:30-4:30pm and the Beginners group meets in Room B on the 4th Tuesdays from 10am to noon. There is no cost for U3A members to participate.

PEOPLE

The number of attendees varies, but there are 8-10 people who attend on a fairly regular basis. All participants are U3A members, so they are over 50, but otherwise there is quite a lot of diversity. There are slightly more men than women, but there is a good mix. There is considerable diversity of skill level, with most having been complete novices before attending the group, while others have dabbled a little and one has done cryptic crosswords for more than 40 years.

PARTICIPANT QUOTE

"We're learning the structure and terminology of cryptic crosswords so we can figure out the clues ourselves."

Leo, Cryptic Crosswords group participant

MORE

• Sallie has coordinated the group with her husband, Richard, since the activity began in February 2024. They don't consider themselves experts, but love learning about these crosswords.
• One of the members, Warwick, has been setting "homework" for participants, using puzzles he has created himself. Wow!
• There are numerous resources available to learn about cryptic crosswords, including many of Barry Lynch's videos on YouTube.
• Some of the types of cryptic clues are: anagram, charade, container, omission, double key, hidden, homophone, reversal, Spoonerism, literal, initial or final letters, odd or even letters.

When

Location

Yeppoon Community Centre, 80 John Street, Yeppoon, QLD, Yeppoon, 4703, View Map