Discovering Britain

On Tuesday, 6 October, we enjoyed a memorable day trip to Liverpool, a city renowned for its maritime heritage, musical history and magnificent architecture.

Our day began with a ferry ride across the River Mersey, one of Liverpool’s most famous experiences. From the water, we enjoyed wonderful views of the city’s waterfront, including the iconic Royal Liver Building and the historic Albert Dock.

The ferry provided an excellent opportunity to appreciate Liverpool’s importance as a major port and its connection with the sea.

We then visited the legendary Cavern Club on Mathew Street, famous for its association with the Beatles. Walking into this historic music venue gave us a real sense of Liverpool’s musical past and the excitement of the 1960s, when the Beatles began their rise to international fame. The club remains a popular attraction for music lovers from around the world.

Our final major visit was Liverpool Cathedral, an impressive building that dominates the city skyline. Its enormous interior, beautiful stained glass and remarkable architecture made it a particularly memorable stop. The peaceful atmosphere provided a welcome contrast to the lively streets and waterfront.

Overall, the trip offered a wonderful combination of sightseeing, history, music and culture. The ferry ride, Cavern Club and magnificent cathedral made for a thoroughly enjoyable day and a great introduction to this fascinating city. 

Long Walks

A very enjoyable circular walk was undertaken on Tuesday, 6 October, starting and finishing at the Bull’s Head in Thringstone. The route first headed through the attractive Grace Dieu Woods, following woodland paths towards the atmospheric ruins of Grace Dieu Priory. The priory, dating from the 13th century, provided an interesting historical highlight, with the remains surrounded by mature woodland and the Grace Dieu Brook.

From the priory, the walk continued through the surrounding countryside and woodland, making use of sections of the local footpath network. The route then headed towards Blackbrook Reservoir, where the scenery opened out and provided pleasant views across the water and surrounding countryside. The reservoir area is particularly attractive for walking, with woodland, wildlife and waterside paths.

After enjoying the reservoir, the route turned back towards Thringstone, passing through more woodland and countryside before returning to the Bull’s Head.

Overall, it was a varied and interesting circular walk combining history, woodland, countryside and water. The autumn scenery made it an especially pleasant October walk, and the Bull’s Head provided an ideal place to finish and enjoy some well-earned refreshments.

Mark Thornley

Short Walks

Our short four-and-a-half-mile walk started and finished at the Bird in Hand in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire. It was an enjoyable circular route taking in the Druid stone and the countryside around Fountaindale.

Leaving the pub, we soon left the village behind and headed out onto a mixture of quiet lanes, tracks and countryside footpaths. The route provided a pleasant combination of open farmland, woodland and gently undulating ground, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside.

As we made our way towards Fountaindale, the scenery became increasingly rural and peaceful. This section offered some particularly attractive views, with hedgerows, woodland and open fields providing a constantly changing landscape. We then continued towards Friar Tucks well, before beginning the return leg towards Blidworth.

Although only four and a half miles, the walk provided enough variety to make it interesting without being too demanding. There were a few gentle rises along the way, but nothing particularly strenuous, making it suitable for a relaxed group walk.

The final section brought us back towards the Bird in Hand, where we finished the walk with the prospect of a well-earned drink and a chance to chat about the morning.

Theatre News

FOR INFORMATION

Its PANTO time as follows

Theatre Royal Panto  2026 is JACK & THE BEANSTALK Sat Nov 28th till Jan 3rd

Prices from £18 up to £49.50  tel 0115 989 5555

Nottingham Playhouse Panto is ALADDIN Friday  27th Nov till Sat 16th Jan 

Prices from £14 up to £41 can be higher around Xmas  tel 0115 941 9419

Mansfield Palace Theatre Panto  2026 is CINDERELLA   Sat 21st Nov till Jan 3rd

Prices from £20 tel 01623 463133

Lovelace Players Panto at The John Godber  SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Thurs 21st Jan 07.30 Friday 22nd 7.30 Sat 23rd 2.30 and 7.30  Sunday 24th Jan 1.30 and 5.30  Price £9.50  07761 092195

Vegetarian Cookery

It was good to get back into the routine of cooking and tasting at the September meeting. A big thank you to all those who helped in the kitchen including my sous chef!

Three recipes were made and tasted and everything was eaten as usual. The next meeting will be on Monday 26th October at the usual place. This group is currently full but if anyone else is interested please contact me with your name and I will put you on the waiting list.

Anne