Long Walks

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The walk on 2 June commenced from Staunton Harold Visitor Centre on a pleasant day, providing ideal conditions for exploring the varied landscapes around the reservoir and surrounding countryside.

Leaving the visitor centre, the group followed the path alongside Staunton Harold Reservoir, enjoying expansive views across the water before reaching White Leys. From there, the route continued through Calke Park Nature Reserve, where the rich mix of woodland and open habitats offered plenty of interest. A short distance further brought us to the tranquil setting of Betty’s Pond, a popular spot for wildlife.

The walk then passed through the Calke Abbey Grounds, skirting Deer’s Cote Spinney and continuing towards Standley’s Barn. The route followed the edge of Poker’s Ley’s before entering the village of Ticknall, where walkers enjoyed views of the historic village and surrounding countryside.

Leaving Ticknall, the group entered Staunton Woods, following well-maintained woodland paths beneath a canopy of mature trees. The route then crossed Gorsey Leys, an attractive area of open countryside offering excellent views across the estate.

The final section returned to Staunton Harold Visitor Centre, completing a varied and enjoyable circular walk featuring reservoirs, woodland, nature reserves, parkland, and village scenery throughout.

Mark

Growing Old Disgracefully and Not so Grumpy Old Men

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On Monday 1st June,  the Growing Old Disgracefully ladies group, met up with the Not So Grumpy Old Men’s group at our favourite venue, the John Godber Centre.  The afternoon was dedicated to a Scottish Dance Experience where an exciting, energetic and fun afternoon was had by all. 

Even before we started  ‘tripping the light fantastic,’  there was a real buzz about the room. From dapper gentlemen wearing tartan ties and braces, shirts , waistcoats, trews and tammies to ladies wearing tartan sashes adorned with beautiful celtic broaches and skirts. It was lovely to see them giving a nod to my Scottish heritage. 

Our gathering and dancing to some wonderful old Scottish tunes brought back many memories for me as a PE teacher in Glasgow when I first qualified.  Country dancing for a few weeks was always the prelude to the Christmas parties, when the boys would meet up with the girls in the gym.  However, I have to say our GODS and NSGOM were less shy about taking hands than the lads and lassies were in gym back then!!

Dusted down and heart rate back to normal, we all enjoyed some light refreshments including some traditional cake and biscuits and a blether about how successful and enjoyable the whole ‘ experience ‘ was.  And I have to say every man and women there, undoubtedly lived up to their title ….. GOD and NSGOM.

Thankyou all for a wonderful afternoon, 

Anne

Vegetarian Cookery

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There was no meeting in May as it was a Bank Holiday, the next meeting will be on Monday 22nd June at 10.30 am. See you all there!

This group is now full. If anyone else is still interested, please contact me with your name and I will put you on the waiting list.

Anne

Garden Group

by WebmasterGarden GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

June’s meeting will be a trip, on Monday the first, to St Ann’s Allotments in Nottingham, more about that in the next newsletter. There was no May meeting as it was a Bank Holiday.

Enjoy your plots as they flourish in this warm weather!

Anne

History Group

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Our group meets at Central Methodist Church on Baker Street on the third Wednesday of the month when we are indoors.  The time is 2pm – 4pm and the venue is handy for car parks, bus stops and drop offs.

 Last month our speaker was David Speed who told us all about ‘Beauvale Priory – Between two Worlds.’  We learned about what life was like in Medieval times for the monks who lived at the Priory in the ‘beautiful valley’ and how money was donated to the cause.  Eventually of course during the reign of Henry Vlll it was dissolved; the monks sent away and the priory lands sold.  I think most of us felt it would be good to do a site visit. Something to think about for the future.

On 17th June we are to visit Matlock Bath and Masson Mill; leaving Hucknall Market at 10.30am on a Vallences coach.  After lunch at Matlock Bath we are back on the coach at 1.45 to Masson Mill for a guided tour; leaving at 4pm for the journey back to Hucknall.

What a shame that the three of us; Kathy, Sue and I decided to cancel the visit to the Observatory.  There seemed to be so many rules that our group would have to follow such as: times, number of visitors, no refreshments, costs, and others with which we felt unable to comply.  (How on earth would we manage without the refreshment break?)  Maybe a review of the rules for larger groups would be in order and we can think about a visit later.  We will be in the refreshment room at the main meeting in John Godber on 10th June if you need to ask questions

Our next indoor meeting is Wednesday 16th September when one of our favourite speakers, Ann Featherstone, is coming to tell us about the history of post war baking.  Might we get some samples?

Bye for now,  Maureen Newton