Long Walks

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On 5th August, a circular walk took place starting at Holmbrook Valley Country Park, a green space known for its meadows, ponds, and woodland paths. The morning began under mild summer skies, with participants setting out from the park’s visitor area. The route first followed winding trails through wildflower grasslands, offering views of butterflies and songbirds.

From Holmbrook, the walk continued towards Barlow Country Park, passing along shaded lanes and hedgerows. This section provided a mix of open fields and gentle climbs, with opportunities to spot waterfowl in the park’s wetlands. A short rest stop allowed walkers to enjoy the peaceful scenery and take photographs.

The route then led to Linacre Reservoir, a tranquil stretch of water surrounded by trees and reeds. Here, walkers paused to watch ducks and geese, while enjoying a cooling breeze across the water. The reservoir path looped back towards Holmbrook, linking up with woodland tracks that gradually descended into the country park.

In total, the walk covered approximately 8.5 miles, combining varied landscapes and habitats. The group returned in the afternoon, pleased with the relaxed pace, sociable atmosphere, and the chance to explore three distinct local nature areas in one rewarding circular route.

Mark Thornley

Holiday Tour

by WebmasterHolidaysPosted on Comments are Disabled

Proposed Hucknall and District u3a Normandy D Day Landings Holiday Tour

Thursday April 16th to Tuesday April 21st, 2026

An Overview

On our guided WW2 Tour we will see some of the most iconic D-Day locations and visit all the D-Day landing beaches along the Normandy coastline as well as seeing the site of the Pegasus Bridge glider landing, and where the ‘Band of Brothers’ fought near St. Mère Eglise.

We will also visit Caen which rose to prominence in the 11th century when William the Conqueror made it his base. He and his wife Matilda founded two grand abbeys, still standing today. It was heavily bombed in WWII during the Battle of Normandy and Caen now blends medieval heritage with modern vitality.

Itinerary

Day 1- Travel by Skills Luxury Coach to Dover       (215 miles 4.5 hours)

Ferry Crossing                                                   (1.5 hours)

Calais an interesting drive to Bayeux                  (245 miles 4.5 hours)

Day 2- Pegasus Bridge and Arromanche

Day 3- Ste Mere Eglise, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc and Omaha

Day 4- (Sunday) Free Day in and around historic Bayeux

Day 5 – Caen and the Caen Memorial Museum

Day 6- Return Journey

Accommodation: The Novotel Bayeux

The Novotel Bayeux is just 1 km away from the famous Bayeux Tapestry and the historic town centre. Guestrooms are modern and comfortable and are equipped with modern en suite facilities, Wi-Fi access and air-conditioning. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and garden.

The accommodation is on a Bed and breakfast basis except for the last night Monday 20th when we have a group meal.

Costs

The cost to Skills is £649.00 per person in a twin or double

Unfortunately, singles are an extra £150.00

I have secured 14 twin rooms;8 doubles and 4 singles.

There will be an additional £20 to £30 for the guide and driver’s tip

The initial deposit to be paid to Skills is £65.00 per person

Once the group has been established, I will send out details of how to pay the deposit

Please email me with your name(s) and room type preference if you wish to join this holiday – (davidrose98835@gmail.com)

Gardening Group

by WebmasterGardening GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

July’s meeting was a trip out. After a longer journey than anticipated due to traffic hold-ups, we arrived at the Dorothy Clive Gardens near |Stoke on Trent. It was an ideal day for walking around as it was not too hot.

There are many different beautiful flowers, so colourful, as well as trees, birds and butterflies, it was amazing, not to mention the waterfall and wonderful bronze statue of a stag, and carved owls in the tree trunks along with a very nice cafe and grounds around it. We even saw a tree creeper, which is a very rare sight.

I am sure everyone enjoyed their day. Thank you to Anne and Sandra for a great day out. Thank you to Pam Farrell for this report, and to Jane Pointon for the pictures.

The next meeting is on 4th August when we hear a talk about flowers beginning with “A”.

We are now taking names for the next trip on 1st September, which will be our last for this year, to Harlow Carr.

Anne Wilkinson

History Group

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July has been an interesting month!  Members elected to visit The Flight Test Museum which was recently opened on a site off Watnall Road.  It is totally staffed by volunteers some of whom are Hucknall U3a members.  It was a good day weather wise and we filled a car park without realising there was one slightly nearer.  

We were treated to a short talk some video film and then let loose to wander round the site by ourselves, although there were volunteer helpers around to explain how things worked.  All the land on what was Rolls Royce site has been sold and it seemed strange after all the years to discover we need to call the area by a different name. The volunteers on the museum site were Am-A-Zing and we thank them all for an interesting visit.  

Next month, August, we are going to Nottingham University Museum.  Please be there by 10 minutes to 1pm for us to get settled before the talk by Dr. Pickersgill.  If you would like to go earlier there are other things to do such as exhibitions and decent cafe’s for refreshments and of course the tram stop for Nottingham University is ideal.  If you are not sure that your name is on the list please check at the main meeting at John Godber.

For the September meeting we are back inside at Central Methodist Church when David Skillen will be telling us about Belper.

TTFN Maureen Newton

Real Ale Group

by WebmasterReal Ale GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

Just a short resume of our outings this year:-

January, we went to the Canning Circus area in Nottingham and visited four public houses there – The Organ Grinder, The Falcon, Sir John Borlase Warren and the Hand & Heart.

February, we attended the CAMRA Beer Festival at the John Godber Centre and sampled a great variety of real ales.

March, we did what is known as the Tram Trail, catching the tram to New Basford for The Lion, Then back to Basford for The Fox & Crown, on to Bulwell for The Bulls Well, then home to Hucknall for the Pilgrim Oak.

April we took the tram to Beeston and visited The Malt Shovel, the Commercial Inn, The Crown Inn & the White Lion, then back to Hucknall by tram.

May, we stayed in Hucknall, starting at Wetherspoon’s Pilgrim Oak, then the Baker & Beer and Byron’s Rest.

June and July, we had two excellent “Beer B Q’s” in two of our members gardens with food and home made beer, both of wonderful quality.

The photos above and below show us in the Byron’s Rest and at one of our Beer B Q’s.