Science 2

by WebmasterScience GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

The group met via Zoom on Friday 17th July and on Friday 31st July. The first meeting was rather disappointing as, despite a practice sessio, the screen sharing went awry. That could be the fault of the operator (me) or a technical hitch…

Despite that Christine Vincent managed to tell us something about Rachel Carson who spent four years gathering research and writing a book. She named it Silent Spring referring to birds dying due to pesticides and the spring being silent without their song. The book was published in 1962. The book became very popular and brought the environmental issues of pesticides to the general public. Rachel didn’t call for a ban on all pesticides. She advocated more research into the dangers of some pesticides and a lower volume of spraying. In 1973, DDT was banned in the United States. It is still used more sparingly in some countries to kill mosquitoes.

Alan Ratcliffe then spoke about hydrogen which is the lightest element in the periodic table. Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical substance in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of all normal matter.

On the 31st Bob Gow wowed us with the history and technology behind the Bestwood Winding House, a topic that deserves to be explored more and which will feature as a future article.

To finish, Sue Tedstone shared some facts about the 3 species: African bush elephant, African forest elephant and the Asian elephant. Elephants eat all types of vegetation, from grass and fruit to leaves and bark — about 165 to 330 pounds (75 to 150 kilograms) each day, which is about 4 to 6 percent of their body weight. They spend an average of 16 hours per day eating!

Thanks to all contributors.

To contact David Rose, the group leader, please use the form below:-

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    National Trust

    by WebmasterNational TrustPosted on Comments are Disabled

    As you will be very aware the situation with Covid -19 is still so uncertain that making progress towards selecting dates for our planned trips is impossible at the moment. The National Trust is very slowly opening up some sites, but at present bookings are only being taken on a Friday for the following week with very limited availability.

    We will make a decision on the way forward in September but sadly it may be 2021 before we can resume our visits.

    When we do eventually restart then we will still make Fountains Abbey our first visit. As previously stated the cheques for the visit to Nostell Priory will be SHREDDED but those of you who have paid your cheques will, of course, have your places reserved for the eventual rearranged date.

    Thank you all for your understanding and patience at what is an unprecedented time in our history!!

    If you need to contact Sue or myself at anytime please use the form below:-

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    History Group

    by WebmasterHistory GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

    The History Group always welcomes all U3A members. Our indoor meetings are held at Central Methodist Church on the 3rd Wednesday of the month commencing at 2pm. Money paid for the trip to Richard lll will be safe in the U3A bank until we can re-arrange later on. We are starting fresh in September (X fingers). Watch this space! I look forward to seeing everyone but in the meantime please take care and stay safe.

    HUCKNALL BUSINESS ADVERTS 1887

    Enoch Reynolds, Bill Poster and Tripe Dresser, Albert Street. Attends Market on Fridays.
    William Thompson, Family Grocer and Provision Dealer, Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, Leather Cutter, Etc. High Street and Chapel Street. Established 1880.
    The Gospel Temperance Prize Band is open for engagements. Terms on application to the secretary W. Belcher, Brickyard Road, Butlers Hill.
    Peter Howis, Ironmonger, Watnall Road.
    William Mellows, News Agent and General Dealer, George Street
    Thomas Foster. Tobacconist and Stationer, Baker Street.
    Clement Buckland, Family Chemist, High Street and Annesley Road.
    The G.N.M Bakery, High Street. Emigration Agents Office.
    E. M. Walker, Hucknall & Nottingham, Carrier& General Dealer, Carlingford Road.
    Joseph Watson, Sewing Machine Agent, Annesley Road.
    W. Burton, Agent for Caldwells Oil Paintings and Photographs, Watnall Road.
    J. Davidge, the Cheapest and Best Saddlery and Shoe Leather Depot in town.
    G. Rhodes, the Noted Millinery Shop, High Street.
    R. F. Jones, the Drapery Stores, High Street.
    W. Evans, Chimney Sweep and Carpet Beater, Betts Street, Butlers Hill.
    Go to Musson’s for Drapery, High Street, Hucknall.
    Musson’s for Wools, Direct from Spinners.
    Croft’s the Clothier and Peoples Outfitter, High Street.
    A. C. Andrews, Late Haslam. The Cheap Grocery Store, Portland Road.
    H. J. Laycock, Watnall Road, Watchmaker, Jeweller and Tobacconist. Clocks, Watches and Jewellery Repaired.
    Mrs. Benniston, Dress and Mantle Maker, Beardall Street.
    J. Watson, Annesley Road, gives private Lessons in Shorthand. Terms on Application.
    Rickett & Brown, Family Grocers and Provision Dealers, Watnall Road. Good Dividends Paid.
    H. Mounteney, Wholesale and Retail Pork Butcher, Watnall Road.
    W. Holiday, Saddler and Harness Maker, High Street. Repairs Promptly Executed.
    Price Jones, Byron Street, begs to announce that he has commenced business as a Ready Made Clothier. Clothes made to order in the London Style, on very easy terms. Come and see!

    This list of adverts is from The Nottinghamshire Free Press 21st January 1887. Do any of these people belong in your family tree?

    What a wonderful surprise it was to discover the Command Tower was a grade ll listed building.

    T.T.F.N. Maureen Newton

    Message From the Chair

    by WebmasterAnnouncementsPosted on Comments are Disabled

    Several months later than planned, I now find myself writing my final “Message from the Chair”.It has been a totally unprecedented year for all of us and one which will certainly go down in the History books!!

    I would like to reflect on the past two years, prior to the Covid-19 situation arising and extend my very sincere thanks to the very many people who have not just given me personal support but have contributed so much to Hucknall and District U3A.

    My first thank you goes to all those who have served on the Executive Committee. Much of their work goes unseen on occasions but their hard work and great togetherness is at the heart of the U3A. It has been a pleasure to work alongside such a great team. The Social Committee likewise have worked so hard to provide a rich variety of activities for members.

    One member who does go “unseen” much of the time is Steve Lawrence, our Newsletter Editor. Steve works very hard each month to produce an excellent Newsletter, which I know from comments made to me has been particularly appreciated during the recent months, since it has been our one way of reaching all members.

    Interest Group Leaders are also at the heart of the U3A and again I cannot thank you enough for your efforts.

    Also thanks go to all members who attend our various Interest Groups, Social events and monthly meetings.

    Going forward, every U3A is going to face previously unknown challenges in the foreseeable future. These will obviously centre around how the Covid -19 situation evolves, Social Distancing issues, availability of venues, limits on numbers allowed to meet together, finance and probably most significantly the confidence of Members to return to activities. However, I am certain that working together we can hopefully restore our U3A to a strong organisation once more.

    Barrie Saunders
    Chairman