Social Event

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Christmas Film Show Wednesday 17th December

Our first film was a 30-minute short titled ‘The Missing Husband’ from the ‘Kept Woman’ film studio.

This soon to be classic was produced and directed by David and Christine Vincent and featured several u3a groups and members.

Basically, a recent retiree goes missing from home, but his family have no idea where he goes or what he does when he gets there.

They employ dodgy private detectives Hugh Dunnit and Charlie Clueless who after a few false leads eventually track him down to The John Godber Centre and discover that he has joined the u3a.

Here he is hiding behind the snowman at a Singalonga group session.

This was followed by a refreshment break thanks to Christine and John Berrill and their volunteer team with mince pies, sausage rolls and some very moreish vegetarian rolls (that soon disappeared) expertly made by Anne Wilkinson.

Following the break our feature film was A Christmas Story, a cult festive comedy film released in 1983. Set in the 1940s, it follows young Ralphie Parker as he navigates the joys and mishaps of a family Christmas in American suburbia.

Ralphie’s greatest Christmas wish is to receive a Red Ryder BB gun, but he faces repeated warnings that he’ll “shoot his eye out”. The film is celebrated for its nostalgic look at childhood, quirky humour, and memorable moments, which have made it a classic holiday favourite for audiences of all ages.

David Rose

Social Committee

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Hucknall u3a Christmas Lunch 2025

On Monday, 1st December 2025, our u3a community came together for the much-anticipated Christmas Lunch, marking the start of the festive season in grand style.

The event saw an impressive gathering of 144 members, all eager to share good food and laughter.

JGC was beautifully adorned with traditional Christmas decorations, setting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We were treated to a delicious Christmas meal with all the trimmings, followed by a tempting array of puddings, finished off with mince pies. Special dietary requirements were thoughtfully catered for, ensuring everyone could indulge in the seasonal fare.

Festive entertainment followed the meal with singer Jess Johnson, and several lively members danced the afternoon away.

The Christmas Lunch continues to be one of the highlights of our social calendar.

We would like to thank Cathy Tomlinson who caters for this event, Jess Johnson for the entertainment and to the staff at JGC for making us very welcome at this and other events.

A date for your diary: The Christmas Lunch for 2026 is on Monday 7th December.

Social Sub Committee

CHRISTMAS FILM SHOW

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CORRECTION and CLARIFICATION

The date is correct, but the day is Wednesday not Friday

CHRISTMAS FILM SHOW – WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 17TH

Doors Open 12.45pm

1.15pm to 2.45pm              A Christmas Story

2.45pm to 3.15pm               Refreshment Break

3.15pm to 3.45pm       ‘The Disappearing Husband’

National Trust

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Visit to Chester Christmas Market on Tuesday 2nd December

Our last visit of 2025 saw the group leave Hucknall enroute to Chester in beautiful sunshine. As we prepared to leave we were able to watch lorries arriving with some very large funfair rides for the Hucknall’s light switch on the following day.

Arriving in Chester just after 11.00 am we were dropped off by the Grosvenor Park which was close to the city’s main attractions.

Over the  course of the day the historic Roman city offered multiple activities and attractions. The Cathedral, which is over a thousand years old was beautifully adorned with dozens of decorated Christmas trees.

The city is also home to the largest Roman ampetheatre in Britain. Walking groups were there in large numbers as were groups of schoolchildren all suitably attired to take part in their Roman day.

A walk on the Roman city wall was a must for many group members along with a sedate boat trip along the River Dee.

The  Christmas market stalls, housed in the usual wooden chalets sold a variety of Christmas gifts and seasonal food and drink. Allowing time for lunch and a visit to the many shops including the eight hundred year old “Rows” made for a very full and enjoyable day.

Returning back to Grosvenor Park for 4.15 to meet the coach our driver, Wayne, got us safely back in Hucknall for 7.15pm.

The group now enters a winter break and resumes its visits in March with a visit to the Dunham Massey Estate.

Not So Grumpy Old Men

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Visit to the Sherwood Observatory and Planetarium

In late October a group of twenty-two ‘Grumpies’ were allowed out later than usual to visit the new Planetarium at Coxmoor Road, Sutton in Ashfield. In 1969 an advert in the Mansfield Chad brought together a group interested in astronomy and a few years later an observatory, with a 24” reflecting telescope was constructed on the present site. The planetarium and science centre itself is a much newer addition, opening in November 2024 after being funded by the local council and the Levelling Up Fund, to the tune of £5.3 million. The planetarium is built on top of a disused Victorian reservoir next to the original observatory. 

Our first stop was to view the moon through the main telescope – it was almost within touching distance! It’s an impressive building and piece of kit, built and maintained by volunteers. Indeed, the whole enterprise is staffed by volunteers who give freely of their time to explain their interest and enthusiasm for studying the night sky to less educated folks, like the Grumpies.

Next stop was the planetarium for a film show about the amazing sights to be seen through telescopes and from space exploration. An overhead half-dome screen 30’+ across immerses the viewer in space. Added to very comfy tilting chairs the whole experience is quite awe inspiring and calming. So much so that the Grumpies set a record for having a whole row of viewers fast asleep!


Sherwood is the first observatory to be built for ten years in this country and one of very few with public access. It is an amazing asset to have on our doorstep, and a visit is highly recommended.

Thanks go to John Berrill for organising.

Bob McEwen