“Songs you enjoyed when 16” was the theme of September’s Singalong.
Our thanks go to Christine and Dave Vincent who led the session, which was very much enjoyed by all. We continue to find different themes and always welcome members suggestions. Indeed Octobers meeting features music chosen by two of our members.
Medium length walk 23rd September 2026
On this sunny morning, 10 U3a walkers assembled at Riverside Gardens in the historic town of Belper. Dominating the area is Strutt’s North Mill (UNESCO) built in 1804.
Having crossed the Derwent we began a steady ascent out of the town. the Derwent valley coming into view. The Mid Shires Way took us onto the Roman road below Chevin Hill, a tree lined path linking Belper to Strutt’s second mill town of Milford. Near the start of North Road, the trees open up to give a panoramic view of Belper. This was Strutt’s vision for his town, and in the main this is how it remains today. Near the end of this section there was a crashing sound, broken branches and leaves fell and one of our group was hit – by a golf ball. A cry of ‘fore’ was heard, followed by two more projectiles. The first ball had hit John on the knuckle of his right hand, with no serious damage fortunately.
Emerging at the top of Sunny Hill, lunch was taken after first investigating the very tall tower, constructed for waste removal from the railway line below, or as a sighting or semaphore tower. Descending the steep hill, we followed the course of the Derwent back towards Belper, stopping to view the Milford tunnel constructed by Stevenson in 1838. This grade 2 structure takes the Midland Main line under the Chevin hill.
An enjoyable walk 6.8 miles through Strutt’ country.
Dave Kay
Visit to the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire on Wednesday 23rd September
It was the usual 8.30 am departure time from Hucknall Market place for one of the shorter journeys of the year to the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire. Driven by one of Vallances newly recruited drivers, Steve, we were safely at the destination by 10.00 am. However, as we were ready to leave the coach we were met by the sound of the fire alarm going off in one of the main buildings which delayed us very briefly and was certainly a new experience for the group!!
The Estate is vast and with the weather turning increasingly sunny we began our day. Once described as “A Staffordshire paradise, a rich blend of landscape monuments and architecture” Shugborough is indeed a very impressive estate. The House is a Georgian mansion of global treasures, complete with servant’s quarters and the apartments of Patrick Lichfield the fifth Earl and fashion photographer. The gardens and pleasure grounds feature a walled garden, arboretum and terraces all along side Europe’s widest yew tree. The Park Farm is home to to a tea room and a working model farm with Longhorn cattle and Southdown sheep. Added to the beautiful walks, gift and book shops and Mansion restaurant there was much to explore over the day.
Departing promptly at 4.00 pm we were back in Hucknall for 6.00 pm after a very enjoyable day out.
October takes us to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire.
Sue and Barrie
Ann Featherstone was our speaker last month telling us about ‘Rose Bruckner and her Post-war World of Home Baking’. It was an amazing presentation. Apparently Rose was the second most famous British woman in the U.S.A. after Elizabeth who became our Queen. The words combined with the images Ann used had most of us nodding, checking with neighbours and remembering so much of our childhood. What a performance Ann gave to all of us. Even the following day in Tesco members were still chatting about the talk. Thank you Ann.
On the 21st October, the last visit this year is to the Newark Air Museum so if members fancy the trip (at the time of writing this report a few seats are available) come for a chat at the next main meeting at John Godber on the 14th October.
Looking ahead to the next indoor meeting at Central Methodist Church on the 18th November Ian Morgan is coming to tell us about ‘Pestilence, Intrigue and Murder’. This talk was scheduled for last February but Ian had a hospital appointment and the talk rescheduled.
Bye for now,
Maureen
There was no meeting in September, but we are back on Friday 16th October
10.00am to 11.45am in the main hall at JGC.
Terry Hill will be talking about the importance of the transistor and following on from Bob’s presentation about the physics of golf, especially in relation to the laws of motion, I will be applying them to car and road safety.
Coming Soon: 3-minute talks about one of the 118 elements currently known.
David Rose