Melrose Holiday March 2025

by WebmasterHolidaysPosted on Comments are Disabled

Our trip to Melrose went without a hitch and was a great success; everyone seemed to have had a great time.

We had three day trips, and thankfully the weather was kind to us. We went to Jedburgh and Kelso two quaint, typically Scottish towns, Edinburgh, where we had a short guided tour and then time to ourselves.  The last trip and my favourite was to Lindisfarne Holy Island, with some stunning views across to the mainland and the ruined abbey.

The walkers among us went on two magnificent walks, the first along the River Tweed, where Gary and Tina managed to video an Otter fishing, unfortunately I didn’t see this.  We then continued via Sir Walter Scott’s house to Loch Cauldeshiels and then back to the hotel.

The second walk was through the Eildon Hills by the Rhymer’s stone and again along the Tweed back to the hotel, taking time to view Melrose Abbey and Melrose itself.

The hotel itself was very good as was the food and the staff very helpful and quick.  There was entertainment every night, which was very good especially the first night.

Thanks to everybody for making it such a memorable trip.

Mark

Long Walks Cresswell Crags

by WebmasterLong WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

On the 5th of May 2025, a guided circular walk commenced from the Creswell Crags visitor centre, exploring a variety of local landscapes. The walk began around the Crags themselves, providing an early opportunity to appreciate the dramatic limestone gorge and prehistoric caves. From there, the route passed through the nearby model village, offering a glimpse into the historic layout and charm of early 20th-century industrial housing.

Continuing onward, the path meandered through a stretch of peaceful wooded landscape, rich in spring foliage and birdsong. This section provided both shade and tranquillity, with opportunities to observe local wildlife and wildflowers. The walk then took us past a working quarry, a stark contrast to the woodland.

The circular route concluded with a return to Creswell Crags, where participants had the opportunity to explore the visitor centre and its exhibitions on Ice Age archaeology and local geology and a nice cup of tea. The walk covered a variety of terrains and environments, offering a rewarding blend of history, nature, and scenic views. It was both educational and refreshing, with excellent participation and engagement throughout.

Litter Picking

by WebmasterLitter PickingPosted on Comments are Disabled

Members of the Litter Picking Group took advantage of April’s lovely sunny weather and in total collected 21 bags of rubbish from our area.

Two new members to the group, Jill and Sue, went out on their inaugural litter pick, thus ‘doing their bit’ to help make our environment a better place to live. Thank you and well done Jill and Sue.

Should anyone else wish to join our litter picking group please contact me as per the interest group details at the end of the newsletter. A tabard and equipment will be provided.

 Val (Gant)

Short Walks

by WebmasterShort WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

The April walk was a circular route from Greasley Church.

Led by Terry Hill we started by taking the footpath appropriately signposted to ‘Bogend’.

It crosses the Gilt Brook and although there are some duck boards it can be muddy. Fortunately following the dry spell it was good underfoot.

We then followed part of the Robin Hood Way through Watnall Woods and over the field paths back to our starting point.

The Parish Oven café at the back of the church hall was a welcome sight and we sat outside in the sunshine with our end of walk drinks.

15th May Walk

Please note the date as this is the earliest date for our 3rd Thursday walks as 1st May was a Thursday.

Our starting point, for this just over 4 miles easy walking route, is the free: Thieves Wood South Car Park located off the B6139 between Ravenshead and Kirkby in Ashfield.

Full details will be sent to the group a week before the walk date.

David Rose

Science Group

by WebmasterScience GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

16th May is our visit to RAF Cosford.

Please note we will now meet the coach on Ogle Street at 8.30am.

This is to allow a cushion of time in case of traffic delays.

Departure time is 3.15pm ETA back in Hucknall 5.00pm.

20th June Meeting

We are playing ‘catch up’ and we have two presentations:

John Tedstone on the ‘Lunarticks’ and

Christine Vincent with Niels Bohr- a Nobel Prize winning Danish physicist.

There is also an opportunity for any members who wish to do their outstanding ‘5 minute scientists’ talks.

David Rose