Pickleball

For anyone who hasn’t come across pickleball before, it is a mixture of various other games, tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played on a badminton court but with a low net and bats (paddles) like a large table tennis bat and a plastic ball with holes in it!

We currently have 3 pickleball groups, Mondays and Thursdays are mixed ability, sociable sessions and Tuesdays are for more experienced players who like a more competitive game.

If you are interested in joining any of the groups please contact Vaughan for the Monday group or Karen for the Tuesday or Thursday groups.

Karen Guy 

Petanque

On 18th May, a day with 3 seasons’ weather, Hucknall U3a Petanque team were Gold winners in both doubles and triples matches in Monday’s U3a Petanque competition with entries from eight U3a teams.

Our success was a result of great teamwork.  Four new players played like naturals, playing together with our more experienced players who offered excellent coaching tips. Great playing, nerves of steel, and all planning was done on an empty wooden cutlery packet. All taking part should be proud of our success. No trophies, no prizes, just well deserved prestige.

Hucknall  team players were:

Shirley Towle  

Julie Bridges

Janet Pickering 

Richard Smeathers

Howard Bodill

Jo Ferguson

Peter Chantry

Anne Boucher

Chris Eagle 

The U3a groups who entered were:

Burton Joyce – 2 teams  

Worksop – 2 teams 

Hucknall 

Southwell 

Ashfield 

West Bridgford 

Thanks to Neil Hunt of Arnold U3a  for organising the competition and Nottingham City Petanque Club for hosting the event.

Chris Eagle

Discovering Britain

Our day trip to Kingston upon Hull offered a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. The journey began in Hull’s charming Old Town, where cobbled streets and historic buildings create a vivid sense of the city’s maritime past. Narrow alleys, traditional pubs, and Georgian architecture gave the area a welcoming character.

The next stop was the Streetlife Museum, which provides an engaging look at transport history. Vintage cars, bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and recreated street scenes made the museum both educational and entertaining. Nearby, the Hull and East Riding Museum displayed impressive archaeological treasures, including Roman artefacts and prehistoric remains, offering insight into the region’s ancient past.

Lunch was enjoyed at Trinity Market, a lively indoor market filled with independent food stalls and local produce. Although, some preferred a pint and Fish and Chips at the local Wetherspoons. Afterwards, a visit to Hull Minster revealed magnificent Gothic architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

The day concluded at The Deep, Hull’s spectacular aquarium, where sharks, rays, and colourful marine life provided a memorable ending to an enjoyable and varied day.

Long Walks

May 5th Walk from Ashover

Our May walk set off from Ashover’s village hall under clear, sunny skies — perfect weather for exploring this beautiful corner of Derbyshire. We climbed steadily toward Appletree Knoll, rewarded with wide views across the hills, before continuing to Northedge Farm and the quiet Press Reservoirs.

The route then led us through the dappled shade of Sleigh Wood and past the Great Ponds of Stubbing, where the water was calm and bright in the afternoon sun. A gentle descent brought us to Bole Hill Quarry and through Alton, adding a touch of local history to the day. We finished back at the starting point and some local liquid refreshments

Our thanks to Steve Evens for once again leading this interesting 8-mile walk.

The rocky outcrop-the lunch stop with a view

On the trail

Summer Disco and Hog Roast

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Social Sub Committee Announcement

60’s / 70’s Summer Disco and Hog Roast

Friday 26th June 2026, Price £15 pp

Doors open 6.30pm, Disco 7.00pm, Meal 8.00pm, Disco 9.00pm, Close 10.00pm

Bar open.

Hog Roast to include – A selected free range pig, sage and onion stuffing (made with Lincolnshire sausage meat) Bramley apple sauce, bread rolls and superb crackling.

Tickets on sale at the May and June monthly meeting, payable by card, cash or cheque.