Lincoln proved a busy destination on the 13th when we travelled by train then took a fascinating open-top bus ride with live commentary.
The well-informed guide pointed out features such as the bricked-up window spaces dating from the window tax of 1696, the oldest bridge in England that still has houses built upon it, and the impressive Lincoln Cathedral, that became the tallest building in the world in 1311.
Thanks to Margaret White for hosting the social meet up at her house this month.
July saw the group visit the beautiful venue at Belton House near Grantham. Taking a slightly later departure time than usual we still arrived at Belton by 10.30 am.
By now the sun was shining and boosted by many families enjoying the start of the school holidays the grounds were soon fairly busy.
Most members, having had a drink in the café, then seemed to venture to the many outdoor areas. These included the Italian Gardens, the Conservatory, St. Peter and St Pauls Church, the Dutch Gardens, the Maze and the Parkland with its herd of beautiful deer. Some ventured further afield walking round the pond and into the nearby village.
After lunch most of us then spent time in Belton House itself with its wonderful mixture of rooms which were once owned by the Brownlow family. The rooms here have been fashioned over many years by some of the finest designers and craftsmen in the country. There was still time for a visit to the courtyard at Belton with its array of shops, ice cream parlour and cafes.
Everybody was safely back on the coach for 4.00 pm when we began our journey home arriving back in Hucknall for 5.15 pm after a very enjoyable day.
August takes us to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire where the day includes a guided tour of the Abbey and gardens.
Nine cyclists set off for a ride to Newstead Abbey on what may be the hottest day so far this summer. One advantage of cycling is the pleasant breeze to keep us cool, but the supercyclists on manual bikes may disagree after they reach the top of an incline. The electric squad have it much easier.
We cycled off road up the bypass and along the track to Newstead till it became too overgrown.
We sat outside at the Abbey cafe with several treats to spoil the benefits of our exercise: Coffee, tea, ice-cream, and 2 birthday people brought cookies and chocolates. It was suggested the name be changed to cafe group with cycling. But it’s all about enjoying the outing.
We split into 2 groups for the return journey, some retracing their tyre tracks, and some checking the state of the Linby trail after heavy rain had washed all the gravel to the middle of the path and rain had hollowed it out. As the sides had dried out it wasn’t too bad.
Thanks to our leader Angela.
If you like the idea of a gentle bike ride, join us at 9.30 every Friday morning at The Leisure Centre. Refreshments optional.
We had our last session on German this month but were low on numbers due to holidays and illness. We hope those unwell recover quickly.
We completed the session with work on hotels and reservations, helped by our audio course.
The next meeting is Thursday 8th August at 10.30 till 12 noon in the Byron Suite, JGC. We shall have coffee and cake and a discussion about the future of the group. If you can attend to express your thoughts and ideas on this, that would be great. However, if not perhaps you would email Ann with your thoughts on the group? That would be appreciated.
Have a good summer all. Let’s hope for better weather!
There will be no meeting in September.
At a loose end on a Sunday afternoon, why not come along to St. John’s Church Hall, and join us for an enjoyable game of Kurling, between 3 and 5pm.
It isn’t too exerting; you just need to be able to wield a broom like pusher and to make it an easier game we have shortened the target length.
Please contact Susan Foss if you are interested.