Not So Grumpy Old Men

by WebmasterNot So Grumpy Old MenPosted on Comments are Disabled

For their second activity of the month the NSGOM, boosted by a small number of real Grumpy Old Men, paid a visit to the Rock cemetery and catacombs at the junction of  Mansfield Road and Forest Road in Nottingham. We all agreed that the site was one we had passed thousands of times before on our travels in to Nottingham over the years. Now it was time to stop and find out about the site and its wonderful history.

Meeting up at the entrance to the site we were met by our guide for the morning. A leisurely tour of the site led to many stories about the famous and indeed the less famous people buried there. Edwin Patchitt, clerk to the local magistrates founded the site in 1848. Other famous names spotted on headstones included Watson Fothergill and James Shipstone.

Later going underground we visited the catacombs where many a worker lost his life while working in the sandstone caves. Here many a visitor, when standing quietly, has claimed to hear the sound of footsteps of former workers, pounding the caves. Perhaps not surprising as above ground, stood Gallows Hill where Nottingham’s public executions were held.

Anyway escaping the catacombs safely we walked back into the daylight and returned to our starting point.  After thanking our guide we then walked down to the nearby Grosvenor Inn for a pleasant lunch before returning to Hucknall on the tram or bus.

 An unusual but very interesting morning completed.

April sees the group taking part in a driving experience while blindfolded!!!!!!!!!   

History Group

by WebmasterHistory GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

The History Group always welcomes all u3a members – especially new ones – we have plenty of room. Our indoor meetings take place at Central Methodist Church on Baker Street, time 2pm – 4pm.  It is always on the third Wednesday of the month.  Due to a visit the next indoor meeting is on 15 May.  If you have not booked for the visit I will see you then.  

In March we had one of our favourite speakers Andy McKinnon to tell us about the history of Bestwood, it  was amazing.  It seems the map of Bestwood has stayed the same for hundreds of years. We heard that Nell Gwynne one of Charles II mistresses, who had some of the King’s children, rode round the area to claim it for her son, could we say for services rendered?  He became the Duke of St. Albans.  John Bentley one of our newer members was able to give us the benefit of his knowledge as well.

Pleasley Pit is the venue of our visit in April and we have a full bus of members.  I am told we will get a guided tour of the premises and be able to see colliery items that are not usually on show. They also have a tearoom/canteen where we can get drinks and snacks.  Great.

The next indoor meeting is 15th May when we have David Amos coming to show us images and give details of ‘A Brief History of the Village of Annesley’.  David worked at Annesley Colliery and has been researching the village for years, I think we are in for a good afternoon.  If you are not booked on the visit I will see you at the meeting in May.

Maureen Newton

Ukulele for Fun

by WebmasterUkulele for FunPosted on Comments are Disabled

Our new look Ukulele Group is proving to be a success. The majority of us are now downloading the song books from the internet, saving time and money. 

The formula of a playlist followed by “Group Members Choice” is proving successful.

If you feel you would like to become a member why not come and listen sometime, you might enjoy it! 

Contact the group leader for details –

Phil Attenborough

Litter Picking Group

by WebmasterLitter PickingPosted on Comments are Disabled

Whenever possible members of the litter picking group have been active during March.

One such member collected half a bag full of beer bottles and cans but couldn’t carry it any further so he deposited it in a litter bin in Linby. He also found a car jack, a car tyre and ¼ of a car bumper and is now looking for the rest of it so he can build a new car for himself. Oh and he also found an empty Viagra packet – someone must have been pretty desperate!

If you are inspired by these findings (!) please feel free to join the group.

Val (Gant)

Vegetarian Cooking

by WebmasterVegetarian CookeryPosted on Comments are Disabled

March again had a good number attending and we all enjoyed tasting two savoury recipes. As it was near to Easter we also had mini egg cookies, very sweet and indulgent!

In April the meeting is on 22nd at 10.30 to 12.00 in the church hall for St Peter and St Paul’s on Ruffs Drive.  We have just 3 spaces left in the group, so if anyone wants to join us, you are very welcome, please contact me.

Anne Wilkinson