National Trust Visit to York

by WebmasterNational TrustPosted on Comments are Disabled

The National Trust group completed their visits for 2023 with a visit to the city of York on Tuesday, 28th November. Leaving behind the heavy rain of the previous day the group set out in beautiful bright sunshine. Leaving promptly at 8.30 am from Hucknall Market we arrived in York for 10.30 am.

The day’s programme choice was broad and made for a very busy day in York. Many members headed to visit the National Trust Treasurer’s House which was situated next to the famous York Minster.

Over the rest of the day members had the opportunity to visit many of the following attractions, The York Christmas Market, The Minster, The Jorvik Centre, The Shambles, The Clifford Tower, The Castle Museum and other attractions in York.

It was a busy day but one enjoyed by the group who returned under the night skies to arrive safely back in Hucknall by early evening.

The group visits for 2024 will resume in March and continue each month through to October. A planning meeting in the New Year will produce dates and venues which will be emailed out to the group members.                                                             

 Barrie

Vegetarian Cookery group

by WebmasterVegetarian CookeryPosted on Comments are Disabled

 At November’s meeting we watched  Apple and Elderflower stars being made. When finished these are drizzled with elderflower icing. 

The main recipe was  a Vegetarian Wreath, which is both tasty and colourful as a Christmas dish.   Members also tasted mince pies with different toppings, as an alternative to the usual pastry topping.

 We have spaces in the group if anyone would like to join us, please contact me.

The next meeting will be on Monday, 22nd January 2024 , at 10.30 am at St Peter and St Paul’s church Hall on Ruffs Drive.

Anne Wilkinson

Message from our Chair

by WebmasterAnnouncementsPosted on Comments are Disabled

“Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat….” too late for me, I’m afraid, already got there, will have to make sure I eat and drink sparingly over the festivities, those that know me, know the chances of that happening!

No  normal monthly meeting this month, however, our Christmas Meal Social on Monday , 4th December and our Special Eric Coates talk and Media Showcase event on Friday 8th are looking good with all tickets sold. Just turn up for the 8th, there is no charge, however, we will be bringing our collection tub should you wish to donate anything to Hucknall Food Bank.

Another year has almost gone and we are all another year older, wonder how many of us are any wiser? We have struggled with the recent inflation and seen costs rise dramatically due to soaring food and energy prices. However, when we look around the world we have so much to be thankful for that we live in a stable country. I cannot imagine the hardship that we are seeing in Gaza and Ukraine at the moment.

There are also currently civil wars happening in many other countries such as Afghanistan, CAR, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan and Syria, it is little wonder that Europe is experiencing so many refugees and migrants, and no, I don’t have the answer, and don’t think our politicians do either, just pray that folk could live in together in peace.

Anyway, I trust that you are all planning your Christmases, busy buying and wrapping presents, hopefully most will be invited round for Christmas dinner by family or friends, or if like us, having the family come to join us. If you are on your own, or know someone who will be then please think if you can get invited or invite someone to join you for Christmas dinner. Having said that, I do know some folk enjoy being on their own and welcome a bit of peace and quiet.

Autumn is now well advanced and Winter on the horizon, will it be a white Christmas, it’s certainly getting cold enough!

Many thanks to all who have worked hard this year, the committee, social sub- committee, group leaders and every one for taking such an active part.   I just want to wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR.

God Bless

Melvyn Francis

Tram Concession Fares

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Nottinghamshire County Council are considering withdrawing the free fare concession on our trams in the new year.

Whilst the government pay for the free bus travel that your concessionary pass allows, the Council pay for our tram travel and they are wanting to withdraw this entitlement.

The Council have provided a web site where you can fill in a short survey to let your views be known. It is therefore very important that as many folk as possible complete the survey stating  that you wish free tram travel to continue.

The link for the website is:- https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/public-transport/concessionary-travel/tram-concessionary-pass-consultation

Or go onto Nottinghamshire County Council website and search for Tram Concessions. Please visit the site if you are able and willing, you need to complete the form before the 7th January 2024.

Melvyn

Real Ale Group

by WebmasterReal Ale GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

Our November meeting on Thursday 16th explored some of the micro pubs and beer rooms available locally. Four of the five were formerly shops.

The Baker and Bear was originally the site of No 1 Co op in Hucknall. Horse and cart deliveries were taken at the side passage. Before converting to a single room pub and providing exercise for the right arm it was also a gym.   Old Legover proved a very popular beer here brewed by Daleside. I cannot think why it was so popular with the group.

The Beer Shack opened in 2013 and claims to be Hucknall’s first micro pub. The fourteen U3A members in attendance completely filled this one room pub. I think some of the locals took flight. There is a pub sign displayed on one wall from the Flying Bedstead which closed shortly before the Beer Shack opened. Also an original sign from the Harrier also now closed.

When we reached The Hideout the party was down to ten. I wonder if the others went back for more Old Legover? This is another converted shop with a cosy cellar complete with wood burner stove.

Then on to The Byron’s Rest which was formerly a sewing shop. The original Byron’s Rest on High Street closed in 1938. This is currently CAMRA’s Nottingham’s cider pub of the year and was runner up for pub of the year. A well remembered name from the past Shipstone’s Gold Star went down well with many members.

The party had dwindled considerably by the time we entered The Pilgrim Oak to finish a very pleasant and memorable night around Hucknall.