Discovering Britain

On Monday the 6th of October, we enjoyed a delightful day trip to the picturesque town of Bakewell. The weather was pleasant, with clear skies and a mild breeze, which made exploring the town especially enjoyable.

Our first stop was the Bakewell market, where we spent time browsing the many stalls offering local produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods. The atmosphere was lively, and the friendly stallholders added to the charm of the experience.

After exploring the market, we visited the famous Original Pudding Shop, where we purchased some traditional Bakewell puddings to take home. We also stopped at the Old Cheese Shop nearby, sampling and buying a selection of locally made cheeses.

For lunch, we went to the Red Lion Inn, a cosy and welcoming pub that served hearty meals and excellent service. Following lunch, we made our way to the Old House Museum, one of Bakewell’s oldest buildings. The museum’s fascinating exhibits gave us an insight into the town’s rich history and heritage.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable day, filled with good food, interesting sights, and a lovely sense of local tradition.

Mark Thornley

Long Walks

On Monday, 7th October, we enjoyed an 8.2-mile circular walk beginning and ending at the Cricketers Arms in Nunkergate. Setting off under a calm autumn sky, our route first took us through the gentle woodland paths of Portland Park, where the trees were just beginning to turn gold and russet. The air was fresh, and the ground soft from recent rain, making for ideal walking conditions.

We continued through Springwood, where patches of sunlight broke through the canopy, before arriving at St. Winifred’s Church for a well-earned lunch stop. The peaceful churchyard provided a pleasant setting to rest and share refreshments.

After lunch, we climbed towards the Dumbles, enjoying fine views over the surrounding countryside. The path then led us across open fields, where we followed the winding course of the River Erewash. The gentle flow of the water and the sight of late wildflowers added to the charm of the afternoon.

The final stretch took us back through Nuncargate, completing the loop at the Cricketers Arms. It was a thoroughly enjoyable walk, combining varied scenery, good company, and a refreshing sense of autumn tranquillity.

Mark Thornley

Theatre News

Here are the latest details of theatre trips. If anyone is interested please contact Barbara Ives either at the main U3a meeting or through the Interest Groups page.

Details of Performances

Saturday, 11th October, 2025, Top Hat, 2.30pm. Tickets £56.00

Saturday, 18th October, 2025, Northern Ballet Merlin, Theatre Royal 2.30pm. Tickets £38.00. We need 10 members to get this price so please put your names down.

Saturday, 25th October, 2025. The Great Gatsby, Derby Theatre, 2.30pm. Tickets £36.00. Meet at tram stop at 9.30, Derby flyer to Derby which we do have to pay for. Shopping and lunch before 2.30, home in reverse order,

Wednesday, 29th October, 2025. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal. Tickets £27.00. Meet for lunch at 12 noon outside the Theatre Royal where the tram stops.

Saturday, 12th December, 2025. Oliver Twist at Derby Theatre, 2.30pm. Tickets £36.00. Christmas shopping before theatre.

2026

Saturday, 7th February, 2026, Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes, Theatre Royal 2.30pm. Tickets £62.50

Thursday, 30th April, 2026, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Theatre Royal 2pm. Tickets £46.50

Sunday, 3rd May, 2026, Six the Musical, Theatre Royal, 2.30pm. Tickets £42.50

Saturday, 16th May, 2026, Northern Ballet: Gentleman Jack, Theatre Royal 2.30pm. Tickets £51.00

Saturday, 6th June, 2026, Fawlty Towers The Play, 2.30pm. Tickets £57.50

Easy Wheelers

More pictures from the Loughborough cycle ride

More pictures available in the Photo Gallery

History Group

At our last meeting David Skillen  came to talk to us about the history of Belper the title was Nailers, Knitters and Traitors.  

From his images we understood about nailers their buildings and work.  He talked about knitters telling us about the textile industry in Belper and that the wonderful museum had closed.  Jedediah Strutt’s Mill has survived though and can still be seen as you use the car park by the River Gardens where there is a tea room.  Strutt is quite famous for inventing a new way to knit the beginnings for garments called the Derby Rib.  Traitors were those who went over to America to explain how the knitting was done which took some of the work from Belper.  

David told us he is retiring from presenting the talks this year: it is such a shame that we won’t see him again.

Our next meeting on the 15th October is a visit to the National Justice Museum.  We are meeting at Weekday Cross at 1.45pm having walked down from the Lace Market tram stop.

At the November  meeting we are back at Central Methodist Church 2 – 4pm when Trevor Lee is coming back as our speaker.

Maureen Newton