Medium Walks – Melbourne

Our September walk started from the centre of Melbourne, Derbyshire. Our route took us around the perimeter of Melbourne Hall, where we stopped for a few minutes to have a look what we now know is Johnny Vegas’ ‘Glamping’ site. Near the footpath there is what must be a unique and random collection of old vehicles, including a U.S. Air Force helicopter (with garden seats on the roof) and a yellow 1950’s school bus. Details are on the Melbourne Hall website for anyone who wants an unusual short break!

Further on, we paused for a couple of minutes to take stock in a field with a number of large cattle, who fortunately proved to be very uninterested in a group of walkers.

Our route then followed part of the National Cycle Network Route 6 back into Melbourne, passing a field with a selection of non-moving lions and tigers, together with a giraffe!

The next walk will be on Monday 16th October. Medium Walks are usually in the 6 -7 mile range – if you are interested in joining us, just use the contact form below.

John Tedstone

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Pickleball Group

On Monday 4th September, sixteen members of the group met in Anne’s garden, swapping the court for a gazebo on the lawn.   There was food and drinks to share, and some delicious desserts made by Anne. Coupled with the lovely weather, the chatter and the friendship, a superb afternoon was shared by all, thanks to our lovely hostess.

As an addendum, we would all like to express our thanks to David Rose, without whom this group wouldn’t be enjoying Pickleball.

Long Walks

Our latest foray into the wilds was a trip to Darley Dale.  We met at the Square and Compass at Darley Bridge for a walk of 8.77 miles.  It was a gorgeous day, in fact a bit too gorgeous as it was quite hot, but after the weather we have had previously I am not moaning. 

We set off across the fields and then walked alongside the River Derwent to the village of Rowsley.  We then walked onto the Heritage Mill where we had a coffee stop.  We crossed fields to woodland and walked up to the atmospheric, Nine Ladies stone circle, a relic from the Neolithic Age and 4000 years old, where we had lunch. 

We then walked over Stanton Moor which was beautiful as it was covered with Heather.  We walked through Clough Wood, which was welcome as we were shaded from the Sun and back to Darley Bridge.  We all had a well earned rest and a pint in the Square and Compass before heading home.  A very nice day and a good walk, which we all enjoyed.  

There is room in the group for more people so you are welcome to join a warm and friendly bunch of Ramblers.

Real Ale Group

On Wednesday 16th August, 15 members of our Real Ale Group met at Gary and Tina’s abode for our (hopefully) annual BEER B Q.

Tina provided excellent food, beef burgers, pork burgers, spicy burgers, hot dogs and a variety of salads and side dishes, ably cooked by Gary on his barbeque, very expertly cooked, not a burnt offering in sight.

Gary, being a bit of a real ale home brewer, had brewed for us a selection of four beers, an IPA, a Bitter, a Lager and a Stout, all excellent and very moreish.

Well done Tina and Gary, a brilliant evening, assisted by good weather and excellent company, thanks to all.

Our next outing will be on Thursday 21st September, it has been requested that we revisit the Sneinton area where we can find, The Bath Inn, The King William IV (King Billy), The New Castle (try and access the cellar) The Partizan Tavern (micropub) and possibly The Fox & Grape.

Message from the Chair

Hi, trust all is well with you all, our August Monthly Members’ Meeting was quite down in numbers as usual and expected, it was a pity really because our guest speaker Mr Graham Short talking on ‘My Life as a Micro Artist’ was very good and not only interesting but quite unbelievable the minute size of his engravings.

August has been a mixed mash of weather and I sincerely hope that none of you have had a wash out holiday if staying in the UK, or if in Europe keeping out of the sun and dodging the wildfires.

Due to the low turnout in August, we still have plenty of tickets for our September social gathering on Saturday 23rd Sept, at the John Godber Centre, it is a 60’s night with entertainment from a group called ‘Rocks and Frocks’ Tickets only £8, bring your own food and the JGC bar will be open.

May I remind you that three or four of our committee are leaving the committee having completed their full six year term, therefore we must have members willing to serve on the committee, please talk to me or any committee member if you are willing to consider joining us, it can be good fun and is of course essential as we cannot exist as a u3a without out prime committee members who are our trustees.

On another note we are looking for a new Group Leader(s) for both the Pub Lunch and Quiz Group and the Lunch Group. Sandra Green is regrettably having to step down from leading these two groups for many years due to personal circumstances.

Sandra has already prepared all of the Pub Quizzes for 2024, so that is one major task completed for the next leader. If you are in these groups please either volunteer or have a discussion as to who can take over as it would be a real shame for the groups to close. For further information, please talk to Sue Tedstone, our Group Co-ordinator.

As last year, we are having a stall on the Market Place at the Rotary Clubs ‘Hucknall Community Day’ if you feel that you can spare the odd hour to help and relieve on of the current volunteers, that would be great, please talk to me at the meeting. Last years event was very worthwhile, I would encourage you to visit on the day.

Look forward to seeing you all at September’s monthly meeting, please try and remember to wear your name badges so that all know who you are, and of course don’t forget to sign out if you leave early.

Melvyn Francis, Chair