Category: Announcements

The first week of December 2023 was a busy u3a week and already it seems a long time ago.

Monday December 4^th was our first traditional Christmas Lunch since the Covid restrictions were lifted. 144 places were available and they were all quickly sold.

Members enjoyed a substantial 2 course meal followed by tea/coffee and a mince pie.

The catering was by Cathy from the British Legion and on the day both her helpers and the staff from JGC were whizzing round efficiently serving every table.

Some of the ‘Golden Oldies’ enjoying the lunch

 Following the meal we were firstly entertained by Terry Hill with an enjoyable selection from   his ‘Big Bumper Book of Jokes’ followed by Roy Brown and Ann and Ian Murray who sang a selection of seasonal songs.

 To end the afternoon we had a Christmassy ‘Singalonga’ curated by Liz and Phil Attenborough.

 We extend our thanks to all of them for sharing their talent with us and for time spent in preparation for the event.

 Finally thanks also to Cathy, her helpers and Kim and the staff at JGC.

Friday December 8^th, 2023

Esteemed local historian and the long time group leader for the popular History Group Maureen Newton presented a talk about Hucknall born composer and musician, Eric Coates

Maureen concentrated on his early years in Hucknall and then progressed to how he kept up his links to the town and family through frequent visits in later years.

During the interval we enjoyed drinks , mince pies and sausage rolls organised by Christine and John Berrill and Lynn and Peter Baker.

After the interval we were entertained by a video montage with a lively musical soundtrack carefully put together by Christine Vincent which featured many of our Interest Groups.

The finale was songs by the cycling group ‘Daisy Daisy’ starring David Riley and Mary Martin with  backing singing by group members.

They were  followed by  ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ /’Les Douze Jours de Noel’

sung  in French by the ‘Fun With Languages’ group.

The Social Sub Committee wishes to thank everyone who contributed to our Christmas events.

I just wanted to thank all the folk who organised our Christmas Social/Meal on 4^th December.  The catering and food were excellent, and of course, not forgetting the entertainment and sing-a-long – really well done all.

Likewise, on Friday 8^th December, Maureen’s talk and presentation on Eric Coates and Christine’s Media show were both very professional and entertaining. They were followed by the Cycling group and Fun with Languages ‘skits’, again, very well done.

What a surprise it was waking up to almost four inches of snow on Sunday morning 3^rd December.  I really wondered what the rest of December held weather wise, but next day it had all but gone and we were back to cold and wet, although I was pleasantly surprised how mild Christmas Day and Boxing Day were. I have to confess to a childlike liking for snow. Some of us never grow up.

Christmas came and went, a lot of shopping, cleaning and preparing and of course expense and all over literally in a couple of days. We had the whole family round for Christmas dinner, daughters with their partners and grandchildren, nine of us around the table, turkey and roast beef with all the trimmings.  Then we had a party on Boxing Day evening, so somewhat podged with a little bit of a hangover on Wednesday morning. Hey ho, I do like Christmas.

We listened to the King’s message and I was very pleased to hear him speak  on the environment and also his mention of equality to those of all faiths and none. Sadly though we are still a long way from world peace with the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere, not just the wars but the massive impact it  has on the worldwide refugee crisis, which doesn’t just affect us in the UK but many, many other countries quite a few a lot worse than us.

As we start a new year I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard for all of us in our u3a, the committee, social sub-committee, group leaders, refreshment providers and the staff at the John Godber Centre, I know that we are all very grateful.

Finally, please remember to vote with the council regarding your concessionary tram tickets, you only have until 7^th January to object to losing them, the link is https://consult.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/tram-concessionary-pass-consultation/consultation/subpage.2022-01-25.8087376767/    or go via ACC website

It just leaves me to wish you all a very HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR I look forward to seeing, sharing and working with you all in 2024

God Bless

Melvyn Francis

“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 , 4^th December and our Special Eric Coates talk and Media Showcase event on Friday 8^th are looking good with all tickets sold. Just turn up for the 8^th, 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