Category: Announcements

Well here we are in March, the weather folk tell us that February has been the hottest on record, I know it must have been one of the wettest, taking the dogs for their walks has meant that we have often had to abandon the woods and walk them on the pavement. They are not as happy as there are no squirrels to chase and yes they have been known to catch them, not sure who was the most surprised the squirrels or the dog.

On the subject of animals, we have spent the past two days watching a male blackbird trying to drive away an interloper on his territory, don’t know how long it will take him to realise it is his own reflection in a mirror.

Some of us are off to Kendal shortly on a short holiday the Long Walk leader has organised for the Walking and the National Trust groups, plus a few others of us.  It sounds good with a good programme of walks and NT visits, we will let you know how we fair afterwards. Here’s hoping for good weather and good food!

Sunday 10^th March is of course Mothering Sunday and I hope all of you mothers get a card and a few flowers as thanks for all your hard work throughout the year. Not sure how many of us still have our own mothers with us, if you are fortunate to be one of the few, I’m sure you will spoil your mother on this day.

On the 17^th March it is of course St Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s patron saint and a good excuse for all of us that enjoy an occasional pint of Guinness. St Patrick was a 5^th century Roman-British Christian Missionary. It is traditional to wear something green if celebrating his saint’s day.

Another date to remember is Saturday 30^th March and remember to put your clocks forward before you go to bed. I’m not sure if anyone actually sits up until 2am on Sunday morning the official time to do so. Always amusing at church on a Sunday morning to see those who have forgotten, arriving an hour late.

Finally but by no means least we have Good Friday on 29^th and Easter Sunday on the 30^th March. Obviously a traditional time for children to receive Easter eggs, however, for the Christians among us this is the most important date of the year, celebrating Christ’s death and resurrection. A very busy month indeed.

I am pleased to announce that we have managed to fill all of the committee roles to replace those that are retiring and hopefully they will all be voted into office at our AGM in April.

Look forward to seeing you at our next monthly meeting on 13^th March and would encourage you to look to see if there are any other interest groups that you would like to join.

God Bless

Melvyn Francis

Greetings to you all.  What mixed weather we have had in January, three named storms, the coldest weather, the hottest weather and the wettest weather on record, still, it gives us something to discuss and moan about, something we are all very good at, complaining about the weather.

Last month, I reminded you all about Notts CC consultation on removing the free tram concessions. I have had a couple of responses from our erstwhile councillors, one from an opposition councillor stating that he and his colleagues were arguing strongly against it and one from a member of the governing party saying, don’t worry, if they do get rid of it, then it will transfer to the new regional Mayor’s office when and if it happens. I think we will have to wait and see and hope for a good outcome. Thanks to all of you for taking part in the consultation.

Sorry that those of you at the rear of the building struggled to read the writing on the screen of our speaker at our last meeting, I thought the same as quite a few folks that, whilst the talk was good, it was a bit highbrow, concentrating on word origins, rather than the actual history of Nottinghamshire. John Godber Centre are looking into obtaining a large pull down screen, which would solve a lot of our problems.

Our Social Sub Committee have worked hard to sort out this year’s activities, please see their details on this website and reserve the dates, some great activities planned.

Our next meeting coincides with St Valentine’s Day, he was a 3^rd century Roman saint, a priest in the Roman Empire who ministered to persecuted Christians.  He was martyred by being beheaded and his body buried on February 14^th. He was made a saint for curing a child with epilepsy and is the patron saint of epilepsy, beekeepers and of course ‘courtly love’ which has been celebrated since the 8^th century (thank you Wikipedia).

I may well be asking who has received a valentines card, to see if the ‘courtly love’ is still strong amongst us older ones. So make sure you make an effort to buy your valentine a card.

Did anyone make a New Year’s resolution, and has anyone managed to keep it. I have, mine was not to make a resolution! I also decided that out of concern for publicans I would not take part in Dry January, I found that quite satisfying.

God Bless

Melvyn Francis

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.