Category: Announcements

“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

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

Friday 8^th December John Godber Centre

Doors Open at 1.15pm for a prompt 1.45pm start.

Come along to our special Christmas meeting for a presentation by Maureen Newton about the role Hucknall played in the early life of Eric Coates. This was the foundation of his highly successful career in music.

The talk is followed by an interval for tea/coffee and Christmas sweet and savoury treats organised by Christine and John Berrill

Part 2:

An animated musical video devised by Christine Vincent which celebrates many of our groups activities.

Part 3:

 Live performances by the cycling group and the Fun With Languages Group

Thanks to all of today’s volunteer performers and contributors.

Here is a preview of the cyclists’ rehearsal

Well what a month October was, so much rain, that my dog walking boots have got so wet they are soaked through, stuffed with newspaper drying out. One day after the storms we were walking the dogs, came to a huge puddle, decided to carry on through, and ended up wading halfway up our calves.

If you were fortunate enough not to get wet then, you were lucky.  I pity those that ended up with their homes flooded. There were quite a few places in Hucknall affected, Ogle St., Baker St., and the worst I saw was at the bottom of St Patrick’s Rd., the water so deep, just the tops of cars showing.   Our heart goes out to anyone affected, if you know anyone and can offer any help, then please do if you are able.

Halloween came and went, not sure what your feelings are, they differ so widely, personally I’m not keen, but still ended up carving a pumpkin for my granddaughter.

Trick and treat can be fun for children if managed correctly, but we all know this is not always the case. I suppose I’m being Mr Grumpy.

Our ‘one off’ History talk on Nottingham Castle, was well attended with 70 of us attending. Again, such a clear speaker talking mainly about the refurbishment and the  new set up of the various museum displays and an explanation of the recent problems since Covid. Again a few would have liked to hear more about the actual history of the Castle itself, but still found the talk uplifting and quite a few have said they will be visiting the Castle shortly.

Our Christmas Social on Monday, 4^th December, is proving very popular, with only a handful of tickets left.  It will be first come first served at November’s Meeting.

Our preparation for the Eric Coates talk and Media Showcase is well underway for Friday 8^th December.   Apologies about the date confusion, but this has now been  finalised, This is instead of our normal monthly meeting and is a free event.

We are still looking for a couple of Committee Members for the next AGM, please don’t be shy, step forward, we cannot function without a committee. If you are unsure, please come and talk to either myself or any committee member.

As always, I look forward to seeing you all at November’s monthly meeting, please try and remember to wear your name badges so that everyone knows who you are, and of course don’t forget to sign out if you leave early.

Melvyn Francis, Chair