Category: Events

Our recent trip to Kendal seems to have been a huge success, no complaints and many compliments for me, the staff at the hotel and the driver.  I’m still not sure how he navigated some of the roads and corners.

We stayed at the County Hotel at Kendal for four nights. It was very well appointed with good food and very pleasant staff who couldn’t seem to do enough for us.

The first day we had a day trip to Keswick, some of us were dropped off and participated in a linear walk along the side of Derwent Water, the rain held off and we had a very picturesque walk. 

The second day was a free day around Kendal; some of us went on a tour of the Hawkshead micro brewery, which was very interesting and informative, others decided to take the more scenic route and walked while others took the train.  On the third day we went for a visit to Sizergh castle and it’s gardens which again was very good, the gardens were superb.

There was entertainment every night which again was done in such a way to include the audience.  We were thoroughly entertained, it was great.

Sadly the next day we had to return home, I think everyone would have gladly stayed a few more days.

On Friday 6^th October, 2023 our u3a hosted a thank-you get together and buffet at the John Godber Centre. Invited were all those that volunteer to lead or run our Interest Groups, Committee, Social Sub Committee, Newsletter and provide our refreshments.

Many of our members hold several of these roles and our u3a wouldn’t function without them. 43 people came along and enjoyed a cold buffet, provided by Pierre’s of Linby.

We then held a question and answer session, which was a chance to ask the Committee any burning questions.

We finished by discussing three imaginary interest group scenarios, in small groups. Lots of ideas were created as a result of this.

Overall, the collective view was that all members of a group can be included in decision making and should help the group leader where possible. To keep generating new ideas for the group is not an easy task. A new group can be supported initially by the Committee, but the aim is for them to become self-funding.

It was a good reminder that all our group leaders in the u3a are volunteers and they need our support.  I’m sure that you will agree with me that all of our volunteers do a great job!

Sue Tedstone (Groups’ Coordinator)

Our latest social event took place on Saturday 23^rd September. The theme was music mainly from the 60’s performed by the group ‘Rocks and Frocks’. They have an excellent sound and their playlist had the dance floor bouncing all night.

Some members delved deep into their wardrobes and were barely recognisable in the colourful 50’s and swinging 60’s period outfits. A special guest was a Mr Elvis Presley and his notorious manager Colonel Tom Parker.

Our next events are:

Monday 4^th December 12.30 pm to 4 pm

Christmas Meal and Social

A two course meal, tea/coffee and a mince pie followed by:

Live musical entertainment by some of our talented members and to complete our afternoon a Christmas Singalonga

Friday December 8^th 1.30pm to 4.45pm

Part 1: An illustrated talk about Eric Coates the Hucknall born composer by

Maureen Newton .We will also hear some of his music.

Part 2: An audio visual video with music and songs by original artists compiled by Christine Vincent which features several of our Interest Groups.

To finish our afternoon 2 entertaining live performances by ‘Fun With Languages’ and the Cycling group.

For more details please see the posters on this website.

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Your Invitation to a special event on Monday October  23^rd  at the John Godber Centre, 2pm to 3.30pm

Nottingham University History Festival is from October 23^rd  to 27^th. Applications were invited for organisations to ‘bid’ for a speaker to deliver a presentation.

Hucknall u3a were successful and we  are pleased to have  guest speaker Dr Richard Gaunt.

Dr Gaunt is an Associate Professor from the Department of History and is ‘highly recommended’  by our History Group Leader, Maureen Newton.

The talk is ‘Nottingham Castle: Past, Present – and Future?’

Dr Richard Gaunt discusses his experience as Curator of Rebellion, working on the Nottingham Castle transformation project, in the context of the Castle’s 1000-year history as a Nottingham landmark.

Nominal Entry Fee £1.00 payable on the door