Category: National Trust

The situation with regard to Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions seems to be improving but also still remains uncertain for reasons that we are all aware of such as the situation in Europe and a possible slowing down of the vaccination programme. For our group there are still some major hurdles to overcome.

Firstly, with regard to coach travel there are strict guidelines in place regarding the wearing of masks on board, social distancing rules to protect the driver and passengers which mean that it is not possible to run coaches at anywhere near full capacity. There are also regulations with regard to how to board the coach itself, where social distancing must be maintained.

Secondly, as you will be aware, National Trust properties are only operating at a reduced capacity for people who live locally to exercise. Car parking is limited and there is presently no facility to book coaches in for a day. Indoor facilities are closed for the foreseeable future although plans to open indoor cafes etc are being planned.

Thirdly, The Third Age Trust require that we complete a Risk Assessment before going on any visit. Whilst it may be possible for some u3a groups to meet in numbers up to six in the relatively near future, I think that the date which will determine our progress will be June 21st, when a decision will be made on Social Distancing and the wearing of face masks.

IF decisions made in June allow, then we will book the dates for the first two visits and let group members know immediately. We will put a short further update in the May Newsletter and on this website. In the meantime if you have any suggestions or comments please contact Sue or myself via the form below:-

Error: Contact form not found.

When Sue and myself offered to take over the group after Sue Spolton decided to leave the position, little did we know that a year later we would still not have been on any visits!!
We do not want to dwell on the negatives from the past months but rather look forward to hopefully better times in 2021.

I am sure most members will have received email updates from the National Trust and be aware of the present limited access which is available to their properties. You will probably be aware that Belton House are running their Light Show but with very limited pre-booked places available. Although not a National Trust property, Wollaton Hall are operating a similar display. Although while writing this piece it looks like Ashfield is going to go into Tier 3 so limiting travel and visits even further.

When we do see some progress with Covid-19 and we get permission from the U3A, and Government rules allow, we will be visiting Fountain’s Abbey and then we have four more visits, one each to Yorkshire and Derbyshire and two to Warwickshire all planned.

We hope everyone in the group is staying safe and healthy.

Sue and Barrie Saunders,

As you will be very aware the situation with Covid -19 is still so uncertain that making progress towards selecting dates for our planned trips is impossible at the moment. The National Trust is very slowly opening up some sites, but at present bookings are only being taken on a Friday for the following week with very limited availability.

We will make a decision on the way forward in September but sadly it may be 2021 before we can resume our visits.

When we do eventually restart then we will still make Fountains Abbey our first visit. As previously stated the cheques for the visit to Nostell Priory will be SHREDDED but those of you who have paid your cheques will, of course, have your places reserved for the eventual rearranged date.

Thank you all for your understanding and patience at what is an unprecedented time in our history!!

If you need to contact Sue or myself at anytime please use the form below:-

Error: Contact form not found.