During July some members of the group were away on holiday. However, members still managed to collect a total of 17 bags of rubbish from our environment. It’s just a pity that all the litter louts weren’t away on holiday too!
Should anyone else wish to join our litter picking group please contact me for further information as per the interest group details at the end of the newsletter. A tabard and equipment will be provided.
Val (Gant)
On Friday 8th August we visited Stratford on Avon, a beautiful day though maybe a little hot for some.
Stratford-upon-Avon, a historic market town in Warwickshire, is world-famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visitors can explore several significant sites linked to the playwright’s life.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a restored 16th-century timber-framed house on Henley Street where Shakespeare was born in 1564 and spent his early years. The home offers period furnishings, rare documents, and live performances by costumed actors, giving an authentic glimpse into Tudor life.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, located in the nearby village of Shottery, was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife. This picturesque, thatched farmhouse, surrounded by beautiful gardens, features original furniture, including the “Hathaway bed.” The cottage reflects rural Elizabethan life and courtship traditions.
New Place was Shakespeare’s grand family home, purchased in 1597, where he lived for the last 19 years of his life and wrote many late works. Although the original house was demolished in the 18th century, the site is now an open garden with sculptures and exhibits that evoke the spirit of his creations.
Together, these landmarks form the heart of Stratford’s Shakespearean heritage, attracting millions each year to walk in the footsteps of England’s greatest playwright.
Mark Thornley
On 5th August, a circular walk took place starting at Holmbrook Valley Country Park, a green space known for its meadows, ponds, and woodland paths. The morning began under mild summer skies, with participants setting out from the park’s visitor area. The route first followed winding trails through wildflower grasslands, offering views of butterflies and songbirds.
From Holmbrook, the walk continued towards Barlow Country Park, passing along shaded lanes and hedgerows. This section provided a mix of open fields and gentle climbs, with opportunities to spot waterfowl in the park’s wetlands. A short rest stop allowed walkers to enjoy the peaceful scenery and take photographs.
The route then led to Linacre Reservoir, a tranquil stretch of water surrounded by trees and reeds. Here, walkers paused to watch ducks and geese, while enjoying a cooling breeze across the water. The reservoir path looped back towards Holmbrook, linking up with woodland tracks that gradually descended into the country park.
In total, the walk covered approximately 8.5 miles, combining varied landscapes and habitats. The group returned in the afternoon, pleased with the relaxed pace, sociable atmosphere, and the chance to explore three distinct local nature areas in one rewarding circular route.
Mark Thornley
Proposed Hucknall and District u3a Normandy D Day Landings Holiday Tour
Thursday April 16th to Tuesday April 21st, 2026
An Overview
On our guided WW2 Tour we will see some of the most iconic D-Day locations and visit all the D-Day landing beaches along the Normandy coastline as well as seeing the site of the Pegasus Bridge glider landing, and where the ‘Band of Brothers’ fought near St. Mère Eglise.
We will also visit Caen which rose to prominence in the 11th century when William the Conqueror made it his base. He and his wife Matilda founded two grand abbeys, still standing today. It was heavily bombed in WWII during the Battle of Normandy and Caen now blends medieval heritage with modern vitality.
Itinerary
Day 1- Travel by Skills Luxury Coach to Dover (215 miles 4.5 hours)
Ferry Crossing (1.5 hours)
Calais an interesting drive to Bayeux (245 miles 4.5 hours)
Day 2- Pegasus Bridge and Arromanche
Day 3- Ste Mere Eglise, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc and Omaha
Day 4- (Sunday) Free Day in and around historic Bayeux
Day 5 – Caen and the Caen Memorial Museum
Day 6- Return Journey
Accommodation: The Novotel Bayeux
The Novotel Bayeux is just 1 km away from the famous Bayeux Tapestry and the historic town centre. Guestrooms are modern and comfortable and are equipped with modern en suite facilities, Wi-Fi access and air-conditioning. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and garden.
The accommodation is on a Bed and breakfast basis except for the last night Monday 20th when we have a group meal.
Costs
The cost to Skills is £649.00 per person in a twin or double
Unfortunately, singles are an extra £150.00
I have secured 14 twin rooms;8 doubles and 4 singles.
There will be an additional £20 to £30 for the guide and driver’s tip
The initial deposit to be paid to Skills is £65.00 per person
Once the group has been established, I will send out details of how to pay the deposit
Please email me with your name(s) and room type preference if you wish to join this holiday – (davidrose98835@gmail.com)
July’s meeting was a trip out. After a longer journey than anticipated due to traffic hold-ups, we arrived at the Dorothy Clive Gardens near |Stoke on Trent. It was an ideal day for walking around as it was not too hot.
There are many different beautiful flowers, so colourful, as well as trees, birds and butterflies, it was amazing, not to mention the waterfall and wonderful bronze statue of a stag, and carved owls in the tree trunks along with a very nice cafe and grounds around it. We even saw a tree creeper, which is a very rare sight.
I am sure everyone enjoyed their day. Thank you to Anne and Sandra for a great day out. Thank you to Pam Farrell for this report, and to Jane Pointon for the pictures.
The next meeting is on 4th August when we hear a talk about flowers beginning with “A”.
We are now taking names for the next trip on 1st September, which will be our last for this year, to Harlow Carr.
Anne Wilkinson