Weekenders

Our April Coffee Club was held on April 29th when we enjoyed a Coronation-themed afternoon tea at Sandra Green’s. A small group of us attended a Coronation Afternoon Tea at Morton’s Farm on Friday, 5th May. 

There was no May outing this month and as there were no birthdays in May, we decided to have lunch at Arunothai in Hucknall on Saturday, 20th May instead. 

We plan a Gin Tasting Social afternoon at Siobhan Lee’s on 10th June.  A few of us also plan to go to the Arc Cinema on 1st June to see “The Incredible Journey of Harold Fry”.

The May Coffee Club was on 27th May.   We are always so busy, busy, busy! 

Lunch Group

On the 24th May we dined at The Corinthian, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham. A lovely venue with excellent food.

We are planning our lunch on Wednesday, 28th June at The Willow Tree in Basford (part of the Stadium Leisure Group).  

July we are thinking of having lunch on a Trent riverboat but more information later.                       

JGC – An update on the Centre Defibrillator

I’m pleased to share that a portable defibrillator has been purchased to be used in the building thanks to funding raised from the Hucknall U3A and an anonymous donor.

The defibrillator chosen allows for the use for children and adults without the need to change pads. There is a switch on the device to change quickly between adult and paediatric mode which in an emergency situation could save crucial time and anxiety to the user than having to change physical pads. 

We give a huge amount of thanks to the U3A and to our anonymous donor, they have enabled us to purchase this lifesaving piece of equipment that we hope we’ll never need to use but have the peace of mind that it is to hand if ever needed. For our level of usage in the Centre for various age groups and range of activities this particular defibrillator will be ideal to have. As a registered charity, as for many, times are challenging and this kindness to help us be able to have this vital piece of equipment for the many people who use the building is greatly appreciated. We’re so humbled by the fund-raising efforts and donations of those involved in our wonderful community, without them this wouldn’t have happened.

The U3A Science group, which is one of many groups who use the Centre, took on the challenge of researching the range of defibrillators to help narrow down the choices and the item was purchased from the British Heart Foundation.

Currently the unit is housed in the Centre office with the first aid kit and further funding will be sought to purchase an external cabinet to house the defibrillator so it can be more easily accessed for the wider community.

The defibrillator has been registered with East Midlands Ambulance Service who will arrange training for the Centre team and volunteers free of charge.  If you would like to be notified of the training date, please let us know, you’d be very welcome to join us when the demonstration is arranged.  I hope this update may offer you some comfort knowing there is a unit nearby.  

The portable defibrillator in the safe hands of Val Kelly

Short Walks

On the 18th May starting from the centre of the ‘Rolls Royce’ estate we had an interesting and pleasant walk over the old airfield towards Bulwell Golf Course via Blenheim Lane.

When we were close to the crumbling Bulwell Hall Phil Attenborough shared his knowledge of some of its history.

We then took a short break for drinks at Bulwell Hall Golf Club House.

The return was back via Farleys Lane, the ‘yellow brick road’ footpath and the adventure playground that proved too much of a temptation for Roy ‘Tarzan’ Brown who leapt onto the zip wire.

Thanks to Phil and Liz Attenborough for leading and planning the route.

Next Walk Thursday June 15th 

The 4.5 mile walk led by Roy Brown starts from Jacksdale Garden Centre to Codnor Castle and back. Meet at 9.45am for a 10.00am start.  Please park on the right side of the car park.

Address: 99 Main Road, Jacksdale, NG16 5HR

Science

Bob McEwen led the session essentially around a theme of thinking and problem solving.

Some of the tasks were theoretical thinking problems and Bob also introduced some of a practical nature .Working in small groups we began to use (initially subconsciously) some of the keys to problem solving including:

Communication:  Actively listening to each other: Analysing the problem/situation

Creativity: Dependability: Decision making and the beginning of Team-building

Overall it was an enjoyable, active and fun learning session.

We then watched a short video and a PowerPoint about Brackenhurst College which is now part of Nottingham Trent University. We are making a visit to Brackenhurst on July 21st for a tour a talk and lunch.

Next Meeting Friday 15th June 10.am

John Tedstone will be discussing Pollution with a focus on water, rivers and the sea.