October Scams

Fake “Mum and Dad” Scam
A recent scam that has increased by 60% this year relies upon parents wanting to help their children. You receive a text message allegedly from your son or daughter, giving you a new telephone number saying that they have lost their ‘phone and this is their new number. Shortly after comes a request for a smallish loan normally a few hundred pounds to be transferred to their bank as they are running short having bought the new phone. Their bank details are given. Not being a large amount, many are transferring money requested. It is of course a scam. Always check before acting.

British Gas email scam offering a fake energy refund
Scammers are impersonating British Gas with fake emails tempting recipients to click a link to get a fake energy refund. Although the email looks legitimate, it addresses you by your email address and not your name. This is a potential giveaway that it’s from a fraudster.

Think Five
If you get any cold calls or emails, always take five seconds, just to think, can this be true, sounds too good? Then usually is.

u3a 40th Anniversary

The 40th u3a anniversary finally took place on Highfields Park last Saturday, 24th September 2022 when we were blessed with good weather. Please see below the message from the organisers:-

“On behalf of the organising team, I’d like to thank all of you who participated in our Nottinghamshire Network’s 40th Anniversary celebrations for all your enthusiasm and hard work. You helped make it the successful event that it was during the week leading up to the Saturday finale at Highfields Park.

Worksop and District’s steel band really set the scene for an excellent afternoon with two great performances followed by speeches from the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, our Regional Trustee Jean Hogg and our network chair, Rosie Allen. The whole afternoon ended on a high note with a performance by the ‘Flash Mob’ led by Leslye Henstock from The Dukeries u3a who has sent me a link to a YouTube video of the dance.”

Real Ale Group

Our outing in September was by tram to the town of Beeston, which has many real ale hostelries. Meeting at the tram station at 5pm and using our free passes we travelled to Beeston.

A 6 minute walk took us to a micro pub named ‘The Pottle’ where we sampled one of their offerings. Walking by the back roads after another 5 minutes we arrived at ‘The Commercial Inn’ which having a handpump selection of ten ales gave us another opportunity as seen in the photo above.

The on to ‘The Last Post’ a Wetherspoon’s pub, with discounted beers and being curry night the opportunity for many to have a meal. Another stroll took us to ‘The Crown’ a great old pub of character with small rooms and wood panelling, again a wonderful selection of 8 ales. Just around the corner and we came to our final destination of ‘The Star Inn’, only 6 choices here, but all good quality drinks.
Across the road and catching the tram back to Hucknall after a most enjoyable evening.

NSGOM Visit to National Memorial Arboretum

Just a day after the Queen’s funeral it proved a particularly significant day for ten of the group to visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Sharing two cars we left Hucknall at 9.30 am for the relatively short journey to the Arbortum. Thanks to drivers Mark Jackson and Terry Moult.

After parking up, and one member receiving thorough instructions on how to use his mobility scooter, we headed for a drink before visiting the displays and exhibitions. There were three options for the day, a guided tour, a ride around the site by Landtrain complete with a commentary or a self-led tour. The group opted for the guided tour which proved very informative.

Members were quite amazed by the sheer size of the venue which meant that it was impossible to see all of it in detail in one day. Areas of the site were dedicated to various wars and conflicts, to specific regiments and also to non-military services such as the Police service.


A meal at the site followed by a visit to the Memorial Wall bearing the names of fallen soldiers. It proved a very thought-provoking day and one that was enjoyed by all.

Barrie Saunders

Hog Roast Night

On Saturday, 17th September, 2022, 124 members of our u3a gathered at the John Godber Centre to be entertained by a two-man group called Footloose, who sang songs from the 60’s through to the more modern era, resulting in many adventurous souls getting onto the dance floor.

The Hog Roast was served with pork filled cobs with stuffing, scratchings and apple sauce, plenty of seconds with over 160 servings being consumed.

After this we were entertained by our very own Hucknall Ukulele Band with a variety of songs, many having audience participation.

Followed by a second showing of the group Footloose, a very good evening, well done to the Social Sub Committee.