One word song titles was the last subject choice at Novembers singalong.
There were lots to choose from so we may revisit that subject some other time.
Our theme for December is Christmas!
All the old favourites, not many new ones to choose from unfortunately!
At the meeting on 19th November Trevor Lee came to tell us about entertainers who had been born in Nottinghamshire. We discovered that some favourite people we hadn’t realised were born locally. Lesley Crowther was among them with Cavan O’Connor; Constance Shacklock (Who had sung in so many of Hucknall’s Churches) and of course Eric Coates. How good it was as well to hear their voices or music so thank you Trevor (whom else could we think of who would have the technology to allow us to hear these performers)?
On 21st January, at 2pm, Central Methodist Church, Alex Rose, who was recommended by Anne Wilkinson, is coming to talk to us about ‘A Literary Ramble Around Nottingham’. Instead of counting sheep what about trying to name local authors or artists and see if Alex agrees?
Happy New Year to history buffs,
Maureen Newton
On 14 November, we visited Cambridge for a day of exploring its historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and unique academic atmosphere, except it was atrocious weather and threw it down with rain all day, our exploring was somewhat curtailed. However the first stop was King’s College, where the magnificent chapel dominated the scene with its soaring fan vaults and centuries-old stained glass. Standing in the courtyard, we gained a strong sense of the university’s long intellectual heritage.
From there, we walked to the Corpus Clock, an eye-catching and somewhat unsettling installation. Its grasshopper-like “Chronophage” creature dramatically marked the passage of time, drawing crowds of intrigued onlookers. A short walk further brought me to the Round Church, one of the oldest buildings in Cambridge. Its circular Norman design provided a stark contrast to the surrounding Gothic and modern structures.
Crossing the river, we paused at the Mathematical Bridge, famous for its elegant wooden engineering and the persistent myths surrounding its construction. The nearby Fitzwilliam Museum offered a rich cultural experience, with exhibits ranging from classical antiquities to European paintings, allowing for a brief but rewarding immersion in art and history.
We ended the day hurrying along the Backs to the bus, where we were able to get warm and dry off a little.
Mark Thornley
In part one we shared a presentation about medical advances during the 1950s.
It is a time when many of us were growing up, and the decade marked major progress in individual medical interventions and in public health.
To summarise some key advances.
Jonas Salk’s injectable polio vaccine and Albert Sabin’s oral version dramatically reduced the disease. Advances in heart surgery introduced artificial valves, pacemakers, and routine open-heart procedures. Dialysis programs began, while vaccines curbed the Asian flu. New antibiotics and tranquilizers emerged, alongside recognition of the cancer risks linked to smoking.
We also shared a celebration of two significant birthdays of David Wormall and Lynda Jackson 1955 and 1935 babies. But which was which?
After the break using small cardboard and bigger plastic ‘jet propelled’ model planes group members carried out a practical investigation into how aeroplane wings and angle of launch affect flight path and distance.
Our next meeting is on Friday 19th December
Bob McEwen is the Quiz Master for our end of term quiz, and in the Blue Peter tradition you will be making something to take home afterwards.
David Rose
Social Events 2026
Dates for your diary
Friday 20th March Afternoon Games
Friday 26th June Evening 60s and 70s Disco
Friday 18th September Evening Bestwood Male Voice Choir with a new programme
Monday 7th December Christmas Meal and Social
Wednesday 16th December Afternoon Christmas Film