National Trust

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Visit to the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire on Wednesday 23rd September

It was the usual 8.30 am departure time from Hucknall Market place for one of the shorter journeys of the year to the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire. Driven by one of Vallances newly recruited drivers, Steve, we were safely at the destination by 10.00 am. However, as we were ready to leave the coach we were met by the sound of the fire alarm going off in one of the main buildings which delayed us very briefly and was certainly a new experience for the group!!

The Estate is vast and with the weather turning increasingly sunny we began our day. Once described as “A Staffordshire paradise, a rich blend of landscape monuments and architecture” Shugborough is indeed a very impressive estate. The House is a Georgian mansion of global treasures, complete with servant’s quarters and the apartments of Patrick Lichfield the fifth Earl and fashion photographer. The gardens and pleasure grounds feature a walled garden, arboretum and terraces all along side Europe’s widest yew tree. The Park Farm is home to to a tea room and a working model farm with Longhorn cattle and Southdown sheep. Added to the beautiful walks, gift and book shops and Mansion restaurant there was much to explore over the day.

Departing promptly at 4.00 pm we were back in Hucknall for 6.00 pm after a very enjoyable day out.

October takes us to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire.                                                                 

Sue and Barrie                                                             

History Group

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Ann Featherstone was our speaker last month telling us about ‘Rose Bruckner and her Post-war World of Home Baking’.  It was an amazing presentation.  Apparently Rose was the second most famous British woman in the U.S.A. after Elizabeth who became our Queen.  The words combined with the images Ann used had most of us nodding, checking with neighbours and remembering so much of our childhood.  What a performance Ann gave to all of us.  Even the following day in Tesco members were still chatting about the talk.  Thank you Ann.

On the 21st October, the last visit this year is to the Newark Air Museum so if members fancy the trip (at the time of writing this report a few seats are available) come for a chat at the next main meeting at John Godber on the 14th October.

Looking ahead to the next indoor meeting at Central Methodist Church on the 18th November Ian Morgan is coming to tell us about ‘Pestilence, Intrigue and Murder’.  This talk was scheduled for last February but Ian had a hospital appointment and the talk rescheduled.

Bye for now,  

Maureen

Science Group

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There was no meeting in September, but we are back on Friday 16th October

10.00am to 11.45am in the main hall at JGC.

Terry Hill will be talking about the importance of the transistor and following on from Bob’s presentation about the physics of golf, especially in relation to the laws of motion, I will be applying them to car and road safety.

Coming Soon: 3-minute talks about one of the 118 elements currently known.

David Rose

Short Walks

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Short Walk Report –Tuesday 17 September – 4.5 miles

Our September short walk set off from the Bird in Hand pub in Blidworth, where we gathered under bright early‑autumn skies. The morning had that perfect September feel — cool enough for a light jacket, warm enough to enjoy the open fields ahead.

The route began with a gentle climb through a patchwork of fields, several of which were home to curious horses and a small group of alpacas who watched our progress with dignified interest.

We continued south‑west toward Ravenshead, following well‑trodden paths that dipped and rose across farmland. A short stretch along Little Rickets Lane gave us a breather on firmer ground before we joined the familiar waymarks of the Robin Hood Way.

A highlight of the morning was the stop at the Fountaindale monument, tucked quietly among the trees. This historic marker — linked to local Robin Hood lore — offered a moment’s pause and a chance for a group photo before we pressed on.

The final section formed a looping, undulating return across more fields and hedgerows, giving wide views back toward Blidworth and Ravenshead.

The gentle rises made for a pleasantly varied finish, and spirits stayed high as the pub came back into sight.

On a warm day a drink at the pub was most welcome.

Our 15th October walk is a route over Bennerley Viaduct, details will be sent to the group by 7th October

David Rose

Easywheelers

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After four impressive years “in the saddle” Easywheelers Cycle Group leader Jim Spray took to the lanes one last time in his official role, guiding the team in his usual position as the back marker on a relaxed and good humoured farewell ride.

 Starting from Hucknall Leisure Centre, we headed out along the Newstead Trail, enjoying familiar stretches of woodland and open views as we headed towards Newstead Abbey.

From there, the group continued through to Blidworth and on towards Calverton.

 Jim had chosen the route to have a well earned coffee stop at his favourite café in the small Calverton shopping precinct. However, we were in for a surprise – it was closed.

Decision time – Greggs in the precinct or riding on to Springwater Golf Club a new venue for the group to a café that didn’t disappoint.

At Springwater Jim was presented with a card, chocolates and gift voucher by the Easywheelers route masters John Saunders and Brian Carr.

The return leg was via Burntstump with the long climb up Gravelly Hollow .

Jim may be handing over the reins, but hopefully his legacy of safe, sociable cycling will keep rolling on.

David Rose