History

It is quite difficult to say much new about the Holocaust Centre, but I think we all enjoyed?? not the correct word I know; but I do think we enjoyed each others company.  

The visit began well with Vallances Coach and Chris the driver whom we have had many times before.  I think I will have to buy him a new joke book though.  On such a cold day the hot drink on arrival was very welcome and we drank it as we watched the introductory film. Wandering round the exhibits made us wonder how supposed human beings could do such awful things to other humans.  The talk by two younger people explaining how their grandmother or grandmother in law survived through the years of ordeal was amazing and she is still alive aged 98.  A little later the drinks and cakes at the café plus souvenir shop were well attended before our coach was homeward bound back to Hucknall.  

I felt this was an example of cruelty to some sections of people (had they heard of ethnic cleansing then?) that we should all try to ensure does not happen in the future.  Incidentally it was suggested that we go again in a couple of years to see if the building alterations are completed.  What do you think?

May 21st is the date for our next indoor meeting at Central Methodist Church, time 2pm, when David Amos is coming to give us “A Brief History of Annesley Part ll”.  I’m sure those of you who heard part one will want to know the rest of the story which he puts over so well.

Before that though on May 14th at the main u3a meeting, John Godber Centre,  Kathy and Sandra will be taking names and money for the Lincoln visit on June 18th: cost is £10.50p which is just the coach fare.  We leave Hucknall Ogle Street 10.30am – leave Lincoln 4pm.  The table for bookings will be in the refreshment area.

Bye for now

Maureen


Discovering Britain

On 11 April in glorious sunshine we visited Leicester wherethe remains of Richard III were found.

The newley opened Richard III Visitors Centre proved to be informative and very well presented, The ground where his body was found, on the former site of Grey Friars Priory, has been preserved and the volunteers were very informative. The final resting place is in Leicester Cathedral next door to the Visitor Centre.

Science Group

Our 18th April meeting is at 10.00am to 11.45am in the main hall (Portland) at JGC.

John Tedstone has prepared a presentation about an interesting group who called themselves the Lunar Society. The members became known as ‘Lunarticks’.

The Lunar Society of Birmingham was a British dinner club and informal learned society of prominent figures in the Midlands Enlightenment, including industrialists, natural philosophers and intellectuals, who met regularly between 1765 and 1813 in Birmingham. At first called the Lunar Circle, “Lunar Society” became the formal name by 1775. The name arose because the society would meet during the full moon. It still exists.

Original members included James Watt, Erasmus Darwin, Josiah Wedgewood and Matthew Boulton.

John will have much more to tell us about this interesting group.

After a short break there will be a presentation about the RAF Cosford Museum and a video which highlights the contribution to aerospace and flight made by ‘Hucknall Heroes’

David Rose

Litter Picking

In March a total of 20 bags of rubbish were collected by members of the group.

One member, Maureen, sent out a request for help in clearing litter around the bushes near Butler’s Hill Tram stop before the spring growth. There were a few offers of help but eventually this request was met by David R. Together they collected 6 bags of general rubbish, several tins of ‘stuff’, a nitrous oxide (laughing gas) cylinder, a pair of pants, a shirt, a coat, 2 bags and an umbrella frame. It was difficult for them getting to rubbish in the brambles but the area now looks much tidier so a big thank you goes to Maureen and David for their efforts.

If anyone knows of any ‘grot-spots’ which need our attention please let us know and we will do our best to help.

Val (Gant)

Strollers

On a beautiful Spring morning our Strollers group alighted from the tram for a walk through the Arboretum and round to the Forest where we were able to sit outside and enjoy a coffee in the excellent coffee shop.

It was interesting to see the aviaries are still standing in the Arboretum, including a memorial plaque to Cocky the Cockatoo who lived to a ripe old age, most of us remembered him from our childhood visits!

Another lovely walk!