Not so Grumpy Old Men

by Lynda SmeathersNot So Grumpy Old MenPosted on Comments are Disabled

The group met up at the Spot On Club in January to enjoy a couple of hours of snooker and to discuss ideas for this years visits.

The group usually enjoy one get together each month and ideas for this year included, skittles at Hucknall British Legion Club, outdoor bowls at Titchfield Park, Laser Quest and visits to places such as Nottingham Rugby, the Lace Market Theatre for a backstage tour, to Linney’s Printers at Mansfield and to the Rolls Royce Heritage Museum.

Members share the planning and organising duties between them so that the workload is not too onerous for any one member.

The group has 30 members and is presently full.

Barrie

                                                                 

National Trust

by Lynda SmeathersNational TrustPosted on Comments are Disabled

The following visits have been arranged for later this year, 

Monday 24th of March to Packwood House, Warwickshire.

Tuesday 29th of April  to Attingham Estate, Shrewsbury.

Wednesday 28th of May to Beninborough Hall, York.

Thursday 19th of June to Powis Castle, Welshpool.

Monday  14th of July to Charlecote Park, Warwickshire. T.B.C.

Tuesday   19th of August to Lyme Park, Cheshire.

Wednesday  24th of September to Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire.

Thursday    30th of October to Nostell, West Yorkshire.

Tuesday 2nd December to Chester Christmas Market.

Visits usually depart from Hucknall Market at 8.30 am and return from the venue at 4.00 pm.

We will be travelling with Vallance Coaches this year.

An email will be sent to all group members in February re coach costs, payment methods etc. 

Bookings will again be taken a calendar month in advance of the visit.

Barrie                                                                 

Long Walk – Hardwick Hall and Back via Lady Spencer’s Wood, walk of 8.92 miles

by Lynda SmeathersLong WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

Date: 9th January 2025

The walk commenced from Teversal Visitors Centre under a crisp winter sky, with temperatures hovering around 5°C. The path to Hardwick Hall wound gently uphill, offering panoramic views of the frosty countryside. The trail, well-marked and lined with bare hedgerows, provided a tranquil atmosphere, punctuated by the occasional call of a robin or the rustle of dry leaves.

After approximately 45 minutes of steady walking, Hardwick Hall came into view, its Elizabethan grandeur standing stark against the pale sky. The grounds, partially dusted with frost, were quiet, allowing for peaceful exploration of the exterior. A short rest was taken here to admire the scenery and enjoy a warm flask of tea.

The return journey led through Lady Spencer’s Wood, a secluded haven where towering oaks and beeches created a serene canopy. The woodland path was soft underfoot, scattered with fallen leaves. The air was invigorating, carrying the earthy scent of damp moss. Several squirrels were spotted darting between trees.

The circuit concluded back at the visitors’ centre after a total of around three hours, leaving walkers refreshed and inspired by the landscape’s wintry charm. This route is highly recommended for its natural beauty and historical highlights.

Litter Picking

by Lynda SmeathersLitter PickingPosted on Comments are Disabled

Members have obviously had other things to do on the run up to Christmas. However, one member has managed to collect 9 bags of rubbish and other members have collected small amounts of litter on their perambulations and disposed of it in the nearest litter bins. No doubt there will be plenty for us to do when normality resumes.

On behalf of the Litter Picking Group may I wish all members of Hucknall & District u3a a healthy and happy 2025.

Val (Gant)

Science – December 2024

by Lynda SmeathersScience GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

We had an interesting and varied final session of 2024.

We started with our series of ‘5 minute talks’. Group members each have a scientist from different eras and from different disciplines. The talks were to highlight the significant contribution they have made.

Our thanks to:

Anne Sibley for                   Gertrude B Elion

Bob McEwen for                  Barry Marshall 

Val Kelly for                       Howard Flor

Christine Faithfull for           Alfred Wegener

Lynda Jackson for               Elizabeth Friedman

Bob Gow for                       Wilder Penfield

Tony Whilde for                  Willem Rontgen

David Vincent for                William Perkin

William Perkin discovered the dye for the colour purple and David recalled his unrealised teenage ambition to own a purple mohair jumper – known locally as ‘Hairy Marys’.

After the break we held a science and trivia quiz won by Bob Gow, Anne and Ian Murray.

17th January – Meeting 10am to 11.45ish JGC

We have a guest speaker, David Wheeler from the Hucknall Flight Test Museum which is based on the Rolls Royce site.

Following the talk, if time permits, we will continue with the 5 minute talks

 

Happy New Year to All