Discussion Group

Discussion subjects for this month included:

The aging population and individual care plans. RESPECT forms and LPA (health and welfare)

Various explanations and reasons for ensuring that these are in place ready for any eventualities as we all get older.  The RESPECT form is an important statement that conveys our wishes in such cases as DNR (do not resuscitate).  The LPA should be in place where the individual may not be able to make their own decisions through illness. This gives an elected person the power to make decisions on their behalf. Costs were discussed.

Should ethnic minorities be called majority instead of minority.

It was felt that this is a play on words and that ‘all people are people’.

Should we bring the mammoth back?

Difficult question as this could work with flora and fauna but not practical for many creatures. We are the caretakers of the world – was one point.

Shall we rebel against the wasted hours spent on automated phone lines

A list was made of where this happens, including, ringing for appointments, services, waiting times on calls and unwanted calls. Little being done to address this situation.

Policeman in London – from recent court case

A discussion centred on the rights and wrongs of arrest and whether a policeman should have his name given before the case has gone to court.

We shared a short film made about our group which will be shown as part of Hucknall u3a Christmas entertainment.

The next meeting is on Monday 25th November at the John Godber.

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Medium Walk

Our last walk of 2024 started in the centre of Jacksdale, north of our October walk from Brinsley, but still in the Erewash Valley nature reserve. The weather had been much less wet before this walk, so the going was what the horse racing world describes as ‘good to firm’.

After a mostly uphill climb, we crossed the border from Nottinghamshire into Derbyshire near the hamlet of Jubilee, walked under the preserved Midland Railway and had our coffee stop at the reservoir where the ‘Pinxton arm’ canal joined the Cromford canal. The canal as built started in Cromford, where a stretch is preserved and operational, and met the Erewash canal at Langley Mill. Closed to navigation for many years, many stretches have been lost to reeds, but the course is easy to follow, and some of the locks remain partly intact.

We paused to look across to the imposing stone building, which is now converted into apartments, but was built by the Butterley Company for its workers. For anyone who travels to London St. Pancras on the train, it is worth a look upwards at the roof, which was manufactured by the Butterley Company.

We returned to Jacksdale through the nature reserve, where our walk leader had arranged for us to eat our sandwiches in the very accommodating Poachers Ale House.

Thanks to Paul Haigh for stepping in at short notice and leading a very pleasant walk to end the year.

Long Walks

We walked from Cromford to Bonsall and through Bonsalldale back to Cromford a picturesque loop in Derbyshire, blending historical landmarks, charming villages, and scenic countryside. Starting in Cromford, we passed the historic Cromford Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then follow a winding uphill path through woodlands towards Bonsall. The ascent provides rewarding views of the surrounding limestone hills and valleys.

Reaching Bonsall, a quaint village known for its narrow streets, traditional stone cottages, a rich lead-mining history and the 13th-century St. James’ Church. From Bonsall, the route continues along Bonsalldale, a serene, green valley flanked by rolling fields and dry-stone walls, making it an idyllic stretch for nature lovers.

The descent through Bonsalldale is gentle, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the countryside. The walk loops back alongside the River Derwent to Cromford where we had a pint and a chat at the Greyhound public house.