National Trust

by Lynda SmeathersNational TrustPosted on Comments are Disabled

National Trust visit to Nunnington Hall ( Yorkshire)

Members met up on Hucknall Market place for an eight thirty departure to Nunnington Hall near York.

As we waited on Hucknall Market for the coaches to arrive the owner of a local pub popped over to offer a defibrillator for us to take with us for the day as his premises were closed.  Thankfully it was not needed.

After a journey up the M1 and through the narrow lanes of the Yorkshire countryside we arrived safely at Nunnington. The site has the lovely river Rye running through and some members spotted some otters enjoying the water. Close to the Hall itself were several peacocks strutting around.

In the Hall itself were the usual array of rooms from the gentlemen’s Smoking room to the servants quarters. Outside it was an easy walk into the village of Nunnington which while very beautiful seemed to be closed completely for the day!!!

The weather was dry and sunny giving the group the opportunity to explore the grounds in comfort.

Everyone was back on the coaches for 4.00pm but several traffic jams on the M1 meant an extended journey back 

Our last visit of the year takes us to York in early December for a day visiting the Christmas Market .

History Group

by Lynda SmeathersHistory GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

Last month our trip was to Derby to visit the Museum and Art Gallery.  I think everyone enjoyed the trip because everything worked out well.  The new coach firm, Vallances, superb, the driver very helpful, even the traffic seemed to co-operate.  

I wonder what was your favourite part of the building or the room you liked best?  There were several things I will remember particularly, the Egypt exhibition, the room of Joseph Wrights paintings and that amazing log boat.  

Our November meeting is at Central Methodist Church on 20th November at 2pm when the speaker is Bob Massey.  His topic is Remember, Remember the 5th of November Gunpowder, Treason and Plot and Guy Fawkes.  Bob has been to talk to us before on several occasions and is a very good speaker.

If you remember we are having to change a couple of dates next year which means the January meeting date is  January 8th and February 12th .  The second Wednesdays in the month.  Sue, Kathy and I are trying to get this settled which will enable us to get new flyers ready for the November meeting.

Short Walks

by Lynda SmeathersShort WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

Our October walk was along the River Trent from Stoke Bardolph to the Radcliffe viaducts and the Netherfield Lagoons. The lagoons are a wildlife haven for a variety of birds. The muddy edges are especially attractive to waders and roosting gulls and terns.

The group photograph was taken on a bright sunny day in front of one of the 28 brick arches of the railway bridge that spans the river.

Thursday 21st November Walk

To continue the river theme this month we will follow part of the River Leen.

The plan is a linear walk along the Leen Valley Way starting from Wilkinson Street tram stop to the Moor Bridge tram stop.

The distance is about 4 miles on decent paths with no stiles.

Meet at the Hucknall tram at 9.30am to validate bus passes or to buy a ticket.

We will then board the first tram that leaves after 9.30am

David Rose

Science Group

by Lynda SmeathersScience GroupPosted on Comments are Disabled

Our next meeting is on 15th November at 10am to 11.50am.

Part 1 

Chris Garner has a presentation about the oil industry with a particular reference to his time spent on oil rigs in different parts of the world.

Part 2

We begin our 5-minute talks about our chosen scientists.

Terry Hill has volunteered to start the process after which the next speaker will be selected at random so like all good boy and girl scouts its best to ‘Be Prepared’

David Rose

Medium Walks

by Lynda SmeathersMedium WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

Our October walk set off from the Brinsley Headstocks car park for a circular walk, which headed across to the route of the old Cromford Canal and proved to be very good trainspotting country.

Our walk leader Paul Haigh outlined the history of Brinsley pit, where we paused by the site of the headstocks. These were recently newsworthy when they had to be dismantled due to the unsafe condition of the timber. The adjacent land has just been prepared for the planting of an orchard of 27 fruit trees, to commemorate the miners who lost their lives while working at the pit.

The going proved to be quite muddy in parts, after recent rain, especially the day before, as we headed northwards, towards Westwood and Jacksdale. After a slightly damp lunch stop, we returned to Brinsley via the White Lion pub for most of us, and the obligatory photo stop.

A very pleasant walk, without travelling far from home.

Our final walk of 2024 will be on Monday 18th November, and before then we will be planning our walks for 2025, which will start in January.

New members are always welcome to join this group; just use the email tab on our website or have a chat with me at the main monthly meeting.

John Tedstone