August saw us visiting the Dropworks Rum Distillery on the Welbeck Estate. Opening only a year ago, it is Europe’s largest rum distillery, yet is an artisan operation by people who completely understand the processes and the product.
We were greeted with a rum cocktail before being showed the production process by Darren, our knowledgeable and entertaining guide. We learned about the molasses and sugar cane honey and the different yeasts together with the pot and column stills and the double retort (thumper), where the magic is created using an intimate understanding of the science to make flavoured rum without the flavouring!
Samples were enjoyed throughout the process and the heroic designated drivers were rewarded with a bumper sample pack to take home with them.
Refreshments at the Greendale Oak completed an interesting day out.
In August, 28 resolute members made their way through rain and dark grey clouds to Shropshire to visit David Austin Roses. The greeting team remarked that we had missed a deluge just before we arrived! But then the weather changed, and the sun appeared and shone on us for the rest of the day. The downpour though affected the scent of the roses and they were just beginning to reveal their fragrance by the end of the afternoon.
There were several gardens to walk around, laid out with roses and other plants, statues and benches to rest on. The team of gardeners working there were also willing to answer questions and queries. We were also accompanied by the resident Peahen, admiring the pots on offer in the Sales area.
So many colours, variations, scents, and sizes, something for everyone. And that was seen in the number of bags and pots that found their way into the “boot” of our coach! The tearoom and restaurant were also well patronised, in true u3a fashion. Everyone enjoyed the trip and we were again made very welcome by the team at the Centre. Well worth a visit.
September’s meeting is another trip, this time to Coton Manor in Northamptonshire. The coach for this is full at the moment, but we can take names for a waiting list in case of cancellation, if anyone else is interested.
On 15th October we are back at the JGC for a Gardener’s Question and Problem session. All are welcome as we are an open group.
It was an early start for the group for our visit to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. Leaving Hucknall Market at 8.30 am we arrived at Fountains shortly after 10.30 am.
After walking up through the reception area we were immediately met by one of our two guides who were to take us on a very informative and interesting tour of the Abbey ruins and gardens of this World Heritage site. The tours were well received and enjoyable as we learned about the history of the site.
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The tour lasted for an hour and a half after which most visited one of the two restaurants for lunch.
Whilst some people continued to walk and explore the very extensive grounds the community bus was available to return weary travellers to the reception area.
There was still time to explore the National Trust shop or to buy plants for the garden before we returned to the nearby coach. Setting off at 4.00 pm the traffic on a busy M1 delayed our return slightly and we arrived back in Hucknall at 6.30 pm. All agreed it had been an excellent visit if a tiring one!!!
September sees the group venture across to Erdigg near Wrexham.
On 6th August, we set out through the rolling hills and scenic trails around Elton, a quaint village in Derbyshire. The weather was perfect – slightly overcast with occasional bursts of sunshine, which kept the temperature comfortable for walking.
We began in Elton, a picturesque village with its charming stone cottages and narrow lanes, which led us out of the village and into the open countryside.
Our first stop was Robin Hood’s Stride, a fascinating rocky outcrop that is steeped in local legend. The walk to this point was straightforward, with clear paths and stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The Stride itself is a formation of large, weathered gritstone boulders, and it’s easy to see why it has inspired stories of Robin Hood leaping from rock to rock. Some of the walkers couldn’t resist scrambling up to the top for a better view; the panoramic views were well worth the effort.
After spending some time at Robin Hood’s Stride, we continued on to Long Dale. This stretch of the walk was particularly serene; the Dale was lush and green, bordered by dry stone walls and dotted with sheep. The path through Long Dale was relatively flat and easy, making it a relaxing part of the walk where we could simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
From Long Dale, we moved on to Grattan Dale, a more secluded and lesser-known valley. Grattan Dale was more rugged, with rocky outcrops and dense patches of woodland. The path here was a bit more challenging, with some uneven ground, but with a sense of isolation and natural beauty.
The final leg of the walk took us back to Elton, completing the loop. The walk was a perfect mix of natural beauty, local legend, and peaceful solitude. Each part of the route offered something different, from the iconic Robin Hood’s Stride to the tranquil valleys of Long Dale and Grattan Dale. The entire route was about 8 miles, taking around 4 hours at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops to take in the scenery.
