Christmas Lunch and Social Monday 2nd December 2024

The ever popular ‘sit down’ Christmas Lunch was enjoyed by 144 diners. For comfort and safety that is the maximum number that can be accommodated for this event.

Our meal was provided by Cathy Tomlinson and her staff and we thank them for the quality of food and service on the day. It’s a big undertaking to get all the food and equipment from their base at The British Legion over to JGC. It’s a bit like an army field kitchen on the move.

Our thanks are also extended to Kim and the staff at JGC for setting up the room, the sound equipment and for making the bar available all afternoon and most of all for being very welcoming.

Following the meal there was a short interlude for Terry Hill to delve into the basement of his book of bad jokes for which this year he introduced the ‘groan’ factor. (The bigger the groan the cornier the joke)  Thank you to Terry.

Next up was our main entertainment with a set from local singer Jess Johnson.

Jess has a lovely voice and covered different types of popular songs. She tapped into what we know and like and the dance area near the stage soon became full of rhythmic dancers showing that our u3a members have still ‘got it’ at 60 plus.

Thank you to Jess for her entertaining session to end an enjoyable afternoon.

Thanks to the social subcommittee members for organising the event.

And finally thanks to all those who attended and supported it.

Long Walks

The December walk was an 8 mile circular hike which started by the River Trent at Fiskerton.

The route took us to Farndon before looping around the big complex that is Staythorpe Power Station. The power station is fuelled by natural gas (methane) and the site once housed 2 coal fired plants.

The area is a focus for pylons which transmit the power across the county and beyond.

We took a coffee break near these ‘iron giants’ by the river at Staythorpe

The route continued to Averham and onto Rolleston for a late lunch stop behind the village hall.

Following lunch we completed the last section via the impressive water powered Mill at Fiskerton to the car park.

The next walk is on Tuesday 7th January

Litter Picking

November has thrown a lot of diverse weather at us – heavy rain, strong winds and a lot of snow, none of which is conducive to litter picking. Nonetheless members of the group have braved the weather whenever possible and collected a total of 15 bags of rubbish which under the circumstances is very commendable. One member has commented how much she enjoys chatting to people as she collects  litter, a comment with which I think other members of the group can associate.

Most members of the public do seem to appreciate our efforts. I just wish litter louts would pack it in!

Val Gant