Johnny Victory Show
Not so Grumpies’ Scalextric Visit
In February, the Not So Grumpies motored into Nottingham to try their driving skills (or lack of) on the recently redesigned and extended Scalextric track at the Dragon featuring many of Nottingham’s historic landmarks and locations.
After free practice in which participants theoretically acclimatised themselves to the circuit, three qualifying rounds were held to determine the six fastest drivers who then raced against each other in the nail-biting final.
To everyone’s surprise, the favourite to win (Senna(Pod)) only managed third place, being soundly thrashed by AlanDenham in second place, and FieryNikiL who, despite a number of allegations of track and grid violations during which a number of rivals were forced off the track, finished in first place. However, despite winning, his overall times fell far below the 10 lap record, set by Claire Balding in the inaugural race following the commissioning of the new circuit, which still remains unbeaten.
After the race, all drivers repaired to the Long Row Social to analyse the race violations, consider their appeals, and partake of much-needed fortifications.
National Trust
This year’s programme of visits has proved a little more difficult to arrange due to venues not accepting coaches during the school holidays and Houses being shut on certain days. Anyway we do now have an interesting and varied selection of properties to visit.
The first visit sees the group travel to Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire on Monday 15th of April, leaving Hucknall Market at 9.30 am. The original date in late March not being available because of the school holidays meaning that no coaches were accepted. Bookings can be made preferably by email to barriensaunders@yahoo.co.uk on March 15th. The cost of travel is £11 which includes the drivers tip. Phone bookings from 9.00 am on the same date on 0115 9559842.
The second visit follows shortly afterwards to Snowhill Manor down in the Cotswolds, leaving Hucknall Market at 9.00 am. Cost of travel is £16. Both visits return at 4,00pm from the venues. Please note that no coaches are able to arrive at Snowshill before 11.30 am.
Finally, our August visit will be to Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire where we will have a guided tour of the Abbey and gardens included. Monday 19th of August for this visit.
Barrie
The Weekenders
Our February birthday celebration for Christine, was on the 16th at the Broomhill where we managed to fill our time discussing recent medical operations and procedures! The difference between the two – as explained by one of our members – is that an operation involves a cut, and a procedure is merely a poke!
Coffee Club was on the 24th, the last Saturday of the month.
Our first bus trip of the year is on Saturday April 6th, and this is to the York Designer Shopping Outlet. Then on Saturday 13th April we plan to use our bus passes to travel to Southwell where there is a Spring Craft Fair.
Lindsay Smith
Real Ale group
Our February outing on Thursday 8th took nine of us to the Hucknall Beer Festival, organised by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale held at the John Godber Centre.
We met at 7pm at the venue and were pleased that we had chosen Thursday this year as last year on a Friday it was packed solid, with barely standing room. This year we were fortunate to get a table.
With over 70 beers on offer we were spoilt for choice. At a beer festival you purchase tokens, obtain a festival glass, then sample the various ales in third pint measures, This allows you to sample a wider range of beers.
The festival closed at 10pm and we all made our way home. An excellent night, with some outstanding real ales on tap.