Not So Grumpy Old Men

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Visit to the Sherwood Observatory and Planetarium

In late October a group of twenty-two ‘Grumpies’ were allowed out later than usual to visit the new Planetarium at Coxmoor Road, Sutton in Ashfield. In 1969 an advert in the Mansfield Chad brought together a group interested in astronomy and a few years later an observatory, with a 24” reflecting telescope was constructed on the present site. The planetarium and science centre itself is a much newer addition, opening in November 2024 after being funded by the local council and the Levelling Up Fund, to the tune of £5.3 million. The planetarium is built on top of a disused Victorian reservoir next to the original observatory. 

Our first stop was to view the moon through the main telescope – it was almost within touching distance! It’s an impressive building and piece of kit, built and maintained by volunteers. Indeed, the whole enterprise is staffed by volunteers who give freely of their time to explain their interest and enthusiasm for studying the night sky to less educated folks, like the Grumpies.

Next stop was the planetarium for a film show about the amazing sights to be seen through telescopes and from space exploration. An overhead half-dome screen 30’+ across immerses the viewer in space. Added to very comfy tilting chairs the whole experience is quite awe inspiring and calming. So much so that the Grumpies set a record for having a whole row of viewers fast asleep!


Sherwood is the first observatory to be built for ten years in this country and one of very few with public access. It is an amazing asset to have on our doorstep, and a visit is highly recommended.

Thanks go to John Berrill for organising.

Bob McEwen

Strollers

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A journey on the Tram to Highfields University Park began our November walk.

A stroll around the lake where we saw Heron and Cormorants plus the inevitable Geese was enjoyed by us all. We even met the Easy Walkers Group en route but declined their offer to join them and went to the café by the lake instead where some of us visited an exhibition of Feather Sculptures.

Hopefully we will revisit the Park next year before the River Leen exhibition finishes.

Easy Walkers

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We had a journey out to Highfields University Park in November where we enjoyed a pleasant walk around the lake and campus, followed by coffee in the Students Refectory.

Our proposed visit to The River Leen exhibition however, was foiled due to a heating failure. Hopefully we will revisit in the New Year.

Thanks to our walkers for your continued support.

Singalong

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One word song titles was the last subject choice at Novembers singalong.

There were lots to choose from so we may revisit that subject some other time.

Our theme for December is Christmas!

All the old favourites, not many new ones to choose from unfortunately!

History Group

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At the meeting on 19th November Trevor Lee came to tell us about entertainers who had been born in Nottinghamshire. We discovered that some favourite people we hadn’t realised were born locally.  Lesley Crowther was among them with Cavan O’Connor; Constance Shacklock (Who had sung in so many of Hucknall’s Churches) and of course Eric Coates.  How good it was as well to hear their voices or music so thank you Trevor (whom else could we think of who would have the technology to allow us to hear these performers)?

On 21st January, at 2pm, Central Methodist Church,  Alex Rose, who was recommended by Anne Wilkinson, is coming to talk to us about ‘A Literary Ramble Around Nottingham’.  Instead of counting sheep what about trying to name local authors or artists and see if Alex agrees?

Happy New Year to history buffs,

Maureen Newton