u3a 40th Anniversary

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The 40th u3a anniversary finally took place on Highfields Park last Saturday, 24th September 2022 when we were blessed with good weather. Please see below the message from the organisers:-

“On behalf of the organising team, I’d like to thank all of you who participated in our Nottinghamshire Network’s 40th Anniversary celebrations for all your enthusiasm and hard work. You helped make it the successful event that it was during the week leading up to the Saturday finale at Highfields Park.

Worksop and District’s steel band really set the scene for an excellent afternoon with two great performances followed by speeches from the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, our Regional Trustee Jean Hogg and our network chair, Rosie Allen. The whole afternoon ended on a high note with a performance by the ‘Flash Mob’ led by Leslye Henstock from The Dukeries u3a who has sent me a link to a YouTube video of the dance.”

Real Ale Group

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Our outing in September was by tram to the town of Beeston, which has many real ale hostelries. Meeting at the tram station at 5pm and using our free passes we travelled to Beeston.

A 6 minute walk took us to a micro pub named ‘The Pottle’ where we sampled one of their offerings. Walking by the back roads after another 5 minutes we arrived at ‘The Commercial Inn’ which having a handpump selection of ten ales gave us another opportunity as seen in the photo above.

The on to ‘The Last Post’ a Wetherspoon’s pub, with discounted beers and being curry night the opportunity for many to have a meal. Another stroll took us to ‘The Crown’ a great old pub of character with small rooms and wood panelling, again a wonderful selection of 8 ales. Just around the corner and we came to our final destination of ‘The Star Inn’, only 6 choices here, but all good quality drinks.
Across the road and catching the tram back to Hucknall after a most enjoyable evening.

NSGOM Visit to National Memorial Arboretum

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Just a day after the Queen’s funeral it proved a particularly significant day for ten of the group to visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Sharing two cars we left Hucknall at 9.30 am for the relatively short journey to the Arbortum. Thanks to drivers Mark Jackson and Terry Moult.

After parking up, and one member receiving thorough instructions on how to use his mobility scooter, we headed for a drink before visiting the displays and exhibitions. There were three options for the day, a guided tour, a ride around the site by Landtrain complete with a commentary or a self-led tour. The group opted for the guided tour which proved very informative.

Members were quite amazed by the sheer size of the venue which meant that it was impossible to see all of it in detail in one day. Areas of the site were dedicated to various wars and conflicts, to specific regiments and also to non-military services such as the Police service.


A meal at the site followed by a visit to the Memorial Wall bearing the names of fallen soldiers. It proved a very thought-provoking day and one that was enjoyed by all.

Barrie Saunders

Hog Roast Night

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On Saturday, 17th September, 2022, 124 members of our u3a gathered at the John Godber Centre to be entertained by a two-man group called Footloose, who sang songs from the 60’s through to the more modern era, resulting in many adventurous souls getting onto the dance floor.

The Hog Roast was served with pork filled cobs with stuffing, scratchings and apple sauce, plenty of seconds with over 160 servings being consumed.

After this we were entertained by our very own Hucknall Ukulele Band with a variety of songs, many having audience participation.

Followed by a second showing of the group Footloose, a very good evening, well done to the Social Sub Committee.

Litter Picking Group

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At the time of writing, 18 bags of litter have been collected by the group for the month of September. This is rubbish that can be picked up, put in a bag and correctly disposed of. What is infuriating are the things that cannot be bagged up, this month including a child’s broken scooter and a small fridge dumped in the shrubbery off the bypass. It must take some effort to dump these unwanted items so why not dispose of them correctly?!

There is no limit to the number of people in the Hucknall u3a Litter Picking Group so if anyone else would like to join or for further information please contact me by telephone or by email at litter@hucknallu3a.org.uk. Tabards and basic equipment will be provided. You will be made very welcome.

Val Gant