I was hoping to book Sprinters in Arnold for our first Lunch Group of the year on 23rd June 2021 but they inform me they are not taking group bookings until after 21st June when (Boris permitting – their words) they will open indoors for groups. I expect many venues are doing similarly so hopefully we may be able to meet up on Wednesday, July 28th at Sprinters. Watch this space!
Mid-length Walking Group
On May 17th, twenty-five of us went to Gunthorpe Bridge for our first walk for 14 months.
We walked in three smaller groups, which gave us the chance to chat and abide by the covid rules! Our route was from Gunthorpe along the river path to Burton Joyce, returning via the wooded path (5 miles).
We had deliberately planned for a shorter walk than normal, to give time to have a picnic in the field by the river afterwards. However, at 12 o’clock the heavens opened, and we all got drowned; hail stones were even making a big splash on the river. So, the picnic was abandoned!
We’d had a lovely morning despite this. It was good to see ‘real’ people after all this time and everyone is looking forward to the next walk in June.
To contact Sue or John, the group leaders, please use the form below:-
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Message from the Chair
Message from the Chair May 2021
Hello and welcome. There are eight bank holidays in 2021 and two of them are in May.
Before retirement they were something to look forward to, as for the large majority of us, it meant time off work.
How they came about and why we know them as bank holidays dates back to 1871 when:
Statutory bank holidays were introduced by the 1871 Bank Holiday Act and were days when the Bank of England and banks could close. The Act made provision for no financial dealing to occur on that day and bills or promissory notes that were due on that day were not payable until the following day and did not incur any penalties. Before this time banks were unable to close on weekdays as to do so would have put them at the risk of bankruptcy. But once the act was on the statute books, bank staffs were able to have fixed holidays. The first bank holidays were Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the first Monday in August and Boxing Day, in England, Wales and Ireland.
When you are in the u3a every day is like a holiday….
Provisionally on May 17th the Covid protocols change and groups of six will be allowed inside and groups of thirty outside. This means that we can start to organise some face to face group activities. There will still be some conditions relating to risk assessments, social distancing, hygiene and masks that will need to be followed.
I wish to commend an article by Val Gant suggesting a Hucknall u3a litter picking squad. Val is asking that volunteers get in touch with her, please see further details in the article.
Finally thanks to everyone who voted in the AGM and remember we will need new committee members next time.
David Rose Chairman
National Trust Update
Having read the following data in the newspaper today, the last day of April, then the Covid-19 situation seems to be improving rapidly.
‘The numbers falling ill with the Covid have dropped to the lowest level since the pandemic began. The number of over 80’s with infections is now at a record low’.
I could go on with many other statistics but the main point is that hopefully the roadmap will continue to progress and eventually clear us to resume many aspects of our lives. Hopefully National Trust properties will be more fully opened over May and June. All good news.
As I said last month, the vital factor for our group will be rules on social distancing on transport. Those of you who have ventured on to a bus or tram recently will know the problems present there. I hope that by the time of the next Newsletter then this situation will be clearer. I have received an email on behalf of two members who are so keen to resume that they are willing to pay twenty pounds each for the Fountains Abbey visit so that we could socially distance on two buses should this be the only thing stopping us going ahead.
If any other members have views on this please let me know by contacting us via the form below. This will allow us to gauge opinion should we reach this situation.
Barrie and Sue Saunders
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Pub Quiz
April Pub Quiz – Cryptic Animals Answers
1. Result of a sore throat – Horse
2. A bit of a wrench – Monkey
3. Monty’s soldier Desert – Rat
4. Not colder, I think I hear? – Otter
5. These were filmed in the mist? – Gorilla
6. Hard to hit the ball without one of these? – Bat
7. Tony used to think Frosties where grrrrrreat? – Tiger
8. When their tails up, they can cause quite a stink? – Skunk
9. Troy Tempest used to command one of these? – Stingray
10. Naked – Bear
11. Used to lock up the Urine? – Kiwi
12. A dance where you need to follow? – Conger (eel)
13. A shy fish? – Koi Carp
14. This bird used to be great for Guinness? – Toucan
15. A Roman soldier would die for this standard? – Eagle
16. Not the most sensible thing to put down your trousers? – Ferret
17. Pulled? – Toad
18. Take the red out of this misleading clue – Herring
19. Boy George thought this animal really had Karma! – Chameleon
20. Simples! – Meerkat
And another cryptic clue quiz for May on Flowers & Herbs
1. This flower is one in the eye for the girl?
2. Got Up?
3. Please remember me?
4. Fashionable feline?
5. Cunning animals hand warmer?
6. Bovine Error?
7. Wed Precious Metal?
8. Spring Month?
9. Sad Ringer?
10. Vehicle State?
11. Duration?
12. Bill sounds like a nice fellow?
13. Industrious Queen?
14. Receptacle for dairy product?
15. Used in thickening sauces?
16. Mrs Bucket’s first name?
17. Enclosure in criminal court for prisoner?
18. A nice pad on a lake?
19. A Vicious Welsh emblem?
20. A wise old herb?