Science Group

At the January meeting we welcomed a very enthusiastic guest speaker David Wheeler.

David presented a very interesting and comprehensive talk about the progress of the soon to be opened Rolls Royce Hucknall Flight Test Museum.

He began with a brief history of the Hucknall site which began in 1920’s as an RAF station and in 1934 became home to the Rolls Royce Flight Test Establishment where prototype piston and then jet engines were secretly built and flown.

The new museum is dedicated to giving the public an opportunity to have a unique insight into Hucknall’s secret aviation history.

Many residents of Hucknall from the late 1930s to 1971 will probably have fond memories of the almost constant background noise booming out from the test beds.

For more information: look at their website for opening dates and details of volunteering opportunities at the museum: huflighttestmuseum.co.uk

Next Meeting

Friday 21st February 10am JGC

We have a presentation by Ian and Anne Murray who have completed lots of research into Black Holes which are regions of space-time where gravity is so strong that no matter or electromagnetic energy (e.g. light) can escape it.

I will also be telling you about our ‘science away day’ visit on Friday 16th May.

The coach and mystery venue are booked and details will be sent to members before our February meeting.

There may be time for some of the 5 min talks which will also feature as a significant part of the March meeting so it’s best to ‘Be Prepared’.

David Rose

Short Walks

Our January walk began with a tram ride from the Hucknall terminus to Bulwell Forest.

It was a cold but crisp sunny day which was perfect for winter walking.

We began with a fairly short section of urban walking along Bestwood Road before crossing the A611 Hucknall Road to reach the Robin Hood Way footpath, which eventually led to a photo opportunity  at the Winding House in Bestwood Country Park.

18 Happy Wanderers

The return section was on footpaths to skirt Mill Lakes before heading along the not so pretty Wigwam Lane back to our starting point.

February 20th Walk

In winter months we try to keep travelling to a minimum so this month we have an easy 4 miles starting from the Park Drive car park at Titchfield Park.

If the car park is full street parking is available close by.

Meeting Time

Meet at 9.30am for a 9.45 am start please.

David Rose

Potential New Group

An idea has been put forward for a potential new Interest Group. There isn’t a Group Leader as yet and the group can only be taken further if someone takes on the challenge. Help is always given to new Group Leaders.

The idea is to have a mixture of subject content, to include:

 Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

If you would like to  volunteer to lead the group please get in touch with

Sue Tedstone  at the Monthly Meeting or email   coordinator@hucknallu3a.org.uk

Bridge Group – Vacancy

The group has been running for over two years and we do now have room for 2 more members. Ideally we would like you to have some knowledge of the game. It’s a sociable group and we do help each other.

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in the Byron Bar at the John Godber Centre (18:30 – 21:00).

If you are interested please contact Sue Tedstone (Group Leader) on

bridge@hucknallu3a.org.uk  or at the February Meeting.

Not so Grumpy Old Men

The group met up at the Spot On Club in January to enjoy a couple of hours of snooker and to discuss ideas for this years visits.

The group usually enjoy one get together each month and ideas for this year included, skittles at Hucknall British Legion Club, outdoor bowls at Titchfield Park, Laser Quest and visits to places such as Nottingham Rugby, the Lace Market Theatre for a backstage tour, to Linney’s Printers at Mansfield and to the Rolls Royce Heritage Museum.

Members share the planning and organising duties between them so that the workload is not too onerous for any one member.

The group has 30 members and is presently full.

Barrie