Social Group
History Group
I have some bad news for members of our group. A message from the Holocaust Centre where we were going in October, explained they were having major alterations and didn’t really think we would enjoy being there. I’m so sorry because I know lots of you wanted to go, however, the better news is that I have re-booked for us to go in April next year.
The good news is that we will go to Derby to the Museum and Art Gallery where they have a special exhibition on display about Egypt. Watch for more information about prices and times. The venue has some wonderful collections with a whole room dedicated to the famous artist Joseph Wrights paintings.
Our next indoor meeting is at Central Methodist Church on Wednesday 18th September at 2pm. Robert Mee, who is a speaker we have had several times before, is coming to tell us all about ‘The History along the Erewash Valley Trail’. The Erewash River starts in the Robin Hood Hills, as does our River Leen, and runs towards Kirkby eventually joining the River Trent.
Weekenders
Lincoln proved a busy destination on the 13th when we travelled by train then took a fascinating open-top bus ride with live commentary.
The well-informed guide pointed out features such as the bricked-up window spaces dating from the window tax of 1696, the oldest bridge in England that still has houses built upon it, and the impressive Lincoln Cathedral, that became the tallest building in the world in 1311.
Thanks to Margaret White for hosting the social meet up at her house this month.
National Trust
July saw the group visit the beautiful venue at Belton House near Grantham. Taking a slightly later departure time than usual we still arrived at Belton by 10.30 am.
By now the sun was shining and boosted by many families enjoying the start of the school holidays the grounds were soon fairly busy.
Most members, having had a drink in the café, then seemed to venture to the many outdoor areas. These included the Italian Gardens, the Conservatory, St. Peter and St Pauls Church, the Dutch Gardens, the Maze and the Parkland with its herd of beautiful deer. Some ventured further afield walking round the pond and into the nearby village.
After lunch most of us then spent time in Belton House itself with its wonderful mixture of rooms which were once owned by the Brownlow family. The rooms here have been fashioned over many years by some of the finest designers and craftsmen in the country. There was still time for a visit to the courtyard at Belton with its array of shops, ice cream parlour and cafes.
Everybody was safely back on the coach for 4.00 pm when we began our journey home arriving back in Hucknall for 5.15 pm after a very enjoyable day.
August takes us to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire where the day includes a guided tour of the Abbey and gardens.
Easier Cycling Group
Nine cyclists set off for a ride to Newstead Abbey on what may be the hottest day so far this summer. One advantage of cycling is the pleasant breeze to keep us cool, but the supercyclists on manual bikes may disagree after they reach the top of an incline. The electric squad have it much easier.
We cycled off road up the bypass and along the track to Newstead till it became too overgrown.
We sat outside at the Abbey cafe with several treats to spoil the benefits of our exercise: Coffee, tea, ice-cream, and 2 birthday people brought cookies and chocolates. It was suggested the name be changed to cafe group with cycling. But it’s all about enjoying the outing.
We split into 2 groups for the return journey, some retracing their tyre tracks, and some checking the state of the Linby trail after heavy rain had washed all the gravel to the middle of the path and rain had hollowed it out. As the sides had dried out it wasn’t too bad.
Thanks to our leader Angela.
If you like the idea of a gentle bike ride, join us at 9.30 every Friday morning at The Leisure Centre. Refreshments optional.