National Trust

by WebmasterNational TrustPosted on Comments are Disabled

Following last month’s very wet day at Gunby Estate, the weather Gods were on our side as we set out on a warm and bright sunny morning to visit Tatton Park.

There was a lovely moment, to start our day as a local duck followed by six of her young decided to jump out of the River Leen and head in convoy for the Market Place. Popping out to stop the traffic, we managed to herd the family back safely into the river before setting off on our journey.

After a pleasant journey we arrived at Tatton just after 10.30 am. One of the staff duly boarded the coach to hand out maps and give us all the information that we needed for the day ahead.

The Park was now bathed in bright and warm Cheshire sunshine. The first port of call for the majority of the group was a walk around the magnificent and extensive gardens which for many were highlighted by the stunning Japanese gardens.

Later the large courtyard at Tatton provided the ideal meeting place to have a drink and some lunch. This area also had some spacious gift shops as well as shops selling locally grown produce.

There was still time to research the Tatton Mansion and explore the extensive parkland with over 400 deer roaming freely.

As we returned to the coach at 4.00 pm for the journey back to Hucknall the majority agreed that it would be nice to return one day to complete our exploration of a wonderful site.

After a trouble-free journey, we were safely back in Hucknall by 6.15pm.

July sees the group take the shorter journey across to Belton House near Grantham. While the group are also planning to return to York in November to complete this years visits with a visit to the Christmas Market.

Fun with Languages

by WebmasterFun with LanguagesPosted on Comments are Disabled

This month’s group continued in German. We did some audio work on places in a town and getting around using directions and meeting times. We looked at two maps and answered questions on the directions for finding various places. Some found the audio a little fast to cope with at times, but we got through more or less unscathed!!

Our last session for this schedule on German will be Thursday 11th July 10.30 till 12 noon in JGC in the Byron Suite. We shall also have a few drinks and nibbles as we shall not meet in August.

Hope to see as many of you as possible then.

Long Walks

by WebmasterLong WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

Our June walk was to Alderwasley, a very nice area of Ambergate, gently undulating and partially wooded.

A varied walk which everyone enjoyed, no complaints anyway. There was very little mud although we did have to walk down a trickle of water, which I think was a run off. It was a very scenic walk with dramatic views. When we stopped for lunch, we had a very panoramic view, including Crich Tower. The weather was largely kind to us although it was a bit ‘four seasons in one day’.

We had a very generous turn out, but always room for more if anyone wants to join us.

Not So Grumpy Old Men

by WebmasterNot So Grumpy Old MenPosted on Comments are Disabled

On Thursday 6th June our activity was a visit to The Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln. We started with a guided tour around the grounds followed by a talk which covered the role of the Air Force before, during and after D Day.

The grounds include a ‘Dig for Britain’ garden complete with an Anderson Shelter.

David Wormall was able to reminisce about the ‘comforts’ of sleeping in a 6 x 4 foot shelter during the war. Our guide was so impressed that he asked if he would be willing to record an oral history of his wartime experiences for their records.

At the heart of the International Bomber Command Centre are the Memorial Spire and Walls of Names which records the details of 57,861 Bomber Command deaths during WWII. The Spire is 102 feet high, the wingspan of the Avro Lancaster Bomber. It commands stunning views across Lincoln, with a focus on the City’s ancient Cathedral, which served as a sighting point for crews flying from Lincolnshire. For many of the men named on the accompanying walls, the Cathedral provided their last sight of Britain.

After time spent in the Exhibition Hall we convened for lunch and a drink before our return journey.

Our thanks to Tony Whilde for organising this activity.

Canasta

by WebmasterCanastaPosted on Comments are Disabled

Please note the new date, time and venue for the Canasta Group.

From Thursday 6th June we are to meet every week, 2.00 – 4.30 at The Station Hotel, Lounge.  There is no room charge, however there is a request that we purchase a drink which can be tea or coffee.