“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats,” said Ratty to the Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’.
This view would certainly have been echoed by intrepid members of The Dukeries, Forest Town, Mansfield and Worksop u3as who boarded the Good Ship Nottingham Princess in Newark ready for a gentle cruise down the River Trent to Nottingham and back on a balmy summer’s evening in early July.
The Trent may lack, perhaps, the romance of Grahame’s Edwardian Thames, but it certainly has its charms, its wildlife and, of course, its own majesty and grandeur – all of which were relished by the travellers who had the best seats in the house.
Fuelled by an excellent buffet supplied by the on-board bar, and dancing to music provided by the in-house DJ, a thoroughly good time was enjoyed by all. Tired, but extremely happy, passengers disembarked at journey’s end, many hoping to repeat the trip next year.
The Dukeries u3a Group of the Month is the Bowling Group, which meets every fortnight during the season at Ollerton Bowls Club on Whinney Lane in New Ollerton. For the very modest price of £3.50 per session – which includes a cuppa and biscuits – you can enjoy an immaculately manicured bowling green, excellent company and strong competition in this, the gentlest – but one of the most skilful – of all sports. Further details can be obtained from Val or Alan Saunders on 01623 631993.
Perhaps you would like to make new friends and socialise or learn something new. There are a lot of good things happening at Dukeries u3a, which is open to all adults irrespective of employment status.
Annual membership costs £20.00 up to 31st March 2025 and includes access to all activities and interest groups – plus access to u3a group activities of the North Notts Neighbourhood Group. To find out more go along to their meetings, on the third Monday of each month, 12.30pm to 3.00pm, for £1.00 to cover refreshments.
For further information on any group, event or membership visit www.u3asites.org.uk/dukeries/home or call 07756 436177.