Winter is drawing in, but, with its usual defiance, Dukeries u3a simply puts a bigger coat on and carries on regardless.
Their monthly meetings continue to attract the finest speakers. In October, Steve LeMottee, Trent Bridge’s Heritage Officer, gave a fascinating presentation on the history of one of this country’s foremost sporting venues. Members were so interested in the topic that it is hoped a u3a visit and tour of Trent Bridge will take place in the near future. November saw the return of David Skillen, telling of the key battles in the Wars of the Roses, the 1461 Battle of Towton.
Elsewhere, a number of members enjoyed a trip to see the model of the Moon in all its spectacular detail – including the Moon Landing sites – in Southwell Minster. After a leisurely lunch, they enjoyed a free Concert of Words and Music on the theme of the Moon. The Jubilee Ukelele Group – JUG for short! – held a singalong in Ollerton Jubilee Hall and raised a magnificent £703 for the Notts and Lincs Air Ambulance, and a Macmillan Coffee Morning, hosted member Jenny Jeffries, raised £631 for a most worthwhile cause. Towards the end of November, a Supper and Quiz Night will be held in the Jubilee Hall, whilst on 28th November members will be manning a second-hand bookstall – with a hamper stuffed full of Christmas goodies as a raffle prize – at the Edwinstowe Christmas Fayre.
Their ‘Group of the Month’ is the History Group, who continue to go from strength to strength. Dr Irfan Malik recently gave a talk about Indian soldiers and their contribution to the Allied cause in World War One – a talk inspired by research he had done on his Great Grandfather who, together with 460 others in the same small village, had volunteered to fight in the Great War. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 1.15pm to 3.00pm, at Ambleside Community Centre on Yew Tree Road in New Ollerton. Please contact Barbara Baglee on 01909 239661 for further details.
The u3a movement is a good way 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 31 March 2025 and includes access to all activities and interest groups. To find out more please go along to up to two of 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 of their groups, events or membership please visit www.u3asites.org.uk/dukeries/home or call 07756 436177.