There is a huge variety of activities taking place at Dukeries u3a in the Ollerton area. Barbara Baglee runs a very lively History Group. They very much enjoy discussion of historical topics, usually initiated by group members, and this month they were treated to a very entertaining History of Nottingham’s Goose Fair by John Harris and Jean Parry-Williams. The Banjoleers used to be known as The Cheeky Blinders. Under the new leadership of Phil Topley, their aim is, quite simply, to have a lot of fun and to play ‘joyful songs’ – and anybody who has heard the band in performance would agree that it certainly does do ‘exactly what it says on the can’!
Bridge – facilitated by Georgina Batty – welcomes everyone who would like to play one of the finest card games in a friendly and supportive atmosphere without the stress, perhaps, that may be encountered in more formal Bridge settings. Jane Young runs Sewing Bee. Sewing machines and basic sewing kits are always available, and knitters, crochet and needle workers of any kind are always welcome. Their projects are often very ambitious but can be ‘tailored’ (sorry about the intentional pun!) to the individual – raw beginner to the very experienced.
Mike Mounsey leads the Creative Writing group where the basic aim is to help and encourage people to express themselves in a range of writing modes with confidence. Currently, the group is practising how to write more persuasively using speeches by Winston Churchill and Earl Spencer as models. The Ramblers, organised by Stephen and Kate Hall, recently enjoyed walks by the canal in Retford and, later, to Collingham where they were treated to the sight of the new ‘Bomber County’ Lancaster memorial at Norton Disney.
Elsewhere, the Tennis, Badminton, Pickleball, Boule and Frisbee group continue to keep members’ muscles in trim, whilst for those of a more sedentary and epicurean disposition, the Sunday and Tuesday Lunch Clubs – last month enjoying a most sociable meal at Rose Cottage – are always well supported. Paul Webb runs the Tennis Group, Beryl Lee and Maria Pitrolino organise the Lunch Clubs. There are, of course, many other groups, activities and events taking place under the Dukeries u3a banner – and more are planned for the very near future. Watch this space!
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. Membership now costs £20.00pp up to 31st March 2026. 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 our groups, events or membership please visit https://u3a sites.org.uk/dukeries/home.