Gainsborough and District u3a’s June fraud talk was a little scary for some, and for one member was followed very shortly by a scam phone call – the two were not linked, but the advice given at the u3a meant that the scammer was given short shrift. A timely reminder that everyone should be aware that there are unpleasant people out there wanting to take money or information unlawfully.
In comparison, the ghostly talk in July was not quite as scary! It was, however, still very entertaining. On Thursday 8th August members will enjoy a talk about the renowned botanist Sir Joseph Banks.
The new website is up and running thanks to the sterling efforts of two members, who had to put up with a great deal of technical geek speech. On several occasions various buddies told them it was easier to ignore parts of the instruction booklet, but they were determined not to be beaten!
The result is that the website is now operational. The group hopes it will be helpful to those who are thinking about joining. As Group Leaders keep sending in more of information and photos, it will be a valuable resource for all members.
The beaver walk in July took place in glorious sunshine. It was quite uneven underfoot, but so very interesting.
Nine members went with an excellent guide, Elliott, who was most informative and clearly loved his work. He is part of a team at Idle Valley Nature Reserve, helping to re-establish this rodent.
Beavers are native of our islands but were wiped out in the 18th century. Given that a law had been passed in Elizabethan times to requiring hats to have some beaver fur in them, you can see why the extinction occurred.
Happily, they are starting to get established again and this protected area, near Lound, is a trial with the beavers originally coming from Scotland. No one actually saw a beaver – not surprising, as they prefer nighttime activity – but members did see trees they had felled and were in the process of felling, as well a beaver lodge and examples of beaver tracks.