In this country, August has long been associated with annual holidays. Whether a week or two away from home, enjoying sun on your face and feeling sand beneath your toes, spending days doing interesting things, completing neglected everyday chores or making time simply to “stand and stare”, holidays are precious.
Did you know that Americans regard every day in August as a holiday, dedicating each one to the celebration of some aspect of American life? Thus 2nd August is ‘National Ice Cream Sandwich Day’, the 6th ‘Wiggle your Toes Day’ and so on.
I’m confident the U3A ‘Out and About’ group didn’t know that the 23rd is ‘Ride The Wind Day’ when they chose that date for their August visit to Nunnington Hall, a beautiful Yorkshire manor house on the banks of the river Rye. They’re hoping more for ‘Sunny with Gentle Breeze Day’ in which to explore the manor’s period rooms, discover its world-class collection of miniature rooms, and wander through its lovely walled gardens.
The coach fare is £15.00. Entry to the house and gardens is free for National Trust members, £7.50 for non-National Trust members, and is open to all. Follow the Americans’ lead, make 23rd August ‘Going on a Visit Day’! For full details, contact Barbara Riley on 01709 878430.
To find out more about the U3A’s different activities for local people no longer in full time work, visit their stand at the Morrisons (Bramley) Family Fun Day on Saturday 25th August. Look at www.u3asites.org.uk/rotherham or call Sylvia Duncan on 01709 374841 for brochure.