Would you believe it? Met Office statistics show rainfall this year was close to average and rank winter 2017 to 2018 as the second sunniest since records began. Not my impression at all. It was almost mid-May before the soil was sufficiently warm to consider planting-out tender vegetables and herbaceous plants. Fingers crossed that June brings fine, summer days and just sufficient night time rainfall to keep farmers and gardeners content.
Rotherham U3A gardeners have ordered a sunny day for their 15th June visit to Felley Priory, Underwood, a rose-scented garden with colourful borders; and to The Old Vicarage, Halam, Nottinghamshire with its south-facing, organic hillside garden with unusual herbaceous plants, wildlife ponds, kitchen garden and wildlife meadow. A member of the National Gardens Scheme charity, this private garden will open exclusively for this visit — a trip not-to-be missed. Contact Martin Ford on 01709 324672 for more details.
Historic Durham is the objective of the ‘Out and About’ group’s visit, scheduled for 7th June. There is a multitude of things to do and see there, including a picturesque riverside walk, winding streets, markets, shops, beautiful old buildings around the university and castle, a river cruise and hourly guided tours of the impressive cathedral. For those in the know, Vennel’s Café is an excellent place to rest and refuel. To find out more, contact Barbara Riley on 01709 878430. Non-U3A members are most welcome to join the above excursions.
The summer break is fast approaching, but June will see a flurry of activity in the Choir as it prepares for its Summer Concert at Herringthorpe United Reform Church, on 6th July. The much-sought-after tickets are on sale from early June, priced at £7.00, including refreshments. Proceeds will go to ‘Children with autism and learning difficulties’. Contact Esme Brooke on 01142 466185 for tickets.
Yet other U3A groups are busy planning their displays for the Summer Fair, which will take place on the afternoon of 10th July at Silverwood Working Men’s Club. This annual event showcases many of the activities available through Rotherham U3A and is open to the public. Be sure to earmark the date in your diary and look out for full details in the July edition Rotherham Life.
More information about the U3A is available from www.u3asites.org.uk/rotherham or Tricia Macredie on 01709 370899.