Buoyant membership is a sure sign of popularity and choice and Dukeries u3a has oodles of both of these with a great variety of well-established activities groups plus emerging new ones.
Members meet up monthly on the third Monday of each month at Jubilee Hall, Wellow Road, Ollerton NG22 9AP – doors open at 12.30pm. June’s guest speaker will be Phil Cooper who will give an illustrated talk showing the ‘Amazing Animals of Costa Rica’. Non-members can attend monthly meetings for a nominal fee of £1.00 to see what goes on and enjoy a tea or coffee and biscuit. Why not pop along and say hello?
To celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, Dukeries u3a joined in the RSPB-organised event at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe on Sunday 7th May and provided information to interested passers-by. Singers and ukulele-players joined non-u3a members and the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers to provide the musical entertainment. On Monday 8th May (their main Coronation Celebration) Dukeries u3a members and guests dressed to impress at their ‘Right Royal Knees Up’ with a superb meal provided by Culinary Delights and dancing to the brilliant Easy Thomas Blues Band.
The AGM was held on Monday 15th May. After the business meeting, members enjoyed entertainment provided by Dukeries u3a singers and musicians and an informal sing-along led by John Banbury.
Dukeries u3a meet for their activities at various venues throughout the local area. At Jubilee Hall, in addition to monthly meetings, activities include Bridge, Mahjong, Soft-Tennis, Ramblers, Whatsapp Walkers and the Ukulele group. At Ambleside Centre, Ollerton, their groups include: Allsorts / Gardening, History Group, Sewing Bee and Photography. More Soft Tennis is at Clipstone Sports Hall, while Walesby Church Hall hosts the Creative Writing Group. South Forest Sports and Leisure Centre hosts u3a Scrabble games while Ollerton House hosts the Rummikubs Group.
Dukeries u3a Bowls has started its summer season at Ollerton Bowling Club, Whinney Lane. Dukeries u3a members also enjoy their Book Club and the Knit‘n’Natter Group and Lunch Club members regularly enjoy visits to local restaurants.
A new Sing-along activity is now emerging led by member John Banbury. Dukeries u3a ukulele players and singers joined in the recent concert which took place courtesy of the Ollerton Methodist Ladies Club.
This included a melodic piano recital by John Sellars and a delightful rendition of ‘The Rose’ by a trio of Methodist Ladies.
Planned outings include a Trent River cruise, a visit to the National Holocaust Centre and a trip to David Austin Roses in Shropshire. Lots more visits and social events are planned, please see www.u3asites.org.uk/dukeries/welcome for further details. Alternatively, give them a call on 07756 436177 or email du3achair2020@gmail.com.
Annual membership is open to adults irrespective of employment status and costs just £20.00, or £10.00 for associate members who belong to another u3a group.