Dukeries u3a were delighted to take part in the Edwinstowe Christmas Light Switch On event on 23rd November. As well as a tombola, they offered visitors the chance to win Dukeries u3a membership to 31st March 2025 at a reduced cost. They also decorated two Christmas trees to display in St Mary’s Church, Edwinstowe and in Ollerton Library.
Dr Steve Wallace stood in at short notice for the members’ November meeting and gave a fascinating talk on the development and future plans for the Sherwood Observatory, followed by an illustrated talk about the James Webb Space Telescope (replacing the Hubble telescope). The next members’ meeting will be the Christmas Party on 18th December.
As well as the monthly speaker programme, Dukeries u3a offers a selection of interest and activity groups which take place at various local venues. The Jubilee Ukulele Group is the ‘Group of the Month’. Now with 25 members, they are having a great time entertaining both themselves and giving concerts to raise money for charitable causes. In November they played at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Skegby helping to raise funds for renovations. On 3rd December they will give a concert with Edwinstowe Hand Bell Ringers in St John’s Church, Perlethorpe with proceeds to Cancer Research. Please see the Dukeries u3a website www.u3asites.org.uk/dukeries/home for further details.
The All Sorts Group is exactly that. They have a varied programme such as music appreciation and crafts including flower arranging and card making, and they recently found out just what to do with dried tea bags! They learn about gardening and enjoy visits to garden centres. Soon they will have a morning learning about jewellery making. They are always open to new ideas.
The Sewing Bee is a busy bee, with a hive of industry from sewing clothes, undertaking alterations, toy making, tapestry and crochet too. They even have sewing machines in the cupboard for use by all members. Knit’n’Natter is a popular group that has had many projects including selling items to raise money for Dukeries u3a members’ charity The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.
For studious members there is the Book Club and the Creative Writing Group. The History Group listens to talks by both members and visiting guests, with discussions and visits to museums. If you have a competitive streak and up for a game, try Bridge, MahJong, Rummikubs or Scrabble which are all well supported.
Want a change from dining alone? You would enjoy the Tuesday and Sunday Lunch Clubs. The venues change every month. Last month members enjoyed lovely meals at the West Retford Hotel and Little John, Ravenshead. And when you have put some weight on join the Ramblers or Whatsapp Walkers to work it off and keep fit. Recent walks were around Sherwood Pines, Cromford, Bothamsall and Ollerton Pit Woods. The Photography Group meets once a month to share their work. Sometimes they visit different locations together looking for unusual shots.
There is a new Sunday Social Group in Edwinstowe and members meet to do just that -socialise with a coffee or tea or join in some fun and games.
Other activities include social evenings, outings and joining with other local u3a groups. The Dukeries u3a quiz team did well at the recent Mansfield u3a quiz beating off most of the opposition to attain third place. Ghoulish goings on were thoroughly enjoyed by 140 members of Dukeries u3a, Forest Town u3a and Mansfield u3a at a Halloween Fancy Dress Party held in Clipstone. There are a lot of good things happening at Dukeries u3a which is open to all adults irrespective of employment status.
For further information please visit https://u3asites.org.uk/dukeries/home or call 07756 436177. The subscription is now £12.00 up to 31 March 2024. Visitors can come to a meeting for just £1 to cover refreshments, to see if Dukeries u3a is for them.