Mature and Senior Citizen Fair July 2018
Mansfield and District u3a, together with Forest Town u3a, took part in the first Mature and Senior Citizens' Fair organised by local MP Ben Bradley (Conservative) for his constituents. Five volunteers manned (and 'womanned') the stall during the morning of Friday 13 July. The positive nature of the u3a message brought a number of people to the stall and one has already attended the monthly meeting as a guest a mere four days later. The photograph taken by Michael Allen (Mansfield) shows the volunteers with Ben Bradley. |
Report u3a Day at the National Holocaust Centre October 2016
On Wednesday 5th October seventy members of U3As in the area visited the National Holocaust Centre near Ollerton. This proved to be a moving, interesting and rewarding experience. On arrival, we walked through commemorative gardens (both peaceful and thought-provoking) as we approached the main buildings. After a fascinating introductory talk, where we were advised that the role of the museum was that of ‘Learning from the Holocaust’, we were given a guided tour of the museum; its haunting photographs, artefacts and reconstructions gave one the feeling of immediacy; and sadness for the enormity of what took place.
The cost was £20 each which was tremendous value for money and included: glossy literature, pencils and paper in folders, sweets and bottles of water, the services of the educators, teas, coffees and biscuits, bookmark and gift souvenir, art materials (canvasses and paints), photocopied colour posters and materials for the Contemporary workshops, annual tickets for return to the Centre during the year, even lunch! That’s on top of the experience itself!
Louise Stafford, lead for Adult Education at the centre, and the educators at the Centre felt that it had been a privilege to be a part of the excellent learning and discussions that had taken place. It was gratefully acknowledged that the fantastic engagement of all who attended was a reflection of the support and knowledge of the u3a planning group- who had guided the development of the thought-provoking and varied programme for the day.’
Louise is particularly interested in organising other days for groups of u3as. If you would like to follow this up she can be contacted on 01623 836627 at The National Holocaust Centre and Museum. Email: [email protected].
Website: www.nationalholocaustcentre.net.
This is extracted from a full report by Rosie Allen (Arnold) . Click to read the Full Report and see more photos.
On Wednesday 5th October seventy members of U3As in the area visited the National Holocaust Centre near Ollerton. This proved to be a moving, interesting and rewarding experience. On arrival, we walked through commemorative gardens (both peaceful and thought-provoking) as we approached the main buildings. After a fascinating introductory talk, where we were advised that the role of the museum was that of ‘Learning from the Holocaust’, we were given a guided tour of the museum; its haunting photographs, artefacts and reconstructions gave one the feeling of immediacy; and sadness for the enormity of what took place.
The cost was £20 each which was tremendous value for money and included: glossy literature, pencils and paper in folders, sweets and bottles of water, the services of the educators, teas, coffees and biscuits, bookmark and gift souvenir, art materials (canvasses and paints), photocopied colour posters and materials for the Contemporary workshops, annual tickets for return to the Centre during the year, even lunch! That’s on top of the experience itself!
Louise Stafford, lead for Adult Education at the centre, and the educators at the Centre felt that it had been a privilege to be a part of the excellent learning and discussions that had taken place. It was gratefully acknowledged that the fantastic engagement of all who attended was a reflection of the support and knowledge of the u3a planning group- who had guided the development of the thought-provoking and varied programme for the day.’
Louise is particularly interested in organising other days for groups of u3as. If you would like to follow this up she can be contacted on 01623 836627 at The National Holocaust Centre and Museum. Email: [email protected].
Website: www.nationalholocaustcentre.net.
This is extracted from a full report by Rosie Allen (Arnold) . Click to read the Full Report and see more photos.
Report on the North Notts Neighbourhood Group 'Royal Revelry' 7th June 2016
Our eighth annual summer soiree was held at the John Fretwell Centre at Sookholme. It was a day long event to enable over 200 neighbours to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and we certainly did her Majesty proud.
Inside the large complex the nine u3as taking part set up their interest group tables and screens to demonstrate the wonderful range of talents we “golden oldies” have. Outdoors we held two sessions of target bowls with a bottle of whiskey for the winner and the opportunity to try horse shoe tossing. The indoor entertainment took the form of a very pleasant performance by a combined ukulele and choir group and there were two separate sessions from a newly formed upbeat swing along and sing along group which had the neighbours dancing in the aisles.
It was a warm day and many enjoyed a picnic at lunchtime with some neighbours enjoying a fair amount of liquid refreshment.
The afternoon finale was a cream tea held in the beautiful function suite with our nine tables of ten decorated with u3a group-created red white and blue flowers.
So – Happy Birthday Your Majesty from the North Notts Neighbourhood Group of u3as! Rita Turner, Chairman
Our eighth annual summer soiree was held at the John Fretwell Centre at Sookholme. It was a day long event to enable over 200 neighbours to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and we certainly did her Majesty proud.
Inside the large complex the nine u3as taking part set up their interest group tables and screens to demonstrate the wonderful range of talents we “golden oldies” have. Outdoors we held two sessions of target bowls with a bottle of whiskey for the winner and the opportunity to try horse shoe tossing. The indoor entertainment took the form of a very pleasant performance by a combined ukulele and choir group and there were two separate sessions from a newly formed upbeat swing along and sing along group which had the neighbours dancing in the aisles.
It was a warm day and many enjoyed a picnic at lunchtime with some neighbours enjoying a fair amount of liquid refreshment.
The afternoon finale was a cream tea held in the beautiful function suite with our nine tables of ten decorated with u3a group-created red white and blue flowers.
So – Happy Birthday Your Majesty from the North Notts Neighbourhood Group of u3as! Rita Turner, Chairman
Report on the North Notts Neighbourhood Group Picnic In The Park 1st July 2015
For our 2015 summer celebration the nine neighbouring u3as, Ashfield, the Dukeries, Hucknall, Mansfield, Rainworth, Retford, Sherwood, Sutton in Ashfield and Sherwood, got together for another Picnic in Rufford Park. Instead of last year’s monsoon we managed to choose the hottest day of the year so far but nothing daunts the neighbours and the event was very well supported.
Within the marquee all nine u3as had individual tables exhibiting their interest groups and the amount of talent never ceases to amaze me. In spite of the heat the outside events – treasure hunt and games (including a newcomer – wellywanging – were very well supported. My neighbours are incredibly competitive but there was lots of laughter involved. The musical entertainment during the afternoon provided a welcome respite and was very well received.
This was our eighth successful annual event and already members are saying ‘I think that next year we could perhaps have …….....
(Suggestions on a postcard please to Rita Turner Chairman NNNGroup!)
For our 2015 summer celebration the nine neighbouring u3as, Ashfield, the Dukeries, Hucknall, Mansfield, Rainworth, Retford, Sherwood, Sutton in Ashfield and Sherwood, got together for another Picnic in Rufford Park. Instead of last year’s monsoon we managed to choose the hottest day of the year so far but nothing daunts the neighbours and the event was very well supported.
Within the marquee all nine u3as had individual tables exhibiting their interest groups and the amount of talent never ceases to amaze me. In spite of the heat the outside events – treasure hunt and games (including a newcomer – wellywanging – were very well supported. My neighbours are incredibly competitive but there was lots of laughter involved. The musical entertainment during the afternoon provided a welcome respite and was very well received.
This was our eighth successful annual event and already members are saying ‘I think that next year we could perhaps have …….....
(Suggestions on a postcard please to Rita Turner Chairman NNNGroup!)
Report on Soar Valley u3a Driver Awareness Workshop Mar 2015
Tuesday 10th March 2015 was a landmark day in Nottinghamshire as Soar Valley u3a opened its first members’ workshop entitled ‘Driver Awareness for People in their Third Age’. Statistical analysis undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council had shown that accidents during 2014 involving 65+ year olds have increased, which was worrying because trends over the previous years had shown a steady decrease. It is not surprising therefore that Zena Oliver, NCC Principle Highways Safety Officer showed particular interest when she was approached by Soar Valley u3a who were considering a new venture of workshops, the first featuring Driver Awareness. The workshop was enlightening, informative, thought provoking and above all enjoyable and is described in detail in Soar Valley’s May 2015 Newsletter - read the article by clicking ‘Download File’ below. Thanks to Soar Valley u3a Chairman Brian Hinners for the information and to committee member Peter Hickling who organised the workshop. |
may_15_newsletter_page_3.pdf | |
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Report on the Speaker Seekers' Workshop February 2015
The Speaker Seekers’ Workshop was held at the end of February. There were participants from 18 u3as in the county and all those who took part said they found it useful to hear ideas from other u3as. The feedback from this meeting is available for download below, and a list of speakers is to be added soon. Thanks go to members of the Development Team who helped on the day. The ideas for this Workshop have interested other county networks and they will be planning their own events.
Members of the Development Team put a great deal of time to organise Workshops (and remember, they are all volunteers), they don’t just happen. First, there has to be a decision on the groups to include, then seek a suitable venue, then advertise it to all the u3as and collect in all the names and prepare the items for discussion. It can take more than eight weeks to plan a successful Workshop.
The Speaker Seekers’ Workshop was held at the end of February. There were participants from 18 u3as in the county and all those who took part said they found it useful to hear ideas from other u3as. The feedback from this meeting is available for download below, and a list of speakers is to be added soon. Thanks go to members of the Development Team who helped on the day. The ideas for this Workshop have interested other county networks and they will be planning their own events.
Members of the Development Team put a great deal of time to organise Workshops (and remember, they are all volunteers), they don’t just happen. First, there has to be a decision on the groups to include, then seek a suitable venue, then advertise it to all the u3as and collect in all the names and prepare the items for discussion. It can take more than eight weeks to plan a successful Workshop.
speaker_seekers_workshop_feedback.pdf | |
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Report on Carlton & Gedling u3a at the Gedling Show
Carlton & Gedling u3a had a great time at Gedling Show. The sun shone; it wasn’t too windy; there were lots of us and, above all, almost everyone we spoke to seemed to think that u3a is a great idea, either for themselves or for mum and dad and aunty and uncle. Many thanks to all the volunteers and a special thanks to Eric Rennie for such a brilliant display - not to mention some eye-catching leaflets. As a result we hope to have more visitors at the September meeting. |
Report on the u3a Family History Conference - Another Outstanding Success
On Saturday 13th September 2014, 230 delegates travelled to the beautiful Dome building in Buxton for this event and were treated to a very professional mix of lectures on all forms and histories of genealogy. More information in this report.
On Saturday 13th September 2014, 230 delegates travelled to the beautiful Dome building in Buxton for this event and were treated to a very professional mix of lectures on all forms and histories of genealogy. More information in this report.
Report on the North Notts Neighbourhood Group Picnic in the Park 4th June 2014
Nobody said we could only picnic in blazing sunshine and a heatwave so we didn't let a cold drizzle spoil another triumph for Rita Turner and the North Notts Neighbourhood Group of u3as at Rufford Park.
"If you've got friends and neighbours then the world is a happier place", goes the song, and the NNNG's fourth Picnic in the Park proved it. This year all the entertainment was provided by u3a members. Ten u3as took part and sang, dined and danced in the Rufford marquee as the rain came down outside.
Highlights for me were the display by Retford u3a's photographic group (memo to self, "must try harder") and Ashfield u3a's interpretation of 'picnic' to mean a full-scale buffet, complete with tables, chairs, wine and too many gastronomic delights to mention. 'De Luxe' seems inadequate.
(Report by David Ling)
Nobody said we could only picnic in blazing sunshine and a heatwave so we didn't let a cold drizzle spoil another triumph for Rita Turner and the North Notts Neighbourhood Group of u3as at Rufford Park.
"If you've got friends and neighbours then the world is a happier place", goes the song, and the NNNG's fourth Picnic in the Park proved it. This year all the entertainment was provided by u3a members. Ten u3as took part and sang, dined and danced in the Rufford marquee as the rain came down outside.
Highlights for me were the display by Retford u3a's photographic group (memo to self, "must try harder") and Ashfield u3a's interpretation of 'picnic' to mean a full-scale buffet, complete with tables, chairs, wine and too many gastronomic delights to mention. 'De Luxe' seems inadequate.
(Report by David Ling)
Report on Mansfield u3a's 15th Anniversary with Barbara Lewis u3a National Chairman 20th May 2014.
BARBARA Lewis, National Chairman of The University of the Third Age, congratulated members and past chairmen of Mansfield and District u3a when she spoke at our 15th anniversary meeting on 20th May. "Today's members stand on your shoulders," she said,"and so do members of many other Nottinghamshire u3as who owe a debt to Mansfield for helping u3as to become established in Ashfield, Mansfield Woodhouse, Hucknall and Rainworth," she added.
She's shown above applauding, l to r: Max Clarke (Chairman, 2010/11), Mike Allen (2011/13), current Chairman Glenis Carr, Rita Turner (Honorary President & Chairman of the North Nottinghamshire Neighbourhood Group of U3As) and Norma Shillinglaw (2005/6). She also presented Glenis with a congratulation card on behalf of the u3a National Executive Committee and accepted a bottle of Champagne from her on behalf of our committee in thanks for her support.
There will soon be 24 u3as in the Nottinghamshire u3a County Network, when Mansfield u3a helps others nearby to launch Eastwood u3a on 4th June. "This record of helping retired people to enjoy the pleasures of their Third Age by learning new things, sharing interests and making new friends is something many other u3as around the country would do well to emulate", Barbara said, "and I hope many will learn more by visiting Mansfield and District u3a's superb website."
(Report by David Ling)
Report on the In-depth D H Lawrence Study Group
January 2014
Jean Hogg, the study group leader, has prepared a two-page report on the study covering Origins, Participation, Reading, ‘Add-on’ Activities, Individual Studies, Practical Issues, and Lessons for the Future. She concludes that all members of the group gained knowledge, enjoyment and satisfaction from the involvement and hopes that others will feel enabled to instigate something similar in the future.
To read the report follow this link.
January 2014
Jean Hogg, the study group leader, has prepared a two-page report on the study covering Origins, Participation, Reading, ‘Add-on’ Activities, Individual Studies, Practical Issues, and Lessons for the Future. She concludes that all members of the group gained knowledge, enjoyment and satisfaction from the involvement and hopes that others will feel enabled to instigate something similar in the future.
To read the report follow this link.
Report on the Worksop Savoy Cinema Event
Worksop & District u3a Cinema Group organised a Christmas showing of the gloriously life-affirming 1946 film 'A Wonderful Life'. The event, held on 12th December 2013, was a huge success with 550 guests attending. To read about the event follow this link.
Worksop & District u3a Cinema Group organised a Christmas showing of the gloriously life-affirming 1946 film 'A Wonderful Life'. The event, held on 12th December 2013, was a huge success with 550 guests attending. To read about the event follow this link.
Report on the Friends and Family Open Day
The event, held on 23rd November 2013, was a great success with a very early start for those setting up, and the whole venue looked really welcoming with so many activities on each floor. There were stalls from various charities as well as stands put on by Arnold, Burton Joyce and Nottingham u3as. Over 300 people attended during the day. To read more about the event follow this link.
The event, held on 23rd November 2013, was a great success with a very early start for those setting up, and the whole venue looked really welcoming with so many activities on each floor. There were stalls from various charities as well as stands put on by Arnold, Burton Joyce and Nottingham u3as. Over 300 people attended during the day. To read more about the event follow this link.