Everyone loves chocolate so we are paying a visit to the privately owned Chocolate House in Blackburn.  On arrival we will have the choice of tea/coffee/juice or their very own special hot chocolate drink.  This will be followed by a demonstration of how the chocolates are made, samples to be savoured and the end product will be raffled off.  There is a chance to visit their kitchens to see production and special commissions in process.  There are lots of lovely chocolate novelties and with

Easter on the horizon, there should be a good choice for Easter gifts.  From here we will visit Accrington Old Town, where we can take our choice to have some lunch before arriving at the Haworth Art Gallery where we will have an introductory talk.  The Gallery has the largest collection of beautiful Tiffany Glass outside the USA.  There is also a collection of fine paintings and treasures to browse and special exhibitions are always running.  You can also visit the lovely gardens with Artists’ Studios and we will finish with a welcome cream tea

WHEN???   Wed.27th March 2019.  Depart 9.15am  Ret.6pm.  Price £22 inc.choc.demo/tea/coffee/etc. on arrival at the Chocolate House. Introductory Talk/Cream Tea at the Gallery.  Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 22nd January 2019

Happy New Year and welcome to details of our first trip of 2019.  We will be visiting Bellis Brothers of Wrexham -Garden Centre, which is a well established, family owned and run business.  In addition to all the usual excellent selection of plants, gifts etc. there is a well stocked Farm Shop which sells all local produce and lots of other goodies.  A butcher who prides himself on selling all local meat and his “own sausages” which are well sort after. Time here for a coffee in their lovely restaurant. Then we are off to the cosy, 18th. C Carden Arms Inn, set in a cobbled courtyard in the quaint, pretty village of Malpas in Cheshire.  This is a local hostelry with an excellent reputation for good food, which is all freshly prepared by their chefs on the premises. Their bar has  a good selection of ‘real ales’ and we can enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch followed by tea/coffee.

WHEN? Wednesday 27th February 2019.  Depart 9.15am  Ret. 5.30pm. Price: £25 includes 3 course lunch followed by tea/coffee.  Seats will be on sale on Tuesday 8th January 2019 at our table.

All the best from Day Trips for Christmas and for a Happy Healthy 2019.  Hope to see everyone on our return to the U3A on the 8th January 2019. when a new Day Trip will be on sale.

Our Driver Phil is sadly retiring.  He has driven us all over the place during the past few years.  I can’t begin to count how many miles we have travelled safely with him.  Throughout all our trips he has been unfailingly kind, courteous, helpful and above all a safe driver (although he has got us lost a couple of times!!) We would like to make a contribution to him as a token of our thanks and if you would like to donate, then please visit the Day Trip’s table where there is an envelope and a card to sign, or contribute on our next day trip (19th Oct.) which will be his last trip.  I’m sure we would all like to wish him a very happy, healthy retirement.  Maybe he’ll join the U3A.!!  Many thanks   Marj

A chance to visit the historic City of Chester and sample some of the festive activities being held there.  We will start by visiting the Christmas Market with its’ wide variety of stalls offering ideas for Christmas presents and stocking fillers. tempting food samples and ideas for your christmas etc.Don’t forget the superb shops and plenty of Cafes, Inns etc. for morning coffee/lunch. THEN we will make a visit to the beautiful ancient Cathedral.  There is a Christmas Tree Festival in the cloisters, all sponsored by local organisations, a pop up shop with all the leading Charities’ Christmas Cards,.  Your chance to buy now.  A guided tour of the 10 most interesting features of this wonderful building.
 An opportunity to see their fund raising project – a fantastic replica of the Cathedral being built with Lego – if you wish to, you can help to build it by buying a brick for £1, a visit to the Gift Shop and then we will finish with a Cream Tea in their Refectory

WHEN?? Friday 30th November 2018.  Depart 9.15am  Return 6pm.  Price:  £21 inc. guided tour and cream tea.  Seats will be on sale at our table on Tues.18th September 2018..

A gentle reminder please to start thinking about returning your choice of meal slip for our visit to the Hanging Gate Inn, on Fri.19th October 2018..  Thank you to all who have already done so.  Cheers  Marj