Now that every house is probably spotlessly clean, cupboards sorted, windows sparkling, odd jobs done and after a spell of such beautiful weather, gardens are so  well trimmed and hoed, there is not a weed that would dare to show its’ face.  Maybe then it’s time to give some thought about what we want on return to our U3A. Would you like to see the Day Trip format changed and if so how? What are the places you would like to visit? What would you like to be included to do/see? Would you like more Day Trips to include a meal? Is the distance we travel a problem? Would you be interested in week end or overnight stays which would enable us to travel further and see more? What about lunch visits to Olde Worlde Pubs?  If you  now find yourself with some spare time then this is the ideal opportunity for us to have a rethink. Do a bit of computer research, share ideas and take a good look at what we do and how we do it. Perhaps many aspects of our lives will be changed, so do we want to change the way we organise Day Trips? I will be interested to hear your views/ideas. If you do have any then click on leave a reply below or ring me and have a chat.(526 4665)  I hope you are all keeping well and safe.  Take care.  Regards  Marj

We are off to Derbyshire, specifically to the pretty village of Tissington,  overlooked by Tissington Hall. a 17thC Jacobean Mansion,which is still a private family home occupied by Sir Richard Fitzherbert and his family.. Here, the first Well Dressings of the year, and some would consider them to be the best, are on display.  Well dressing is a beautiful floral art in pictures, made with flower petals, leaves, stones, twigs etc.set in wet clay and all made by the very talented  local residents here.  The origins have disappeared in the mists of time but are thought to be connected with the Black Plague when the Wells were dressed to protect the water.  We will witness the service of the  blessing of the Wells on this Ascension Day and there will be time to wander and browse in this lovely, peaceful, Derbyshire Village..There are refreshments here but if you would rather wait till we reach our next destination Bakewell,  where there is a wide choice of eating, coffee, hotels, pubs etc. places of interest –  It’s the home of the famous Bakewell Tart, and is the largest town in the North Peak District, set on the River Wye and one of the prettiest.  Plenty to interest us here including the Bakewell Tart Shop, lovely mellow stone buildings, quaint courtyards, good choice of shops, . It’s a must for sightseers.

When??  Thurs.2lst May 2020   Dep.8.30am  Ret.6pm  Price: £12.  Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 25th February 2020..

It was cold, frosty and sunny when we set off for Oswaldtwistle Mills.  Set in a converted Weaving Mill this is an award winning destination with lots of variety including clothes, garden centre, textile museum, cafes, ice cream parlour, fresh food etc.  We arrived to a room set out for us to have coffee/biscuits which was a nice start.  Then came the serious business of shopping, browsing, investigating and we are all good at that!    Continue reading →

We will start our day with a visit to the historic city of Lancaster, set on the banks of the River Lune. This is an English Heritage city, compact, vibrant and quirky, with a captivating past and cultured present. There is something for everyone here – museums, galleries, the castle, priory, shopping, Georgian architecture, ‘Olde World’ pubs and the Charter Street market. Take your choice of its’ lively coffee culture, including Atkinsons’ famous coffee and tea merchants, where you will get a cup of freshly roasted coffee.  Follow footsteps along ancient alleyways and discover for yourself its’ charm.  Then we will be off to the White Cross restaurant which is set in a 130 year old converted cotton warehouse on the banks of the canal.  It has a very good reputation for food and we will have a delicious 2 course lunch, pre-selected from an excellent choice of menu, (3 courses if you prefer is an extra £4)

Wed. 25th March 2020 Dep. 9.15am  Ret. 5pm.  Price: £25 inc. lunch.  Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 21st January 2020

Happy, Healthy New Year to all. Our new day trip will start  with coffee at Oswaldtwislte Mills.  This is an award winning outlet and a popular group destination.  There is just about everything you could wish for including fresh food counters and a Garden Centre. We can browse, even buy,  before having a delicious Lancashire lunch.  After lunch we will reboard our coach to be joined by Simon Entwistle to give us a guided Haunted Histories tour.  Simon is very well known for his entertaining tours and has done a series for BBC television.  He will keep us amused and informed with his tales of the unexpected.  So sit back, relax and enjoy.

When?  Wed.5th February 2020.  Depart 9.15am  Ret.5pm.  Price: £25 inc.morning coffee, lunch and guided tour.  Seats will be on sale at our table on Tues.7th January 2020