Social Group
Thursford Spectacular
An early pickup from around the town by Ford's Coaches gathered together 18
members for the long awaited trip to Thursford, Norfolk. The long journey on such
a grey day was well rewarded by the spectacle and sparkle of the bright and
colourful shops full to overflowing with Christmas gifts and baubles. At this point,
thankfully and despite the crowds, we met up with two members who had made their
own way there. Many people have spoken of the magical Christmas Spectacular
advertised as 'The largest and most popular Christmas show of all time in
England'. It really is a fabulous show. The beautifully-dressed arena, the enormous
stage, the glittering carousel, the highly-professional performers, the music, the
excellent dancers and wonderful costumes provided just the right build up for a very
Happy Christmas. Thank you Barbara for arranging this great trip for us to
enjoy. PS please can we go again next year? Dawn Mundy.
Visit to the Royal Dockyards, Chatham Kent
On a recent sunny and bright Sunday morning our coach took us on a visit to the Historical
Dockyard at Chatham for the special 1940s World War Two event. With the year 2010
being the 70th anniversary of the momentous events of 1940, ie the miracle of Dunkirk and
the Battle of Britain, our members were privileged to attend this special event at Chatham.
There were no less than 5 entertainment venues on site, presenting the music and humour
that kept our wartime spirits up. The ENSA stage at the helipad which featured some
wonderful female singers and group MCs by ‘VIV the Ship’ and the famous USO Concert
Party all helped to provide the right the 40s style atmosphere. Together with the events and
musical entertainment there was also the usual ‘Salute to the 40s’ entertaining displays,
ranging from both the Army and the Navy UXB displays, trips on genuine Dunkirk boats and
guided tours on old navy ships like HMS Cavalier. Also inspections of a Battle of Britain
Hurricane and even a dreaded Messerschmitt. My own highlight was a guided tour of a very
claustrophobic British 1960s submarine.
The trip that didn’t happen
Thirty four of us made an early start to go down to Southend to catch the Waverley Paddle
Steamer. We were extra early to avoid the rush hour and roadworks. The weather was
bright and sunny although a bit windy. We arrived at the pier and with our boarding passes
and train fare ready to get the train to the end of the pier to catch the boat for an all-day trip
to Tower Bridge. Then we had the bad news that the trip was cancelled owing to the bad
weather forecast for later that day. We all decided to make the best of the day, so we all
went our separate ways.
There were long walks along to Shoebury, museum visits and shops to explore. Some had
breakfast at the end of the pier and for others a walk back, then, later some went to lunch at
various restaurants. Hopefully we will have better luck next year. I will have everyone’s
refund cheques ready at the November meeting.
BBQ in July
We have received a thank you letter from Farleigh Hospice for our donation which they will
use on behalf of their patients to give them and their families. It really helps to support a
local community charity.
Trip to Duxford and Cambridge
It was a lively sunny day, but the wind was quite cold. Our first stop was Duxford where
some of us spent the day. Two gentlemen tried out their hand at flying on a simulator, both
crashed! I understand everybody had a great time, only wished it was longer. From there,
the rest of us proceeded to the Botanical Gardens where a few more started their day. It
was very nice although a bit early in the year to see the best of it. After spending the
morning there, we walked into Cambridge. Some people went to the Fitzwilliam Museum ,
then King’s College Chapel where some were lucky enough to hear the organ playing.
Others went and hit the shops. Two intrepid ladies hired electric buggies and I understand
had an argument with a lift. At the end of the day, everybody came back with a smile on
their face and said what a great day they had.
Murder Mystery Evening
Imagine the scene: A boxing vicar; a drug-dealing nurse; a gambling doctor; a
parent-seeking maid; a scheming publisher; a greedy lawyer and a chameleon-like
pharmacist. All of these and a victim with secrets. This was the recipe for the first murder
mystery event. 'Ooh's' and 'ah's' abounded and even some 'maybe's' for this great whodunit
that proved to be a thoroughly entertaining evening! People dressed for their parts and
participated in a story which involved the sudden death of one Reginald Arcain. Our task
was to discover the murderer. As newcomers to U3A events we were somewhat nervous,
but this trepidation soon disappeared driven by the excellent company, the abundance of
nibbles and the hard work of Barbara, Dawn and Dorreen who made this a thrilling night.
Bring on the next victim! David & Bev Wilkin (Innocent!)
Games evening
The games evening was very enjoyable. I would loved to have been able to bottle the
laughter and chat in the room on the night of Friday 15th January. It really was great fun and
the fish/chicken supper was delicious. Well done Barbara.
Classical Spectacular – Royal Albert Hall
Local U3As combined together for this trip. Once in London members could choose where
to spend the morning – the V&A, Natural History Museum and Harrods were some of the
choices. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, The Band of the
Welsh Guards and the Muskets and Cannons of the Moscow Militia performed various
favourites from Strauss, Verdi, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Gershwin, Bizet and many
more.
Individual sololists and Jonathan Scott who played the piano left the group wanting more.
Joining in the singing and the waving of Union Jack flags, cannons and laser beams,
fireworks all added to the occasion. Another very enjoyable event for a dark, wet November
day. Where shall we go next year?
Visit to Springstep
Thanks to Adrian's good idea, thirteen of us enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon at the
Springstep Dairy Goat Farm on Friday 19th June. Proprietor Bob conducted an informative
talk as we strolled around the one acre covered barn, home to the milking nannies and very
young kids. We were all impressed by the aroma free environment and by the considerate
behaviour of the goats, one to another. Afternoon tea and delicious cake or ice cream were
served in the farmhouse tearooms. Many of us left with purchases of a variety of goat
cheeses, butter, milk, cream or ice cream made on the farm by Bob and Sally Kirk. All are
welcome at this lovely farm - dairy open 7 days a week - tearoom open 10.0 am to 5.0 pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer - Mundon Hall Farm, Vicarage Lane,
Mundon CM9 6PA. tel: 01621 740357.