Richard Hill, well known for his acting and directing skills with Wycliffe Drama group, brought us a fascinating glimpse of the China, he has come to love throughout his many visits and associations. Dressed appropriately in costume, he addressed us in Mandarin, encouraging us to learn and imitate a few basic words of this mainly tonal language – just one of the many different languages spoken throughout this country of amazing contrasts. Shanghai, for example, a city divided by the River Yangtze, is ultra -modern on one side of the river and has echoes of Victoriana on the opposite bank,
After a brief history of China’s development, he explained the etiquette of dinner parties consisting of 20 or more courses and extolled the virtues of “always fresh food good for the health of various parts of the body” It is customary to take small samples of each course and polite to leave a little on the plate. A duck’s head or foot is considered a prime food. Good spirits can be very expensive @ £257 a bottle, but cheap spirits are to be avoided.
In China family names are written first, followed by the chosen name. In Chinese culture and society it is important not to lose face. This can lead to protracted decision making in business. Respect and relationships matter and must have integrity. There is an accepted etiquette for gift giving, meeting and greeting and dining.
The Chinese are hard -working, achieve almost impossible targets and have good project skills which, have led to a powerful economic growth, which is only second to that of the USA. Their ambitious ideas are reflected in huge high rise buildings. Even the early edifice of Buddha was an impressive 71 metres high. The Great Wall of China, which took over 2,000 years to build is listed as measuring 5,500 miles, but in reality, with all its adjuncts, extends to 13,500 miles. To attempt to walk even a small section would be a challenge for the fittest amongst us!
Despite the tensions which can arise through conflicts with the many neighbouring countries, the Chinese work together towards a common good for the benefit of the Community. The workers are represented by the stars of the Chinese flag. They are creative and artistic in many areas including embroidery, porcelain painting and enamelling. Despite our differences we share a common thread—a similar sense of humour.
Our thanks go to Richard who has enthused us all with his lively, fascinating insight into a little known culture.
GROUP REPORTS
(in alphabetical order)
ART APPRECIATION
Co-ordinator
Ursula.Kanetis 01455.553563
We visited the Summer Exhibition in Compton Verney:”The Arts And Crafts House Then And Now”. This was seen as a continuation of the exhibition (July-Meeting) in Birmingham: "Andy Warhol and William Morris”. We had time to explore the exhibits on our own before we joined a guided tour, leading us to the most interesting pieces, giving us brilliant background information and letting us discover new sights and ideas. John Ruskin and William Morris created new ways of living and working, showing the connection between Art, Society and Nature. That close link between house and garden was apparent in all shown works. The second part of the Exhibition was the “Dan Pearson William Morris Wild Flower Meadow”. But unfortunately, due to the wet weather, the sight of the mown trellis was rather underwhelming. After lunch we spent more time with those pieces of Art and Craft that we found most appealing, to look closer and discuss in smaller groups.
September: No Meeting October : 9.10.2015 - Visit to Stoney Well Cottage
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
A rather depleted group met this month in difficult circumstances our discussions having to compete with some musical interruptions and irate restorers. Our read "This Boy" by Alan Johnson told of his early life before any inkling of his entry into politics. A story of a young lads up bringing in very difficult times supported by two very committed women, his mother and sister. His father was depicted as a very wayward character without much input into his son’s life. An interesting account of his life up to the point of his first marriage. All agreed this was the foundation of a man who would become Home Secretary. It also left us wondering what became of his extremely determined sister Linda.
Perhaps all will be revealed in Alans follow up book "Please Mr Postman".
CYCLING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
The cycle group met at Draycote Water for their August ride, and set off along the disused railway line past Draycote and on to Birdingbury. The weather was perfect for cycling: not too hot not too cold, and not too windy. We left the line at Birdingbury and cycled along delightful Warwickshire lanes towards Offchurch before turning off and down to Long Itchington. Here, we cycled along the well made up towpath of the Grand Union canal (and unlike the previous month’s ride, with no mishaps!) before turning off and back towards Birdingbury and our starting point at Draycote Water. Then came the well-deserved lunch at The Green Man in Dunchurch. All-in-all, a very enjoyable morning covering in total, about 15 miles. Unfortunately, all the calories consumed during the ride were quickly replaced over lunch!
If anyone would like to join us for a cycle ride, please contact Nigel on 01455 209745
ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Co-ordinator
Chris Ridley
01455 209920
Bell Foundry Visit.
On the 30th July, our group consiting of 14 members, visited the foundry in Loughbrough.
This Foundry is one of only two left in the country and has been producing bells for more than 200 yrs and from the conditions in the factory along with working practices, little has changed in that time.
The only concession to modern day techniques appeared to be the use of gas for the furnaces and outdated electronics used as a check on the "tuning" of the finished bell.
This visit was a fantastic insight into the way that bells are made by a small skilled workforce honed over many years of handed down practices, still using equipment some of which was produced well before WW1.
With today’s engineering manufacturing shops littered with computer controlled, multi-programmable machining centres costing £100k's, it was gratifying to see basic boring/turning equipment doing its function but being controlled purely by the operator working to sight lines derived from his experience only; get it wrong and he a scraps a bell whose material alone costs £10,000/tonne.....
The Company of J Taylor employ around 24 employees, most of whom have more than one job.
They even have a Bell Rope maker who although not present for the visit, creates the rope from scratch even weaving the hemp for the basic cord.....
In addition to manufacturing Bells, the company also supply cradles in wood and cast iron together with all the mechanism for new installations as well as refurbishing existing bells and mountings and have 2 employees constantly on the road stripping/installing equipment in bell towers worldwide.
We were treated to seeing a pouring of molten metal into moulds on the foundry floor and as if to show the workforces versatility, this operation was aided by the lady who took our money and ran the gift shop.....now THAT'S multitasking.......
Rolls Royce Heritage Centre Visit 12th Aug,
A group of 15 members visited 2 sites of the Rolls Royce Co in Derby, the first being the Learning and Development centre in Wilmore Rd.
This beautifully modern site is intended to demonstrate to visiting dignitaries and customers, the heritage and past products through Rolls long history and houses some spectacular exhibits all in pristine condition.
Our two tour guides for this site where past employees of considerable experience, Max Alderton let it slip that he was 90yr old and had seen manufacturing right through the 2nd world war and importantly the introduction of the Jet engine by SIr Frank Whittle.
After lunch at this centre we rejoined the coach and travelled the short distance to the Osmaston Rd site, home of the Heritage Centre in what used to be known as the Light Alloy Foundry.
This is a fantastic place to see, almost every school boys dream.
The numerous exhibits in the 3 halls ranged from early Radial Aero Engines from around WW1, development and iterations of the "Merlin" engine used predominantly in the Hurricane and Spitfire (also used in Tanks but known as the "Meteor") right through the WW2 Rocket plane engines, on to the Jet era and up to what could be recognised as a modern Fan engine as seen hanging off the wings of a holiday flight aircraft.
Our guide also showed how the company used the Iron Age technique of lost wax casting and applied it to casting special Turbine Blades running at some 1400 deg/C in the hot section of the Turbine.
Apart from the obvious interest in all these superb examples on display, for a lot of members, the highlight was seeing work being carried out by volunteer engineers on both heritage exhibits and the restoration of some rare vintage and classic cars, one of which was being readied for the London to Brighton run.
My thanks have to Geoff Dean for organising the Rolls Royce end of this superb visit and one which most members I hope will remember and maybe be a little envious of the volunteers skill and opportunity to work in such a special enviroment.
Future ESTG Programme
Sept 17th - Radical Sports Cars
Oct 15th Talk and Meeting at OSS
Nov 19th Hook Norton Brewery
Dec 17th Possible local group Christmas lunch
Jan Advanced Manufacturing Facility Coventry (being arranged)
Later events being looked at, Morgan Cars, Leicester Aero Club, a Quarry visit, Triumph Motor Cycles..........lots more
Wednesday 22th July The Gurkha Restaurant in Nuneaton – a select group of 6 turned out this time and had a most enjoyable evening. One couple opted for the Set Meal Deal for 2 with the proviso that they take home one of the items. Another two also went for the Set Meal Deal but chose different options. The remaining two chose individually and I found that I could choose a Starter and a Main without having Rice so that I didn’t end up feeling as if I was stuffed and oven ready for roasting myself! As with our last visit the service was excellent and we were surprised to find that it was after 10 pm when we left.
Wednesday 26th August – We had a return visit to La Casa Loco Mexican Restaurant in Rugby. As before, a lively atmosphere, friendly service and a good choice on the Menu. Three of our party of five opted for a Chimichanga! A large Tortilla stuffed with the filling of your choice – Chilli Beef, Spicy Chicken or Vegetarian and then deep fried – it looked a large plateful. I opted for the Loco Lamb and the remaining member of our party went for the Feathered Steak. While we had skipped having Starters, four of us hit the Desserts with gusto! Again a most enjoyable evening.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
27 August 2015
The topic this week was “Les Vacances”. We heard about a cruise on the Rivers of France, travelling up the Norwegian coast on a postal boat, reliving childhood memories in Devon, a wedding on Hoy, exhibitions in Milan, visits to Meribel and Grenoble, and a camping disaster, not forgetting a family wedding. What an interesting and inspiring group of people we have!
The next meeting will be on 24 September.
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
On 28th July 21 gardeners and would-be gardeners visited Barracca hidden away in Earl Shilton and open under the NGS scheme. There is approximately an acre of garden on a gently sloping hillside. An unusual feature is the apple garden which sports Bramley apple trees – once part of the orchard on the old estate – now beautifully incorporated into the garden. Many plants in the borders are familiar, but these were very tall – 4 to 6 feet - and formed a glow of colour against a backdrop of mature trees. Amongst these plants we saw varieties of lilies, scabious, dahlias and many others. A vibrant blue hydrangea also drew many admiring comments. The pond and other water features were very attractive and drew the eye from the house higher up the slope. Luckily there were fruit cages over the raspberries in the vegetable garden otherwise there may have been less fruit when we left!
For our meeting at the end of August, unfortunately our luck ran out and it rained! However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 19 of us who visited the gardens of Melbourne Hall near Donnington. The design of these delightful gardens, based on those at Versailles, has changed little since they were created in the early 18th century and features several gravity fed ponds and fountains as well as statues and a wrought iron ‘birdcage’ by Robert Bakewell. They are extremely well cared for by a small team of gardeners and very colourful, both with unusual flowers and the different shades of green foliage of the shrubs. There are many rare trees and a yew arch (reported to be the longest in Europe). We were given an excellent guided tour by the Head Gardener who was extremely knowledgeable and informative about the plants and trees, if perhaps rather softly spoken.
Our next visit will be to another NGS garden, Long Close Gardens, Woodhouse Eaves (LE12 8RZ) on Tuesday 22nd September. ‘A garden for all seasons’. Unfortunately the minibus is not available for this trip so we will meet at Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 1.30 p.m.to share lifts. We should arrive at 2.15 p.m. The charge will be £4 each. Unfortunately the owner, John Oakland, is unable to serve refreshments afterwards but I have arranged that we can have tea at the Bulls Head just down the road.
Tuesday 21st July – The Malt Kiln Farm Shop, Stretton under Fosse - I was disappointed to miss this Lunch as I had managed to double book myself that day. However the people who went thoroughly enjoyed the food as well as the retail opportunities offered. The people who opted for the Gammon, Egg and Chips said that it was excellent both in size, flavour and value for money.
Tuesday 18th August – we were down to go to Stanton Lakes but as there were only two of us, we opted instead for a “scouting” expedition and went to “The Bull’s Head” in Wolvey which was recommended by one of our regular Pub Lunch attenders. As he had told us, The Bull’s Head is a winner on value for money! As well as the normal Pub Menu, they have a Specials Menu and on the day we went we had Gammon, Egg & Chips with a glass of Tonic each for about £7 in total! I will put the Bulls Head on our Pub Lunch list soon.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
There are 2 reports this month as follows :-
13th July 2015Is the climate really changing?
We were given an explanation of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and cryosphere which make up our world, together with an explanation of the greenhouse effect. The earth’s surface has warmed in recent decades, but global warming is a misnomer, climate change is much more accurate as a description of what is happening. The consensus of opinion in the group was that the climate is changing and 97% of scientists believe this to be the case - now. However, in the long term – say 100,000 years the world appears to be going through change as it did in the ice age and other ages. Our world moves nearer to or further from the sun depending on the angle of its axis and ellipse. Currently the polar ice caps are melting and this could mean many parts of the world under water including parts of Florida and many islands. Joanna Lumley’s TV programme covered how Hong Kong and Dubai are reclaiming land from the sea and this was also the case with the Netherlands in the past.
According to a report in the Sunday Times if we wanted to influence climate change we should have done so in the 17th century! And the ‘I’ newspaper carried a report about scorching summers being the norm by 2100. There followed a discussion of mankind’s effect in increasing carbon dioxide and loss of the counteracting effect of trees and plants brought about by deforestation and tarmac cover. Sir David Attenborough, in conversation with President Obama, said that we cannot affect climate change as the world is on its own path. Nevertheless we can see that animals adapt to the changing circumstances for example white egrets are quite common in this country whereas 30 – 40 years ago we would not have seen them here.
We also discussed the pros and cons of wind farms and solar energy. It is apparent that companies and governments ‘spin’ the benefits of wind and solar power. However, they are less vocal about water and nuclear power. At this point the pollution in China was mentioned. On visiting the Great Wall of China nothing could be seen because of the smog which is so dense you can smell and taste it as well as see it. A member who has lived in China told us that this will improve as 100 nuclear power stations are being built and will replace fossil fuel energy. We didn’t have time to talk about nuclear energy here. A member, who moved here from South Africa 50 years ago, has seen the increase in the number of days when the sky is blue as we have reduced our use of fossil fuels and drive cleaner cars etc.
We want to do our best for our grandchildren, but following David Attenborough’s comments and the fact that the climate is warming at the moment, and we may return to an ice age in thousands of years’ time – can we really influence things? As individuals we can certainly cut down on waste of all kinds, be it food, clothing or consumer goods. Apparently heroin producers are pleased with the warmer climate as it makes their plants stronger!!!
10th August 2015. Coming Out of the EU
All agreed that there has not been enough information forthcoming for us to decide ‘in or out’ in the coming referendum. The promise of the referendum seems to be a political ploy to silence the Euro sceptics in the Tory party. Those wishing us to remain in are scare-mongering about the terrible things which are likely to happen in the case of a Brexit. And those wanting Britain to leave are focussing on the benefits of doing so. The topics which we covered by putting forward pros and cons as far as we know them were:
Financial services industry
Trade
Immigration
Judiciary
Defence
Those wishing to stay in cited the need for the clout of a bigger group for all the above; the cost of disentanglement would be billions; there would be a trade and economic disaster; companies would move elsewhere; farmers would lose agricultural subsidies; we can’t change what happens if we’re not there; we would be under threat from Russia, Arab states, Isis and others as the UN cannot be depended upon; the US wants us to stay in; possible break-up of the UK into 4 countries if we go and imports would become more expensive.
Those wishing to leave spoke of controlling our own borders for EU countries as well as the migrants from other countries trying to get here; non EU Norway and Switzerland are wealthier than the UK and the rest of the EU countries and have a free trade agreement with the EU and other countries and trading blocks around the world; we were warned that not joining the EU would be an economic disaster but we are doing better than other EU countries; embracing free trade could mean we’d be more successful - adding 1.6% to our GDP by 2030 and we could dispense with the many directives which hamper businesses and common sense.
We were reminded that when the PM tries to renegotiate our terms 27 other nations have to agree and we’re not confident that he’ll be able to achieve the changes. 90% of global growth will come from outside the EU and we appreciate Cameron’s recent attempts with the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), but the EU has been in discussions with them since 2007 and very little has happened. Switzerland had an agreement in place a decade earlier. Big business seems to be divided on ‘in or out’ so that doesn’t help us to decide. EU membership costs £12bn per annum. Do we get more back than we put in? Does the influx of young people into our economy help with the ageing population? Would indigenous employers re-instate apprenticeships and pay living wages if we came out? When will any set of EU accounts be signed off? So many unanswered questions – we still don’t know.
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Our meetings will resume on Friday September 25th but with a change of venue. We will meet in the Parlour Room of the Methodist Church. John Haddon of the Lutterworth Photography Society will be giving a presentation and I hope to able to generate a programme of our activities for the year at this meeting. Some of our group have already given me some thoughts and I have received a request from our Groups Co-ordinator which I will share with group members when we meet.
The theme for August was "sports" and although some of us thought this might be a bit challenging in fact we found lots of poems we liked on this topic. The majority of the poems we read were amusing, with several by Roger McGough, Wendy Cope and John Betjeman. There were also comic pieces by lesser known writers such as Richard Digence, Marriott Edgar and Kenn Nesbitt. Some poems were strongly descriptive of sports - Ursula Fanthorpe's hang gliders and Vernon Scannell's boxing, or poked fun at the mind sets of some players - Sandy Mapula's "An Athlete's Prayer" and Carol Ann Duffy's "The Shirt" which targets the "not my fault" culture in football. Poetic licence was used for some of the selection - the wind mischievously sporting with people in William Howitt's "The Wind in a Frolic" the sport of love in Ursula Fanthorpe's "Atlas".. Most of the poems seemed to be about cricket, but we also covered football, rugby, tennis, swimming, aerobics, boxing, sailing, flying and hang gliding.
The topic for September will be "England and other countries" and for October will be "Youth and Old Age"
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 5th August – The Shires Inn, Peatling Parva – another popular venue which we haven’t visited for a while. We always have to get there early as the Specials Board takes so long to read! I think we ended up with about 23 people sitting down - many going for the Carvery. I looked at the Menu and decided to opt for a salad as a “smaller” meal! WELL – it was a LARGE plate and was crammed! I suspect the cooked meats were sourced from the carvery meats of the day before and they were extremely generous. In the end I had to ask for a “doggy bag” and ended up with 2 aluminium “doggy boxes”. No wonder The Shires is always so popular with our members.
Wednesday 2nd September – The Old Lion, Coventry Road, Harborough Magna CV23 0HQ Tel 01788 833238 This is now open again and looks (and tastes!) worth trying. Plenty of space and nicely decorated.
ALL THAT JAZZ - SUMMERSAULT JAZZ EVENINGS – At the moment there isn’t a date for Summersault’s next Jazz Night but Michael has said he will e-mail me with details when anything is arranged.
HOWEVER – for those who would like a Friday Night out with Jazz and Food, Ben Holder will be playing at The Piano Rooms on Friday 2 October. You pay £10 entry and then they have available a “Grazing Board” for £5. The U3A Members who have sampled these say that they are extremely generous. Ring them to book.
Address: Hall Park, Hall Ln, Bitteswell, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4LN
Phone: 07854 414345
Oct 2nd - Holder & Smith CD Launch
Nov 13th - A Night In Paris Featuring Accordionist Johnny Kerry.
The next walk will be on September 18th starting at 11.30am from The Denbigh Arms, Monks Kirby, Rugby, CV23 0QX.
Directions
From Lutterworth, take the Lutterworth southern bypass road (A4303) to Magna Park. At the main Magna Park roundabout (on the A5) take the second left turning towards Pailton (B4027). Go through Pailton towards Street Ashton and Monks Kirby on the Coventry Road. In Pailton follow the road round to your right – do not go down the Rugby Road.
At Street Ashton, turn right onto the B4027 taking you to Monks Kirby. You will see The Denbigh Arms on your left, opposite St Edith’s Church. The car-park is on the far side of the pub. This is where we can park and have lunch.
Menu for Lunch
This will be available at the U3A meeting on the 10th September, so that meals/sandwiches can be pre-ordered.
The Walk
We will start with a visit to St Edith’s Church; the North Chapel houses the tombs of William Fielding, who died in 1547, and his wife Elizabeth. The Fielding’s, the family of the Earls of Denbigh, once owned most of the homes in the village and much of the land around it. Monks Kirby has an interesting history and a local resident may be able to join us on the day to share his knowledge of the buildings and landmarks.
After this, we will complete a circular walk across the fields at the back of the village, skirting the ancestral estate of Newnham Paddox. The paths are clearly laid out, but bring your walking boots.
August Walk
For our August outing, 13 of us started in Littlethorpe and enjoyed a walk mainly through fields via Narborough Village to The Plough in Littlethorpe where we ate lunch.
Although this was a walk just to be enjoyed, it was perfect walking weather and with one or two points of interest. In Whetstone there were some unidentified but possible gatehouse turrets which may have belonged to one of the manors owned by Roger Wigston around the 14th century.
We also crossed a packhorse bridge over the River Soar, erroneously known locally as ‘The Roman Bridge’!! We believe this may have been built in the 15th century for horses carrying coal from Swannington as was the packhorse bridge in Aylestone. Just after this bridge there were very little remains of the water mill, which had been a complete building within living memory.
Following last year’s successful quiz evening, there will be a follow-up quiz on the evening of Friday, November 27th at the Lutterworth Golf Club. As last year, there is no need to put together a team as teams of six will be made up at random from those who put their names down (partners/pairs will be kept together if requested). This is to encourage mixing and meeting new people. Unfortunately, there is a slight difference from last year – the cost of the meal has gone up. I am therefor expecting the price of the evening to be £9 per head (including fish and chip supper), but could be a little bit less depending on numbers.
Please could you let me know if you would like to attend by either sending me an e-mail, or by adding your name and contact details to the list in the hall. Nigel
We all got together for a summer BBQ at Malcolm & Jane Huckerby’s house & it was a splendid evening of food & friendship. We rounded off this perfect sunny gathering with garden games & deal of laughter!
The Supper Club has proved so successful that we now have 2 groups established. Both groups meet each month so if anyone is interested to come along do get in touch with Ann or Nigel Bones.
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
Elgar Museum and Spetchley Gardens Trip.
A group of 42 members set off to visit, firstly, Elgar’s Birthplace Museum near Worcester. We were welcomed with a cup of tea/coffee and a short informative video presentation. We then enjoyed a wander round the cottage, the lovely informal garden, and the modern museum building. At 12.30 we reboarded the coach for the short trip to Spetchley Gardens. On arrival we had time for lunch before joining our guides for an extremely interesting and informative walk through the extensive gardens. The sun shone and at times we were glad of the tree shade. We were all beginning to flag a little when the guide pointed us in the direction of the tea room. We had a much needed cuppa before getting back on our coach for our return trip. I sensed from the group feedback that it was another successful outing.
BOULES OUTING
On Thursday 20th August, twenty U3A members shared cars and headed for the pretty Rutland village of Lyddington to enjoy playing boules. The venue was The Old White Hart, a lovely old ironstone inn. The randomly selected teams were soon engrossed in the action once the rules had been explained. It was a warm afternoon and the temperature climbed further as the competitive spirit kicked in. At 6pm, the gold medals having been handed out, we headed for the well appointed dining room. Once Jan Newman had straightened all the pictures and mirrors to her satisfaction, we enjoyed a lovely meal before returning home. I have a feeling this might become an annual event!
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Roger Watmore 01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Date of Walk - 7th October 2015
Walk organiser–Sue & Chris Dodd 01455 208273
Meeting Point and Time: - Lutterworth Recreation Ground Car Park at 9:20 to leave at 9:25am.
Directions to the start: - From Lutterworth take M1 and A14 to Junction 2. Turn left on A508 towards Market Harborough. After passing Kelmarsh take first right turn towards Arthingworth. The Bulls Head is on your left as you get to centre of the village. Post code is LE16 8JZ. Alternative directions, go to Market Harborough and follow signs from MH to A508 towards Northampton. About 3 miles signposted left towards Arthingworth.
Route and distance –5.1 Miles. About 12/13 stiles depending on whether gates are open. All the stiles are also relatively low height level. We follow the road to the left from the pub to marked footpath on the right. Across fields and meadows following sign posts towards Oxenden and then down onto the Brampton Valley Way (BVW), and then left off the Way back towards the Bulls Head. The first half of the walk does involve a few ups and downs but the second half is down to the BVW and then flat all the way. Two course lunch menu for £6.95 or choose from main menu. Round trip distance from Lutterworth, 36miles.
August Walk (George’s Long Walk)
Fourteen walkers and one dog assembled at Top Lodge visitor centre in Fineshade Woods. It was to be an 11 mile walk so we set off at a sensible pace through the woods. We stopped outside The Royal Oak for coffee after walking three miles. The landlord kindly let us use his picnic tables. We continued through the pretty village of Duddington and on over the river Welland, using a very old bridge. We continued along farm tracks and paths and through a small spinney to emerge at our lunch stop on the banks of the river. Much to our surprise we came across four U3A members already sitting munching their lunch in the warm sunshine! It transpired that they had been held up in traffic and attempted to catch us up. They had inadvertently taken a different route and ended up ahead of us. After lunch, the now eighteen strong group, headed to Barrowden where we sat outside the village shop- cum- café and ate ice creams and cakes and drank tea and coffee. The sun faded and the sky darkened so we pressed on through Wakerley Wood and back to the start point. There were a few mumbles about meeting more hills towards the end and the sensitive leader became upset!! However at the end when everyone said what a beautiful walk it had been, the leader cheered up and gave everyone a jelly baby.
George Robertson
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
Wednesday 25 September 2015
Walk Organiser:- Julian Hargreaves Tel: 01455 557704
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am
Start Point and Time:- The George in Kilsby. Start time 10:00am.
Directions to the Start:-. From Lutterworth go to Magna Park and take the A5 south for around 9 miles until you come to KILSBY. At the roundabout almost go right round it and then up the cul-de-sac to The George.
Route and Distance:-. From Kilsby we follow a track east to pick up the route of the original Watling Street then across fields to the edge of Ashby St. Ledgers and back across more fields to Kilsby – about 6 miles.
August 2015 Walk Report
Despite a rather grey forecast 18 walkers set off from the Blue Bell in Hoby taking the Leicester Round to Rearsby following the valley of the River Wreake. The walk continued on higher ground through the college grounds and parkland at Brooksby and onto a welcome stop for coffee in the church grounds of Rotherby. The last part of the walk followed a very attractive stretch of the River Wreake over a very old bridge back into Hoby. The distance was 5.7 miles of easy walking with only 2 styles. The weather improved during the morning with some sunshine by lunchtime.It was a new area for most of the walkers who said they had enjoyed exploring a different part of Leicestershire. 15 people stayed for lunch. The food was served in a very efficient way by friendly staff and was very tasty.
Vicki & Bob Davis
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JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
TUESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinator
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 15th September 2015. Coordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192 Walk Organizers: Fred and Dorothy Milsom, 01455 552430 Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground Car Park. Meeting Time:9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Start Point: Nailstone village in Church Road.
Route and distance: Tracks, field paths and some village lanes. About 6½ miles.
Lunch: At the Gate Inn, Osbaston Hollow. Place orders on return from walk. Directions to the Starting Point: From Lutterworth go to the A5 towards Hinckley. Continue on the A5 past the M69 island and pick up the A47/A447 round Hinckley at Dodwells island, round the Hinckley ring road and left at the cross road with traffic lights still signed A47/A447. When the A447 splits from the A47 not far past Hinckley Hospital stay with the A447 to Nailstone , about 7½ miles. At Nailstone turn right into Main Street then bear right into Church Road, round the bend to the left and park where the road is wide behind the churchyard.
