Whitwick U3A logo

Whitwick & District U3A

Registered Charity No. 1181238

Friday, 29 March 2024

Friday, 29 Mar 2024

U3A logo

Text resize

This gallery is split over several pages. Each page displays pictures from a particular year or years as taken by members illustrating some of the events of the Days Out and Days of Interest groups. The most recent are at the top of the page. The links below can be used to select the relevant year.

Jump to 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022

2014

Birmingham - November 2014

In spite of a delayed start and disappointing weather, fifty-one members enjoyed a full day out in Birmingham at the end of November.
Whilst some opted for a whole free day in the city, many took the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. This is based in the former Smith and Pepper factory and is a time-capsule of Birmingham's jewellery and metalworking heritage. Our knowledgeable guides demonstrated traditional techniques in addition to passing on lots of fascinating information.
After the tour, our coach transported us back into the city centre so we could enjoy other attractions including the German Market, the stunning new Library of Birmingham, the Museum and Art Gallery and the shopping centres.
Our coach left the city centre at 4pm with a full complement of happy members.
This was the final Day Out of 2014. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. We look forward to another season of interesting and enjoyable Days Out next year

 


Museum of the Jewellery Quarter: a guide demonstrating a technique.


A willing volunteer tries for herself.


The German Christmas Market in Birmingham's city centre.


The Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham.


One view from the Secret Garden over the ice rink.

 

Worcester - September 2014

Our visit to Worcester on 16th September was a fabulous finale to the 2014 spring and summer Days Out programme. Thirty-seven members travelled to Worcester and enjoyed exploring one of our lesser-known cities.
We had organised a guided walk with a blue-badge guide. This was excellent. Sandy's love of and pride in her home city was evident as she gave us an overview of Worcester's history, all related with humorous asides. She told us fascinating stories of the Civil War, particularly Prince Charles' "great escape", and more recent events including the origins of Worcestershire sauce. We were shown attractive buildings including the Guildhall, a Georgian Methodist church and old pubs.
There was just so much to see: Worcester Cathedral is magnificent and most of our party found time for at least a brief visit. The Worcester Porcelain Museum and the NT property, Greyfriars House, were also popular. In short, we returned to our coach all determined to visit again.

 


The entrance to Worcester's attractive Guildhall.


Worcester's coat of arms shows three black pears, a local speciality.


On the guided walk, listening to our entertaining guide.


Greyfriar's House, a NT property.


The West Door of Worcester Cathedral.

 

Derbyshire Tour - 7th July 2014

The Day Out in Derbyshire featured free time in Bakewell and Buxton; forty-nine members participated.
Our first stop was Bakewell where we had one-and-a-half hours to explore the town on market day. Like all the other towns and villages we travelled through, the floral displays in Bakewell looked charming. The market was busy and had that special atmosphere particular to an outdoor market. The shops and cafes were bustling with visitors too. Walking back to our coach by the River Wye, many in our group were fascinated by the large trout swimming around in the sparkling clean water.
The sunny afternoon was spent in Buxton. We were fortunate to see examples of well-dressing and most took the opportunity to stroll in the delightful Pavilion Gardens. The huge Derbyshire Dome and the Royal Opera House were other popular attractions. The famous Crescent is undergoing restoration and several members commented that they would like to go back to see the completed project.
As we drove through Derbyshire during the Tour, we could all admire the stunning scenery of the Peak District and surrounding areas. This is so much easier to do from the comfort of a high luxury coach than from a car. Altogether it was a wonderful Day Out and excellent value at only ten pounds.

 


Bakewell and time for a mid-morning coffee break.


Buxton: well-dressing: a particularly relevant topic.


The Royal Opera House.


The Hot House Gardens adjacent to the Opera House.


The Pavilion Gardens.

 

Days Out Visit to Harlow Carr and Harrogate

The visit to RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Harrogate on 12th June was thoroughly enjoyable for the fifty-two members who participated. The journey to Yorkshire, and home again, was stress-free on our executive-style coach and the weather conditions were ideal.
We drove directly to Harlow Carr where maps of the gardens were distributed. Everyone took full advantage of the three hours there to explore their own particular interests and enthusiasms in gardening. The Streamside Walk seemed to be a firm favourite with its colourful beds and variety of greenery.
At 2pm, our coach took us into Harrogate where we had two hours to follow our own pursuits. The Royal Pump Room Museum, the Montpellier Quarter, the Valley Gardens, Harrogate Theatre and Betty's all appealed. The town is busy preparing for the Tour de France: everywhere we could see attractive bunting based on the "jersey" theme. Harrogate looked handsome.
Lynda, Sue and Roger wish to thank everyone who supported this outing. It was exceptional value due to taking advantage of the limited special offer on the entrance fee to Harlow Carr for U3A groups and a full coach. Do look out for future Days Out here on the website or in the monthly Update. We look forward to seeing you.

At Harlow Carr


The "wow factor" by the Streamside Walk


Admiring the colour schemes


A bed of Meconopsis (big blue poppy) - a trial planting


Gardens Through Time - the contemporary design


Inside the Alpine Zone

In Harrogate


A tree-sculpture to mark the Tour de France in Harrogate


Admiring tempting cakes and biscuits in the window at Betty's (notice the bunting)


"French Fancies"

 

Days Out Visit to Cambridge 20th May 2014

On Tuesday 20th May, thirty-two members left an overcast and dull Leicestershire for a Day Out in Cambridge. The journey, in both directions, was trouble-free.
We left our coach in Queen’s Road and everyone set off to make the most of a fine, warm day in the beautiful city of Cambridge. Favourite choices seem to have included a visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum, a tour on an open-top bus and a trip on the River Cam on a punt (chauffeured, naturally). Cambridge looked its best in the May sunshine.
The day passed very quickly and it was a contented, but rather tired, group that arrived back in Whitwick.

 


King’s College Chapel


Trinity College Gate House


St John's College Gate House


Being punted beneath the Bridge of Sighs, St John’s College


Some students from another university enjoying themselves

 

April’s Day Out to Warwick Castle and Stratford upon Avon

Over twenty members joined in this Day Out on Thursday, 17th April. Our first destination was Warwick Castle where we had special tickets which allowed time to visit several highlights. We found the Castle very busy but were able to enjoy the Great Hall and State Rooms, the Kingmaker experience and the walls and towers with their amazing views.
Afterwards, we were driven the short distance to Stratford upon Avon where lunch was the priority for most of the party. Refreshed, our group set out to explore and experience the various attractions offered by Stratford.
Everyone enjoyed their day with its range of activities and the opportunity to choose how to spend the afternoon. Lynda and Sue thank all those members who support our Days Out programme and look forward to seeing you on our forthcoming ventures.

 


Warwick Castle from the ramparts


Everybody back on the coach!


New Place / Nash's House, Stratford upon Avon


Costume display - Royal Shakespeare Theatre


Royal Shakespeare Theatre


On the Foot Ferry across the River Avon - "When shall we three meet again" - in Cambridge, in May!

 

Days Out - Visit to Coventry

Our first Day Out of 2014 was spent in Coventry with forty-six members in the party. In spite of dull, drizzly weather, everyone made the most of Coventry’s major attractions.
The new Cathedral opened just over fifty years ago and has many treasures created by leading artists of the 1950s and 60s. Those members who took the option of a guided tour of the Cathedral were not disappointed and were particularly appreciative of their excellent guide.
Other popular attractions included: Holy Trinity Church with its Doom Painting; St Mary’s Guildhall, one of the UK’s finest surviving medieval guildhalls; The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum with its diverse exhibits; and the very impressive Transport Museum with the world’s largest collection of British road transport.
With so much on offer and all within close proximity, our Day Out in Coventry was a positive start to this year’s programme. Thank you to all members who supported this trip; we look forward to seeing you and many more on our future excursions.

 


Coventry Cathedral: View from the nave towards the Tapestry of Christ in Glory which was designed by Graham Sutherland


Coventry Cathedral: The Baptistry Window designed by John Piper


St Mary's Guildhall


The ruins of the Old Cathedral from the west end

2013

Days Out - Visit to Oxford

Members who joined the recent Days Out visit to Oxford thoroughly enjoyed their excursion. The autumn weather was perfect - sunny and dry - so that the fabulous buildings looked marvellous against the blue sky.
Everyone found plenty to do and see. The open-top bus tours, the guided walks and the Ashmolean Museum were very popular. Indeed, Oxford proved to be an ideal location with something to suit all tastes.
This visit concludes the programme for 2013. Thank you to all members who have joined us for Days Out this year. We look forward to more friendly, enjoyable and interesting visits in 2014.

 


Clock on Carfax Tower


Clock on the Examinations School building


Entrance to the Botanic Gardens


Bicycles outside St Edmund Hall


Although we spent the day trying to look intelligent, we couldn't resist this one - "Jedward" filming in the grounds of Christ Church

 

Days Out - Cotswolds Tour

July's excursion with Days Out was a new venture. On offer was a tour of the Cotswolds with stops at three beautiful places: Chipping Camden, Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh. Thirty-four members decided to join us on a dry and sunny Monday, 1st July. Everywhere looked at its best. As we drove along, the hedgerows and roadside verges were bursting with green leaves, lush grasses and wild flowers. In the towns, gardens and hanging baskets were glorious.
Chipping Camden is probably the least well-known of the destinations but its claim to be "The Jewel of the Cotswolds" is well-deserved. The colour of the local building stone gives a beautiful mellow appearance to the picturesque town centre.
Bourton-on-the-Water appealed to everyone. There were plenty of places to enjoy a lunch break and indulge in window-shopping as well as green space to stroll by the sparklingly clean River Windrush.
We had a short stay in Moreton-in-Marsh but it gave members the opportunity to have a taster of the town and final refreshments before the drive home.

 


Chipping Camden


Chipping Camden


Bourton-on-the-Water


Most of the party - standing by the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water


Moreton-in-Marsh

 

Days Out at the NEC Birmingham for BBC Gardeners' World Live and Good Food Show Summer

Thirty-three members travelled by coach to the NEC for a great day out on Thursday, 13th June. Our tickets gave access to both Gardeners' World Live and the Good Food Show Summer so there was plenty to see and experience during our visit.

The displays of flowers and plants were absolutely glorious and certainly had the "wow" factor. There were lots of stall exhibiting items for the gardener and gardens too, such as tools, furniture and ornaments.


A Display of Delphiniums

In the food halls, there were stalls showing a huge variety of food and drink from the UK and abroad. Cooking demonstrations were available and TV chefs could be spotted.


Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry

As usual, Stathams Coaches provided a first-rate service: we were dropped off and picked up at the main entrance.

Altogether, the day out was excellent value and particularly appreciated by those members who would be reluctant to drive themselves to such an event.

 

Tuesday, 14th May was the date for our day out at the Black Country Living Museum. Twenty-three members travelled by coach to this fascinating venue where there is so much to see and experience. The weather forecast was dreadful but, apart from a few rain showers, conditions were better than expected.
The Museum has recreated the living and working conditions of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Everyone enjoyed seeing objects from that era and marvelling at how much the lives of ordinary people have changed both at home and in the workplace.
One thing, however, is constant: there is still nothing quite like eating freshly fried fish and chips from paper in the open air!
As usual, Martyn Statham provided a first-rate coach service.
Thank you to everyone who participated and we look forward to welcoming members on future trips.


A Street Scene in The Village


Our Secretary desperate to be shopping

 

The first Days Out trip of 2013 took place on Wednesday, 10th April when 33 members spent the day in Liverpool.
Our coach took us directly to the Anglican Cathedral where we had the opportunity to take a guided tour. The Cathedral certainly has the "wow" factor: it is the largest in the country. Our guides were excellent and pointed out so many features which we may well have missed, such as the portrait windows of Noble Women in the beautiful Lady Chapel and the "Whispering Arch".
We rejoined the coach to ride to the Kings Dock from where we all dispersed to have lunch and enjoy the afternoon. Liverpool has a huge selection of high quality free attractions so the visitor is spoilt for choice.
Everone was back on the coach at 5 pm for the drive home. Once again, Martyn, of Stathams Coaches, provided a first-rate service.
Thanks are due to everyone who participated in the outing and helped to make it such a success.


Inside the Anglican Cathedral


By the Museum of Liverpool, looking toward the Liver Building


Mersey Maritime Museum, Albert Dock

 

The opportunity of a day out in Birmingham attracted over 50 members to join our coach party. Statham Coaches provided an excellent service and we arrived in Birmingham at 11am to be met by the city's "Meet and Greet" service.
Six hours of free time followed, allowing members to wander around the Christmas Market; visit the wide range of shops; admire the special exhibitions in the Art Gallery; tour the NT's Back-to-Back properties; or venture further from the city centre. Everyone found something that appealed and even, in true U3A style, found time for refreshments.
All agreed that the trip provided exceptional value. Next time, Lynda and Sue will endeavour to organise better weather!

Birmingham Christmas Market - late afternoon

2012

The last Days of Interest was in Sept 2012 to Ludlow and its Food Fair. 38 members spent a few hours at the fair and around the town in brilliant sunshine.


Food Fair Marquee


A Pyramid of Preserves


Pie lover's heaven


A short break


The Feathers

 

The Days of Interest programme for 2012 began on Tuesday, 27th March with a visit to Chester. Forty-eight members of WAD were able to plan their day in the city during the smooth coach journey to the north-west. Chester looked at its best in the warm, sunny weather. The Cathedral, the City Walls, The Rows and the River Dee seemed to be the most popular attractions for our party, although in true U3A fashion, we found much more to explore and enjoy. In Chester, everyone found something to their liking.
The trouble-free ride home completed a pleasant and convivial outing.

 


A Coffee stop!


Town Centre


Wall Walk


The Roman Amphitheatre


Eastgate Clock


Chester Cathedral from the City Wall


The Rows at High Cross


The Old Dee Bridge

2011

Market Harborough, Oct 2011


Old Grammar School


Different types of Treasure!

 

Canal trip, Sept 2011


Canal footbridge


Cap'n & Crew


Chocolate break


Reflected clouds

 

Visiting Shugborough Aug 2011


Our group


Shugborough House


Shugborough House - Sitting Room


Shugborough House - Gardens


Shugborough House - Gardens

 

On Wednesday, 30th March 2011, 36 members of Whitwick and District U3A, along with one guest from Charnwood U3A, enjoyed a trip to Lincoln. Although the weather was not as pleasant as we had hoped for, it did not dampen our enjoyment of the day.
Lincoln Cathedral was the first destination for most of our party. Refreshments had been organised and they were waiting for us in the Cloisters.
Once we were revived, the majority divided into two groups for guided tours of the building. The Cathedral certainly has the "Wow" factor. The scale and height are overwhelming. Our guides' enthusiasm and knowledge helped us to appreciate and enjoy numerous features such as the two great "rose" windows, The Angel Choir, St Hugh's Choir and the West Front. The Lincoln Imp was pointed out to us.
After completing the tours, our party dispersed to have lunch and follow their own interests. Lincoln has much to offer visitors and colourful maps, with tourist information attached, had been provided.
Several people visited the Castle where a treasure is one of the four remaining original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta. Lincoln Castle also has prison buildings, including a Prison Chapel, the only remaining example of an original "separate system" chapel in the world. Some of us had fun trying out the very unusual pews.
Close to the Cathedral and Castle is Steep Hill; many visitors tackled at least some of this old street which is so aptly named. Steep Hill's cafes were also a popular attraction, as were the Usher Gallery and some of the shops.
At 5pm, it was time to board the coach and drive back to Whitwick. We had enjoyed another pleasurable day in genial company, so typical of our U3A events.

 



The Bishop's Eye "rose" window in South Transept


Prison Chapel with separate pews


Steep Hill


Entrance to Lincoln Castle


Lincoln Cathedral looking from the West

2010

October 2010 visit to Foxton and Rushton






 

Canal trip on the Soar, Sept 2010


 

Stratford May 2010

 

Spalding flower Festival May 2010

  

  

  

 

March 2010 visit to Southwell

  

  

  

Above pictures of the Workhouse

Below Southwell Minster

 

Some scenes from Birmingham Feb 2010

 

 

Jump to 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022

Previous Gallery (10th birthday)
Back to Gallery choice
Next Gallery (Garden)

If you have any items that you think would be of interest, please contact the webmaster.webmaster at whitwicku3a dot org dot uk

Please note that as an anti-spam measure e-mail addresses on this site are NOT links, but should be manually copied

Page content updated 14-4-19