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.
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.