Bletchley Park - 1st October 2026

This month, 37 members participated in a Day Out with a difference. Our destination was Bletchley Park, famous as the principal centre of Allied code-breaking during WWII. In pleasant weather and with Ray, our regular coach driver, we had a trouble-free journey to Bletchley, which is close to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Everyone was then free to explore all the exhibitions and buildings available on the site.

During WWII the Government Code and Cypher School was based at Bletchley Park with the objective of penetrating the secret communications of the German Enigma and Lorenz ciphers. The team of workers, 75% of whom were female, devised automatic machinery to help with decryption which led to the development of Colossus, the world's first programmable digital electronic computer. Secrecy was of the utmost importance; it was not until the 1970s that any details about the vital work undertaken at Bletchley Park came to light. People employed there were told, "Do not talk at meals. Do not talk in the transport. Do not talk travelling. Do not talk in the billet. Do not talk by your own fireside. Be careful even in your Hut ..." These instructions were obeyed after the War too and many never told their families about the crucial work with which they had been involved. The visit gave us a fascinating insight into this world of brilliant minds, classified activities and gruelling routines. The historical recreations of conditions inside the Mansion and the Huts, the many inter-active exhibits and the short films were all impressive. It was an exceptional Day Out enjoyed by everyone and Lynda and Sue thank all who supported this venture.

Bletchley Park Mansion

Hut 3: one of the most secret parts of BP where deciphered messages were translated and analysed.

Inside Hut 3: scene recreated as it was in 1940-41, based on words and memories of BP Veterans.

Inside Hut 6 where some of the most important code breaking of the War took place.

Bombe machine: an electro-mechanical device used to help decipher German Enigma-machine-encrypted secret messages, developed from the Polish bomba. The initial design of the British bombe was produced in 1939 at BP by Alan Turing.

Llandudno - 1st July 2026

A day at the seaside was the Day Out for July this year. Thirty-seven members took the opportunity to visit Llandudno on the north coast of Wales. Although the skies were overcast, we had a dry day.

Our party had their plans for spending their time in this pleasant resort. A stroll along the Promenade, a walk to the end of the Victorian Pier, fish and chips for lunch (not to be shared with the seagulls) and an ice cream during the afternoon were items on many "to do" lists. Others opted to go to the summit of the Great Orme by the Tramway. Llandudno has numerous venues for refreshments and a good range of shops in which to browse.

As usual, our coach driver transported us safely to and from our destination. Back in Whitwick, the general impression as everyone left the coach, was that it had been a very enjoyable trip to the seaside. Lynda and Sue thank all members who supported this outing and look forward to our next Day Out.

"Mad Hatter" on the Promenade, part of the Alice in Wonderland Trail

A view across Llandudno Bay showing the sandy beach

A view towards the North Shore

Looking from the Victorian Pier towards The Great Orme

Approaching the end of the Pier

"Where's my lunch?"

York - 11th June 2026

It is many years since one of our u3a Days Out took place in rainy weather but, unfortunately, that was the case for our recent visit to York. Thirty-one members participated in the excursion and rose to the challenge of amusing themselves with aplomb, in spite of the steady rain which lasted for most of the visit.

Happily, York has several indoor attractions which are enjoyable for visitors. One of the most significant is the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives and extraordinary collections. It also houses the winding engine from the engine house at the top of the Swannington Incline. Another popular destination was York Castle Museum which has exhibits showing 400 years of the city's history with the reconstructed street being a special feature. Other members spent time in York Minster, a magnificent building. The Great East Window is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country but the whole structure is awe inspiring.

There are of course plenty of places to find refreshments and shops of all types in which to browse so, although we could not walk on the famous city walls or linger by the river, the day passed pleasantly. The journey home was straightforward with no hold-ups.

Lynda and Sue thank everyone who joined us for this Day Out and will try to organise better weather for the forthcoming trip to Llandudno.

The Heart of Yorkshire Window, above the west doors.

The North Transept showing part of The Grand Organ

The Great East Window

Some of the splendid stonework, arches and ceilings.

Hereford - 14th April 2026

Forty members came on the first Day Out of 2026 to the cathedral city of Hereford. The journeys to and from the city were smooth and without delays and, although the weather was not perfect, it did not hamper our enjoyment of the visit.

Hereford is a small city so easily accessible on foot. The major attraction is the magnificent Cathedral which has many splendid features from its huge Norman pillars with carved arches, the beautiful stained glass windows, to the various side chapels. The Cathedral is renowned for being the home of The Mappa Mundi, the largest surviving medieval map of the world. A very impressive Chained Library is held there too.

Other sites which were visited included the old Black and White House, a well-preserved Tudor timber framed house which contains a museum. Hereford Cider Museum was another attraction that proved to be interesting and informative. The river Wye flows through Hereford and its riverside walks appealed to some of our party also.

There were plenty of places to enjoy refreshments and many shops to wander around so that everyone was able to spend their day as they wished. The overwhelming impression was that it had been a successful start to this year's programme. Lynda and Sue were delighted to welcome new members of our u3a along with seasoned supporters and thank them all for their support.

Church Street with Hereford Cathedral in the background

The Black and White House

Inside the Cathedral: The Shrine of St Thomas of Hereford, a focus of pilgrimage for over 700 years

Inside the Cathedral: Fabulous carvings of the stone arches and capitals

English translation of The Mappa Mundi

The Chained Library

The Cathedral's West Entrance.