| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Coordinator: | |
| Group email: | Warsop u3a monthly meeting group |
| When: | Monthly on Monday mornings 10:15 am-12:00 pm 3rd Monday of the month at the Oaklands Complex, Oakfield Lane, Warsop |
To contact the Warsop u3a hover your mouse pointer over the Warsop u3a monthly meeting group heading
Membership renewals 2025
Hi. It is time to be thinking about when you are going to renew your membership.
You will be pleased to hear that we are able to keep the cost of membership at £20.00, or £16.00 with proof of membership where the TAT levy has been paid at another u3a.
You will be able to renew your membership at the February, March or April meetings. If you can’t make the meetings let me know and we can make arrangements to renew.
The current membership year ends at the end of March, so anyone who has not renewed after the April meeting will be taken off the circulation lists, (this does not prevent you rejoining at a later date).
Please collect an application form as you arrive, fill it in and see me during the coffee break.
Zena Inger
Speakers for the monthly meeting
March Dining With Chaucers Pilgrims Judith Hedley
April Nottinghamshire Pit Pony Janine Buckley
May Rivers just keep rollin’ along Phil Crompton
June Do You Remember (a light-hearted presentation withaudience involvement spanning
the past 80 or so years). Peter Savage
July Belpers Extraordinary Waterpower Story Ian Jackson
August
September Annual General Meeting
October All Things Ghostly and Mysterious Joanna Cowell
November My China Bike Ride Jenny Long
December Christmas Party
April 2026
This months Speaker was Janine Buckley, who is the Notts County Councils Historic Enviroment Officer for buildings.
Janine outlined the vast amount of research she and her colleagues had done to produce several books about the design, structure and uses of some of the historic Country house buildings in the Sherwood Forest region. This research also included the stables and how horses and ponies where housed, fed and watered. She also stated that by studying the marks on the stalls they were able to gain some insight into the animals wellbeing and if they were happy with the living conditions!
One of the books is entitled 'Nottinghamshire Pit Pony'. We were shown several examples of how ponies, mainly Shetland ponies because of their size, were stabled in some of Collieries located in Nottinghamshire. She explained that the design of the stalls were important in keeping the ponies well ventilated and cool. The stalls also had to have easy access for the handlers, called Gangers to be able to feed and water them.
The use of Pit ponies in Nottinghamshire ceased in the 1970s, and the remaining working ponies were 'fostered' by their handlers, but remained the property of the NCB to prevent them being entering the 'work market' again!
It was a very informative and enjoyable presentation and we all learned something about the lives and work of the Pit Ponies!
March 2026
This months speaker was Judith Hedley who presented a talk entitled ' Dining With Chaucers Pilgrims'.
During the talk Judith spoke about Geoffrey Chaucer, b 1342 and died in 1400. He had a very varied career ranging from being a Page to the Countess of Ulster at the age of 14, a Soldier, a royal Messenger, Diplomat, Controller of Customs at the Port of London, a Spy, a Justice of the Peace and a Member of Parliament in 1386.
He is best known as a Poet and the author of the Canterbury Tales. What is less known is that he was a writer about the food of the times, the etiquette for banquets and feasts, which food should be served according to rank and title.
It showed a very different picture of a Medieval Banquet compared to the images promoted by Tv programmes and films!
Feb 2026
This months speaker was Mike Higginbottom who presented a talk called 'Waterways and Railways across the Peak District'.
The main topic was about the rise and decline of the CROMFORD CANAL. Mike explained how the canal had become a lifeline to the weaving and coal industries during the Victorian area, until the advent of the railway network which was able to move the materials in larger bulk and faster! Due to the decline in use various parts of the canal and tunnels were left to decay until they were unsafe to use and were filled in.
There are some signs of a renewal in interest in the canal as various 'Visitor' attractions are being built along the banks, and some building restored as cafes.
Jan 2026
This months speaker was Elaine Hopkins from AGE UK. She advised us about all the various and important types of help and advice provided by the charity. The help available covers a wide range of topics from money, benefits to retirement care. Also available are Helplines offering conversations for the lonely, Friendship services support and information..
15th Dec 2025
This month we had our annual Christmas meeting with festive treats such as Mince pies, sausage rolls and a variety of cakes on offer for our members. We were also treated to a number of Christmas songs sung by the Vibrant Warsop Singing group. They were very entertaining and members were encouraged to join in!
17th Nov 2025
This month was time for socialising as there wasn't a Guest speaker arranged. Members had time to chat and catch up with their friends, and take part in a Table top quiz. A most enjoyable morning!
20th Oct 2025
This months guest speaker was John COOK who presented a talk entitled 'Bordering on the ridiculous'.
John explained how many International, National and local borders were put in place, often disregarding the lay of the land or existing buildings. He showed us a number of examples where borders ran through domestic homes, shops and public areas.
Because of his fascination with the subject he has self funded and self published a book called 'Bordering on the ridiculous'. All proceeds from the sales are donated to charity!
15th Sept 2025
The wasn't a Guest Speaker this month as it was time for the A.G.M!
The silent auction after the AGM raised £ 205.95. This will be distributed to local groups and charities. Thank you to all who donated and bought items. (the remaining items were gifted to Oaklands for their stalls)
18th August 2025
This months speaker was Ian Morgan who presented a talk called FOOTPADS,KINGS AND HIGHWAY MEN.
Ian took us on a journey along the old Great North Road from its entry into Nottinghamshire to the exit point on the Nottinghamshire - South Yorkshire border.
Along the way he regaled us with stories and myths relating to various points or places along the route.
21 July 2025
This months speaker was Carol Brooks, who recounted her initial experiences of enrolling on the Officer Candidate Course for the T.A and then her gradual rise through the ranks to become a Commanding Office seeing active service in the Kosovo war. She also outlined the challenges she faced as a woman in a male dominated profession.
For over 27 years she was part of the Territorial Army (during the fascinating period when women moved from the Women’s Royal Army Corps into mainstream service, and as the TA moved from primarily home service to operational service overseas. During that period she also worked as a Library Manager giving her a broad range of experience with people and services. On retiring from Libraries she went on to run her own training company.
16th June 2025
This months speaker was Laura Simpson who presented a very enlightening talk entitled 'What is a witch'.
Laura stated that she was in fact a practicing 'White witch' and followed the Pagan religion. She explain how she became a witch and what it involves, and not the usual image of a Witch stirring a bubbling cauldron, throwing in bats wings and eyes of newts!
She also explained about the origins of the craft, and about all the innocent people mistakenly 'charged' with being a Witch and the horrific circumstances they found them selves in, often being burned alive or drowned! Despite all of the Churches and various Governments efforts to banish the religion, it still is being practised and is now accepted as part of society (In most countries) today.
The image of a Witch as presented in films and TV!
19th May 2025
Oliver Hill, Co-op Estate Planning was this months speaker, who gave a very enlightening and informative talk about Wills, and the possible drawbacks to existing arrangements. He outlined how to improve your chances of keeping your money away from the Governments and County Councils should a spouse pass away or need to go into a Care home. The talk generated some interesting questions and answers!
17th March 2025
This months speaker was Graham KEAL. He is a former Showbiz journalist who kept our members entertained whilst recounting some of the many interviews he has had with showbiz stars and others who make the national headlines. He also gave an insight as to their character whilst offstage, or whilst being interviewed!
Not everyone likes the press apparently!
February 2025
David Skillen attended the meeting and presented a talk entitled ' Knitters, Nailers and Traitors ' . It was a very interesting and informative talk about how the Industrial Revolution affected a small town called Belper, in the Amber Valley, Derbyshire.
He explained how the new industrial inventions of the time affected the 'Cottage' weavers / Nail makers industry, decimating it, when new machines were installed in the local factories. One machine could do the work of 10 weavers, and dozens of nail makers.
He also told the story of how the Luddites were formed, and their attempts to halt the progress and their eventual demise!
The guest speaker for the Mar 2025 meeting is Graham Keal who present a talk entitled -Oprah Winfrey Touched My Elbow
20th Jan2025
At this months meeting Elaine Perkins presented a talk entitled 'Concealed Objects and Written Charms, Protection in the Medieval Period.
Elaine enacted the character of a 'Cunning Woman', who in the Medieval period was regarded as a Wise woman or White witch. She explained how a Cunning woman or man would use 'Folk magic', divination, lucky charms to aid healing and ward off any spells or curses cast by evil witches!
It was an entertaining and informative presentation, and we all came away with her 'Blessings'!
The speaker for the February 2025 meeting is David Skillen who will present a talk entitled ' Knitters, Nailers and Traitors '
16th Dec 24
This months meeting was the Christmas 'Do'. The committee provided a free buffet of sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes and crisps. The Oaklands choir also visited the meeting and entertained us with a mixture of Christmas songs and Carols, which was greatly enjoyed by our members!
18th Nov 24
This months meeting was the first to be held by our new Chairperson Lynne Hutchinson, who presented the outgoing Chairperson Jim Shervey with a card and gift of appreciation. She also thanked Jim for all his hard work, time and effort during his time in the role.
There was also a reminder about the Quiz night which will take place at the Oaklands Complex on the 22nd Jan 25, 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Food will not be available this time, but the bar will be open! There will also be a few games of Bingo as well as the quiz.
At this months meeting Mel gave a talk entitled 'Before they were famous'
Mel told us that she had worked at the Chesterfields Winding Wheel Theatre during her earlier years and had met some of the now famous actors/ actresses before they were famous!
She went on to tell us about some of these actors and their rolls they played at the Theatre. It was a very informative and surprising talk, which she had spent many hours researching and preparing the talk!
Nigel Davenport went onto appear in Othello and Born Free
Peter Sallis went onto most famously play Norman Glegg in Last of the Summer Wine, and be the voice of Wallis, in Wallace and Gromit movies.
David McCallum who went onto become best known for playing Illya Kuryakin in the TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E, Simon Carter in Colditz and Steel in Sapphire & Steel.
Wilfred Bramble who went on to become Britains most loved Rag & Bone man Albert Steptoe in Steptoe & Son.
Diana Rigg who was a stage manager at the theatre before going on to become Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers and being made a Dame of the British Empire in 1999.
Penelope Keith best known for playing Margo Leadbetter in the TV series The Good Life, and Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton in the TV series To the Manor Born. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2014.
Edward Fox who went onto star in the 1973 film 'Day of the Jackal' and had leading roles in many other films including Battle of Britain, The Go-between, A Bridge to Far and Oh! What a lovely war. He was later awarded an OBE.
Lewis Collins who is perhaps best known for his character 'Bodie' in the TV series The Professionals and The Cuckoo Waltz where he played the lodger Gavin Rumsey.
Donald Sutherland who went onto appear in many films and TV series. He is perhaps best known for his character Hawkeye Pierce in the film M*A*S*H and Oddball in Kelly's Heroes. He later received the Canadian award Officer of the Order of Canada (OC).
21st Oct 24
At this months u3a meeting Richard Kubon & Shaun Douglas from the East Midlands & Nottinghamshire Police Special Operations unit gave a talk entitled 'How to avoid Fraud'.
They explained what fraud is, and how many variations in the type of fraud the criminals use.
They gave examples of the 'Red Flags' that people should be aware of when an unexpected first contacted is made by criminals purporting to be from legitimate companies.
They warned several times that these criminals only want one thing - Your money!
See the below photos of the talk to see the types of fraud and what to do to protect yourself!
September 24 monthly meeting where the annual A.G.M was held along with the popular 'Silent Auction'
August 24 monthly meeting, where the Guest speaker was: Gareth Howell.
On 19th Aug 24, Gareth Howell visited the monthly meeting and gave a talk entitled Medieval Superstitions and Science,
Gareth explained the role of Medieval Doctors, and how they performed various treatments, sometimes using the instruments similar to the ones he had on display. At one period in the history of Medicine, if the patient did not survive the treatment, then the Doctor was put to death!
Surprisingly, some of the patients survived!
July 24, meeting where this months Guest speaker was: Dave Moyland
On the 15th July 24, Dave Moylan visited the Warsop & District monthly meeting and gave us More Funny Turns, a very entertaining talk he entertained us with live music and magic tricks. The performance was very well received by the members. Dave is the resident magician at Warwick Castle!
Reminders about upcoming events:
Christmas Dinner at the Hostess on Friday 20th Dec.
Speakers booked:
March Oprah Winfrey Touched My Elbow Graham Keal
April Easter Monday-Social time
May Tax, Care and Toy Boys. Oliver Hill, Co-op Estate Planning.
June To be arranged.
July Warsop Wildlife Rescue Team
A look back to WWRT the 1st year Glenn Slaney
August Footpads, Kings and Highwaymen Ian Morgan
September Annual General Meeting
October The Royal British Legion. Who set it up and what does it do? Gareth Howell
November To be arranged.
December Christmas Party
