What we do
We arrange day or half-day outings to places of interest, usually by coach or sometimes public transport.
Subject to availability of places, any U3A member may participate in a particular trip. The cost covers transport and any admission charges, and varies according to location.
Anybody wishing to join a particular outing should contact the coordinator, Iris Shaw (see newsletter for contact details).
Planned outings
Reports
October 2008:
In an endeavour to cut costs I have experimented by using the ordinary service 'bus.
The first trip was by 'bus from Kendal 'bus station and we had a pleasant journey and after alighting at the Town Hall Barrow we had a five minutes walk to the Princess Selandia. Members chose a two or three course meal, which was absolutely fabulous. It was well presented and well cooked and the staff could not have been more pleasant. The Restaurant Manager was particularly helpful and went out of his way to ensure that we enjoyed our visit.
After the meal we had a 15 minutes walk to the Dock Museum where we were welcomed by one of the staff who gave us an introductory talk and we were then left to our own devices to look around the Museum at our leisure and then I left everyone to make their on way home.
The next visit was on the 4th October to Lancaster. Again we took the service 'bus and met at the Judges' Lodgings and we had a guide who was particularly knowledgeable and eloquent and was willing to answer our many questions.
After this visit we had a five minute walk to Lancaster Castle and here we also had a guide who again was extremely good and very amusing.
I think everyone who took part agreed that both outings were an outstanding success from the cost point of view and the knowledge and interest gained.
Iris Shaw
July 2008:
A group of SDA went by coach to Muncaster Castle. The weather started off a little dull but as we progressed the weather improved and the scenery was so beautiful it was beyond belief. We looked through the Castle, which is extremely interesting, and we were privileged to talk to the owner, Mrs. Duff Pennington.
We were entertained by owls at close quarters on the lawn in front of the Castle and were told of their habits and how near extinct owls have been reared at Muncaster. Their keepers gave a very interesting display and commentary. We also looked around the World Owl Centre which has the finest and largest collection of owls in the world with over 45 species. We also saw the herons swooping in to be fed.
We wandered around the plant Centre and the two gift shops, which were well stocked, and everything was reasonably priced. The same applies to the café, which served quite a variety of food and drinks but some of us sat on benches in the glorious sunshine overlooking Scafell Pike and enjoyed a picnic. We strolled along the terraces looking at the fantastic views and the well stocked gardens – there are actually 70 acres and a wonderful backdrop of the Lake District fells. We went to the Interactive Centre and the computers allowed us a virtual tour of the Castle and the Gardens.
We have visited Sizergh Castle which was given by the Strickland family to the National Trust. Considerable repairs are being carried out to the house but it did not detract from the visit. We explored the glorious gardens which were laid out by T. Hayes and Sons, Ambleside, between 1926–28 and also visited the café.
Iris Shaw