Spalding & District

Outings

~More reports can be seen on the individual group page.

Alternative Gardening Group Outing to Breezy Knees August 2022

Breezy Knees 1 Breezy Knees 2
Breezy Knees 3
Rosemary and Heather, leaders of the Alternative gardening group, organised a coach trip for members on 23rd August 2022 to Breezy Knees, a 20-acre garden north of York. The weather was perfect, not too hot; the café was open for drinks and light lunches, and several members returned to the coach carrying purchases from the plant nursery. Thank you ladies, for all your work in making this such a successful day.

Beryl Brennan

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Happy Wanderers January 2022 Walk

January 2022 Walk
The January walk saw nineteen of us revisit familiar territory on a beautiful but chilly day. After meeting at Tonic 44 Community Café
and ordering a light snack for our return we set off. The walk is very good for the winter months as the paths never appear to become
un-walkable. The route covered both sides of the river Glen between Surfleet Church and Surfleet Seas End which gave us views of some lovely rear gardens that run down to the river bank. A footpath took us through a private garden, where for many of us the first snowdrops could be seen. I had measured the distance at approximately four miles but I was soon informed by many of the group, that according to their devices it was over five, on rechecking I can only agree and apologise. Never the less a good time was had by all. For those that are unaware Tonic 44 is a café run by the community where there is always a warm welcome from the staff and I thank them for being so helpful.

Steve Field

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Aviation Group visit to The Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum

18th October 2021

Cranwell museum-1 On arrival we were met by Arthur, one of the volunteers, who explained that the museum charted the history of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.

Cranwell opened in 1916, training Pilots, flying Balloons and Biplanes with the Royal Flying Corps. It became an RAF station when the RAF was formed in 1918. In 1946, after WW2, it became a college until the present-day training RAF personnel.

Fenland Museum-3Cranwell museum-2 We then toured the museum trying our hand at the many interactive exhibits, also a Jet Provost simulator where you can be a Pilot.
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There are displays of uniforms, a Vampire T11 Cockpit, many aviation artifacts and informative wall displays to see, then out into the courtyard where there is a complete Jet Provost aircraft.

They have displays from a local artist including a jet aircraft made entirely of assorted metal spanners. Cranwell museum-4
After the museum tour it was time for a drink and a biscuit along with a browse in the shop for memorabilia.
We thanked our hosts, Angela, Debbie and Arthur for an interesting and informative visit.

Peter Crossgrill

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Aviation Group visit to The Fenland & West Norfolk Museum

20th September 2021

Fenland Museum-1 Tucked away in Wisbech, lies The Fenland & West Norfolk Museum. Starting in 1976, a Fenland museum-2
dedicated team of volunteer’s research and safely recover the remains of downed aircraft lost in WW2.
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15 Aviation Group members were met by Peter Munro and after a welcome cup of tea or coffee we assembled ready for the tour led by Bill. He explained that they could only start to recover artefacts 30 years after the end of hostiles and from sites that are free from human remains. They research each aircraft and uncover the stories and historical facts of each air battle, which they then pass on to the authorities and next of kin.
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Fenland Museum-3 The museum is made up of a number of displays of recovered aircraft parts ranging from the smallest components to Fenland Museum-4
complete fuselages, combat reports, letters, uniforms, photos and a ‘Hall of Hero’s’ some of whom survived. All of which help us to understand the history of what happened and the debt we owe to those airmen. Another display features aircraft parts recovered from the sea showing the effect salt water has on aluminium.
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Fenland Museum-5 A number of exhibits are items recovered from the Sutton Bridge area and the museum have erected a memorial
there to the RAF, made with a recovered propeller. They have also installed other memorials in different parts of the country as well as one in Holland, to honour the fallen.
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Another room had a display of WW1 air balloons and aircraft which attacked the UK. Although the Germans attacked Kings Lynn, the Kaiser had banned attacking royal residences such as Sandringham.

After the tour there was tea, coffee and cakes with a lot of discussion on what we had seen. We thanked the volunteers for an interesting and informative visit and made our way home.

Peter Crossgrill

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RAF Scampton Visit 18th August 2021

Our meeting took off when 20 members of the Aviation Group assembled in the car park of RAF Scampton, being met by Guides for a tour of the Heritage Centre. After a briefing on the rules and regulations for being on an RAF Station, we were escorted, in our cars, to the Centre. After a safety briefing, we were split into three groups to start the tour.

Scampton 2021-1 We were shown the new headstone on the grave of Guy Gibson's dog, whose name has been removed. He was killed by a car just before the Dambusters raid, which was considered a bad omen. He was buried at midnight 16th May 1943, whilst Guy was on the Dambusters raid, Guy used the codeword Nigger to confirm the breaching of the Mohne dam. On to an example of the mine, code named Up Keep, used on Operation Chastise, by 617 Squadron, to destroy the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams. Barnes Wallace's involvement and design were also explained. We were then shown the massive bombs, Tall Boy and Grand Slam that were used on various targets, including the attack on the Tirpitz.

Into the Heritage Centre visiting various rooms where we learnt about the history of the base, the Lancaster Bomber, Scampton 2021-2 the Red Arrows, Cold War operation including information about the Vulcan's with instant readiness during the Cuba crisis and up to the present day.
Next into the hanger where two Red Arrow Hawk’s and a Gnat are stationed. Time to sit down, have a cup of tea and a chat, with the shop open to purchase memorabilia.

Upstairs and on to Guy Gibson's office, restored in the style of the time, with Nigger sitting under his desk, we were told of his life and career in the RAF and his leadership of the Dambusters Raid. Next the Dambusters Room for details on how the mine worked and how they had to precisely launch it from the specially designed Lancaster Bomber.

Scampton 2021-3 The tour ended with a vote of thanks to the guides for a very interesting and informative visit. We were also lucky to witness a Red Arrow plane taking off and later landing back to RAF Scampton.

Escorted out of the station, we made our way home.

Peter Crossgrill

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Garden Group visit 13th September 2021

Angela’s Garden

Garden 2021-1 Garden 2021-2

‘Any Ideas

for me

Garden’

When our scheduled visit was cancelled by the venue, Angela said ‘come to my garden, I need some ideas.’ So, 14 Garden Group members arrived, in glorious sunshine, to help with her redesign.

Angela explained the history of the garden from when they moved in and the changes they have made, interrupted by the tortuous sounds of a building site crane nearby. Therefore, the first idea was ‘get rid of the crane’.

The members then went exploring this mature garden, with its Summer House, Log Cabin and sheds. There was a special area for potted plants and several different species of trees

Coming up with various ideas, observations and suggestions, including maintenance free, for Angela and Michael’s consideration.

After that strenuous activity we sat down to a sumptuous feast of tea/coffee and cakes with lots of chit chat.

All too soon it was time to leave, we thanked our hosts and everyone agreed it was great to meet up again.

Peter Crossgrill

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Happy Wanderers 2021 August walk

Frampton Walk Fifteen members met at Frampton RSPB for a walk around the reserve. The day was dry but dull, a comfortable temperature for walking. We enjoyed the company, catching up with those who we had not seen since lockdown. Plenty of birds were around, with regular flights of geese coming in to land.

There were many twitchers who had arrived for a sighting of the latest arrivals on site. It was heartwarming to see so many people supporting the RSPB where a lot of volunteers were on duty. The area seemed quite dry, and it was strange to see cows lying on the flats among the birds.

At the end of the walk we enjoyed a picnic, with more chance to socialise together.

Josephine Cox.

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Happy Wanderers July 2021 walk

July 2021 walk Our July 28th walk saw a small select group of us set out from Springfields. I think a combination of the new found freedoms sending members off on their holidays, the familiarity of Springfields and the threat of rain were the reasons for a reduced turnout.

We began by walking along the bank of the river Welland away from the town, a path that I don’t think any of us had walked before. After dropping off the river bank, we continued along very small roads and verges including a pretty tree lined avenue where the picture was taken.

Although we encountered very little traffic, we did manage to catch a short but heavy shower. When we returned to the start some went into the Kitchen for lunch, others went home and four of us managed a picnic in the gardens just before the next shower arrived.

New member Brian joined us and I would like to welcome him to the group and our U3A.

Steve Field

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Aviation Group visit to We’ll Meet Again Museum 19th July 2021

11am on a sunny Monday, 14 Aviation Group members arrived at this WW2 Museum to be greeted by co-owners Paul and Linda. After paying our fee, which included our refreshments, we proceeded to the Home Front Room. This is full of artefacts related to how people lived, worked, what products were available, gasmasks, Air Raid Warden and ‘Dads Army’ items. In fact, anything Aviation-1
that helped people survive the war at home. Showing our age, we can remember using some of these products!!!

From there we went to the Military Room containing a vast collection of armament’s, uniforms, photos, documents, medals and other militaria. Paul, Linda and their volunteers providing information on the various artefacts. Paul then explained that all the items in the museum were part of his own collection, which he started when he was 8 years old. Their vision is to educate children about the war, as well as opening for the public. There is a working model, depicting the pandemonium of getting ready for D Day, made by a veteran.

Aviation-2 Then came The Blitz Experience, a very realistic visual and audio representation of what it was like to live through the 1940/41 German bombing campaign of London. Made by Paul, after talking to people who had survived the blitz and when they saw it, they said he had got it just right.

You can also be a pilot by using the unique virtual reality simulator taking control of a Lancaster, flying over Lincolnshire. A fantastic experience according to one of our group after his half hour session.

Some of us had a tour of the remains of the gun and searchlight emplacements, on the seaward side of Freiston Shore. Aviation-3
Thanking Paul, Linda and their volunteers for a great visit, we concluded our day with a drink and a cake in the
Ration Book Café.

Peter Crossgrill

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The luncheon group visit to The Chequers at Weston July 2021

Luncheon Group at Weston. Sunshine was on the menu as twenty members of the Luncheon Group met for the first time since March 2020.

We were seated at four tables under the charming wooden “gazebo” in the recently upgraded garden at the Chequers at Weston.

Over an enjoyable meal and drinks, it was lovely to catch up with friends and to meet those familiar faces we have only seen on zoom over the past months.

We are looking forward to our next meal and hope the weather will be as kind and the choice of venue as agreeable as the Chequers.

Sheila Field

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U3A Garden Group visit to The Park at Surfleet 12th July 2021

Surfleet Park There was an overcast sky when 14 members attended the Park at Surfleet for our first Group visit since Lockdown.

Observing social distancing, we were greeted by Tim, who runs this ‘secret garden.’ Specialty opened for us, as it’s only open by arrangement for groups, organisations and special events.

He has vast knowledge of the trees and plants in this 6-acre park. During the tour he explained the differences between the large number of Horse Chestnut trees, originally from different countries. As well as the bugs that can attack the leaves.

The fact that Blue flowered Hydrangea’s have to be kept in pots and fed with a colorant which releases aluminium to the plant.

Tim then took us on a tour naming and sharing facts about the vast number of trees, holly’s, shrubs and pointing out the eight bee hives. He also said the park is a naturel habitat for wildlife including Owls, many different birds, insects, Muntjac and the odd Roe Dear.

There was even an impromptu flypast by two Spitfire’s and a Dakota, from RAF Honington, Surfleet flypast
on a display practice as we wandered around the park taking photos with Tim on hand to answer questions.

We thanked Tim for a very enjoyable and interesting visit and he suggested we returned to see seasonal changes.

Peter Crossgrill

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Strollers walk 6th July 2021#

Strollers At 10.30 on Tuesday 6th July the Strollers set off for a leisurely walk around Deeping Lakes and Nature Reserve. Eighteen members braved the start even though the clouds looked ominous and the forecasts said rain should be expected. As it happened no precipitation was experienced and we all saw plenty of wild life including ducks, geese teals, and swans plus beautiful blue damselflies and black butterflies.
A good few of us went to Vine Farm Café on the way home for a beverage and, for some, some cake, what would a u3a meeting be without it.
It was pleasing to see so many members, especially several newcomers to our u3a.
We are looking forward to next month which will start from Springfield Shopping Outlet

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