Oldham & District u3a: Events

Events

Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10.30 am at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham. The morning includes refreshments, a guest speaker and information on the various activities you may enjoy. You are very welcome to come along.

Dates for your Diary
May 2024
Mon May 6th →Fri May 10th	MOTOS (Members on Their Own)	HOLIDAY TO IRELAND Day 1. HOME PICK UP, COMFORT BREAK CHESTER SERVICES, ON TO HOLYHEAD FOR 14.45 FERRY TO DUBLIN THEN TO BLOOMFIELD HOUSE MULLINGAR FOR A LATE DINNER WHICH WILL BE SERVED SHORTLY AFTER OUR ARRIVAL THE HOTEL IS SITUATED IN ATTRACTIVE GROUNDS INCLUDING A LAKE WHICH WE ARE FREE TO EXPLORE.WE CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF AN INDOOR POOL AND SAUNA.THERE IS A SPA YOU MAY USE BUT WYOU WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR TREATMENTS. WE WILL HAVE A FULL IRISH BREAKFAST, 3 COURSE DINNER WITH MENU CHOICES TEA AND COFFEE. PORTERAGE,EXECUTIVE COACH AND PROFESSIONAL TOUR DRIVER THROUGHOUT DAY2. MORNING VISIT TO THE NATIONAL STUD AND JAPANESE GARDENS WITH GUIDED TOUR AND CREAM TEA.THEN VISIT NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE VISITOR CENTRE DAY 3. ADMISSION TO LULLYMORE HERITAGE AND DISCOVERY PARK {SOUP AND SODA BREAD LUNCH} FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO BELVEDERE HOUSE AND GARDENS DAY 4. ADMISSION AND GUIDED TOUR OF GLASNEVIN CEMETERY {SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH} FOLLOWED BY A 2 HOUR GUIDED TOUR OF DUBLIN ON THE COACH AND A TOUR AND TASTING AT KILBEGGAN DISTILLERY DAY 5. EARLY START TO CATCH 9.00AM FERRY FROM DUBLIN.WE WILL BE GIVEN A "GRAB AND GO" BREAKFAST - A DRINK AND A LIGHT BREAKFAST - BUT ARE ENTITLED TO A FULL BREAKFAST FREE ON THE FERRY. ON DISEMBARKATION WE MAKE OUR WAY TO BIRCH SERVICES WHERE TAXIS WILL BE WAITING TO TAKE US HOME £669 PER PERSON IN A SINGLE ROOM; £60 PER PERSON DISCOUNT SHARING A TWIN OR DOUBLE ROOM PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS DIRECT TO ELLEN SMITH 01706 648126 BUT LET ME KNOW AS WELL. THIS HOLIDAY WILL BE OPEN TO COUPLES FROM 1ST JANUARY
Tue May 14th →Tue May 21st	Anything Goes	GROUP HOLIDAY 7 NIGHTS DEPARTING MAY 14TH 2024 FROM MANCHESTER, RETURNING MAY 21ST 2024. BEST TRITON HOTEL. BENALMADENA, SOUTHERN SPAIN. OWN EN SUITE ROOM, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, FREE BAR 12 HOURS PER DAY. WINE, BEER, WATER SERVED WITH LUNCH AND DINNER. RETURN TRANSFERS DIRECT TO HOTEL. COST CIRCA £860 INCLUDES INSURANCE OR REDUCTION IF NOT REQUIRED. THIS WILL BE FINALISED ONCE NUMBERS ARE KNOWN AND AIRLINE SEATS ARE BOOKED. DUE TO THE HIGH DEMAND FOR SINGLE ROOMS IT IS ESSENTIAL TO BOOK EARLY. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SECURE A GOOD NUMBER OF SINGLE ROOMS WITHOUT SUPPLEMENT. CONTACT VERA RIGBY. 01457 873560 MOBILE 07949714267 EMAIL verarigby@talktalk.net
Thu May 16th	Art Appreciation	The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on Trent, is home to diverse displays of art, local history, natural sciences and the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. There is a Secret Garden where visitors can sit and enjoy the space which includes locally crafted works of art. This is a self guided visit. Staffordshire Hoard: Treasure of Mercia The Hoard remains the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever discovered. Its contents and character tell a story of battling warriors, faiths old and new, and the rise of the Kingdom of Mercia. Ceramics The gallery includes a technical section illustrating the production techniques of pottery and also includes more unusual collections, such as the Keiller collection of 667 cow creamer jugs and the Marjorie Davies collection of nearly 300 frog mugs. Decorative Arts A regionally important collection of costume and textiles dating from the 15th century to the present day, including a world class collection of jade and ivory. Fine Art Displayed works include examples from the key artistic movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries such as urban and industrial painting - including the Camden Town School, and French-influenced early twentieth-century artists such as the Slade School and the Scottish Colourists. Cafe The cafe is situated next to the new Spitfire Gallery, which has a full size Spitfire on view. We have not booked refreshments but the refurbished café offers a range of hot and cold beverages and a lite bite menu, throughout the day. There is an area set aside for those who bring their own food. The leader for this tour is Carol Needham. Please email her if you would like a place on the tour or put your name on the list at the monthly meetings. Please state your pickup point. Email: carolneedham-u3a-AAG@outlook.com The cost of the tour is £20. The treasurer requires one cheque per person per trip. Please make cheques payable to Oldham & District u3a and hand in at the monthly meeting or post to: Paul Dennis, 15 Roundhill Way, Oldham, OL4 2JR Please indicate your preferred pickup point on the back of your cheque. Pickup points are Athens Way, Lees ( ALDI ) at 8.45 am or Oldham College at 9 am.
Sat May 25th	Theatre	GEORGE LAWTON HALL MOSSLEY. ASHTON OPERATICS PRODUCTION OF. WEST SIDE STORY. SATURDAY MAY 25TH MATINEE PERFORMANCE TICKETS £20 NAMES TO JENNY WHITBREAD. TEL 07739206615 EMAIL m.whitbread@sky.com 14 BORDER MILL FOLD. MOSSLEY. OL5 9GD TICKETS MUST BE PAID FOR ON OR BEFORE THE NEXT U3A MEETING ON APRIL 9TH. CHEQUES PAYABLE TO OLDHAM AND DISTRICT U3A
Tue May 28th	Gardening	(BODNANT GARDENS) A grade 1 listed garden in the foothillsofSnowdon with historic plant collections and mountain views over the 80 acre Conwy valley hillside. You can find rare trees and shrubs from around the world as well as Italianate terraces and formal flower beds, pools, parterres, riverside dells and waterfalls. Also famous is the Laburnum arch, which if we are lucky, will be in full bloom……but don’t blame Pam if it is not. N.B. There are some steep paths and open water. Pick up times Lees: 9am, Oldham: 9.15 am National trust members £22.50 Non National trust £37.20 Payment due at April meeting.
June 2024
Tue Jun 18th	Gardening	(HIMALAYAN GARDEN AND SCULPTURE PARK) This garden is close to Ripon and combines art with gardening. There is an arboretum and woodland garden with 300 different trees, 3 lakes in a valley which you can access by steps or sloping paths, azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and super sculptures dotted around the site. Cafe or bring your own refreshments Cost £34 Further details nearer the time.
Thu Jun 20th	MOTOS (Members on Their Own)	LANCASTER Leave Lees Aldi 8.30 and Oldham College 8.45 Travel to Barton Grange garden centre for a comfort and coffee stop, then on to River Lune aqueduct for a cruise along the river while enjoying a fish and chip lunch, following which we will have free time in Lancaster before returning home £43 per person. Please pay Ellen Smith direct on 01706 648126 but also let me know if you are going letting me know if you are meeting coach at Lees or Oldham You will be responsible for tippng boat and I will pass round an envelope on the way back for driver's trip COUPLES MAY BOOK ON THIS TRIP FROM 1st MAY
July 2024
Thu Jul 11th →Mon Jul 15th	Gardening	(VISIT TO SOMERSET) Venue: 4* Mercury Bridgewater hotel Visit includes Full English breakfast, 3 course buffet dinner, porterage, Executive coach and professional tour driver throughout, Door to door service. The trip includes: Visit to Stoberry Gardens with tea/coffee and cake. Hestercombe with guided garden tour Lytes Carey Manor with guided tour, Shaftesbury (time permitting) Free time in Wells Minehead (time permitting) £499 per person sharing, Single supplement £80
Fri Jul 19th	MOTOS (Members on Their Own)	NATIONAL MUSEUM of JUSTICE NOTTINGHAM Leave Oldham College 8.15; Aldi Lees 8.30 On arrival we will be issued with a wrist band that enables us to come and go throughout the day. We will be split into 2 groups. 11.00am Group A start a guided tour of the museum 11.15 Group B start a guided tour of the museum 12.15 We all meet in the exercise yard for the public execution {about 30 mins} 13 .15 Gather in the criminal courtyard for a mock trial 13.45 End of tour There will be time at leisure to explore Nottingham. The city of caves is next to the Museum {additional fee £9)the oldest pub in England The Last Trip to Jerusalem is nearby with many other cafes etc The Museum has a cafe but can only accommodate 25 people at a time. You may therefore wish to bring a drink and/or snack to tide you over £42 per person Please book andpay direct to Ellen Smith on 01706 648126
Fri Jul 19th	MOTOS (Members on Their Own)	NATIONAL MUSEUM of JUSTICE Leave Oldham College 8.15; Aldi Lees 8.30 On arrival we will receive a wristband enabling us to come and go as we wish. We will be divided into 2 groups. 11.00 Group A startguided tour 11.15 GroupB start guided tour 12.15 WE all gather in the exercise room for the public execution {30 mins} 13.15Gatherin the criminal courtroom for a mock trial 13.45 End of tour We have free time to explore Nottingham. The Cityof Caves is next to the museun. Admission £9. The oldest pub in England The Last Trip to Jerusalem is nearby as are many cafes etc. The museum does have a cafe but can only accommodate 25 people at a time. You might therefore wish to bring a drink and/of snack to tideyou over £42 per person Please book and pay at Ellen Smith direct 01706 648126
Thu Jul 25th	Theatre	WEST END MUSICAL "CHORUS LINE" LOWRY THEATRE JULY 25TH 2PM STALL TICKETS £47.50 CONTACT VERA RIGBY 01457 873560 EMAIL verarigby44@gmail.com 8 FERNHILL. OLDHAM ROAD. GRASSCROFT SADDLEWORTH. OL4 4GH NAMES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ONLY LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS. PAYMENT AT THE APRIL OR MAY U3A MEETINGS OR SEND TO ADDRESS ABOVE. CHEQUES PAYABLE TO OLDHAM AND DISTRICT U3A.
Thu Jul 25th	MOTOS (Members on Their Own)	WALK RIGHT BACK TO HAPPINESS The old town hall at Yeadon {LEEDS} has been turned into an entertainment venue.We will enjoy a 3 course meal {with choices menu will be supplied shortly} whilst being entertained by tribute acts for hits of the 50s and 60s Please pay direct to Ellen Smith 01706 £59 per person Let me know if you will be catching coach at Lees or Oldham Couples may apply from 1st April
November 2024
Fri Nov 22nd →Sun Nov 24th	MOTOS (Members on Their Own)	DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES Door to Door service Executive coach and professional driver throughout Staying at DELTA BY MARRIOT hotel Warwick. Full English breakfast and 3 course evening meal Day 1 Travel to hotel stopping at Coventry for afternoon tea at St Mary's Guildhall followed by time at leisure before going to hotel. Dinner followed by tribute acts from 40s and 50s Day2 Stratford upon Avon Free time and then tour and tasting at the Shakespear gin distillery located in centre of town before returning to hotel for dinner and entertainmeny from tribute acts from the 60s and 70s Day 3 return home with a stop {2-3}hours at the Trentham estate for coffee etc and perhaps some Xmas shopping Then return home expecting to be in Oldham by 5pm £359 per person in a single room £50 discount per person in a twin or double room Please pay direct to Ellen Smith 01706 648126 COUPLES MAY BOOK THIS TRIP FROM 1st SEPTEMBER

Dates for your Diary
Anything Goes
Tue May 14th →Tue May 21st	GROUP HOLIDAY 7 NIGHTS DEPARTING MAY 14TH 2024 FROM MANCHESTER, RETURNING MAY 21ST 2024. BEST TRITON HOTEL. BENALMADENA, SOUTHERN SPAIN. OWN EN SUITE ROOM, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, FREE BAR 12 HOURS PER DAY. WINE, BEER, WATER SERVED WITH LUNCH AND DINNER. RETURN TRANSFERS DIRECT TO HOTEL. COST CIRCA £860 INCLUDES INSURANCE OR REDUCTION IF NOT REQUIRED. THIS WILL BE FINALISED ONCE NUMBERS ARE KNOWN AND AIRLINE SEATS ARE BOOKED. DUE TO THE HIGH DEMAND FOR SINGLE ROOMS IT IS ESSENTIAL TO BOOK EARLY. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SECURE A GOOD NUMBER OF SINGLE ROOMS WITHOUT SUPPLEMENT. CONTACT VERA RIGBY. 01457 873560 MOBILE 07949714267 EMAIL verarigby@talktalk.net
Art Appreciation
Thu May 16th	The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on Trent, is home to diverse displays of art, local history, natural sciences and the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. There is a Secret Garden where visitors can sit and enjoy the space which includes locally crafted works of art. This is a self guided visit. Staffordshire Hoard: Treasure of Mercia The Hoard remains the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever discovered. Its contents and character tell a story of battling warriors, faiths old and new, and the rise of the Kingdom of Mercia. Ceramics The gallery includes a technical section illustrating the production techniques of pottery and also includes more unusual collections, such as the Keiller collection of 667 cow creamer jugs and the Marjorie Davies collection of nearly 300 frog mugs. Decorative Arts A regionally important collection of costume and textiles dating from the 15th century to the present day, including a world class collection of jade and ivory. Fine Art Displayed works include examples from the key artistic movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries such as urban and industrial painting - including the Camden Town School, and French-influenced early twentieth-century artists such as the Slade School and the Scottish Colourists. Cafe The cafe is situated next to the new Spitfire Gallery, which has a full size Spitfire on view. We have not booked refreshments but the refurbished café offers a range of hot and cold beverages and a lite bite menu, throughout the day. There is an area set aside for those who bring their own food. The leader for this tour is Carol Needham. Please email her if you would like a place on the tour or put your name on the list at the monthly meetings. Please state your pickup point. Email: carolneedham-u3a-AAG@outlook.com The cost of the tour is £20. The treasurer requires one cheque per person per trip. Please make cheques payable to Oldham & District u3a and hand in at the monthly meeting or post to: Paul Dennis, 15 Roundhill Way, Oldham, OL4 2JR Please indicate your preferred pickup point on the back of your cheque. Pickup points are Athens Way, Lees ( ALDI ) at 8.45 am or Oldham College at 9 am.
Gardening
Tue May 28th	(BODNANT GARDENS) A grade 1 listed garden in the foothillsofSnowdon with historic plant collections and mountain views over the 80 acre Conwy valley hillside. You can find rare trees and shrubs from around the world as well as Italianate terraces and formal flower beds, pools, parterres, riverside dells and waterfalls. Also famous is the Laburnum arch, which if we are lucky, will be in full bloom……but don’t blame Pam if it is not. N.B. There are some steep paths and open water. Pick up times Lees: 9am, Oldham: 9.15 am National trust members £22.50 Non National trust £37.20 Payment due at April meeting.
Tue Jun 18th	(HIMALAYAN GARDEN AND SCULPTURE PARK) This garden is close to Ripon and combines art with gardening. There is an arboretum and woodland garden with 300 different trees, 3 lakes in a valley which you can access by steps or sloping paths, azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and super sculptures dotted around the site. Cafe or bring your own refreshments Cost £34 Further details nearer the time.
Thu Jul 11th →Mon Jul 15th	(VISIT TO SOMERSET) Venue: 4* Mercury Bridgewater hotel Visit includes Full English breakfast, 3 course buffet dinner, porterage, Executive coach and professional tour driver throughout, Door to door service. The trip includes: Visit to Stoberry Gardens with tea/coffee and cake. Hestercombe with guided garden tour Lytes Carey Manor with guided tour, Shaftesbury (time permitting) Free time in Wells Minehead (time permitting) £499 per person sharing, Single supplement £80
MOTOS (Members on Their Own)
Mon May 6th →Fri May 10th	HOLIDAY TO IRELAND Day 1. HOME PICK UP, COMFORT BREAK CHESTER SERVICES, ON TO HOLYHEAD FOR 14.45 FERRY TO DUBLIN THEN TO BLOOMFIELD HOUSE MULLINGAR FOR A LATE DINNER WHICH WILL BE SERVED SHORTLY AFTER OUR ARRIVAL THE HOTEL IS SITUATED IN ATTRACTIVE GROUNDS INCLUDING A LAKE WHICH WE ARE FREE TO EXPLORE.WE CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF AN INDOOR POOL AND SAUNA.THERE IS A SPA YOU MAY USE BUT WYOU WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR TREATMENTS. WE WILL HAVE A FULL IRISH BREAKFAST, 3 COURSE DINNER WITH MENU CHOICES TEA AND COFFEE. PORTERAGE,EXECUTIVE COACH AND PROFESSIONAL TOUR DRIVER THROUGHOUT DAY2. MORNING VISIT TO THE NATIONAL STUD AND JAPANESE GARDENS WITH GUIDED TOUR AND CREAM TEA.THEN VISIT NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE VISITOR CENTRE DAY 3. ADMISSION TO LULLYMORE HERITAGE AND DISCOVERY PARK {SOUP AND SODA BREAD LUNCH} FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO BELVEDERE HOUSE AND GARDENS DAY 4. ADMISSION AND GUIDED TOUR OF GLASNEVIN CEMETERY {SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH} FOLLOWED BY A 2 HOUR GUIDED TOUR OF DUBLIN ON THE COACH AND A TOUR AND TASTING AT KILBEGGAN DISTILLERY DAY 5. EARLY START TO CATCH 9.00AM FERRY FROM DUBLIN.WE WILL BE GIVEN A "GRAB AND GO" BREAKFAST - A DRINK AND A LIGHT BREAKFAST - BUT ARE ENTITLED TO A FULL BREAKFAST FREE ON THE FERRY. ON DISEMBARKATION WE MAKE OUR WAY TO BIRCH SERVICES WHERE TAXIS WILL BE WAITING TO TAKE US HOME £669 PER PERSON IN A SINGLE ROOM; £60 PER PERSON DISCOUNT SHARING A TWIN OR DOUBLE ROOM PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS DIRECT TO ELLEN SMITH 01706 648126 BUT LET ME KNOW AS WELL. THIS HOLIDAY WILL BE OPEN TO COUPLES FROM 1ST JANUARY
Thu Jun 20th	LANCASTER Leave Lees Aldi 8.30 and Oldham College 8.45 Travel to Barton Grange garden centre for a comfort and coffee stop, then on to River Lune aqueduct for a cruise along the river while enjoying a fish and chip lunch, following which we will have free time in Lancaster before returning home £43 per person. Please pay Ellen Smith direct on 01706 648126 but also let me know if you are going letting me know if you are meeting coach at Lees or Oldham You will be responsible for tippng boat and I will pass round an envelope on the way back for driver's trip COUPLES MAY BOOK ON THIS TRIP FROM 1st MAY
Fri Jul 19th	NATIONAL MUSEUM of JUSTICE NOTTINGHAM Leave Oldham College 8.15; Aldi Lees 8.30 On arrival we will be issued with a wrist band that enables us to come and go throughout the day. We will be split into 2 groups. 11.00am Group A start a guided tour of the museum 11.15 Group B start a guided tour of the museum 12.15 We all meet in the exercise yard for the public execution {about 30 mins} 13 .15 Gather in the criminal courtyard for a mock trial 13.45 End of tour There will be time at leisure to explore Nottingham. The city of caves is next to the Museum {additional fee £9)the oldest pub in England The Last Trip to Jerusalem is nearby with many other cafes etc The Museum has a cafe but can only accommodate 25 people at a time. You may therefore wish to bring a drink and/or snack to tide you over £42 per person Please book andpay direct to Ellen Smith on 01706 648126
Fri Jul 19th	NATIONAL MUSEUM of JUSTICE Leave Oldham College 8.15; Aldi Lees 8.30 On arrival we will receive a wristband enabling us to come and go as we wish. We will be divided into 2 groups. 11.00 Group A startguided tour 11.15 GroupB start guided tour 12.15 WE all gather in the exercise room for the public execution {30 mins} 13.15Gatherin the criminal courtroom for a mock trial 13.45 End of tour We have free time to explore Nottingham. The Cityof Caves is next to the museun. Admission £9. The oldest pub in England The Last Trip to Jerusalem is nearby as are many cafes etc. The museum does have a cafe but can only accommodate 25 people at a time. You might therefore wish to bring a drink and/of snack to tideyou over £42 per person Please book and pay at Ellen Smith direct 01706 648126
Thu Jul 25th	WALK RIGHT BACK TO HAPPINESS The old town hall at Yeadon {LEEDS} has been turned into an entertainment venue.We will enjoy a 3 course meal {with choices menu will be supplied shortly} whilst being entertained by tribute acts for hits of the 50s and 60s Please pay direct to Ellen Smith 01706 £59 per person Let me know if you will be catching coach at Lees or Oldham Couples may apply from 1st April
Fri Nov 22nd →Sun Nov 24th	DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES Door to Door service Executive coach and professional driver throughout Staying at DELTA BY MARRIOT hotel Warwick. Full English breakfast and 3 course evening meal Day 1 Travel to hotel stopping at Coventry for afternoon tea at St Mary's Guildhall followed by time at leisure before going to hotel. Dinner followed by tribute acts from 40s and 50s Day2 Stratford upon Avon Free time and then tour and tasting at the Shakespear gin distillery located in centre of town before returning to hotel for dinner and entertainmeny from tribute acts from the 60s and 70s Day 3 return home with a stop {2-3}hours at the Trentham estate for coffee etc and perhaps some Xmas shopping Then return home expecting to be in Oldham by 5pm £359 per person in a single room £50 discount per person in a twin or double room Please pay direct to Ellen Smith 01706 648126 COUPLES MAY BOOK THIS TRIP FROM 1st SEPTEMBER
Theatre
Sat May 25th	GEORGE LAWTON HALL MOSSLEY. ASHTON OPERATICS PRODUCTION OF. WEST SIDE STORY. SATURDAY MAY 25TH MATINEE PERFORMANCE TICKETS £20 NAMES TO JENNY WHITBREAD. TEL 07739206615 EMAIL m.whitbread@sky.com 14 BORDER MILL FOLD. MOSSLEY. OL5 9GD TICKETS MUST BE PAID FOR ON OR BEFORE THE NEXT U3A MEETING ON APRIL 9TH. CHEQUES PAYABLE TO OLDHAM AND DISTRICT U3A
Thu Jul 25th	WEST END MUSICAL "CHORUS LINE" LOWRY THEATRE JULY 25TH 2PM STALL TICKETS £47.50 CONTACT VERA RIGBY 01457 873560 EMAIL verarigby44@gmail.com 8 FERNHILL. OLDHAM ROAD. GRASSCROFT SADDLEWORTH. OL4 4GH NAMES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ONLY LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS. PAYMENT AT THE APRIL OR MAY U3A MEETINGS OR SEND TO ADDRESS ABOVE. CHEQUES PAYABLE TO OLDHAM AND DISTRICT U3A.