Shimna

Outings

Details of planned Outings will be displayed on the Events Page, Notices and more detail on this page.

Stormont - Thursday 2nd March
31 members enjoyed a very informative tour of Stormont. The Senate room was of particular interest and the group observed some restoration work completed on a table. This room is now used as a committee room. There was a nice local connection as Lord Bangor Maxwell Ward was the longest serving leader of the Senate. Hence there is a Castleward connection and also a connection to Birr Castle in Co. Offaly, a future u3a planned visit.
Maxwell was the youngest child of Mary Ward the famous scientist, naturalist, astronomer and artist as well as being mother to 6 children.
After the tour a healthy lunch was enjoyed in a private room in Stormont .

Crumlin Road Gaol - Thursday 30 March
17 Members had a very interesting and informative visit on a lovely March day. We were grateful to start with a welcoming coffee and scones.
However some of felt even at this stage we were definitely in a prison.
It gave us plenty to reflect upon.

Historical walk around Newcastle led by local historian Ivor Anderson - Friday 26th May
We were very fortunate in the weather and also our choice of guide for our historical walk around Newcastle. Ivor has spoken to our u3a group in the past and this walk was a continuation of the history of our local town. We also got to hear about the people that have influenced the way that Newcastle has developed over the centuries. We walked from one end of the promenade to the other and learnt so much about buildings and places we walk past every day. Ivor also had beautiful photographs and copies of documents to illustrate his stories. Two hours was not long enough to cover all aspects of the town and Ivor has promised to lead another walk which will concentrate on the harbour area. This will be taking place on Friday 1st September. Thank you Ivor for a very interesting talk.

Birr Castle, Co Offaly - Tuesday 30th May
21 of us took the long journey to Birr on a glorious May day.
It was a wonderful experience ,
We had an excellent tour guide for the Castle Tour and she gave us a few lovely stories as well as great historical facts .
The gardens were superb with wonderful flowers , trees and shrubs.
The telescope and interesting Victorian photography gives a special dimension to Birr.
The County Down connection between Mary Ward, Castleward and Birr Castle gives us a special link to this amazing place.
Yes a long day of travel but very worthwhile.

Historical walk around Newcastle, Part 2 led by local historian Ivor Anderson - Friday 1st September
On Friday 1st September 25 members of Shimna u3a enjoyed Ivor Anderson’s second walk on the history of Newcastle. This walk concentrated on the area of the town from Donard Park to the Harbour. Once again we were able to see familiar landmarks with new eyes and appreciate the story behind these buildings. We were also made aware of the immense contribution the Annesley family made to the town. Many of the buildings, such as the Church of Ireland, can still be seen today. Others, such as Donard Lodge, are sadly no longer with us but Ivor was able to show us photographs of what they would have looked like.
We concluded our walk at the harbour. Ivor described how the harbour itself developed and also mentioned the terrible fishing disaster of 1843 in which 73 men died.
Although Friday was a day of heavy showers, we were lucky to complete our walk without getting wet. Once again Ivor presented an engaging and entertaining talk, backed up with many historical photographs and records. Thank you Ivor for a very informative guided walk.

FORTHCOMING OUTINGS

Tuesday 7th May
Trip to Malahide Castle and Gardens and Town of Malahide
We will leave Newcastle at around 9.00am return 5.00-6.00pm
This trip includes a fully guided tour of the Castle and self guided tours of gardens.
There are 2 private gardens and a butterfly house.
The coach and guided tour will cost approx £26.
Refreshments are not included but the Avoca Cafe and shop is on the site and has plenty of choice .
The town of Malahide has plenty of other options and is easily accessible from the coach park at the Castle
2 places available - contact Marian asap if you wish to attend

POSSIBLE TRIPS

Castlewellan Arboretum and Annesley Walled Gardens
The Arboretum and Gardens are closed at present for major refurbishment.
Our Shimna u3a group have been invited for a mini tour and light planting project followed by tea, coffee and cake.
There is also the opportunity to find out more about volunteering opportunities on the site and public events that are free to attend.
Please advise Marian if you would be interested in this so that a date can be agreed with Kathy Black who is the Volunteer Co-ordinator .
This is likely to be scheduled for April , May or June
However Marian needs expressions of interest as soon as possible.