St Helens

Interesting Buildings

'A big thank you to all those who supported our Leeds visits. The weather was wonderful and the journey trouble-free.' Diane and the team

We visit places of interest usually once a month except in December.
We are open to all members of the u3a. The number of places available for each trip depends on the venue.
Places are allocated in order of time of booking.
You can book at most main meetings and coffee drop-ins or by using the envelope link on this page.
Some trips are free , others may have a charge for a coach, admission or a guide.
If there is a charge for a trip you need to pay within 14 days of booking to secure your place.

You can pay
1. By BACS into the the St Helens u3a Social Account, code 60-70-08, account no 52263401
2. By cash or cheque at general meetings or a drop-in.
3. By cheque through the post. Please email via the envelope link for details.
4.In order to avoid mistakes or confusion, please ALWAYS write your name (and the name
of the friend you wish to pay for) as well as all relevant membership numbers on the reverse of your cheque, indicating clearly the trip you wish to pay for. Please write separate cheques for each trip. If you pay by cash or BACS we request that you quote your membership number + that of the friend you wish to pay for and indicate the trip.
Thank you for your cooperation.

If you need to cancel a trip please let us know in advance if possible.
Refunds can only be given if either you can find a replacement member or we have a waiting list.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, 3rd May - Manchester Visit
If you have not registered your interest, please do so asap so that numbers can be confirmed.
There are two options for this trip. Both options will start at 12 noon.

OPTION A.....
One group will visit the Museum of Science and Industry (also close to Deansgate.) This is a wonderful Museum which traces the development of science, technology and industry, with emphasis on the city's achievements in these fields. There is a cafe and shop here. The museum is free to enter but pre booking is essential.
The museum has a number of excellent exhibitions but the following sections are currently closed for refurbishment :
The Power Hall
The 1830 railway station and Warehouse
The Air and Space Hall

This is a free, self-guided tour starting at 12.00.

OPTION B......
The other group will visit the historic John Rylands Library which is located further along Deansgate.
This Neo-Gothic library building is part of the University of Manchester. It houses rare books and manuscripts. It also has a decent cafe and shop. this is a self guided tour lasting approximately 1 hour.

We have booked places for a free self-guided tour. The Library is a fascinating and impressive sandstone building erected in memory of John Rylands by his wife Enriqueta. John's grandfather had opened a draper's shop in St Helens in 1816 before moving the family's textile business to Manchester. The Deansgate facade has fine carvings including St Helens' coat of arms. Highlights of the tour will include:
Papyrus fragments of the Gospel of John
A Gutenberg Bible
Medieval illuminated manuscripts
The Grand Entrance Hall
The historic Reading Room

This free self-guided tour starts at 12.00.
A selection of photographs of the interior and exterior of the Library can be viewed on their website.

Transport is by train from St Helens Junction to Manchester Deansgate, leaving at 9 28 or 10.28, the earlier train allowing time for personal exploration before the tours which start at 12. For JRL, meet outside or inside the new annexe at 11.45. Photography is permitted but not flash photography. As JRL is a Grade I listed building bottled water is permitted but no other drinks or food. The stairs are quite demanding but there is a lift in the new annexe. Visitors are asked not to block the corridors and staircases as they admire the superb architecture.

Both buildings are very close to the station. After the tours you will be free to take lunch before both groups meet up at Deansgate Station at 2.30 to explore the Roman remains.

Tuesday, 4th June - Trip to the Black Country Museum
* This trip is full and there is a substantial waiting list.

Thank you to members who signed up quickly and paid for their ticket.

Because of the distance to the location and wanting to arrive at a reasonable time, we are asking members to be prompt. The coach will arrive at Birchley street at 8.30 am and will leave at 8.45am.

We hope to arrive in Dudley @10.30 -11 am - after which the day is self guided. The site is expansive so wear comfy shoes!!

There is a plentiful supply of cafes and eateries as well as the wonderful exhibits to enjoy.

We expect to leave no later than 4pm to arrive back in St Helens @ 6pm - 6.30.

The coach will take us to the museum and the rest of the day is self guided. You can visit the many wonderful buildings and perhaps partake of tea and cake, fish and chips, even a glass of beer (or 2) and many more things besides. There are a number of eateries on site so you won't go hungry.

This is a wonderful open air museum spread over a substantial area and you will not be disappointed in this visit.

The cost of the ticket is £35 which includes return coach fare and entrance to the museum site.

Thanks as always for the support you give to our group events.

What follows is an extract from publicity material on the museum's website. It certainly paints a picture in Black Country dialect!!!

AWLROIGHT, OW' BIST?
At Black Country Living Museum, we connect yow with stories. We proudly share why our small region made a big impact on the world and bring Black Country folk back to life, from metalworkers and miners to nurses and schoolteachers – and even a pub landlord or two.
Yow will experience sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Black Country as yow explore shops, houses and industrial workshops. With plenty to see and do, yow are in for a bostin’ day!

WHAT YOU CAN ENJOY....
• Great accessibility
• Historical characters
• Self-guided map
• Buildings to explore
• Hot and cold food
• Gift shop

To find out more visit their website, click on link in the side bar.

Wednesday, 17th July - Chirk Castle
There are still places available. The cost of the coach is £18 and a ticket costs £15.20 but entry is free for National Trust members. You must bring your membership card.

You can pay by cheque, cash or BACS but please state your membership no., the trip you wish to join and a contact no./ e-mail address. These will be deleted after the trip.

Departure time will be given in due course.

Thursday, 15th August - Chester
We are planning a visit to Chester. More information on transport and the itinerary will follow. Please register your interest asap.

HOLIDAY TO BATH AND BRISTOL -SEPTEMBER 5TH-8TH

This trip now has a significant number of members who have booked on. Hattons tell us that it is definitely viable and will go ahead as planned.

There are still places available on the coach. If you are interested, please book with Hattons directly who will ask for a deposit of £40. Telephone number is 01744 359022.

New information, hot off the press, is that Debbie from Hattons is now available at a "Pop- Up" shop on Thursdays from 9am - 2pm. This is located at Stapleton Derby Estate Agents on Corporation Street, opposite the courts. That might help people who like to pay in person.

Here is an outline of the holiday:-
Location: Bath and Bristol
Dates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th September
Tariff: 3 nights Half board
Hotel: The Hilton Garden – Bristol City Centre
Cost: £359 pp based on 2 people sharing a twin /double room. There are also single rooms available.

Included in the price is:
• Executive coach travel
• Home pick up and drop off
• Full courier service when travelling

Itinerary : The program of visits has yet to be finalised. Bath and Bristol have a wealth of opportunities for consideration and the IB team are happy to take suggestions from members of places to visit.
Specific details of visits will emerge nearer the time. If you have a burning desire to visit somewhere in that area, please mention this to one of the Interesting Buildings team. We might be able to accommodate it. A copy of the holiday flyer is available in person at the general meeting or drop in.

Thanks - as ever - for your continued support.