Date Walk Mode LW leader SW leader
4th Jan Sefton coastline PT Margaret K N/A
1st Feb Rhewl. Cars Alan Carr Judith
1st Mar Ormskirk PT Margaret S Judith
5th Apr 3 parks walk PT Margaret S Chris CS
3rd May Anderton Cars Ken Brenda
7th Jun D of W Chester PT Keith Judith
12 hardy walkers donned their boots today for the first walk of 2018.Both groups walked together as we had decided to do a meander rather than a yomp to ease the group into the new walking year. Starting at Crosby Lakeside Leisure Centre we strode along the boardwalk and then did a semi-circuit of the Marine lake to reach the promenade. It was necessary here to tackle a very sand filled path, where there was much evidence of the recent high Spring tides with a large amount of flotsam and jetsam strewn along the shore and the path. We managed to stay dry in spite of high tide and having reached the coastguard station took the route through the parks to return back to our start point at Marine Terrace, some 5.5 miles from our start. Emerging from our welcome drinks at Waterloo place we were amazed to find that the wind had become very strong, and were glad that we had completed our first walk in calm weather. The next walk will be on Thursday 1st February, Lady Bagot’s Drive, Rhewl, North Wales. Further details in due course.
20 members of the Foodie Group enjoyed a lovely Xmas Lunch today at L20 restaurant, the hotel school of Hugh Baird College. As can be seen from the photos we dined well on carefully prepared and beautifully presented cuisine. Served by students of the college, who have only been in training since September of this year, we enjoyed a very pleasant, rather long lunch, in ambient surroundings, with good company and very pleasant wines. An excellent way to round off our foodie year. Happy Christmas to all the group. We reconvene for our usual meetings on 18th January, 10:30 at St James Church Hall, Green Lane. New members welcome…just come along on the day.
The annual Christmas concert took place today, instead of the usual coffee morning. Well attended by U3A members, the event raised over £400 which will be donated to Woodlands Hospice, Aintree. We were entertained by children from St George’s Primary School, who were not only in good voice but well behaved given the excitement of performing in front of a large audience. Gwen Parry from the poetry group read an amusing poem. Bill Howarth narrated a Christmas reading and another poem (sorry Bill your picture failed to take!) and then the newly formed U3A recorder group performed their inaugural concert. Given that they have only existed a few short months they performed well. Finally we were treated to another new group (this time from Aintree U3A) whose ukulele group, all self taught, played carols and Christmas songs to get us in the mood for the festive season.. Coffee and mince pies were then served by the hard working kitchen team. U3A is now closed for the Christmas break and will reopen on Tuesday 9th January 2018.
Today both groups of walkers set off from the Ship Inn at Haskayne to complete the last walks of 2017. We were expecting very bad weather so were all suitably attired in heavy boots and waterproofs, but our fears were not met and we all completed a good walk and remained dry, if a little windswept! The long walk, led by Alan Carr, took a route from Haskyne through to Halsall and Downholland using some very muddy fields, tracks, roads and canal footpaths and was a little over 9 miles in length. We set a good pace and completed the route in just over 3 hours. The shorter walk, led by Judith Jones, took a different route along the canal towpath, and then joined the same route as the other walk, across fields and climbing the 7 or so stiles near the end of the route. They were pleased to have achieved a walk of just over 6 miles which is slightly longer than their usual meander. Continue reading
Members of the Nordic walking group took to the streets of Maghull last night, suitably attired in festive wear, to complete the annual tour of the locality viewing the Christmas garden decorations. I have to admit there did appear to be some bemused motorists, and the one who stopped to ask us for directions looked extremely confused! Following the walk we returned to the lovely home of Brenda and John, where we were extremely well fed and watered. Thanks to both of them for their hospitality. Special thanks to Ian Gent, who was not able to join us last night, who along with Brenda and John, have led the Nordic walkers many miles during 2017.The walks resume on 8th January, 6:30 pm at the Baptist Church. New walkers are welcome but must have completed the Active Sefton Nordic walk training first.
The next walks will take place on Thursday 7th December leaving from the Ship Inn at Haskayne at 10:15. Please note there is a bus strike on that day so walkers will need to use their own transport. If anyone has difficulty getting to the start point please see walking group leaders at coffee morning on Tuesday as lifts may be available.
The short walk is 5 miles and will follow the canal towpath, good footpaths and quiet lanes, before returning to the Ship Inn for lunch.
The longer walk is 8 miles, starting at Haskayne, walking through Barton Nature Reserve to Halsall where we will then pick up the short walk route to return to the Ship. There are a number of stiles on this walk.
Conditions underfoot on both walks are generally good, but in view of the time of year good stout footwear is essential. Please arrive by 10am to start the walks at 10:15.
The Foodie Group had the last full meeting of 2017 today as our next monthly meeting will be our Christmas lunch which we are celebrating at L20, the hotel school of Hugh Baird College. I know we will be well fed and “watered” there. At the meeting today we celebrated French food with Sue, Cheryl, and Margaret A, providing tasters for us to share. These included a delicious lentil and Toulouse sausage cassolet, pate, cheeses, escargots, mussels, crispy French stick, followed by tarte tatin and crème fraiche. Delicious food with plenty of chat. I doubt anyone needed lunch after the tasters. Continue reading
14 members of the walking group set out from Burscough village yesterday for a 6 mile meander around the local countryside led by Sue Daniels. The day was bright and dry, if not sunny, but recent rain had made some of the paths extremely boggy. Starting at the canal we travelled part of the route already undertaken by the canal walking group, but then left the water to walk across local fields, paths, byways and highways. As the group was mixed, with both long and short walkers (that is the distance people usually walk not vertically challenged people !) we had a couple of stops, where some of the group took the opportunity to sneak a quick coffee, or in some cases something a little stronger (purely to warm extremities I was assured!) Continue reading
There will only be one walk this month taking place on 2nd November.This is in the Burscough area and will involve paths, canal towpath and fields. There will also be a short pavement stretch. Approx. 6 miles. Because of the time of year it is essential that anyone undertaking this walk has suitable footwear. No trainers or soft shoes.
Meet at 9:50 at the mini roundabout at Tesco in Burscough Village. The walk will leave at 10am.
We believe cars can be left in Tesco car park at owners own risk. Please check for any parking restrictions.
There will be opportunity for a drink/meal at the Hopvine at the end of the walk.