Post-Covid Activities in 2022 - 2023
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Updated 19-2-2023-RL
Our explorations into interesting things during 2023 include Trent Bridge, "Leicester Trader" Heritage Barge at Newark and Forestry Management including tree felling, with still more ideas in the planning process! Post Covid Activities in 2022: We threw ourselves back into our activities just as soon as we were allowed out!: 2022 visits were to:- Belvoir Fruit Farm to see where/how the ‘Belvoir’ cordials and sparkling drinks are bottled. The RAF Scampton Heritage Centre including visiting the museum and having the opportunity to sit in a Hawk aircraft. Here are some photographs from the trip: |
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Eastcroft Energy from Waste Facility (Nottingham Incinerator) – 2 visits
This facility takes around 180,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste from households and businesses within Nottingham and the wider county for treatment by high temperature incineration and energy recovery. The energy recovery process at Eastcroft generates steam, which is delivered via a pipeline to EnviroEnergy Limited, a company wholly owned by Nottingham City Council. EnviroEnergy supplies heat to a wide range of customers, including 5,000 domestic premises in the city, as well as public buildings including the Broad Marsh shopping centres, Victoria Baths, Nottingham Trent University’s Newton Building, the Inland Revenue building, the Magistrates Court, Nottingham City Council offices and the National Ice Centre.
Any excess steam is also used to generate electricity which powers the facility and is also supplied to many local customers within Nottingham City.
Hockerton Housing Project
Hockerton Housing Project is a community of sustainable homes. It incorporates a business and a self-sufficient co-housing development.
The business, not-for-profit co-operative hosts tours and courses, and provides consultancy services to help others deliver sustainability in their home, community or workplace.
The earth-sheltered sustainable homes are built with high thermal mass and high levels of insulation to eliminate the need for whole house heating systems. Residents of the five houses generate their own clean energy to meet their remaining energy needs. They also grow most of their own food, harvest and treat their own water and recycle waste materials.
The group is currently full but a waiting list is in place.
Contact the Group Leader to be added to the waiting list (see bottom of page)
Our final trip "Pre-Covid": Forensic Science Department, Lincoln Uni - 12 Feb 2020
Dr Hilary Hamnett, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science was our guide for the visit.. She gave us an insight into the types of things the police look for when faced with a driving incident, in order to determine the probable cause.
We we given a tour of the Forensic labs and shown some of the students' 'work in progress'. A separate building was fitted out to provide individual rooms which had been 'primed' as if they had been burgled. This part was very pro-active as we were split into groups of 4 or 5 persons and each group was allocated a room and had to determine what in the room would provide us with information about the burglary and the burglar. I think that all our groups did quite well, although they may have made it easy for us!
There were no dead bodies to look at but there were 2 lifelike bodies in body bags to view. Each had been 'killed' fairly traumatically!
We were also given an interesting talk on the human body and particularly the skeleton and given an insight into how it was possible to determine, for instance, the age and sex of a person just from the skeletal remains.
From the two videos below you will see Paul's unsuccessful attempts to walk a straight line, because the glasses he had to wear were designed to show how you might view the world as if you were drunk.
Tony, on the other hand, volunteered to wear a HazMat suit, which Forensics team members must wear when at a crime scene. Apparently it becomes very hot and sweaty inside these suits very quickly, and given they might have to wear them for 8 hours at a time they are not for the faint-hearted!
All in all a very interesting, fun and informative visit.
Walking the Line!
Wearing special glasses to demonstrate what it feels like to be drunk, Paul, was asked to walk the line. A standard test for people thought to be drunk while driving.
Wearing special glasses to demonstrate what it feels like to be drunk, Paul, was asked to walk the line. A standard test for people thought to be drunk while driving.
Tony putting on a HazMat Suit, used by police when doing a forensic search of a crime scene.
Amazon, Doncaster - 3 January 2020
We were given a fully guided tour by Jane, one of the Amazon 'Associates'. and a tour Ambassador. She was extremely knowledgeable about the whole operation of the warehouse, or Fulfillment Centre, as they prefer to call it. It is about as large as 14 full size football pitches and some 1,200 employees work at the site.
Unfortunately the opportunity to take photographs was very restricted so we are not able to show in much detail how the Centre operated. However it was extremely slick and all controlled by computers and the use of barcodes.
We were surprised to learn that goods coming into the factory were stored entirely randomly and not in any particular order, yet that randomness allowed the whole system to work efficiently, without bottlenecks or hold-ups, which could have occurred otherwise.
Their special high level fork lift trucks are called pups and made especially for Amazon. They can lift associates to a height of 40 feet to reach the tallest stacked goods in the warehouse.
On leaving we were all presented with a choice of gifts to take away, exclusive to Amazon and not available to purchase anywhere! Well done the Amazon team for an interesting and informative visit.
Unfortunately the opportunity to take photographs was very restricted so we are not able to show in much detail how the Centre operated. However it was extremely slick and all controlled by computers and the use of barcodes.
We were surprised to learn that goods coming into the factory were stored entirely randomly and not in any particular order, yet that randomness allowed the whole system to work efficiently, without bottlenecks or hold-ups, which could have occurred otherwise.
Their special high level fork lift trucks are called pups and made especially for Amazon. They can lift associates to a height of 40 feet to reach the tallest stacked goods in the warehouse.
On leaving we were all presented with a choice of gifts to take away, exclusive to Amazon and not available to purchase anywhere! Well done the Amazon team for an interesting and informative visit.
The address labelling machine was able to identify the name & address of a package within seconds of scanning it on a conveyor belt and then putting the label onto the package with a blast of air.
John Taylor Bell Foundry, Loughborough -31 Oct 2019
Bells from this foundry can be heard across the world, from Australia and Africa to The Americas and Europe.
The biggest bell they have ever cast is the 16 ton 'Great Paul' bell which you can hear peal out daily from St Paul's Cathedral in London. But they will make smaller single bells as well as Carillons & Chimes. They will even make you a set of hand bells.
We were led on an interesting and informative tour of the foundry which remains much as it did when it was purpose built in the 1800s.
What set Taylor's apart from the rest in the early 1900s was understanding first how to tune their bells to get the best sound from them. They became renowned for their beauty and clarity of tone.
We even had the opportunity to make a bit of a noise ourselves at the end of the tour in the museum area.
The biggest bell they have ever cast is the 16 ton 'Great Paul' bell which you can hear peal out daily from St Paul's Cathedral in London. But they will make smaller single bells as well as Carillons & Chimes. They will even make you a set of hand bells.
We were led on an interesting and informative tour of the foundry which remains much as it did when it was purpose built in the 1800s.
What set Taylor's apart from the rest in the early 1900s was understanding first how to tune their bells to get the best sound from them. They became renowned for their beauty and clarity of tone.
We even had the opportunity to make a bit of a noise ourselves at the end of the tour in the museum area.
Nottingham University: GSK Carbon Neutral Labs Tour -30 Aug 2019
We were given a marvellous presentation by Dr Nick Bennett which gave us an insight into this Carbon Neutral Laboratory built with funding from GSK. The building itself is made predominantly of wood and its architecture in not only striking, but the design makes best use of natural airflow to ventilate the building, and the latest technologies are used to produce renewable electricity and biomass. You can read all about the Laboratory from the linked website here; Nottingham University.
We also learnt a great deal about the importance of chemistry in our daily lives and current research into renewable plastics (polymers) using natural materials which will biodegrade in time into their composite natural elements by Professor Steve Howdle.
We were then given a tour of the building itself followed by lunch, courtesy of the University.
Both Nick and Steve pitched their talks at a level we could understand while keeping it both interesting and informative. I think we all left with hope that the scientists are doing their very best to find solutions to the plastics & environmental problem we face! Long may it continue.
We also learnt a great deal about the importance of chemistry in our daily lives and current research into renewable plastics (polymers) using natural materials which will biodegrade in time into their composite natural elements by Professor Steve Howdle.
We were then given a tour of the building itself followed by lunch, courtesy of the University.
Both Nick and Steve pitched their talks at a level we could understand while keeping it both interesting and informative. I think we all left with hope that the scientists are doing their very best to find solutions to the plastics & environmental problem we face! Long may it continue.
GH Hurt & Son Ltd - 23 July 2019
G.H.Hurt & Son are a family owned and run company based in Nottingham, UK. Since 1912 they have been using traditional handframe and subsequently modern knitting machines and knitted lace making techniques to create hand-finished women’s & men’s clothing accessories.
George Henry Hurt founded the company in 1912 having acquired an old seed mill in Chilwell, (built in 1781), for housing a large number of hand frame knitting machines.. The same building is still in use today along with a number of the original hand frame machines. We were given a fascinating tour of the works by Gillian Taylor, the 4th generation Hurt family member who currently runs the business. They now work with many international design houses, including Burberry and Dior and supply the likes of Fortnum and Mason and Harrods with high end products.
Their baby shawls were used when Prince George and then Princess Charlotte were first shown to the world and have been used by other members of the Royal family.
George Henry Hurt founded the company in 1912 having acquired an old seed mill in Chilwell, (built in 1781), for housing a large number of hand frame knitting machines.. The same building is still in use today along with a number of the original hand frame machines. We were given a fascinating tour of the works by Gillian Taylor, the 4th generation Hurt family member who currently runs the business. They now work with many international design houses, including Burberry and Dior and supply the likes of Fortnum and Mason and Harrods with high end products.
Their baby shawls were used when Prince George and then Princess Charlotte were first shown to the world and have been used by other members of the Royal family.
The machine being used in the video above was purchased by the company second hand in 1953. It's still going strong and the operator makes it look so easy!
Lincoln University: Film & Media Unit - 10 July 2019
Bryan Rudd & Ryan Jones gave us a fascinating insight into the world of television & radio production. We started by visiting the local radio station, Siren Radio, transmitting live from the University. And had a chance to talk to the student presenters in the middle of a live show about video games. We then moved onto the Media Archive for Central England, which is also based at the University and we shown one of the assistants splicing old film before it was to be digitally encoded. The storage rooms held vast numbers of old films, all kept at a very low temperature. We didn’t stay in the room for too long! We followed that by a visit to their television studios, one of the largest in Europe. Unfortunately we couldn’t get behind the cameras as they were all away getting their annual maintenance & service. Luckily all the lights in the studio are now LEDs so we didn’t all break out into a sweat as would have happened in the old days. We were also shown the Directors Studio where they control the cameras, lighting & sound.
We followed that by a tour of the high tech area where we could try out virtual reality headsets and control of animation through speaking and or moving our hands. It was interesting to learn how the virtual reality equipment was being used to help people with learning difficulties and dementia. There seemed to be lots of medical benefits being tested with new technology.
We then had an opportunity to test our skills in the photography suite on still life and portraiture. I’m not sure any of us showed any promise, but it was fun to try it out. We finished the tour in the Editing suites and sound dubbing studios. The cost of the equipment the university has available runs into the many millions of pounds but Bryan told us that the result was that 92% of their students leave university and walk directly into media jobs. He mentioned a few now with high profile jobs in the industry.
A fascinating insight into the world of Radio & TV.
We followed that by a tour of the high tech area where we could try out virtual reality headsets and control of animation through speaking and or moving our hands. It was interesting to learn how the virtual reality equipment was being used to help people with learning difficulties and dementia. There seemed to be lots of medical benefits being tested with new technology.
We then had an opportunity to test our skills in the photography suite on still life and portraiture. I’m not sure any of us showed any promise, but it was fun to try it out. We finished the tour in the Editing suites and sound dubbing studios. The cost of the equipment the university has available runs into the many millions of pounds but Bryan told us that the result was that 92% of their students leave university and walk directly into media jobs. He mentioned a few now with high profile jobs in the industry.
A fascinating insight into the world of Radio & TV.
Sleaford Renewable Energy - June 2019
The Group arrived for the visit with little or no knowledge about how straw was burnt to produce power but we left having learnt a lot. We marvelled at the numerous computer screens in the Control Room, the way lorry loads of straw were lifted layer by layer using a large crane system, how the bales were weighed, tested for moisture, rejected if not acceptable, turned to all be facing the same way ready for string cutting and were then transported to the burner. This was all automated with one employee sited up above the lorries controlling the unloading procedure from his very large swivel chair with screens and buttons on the chair arm!
Annually the plant combusts 240,000 tonnes of straw (approximately 55 large bales per hour), sourced mainly from farms within a 30-mile radius of the plant.
The straw is burned in a boiler to produce high temperature, high pressure steam, which is used to drive the steam turbine generator. The steam drives the turbine’s rotor, which in turn generates electricity that is then fed into the national grid. The spent steam is collected and condensed into water before being channelled back into the boiler to start the cycle again.
Annually the plant combusts 240,000 tonnes of straw (approximately 55 large bales per hour), sourced mainly from farms within a 30-mile radius of the plant.
The straw is burned in a boiler to produce high temperature, high pressure steam, which is used to drive the steam turbine generator. The steam drives the turbine’s rotor, which in turn generates electricity that is then fed into the national grid. The spent steam is collected and condensed into water before being channelled back into the boiler to start the cycle again.
Rototek - Wed 24th April 2018
Plastic moulding was never so interesting! This company are THE experts in rotational moulding. They make such a diverse range of products from manhole linings, to water stoarage tanks; from prison furniture to racing sailing boats. you name it; they can make it! Their Director, Shaun Mills, gave us a short introductory talk followed by an extensive tour of the factory on the outskirts of Balderton. Shaun was able to give us a fascinating insight into the world of rotational moulding and his enthusiasm for the subject was infectious. A very enjoyable experience all round.
Take a look at the slideshow below covering the tour.
Take a look at the slideshow below covering the tour.
Just one of the rotational moulding machines in action
Greene's Mill & Science Centre - Wed 17th Oct 2018
A very interesting tour and talk by Andy the Miller about the history of the mill and the milling process
Hill Top Farm - Robotic Milking visit - 28 June 2018
Who would have thought farming could be so 'high tech'? The whole process of cows coming in for milking, to feeding them , giving them a comfortable place to lie down while they waited their turn to the actual milking operation itself, to cleaning the Milking Shed, are all operated by computer with no human intervention. And the cows decide when they want to be milked and how often.
The milking stations are all automated with lasers guiding the cups to the cows udders. The machines even wash the cows udders beforehand and apply lanolin after the milking has taken place. And if the there's a problem with the milk the machine detects it and removes it from the system.
As you can imagine with such an automated process it relies on a constant power supply for both the machinery and computers so the farm has its own back up generator to kick in in seconds should the main power supply fail, just like a hospital.
Did you know the cows even get water beds to lay on! Many thanks to the farmer, Vic Truman, who personally conducted the tour. Take a look at some photos below from our visit.
The milking stations are all automated with lasers guiding the cups to the cows udders. The machines even wash the cows udders beforehand and apply lanolin after the milking has taken place. And if the there's a problem with the milk the machine detects it and removes it from the system.
As you can imagine with such an automated process it relies on a constant power supply for both the machinery and computers so the farm has its own back up generator to kick in in seconds should the main power supply fail, just like a hospital.
Did you know the cows even get water beds to lay on! Many thanks to the farmer, Vic Truman, who personally conducted the tour. Take a look at some photos below from our visit.
Stokes of Lincoln visit - 22 May 2018
If you think coffee is just coffee then think again! Since 2017 Stokes is now located at 'The Lawns', a Grade 11 listed Georgian building which previously served as a Mental Hospital, but is now being revitalised as their Roastery, Barista Training Centre and cafe. Our visit started in the cafe with coffee and scones with jam and cream. We were then given a fantastic guided tour by Nick, the great grandson of the founder, Robert Stokes. And he was expertly helped by one of his very enthusiastic roasting experts who explained how you can change the taste experience of the same coffee beans simply by changing the temperature and time in which you roast the beans. It's an art form, not just science!
The tour finished in the wonderful theatre room which has been refurbished and is now used for concerts, plays and performances. Many of us stayed on to have lunch in their Lawn Cafe.
Take a look at the slideshow below.
If you think coffee is just coffee then think again! Since 2017 Stokes is now located at 'The Lawns', a Grade 11 listed Georgian building which previously served as a Mental Hospital, but is now being revitalised as their Roastery, Barista Training Centre and cafe. Our visit started in the cafe with coffee and scones with jam and cream. We were then given a fantastic guided tour by Nick, the great grandson of the founder, Robert Stokes. And he was expertly helped by one of his very enthusiastic roasting experts who explained how you can change the taste experience of the same coffee beans simply by changing the temperature and time in which you roast the beans. It's an art form, not just science!
The tour finished in the wonderful theatre room which has been refurbished and is now used for concerts, plays and performances. Many of us stayed on to have lunch in their Lawn Cafe.
Take a look at the slideshow below.
Great British Sports Car visit at Boughton
We had a very interesting trip looking around the factory and looking at the kit cars.
We had a very interesting trip looking around the factory and looking at the kit cars.
Tour of Brackenhurst Campus - 23 March 2018
A fascinating insight into what goes on at Brackenhurst and the challenges they face, ably given us by William Donger, the Farm & Rural Estate Manager at Brackenhurst.
(He's the man we are all listening to in the second photo of the slideshow below.)
A fascinating insight into what goes on at Brackenhurst and the challenges they face, ably given us by William Donger, the Farm & Rural Estate Manager at Brackenhurst.
(He's the man we are all listening to in the second photo of the slideshow below.)
Backstage tour of Nottingham Playhouse - 13 Dec 2017
Another interesting visit demonstrating just what goes on 'behind the scenes'
to make a theatre run smoothly
Another interesting visit demonstrating just what goes on 'behind the scenes'
to make a theatre run smoothly
Visit to the School of Violin Making & Repair, Newark - 6 Dec 2017
A fascinating & informative insight into the world of violin making.
A fascinating & informative insight into the world of violin making.
Visit to Linney Printers in Mansfield, March 2017
Think you might be interested in joining this group?
1. If you are not already a member of Southwell U3A but are interested in finding out more about these groups and/or would like to attend one of their group meetings please click on the Contact Us link and let us know which group you are interested in. We will arrange for the Group Leader to get in touch with you as soon as possible.
2. If you are already a member of Southwell U3A and are interested in joining either group you can contact the Group Leader directly. Their details are in the Group Leaders page in our Membership Area of the website. As a Southwell U3A member you will have received the password for the Members Area pages in Newsline. If you have forgotten the password please use the Contact Us facility on this website to request the password.
1. If you are not already a member of Southwell U3A but are interested in finding out more about these groups and/or would like to attend one of their group meetings please click on the Contact Us link and let us know which group you are interested in. We will arrange for the Group Leader to get in touch with you as soon as possible.
2. If you are already a member of Southwell U3A and are interested in joining either group you can contact the Group Leader directly. Their details are in the Group Leaders page in our Membership Area of the website. As a Southwell U3A member you will have received the password for the Members Area pages in Newsline. If you have forgotten the password please use the Contact Us facility on this website to request the password.