JGC – An update on the Centre Defibrillator

I’m pleased to share that a portable defibrillator has been purchased to be used in the building thanks to funding raised from the Hucknall U3A and an anonymous donor.

The defibrillator chosen allows for the use for children and adults without the need to change pads. There is a switch on the device to change quickly between adult and paediatric mode which in an emergency situation could save crucial time and anxiety to the user than having to change physical pads. 

We give a huge amount of thanks to the U3A and to our anonymous donor, they have enabled us to purchase this lifesaving piece of equipment that we hope we’ll never need to use but have the peace of mind that it is to hand if ever needed. For our level of usage in the Centre for various age groups and range of activities this particular defibrillator will be ideal to have. As a registered charity, as for many, times are challenging and this kindness to help us be able to have this vital piece of equipment for the many people who use the building is greatly appreciated. We’re so humbled by the fund-raising efforts and donations of those involved in our wonderful community, without them this wouldn’t have happened.

The U3A Science group, which is one of many groups who use the Centre, took on the challenge of researching the range of defibrillators to help narrow down the choices and the item was purchased from the British Heart Foundation.

Currently the unit is housed in the Centre office with the first aid kit and further funding will be sought to purchase an external cabinet to house the defibrillator so it can be more easily accessed for the wider community.

The defibrillator has been registered with East Midlands Ambulance Service who will arrange training for the Centre team and volunteers free of charge.  If you would like to be notified of the training date, please let us know, you’d be very welcome to join us when the demonstration is arranged.  I hope this update may offer you some comfort knowing there is a unit nearby.  

The portable defibrillator in the safe hands of Val Kelly

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Short Walks

On the 18th May starting from the centre of the ‘Rolls Royce’ estate we had an interesting and pleasant walk over the old airfield towards Bulwell Golf Course via Blenheim Lane.

When we were close to the crumbling Bulwell Hall Phil Attenborough shared his knowledge of some of its history.

We then took a short break for drinks at Bulwell Hall Golf Club House.

The return was back via Farleys Lane, the ‘yellow brick road’ footpath and the adventure playground that proved too much of a temptation for Roy ‘Tarzan’ Brown who leapt onto the zip wire.

Thanks to Phil and Liz Attenborough for leading and planning the route.

Next Walk Thursday June 15th 

The 4.5 mile walk led by Roy Brown starts from Jacksdale Garden Centre to Codnor Castle and back. Meet at 9.45am for a 10.00am start.  Please park on the right side of the car park.

Address: 99 Main Road, Jacksdale, NG16 5HR

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Science

Bob McEwen led the session essentially around a theme of thinking and problem solving.

Some of the tasks were theoretical thinking problems and Bob also introduced some of a practical nature .Working in small groups we began to use (initially subconsciously) some of the keys to problem solving including:

Communication:  Actively listening to each other: Analysing the problem/situation

Creativity: Dependability: Decision making and the beginning of Team-building

Overall it was an enjoyable, active and fun learning session.

We then watched a short video and a PowerPoint about Brackenhurst College which is now part of Nottingham Trent University. We are making a visit to Brackenhurst on July 21st for a tour a talk and lunch.

Next Meeting Friday 15th June 10.am

John Tedstone will be discussing Pollution with a focus on water, rivers and the sea.

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Mid-length Walking Group

Ticknall and Calke 15th May 2023

By following the RAW MILK signs, or otherwise, fourteen members arrived at the starting point for the walk. Encouraged by the sunny weather and fantastic views over the Staunton Harold reservoir we set off in a southerly direction towards Dimminsdale, proceeding with caution as we passed the 200 pound crocodile!

Dimminsdale Nature Reserve is an SSSI; in it’s heyday during the 18th and 19th century it was a quarry yielding limestone and lead. The path led us to a high point where we could look at a quarry face and only visualise the ores being extracted using picks and shovels.

Moving on through the woodland and emerging near Staunton Harold Hall we learnt about Laurence Shirley, 4th Earl Ferrers, the last earl to be executed, for murdering his steward; method of execution- hanged, using a rope made of silk.

Proceeding north through Calke Park, lunch was taken at the café area. Continuing through the Park towards Ticknall, but we had to stop off to greet, ‘The Old Man of Calke’. A pedunculate oak; a quick calculation of the sum of all the ages of the group was made- conclusion: – at 1000 years old, the oak tree only just won! Once through the Anglo- Saxon village of Tichenhalle we turned south to pass through naturally reclaimed woodland that again once housed limekilns returning to our starting point via boardwalks around part of the reservoir. A pleasant and varied walk of 6.5 miles in good company.

Dave and Kevin

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National Trust Visit to Hanbury Hall

On a beautifully sunny and warm day the National Trust group left Hucknall for the journey down to Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire.

The Hall itself was built on two storeys in the early eighteenth century as a country retreat for the wealthy Vernon family.

Timed guided tours of the Hall were available to our group but members could also tour the Hall independently at any time.

The well maintained Hall gave an insight to the life of the wealthy at the turn of the eighteenth century.

The grounds covered over 400 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside and many members enjoyed walking one or more of the well marked routes.

Some members also took time to visit the beautiful church situated in the village of Hanbury.

The cafe proved to be a popular venue over the day with the outside seating being well used.

The extensive gardens were also  popular with some members enjoying a guided tour around.

After a lovely day in which we were bathed in sunshine throughout we returned to the coach in time for a 4.00pm departure back to Hucknall.

After travelling along some narrow country lanes and then the very busy motorway network around Birmingham we arrived back in Hucknall at 6.15 pm.

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