Events & Outings

 

An event or outing is organised for Haddenham U3A approximately once per month. Example events include theatre trips, visits to National Trust and similar properties, exhibitions, Proms and other concerts, and tours.

 

      

Novello Theatre

 

Lord's Cricket Ground

 

Nutcracker!

 

 

Cheltenham Races

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel by coach from the Village Hall, Haddenham is usually arranged, although occasionally we have travelled by public transport (train or bus).  A meal or refreshments are often included in the event.

Events and outings are announced monthly at the Haddenham U3A general meeting.  Places are limited, and booked on a first come - first served basis.  Members should book for popular events as early as possible.

 

Costs

Costs of each event are included in the announcement

 

Next Events 

"Crazy For You" - Novello Theatre, London  26 Jan 2012  10.00hrs departure, return approx 18.45 hrs 

 coach from Village Hall, Haddenham

 "The Intelligence Trail" - guided walk around the espionage locations of central London 22 Feb 2012  09.45hrs departure, return approx 18.00hrs 

  coach from Village Hall, Haddenham
Visit to Lord's Cricket Ground - with lunch in the Lord's Tavern  21 Mar 2012  0915hrs departure, return approx 1700hrs 

coach from Village Hall, Haddenham 
Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! - New Theatre, Oxford   11 Apr 2012 1310hrs departure, return approx 1755hrs 

coach from Village Hall, Haddenham 
U3A Spring Holiday - Northern Spain  23 - 28 April 2012  tba 

tba 
Cheltenham Hunter Chase Evening  2 May 2012 

1400hrs departure Wendover

1415hrs departure Longwick 

1425hrs departure Haddenham

Wendover Manor Waste

Rose Farm Longwick

Village Hall Haddenham
4 day walking holiday on Exmoor   9-12 May 2012 Individual travel Arrangements

Holnicote House, Selworthy 

 

Group Notice 

"Crazy For You" - 26 January 2012

Packed full of George and Ira Gershwin's classic songs including 'I Got Rhythm', 'Someone To Watch Over Me', 'Embraceable You' and 'Nice Work If You Can Get It', CRAZY FOR YOU boasts not only some of the finest songs ever written but some of the most dynamic choreography ever seen on the London stage.

CRAZY FOR YOU is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930's playboy, who's dream in life is to dance and, despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be-ex-fiancee, Bobby achieves his dream!

It's a high energy comedy which includes mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music.

Coach leaves at 10.00am from Village Hall, returns approx 18.45hrs. Our two-course pre-show lunch will be at Porters in Covent Garden.

Cost including coach, theatre ticket and lunch:       £49.00 pp

 

"The Intelligence Trail" - a guided walking tour of the espionage locations of Central london - 22 February 2012

Considering Britain’s pre-eminent role in world affairs in the last one hundred years, it is undeniable that the histories of Britain’s most well known intelligence services – MI5 and MI6 - can be described as ‘colourful’ as they played ‘The Great Game’ both at home and abroad. Being involved in two World Wars, the Cold War, and with the Middle East remaining a constant hotspot, these intelligence services have played a pivotal – and sometimes controversial – role in all of them.

There’s no doubt that the spy genre is intoxicating for many. But, aside from a couple of references to James Bond at the beginning, the ‘Trail focuses on real people, real events, and real consequences. And of course, real locations.

The tour takes walkers on a trip into some of the ‘less-touristy’ streets in central London, highlighting the buildings and locations where key intelligence decisions were made or incidents occurred throughout the decades.

The tour will appeal to anyone - students, spy thriller fans, and tourists alike, or even those considering joining the intelligence services - wanting to know more about Britain's intelligence services, the key episodes in their history, along with the respective context. It's the perfect opportunity to find-out what REALLY happens away from the fictional worlds of James Bond, George Smiley, Harry Palmer and (more recently) Harry Pearce!

The tour lasts up to two and half hours, and does involve walking up some sets of steps.

A two course fixed menu lunch will be taken before the tour at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square.

Cost £47.00pp, for the coach, lunch and tour  (NOTE the revised lunch details and cost)

Coach leaves Haddenham Village Hall at 09.45hrs, returning to Haddenham at approx 18.00hrs.

Visit to Lord's Cricket Ground - 21 March 2012

A dedicated Guide will show us around one of the most famous sporting venues in the world. Lasting approx 1 hour 40 minutes the tour starts in the MCC Museum, home of the famous Ashes urn. The museum brings the fascinating story of cricket to life. Paintings, photographs and artefacts, covering 400 years of cricket history, reveal the game's development from a rural pastime to a modern, increasingly international sport. Precious exhibits include the Wisden Trophy and the tiny, delicate and irreplaceable Ashes urn.

As the tour goes on we will walk through the heart of the Pavilion to the famed Long Room, both a cricket-watching room and a cricket art gallery - with portraits of the game's best-known figures, including WG Grace. The Long Room has a unique atmosphere, panoramic views of the pitch and is where players make their way to and from the 'hallowed turf'.

Other highlights include the players' Dressing Rooms with the renowned Lord's Honours Boards, providing a lasting reminder of exceptional batting and bowling performances in Lord's Tests.

Additional attractions at Lord's include the Tennis Court where Real Tennis, 'the game of kings' (famously enjoyed by King Henry VIII), is still played, and the MCC Indoor Cricket School

The Tour also gives visitors a chance to admire some outstanding architecture. As well as its great history, Lord's can also boast some of the most innovative modern architecture in London. In addition to the famous Grand Stand and the award-winning Mound Stand, Lord's has the futuristic J.P. Morgan Media Centre, which was acclaimed in 2001 as one of 'The Fifty Best Buildings in Britain'. The tour takes in all these great buildings. After taking all that in, the tour ends at the Lord's Shop (described as "outstanding" by The Times in its 'Good Ground Guide') where you can pick up an exclusive souvenir of a special day at 'The Home of Cricket'. 

Lunch will be taken in the Lord’s Tavern. You will invited to make your menu choices in due course.

Cost £38.00pp, for the coach, lunch and tour

Coach leaves Haddenham Village Hall at 09.15hrs, returning to Haddenham at approx 17.00hrs.

Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! - 11 April 2012

One of the most popular dance productions ever staged in the UK, Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! returns to celebrate its 20th anniversary. This delicious theatrical feast has family-sized helpings of Matthew Bourne's trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy.

Nutcracker! follows Clara's bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross' Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland. Tchaikovsky's glorious score and Anthony Ward's unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a delicious theatrical feast.

Hailed by The Observer as 'the undisputed king of dance theatre', Matthew Bourne's company New Adventures has produced some of the most successful dance productions of the last two decades including Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and last year's sell-out hit, Cinderella.

Note there is no meal arranged with this event.

Cost £27.00pp, for the coach and tour

Coach leaves Haddenham Village Hall at 13.10hrs, returning to Haddenham at approx 17.55hrs.

U3A Spring Holiday - Northern Spain - 23 to 28 April 2012

Following the great success of our first short holiday in Northumberland, we are planning to go further afield in April. Our destination is Northern Spain and the Picos Mountains, departing 23rd and returning 28th April.

There will be a coach transfer to Stanstead Airport from where we fly to Santander and travel to our 4* hotel at Playa de Isla for a five night stay on half board. During our stay we will visit: Santillana del Mar, Bilbao, The Guggenheim Museum, The Altimira Cave, Castro Urdiales, The Picos Mountains and Potes. There will also be an opportunity of a half day guided walk with transport through some of the more picturesque countryside in the area and/or a day at leisure or an optional excursion to the El Soplao Cave.

Throughout our holiday we will enjoy the services of a professional Tour Manager.

Please let me know if you wish to be included.

Chris Patterson 01844 290342 or chrisv@patte.plus.com

 Cheltenham Hunter Chase Evening - Wednesday 2 May 2012

Cheltenham Racecourse’s end of term party, giving the amateur jockeys their chance to take centre stage at racing's own theatre of dreams. The last chance to see racing at Cheltenham for almost six months, with seven fiercely fought Hunter Chases. A hugely popular fixture, that invariably draws a large local crowd, this is the only chance to see evening racing at Cheltenham with a real fun, relaxed party atmosphere. 

Our trip will follow the well established pattern of a coach to the racecourse and entry to Tattersalls. Plenty of opportunities to have a relaxing meal and drink, as well as checking out the form and watching seven competitive races.

Friends and relations are welcome.

Coach leaves :        Wendover Manor Waste at 14.00 hrs

                                Rose Farm, Longwick at approx 14.15hrs

                                Haddenham Village Hall at approx 14.25hrs

Cost £31.00 pp, including coach and entry to Tattersalls. Cheques payable to Haddenham U3A

Please notify Richard Hirst on 01844 291117 or richard_hirst@bcs.org.uk

4 day Walking Holiday on Exmoor - 9 - 12 May 2012

Three night break, Wed 9th - Sat 12th May 2012 at Holnicote House, Selworthy.

Three levels of walking each day. Full board in comfortable country house hotel. £265. Individual travel arrangements to Selworthy.

To check availability of rooms, please contact: Angela Wenham 291932.

 

 

Joining the Group 

Events and outings are open to all members of Haddenham U3A, subject to the availability of places.

To book a place, contact the Events and Outings organiser

Ann Rickard on 01844 291613 or RARickard@aol.com