Saturday 6th September. 11am Meet in the café of Patchings Art Centre, Oxton Road, Calverton, NG14 6NU, before exploring the galleries, following the artists’ trail and walking through the fifty acre site which incorporates woodland, a lake and ‘Monet’ bridge.
Saturday 23rd May. 11am Meet at the Café 1092 in Chester Cathedral before a walk around Chester followed by taking lunch in the main town. A sightseeing bus ‘Hop on and Hop off’ tour could then be enjoyed.
Wednesday 27th May. 11am Please note the amended date Meet at the entrance to Uppark House, (National Trust) GU31 5QR; this is off the B2146 road from Petersfield, five miles distance. An irregular bus service 54 is the nearest public transport. Uppark is a fine country house, built in 1690, set in large grounds, with outstanding views across the South Downs. Guided tours of the house (£10 in 2025) must be booked in advance via https://www.nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk/event-tickets; alternatively, join us for a light lunch about 1pm.
Thursday 28th May. 12noon Meet for coffee, or an early lunch, in the Castle Café, Norwich Castle, Castle Street, Norwich NR1 3JU before we visit Norwich Castle itself which has recently been renovated. If you want to join us just for the Castle visit, please let me know in advance and we will meet you in the Café at 1pm. Norwich Castle has a spectacular medieval keep and galleries covering subjects such as Natural History, Art and Regimental History. 2025 entry prices were £17.00 for adults but a discount is available if tickets are booked at least twenty four hours in advance https://www.norwichcastle.norfolk.gov.uk/article/30296/Admission-prices-and-book-tickets-for-Norwich-Castle. There are some concessions available, although not a senior rate – please check the website for availability.
Thursday 4th June. 2pm. Meet at the entrance of Bekonscot Model Village, Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2PL. Beaconsfield station is a short child friendly walk away and is on the Chiltern line. Book online at least forty-eight hours in advance and enjoy 10% off the standard ticket price.
Friday 5th June - Sunday 7th June 2026 This is our Annual event for all members and their friends and family to meet together. This year we are in Penrith, Cumbria and are staying at the North Lakes Hotel. On the Saturday evening we will be joined by the Mayor of Penrith - Councillor Val Bowen, and her daughter Kimberley Lawson who together with our speaker, Penelope Bradshaw will be served pre-dinner drinks before a three course meal and then enjoying the live 50s and 60s music of Carousel Duo. The weekend also includes three excursions and an in-house activity to allow everyone to get to know more about the area and each other.
Join the Region 03 Zoom Book Club. All local members are invited to join in and discuss the book of the month. Members from other areas are also welcome. Tuesday 9th June. 8pm - ‘At the Captain’s Table’ – Gervase Phinn Tuesday 14th July. 8pm - ‘The Girl with Ice in her Veins’ – Karin Smirnoff.
Discussion of Roman History of Northumberland and Newcastle or Join a writer's group Wednesday 10th June 2pm Wednesday 10th June 7pm Wednesday 8th July 2pm Wednesday 8th July 7pm
Wednesday 10th June 7pm - Join in a Writer's Group
Saturday 13th June. 11am Meet with the Chairman, online to chat. This is an International Zoom offering a chance to join in an informal discussion with members from all Regions and Nations. The topic for this month will be ‘What shall we do in the long Summer Months?’ Contact the Chairman by 8th June for the log on details. jean.hertzog@aoug.org.uk
Tuesday 16th June. 12noon Meet at the Trattoria Verdi Restaurant, 110, Southampton Row, Holborn WC1B 4BL for an a la carte lunch. Please let the Local Contact know if you are planning to attend so that an appropriate table can be booked.
Saturday 11th July. 11am - Change of date - Now Saturday 18th July Meet in the Helenium Tea Room, Barnsdale Gardens, Barnsdale Avenue, Exton, Oakham, LE15 8AH. Barnsdale Gardens was created by Geoff Hamilton, presenter of BBC Gardeners' World from 1979 until his death in 1996. Geoff presented Gardeners' World from his home in Rutland where he developed the individual garden designs, experimenting with plants, themes and ideas to inspire the nation and earned the reputation of being the ‘People’s Gardener’. Admission adults £16.00, under 18s are free.