In the late afternoon we continue to our hotel. The Duques de Bergara is a good quality hotel just a few yards away from Catalan Square which is the centre of the city. There is a bar and restaurant in the hotel. We shall stay here for 3 nights on a Bed and Breakfast basis. Half board option is also available.

Towns in this part of the country. Much of the hotel has undergone major improvements and redecoration. We shall stay here for 4 nights on a half board basis.

Monday 1st October 2102 This morning we will have a guided walking tour of Granada visiting the major sights. The rest of the day is free.

Tuesday 2nd October 2012 Today we will have a coach tour to Cordoba. Cordoba has the second largest old town in Europe, the largest urban area in the world declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The different cultures that throughout the centuries have met in this city have enriched it and left a definite mark. As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba’s treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far side of the river from the Mezquita and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. Cordoba’s medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called “La Judería” (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares. We will have plenty of time here to see the major sights before returning to the hotel.

Wednesday 3rd October 2012 After breakfast we make our way to The Alhambra Palace where we will have a guided tour. The Palace was one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world when it was created in the 13th and 14th centuries and remains so today. The Alhambra is a unique creation spawned from the gold coffers of Moorish sultans. Wars, sieges and years of neglect have failed to detract from the allure of the Alhambra Palace which continues to attract millions of visitors each year to a hilltop that overlooks the city. It was the last and most splendid of all the Arabian palaces to be built in Spain during 700 years of Moorish domination and offers a mesmerizing mixture of the most intricate tilework, filigree decoration and mosaics within its royal rooms and shaded courtyards. A sensual blend of bubbling fountains, dark green pools, white marble floors and enchanting passage ways draw you back through the centuries. There will be free time in the afternoon.

Thursday 4th October 2012 After breakfast we check out of the hotel. The day will be free (bags can be left in the hotel) before we make our way to Malaga Airport for our flight home. Upon arrival at Manchester Airport we will be met by a coach and transferred back to Maghull.

The total cost of this tour will be £359 per person plus flight cost £165 excluding baggage,       1 bag can be booked for an extra £32. Single room supplement £75. Insurance available at: £18 up to 65 years of age, £26 66-69yrs, £34 70-74yrs, £46 75-80yrs. Please contact us for a quote for 80+ years of age. Please fill in the booking form and send a deposit of £200 per person along with any single room or insurance costs. Balance of payment due by 13th August 2012.

Geoff Kean

Symposium on Friday 9th March starting at 09.30
To be held in Heswall on the topic: Aspects of running U3As.

Easter schools at Myerscough College 3rd-5th April 2012
Courses offered: Archaeology, Creative writing, Geology, Golf,
Introduction to ancient Egypt, Novelists and Philosophers, Sixty years of science.

North west region AGM and distinguished lecture on Friday 18th May at 14.00
To be held at Preston, lecturer Bill Tidy.
Further details and booking forms for all the above from Bill Howarth.

Promoted by International Craft & Hobby Fair Ltd, it will include all the very latest supplies and ideas in the world of stitching and creative crafts with lots of special features to enjoy plus free workshops, talks and demonstrations. For more information follow this link to their website. Entry by ticket. Seniors: £4.00 in advance £6.00 on the door

P.S. Don’t miss our group display next Tuesday 28th February at the Coffee Morning.

Window by Bob Jones

view from the pew

Over the last few months one of our group has been working well on a very special piece. Bob Jones is a member of the Waterloo United Free Church which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Bob has constructed a window incorporating two Christian symbols which shape the figure 100. This imaginative piece of stained glass work is now in place in their place of worship. Members of the congregation have been high in praise of Bob’s work and are encouraging him to extend his work and create an even bigger window.
Bob is a good example of the talent that is being exhibited by our group the members of which are engaged on many pieces of challenging and tasteful designs. The vibrant colours of glass are enriching their homes.

Thurs.22nd March Due to a lot of interest we have arranged this second trip. Same agenda as above.

Thurs.19th April Plassey Centre, Nr.Wrexham. Choice of shops, crafts, places to eat  then  on to Bangor on Dee for a demonstration of willow basket making. Dep.9.15am  Ret.6pm  Price £14

Fri.18th May -Trefriw Woollen Mills – a working museum.  Demos, shop etc. Onto Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Travel back in time on the Miners’ Railway. Victorian Shopping Village, coffee, demos.  Dep.8.30am  Ret. 6pm  Price £18

New Trip = Fri.27th July – Chesterfield Market, Derbyshire.  Wide choice of stalls, lots of interest including the famous church with its crooked spire.  Onto Renishaw Hall, historic home for generations to the Sitwell family.  Beautiful house, gardens, coffee shop, gift shop even a vineyard.  Guided tour.  Dep.9.l5am  Ret 6pm  Price £l8. 50 includes guided tour

SHORT BREAKS

18.6.12 to 21.6.12 –  D iscovery Travel 4 days 3 nights dinner/bed/breakfast at  4 star Durham Marriott. Inc. visits to Bowes Museum, Alnwick Castle/Gardens, Beamish, Guided tour of Durham

21.9.12 to 23.9.12 – Discovery Travel 3 days 2 nights dinner/bed/breakfast at the 4 star Hilton St.Anne’s Manor. Inc.visit to Windsor, Buckingham Palace, Open Houses of London,, sightseeing tour

Turkey and Tinsel – 5 days 4 nights Dinner/ Bed/ Breakfast at the family owned Royal Grosvenor Hotel in Weston Super Mare. Situated on the sea front.  All rooms en suite with TV., tea/coffee making facility, hairdryer, entertainment, 3 excursions.  Price £245 (less when group discount applied) No single supplement, £30 deposit.  Arranged with Airedale Tours, voted Group Tour Operator for 2011 and many years before

FOLLOWING DATES ARE FOR YOUR DIARY

Fri.17th August

Wed.17th October

Thurs.25th October

12th to 16th November Turkey and Tinsel

Fri.30th November

Wednesday 5th Dec.

11th April Bridgemere Gardens and then to the award winning Trentham Gardens with its cafes restaurants and lots more. Cost £15.50 leave Maghull Square 8.45am.

19th-23rd April holiday to Keukenhof Gardens Holland with Discovery Travel .

16th May visit to Bakewell then on to Lea gardens Matlock. The gardens have a unique collection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas etc cost £14.50 leave Maghull square 8.30am.

THEATRE GROUP NEWS – 6 FEB 2012