A Late August 2024 Update on Club Activities
Annie made another appearance at Wilfred house on 27th August and had them all moving and shaking, albeit whilst seated safety on chairs. This was another fun night at the club and laughter rang out once again.
Unfortunately, due to ill health Aster wasn’t able to run the Big Painting with Aster club night.
However, the staff were quick to improvise and fortunately Andrew was there with his legs 11 and 2 little ducks. Yes, you guessed it, Bingo was the order of the night.
With a bit of luck Aster will have recovered and will be back on the 17th September after a monthly trip to Cinebowl.
What a Fabulous UCG Autumn 2024
The Gateway Club took the opportunity to hop on a Leons of Stafford Coach Holiday and take a few of our members on a summer break to Llandudno.
The itinerary was a busy one but nevertheless the team were determined to make the most of every minute and give the members an experience they would never forget.
Day 1 was spent travelling to Llandudno which was to be their base for the week checking into their hotel and settling in.
Day 2 they were off to Bews-y-coed then on to Porthmadog for lunch and a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway.
Day 3 was a trip up the Yr Wyddfa Railway (Snowdon Railway) but only half way due to the 58 mile an hour winds at the top (need to have words with who was responsible for the weather!) Then on to Llanberis Lake Railway with such beautiful scenery.
Day 4 was spent at the seaside with fresh sea air building up an appetite, there was nothing better than traditional Fish and Chips to satisfy rumbling tummies. There was time for a play in the amusement arcade followed by a walk along the pier and swimming in the hotel pool to round off the day.
Day 5 after a good night’s sleep, and following a walk along the promenade, it was time to climb aboard the coach for one last time and journey home back to Staffordshire.
The members were treated each night to entertainment at the hotel and everyone had a fabulously fun time. Oh, I almost forgot the Alice in Wonderland trail in Llandudno which was an opportunity to appreciate some of the characters from the Lewis Carol books.
Back to Club nights, and it was time to bowl a strike at the Cinebowl. One of our members managed it with their first bowl and there were happy faces all round.
This week was time for something completely different. Bramshall Park was our venue, so off we went to listen and feel the sounds from nature – the stream, trees and leaves with Tim. Followed by nature painting with Aster. The members had so much fun and the colours were wonderful and vibrant.
Uttoxeter Gateway Club are back at Bramshall Park on Saturday 24th August as Uttoxeter Lions host Lark In the Park from 1.00pm. We are fundraising for the Club with a Children’s Tombola and a new twist on our wheelbarrow raffle. This year not only can you win the wheelbarrow but the fun gardening related items inside. Come along and have some fun whilst supporting great charities.
Fingers crossed the weather is good for us. See you soon for a report on how it went.
Until next time…
Exciting Summer Activities
Last weekend was a busy one in our neck of the woods!
With Ladies Day at Uttoxeter Races on Friday, Makers Market in Uttoxeter Town Centre Saturday and JCB hosting the LIV Golfing tournament over the weekend at the JCB Golf Course at Rocester the roads were busy.
However, for one of our members her eyes were focused on the Leek Show and with good reason. It turned out to be a tremendous day with three rosettes to show for it and a cup too. Winning Supreme Beef Champion in the Interbreed section. Very well done to all the family and to Natalie. Congratulations, all your hard work has paid off.
This Tuesday’s Club meeting heralded the climax of our Summer Programme of events with our Club Summer Disco. Thanks to DJ Paul and all those in support; a great time was had dancing the night away.
Gateway will take a break next week with some of our members, staff and Trustee, heading off to Wales for 5 days. So our next Club night will be at the Cinebowl on the 13th August 2024.
Not long now till Lark in the Park. Make sure you put the date in your diary – 24th August 2024 at Bramshall Park.
Until next time…
Bingo Night – Eyes Down for a Full House
In Other News
10 Pin Bowling at Cinebowl Uttoxeter
Until next time…
Summer Evening at the Uttoxeter Races
Club Annual BBQ
July started with an excellent BBQ hosted by Fay, our Club Leader Trustee.
This is one of my favourite evenings in the year and fortunately the weather, while a little on the cool side remained dry, with the occasional ray of sunshine broking through on to our delighted members.
The food was prepared, cooked, served up and swiftly devoured by many hungry mouths.
I enjoyed my hot dog and the sweet strawberries and ice cream that followed. There were certainly no grumbles in that department.
We followed up the food with dancing and an impromptu round of musical statutes. In the end, it was declared a stand off and we declared joint winners!
One of our lovely members had taken her time to prepare two parcels for a round of Pass the Parcel. Judging by the looks of delight on faces when the music stopped and they unwrapped a layer to discover there was a small prize in every layer, her consideration was well received.
It just goes to show you’re never too old for a bit of fun, after all we all want to win.
Like all BBQ’s it was lovely to have the chance to just sit and chat with friends and have a catch up. I have to admit there was the occasional reference to the Euro’s which came as no surprise.
On a final note, “A Huge Thank You” to all involved in arranging the evening and in particular to Fay.
Until next time…
June 2024 – Mostly Wet and Windy
The month started on a bit of a chilly note. In fact, one of the Trustees husbands was decidedly grumpy and lit the wood burner one early June evening!
So it came as no surprise that the scheduled scavenger hunt was diverted back to base at Wilfred House due to the rain and an impromptu Games Night was quickly improvised. With a bit of ‘play your cards right’, Tin Can Alley and more the chocolate prizes were soon devoured. Fun and laughter rained down instead of the wet stuff!
Cinebowl is of course well and truly in the dry so there were plenty of members for our monthly trip there.
The highlight of the month clearly had to be the visit from Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Dancers. Their group soon had our members wielding their sticks and the sounds of bells jiggling filled the air.
The one thing you have to say about Uttoxeter Gateway Club is that you never know what they will be upto next. The variety of activities our team tries to provide is brilliant and so much fun too.
The weather finally improved so a walk in the park was followed with a chippy tea thanks to Cods Corner. What better way to spend a Tuesday evening with friends.
The summer isn’t over yet and July will bring a BBQ at Trustee and Club Leader Fay’s lovely garden. Here’s to a sunny evening, fingers crossed.
Until next time…
Spring Activities Summary
Uttoxeter Gateway Club has a wonderful volunteer wizard behind the scenes that we affectionately call our Web Master.
He has recently taken a well earned break, including a trip to the USA to meet his new grandson Casper, but now he’s back to show you what we have been up to in his absence!
Spring Update
Without question our monthly trip to the Uttoxeter Cinebowl remains the highlight of many of our members and the recently revamped 10 pin Bowling lanes has gone down really well.
However, a new activity that could challenge this is Crafting. Aster Woods, a Community Engagement Officer from Live and Local, came along and showed our group how to create a frieze. All the Gateway Club Members, staff and volunteers contributed to it and this experience was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
This spring was a bit on the chilly side but this didn’t stop our members wrapping up and heading out for a bit of bird watching. It was soon rewarded when they came across a family of geese. Further along the track it was decided everyone was a bit thirsty so a quick drink was called for which seemed almost as popular as seeing the goslings.
Back in the warm surrounding of our base at Wilfred House, it was time for another of our favourites Games Night. The competitive spirit was clear to see and lots of fun was had by all.
Coming soon is our next thrilling instalment and what we got up to in June.
Until next time…
Farm Visit to see the New Born Lambs
Spring is definitely here and in celebration what better way to see it for real than a trip to a local farm and have a cuddle with a newborn spring lamb. So this is exactly what Uttoxeter Gateway Club did.
Wellies were pulled on, warm jackets too, and off to the farm we went.
The welcome was so warm it didn’t matter what the weather was doing. Karen and Nick certainly made the trip one to remember.
There were so many delighted faces the photographer was clicking away trying to capture every special moment. For some the highlight was witnessing the actual birth of a lamb. Nick explained clearly what was happening and what he was doing to help but not interfere with the mother ewe. Mother nature at its best.
As you will see I have attached the photos and there were loads! Have fun choosing your favourites.
Happy Spring everyone!
Coming Up
Are you ready for your Crafting session with Aster this week?
In Other News
Due to Staff and Trustee holidays we will not be able to run a Club night on Tuesday 28th May 2024. Normal club will be running up to and resume the following week, 4th June 2024.
After very careful consideration at the recent Trustee meeting, it was decided that an increase to the weekly subscription will be introduced with effect from the 4th June 2024. This increase will be from £5.00 per week to £6.00 per week.
Just to reiterate, there will be no club on the 28th May due to staff and Trustee holidays but back to normal on the 4th June 2024.
Until next time…
