![Traveller’s Tales: A CALIFORNIAN ROAD TRIP](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CAL-1080x675.jpg)
![Traveller’s Tales: A CALIFORNIAN ROAD TRIP](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CAL-1080x675.jpg)
![Saturday Walks: RAMSDOWN HILL, HURN](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_1802-1080x675.jpg)
Saturday Walks: RAMSDOWN HILL, HURN
30 members of the FU3A Saturday Walk Group turned out for the first walk of the term on Saturday 7th October. It was a beautiful day, plenty of sunshine and a really pleasant day for a ramble. The 360 degree view from the flat top of the hill was excellent as the early morning mist had melted away.
The return walk back down the hill featured a look at the remains of the concrete footings of buildings used during WW2 to house members of the armed forces who manned the anti-aircraft guns, the radar and the search lights that helped to defend not only RAF Hurn but Ibsley and the other RAF Bases in the New Forest, below. (see photo)
Thanks were given to Clare Clayton for her work in organising the walk. Some members went on to take coffee at the Avon Causeway Hotel just a few yards down the road.
![AVIATION AROUND POOLE BAY](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/av.jpg)
AVIATION AROUND POOLE BAY
Due to illness our advertised speak was unable to attend.
We were very lucky to find a replacement speaker at short notice in Kevin Patience who came along to the Barrington Centre and spoke about the history of Aviation over Poole Bay.
His talk featured the history of flying from the earliest times through to WW2 and later the International B.O.A.C Flying Boats terminal which made this area busier than Heathrow Airport at the time.
There were 76 FU3A members present including many of our new members, who all enjoyed Kevin’s very interesting talk.
![SERV WESSEX](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/serv-1-1080x675.jpg)
SERV WESSEX
Ferndown U3A is ‘Serving Wessex’!
Ferndown u3a has rolled out a packed programme for the Autumn Term. Alongside talks and visits, it is promoting a Sponsored Walk along the entire length of the Castleman Trail on Saturday October 21st.
Chairman Bob Reeve said: ‘This year we’re supporting the charity SERV Wessex – also known as ‘The Blood Runners’. Its volunteers deliver blood and other emergency medical supplies to hospitals across our region.
When we last tackled the Castleman Trail, 17 of our members walked its entire length – so if you see walkers striding out in their Hi-Viz jackets on Saturday 21st, you’ll know who they are!’
There are a lot of very talented members within the ranks of Fu3a, and they are busy making items for our Craft Fair, also in aid of SERV Wessex, to be held in the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown on Friday November 10th from 10:00’.
It’s not too late to join Ferndown u3a this year. You can find details of all its Groups on its website www.ferndownu3a.co.uk, or by contacting its membership secretary at <Fu3amemsec@gmail.com>.
Picture shows Robert Smith (Chairman of SERV Wessex) thanking Fu3a Chairman Bob Reeve for the sum of £1385 raised so far.
The Gardening group, led by Kevin Steel raised a wonderful £660 with their sale at the Coronation Fete. The Cheque was presented to Robert Smith at our welcome back coffee morning. Robert explain about his role and the work of SERV Wessex.
![FIVE MILE WALKS](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/walk--1080x675.jpg)
FIVE MILE WALKS
Vivian Dedman writes: Photo of our first 5 mile walk of the year in Ringwood Forest in the sunshine!
![walk](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/walk--scaled.jpg)