Visit to Slimbridge WWT 23rd October 2024
Three day visit to Scotland - May 2024
Click on Scotland to see the full report.
Visit to Swansea Grand Theatr
16th April 2024
On 16th April, a party of u3a members travelled down to Swansea Grand Theatre to enjoy Bizet’s “Carmen” featuring the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre Kyiv with International soloists, highly praised Chorus and full Orchestra.
This was an excellent choice by the “Travel Team”; right from the start we travelled in a brand-new Williams Coach, the weather remained warm and dry. The Grand Theatre auditorium is
spacious and brightly decorated, some of which can be seen in the montage created by John Turnock.
The whole performance was delightful, from the Conductor’s long arms and baton gesticulating out of the Orchestra pit to remind us of their existence, the colourful, energetic singers and dancers, to the emotional curtain call and the entire audience rising to stand for the Ukrainian National Anthem.
Visit to the Morgan Car Factory
March 2024
On a bright, but chilly, spring day, sixteen members headed over the Malvern Hills to visit the famed Morgan Factory. Here, they still build a car by hand, to the purchaser’s individual specification, using a blend of traditional methods and modern materials. We were treated to a two-hour guided tour, explaining both the history and the production of the cars. Our guide was clearly very knowledgeable and imparted information and enthusiasm in equal measures.
The very first ‘Morgan Car’, a three wheeler, was built in 1909. Over the years, the company moved to producing four-wheeled vehicles but the three-wheeler version is still available, as are ‘desert-trekkers’ and rally versions. It is obviously a fact that, provided you have the financial means, you can order a car to be built exactly as you want it , down to the choice of custom colour and level of trim.
21st February 2024 - Cardiff Castle and the National Museum
On Wednesday, 21st February, at 9:10, eighteen of us departed Brecon for what was going to be a brilliant way to spend a rainy day in Cardiff. We first visited the Castle where Brecon U3A had arranged for a Guided House Tour of the spectacular Castle Apartments. We followed in the footsteps of the Bute family and learned of the role they played in the development in Wales in this area. Our tour guide was outstanding and clearly an expert in her field.
The photographs were taken by Sue Cooper
After a delicious, for most of us, Welsh inspired lunch at the Castle café, we moved on to the National Museum Cardiff.
Here some of the group became engrossed in the Artes Mundi 10 exhibition of contemporary art, while others were enthralled by the inspiring displays of pottery and art and many more. The natural science walk through was particularly interesting for me. The time was soon over and was only long enough to whet my appetite for more. I will certainly be back.
Anna, our very capable coach driver, delivered a weary but satisfied group safely back home just after dark.
I found the day profoundly captivating. The historical richness of the castle coupled with the cultural treasures of the museum made for an enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Thank you Brecon U3A Travel Desk team.
Dee Krawczyk