North Nottinghamshire Neighbourhood
Festival in Sherwood Forest Wednesday 17 June 2026
In spite of the day starting with spots of rain and drizzle, members of Ashfield, Dukeries, Forest Town, Mansfield, Rainworth, Sherwood and Worksop arrived early morning at Sherwood Forest, with their cars full of equipment. This was unloaded and erected and within an hour, the amphitheatre and picnic area of Sherwood Forest, was transformed into a blue and yellow U3A festival.
The live music, which showcased how professional our musicians are, started with Irene and Wynn, a musical duo from Forest Town U3A. After a well-choreographed changeover, the 25 strong Jubilee Ukulele Band (Dukeries u3a) had our feet tapping with their melodies and song. After lunch, the pace was picked up again with sounds from The Banjoleers from Dukeries U3A and the programme was completed by the Guitar Group from Worksop U3A, who concluded the day with encores!
The high standard of the music, clearly the result of hard practice and rehearsal, was greatly appreciated by the surrounding audience and anyone coming into Sherwood Forest on the day was greeted by high quality tunes which bought smiles to lots of faces.
Further down in the picnic area, games were played throughout the day concluding with the Welly Wanging Challenge. Squeals of laughter could be heard around the playing areas.
Midday, a walk to the Major Oak, where Ranger Clare gave information about the challenges for conservationists, was led by Iris, helped by Stefan and Kevin from Dukeries U3A.
Throughout the day, many members of u3a and the general public enjoyed relaxing, chatting and eating picnics in a most amiable and enjoyable atmosphere which promoted the friendship and fellowship of U3A groups. John Butler kindly came to show his support and he chatted with many, many members in the morning. The sunshine made a visit too!
The behind the scenes planning for the event took place over several months by Claire Wilkie, Sherwood, Kathryn Henshaw Carole Harrison and Bill Harrison from Mansfield and Leslye Henstock from Dukeries u3a. Special thanks were sent to Megan at RSPB Sherwood Forest, who arranged the event with the organisers.
A huge thank you is sent to everyone who contributed to the publicity of the event and the festival on the day. A huge amount of equipment was transported safely to and from the site, and by 4pm, Sherwood Forest was back to normal without a trace of evidence that U3A had been there!!