On Tuesday, 12th June 2007, Rufford Park was the venue for the first venture by the North Nottinghamshire Neighbourhood Group of U3As.

Members from participating U3As, (Ashfield, Dukeries, Mansfield, Newark & Southwell), joined together for a giant picnic to celebrate 25 years of the U3A movement in Great Britain, but the free event was equally open to members of the public and was well attended by around 400 people.

The five U3As set up displays in the marquee erected in the grounds, giving information about their interest groups, and entertainment was provided in the form of a jazz band - 'The New Orleans Hot Shots' - in the morning, and in the afternoon - 'The Anstone Male Voice Choir'. Both proved to be enormously popular. The Hot Shots played many noteable traditional jazz numbers and after a finale of the classic 'Mood Indigo', were requested to play a jazz version of 'Happy Birthday' for the U3A. Later, the choir sang a range of popular songs, the most memorable of which, (at least for the Guinness drinkers amongst us), was 'The Rhythm of Life'.

Some members braved the changeable weather to sit on the grass or under the trees, whilst many preferred the relative comfort of the marquee which gave ample room for everyone to enjoy the day, despite some heavy showers.

All in all, members and non-members alike shared in an enjoyable experience. A selection of photographs of the day are shown below.