Gloucester - July 2019

The recent Day Out in Gloucester proved to be a very pleasant outing. It had been advertised as a visit to Gloucester Docks and the city of Gloucester; thirty-two members took the opportunity to enjoy our first visit there.

The weather was ideal: warm and dry but not too hot. The journey took far less time than we had anticipated allowing us about seven hours there. The drop-off point was very convenient for all the attractions too.

Groups of friends set off to make the most of their visit. Gloucester Docks was a popular choice. There were no crowds so it was easy to wander around and see the former warehouses and different types of boats.

The National Waterways Museum was very interesting with two floors of exhibits associated with rivers and canals. For many of us, the sections on the social history of the people who lived and worked on the canals was the most fascinating. Exhibits linked to our local area included photographs taken on the Ashby Canal and a fabulous Measham-ware teapot.

Several members enjoyed a boat trip on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. The boat's captain gave a commentary during the trip which was both informative and amusing.

In the city itself the skyline is dominated by the Cathedral. Most of us visited this magnificent building parts of which are over 900 years old. The different architectural styles inside are amazing and the stained glass windows are splendid. Some of us were fortunate enough to hear the Cathedral choir practising.

After a full day, the universal opinion was that Gloucester had provided an ideal destination for a Day Out. Thank you to everyone who supported this excursion.

6 metre rope recreation of a Severn Trow, a boat unique to the area, inside the National Waterways Museum

On the quayside outside the National Waterways Museum

A view of the dock, the UK's largest inland port

Gloucester Cathedral from the south side

Holiday in North Wales - June 2019

Thirty-seven members took part in this year's holiday based in Caernarfon. As usual, the excursion had been organised through Roberts Travel Group and it was at their base in Hugglescote that we all met on Sunday 23rd June for an 8am departure to North Wales.

We were pleased to find that our coach was extremely comfortable and our driver, Andy, friendly, skilled and conscientious. The journey was surprisingly quick so that by lunchtime we arrived at the Celtic Royal Hotel. We soon discovered that our hotel was very convenient for walking into town and wandering along the water front.

Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was our first organised destination. It is huge. Building began in 1283 and as with all our magnificent medieval buildings, one can only wonder at how it was all executed. There are towers and walls to explore; exhibitions and a museum to visit and sites linked to the Investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969.

When people were ready, they returned to the hotel to find their rooms and unpack. At dinner, we found the staff were well-organised, the food was tasty and the portions generous. Afterwards, for those who had the stamina after a long day, there were ample places to sit and socialise with fellow guests.

On our first full day, after an early and hearty breakfast, Andy drove us to Portmeirion. This is a unique settlement built over several decades by architect Clough Williams-Ellis in the Italianate style. There was a free introductory guided tour and a Forest Train ride available which helped us to appreciate more fully what we could see. It is enchanting. Several members recalled their enthusiasm for "The Prisoner", the cult TV series of the 1960s, which was partly filmed here.

Our next destination was Porthmadog so that we could board the afternoon train on the Welsh Highland Railway. The journey to Caernarfon was a wonderful experience with many opportunities for taking photographs as we steamed along. The scenery in the Snowdonia National Park was stunning. As a bonus the clouds parted to allow the sunshine through. For a finale, there was a lovely view of the castle as we pulled into Caernarfon station. Andy was there waiting with his coach to transport us back to the hotel.

The next day was spent on Anglesey and was to include three spontaneous rounds of applause. There was some light drizzle as we were driven over to the island. A brief stop was made at the railway station with the longest name in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, where numerous photographs were taken.

Plas Newydd, a National Trust property, was our morning destination and this proved to be ideal as those who dislike damp weather could wander through the large house. The highlight for most was the Whistler mural, probably the most famous and largest mural in Britain, painted by the renowned artist Rex Whistler. The NT volunteer room guide was in his element as he explained many features of this gigantic art work. It was he who earnt the first resounding round of applause.

After lunch, we set off to the Hidden Gardens at Plas Cadnant where a guided tour had been arranged. For the many keen gardeners in our group, this was a highlight. Chris, our guide, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about both his plants and his site. The more formal gardens were interesting and colourful but the gardens in the valley were very picturesque. The planting complemented the slopes, rocks and flowing water in a glorious manner. At the end of the tour, Chris earnt a much-deserved round of applause and our party had time for tea and independent exploration before we left.

Our itinerary included leaving Anglesey using the Menai Bridge. This was a challenge for Andy as our coach almost filled the space for vehicles in the towers at either end of the bridge. Andy drove very slowly and we all breathed in so that the crossing was accomplished with just centimetres to spare. Everyone cheered and Andy acknowledged the applause.

On the last day of our holiday our final visit was to Llandudno where everyone was free to spend time as they wished. Many were happy to saunter around the town or stroll along The Parade. Others opted for a ride on the Great Orme Tramway and a few walked onto the Great Orme. With its varied attractions, Llandudno was a pleasant location in which to end our holiday. At 2.30pm we boarded our coach and began the journey home.

The activities had been varied and enjoyable. The company had been pleasant, agreeable and good-humoured. The accommodation had been ideal for our needs. Even the weather had been reasonable. Lynda and Sue were very pleased and sincerely thank everyone for their support.

Caernarfon Castle

Interior of Caernarfon Castle looking towards the Eagle Tower

The Clock Tower at Portmeirion

At a viewpoint overlooking Portmeirion

Welsh Highland Railway - preparing to board the train

Our train on a sharp curve

The railway station with the long name (and how to say it!)

Plas Newydd House

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens - the walled garden

Plas Cadnant - the valley garden

Llandudno seafront

Trams on a passing loop on the way to the Great Orme

Our group