On 29th August last year, Valerie Marianni, Sylvia Russell and Bev Houghton accompanied 47 members by coach to the Barbican in London to see the show, Kiss Me Kate. We arrived well before the started giving us time to explore the centre, eat lunch or sit in the glorious weather by the Barbican Lake with fountains, water lilies and dark green water, dyed to cut out the reflection of the surrounding buildings. The show was lively, colourful and we received very positive feedback.
In January 57 of us went to the Piccadilly Theatre and thoroughly enjoyed Moulin Rouge. Again we had a couple of hours before the show to eat or shop. As soon as we entered the theatre we felt part of the set as the spectacular scenery was not only on stage. Valerie, Cynthia and I are currently looking see s what we can book next so if there is a show you would particularly like to see, please let us know.
In August 54 of us went to Highclere Castle where much of Downton Abbey was filmed. We had a very interesting tour and the guides in each of the rooms told us some amusing stories about the filming etc. There were also large photos of the rooms as they were filmed with the characters in them. One guide pointed to a door used regularly in the show and a photo of the butler Mr Carson going through it. She then said it was just a cupboard which the actor had to stand in until he was required for the shot. In the basement of the castle was a very well presented Egyptian exhibition telling the story of how in 1922, Lord Carnarvon & others were there when the tomb of Tutankhamen was first broken in to. The exhibition was so realistic, we could imagine we were there.
in December 53 of us went to Waddesdon Manor, decorated for Christmas with Sleeping Beauty as the theme. After leaving the car park we walked through a Christmas market which sold very nice mulled wine. Each room in the house was cleverly decorated with scenes from the fairy tale. There was so much to look at. When we finally came out of the Manor there was a spectacular light show projected on the whole building again telling the story of Sleeping Beauty.
in April, 57 of us went to Reading, again by coach. Some went shopping and others to the museum where we saw a full size facsimile of the Bayeux Tapestry. Some of us even had a laugh dressing up in medieval costumes. After a bite to eat, the coach took us to a river boat where we had a very enjoyable trip with an entertaining and informative running commentary by the skipper as we passed very expensive properties and other interesting landmarks. While travelling, we had a tasty, substantial cream tea.
On 7th July we are going to Leeds Castle and Maidstone Gin Distillery. For many different reasons, unusually we have not filled the coach but I’m sure those of us who are going will have a great time.
Angela Cartwright and Valerie Marianne arranged a wonderful winter break for us in Sidmouth. We stayed in the Victoria Hotel which was decorated for Christmas throughout. Many rooms had sea views, the Hotel being just across the road from the beach. As well as outings, we had time to explore the town and nearby the beautiful Connaught Gardens, even looking good in the winter. Some of us managed to climb the 60 steep, uneven steps of Jacob’s Ladder after walking along the seafront, past the red stone coloured cliffs, which later featured in paintings done by Janet Richardson’s art groups..
On 26th May Angela and Valerie escorted a group to Yorkshire in a Dunwood Coach. They all had a great time.