OUTINGS
Our preferred method of payment for Outings is by bank transfer (BACS). Click here for a guide. Cheques are also acceptable.
Outings News
Our final outing of the year has a festive theme. We will be going to see the Christmas Lights in Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest on Friday 2nd December. There will be over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds that will fill the air with festive fun. Walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. See the mesmerising flames in the fire garden and larger than life Christmas illuminations. Then why not treat yourself to a seasonal snack at Bedgebury cafe in the visitors’ centre? Talented street food vendors will bring a delicious twist to the tempting treats on offer. Or complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive spiced winter warmer, a hot chocolate or a toasted marshmallow. To book this fabulous festive trip organised by Sandra Chandnani please complete the application form at the end of the September newsletter.
In August we had a lovely day in Ramsgate seeing the war time tunnels then spending the day looking at the beautiful places the town has to offer. The Marina and the harbour were very pretty. A full review of this trip follows below. At the time of writing the October trip to Polesden Lacey was almost full, but if you would like to go on this trip the application form is in the August newsletter.
Joan Young Outings Co-ordinator
In August we had a lovely day in Ramsgate seeing the war time tunnels then spending the day looking at the beautiful places the town has to offer. The Marina and the harbour were very pretty. A full review of this trip follows below. At the time of writing the October trip to Polesden Lacey was almost full, but if you would like to go on this trip the application form is in the August newsletter.
Joan Young Outings Co-ordinator
Report and Pictures from the September Outing to Cliveden
Situated on a terrace high above the Thames and designed by Sir Charles Barry, Cliveden is not a cosy house. It exudes power.
Built of harsh white stone, its heavy portico and balustrade dominate the landscape. On the day of our visit the heavens opened but, between the torrential downpours, the views from the terrace were magnificent. The house, although owned by the National Trust, is now a luxurious hotel. We were very fortunate to be guided around the ground floor. The tour included the Great Baronial Hall panelled in English Oak with Corinthian columns and swags of carved flowers. A 16th century fireplace brought from a Bergundian chateau dominates the room. Standing in its shadow is a really lovely portrait of Nancy, Lady Astor, by John Singer Sargent. We were also able to see the French dining room oozing Rococco charm, its 18th century panelling came from the Chateau d’Asnieres near Paris and was once owned by Madame de Pompadour. French loss our gain?
The Astors played host to the great and the good in the 1920s and 30s. But the house is also notorious for its many scandals, famously that of Christine Keeler and John Profumo in the 1950s.
Following our house tour the rain continued to fall and thunder rumbled overhead as we were transported down to the Thames for our included boat trip. The section of the Thames bordering Cliveden is not tidal and the river runs gently past the estate. To the sound of raindrops falling overhead we drifted along the tranquil river.
We finally left Cliveden still shrouded in mist and dark clouds. On the way home we learnt our beloved Queen had died. But towards journeys end the sun came out, just in time to welcome our new King.
Built of harsh white stone, its heavy portico and balustrade dominate the landscape. On the day of our visit the heavens opened but, between the torrential downpours, the views from the terrace were magnificent. The house, although owned by the National Trust, is now a luxurious hotel. We were very fortunate to be guided around the ground floor. The tour included the Great Baronial Hall panelled in English Oak with Corinthian columns and swags of carved flowers. A 16th century fireplace brought from a Bergundian chateau dominates the room. Standing in its shadow is a really lovely portrait of Nancy, Lady Astor, by John Singer Sargent. We were also able to see the French dining room oozing Rococco charm, its 18th century panelling came from the Chateau d’Asnieres near Paris and was once owned by Madame de Pompadour. French loss our gain?
The Astors played host to the great and the good in the 1920s and 30s. But the house is also notorious for its many scandals, famously that of Christine Keeler and John Profumo in the 1950s.
Following our house tour the rain continued to fall and thunder rumbled overhead as we were transported down to the Thames for our included boat trip. The section of the Thames bordering Cliveden is not tidal and the river runs gently past the estate. To the sound of raindrops falling overhead we drifted along the tranquil river.
We finally left Cliveden still shrouded in mist and dark clouds. On the way home we learnt our beloved Queen had died. But towards journeys end the sun came out, just in time to welcome our new King.
Report and Pictures from the August Outing to Ramsgate
Ramsgate Tunnels were constructed at the outbreak of WW2 to provide some of the finest air raid shelters ever built and, nowadays, are certainly well worth visiting. The fact that these tunnels were built at all and completed in record time in 1939 was largely down to the persistence of the flamboyant Mayor and expertise of the Borough Engineer, the mastermind behind three and half miles of chalk tunnels under the town, with eleven entrances at strategic points – able to provide shelter for up to 60,000 people, with over 1,000 permanent residents, whose homes had been destroyed. After the war the tunnels were eventually closed. However, a Trust was formed, Lottery money was secured and the tunnels opened to the public in 2014. We divided into two groups, and equipped with hard hats and large torches, we explored a section of the tunnels with volunteer guides to tell us about the history of their construction, the facilities provided and what it was like for the people who used them during the war. Today, they have replicated some of the living quarters/sleeping areas, so that children can experience a night sleeping there (probably with not much sleep going on!). Afterwards, we had free time to enjoy a glorious, sunny day by the sea, wandering around the beautiful harbour and waterfront. Some of us found our way to Wetherspoons housed in the Royal Victoria Pavilion on the seafront, where one could sit in the open air on the balconies and enjoy a drink and lunch, whilst keeping an eye on a nearby seagull. A long, but lovely day. Thank you, Stella.
(Report by Pat Micklewright)
(Report by Pat Micklewright)
Report on Outing to the Kent Coast
We h
Report on Outing to Leonardslee and Nymans Gardens
Once through the gates of Leonardslee the gardens lay out in front for us to enjoy. Sculptures in and around the grounds were quite spectacular. If, after a walk, your tummy’s rumbling, the café had something for all. Then we visited The Dolls House Museum; a very clever work of art. Back on the coach.
Our next visit was Nymans. Indulgent or what?! Two gardens in one day. I know you wish you had come with us! Nymans has a connection to royalty, being Lord Snowdon’s childhood home. The gardens are full of colour throughout the year and the volunteers were happy to answer any questions you may have. What a super, indulgent day out. Report by Sheila Austin
Once through the gates of Leonardslee the gardens lay out in front for us to enjoy. Sculptures in and around the grounds were quite spectacular. If, after a walk, your tummy’s rumbling, the café had something for all. Then we visited The Dolls House Museum; a very clever work of art. Back on the coach.
Our next visit was Nymans. Indulgent or what?! Two gardens in one day. I know you wish you had come with us! Nymans has a connection to royalty, being Lord Snowdon’s childhood home. The gardens are full of colour throughout the year and the volunteers were happy to answer any questions you may have. What a super, indulgent day out. Report by Sheila Austin
Report on Outing to Hughenden Manor
Well, weren’t we in for a surprise, Lots of them? Benjamin Disraeli moved into Hughenden Manor with his wife Mary Anne. The red brick Victorian manor remained Disraeli’s home until his death in 1881.
A short walk too where he was laid to rest next to his wife, is well worth adding to things to see.
The house sits on a hill with magnificent views. Red Kites soar high above our heads and the beautiful gardens. Hughenden Manor just keeps surprising us. The house is full of them. I am deliberately holding back information regarding our trip, those who were there will understand. We don’t want to spoil the adventure for U3A members who haven’t yet visited. You won’t be disappointed. Disraeli allows us into his inner (not that he has any choice) sanctum, the house is full of interesting facts of his life.
We wandered freely. Guides on hand if needed. The café staff couldn’t do enough to make us welcome. Carts to help navigate any obstacles. Everything and everyone were perfect. You’d have a job to find anything to moan about Hughenden, o there is one thing, ‘the snoring on the way home’. Tee hee.
Happy Days…..
Sheila Austin.
A short walk too where he was laid to rest next to his wife, is well worth adding to things to see.
The house sits on a hill with magnificent views. Red Kites soar high above our heads and the beautiful gardens. Hughenden Manor just keeps surprising us. The house is full of them. I am deliberately holding back information regarding our trip, those who were there will understand. We don’t want to spoil the adventure for U3A members who haven’t yet visited. You won’t be disappointed. Disraeli allows us into his inner (not that he has any choice) sanctum, the house is full of interesting facts of his life.
We wandered freely. Guides on hand if needed. The café staff couldn’t do enough to make us welcome. Carts to help navigate any obstacles. Everything and everyone were perfect. You’d have a job to find anything to moan about Hughenden, o there is one thing, ‘the snoring on the way home’. Tee hee.
Happy Days…..
Sheila Austin.
Visit to the Congress Theatre Eastbourne to see Chicago
On Thursday 17 February our first outing for 2022 took us to Eastbourne to see the musical Chicago at the Congress theatre. The theatre was packed. It was lovely to see so many people determined to go out and about again. As for the show, well Razzle Dazzle girls and all that Jazz! The dancing was eye watering. Perhaps a bit too eye watering for some, but Faye Brooks, playing Roxie Hart, was mesmerising, particularly in the scene where she imitated a puppet having its strings pulled by Liam Marcelino, playing Billy Flynn, her crooked defence lawyer.
Djalenga Scott was equally amazing playing Roxie’s rival Velma Kelly. Djalenga has the longest legs I have ever seen, like Betty Grable’s they should be insured!
The dancing was raunchy, the girls beautiful, the musicians not hidden away in the pit but joining in right up there on the stage.
And at the end of the show, Barry, our coach driver, was parked almost right outside the theatre to take us home.
Report by Joan Young, Outings Coordinator
Report on Outing to Wisley Glow
When our coach set off for the Wisley Glow it was packed. The Glow was scheduled for 4 pm but exceptionally the M25 was not gridlocked and we were early so Barry, our very experienced driver, took us off piste for a detour to Oxshot and a bird’s eye view of the sumptuous mansions favoured, amongst others, by footballers’ wives.
Even so we were still early and had plenty of time for hot chocolate, mulled wine, or whatever took your fancy, before the Glow started.
Finally, darkness fell and we could follow the Glow trail. It rained but that didn’t matter, rather it enhanced the experience, lasers lit up the dark sky turning the raindrops into diamonds, coloured fountains sprung to life shooting up from the lakes, waterfalls thundered and changed colour. We walked through tunnels of light accompanied by classical music, goblets of fire exploded to the foot tapping beat of “New York, New York”. Even the trees appeared to shimmer, and of course there were carols. It was simply stunning a banquet for the senses, and a great way to welcome in Christmas. I loved it. And if that wasn’t enough there was still plenty of time to explore and perhaps buy the lovey goodies in the Christmas shop.
Thank you to Sheila Casey for the report and to Stella Westrup for the photos.
Even so we were still early and had plenty of time for hot chocolate, mulled wine, or whatever took your fancy, before the Glow started.
Finally, darkness fell and we could follow the Glow trail. It rained but that didn’t matter, rather it enhanced the experience, lasers lit up the dark sky turning the raindrops into diamonds, coloured fountains sprung to life shooting up from the lakes, waterfalls thundered and changed colour. We walked through tunnels of light accompanied by classical music, goblets of fire exploded to the foot tapping beat of “New York, New York”. Even the trees appeared to shimmer, and of course there were carols. It was simply stunning a banquet for the senses, and a great way to welcome in Christmas. I loved it. And if that wasn’t enough there was still plenty of time to explore and perhaps buy the lovey goodies in the Christmas shop.
Thank you to Sheila Casey for the report and to Stella Westrup for the photos.
Report on October Outing to Audley End
The first sighting of Audley End House was magical. The morning sun lit up this beautiful house, sitting comfortably in the most amazing gardens. The house and tea rooms were available upon our arrival, with no time restrictions on viewing the house, giving us the freedom to explore Audley End from top to bottom. Guides were on hand and happy to answer our questions. There was so much to take in, paintings of residents past by Holbein and Canaletto, and many Dutch and Flemish old masters . Venturing into the huge laundry we found the household linen left hanging above our heads to dry. I believe the kitchen and the laundry have been used in many period dramas along with the stables. Needless to say there’s something for everyone. We enjoyed all Audley End House had to offer.
Report on September Outing to Highclere Castle
As the coach approached the grounds the sheer size of Highclere took your breath away. Thanks to our driver Barry’s impeccable driving we arrived pretty much on time and couldn’t wait to scramble out of the coach on this perfect day. The castle’s undulating grounds stretched out enticingly; dotted here and there with huge trees, strategically placed follies, walled gardens, and tables set for tea.
Fans of Downton Abbey were in for a treat. All the public rooms had billboards highlighting set pieces from the drama with the actors in situ, an inspired idea. We could see Lady Mary standing just in front of “that fireplace” or the Dowager Countess of Grantham, (Maggie Smith) straight backed, holding forth from “that sofa”, Lord Grantham in the smoking room, and was that Carson waiting in the wings?
As we moved through the library and sitting rooms light flooded in highlighting painted ceilings and painted walls; rooms full of colour, amber, ochre, burnt orange and gold. No magnolia here. Family and Royal photographs decorated every surface. Upstairs were more treats as the bedrooms were open; each enjoyed a different colour scheme with sumptuous drapes and, since they are still in use, modern plumbing!
We were so fortunate in being the last public tour of the season. The castle was due to close to the public the very next day and the Count and Countess were moving back in to host private tours and their own guests for the rest of the year. We were assured the bedrooms were all in use by the guests as were the state rooms, this was no museum it felt really lived in. Finally, the Tutankhamun display in the basement was mesmerising and merits a paragraph of its own, but I haven’t the space! Our coach drew away leaving a lingering view of the castle and the remembrance of how the other half live! Joan thank you for organising such a wonderful day. Sheila Casey
As the coach approached the grounds the sheer size of Highclere took your breath away. Thanks to our driver Barry’s impeccable driving we arrived pretty much on time and couldn’t wait to scramble out of the coach on this perfect day. The castle’s undulating grounds stretched out enticingly; dotted here and there with huge trees, strategically placed follies, walled gardens, and tables set for tea.
Fans of Downton Abbey were in for a treat. All the public rooms had billboards highlighting set pieces from the drama with the actors in situ, an inspired idea. We could see Lady Mary standing just in front of “that fireplace” or the Dowager Countess of Grantham, (Maggie Smith) straight backed, holding forth from “that sofa”, Lord Grantham in the smoking room, and was that Carson waiting in the wings?
As we moved through the library and sitting rooms light flooded in highlighting painted ceilings and painted walls; rooms full of colour, amber, ochre, burnt orange and gold. No magnolia here. Family and Royal photographs decorated every surface. Upstairs were more treats as the bedrooms were open; each enjoyed a different colour scheme with sumptuous drapes and, since they are still in use, modern plumbing!
We were so fortunate in being the last public tour of the season. The castle was due to close to the public the very next day and the Count and Countess were moving back in to host private tours and their own guests for the rest of the year. We were assured the bedrooms were all in use by the guests as were the state rooms, this was no museum it felt really lived in. Finally, the Tutankhamun display in the basement was mesmerising and merits a paragraph of its own, but I haven’t the space! Our coach drew away leaving a lingering view of the castle and the remembrance of how the other half live! Joan thank you for organising such a wonderful day. Sheila Casey
|
|
|
Report on Outing to Uppark House
Our August outing was to Uppark House, a 17th century residence donated to the National Trust in 1954, which overlooks the stunning panoramic South Downs. The gardens were designed by Humphrey Repton, the foremost architect and landscape designer of his day. It survived a devastating fire in 1989, resulting in a pioneering conservation project. It was free flow and everyone admired the interior of the house with all its beautiful paintings and exquisite treasures. The Doll’s House especially left people in wonderment. Our members enjoyed the day out in spite being caught up in a 12 mile M25 tailback returning to Tunbridge Wells. Thsnk you to Stella Westrup for organising.
Our August outing was to Uppark House, a 17th century residence donated to the National Trust in 1954, which overlooks the stunning panoramic South Downs. The gardens were designed by Humphrey Repton, the foremost architect and landscape designer of his day. It survived a devastating fire in 1989, resulting in a pioneering conservation project. It was free flow and everyone admired the interior of the house with all its beautiful paintings and exquisite treasures. The Doll’s House especially left people in wonderment. Our members enjoyed the day out in spite being caught up in a 12 mile M25 tailback returning to Tunbridge Wells. Thsnk you to Stella Westrup for organising.
Report on Outing to Anglesey Abbey
On Tuesday 27th July we had our first outing since February 2020 to Anglesey Abbey. The outing was enjoyed by 47 of our members.
The house was last owned by Lord Fairhaven who bequeathed it to the National Trust on his death in 1966. He primarily bought it because it was near Newmarket race course and the queen mother visited and stayed in the house when she went to the race course. The origins of the house date back 900 years and was an infirmary and then a priory but that was dissolved under Henry the eighth’s reign.The ruins remained until early in the seventeenth century when the present house was built .There is an eclectic collection of antiquities dating from the early Tudors to the 1960’s. The gardens were beautiful, consisting of a formal garden, herbaceous garden, a rose garden,an area that had stunning silver birch trees and many more lovely areas of the garden.
The house was last owned by Lord Fairhaven who bequeathed it to the National Trust on his death in 1966. He primarily bought it because it was near Newmarket race course and the queen mother visited and stayed in the house when she went to the race course. The origins of the house date back 900 years and was an infirmary and then a priory but that was dissolved under Henry the eighth’s reign.The ruins remained until early in the seventeenth century when the present house was built .There is an eclectic collection of antiquities dating from the early Tudors to the 1960’s. The gardens were beautiful, consisting of a formal garden, herbaceous garden, a rose garden,an area that had stunning silver birch trees and many more lovely areas of the garden.
Here are some of the outings that we enjoyed before Coronavirus restrictions came into effect:
The Royal splendour of Windsor Castle. All that glittered was gold!
The awe-inspiring Bletchley Park set in acres of garden, renowned for breaking the Enigma Code.
Polesden Lacey was a truly beautiful house set in very pretty gardens. The interiors had been furnished with no expense spared and our Queen and Princess Margaret spent many holidays there as children.
The Spitfire and Hurricane Museum at Manston was a homage to the very young and brave men that flew these planes and lost their lives. A truly inspiring visit, plus we visited Reculver bay where the bouncing bomb was trialled.
