Trip Reviews
Two Wells Evening Society Trips in 2009
Trip 1 Cornwall March 27-30th
Trip 2 Beaulieu July 2nd
Scroll below for the two Reviews
TRIP 2
Wells Evening Society
BEAULIEU GARDENS IN JULY
Thursday July 2nd 2009
Review
All 43 members were very timely in getting to Wells bus station so the coach was able to leave 5 minutes early and get on our way for an enjoyable day out to Beaulieu organised by John Barkle.
  The first stop was just outside Salisbury for a very welcome cup of coffee at the Grassmere Hotel, where we sat on the terrace, which overlooked the river and gave us a splendid view of Salisbury cathedral.
Then back on the coach for the remainder of the run over to Beaulieu House which we reached about 12 pm.
 The party then split up and went its own separate ways to explore the extensive grounds and exhibitions only coming together at 2 pm for a guided tour of the house. The staff were very knowledgable and provided us with a vivid impression of the history of the house.
 
 The abbey ruins were well worth investigating and even the limited amount left gave a powerful idea of the grand scale of the whole operation.
 However the highlight of the visit had to be a tour round the motor museum. This held a vast range of vehicles ranging from the earliest 19th century examples from Germany and France through to the rocket powered land speed vehicles of more recent years.
Of special interest to our group was the reconstruction of Mr Jack Tucker's garage from Wedmore that was bought complete and then re-built in the Beaulieu motor museum. It was very strange to walk through a building that one had driven past so many times.
Along the way one must not forget to mention the rides on the 1930's bus or the overhead monorail that took you right round the site.
There were lost of places around the site to satisfy ones hunger and as it was a particuarly warm day I think that a lot of icecreams were consumed. Most people finished off with a cup of tea and a cake in the cafe by the entrance before getting back on the coach at 5 pm for a leisurley and intersting drive back through the New Forest finally arriving in Wells at around 7 pm.
Thanks again for all the organisation John and well done for providing such an excellent day out.
ORIGINAL FLYER
A SUMMER OUTING TO BEAULIEU GARDENS, ABBEY AND NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM
Thursday July 2nd 2009
Our summer visit is to Beaulieu House and its Gardens, on the edge of the New Forrest. The 'Palace House' has been home to the Montagu family since 1538, although with additions, especially in Victorian times. The nearby Abbey, built on land given to the Cistercian monks by King John in 1204, sustained the ravages of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, but there is still much of interest to be seen. Within the parkland setting there are a Victorian Flower Garden, an Ornamental Kitchen Garden and Wilderness Garden dating back to the 1770s. Other attractions include the extensive National Motor Museum, and The Secret Army Exhibition (which tells the story of wartime Beaulieu that housed the SOE during WWII and where agents were trained before entering occupied Europe to work with the Resistance) and the opportunity to ride on a monorail and a 1912 London bus.
9.00 am The coach will leave Wells Princes Road Coach Station
10.30 a.m Stopping at Grassmere House Hotel, Salisbury for refreshments in the Garden Room, which overlooks lawns leading down to the River Avon.
12.00 noon (approximately): arrive at Beaulieu House where the Brabazon restaurant offers a wide range of food and drinks all day – from snacks to full meals.
2.00 p.m.: Palace House tour of Lord Montagu's ancestral home with its exquisite paintings, antique furniture and stunning architecture and covering its history from its monastic beginnings to the present day.
3.00 – 5.00 p.m.: at your leisure to enjoy the attractions and gardens.
5.00 p.m.Leaving Beaulieu at we expect to arrive back in Wells at around 7.00 p.m.
The total cost is £26 per person, which includes coach travel, morning coffee, entry to Beaulieu, tour of Palace House and driver gratuity.
Mr John Barkle, Kings Hay, Back Lane, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells BA5 1HZ
Telephone: 01749 870 063
TRIP 1
Wells Evening Society
CORNWALL IN THE SPRING
Friday March 27th to Sunday 30th March 2009
Review
 The weather was very kind to the group and 44 of us, from the Wells Evening Society, and the National Trust enjoyed a four day break in Cornwall superbly organised by Ann and Gordon Mills, seen enjoying the sunny weather in one of the gardens we visited during the trip.
Nothing was left to chance and the whole trip ran on oiled wheels confirming yet again the attention to detail that Anne and Gordon are so committed to.
 The first stop on the Friday was at Lanhydrock House and Gardens - the gardens were especially magnificent with the rhododendroms and azealeas in full bloom - a brilliant sight. As you can see this part of the group was enjoying the house and gardens on a bright but brisk day and the other photo shows quite how magnificent the shrubs in the garden were.
 I know this doesn't look real but the blossom really was as spectacular as this photo shows.
After the visit to Lanhydrock we continued onto Falmouth and had a short stop at the Art Gallery before checking into the very comfortable Falmouth Beach Hotel, which lived up to its name by being directly opposite the beach. The lucky ones had rooms with wonderful sea views and many of the party had morning or afternoon constitutionals along the firm sand of the beach.
 On the Saturday we drove into Truro to have a look round the city and make use of the Saturday market and extensive range of shops. Steve and Jane were walking past BHS when Jane suddenly turned sharp left into the store and before they knew it they had purchased a lovely chandelier that she had had her eye on for several months. The phrase 'strike while the iron is hot' springs to mind.
After lunch there was a visit to the Trevarno Gardens and national Museum of Gardening which was most enjoyable and especially memorable for the tea and cakes in the conservatory tea rooms.
Sunday started with an art focused morning spent in St Ives with first a visit to the Tate Gallery to see the excellent Ben Nicholson exhibition then secondly a visit to Barbara Hepworth's house and garden which now contains a breathtaking array of her sculptures and drawings.
St Ives is a truly wonderful place and everyone enjoyed wandering around the alleys and roads and finding places for lunch but were very grateful for the bus back up the steep hill to where the coach was parked. 
 The Sunday turned out to be action packed day as after lunch in St Ives we went onto the Trengwainton (NT) Gardens in the afternoon for a peaceful ramble around the extensive grounds which had excellent views out across the landscape from the lawn by the Ha-Ha. 
After an stimulating but tiring day I think everyone was pleased to get back to the hotel for a relaxing time before another superb meal.
On the Monday we drove to Cotehele House (NT) near to Saltash and spent the morning looking around the Tudor house and extensive grounds that dropped steeply down to the Tamar river. There were still the remains of the original quay and up the stream, that entered the Tamar by the quay, the old water mill has been restored and art workshops installed in the out buildings. A truly splendid and tranquil spot.
 After lunch we drove back to Wells but with a stop at the Fisherman's Cott pub on the river Exe at Bickleigh, just south of Tiverton, for afternoon tea and scones - scrumptious. It also gave us the opportunity for another of our traditional group photos.
After the afternoon tea it was pleasant to sit back on the coach and remember all the lovely experiences we had had over the past four days - well done Anne and Gordon.
ORIGINAL FLYER
Wells Evening Society
CORNWALL IN THE SPRING
CENTRED ON FALMOUTH (4 DAYS)
Four day holiday, March 27th - 30th 2009. Staying at the excellent Falmouth Beach Hotel, including BARNES coach travel, 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast, and all the following visits, for only £230.00 per person.
| Friday 27th |
We depart Wells at 8.30am prompt and make our way to Lanhydrock (NT) House, Bodmin, a magnificent Victorian Country House with gardens and wooded estate. |
| |
|
| Friday Afternoon |
After lunch here we travel on to Falmouth & to visit the Art Gallery before checking in to the Falmouth Beach Hotel. |
| |
|
| Saturday 28th |
A morning visit to the cathedral city of Truro where there is a Saturday market. We have lunch in Truro, and then drive to Trevarno Gardens. |
| |
|
| Saturday Afternoon |
The afternoon is spent at the Trevarno Gardens and the National Museum of Gardening - a beautiful World Heritage Site and very nice Conservatory tea rooms. |
| |
|
| Sunday 29th |
To St Ives this morning (where there is a Ben Nicholson exhibition at The Tate). We visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. After having lunch in St Ives, we go on to Trengwainton (NT) Gardens. |
| |
|
| Sunday Afternoon |
Looking round Trengwainton (NT) Gardens, a gardener's delight, with tranquil stream, cafe and breathtaking views over Mounts Bay and The Lizard. South facing, it is able to support tender exotics. |
| |
|
| Monday 30th |
We depart the hotel and make our way to Cotehele House (NT) near Saltash, a Tudor house on the banks of the River Tamar with an extensive riverside estate. |
| |
|
| Monday Afternoon |
We return to Wells with a stop at the Fisherman’s Cott on the River Exe at Bickleigh, just south of Tiverton. We will arrive back in Wells in the early Evening. |
|
|
THE FALMOUTH BEACH HOTEL
This excellent hotel is in a quiet position overlooking the sea. It has an indoor heated swimming pool, sun terrace, gymnasium and beauty salon. The hotel has a licensed bar and a lift.
Hotel Telephone: 01326 312999
www.falmouthbeachhotel.co.uk
To reserve your place, contact NOW:-
Ann Mills, 8 Carlton Mews, Wells, BA5 1SG
Telephone: 01749 678499
Email: mills@pobox.com
Wells Evening Society
STRATFORD AND SHAKESPEARE
Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June 2008
Review
The trip was organised by Ann Mills and was full of interesting activities. We drove north via a good coffee-stop to Compton Verney.
 This is a large stately home in spreading grounds which about five years ago was turned by one of the Littlewoods heirs into a vibrant gallery. There was a variety of paintings including a collection of Chinese works, but the great and lovely surprise to me was the huge collection of Folk Art. There were trade and shop signs, tools, iron-work, china and lovely naive paintings. Much of this used to be in the Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel in the Paragon in Bath and after disappearing has been sadly missed.
We drove on to the Holiday Inn in Stratford. This is very centrally placed and provided good help-yourself buffet dinners and breakfasts.
  Some of us went to the theatre A Midsummer Night's Dream whilst others could and did explore the town in the evening sun.
 On the Saturday morning there was time for more individual exploring. We visited Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried and also Hill Croft, the 17th century doctor’s house where Shakespeare’s daughter spent her married life...
We then drove to Hidcote Manor to see the justly famous gardens.
 In the Hidcote gardens “Rooms” of box hedge divided different areas of flowers and green abundance and were greatly enjoyed as shown by the happy visitor in the picture to the left. We were returned to the hotel in time for an early dinner if we wished to go to the theatre.
 This was a brilliant production of the Merchant of Venice in modern costume.
The main theatre is being re-built so this took place in the Courtyard Theatre. There was a lanky, pacing, brooding Shylock - so different from the normal stereotype - and exciting lighting and music.
 On Sunday we were driven to Coughton Court. This is an Elizabethan manor house associated with the Catholic faith. There was a priest hole and much about the gunpowder plot also lovely slanting views of the garden from the central part of the house.
 We had time to visit Cheltenham briefly on the way home. Here we wandered amongst the wide 18th and 19th century streets and shops - so very different from 17th century black and white buildings of Stratford. And in total contrast, we admired a powerful contemporary statue with a mythical theme: a giant hare and bull.
It was an excellent, lively and interesting three days very much enjoyed by all.
INITIAL FLYER FOR VISIT
May 2008 – 3 day visit to Stratford on Avon
Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June 2008
Two nights in an excellent, 4-Star Holiday Inn Hotel in the centre of Stratford, breakfast and dinner included.
Free time in Stratford
Compton Verney, Warwickshire’s award-winning art gallery and grounds;
Hidcote Manor Gardens, designed in the Arts & Crafts style and
Coughton Court, one of England’s finest Tudor Houses. Friday, 30th May: We will leave Wells Princes Road Bus Station promptly at 8.30 a.m. and expect to arrive at Compton Verney at around 11.30 a.m. A soup and sandwiches lunch is included. This will be in two sittings, 12 noon for half our group and 1.00 p.m. for the remainder. We will leave Compton Verney at around 3.30 p.m. for our Hotel in Stratford where dinner is included.
Saturday, 31st May: Following breakfast, a free morning in Stratford on Avon. Saturday afternoon, Weather permitting, at 1.30 p.m. we will leave the Hotel car park for an optional, but included, visit to Hidcote Manor Gardens. This is not advised for those planning to visit the theatre that evening. There is a licensed restaurant, National Trust shop. Saturday evening – dinner in the Hotel.
Sunday, 1st June: After breakfast we will leave the hotel at around 10.30 a.m. and proceed to Coughton Court. This is an imposing Tudor House in a beautiful setting with a walled garden, bog garden and river walk. There is also a fascinating exhibition of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. We depart at around 2.30 p.m. for our return to home to Wells, but with a ‘suitable’ stop en route. Estimated time of arrival in Wells Princess Road – 6.30 to 7 p.m.
Cost: The total cost per person for these 3 days away, as above, will be £225. This includes staying at a 4-star hotel, dinner, bed and breakfast. The Holiday Inn has a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. It is by the river (next to the boat stop) and a few yards from the open top bus stop, the theatre and excellent shops are within easy reach.
Notes: Members are responsible for their own travel insurance (including cancellation) – see below. Lunches on Saturday and Sunday are not included. National Trust Members should bring their Trust Cards for free entrance to Hidcote and Coughton Court. Non-NT members, will pay at the ‘group rate’.
Those wishing to go to the RSC theatre on Friday or Saturday night are advised to book their own tickets ‘well in advance’. The play on Friday 7.15pm & Saturday 1pm will be A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Saturday 7.15pm, The Merchant of Venice. The RSC hotline ‘phone number is 0844 800 1110 [website: www.rsc.org.uk]. Ticket prices are £14 to £38. The Hotel will provide pre-theatre meals from 5.30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
To book, please complete the tear off slip below, and send with your cheque – £40.00 deposit per person, or if required, £50.30 to include Barnes 3-day travel insurance (the balance will be requested in February) to the visit organiser (on behalf of Wells Evening Society):
Mrs Ann Mills, 8 Carlton Mews, Wells BA5 1SG Tel: 01749 678499
Wells Evening Society
LONDON IN APRIL
Friday 20th to Sunday 22 April 2007
Review
 The trip was organised by Jill Huggins, enjoyed to the full by all 45 members who travelled and we were lucky with the weather as the whole three days were bathed in sunshine. Our excellent hotel was in Richmond, right up on top of the hill near the Star and Garter Home.
The three day trip introduced us all to aspects of London which many of us had never before seen.
 En route to London on the Friday, we visited Osterley Park (National Trust) where we had lunch and toured the house. Osterley is a formal 18th century neo-classical house with Adam interiors and landscaped park grounds. Perhaps it is most interesting for the many lovely details designed by Robert Adam himself: lamps, a bed and a garden house.
 On the first evening we visited the offices of Deutsche Bank in the City, which has a fine collection of contemporary prints. The poor bus driver got completely lost finding the building. Gordon Mills had the presence of mind to commandeer a taxi, which lead us through the maze of streets to our destination! Deutsche Bank is a high rise office building surrounded by some of the City’s finest towers. We were just next to the Gherkin as we were entertained with wine and a talk about the Bank’s approach to collecting prints.
 Next day we visited Ham House in the morning where we explored the lovely formal gardens and wilderness.
 Then we proceeded on to Apsley House - “No 1 London.” This is the house donated to the Duke of Wellington by a grateful nation, where we had an excellent guide. The house was full of amazing paintings given by Spain after the Peninsular War. A huge naked statue of Napoleon in classical heroic pose rose up inside the circular staircase which one supposes must have given Wellington great pleasure. We climbed up inside the Wellington Monument opposite which is of course right in the middle of Hyde Park Corner, with traffic hurtling round. Winged Victory, the statue on top, is apparently the biggest bronze statue in Europe. We returned to another good dinner in the hotel.
 On Sunday morning we visited Syon Park, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland. This is a wonderful Adam house and garden. Aeroplanes roared constantly overhead but we walked happily in the formal gardens enjoying the beautiful sunny weather and Adam’s magnificent conservatory. This is said to have inspired Joseph Paxton’s glass building for the 1851 Great Exhibition.
2011 Review Chichester
Our “Days away trip” was organised this year by Sara Whitehouse, who put together a really interesting and varied three days. We saw things from Roman and mediaeval times , places and artefacts from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and visited galleries with contemporary items as well as works still in process.
We set off at 8-00 and drove with Herbie our friendly and reliable driver by a circuitous but pretty route through Devises and Malborough to Sandham Memorial Chapel. This is a 1920s red-brick building full of wall paintings by Stanley Spencer who, we were told by our guide, was commissioned to paint the walls in memory of a local man who had died as a result of wounds after World War I. Spencer had been both a medical orderly and soldier during the war and filled his inimitable paintings with personal and often unexpected details of life behind the lines: men were seen folding sheets, tidying up rubbish, filling tea urns, and in his central Resurrection scene donkeys appeared with soldiers amongst the tumbled crosses.
We then progressed to West Dean, a foundation set in a magnificent house and grounds which encourages the development of craft and art to the very highest standards. After lunch, we were introduced by the principal to the work and ideas of the trust’s founder Edward James. This was followed by a tour of the workshops, showing us some of the things which are made on courses for both resident undergraduates and weekly visitors. This included jewellery, metal work and sculpture as well as a huge tapestry from the Hunt of the Unicorn series which is being re-worked at West Dean in parallel with others at Stirling Castle. We had time to explore the beautifully maintained gardens before leaving for out hotel outside Chichester.
After dinner in the hotel, our evening was enlivened by a talk on what we were to see next day. We heard about Bishop George Bell who in the last century commissioned so much work in Chichester Cathedral and also about the contemporary paintings in the city’s Pallant Gallery.
Tuesday gave us a whole day in Chichester. An imposing new wing has been added to the lovely 17th century merchant’s dwelling known as Pallant house, and there in the morning we saw an amazingly broad ranging collection of modern British painting. We saw a recent community art work in ceramic tiles, Mervyn Peake’s intricate illustrations, a fascinating record of the 1951 Festival of Britain and the iconic fabrics and furniture of late 20th century designers Robin and Lucienne Day. Together with these were paintings by almost all the Names of 20th century British Art; it was a treasure house in which to enjoy contemporary art and design.
We separated for lunch in the sun and a wander about the busy streets and mediaeval alleys of the city, meeting again later in the afternoon for a tour of the Cathedral. Here as well as the wonders of the building’s Norman and Gothic architecture we saw the many works that Bishop Bell commissioned in the last century: amongst these were 'The Baptism of Christ' by Hans Feibusch, a Stained glass window by Marc Chagall , and a huge tapestry behind the bishop's throne designed by Joan Freeman and worked by members of the cathedral's congregation.
On our last day we were to visit Portsmouth and in the evening, after supper, we had a talk from a representative from Portsmouth Tourist Information who told us about the various things which we might like to visit when there.
Firstly on Wednesday we drove to Fishbourne. Since the early days of the discovery of the beautiful Roman mosaics there has been a massive development of this site. It proved, not for the first time, that one should never be reluctant to re-visit a site. These develop year by year and are nearly always better presented and more informative than when last seen.
Fishbourne was a huge Roman palace which must in its time have covered several acres. After an introductory film about the discovery of the palace in the 1960s, we walked around the covered site. We heard that the hypocaust system was added late in the Palace’s life and was in fact never put into use and we saw a great many beautiful mosaics including the famous boy riding a dolphin. This, together with the many intricate patterns, would have decorated the floor of the palace’s north wing. Much else to the south is covered by modern housing and will probably long remain so.
On, on to Portsmouth. As we approached the city, Anthony Langdon - a member of our party - introduced us to the harbour and told us about his life there as a young marine officer. This gave us a valuably personal insight as we approached the dockyards. Some of us then visited D Day Museum, the centre piece of which is with the dramatic 272 feet long Overlord Embroidery. This was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and shows in vividly exciting detail the story behind the D Day landings. An hour was not nearly long enough to absorb the stunning detail and realism of this brilliant tribute to the bravery and eventual success of Operation Overlord.
The group separated out as everyone explored the historic dockyard in their own way. There was much to do; some took a boat trip around the harbour, some were transported up to the top of the 550 feet tall Spinnaker Tower with the exciting views over the harbour whilst others had a happily relaxed lunch by the waterside. The sun shone throughout the afternoon, as it had for the whole three days.
The Barnes coach sped home and Sara was warmly thanked by all for organising such a splendid and various trip. The committee is now busy thinking about where to go in 2012...
2011 Review Windsor and Eton
Day Trip to Windsor Castle and Eton, Wednesday 18th May 2011
The Society’s day trip away was organised again this year by John Barkle. John brings his inimitably relaxed approach to his outings, and the whole day was filled with good humour and interest.
We left at 8-30 with a full coach of 40 members and drove straight to Windsor. John had organised a break for a comfort stop and coffee at the Andover Garden Centre; this is just off the A303 - on the A343 (sp Salisbury / Middle Wallop.) It had such good, various and unusual stock that some of us skipped the coffee in order to explore and to buy plants....an excellent stop-off for future journeys en route east.
It is a problem – impossible – to take coaches very near the Castle so the coach parked in the designated coach park which is a short walk from the gates. Even with a large group like ours Windsor Castle does not allow advance purchase of tickets, so Steve Lee rushed ahead to secure these. The ticket included an audio guide, so after air-port type frisking and X-rays, everyone separated out to explored the castle at their own pace.
The castle is magnificent; and remembering Oliver Everett’s April talk we were able to see and understand things pretty well. We could recognise Edward III’s great thick outer walls, the baroque ceilings and carvings from the reign of Charles I and all the formal pomp added at the behest of George IV. As for the time of Elizabeth II, it was astonishing to see the skill of the repairs and renovation done after the great fire in 1992 had wreaked havoc with great swathes of the castle.
It was impressive to see the scale and opulence of the many formal reception rooms. Each of these has its own history, which was well described by our audio guide. The range and quality of the paintings is quite extraordinary. Original Leonardo drawings, a Rembrandt self portrait, iconic Holbein works of Henry VIII and his family, a magnificent Breughel of the massacre of the Innocents – more and more wonderful, recognisable, valuable beyond guessing works for us to look at – and all at satisfyingly close quarters. There was an interesting exhibition of photographs of the Duke of Edinburgh, celebrating his ninety years.
Some of us never had time to visit St George’s Chapel. After a swift lunch we re-grouped at Eton College where a tour of the buildings had been arranged. We were divided into two parties and taken around the older buildings which surround the famous quadrangle. Our excellent guide told us about the present school, its traditions and some of the long history.
Taking Winchester College as his model, Eton College was founded by Henry VI in the early 15th century as a charity school to provide free education to seventy poor boys who would then go on to King's College, Cambridge, Henry granted the College a large number of endowments, including much valuable land, and had grand plans for its buildings; a very holy man, he originally wanted the nave of the College Chapel to be the longest in Europe.
We saw the original scholars’ dining hall, still in use by scholars today and laid out for supper with simple cutlery and plates. The room was hung with paintings of famous past Etonians. We visited the original class room, with the names of scholars who had passed the rigourous exams to Kings College and could carve their names into the wooden pillars. We saw the sad lists of names of the fallen in two World Wars, and the proud list of Etonian VCs. We visited the famous Chapel, with its 15th century wall paintings and stained glass windows by John Piper – and heard that the original scholars were required to attend chapel 14 times a day. We finished our tour in the Eton College museum, a collection of memorabilia of the school’s many centuries of history. The guides found it hard to fit in all the necessary information and to answer our many questions before the bus picked us up at 5-00.
It had rained a little whilst we were in the College buildings but the drive home was in the evening sunshine. John was warmly thanked by us all for organising yet again such a splendid day.
CARDIFF SPECTACULAR
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th March 2010
Review
The three day trip to Cardiff took place in early March to enable the group’s visit
to Carmen at the Welsh National Opera. The weather was excellent although
it was pretty cold throughout.
 We
set off early on Friday 5th in sunny crisp weather, driving straight to Caerleon,
just outside Newport. Here is an astonishingly well preserved Roman amphitheatre
together with (unique in the UK) extensive remains of the barracks used by this
legionary headquarters. Dr Bob Trett, a local archaeologist, took our group around
and with him talking the ruins seemed to come to life. The round amphitheatre would
have held 5000 men: perhaps the traditional name Arthur’s Table came from
a misty memory of the Celtic leader addressing his troops in the arena?
We lunched in the town, explored the magnificent Roman Baths and then left for Cardiff.
Here we were staying at the Angel Hotel, which being right in the centre of the
city gave us an excellent base for our visit.
 In
the afternoon, we visited Cardiff Castle where we again had guides taking us around.
They could and did explain the rich intricacies of William Burgess’s 19th
century design - and the phenomenal wealth of the Butes who paid for it all.
The evening was filled with a Welsh banquet, held in the Castle undercroft with
mead and wine and traditional Welsh dishes. There was also much Welsh singing
and harping and general good humour.
 Saturday
saw us in St Fagans Folk Museum, wandering around the justly famous Museum of Vernacular
Building; the less enthusiastic walkers were driven around in a little train.
We all happily explored the many buildings which have been removed from all over
Wales and meticulously re-built in the grounds. Amongst these are a fascinating
working corn mill, a 14th century church with lively frescos, a 19th
century grocer and general store and many ages and types of domestic housing.
On, on after lunch for an afternoon in Cardiff. Being so central, some had
the opportunity to shop, others to explore or to visit the Welsh National Museum.
Others again took a well deserved rest! This was perhaps a needed thing because
we then had a very early supper and were driven down to the Bay for our night at
the Opera. As we would expect from the Welsh National Opera company, Carmen
was delivered with rousing panache. The production had subtle earth colours
right through till towards the end when it burst into full vibrant colour. We all
enjoyed it immensely; it was exciting seeing the Millennium Centre lit up at night
- the huge letters glowing out the blackness of of the vast concrete and slate building.
 On
Sunday we were driven again to Cardiff Bay where we had a guided trip around the
docks and Barrage by ‘road train' and boat. It is astonishing how the area has changed
since the barrage was completed: new buildings and sculptures rise up all around
and the clean blue water was reflecting the blue sky. It was a beautiful morning
but very COLD! Photos of the group on the barrage show us all wrapped up against
the bitter wind. We then explored the area (i.e. found somewhere warm for lunch!)
although a few of us were lucky enough to pick up an excellent tour of the Welsh
Assembly, Richard Roger’s iconic building.
Our last port of call was to Llandaff Cathedral where we had time to look at the
building and Epstein’s unusual interpretation of Christ in Majesty before attending
sung evensong. We had a cup of tea in a characterful cafe on the Cathedral Green,
piled gratefully back into out friendly coach and in peerless evening sun were driven
back to Wells.
Cardiff Spectacular (3 Days)
Three day holiday, 5th,
6th & 7th March, 2010 - staying at the Barcelo Cardiff Angel Hotel, Barnes Coach
travel,2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast, “including the Opera Carmen !”, and
all the following (except
coffee & lunches) for only £225 per person !
|
Fri Mar 5th
|
We leave at 8.30 am prompt and make our way to Cardiff,
stopping en route to visit Caerleon.
(Roman Theatre, Museum) and for lunch.
|
|
Fri Mar 5th
|
After checking in at our hotel, we visit Cardiff Castle.
(a highly romantic
Gothic Fantasy designed for the fabulously rich Bute family in the 19th century.)
|
|
Fri Mar 5th
|
In the evening,
included in the price, we enjoy a full
Welsh Mediaeval Banquet. This is a real treat: a four course meal and wine,
Welsh music and song, with a
harpist,
and
all in the
15th century undercroft.
|
|
Sat Mar 6th
|
St Fagan’s fascinating open air museum. Vernacular architecture re-built in the grounds. St Fagan’s Castle
Museum and gardens. Lunch.
|
|
Sat Mar 6th
|
We go into Cardiff
where there is the
‘Welsh National Museum’,
with Impressionist paintings, the Castle grounds, excellent shops and famous arcades.
|
|
Sat Mar 6th
|
Back to
our Hotel for an early supper,
then off to the Millenium
Opera House
for the performance of
“Carmen”
by
the “Welsh National Opera”.
|
|
Sun Mar 7th
|
We visit
Cardiff Bay for an hour boat trip
round the bay, a half hour ‘guided walk’ along the barrage,
plus a half hour
boat-train
trip through the
working docks.
We can see
“Craft in the Bay”, sculptures, and lots of restaurants
for lunch.
|
|
Sun Mar 7th
|
Journey back via Severn Bridge, with a café stop en route. Arrival
time in Wells bus station approximately 5.30 pm.
|
Organiser: Philippa Collings, Email:
philippa@blackdogofwells.com
Black Dog of Wells, Tor Street, Wells BA5
2US
Telephone: Philippa: 01749 672548, or Ann Mills 01749 678499
CHEVANAGE -TETBURY VISIT
Tuesday 18th May 2010
Review
A party of around 45 left Wells coach station at 9 am and arrived at Chavenage House by 11.00 where we were all cordially greated by members of the family who still live in the house and open it to the public in order to make it viable. As well as being a beautiful place to visit the house is also well known for hosting weding parties and more specifically as a venue for films and TV, with costume drama's such as 'Lark Rise to Candelford' being filmed there.
  We started off by having coffee in the grand ball room, built I belief as a wedding present for a bride in the 1930's. The group then split into two and, led by two members of the family, did counter-rotating tours of the house which still has many remaining Tudor features.
Chavenage House Front
Family
  Of particular note were the fine tapestries in one of the bedrooms and the Tudor panelling in the Oak room.
 Chavenage House panelling
Bedroom Tapestries
 The rear of the house is parrticulalry splendid and looks out onto extensive grounds.
Chavenage House rear
 Of especial note was the fact that Chavenage House has its own Chapel and the family have remained staunch Roman Catholics even through the troubled times of the Civil War.
 Chavenage Chapel carvings
Most of the group took advantage of the offer from the family and bought what turned out to be an excellent ploughman's lunch which was washed down with a glass of wine or apple juice (provided by the committee) and follwed by tea or coffee.
Following the visit to Chavenage the coach dropped us all off in Tetbury where we were free to explore this delightful Cotswold town well known for its large number of antique shops and probably most famously for the Highgrove shop.
  Tetbury high street
Several people also explored the secrets of the large Market Hall before going on to look round the exquisite Georgian Church. This is a beautiful light and airy building with the added interest that the interior columns that look as if they are stone are in fact wooden, as is the roof and ceiling. All done to save weight and allow the introduction of the large high windows down either side of the knave. A real gem. Market Hall
  Tetbury Church Exterior
Tetbury Church interior
The party left Tetbury around 4.30 pm and was back in Wells just after 6 pm. Thanks again have to be expressed to John Barkle for planning and executing such a delighful day out.
Original Flyer
A SUMMER OUTING TO CHAVENAGE HOUSE AND GARDENS NEAR TETBURY
Tuesday May 18th 2010
Chavenage has medieval origins. A major re-construction in about 1575 created the Elizabethan house of mellow grey Cotswold stone that has remained virtually unchanged for 400 years. Only two families have owned Chavenage and it is still a family home – a family member will conduct our private tour of the house. Of particular interest is the Main Hall with its stained glass windows, the Ballroom, and the Oak room with its elaborate panels.
The house has much history relating to Cromwell and the Civil War of the 1640’s. By contrast the present day has seen Chavenage as the setting for many film and TV programmes, including the costume drama ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’.
The coach will leave Wells Princes Road Coach Station at 9.00 a.m. On arrival at Chavenage at approximately 10.45 a.m. refreshments will be served. We will then have a tour of the house. An excellent Ploughman’s lunch has been pre-ordered, for those who book it, followed by coffee or tea.
After lunch and a short time in the grounds we have a few minutes drive back to Tetbury, an interesting Cotswold market town. The town centre has a splendid pillared Market Hall which, together with merchants' houses still looking as they did 300 years ago, is considered to be an ‘architectural gem’. The church is described as ‘one of the best Georgian Gothic designs’ and has the 4th highest spire in the country. There are many antiques shops and tea-rooms to explore before we leave at about 4.30 p.m., arriving in Wells at about 6.00 p.m.
The cost is £18.00 per person, which includes coach travel, group visit to house, morning coffee and a driver gratuity. If you wish to bring a picnic lunch tables are available. A good ploughman’s lunch with coffee is available at £8.50, but must be pre-ordered and pre-paid.
SEDGEMOOR BATTLEFIELD VISIT
Thursday 8th July 2010
Review
Notes By Anthony Langdon (blue text) and bits from the Westonzoyland website (green
text).
 The pub in Westonzoyland was a good place for a light
lunch a couple of years ago, and there is plenty of parking.
Thank you for the information Anthony and quite a few of us took the opportunity
to check out the pub and it was indeed excellent making a good start to the afternoon
walk
Altogether about 40 members turned out for the walk over the Sedgemoor battlefield
and we had an excellent sunny day for it.
The story of the Monmouth’s rebellion
and his defeat, largely by John Churchill, later Duke of Marlborough, is a fascinating
study that might start in the English Channel off Lyme bay on 10th June
and end in a dank cell at Ringwood on 10th
July. But that would take several days.
  The crucial moment was
on 5-6th July and I suggest that we start (with the incumbent’s permission)
at Westonzoyland church at 2 o’clock on the 8th July as that is the nearest
day to the batlle.
I can “paint” a picture of what led to the rebellion
and how Monmouth’s army ended up in Bridgewater en route to Bristol. We will,
on foot, then examine the Royal Army camp at Westonzoyland and follow on footpaths
the route followed by Captain Sir Francis Compton’s cavalry patrol to Chedzoy.
Anthony gave us an impressive and fact filled summary of the movements of the two
armies that led to them finally meeting on the battlefield at Sedgemoor. It was
fascinating to hear how the landscape had changed over the years and that whilst
the large rhynes were there none of the small ditches and hedges obstructed the
fields so there could be much greater movement of cavalry, as long as they knew
where they were going.
We will visit the church of St Mary the Virgin,
where the parish register gives an account of the battle, before walking the route
taken by the rebel army as it attempted to surprise and attack Lord Feversham’s
Royal Forces at Westonzoyland.
  The bloody battle that followed on the Bussex rhyne, close
to the memorial, is our final stand.
The area around the memorial,
close to the Bussex rhyne and shown on the right, illustrates very well the type
of ground that the battle was fought over.
  Out
on the Somerset Levels, where the mists swirl along the rhynes, the battlefield
is marked by a granite memorial stone that bears the inscription:
To the Glory of God And in the Memory of All Those Who Doing the
Right as they Gave it Fell in the Battle of Sedgemoor 6th July 1685 And Lie Buried
in this Field or Who for their Share in the Fight Suffered Death Punishment or Transportation
Pro Patria
The battle between the highly trained army of the Catholic
King James II and the pitchfork rebels of the Protestant Duke of Monmouth lasted
barely an hour and contemporary writers gave the number of dead as anywhere between
700 and 2700. It was said that most of the fatalities on the side of the King's
army were buried in the Churchyard - one with a cannon ball in his chest.
Finally we will break
for strawberries and cream and tea provided (I hope) by the ladies of Westonzoyland
WI in the village hall at about 5 o’clock to half past.
The tea provided by the
WI ladies in the village hall was absolutely excellent and just what was needed
to round off a truly fascinating and interesting walk and lecture all combined into
one. So once again thank you vey much Anthony from the Wells Evening Society.
ORIGINAL
FLYER
The Battle of Sedgemoor 1685 – WES Walk 8th July 2010
Lead by Anthony Langdon (Retired Royal Marines and member of the Guild of
Battlefield Guides)
The story of the Monmouth’s rebellion and his defeat, largely by John Churchill, later Duke of Marlborough, is a fascinating study
that might be considered to have started in the English Channel off Lyme bay on
10th June and ended in a dank cell at Ringwood on 10th July 1685. To
follow the whole rebellion would take several days but the crucial moment was on
5th July.
Our guided walk will start at St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland at 2.00 p.m.
Anthony will 'paint' a picture of what led to the rebellion and how Monmouth’s army
ended up in Bridgewater en route to Bristol. We will, on foot, then see where
the Royal Army camped at Westonzoyland and follow on footpaths the route followed
by Captain Sir Francis Compton’s cavalry patrol to Chedzoy, where we will visit
the church of St Mary the Virgin. It is here that the parish register gives
an account of the battle. We will then walk the route taken by the rebel army
as it attempted to surprise and attack Lord Feversham’s Royal Forces at Westonzoyland.
The bloody battle that followed on the Bussex rhyne is our final stand.
We will pause to remember those who died at a memorial beside a field which is said
to contain a mass grave of 600 men.
We aim to be back at the Westonzoyland Community hall by 4.45 p.m. for
a strawberries and cream tea provided by the ladies of Westonzoyland WI.
Wear stout shoes and be prepared to walk about 3 miles, most of it on footpaths.
The cost of this tour including the tea and a contribution to the two churches we
visit is £8-50 per head.
For those who might want a light lunch beforehand, the Sedgemoor Inn in Westonzoyland
or The George in the next village of Middlezoy, might be worth considering.
Both have good reputations, but it would be advisable to book.
If possible, please arrange with your friends to share cars.
Although there is some parking at the Sedgemoor Inn, Westonzoyland, parking
on the main road through the village is difficult. For practical purposes
there is a limit of 50 people, so book a place early!
Mr Chris Hann, Little Orchard, Back Lane, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells BA5 1HZ Telephone: 01749
870 606
>
Thank you for the information Anthony and quite a few of us took the opportunity to check out the pub and it was indeed excellent making a good start to the afternoon walk
Altogether about 40 members turned out for the walk over the Sedgemoor battlefield and we had an excellent sunny day for it.
The story of the Monmouth’s rebellion and his defeat, largely by John Churchill, later Duke of Marlborough, is a fascinating study that might start in the English Channel off Lyme bay on 10th June and end in a dank cell at Ringwood on 10th July. But that would take several days.
The crucial moment was on 5-6th July and I suggest that we start (with the incumbent’s permission) at Westonzoyland church at 2 o’clock on the 8th July as that is the nearest day to the batlle.
I can “paint” a picture of what led to the rebellion and how Monmouth’s army ended up in Bridgewater en route to Bristol. We will, on foot, then examine the Royal Army camp at Westonzoyland and follow on footpaths the route followed by Captain Sir Francis Compton’s cavalry patrol to Chedzoy.
Anthony gave us an impressive and fact filled summary of the movements of the two armies that led to them finally meeting on the battlefield at Sedgemoor. It was fascinating to hear how the landscape had changed over the years and that whilst the large rhynes were there none of the small ditches and hedges obstructed the fields so there could be much greater movement of cavalry, as long as they knew where they were going.
We will visit the church of St Mary the Virgin, where the parish register gives an account of the battle, before walking the route taken by the rebel army as it attempted to surprise and attack Lord Feversham’s Royal Forces at Westonzoyland.
The bloody battle that followed on the Bussex rhyne, close to the memorial, is our final stand.
The area around the memorial, close to the Bussex rhyne and shown on the right, illustrates very well the type of ground that the battle was fought over.
Out on the Somerset Levels, where the mists swirl along the rhynes, the battlefield is marked by a granite memorial stone that bears the inscription:
To the Glory of God And in the Memory of All Those Who Doing the Right as they Gave it Fell in the Battle of Sedgemoor 6th July 1685 And Lie Buried in this Field or Who for their Share in the Fight Suffered Death Punishment or Transportation Pro Patria
The battle between the highly trained army of the Catholic King James II and the pitchfork rebels of the Protestant Duke of Monmouth lasted barely an hour and contemporary writers gave the number of dead as anywhere between 700 and 2700. It was said that most of the fatalities on the side of the King's army were buried in the Churchyard - one with a cannon ball in his chest.
Finally we will break for strawberries and cream and tea provided (I hope) by the ladies of Westonzoyland WI in the village hall at about 5 o’clock to half past.
The tea provided by the WI ladies in the village hall was absolutely excellent and just what was needed to round off a truly fascinating and interesting walk and lecture all combined into one. So once again thank you vey much Anthony from the Wells Evening Society.
ORIGINAL FLYER
The Battle of Sedgemoor 1685 – WES Walk 8th July 2010
Lead by Anthony Langdon (Retired Royal Marines and member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides)
The story of the Monmouth’s rebellion and his defeat, largely by John Churchill, later Duke of Marlborough, is a fascinating study that might be considered to have started in the English Channel off Lyme bay on 10th June and ended in a dank cell at Ringwood on 10th July 1685. To follow the whole rebellion would take several days but the crucial moment was on 5th July.
Our guided walk will start at St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland at 2.00 p.m. Anthony will 'paint' a picture of what led to the rebellion and how Monmouth’s army ended up in Bridgewater en route to Bristol. We will, on foot, then see where the Royal Army camped at Westonzoyland and follow on footpaths the route followed by Captain Sir Francis Compton’s cavalry patrol to Chedzoy, where we will visit the church of St Mary the Virgin. It is here that the parish register gives an account of the battle. We will then walk the route taken by the rebel army as it attempted to surprise and attack Lord Feversham’s Royal Forces at Westonzoyland. The bloody battle that followed on the Bussex rhyne is our final stand. We will pause to remember those who died at a memorial beside a field which is said to contain a mass grave of 600 men.
We aim to be back at the Westonzoyland Community hall by 4.45 p.m. for a strawberries and cream tea provided by the ladies of Westonzoyland WI.
Wear stout shoes and be prepared to walk about 3 miles, most of it on footpaths. The cost of this tour including the tea and a contribution to the two churches we visit is £8-50 per head.
For those who might want a light lunch beforehand, the Sedgemoor Inn in Westonzoyland or The George in the next village of Middlezoy, might be worth considering. Both have good reputations, but it would be advisable to book.
If possible, please arrange with your friends to share cars. Although there is some parking at the Sedgemoor Inn, Westonzoyland, parking on the main road through the village is difficult. For practical purposes there is a limit of 50 people, so book a place early!
Mr Chris Hann, Little Orchard, Back Lane, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells BA5 1HZ Telephone: 01749 870 606
Shropshire Adventure - 20th - 24th March
|