About Us - Trips

Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey)

Members enjoyed excellent weather for the visit to Highclere Castle, aka 'Downton Abbey'. The castle was a delight with many light and airy rooms that felt they were still lived in and enjoyed. The references to TV and film were subtle but interesting and did not overpower the charm and grandeur of the state rooms themselves. The views for the upper rooms across the surrounding parkland were glorious.

As the country seat of the 5th Earl Carnarvon, the exhibition of original archaeological finds from Egypt was engaging and very informative whilst the reconstruction of artifacts found with the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun was stunning in its quality as the items compared well with the originals on display in Cairo, apparently. The surrounding grounds and woodland allowed members to wander in a variety of landscapes with the gardens themselves in full summer colour.

Bressingham Steam Museum and Garden

We had warm sunny weather for our trip to Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum, near Diss, Norfolk. Participants could choose to ride on either or both of the Fen and Waveney Valley railways and the historic restored Victorian Gallopers. There were also the Steam and Dad's Army museums, as well as visiting the Bloom's Dell and Foggy Bottom Gardens as featured on Gardener's World. It was a very enjoyable occasion, with something for everyone.

Marconi Heritage Walk

Starting at Chelmsford Station our knowledgeable guide spoke about the history of Marconi and how and why they set the company up in Chelmsford. He told us why the Titanic was featured in the Marconi mural at the station; a little-known fact is that Marconi, Chelmsford supplied the communication systems on the ship, and it was through them that the crew were able to call for help.

From the station we were taken towards New Street pointing out areas that had once been part of the original factory buildings. From behind the New Street building, Alan graphically explained the changes in the geography and history of the factory and the many developments and innovations over its productive years. Some original buildings such as the water tower remain while an area at the rear of the factory has been converted into a gym. Finally, he finished with Marconi's broadcasting history and its links to the BBC. Alan's informative and passionate tour lasted around 90 minutes and was enjoyed by all members attending.

Sense and Sensibility at Brentwood Theatre

Twelve of us joined a packed house to see Dot Productions' Sense and Sensibility. The cast of five did a magnificent job of bringing Jane Austen's story to the stage, incorporating their usual comic twists. What Miss Austen would have thought of Anne Steele's hairy chest is perhaps better not dwelt upon but the disembodied voice of Margaret calling from different parts of the house (in various timbres) was a comic master stroke. Another enjoyable production at our wonderful local theatre.

Waddesdon Christmas

Our Christmas trip this year was to see the Christmas decorations and the light trail at Waddesdon Manor and 36 of us duly set off on Friday 28 November. The afternoon started with a two course Christmas lunch at The Five Arrows pub in our own private dining room. We then reboarded the coach which took us to the car park nearest to the Manor. There was time for a quick look around the Christmas market where some Christmas goodies were purchased before our entry to the house.

The theme of this year's decorations was travel and we were invited to join Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild on his European tour. Each room contained a twenty-foot Christmas tree decorated in the holiday traditions of various cities throughout the continent. The tour was enhanced by relevant links to various items in the Waddesdon collection.

Later in the afternoon most of us followed the route of the fantastic light trail which was an exciting and unusual blend of lighting effects and music.