New Forest
5-7th October 2016
At precisely 9.05am the wheels rolled and we left for our annual extravaganza of museums, countryside, good food and companionship. This year our group of 37 travelled to Lyndhurst in the New Forest. After a buffet lunch at our hotel we travelled to the local church at the New Forest Centre, where we learned about the Verderers’, Agisters’, Commoners together with the Arts and Crafts design of the church. Much of the stained glass in the church was designed Edward Burne-Jones.
Following an informative talk our guides accompanied us deeper into the Forest, to the Beaulieu Road Sale Yard, where three times a year horses, ponies and donkeys are auctioned off by the ‘commoners’. As if on cue, our outdoor talk drew the attention of a group of inquisitive donkeys who were quite comfortable walking amongst us. The guides then walked us into various habitats where some of us went on to experience the bogs and tracks at first hand!
Day two was spent at Beaulieu Motor Museum taking in the nostalgia of motoring over the centuries and including vehicles featured on Top Gear. We also toured, Beaulieu Palace, the home of the Montague family; and where, by chance, we were able to watch Alan Titchmarsh filming an item for his antique show due to air next Spring. Later a member of our group was able to advise him on his choice of sandwich for his lunch! Mid-afternoon we drove to Bucklers’ Hard to get an insight into the history of the local shipbuilding. Some then took a river cruise while others indulged in afternoon tea!
Our final day, with cases packed, we journeyed to Portsmouth for the highlight of our trip to see the newly revealed and preserved ‘Mary Rose’. This museum is unique and its artefacts superbly displayed making it one of the finest in the country. The group further explored the historic naval yard, took in a boat tour of the harbour or conquered vertigo to view the Solent and Portsmouth from the Spinnaker Tower. Meanwhile Derek, our excellent coach driver, had been researching the state of the roads in preparation for our return journey. By using the A34 we arrived back in Aston Clinton in just over 2 hours. Our stay at the Forest Lodge Hotel, excellent meals and comfortable accommodation meant for a relaxing atmosphere which was enjoyed by all.
Now for next year!
Colin
Following an informative talk our guides accompanied us deeper into the Forest, to the Beaulieu Road Sale Yard, where three times a year horses, ponies and donkeys are auctioned off by the ‘commoners’. As if on cue, our outdoor talk drew the attention of a group of inquisitive donkeys who were quite comfortable walking amongst us. The guides then walked us into various habitats where some of us went on to experience the bogs and tracks at first hand!
Day two was spent at Beaulieu Motor Museum taking in the nostalgia of motoring over the centuries and including vehicles featured on Top Gear. We also toured, Beaulieu Palace, the home of the Montague family; and where, by chance, we were able to watch Alan Titchmarsh filming an item for his antique show due to air next Spring. Later a member of our group was able to advise him on his choice of sandwich for his lunch! Mid-afternoon we drove to Bucklers’ Hard to get an insight into the history of the local shipbuilding. Some then took a river cruise while others indulged in afternoon tea!
Our final day, with cases packed, we journeyed to Portsmouth for the highlight of our trip to see the newly revealed and preserved ‘Mary Rose’. This museum is unique and its artefacts superbly displayed making it one of the finest in the country. The group further explored the historic naval yard, took in a boat tour of the harbour or conquered vertigo to view the Solent and Portsmouth from the Spinnaker Tower. Meanwhile Derek, our excellent coach driver, had been researching the state of the roads in preparation for our return journey. By using the A34 we arrived back in Aston Clinton in just over 2 hours. Our stay at the Forest Lodge Hotel, excellent meals and comfortable accommodation meant for a relaxing atmosphere which was enjoyed by all.
Now for next year!
Colin