Bourton & District

Past Visits : P of I

Thursday 26th October 2017
CROCODILE WORLD
A group of us did a self-drive visit to Crocodile World, near Burford, the only one in the country. This conservation project is developing rapidly and has in excess of 30 species of animals, from the huge Caiman (Alligator), the young Komodo Dragon, down to Meerkats and tiny Monkeys.
Watching the Crocodiles being fed reminded us how dangerous these animals can be but they need very little food and, as long as you are on land 15 metres away it won’t be you!
“Close encounters” allowed us to see and touch the Alligator, Python and Skunk. Did you know that the Skunk only smells if it is upset but, if the smell gets on you, it will be several weeks before it wears off? Despite that it is a soft and cuddly animal.

If you are lucky, you may see the beautiful green lizards which live freely high up on the walls above the crocodile pool.
A great place to visit for adults and children!
June French

Sunday 24th September 2017
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
A coach full of members thoroughly enjoyed a visit to the State Rooms and current Exhibition.

Wednesday 23rd August 2017
WESTON SUPER MARE
This was a self-book outing with Pulhams Coaches

Wednesday 5th July 2017
ROYAL MINT
It was a very hot day, when 31 members travelled by coach to Wales to visit the new Royal Mint.
New it is since originally coins were normally struck in London apart from some regional mints during early times. The first moneyer in London appeared in c.650. Because of a re-coinage in the early 19th century a purpose built mint was constructed on Tower Hill and remained our main mint until decimalisation in 1971 meant many more coins were quickly needed and the Mint moved to its new spacious site in Llantrisant in 1968.

We were shown the processes of making blanks, some of which are exported to other countries for producing their own coins; such is the quality of the product.
The striking of the coins today is all done by machines turning out ninety thousand coins a day for 60 countries. The guide was very informative as was the exhibition where in particular we were able to see one of the very rare specimen sovereigns for Edward VIII valued at least £600,000 and a rare 1933 penny. The last time one of these very rare coins sold it raised £72,000.
Some of us got to mint our own new £1 coin to keep but it cost £3.50!!

After a light lunch we were on to the very up-market Farm Shop at the Gloucester Services where a little shopping therapy was indulged in.
Clive Dellow

Tuesday 27thJune 2017
BLETCHLEY PARK
We visited the 581 acre Bletchley Park estate, home to the WW2 Government Code and Cypher School, on 27th June. Our group were given an overview of Bletchley’s war time function by a member of staff who proceeded to show us a workingreplica of the famous Enigma decoding machine.
We were then free to explore the rest of the establishment and with the aid of audio commentary equipment, discovered many interesting facts about Bletchley’s past. These rather cold unwelcoming surroundings housed some of the greatest academics whom, whilst sworn to secrecy, worked tirelessly to break the German enigma codes. Success came when a brilliant, reclusive, graduate from Kings College Cambridge named Alan Turing took charge of a team of code breakers. With the Germans changing the code sequence every 24hrs they needed to decode the messages very quickly. It’s believed Alan Turing’s work shortened the war by some 2 years with an estimated 2 million lives saved. This remarkable mans’ statue (by Stephen Kettle 2007) shows him made of thousands of welsh slate pieces. I wonder whether this is a representation of the complexity of the man? Alan Turing has been credited with being the father of the modern computer and when this troubled man took his own life in June 1954 an apple with one bite out of it was found on the floor. It’s believed this was the inspiration behind the Apple Computers
logo.
Ray Dodd

Thursday 15th June 2017
Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
A small group of us went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joe McElderry took the lead role of Joseph. He was the winner of the X- Factor in 2009. The Stage Magazine crowned him as one of the best Joseph’s in the History of the role. The cast were energetic, all very well qualified and many could have taken a leading part. It was visually spectacular. A real feel good singalong show.
Robert Nelmes

Thursday 11th May 2017
Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
14 members went to see Bill Kenwright’s production of A Judgement in Stone – an adaptation of one of Ruth Rendell's early thrillers – a story set in the 1970s and concerning a collision of class and social values.
Unfortunately we do not have a members review but this play seems to have been sluggish at times and unfortunately does not appear to have been enjoyed by all.

Wednesday 10th May 2017
WORCESTER CATHEDRAL afternoon visit
We had an enjoyable and instructive visit to the Cathedral when we visited Worcester on May 10th. The tour lasted 1.1/2 hours and could have lasted longer. We learned a great deal about the history of the Cathedral and it's losses during the Reformation. Highlight of the tour was the visit to King John's tomb and that of Prince Arthur, the boy who should have been King as the oldest son of Henry VII. Noticeably, this tomb appeared to be unfinished, as Henry VIII clearly didn't want to glorify him. We were amused by the small window overlooking the altar from the Sacristan's house, to make sure no-one was stealing the silver! We all felt thhat we need to go back and have a further look, as a tour of 11/2 hours could not do justice to this wonderful cathedral.
Roger Harris

Wednesday 10th May 2017
WORCESTER CHINA MUSEUM morning visit
On a warm, sunny day at the beginning of May 21 members visited The Museum of Royal Worcester, close to Worcester Cathedral.
We had time for refreshments and to wander around before a talk on its history. It looks after the largest collections of Worcester Porcelain, and so much was on show = so many different designs, patterns, photographs, copper plates, tools and equipment that were used.
18th century published prints were used as inspiration for decorations, and the copper plates were hand engraved with such precision and used for printing, then painted by hand on china and bottles.
Porcelain originated from China around 1750 when tea and tea drinking became popular and teapots were required.
The factory was established in 1751 and encouraged apprenticeships and skills which were passed down through generations. From the 18thC only a few named painters were allowed, and are known, to sign their paintings at Worcester e.g. John Donaldson 1765.
Many events from history have been recorded in productions e.g. a large service for the Prince Regent c.1815, the Coronation of George Vth in 1901, and the present Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s Wedding in 1947. Personal monograms or initials are on individually commissioned pieces of porcelain too, and these are still produced today for individuals who can afford such products.
The factory was saved in 1930 by Charles Dyson Perrins (Worcester Sauce Family) and became a charitable trust in 1947. The factory closed in 2008 and is now owned, and porcelain being produced, by Portmeirion.
The Museum has a shop which sells donated items of Royal Worcester porcelain of all designs, and the money raised is used towards running costs. Useful for those of us who have too much!
We received such an excellent, interesting and detailed talk about the factory’s history and were given magnificent pieces of porcelain to hold – old and new.
Really worth a visit.
Judith Baker

Thursday 4th May 2017
A VISIT TO KEW GARDENS

15 members of the Places of Interest group shared the Bourton Family History’s group coach to Kew – they went to the archives and we went to the world's most famous garden, 250 years old and London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site. There is something for absolutely everyone at Kew in their 300 acres of beautiful gardens with wonderful glass houses, a tree top walk (18 metres high), a palm house, Japanese landscape, bluebell woods - even a palace plus more!!
May is a perfect time for the rhododendrons and the dell was a sight to behold - we even caught the tail end of some amazing tulip beds which were appreciated by members who were not fortunate enough to go on the Holland break last month. (!)
Installed in 2016, the Hive is a unique, multi-sensory experience designed to highlight the extraordinary life of bees. Another ‘not to be missed’ experience.
We are grateful to Clive Ind (family history) for sharing his coach and with one request – can we do this again next year please?
Audrey Dockery

14/18th April
The Bulbfields of Holland
See link Events

Thursday 6th April 2017
Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
19 of us met at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham to watch Dreamboats and Petticoats. We all seemed to be of a similar age in the theatre so were lucky enough to remember the music of the Fifties and early sixties. The show was set in a local Youth Club around a band of musicians and the cast in the show performed live. How talented they all were and had us feet tapping throughout the show. Every detail was how we remembered (including the girls dancing round their handbags ) even when we went to the local youth club and watched live bands. Some even went on to become famous. The grand finale had the audience foot tapping, singing, clapping their hands and some even dancing in the aisle. A good rock and roll afternoon .
Mary and Tom Gardner

Wednesday 29th March 2017
British Motor Museum
On the 29th March, 11 members of the Places of Interest Group had an
excellent day out at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, which holds the
worlds largest collection of historic British cars.
The Museum had recently undertaken an extensive renovation and the
beautiful exhibits, including Royal cars and Film cars were a pleasure
to see.
In addition, the separate Collection Centre displayed 250 cars from the
Reserve Collection including a complete floor of rare Jaguars.
As it was impossible to see everything in one day it would justify
another visit in the summer.
Jean Moss.

Thursday 9th February 2017
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Well! You go to a theatre to see a play called ‘Murder at Haversham Manor’ by Cornley Polytechnic and usually you are impressed by the accomplished performance and production that they provide. But not this time!!
Imagine. Even before ‘curtain up’ the crew were trying to fix the scenery together. By the end the whole set had collapsed and in between we had to endure lines forgotten and words mis-pronounced, a corpse who had to make his own way off stage, performers trying to continue with the script whilst stuck in position trying to hold bits of the set together and indeed, risking life and limb. Doors slammed on to cast members whose unconscious bodies had to be removed out of a ‘window’ or propped into the grandfather clock. Chandeliers exploded, coal scuttles ignited ….. and the dog was invisible. But they stuck at it, the cast and stage crew, and gave it all they’d got. And the detective did it! As for us, WE LOVED IT. It was fun and laughter all round. A real hoot even if it was A Play That Goes Wrong.
Madeleine & Neil Cox

Thursday 26th JANUARY 2017
22 members supported our social coffee morning at The Talbot, Stow on the Wold, where we had a private room upstairs with tea, coffee and biscuits supplied by the landlord. Lots of ideas for future events were put forward and it was so encouraging to have a volunteer(s) to organise each of the outings. We now have a rather exciting and varied programme which I hope you will all enjoy and, most importantly, support. Please remember, if you have a venue you feel would be worth visiting - and you are prepared to try your hand in organising it - we would love to hear from you; help, guidance and support can be given. This can be done in pairs or in groups.

Thursday 1st December 2016
Christmas at Blenheim
A group of U3A members huddled at the bus stop in many layers of clothing, were very pleased to see Pulhams newest most comfortable and very warm coach arrive. After picking up at Bourton, Stow and Moreton, we had a full coach. On arrival, we first marvelled at the beautiful old Palace decorated with innumerable Christmas trees, tastefully decorated with white lights.
Setting off on the marked trail, we found it mostly well-lit and level, and other visitors told us that it was wheel-chair friendly, which is always a bonus. As a tree lover, I particularly liked the massive gnarled and ancient oaks, lit to show all their splendour. The singing trees were more of a novelty which many enjoyed.
Capability Brown’s Cascade, Bridge and Lake, were spectacular, and it seemed a good place to sit and enjoy a welcome glass of piping hot mulled wine. The prettily lit tunnel, and Father Christmas’s house, were very popular with the children around us.
When we got back to the Courtyard, there were many interesting smells to entice us, but I think the majority chose the well- stocked shop, and by the look of the bags coming back to the bus, most people bought something
A free hot chestnut cadged from the vendor rounded of a very pleasant evening spent in the good company of U3A members. Thanks once again to Audrey for organising it.
Ruth Manning

Thursday 17th November
Everyman Theatre
20 members attended The Everyman Theatre and enjoyed a splendid production of A Tale of Two Cities. Two and a Half hours of tense drama, love & horrific violence at the time of the French Revoluton, the end of the 18th Century, with the odd joke thrown in to break the tension. Set in Paris and London, a tale of two cities, two men in love with the same women and two periods of political history. A very watchable production shown by an enthralled audience, some with even a tear in their eyes at the end.
Janet & David Prout

Thursday 6th October 2016
Everyman Theatre
21 members went to the Everyman Theatre to see the Glenn Miller Story staring music legend Tommy Steele stage the extraordinary tale of the Big Band leader who vanished over the English Channel as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during the 2nd World War.
It was an excellent production featuring a spectacular 16 piece orchestra and supporting company. Members thoroughly enjoyed the Big Band hits of the era
Betty Phelps

Thursday 29th September 2016
Cotswold Distillery
On a beautiful late September day 13 members visited the Cotswold Distillery at Stourton near Shipston on Stour. The Cotswold Distillery was founded in 2013 and started to operate in 2014 making gin and whisky; they also produce liqueurs and fruit brandies.
We started the tour with a video describing the background to the company and the products that they produce. We were then taken on a tour by one of the brewers who explained in detail the processes involved in the making of gin and whisky. He explained how they use local ingredients including the use of lavender from Snowshill in the gin to give it a distinctive taste. Firstly we went into the distillery where the the fermentation and distillation of their single malt is done using traditional Scottish pot stills. We passed one of the staff whose job for the day was to climb inside one of the vessels to clean it.
We then went to a warehouse which is full of barrels of whisky. The barrels are old bourbon, sherry and wine casks; this gives the whisky its colour and distinctive taste. The whisky can not be sold until it is three years old and will be available in 2017. Because of this they are currently concentrating on marketing their London dry gin products. You could reserve a barrel of whisky which would cost you around £9.000 pounds. They also have barrels of whisky stored in Liverpool under the Mersey where the humidity reduces the amount of alcohol lost by evaporation.
After the tour we were given the opportunity to taste a small amount !! of the products that the Cotswold Distillery make. After the sampling I think we all walked away having enjoyed the tour and no doubt a few Christmas presents were bought.
Anne & Peter Hedges

Sunday 31st July 2016
Salisbury
Seventeen members made an early start on 31st July to join a local bus company day trip to Salisbury. The journey was quickly accomplished and we arrived on a bright and sunny morning at 10.30 giving everyone ample time to explore at their own pace. After a very good coffee in a local hotel near the coach drop off point we set off individually to explore.
Entering the Cathedral Close through one of the old gates in the walled enclosure, we found an expanse of green surrounded beautiful houses.
The magnificent Cathedral, housing one of the four copies of the Magna Carta still in existence, dominated the space and was open after the morning service.
The most fascinating property was “Arundells” the home of the former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath. Parts of it dated back to the 13th Century and it was modernised over time. On his death his wish was that the property be enjoyed by the nation. The house had a very warm welcoming feel and housed a wonderful collection of art works (from cartoons poking fun at Sir Edward,) to works by Lowrie, Augustus John and many others. The walled gardens were extensive and bounded by the river Avon.
We also visited the National Trust property of Mompesson House a Queen Anne townhouse used for the filming of Pride & Prejudice. At one time it was the residence of the Bishop of Salisbury. It has a lovely 14th Century walled garden with croquet lawn and a pleasant tea room.
Add to our visit a very good lunch eaten outdoors in gorgeous sunshine, a glass of cold wine and all too soon we had to make our way to the coach for our 4.45pm return journey. A highly recommended trip.
Anne Jones

Wednesday 29 June 2016
Bill Bird Bespoke Shoemaker
It was wet and a rather cold June day when 11 of us arrived at the workshop of Bill Bird Shoes in Northwick Business Centre. However it certainly didn’t dampen our visit.
What enthusiasm and what energy the staff have together with such dedication to their work. Making footwear for people with problem feet. It’s a small workshop with a team of only six at full capacity. Their clients come from all walks of life (‘scuse the pun), people with malformed feet, bunions, polio and war victims, and so on; in fact anyone who can’t simply walk into a shop and buy what they want.
After an initial consultation, clients chose a style and a personal Shoe Last is made which the client keeps forever. The variety of skins used is quite mind blowing – animal skins (including those from buffalo, elephant, kangaroo etc), bird skins and ones from reptiles – even salmon skins!
Shoes are not cheap but for those who have problems, I’m sure the result is priceless.
Russell, one of their directors, gave us a very indepth talk and tour of the premises. Their skills and achievements are second to none and we all departed more knowledgeable and wiser after a really enjoyable morning.
Audrey Dockery

Thursday 11th May 2016
Everyman Theatre
12 members of Bourton-on-the-Water U3A Theatre Group attended a matinee performance at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham of The Father by Florian Zeller. The Father, an eighty years old former engineer, was played by Kenneth Cranham who recently won an Olivier Award for best male actor.
The play depicts what it is like to live with dementia and the effect on everyone who loves and cares for the sufferer. Most of the audience could empathise with one or more of the characters and there were few dry eyes at the end of the performance.
Val Robotham

Thursday 28th April 2016
Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough.
On the 28th April a group of 22 set off to Loughborough. The factory was built in 1859 and is still a working foundry, one of 2 in the U.K. the other in London. The largest bell in the U.K. was cast in 1881 named the "Great Paul", the journey to London 115 miles by road took 11 days and hangs in the South West tower of St.Pauls Cathedral.
We visited the Bellfoundry Museum and shop where we were shown a very informative D.V.D. Bells were available to ring and the tour began of the working areas of the factory; we were lucky to view bells being cast, destination America.
All in all a Ding Dong of a trip.
Beryl Ferguson

NB : This Foundry is the largest in the world! All the bells in the churches of Bourton and Moreton were made here as were 3 of the bells in Stow.

15/17th April 2016
Thriplow Daffodil Festival
see the link in Events

Thursday 31 March 2016
Everyman Theatre
On a bright sunny afternoon 25 of us gathered at the Everyman Theatre to watch a production of ‘Single Spies by Alan Bennett. It consists of two plays ‘An Englishman Abroad’ which was based on the Australian actress Coral Browne’s encounter with Guy Burgess in Moscow in the winter of 1958 and the other ‘A Question of Attribution’ where Anthony Blunt, as the Queen’s Surveyor of Pictures, discusses with her the existence of a third man in a portrait, drawing parallels between forgery and treachery .Bennett was fascinated by the secrets hidden beneath the canvas and the subject of attributing work to particular old masters.
Both plays are portrayals of two of the best known members of the spy ring the ‘Cambridge Five’ recruited at Cambridge University in the 1930s. In the Burgess play it is evident that Bennett sees it as ‘about exile ,a subject that does interest me , rather than about espionage, which interests me not a bit’. Burgess found that life in the USSR was not a comfortable one.
In both plays we are led to consider the nature of patriotism and the betrayal of patriotic values.
Interestingly, on leaving the theatre I overheard three comments ‘splendid and well acted’, ‘boring’ and ‘interesting’.
Anne Morgans

Thursday 25 February 2016
Gordon Russell Design Museum
On a bright but chilly February morning 23 of us gathered inside the Gordon Russell Design Museum in Broadway. We were split into 2 groups and a well organised plan by the guides resulted in one group being upstairs while the other downstairs and vice versa. The museum is light and airy with informative wall plaques around providing a timeline of world events and the story of the Gordon Russell firm.

We viewed a video showing Gordon Russell’s home Kingcombe House near Chipping Campden to which he devoted much time and energy. We learnt that Gordon’s father bought the Lygon Arms in 1904 and that Gordon was inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement that had become established in the area at the time.

As well as learning about the history of Gordon Russell and the firm he created our guides were able to show us many different pieces of furniture manufactured by the company. We saw the insides and undersides of drawers, heard about the different types of wood used and the techniques used to “work with the wood”.

Of particular interest was the cabinet made in the Arts and Crafts style of Ernest Gimson that was exhibited in the Paris exhibition of 1925. (Made of walnut, and delicately inlaid with ebony, yew, laburnum and boxwood).

To learn more about utility furniture, who commissioned a chest of drawers from a holly tree that had fallen in his garden, Murphy radios and what items were produced for the new Coventry Cathedral then a visit to Broadway is highly recommended.

Sheila Thomas

Thursday 28 January 2016
Everyman Theatre
18 of us went to the Everyman Theatre to see Round and Round the Garden, the 3rd part of a trilogy by Alan Ayckbourn. It takes place in the lovely garden of a country house over a weekend. The three couples, due to their very differing personalities, end up in a farcical situation when Norman thinks that the ladies fancy him and want to know him better. Poor Norman is spurned by all three and makes matters worse by driving his car into Reg’s on the way out resulting in them all having to stay longer.
It was an enjoyable afternoon for us all.
June Dear

Thursford Christmas Extravaganza
Sunday/Monday 29/30 November 2015
see the link in Events

Everyman Theatre
Sunday 15 November 2015 saw 29 members boarding a Pulhams coach on its way to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. The production was The Last Night of the Proms which has become an established feature in the Theatre’s programme. The Glevum Symphony Orchestra, joined by finalists from the local Rotary Young Musician competition entertained us with orchestral classical music together with lots of fun, jokes, balloons, streamers and whistles. Certainly a fun night enjoyed by all.
Proceeds will go to Rotary supported causes including the Cobalt Unit Appeal to support their work in Cancer and Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Audrey Dockery

Three Choirs Vineyard
On 30 September 2015 members of the group travelled by coach to the Three Choirs Vineyard in Newent which was founded in 1973. It now covers 30 hectares and is one of the largest commercial vineyards in the country.
On arrival we were greeted with a small glass of their sparkling white wine which was drunk outside in the sunshine allowing us to take in the beautiful area surrounding the vineyard. We were asked to keep our glasses as there was more sampling to be done.

Our guide showed us around the vineyard and the vinery stopping at various points to describe the foundation and development of the vineyard, the varieties of grape grown, the harvesting and processing of the grapes and the bottling. We realised that she was carrying a bag of wine bottles, the contents of which we were able to sample each time we stopped.
There was, of course, an opportunity to buy wines and other related items. We then moved to the nearby 3 Shires Garden Centre where we had lunch before returning by coach.
Peter Hedges

Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
A big thank you to Jenny for once again organising another outing with good seats - Puttin on the Ritz on 10 September. Although not everyone's "cup of tea" you could not fault the choreography, costumes and energetic, slick, split timing of the dancers oozing with glamour. Truly a walk down memory lane featuring music from Irving Berlin, Gershwin and Cole Porter with the added bonus of two dancers from the Strictly Come Dancing series.
Lin Stevens

New Theatre Oxford
A coach of 40 members went to Oxford on 15 July2015 to attend the matinee production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time” based on Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel and performed by a National Theatre cast. The play started dramatically with a spotlight falling on a (stuffed!) dog lying in the middle of the stage killed by a garden fork. The main character was Christopher, a teenager with an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. It was an inventive, ingenious and moving depiction of an autistic boy’s journey when his life is upturned after he falls under suspicion for killing the dog. However, the production was very loud and was peppered with unnecessary bad language. The show, rather like Marmite, divided the group between those who loved it and those who hated it and stimulated interesting discussions on the coach home. Our thanks to Jenny Hill for organising the trip.
Malcolm Llewellyn Jones

Combe Mill

A group of 31 members visited this sawmill in the depths of the Oxford countryside on 29 June and greatly enjoyed learning about its history and seeing demonstrations of some of its equipment.

There has been a mill on this site since at least Saxon times but the present sawmill belonging to the Blenheim Estate of the Duke of Marlborough dates from the mid-nineteenth century. It has been restored as a working industrial museum which offers visitors a good insight into what work was like in Victorian times. It is operated as a working hands-on museum by the Combe Mill Society which is run on by unpaid volunteers, many of whom are engineers and delight in talking about and demonstrating the exhibits.
The mill machinery is driven via flat belts from pulleys on the line shafting powered by a water wheel and a beam engine, both of which survive having been restored to working order. The two sources of power allowed work to continue regardless of the state of the river.

----- In addition to the usual sawmill machinery, a number of other interesting items are on view. For example, there is an interesting collection of mostly working historic tower clocks that have been restored by society members. It was astonishing to learn that the Stonesfield clock, loaned to Combe Mill by the Museum of Oxfordshire for five years in 2010, was made in 1543. Also on display are many of the tools and artefacts associated with various typical trades required in support of Blenheim Palace including the tools used by carpenters, blacksmiths, metal casters, wheelwrights, roof slaters, pattern makers and furniture makers.
We all enjoyed the outing.

Ralph Williams

Birmingham and the Staffordshire Hoard. June 3rd 2015
There was quite an excited buzz as our party of 50+ departed promptly at 8.30 a.m.The visit started with talks by two speakers.The first gave us background information to the hoard, whilst the second described not only the sources of the material used but the astonishing skill in the making . This enabled us to fully appreciate just what we were looking at. The "hoard" was extremely well displayed,
in widely separated "themed" areas of the one large gallery. Notice boards and video screens provided yet more helpful information
adjacent to the display. The "touch screen" was a touch of magic - I will say no more about it, this you must experience for yourselves. A very generous time allowance had been made which could be used as we wished, exploring within the large and extensive museum, locally or for making several other visits to the hoard. We all had a grand day out!
John Wilson

On the 28th April under the guidance of Audrey, 17 members visited the Guide Dogs for the Blind National Breeding Centre at Bishop's Tachbrook.

On arrival we were shown a short film of the layout of the building and grounds, the building having cost £18 million! We were informed as to the costs and monies required to progress this wonderful work.

Having been split into small groups, with each group having a personal guide with their dog, we walked along various walkways which allowed us to view the dogs with their puppies at various stages of growth, it was explained that the staff and dogs were not disturbed, whilst the sight of the very young puppies bought forth lots of oohs and aahs.
We were given the opportunity to walk blindfolded through a Sensory Tunnel to experience a little of what a blind person feels.

The tour ended with a short film about a "Buddy" dog. Some dogs do not make the grade as guide dogs and can become Buddy dogs or be trained by the police or armed forces.

The shop and refreshments were thoroughly enjoyed by all at the close of our visit

Mona and Sheila.

A total of 25 members travelled to STRATFORD ON AVON on 12th March for a matinee performance of Loves Labours Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This much-acclaimed production was set in an English Country Manorhouse (based on nearby Charlecote Manor) and was hilariously funny, particularly the interpretations of the Quixotic Spaniard Don Armado and the gardener, Costard.

14 members of the group took a late tea/early supper either at the Rooftop Restaurant of the Theatre itself or in nearby Sheep St. in order to attend the evening's performance "Much Ado about Nothing" which shared the same set design and cast as the afternoon play and was re-titled Loves Labours Won to emphasise Shakespeare's possible intention of "twinning" these two plays. The fan club of the male lead, Edward Bennett, were definitely in attendance!

The conversion of the Theatre in 2010 to represent an Elizabethan-style galleried theatre meant that all the seats have excellent sightlines and proximity to the stage and apron. The tickets obtained for us were excellent and Jenny Hill is to be thanked and congratulated for the faultless organisation of this most memorable visit to STRATFORD.
David Tebbutt

In February we visited Northleach Old Prison that offered a unique glimpse into life in a 19th century house of correction.
As the usual guides were no longer available, we were fortunate to have Peter Dawson, volunteer, from the Northleach History Society, to give us a background talk with the aid of an excellent ‘Timeline’ sheet, [1787 - 2012] He also explained about the medieval ‘Plantation Towns’ in our area.

After an enjoyable lunch, we were free to look around the Prison cells, the visitor exhibition and the Lloyd-Baker Rural Life Collection, with Peter available to answer any questions arising.

We now look forward to this valuable, historic site being developed into a user friendly multi resource facility, providing information and education involving more community and visitor participation and not just offices for the work of the Cotswold Conservation Board, although it’s importance is not denied.
Trish Ashley

Our first outing for 2015 was a matinee performance of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
a group of 40 made our way to the Everyman on 29th January to enjoy the play based on Agatha Christie's best selling mystery novel.
A group of strangers stranded on an island off the Devon coast, and haunted by a nursery rhyme, begin to die one by one. Who is the killer? I for one had to wait to the very end to find out.
Jean Willis

Our final place of interest for 2014 was on Saturday December 13th when we visited the Christmas event at Gloucester Cathedral. There was a Christmas Market in the Cloisters and Chapter House. At the same time in the Nave, the Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir and Junior Choir sang bite-sized burst of festive praise during carols on the hour.

‘Last Night of the Proms’ at the Everyman Theatre on Sunday November 16th. This was a Rotary Club Charity Concert by the Glevum Symphony Orchestra. The finalists from the Rotary Young Musician competition also took part.

Birmingham- Mailbox
Twenty one members enjoyed a visit to the BBC studios at Birmingham on Wednesday 29th October 2014 . Firstly, we went to ‘practice’ being newsreaders and weather reports. Bruno Pacini was the newsreader and Jenny Stanfield the weather reader. It wasn’t as easy as it was thought to read the auto cue but we learned that the presenters actually write their own auto cues. Then Sue Pacini, Caryl Cary and Denise McHale did a quiz, Sue being the winner. This was followed by a visit to Midlands Today news and weather studio which to our surprise was very much smaller than shown on television. Trick photography to make the studio seem larger. Very clever! It appears that the weather fits in with the timescale of the news programme, sometimes being several minutes long and once being six seconds! Panic then sets in with the weather presenter.
Next was the studio where there was a bank of about thirty or so screens. This is where the programmes are actually finalised and produced so that timing, sound etc all tie up.
Finally we went to the Radio studios, one being where David Cameron was recently interviewed and then on to where the Archers is recorded with some very amusing and clever sound effects shown.
Everyone really enjoyed the ‘behind the scenes’ tour and thank you to Audrey Dockery for organising the day.
Jenny Stanfield

Cheltenham-Backstage Tour Everyman Theatre
Click on Backstage to read more about our October 2014 place of interest.

Winchester

Taking advantage of a Pulhams public coach trip, a group of us forsook a Sunday lie in and set off for Winchester on 20th July 2014. Our stop off point was the statue of King Alfred the Great (King of Wessex from 871 to 899.) We were then free to explore this lovely city in glorious sunshine, before our return journey home at 5pm. The castle ruins pictured here was just one of the many historic sights we enjoyed visiting. For mor details see Bruno Pacini's detailed trip report.

Aston Pottery (The Day we all went Potty....)
On Monday, 31st March, a party of 27 U3A members met up for refreshments at the Aston Pottery a five minute drive from Witney. Although the weather could have been brighter, our spirits were lifted when we entered the shop which was stocked with attractive merchandise of every description and even more so when we saw the tempting looking cakes on display in the restaurant.
We then assembled together to be shown a demonstration of pottery in the making from the initial stages of pouring into the moulds to the final intricate stages of decorating and glazing. We were amazed at Andrew who made in front of our eyes a teapot and jug and, as he worked, he explained the art and skill necessary for producing such attractive merchandise. The speed and care he showed whilst working was astonishing.
Lunch was next on the agenda and in very pleasant surroundings, we tucked into a nourishing meal of our own choice.
Thank you Audrey for organising what Aston Pottery’s leaflet describes as being the ‘most vibrant and enjoyable experience’ - surely we can all concur with that statement.
JOAN M.MANCHIP

21 January 2014: Slimbridge
The WWT Reserve provides a winter sanctuary for thousands of ducks, geese and swans. The most famous arrivals are the rare Bewick’s swans which fly 2,500 miles from their breeding grounds in the arctic Tundra in Siberia to reach England and our comparatively warm climate.They are loyal to their winter sites so the same ones return each year to rest and feed at WWT Slimbridge before they head back to their breeding grounds ahead of spring.

Adults are white all over and young birds greyish with a pinkish bill. Compared to the similar whooper swan, these swans have proportionally more black and less yellow on their bill. They're also smaller than both mute and whooper swans and have faster wingbeats.

Our evening visit started with a floodlit commentated swan feed event in the comfort of the heated observatory where mulled wine was served. We were also served with a three course dinner.

2013

29 November: Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury. "The Enchanted Christmas" is a spectacular one-mile illuminated trail highlighting the striking structures of Westonbirt's trees as they are illuminated against the winter sky. Truly worth seeing. (also filmed by Country File)

30th October: Our October visit was a "Sausage Surprise" at Old Farm, Dorn, 1 mile north of Moreton in Marsh.(Old Farm features in BBCs "Nigel and Adam's Farm Kitchen")

31st August: Visit to Bristol with Pulhams Coaches. We were free to explore on this all day trip to Bristol. Several visited the world class attraction of SS Great Britain which is the world's great ocean liner designed by that amazing engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Others went to the city centre or visited museums such as M Shed.

30th July: Stanway Mill and Fountain. The fountain is the tallest in Britain.

29th May: It was a wet, cold day but 11 hardy members ventured forth and thoroughly enjoyed a memorable day on the AsparaBus tour.

We started with tea/coffee in The Fleece Inn (NT) where the landlord gave a talk on the history of this famous pub before the asparagus tying demonstration. Our route through the Evesham Vale and asparagus fields took us through some beautiful English villages with thatched cottages - with running commentary (when the faulty sound system was working!!)

Worcestershire certainly goes crazy during the asparagus season, not least of all the restaurants who not only offer traditional asparagus menus but quirky items such as asparagus tea, asparagus sausages and asparagus ice-cream! Most of us had lunch in Raphael's Restaurant beside the ferry - an eatery worthy of recommendation.

Despite the rain, the pickers were out in the fields with sharp serrated knives cutting spears which were 6-7” long. Interestingly, asparagus can grow as much as 6” in a day when the weather is hot and sunny and so the pickers may have to go out two or three times a day (not much chance of that at the moment!). Needless to say, this year’s yield is one of the lowest on record.

We ended our tour in Revills Farm Shop, Defford, where we had a cup of tea and cookery demonstrations and the opportunity to purchase green or purple asparagus as well as other fresh fruit and vegetables. For most of us there was much we learned.

On the 30th April, 18 members visited the British Motor Heritage factory at Witney,Oxfordshire. This Company is the main supplier of genuine replacement parts for British classic cars. Mr Martin Davies, Sales Manager, gave a presentation on The History of the Company, which was then followed by a conducted walk round the whole site. This took in a visit to the offices, the Body Building Shop, the Car Wing Assembly and the TexAutomotive section. The visit was completed with a short video showing all aspects of their business. Most Members continued onwards to enjoy lunch at a local pub. This was another great outing, with a learning curve, enjoyed by all.

2012
In September two groups visited Hook Norton for a guided tour of the Brewery – one of the very few remaining independent family-run breweries with the founder’s great great grandson, James Clarke, still at the helm,
Housed in the original maltings and climbing the steps (I think there are 100!) over 6 floors of this beautiful Victorian water tower we learned all about the 10 stages of the brewing process. Following this, we returned to the Visitors Centre to a very pleasant tasting of different ales. A tour worth recommending.

We visited Keith Harding’s Museum of Mechanical Music in May. Located in Northleach, the Museum boasts a variety of self playing instruments, the demonstrations of which were so amazing. Even the building has a fascinating history, parts of which date back over 300 years. Our tour ended with a visit to their gift shop where several of us made some rather interesting purchases!

In March we had a most enjoyable guided tour of the Morgan Motor Company Factory where 20 members saw how the famous English sports car is assembled by hand.

Foxbury Farm was our venue in February where we had a demonstration of cutting meat from the carcus before enjoying a ‘home-cooked’ luncheon and talk by Farmer Colin. Subsequent to our visit the current owners have decided to put the farm up for sale and so it is now closed for visits.

We met for coffee in January before having a guided tour of Bourton’s Cotswold Perfumery factory and the techniques of manufacturing perfume.

2011
Our visit in November was to Snowshill Manor where we were privileged in having an exclusive tour of the epic task of "putting the house to bed". Staff demonstrated traditional housekeeping practices the "National Trust way"; gentle vacuuming through gauze of rare floor coverings, dusting with soft bristle or pony hair brushes, washing ceramics and china with a gentle detergent and making sure that potentially harmful insects like moth and beetle didn't find a cosy winter home in some nook or cranny.

In October we visited Beckford Silk, a unique rural workshop for textile design and the hand printing, dyeing and sewing of silk and velvet. Our tour started with a talk on the background of this family run small British textile business, before we went to the upstairs hand screen painting room where we were shown the amazing techniques of printing silk. There was much to learn from this visit and we now certainly view printed silks in a totally different light.