Day Trippers
DAY TRIPPERS is a newly formed group which aims to offer a variety of Days Out for members to experience with like-minded others. A similar group existed previously, but was closed when the COVID restrictions prevented mixing in groups and most venues were closed to visitors.
Our aim is to organise a trip approximately once-per-month. The days we meet will vary, and may sometimes depend upon where we are going.
The group was started in October 2023, and currently has over 90 members who have expressed an interest in joining in with some of the activities.
In December 2023 we visited Hanbury Hall, a National Trust property near Droitwich. It was a beautifully sunny day, with blue skies, but very cold outside. The house was decorated for Christmas, as it would have been in the 1970's and 1980's, with all manner of popular toys and games most of us remembered, plus a table laden with typical party foods from those decades.
In January, 44 members of the group had a very interesting and informative Guided Tour around the Grade 2 listed Steelhouse Lane Police Museum in Birmingham, which was operational from 1891 until 2016.
After refreshments we were divided into three groups with excellent guides for the two hour tour, which included:
Looking inside the cells, seeing and hearing what conditions were like for those detained, like the wooden beds and pillows.
Testing out the handcuffs, but luckily the keys were on hand.
The underground tunnel connected to the nearby Victoria Law Courts.
Looking at police evidence, taking fingerprints and footprints.
How policing has changed over the years, e.g. Police boxes (Tardis?), whistle, firearms, heavy phones, mobile phones and ear phones.
Equipment policemen are now required to carry.
Police motor bikes, drones… and much more…
Fortunately, all 44 Day Trippers were released pending further enquiries.
In March members visited RAF Cosford aircraft museum. We met in the on-site café for hot drinks and then began exploring the impressive museum. Many of the exhibits are housed in vast hangars, with some aircraft even displayed hanging from the ceiling at alarming angles!
Most of us were surprised at how small, flimsy, and primitive some of the early biplanes appeared to be, and then subsequently amazed at how large some of the later aircraft are when you are up close.
In April the group enjoyed a "Blue Badge" guided walk in Birmingham City centre, entitled “Follow the Victorians”.
Future visits on the calendar include Stourbridge Glass Works in May, and the Black Country Living Museum in June.
We are also visiting Stratford upon Avon for a day in July, including a guided tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
For August we are planning to hold a summer picnic, possibly in the walled garden at Leasowes Park.
In the Autumn a trip on the Severn Valley Railway is being planned, and also another day out will be to the National Memorial Arboretum.
If you join the group, there is no expectation that you will come to every event offered. Simply join us when you want to, and feel free to pick and choose those trips that take your fancy, or fit in your diary. Members are encouraged to suggest new venues or activities, and help others share in somewhere or something that you have enjoyed.
Tim and Linda (Group Leaders)
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EDUCATIONAL RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
As well as Day Trips, the leaders/organisers are intending to offer a short residential trip of between 3 to 5 days duration, by coach probably once per year. This is likely to be in August or September.
This year (2024) will be a 3 day trip in August, which starts with a visit to Windsor Castle on the first day, the second day will be in Bristol, visiting the dockyards followed by a cruise on the River Wye on the final day. There are currently (April 2024) still a few twin rooms available. If you are interested, please contact Linda J.
Click on this link Educational Visits for latest information.
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