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TAMAR BRIDGE WALK
15 hardy souls came along to the talk and guided walk across the Tamar Bridge.
The weather although dry was not on our side as far as the wind goes. The wind comes up the river Tamar and hits the bridge with a cold blast, made especially bad due to the height we are now at crossing the bridge from Plymouth Side towards Saltash.
Mark, our guide gave us a talk from an advantage point near the car park, pointing out the different buildings and areas we could see. Trains run across their bridge into and out of Plymouth 28 times a day. Remains of what was the Saltash Ferry could also be seen from here as was the old shell fish landing point. We then walked across the bridge with Mark stopping at various places for an insight into how the Albert Bridge (Brunel’s bridge) was constructed in 19th century right up to the building of the Tamar Bridge and the road works to and from the bridge. Tamar Bridge was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on 26 April 1962. The total cost of the bridge was £1.8 million (now £43 million). It was the first major suspension bridge to be constructed in the UK after World War II, and the longest suspension bridge in Britain.
On our return we went into the visitor’s centre where it was nice and warm with plenty of displays to look at. A film was shown of the men working on the construction of theTamar Bridge, it was interesting to see how it went up in stages and the very detailed work that went into its construction.
I would say that it is well worth a trip to the Visitors Centre, which is free and the cost for a guided walk and talk is just £5 a head. Mark, our guide, was very informative and delivered his talk in a friendly and interesting way. I hope our members all enjoyed their afternoon.
NEW YEAR'S LUNCH
Fifty five members of the u3a attended Yelverton Golf Club for a delicious two course meal, followed by tea or coffee. There was plenty of lively conversation around the seven tables but the noise level dropped considerably as each table was served.
It is hoped that everyone enjoyed their meal and the company and that it was a good start to 2024.