Totton U3A Out and About
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APRIL 29Th.TUESDAY. OCEANARIUM. BOURNEMOUTH
CAR SHARING 10.15AM SOMERFIELD CAR PARK
CAR SHARING 10.15AM SOMERFIELD CAR PARK
west quay
Not a good start to 2008 but, now we are back on track and went on a visit to west quay, 27th of March, where we were given a talk with slide-show by David Jackson, overall Manager for the running of the whole of the shopping centre.
We also enjoyed coffee and cakes afterwards. Then we were taken on a guided tour in two groups, around the centre starting at the top in the security room which held approx 23 monitors, 20 of those were being watched continuosly from strategic points in and around west quay. They cover the streets outside and can even see as far as Hythe front.Also we went into the victorian buildings in portland terrace where the admin offices are run.
We then came down into the shopping area and also out on to the balcony which runs round a good part of the overall structure.It was extremely interesting and we were surprised to learn just how much goes on behind the scenes. LIZ
We also enjoyed coffee and cakes afterwards. Then we were taken on a guided tour in two groups, around the centre starting at the top in the security room which held approx 23 monitors, 20 of those were being watched continuosly from strategic points in and around west quay. They cover the streets outside and can even see as far as Hythe front.Also we went into the victorian buildings in portland terrace where the admin offices are run.
We then came down into the shopping area and also out on to the balcony which runs round a good part of the overall structure.It was extremely interesting and we were surprised to learn just how much goes on behind the scenes. LIZ
More photos of Christmas Trip
Christmas Trip
Wednesday 28th November 11 of us boarded a coach and after stopping at Southampton and Eastleigh to pick up more passengers we started our journey in the capable hands of our driver Richard to Norwich. After a couple of stops on route for refreshments etc:- we arrived at our hotel the Ramada Jarvis at about 5pm in plenty of time to freshen up. Some of our group took the oppurtunity to test the swimming pool and although small was clean and warm. Most of us met in the bar before going into dinner. The menu was very good as was the food also the rooms we were allocated were very warm and well stocked with tea coffee etc:-.
The next day(Thurs) we had a two hour visit to Norwich to explore, plenty of things to do and see, the castle and cathedral to name two. I think that most of the group opted for the market and shops. At noon back on the coach for the highlight of our trip the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. More than one hundred singers and dancers plus an organist, comedian, scottish pipes and numerous musicians. We were treated to a taste of the old and the new in a huge building with so many decorations that it must have taken them a year to put up. The show really lived up to its name it was Spectacular. On the way back to the hotel we went through the small village of Holt to view the christmas lights which were lovely and proved to everyone (if there was a doubt) that the festive season is upon us.If the laughter was anything to go by from one of the tables at dinner recalling some of the jokes that were told I think that the show was enjoyed by all.
Friday after an early breakfast it was time to bid farewell to Norwich. Richard took us to Newmarket for a short visit before making our way home, arriving back in Totton at 5pm.
We all agreed that the visit was well worth it and hope to repeat the experience in the future when the people that could not join us this time due to ill health will be able to come. Lastly as this report was made by Joan (Liz's lap top not working) I would like to thank Liz on behalf of the group for arranging this outing it was truly Spectacular
Christmas Spectacular 28th - 30th November
Thursford Christmas Spectacular Two places available double room £179 per person, optional £10 insurance. Travel by Coach, 2 nights all inclusive. Wednesday to Friday
My new telephone number is :- 02380811587. LIZ
The Show
The producer and director, John Cushing indulges his own belief in creating a magical Christmas of yesteryear – a time of love, hope and giving. And in his opinion, the one element that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas more than any other is music. For John Cushing 'Christmas Eve' is the most magical night of the year and his premonition years and years ago that one day he would be involved in a Christmas show was realised when he took on the job of managing director of Thursford Collection in 1976 and put on his first show in 1977.
The ultimate Christmas musical experience is simply one of the most exciting Christmas Spectacular shows ever. It is the most popular Christmas show of all time in England and is a blend of exciting Christmas entertainment, with Christmas songs, carols, dazzling dancers, beautiful costumes, outstanding music and singing from our cast of over one hundred
Each show is a pageant of spectacle and colour – the music a seamless transition from an up-beat dance routine to a choral rendition of a Christmas carol, a show which would not be out of place in any London’s west end theatres.
The show takes a whole year to organize. Bookings are taken in writing from the first working day in January, and take a full twelve weeks before confirmations can be sent out to everyone. The decorations, musical instruments and stage props are packed away and the exhibition hall is transformed back into its summer museum setting.
Throughout the coming months the show needs to be written, costumes designed, auditions to take place and numerous
brownsea
Due to unforseen commitments I am unable to arrange the visit to Brownsea Island this month.
If anyone would like to visit' Rockbourne Roman Villa' Fordingbridge , the arrangement to meet at the car park as usual will stay unaltered and no further arrangements will be necessary.
So, same time , same day 14th September .
My new telephone number is :- 02380811587. LIZ
If anyone would like to visit' Rockbourne Roman Villa' Fordingbridge , the arrangement to meet at the car park as usual will stay unaltered and no further arrangements will be necessary.
So, same time , same day 14th September .
My new telephone number is :- 02380811587. LIZ
whitchurch
We had a glorious sunny day for this visit to the silk mill. Eleven of us got together in three cars and enjoyed a pleasant journey there and back.The Silk Mill is not huge though it is in a very pleasant setting beside the river which had ducks on it and trout in it.
It has three floors, the first set of stairs being fitted with a stair lift, {very thoughtful}. The 2nd floor incorporated the tea room and some hands on looms and craft tables and the Top floor was actually the beginning of the tour.
It has three floors, the first set of stairs being fitted with a stair lift, {very thoughtful}. The 2nd floor incorporated the tea room and some hands on looms and craft tables and the Top floor was actually the beginning of the tour.
The silk is brought in from China and elsewhere, in hanks which are then spun etc on various machines to bring it to a workable state for many uses. The colours of the different materials are incredible and also the many varieties of silk produced at this mill.
The ground floor is the real workplace with the looms clacking away so loudly that the operators wear ear defenders and for some breathing masks too. The engineer who looks after the machines was monitoring a machine nearest to where we finished up.
He very kindly showed us many types of silk samples, such as Shot Silk and some that were for hair ribbon made as a wide strip of material which could be brought down to a suitable width for the purpose of tying hair.All fascinating stuff. He had several pieces tha t he had designed himself patternwise. Tetly have their own pattern and colours as do many others.
Barbara modelled a Stole for us, very nicely too, and Audrey trie
d her luck at some of the
d her luck at some of the
working exhibits.We all walked up the road and found The white Hart Hotel where we had excellent service for a snack lunch. Considering we had eleven of us walk in unexpectedly half an hour before the end of lunchtime service, the two girls coped brilliantly and we were all served in a short time with hot and cold food in the res
taurant, which we all recommend to anyone who decides to go to whitchur
ch in the future.
taurant, which we all recommend to anyone who decides to go to whitchur
ch in the future.Red Sqirrels
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH
BROWNSEA ISLAND
Where hopefully we will see lots of red Sqirrels. As yet I have not sorted out times for ferries etc but, We will probably need to set off by 10am from the Somerfield car park. The first priority is numbers of those wishing to go , so if you want to add your name to the list please ring me on 02380292839.
Meanwhile I shall do my best to co-ordinate journey time and Ferries
Whitchurch Silk Mill
10th August Whitchuch Silk Mill
As usual we will meet at Somerfields Car Park between 10.15 & 10.30am for car sharing.
Anyone wishing to come along will have time to tell Barbara, Molly or myself at the next meeting which is on the 8th of August.
The entrance charge is £3.00 pp. There is a cafe on site, or for those who like to lunch I am sure we can find some other venue. LIZ
As usual we will meet at Somerfields Car Park between 10.15 & 10.30am for car sharing.
Anyone wishing to come along will have time to tell Barbara, Molly or myself at the next meeting which is on the 8th of August.
The entrance charge is £3.00 pp. There is a cafe on site, or for those who like to lunch I am sure we can find some other venue. LIZ
update on days out
Hello to you all from Liz taylor. I apologise for the lack of news over the past month or so. I have had a few family commitments, and also moved out of Sylvia Crescent. At the moment I am in limbo, living in Ashurst with my daughter, prior to moving to Minstead to a permanent address in a few weeks from now. This of course also meant the computer was put away for a few weeks too.
So, here we go with what has been happening.
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June 11th we were unable to go to Stapehill as planned after we discovered that it is closed on a Monday,as we only had a few days to go Molly and I decided to surprise everyone with a trip to Ringwood Town & Country Experience instead. This was a great success and we all enjoyed a very interesting few hours there. It is a completely indoor experience with lots to see. Roman remains,Victorian Dairy,RAF display, Old cars & Motorcycles and much more.Also a very nice lunch in their own Cafe/Bistro.
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July 6th. Eling Mill which is the only working Mill in the country, in fact I believe, in the world.this again was extremely interesting. We were told the history of the building in detail, how it has been rebuilt, shown how the water pressure is used to move the blades on the huge wheels,also how the huge sacks of grain etc were winched up to the top floor to the hoppers. Fascinating stuff well worth the visit. We then walked across the bridge and up the hill to the Rufus Pub where we had a very nice lunch.
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July 12th. Lyburn Cheese Farm. This was arranged by Rusty Hoddinott some few months ago but unfortunately Rusty was unable to come ( you missed a good evening Rusty). Everyone piled on to two trailers set up with bales of straw for us to sit on. These were drawn by two tractors, a little late setting off, we were taken along the road for half a mile or so, through a gate into the fields where the organic vegetables are grown. Mainly Runner & French beans/Courgettes/Pumpkins and others of that family.No Root vegetables at all, as they are grown in other parts of the country.
Also the vegetables are not sold in the Farm shop as they go on the whole to Waitrose. They pick as much as a ton and a half a day each of Courgettes & runner beans. The last field had 140 Cows grazing who were obviously delighted to see us arrive because they got extra rations by eating the bales of straw (yes! the ones we were sitting on ) the Farmer did not seem to mind even though one gentleman ( who I might add was not one of ours) proceeded to untie a bale and throw it into the field for them. Hey Ho.
The main produce is of course the cheeses of which they have four different ones, also some butter. The milk from the cows taken at 5.30 am is still warm when the process of cheese making starts and, at 9.30pm on the same day is being taken out of its container and turned over by hand then replaced in the container to hold its shape and texture etc.All very hard work and long hours. On returning to the farm we had a splendid Ploughmans lunch all laid out for us to help ourselves to, red & white Wine was poured or a soft drink, plus second helpings if you wanted.
Photos to follow later from these events and should you wish to try the cheeses the Farm shop is open tuesday to friday from 11.00am to 4.30pm, or they have a stall at several local Farmers markets. liz signing off.
So, here we go with what has been happening.
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June 11th we were unable to go to Stapehill as planned after we discovered that it is closed on a Monday,as we only had a few days to go Molly and I decided to surprise everyone with a trip to Ringwood Town & Country Experience instead. This was a great success and we all enjoyed a very interesting few hours there. It is a completely indoor experience with lots to see. Roman remains,Victorian Dairy,RAF display, Old cars & Motorcycles and much more.Also a very nice lunch in their own Cafe/Bistro.
**************************
July 6th. Eling Mill which is the only working Mill in the country, in fact I believe, in the world.this again was extremely interesting. We were told the history of the building in detail, how it has been rebuilt, shown how the water pressure is used to move the blades on the huge wheels,also how the huge sacks of grain etc were winched up to the top floor to the hoppers. Fascinating stuff well worth the visit. We then walked across the bridge and up the hill to the Rufus Pub where we had a very nice lunch.
****************************
July 12th. Lyburn Cheese Farm. This was arranged by Rusty Hoddinott some few months ago but unfortunately Rusty was unable to come ( you missed a good evening Rusty). Everyone piled on to two trailers set up with bales of straw for us to sit on. These were drawn by two tractors, a little late setting off, we were taken along the road for half a mile or so, through a gate into the fields where the organic vegetables are grown. Mainly Runner & French beans/Courgettes/Pumpkins and others of that family.No Root vegetables at all, as they are grown in other parts of the country.
Also the vegetables are not sold in the Farm shop as they go on the whole to Waitrose. They pick as much as a ton and a half a day each of Courgettes & runner beans. The last field had 140 Cows grazing who were obviously delighted to see us arrive because they got extra rations by eating the bales of straw (yes! the ones we were sitting on ) the Farmer did not seem to mind even though one gentleman ( who I might add was not one of ours) proceeded to untie a bale and throw it into the field for them. Hey Ho.
The main produce is of course the cheeses of which they have four different ones, also some butter. The milk from the cows taken at 5.30 am is still warm when the process of cheese making starts and, at 9.30pm on the same day is being taken out of its container and turned over by hand then replaced in the container to hold its shape and texture etc.All very hard work and long hours. On returning to the farm we had a splendid Ploughmans lunch all laid out for us to help ourselves to, red & white Wine was poured or a soft drink, plus second helpings if you wanted.
Photos to follow later from these events and should you wish to try the cheeses the Farm shop is open tuesday to friday from 11.00am to 4.30pm, or they have a stall at several local Farmers markets. liz signing off.
monday June 11th
A trip to Stapehill Abbey which is between Ferndown and Wimborne Minster
Meet at Somerfields car park at 10.30 AM. Anyone welcome to join us. Car sharing is the order of the day.
Friday 6th July
A guided visit to Eling Tide Mill is arranged for us, after which we are going for a Pub lunch. At the KING RUFUS.
Meet at theSomerfields car park at 10.10 AM
A trip to Stapehill Abbey which is between Ferndown and Wimborne Minster
Meet at Somerfields car park at 10.30 AM. Anyone welcome to join us. Car sharing is the order of the day.
Friday 6th July
A guided visit to Eling Tide Mill is arranged for us, after which we are going for a Pub lunch. At the KING RUFUS.
Meet at theSomerfields car park at 10.10 AM
OWL&OTTER
THE OWL&OTTER on 8th May
was another successful day for us.A few showers but not to worry about.We saw most of the inmates, missed the wildcats though, obviously siesta time for them. This was a very short trip out ,nevertheless very interestingand close to nature and the animal kingdom.Some of us left at lunchtimetoattend other groups etc & four of us had lunch in the Cafeteria which was very enjoyable and finished the day off nicely.
Hope you like the pictures. LIZ
highcliffe Castle
Teresa writes :- We had 12 members on this trip, meeting at the Car Park 10.30am where we sorted ourselves into the cars of willing Drivers for the trip. We had a lovely sunny day and a hassle free journey was enjoyed. On our arrival we split up in groups, some for a coffee break in the pleasant Cafeteria, others to explore the newly refurbished Castle or to enjoy the gardens or Beach.
We met again at1.15pm for a lunch break before meeting our Guide at 2.00pm. We were taken to the old part of the earlier Castle which is under
We met again at1.15pm for a lunch break before meeting our Guide at 2.00pm. We were taken to the old part of the earlier Castle which is under
reconstruction. This is not available to the general public so for part of our tour we had to wear 'hard hats' .
Our guide was very informative on the history of this old building and also the previous Castle
Our guide was very informative on the history of this old building and also the previous Castle
and its foundations which are now far out in the sea.
Whilst in the' Kitchens' of the early building the guide read out some facts about the provisions for the supplies for the guests attending a large Banquet. According to the quantities ordered for this one meal each guest would have consumed 47lbs of meat alone, a mammoth task for which I have to admire the Cook in charge.
We saw intricate stonemasonry being prepared for the reconstruction work and were surrounded by scaffolding and supporting iron frames. It was extremely cold and damp once inside the doors, and everyone really appreciated the warm sunshine when we came out.
Outside we saw more work going on with Windows Pillars and Gargoyles, also art work consisting of hundreds of small pieces of glass, and so back to the cars for the journey home with several people vowing to return again at a later date.
Whilst in the' Kitchens' of the early building the guide read out some facts about the provisions for the supplies for the guests attending a large Banquet. According to the quantities ordered for this one meal each guest would have consumed 47lbs of meat alone, a mammoth task for which I have to admire the Cook in charge.
We saw intricate stonemasonry being prepared for the reconstruction work and were surrounded by scaffolding and supporting iron frames. It was extremely cold and damp once inside the doors, and everyone really appreciated the warm sunshine when we came out.
Outside we saw more work going on with Windows Pillars and Gargoyles, also art work consisting of hundreds of small pieces of glass, and so back to the cars for the journey home with several people vowing to return again at a later date.
Thanks to Teresa for the write up as I was unable to go on this trip. LIZ
May Outing
Tuesday May 8th
The Owl & Otter centre at Longdown, Ashurst
Meet 10.30am at somerfields Car Park
for Car Sharing. Everybody welcome to join in.
Have a nice day, Liz 80668320.
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Pictures
Here are some Pictures which I have received today Tues. 10th april. this one is from Salisbury
The next two are from Small changes Big difference when a visit to Alton Material recovery Facility and Little Bushywarren composting site was organised by HCC. I was unable to go to this one. Ihave been told
it was very interesting and very S
MELLY too.
April
The next visit is to Highcliffe castle on the 17th april.
The person to speak to is Rusty Hoddinott who is organising this. You will be able to see her at the next meeting as I shall be away yet again.
I have no pictures from our Bus ride in March to Salisbury, I can only say those who came enjoyed the day out.
WIMBORNE MINSTER
Last Friday 9th Feb, eight of us went to Wimborne to the very large Indoor Market which has everything imaginable for sale. Unfortunatly the weather was absolutely freezing so after an hour or so we had a Coffee and decided to go and see the Minster itself.On the way we stopped for a hot snack in a Cafe in the Town.
This turned out to be an excellant decision as not only was it a beautiful place well worth a visit, (a MINSTER being the Church of a MONASTERY, or a Church originating in a MONASTIC establishment). We also had the priveledge of being shown into the {Chain Library}, 'which is not open to the Public generally' by the Librarian himself.There is also a huge set of organ Pipes and these were topped by two rows of Brass Trumpets. Very Impressive and none of us has ever seen anything like it before.So despite the bitter cold, it was quite an eventful day.
Elizabeth. This group is open for anyone to join at anytime.
The next trip is by Bus to SALISBURY on Thursday the 8th march and is being organised by Teresa Drayton
trip to milestones
Seven seems to be our lucky number just now, not always the same faces, just most of them. It would be nice if a few more joined us and, newcomers will always be welcome.
We did go by road after all, the journey was very easy and took about forty minutes. overall milage being about 76.
Milestones is very well laid out and has some very interesting displays. Also of course lots of the things we or our Parents and Grandparents used before all this 'New Fangled Stuff' came about. What would they say if they could come back now!!!!
In the shop that housed all the old Gramophones we had a request played,which the lady in charge first found the record, then attached the needle ,wound up the Gramophone, then put on the record, set the needle, well, I am sure most of you remember how it was done. There was a very nice Cafe within the Museum where we all had lunch at 1pm,followed by doing the rest of the Museum before leaving at approx 3.30pm.
milestones
!!!!!This is Friday 12th January. Sorry I forgot to put in the date !!!!
Happy new year to all, luv, Liz
Milestones Museum Basingstoke
I suggest we do this one by train as the weather could be a bit offputting for drivers. Having said that should there be anyone who would rather go by car and has someone to travel with them thats your choice.
TRAIN TIME:- 10.15 AT CENTRAL STATION----ARRIVES BASINGSTOKE 10.46
RETURN FARE:- £9.90---------------shuttlebus to museum free
ENTRY FEE IS £6.50 CONCESSIONS
We will meet at somerfields car park for transport to the Central Station or you could get a bus if you have a bus pass.
Those who are interested should please let me know (soon as) on 023 80 668320
Merry Christmas to all, Liz Taylor
TRAIN TIME:- 10.15 AT CENTRAL STATION----ARRIVES BASINGSTOKE 10.46
RETURN FARE:- £9.90---------------shuttlebus to museum free
ENTRY FEE IS £6.50 CONCESSIONS
We will meet at somerfields car park for transport to the Central Station or you could get a bus if you have a bus pass.
Those who are interested should please let me know (soon as) on 023 80 668320
Merry Christmas to all, Liz Taylor
Stewarts for gifts etc
Seven seems to be a good number just now perhaps next time we can up them a bit.It seemed that Fairyland was not as good this year but Hey Ho I'm sure the children thought it was fine.
We all had a good wander half way round, which brought us to the Restaurant where we had lunch before looking round the rest of the store. I think we all managed to buy something towards our christmas presents or even ourselves. There was also a 'Edinburgh Wool' shop where I received a big cuddle from someone else's husband. It was so good I asked for seconds and Molly didn't mind at all.
The weather stayed mild and dry so we were lucky with that too.
Our next trip out will be in January to Milestones in Basingstoke, we will be taking the train so, details have yet to be arranged, thats all for now, LIZ
Autumnal@Exbury
Seven of us had a lovely day out with sunshine all the way, The colours of the season were well worth the visit, plus a bonus of flowers in bloom here and there, including the odd blossom on Azaleas and Rhododendron.Plenty of Fungi about,also Butterflies by the dozenon the Oleander bushes. the perfume from these bushes was heavenly too. We walked in the morning and also visited the Art Gallery which had a beautiful display of Nerines all around.1.00pm and time for lunch, Baked Potatoes beat the Soup by 5 to 2 !!
A ride on the steam train was a must,pulled by 'Naomi' the little blue engine. Followed by (what else) Tea and Cake of course. End of the day and back to the cars to return home . Weary but Happy too.
Hope you all like the pictures
cheerio
from
Elizabeth
Next meeting.
Monday 27th Nov. 10.45am @ car park for Stewart Garden Centre. Where you would see the market on wednesdays.
exbury Gardens
I found a magazine with a list of what goes on at Exbury Gardens in October and thought it would be nice to do this.
It is a festival of autumn colours (so no rhododendrons or Azaleas).Though the trees will be a sight to behold. Exbury has an amazing collection of trees throughout their 200 acres of garden. So bring your cameras and get some pictures of red and gold to go with the green and brown.
Meet in the car park behind Somerfields old place @ 10.15 am on tuesday 31st October for car sharing.
It is a festival of autumn colours (so no rhododendrons or Azaleas).Though the trees will be a sight to behold. Exbury has an amazing collection of trees throughout their 200 acres of garden. So bring your cameras and get some pictures of red and gold to go with the green and brown.
Meet in the car park behind Somerfields old place @ 10.15 am on tuesday 31st October for car sharing.
Entrance to the gardens is £7.00 for concessions. Cafe /Restaurant on site. contact LIZ on
023 80668320
Or just come along and join us at the car park
'Out&about' meeting
Thursday 19th October
At 2.00pm
This will be a informal meeting for a general discussion on what you would like to see and do over the next year. I would like as many people as possible to come .Not to be on a committee. Just to move forward with ideas and to join in as a group of friends who will help each other to go places. LIZ.
My place:- 32 Sylvia Crescent, Off Salisbury Rd, Opp:- Marchwood Motors
