Totton U3A Out and About

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

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

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.

Thanks to Teresa for the write up as I was unable to go on this trip. LIZ