Last year we all turned up at Wey Valley School at the designated time, but
no coach and after much waiting around we left for Oxford in a fleet of
mini-buses, so it was with great relief that this year the ever-reliable
Bluebird coach awaited us. All were on-board when the Hintze clan arrived right
on time! So, off we went on-time and with a fridge and loo. I’m still unsure of
the driver’s name, either Jack, Mike or George. Anyway he was an amiable fella,
who got us out of some challenging situations with skill and
imagination.
We had a very good journey, meeting little traffic and reached our dinner
date on time. They clearly thought we’d be late as the carvery wasn’t ready,
still this gave us plenty of time to enjoy liquid refreshment, which Jenny, Ed
and myself had already done on the coach, utilising the adjacent fridge, but not
the loo (fortunately, as I was next to it!). An added bonus was the summer
specials drinks menu, which suited some extremely well! Eventually we were all
served generous meals, of turkey, beef and gammon and some had puddings as
well.
Next we were off to the Whitstable Travelodge, via not the Beatles ‘Magical
Mystery Tour’, somehow arriving by our destination on a dual carriageway, before
crossing it and having to drive a few miles to the next junction before having a
more successful attempt!
After a decent night’s sleep (at least for Rosy and I), I walked the route
we should have taken to ensure we’d be able to find our way back after the day’s
festivities. We left on time for the short drive to what could have been called
the ‘Peter Cushing Museum’, Wetherspoons pub in Whitstable, for breakfast. It
was full of pictures and memorabilia. Alas their staffing levels were
insufficient and some waited 45 minutes for their food, which was very good. We
were to return the following day, so they knew what to expect!
Then we headed off to Canterbury for the day. Some went shopping, while
others walked along the river, explored the Cathedral, or had a long lunch in
‘Spoons!
3pm was the time for the re-union with Lemon and her excellent choir,
the Lemon Zingers. Lemon, like Ed, is clearly a very talented musician and the
two choirs blended seamlessly. There was about 90 minutes of rehearsal,
including getting in and out of rows of seats, followed by a break of about 90
minutes, prior to the concert. Alas the pubs were a little far away, so we
mostly lounged about, awaiting the ‘big’ event.
The auditorium, a converted church, soon filled and we were off. The
atmosphere was fantastic and the audience played their part in what was a
wonderful concert. Each choir did a few songs and then joined for a few more.
Each choir applauded their counterparts with much exuberance, which added to the
occasion. A grand total of £469.50 was raised for the Samaritans. Afterwards we
filed through a back entrance to the Cathedral Courtyard and into the ‘Lodge’
for supper. It was akin to a banqueting suite, all sitting around large round
tables and were joined by Lemon and some of her choir. We then enjoyed a healthy
meal, with quite expensive drinks, before filing back to the coach.
Rosy and I
had just ordered a jug of some delicious cocktail, when Ed arrived to inform us
that the coach had arrived early and everyone was less keen to join us, rather
than us joining them, so I gulped down my share of the Strawberry Daiquiri and
Rosy tried to leave with hers, but some unkind door staff said ‘NO’. We thought
we could return our glasses to the Whitstable ‘Spoons!
The journey back to the hotel didn’t take long, but having left the dual
carriageway at the right place, the driver inexplicably missed the hotel and
drove down a country lane! I shouted (from the back) ‘Wrong Way’, but to no
avail as he kept going, so I ran down the coach and advised him to turn around,
which he duly did and we found the hotel! Of course, everything looks completely
different in the dark.
After the previous day’s breakfast experience, we decided to leave earlier
and those lucky enough to enjoy a quick breakfast could enjoy some time browsing
some interesting shops, in the charming seaside town of Whitstable. Once again
the staff were hopelessly unprepared, apart from reserving some tables and some,
again, waited 45 minutes for breakfast. So, no time for browsing, as it was now
10am and we were due at Chartwell (Winston Churchill’s home), for lunch at noon!
We arrived at about 11.15 and after establishing how we could utilise membership
benefits to save us all money, we had time for some shopping an exploration.
Rosy and I found some wonderful rope swing in the trees, one was a his and hers
kissing swing, so we thought it would be rude not to.
Lunch was excellent and enjoyed in the private ‘Mulberry Room’. Most had
bangers and mash, whilst some had a delicious looking pie. We all enjoyed a
delicious rhubarb pudding, which was similar to Creme Brulee.
Next we had tickets to explore the house, prior to boarding the bus for the
drive home. We were entertained by a comedian (guess who!) and a sing song. We
arrive back at about 18.00 hrs, having enjoyed wonderful weather, great
fellowship and great organisation / leadership, looking forward to our next
trip.
Grateful thanks to Ed, Jenny and Jack.
Regards,
Tim
