A news update is long overdue. My apologies to readers for the long silence.

Our trip to Lacock Abbey was our most successful annual trip to date with a full coach and people having to be turned down.

Yet again we were blessed with great weather. How do I do it? Lacock village was full of interest with a number of people saying they intended to return for a longer visit. However I was disappointed by the number of cars parked outside the cottages which were very much out of character although I understood the practical reasons why the cottage tenants left them there.
In the afternoon we went to Swindon to visit the Steam Museum (mainly boys) and the Designer Shopping Centre (mainly girls). In addition we had an unscheduled tour of Swindon while the coach driver spent half an hour looking for the correct Coach Park and about twenty passengers joined in shouting advice. In the end it was the eagle eyed Mrs C. who spotted the right sign and guided us safely in.

Nevertheless both sites were full of interest to those who visited them. There is still something majestic about a gleaming steam engine towering above you. There was also a chance to drive a simulated train which was great fun although a number of smaller boys seemed put out at having to wait for me to bring the engine safely to halt at the end of the platform.

If any members have some photographs they took on the trip I’d be pleased to see them and possibly load them onto this site.

Suggestions for next year’s trip would be welcomed. Chester is one possibility.

I look forward to seeing old and new members at our next meeting in September.