Outings by Coach

Frequency:	Occasional
Day/Time:	As arranged
Location:	Various
Email:	outings@avu3a.org.uk

Your U3A arranges a variety of coach outings throughout the year. We work with other groups who also arrange outings to ensure that trips are spread well apart. Whilst most trips will take place in the summer we will, where possible, find appropriate ones in the winter months. We try to cater for a variety of tastes so hopefully during the year there will be something for everybody.

We also try to arrange at least one study tour/holiday each year to an area of interest.

We believe in paying a little extra to have a modern comfortable coach with toilet facilities on board and drivers we know will make the journey comfortable, safe and enjoyable.

We are always on the look out for new ideas so please make your suggestions. Unlike many other organisations, we do accept cheques so please bring your cheque books to the meetings so that you can reserve yourself a place. We look forward to you joining us.

Please read The Small Print that contains important conditions for members booking and paying for their outings.

Date			Location
		2012
Wednesday	22nd	February	Olympic London Explorer
Wednesday	21st	March *	The Historic City of St Albans
Thursday	12th	April	Study Tour to Floriade
Friday	18th	May	Bourton-on-the-Water
Tuesday	10th	July	Cancelled -The National Memorial Arboretum & Litchfield Cathedral
Friday	21st	September	Study tour to Kent

Wednesday 22^nd February 2012 – The Olympic London Explorer

Meet our expert Guide in Stratford for included morning refreshments. Then drive over to the Lower Lee Valley to the delightfully named Pudding Mill & Fish Island for a short walk up to the viewing point for the Olympic Park. The scale of this project is truly breathtaking.  The vast Olympic Stadium is substantially complete, floating in a cradle of steel. Nearby is the Basketball Arena and the Aquatic Centre with its butterfly fairy cake roof. See the quite extraordinary Orbit, a helter skelter of red steel, Britain’s largest piece of public art designed by Anish Kapoor. Then it’s back to Stratford for an included roast beef carvery or vegetarian lunch. In the afternoon we drive to visit other venues before our final stop at Woolwich Arsenal where you can purchase afternoon tea.

Wednesday 21st March 2012 – The Historic City of St Albans *(Note revised date)

Take a fresh look at one of our closest neighbours. After a short refreshment stop we meet our City Guide for a combined 90 minute historical tour of the city and a private tour of the Abbey. The City has a long history starting as a settlement of the Catuvellauni tribe before becoming the Roman City of Verulamium.  St Alban was the first British Christian Martyr, beheaded on the orders of Emperor Diocletian in AD308. During The Wars of the Roses two battles were fought in St Albans all adding to a very chequered history. After our conducted walk we will be free to find our own lunch and explore the city before returning late afternoon.  In the park is reputably one of oldest pubs in England, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks.

Thursday 12^th – Monday 15^th April 2012 – Study Tour to Floriade (Fully Booked)

Based in the medieval city of Mechlen in Belgium we will be visiting the World Horticultural Event, Floriade 2012 held near Venlo in Holland. We are also visiting the Chateau de Grand-Bigard for a wonderful bulb display and be taking a river trip in Ghent.

Friday 18^th May 2012 – Group Walking Trip to Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is a fascinating Cotswold village, a favourite with visitors from all parts of the world. The Gentle Walking Group will be able to follow the many footpaths and back streets along the river Windrush while the Local Walks Group will be able to take a more energetic walk through the local fields and woodland. If you do not feel like joining an organised walk there are plenty places to explore on your own including Birdland which has a large breeding colony of Humboldt and Emperor Penguins.

Tuesday 10^th July 2012 – The National Memorial Arboretum and Litchfield Cathedral.

Unfortunately it has been necessary to cancel this outing – watch this space for something new.

Ron Meadowcroft – Outing Organiser