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.

See the Social Calendar page for all events but see below for some of the planned coach outings.

• Worcester – Wednesday 3rd March
• Kew Gardens and Kew Records Office – Thursday 25th March
• Cirencester and Rodmarton Manor – Thursday 22 April
• Berkeley Castle & the Jenner Museum – Tuesday 20 July
• Eastbourne International Airshow – Thursday 12 August

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

Coach trip to Worcester with the History Group
(Ron Meadowcroft – March 2010)

Our first study trip of the year was a huge success with a full coach travelling to Worcester on a rather cold, dull morning in early March. The trip was arranged with the History Group as part of their studies of the Civil War. Unfortunately their leader, Geoff Young was not able to come but undaunted we split up and after an early coffee, were soon exploring the town. Some people visited the historic Queen Anne Guild Hall built by Thomas White a pupil of Wren in 1722. Others visited the Cathedral or the Worcester Pottery Museum.

After lunch we all joined together for a conducted tour of the Commandery. This ancient building in Sidbury, just outside the city walls was originally a monastic building attributed to Saint Wulfstan, conveniently located on the main road to London Bath and Bristol to provide travellers with aid.

Thomas Wylde bought the Commandery in 1545 and his great grandson Robert Wylde II, a barrister was one of those responsible for the surrender of Worcester to Parliament. The house was used by William, 2nd Duke of Hamilton, Royalist Commander in Chief as his own personal Headquarters. We were shown the view from the courtyard garden of the hill called Fort Royal that was captured by the Essex Militia who fired the captured Royalist guns on the Sidbury Gate. All brought to life by our very helpful guides.

Another interesting part of the Commandery was the wall and ceiling paintings believed to be part of the medieval chapel. One showed the murder of Thomas à Becket another looked like someone being stretched on the rack. It is believed the sick were brought into this chapel to be healed but most of felt they would have been frightened to death.

After a welcome cup of tea we left Worcester having had a most interesting day.

A Spring Outing to Kew Gardens and the National Archives
(Ron Meadowcroft – March 2010)

The weather forecast looked set to be wet and miserable but the cheerful faces on our members did not look too perturbed and everyone came fully prepared with Macs and brollies at the ready. Terry our driver made good time and dropped most of us at the Victoria Gate taking eleven on to the National Archives in charge of Joan Thorley and Alan Dell of the Genealogy Group. Those with the Photography Group were determined to make the best of the day even though their leader, Derek Fowle had been too sick to join them.

A few of us took advantage of the free guided walk led by a volunteer guide. She showed us a number of gems in the Palm house and in the gardens pointing out interesting trees and the historic vistas that make up so much of the landscape. Others took the Kew Explorer for guided commentary of the gardens.

Even without sunshine the carpets of yellow daffodils were in full bloom and the blue and white alpines “Glory of the Snow” from Turkey were indeed a glorious sight, enough to brighten any day.

Fortunately the expected rain came later in the afternoon and most of us managed to dodge the showers by nipping into one or other of the greenhouses, the palm house being extremely humid in the damp weather. Between showers the more energetic climbed up onto the tree walk for an aerial view of the tree tops. Others were entranced by the wealth of botanical illustrations on display in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery together with interesting fossils and artefacts.

The Photography Group managed a few good pictures and successes were reported by those visiting the National Archives, all agreed it was a great day out and the experience worthwhile.

Thursday 22 April – A day trip to Cirencester and Rodmarton Manor.

Cirencester is an interesting Cotswold town with the Corinium Museum which has been doubled in size during a multi-million pound refurbishment. The Roman collection is now spread over two floors and includes marvellous mosaics, tombstones and sculpture as well as room and shop reconstructions and objects from everyday Roman life. The town has a thriving covered market and plenty of opportunity for lunch.

Rodmarton Manor, about 7 miles from Cirencester is a supreme example of the Arts and Crafts movement and was one of the last country houses built and furnished in traditional style. Started in 1909 it took over 20 years using Cotswold craftsmen and traditional crafts.

The 8 acre garden is really beautiful in the summer and is designed as series of rooms each with a different character.

The afternoon venue has been changed from Kelmscott due to advanced booking conditions.

Tuesday 20 July – Berkeley Castle & the Jenner Museum.

The Castle is one of the March Castles, built to keep out the Welsh and has been the home of the Berkeley family for 850 years. The murder of Edward II notoriously took place here in 1327 Treasures include Francis Drake’s cabin chest, Queen Elizabeth I’s bedspread, and the banner that the 4th Earl of Berkeley took with him to the Battle of Culloden.

The Jenner Museum is the house where in 1796 Edward Jenner pioneered vaccination against smallpox that changed the world. His work on immunology is widely known but less well-known is his work on poisons, surgery and heart disease.

The date for this trip has been put back from Tuesday 25 May.

Thursday 12 August – Eastbourne Airshow.

This is claimed to be the Worlds Biggest Seafront Airshow. The Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Hawk and Catalina will all be performing spectacular flying displays at the world’s biggest seafront airshow on Eastbourne’s Seafront! Watch out for the Princess of Wales Tigers Parachute Display team, as they drop in to see the crowds or Team Guinot Wingwalkers and the exciting aerobatics of The Blades aerobatic team

We intend to reserve outside viewing seats that will be yours for the day.

This trip was suggested by Mike Burrows who will lead the coach on the day.

Ron Meadowcroft – Outing Organiser  – update 23 January 2010