Questers latest visit to Honeypot House

Seven members (well 5 of us) had an exciting trip around the forest in search of the Honeypot House. The autumn colours were stunning so it made the visit even more enjoyable.

Set in 7 acres of beautiful countryside with its own swimming pool and tennis court it’s the perfect place for young people to let off steam and be children. The large airy kitchen was very welcoming and the playroom and bedrooms were filled with toys and games making it very easy for the young carers to quickly relax in such homely surroundings. There were two ponies and a few guinea pigs to make a fuss of for those feeling a little homesick. Although the house was empty of guests when we visited you could feel the love and laughter throughout the house. Long may they continue to help the young carers and if you would like to help they have 2 sessions of mailing a year and a Christmas gift wrapping day when all volunteers are most welcome.

Christine

Southampton Cemetery September 2010

Eighteen of us attended the Southampton Old Cemetery walk with Geoff our guide who had a wide knowledge of all the famous and infamous who ended up up in the graveyard. From an Argentina dictator Gen Juan de Rosa since taken back home after the Falkland war, only his vault remains. To Lt Col Hewett who was the last survivor at the turn of the century of the battle of Waterloo. We saw the decaying stone memorial of the upturned boat of the man who thought of the idea that lifeboats could be placed over the paddle wheel arch. The weather was kind to us and the sun came out, an enjoyable and interesting morning.

A Guided Walk around 6th September 2010

A Guided Walk around Southampton Old Cemetery
10.30am Monday 6th September 2010
Starting at the main gates into the cemetery at the end of Cemetery Road (coming in off Northlands Road).
A Heritage walk, covering the history behind a selection of monuments lasting approximately 2 hours.

Contact Chris Farleigh email Christine.farleigh@ntlworld.com

Bursledon Brickworks

Bursledon Brickworks was formed by a Mr Ashby of Chandlers Ford in 1897. At its peak it employed 180 people producing 20 million bricks a year. Later taken over by Redland Bricks in 1959 it stayed open until 1974 when clay deposits were running out plus the M27 was constructed right through the middle of the site.
For 20 years it lay empty when vandalism and dereliction took over. Finally it was saved by getting a listed status. Hampshire Building Preservation Trust paid a token sum and Redland PLC agreed an endowment to help restoration which is ongoing and needs lots more help raising funds. It has a lot to offer for family outings.
Well worth a Visit
The photos above are of Henry making his first brick, three old codgers on a train and the great guides who took us round and explained everything. Thanks to Ken for his administration.
Jack

April visit to an organic farm

Nineteen of us on a perfect Spring day, warm with hardly a cloud in the sky met up at Vernham Dean Box Farm, Andover. We were greeted by the farm owner who gave us a good grounding on organic farming with its 3 year cycle and in regenerating the land with grass and clover. The changing over of animals each year to lessen the number of parasites that are species dependant. We then went to see where the lambing ewes were kept and the cattle ready to go to market. Then David Sullivan the speaker from last year who gave us "Life time as a shepherd and a story teller" told us about the background of who worked where. finally on cue a lamb gave birth to two just before we left. David showed us the way to the local pub where a cream tea was waiting for us. Very nice day's outing.

March visit to the Geothermal Heating Co

Split into two groups one listened to Bill Clark who told us of the development of Southampton's sustainable energy scheme which celebrated its 21st year. Hot water was found at 1,800 meters and at a temperature of 76degrees centigrade. Although thought not to be viable the City Council stepped in and with Utilicom now supply most of the major developments in the City Centre. The other group were shown around the current generator a ships engine which produce heat and electricity. The geothermal aspect is out of commission until next year when it will get a one million pound pump.
We were then given a drink and a biscuit which was much appreciated.

13th Oct Giddings sawmills visit

On Tuesday fourteen Questers had a most enjoyable visit to Giddings Sawmill, first we were shown a stack of about eight hundred tonnes of Softwood logs. This was about the amount they would use in 4 (four) days.
The logs all 4 metres long were taken by a grab vehicle costing £250,000 to the start of the process, they were lifted into a high shoot, to be de-barked, from there a conveyor belt took them along to the computer controlled sawing benches. The computer decided how to cut each log to maximise output, having travelled through the saw, the next stage is to sort out the eight different piles to drop them into. this was absolutely amazing, 1" boards, 2x2 ,3x2,4x2 and many other sizes all put without the help of a human hand into the correct piles. The next operation was to send the right size pieces to the correct customer's requirements, now they are cut to length and banded ready for shipment.
For every tonne of log coming into the mill, exactly a tonne of products go out,be it timber planks, wood chips, sawdust an even the bark it is all used. Nothing is wasted, proving this to be a very environmentally friendly operation. Bob Giddings who showed us around is extremely proud to be helping to save the resources for the generations to come.