5th September 2011 RNLI Poole

A few shots from the R.N.L.I. College at Poole,I was so busy trying to listen,
forgot all about taking photo's till it was almost too late. I think thirty five of us went. Too many for one guide so they split us into three groups. One thing that did surprise me was they 'let'the accommodation out at week ends for B. & B.
So if you fancy a room with a view one week end there it is. Oh £70 a night is the tariff...
In Pic' 211 Audrey was our coxswain in this simulator. All of us came out with shaky knees. Just glad there were no Hard-a-Ports...!
Dave

17th March Salisbury Cathedral

About twenty-five of of us undertook to take the challenge to climb up the 330 steps to the top of the the bell tower. Not to the height of the top of the spire standing at 404ft but high enough. It was a bit daunting an undertaking with very narrow steps that seemed to wind round forever. Each time we reached a level we thought this is far as it goes as they don't expect us to go up that but then we saw a group returning so we knew we had to go the same way. Very enjoyable though especially when you came down. We left the those who came by coach and went to the Kings Head and had chips double eggs and gammon bacon with a tea that for both of us came to just over £6 and the tea was a mug full each. Half price as it was after two pm

Visit to the Daily Echo

We had an interesting visit to the Echo Office. I think we were all surprised at how big it was and the number of people it employed. Surprisingly the editor Ian Murray stayed with us and conducted the tour. We were given tea and biscuits after a very amusing talk and we were then shown around the press office before going over to the printing rooms where many papers are printed each week. Three hours altogether and our picture taken to appear in tomorrow's paper.

Southern Water

Southern Water today's host for 24 U3A members. Three members of staff came to educate and enlighten us one all the way from Worthing. We split into two parties as the room limited the group to hear the presentation. I joined the group to go out first and it was sunny and quite warm which helped the enjoyment. We were shown where the water first entered the system and the initial cleaning and the various buildings where the water was further treated by running through sand and the adding of the chlorine. The independent supply of electricity was in the main building and consisted of large engines that supply power to the grid. An excellent buffet lunch was provided altogether a very good outing.

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