Bus Trippers Photos Jan-Jun 2015
West Dean Gardens - Fri 22 May 2015
The start time for bus passes has changed to 9.30am which can have a serious effect on the amount of time we have in some of the outer reaches of bus tripping world. Undaunted, Kim came up with an alternative route. Wahoo! Unfortunately, the buses were running late but as Kim, Sheila and Pam reported:
"Bus trippers are a bunch of jolly people and we were quite happy waiting under the sheltered bus stop, having a chinwag, sharing our interest in outings and getting to know new members. Arriving at West Dean just before midday, we firstly all dashed for the loo and then we were ready for our much-looked-forward-to tea/coffee and cakes in the restaurant. The restaurant was very busy but service was good and we didn't have to wait long. They offer home-cooked lunches as well as afternoon teas. The garden shop has a good range of gifts and plants.
After our refreshments, we walked around the very impressive 35 acre historic gardens. The pergola was fully restored after the 1987 storm, and at 300 feet, it is one of the longest in the country. There are fabulous panoramic views across the South Downs. We enjoyed the walk and covered a lot of the grounds which were stunning but the rain arrived so it was all back to the restaurant and shop.
Despite the weather being a bit dull and chilly, it was a very enjoyable day with very good company and a good few laughs along the way."
Little Woodham Historic Village - Thurs 21 May 2015
What a difference in the weather for the group's second visit to Little Woodham. No gale force winds or torrential rain. Also, different homes were open and the villagers had different tales to tell.. A lovely day out.
June wrote: "Good morning mistress!" This is how we were greeted at Little Woodham by all the volunteer staff at this little gem, tucked away in a beautiful wood in Gosport. Unlike the group's last visit, this was a beautifully sunny day and, as Bus trippers, we travelled by bus to Portsmouth Hard, caught the ferry to Gosport, had a look round the shops to begin with, met up with the Local History group at the bus terminus, and travelled to Little Woodham. We didn't stay together but we all spent the next two hours wandering around and meeting the various villagers who told us of their lives in the 17th century, which was absolutely fascinating.
We also saw the local residents, (a couple of foxes), who were so tame that they apparently were fed by hand.
I almost wish I had grandchildren young enough to visit Little Woodham, though we Big Kids had a great afternoon.
Watercress Line - Tues 19 May 2015
Everyone remembers the days when all trains were steam, and smoke, smuts, whistles and clicketty-clack were all part of good day out. Cue - a trip to the Watercress Line organised by Mary, who reports:
The outing was planned to start at Horndean and to catch the No. 37 bus to Petersfield then change and catch a bus to Alresford. A group of 6 people set off. We had coffee in Petersfield while waiting for the second bus.
The journey from Petersfield was pleasant. We passed through beautiful countryside and quaint villages with thatched cottages. We arrived on schedule at Alresford (1155) where we had time for lunch before setting off on our Watercress rail trip to Alton. Fortunately we were pulled by a steam engine, which the made the journey nostalgic and brought back childhood memories for many of the group.
We had hoped to have a stroll into Alton on arrival, however with dark clouds looming, the group made a unanimous decision to return on the train to Alresford. Our return journey by bus back to Horndean was uneventful and overall it was a nice day out.
One bus tripper, (mentioning no names John), complained bitterly about the lack of watercress. There's always one .....
Bus trippers' team at the U3A Quiz - Thurs 14 May
Well, we may not have been the winning team, but we came a very close 5th. Great evening, very well organised and run quiz. No namby-pamby endless repetition of questions or too much thinking time, or endless waiting for the scores. Very satisfying level of questions with one or two real head-scratchers. Who among us will ever forget what "23 P of C in the HB" means?! Brilliant!
Southsea Tea Factory - Fri 17 April 2015
Well, what a little gem this place in Middle Street is. After a very interesting talk about tea growing, buying, importing, blending, packaging, marketing and selling, we had a delicious £5 cream tea with warm scones and very generous portions of proper clotted cream, and individual tea pots and cosies. Handy hints - steer clear of pyramid tea bags, and choose African teas for fuller flavour.
Auction at Jacobs & Hunt, Petersfield - Fri 27 March 2015
Perhaps it's just as well that none of us had registered to bid at the auction because the breakneck speed of bidding might have ended up with one of us coming home as the (proud?) possessor of an ancient, cracked and glued Chinese vase or a laughing cow or a 1950s children's Vulcan sewing machine or even a gruesome stuffed toy. It gave us plenty to mull over during our very pleasant post-auction lunch.
Ratpack Tea & Tunes - Wed 25 March 2015
Eight Bus trippers attended the Ratpack themed Tea & Tunes at the Grosvenor Casino, Gunwharf Quays. Things seem to have improved since last month with the food being described as "fine", (sandwiches, scones, carrot cake, chocolate brownies, lemon cake and as much tea and coffee as you could drink). The entertainer was "great" and got the audience involved. No dancing but plenty of singing. General quiz beforehand - didn't come last. Overall experience - 9/10
Chimes Buffet Lunch - Mon 9th March 2015
Sometimes, there's nothing else to say except that a good time was had by all, especially those who had the gluten-free dessert!
Tea & Tunes - Wed 25th Feb 2015
Sometimes, it just feels as if the fates are conspiring against you. Perhaps, just occasionally, it might be prudent to listen to what they're trying to tell you when they're throwing out all sorts of obstacles in the form of unanswered phone calls, a helpline that couldn't help, and no other means of contact to buy tickets for an event which had to be booked in advance. However, Bus trippers are nothing if not persistent, and nine of them won through and attended the Tea & Tunes event.
A round-up of some of the comments: "The music was from the 40s and 50s. The singer sang to a cassette machine. She had a very nice voice but some would say she didn't interact with the audience. Jive dancing took place and singing along was encouraged - "I've got rhythm" etc, finishing with "Diamonds are a girl's best friend". Some of the tables didn't have cloths. The tea was a little cold, and the sandwiches and cakes a little dry, but were eaten anyway. There weren't enough to go round. Some of us will be going again next month."
