SUMMER VISITS 2010

SUMMER OUTINGS 2010

All outings leave from Newbold Comyn car park (by the swimming pool), with a pick up in Newbold Terrace, opposite the Spa Centre, a few minutes later. 
 

THE OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL, KINGS NORTON  -  FRIDAY 16 APRIL

Depart from Newbold Comyn 10.15am 

Our first stop is Webbs of Wychold Garden Centre where we can have lunch and possibly a spot of retail therapy!  Leaving at 1.15pm to go to Kings Norton for a conducted tour of the restored buildings – The Old Grammar School and the medieval Merchant’s House (winner of Restoration 2004).  There will be some time to look round independently before tea & cakes, included in the price.  Leaving at 4.30pm. 

Bookings by 9 April please     Organizer Pat Butler Tel. 498166 
 

COTON MANOR GARDEN, NORTHANTS – WEDNESDAY 26 MAY

Depart from Newbold Comyn 11.00am 

Straight to Coton Manor where we will all have lunch together in the Groom’s Cottage which is exclusively for group use.  This outing is all inclusive, coach, one course lunch and garden entrance (see booking form for lunch options).  Lunch will be served at 12.30pm to give plenty of time to look round this 10 acre garden which is divided into smaller gardens with a bluebell wood and wildflower meadow beyond.  Teas are available to purchase from the Stableyard café before leaving at 5.00pm. 

Bookings by 19 May please     Organizer Lyn Buckle Tel. 339499 
 

BELTON HOUSE, LINCS AND THE WORKHOUSE, SOUTHWELL  -  SATURDAY 12 JUNE

Depart from Newbold Comyn 9.00am 

Straight to Belton House where we will be able to see the ‘below stairs’ basements before visiting the main house which is one of the finest examples of Restoration architecture and was, for centuries, the scene of lavish hospitality.  Delightful gardens, luxuriantly planted orangery and lakeside walks can also be explored.

This visit is all at your own pace, there are no guided tours.  There is a restaurant for lunch or bring a picnic.  We leave at 2.15pm to go to The Workhouse.  Here we have an audio tour round this most complete workhouse in existence, which brings the 19^th century inhabitants back to life.  We leave at 5.00pm.    

Bookings by 5 June please     Organizer Lyn Buckle Tel. 339499 
 
 
 

PTO for July, August & September 

THE WEDGEWOOD MUSEUM AND TUTBURY CASTLE  -  THURSDAY 15 JULY

Depart from Newbold Comyn 8.30am 

We will go straight to the Wedgewood Museum.  This stunning new building is the home to one of the most interesting ceramic collections in the world.  The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgewood, his family and the company he founded two-and-a-half centuries ago.  There is also a Visitor Centre which is NOT included in our price. Admission to this is Adults £6.25/Concession £4.25.  Lunch can be obtained at the restaurant (or bring a picnic) and there is a shop selling the full range of Wedgewood, plus factory seconds and discontinued ranges.

We leave at 1.45pm for the journey to Tutbury Castle (about 30mins).  Here we will be divided into two groups.  One group will be taken on a tour of the castle grounds before having a cream tea (included in the price) whilst the other group meet Mary, Queen of Scots in the Great Hall.  The groups will then change over.  We shall meet Mary, Queen of Scots in full authentic costume, during her imprisonment at Tutbury where she spent her time reading, writing letters and doing embroidery.  Learn about Mary’s three marriages and about life in general in Tudor times.  NB The talk is upstairs in the Great Hall to which there are steep stairs.  We leave at 5.00pm. 

Bookings by 8 July please     Organizer Lyn Buckle Tel. 339499 
 

ANDERTON BOAT LIFT, CHESHIRE  -  SATURDAY 14 AUGUST

Depart from Newbold Comyn 9.30am 

We shall have a coffee stop en route to the Anderton Boat Lift the ‘cathedral of canals’ with its fully accessible Operations Centre which has an exhibition focusing upon the lift’s history and the people who worked on and around it.  The lift Control Centre is located within the exhibition enabling visitors to see the lift up close on its busy daily schedule.  We shall have a brief introduction on arrival then free time to look around.  There is a restaurant for lunch or a picnic area located in the impressive shadow of the mighty structure. Landscaped grounds can also be explored.  We all meet up for tea/cakes (included in price) before

our 4.00pm trip through this unique structure on board the elegant Edwin Clark trip boat, plus a river cruise of about 40mins.  We leave at 5.30pm. 

Bookings by 4 August please     Organizer Pat Butler Tel. 498166 
 

ETON COLLEGE AND DORNEY COURT, BERKSHIRE  -  THURSDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

Depart from Newbold Comyn 8.30am 

We shall have a coffee stop en route to Eton College where we will learn the history and customs of this most famous school on a guided tour lasting about 1 hour.  This will finish on Eton High Street where there will be time to visit the Eton College Gift Shop and buy lunch at one of the eateries on this street (or bring a picnic). 

We leave at 1.45pm for the short journey to Dorney Court.  This is a grade 1 listed late medieval house, home to the Palmer family for the past thirteen generations.  The adjacent 12^th century church is also open.  There is a garden centre where tea can be purchased before we leave at 5.00pm.