Saturday, 27thJanuary 2024 - New Vic Theatre - 'The Nutcracker'
Visit to the New Vic Theatre - 27th February, 2024
What a lovely day! We had a very smooth ride to the theatre with a good, courteous driver, Phil. Jo and I hadn't booked a table at the theatre restaurant but we found a table for two by the window overlooking the car park! We each had a very good latte then we ordered lunch. The service and the food were excellent, jacket potato with cheese and salad for me and breakfast quiche and salad for Jo. There was about an hour before the show was to start so we decided we would go for a walk. I asked at reception and was given directions to Brampton Park. It took us about ten minutes to reach the park and what a treasure we had found. There was a cafe and an aviary with some large cages and a variety of birds, some very vocal! I thought it was a shame that there were no labels telling us about the birds. I then learned that they were all rescue birds so I guess the keepers never know what they are going to have. Jo and I then had a lovely wander around Brampton Museum and Art Gallery. The Museum housed varied artefacts depicting the history of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The art gallery had a variety of paintings and some were displayed around the cafe and the shop.
We walked back to the theatre and found our seats which were perfect. The Nutcracker was amazing! Live music, acting, ballet dancing and wonderful sets and visual effects. The costumes were glorious with meticulous attention to detail even down to stripes on the shoes of a dancer living in the Land of Sweets. I cannot praise it highly enough.
Thanks to Lynn C, Glyn and Kathy for their time and organisation.
Car outing - 17 of us met at the Café for tea/coffee and a most delicious chocolate brownie! We then had an introductory talk in the house and then free flow for the rest of the morning. Each room had an excellent guide who was more than happy to share their knowledge with us. We then had soup and a sandwich with more coffee/tea for our lunch. The weather stayed fine for us for the whole of our visit. All in all a good outing with good company!
Thursday, 29th June - Canal - an excellent day! Weather good, crew brilliant, food good and company really good. A good way to spend the day! Try it next time.
................................................................................................... Wednesday, 19th July - Canal - another good day out on the canal. Good food, good company. Try it next year.
Tuesday, 21st March - Hereford Cathedral - Talk, Tour of the Cathedral and a tour of the Mappa Mundi, then free time in Hereford for a meal.
What a lovely day out. The weather was really kind to us. The bus strike meant more cars on the road and hold ups wherever we went. We arrived safely and had two really informative tours - one of the Cathedral and one of the Mappa Mundi. The three guides were excellent in delivery of so much knowledge with a humour to add to the mix.
We then ate at several of the small cafés in the area. It is a lovely city and would be well worth another visit.
Thank you, Sue for all of the organisation - well worth the effort.
NEW VIC THEATRE-'ALICE IN WONDERLAND', SATURDAY, 28TH JANUARY 2023
We had a lovely day. A calm, easy journey to the theatre with Richard as our driver. A delicious meal at the theatre with excellent service. Then Alice! Although not the writer's favourite of the Christmas plays here at the Vic, we still enjoyed the energy, music, choreography and the superb characters played by consummate actors. Alice was played by Eleanor Fransch she was a believable eleven-year-old Alice - bolshy and fierce one minute and a scared little girl the next. It was her first job since leaving Drama School.
MONDAY, 21st NOVEMBER 2023 - 'A TALK, TOUR AND MEAL AT THE BARTONS ARMS PUB, BIRMINGHAM. 7.00pm.
Please read the review on the Social Activities page. ...........................
Wednesday, 12th October 2022 - LAMPORT HALL, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. - James, our driver, was excellent. Apart from a tight squeeze through a very narrow gate - the drive, both there and back was relaxing. We arrived to be welcomed - a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits followed by a tour of the house in two groups. Our guides were excellent. Their knowledge of the families, who inhabited the house over 400 years, was informative as well as spellbinding at times. As home to the Isham family for over four centuries, the fortunes, interests and trials of each generation have left their mark. The Hall is set in approximately 10 acres of tranquil gardens, the result of over 450 years of love and dedication, enclosed by a spacious park. Although their size and location are the same as when they were first laid out, their design has been strongly influenced by the interests and tastes of successive owners.
Our ploughman's lunch was lovely followed by another cup of tea/coffee and biscuits. A walk around the gardens in the afternoon - not to miss the 'bog house' - a three holer!
Thank you Margaret for a lovely visit. Well worth the effort!
Wed. 15th June - Canal Visit - Calf Heath to Coven and back stopping at the Anchor Inn for lunch. What beautiful weather we had! Good company and good food. A lovely, relaxing way to spend the day. Let us hope the July trip is as lucky!
THIS ONE IS A BLAST FROM THE PAST!
PROBABLY, OVER 14 YEARS AGO!
Tuesday, 17th May - The Black Country Living Museum
“We’ll, we day arf ave a smashin time at the Black Country Living Museum t’other Tuseday. It day rain and the sun cum out mekking it a luverly warm day. Them that went all said wot a grate time they’d ‘ad. It’s a bit of a bother that we cud all remember sum of the bits and bobs we sin. Gettin old I s’pose!! The guides and volunteers wus very knowledgeable and ‘elpful. Sittin’ on a bench in the sun ating fish and chips for lunch was a treat. They’m doing a lot of new stuff so it’d be gud to goo agen when it’s finished.” Glynn M
Kathy and J couldn't go because of Covid! Missed out on the Fish and Chips!
Saturday 25th January - New Vic Theatre 'The Prince and the Pauper'
This was the New Vic at its very best. Theresa Heskins’s production was colourful, clever, funny and very energetic. The set and costumes were lavish, reflecting the medieval colours of the Tudor court. Danielle and Nichole Bird were perfect in the lead parts but there were so many brilliant cameo performances amongst the ensemble cast. Princess Mary’s character alone was worth the price of a ticket! Scampi Man
The Prince and the Pauper was a delight .We had a wonderful timè.The cast including twins playing the title roles were energetic moving froom one character to another.Queen Mary brought a smile to everyones face, the actor slipped in and out of character and costume with great easy. A spectacular to start our New Year. Jan Farrow
It was a fantastic performance. I have seen on the stage actors, acrobats, musicians, singers, dancers. Ten out of ten for choosing it. Antonio Longhi
We thought we would suggest a mention for the musicians in the Prince & the Pauper. They were excellent, the cellist was even playing while lying on her back at one point and the trumpeter changed his mouthpiece while also lying 'injured'. The range of instruments was varied, not just an add on. The whole show was exciting from beginning to end. Lynn and Mario Castillo
Delightful performance of The Prince and The Pauper at the New Vic Stoke today. Excellent in every respect throughly enjoyed by all of our party a cut above the rest, staging innovative kept me guessing until the end. And we enjoyed an excellent meal at theatre. Sheila Bolton
Friday 13th December - Touchwood, Solihull
We were sad that Jean (who had organised the trip, could not be with us, as Peter was not well. We hope he has recovered. Also, the sad news that Pam H's husband had died was given to us all by Sue.
The few of us who went had a lovely day - spending money, spending money, spending money!! No more to be said
What a lovely afternoon - we had a fabulous time! Wonderful costumes, sets, dancing - what is not to love! Everyone was on time and had plenty of time for eating before the performance. Thank you all for coming and joining us for this visit. KN.
Tuesday 19th November - Winter Meal - Druids Heath GC
Such a successful event, lots of happy noise from people chatting, then quiet when they were eating their delicious meals. Plenty of tasty food, and I mean ......plenty. Excellent service, wonderful weather and good company. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. Then Doris won the Raffle, so well deserved. Special “ Thanks “ to Kathy for organising it ALL. We will be back to Druids Heath in April. Join us then, I hope. Sue Oates President.
Thursday 24th October - Styall Quarry Bank
Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, Cheshire, England, is one of the best preserved textile mills of the Industrial Revolution and is now a museum of the cotton industry.
We had a lovely day at Styal - good weather (so lucky as the next day was horrendous rain all day), wonderful place and good company.
Then ....... the happening ....... Margaret J dislocated her new, four month old, hip. Hospital at Macclesfield and an 'op' followed. She is now recovering and after being fitted with a brace and crutches, she will be allowed home when she is up and mobile.
Styal is well worth a second visit - you can't hope to see everything in one day. Thank you Sue for organising it!
Tuesday, 9th July 2019 - Calf Heath to The Anchor Inn
We had a lovely day on the canal - cruising along in the warmth, good company, plenty of laughs, good food at the pub in the sunshine - what more could you ask for.
This memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum commemorates the Polar Bears, the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division and their actions in World War II. It was the first monument at the Arboretum.
Thursday 27th June - National Arboretum, Alrewas
What a superb day out at the National Arboretum.This is a wonderful tribute set in a background of thousands of trees.We all enjoyed the train ride and commentary giving us all the details of the various commendations created so we can ever be thankful for freedom.Good food was enjoyed in the spacious restaurant.The gifts were well presented in the shop.How lucky we were to have bright sun all day.
Margaret Jones
Wednesday, 22nd May 2019 - Rode Hall and Gardens, Stoke on Trent
Dave our guide provided a knowledgeable and humorous introduction to the house, history, arts and artefacts. One hour with everone’s attention focussed on Dave. The gardens are a delight and provide enough to do for a couple of hours. The tea rooms are really well run and provide lovely well cooked and fresh foods including really delicious cakes!! Well worth a visit at a reasonable price. Thank you Rode Hall and Gardens, Carl our driver and Glyn and Lynn for a lovely day out!
This is an interesting photo - it shows fireplaces put against the outside of the Kitchen garden wall so they could grow apricots etc. against the inside of the wall. Photo taken by Lesley S
The Governor's Walk with the Laburnum trees - this is where the fireplaces were. Photo taken by Lesley S.
Tuesday, 9th April - Elgar's Birthplace and Worcester
Tuesday, 9th April, 2019. "Oh what a grey day!" We didn't see any sunshine until we were about to board the coach to come home from Worcester, but we still managed to have a really good day and we didn't get wet! Our coach driver was Glyn, he was a very careful and considerate driver. We arrived at The Firs about 10.15 am and were very warmly welcomed by Stuart. We were shown into the Carice Room (named after Elgar's daughter) and were given tea or coffee and biscuits. Stuart then gave us a brief talk about The Firs and how the NT came to be involved. In 1990 work was started on a beautiful visitor centre, cafe and shop and since 2016 the NT has done extensive conservation work on the birthplace cottage, garden and collection of artefacts. This talk was frequently interrupted by Richard, who was going to talk to us later; Stuart and Richard were a good comedy team who had us all laughing! When Richard talked to us, he talked about the life of Elgar and was more serious telling us that Elgar was a genius but a troubled soul. He played some music composed by Elgar, but rarely heard. We then split into 3 groups. My group was shown a film about the life of Elgar and then we were taken to the cottage and shown around. The cottage is very small, Elgar lived there with his parents and four siblings! We then had free time to wander around the beautiful gardens and have some lunch. Everyone said how welcoming the staff and volunteers were, it was a lovely morning. We drove on to Worcester and had about two and a half hours to do as we pleased. Peter and I chose to visit Greyfriars which is another NT property. Again a very interesting place with a lovely garden and tea room. Several of the group found their way there too! I know everyone enjoyed themselves and I'd like to thank them for coming and supporting our group. It was a great day. Jean Entwistle
The final 2 photos are of Greyfriars in Worcester - a National Trust Property
Saturday, 26th January - New Vic Theatre ' Wind in the Willows'
Another lovely visit to the New Vic Theatre. With an influx of 3 coach parties and others, the one chef on duty had his work cut out for him. We all managed to receive tasty meals in time for the performance. Well done to him!
This is a copy of the professional review by 'The Stage' in December.
"The New Vic’s adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic is full of gentle whimsy and clever stagecraft. The cast of accomplished actor-musicians begins with a haunting acapella song that rouses Alicia McKenzie’s anxious and naive mole from slumber. Studious, no-nonsense Badger is also played by a woman (Emma Manton), which nicely shifts the story’s dynamic away from its original celebratory maleness. Underground burrows are conjured up with lovely invention and detail. Mole rises through a soft tunnel of fabric and light into a springtime scene populated by prissy rabbits in pinnies, while Badger’s complicated sett – a sanctuary from the Wild Wood above it – is adorned with academic trinkets and an old-fashioned stove. The river on which Ratty goes boating appears via vivid projection, complete with moving fish that awe the very youngest audience members. Designer Lis Evans clothes the quadruped cast in Edwardian waistcoats, boaters, petticoats and plus-fours, with generous tails – variously bristly and bushy – bursting through the rumps. Laura Soper shines as truculent young otter Portly, while Kieran Buckeridge impresses as a sinister fox in auburn tweed, his stealthy approach accompanied by a creeping saxophone solo. Matthew Burns’ resentful, clog-shod horse also delights, while the junior chorus sings, dances and acts with expressive confidence. As an adult, it’s tempting to be cynical about Grahame’s conservatism and fear of the foreign. Nevertheless, this is engaging and innocent family fare, performed with aplomb. Here’s hoping a new generation of badger advocates will rise from the audience ranks to fight the Defra cull."
A joy! Our members really enjoyed it. Toad was a delight (a jolly Billy Bunter of a character).
Kathy Norman
Sunday, 16th December - 'A Choral Christmas with Matt Baker' - Birmingham Symphony Hall
What a wonderful afternoon. A lovely lunch before the show and Matt Baker to begin our festive time. It was all Christmassy and joyous. The Choir was particularly amazing. Matt's choice of readings, poems and narratives were well made and made us all smile. He is so professional but relaxed and you feel safe in his hands. The Birmingham Symphony orchestra - as always - was at it's best. What a way to begin Christmas!
Tues. 12th June 2018 - DEENE PARK, CORBY
On Tuesday 12th of June an idyllic day was spent here at the house and the garden.The well informed guides took us around this magnificent private country home full of treasures and art.A further treat was our own tour of the wonderful restored gardens by Andrew Jones Head Gardener ex Walsall Arboretum.A delicious lunch followed by tea and cake.made a superb day out.
Margaret Jones.
WITLEY COURT CHURCH
Wed. 23rd May 2018 - WITLEY COURT HOUSE AND GARDENS, WORCS. Our May visit was to Witley Court in Worcestershire via Webbs Garden Centre. We had a beautiful day for the visit and a good journey to Webbs with no motorway holdups. We had time for coffee and a look around this splendid garden centre collecting ideas and lots of spending on plants, pots and household items. After filling of the coach luggage compartment we set off for a short drive to Witley Court. On arrival, after entrance payments had been made, we walked through the lovely woodland gardens to the church. This church is absolutely lovely inside, so light and bright and had a really nice feel to it. The guide gave a short history of the church and we were allowed to walk around, touch the wooden pulpit and take photographs or just sit quietly contemplating. Next we made our way to the garden cafe where we were expected for lunch at 1.30pm. Tables had been reserved for us outside as the weather was so lovely. We had a choice of ham or quiche salad and I can highly recommend the ham salad. It was well presented and delicious and the tea was served in china cups, the staff were really friendly and helpful even though they were very busy. After a leisurely lunch we wondered back to the Court itself, which is in ruins after a fire in 1937, an audio guide is available or there are interest boards in the main rooms giving information. The fountain in the garden is impressive depicting Perseus and Andromeda and every hour in the afternoon the main fountain gradually springs into life to reach its full height. A stroll back through the woodland this time taking the Wilderness area path brought us back to the exit and our awaiting coach. The journey home was marred by traffic holdups due to an accident and the M5 roadworks but the good thing about travelling by coach is that you can relax, chat to friends or have a nap and let the driver take the strain which our driver Martin did brilliantly. So our thanks go to Lynn C and Glyn for organising the trip and making sure everything went smoothly and to Martin for getting us and our plants home safely. A very enjoyable trip. Lynn Shaw
Wed. 14th March 2018 - SOHO HOUSE, THE MAILBOX AND CANALSIDE
What an interesting visit we all had on Wednesday 14th March, when we visited Soho House, home of Matthew Boulton. After a welcome coffee and biscuits, we were split into two groups and given our own private tour of the house. Soho House is a hidden, local history gem situated just off Soho Road. It was once the home of industrialist and entrepreneur Matthew Boulton from 1766 to 1809. The house has been tastefully restored and reflects the fashions and tastes of the late Georgian period and includes many items of Boulton’s own furniture. Displayed around the various rooms, are man beautiful and exquisite examples of products made at Boulton’s nearby manufactory - where buttons and buckles, clocks and vases, silver and Sheffield plate tableware were made. It was also the place where Boulton developed the steam engine in partnership with James Watt. Soho House was also a favourite meeting place of the famous Lunar Society, which would meet every month on the night of the full moon to dine, conduct experiments and have philosophical debates. Members of the society included Matthew Boulton, James Watt, William Murdoch, Erasmus Darwin and Joseph Priestley. After this fascinating insight into local history, we had a much more modern look at Birmingham when we visited the Mail Box for a much needed lunch! A chance to browse (not purchase - far too posh and expensive) the newly renovated Harvey Nichols followed before making our way back home. I’m sure everyone would agree, we all had a thoroughly enjoyable day. A big thank you to all our friends and family that support us and make these visits possible..
OR
T’other day a load of us teechers went to Sowo Owse. Some geezer called Matty Bolton lived there. He was dead clever by all acownts. Any rode it was sick! Then we went for grub in Brum at that posh place the Male Box. No prices! We had a grate time but we cudn’t buy anything from the shop cus we day ave enuff pocket money. It was grate tho.
You choose!!!!!!!
Glyn (the fool!) Mills
NEW VIC THEATRE - 'TREASURE ISLAND'
On Saturday, 13th January 2018, 44 of us went to see Treasure Island. Everyone had alovely day. The weather was kind to us and the driver (who looked after us all). However, I think we were all spoiled by seeing 'Around the World in 80 Days' earlier in 2017. That was such a fantastic show that this one paled a bit in comparison. The story was adapted by Theresa Heskins (the Artistic Director at the theatre) and the story was chosen by the Children who attend the theatre's Borderlines. Many of us thought the whole thing was loud! A lot of the cast shouted and the music was too much at times. Perhaps a director's job to tone it down a bit. The set etc. was, as usual, imaginative and well done. Not my favourite story! Still a lovely day out and the theatre is always welcoming and good food to be had in the Cafe. Theresa has not announced the story for next year. Watch this space.
Kathy Norman
OUR VISIT TO LUDLOW TINSEL MARKET IN DECEMBER HAD TO BE CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS. EVERYONE WAS REALLY DISAPPOINTED!
42nd ANNIVERSARY MEAL AT DRUIDS HEATH GOLF CLUB What a lovely afternoon! The atmosphere was great and so was the company. People had lovely things to say about the food. We have booked for April 25th 2018 - members will be asked if they want to continue with Druids Heath or try somewhere else for our December meal - nothing is ever set in stone!
ARLEY ARBORETUM
On Wednesday,18th October, 27 of us went to Arley Arboretum. We arrived just after 11.00am and were greeted by Amanda who showed us to the marquee where we had tea or coffee and biscuits. The head gardener, Heather, introduced herself to us and answered a few questions while we had our coffee. She has been head gardener for just two weeks!! We then went on a guided tour of the grounds with Heather telling us about some of the trees; species, age and some had interesting little stories attached. The tour lasted about 40 minutes, at the end of which most of us headed to the cafe for our lunches. I chose a beef lasagne which was absolutely delicious! We then wandered around at our leisure visiting the maze, the Italian Gardens where there was a wonderful fountain which kept changing its shape, the Laburnum Arch, views of the Severn Valley, a rill in which were some really big fish and the Well. We went back to the cafe for afternoon tea and cake, both of which were very good! We boarded the coach about 3.30pm and headed for home. The weather throughout was OK, just a little drizzle at the start but then just cloud. I think everyone had an enjoyable day, Peter and I certainly enjoyed our day.
Jean Entwistle
Fri. 11th AUGUST - SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW Another treat! The last visit of our Summer season. We could not have seen all that was on offer in one visit. The standard of the flowers, flower arrangements, vegetables etc. were of a very high standard. Perhaps you would expect that. Many people commented that they would be looking at their own gardens with new eyes. Many of us got onto the coach holding bags and bags of plants. The craft stalls, clothing stalls and many others gave ideas for Christmas gifts. There were plenty of eating places - although, seats were difficult to find, especially under cover. The 'quack display' showed ducks being put through their paces with the aid of a black and white collie dog as their shepherd - brought in from a Welsh farm. What talent! Good fun. Later in the afternoon there was the Showjumping in the Arena - plenty of 'Oooh's and Oh's' being heard as the bars were knocked from their supports. Plenty to see and do - back on the coach exhausted! Thank you Margaret for a lovely day.
Kathy Norman
Wed. 19th JULY- CANAL TRIP A relaxing day in the countryside! Weather not brilliant in the morning but warmer in the afternoon. We sat outside and looked out for the wildlife. Good company and a few laughs! Glyn Mills
Saturday, 1st July W.R.T.A. trip to The New Vic Theatre, Stoke , to see "Around The World in 80 Days " . What a super afternoon out--a leisurely lunch enjoyed by the usual suspects and friends, followed by a brilliant feast of entertainment. We have visited this theatre before, but I don't think they can top this performance Only 8 actors - unbelievable, all brilliant at acting, mime, dance etc. Perhaps a special mention for the Valet, PASSEPARTOUT-- a whole One Man Show on his own. The production is truly ingenious.
Sue Oates
P.S. Our next trip to The New Vic is in January to see " Treasure Island " - be sure to book your seats!
Tues. 16th MAY - SEZINCOTE ESTATE and MORETON IN THE MARSH
There had been a huge WW2 German bomb found on a building site in Birmingham resulting in the closure of many arterial roads into the city. Due to the closures many commuters were trying to find alternative ways to their destinations. Our coach driver made excellent headway toward Moreton-In-Marsh, which was our first port of call on this trip. Choosing less congested roads he made good time to this lovely Cotswold Market town. We were dropped off in the centre of the town and Lynn our leader for the excursion informed us of our pick up point and departure time. The weather was reasonable, overcast but warm. Our group of 34 people split up and headed off to explore the town’s market and antique shops. There was time for lunch in one of the many café’ and restaurants. At 13;30 the coach set off for the short drive to Sezincote House. Our coach driver demonstrated his wonderful driving skills as we made our approach toward the house down a very narrow lane, maneuvering the coach through narrow gate ways and past overhanging trees as we slowly entered the estate gardens the cows in the fields with their small calves gave us very strange looks. Alighting the coach the weather started to worsen as we made our way up to the house. Our guide split us into two groups and welcomed us. One group went off to investigate the gardens and were asked to return in 40 minuets for their house visit. The architecture of the house is not what one would expect to see in the English countryside. Spread before us was a typical Indian Mansion complete with a huge copula on the roof. John Cockerell purchased the original house in 1795, he had sailed to India as a young man. Cockerel fell in love with Indian architecture and thus refashioned the existing house and extended the property to imitate an Indian mansion. It looked extremely grand. Our guide took us around the house, surprisingly the interior was classical Greek revival. However, each room we visited was very different in style and décor, (One Chinese another Indian). As the house is private and still lived in we had limited access to view the rooms. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of the house, contents and history and we were not rushed around the property. Outside the gardens were well kept. However, due to the rain we were limited to peruse at leisure. Attached to the house was a long narrow orangery, where exotic fruits were grown in past times. There was a doorway from the dining room directly into the orangery, where the gents of past would retire to after their meal to have a smoke and leave the women to chat. Visit over we all piled back onto the coach for a very laboured journey back to Walsall due to the motorways being closed for the demolition of the bomb that had been unearthed. All in all lovely day out even though the sun did not shine for us. Melvyn Shaw
Tues. 11th APRIL- EASTNOR CASTLE and LEDBURY
What a lovely day! On 11th April Walsall Retired Teachers' Association and their guests had a most enjoyable visit to Ledbury and to Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. We travelled by coach through the delightful countryside and then spent some time exploring Ledbury and its wonderful Minster (William Morris window a must see!). After lunch we were treated to the magnificent Pugin interiors of Eastnor Castle and all its treasures. We were given a detailed private tour by very knowledgeable guides. The day was made complete by tea and home-made biscuits taken in the wonderful Pugin room and a superb view of the large lake and its beautiful surrounding landscape.
Margaret Jones
Thurs. 9th MARCH - REDHOUSE GLASS MUSEUM/LUNCH and HAGLEY HALL
Thursday, 9th March, 29 members and friends went to the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley, near Stourbridge. We began with a hot drink then were divided into two groups for a guided tour round the Cone. Our guides were amazing, so interesting and informative, the hour went by very quickly. Inside the cone seemed a lot bigger than it appeared on the outside and to look up to the top was awesome! The displays of glass were really beautiful. Some of us bought some goodies and were lucky enough to see an engraver at work. We returned to the cafe for our lunch. We had pre-ordered jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings. The meals were beautifully presented and they tasted every bit as good as they looked! We then moved on to Hagley Hall where, again in the same groups, we had guided tours of the Hall. The guides were very interesting, how they retain all the knowledge they impart without referring to notes is beyond me! There were some lovely ceilings and fireplaces. We all met for afternoon tea and biscuits then some of us walked to the church in the grounds before returning to the coach. The weather remained sunny throughout the whole day which added to the enjoyment of the visit. Jean Entwistle Visit leader