A DAY IN THE LAKES – what better time to visit the Lakes where, hopefully, we should be able to see a “host of Golden Daffodils”.  We will start our day in the lovely ancient village of Hawkshead, famous for its’ associations with William Wordsworth, who went to School here.

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All 56 members (sadly one member was not well and not able to travel) set off from the Square, on Fri.llth November, on our way to Loch Tummell, which is just north of Perth.  Our lady driver got us there safe and sound with suitable refreshment stops on the way.  The Hotel was lovely with courteous, helpful Staff, spotlessly clean and warm,  nice rooms, excellent food and entertainment each evening with quiet areas as well.  What more could you want?  Our excursions were up through snowy areas and spectacular mountain scenery, the Autumn colours were truly amazing, a trip to Dundee where we visited the Jute works and had an insight to what life was like working there in the “bad” old days. and a visit to Blair Castle with the customary wee dram to greet us. The weather was kind to us with just one wet afternoon.   Trouble is it went too quickly and we made our journey back to South of the Border arriving safely back in Maghull. Now, any suggestions for next year??

We will be paying a visit to the ancient Roman Village of Ribchester, one of the most popular villages in Lancashire, set on the River Ribble.  The local Museum traces the history of the area and Roman occupation.  A recent archaeological dig unearthed the remains of a Roman Fort.  The village is well worth strolling round with a good selection of shops, cafes, art gallery, roman baths etc.  There is also a small Garden Centre which is well stocked with plants and has a collection of cabins selling various goods.  With a  nice cafe on site it is a good venue for morning coffee
Onto the comfortable family owned Ferraris Country House Hotel in Lancashire, which is set in beautiful grounds, where we will have a delicious 3 course lunch followed by tea/coffee and then an interesting talk about the experiences of Ms.Jennie Coulston-Herrmann, who is a retired high ranking Police Officer.  One of her many skills was employed in hostage negotiations.  Humorous, entertaining and worth hearing..
Thurs.2nd February 2017  Dep.9.l5am  Ret.5pm  Price £25 inc.3 courselunch/talk
Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday lst November 2016 

Join us for a 4 day/3 nights dinner/bed/breakfast, “Showtime and Gourmet” Spring break, at the Group Award winning, family run St.Kilda Hotel, set on the promenade in Llandudno. Showtime entertainment from your favourite West End shows plus a chance for the chefs to show off their very best  gourmet culinary skills, with 4 and 5 course meals.All rooms have the usual facilities – en suite, tv, tea making, etc. Lift to all floors.There will be tea/scones on arrival plus other hotel extras. 2 excursions. You can even do fancy dress  if you want to – it’s purely optional.  When : Friday 24th March 2017 to Monday 27th March 2017 PRICE: £179  – will be less with group discount – Single Supplement £9 – Deposit £50 –  Free Insurance. Seats will be on sale at Day Trips table on Tuesday 23rd August 2016

SOLD but please ask about reserve list.

We will start our day at the newly refurbished Golden Pheasant Hotel/Pub, in the lovely Cheshire village of Plumley, for our morning coffee/biscuits (included).  Followed by a  visit to the unique Cuckooland in Tabley.  This is a museum with an amazing collection of cuckoo clocks with intricate carvings and some beautiful antiques, a selection of  musical movements and it is one of the largest in the world. Outside there is a collection of vintage motor bikes etc.all brought together by two brothers – Roman and Maz Pieanski, two of the world’s foremost horologists, who themselves have fascinating tales to tell.  We will have a guided tour of this fantastic collection, some dating back as far as l850.  On leaving here we will head for the lovely Tatton Park in Knutsford, where we can have some lunch in one of their restaurants and then time for a short visit to their Christmas Shopping Fair – maybe pick up some Christmas gifts. WHEN Friday 25th November 2016  Dep.9.15am  Ret.5pm  Price –  £18 inc.coffee/guided tour. Seats will be on sale at our table Tuesday 16th August 2016.

Then join us on a 5 day/4 nights dinner/bed/breakfast break at the super comfortable 4* Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy, a charming little town on the banks of the River Slaney, just over an hour’s drive from Dublin. We will travel from Maghull to Holyhead and then set sail for Dublin.  On arrival there will be a short orientation tour of Dublin and then off to our lovely hotel with all mod.cons plus a large indoor swimming pool, spa and gym. Just a couple of minutes walk into Enniscorthy with all its’ popular bars, cafes, shops etc.

SOLD but ask about reserve llist

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Friday 15th July 2016  Our first port of call was the lovely Faenol Fawr Hotel at St.Asaph, for morning coffee/biscuits.  Such a lovely building with flagged floors, a tudor fireplace dated 1597 and a nice cup of coffee or two.  On we went to Electric Mountain.  What an incredible feat of engineering this is.  Roads through a mountain with traffic lights etc.  from the front it just looks like an ordinary shop. We boarded our bus and travelled into the heart of the mountain Here we were told about the work they do, how they have to calculate peaks and troughs.  Next time you switch your kettle on at 10pm think about the problem you are causing.  The recent European Football caused them some headaches on the nights when there was penalty shoot outs as the peak demand shifted from night to night.  We made a very glamorous group in our hairnets and hard hats – a sight to behold. The regulations were strictly enforced. No open toed shoes, mobile phones, handbags, cameras  etc. all had to be stored in lockers. A very interesting/informative trip.