Paddock Wood u3a
Completed Study Days 2023
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens May 2023
The day dawned bright with the promise in the air of the warmth of a summer’s day as 45 Paddock Wood u3a members boarded the coach ready for a day out at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens near Cowfold in West Sussex. After a safe and comfortable drive by Przemek, our driver, we were welcomed to the Gardens. Once we had got over the all-important loo and coffee the group split into three for a guided tour of the garden with the garden volunteers, Brendan, Peter and Martin, who all impressed us with their knowledge of the garden history and all the flora and fauna to be seen.
The gardens offer plenty of photo opportunities with so many beautiful and majestic trees as a backdrop to the rhododendrons and azaleas in full and blousy bloom, the lakes acting as a mirror to some of the views. And if that wasn’t enough there is a sculpture trail around the gardens of many large scale works by Anton Smit – the most impressive being “Faith”, a larger than life figure of a man opening his arms to embrace the sky. Some of us learnt more about Anton Smit and his art during a talk by the art curator, Veronica.
There was plenty of wildlife to see too: birds, ducks, geese, butterflies, dragon flies and, of course, the famous gang of wallabies (including some albino) in their enclosure grazing and resting under the trees. The day fulfilled its early morning promise by becoming warm and sunny, just perfect for exploring the gardens and for enjoying lunch and a cold drink followed by an ice-cream. And maybe another, before being tempted by the plants for sale and, of course, the obligatory “gift shop on exit” as we returned to the coach for our journey home.
Sue and Jeremy Thompson
The gardens offer plenty of photo opportunities with so many beautiful and majestic trees as a backdrop to the rhododendrons and azaleas in full and blousy bloom, the lakes acting as a mirror to some of the views. And if that wasn’t enough there is a sculpture trail around the gardens of many large scale works by Anton Smit – the most impressive being “Faith”, a larger than life figure of a man opening his arms to embrace the sky. Some of us learnt more about Anton Smit and his art during a talk by the art curator, Veronica.
There was plenty of wildlife to see too: birds, ducks, geese, butterflies, dragon flies and, of course, the famous gang of wallabies (including some albino) in their enclosure grazing and resting under the trees. The day fulfilled its early morning promise by becoming warm and sunny, just perfect for exploring the gardens and for enjoying lunch and a cold drink followed by an ice-cream. And maybe another, before being tempted by the plants for sale and, of course, the obligatory “gift shop on exit” as we returned to the coach for our journey home.
Sue and Jeremy Thompson
RHS Garden Wisley June 2023
Romney Marsh Historic Churches July 2023
Apart from a rain shower on the journey down to Old Romney, 51 members enjoyed a fine and partly sunny, full day on Romney Marsh. The Rose and Crown proved an excellent and welcoming base for the day where we enjoyed coffee and biscuits on arrival and met our excellent guide, John Hendy, who supervised and educated us on our visit. Our coach driver managed to navigate us through the narrow lanes and restricted parking to the four churches, two in the morning and two after a splendid Ploughman’s lunch back at the Rose and Crown.
These four churches are part of a group of 14 churches on Romney Marsh established often in the 13th century and now managed and maintained by a charity to keep the culture and nature of this special area of the country. The marsh was under the ocean for hundreds of years and only slowly reclaimed by digging ditches and farming in small communities. It was never a wealthy area and it was only by money and wealth from Canterbury Cathedral and a few wealthy people that the churches were built. It was a strong belief that these wealthy persons would minimise their time in “purgatory” on their way to heaven that often led to the construction of these special churches!
The huge knowledge and research of our guide made this a special day and it is sad that John is about to retire after 16 years in the role.
The day was completed with an exceptional cream tea put on by the Rose and Crown with scones, cream and strawberry jam and exceptional cakes for our consumption. And how we tucked in, washed down with a welcome cup of tea. It was a tired but happy group that arrived back in Paddock Wood just after 6 pm
These four churches are part of a group of 14 churches on Romney Marsh established often in the 13th century and now managed and maintained by a charity to keep the culture and nature of this special area of the country. The marsh was under the ocean for hundreds of years and only slowly reclaimed by digging ditches and farming in small communities. It was never a wealthy area and it was only by money and wealth from Canterbury Cathedral and a few wealthy people that the churches were built. It was a strong belief that these wealthy persons would minimise their time in “purgatory” on their way to heaven that often led to the construction of these special churches!
The huge knowledge and research of our guide made this a special day and it is sad that John is about to retire after 16 years in the role.
The day was completed with an exceptional cream tea put on by the Rose and Crown with scones, cream and strawberry jam and exceptional cakes for our consumption. And how we tucked in, washed down with a welcome cup of tea. It was a tired but happy group that arrived back in Paddock Wood just after 6 pm
Chiddingstone castle August 2023
Although the trip was organised at short notice 32 members had a very enjoyable day at Chiddingstone Castle. We set off from Putlands in our Ham’s Coach (the newest one which is usually reserved for us) and thanks to road works, narrow roads and low bridges our driver took a circuitous route to Chiddingstone Castle. A warm welcome awaited us from the staff with coffee, lunch and a first class tour of the castle and collections by the curator. We were surprised by five different types of collection set up by Denys Eyre Bower - Japanese, Stuart and Jacobite, Buddhist and Ancient Egyptian, and we heard of some of the scandals. A short walk through the grounds and over a wooden bridge took us to one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved Tudor one-street villages in Kent. So much to explore - the Old Manor, an original Tudor building with decorative timbers, windows and adornments signalling the wealth and status of the people who once lived there - the Castle Inn, a Grade II* listed pub - the charming Tulip Tree Tea Room with steep stairs leading to an antique furniture shop above and the charming and tiny Chiddingstone Stores and Post Office, possibly the oldest working shop in the UK, dating back to 1453. The Grade II* listed parish church of St. Mary the Virgin is thought to be the fourth one built on the site and showed an amazing history with links to the castle. Michael walked further around the back of the village to discover the Chiding Stone - the place where “rebellious” wives were chided for their attitude...there were no examples at the time of our visit!
Weald and Downland Living Museum September 2023
"All the Study Days we have joined have been extremely interesting and well organised"