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
45 of our u3a members enjoyed the wonders of RHS Wisley on Thursday 15th June. For many it was a first-time visit, but others had been before saying that no two visits are the same. It was a hot day but being divided into two groups everyone was able to pace themselves. One group enjoyed the slightly slower-paced level tour, and others scrambled up the giant rockeries to enjoy the views from higher ground. The tour from very qualified guides identified areas that we might otherwise have missed. RHS Wisley is known for its diverse gardens, from the Glasshouse with its lush jungle of plantings and tropical zones that was opened by our late Queen in 2007, the Alpine Meadow and Display Houses, the Walled and Cottage Gardens, the Wildlife Gardens, the Wellbeing Garden with its different garden rooms, the Mediterranean Terraces and Rock Gardens along with its many mixed borders that change with the seasons. We all had a wonderful day and several people said that they planned to return, visiting during a different season to enjoy more of what RHS Wisley has to offer.
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
It was an early start as our Hams Coach took us on a relaxing trip to West Sussex. As we came close to our destination we passed Goodwood and saw the dismantling of the stands and attractions from the recent Goodwood Revival event.
After an introduction we set out around the VERY large site. Buildings are thoughtfully spread around, some as groups in their own areas while others are isolated. Many visited the Gridshell Building, a massive modern construction. Our guide described the unique design and construction. Then a surprise as beneath the building is well arranged storage with a vast number of neatly arranged donated items.
Walking around was fascinating as we explored features of buildings from different ages that had been dismantled and rebuilt on the site. There were volunteer guides in some of the houses and trades were demonstrated; particularly interesting were blacksmiths hard at work.
We also saw the “Repair Shop” - artificial snow had been sprayed as a Christmas Special was being filmed.
A fascinating day enjoyed by all.
Thank you to Jan and Geoff Wheddon for organising the event, and to Ann Cairns and Colin Beavington for the photographs.
After an introduction we set out around the VERY large site. Buildings are thoughtfully spread around, some as groups in their own areas while others are isolated. Many visited the Gridshell Building, a massive modern construction. Our guide described the unique design and construction. Then a surprise as beneath the building is well arranged storage with a vast number of neatly arranged donated items.
Walking around was fascinating as we explored features of buildings from different ages that had been dismantled and rebuilt on the site. There were volunteer guides in some of the houses and trades were demonstrated; particularly interesting were blacksmiths hard at work.
We also saw the “Repair Shop” - artificial snow had been sprayed as a Christmas Special was being filmed.
A fascinating day enjoyed by all.
Thank you to Jan and Geoff Wheddon for organising the event, and to Ann Cairns and Colin Beavington for the photographs.
Windsor castle October 2023
“Excellent”; “Wonderful day out”; “Very well organised trip”; “My first Study Day. Brilliant. I shall definitely do more”. With these words ringing in our ears, we breathed a huge sigh of relief as we disembarked last from the coach at Putlands on our return from Windsor. All had gone well; everybody had found their way without difficulty from the Coach Park to the Castle and nobody had got lost on the way back!
52 of us left Paddock Wood in the rain and despite heavy traffic on the M25, we arrived at Windsor Coach Park, where there was a bit of sun, in good time to make our way to the Castle. We had distributed maps and information leaflets and the all-important entry ticket for the Castle to each member before we arrived. Despite the closure of two lifts from the area up to the town centre, the walk to the Castle proved to be straightforward, being very well signposted. The faster walkers made it in around five minutes, in time for the Changing of the Guard, and even the slower among us just a smidgen over ten minutes.
The Ceremonial Rooms in the Castle were stunning and quite spectacular with great gilded ceilings, magnificent chandeliers, dining tables to seat up to 180 guests, fabulous tapestries, many internationally famous paintings and so much more. The multi-media guide was informative and there were excellent, knowledgeable staff in every room and location, who were very friendly and approachable and ready to answer any question. There were a lot of visitors, but the place is so vast, there was always room to move and look at things more closely.
Members also enjoyed visiting St Georges Chapel, having seen it on television for Harry & Meghan’s wedding and the Queen’s funeral. Several commented on how moving they found it to see the late Queen’s tomb and to be able to pay their last respects as they walked past it. Any downside? Well, there was rather too much queuing for our liking, most particularly at lunch time in the Undercroft Café. The servery seemed woefully under-staffed on the day and a very long wait for food and drinks ensued.
After our visit to the Castle, we stopped for refreshments in the town before making our slightly foot-weary way back to the Coach Park, where the rest of the group was gathering. As we set off on our return journey, all around us members were reflecting on the marvellous sights they had seen, how lucky we had been with the weather, as mostly we managed to be indoors when the showers came over and what a worthwhile day we had enjoyed. In spite of once again being in queueing traffic for several miles on the M25 and the torrential rain en route, our excellent driver, Phil, got us safely and smoothly back to Paddock Wood on schedule.
Thanks to Sue Ednie, Richard Elliott, Frank Lay, Sue Potter, Peter Silvey and Velsha Stokes for the photographs. Interior views courtesy of the Castle website.
Pat & Peter Stallwood
52 of us left Paddock Wood in the rain and despite heavy traffic on the M25, we arrived at Windsor Coach Park, where there was a bit of sun, in good time to make our way to the Castle. We had distributed maps and information leaflets and the all-important entry ticket for the Castle to each member before we arrived. Despite the closure of two lifts from the area up to the town centre, the walk to the Castle proved to be straightforward, being very well signposted. The faster walkers made it in around five minutes, in time for the Changing of the Guard, and even the slower among us just a smidgen over ten minutes.
The Ceremonial Rooms in the Castle were stunning and quite spectacular with great gilded ceilings, magnificent chandeliers, dining tables to seat up to 180 guests, fabulous tapestries, many internationally famous paintings and so much more. The multi-media guide was informative and there were excellent, knowledgeable staff in every room and location, who were very friendly and approachable and ready to answer any question. There were a lot of visitors, but the place is so vast, there was always room to move and look at things more closely.
Members also enjoyed visiting St Georges Chapel, having seen it on television for Harry & Meghan’s wedding and the Queen’s funeral. Several commented on how moving they found it to see the late Queen’s tomb and to be able to pay their last respects as they walked past it. Any downside? Well, there was rather too much queuing for our liking, most particularly at lunch time in the Undercroft Café. The servery seemed woefully under-staffed on the day and a very long wait for food and drinks ensued.
After our visit to the Castle, we stopped for refreshments in the town before making our slightly foot-weary way back to the Coach Park, where the rest of the group was gathering. As we set off on our return journey, all around us members were reflecting on the marvellous sights they had seen, how lucky we had been with the weather, as mostly we managed to be indoors when the showers came over and what a worthwhile day we had enjoyed. In spite of once again being in queueing traffic for several miles on the M25 and the torrential rain en route, our excellent driver, Phil, got us safely and smoothly back to Paddock Wood on schedule.
Thanks to Sue Ednie, Richard Elliott, Frank Lay, Sue Potter, Peter Silvey and Velsha Stokes for the photographs. Interior views courtesy of the Castle website.
Pat & Peter Stallwood
"All the Study Days we have joined have been extremely interesting and well organised"