Study Days 2024
April 2024
Hampton Court Palace
53 of our members were whisked off to Hampton Court Palace on this year’s first Study Day. Travelling in warmth and comfort by luxury coach we were transported to Hampton Court Palace. The venue is like a time capsule of royal life from the Tudors through to the Georgian period - after which Queen Victoria decided to base the Royal Family in London and Windsor. Much of the Palace is just as it was when King Henry VIII and his 6 wives lived there. Following on from the Tudors, the Stuarts and the House of Orange built vast extensions to the palace in a much more luxurious style to that of the Tudors. Later The Georgian monarchs added further new extensions, all whilst keeping the original Tudor structures intact. All the British Monarchs that lived at Hampton Court laid out and later amended and extended very lavish gardens. Today Hampton Court Palace represents a physical history lesson of British Royal Life.
Brenda & Colin Mark
Hampton Court Palace
53 of our members were whisked off to Hampton Court Palace on this year’s first Study Day. Travelling in warmth and comfort by luxury coach we were transported to Hampton Court Palace. The venue is like a time capsule of royal life from the Tudors through to the Georgian period - after which Queen Victoria decided to base the Royal Family in London and Windsor. Much of the Palace is just as it was when King Henry VIII and his 6 wives lived there. Following on from the Tudors, the Stuarts and the House of Orange built vast extensions to the palace in a much more luxurious style to that of the Tudors. Later The Georgian monarchs added further new extensions, all whilst keeping the original Tudor structures intact. All the British Monarchs that lived at Hampton Court laid out and later amended and extended very lavish gardens. Today Hampton Court Palace represents a physical history lesson of British Royal Life.
Brenda & Colin Mark
May 2024
Windsor Castle
Forty nine intrepid travellers set off from Putlands at 8.30am for the long awaited trip to Windsor and the Castle. We had a smooth journey arriving about 10.30. We then made our way from the coach park towards the castle. As we approached we were surprised to see so many people lining the streets up to the castle. We soon realised that it was almost time for the Changing of the Guard and were pleased to be able to watch and listen to the band. It was then time to head to the castle, where we even had to go through the scanner!!!
During the day everyone spent time visiting the different areas of the castle and grounds. There was much to see...The State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls House. Some of the group went to see Queen Mary's Dolls House, which was full of the most exquisite, beautiful items of furniture etc. It is the largest and most famous dolls house in the world. Surprisingly, it was not made for a child but for Queen Mary herself; consort of George V. The house was built between 1920 and 1924 by the leading British Architect- Sir Edwin Lutyens and contains work from over 1500 artists and craftspeople. The ceremonial rooms of the State Apartments are used today by the Royal Family, with the Grand Reception Room being the most striking. There are many more beautiful furnished rooms to see. Visiting St George's Chapel was very moving, especially when you saw the array of Kings and Queens buried there, particularly the Queen Mother, the Queen and Prince Philip. The whole Chapel is full of so much to see and enjoy. Walking around Windsor you realise what an amazing place it is, so full of history but yet still a home to the Royal Family. Our visit ended at 4pm when we boarded our coach for the homeward journey after a very worthwhile visit to Windsor.
Thanks to Allen Thomas and Linda Fearnley for the photographs.
Windsor Castle
Forty nine intrepid travellers set off from Putlands at 8.30am for the long awaited trip to Windsor and the Castle. We had a smooth journey arriving about 10.30. We then made our way from the coach park towards the castle. As we approached we were surprised to see so many people lining the streets up to the castle. We soon realised that it was almost time for the Changing of the Guard and were pleased to be able to watch and listen to the band. It was then time to head to the castle, where we even had to go through the scanner!!!
During the day everyone spent time visiting the different areas of the castle and grounds. There was much to see...The State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls House. Some of the group went to see Queen Mary's Dolls House, which was full of the most exquisite, beautiful items of furniture etc. It is the largest and most famous dolls house in the world. Surprisingly, it was not made for a child but for Queen Mary herself; consort of George V. The house was built between 1920 and 1924 by the leading British Architect- Sir Edwin Lutyens and contains work from over 1500 artists and craftspeople. The ceremonial rooms of the State Apartments are used today by the Royal Family, with the Grand Reception Room being the most striking. There are many more beautiful furnished rooms to see. Visiting St George's Chapel was very moving, especially when you saw the array of Kings and Queens buried there, particularly the Queen Mother, the Queen and Prince Philip. The whole Chapel is full of so much to see and enjoy. Walking around Windsor you realise what an amazing place it is, so full of history but yet still a home to the Royal Family. Our visit ended at 4pm when we boarded our coach for the homeward journey after a very worthwhile visit to Windsor.
Thanks to Allen Thomas and Linda Fearnley for the photographs.
June 2024
Waterperry Gardens
The day started well as the weather forecast was for a dry day. Our predicted two hour travel time was accurate and we arrived at Waterperry with plenty of time to enjoy our coffee and lovely shortbread biscuits before joining our guide for the gardens tour. Our excellent guide gave us plenty of history on how the site was originally established by Beatrix Havergal who established her School of Horticulture for Ladies there from 1932 to 1971. We were reminded how difficult it had been for women to be taken seriously in those early days, with the mainstream horticulturists not acknowledging Miss Harvergal‘s new methods. However “ her girls” were snapped up by many of the great gardens such as Kew and Sissinghurst. The gardens were an interesting mix of the formal, rose and Tudor gardens, traditional borders, wild flower, orchards etc. and the guide was able to answer most questions regarding the various plantings.
In the afternoon we had a tour of the Frescos in Waterperry House. Once again, our guide was able to give us a broad history of the site dating from Roman times until the present day. The Frescos, which are thought to be the largest single work of its kind in this country in over 500 years, took over 15 years to complete. This work entailed artists gong to Italy to learn how to mix colour with lime plaster and then practicing with different techniques before the work was able to commence. The colours were stunning, as was the glass floor (a surprise to all of us) which linked both sides of the building on the upper floor.
Finally, before departure, members were able to indulge in some “retail therapy” in the excellent plant shop and gift barn.
Thanks to Allen Thomas and Linda Read for the photos.
Waterperry Gardens
The day started well as the weather forecast was for a dry day. Our predicted two hour travel time was accurate and we arrived at Waterperry with plenty of time to enjoy our coffee and lovely shortbread biscuits before joining our guide for the gardens tour. Our excellent guide gave us plenty of history on how the site was originally established by Beatrix Havergal who established her School of Horticulture for Ladies there from 1932 to 1971. We were reminded how difficult it had been for women to be taken seriously in those early days, with the mainstream horticulturists not acknowledging Miss Harvergal‘s new methods. However “ her girls” were snapped up by many of the great gardens such as Kew and Sissinghurst. The gardens were an interesting mix of the formal, rose and Tudor gardens, traditional borders, wild flower, orchards etc. and the guide was able to answer most questions regarding the various plantings.
In the afternoon we had a tour of the Frescos in Waterperry House. Once again, our guide was able to give us a broad history of the site dating from Roman times until the present day. The Frescos, which are thought to be the largest single work of its kind in this country in over 500 years, took over 15 years to complete. This work entailed artists gong to Italy to learn how to mix colour with lime plaster and then practicing with different techniques before the work was able to commence. The colours were stunning, as was the glass floor (a surprise to all of us) which linked both sides of the building on the upper floor.
Finally, before departure, members were able to indulge in some “retail therapy” in the excellent plant shop and gift barn.
Thanks to Allen Thomas and Linda Read for the photos.
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July 2024
St Mary's House and Gardens
After what seemed like days of a very mixed bag of weather the day of our trip to St Mary’s House and Gardens in the delightful downland village of Bramber in West Sussex was gloriously sunny. On our arrival at St Mary’s we enjoyed refreshments in the tearoom before our guided tours of the historic pilgrim inn by three very knowledgeable and friendly volunteer guides. The present building was constructed in about 1470 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and founder of Magdalen College, Oxford, as an inn for pilgrims on their way to the tomb of St Thomas of Canterbury. They told us, as we went from room to room, so much about the furniture, the décor and the memorabilia displayed as well as the Inn’s history and how it had been brought from a state of semi-dereliction to its present splendour by the current owners. The building, with its unexpectedly high ceilings had several surprises, including secret doors, a recently uncovered underground passage and the amazing octagonal library. We then had time to explore the 5 acres of beautiful gardens, designed and planted by the owners and maintained by a head gardener and volunteers, before we had a pub lunch at The Castle Inn Hotel, just a short walk from the house. While some of the group moved to the hotel’s garden to relax after the meal others enjoyed discovering Bramber Castle with its far-reaching views across the Sussex Downs. All in all a great day out.
Sue & Jeremy Thompson
St Mary's House and Gardens
After what seemed like days of a very mixed bag of weather the day of our trip to St Mary’s House and Gardens in the delightful downland village of Bramber in West Sussex was gloriously sunny. On our arrival at St Mary’s we enjoyed refreshments in the tearoom before our guided tours of the historic pilgrim inn by three very knowledgeable and friendly volunteer guides. The present building was constructed in about 1470 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and founder of Magdalen College, Oxford, as an inn for pilgrims on their way to the tomb of St Thomas of Canterbury. They told us, as we went from room to room, so much about the furniture, the décor and the memorabilia displayed as well as the Inn’s history and how it had been brought from a state of semi-dereliction to its present splendour by the current owners. The building, with its unexpectedly high ceilings had several surprises, including secret doors, a recently uncovered underground passage and the amazing octagonal library. We then had time to explore the 5 acres of beautiful gardens, designed and planted by the owners and maintained by a head gardener and volunteers, before we had a pub lunch at The Castle Inn Hotel, just a short walk from the house. While some of the group moved to the hotel’s garden to relax after the meal others enjoyed discovering Bramber Castle with its far-reaching views across the Sussex Downs. All in all a great day out.
Sue & Jeremy Thompson
August 2024
Cambridge
The trip went really well, but it was slightly disappointing that we only had 34 members for what was a really interesting day. We set off bright and early and despite heavy traffic arrived at the Cambridge Services with time for a comfort break and a leisurely coffee before the final leg to Cambridge. Once there, we made our way on foot to Kings College via the “scenic route”, inadvertently coming through a “closed to the public” Kings College Chapel, bonus! Then out to the meeting point through the Quad. Here we met our guides and were divided into groups for the walking tours. The tours were led by alumni from the colleges with a comprehensive knowledge of the sites visited.
They were informative and interesting, holding our attention with enthusiasm, style and occasional humour. “Our” guide was very capable and welcomed our questions. We were not rushed which allowed enough time to appreciate the sights and what we were told. We had an interesting introduction describing how Cambridge University came into being as a spin-off University when Oxford was afflicted by the plague. Although considered a rival and an upstart body by Oxford, and continuously being put down and feared by them, it survived the Black Death and went from strength to strength supported by some very powerful and influential sponsors: King Edward VI and his Queen, Margaret of Anjou; Elizabeth Woodville and Henry VII & VIII.
Then we visited a hostelry, now there’s a surprise! The Eagle, one of Cambridge’s oldest and most famous inns is where in February 1953 Francis Crick and James Watson announced the discovery of the structure of DNA. It also has a fascinating history of a ghost and the graffiti on the ceiling by RAF and USAAF patrons during the war. No drinking on this occasion but many returned later.
Progress was slow around the city with so many tourists from all over the globe. We passed a number of colleges with their own unique history, including Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Clock (known as the Corpus Clock) unveiled in 2008 by Cambridge graduate Stephen Hawking. The clock is an intricate scientific piece with a 1.5 metre diameter gold-plated face, working off pulleys and wheels with a large macabre grasshopper/locust, devouring the seconds greedily, which is meant to indicate your life slipping away. Then onto Queens College by the Mathematical Bridge after taking in punting on the Cam and the Backs.
The tour finished at Trinity College where our guide showed us the centuries old inaugural handshake as an acceptance and graduation at Trinity. Also, we saw Clare Bridge alongside Clare College on the Cam, seen in the photograph of the punting. Following the tour, we were ready for lunch and liquid refreshment, so it was off to Wetherspoons in the old Regal Picture House for lunch. After lunch most took the opportunity to wander through the city; some re-visited the Eagle Inn while others enjoyed a punt ride.
It was soon time to board the coach for Paddock Wood, where we arrived exhausted after a fascinating and really interesting educational day. Members commented “a lovely day out”, “really enjoyable”, “a great taster experience of Cambridge”, “all in all a very interesting and informative day” and “well organised as usual”.
Thank you for the report Barry Ednie and Michael Smith (who also organised the trip).
Photos Barry Ednie and Deb Jones.
Cambridge
The trip went really well, but it was slightly disappointing that we only had 34 members for what was a really interesting day. We set off bright and early and despite heavy traffic arrived at the Cambridge Services with time for a comfort break and a leisurely coffee before the final leg to Cambridge. Once there, we made our way on foot to Kings College via the “scenic route”, inadvertently coming through a “closed to the public” Kings College Chapel, bonus! Then out to the meeting point through the Quad. Here we met our guides and were divided into groups for the walking tours. The tours were led by alumni from the colleges with a comprehensive knowledge of the sites visited.
They were informative and interesting, holding our attention with enthusiasm, style and occasional humour. “Our” guide was very capable and welcomed our questions. We were not rushed which allowed enough time to appreciate the sights and what we were told. We had an interesting introduction describing how Cambridge University came into being as a spin-off University when Oxford was afflicted by the plague. Although considered a rival and an upstart body by Oxford, and continuously being put down and feared by them, it survived the Black Death and went from strength to strength supported by some very powerful and influential sponsors: King Edward VI and his Queen, Margaret of Anjou; Elizabeth Woodville and Henry VII & VIII.
Then we visited a hostelry, now there’s a surprise! The Eagle, one of Cambridge’s oldest and most famous inns is where in February 1953 Francis Crick and James Watson announced the discovery of the structure of DNA. It also has a fascinating history of a ghost and the graffiti on the ceiling by RAF and USAAF patrons during the war. No drinking on this occasion but many returned later.
Progress was slow around the city with so many tourists from all over the globe. We passed a number of colleges with their own unique history, including Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Clock (known as the Corpus Clock) unveiled in 2008 by Cambridge graduate Stephen Hawking. The clock is an intricate scientific piece with a 1.5 metre diameter gold-plated face, working off pulleys and wheels with a large macabre grasshopper/locust, devouring the seconds greedily, which is meant to indicate your life slipping away. Then onto Queens College by the Mathematical Bridge after taking in punting on the Cam and the Backs.
The tour finished at Trinity College where our guide showed us the centuries old inaugural handshake as an acceptance and graduation at Trinity. Also, we saw Clare Bridge alongside Clare College on the Cam, seen in the photograph of the punting. Following the tour, we were ready for lunch and liquid refreshment, so it was off to Wetherspoons in the old Regal Picture House for lunch. After lunch most took the opportunity to wander through the city; some re-visited the Eagle Inn while others enjoyed a punt ride.
It was soon time to board the coach for Paddock Wood, where we arrived exhausted after a fascinating and really interesting educational day. Members commented “a lovely day out”, “really enjoyable”, “a great taster experience of Cambridge”, “all in all a very interesting and informative day” and “well organised as usual”.
Thank you for the report Barry Ednie and Michael Smith (who also organised the trip).
Photos Barry Ednie and Deb Jones.
September 2024
Criterion Blue Town
A fully restored Victorian Music Hall is now home to the Blue Town Heritage Centre containing the history and heritage of 'Blue Town' with exhibitions and displays telling the significant story and role of the Isle of Sheppey. The trip includes a guided tour by coach of some of Sheppey's historic sites, a talk by the Centre's founder and a local history film. Called 'Blue Town' as locals painted their houses in blue paint 'liberated' from the dockyard!
Organisers: Jan and Geoff Wheddon
Criterion Blue Town
A fully restored Victorian Music Hall is now home to the Blue Town Heritage Centre containing the history and heritage of 'Blue Town' with exhibitions and displays telling the significant story and role of the Isle of Sheppey. The trip includes a guided tour by coach of some of Sheppey's historic sites, a talk by the Centre's founder and a local history film. Called 'Blue Town' as locals painted their houses in blue paint 'liberated' from the dockyard!
Organisers: Jan and Geoff Wheddon
October 2024
Tour of MINI Plant, nr Oxford
It was a rainy and long journey to Oxford (including a ‘pit stop’ at Beaconsfield Services en route) but made truly worthwhile by the fascinating view of a modern car factory in operation. The site has been in operation for decades, making Morris, Austin and Mini vehicles in labour intensive and highly unionised environments in the past. We were able to see many of the versions of the Mini made over the period since the late 1950s in the museum prior to the factory tours.
The 90 minute tours were led by first class guides who have had a full career in the past on the factory floor. Their knowledge was excellent and they were able to answer all of our questions. The use of robots to carry out many of the functions formerly performed by humans was fascinating and an excellent illustration of how it is possible to replicate reliably all of the fabrication functions with little human intervention, except to maintain and replace equipment when necessary.
The factory was making 850 vehicles every day for markets around the world with every car already sold and made to the individual’s requirements. There are hundreds of possible variations, with colour combinations only one of the many choices possible.
It was only in the final assembly area where people were more evident, though much of the system testing was carried out automatically and the vehicles driven off the line with nobody in the cockpit! It was a truly fascinating day.
A visit to the Oxfordshire Golf Club / Hotel for a late sandwich lunch (with chips) sealed an excellent Study Day for the 43 u3a members in the group. Despite a late departure from Oxford, we made up some time on the journey home, arriving back in Paddock Wood only a little behind schedule. A Great Day Out!
Organiser: Keith Sinclair
Thanks to Allen Thomas for the photographs.
Factory interior views courtesy of the BMW / MINI website.
Tour of MINI Plant, nr Oxford
It was a rainy and long journey to Oxford (including a ‘pit stop’ at Beaconsfield Services en route) but made truly worthwhile by the fascinating view of a modern car factory in operation. The site has been in operation for decades, making Morris, Austin and Mini vehicles in labour intensive and highly unionised environments in the past. We were able to see many of the versions of the Mini made over the period since the late 1950s in the museum prior to the factory tours.
The 90 minute tours were led by first class guides who have had a full career in the past on the factory floor. Their knowledge was excellent and they were able to answer all of our questions. The use of robots to carry out many of the functions formerly performed by humans was fascinating and an excellent illustration of how it is possible to replicate reliably all of the fabrication functions with little human intervention, except to maintain and replace equipment when necessary.
The factory was making 850 vehicles every day for markets around the world with every car already sold and made to the individual’s requirements. There are hundreds of possible variations, with colour combinations only one of the many choices possible.
It was only in the final assembly area where people were more evident, though much of the system testing was carried out automatically and the vehicles driven off the line with nobody in the cockpit! It was a truly fascinating day.
A visit to the Oxfordshire Golf Club / Hotel for a late sandwich lunch (with chips) sealed an excellent Study Day for the 43 u3a members in the group. Despite a late departure from Oxford, we made up some time on the journey home, arriving back in Paddock Wood only a little behind schedule. A Great Day Out!
Organiser: Keith Sinclair
Thanks to Allen Thomas for the photographs.
Factory interior views courtesy of the BMW / MINI website.
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"All the Study Days we have joined have been extremely interesting and well organised"