Study Days 2025
APRIL 2025
BLETCHLEY PARK
BLETCHLEY PARK
Wow – what a day out we had at Bletchley Park, home of the code-breaking operation located in Milton Keynes. We left with aching joints and equally bursting brains from standing, listening and learning about the incredible activities of those specially selected, and often ordinary, people whose highly secretive work is said to have shortened World War II by about 2 years.
Most of us will know that Enigma was one of the enciphering machines used by the German armed forces to send messages securely. At its peak, around 10,000 people (the majority of them women) worked at Bletchley Park tackling the complex task of intercepting, deciphering, analysing and distributing the intelligence derived from enemy radio signals, while their work remained shrouded in the highest levels of security. Thanks to their efforts and those of the the incredible mathematician, Alan Turing, the Enigma Code was cracked. Many of these ordinary people lived out the rest of their lives without having told anyone of the part they played during the war; they complied with The Official Secrets Act and we owe so much to their patriotism and sense of duty that allowed us basically to win the war.
Walking around the site we saw where they worked, often in small huts isolated from others working towards the same end, but without knowing how their work contributed to the overall eventual success. We stood in The Mansion, a building dating back to the 1870s that housed the headquarters and recreational building. Initially it contained the major code-breaking sections but as they grew they extended out to other buildings and huts.
The complexities of the machines and the work carried out at Bletchley Park is too extreme and complicated to begin to explain here. You really need to visit the site yourself and I know that several of those who joined us on the day intend to make a return visit because just one day was not enough to do justice to the incredible work carried out there.
We had left Paddock Wood promptly at 8.00 am and got back soon after 6.00pm. Our journey was uneventful with no hold-ups and thanks to our driver Steve we enjoyed a smooth journey.
Although it wasn’t planned that way, our visit to Bletchley Park in 2025 coincided with the 80th Anniversary of VE Day – and a reminder of one of Winston Churchill’s famous quotes: “Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many to so few”.
Most of us will know that Enigma was one of the enciphering machines used by the German armed forces to send messages securely. At its peak, around 10,000 people (the majority of them women) worked at Bletchley Park tackling the complex task of intercepting, deciphering, analysing and distributing the intelligence derived from enemy radio signals, while their work remained shrouded in the highest levels of security. Thanks to their efforts and those of the the incredible mathematician, Alan Turing, the Enigma Code was cracked. Many of these ordinary people lived out the rest of their lives without having told anyone of the part they played during the war; they complied with The Official Secrets Act and we owe so much to their patriotism and sense of duty that allowed us basically to win the war.
Walking around the site we saw where they worked, often in small huts isolated from others working towards the same end, but without knowing how their work contributed to the overall eventual success. We stood in The Mansion, a building dating back to the 1870s that housed the headquarters and recreational building. Initially it contained the major code-breaking sections but as they grew they extended out to other buildings and huts.
The complexities of the machines and the work carried out at Bletchley Park is too extreme and complicated to begin to explain here. You really need to visit the site yourself and I know that several of those who joined us on the day intend to make a return visit because just one day was not enough to do justice to the incredible work carried out there.
We had left Paddock Wood promptly at 8.00 am and got back soon after 6.00pm. Our journey was uneventful with no hold-ups and thanks to our driver Steve we enjoyed a smooth journey.
Although it wasn’t planned that way, our visit to Bletchley Park in 2025 coincided with the 80th Anniversary of VE Day – and a reminder of one of Winston Churchill’s famous quotes: “Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many to so few”.
Thanks to Wendy Wollen & Linda Fearnley (who also organised this visit) for the report and photos.
MAY 2025
A SUSSEX DAY OUT
A SUSSEX DAY OUT
14th May was a lovely sunny day, perfect for a coach ride around Sussex. There were pick-up points from East Peckham and Paddock Wood for the ride down to Steyning. At the Old White Horse, we had refreshments, then a little time for a walk around this ancient town. Back on the coach and through the magnificent Findon valley to Goring and the English Martyrs Catholic Church. The church’s arched ceiling is a reproduction of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, this one painted by local man, Gary Bevans, over a period of five and half years. There is also, a beautiful stained-glass window with the theme of the sea, all made from recovered glass from a nearby convent. Then off to lunch at Haskins near Angmering. Lastly, we boarded the coach to be dropped off at Worthing Promenade for a cup of tea or ice cream, then a gentle stroll along to the end of the pier to finish off a perfect day that for some had been a new adventure in that part of Sussex.
Thank you to Pat & Allen Thomas, the organisers of this visit, for the report and photos.
Thank you to Pat & Allen Thomas, the organisers of this visit, for the report and photos.
JUNE 2025
OXFORD - MORSE, LEWIS & ENDEAVOUR
OXFORD - MORSE, LEWIS & ENDEAVOUR
On a Tuesday in June, 45 travellers set off to enjoy the delights of Oxford. We were looking forward to being immersed in the world of Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour, who I'm sure many of you will have enjoyed on TV over the years portrayed by: John Thaw, Kevin Whately and Shaun Evans. We had a smooth journey to Oxford with a refreshment stop along the way at a service station.
Arriving at the Martyrs Memorial, after our photo opportunity we were introduced to our Group leaders, having already been split into 3 groups by Michael: Morse, Lewis and Endeavour - of course! Each group was then led off by its group leader on their tour lasting just under 2 hours.
At the start of the tour we first visited Balliol College and when entering the Dining Hall, were struck by its resemblance to the one in Hogwarts (Harry Potter)!!! Around all the colleges there was a very calm, relaxed atmosphere, although it was still busy.
Everywhere we visited, our guide told us about the history of the buildings etc and about the particular episode in which a certain scene was featured. She had an amazing memory for the details of the scenes, as we attempted to recall them also. It became clear that some of our group were far more knowledgeable than others!
It was interesting to find so many subtle references in each episode and cameo appearances by Colin Dexter (the author of the novels). Also the fact that John Thaw hated the red Jaguar and the car was not allowed to be driven within the colleges, so it had to be pushed!
On our walk around the city we saw more and more magnificent grand houses and university buildings. Visiting the Old Bodleian Library, we were told of the miles of tunnels under the buildings and the road, where the library books are stored.
After the tour ended, we were free to wander round and find lunch etc and explore. A group of us decided to visit the Weatherspoons with the entertaining name of: The Four Candles!... (You need to be a certain age to appreciate this!!! ) Food and company was great.
Some groups explored the Ashmolean museum, others found the oldest pub, The Bear, and others just explored.
Our guide had mentioned the Radcliffe, a superb 5 star hotel with a cocktail bar named after Morse. We just had to visit at the end of our walk and partake of Espresso Martinis...
A perfect way to finish a fantastic day in Oxford.
Thank you to Michael Smith, who organised this trip, to Linda Fearnley for this report and to her, Allen Thomas, Simone Prince and Christine Ward for the photos.
Arriving at the Martyrs Memorial, after our photo opportunity we were introduced to our Group leaders, having already been split into 3 groups by Michael: Morse, Lewis and Endeavour - of course! Each group was then led off by its group leader on their tour lasting just under 2 hours.
At the start of the tour we first visited Balliol College and when entering the Dining Hall, were struck by its resemblance to the one in Hogwarts (Harry Potter)!!! Around all the colleges there was a very calm, relaxed atmosphere, although it was still busy.
Everywhere we visited, our guide told us about the history of the buildings etc and about the particular episode in which a certain scene was featured. She had an amazing memory for the details of the scenes, as we attempted to recall them also. It became clear that some of our group were far more knowledgeable than others!
It was interesting to find so many subtle references in each episode and cameo appearances by Colin Dexter (the author of the novels). Also the fact that John Thaw hated the red Jaguar and the car was not allowed to be driven within the colleges, so it had to be pushed!
On our walk around the city we saw more and more magnificent grand houses and university buildings. Visiting the Old Bodleian Library, we were told of the miles of tunnels under the buildings and the road, where the library books are stored.
After the tour ended, we were free to wander round and find lunch etc and explore. A group of us decided to visit the Weatherspoons with the entertaining name of: The Four Candles!... (You need to be a certain age to appreciate this!!! ) Food and company was great.
Some groups explored the Ashmolean museum, others found the oldest pub, The Bear, and others just explored.
Our guide had mentioned the Radcliffe, a superb 5 star hotel with a cocktail bar named after Morse. We just had to visit at the end of our walk and partake of Espresso Martinis...
A perfect way to finish a fantastic day in Oxford.
Thank you to Michael Smith, who organised this trip, to Linda Fearnley for this report and to her, Allen Thomas, Simone Prince and Christine Ward for the photos.
JULY 2025
HIGHCLERE CASTLE
HIGHCLERE CASTLE
Our day started on Monday 14th July leaving Putlands with our coach from Brookline. They provided a 64 seater coach at no extra cost, so the group could spread themselves out for the journey. Our driver David announced when we were on the M25 that there had been an incident between Junctions 9 and 10, so we went cross country through Horsham to gain access to the M3, which was enjoyed by everyone. After stopping at Fleet Services for a break, we got to Highclere just on midday - our booked time of arrival.
After alighting from the coach and obtaining our tickets, we joined the queue for the castle. The staff advised us that no photography was allowed inside the castle due to high value of the exhibits. It was pointed out where the cast members of Downton Abbey had their rooms during filming. These and the rest of the castle were very well laid out and we all enjoyed the sumptuous surroundings.
After lunch at one of various eateries, we visited the Egyptian Exhibition and saw some of the exhibits brought back by George Herbert 5th Earl of Carnarvon in 1922. These included a replica of the Tomb of Tutankhamun (the real one is on display in New York). Afterwards the group walked round the gardens. We left the castle shortly after 4pm and arrived back safely at Putlands at around 6.15 pm. We all thanked driver David for the trip.
Thank you to Trevor Sampson & Barry Ednie who organised this trip and to Trevor for the report and photos. Group photo by Allen Thomas and Castle interior views courtesy of the Castle website.
After alighting from the coach and obtaining our tickets, we joined the queue for the castle. The staff advised us that no photography was allowed inside the castle due to high value of the exhibits. It was pointed out where the cast members of Downton Abbey had their rooms during filming. These and the rest of the castle were very well laid out and we all enjoyed the sumptuous surroundings.
After lunch at one of various eateries, we visited the Egyptian Exhibition and saw some of the exhibits brought back by George Herbert 5th Earl of Carnarvon in 1922. These included a replica of the Tomb of Tutankhamun (the real one is on display in New York). Afterwards the group walked round the gardens. We left the castle shortly after 4pm and arrived back safely at Putlands at around 6.15 pm. We all thanked driver David for the trip.
Thank you to Trevor Sampson & Barry Ednie who organised this trip and to Trevor for the report and photos. Group photo by Allen Thomas and Castle interior views courtesy of the Castle website.
AUGUST 2025
ARUNDEL CASTLE
ARUNDEL CASTLE
On Tuesday 19th August, 49 members enjoyed a day out in Arundel. The castle itself is situated at the top of a steep hill, overlooking the River Arun and the lovely South Downs. It was an energetic climb up to the castle entrance, although a buggy was available for those with mobility issues.
We arrived just in time for our private guided tour of the castle before the rooms opened to the general public at midday. We were divided into two separate groups, each with its own guide. Our guide had been working at the castle for many years and so relayed a few interesting personal anecdotes along the way. We lost count of the number of Dukes of Norfolk who had lived there; the 3rd Duke was the uncle of Ann Boleyn and the current Duke is the 18th. He played a significant role at King Charles’s coronation in 2023. The most impressive rooms were the magnificent chapel and the enormous, grand Baron’s Hall. The only bedroom viewed featured a beautiful bed slept in by Queen Victoria and husband Albert when they visited.
After some refreshment, a few of us then climbed the many stone steps up to the ancient Norman Keep. It was a bit of a trek to reach the award-winning gardens, but well worth the effort as they were outstanding. There were some amazing water features and these included a golden crown suspended in the air by a vertical jet of water. The kitchen gardens and rose gardens were also noteworthy.
Some of us left enough time to stroll through the pretty town with its hotels, antique and craft shops and tearooms, and one or two even made it up the very steep hill to the magnificent cathedral. We were lucky with the weather as it was pleasantly warm but not blazingly sunny. We were all tired out by the time we arrived back at the coach as it was a very full day, but a very enjoyable one, all in all.
Thank you to Sarah & Trevor Thorpe who organised this trip; also to Sarah and to Allen Thomas for the photos.
We arrived just in time for our private guided tour of the castle before the rooms opened to the general public at midday. We were divided into two separate groups, each with its own guide. Our guide had been working at the castle for many years and so relayed a few interesting personal anecdotes along the way. We lost count of the number of Dukes of Norfolk who had lived there; the 3rd Duke was the uncle of Ann Boleyn and the current Duke is the 18th. He played a significant role at King Charles’s coronation in 2023. The most impressive rooms were the magnificent chapel and the enormous, grand Baron’s Hall. The only bedroom viewed featured a beautiful bed slept in by Queen Victoria and husband Albert when they visited.
After some refreshment, a few of us then climbed the many stone steps up to the ancient Norman Keep. It was a bit of a trek to reach the award-winning gardens, but well worth the effort as they were outstanding. There were some amazing water features and these included a golden crown suspended in the air by a vertical jet of water. The kitchen gardens and rose gardens were also noteworthy.
Some of us left enough time to stroll through the pretty town with its hotels, antique and craft shops and tearooms, and one or two even made it up the very steep hill to the magnificent cathedral. We were lucky with the weather as it was pleasantly warm but not blazingly sunny. We were all tired out by the time we arrived back at the coach as it was a very full day, but a very enjoyable one, all in all.
Thank you to Sarah & Trevor Thorpe who organised this trip; also to Sarah and to Allen Thomas for the photos.
SEPTEMBER 2025
THE POPPY FACTORY & MARBLE HILL HOUSE
The morning of Thursday 10th September was rather overcast as 41 of us boarded the coach for our trip to the Poppy Factory & Marble Hill House in Richmond-upon-Thames. Our journey was somewhat fraught as a ‘police led incident’ had unexpectedly closed the M23, causing chaos and mayhem on the M25 and all other roads in that area. We were pleased to sit back and leave the driving in the capable hands of Gideon, our Hams Travel driver, who was fortunately able to deliver us to the Poppy Factory in time for our visit.
All those we met at the Poppy Factory were very friendly and made us feel so welcome. Our host, Cheryl, engaged with us all in such a lovely way and we found her presentation about the history of the Poppy Factory and its development into the organisation it is today both informative and inspiring. After coffee and a choice of rather delicious cakes, we toured the Visitor Centre where we also had the opportunity to make poppies, including buttonhole size which we were able to keep. This we had to do using only our non-dominant hand, which proved very challenging, but was a neat way of giving us a small insight into the kind of difficulties which might be faced by injured veterans.
All too soon, it was time to re-board the coach for the short journey to Marble Hill House. By this time, the weather was somewhat variable, putting it kindly, and the lure of refreshment at The Rising Sun opposite the entrance proved too much for a few of our number! Some of us went straight to the house, recently restored, where the room guides, all volunteers, were excellent, knowledgeable and friendly. They spoke interestingly and informatively about the rooms being visited and the objects and furnishings. We gained a good sense of life as it had been lived when the house was in its heyday in the 18th century. Some of us dodged the rain and took a stroll through the gardens and grounds in the throes of restoration and down through the Estate to the banks of the River Thames before touring the house, where numbers were restricted so as not to overcrowd the rooms. We also found time to enjoy refreshments of our choice at the Coach House Café.
Our return journey was again dogged by traffic jams, but this time it was the roads around Paddock Wood causing the worst hold-ups; however, we arrived back at Putlands just on schedule. Those two elements of a day out which are impossible to organise – traffic and weather – had not been particularly favourable, but they didn’t spoil our enjoyment of the day. Members’ feedback includes that they had had ‘a lovely, relaxed day out’ which had been ‘interesting and thoroughly enjoyable’ with ‘very successful and worthwhile visits’.
Study Day organised by Pat & Peter Stallwood. Photographs by Velsha Stokes and the organisers.
THE POPPY FACTORY & MARBLE HILL HOUSE
The morning of Thursday 10th September was rather overcast as 41 of us boarded the coach for our trip to the Poppy Factory & Marble Hill House in Richmond-upon-Thames. Our journey was somewhat fraught as a ‘police led incident’ had unexpectedly closed the M23, causing chaos and mayhem on the M25 and all other roads in that area. We were pleased to sit back and leave the driving in the capable hands of Gideon, our Hams Travel driver, who was fortunately able to deliver us to the Poppy Factory in time for our visit.
All those we met at the Poppy Factory were very friendly and made us feel so welcome. Our host, Cheryl, engaged with us all in such a lovely way and we found her presentation about the history of the Poppy Factory and its development into the organisation it is today both informative and inspiring. After coffee and a choice of rather delicious cakes, we toured the Visitor Centre where we also had the opportunity to make poppies, including buttonhole size which we were able to keep. This we had to do using only our non-dominant hand, which proved very challenging, but was a neat way of giving us a small insight into the kind of difficulties which might be faced by injured veterans.
All too soon, it was time to re-board the coach for the short journey to Marble Hill House. By this time, the weather was somewhat variable, putting it kindly, and the lure of refreshment at The Rising Sun opposite the entrance proved too much for a few of our number! Some of us went straight to the house, recently restored, where the room guides, all volunteers, were excellent, knowledgeable and friendly. They spoke interestingly and informatively about the rooms being visited and the objects and furnishings. We gained a good sense of life as it had been lived when the house was in its heyday in the 18th century. Some of us dodged the rain and took a stroll through the gardens and grounds in the throes of restoration and down through the Estate to the banks of the River Thames before touring the house, where numbers were restricted so as not to overcrowd the rooms. We also found time to enjoy refreshments of our choice at the Coach House Café.
Our return journey was again dogged by traffic jams, but this time it was the roads around Paddock Wood causing the worst hold-ups; however, we arrived back at Putlands just on schedule. Those two elements of a day out which are impossible to organise – traffic and weather – had not been particularly favourable, but they didn’t spoil our enjoyment of the day. Members’ feedback includes that they had had ‘a lovely, relaxed day out’ which had been ‘interesting and thoroughly enjoyable’ with ‘very successful and worthwhile visits’.
Study Day organised by Pat & Peter Stallwood. Photographs by Velsha Stokes and the organisers.
OCTOBER 2025
KNIT + STITCH
KNIT + STITCH
The crafty ladies who Knit and Stitch and Embroider and Crochet had an absolutely fabulous day at Alexandra Palace on Thursday 9th October. Gideon, our coach driver, safely navigated the traffic and brought us into the coach park ready for our day at the show. Walking round to the main entrance, the panoramic view across the London skyline was utterly breathtaking, all the famous landmarks were clearly visible in the autumn sunshine.
Inside the exhibition hall, the place was buzzing with lots of creative energy and enthusiasm. Alongside the wide range of colourful stalls selling everything we could possibly wish for and more, there were some clever and imaginative examples of work from talented college graduates including delicate embroidery, intricate beadwork and original fashion and knitwear.
The Embroiderers' Guild was exhibiting exquisite needlework and there were several displays of interesting quilts, showing a variety of different techniques, choice of fabric and design ideas.
Needless to say, we all did a little bit of shopping and gathering inspiration for future projects! By the time we boarded the coach to come home, we all agreed that it had been a Very Good Day Out!
Thank you to Suzie Corfield who organised this Study Day.
Inside the exhibition hall, the place was buzzing with lots of creative energy and enthusiasm. Alongside the wide range of colourful stalls selling everything we could possibly wish for and more, there were some clever and imaginative examples of work from talented college graduates including delicate embroidery, intricate beadwork and original fashion and knitwear.
The Embroiderers' Guild was exhibiting exquisite needlework and there were several displays of interesting quilts, showing a variety of different techniques, choice of fabric and design ideas.
Needless to say, we all did a little bit of shopping and gathering inspiration for future projects! By the time we boarded the coach to come home, we all agreed that it had been a Very Good Day Out!
Thank you to Suzie Corfield who organised this Study Day.
"All the Study Days we have joined have been extremely interesting and well organised"