Our 2007 Turkey and Tinsel Holiday

photo: Outside our hotel which included our driver Jock and the Wales Team coach.

*please click the photograph above to access a photo slideshow of
our 2007 Turkey and Tinsel holiday

Our Holiday to Scotland

*please click the photograph above to access a photo slideshow of
our holiday in Scotland

On Saturday, 4th August, forty ‘brave hearts’ set off for a holiday to Scotland, with good wishes from Rodney who came to see us off. Jean had worked hard making all the arrangements, but so sadly passed away. She had asked Ron Lapthorn to lead the holiday and he took on the responsibility, ably assisted by Val, for which we were all most grateful.

We made our way to Morecombe where we arrived in drizzling rain. The hotel was very comfortable and friendly and the evening entertainment was dancing, a quiz and bingo, the U3A winning three of the bingo prizes and the champagne prize for the quiz! Sunday morning was beautiful and sunny and Morecombe looked so different! After group photographs we boarded the coach and headed for our hotel near Edinburgh.

On Monday we spent the day in Edinburgh which was very busy and exciting as ‘The Fringe’ was in full swing. There were street entertainers everywhere, some strange and bizarre, but everyone performing seemed to be enjoying themselves. Some of the group visited Edinburgh Cathedral and candles were lit in memory of Jean. We made our way back to the Hotel for an early dinner and then set off for the Tattoo.

*please click on the photograph above to access a small video of our visit to the
Edinburgh Tattoo:

The video file is rather large so please allow time for the download.

What an experience! The massed bands, the music and entertainment were incredible. The sheer organisation of it all was marvellous, with one act following another so smoothly. Our hearts were set racing by the young boys and girls from six to sixteen years of age, who made up a motorcycle act and whose precision skills were impressive and the finale was very emotional with the lone piper up on the battlements. All in all a fantastic experience.

Tuesday saw us heading for Stirling Castle which was very impressive and then on to the Falkirk Wheel. This was a unique experience, made all the more enjoyable by our very charming and funny young guide and we learnt that this was her first day doing the commentary.

On Wednesday we left the Cairn Hotel and made our way to Wetherby stopping in Durham where again some visited the Cathedral and lit a candle. A card playing group had formed over the holiday and will be known in future as the PG’s (professional gamblers). Not mentioning any name, but one inexperienced card player joined in late on the last evening and swept the board!

Our final day was spent travelling home, stopping at Webb’s Garden Centre for lunch. We finally arrived back at Caldicot, again welcomed by Rodney.

During the whole trip our brilliant driver Lynn was so accommodating, negotiating many difficult little roads. We all expressed our thanks to him and to Ron and Val for everything they had done to make this a memorable trip and always mindful of the work Jean and Rodney had done. Thank you again.

Joyce (Norfolk)

© Caldicot and District U3A mmvii