TOUR TO PLYMOUTH 2024
This was planned for the weekend 6 to 9 September – the wrong weekend as it poured with rain!
Friday 6 did not start well. Julia and John’s taxi did not arrive, so I arranged for them to be picked up at the end of their road. Luckily everybody was picked up from the Odd Down park and ride and Bear Flat on time but that did not stop Julia and John from getting soaked.
Saltford was almost as bad because the roof of the bus shelter leaked, and a river developed under our feet. The Roselyn coach arrived in good time to pick us up and, coach loaded, we headed for Liberty Lane for the 4 passengers waiting there.
All aboard, we were told by the driver that we would have three quarters of an hour at Taunton Dean services to have a coffee or eat our sandwiches early, after which we headed to Torpoint Bowling Club. We had a lovely afternoon bowling in the sunshine against a friendly group of people who, after the match asked us to go down there again! It is a long way for a day trip!
Back on the coach we made our way to the hotel. Lovely!! Comfort and good food, although I understand that a little furry visitor went to Paul and Frazer during our stay!
Saturday was wet. Jackie, (Captain) and I agreed that we would go to Plymstock anyway and our bowlers were treated to in house entertainment. Skittles and Curling!! Teams for skittles were made up from both clubs and for those of us who had never played before, it was a fun experience. Julia Clifford got a small bottle of bubbly for the highest score and the rest of us had tea and biscuits or favoured the bar.
Sunday was also supposed to be horrendous weather wise. Having phoned ahead I agreed that rather than get wet again we would cancel. Brian said that we could not go to Plymouth without bowling on the Hoe so while Kath was clearing up the tea and biscuits which would not be required, anybody could go and have a roll up in the morning. Half a dozen or so of us ventured there as it was not far from the hotel. Some bowls bags were still on the coach, so my four bowls were used in turn by several people who wanted to give it a go. Despite the divots the green ran very well in spite of the wet conditions, and all seemed to enjoy the experience. Wet weather etc. was due and match cancelled so our coach driver suggested a trip to Buckfast Abbey. The rain followed us and left the Hoe quite dry, sod’s law. Those of us who went to Buckfast Abbey did not get too wet but found the stained-glass windows absolutely stunning. Two ended up in the local pub thus keeping dry as they had seen enough, and I had decided that we should leave at 5pm to get back for dinner – we could have left earlier but at least some of us had time for a cuppa and cake.
What would Monday bring – more rain, certainly not!! It was decided to head to Sir Francis Drake Club for a match at 12 so that we could leave to get to The Waterloo Cross at Uffculme for a meal. The players at Sir Francis Drake were very welcoming and we had a lovely game which we won overall for a change. No joke from Danny this time but my team won the sweep with a difference of one shot. Great!!
The day finished with a lovely meal at the pub; everybody had what they ordered and paid for and the fish and chips was superb. The Chef appeared and we gave him a round of applause because the delivery of meals went without a hitch. Well worth another visit, although I think the locals wondered what was going on! The staff there couldn’t have been more helpful.
I have been told that despite the weather most people enjoyed themselves, so look forward to days out next year which I hope will be treated with the same enthusiasm as a weekend away.
Felicity Kite
