Metheringham Over 60's Club - Winter 2011

The hotel is located just across the road from a wide and level-paved promenade that also forms part of the sea-wall. When the tide is out, the beach covers approximately 200 metres to the sea. The Grand Pier Pavilion was destroyed by fire during July 2008. It has been rebuilt at a cost of approximately £39 million and re-opened during October 2010. There is a road train that will take you along the promenade and to the Pavilion at the end of the 400 metre long pier. Near the promenade end of the pier is an observation wheel, smaller than the `London Eye', butallowing good views across the coastline, as far as Cardiff on a clear day, and the town.

We happened to be on holiday during that lovely weather with temperatures in the 80s and were able to witness some beautiful sunsets. Pat, our courier, was with us throughout the holiday and she provided lots of historical and local information regarding the places we visited, starting with a visit to Bath on the Tuesday to take in the Roman Baths, the Abbey and other historical buildings. The city centre is very compact and has a good selection of shops for the ladies. On our return journey we diverted to view Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge - very impressive. The bridge, spanning the Avon river gorge, was completed in 1864 after Brunel's death.

Wednesday was a free day and several members went to the nearby helicopter museum. Although `interesting' to the ladies, this was really one for the blokes. The museum has what is believed to be the world's oldest surviving original helicopter, the `Hafner RII Revoplane, developed by Raoul Hafner and Bruno Nagler, financed by Major J A Coates, the British cotton millionaire. The helicopter was not successful. It was unstable and difficult to fly, although it was airborne for one/two minutes when flown at Aspern Airport, Vienna in 1931. Hafner became the Chief Helicopter Designer for the Bristol Aeroplane Company, where he was responsible for the Sycamore and Belevedere, which were built at Weston-super-Mare in the 1950-60s. The museum has a Belevedere on display, also, a Russian "Hind", feared by NATO as a threat to Western armoured combat vehicles and one from the Royal Flight, amongst many others. Hearing a helicopter roar overhead I rushed outside and was fortunate to witness Lynx helicopter, flown by a test pilot, completing a loop-the-loop; not something you see every day. Unfortunately, it was too quick for me to get it on camera; failed again!

Other members visited Grove Park, one of many in the area, to see the Jill Dando Memorial Garden that has been created within the park by the BBC Ground Force team.

On the Thursday, we had an excellent trip through the Exmoor National Park, covering an area over 300 square miles, to Lynmouth. The moor itself, covers 12,000 acres and is owned by the National Trust. We had several hours to wander around Lynmouth and enjoy the beautiful scenery in glorious sunshine.

We had several hours to wander around Lynmouth and enjoy beautiful scenery in the sunshine. The town was flooded during 1952 in circumstances not unlike the more recent flooding of Boscastle. The flood water reached the roof of the Shelley Hotel, named after the poet Shelley who spent his honeymoon in the town. It has some quaint little shops and a cliff railway. The railway opened in 1890 and takes people up to the town of Lynton at the top of the 500 foot cliffs. There are two carriages and these are gravity fed running on an endless cable. The top carriage is filled with spring water whilst the bottom carriage is emptied and when the brake is released the carriages move smoothly up and down the cliff taking about 90 seconds. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes, was one of Lynton's famous residents. The roads in the area are very narrow and in some places just wide enough for the coach to pass through. Well done our driver!

Friday, and we were off to Wells, England's smallest city. The Cathedral was commenced in the late 12th century and the Bishop of Bath transferred to Wells. The astronomical clock in the north transept was made in 1392 and is one of the oldest working clocks in the world. The fortified moat-ringed Bishop's Palace, dating back to 1206, is one of the oldest inhabited houses in England. Sometimes the swans on the moat ring the bell by the bridge, for food, as their ancestors were taught to do by a Victorian bishop's daughter. We travelled back to the hotel via the Cheddar Gorge and Cheddar, taking the opportunity to purchase some of its World Famous Cheese. King Henry II(1133-1189), declared Cheddar cheese to be the best in Britain; didn't you always want to know that!

Returning home on Saturday, we stopped for a three course lunch at the Great Western Hotel, Leicester, where the facilities and meal were excellent. The overall cost of the holiday, including, the accommodation, coach, evening meals, entertainment, courier, excursions and insurance was £350.00 per person. Very good value for money and there was no extra charge for the excellent weather.

On Wednesday, 7 Oct, we held our Harvest Festival and auction. Our thanks to all the many people who donated produce and products and for bidding enthusiastically. The club raised £216 to be split between the `Nomad Trust' and `Lives'.

At the Metheringham Feast, held on Saturday, 22 Oct, we raised £290 towards our club funds. We would like to thank all members who supported us by donating jars containing a variety of items such as chocolates, herbs, preservatives, sweets, toiletry products, toys, 50p, £1 and £2 coins. Also, those members of the public who bought the jars.

Our next members evening was held on Wednesday, 2 November, with entertainment by singer Sharna.

All Club events are held at the Village Hall, Metheringham, at 7.00pm with doors opening at 6.30pm, unless otherwise stated.

Diary events (Wed other than stated):
7 Dec. Members Annual Christmas Dinner and Draw. Let's hope Mr. Snowman does not affect us too much this year
4 Jan. Members evening, entertainment by Anita and Nick.
1 Feb. Members evening, entertainment by Tara Stafford-Allen.
7 Mar. Annual General Meeting.
Sat 10 Mar. Coffee Morning at the Village Hall.

Watch out for the posters displayed around the village as a reminder of forthcoming events and we look forward to seeing you all.

At the present time we have full membership. Non-members are welcome to join us on members evenings at a cost of £2.00 per visit. This includes a half-time cup of tea or coffee when we also serve biscuits. We have a waiting list for full membership and should you wish to add your details to this please, contact the Chairman Margaret Amos on Tel: 01526 321049.

Dave Williams Secretary