For our June holiday, Michael Rofe took us to see the sights and scenery of Gloucestershire. We set out from our local joining points on a bright Sunday morning. After a coffee stop at Brockton Staffordshire, we arrived in the historic town of Tewksbury in time for lunch. Many of us chose to enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon enjoying the warm sunny weather and exploring the medieval history of the town and Abbey. We then made the short journey to Gloucester Robinwood Hotel. Our driver Carl offered to take us to the adjacent dry ski slope. To his surprise, our members preferred the quiet elegant surroundings of the hotel and spa facilities and thoughts of the evening meal. Carl hid his disappointment well as he began to manage our arrival and meal arrangements in his usual efficient manner which he maintained throughout the holiday.
Our first excursion was to Chavenage House, a wonderful Cotswold stone house dating from the Elizabethan period. Only two families have owned Chavenage, the present family, Lowsley-Williams and from the 16th century until 1891 the Stephens family. Caroline, one of the present family members and her equally entertaining brother Gordon made us welcome. We explored rooms with historic Cromwell connections and 17th century tapestries. We also learned the links with films and TV including being the stately home used for the Poldark series.
In the afternoon we enjoyed a visit to Berkeley Castle, built in 1153 and like Chavenage, has an unbroken record of family continuity. 27 generations of the Berkeley family have, and still live, in the castle. Steeped in English history, the castle has a direct link with the murder of Edward II. Royal guests have been entertained including Elizabeth I up to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in the present time.
The following day, we enjoyed experiences in total contrast. The history and sights of maritime Bristol. On a relaxing boat trip, we learned about the development of trade and engineering and the rise of Bristol as a key port. The reference to Brunell’s contribution to maritime Bristol continued in the afternoon with a visit to the Great Western Museum complex and SS Great Britain, the world’s first ocean going liner. In the dry dock (1839) we walked around the ship’s hull, saw a replica of Brunell’s propellor which changed shipping forever. Inside, we were taken through the time line of design, to its launch in 1843 and experienced how passengers and crew were looked after and entertained. The complex included a comprehensive national museum to the Brunell family.
Our final day started with a visit to one of the smallest but very attractive NT properties, Westbury Court Gardens. Originally laid out in the late 17th century, it is the only restored Dutch Water Garden in England. Maintained by two full time gardening staff and volunteers together with a perfect working example of a multi-tasking woman, car park supervisor, receptionist, shop manager and drinks provider! The afternoon was spent in Gloucester. Our visit began in the docks area reflecting 200 years of Bristol’s importance as an inland port. Some members explored the waterway system on a boat trip whilst others visited the Waterways Museum and the treasures of Gloucester Cathedral.
Our journey home included a stop at the sprawling Webbs Garden Centre at West Hagley and then to our familiar lunch location, the Moat House Hotel in Acton Trussell.
Another most enjoyable, bespoke holiday in the company of friends and companions. Perhaps on the first night, we were too relaxed and feeling the effects of the untypically warm day, but did anyone complete the word search on the holiday programme to claim the bottle of wine? If not, perhaps on the holiday to North Wales in September, there will be 2 bottles of wine as prizes!
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Article by Frank Hyland and photographs by Michael Rofe, with thanks.
