August 2010 Outing

The annual Men’s Probus outing took place on 24th August when 55 members and their guests departed Christchurch Car Park on a  dry day for a visit to London.  On the way champagne and nibbles were served on the coach whilst travelling down to London.  After an uneventful journey we arrived at Westminster pier, opposite the old County Hall, to board our boat for a two hour cruise on the River Thames, past the London Eye and Houses of Parliament, down to Wapping and return to our starting point.  During the cruise lunch was served in our own private dining area.  A shower of rain fell during the cruise but fortunately we were all under cover enjoying the food at the time.  On our return to the pier, we disembarked from the boat and boarded the coach which was waiting for us to take us on the second part of our outing to Buckingham Palace and the State Rooms for a tour of the house and gardens.  Once through security we were escorted on the state rooms with a very good guide and help from the guidebook.  The sumptuous furnishings, wall tapestries dating from 16th century, Old Master paintings, sculpture and various exhibitions, including one which explained how the Palace was greatly extended from a small manor house were a delight.  At the end of the tour we walked out onto a terrace with tables and chairs where there was a small restaurant offering tea and coffee and cake.  It was most welcome in order to rest one’s feet  after walking round the state rooms and before walking round the outside of the garden and through the souvenir shop to the outside gate in order to pick up the coach for our return trip to Radlett.  It was a brilliant day out in London for all and thanks must go to the organiser for arranging such an inventive trip