Visits to places or events of interest with an educational element are arranged by members for the rest of the group.
To book a place on a visit either complete the form at the rear of the hall or contact the organiser.
A spring day out to the theatre - April 2025
The sun greeted us as we boarded the coach to Liverpool with a few pick-ups across Anglesey. We arrived at the Albert Dock at ten forty-five. Howard our driver, allocated a stay of two hours to allow for a comfort break and lunch. It was a little nippy with a fresh breeze from the River Mersey but the sun continued to shine. Then off we went to the Empire Theatre, and eventually we were all seated and a little music could be heard but no orchestra pit! The house lights dimmed and a hillbilly character walked on stage talking to himself. He lifted a banjo off the curtains and started to play. The curtains opened and the western set was revealed. Many of the characters played various instruments and the chorus of ‘ The Deadwood Stage’, filled the theatre. The audience were introduced to Wild Bill, and then the star Calamity Jane and we were treated to all the favourite numbers of this classic musical. The audience were enthusiastic and clapping every scene of this unusual presentation performed by the small company of multi-talented entertainers, whip cracking and ho-downing. All too soon came the finale when Calamity sang, ‘Secret Love’, rewarded by tumultuous applause and several encores by the whole ensemble. Howard had parked outside the central front door so we were soon on our journey back to Anglesey again in sunshine having lovely spring views of the lambs in the fields. It may not have been Doris Day and Howard Keel but very memorable.
Margaret Ankers
HOLYHEAD FIRE STATION VISIT – 7th & 8th October 2024.
14 members on 7th and 10 members on 8th October visited the Holyhead Fire Station and had a very enjoyable and informative morning.
Both parties were met by Adrian (Crew Manager, Blue Watch) and Ethan, a very knowledgeable young fireman and all thoroughly enjoyed learning what being a fireman involves. They are all dedicated to making our lives safer, giving us a lot of information we did not know and which will hopefully make us more aware of fire hazards.
We were then taken to the garage where we saw a fire engine that is destined to go to Ukraine as it is deemed too old for service here. We were also shown all the equipment the firemen have to wear when attending a fire or road accident and also all the equipment kept in the fire engine. It was a very good morning and made us all think of how
to be safer in our own homes.
Our thanks to Tricia Jones for organising these visits, also to Adrian, Ethan and all the Holyhead firemen.
Beryl Roberts
West Highland Railway and Boston Lodge - Thursday June 13th 2024
Gillian Slinn organised this amazing trip, which didn’t actually go to plan! Heavy rain and strong winds meant that the planned visit to Boston Lodge was unavoidably cancelled. However, two alternative visits were offered in the Porthmadog Region. The majority of our members opted to visit the West Highland Heritage Railway.
Arriving in Caernarfon in good time, we boarded the train of the Welsh Highland Railway. The 2-hour journey provided us with beautiful scenery, the Menai Straits in the distance, a vast variety of trees and more trees, vast verdant hills, waterfalls, and mountains. Despite the rainy weather, the journey was a delight.
Arriving in Porthmadog we had time to sit in Spooners Grill for a quick bite to eat. This was a pleasant facility on the railway line.
All aboard the coach for a short drive to the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. This is a short, reconstructed heritage railway providing a short train ride in historic narrow-gauge railway carriages, to and from Pen y Mount Junction Station with a stop on the return journey at the hands-on Railway Heritage Centre and Museum, displaying bilingual notices and information. The volunteer staff were eager to share their knowledge and ensure that we enjoyed the visit. Our thanks to Gillian for organising the day, and to our driver of the Carreglefn Coach for seeing us home safely. The inclement weather and the change of plans did not deter us from having an excellent visit.
Aneira Levitt
