5 MILE WALKERS

5 MILE WALKERS

On Friday 25th October the ‘5 mile walking group’ set off from West Moors along the Castleman Trailway. The weather was a little damp but not enough to put us off. We walked across Holt Heath which was a little boggy! However, on our return loop the sun broke through. A typical autumnal morning. Thanks to Paul for guiding us on this one.
The walk next month will be close to Braemore House.
Vivian Dedman

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY JIM

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY JIM

I am sure you would like to join us in wishing Jim Chappell a Happy 100th  Birthday. Jim is still an active member of Fu3a. He regularly takes part in Super Movers, Merry Singers, Skittles, Theatre visits and Solo Lunches.

Have a great day with your family Jim.

ISLE OF WIGHT

ISLE OF WIGHT

A CRUISE   –   TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT

50 members of Fu3a set sail from Lymington recently  –  for a 40-minute cruise to the Isle of Wight!

One group visited the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, where the locomotive named Royal Engineer was on duty.  Our picture shows it with Fu3a member Gordon Craggs (himself an RE Veteran) who told us that the loco was used by the Army for many years  –  and that it had transported him to work in the early 1960s!   Gordon writes:  “ It could not have been a greater surprise to discover Royal Engineer from 1960-61 (but nameless at that time).  What’s more, my grandson Henry, who already believes I am a wizard, is now super convinced having seen the steam coming from the top of my head!”

The other Fu3a group went on to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s island home, where members enjoyed the splendid Italianate styling of the rooms and furnishings.

It rained hard only once during the day.  The steam train buffs were able to join in the railway’s conveniently-scheduled Beer Festival; but at Osborne House some members regretted their decision to walk down to the beach….…

All agreed they had had a really good day out!   Many thanks to those members who helped organise it.

GREEN FINGERS – TALK BY TRUDY GILLHAM FROM IN-EXCESS

GREEN FINGERS – TALK BY TRUDY GILLHAM FROM IN-EXCESS

On Wednesday 16 October, the Green Fingers group were treated to a wonderful talk by Trudy Gillham at In-Excess, Parley. Tracy shared her expertise on identifying what constitutes partial and full shade, the appropriate plants and how different soils contribute to planting schemes.

In addition, Trudy went on to share tips on composting and plant feed, encouraging us not to buy the most expensive but the most appropriate. The notes she shared regarding plants for shaded areas at the end were excellent and we all went home full of ideas.

Thank you to Trudy and In-Excess for hosting us.

BON VIVEURS VISIT ENGLISH OAK VINEYARD

BON VIVEURS VISIT ENGLISH OAK VINEYARD

The Bon Viveurs spend a lovely afternoon at English Oak Vineyard near Lytchett Matravers.  We were welcomed by Sarah and husband Andrew who own the lovely Vineyard.

As we toured the grounds, Sarah explained how she and Andrew’s mid-life crisis led to a change of career. They studied viticulture at Plumpton College in Sussex before purchasing ground in 2007 and planted 23,000 vines ranging from 14 different varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grape roots. After which they had to wait three years for the first harvest and six years before their first wine was available..

Since then, they have gone on to produce awarding wining sparkling wines.  At the heart of the vineyard is a 350-year-old oak tree after which the Vineyard is named. Their sparkling wine selection now consists of six different blends all named after different oak trees.

Our tour ended with a wine tasting session – led by Andrew – which enabled us to try all six of their wine varieties.

Thanks to Corinne Board for arranging the session and Sarah and Andrew for their hospitality.

THE VYNE

THE VYNE

Our trip began with a tour of the house. The Vyne is a well-presented property and we were able to access a large section of the house. The volunteers were knowledgeable and keen to share information. First built circa 1500–10 in the Tudor style by William Sandys, 1st Baron Sandys, Lord Chamberlain to King Henry VIII, the Chute family bought the Vyne in 1653 and is largely responsible for the house as it appears today. One of the highlights was the pre-Reformation chapel.

After lunch we were able to undertake some of the trails round the grounds. The walk around the lake  and  woodlands were so relaxing.  We were able to view a six-hundred-year-old oak tree, tiptoe inside a 17th century summerhouse and wander through the walled garden.  

Thank you Bob and Clare for organising a lovely day out.