Outings
Bourne Mill
HYLANDS HOUSE and CHELMSFORD MUSEUM Wednesday 8th September 2010.
Departs Tollgate 10-00am. Cost £16.
Built in 1730 Hylands House has had nine owners. The estate was purchased in 1966 by Chelmsford Borough Council and the grounds were opened to the public almost immediately. However, the House needed 20 years of repairs and was opened to the public in 2007. We will enjoy a guided tour of the House with its splendid grand staircase and restored rooms. Coffee/tea will be served on arrival (included in the cost). Lunch may be purched in the cafe or bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds. There will be time to explore the gardens during the lunch break. In the afternoon we visit the newly enlarged and refurbished Chelmsford Museum. We expect to be back at Tollgate at 4-30pm.
ROCKINGHAM CASTLE - DAY TRIP AND CHRISTMAS LUNCH Thursday 9th December 2010.
Departs Tollgate 8-45am sharp. Cost £35.00
Christmas with a difference; step back in time to Christmas Eve 1849 at Rockingham Castle near Stamford. We have a comfort stop at Cambridge Services and then visit the village of Geddington to see the fine Eleanor Cross. We continue to Rockingham Castle, steeped in history. William the Conqueror began the construction and many changes were made over the next 400 years. The castle and estate were subsequently bought by the Watson family who made it their home for 450 years. Their restoration created the Rockingham you see today.
The castle courtyard, with illuminated trees, offers a warm welcome. Guides dressed in Victorian costume take us round the decorated castle to see the preparations for a nostalgic Christmas of 1849. A well-stocked shop gives the chance to buy that ’special’ gift. Following the tour we have a two course traditional Christmas lunch of Roast Turkey and Christmas pudding followed by tea or coffee - a vegetarian option is available.
Weather and time permitting, wander round the garden and see in the distance where three counties meet. We expect to be back to Tollgate around 6.30pm.
For more details of either event please contact the Chairman. Contact details on the ‘Welcome’ page.