Annual Holiday - May 23rd to 27th 2005
After the obligatory group photograph taken outside the B.A.Y. Centre the cases were loaded onto the coach and the group set off . First stop was the Tropiquaria where we saw spiders, snakes, lizards and other creatures. After a cuppa we went outside where a proud peacock displayed his plumage for members to photograph and after buying a few postcards and trinkets we all piled onto the coach again.
Finally we arrived at our destination - 'Somerwest' in Minehead.
A big delay at the check-in and finally our bags were unloaded and keys dished out. Then began to scramble to find the chalets. Unfortunately Samantha, in her excitement, fell over a case and grazed her forehead, nose and leg. Daphne, in consequence of hastening to her rescue, managed to leave her camera on the coach (this was retrieved and returned to her on the return journey).
Cases were unpacked and members soon became familiar with their new surroundings - certainly all managed to find their way to the restaurant in time for the evening meal.
It was a big disappointment to many members to find that the 'Green Baize' (where last year they had spent many a happy hour) had been closed and instead of the 'free' games of snooker, table tennis and darts - snooker cost £3.45 for half an hour, there was no table tennis and only one dart board.
The dodgem cars were still going so we had a quick spin round the track and then walked along the road outside the holiday village where Andrew bought a few postcards and stamps.
It was time to wash, change and get a good seat for the evening entertainment. There were jokes, discos, bands and singers and plenty of company in the 'Reds' or 'Centre Stage' - the two main venues. In the centre of Skyline (the hubof the village) was a huge Bungee apparatus inviting holiday-makers to don a harness and jump to the ceiling from a large trampolene - for a charge of £4.
Members were tucked up in their chalets by midnight and most were up bright and early on Tuesday and eager to partake of a three course breakfast. Archery was the first port of call for some of the sports orientated members and basket ball and petanque followed in quick succession.
Wednesday the coach took us off to Ilfracombe- with the scary ride up Porlock Hill and then down into Lynton. The museum in Ilfracombe was full of nostalgic memorabilia - Stephen Porter took a fancy to a couple of dresses from a past age (what is he hiding from us?); A dawdle along the High Street to make a few purchases and an ice cream in an idyllic park and it was time for the return journey. During the evening in 'Centre Stage' a row of female members were seen swaying to the music in varying shades of pink tops - were they 'The Pinkies'?
Thursday - the last full day - Archery and fencing took up the whole morning and most of the afternoon. Andrew, Phillip, Stephen and Steven received certificates from the stage in Skyline - amid cheers .... Then there was a quiet game of dominoes at one of the small tables in Skyline before setting off to find the little Church that Andrew had said was in the grounds of the Village. We found it - a small white building in idyllic surroundings - the modern windows had etchings on them and others were decorated with red glass. Back then for the last evening meal and evening's entertainment ... also packing most of the bags not needed in the morning.
Friday - all packed up .... a nice leisurely breakfast ... turfed out of the chalets by the eager cleaners ... and a half-hour wait for the coach ... the weather was begining to 'hot up' .. cases packed into the coach and members 'dropped off' along the coast road in Minehead while the coach took off to Bishop's Lydeard .. Members had a couple of hours to spend in Minehead .. shopping and a walk in the park .. coffee etc. Then all on the station to catch the steam train and a packed lunch provided .. sandwiches, drink and cake to eat while the train wound its way through the exqusite scenery - with the sea on one side and the Quantock Hills on the other. At Bishop's Lydeard the coach was waiting to bring us on the final part of the journey home and we arrived back in Cassis Close just before 3 p.m. tired but happy to see our carers and transport waiting for us ......
Next week . we start planning next year's holiday ........
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