From the pictures it would appear that Wales has a lot to offer in the way of scenery and places to visit.
We have Margaret Knowles, Artistic Director, 'Fugiman' and John Birchall to thank for the following photographs.
Norma goes up in the world, Margaret says 'cheers', Jennifer has to hold down her right leg, and Elaine eases out Jennifer!
If John K knew what John B knows he would throw that drink over him!
.................... and Peter as well! But not Steve!
Can you recognise a Jaguar from behind!?
Man about town; sunglasses, hand in pocket, real style!
All but one ready for a quick exit!
Could be a famous painting ........... it isn't! Just the trouch of a photographic genius!!
I don't think they can get out of the habit of sitting in a narrow boat!
Well! you can see too much of some people so its nice get away at times!
Glorious!
Big drops but not of rain!
Even bigger drops!
Better get the brakes on for this steep decent!
Norma 2 Pints!!! Thirsty work is this driving lark!
Don't be fooled by the tea cups! You should see the pints lined up behind them!
An early Jaguar!!
Caught in the act!
Wot! No fag Andy?
Peter seeks advice! Is the tyre flat?
Incognito? The man in black perhaps? No, the white shoes give it away!
Aah yes, now we know, but I think we always did! You can't hide in a dark tunnel when wearing white shoes!
Yes, you've guessed, the man under the bridge is there again!
Caught again!
Jennifer is half-hearted (and half-faced) about being photographed
Just practicing for eating their tea tonight!
So this is the Millennium Stadium
As Fred Bidnah - Steeplejack and Engineer, used to say 'did you like that?'
ITEM FOR INCLUSION IN NEXT AVAILABLE AREA NEWS.
LANCASHIRE AREA 18
Area 18 watchers will know that we usually organise a Spring Weekend away, and this year was no exception. The difference this year was that it was held in North Wales rather than the traditional Lake District .
The Social Committee were charged with the organisation and an excellent job they surely did. We all arrived at the Bryn Howel Hotel just outside Llangollen on the Friday afternoon and after settling into our rooms and roaming the grounds and pathways by the adjacent canal a convivial meeting in the bar was followed by an excellent meal in the restaurant. The restaurant and large lawns outside look down the valley with a spectacular view towards Llangollen and the Snowdonia mountains beyond.
Kind weather had been forecast and we assembled for a briefing by John Butterworth at 9.15 prompt on the Saturday morning. Route cards were soon distributed so by 9.45 cars were leaving for a full morning's tour, taking in Lake Bala , Lake Vyrnwy and various mountain passes. The roads were quiet, the weather perfect and the variety of North Wales countryside seen that morning was impressive. Lush valleys gave way to open moor land, lakeside views intervened after rugged mountain passes, white-water streams and rivers eventually gave way to the lush valleys again as we made our way to lunch at Erddig House near Wrexham.
Lunch taken, we assembled in one of the ancient courtyards of Erddig House for a brief introduction before taking a tour of this fascinating property. Now in the hands of the National Trust, the Estate was somewhat neglected for generations but had been held together and now provides us with a wonderful insight into the lives of estate staff and workers and most particularly their conditions and the out-moded equipment they had continued to use well into the 20 th century. Erddig has been voted the second finest stately home in Britain and there is no doubt that it is a very special experience.
Tour finished we then wandered the well tended grounds for a while and admired the display of 20 odd Jaguars we had formed at the front of the house, whilst enjoying an ice cream or two.
What an excellent day! Now for the Gala Dinner and Disco! Time flies when you're having fun and soon the excellent meal was almost over. Hilda Partridge once again entertained us with her Devonshire Ditties this time encouraging audience participation.It was then Disco time for those who still had any energy left for the dance floor A 10.30 start was planned for Sunday which gave everyone the opportunity to enjoy the evening to the full especially as we wouldn't be driving! A trip in a barge had been organized for Sunday taking us directly from the grounds and across the spectacular 126 feet high Pontcysyllte aquaduct, one of Telford 's many impressive achievements. Just the perfect trip on a warm, sunny spring morning after such a busy Saturday. It was a couple of hours before we were back at the Hotel and then sadly for most, the weekend was drawing to a close.
Many of us enjoyed lunch on the lawn of the Hotel, a few went straight home and others were staying on for an extra night. This had been an excellent event organised for us by Steve Liver and John Butterworth , ably assisted by Margaret Knowles and David Hodgkinson. Many thanks are due to our very able Social Committee and I believe we may be back again at the Bryn Howel.
Peter Marsland