Wey and Arun Canal (London’s lost link to the Sea) August 2017
On the 8th August a group of members, spouses, partners and friends embarked in beautiful sunshine on a canal boat operated by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust for an afternoon cruise along the Loxwood Link section of the Canal on the Surrey/West Sussex border.
Meeting at the Onslow Arms in Loxwood adjacent to the Canal Centre the boat completed a round trip in quiet waters between banks of flowers, shrubs and trees with glimpses of meadows beyond. The progress was broken as the volunteer crew expertly manoeuvred the boat through a series of locks as the canal water level rose and fell.
During the cruise a delicious cream tea was served by more volunteer crew members which completed a delightful afternoon in good company in convivial surroundings.
——————————————————————————————————————–
Treasure Hunt August 2017
Haskins Roundstone was the venue for the club’s annual brain teaser treasure hunt held on 30 August 2017. Teams of two competed to unravel the fiendish clues to identify objects on display in the garden centre. Keenly fought as usual the teams were closely matched with only one and a half points separating the first three. The winners received a garden centre voucher and the (dubious) honour of organising the 2018 event.
This relaxed event included coffee on arrival and lunch to finish served in the private Roundstone Room. Members who did not wish to compete were able to use the room to socialise and wander around the garden centre at their leisure.
Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley Flower Show September 2017
On 7th September a trip to the RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show was enjoyed by members and friends using the club’s group membership.
Home to some of the largest plant collections in the World Wisley contains a blend of historical and experimental planting. Our day was spent meandering around the gardens marvelling at the permanent displays of flowers, shrubs and trees, including a stunning rockery, water features and the huge glasshouse full of exotic plants from around the world.
Attending the Flower show meant we were able to browse the quality nursery and trade stands, the National Dahlia Society Show, the NAFAS floral displays and the Surrey Sculpture Society Trail. Several of our group took advantage of the range of items on sale to buy plants, garden equipment and ornaments and to visit the Society’s shop for cards, books and gifts.
There was not enough time in one day to see everything and our party returned home tired but extremely pleased with a fascinating day out.
The Clink Restaurant Brixton Prison
On 31st October a group of members, spouses, partners and friends travelled to Brixton to have lunch at one of the Clink Charity’s restaurants.
The Clink Restaurant is staffed by prisoners in training during the last 6-18 months of their sentences to obtain accredited qualifications in catering to improve their employability on release. The training programme helps break the cycle of crime by nurturing self-belief, through learning work place skills, support and mentoring. Reoffending by those who have completed the programme has been dramatically reduced.
The day proved to be eventful and quite long, initially getting caught in a queue following a bad road traffic accident on the A27 in Worthing which meant we were running an hour late by the time we arrived in Brixton. Following registration the staff rose to the occasion providing a splendid three course lunch of the highest quality and in ample quantities. Every plate cleared! The meal was followed by a talk about the work of the Charity and the positive affect on those taking part.
The return journey proved as challenging as the outward one as there was a fire in Purley High Street, and our coach was the wrong side of the jam. We eventually arrived at our drop off point much later than expected tired but with memories of a superb meal in the most amazing place.
————————————————————————————————-
The Goring Probus Club Xmas Lunch was held at Worthing Golf Club on Monday 11 December. The meal was excellent and all present felt that the event had been a success. Our President certainly enjoyed himself!
————————————————————————————————-
Goring Probus President’s Lunch
The lunch was held at St Mary’s Hall on 27th February. A hot meal was served and we were entertained by an excellent singer.
Canine Partners May 2018
At the annual Presidents lunch in 2017, we were joined by a young lady who demonstrated the remarkable ability of her dog to assist with everyday living. As a result it was decided to take up the offer of a group visit to the Canine Partners training centre.
Early on 30th May a group of members and their partners left Goring by coach and travelled to the Canine Partners centre near Midhurst to spend the morning finding out about the help provided for adults who have a physical disability or a condition that affects their daily life and limit their independence.
Canine partners are carefully matched to the applicants’ needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. The dogs are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, unloading washing machines, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and fetching help in an emergency. They assist with everyday tasks which are difficult, painful or impossible for individuals with a disability to perform. We were able to talk to those with dogs and meet the dogs.
After a morning of presentations and fascinating demonstrations at the centre our group travelled to the Unicorn Inn in Heyshott, which has a magnificent view of the South Downs, before we returned home having had a truly fascinating time and a splendid lunch.
Denbies Vineyard June 2018
The vineyards of the Denbies Estate are situated on the North Downs near the town of Dorking, with its famous chalky soil, in a protected valley on south facing slopes.
Following a short trip along the A24 we left our coach in time for a cup of tea and a cake
before joining a tour of the vineyard grounds by road train through woodlands, to a position
at the top of the slopes with views across the valley as far as Dorking, with the vines and
estate houses in the foreground. A running commentary was provided describing the history of the estate from well before the purchase by the current owners and the more recent vine growing business.
The restaurant provided lunch for our hungry members following which a number joined a second tour, this time within the winery itself, viewing the production of the wine from grape to bottle. This was followed by a wine tasting of the wines. Finally a visit to the shop where retail therapy involved purchase of wines and souvenirs.
A tired but contented group returned to Goring in the early evening with happy memories of a fascinating day out.
Thames River Cruise
The club’s July trip took us to Maidenhead by luxury coach to join the MV Georgian for a
day’s gentle cruise to Windsor and back.
Having had refreshments on the coach we were presented with a champagne or a fruit juice to drink on the top deck as soon as we were on board. After casting off we cruised slowly towards Windsor with the sights being explained to us by the captain as we went along manoeuvring through a series of locks. The views were a mixture of beautiful riverside houses some belonging to the great and the good or the famous, lush meadows and tree lined banks.
Lunch on board in the comfortable saloon gave us views of the Thames whilst dining on a
freshly prepared meal. The bar provided us with the appropriate accompaniment to the food.
On return to Maidenhead we re-joined our coach for the trip home. The weather had been
kind, the river beautiful and the food excellent.
————————————————————————————————
Cruising the Seine
Members pushed the boat out recently, taking a mini cruise to France with Fred Olsen.Boarding the “Boudicca” at Dover we sailed overnight to the old port of Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine, just across the river from Le Havre. Honfleur has a very interesting old harbour, lined with tall merchants’ houses and numerous open air pavement cafes. One of their specialties being local rope grown mussels. Being a Saturday there was also an open air market which delighted the ladies. The following day we visited Joan of Arc’s home town of Rouen, renowned for its magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. Following a morning cruise back. down the Seine we retraced our steps to Dover. Photos show members enjoying Fred Olsen hospitality, and John Aldred presenting Wendy Armes with a little ‘thank you’ for organizing a most enjoyable trip.
Sinah Warren May 2019
A group of members drove to Warner’s Sinah Warren Coastal Hotel on Hayling Island in Hampshire, less than an hour away from Goring, for a short break. The site, on the south western side of the island overlooks Langstone Harbour which lies between the island and Portsmouth and includes beautiful gardens giving plenty of opportunity for members to stroll and enjoy the sights. The bowls green, swimming pools, archery and shooting ranges gave plenty to do for the more energetic members. The evening music and live entertainment helped to finish off each day.
Thames River Cruise July 2019
The club’s trip on the Thames in July 2018 was so successful that we decided to have another in August 2019 but this time turning towards Henley rather than Windsor.
As before we travelled to Maidenhead by luxury coach to join the MV Georgian for the day’s gentle cruise. Again we had refreshments on the coach and a glass of champagne or fruit juice to drink on the top deck of the boat when we arrived. The cruise took us gently towards Henley with the sights being explained to us by the captain as we went along.
The Thames was beautiful with lush river banks, assorted wildlife and views through the trees to the country beyond. It was difficult to believe that we were so close to one of the largest, busiest, cities in the world. While we were having our splendid lunch in the saloon the boat was turned and we passed through Maidenhead to see some of the views to the east. Along the banks in addition to the countryside we saw a number of magnificent riverside houses.
A beautiful day of totally relaxing travel with views that only the south of England can provide.
Norway Cruise June 2019
The coast of Norway in the late spring….wow! Immediately following the D Day commemoration the Olsen ship Boudicca, still painted with the Royal British Legion logo for the trip to Normandy with the veterans, left Dover in beautiful weather heading for Norway, with amongst many others, members of our club. The North Sea was like a mill pond.
First stop was Bergen on a beautiful day and after a ride on the funicular railway wonderful
views from the top of Mount Floyen.
On to Aurlandsfjord, with another railway ride from the village of Flam 20Km to Myrdal with
more spectacular views along the route and from the top.
The cruise continued through amazing Fjord scenery until reaching Hellesylt on another
glorious day with time ashore exploring the pretty town in a magnificent setting.
The village of Olden was next on the itinerary, close to the Birksdalsbreen glacier. Another
small pretty township with two churches known as the Old Olden Church (built 1759) and
the Olden Church (built 1934)! The city of Stavanger with a 12th century Cathedral and a Maritime Museum was the last stop. The ship docked right in the heart of the city on a Saturday where a family fair was being held around the dock with exhibits and activities for the children and young people and a street market for those less inclined to jump off a tower into the dock (once the jelly fish had been moved – Health and Safety Officers look away!) Another glorious day mixing with friendly locals all out in the sunshine enjoying the spring weather.
Finally a cruise around Hardangerfjord before returning to Dover after a day crossing a still
calm North Sea. The Boudicca docked early, completing the cruise with a beautiful sunrise
over the port entrance.
Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt, Flam Railway,Dover, Boudicca and Bergen are shown below
Lunch in France October 2019
Following a very early pick up we travelled by executive diner coach via Eurotunnel to the
Hostellerie de la Riviere on the southern side of Boulogne being sustained by warm sausage rolls, Danish pastries and Bucks Fizz on the journey. On arrival a glass of champagne was served to set the tone for a superb five course meal with a different wine with each course.
The food and wine were exceptional and the soufflé alone was worth the trip! Pausing at the Eurotunnel Terminal for a little shopping we returned to Goring having had a light supper of French bread, cheese, pate and a glass of wine arriving home tired but extremely happy. It had been a first rate trip with pleasant drive in good company and spoilt with excellent food.
————————————————————————————————-
Skittles in Findon, October 2022
On 20 October, Club members enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch followed by two rounds of skittles at the Black Horse Inn, Findon.
The competition was strong but very friendly, with much encouragement being given to each player as they took their turn.
————————————————————————————————
Christmas Lunch, 7 December 2022
The chef at WIBC did the Club proud, as usual, and the members enjoyed a superb 3-course Christmas lunch. Much fun was had by all.
——————————————————————————————————————–
Valentine’s Day Tea 2023 ♥♥
Love was in the air as the Club celebrated this saint’s day with a special tea at WIBC. Members then paired up for a light-hearted quiz, with prizes being awarded to the winners and runners-up.
————————————————————————————————-
Coronation Lunch 10th May 2023
WIBC served members a superb 3-course lunch to celebrate the coronation of HRH King Charles III. Several members dressed in patriotic colours to mark this historic occasion.
————————————————————————————————-Connaught Theatre, Worthing 19 July 2023
Members enjoyed a very interesting backstage tour of this local theatre. The guides regaled us with amusing anecdotes and stories of the resident ghost known as the
grey lady!
————————————————————————————————
President’s Lunch – 17 October 2023
Members enjoyed a superb, 2-course buffet lunch at Findon Manor Hotel. The staff made us very welcome. It was the first time that the Club had chosen this venue for a special lunch, and it won’t be the last!
————————————————————————————————-
