Sunday 28th August 2011
Its bank holiday Sunday and that can mean only one thing [rain].
Well surprisingly enough as we set off for our latest camra trip there was not a sign of the wet stuff.
Today’s excursion was taking us to the wilds of Mid Suffolk and the railway museum courtesy of Dave’s vintage Eastern National bus.
On arrival we were greeted by a pleasant character straight out of the railway children who gave us a low down on the lay out of the place and more importantly where the beer wagon was situated which was one of the reasons for our visit.
Having been given our tickets for entry plus a ride on the steam train, one of our branch members had noticed a display of vintage lawnmowers [ no jokes please ] and enquired as to whether or not I recognised any of them!
By now, most of the branch members had made there way to the beer wagon where a well-stocked bar of eight real ales greeted us, some local and some from a far.
One or two of our party had become victims of an English summer ... the dreaded wasps, so felt the need to visit the railway museum where plenty of information about the railway was on display whilst others took the sanctuary of the steam train ride.
Mid-way through our visit rumours were abound of a local competition in a nearby field and low and behold these rumours we’re verified with the start of a ploughing competition ranging from small rotavator’s to large commercial vehicles.
Meanwhile, back at the museum, having tasted even more fine ale, thoughts of our pub stop on route back to Colchester were the topic of conversation. Having said our farewell’s to the museum staff it was off to the Cross Keys at Henley. Having had some inside information from one of our members [ thanks Rich. S ] we were greeted with yet another beer festival in a fine country pub.
After an hour or so it was time to board our bus and head back to Colchester.
Comment of the day has to go to Sue for asking the question "Don’t they have seagulls in Suffolk?"
I can only assume this was made from the field where the ploughing competition was being held only for someone to say - "Look to your left Sue, that will answer your question".
Many thanks to the following people for making Sundays trip so enjoyable :
Dave, for the use of his fantastic bus.
JD for his help with the museum.
All the staff at the museum.
Richard for spotting the Cross Keys beer festival
Jo for the photo's and all the people that came along for the day.
Many thanks
JT.