Photos now online here
On Monday 2nd May 05 Club committee members were kept extremely busy checking Club holiday members & loading luggage, electric scooters wheelchairs and other commodities onto the Edwards Bro’s Coach, driven by John Evans, who is well known for his driving skills, kindness & courtliness, by nearly all of the Club members.
With 39 members onboard our progress along the M4 corridor when we were engulfed in a thunderstorm that turned day into night with torrential rain, however once we passed through the storm we were blessed with excellent weather for the remainder of the respite holiday. Some members even got sun burnt.
Our arrival at the New Continental Hotel, Plymouth was timed to perfection. Management & staff warmly greeted us and wished an enjoyable stay. Luggage was delivered to their respective rooms without problem, but snoring could be heard coming from one member in room 312 with “Do not disturb” sign already been displayed before dinner.
After dinner the entertainment was “Bingo” with all the prizes being donated by Rita. Some of the prizes won were recycled as for future raffle prizes of which monies realised served as a fund for gratuities for staff and mandatory requirements.
Tuesday the coach took members to the Plymouth Dome, which was of great interest to most members. Four members of the Tamar Lions Club, Janet & Wally Kelly, Maddre Harrison & Rosemary Tremaine, joined us, who sacrificed their time, knowledge and muscle power to assist in wheelchair evolutions.
The evening entertainment was guitar & vocal soloist, Richard Wadey who recaptured memories of the past by playing some “Golden Oldies” even managing to encourage some members onto the dance floor.
On Wednesday it was observed many Club members were already making modifications to the “Full English Breakfast” menu to just two items. It was also witnessed members were taking advantage of the Hotel’s Fitness facilities to gain that healthier looking configuration trying to abort that “portly” posture.
Their President, Matt Manzie, greeted us at the Plymouth Activity Stroke Club. Gale & Judy from the Stroke Association were very impressed with our Club’s shirts & logo. The cornucopia finger buffet was second to none. As a small token of gratitude for the hospitality given, our Chairman Mr Michael Lewis presented a plaque to the Activity Stroke Club on behalf of the Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council; other Welsh Gifts were also presented. The afternoon trip took us across Dartmoor to Badgers Holt with a running commentary given by Maddre Harrison of the Plymouth Lions who was adopted by Club membership for her expert commentating & knowledgeable skills for other tours during our visit. Passing through Princetown, members’ attention was drawn to Her Majesty’s Dartmoor Prison built in Victorian times and what activities the inmates were given, brought a hush of silence through the coach.
Evening entertainment given by the 16 Ladies Choir “One Accord” and was enjoyed by all. More members of the Plymouth Lions Club joined in the jollifications offering interlude entertainment with juggling acts.
Thursday was marked as a “Free” day to explore Plymouth. Some members caught service buses to Piangton, Torquay and other Localities to broaden their geographical knowledge of the area.
The Tamar Valley Ladies Barbershop Chorus consisting of 21 Ladies proved they are prospective winners for the forthcoming Barbershop Chorus national competitions, even allowing our Club the privilege to view their newest attire.
Friday An early start to visit Dartington Hall & Gardens. Dartington Hall originally built for John Holland, half brother to Richard ll, in 1388. The estate, with its collection of 20th century buildings has been architecturally and artistically famous since the 1930s when it was purchased & renovated by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst. The design of the beautiful gardens was co-ordinated by Dorothy Elmhirst and are recognised as among the finest in the country. With the blessing of brilliant sunshine the gardens were indeed a joy to see.
After dinner entertainment was given by Keith Jackson, Michael Lewis & John Palmer. Offering votes of thanks to concluded the evening were given to John Evans, Coach Driver, Bryn Davies & Brian Dickin, raffle organisers, Lloyds TSB & The Big Lottery Fund for their tremendous financial support, Captain Viv Rowles founder of the Club & Wendy Bindon, organiser for the holiday. The Committee were thanked for their hard voluntary work donated to the Club throughout the year by Len Langford, Dennis Barnett, Dorothy Beckwith & the junior of the Club Robert Warlow.
During the respite holiday family and expatriates of Pembrokeshire re-unions were made with Sheila Randall (nee Morgan, Morton Hughes – ex Fishguard and Dennis Poynter of Trecwn
Also pleasing to report a romance blossomed and flourished, names will be announced in due course.
Saturday. With bags & baggage loaded we proceeded up the M5 to Sanders Garden World, north of Bridgwater to have lunch and then gently wind our way back to Pembrokeshire to arrive home early evening.
Our next regular meeting will be held at St Teresa’s Convent Hall on 17th May 05 when Jayne Simms from the Stroke Association will give an address plus a speciality, come and see. For more information please contact Michael on 01348 840282 or John on 01348 872240 or indeed visit our website www.fishguradstrokeclub.co.uk as so generously sponsored be ePembs.
For more information on the Fishguard Stroke Club, please contact Michael on 01348 84082 or email us at info@FishguardStrokeClub.co.uk
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