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SPRING DAY-OUT 2004 – SOMERSET SURPRISEFirst pickup of the day at Badminton Road Methodist Chapel for 09:00; Better get there early as the traffic at that time of the morning is usually pretty awful, so left home a little earlier that usual. Weather excellent and very little traffic so got there early; but so did the coach and with the pickup complete we left for BAWA about five minutes early and again met very little traffic which boded well for the day. We left BAWA pretty well on time and headed for Somerset. Our excellent driver, Gary, decided that unless absolutely necessary we would steer clear of motorways and stick to ‘country roads’ where possible. We first headed for Sanders Garden World near Burnham-On-Sea where a coffee break had been arranged, with adequate time to have a good look around the place arriving there at about 10:30; and where the writer managed to get himself in a bit of trouble. |
After coffee my wife and I were enjoying the weather and the gardens when we heard children singing close by. We headed for the sounds and discovered several classes of children, together with some of their teachers and parents giving a concert on a life-size model of a sailing ship. I took the opportunity to get some pictures for inclusion in the newsletter and started photographing. As I was just completing the last photograph I was approached by a young lady I assumed to be one of the teachers. Was I a newspaper photographer? (Flattering)...NO. Was I a professional photographer? (More flattery)…NO. Did I know I was not allowed to take photo- graphs of children without first obtaining permission from the parents? OOPS…NO. I explained who I was and what I was doing and the purpose for doing it. The young lady said she fully understood and was sympathetic but she had to draw it to my attention. I apologised and left the area. What a reflection on the current state of our society.
We left the garden centre at about noon and headed for The Blackbrook Tavern at Rushton near Taunton where a carvery lunch had been laid on for us. Due to the apparent popularity of this establishment, there were very many people calling in for lunch in addition to our party. As a result about half of our party were very late in getting served thus delaying our departure for our next port of call. However, lunch was well worth waiting for and was quite excellent. I did not see many plates that had not been cleared.
At about 14:30 we left for the Bakelite Museum at Williton arriving at about 15:00. A mild reprimand for David at this time as his arrangements with the weather man entered failure mode at this point and we had light rain…the first of the day. The museum is a small, rather ramshackle establishment on three floors, and is reached by a 2 - 3 minute walk up a very narrow lane. (It did not seem possible to get the coach up it) Each of the floors is crammed with artefacts of the pioneering plastics industry. Bakelite was invented in 1907 so you can imagine (or can you?) the range of products that were on display. Some brought nostalgic memories and at the same time for me a feeling of horror at some of the items that were fashionable at the time of their creation. We would have been pleased to have them at the time, but today would not give them space in our homes, or outside for that matter – a Bakelite Caravan, a Bakelite bicycle or a Bakelite Coffin for example. (No kidding-they were on display) Anyway, time now to leave for our last visit – Dunster Village for afternoon tea. To our amazement Gary had not only managed to get the coach up to the museum but had done it in reverse. He backed the coach all the way to the top and this coach is 2-3 inches wider than most coaches. As it was still raining we were all quite delighted with his efforts. The coach was parked just outside Dunster village and we had a short walk into the village to find a tea room. In this we were successful and only just in time, as they closed the tea room whilst we were sat there. Was it the hour or were we just too much for them? Back to the coach and on the road once again bound for home. BAWA drop-off at 19:15 and Badminton Road at about 19:40. GOOD POINTS:. We had a relaxed day-out with no rush or hassle and in a peaceful atmosphere; the facility to see something of our colourful countryside in comfort and in the main, with good weather. Comfortable travel with an excellent driver and pleasant company BAD POINTS: For me there were none; other than the inability to take more photographs for your pleasure as I did not want a soggy camera. Bill Brand |
