GREAT TIME IN LLANDUDNO

  A large party of RBBG members has just returned from a highly successful visit to North Wales. Here, Brian Mason describes what was a thoroughly enjoyable trip, September, 2009:
 
  If we want to be picky, it was a long journey. The feeder system, with change of coaches at Reading, adds to the journey time (but it also slashes the overall cost). Unluckily, we were delayed – first, by the late arrival of a coach from Essex, and then, as a consequence of two motorway accidents. As we neared Llandudno, at 7pm and hours late, the thought of getting on another coach, at 9.30 the next morning, was not so attractive. But we were whisked into the hotel dining room for a good, hot meal - and everything fell into place.

  With a decent breakfast under our belts, next morning, the whole party assembled for the trip to Anglesey. The weather was beautiful, with blue sky and warm sun, as we crossed the Menai Bridge to Beaumaris for our first stop. Here, as at every other stop on our trips, the group dispersed and what they individually got up to will remain unrecorded. Whatever, we were always promptly back for the next stage.

  At Beaumaris, it is worthy of note that a small group visited the castle. When asked if they wanted to go up the 14 winding steps for a view from the ramparts, Peter N, Bella and Ann L (it must be remembered, here, that these three have a combined age of 250!) all said “Yes”. Within seconds of reaching the top, and Peter leading the way, these three had set off along the narrow cobbled path, with steep and irregular steps down into numerous defensive tower positions - then back up to the main path. They had gone HALFWAY AROUND THE OUTER WALL, before they came down, this time a much longer and very sheer set of steps. Talk about hitting the ground running on this holiday, and Peter, who has not been at his best, had been uncertain if he would even come to Wales, right up to the last minute (but Bella bullied him into it).

  A different kind of enterprise was shown by Norman. Determined to sample a local real ale, but the hostelry not opening till 12, our departure time, he lined up the driver to allow the necessary leeway and was last on (but only just), licking his lips. To each his pleasure!

  With stops at Llanfair(42 letters)gogogoch and Bets-y-coed, we saw some beautiful scenery, before arriving back for dinner. But did the long day out tire the group? perhaps, it had, but not enough to stop them. That evening, in the ballroom, the entertainment was enjoyed; special mention for Ann and Peter B, and Hetty and Pat, who demonstrated their prowess on the dance floor - and to Chris, whose bass vocal accompaniment was applauded by the musician on stage.

  Monday was ‘at leisure’, in Llandudno. This was interpreted by the group as visit to the local shops (including lots of good, old fashioned shops and interesting seaside holiday shops), walks to the end of the pier and visits to the Great Orme – again, special mention, this time, for Doreen, Marian and Tom for foreswearing the mechanised travel and making the three hour climb on foot.

  Tuesday saw us leave on another coach outing in damp conditions and, as we neared Port-Madog, the views were obscured by thick, misty sheets of drizzle. However, it was dry as we stopped; by the time we were visiting Caernavon and taking the Llanberis Pass through Snowdonia, the weather was bright, again. Those of us who were not familiar with North Wales were most impressed, the more so that the vegetation was green and lush, compared with the parched brown scenery in Kent, of late.

  (At Caernavon, Bella was shopping in a real Aladdin’s Cave of a material cum haberdashers. After some initial pavement negotiation, the shopkeeper invited her back inside the shop. “I may be a little while,” she said, with a wink and a smile. A little while later, she emerged, with a spring in her step - and an even wider smile. We understand this was because she negotiated a discount ... but no details are available.)

  Tuesday was the last dinner of our stay, made the more memorable when a birthday cake for Anne Lake (three Annes/Anns in our party), cooked by Bella and transported to Wales, was brought to the table with a candle and a chorus of “Happy Birthday”. In fact, the actual birthday was Thursday, but 91 not out deserves to be celebrated. Anne was quite overcome, nonetheless thrilled, and asked through this report to give her thanks and appreciation to everyone, Bella in particular. She was very moved. Bella's baking was well up to her usual standard ... So good was it that Bill filled a bowl with the bits that fell away, during the swift, and rather savage carving of slices (by Brian), which provided him with a further helping to enjoy!