A walk in Otford

 

And so… waited in the car park in the bright lovely sunshine until the head count agreed.

Chris, our trusted leader, started us on our way. Along the fields, over the sty’s, through Shoreham, across the road, up a steep, steep, steep incline to reach the ridge at the top of the Downs.

What a view! Wow! Here’s a photo of us at the top getting a little shade and then we stopped at the white cross on the hill for a short break.

 

 

 

Off again, across fields, through woodland, farmers yards etc.  ‘I’ve had enough now’ was sounded just as the end of the walk was in sight.

Into the coffee shop for a light lunch and a good chat, thinking will we be able to get up again after walking 6 miles.

A beautiful memory for one of the hottest days of 2015. Well done everyone.

Michele

Afternoon Tea at Eltham Lodge

For the first time since we formed our WI members voted to have Afternoon Tea instead of our usual August evening meal.  In total 19 members met at Eltham Lodge, one of the finest classical mansions in London, designed in 1664 and is the clubhouse of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club reputed to be the world's oldest golf club. We were greeted on arrival and led up the main staircase to the Dining Room where tables were laid out in groups of 7.  Tea and coffee were served immediately and then tray after tray of food was brought to the tables, first sandwiches and savoury scones followed by fruit scones with cream and jam.  A short interval before another tray of delicious cakes and just when we thought we couldn't eat anymore another tray of more delicious cakes! The room was lavish with fantastic views of the golf course, see photos below.  A couple of hours had passed before we made our way out, taking time to look at the display cases on the way.

 

 

 

 

A GRAND DAY OUT

 

On 2 June 2015 Pat Gooding and I were delighted to have the opportunity to attend a Royal Garden Tea Party.

 

The invitation came via the WI who were hosting a centenary tea party at Buckingham Palace; each branch of the WI were allocated 1 ticket each with a reserve place should numbers allow.  Along with our tickets we received information on the protocol for the day including dress code; we were both delighted to have the opportunity to dress up in our finery.

 

Over 8,000 members of the WI attended and the queue to get into Buckingham Palace stretched for some way but it was a good opportunity to chat to others, many of whom had come some way and were making an occasion of the event by staying in London for a few days, some were also attending the WI AGM the following day at the Royal Albert Hall where HM the Queen was the guest of honour.

 

Once inside Buckingham Palace grounds we went through the Palace into the garden and joined the crowds who were eager to catch a glimpse of the royal party.  The Duchess of Cornwall, The Countess of Wessex, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Gloucester split up into 2 groups and made their way through the crowds to the royal tea tent.  Pat was thrilled when the Duchess of Cornwall shook her hand as she passed along the throng of ladies.

 

At this point the clouds loomed and it looked very much that rain was likely, but luckily the strong winds kept the rain at bay.  Many had to sprint after their hats as gusts of winds played havoc with our headwear.

 

We made our way to our designated tea tent and enjoyed ice cream, sandwiches, cakes and tea.  Although there had been strict instructions that no photographs should be taken, once the royal party had left we were all able to take photos of one another to mark the occasion.

 

It was certainly a day to remember; Pat and I are both fans of the Royal family and will talk about the day for some time to come.

 

Terrie Duncan