On a lovely sunny Tuesday morning in early August twenty-two people departed from Blandford Methodist Church on a coach trip. The first port of call was the Tangerine Café in Beaminster, where we were treated to yummy homemade cake and a refreshing hot drink. After our cuppa, those who wished to, had a look around the delightful garden before it was time to take a short stroll down the main street to the Beaminster Museum.
Brian Earl, the museum curator, gave us a quick potted history of Beaminster before setting off for a tour of the building. The two-story old church held many fascinating exhibits, and it is well worth a visit if you are passing that way (do check opening times). One or two of our folk had their photo taken with the ‘Seaside Mr and Mrs’ in their old-fashioned bathing suits.
It was then time to climb back on board the coach and head a few miles up the road to the Stableyard Restaurant at Broadwindsor. Having pre-ordered our meals, which were served quickly and efficiently, everyone tucked in. By the empty plates that were returned to the kitchen, it was easy to see that the food had gone down a treat. Some of the ladies even had room for a slice of cake.
After lunch, we had the opportunity to browse the craft shop, attached to the restaurant, where several people purchasing an item or two.
Now the seaside at West Bay and delicious ice cream beckoned us. As the temperature had risen sharply, an hour was sufficient for us to take a stroll and partake of a variety of ice creams. I particularly enjoyed the gooseberry and elderflower (I highly recommend it).
By now there were twenty-two weary folk who settled back on the coach for the trip home. However, a coach tour is not complete without a sing song, so the old favourites were rendered to not a bad standard.
Once back at the Church, we had a group photograph taken, said a big thank you and goodbye to Graham our driver for the day and each of us happy but tired made our way
