Great Weather & Smooth Journeying For A Change
Banbury to Chichester is no short run, so it was an early start for many, with the first meeting up point being the Sutton Scotney Services on the A34. Unusually, the A34 was being relatively docile and traffic jam-free for a change, such that half the contingent meet up bang on time.
The entourage then travelled on down the A34 to Winchester, then taking the A272 past a fire-engine crach site to Cheriton (site of a 1644 Civil War Battle) and onwards to the Old West Meon Hut, that had opened as a Caffeine and Machine Branch just 4 days before. there, Marie Dunn and her team made us most welcome and joined us for photos.
And then it was onwards on the A272 to Petersfield, then South Harting, Lavant and the Weald & Downland Museum via lovely West Sussex Hangers with fun driving and great views.
A dry day out got progressively hotter and sunnier, starting everyone's 2024 sun tans !
The Weald & Downland Museum Was Most Impressive (As Was The Repair Shop)
With a number of Members Sussex and Hants Alumni, or regular visitors, sonme knew of the Museum already. But none had been recently.
The facilities were excellent, jutting over the lake that feeds the working watermill, with at least 50 things to look at. The number, range / variety and appearance of the preserved southern english buildings was breathtaking. The cafe was good too, with most people not moving on until at least !$:30 - some stayed on much later.
Most will know that the set for 'The Repair Shop' is located here. Despite some filming going on, which usually means absolutely no access, Region Members were able to get 'up close and personal' with both the barn and a number of the celebrities. Our Chair chatted with Dom Chinea (an existing acquaintence) whilst others talked to and/or photographed Will Kirk, the 'Bear Ladies' and Kirsten Ramsey. A bonus treat for sure !
Sensible Members took regular rest breaks, watching the abundant wildlife,but the treat for our Chairman was a cuddle with Photographer Andy's Mum ....
For Many, There Was Still Time To visit Bosham Harbour (And Have A Swift Pint) !
Even we in Oxfordshire know to pronounce this lovely place as 'Bozzum'. Small and quaint, even with the tide out, this estuary area still smelt of the sea, that is after all not very far away. Bozzum's role as a launch site for D-Day in WW2 certainly came to mind, as did how challenging accessing the house must have been at the height of the recent wet weather !!
With the sun going down and the last of that refreshing beer leaving the glass, it was time to head for home bvy one of three different routes that had been provided.
A great day out indeed in good company.
