The trip organised by our secretary Terry Taylor was well attended with over 20 members enjoying the warm evening sunshine. We met together in Newtownards before making our way in convoy along the twisting rural roads of Strangford Lough to Greyabbey village.
We were greeted there by one of the tour volunteers Michael Allen who explained how 15 of the locals got together 6 years ago and formed a Historical Group calling themselves Friends of the Abbey. Taking turns to give tours to almost 250 coach tours every year and raising over £50k to date for use in the local village to re roof the village hall, support the local band and various other social activities in the area.
He told us how the Abbey was first founded in 1193 by Norman invader John de Courcy's wife, Affreca, and how the monks that came to establish it were from Cumbria. Michael showed us around the ruins of the abbey pointing out all the various rooms and their purpose.
He told us how it took Welsh stonemasons almost 37 years to complete the works as they could only use summer months to build as the cold winters froze the mortar which meant they were only able to cut and prepare the stone for the next summers build.
He showed us the beautifully kept herb gardens the group have recreated with over 50 varieties of health aiding herbs that the monks used as cures for illnesses in the village.
We later that evening relaxed over some coffee, scones and tray bakes in a local cafe to soak up and reflect on our exciting visit to the abbey.
As we drove home we had the added pleasure to watch the beautiful sunset behind Scrabo Tower making it a perfect ending to a great evening out.
A big thank you to Terry and a great outing
