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Weekend Breaks

CFWI Trip to Cornwall 06 to 09 May

It was a very early start for the 4 from Heydon and Great Chishill WI as our coach, driven by Mike, left Shepreth at 7.00am. The coach was new and very comfortable with
plenty of room for the 28 passengers to spread themselves and their belongings around. The journey to Falmouth was long but we had 2 stops and arrived at the Falmouth Beach
Hotel just before 5.00pm and after unpacking and enjoying a drink in the bar we had an early dinner at 6.30pm. The hotel restaurant was a delight; the food, catering for all
tastes, was delicious and the serving staff courteous. As the hotel is situated on the sea front a stroll after dinner along the promenade beckoned following which we
adjourned to the hotel bar for a drink and to enjoy the musical entertainment geared towards our taste (songs from the 60s). Our visit on the Saturday to the Trevarno Estate
Gardens was enhanced by the unexpected and pleasant warm sunshine. We explored some of the 70 acres of enchanting gardens and grounds containing Cornwall’s largest and most
diverse plant collections made possible through the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. The peacocks, described by the gardeners as ‘local vandals’, entertained us with their
antics and display of colourful feathers. After lunch in the conservatory, where we were joined by a peacock as well as a robin, we visited the Museum of Gardening which
provided us with reminiscences of our past before boarding the coach for our trip to the Poldark Tin Mine. Originally called Wheal Roots but renamed from the television series
‘Poldark’ most of the group donned hard hats and were taken by the mine manager below ground to experience the workings of an old mine. It was dark, wet and cold and made one
feel glad not to have been alive in the times when youngsters of 8 years old were expected to work in such conditions. On returning to the hotel a swim in the pool and a wallow
in the Jacuzzi awaited some of the party followed by pre dinner drinks and another pleasant evening with musical entertainment. Sunday was spent in the town of St Ives, where fun
in the sun was had and some braved a paddle in the VERY cold sea. We enjoyed excellent views over the many bays and the harbour, bought souvenirs and visited the Tate Gallery shop,
unfortunately the Gallery was closed for picture replacement. Mike took the scenic route back to the hotel via Lands’ End, Penzance and St. Michael's Mount and reminisced about
his younger days growing up in Cornwall. With all bags packed Monday was the day to return home with a stop at the Clark’s Factory Outlet Centre at Street in Somerset where much
retail therapy was enjoyed. A great weekend with good weather, good food, good company, and good fun.

Trevarno Estate Gardens