At the meeting held on 3rd May the Chairman, David Cowling, welcomed 47 members and 2 visitors when Coronation celebratory cake was enjoyed to have with the usual cup of tea or coffee. Our thanks go to Pam’s daughter Maria for the flag cake and David’s daughter Claire for the cup cakes. Both of which, I can personally confirm, were delicious. Tony Brazier, the Secretary, confirmed that the May trip to Swindon Outlet and Steam Museum had been cancelled due to lack of interest but that the trip to Exbury Gardens would be going ahead and bookings for the Russell Cotes Museum and Bournemouth, and The Kennet & Avon on are still open.
The Tootler
The talk this month was by Colin Pawson titled “The Tootler” in which he gave a history of stage coach transport through the ages when at the beginning it was expensive, dangerous and uncomfortable but as roads improved in the1820’s it became more common until the advent of the railway in the 1830’s and 40’s. The title refers to the calls made by the stage guard on the coach horn to warn of the intentions of the coach. He demonstrated some of the tunes on a horn by taking us on an imaginary journey between Basingstoke and Whitchuch. Added to this Colin was splendidly dressed in the costume of a guard.
Next Group Outings
Our next trip is to Exbury Gardens on Thursday 29th June when the cost is £38 to members and £40 for non members and then on 20th July the trip is to Russell Cotes Museum and Art Gallery and Bournemouth. On 10th August there is a trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Next Meeting
Our speaker for 7th June is Tony Stafford with a talk titled ‘Bishops, Sex and Money’ and on 5th July we have Marie Bowes from the Cinnamon Trust.
The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Brookvale Village Hall from 10am to 12 noon and all retired Civil Servants, their relatives and friends are welcome. Further details about the group and information about our trips can be obtained by contacting – csrfbasingstoke@gmail.com.
— Margaret Atkinson