TRAVEL AND TOURISM
Group Leader:
Tel:
01359 230423
Meets:
10.00am 2nd Monday
Where:
New Green, Thurston
Status:
A few spaces
Notes:
Contact group leader
This group was started in the 1990’s by Ted Finch, a retired clergyman, and for a number of years we met in members’ homes. However, it soon grew too large to meet in private homes and now meets in the Meeting Room at New Green on the second Monday in the month at 10.00am until 11.30 – 12.00.
The original aims have not changed very much. The main focus is the monthly meeting where we aim to keep up to date with travel news and pass on useful tips and information. We endeavour to consider developments, changes and concerns in the world of travel and tourism. We particularly enjoy regular prepared presentations from members on their various travels and have recently learned some interesting facts about such places as Slovakia, Cape Verde, the Galapagos islands and South America, walking on the Great Wall of China, the Arctic Circle Express, the Scilly Isles and South Africa to mention just a few.
As well as our monthly meeting we enjoy socialising together such as at summer barbecues and Christmas meals.
As can be seen from our aims, we are certainly not a ‘holiday club’ but although it is not our primary function, we have organised several enjoyable residential trips for our members and have travelled together to such places as Prague, Budapest, Amalfi Coast, Egypt, Vienna, Krakov and the Tatra Mountains, Tallin, Marrakech, Barcelona, Northumbria, Wine Regions of France, Dutch Bulbfields, River Douro and Chester. We also have future plans to visit Croatia and Jersey.
For several years, one of our members, Judith Constantine, produced an excellent newsletter for our group. Click here to see past issues. In future we intend to keep our members informed of our news via this website and the Blackbourne U3A Newsletter.
For a number of years the membership has been between 30 and 40 members and the group is anxious not to increase the membership above this level, in order to maintain the very friendly and harmonious nature of our group. This group size enables members to feel that they know each other and there is no feeling of anonymity. It is also sufficient to provide us with worthwhile audiences for presentations and these numbers make group trips viable.
It was for this reason that in September 2006 when we found that our waiting list was growing uncomfortably large that we met with those people and suggested that they might like to start a second group. This has now been accomplished and runs independently from the original group. It is good that people now have the choice of two very different kinds of Travel Group.
At the moment we have a small waiting list and welcome enquiries from anyone who feels that this group might suit them. We cannot promise to offer an immediate place but will certainly contact you as soon as one becomes available.
Future Meetings
April 16th
AGM & Photos from Around the World
AGM & Photos from Around the World
May 21st
Cancelled for trip to Bristol
Cancelled for trip to Bristol
June 18th
A Visit to Australia
A Visit to Australia
July 9th
How a Travel Company organises our Trips for us.
How a Travel Company organises our Trips for us.
August 13th
Summer BBQ
Summer BBQ
Traveller's Tips for 2012
Remember to renew your EHIC card. They are only valid for 3 years and many are due for renewal this year. This is easily done on-line at www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do or by telephone 0845 606 2030