Broomfield & Kingswood Parish Council

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Senior Citizens' Big Day Out 2007

Following the very successful trip last year to the Kent & East Sussex Railway and Sissinghurst Castle, this year our Senior Citizen’s opted for a day out at the seaside, Eastbourne being the chosen venue. So, it all started in late Spring 2007 with the following notice appearing...

Senior Citizens’ Outing 2007

Following the Success of Last Year’s Trip

The Parish Council is Pleased to Announce

a Second Outing Which Will Take Place on:

Tuesday 26^th June

By Popular Request, This Year’s Day Out

Will Be By Coach to Eastbourne and Will

Again be Funded by the Parish Council and

Open to any Pensioner Resident in the Parish

Departs Kingswood Village Hall 9.30am

and Returning at Approximately 6.50pm

Hence, on Tuesday 26th June 2007, fifty three Parish residents set off promptly at 9.30am from the Village Hall, with age, wheelchairs and walking sticks proving no barrier to the anticipation of a good day out. It was chilly for late June, the skies were overcast and most clutched jackets, raincoats and umbrellas. But our pessimism thankfully proved to be unfounded, as on arrival at Eastbourne the weather was bright and warmer than expected, the sea was as flat as the proverbial millpond and we even enjoyed some sunny spells - whether this was a case of the sun shining on the righteous or the Devil looking after his own, no-one was quite sure.

On the coach to Eastbourne

Once at Eastbourne, people were free to do as the fancy took them. Some enjoyed a ride on the open-top tour bus as far as Beachy Head, others strolled along the sea front enjoying the beautiful and colourful gardens, there were those who took their chances on the slot machines on the pier, a few simply sat and watched the world go by, enjoying the ambiance of the seaside, whilst some opted for a look round the shops – and judging from the number who later returned to the coach carrying a well-known High Street store’s ‘Sale’ bag, many found a bargain! Pub and Fish ‘n Chip lunches were also high on the menu.

photograph of the trippers 'resting awhile'

Resting awhile in Eastbourne

Walking Eastbourne's lovely seafront

With everyone on time and safely back on board the coach at three o’clock, we took a short ride to Middle Farm at Firle, near Lewes. Middle Farm houses the National Cider and Perry collection, so in addition to enjoying a delicious cream tea, served by delightful staff, people had the opportunity to sample and buy the vast selection of ciders and speciality wines and ales on offer, in addition to browsing in Middle Farm’s award winning farm shop and its gift shop.

Don't look now, but somebody is on the beach!!

photograph of people cream teas at Middle Farm

Enjoying cream teas at Middle Farm

At five o’clock and with some beginning to feel weary (or so they said – their weariness couldn’t have been due to all the cider samples now, could it?), we boarded the coach for the last time and enjoyed a very pleasant ride home through the Sussex and Kent countryside in bright sunshine, arriving back at the Village Hall at 6.30pm for a group photo.

The Happy Trippers, weary after a day out, arrive back at Kingswood

This year’s trip again proved to be a most enjoyable day for everyone who took part and several suggestions have already been made for next year’s outing. Thanks were expressed to the Parish Council for funding the trip, and in particular to Councillor Peter Coleman and Mary Poulton for helping to organise the day and to Alan Poulton for his assistance as a ‘helper’. A special ‘thank you’ is also due to Mike, our Spot Hire coach driver, for the attention he gave to his passengers throughout the day, and for a very comfortable and safe drive.

Sue Wotton, Parish Clerk

Last Update:: 28/6/07 Web site by Clive Stanley Associates