Forthcoming Trips

Help Requested

As you can read below a production of Aladdin is coming to The Mayflower in Southampton this Christmas. It is expected to be extremely popular and has a strictly limited run of only 37 performances in total. However we are not sure what the take up from our members is likely to be so for guidance we are asking you to please email Barbara Clark if you think you may like to go on Tuesday 4th January at 7:00pm. Showing interest doesn’t imply any obligation – we just need a guideline on how many tickets we should purchase.– many thanks for your help.

Here is the description:
For this Christmas only Paul O’Grady has generously granted Ms Lily Savage a final, rare and unique stage appearance in this new spectacular version of our pantomime, ALADDIN – A Wish Come True.
Lily plays one of the greatest dames in pantomime and creates a new and updated version of the story of Widow Twankey and her son Aladdin – who inherit a laundry in old Peking which quickly leads them towards a tale of adventure, mishap, love, comedy and magic carpet rides.
From the Producers of acclaimed musicals White Christmas, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Wizard of Oz comes one amazing, fun filled family show for the festive season. With incredible new sets, costumes and scenic wizardy plus a full orchestra - this is the show of the year - and one not to be missed! ALADDIN – A Wish Come True.

Swanage and Corfe

Something for everyone in the Purbeck Hills
There are so many options on this trip, first and foremost an experience of the 50’s with a 16 mile return journey by steam train via original 50’s carriages on to two of Dorset’s most marvellous tourist destinations. Yours to decide how much time to spend at either location, Swanage and Corfe Castle.
We plan to arrive at our departure station, Norden for the 10.30 steam train to Corfe Castle and Swanage. You choose where you wish to alight.
When the Swanage to Waterloo line was closed in 1972 the station buildings were purchased by Dorset County Council, in 1992 the County Council granted the Swanage Railway a licence to restore the buildings. Corfe Castle and Swanage stations have now been restored to as near original condition as possible.
Towering over Corfe Castle station are the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle. Strategically set on a commanding site at the only break in the Purbeck hills this remains one of the most impressive castle ruins in England. It was built in the late 11th century, during the reign of William the Conqueror and was strengthened by his son King Henry I to make it the safest fortress in England. During the civil war the castle was besieged for about three years. At the time it was owned by Sir John Bankes who supported Charles I against Oliver Cromwell. The castle fell into the Roundheads hands in February 1646 and in March of that year Parliament decreed that the castle be demolished. The order was carried out over the next few months to leave it more or less as you see it today. Corfe Castle is now administered by The National Trust.
On leaving Corfe Castle station the track climbs at 1 in 80 and out across Corfe Common. The countryside changes as the line passes through pleasantly rolling farmland towards Swanage 5 miles to the West. Corfe Castle village offers the castle, a museum and the church in the square plus two local pubs (The Bankes Arms and The Greyhound) for lunch.
Swanage offers its stunning bay, beach and promenade. Last year, some people even took a boat trip to see the Jurassic Cliffs. The train timetables are various and you will need to plan to board a train to return to Norden in time for the 17.00 coach departure. In order to assist in the planning of your day, the train timetables can be found on http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/n-timetable.htm

Chelsea Flower Show

This trip really needs no description – it is the traditional Flower Show held each year at Chelsea.

The RHS Gardens at Wisley

Similar to Chelsea everyone interested in gardening and horticulture in general will know of the Royal Horticultural Gardens at Wisley – a comparatively short coach ride up the A3 ………

Swan Lake at Woking

A trip to the New Victoria Theatre at Woking to see the Northern Ballet Theatre's haunting and romantic adaptation of 'Swan Lake', danced to Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
In New England in the early twentieth century, a wealthy college boy lives with his parents on a luxurious lakeside estate. In his last summer of innocence the young man finds himself struggling to cope as his relationships with his closest friends, Odilia and Simon, begin to change. One night as he lingers by the lake, he is drawn into the world of a beautiful swan-like creature who becomes an obsession. Events reach a climax at his birthday party when, confused by the advances of Simon, he becomes bewitched by a suddenly transformed Odilia, setting the inescapable tragedy of this 'Swan Lake' in motion.
Sets and costumes capture the elegance of the period and conjure the atmosphere of a long hot summer. With Tchaikovsky's breathtaking music, played by the Northern Ballet Theatre Orchestra, this beautiful 'Swan Lake' brings audiences a moving story of betrayal and all-encompassing love.

Note: This performance is very popular and tickets sell out quickly and far in advance so this is why we are asking for bookings to be made much earlier than normal. Also our recent trip to the theatre in Woking was very successful and the theatre was generally judged to be an excellent venue. This coupled with “out of London” prices makes it very attractive for us.

Reminder:

Would those of you who have booked to go on the short break to Northumberland please remember that the final balancing payment for this trip is due to be with Barbara Clark no later than Monday 3rd May.

Also please remember that the coach departure time has been brought forward to 8:30am.

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