Following my request for articles in the last newsletter I felt that I should take
my own advice and maybe describe a few places of interest that Lyn and I have experienced
since my last 'Mainsheet' ramblings.
Carcasonne in France - About an hour and a half's drive SW of Toulouse and home to
the most spectacular and best preserved medieval castle fortress in France. Look
it up on the Internet, it is truly amazing or better still go there for a weekend
break. You will not be disappointed.
London Dinner/Dance Cruise - On board a very large imported French Bateaux boat called
'The Symphony' for a three hour evening dinner cruise on The Thames past an illuminated
London. We boarded at The Embankment Pier at 7:15 and got back at 10:45. The menu
and food was superb, service attentive and the dancing to a live combo very enjoyable.
London from the river at night is spectacular and given that the boat is totally
glass topped, the view, unrestricted. It's definitely something to think about for
that special occasion.
Amberley Castle - Lunch or afternoon tea will give you a chance to have a look at
this very exclusive hotel which is actually a castle/fortified manor house in the
heart of W.Sussex. It has been beautifully partially restored and decorated in keeping
with it's illustrious past. However for dinner, bed and breakfast you had better
have won the lottery before you even think about booking, unless you want to splurge
big time! They even lower the two ton portcullis at the end of the evening!
Amberley Working Museum - This place is for Dad's and Son's (but Mum's will also
find loads of interesting things). It's an amazing place just a few minutes from
the aforementioned castle. If you are into trains, buses, wood working, engineering,
printing, pottery and a host of old crafts this is for you. I spent a long time just
watching a wheelwright make a 4ft diameter spoked cart wheel. One entrance price
and the rest is free, well apart from the 'Lime Burners Restaurant', but you don't
have to go in there. This place delivers, give it a try sometime.
Mike (Dam! You did it again. That was to encourage other people to write something.
not you) Baker
