Tuesday 11th September 2012
Forty one members enjoyed this outing led by our Blue guide Mr P.Welton. We picked Peter up at the Red Lion Wareham and then on via Wellbridge Manor, Wool. We know it as Woolbrige Manor House and in the book “Tess of the D’Urbevilles” Tess and Angel Clare had their honeymoon.
Our next stop was Bere Regis to visit the parish church St John the Baptist. The church includes the real life Turberville family tomb and coat of arms.
On then to Stinsford to visit the church and see the grave where Hardy’s heart is buried. Here we met a party from Sweden who are keen Hardy fans!
Sue our coach driver managed to get us nearly up to the Church so not too much walking was required.
Next stop Dorchester which is at the centre of Hardy’s Wessex and in his book is the fictional city of Casterbridge. Here we had our lunch stop after which part of the group went with Peter on a walk around the town which included the Roman ruins, the river and the town’s Hangman’s cottage.
Next stop was to Portland Bill where the majority of the group enjoyed a cream tea at the Lobster Pot cafe.
It was a most enjoyable day out and I hope to arrange for Peter, next Summer to guide us on coach trip to Sherbourne and Sandford Orcas Manor House.
Hope to see you there.
Frank Nicoll
Below is a gallery of the coach trip.
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Pictures by Frank Nicoll and Mike Stollery