July visit to Gravesend

On Wednesday 17^th July 2013 we visit Gravesend via Tilbury. Drive past the docks to the ferry landing stage and park there. The ferry runs every 30 minutes and costs £2.00 for an off-peak return. Walk up the High Street towards the St. George’s shopping centre and look out for the Information Centre. There we will meet our guide and start the tour.

The River Thames has been important to Gravesend since Roman times. Chalk also played an important part being quarried for agricultural and building purposes.

Pocahontas, the native American Indian princess, was buried in St George’s church and there is a statue of her in the churchyard. The riverside has several old pubs with smuggling associations. The Town Pier has a restaurant and a viewing platform with a great view of the busy Thames. The Blockhouse is an old fort overlooking the river and contains the oldest building in Gravesend, the Milton Chantry with many displays and artifacts. The Riverside Leisure area gives an excellent point to view shipping.

There has been a large Sikh community here since the turn of the 20^th century and they have built a magnificent new temple, The Gurdwara, which non-Sikhs are allowed to visit, with due respect regarding covering the head and removing footware.

There are large covered shopping areas in the town centre along with traditional shops and many fine eating places. Enjoy a leisurely exploration before returning to the ferry.

The cost of the guide is £2.50

 

June coach trip to Stowmarket

For our June visit we take a coach to Stowmarket  to see the Museum of East Anglian Life. The coach will deliver us to the museum in the centre of Stowmarket where tea/coffee and other refreshments are available in the Osier cafe. (Not included in price).

Discover the history and natural world of East Anglia on a beautiful 75 acre site. Learn about fascinating East Anglian crafts and traditional Gypsy culture, get steamed up with the powerful engines, meet friendly animals including rare breeds of cattle and sheep. Explore 15 splendidly restored historic buildings including Abbots Hall, built in 1709 and containing a number of rooms illustrating life through the ages.As you walk out of the gates of the Hall, you are in the centre of Stowmarket, an ancient Suffolk market town. Visit the market place, the ancient buildings and the beautiful church and try one of the many drinking and eating establishments.

The cost is £19.00 per person which covers the coach fare, a gratuity for the coach driver and entrance to the museum. Wednesday 19^th June 2013 at 09.00am from Kirbys Coaches depot. Also picking up at Webster’s Way and Rayleigh railway station.

 

Book and pay at our table by the bar at the monthly U3A meetings in the Mill Hall.

Cheques made payable to Rayleigh U3A.