Uneven teams of 4 gents and 5 ladies on the boules pitch today but we don’t care, it’s only a game. 

Ladies started and scored one point on the first end but the Gents replied with a resounding 4 points followed with a 1 by the Ladies before the Gents hit back with another 1 and then a 3.    Quite a lot of measuring was needed today as there was a lot of accurate (or accidental accurate) pitching with many boules landing within a whisker of the Jack. 

The following four ends rewarded the teams with a further 3 points each and then the Gents gathered another one giving them a running total of 12 points against the ladies with 6, so it was into the next end with a vengeance by the Gents to grab that vital last point to win.  Probably got a bit cocky as they were thwarted by the Ladies who scored a great 2 points. 

But it was the last end that gave the Gents that winning point making the final totals of

7 to the Ladies against the Gents 13.    Congratulations and commiserations all round, as appropriate, all with big smiles and looking forward to our next scheduled game at 10.15am on the 2nd September.    Good grief - September already!    If you fancy joining in just come along, we always have spare boules. 

Ken

 A fairly early start this morning for the Bus Pass Group as we needed to be at Romsey bus station before 9.15am to catch the TVR to Andover which only runs on summer Sundays. It turns out that those initials stand for Test Valley Rambler and ramble it certainly did. 

There were 6 of us joined by other members of the public waiting to board all in happy mood anticipating a good day out.    The bus was about two thirds full including some other groups so a lot of chatter.  We were soon bouncing along to our first call at Mottisfont Abbey and then back to the main road and continuing through Brook to reach Houghton and Houghton Lodge Gardens.  We did a U3A trip there about a decade ago.  It all looked far more commercial now than it did then.  Forward then to Stockbridge where we drove the length of the high street, admiring the shops and an abundance of quaint tearooms, before making a circuit of a roundabout to return the same route to the town hall to deposit and pick up our first change of passengers.

On our way again along some very narrow lanes seeing cattle and sheep and combine harvesters creating large oblongs of hay some of which had been piled in a semblance of the old haystacks whilst others were just wrapped in black plastic (ugh!).  Oncoming drivers of  cars and other vehicles must have gulped to see a bus bearing down on them and having to give way with only a couple of inches or so between to allow passing. 

Pushing onwards we saw Danbury Hill, the site of an old Iron Age fort, and on to Kentsboro where we took a left hand turn and passed the Museum of Army Flying which had 3 or 4 redundant helicopters on show near its entrance.    I understand there are over another 35 aircraft to be seen in the museum itself.

This road took us to Middle Wallop and on to Over Wallop before calling at Grateley and its station.    Apparently, the word “Wallop” originates from an ancient word meaning “a spring or stream in a remote valley” so there’s something I’ve learned.

Travelling  now to our destination on a variety of roads, lanes and dual-carriageways we arrived in Andover 100 minutes from leaving Romsey.  Here we split into two groups and did our own thing, seeking refreshment, mooching around the shopping area or just sitting on a seat people watching.    Some went to the Iron Age museum and others found the Foresters Arms, an olde worlde pub, which served a huge Sunday roast at a very reasonable price.

Soon it was back to the bus station but with a longer wait than expected as the bus was delayed having had an argument with a car somewhere in the Stockbridge area: the car seemingly at fault.  A minor scrape on the front.

The return journey was without mishap and we were back in Romsey by 16.40.

Thanks to Christine for, once again, sorting out the timetables for us and enabling us to see vistas which we certainly hadn’t seen before.    That’s the beauty of a bus ride. 

A final reminder that we are on the petanque pitch at 10.15 tomorrow morning (Monday).

Join us.          Ken

 The chosen destination for the Bus Pass group this month (Friday 26th July) was Alton.    Maybe not so popular a place this time as only one member plus three of her relatives joined us.     But it’s the ride that is the main thing, travelling through the countryside admiring the views - particularly so if you chose top deck and half of us did when we climbed aboard the Blue Star no1 in Hanover Buildings on our way to Winchester.   

Travelling up The Avenue it made one realise what an attractive approach it is for those visiting the city via the M3.    Onwards through Chandlers Ford , Otterbourne and Compton Street and St Cross we drew into Winchester bus station having spotted our next bus already boarding passengers in The Broadway so it was a quick 100yd dash to catch it.    We were soon off on an unfamiliar road, passing the Science Centre and onto the A31 diverting into Alresford , Ropley, Bentley and Four Marks alighting in Alton about 50 minutes later.

Here we split into 2 groups and did our own thing with regard to refreshments and meandering.     We all found our way to the Curtis Museum which is home to one of the finest local historical collections in Hampshire, exploring 100 million years of the region’s past.    The museum was founded by a local man,  William Curtis, who helped start the Alton Mechanics Institute in 1837, a society where he could share his interest in natural sciences with the men of the town and went on to create the museum.    For not a huge building there were a great many artefacts to grab attention over two floors.    It certainly passed an hour or so in a scholarly way.     Then it was back to the High Street for some window shopping (or otherwise) before gathering at the bus stop for the return trip. 

We arrived back in Southampton by 5.45pm where we dispersed to find our buses back home.     Disappointing that the trip was not better attended by members but we all had a good day.    Thanks to Christine for sorting out the timetables for us. 

Where and when we go next, we shall have to see.     Anyone with a bright idea?    Let us know.

Ken

 Standing at the ASDA bus stop in Totton at 9.20am yesterday (the 21st) 5 of us were wondering whether or not the driver would honour our passes as the No 6 bus was due just before the 9.30 window opens for their use.    But no problems and were soon on our way towards Lymington, picking up another member on the way.  Wending its way through Ashurst and Lyndhurst the bus was soon gliding through the Forest with its various beautiful fresh greens and reds of the leaves waving in the breeze as we passed.

Onward to Brockenhurst station where it doubled back to enter and skirt the village(?) and soon rejoined the main road near the Filley Inn via  Setley Plain before it eventually decanted us by st Thomas’s church at the top of the High Street. 

Crossing the road we had a short wait before the X1 bus for Bournemouth picked us up and took us into Milford on sea and  along the seafront with views across Christchurch Bay to The Needles on the  IOW then turning inland to New Milton, where the local bowls cub was celebrating it centenary year, before again touching the seafront at Barton on sea.   

We reached Christchurch just before 11 o’clock which allowed us 3 hours to wander at will.  First a coffee shop for an early lunch before strolling up to the priory.  Originally 11th century (I think) it has a beautiful nave and some interesting stained glass windows.  One was quite risqué if you have a mind like mine.    After walking around the grounds we made our way to the quayside which seemed to be swarming with swans. 

Too soon, it was time to meander via the parkland back to the town and the catch the returning buses arriving home in Totton about 4.30. 

Goodbyes all round and agreed it was a good day out.    It’s amazing how much more you see from the top deck of a bus.    Thanks to Christine for your able organising of the trip and the negotiation of the timetables to make it as seamless as possible. 

Ken

 A few of us met at the central bus stop in Totton at 9.30am this morning to catch the earliest bus that we could into the City to make the most of our day in the Portsmouth area.    Changing buses at West Quay we climbed aboard the X5 to take us all the way there.    It was a long, meandering route by way of the Itchen Bridge into Woolston and on through Sholing to Burseldon and we then threaded through the traffic in Lowford and on into Titchfield where the streets were even narrower with a couple of very sharp bends which the driver carefully negotiated.

Then it was back on the A27 and past the Swanwick boat yard and Sarisbury reaching Fareham bus station for a change of driver.  Then onwards again catching a glimpse of Fareham creek through the arches of the railway bridge.    Continuing via Portchester and skirting the northernmost part of the harbour by Port Solent we picked up the M275 and raced our way into Portsmouth and eventually made it to The Hard bus station terminus.

There we made up our minds to catch another bus to Southsea for some bracing sea air.  You can’t visit Southsea without venturing onto the pier.    Resisting the slot machines and the funfair we discovered a pleasant fish restaurant for some sustenance and a drink.

We decided then to burn off the calories by walking along the esplanade and across the parks but spoilt our healthy resolution by finding an ice cream stall which couldn’t be resisted.  Who cares. We were enjoying our day out in the sunshine!  Keeping the Spinnaker Tower in sight above the trees and buildings as a guide we reached Gunwharf Quay where we made our way through and back to The Hard with 5 minutes to spare before the bus left for the return journey to Southampton and then on to Totton for 6pm.

It’s surprising how tiring it gets even when you’re sitting down for most of the day but we all seemed to have enjoyed our “free” day out.    Join us again next time but we need some ideas of some interesting places to visit by bus in a day.  Perhaps you may hear of something special happening or an exhibition worth going to.    Let us know.

Chris and Ken

Sent from my iPad

A few of us met at the central bus stop in Totton at 9.30am this morning to catch the earliest bus that we could into the City to make the most of our day in the Portsmouth area.    Changing buses at West Quay we climbed aboard the X5 to take us all the way there.    It was a long, meandering route by way of the Itchen Bridge into Woolston and on through Sholing to Burseldon and we then threaded through the traffic in Lowford and on into Titchfield where the streets were even narrower with a couple of very sharp bends which the driver carefully negotiated.

Then it was back on the A27 and past the Swanwick boat yard and Sarisbury reaching Fareham bus station for a change of driver.  Then onwards again catching a glimpse of Fareham creek through the arches of the railway bridge.    Continuing via Portchester and skirting the northernmost part of the harbour by Port Solent we picked up the M275 and raced our way into Portsmouth and eventually made it to The Hard bus station terminus.

There we made up our minds to catch another bus to Southsea for some bracing sea air.  You can’t visit Southsea without venturing onto the pier.    Resisting the slot machines and the funfair we discovered a pleasant fish restaurant for some sustenance and a drink.

We decided then to burn off the calories by walking along the esplanade and across the parks but spoilt our healthy resolution by finding an ice cream stall which couldn’t be resisted.  Who cares. We were enjoying our day out in the sunshine!  Keeping the Spinnaker Tower in sight above the trees and buildings as a guide we reached Gunwharf Quay where we made our way through and back to The Hard with 5 minutes to spare before the bus left for the return journey to Southampton and then on to Totton for 6pm.

It’s surprising how tiring it gets even when you’re sitting down for most of the day but we all seemed to have enjoyed our “free” day out.    Join us again next time but we need some ideas of some interesting places to visit by bus in a day.  Perhaps you may hear of something special happening or an exhibition worth going to.    Let us know.

Chris and Ken

Sent from my iPad

 Subject: 10 go on an adventure

As the X7 bus trundled up Salisbury road this morning it picked up 10 members from various bus stops.  Some stayed downstairs whilst most ventured to the top deck to grab better views.    It’s well worth it as it’s a lovely ride to Salisbury city as the bus weaves its way into and through several villages on the way.   

On arrival we had 20minutes between buses so just enough time to pop into M&S and use its facilities.    Right on time the No2 bus to Devizes glided beside us and so we were off again out towards Wilton and beyond.    Past waterlogged fields and overflowing streams and other fields of cattle, sheep and a few horses, many of which were still sporting their winter blankets.    There were even alpacas in some smaller pastures.    The bus then continued wending its way over a couple of extremely narrow bridges leading into picturesque villages.    There were many attractive houses and cottages constructed with local stone, cobbles and flint some, of course, with thatched roofs and porches.  The sun made them look even better. We travelled on some very narrow lanes too and the driver had some tricky negotiations to deal with oncoming vehicles, especially one enormous tractor on the return journey    Many of the verges were awash with dandelions and daffodils delightfully dancing with the breeze as the bus swept by.    (Did you See what I did there - alliteration?)

Then it was across Salisbury Plain which afforded us great panoramas of open countryside.    There was evidence of military presence shown by the various warning signs but we saw neither personnel nor army vehicles.

Arriving in Devizes we had just over 2 hours to amuse ourselves so split into smaller groups and went looking for sustenance before exploring the town itself.    It is an ancient town with many interesting buildings and a market square dominated by the market cross. The place reminded me of something between Romsey and Salisbury. 

All too soon it was time to board the bus and retrace our route back to Salisbury and from there to Totton spotting deer in the fields along the way.    It’s surprising how tired one feels even when you’ve been sitting most of the day.    Anyway, we all enjoyed ourselves seeing places we wouldn’t normally see so thanks to Christine for organising it for us. 

Ken

 The weather did not look at all promising yesterday (19th) so it was great to find that 8 members had boarded the X7 bus to Salisbury.  It’s a lovely ride and the bus wriggles its way through several attractive villages on route- Landford, Whiteparish and Alderbury to name but three.    Those of us who chose to travel on the top deck get a whole different aspect looking down on pretty gardens and enjoying wider vistas than is possible by car. 

Arriving in Salisbury we had twenty minutes spare before the Bournemouth bus pulled in beside us and we were off again, this time via Downton and Fordingbridge and on to Ringwood where we alighted at 11.30am in bright sunshine.  Being immediately outside the Old Meeting House we chose to have our refreshment there and were served in the old family box pews which still remained inside.   

The Meeting House was built in 1727 by a local group of Presbyterian dissenters known as non-conformists because they wished to worship God in their own puritanical way and not follow the C of E’s Articles of Religion as laid down in the book of Common Prayer.  The building has had little alteration since then and it’s architectural style reflects early Georgian taste in general and has plain walls and windows and galleries on three sides of the hall.

By the early 19th century the ministry seems to have changed to Unitarian but it closed as a Unitarian Chapel in about 1976.    With the help of grants and generous benefactors total restoration was enabled by 2011 and the building reopened to the public as a meeting place, museum and for many other functions - including weddings. 

Having had a good look around we decided to split and make our own perambulations around this quaint old (in parts) town for the next two hours and meet again for the journey back.  It was obvious that many had perused the local charity shops and several “bargains” were admired.   

And so it was back to Salisbury (passing Blashford Lakes) where many moons ago our bird-watching group would often meet.    The bus appeared to be dashing along the roads at quite a pace at times but that may have been illusional due to the hedgerows being so close to the road.    Back in Salisbury there was enough time for a quick visit to a store and then back on the X7 for the hour’s run to Totton through some heavy rain at one time.    I think that most of us reached home in the dry and all thanked Christine for an enjoyable day.    We’ll probably wait until early next year for another trip somewhere, but who knows, someone may come up with a bright idea before then and we’ll be all ears.

Ken.

Ps: Should anyone be interested, the old Debenhams store on the square in Salisbury is reopening early in November as a Bradbeers store.