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