JUNE - The day dawned bright and sunny (after a recent long spell of dreary, chilly, wet and windy weather). Spirits were high as members boarded the coach as the sun shone from a cloudless sky. Not long on the road the traffic came to a virtual standstill due to an accident on the motorway. This caused long delays and the driver deemed it necessary to leave the motorway and continue the journey along lesser roads. A correct decision, with the party arriving only a few minutes later than planned. The grounds of Woburn Abbey extend to 3,000 acres of parkland on which graze hundreds of over ten breeds of deer. On arrival the party was split into six groups and conducted around the abbey by six very knowledgeable guides. The Abbey has been in the hands of the Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is home to a large collection of silver, housed in the vaults of the Abbey. The Duke of Bedford also owns the most important private collection of classical paintings in the world. The general feel of the house was of a home in daily use and certainly not like a museum. Throughout, the rooms were full of interesting objects and the whole house was extremely well maintained. Following the tours of the house, was a set tea with sandwiches, scones with cream and strawberry jam (what else?), and petit fours. Following afternoon tea the party was taken on a tour of the gardens by the head gardener, which like the house were extremely well maintained. As can be seen in the pictures below one or two of our members who were less able to get around were provided with transport. The journey home was uneventful with traffic quite light and all roads clear of hold-ups. Our thanks are due to Social Secretary, Annette Dwyer-Joyce, for arranging such an interesting and successful day. (Report and Photos: Brian Leith)