APRIL - On a fine and sunny spring morning just over 50 members set off on a coach for London to visit the Buckingham Palace gardens. Arriving in time for lunch the party split up to enjoy a variety of fare in the restaurants and public houses in the area, while others had a picnic in the royal park. At the same time the Changing of the Guard was taking place, and the warm weather heightened the enjoyment of the assembled tourists (some of our members among them), as this traditional spectacle unfolded. The number of tourists was down as the result of the volcanic ash that had grounded all flights in and out of Europe. Following lunch the party was split into two groups half of which went on the guided tour of the gardens, while the other half enjoyed an exhibition of Queen Victoria memorabilia in the Queen's Gallery. This half of the party then toured the gardens while the first half toured the exhibition in the Queen's Gallery. A wealth of information was imparted by the guides who conducted the hour-long tours. It was fortunate that Social Secretary, Annette, had been able to book this tour as there is a waiting list of more than a year, with no further bookings being taken (for 2011), until September. Unfortunately photography was not allowed anywhere in the grounds of the Palace. (Report and photo: Brian Leith)