** JBC (Malvernian) JOURNEYS PLANNED and MADE **
... 2004...
This is the 28 Sept 2004 edition
of this page.
Those planned (and tickets acquired) are:-
Tues 9 March BOURTON-on-the-WATER
This beautiful Gloucestershire village, which I had visited quite often from my early car-days back in
the late sixties, was the venue for my first 2004 trip. The water it is 'ON' is the River Windrush which
flows gently through this attractive village.
After picking all our participants up from Malvern, Upton and Worcester - we took the shortest route
there via Pershore, Evesham, Broadway and Stow (skirting the main traffic as appropriate!)
Being as it was only a 'half-day tour' I had my own options, depending on the weather. Whilst the rain
would have sent me indoors for another visit to the Motor Museum, the clear skies (despite the chill)
meant I would concentrate on their wonderful BIRDLAND.
This world-wide selection of birds, relocated
in the 'eighties' from their village-centre 'block' to their current parkland (on the Windrush too!) - could have
provided me with a Cafe meal (had it been open). I saw birds which again had changed and left me for a
while studying their characteristics.
After an earlier departure than previously intended, I wandered around and re-explored the river-based village
and to seek food before my return.
Sat 13 March Birmingham's NEW BULL RING
My main reason for this trip was to see if the 'actual presence' of this new (but crude) architectural monster
was as powerful as witnessed on TV.
Our journey there was from Malvern, via the 'Link', Upton, Worcester, the M5 and the A38 approach from
Birmingham's south. From the moment of arrival, the vegetable market was in full swing. Passing quickly through
this vestige of 'times past', I headed for the architectural carbuncle.
Whilst a carbuncle in appearance, its interior was even more sinister for us 'non-shopaholics'. For a start, after the
54 miles of pickups and travel, I needed to find a toilet! The internal maps leave one lost, disorientated and a
desire to "get the hell out of the place". After several re-questionnings, I was OK. But then, I needed to get out of this
place. It is a place for 'yuppy shopaholics', totally alien to my life-style!
My next sub-mission was to refind the DIGBETH coach station for meals and questionning about the connection
that I'm due to make here in July. I saw the meal times to ensure a time-sufficient gap for my interchange to
Marlborough then. I also established that my Birmingham to Marlborough 'leg' is only a part of the 335's route
between HALIFAX and POOLE. I also found out the route to Marlborough and its few stopping places.
Then, "joy-oh-joy", there was music outside St Martin's - as next Wednesday will be "St Patrick's Day". Presumably,
that will be the day of the 'Parade', but today was a time for singers, instrumentalists and dances. I was to pay several
re-visits to this 'festival' - as I love their music. A close-by ice-cream van was my main replenishment throughout the day,
but, as very few seating places were available for this vast crowd, I needed to pay a further visit to Digbeth Coach Station
for seating and acceptable food.
Tues 23 March COTSWOLD COUNTRY TOUR
The reasons for this 'mission' (apart from the pleasures of the journey) were to ascertain "How much had changed
from the three Cotswold villages on our list". The villages in question were the small 'country towns' of :-BROADWAY,
STOW-on-the-WOLD and BURFORD, places whose charm and uncluttered beauty I had admired from the past!
There are to aspects to this tour. Firstly, the restful and delightful scenery of the journey - and secondly, the overcrowded
and stressful facilities of our THREE places.
Our ascent onto the COTSWOLDS was by the well-known ascent just out of Broadway (i.e Fish Hill) and our descent
by the less steep minor road west of Stow (the B4077) running down to Stanway. I had done this route many times in the past decades
(both ways) and in a more summer-like 'leaf-bedecked-tree' situation, the views would have been more stunning than in
the naked-tree arrangements at this time of year! Despite that, those views alone more than made up for the stresses
involved in the THREE towns!!
Clearly, the councils responsible for these places have struggled over the years with the GROWING problem of too-many
people in too many cars!! Bypasses have partially solved their individual problems - but the sheer numbers of visitors on
this small island, has, for me, removed these once-delightful towns from my future wish-lists!!
On the way home, the low sun, skimming over the Malvern Hills, from a few miles out, coupled with the wispy rain clouds
gave one the illusion that the 'hills' were on fire.
Sun 11 April WEYMOUTH
Takeoff from LinkTop (my access point) was a nominal 7.32am, although our driver was a little late, giving
me and another first-timer chances for more chats. As this trip was to head south, it meant doing the Upton
pickups AFTER those from both Malvern and WORCESTER.
Unfortunately, the UPTON crossing of the SEVERN, in the form of a simple bridge, was closed for things
our size and weight. This meant diverting from the back-exit of Upton and going via the outskirts of Gloucester!
We acquired the M5 from there and then headed South as far as Junction25 going via the outskirts of YEOVIL
(skimming the Naval Airservices Museum), before hitting the Weymouth 'front' just before midday.
As I mentionned in my 2003 report to this 'resort' the "Captain's Table" proved to be my best best for a meal and,
soon after our arrival, I headed directly there. It proved to be every bit as good as last year - and so I good indulge,
in a smoke-free meal restaurant-environment, in their Vegetarian Burger meal.
For my fourth visit to this place, I decided to concentrate on a 'different' set of views. Thus I headed westwards
along St Thomas Street for the 'Town Bridge' crossing of the river (it elevates several times a day for boat to pass
underneath!) to reach the NOTHE GARDENS and the NOTHE FORT. (Curiously, these are at the SOUTH end
of town - but reasons for its nomenclature can be sought!)
Whilst up at this altitude, I could get a good view of the Sea-going CATAMARAN's with their enormous bulks
dominating the HARBOUR. The gates of the Fort, whilst open for visitors, contained apologies for non-display
of some key items. I had a quick peer of its interior, then departed for the Nothe Parade, visiting several refreshment
facilities, and having a few chats with other visitors along the way.
My next 'mission' was to do some photography of the Sea-Cats at low altitude,
the frontage of the Captain's Table
restaurant
and, furthermore, some views around the GEORGE III statue in town.
Arriving back 'well in time' before our return to Worcestershire, I could rest my weary feet, before the driver made
his welcome early appearance at the collection point. The return journey was roughly as the way down there, but our
Severn crossing was made at WORCESTER. I tended to dose-off several times, on the coach, after a long, walk-laden day,
getting home about 14 hours after leaving it this morning.
Sun 25 April The PEAK DISTRICT
Our driver for today was Dave (apparently) who picked us all up at our appointed times and
places in Malvern, Upton and Worcester. He then hit the M5, the M42, the A42, the A1 before
winding our way to Matlock Bath for our first stop.
We had stopped there with an earlier driver - but it's NOT my preferred sort of venue (a shopping
mall!). Fair enough, I could get some food there (I had before) but our further stops were also in
small towns (OK for the 'shopaholics' - but not for us country lovers). So we stopped in Bakewell
and Buxton before making our way back to Worcestershire via the A53, Leek, Stoke and the M6 and
M5.
One of our earlier drivers had taken us on a far better scenic and historic tour of the Peak District - but
"you can't win them all"!
Sun 2 May LLANDUDNO
Peter, was our driver today, and he arrived in the 'uncertain' weather picking
various people up in ONLY Malvern and Worcester. We had a 'comfort stop'
on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, before proceeding via the Oswestry bypass,
Wrexham, Holywell and the outskirts of Colwyn.
Once in Llandudno, we all left the coach in different directions all 'doing our own
things'. One thing we had in common was the presence of a 'Victorian Festival' which
entertained the whole town but centred on Mostyn Street. I was very familiar with the
town's layout having spent a week there within the last couple of years.
Whilst the 'strolling street players' were true to the era's elegance and layed-back
musical style, I was not so sure about the heavy metal girl singers in various locations!
(Was it early- or late-Victorian in style??)
The guy dressed-up as ELVIS also sang VERY well, or was he miming to the 'King'?
His use of the microphone was very cleverly done.
After a very crowded lunch break at a very slow and poor service restaurant (at which
I'd never been before) I continued my exploration of the town, revisiting past places,
B&B's and sights.
The return journey to Worcestershire was made via the Welsh North Coast road and
the Motorways. The whole day's walking was accomplished in perfect weather.
Mon 3 May Aberystwyth
John was our driver today, and he arrived in the pouring rain picking
various people up in Malvern, Upton and Worcester.
We proceeded to our west-coast resort via Leominster, the wonderful
'olde-worlde village' of PEMBRIDGE (on the A44, but non-stop!), our comfort-stop at
Rhayader, before arriving at Aberystwyth in the still-improving weather.
Some of our 'party' had decided to go on the train journey along the 'Vale of Rheidol'
(I'll do it next year!) - but I'm puzzled as to why John referred to it as the cliff railway
and it's times!
My own explorations were all done on FOOT (my preferred way) and I covered the whole
coastal areas of the town, including its Castle and gardens, also the climb up to the cafe at the
top of the hill at the North end of the promenade. (Two trains - or funiculars - were parked and
out of action on the steep route!)
Less-good news (at the cafe) was the fact, as the girl said, that they are NOT doing hot meals (like I had
last year) - but are waiting until the NEW cafe opens (apparently at the end of June 2004!?)
Building was well-advanced -and it looks as if it'll be very well equipped, have an equally good
view - and a smaller walk from the top of the funicular!!
I had a very enjoyable day's walking - finding some new paths (on the hill) I hadn't used before - the day's
weather improving the WHOLE time, enabling me to have an outdoor meal at "Phinnikki's".
John returned to Worcestershire nonstop via a different route which included Newtown and Ludlow.
Sat 8 May LONDON
Our driver didn't come to pick us up at the correct place at 'link top' and for all pickups in
Malvern he had to be directed to the NEXT - as he was always pointing in the WRONG
direction!
Although we were NOT to find out until the return from the journey, that despite being a very
good and careful driver, he neither worked for Malvernian nor knew the roads in Malvern. He has
worked for a number of years in a 'firm' (in Worcester?) and has not driven a coach for a few years!
That explains his lack of info to the customers (as professional coach drivers usually provide!) and his, sometimes,
'over-cautious' actions with the vehicle.
Our routes to and from LONDON were the M5 and M4 all the way with the A417 linked between them.
We had one 'short stop' on the way there (Membury Services) and NONE on the way back.
We arrived in London and progressed to Trafalgar Square, being deposited and collected at the
North end of WHITEHALL. There was nearly 5 hours between these two events, each of us going
our separate ways for visits/explorations.
My main reason for the London-journey was for a personal re-visit, as I had studied and got my
qualifications from universites here in past decades. I had also done walking-tours as a personal guide
for various acquaintances in the past - but NONE for many years!
As many of you will have gathered from my writings, I am NOT a TOWNEE, preferring the Country
and its openness. In towns, I look for green spaces, rivers and lakes, parks - as a sort of simulated
replacement country-environment!
So, after getting OFF our coach, I first circulated around TRAFALGAR SQUARE, and then
headed down WHITEHALL to see everything in detail - and how they'd messed up our previous HQ (the MOD main-building)
which was now surrounded by hundreds (it seemed) of Portacabins!!
Its access was as closely guarded (unlike in the past) as was DOWNING STREET just opposite. On walking down
KING CHARLES STREET, I then spent a long while within the pleasurable surrounds of St. JAMES PARK, obtaining
refreshment and other facilities for keen lover of the country.
The ground-bourne SQUIRRELS and the water-borne COOTS provided me with much amusement with their antics.
The Coots (with their curious 'trainers' when on land) made a study-reason for the many visitors from around the world.
Having exitted from the Park at its SW end, I then got 'close-up and personal' with the QUEEN VICTORIA statue and
BUCKINGHAM PALACE (the guards had already well-previously 'changed'), before regaining St James Park and
exploring its North side more thoroughly! On leaving the Park at its NE corner and crossing THE MALL, I met and
enjoyed my third set of 'English Folk-Dancers' for the day! They were of the 'Morris Dance' variety and gathered quite
appreciative and (sometimes) bemused audiences.
Before our un-named driver's collection from Whithall, I made more excursions to "The Square" and replenished my
walking-supplies (a new back-pack and replacement umbrella for items that had seen better days) from a handy shop
at the North end of Whithall. A nice day!!
Sat 15 May CARDIFF (cancelled due to lack of support)
Sun 23 May Chatsworth
Our driver, Robin, arrived at my 'loading point', Link Top Malvern, in good time. We picked up passengers
at other loading points in Malvern and the Worcester and Upton areas - and made our way via the motorways
(M5, M42, M1 to its J29 exit point) before 'skirting' CHESTERFIELD and taking the direct route from there
to the long entrance drive to CHATSWORTH off the A619.
Getting into the centre of the estate was easy - but getting OUT after the visit was done at a VERY SLOW
crawl. As the 'welcome' had advised us not to take ruck-sacks into the building, my walking in the strong sun
went around the 'grounds' first!
I covered the cascading waterfalls first, having some 'eats' on the grass in a shady spot. Next, I walked around
various parts of the gardens which included the 'surprise' opening of a waterfall flower. Later on, I wandered
around the Orangery and along the bigger walk to some very large fountains in a lake.
Still later, I decided on leaving my ruck-sack with the depositary near the entrance to the house - and walk
around there freely - unimpeded by camera, loads and food. The great amount of art-work around the house
far exceeded my humble abode! The cards around the place also indicated something important in the household.
It turned out that they were ALL sympathy cards after the death of the DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE - which
occured on 3rd May (just 20 days before my visit!)
It was also clear that our queen and the Duchess were very close - the Duchess also having the famous sister, the
writer Nancy Mitford.
I exitted from the house and found that no hot meals were available at ANY cafeteria or restaurant. They stopped
15 minutes before my 15.15hours attempts! Still, more icecreams satisfied my cravings!!
Mon 31 May Minehead
The 'mission intent' for this trip was, not to revisit Minehead, but to make a long-awaited visit for
colour photography in the neighbouring medieval village of DUNSTER.
We were picked up by a driver who never announced his name, but who I had seen before. After
picking up all the remaining 'locals' around Worcestershire - we crossed the SEVERN near
TEWKESBURY as the crossing at UPTON was still closed to larger vehicles.
As we sped along the M50, we made 'good time' and, when we exitted at J24 onto the A38, progress
was still good. However, when we HIT the outskirts of TAUNTON we really joined the BANK
HOLIDAY traffic into MINEHEAD! Thoughts passed through my mind about the feasibility of
finding adequate time for Dunster!!
On arrival at Minehead, having ascertained our 'pickup point' for the return, I sped quickly to the
bus-stop for the 'Route928' for Dunster. After waiting for what should have been a small time in the rain, it soon became
apparent, that a long wait would be encountered - as those buses were caught in the same traffic that we
had met!! When it arrived, the 'bus' looked more like a coach - the journey went quickly as we picked up
Minehead passengers for various destinations EASTWARDS. Dunster came quickly, but the 'bus' didn't
enter DUNSTER - but left me on the mainroad near the entrance to an underpass - at the start of a STEEP
climb up into the village.
I made my first visit to the 'Visitor Info' office, acquired a map plus some feel of the 'village past' - found how to
get to the 'Yarn Market', a place I was longing to get up-to-date colour photos of. I had been entranced by the place
back in the 1950's and 60's. Right close to the Yarn Market was the shop that was owned by the parents of my
current next-door neighbour in Malvern.
I was pleased to find that her 'maiden name' (or family name) was STILL above the door,
despite a slight change in business and selling of the property. I photod this shop and the Yarn Market
from different angles and also got a shot of the Castle from inside the Yarn Market.
Not having the 'return times' given to me, I decided, pretty-soon, to return to Minehead for a meal
at the same restaurant as last year. The partially vandalised time-tables, fortunately, showed the Sunday and
Bank Holiday times, kinda-confusing, but fairly soon a bus arrived full of school-children and their luggage!
After my meal, I joined a few of my 'regular' companions, near the departure point for an under-cover chat and the journey back.
Sun 6 June TENBY
I put this 'resort' on this year's "wish list" because of ALL my past pleasures and experiences in this delightful
place. Unfortunately, the driver didn't introduce himself at ANY stage. It seemed as if he wasn't the 'driver',
but a guy intent on giving his family a "day out"!! To the extent that a young kid (his) was (illegally, according
to the passenger next to me!) strapped into the front (guide's) seat.
A further infringement of touring law (or customs?) was that passengers were NOT given any "comfort stops"
for nearly FOUR hours - as we saw 'Services' come and GO! This unknown guy admitted quite early on that
he had NEVER been to TENBY before - it showed - and had done very little research with other drivers who HAD!
He had extreme difficulty in finding any coach-parking place - saying he'd heard that it's a long way from the
beach and town. As we left the coach at a parking spot, he announced that there is a "free bus transit offered"
and that we could find more about it lower down. I did 'just that' - and the lady at the shop said that it doesn't
start until JULY. So he "told us a 'porky' as well!"
Having suffered these badly supported features from this driver "taking his family for a day-out", I then got into my
'exploration mode' as I passed the "Cliffe Norton" (where I'd stayed with JBC before) and descended to the beach
and:
(a) got an icecream (at a beach kiosk)
(b) walked the length of the beach (where I witnessed a stranded mini-shark last time)
(c) got a hot sit-down pastie (at a harbour kiosk)
(d) ascended to town and explored interesting back-streets
(e) proceeded to the CASTLE HILL (overlooking St Catherine's Island)
(f) returned to a restaurant overlooking NORTH BEACH for a great fish&chip meal!
(the high vantage-point view made this all worth while)
(g) got a further icecream from a back-alley shop, before returning to coach park for journey home.
The following trips are dealt with in My JBC 2004 continuation page!
Sat 12 June Windsor
Thurs 17 June Wye Valley
Thurs 24 June Warwickshire
Sun 27 June Lynton & LYNMOUTH
Sun 4 July Ilfracombe
Sun 18 July Teignmouth
Thurs 22 July Brighton
Thurs 29 July Poole
Wedn 4 Aug SANDRINGHAM
Sun 8 Aug Morecambe
Tues 10 Aug Dunster
Sun 29 Aug SNOWDONIA
Wedn 15 Sept Coventry
Sat 23 Oct Blackpool
and those booked for a 'week' (5-day excursions):-
24-28 MAY WELSH SPRING BREAK (in Harlech and area)
With trips to:
Portmerion
Swallow Falls & Betws-y-Coed (Conway was on our list but a faulty 'starter motor' prevented that!)
Lake Bala, Trawsfynwydd & Narrow-gauge Steam Railway
20-24 SEPT GRASMERE, LAKE DISTRICT
With trips to:
Lake Thirlmere & Derwentwater
Penrith, Kirkstone Pass, Ullswater etc
Wordsworth's Dove Cottage at Grasmere & Ambleside
EMail to:
Roy's Location.
return to My JBC 2002 page
or return to to My JBC 2003 pages
Return to Roy's home page for full
list of books/travelogues either finished or under preparation.