|
30 April to 3 May 2004. This was our first experience of Babbacombe and what a great joy it proved to be. Little did we appreciate when booking what a fantastic weekend we were to embark upon. Family circumstances meant our journey commenced on the Friday around 2.15pm from Oxford rather than Waterlooville. We had a route card that involved the M4, M5, A38 and A380. It rained continuously, often demanding double speed wipers for a clear vision and took some 6 hours, due to accidents and the sheer volume of West Country Bank Holiday traffic. All of the stress from the journey was swept away, when we booked in at the Trecarn, who were aware of our late arrival. They put on for us in the restaurant a ham salad supper that was a pre-cursor to the excellent meals we were to enjoy throughout the weekend. To reach our bedroom, we followed quite a tortuous route, but were rewarded with splendid accommodation, comprising new furniture, commodious ensuite bathroom, splendid hot water and tea making facilities. Having slept well, found our breakfast table and fed like kings, we were ready to join the excursion to Plymouth. Joan Wilby, in her accomplished and greatly appreciated flair for organisation, had pre-booked the trip, taken up by a full bus of 48 and mini coach for 16. The drivers followed the scenic route and dropped us off on the Hoe near the Plymouth Dome. We were amazed at the Art Deco open-air swimming bath below us on the shoreline. There is a plaque nearby, where one can read that 3000 tickets were issued one day during WW2, as the citizens enjoyed the facility coming directly from trying to repair their devastated City. Wendy and I had a more personal mission as we headed for the old town. Sunday, May 9th was the 40th (Ruby) Anniversary of our wedding and we were out to locate in one of the antique shops an item of jewellery to mark the occasion. We were able to browse like lovers and unhurriedly enjoy the moment, a rare luxury. We were successful in choosing an Edwardian heart shaped pendant with delicate pearls and two ruby stones. Such was the atmosphere of the weekend, Wendy was able to share with members present the excitement of her newly acquired gift. On Saturday evening, we dressed smartly, wore our medals and had an excellent Gala five-course dinner. Entertainment followed, both passive and active. Evidently there were some very skilled ballroom dancers, unlike us as Wendy and I were invited on to the floor for a solo quick step to mark our Ruby wedding. Were folks' ballroom skills dormant, having first been honed at the Saturday night hop in early youth or do they now reflect an active retirement? However they have been acquired, it is a skill I envy and don't have. We did, though, join in some line dancing and were not bad at the Barn Dance. On Sunday morning we attended the Annual Reunion Church Service conducted by Peter Hayward, who was in uniform having links to both regular naval service and now active with a Seaman's Mission Society. He conducted the service admirably, speaking to the theme of commitment. He encouraged us to feel proud, since we fought under the Charter of the United Nations the first time such a force was deployed. Lunch followed on the heels of the service and then some left for home. For our part, we found in Babbacombe the Bygones Museum, steeped ourselves in a pleasant wave of civilian/childhood nostalgia. In doing so, it seemed to reflect entirely the tenor of the weekend, which, although closely linked to service in Korea, was a social event affording every opportunity to recharge the batteries in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. Would we go again? You bet and thank you to all those who worked so hard on our behalf. Andrew Clark |
|
page last updated |
