Parish Holiday to Canterbury 2008

Thirty eight people set out on a bright Monday morning for their five day stay in Canterbury. It was perfect weather for the lunch time stop in Tunbridge Wells and everyone was able to sit out in the warm sunshine which was a real bonus at the end of an indifferent summer.

The Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury proved to be a very comfortable hotel with excellent rooms, helpful staff and good food. The first day's visit to Canterbury Cathedral was not marred by the rainy weather, but of the two guides used, one was better than the other and made the history come alive so that an hour and a half flashed by.

Unfortunately our hoped for trip to France did not materialise, due to the restrictions in the commercial tunnel caused by the recent fire, indeed, on the very day, the burnt out remains of that ill starred train were pulled out.

Instead, we went to The White Cliffs of Dover Cafe with its wonderful Channel views, and then on to Walmer Castle. Again the weather was good. On Thursday we travelled from Hythe to Dungeness on the railway with its one third full size steam locomotives. The thirteen and a half mile journey, past back gardens, through sheep filled fields, and across wide expanses of shingle took an hour and a half. The coach met us and we went on to Folkestone for lunch before returning in time for evensong in the Cathedral.

Next day it was time to say our goodbyes and come home via a lunchtime stop at Leonardslee Gardens. To the range of visits were added a variety of evening entertainments, a shared communion, daytime puzzles and novelty competitions! All good fun, and even those whose health precluded full participation said that they had enjoyed coming away.

The highlight of the holiday must be Nathan's driving. He defied the odds many times in manoeuvering the large coach through what appeared to be impossible gaps and always setting us down in the most convenient places.

Deo Gratias.