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Branch Summer Outing, Saturday 5th July 2008 At 10am on the morning of Saturday 5th July, almost 20 branch members and their families gathered in the café at Tenterden Station to eagerly await the departure of the 10.40 steam train to Bodiam Castle. Teeming rain was starting to give way to tentative sunshine, and after several bacon sandwiches and cups of tea we made for the train. It was difficult to resist the many brightly coloured cupcakes for sale at the local produce fair taking place at the station, but somehow we managed! With a private coach reserved, our two most junior members (at age 4) provided plenty of entertainment on the journey to Bodiam. As the beautiful High Weald rolled past the window, some members even decided that the sun was sufficiently over the yard arm to sample the local cider available on the train. By the time we arrived at Bodiam, we had glorious sunshine to enjoy on the short walk to the castle where lunch awaited us in the Wharf Tearoom. An hour or so later, and suitably nourished, we headed for the castle - admiring the gargantuan carp in the moat on the way. Some members took the opportunity for a nap during the castle's introductory video, but were suitably awake by the time they'd climbed the battlements. The surveyors amongst us found plenty to occupy themselves examining the ancient stonework and hunting for stonemason's marks, and enthusiastic guides give a talk every hour or so painting pictures of the castle's history with their descriptions of days gone by. Once again our younger members were keen to contribute to the entertainment, and with the assistance of the guide a hat related dispute was quickly resolved! After a couple of hours enjoying Bodiam's fine sunshine and surroundings, it was time to reluctantly head for the train home. However, that reluctance faded slightly when afternoon tea on the train was served, and the Kent & East Sussex railway's scones come highly recommended! On our return to Tenterden, KESR had kept their museum open especially for us so we finished the day with a private view of their fascinating souvenirs of railway days gone by. With that we all headed home, looking forward to next year's outing already... Report by Helena Brown |
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