14/09/07 - Bolton North East London Trip

Bolton North East Conservatives have just returned from their trip to London. 'Fabulous', 'Wonderful' and 'extremely enjoyable' are just some of the responses that travellers used to describe the two day tour of Windsor and Buckingham Palace. We were really lucky that the weather was definitely with us, but the stunning beauty and opulent splendour of both the castles would have chased away any grey skies.

The trip was pure fun all the way , once we set off in our luxury coach we made sure that our guests felt special; Chocolates, wet wipes and quizzes were all provided, and before we knew it we had arrived at Windsor. The area around the castle was quaint with lots of things to do, though for us it was off to the castle (and what a wonderful experience it was).

The castle itself is breathtaking, the grounds are vast and has the feel of a small village, inside we visited the famous “Dolls House” which really has to be seen to be believed.  Everyone enjoyed looking round at their own pace and then inevitably ended up in the royal shop to pick up those all-important souvenirs. Once back at the coach we provided a refreshingly chilled Bucks Fizz, a slice of delicious fruit cake, and a beautiful tulle “Favour” ( hand made by Iona) just to celebrate the wedding theme of the trip.

Our Hotel, 'The Guorman tower', was excellent with guests all having rooms that either looked over Tower bridge and the Thames, or over the small harbour - everyone agreed it was an excellent choice...

The evening was a time for people to relax and do their own thing; many stayed in the hotel and enjoyed the excellent cuisine, some met up with old friends, some stayed out most of the night, but everyone enjoyed themselves.

After Breakfast it was off on our tour of the sites around London before we were dropped off at Covent garden for a couple of hours to peruse the sites, watch the street entertainers, and pick up a bargain. Then it was off to the Palace.

The Palace is magnificent, adorned with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyke (to name but a few), superb collections of the finest porcelain in the world, with even the ceilings themselves being stunning. The Staterooms are magnificent but nothing prepares you for the special display of the Queen's Wedding Collection!

The wedding dress is simply beautiful and the gifts interesting, but to describe the jewellery as 'astounding' would be to do it a gross understatement. We were also able to spend some time in the gardens, which as you can imagine are splendid; being tranquil and serene despite the hundreds of people wandering around. Then, with one last visit to the palace shop, (I swear everyone bought their Christmas shopping!) it was off to meet the coach and home.

Just to make sure everyone enjoyed it to the end we provided shortbread, coconut macaroons and chocolates at regular intervals throughout the journey home.

There were the usual farewells and everyone without exception said what a truly great time it had been: tired but happy. (And asking when the next trip will be!)

What more could we ask for. Hilary and David would like to thank all those people that were able to attend and make this one of the most enjoyable fundraising events in my memory.

Written by Cllr Hilary Fairclough