< < < U3A TRAVEL GROUP > > >
PROGRAMME 2015
Once again I have pleasure in presenting a variety of events, day trips
and holidays for your consideration. I hope you can find something in
this programme which appeals to you, and if you have any questions
you are more than welcome to email me to discuss them. Some of
them are still in the planning stage, but I would be pleased to hear
from you if you are interested – it helps with the transport and
booking if I have an idea of numbers.
Friends and family are welcome on any of the trips provided that they
understand that they are not covered by the U3A insurance.
Judith Purssell
Shakespeare's Birthday
Stratford-upon-Avon
400th anniversary 2016
22 – 25 April 2016, Stratford-upon-Avon
Enjoy a fantastic day out next year celebrating William Shakespeare’s Birthday!
Don't miss the Shakespeare Birthday Parade through the streets of Stratford-uponAvon before finishing at Shakespeare’s final resting place in Holy Trinity Church.
There's also free entry to all of Shakespeare's Houses (Shakespeare Birthplace
Trust properties) and the RSC Tower.
Since 1824, Shakespeare’s Birthday has been celebrated in Stratford-upon-Avon
and grown over time to the colourful spectacle of flags, costumes, flowers and
marching bands processing to Holy Trinity Church.
An event not to be missed!
And IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, let me know as soon as possible – i.e. now! We
need to take options on rooms as soon as possible, as they are selling fast, but if
nearer the time you find that you cannot go, it would not be a problem.
Contact Judith – [email protected]
NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME
The Glade Woodland Walk Ferndown BH22 9LP
Sunday 10th May at 2pm
The name captures the setting. Award winning 1¾ acre spring garden. Terraced
lawns for lingering over tea. Woodland walks through blossom tress, wild
anemones, primroses and bluebells.
When the owners redeveloped the garden some twenty years ago they tried to
keep as many of the existing trees and shrubs as possible, as a backdrop to the
newer ornamentals they planned to introduce. Thus, despite being less than a
mile from the centre of Ferndown, it still has the atmosphere and seclusion of a
country garden, harking back to the 1930s when the house was built and its
surroundings were first laid out.
There are mature rhododendrons, cornus florida, stewartia and kalmia, as well
as many native trees – oak and ash, beech and birch – which mark the
boundaries. Recent additions include a substantial wild-life pond with water
lilies and marginal planting, a rippling stream and a large bog garden with ferns,
primulas, filipendulas and purple loosestrife.
Gravel, grass and slopes make wheelchair access difficult, notably if wet.
Admission £3.50 Home-made cream teas available.
INDIA – Wildlife Safari
23 February to 7 March 2016
The cost of the tour is currently £3195.00 per person (based on a twin share basis)
The single supplement is £875 (maximum 2 single rooms)
Deposit is £320 per person
This is a wonderful trip taking in the National Parks of India, and it’s diverse wildlife and flora.
It is presented by Wildlife Worldwide, who have many years of international holiday and
conservation experience. They say:
”Our customers are extremely important to us; you provide us with a constant bench mark of how
well we are performing. And because we know how important holidays are, it is you who will always
be our motivation for providing a first class personal service, built on the professional foundations of
quality, knowledge, expertise and reliability”.
The region is very popular for travellers, and if you wish to book this holiday I would urge you to
do so as soon as possible as flight availability does not last long, and it would be disappointing to
miss it because the flight seats have all been sold. I have travelled with Wildlife Worldwide, and
can recommend them completely for service and value – nothing is too much trouble for them.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - 23 February 2016 Depart London
Fly from London to Delhi on an overnight flight
Day 2 - Delhi
On arrival at Delhi you will met and transferred to the Le Meridian Hotel for an overnight stay. In the
afternoon you will be taken on a city tour.
Le Méridien – 1night (Deluxe room)
New Delhi's Le Méridien is situated just 2 km from the Presidential Palace, Parliament House and
Connaught Place. Within easy reach of several shopping and entertainment districts, this hotel offers
an outdoor pool, a spa and 6 food and beverage options. Qutab Minar is 15 km away, while Lotus
Temple is 12 km from Le Méridien New Delhi. Attractions such as Humayun Tomb and Red Fort (Lal
Qila) are within 7 km of the hotel. India Gate is 500 metres away. It is 4 km to New Delhi Railway
Station and 20 km to Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Delhi
Delhi is actually two fascinating cities - old and new - melded together in a fascinating amalgam. Old
Delhi pulses with energy and colour, providing a fascinating insight into the sights, sounds and
aromas of the Indian sub-continent. Here you will see the enormous Red Fort, the Jama Masjid
Mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and the bustling bazaar of Chandni
Chowk. New Delhi is a complete contrast; it is a landscaped city of wide boulevards, colonial
monuments, stately palaces and formal parks. Here you find the Parliament Building - once the aweinspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, the Raj Ghat - cremation
site of Mahatama Gandhi, India Gate - a majestic memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War
I, the ancient and fascinating Qutab Minar tower, Humanyun’s Tomb – graceful Mughal fore-runner
of the Taj Mahal and finally the Birla Mandir (a large Hindu Temple built in 1938). Surrounding these
magnificent monuments is the fascinating and continuous hustle and bustle of everyday Indian life.
No meals are included today
Day 3 - Tadoba
This morning you will be transferred to Delhi’s domestic airport for your Air India flight to Nagpur. On
arrival you will be met and transferred to Tadoba (approx 3hrs) and the Svasara Jungle Lodge where
you will stay for 4 nights on a full board basis including game drives.
Svasara Jungle Lodge – 4 nights (Cottage)
Svasara Jungle Lodge is the top lodge at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and is located barely three
hundred yards from Tadoba's Kolara gate. Svasara is a conservation focused wilderness lodge offering
a luxurious and immersive jungle safari experience. Svasara Lodge is set over a sprawling 10 acre
campus next to Tadoba jungle. The lodge features 12 air-conditioned & spacious suites with elegant
bathrooms, premium bedding, in-room amenities (TV, mini-fridge, coffee/tea maker, etc.), sofas
within each suite, private outdoor veranda seating. Multi-cuisine dining can be in the restaurant,
outdoor gazebo or in the privacy of your suite and includes delectable Indian, Continental, and local
Varadi cuisine. Tiger safaris are offered in comfortable, custom-fitted jeeps, escorted by expert
naturalists who are well-versed with the forest and wildlife tracks. Safaris include packed
snacks/meals and water. Other outdoor activities include lakeside sunset picnics, nature walks, and
local tourist attractions. The jungle and areas surrounding the Lodge are excellent terrains for birding
and walking safaris. Svasara at Tadoba is a convenient two hour drive of approximately 100
kilometres from the major city of Nagpur, which has excellent air and rail connectivity.
Tadoba
Days 4 to 6 - Tadoba
Morning and afternoon game drives
Day 7 - Pench
After a morning game drive and breakfast you will be transferred by road to Pench (approx. 3hrs)
On arrival check into the Pench Jungle Camp, where you will stay for 2 nights on a full board basis
including game drives.
Pench Jungle Camp, Pench NP – 2 nights
Pench Jungle Camp is a classic Indian jungle camp situated just outside Pench National Park. It
consists of twelve safari-style canvas tents housed on permanent foundations, equipped with ensuite bathrooms with running hot and cold water. Each tent also has a spacious and elegantly
furnished living room and battery recharging facilities with 220V. There are also eleven deluxe ensuite air-conditioned cottages. The camp has a pool, its own resident naturalists and a well-stocked
library. As well as the twice daily game drives by jeep, the camp also offers nature walks,
birdwatching, slide shows and night safaris in the park’s buffer zone.
Pench National Park (Pench is closed Wednesday afternoon)
One of Central India’s lesser known wildlife sanctuary since its establisment in 1983, Pench is
situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, on the border with Maharashtra. Dominated by hills, forests
and valleys, the national park takes its name from the Pench River, which meanders the entire length
of the 757 square kilometre protected area. The river runs from north to south, dividing the park into
almost equal western and eastern halves – the well forested areas of Chhindwara and Seoni districts
respectively. The highest summit in the park - the hill of Kala Pahar - reaches 650 metres above sea
level.
Pench's typical dry deciduous forest of teak trees supports a rich variety of wildlife, including
leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), gaur (Indian bison), sambar, chital and sloth bear are all seen here,
but it is most famous for its tigers. The birdlife is also first class. The open habitat lends itself to
wildlife viewing, but also offers striking views of the area’s natural beauty. The area has long been
known for its flora and fauna, and Rudyard Kipling was inspired by the landscape and its creatures,
which appear in his classic tale, the Jungle Book. Pench is conveniently situated 95 kilometres or
around two and a half hours by road from Nagpur (which is served by flights to/from Delhi and
Mumbai), and 210 kilometres or around four and a half hours by road from Jabalpur (which has
trains and flights to Delhi), and three to four hour drive from Khana, with which it is sometimes
combined. The park opens from mid-October to April.
Your breakfast, lunch and dinner is included today during your stay.
Days 8 - Pench
Morning and afternoon game drives
Day 9 - Satpura
This morning you will be transferred by road to Satpura (approx. 6hrs) where you will stay at Forsyth
Lodge on a full board basis including activities.
Forsyth's Lodge – 3 nights An eco-friendly property, built with environmental and community
considerations as foremost principles. Small and stylish, the comfortable accommodation consists of
12 air-conditioned cottages with en suite bathroom and verandah. All are designed and constructed
in local style - primarily from mud - and decorated by local villagers. Facilities include a main building
housing a dining room, a first floor longue and bar, and a terrace with mountain views, plus a
swimming pool. The exceptionally attentive staff is supported by in-house naturalist guides. The
variety of activities within Satpura National Park is unique within Indian parks, and while this is not
the best place for tigers, the amount of other wildlife that can be seen here is unbeatable.
Satpura
Whilst easily accessed by road, rail or air, Satpura National Park has seen only very limited
development, and remains amongst the quietest of the national parks in Central India at the
moment, with only a limited number of lodges outside the park and vehicles within it. The terrain of
the park is more rugged than most of the parks in the region, with many hills and ridges, and the
vegetation is a mixture of dense sal and teak forest, with some open meadows along the banks of
the Tawa Reservoir.
Although the network of trails within the park is limited, unlike the other parks in Central India the
park authorities encourage walking safaris within the core area of Satpura. Walking through the
forest gives a very different experience from the game drives that are common elsewhere in the
region, with a much more intimate experience of the flora and fauna. On a walk within the park, I
had the amazing experience of watching a pack of wild dogs hunting samba deer. There are hides set
up inside the park overlooking some of the best places for wildlide. Kayaking should also be available
on Tawa Reservoir, Indian bureaucracy permitting.
Satpura is a Tiger Reserve, though tigers are not commonly seen within the park. However, the small
numbers of tigers allow the species which are chased out by the big cats to thrive in Satpura. Sloth
bears are commonly seen here, and this is also a good place for seeing leopards, wild dogs and
jackals. The birding in the national park and the surrounding area is also excellent. Satpura is not the
best place in India for seeing tigers - there are plenty of other parks for that - but is a great place to
experience Indian wildlife in a much more intimate setting. If you have been to India before and have
already seen tigers, it makes a great place to spend some time exploring other aspects of Indian
wildlife at a more leisurely pace. If it is your first trip to Central India, Satpura combines very well
with the other national parks of the region to give a very rounded view of the wildlife of the area.
Your breakfast, lunch and dinner is included today during your stay.
Days 10 & 11 - Satpura
Morning and afternoon wildlife activities.
Day 12 - 2016 Agra
Today you will drive to Bhopal in time to board the train to Agra (1515/2110). On arrival in Agra you
will be met and transfered directly to the Radisson Hotel where you will stay for 1 night on a bed
and breakfast basis.
Day 13 - Agra/Delhi
This morning you will take a half day city tour of Agra Fort and of course the iconic Taj Mahal(sunrise
tour)
Agra
The former capital of Hindustan stands on the banks of the heavily polluted Yamuna River in Uttar
Pradesh state some 200 kilometres south of Delhi (and 363 kilometres west of the state capital,
Lucknow). With a population approaching 1.75 mllion, it is one of the most populous cities in the
state and the 19th most populous in the country. Although it was the site of an ancient fortress, it
wasn’t until 1506 that Sultan Sikandar Lodi first moved his capital here from Delhi. However the city
achieved its principal fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a
major attraction for visitors because of the many splendid buildings from that era – most notably the
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the nearby city of Fatephur Sikri, which are all UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. After your visit you will then you'll drive back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you'll be met and
transferred to the Le Meridian Hotel (Deluxe room) for one night. Your breakfast is included today
Day 14 - Departure
Transfer back to the airport in time for your flight back home.
This itinerary includes:
International flights with British Airways in economy class
Domestic flights in economy class (15kg baggage allowance)
Transfers throughout
Double/Twin/Single room accommodation as shown
Meals as indicated
All entrance and National Park Fees
Jeep safaris in all National Parks with guide.
• 6 Game drives at Satpura
• 3 Game drives at Pench
• 7 Game drives at Tadoba
Airport/government taxes
The cost does not include:
Items of a personal nature
Flight upgrades (These can be arranged)
Any extra meals and drinks
Indian Visa (Must be obtained in advance)
Tipping to drivers and guides
Travel Insurance
**Approximate timings** to be confirmed on booking.
WE WILL ORGANISE ALL FLIGHTS
Flights FLIGHT SCHEDULE:
ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR TRIP.
1) "+1" = arrival the following day 2) E = Economy; PE
= Premium Economy; B = Business Class; F = First Class
3) Dates and times are 'local time' and subject to
alteration at the carrier's discretion
Date
Flight
From
To
Dep Time Arr Time
Airline
Class
Day 1
BA 257
London
Delhi
19:30
09:10+1
British
Heathrow
Airways
Day 3
6E 135
Delhi
Nagpur
TBA
TBA
Indigo
Day 14
BA 256
Delhi
London
11:10
15:10
British
Heathrow
Airways
If you would like to see the full presentation from Wildlife Worldwide, please let me know.
Should you have any queries, wish to discuss any part of the itinerary, or wish to proceed with
booking, please do not hesitate to contact me : –
Judith Purssell
[email protected]
Hampton court flower show
2nd july 2015
Join us on our next trip to the Hampton Court Flower Show. We had a great
time last year, and the weather was kind to us. We will leave Ringwood at
9.30am and get back by 6pm (approximate times, depending on traffic).
This year’s trip will take place on Thursday 2nd July. Tickets are selling fast, so
could you please let me know how many tickets you would like ****AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE**** but by no later than 18 May 2015.
Depending on the response, tickets will be £47 each (including entry to the
show). e-mail: [email protected]
**Tickets to be paid for at time of booking.**
ICELAND – LAND OF ICE AND FIRE
4th October for 4 nights
Package includes:
• Return scheduled flights between London Heathrow and Reyjavik with
Icelandair [out 13.00 - 15.00 / back 16.10 - 20.10]
• 1 checked-in bag per person
• Transfer Keflavík Airport-Reykjavík without guide
• 4 nights accommodation 4* Hotel
Natura,Reyjavik:www.icelandairhotels.com/en/hotels/natura
• Breakfast daily at the hotel
• Golden circle day tour with guide
• South shore day tour with guide
• 1x Northern light tour with guide
• Transfer Reykjavík- Keflavík Airport with guide via Blue Lagoon
• Entrance and towel rental at the Blue Lagoon
From £929.00 per person - 2 adults sharing
Single supplement £129
Prices based on minimum 20 paying passengers. 15-19 people, £989, 10-14 people, £1078.
Deposit: A £100 per person non-refundable deposit will be required by 27th May 2015.
Payment: The balance will be due 8 weeks before departure Please send and make payable your
cheques to:.
South Quay Travel & Leisure Limited
Studios 20-21 Colman’s ~Wharf
45 Morris Road
London E14 6PA
Or pay by credit/debit card by telephone to 0207 510 2929
For full Itinerary please send request to [email protected]
National gardens scheme
Sunday 14th June 2015 at 2pm
21 Chestnut Road Brockenhurst Hampshire SO42 7RF
In the 10th yr of opening, there are some surprises. Mature colourful borders
and productive areas mingle with fantasia. Imaginative ideas for planting in
different conditions, where the perennial is king. Fruit, vegetables, flowers and
shrubs sympathetically blend with wildlife. There are formal and relaxed areas
to enjoy home-made cakes. Some gravel areas, and no wheelchair access to
raised deck or some parts of the garden when wet.
Returning visitors are assured of some new looks. The wild flower area is home
to the fairies that live in the garden and new here, for 2015, see their homes on
show for the first time.
Admission £3.50.
Home-made teas. Gluten free catered for
Tower of London Ceremony of the
Keys, London Museum and Theatre
Trip
I am working on this two-night stay in London. Getting tickets for the
Ceremony of the Keys is, however, like finding hens’ teeth! If you are
interested in this trip, please let me know and it will give me an idea of the
numbers I am working on. It would be a mid-week trip, depending on which
day I could get the tickets for. When we go would also be dependent on when I
can get tickets for the Keys Ceremony, but probably not before October.
The programme would be to travel up to London in the morning, have some
time for shopping or sightseeing in the afternoon, attend the Ceremony of the
Keys at the Tower in the evening. On the second day, visit the Museum of
London with a free afternoon to do some MORE shopping, take in a theatre
matinee, or whatever you fancy (art gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral, back to the
Tower to see the Crown Jewels – the options are endless).
E-mail your interest to [email protected]
TUDOR KENT
23RD – 26TH OCTOBER 2015
I am waiting for details of a trip to Kent to experience the Tudor heritage of the
County. I was a room steward for the National Trust for ten years at Knole,
pictured above.
The visit would consist of staying at the Hilton Hotel, Maidstone, with a
welcome drink on the first night. We would then visit Hever Castle, Knole,
Sissinghurst and possibly Penshurst, and have some free time to look round
Maidstone, which is a short bus ride from the Hotel.
As soon as I have full details from the tour operator, I will pass them on, but to
give you an idea, the cost will be approximately £239 for three nights to include
Car Parking at Hotel. Welcome Drink Reception on Friday arrival day. Three
Nights Half Board accommodation in ensuite room. Leisure Facilities. Full Day
Coach Excursion on Saturday and Sunday. Depart Monday
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
Tuesday 17th November 2015 at 7.30pm
Nutcracker is a classical ballet in two acts, originally choreographed by Marius
Petipa & Lev Ivanov for the Paris Opéra to a libretto by Marius Petipa, and set
to music by Tchaikovsky. It is regarded as one of the jewels of classical ballet
and represents one of the true timeless tales of childhood dreams where toys
come to life, mice are the villains, and all things are possible in a magical
kingdom beyond imagination.
Nutcracker constantly features in the repertoire of the world's leading ballet
companies...and wears its age with pride and a smile. A hugely enjoyable
dance-spectacular, perfect for ballet lovers of all ages, danced by the famous
Moscow Ballet Company.
Is the dream for real...or is it just a fairy tale? This delightful production of the
much-loved Nutcracker captures the imagination with the passion, humour and
magic of the ballet.
Tickets are £25.50 each and should be paid for at time of booking.
Amongst other trips, I also hope to arrange the following:
Southampton Art Gallery
The Gardens of Guernsey
The Shuttleworth Museum
A River cruise
A short break in Rome
Westonbirt Arboretum and a stately home
A train journey, either in this country or abroad
Duxford Air Museum (one for the boys – or is that too sexist?)
A day at the races
A short break in Madeira
Theatre trips, either locally or with an overnight stay in London
Looking ahead (ugh!), one of the Christmas Markets, either in the UK or
Northern Europe
Or anything else you would like me to put together – I’m always open to ideas