The Friends go Cruising!

“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” Kenneth Grahame.

The Friends’ first trip in April 2019 continued our very successful waterways theme. This year we decided to move onto the River Thames. A luxury coach took us to Henley, where we spent the morning in the River & Rowing Museum. We enjoyed especially the William Morris gallery – “An Earthly Paradise” and the walkthrough atmospheric and nostalgic “Wind in the Willows” exhibit.

We boarded our boat the MV Hibernia on the museum’s jetty and were taken on a 3 hours cruise on the Thames, passing through Marsh Lock and viewing many splendid properties. We then cruised gently along the regatta course, which was being prepared ready for the races in July. A delicious lunch was served during the journey by helpful and attentive staff.

The combination of the meticulously-presented, modern and attractive museum and the river in the spring sunshine with lovely ever-changing views and waterways wildlife ensured that the Friends had a great day out. It was also a pleasure to welcome some new members.

The trip was led by Colin and Rosemary Davis.

Join the Friends today at https://www.romseyabbeyfriends.org/contact-us/

The Friends meet Guys and Dolls at Sonning….

On Saturday 10th December a party of 49 Friends of Romsey Abbey travelled by coach to Sonning on Thames to see ‘Guys and Dolls’ at famous Mill at Sonning Theatre.After a welcome coffee in the bar and a chance to view the quaint surroundings and the turning Mill Wheel, a delicious 2-course buffet lunch was enjoyed in the beautiful oak-beamed dining room.The Friends then enjoyed the best seats in the house, in the intimate 215 seat Theatre.
The production of the American musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ was sensational. “Superb, spectacular, professional, inspirational cast”, were some of the Friends’ many comments received after the show by the organisers Colin and Rosemary Davis.

The Party returned satisfied and happy to Romsey in the early evening.
One of the Friends remarked that it was a “splendid start to the festive season”. It was certainly a great way to relax and share companionship, conversation, enjoyment and happiness.

The Friends’ programme for 2019 is being finalised and will be available in the New Year. One definite booking is on 29 April when we shall be continuing our popular series of boat trips with a luncheon cruise on the River Thames at Henley, coupled with a visit to the River & Rowing Museum.

Please update your diary ………….

Ken Gibson

The Friends ‘Bottle Tombola’ at Abbey Christmas Fair

Romsey Abbey’s Christmas Fair is a major fundraising event for the Abbey, fully supported by the Friends, who manage the highly successful Bottle Tombola stall.  Bottles are donated weeks beforehand, by members of the Friends and the wider Abbey congregation.  This year a fantastic 226 Bottles were donated.

A very big ‘thankyou’ from the Friends Organising Team

The Tombola stall was managed by Colin and Rosemary Davis and supported by Friends members.  Their efforts resulted in a wonderful £540 for Abbey funds!!  Overall, the Christmas Fair raised £5500 for the Abbey.

Our picture shows our Romsey MP Caroline Nokes with Celia Rowe, trying her luck at winning a bottle.

Ken Gibson

Friends of Romsey Abbey

Romsey Abbey Friends Visit to the Weald and Downland Living Museum

At the beginning of August, a group of Romsey Abbey Friends visited the Weald and Downland Living Museum. It was a thoroughly absorbing and interesting day. The Museum is set in a 40-acre site and has a collection of traditional rural buildings, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them for over 1,000 years.

During the day there were demonstrations of traditional carpentry, working oxen and horses, millers, blacksmiths as well as many crafts on display, including lace and hat making in felt.

We sampled the wares of Tudor cooking and ate locally sourced food in the café overlooking the lake. The picturesque setting, good company and the sunshine all added up to a very enjoyable day.