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.

The Friends enjoy The Kennet and Avon Canal to Bath

It’s difficult to imagine a more glorious day out, than cruising the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bradford-on-Avon to Bath.

Boarding a luxury coach in Church Place, Romsey, 45 members of the Friends enjoyed a panoramic view of the Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside on the journey to Bradford-on-Avon, to join our Narrowboat the ‘John Rennie’.

The “John Rennie” is Bath’s and the South West’s most exclusive and luxurious floating restaurant boat on the K&A canal. 

http://www.bath-narrowboats.co.uk/john-rennie-restaurant-boat

Once under way coffee was served at the tables, followed by a delicious two-course lunch cooked and served by the onboard Chef and his team.

Members also enjoyed a ‘lively Quiz’, covering Canal wildlife and flowers, Cathedrals and Music.

Our thanks to Colin and Rosemary Davis who organised and managed the whole trip, which was taken at a gentle speed and lasted from 11.00am to our arrival at Bath at 3.00pm.

If you would like to experience a Friends trip this year, please click on the link for full information.

https://www.romseyabbeyfriends.org/files/2018/02/FRA-events-2018-summary.pdf

Ken Gibson

The Friends of Romsey Abbey