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Llandudno Trip The holiday started with amusement, as the coach was from Eire, complete with Irish number plates, but was covered in Union Jacks!

We set off in fair weather and our visit of the day was to Chirk Castle, a delightful C13th fortress, with lovely gardens. Rain was forecast so the gardens were first choice. Rain eventually drove us indoors.

We arrived at our hotel and were allocated our rooms. The view from the rooms at the front was great, over the promenade, out to sea, with the great Orme and pier to the left and little Orme to the right.

We celebrated Christmas while we were there, roast turkey and trimmings, crackers, paper hats, Christmas tree etc.

On Tuesday we went to Caernarfon, some of us went in the magnificent castle, others walked around it, taking photos with great reflections (for the photo competition). In the afternoon the weather seriously deteriorated, some of us braved the tram to the top of the Great Orme, a great nostalgic trip for me (the cable car was closed due to the weather). We saw nothing from the top, and on the way down in the open sided tram we were subjected to gales and horizontal rain.

Wednesday was the highlight, the coach took us to Llanberis where most of us took the Mountain Railway to the top of Snowdon. A spectacular trip in a spectacular train, although in October it unfortunately is pulled by a diesel engine rather than steam. The weather was great, the views on the way up fantastic and the views from the top absolutely stunning.

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In the afternoon, we went to the coast, and had a choice of Portmeirion or Porthmadog.

After dinner Richard and Mary organised a quiz in the bar based on the 1960s. It was quite difficult but great fun. Thank you both. Then the chicken from last years holiday in Torquay reappeared!

On Thursday morning we headed for Anglesey, crossing the Menai Straits to our first stop, the National Trust property at Plas Newydd.The ancestral home of the Marquis of Anglesey was built on the shore in the 18th Century with breath-taking views over the Straits towards Snowdon. The dining room is home to Rex Whistler’s painting, “Claudian Fantasy” a 17metre long masterpiece. It was completed in 1937 and even to those who knew little about art, was spellbinding.

We then made our way to Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for a brief stop before going on to Beaumaris. The great castle here was never finished as money and supplies ran out

After dinner another little chick appeared, we began to suspect fowl play!

We left Llandudno on Friday morning after breakfast, stopping for coffee at Betws-y-coed.There is an interesting old station and several gift shops. Mary and Richard had produced another challenge in the form of a sheet of Dingbats which kept us occupied on the journey home. We stopped at Webbs of Wychbold Garden Centre for a late lunch, arriving back in Bicester 5.30p.m.

An enjoyable time was had, despite a few minor problems. The hotel was a little tired but comfortable. More staff were needed, especially in the restaurant but the food was good, and we enjoyed each other’s company. The weather was reasonably kind to us too.

Many thanks to Peggy for all her hard work putting the programme together, and we were delighted that she came with us this year!.

As you can see, we had a lot of fun, see page 5 for details of next years trip and make sure you book early!

Dave Jones