Visit to the Science Museum on Wednesday, 8th February
The Science Museum was founded in 1857, 165 years ago and is one of London’s major tourist attractions, attracting 3.3 million visitors annually. It is the home of human ingenuity, with award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects, and stories of incredible scientific achievement., displayed in galleries, special events and special exhibitions.
This successful day was enjoyed by 40 of the Hayling Island u3a members. Phil, the Laguna coach driver drove with no hold-ups to arrive exactly at our appointed time at the Science Museum. We were disconcerted at first to find the group entrance boiling over with hundreds of excited school children, from tiny first years to cool, languid teenagers, and many of us retreated to the café where we could hear ourselves think, and be restored with coffee.
Many of the members used the day to also visit the adjacent Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, and to visit nearby Harrods for some shopping. The Science Museum itself was a revelation, especially to those of us who had not visited since childhood. We were lucky to have a day of beautiful sunshine, once the frost had dispersed, and London looked at its best.
The journey home as much slower; it took us an hour to get clear of London. However, we arrived home exactly at the predicted time, after a very enjoyable day.
Future Visit
Our next planned visit is to Exbury Gardens and Steam Train on Thursday, 11th May. Exbury is renowned for Spring colour, set apart from other gardens by its world famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. These stunning shrubs are at their height in April and May, lining the paths with their elegant flowers. There are also stunning displays of camellias and magnolias as well as thousands of Spring bulbs. A ride on the steam train is an essential part of the visit!
This will be the last visit I organise for the Hayling Island u3a. I have enjoyed this role, and loved seeing the members enjoying their day out. I wish Richard North and his wife Jan well as they take over after this visit.
Catherine Britton