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| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Leader: | |
| When: | Monthly on Wednesday mornings |
Our planning meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of the month at 11.15am at Cheshunt Free Church, 27 High Street, Cheshunt.
Please note, this will be our last meeting at this location before we move our planning meetings to St. Clements Church Hall in April 2026.
PREVIOUS VISITS
SEPTEMBER 2025
In September the group enjoyed a guided tour of Copped Hall, the Georgian mansion, Epping. The trip included details of the ancient remains on site along with showing how far the current restoration has come and how much more still has to be done. Along with the house, the gardens are also being returned to their former glory including the large walled garden.
All work is carried out by volunteers including the supply of excellent homemade cakes to those on the tour.
AUGUST 2025
Whitewebbs Museum of Transport - Tuesday 26th August – the visit to this museum was by by car share with individuals paying for their own entry on arrival.
JULY 2025
Three Lakes Meal – 22nd July.
JUNE 2025
In June the group enjoyed a blue badge guided tour of the historical sites at Greenwich. These sites included entry to the National Maritime Museum and the outside of the old Royal naval college, where in the Painted Hall Nelson lay in state before his burial in St. Pauls. Although we did not climb up to the observatory on the hill in Greenwich Park, our walk was timed to see the rise and fall of the Time Ball at 1.00pm, which was originally used by sailors on ships in the Thames to set accurate time. This enjoyable and entertaining guided tour ended at the famous clipper ship Cutty Sark.
MAY 2025
Our May trip was a visit to the Tutankhamun Immersive Experience at the Excel Waterfront centre. The exhibition explained the timeline of Ancient Egyptian royal rulers along with replicas and actual artefacts from that time. The 30-minute immersive surround experience, on an 8-metre-high canvas, explained the cultural heritage of ancient Egypt, the life of Tutankhamun and the discovery of his tomb. We were then able to visit the inside of the tomb wearing virtual reality headsets, a new experience for all of us.
APRIL 2025
For our April outing we took a coach to Southend on Sea, and enjoyed the benefit of a lovely sunny day. Most of us included the compulsory activities of walking or a train ride on the pier, fish meals and ice cream on the front.
MARCH 2025
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel - 13th March - Guided tour of this historic hotel on Euston Road. Our March trip was a guided tour of the St. Pancras Renaissance hotel. Opening in 1876, the elaborate building was designed by George Gilbert Scott for the Midland Railway. Closing in 1935 and becoming offices for British Rail, the building was granted Grade 1 listing in 1967 thanks to the Victorian society. Failing to meet fire regulations it closed completely in the 1980’s. In 2004 Marriott hotels started to return the building to a hotel, reopening in 2011.
Pictures by Brian Peel
January 2025
National
Portrait
Gallery Visit
Photos by Brian Peel
In January members of the group visited the National Portrait Gallery and enjoyed a few hours browsing paintings and photographs exhibited on a number of floors. These portraits spanned from the early Tudor period up to modern day with many recognisable pictures of politicians, pop stars and sporting icons.
JULY 2024
Visit to 22 Bishopsgate on 23rd July 2024
Photo by Steve Gollop
December 2024
Xmas Fish & Chips – Wednesday 11th December 2024
November 2024
Canterbury Xmas Market
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral
Photos by Brian Peel
In November we organised a coach trip to visit Canterbury Xmas Market and cathedral. Unfortunately in the day the weather was not kind, but everyone enjoyed a good day browsing the different market stalls and shops, as well as taking the opportunity to visit the cathedral.