Christmas Pantomime with Colin & Mags

We all met up and headed for Cambridge and our hotel, one of the finest four-star hotels in Cambridge, in picturesque 200 acre grounds. After checking into our rooms we had lunch in the lounge before driving into Cambridge. We took a walk into the city and stopped at a very nice restaurant for dinner. After returning to our hotel we had a drink in the bar before bed.

We explored the historic city of Cambridge, walking around and admiring many of the University Colleges, especially King’s College and Trinity College, which are really quite spectacular buildings. To add to the experience we even stopped for lunch in the Cambridge Union. One morning after breakfast we went ten-pin bowling. The whole group joined in and top honours went to Peter who made the best score of the day.

We went to the Cambridge Arts Theatre where we saw the fantastic production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Everyone enjoyed the performance and we all joined in with the singing and dancing ... Oh yes we did!!!

On our last day before heading home we stopped off at Scotsdales Nursery & Garden Centre, a very large garden centre on the outskirts of the city. After some had bought souvenirs and gifts we had lunch before it was time to start heading home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey & Tinsel on the Isle of Wight with Adrian, Elaine & Jen

On our way to the Isle of Wight we stopped at a nice country pub in Brockenhurst for our lunch. Once at our destination we unpacked and relaxed before dinner. The evening’s entertainment was as usual very good and we danced to the resident band and also enjoyed the guest comedian, who was very funny. Disco dancing was the finish to a good first evening!

We enjoyed a full English breakfast to set us up for the day ahead. There was much festive fun with a Christmas quiz, “snowman drive” and then we participated in “Christmas bauble boccia”. Linda was extremely good and not only got into the final, but actually won.....well done Linda! Other games that we enjoyed were “ho ho hoy bingo” and the “Christmas number ones teaser”. After all the fun and frolics we did a little shopping for souvenirs for those that required a little shopping therapy. Christmas hats were bought so that we could get into the spirit of things! After lunch we went to the games room where we played table tennis, snooker and played skittles. Following dinner we found our way to the Waterfront lounge to listen to singing from a very good male vocalist before heading into the main ballroom to see the “Fab4” tribute band which was fantastic.

We went to the “owl and monkey haven” where there was much fun watching the monkeys opening their Christmas crackers which were full of food. The Lara Gibbons sang to us, well that is what the keeper told us and we saw all the wonderful owls too. We lunched at a nice café and looked around at the beautiful decorations before going on to “Waltzing Waters” and watching and listening to the superb Christmas light and water show. On returning to our resort, the ladies had a bit of pampering, having their nails polished and hair done. After dinner we went to the main lounge for the Christmas panto of “Jack & the Beanstalk”. It was so much fun and we joined in with the hissing and booing, as you do! The cabaret for the evening was great and as it was New Years eve we ended up dancing and singing to “Auld Lang Syne”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruges, Christmas Market with Adrian & Jen

Once we were all on board the JollyDays minibus we took the ferry over the Channel before driving on through France to the historic city of Bruges in Belgium. We arrived at our hotel and settled in, unpacking and chatting with the very welcoming owners. We then got ready for the evening and went for a stroll around the town, which took us through the Christmas Market. We found a nice restaurant for dinner, which everyone enjoyed.

After a full breakfast we ventured out to explore the local area in daytime. We looked round the shops, especially interesting were the chocolate and lace vendors. At lunch we sampled the world famous pancakes and waffles! We took a horse and carriage ride around the town – seeing the sights in style! It was also great to hear about the history of the city, known as ‘The Venice of the North’. We wandered around the Christmas Market before heading back to the hotel. We had a great an evening, a lovely meal, sing song and laughing all the way. Even the restaurant staff and owner joined in with us! Some tried the local dish - mussels and chips.

The next day after breakfast we headed off to the ice sculptures. As was usual for this holiday we were laughing and singing xmas songs all the way. The ice sculptures were fantastic (though stored in a room at a chilly -6º), the theme was the Hobbit. After walking round the sculptures we were all very much ready for a nice hot chocolate. We then ventured into the town a different way to take in different scenery. On a tour of the brewery we had great views from the rooftop. We had dinner in a lovely restaurant with log fire overlooking the xmas market, church square and ice rink.