A journey in verse
The Sun had got his hat on and was coming out to play
Heralding the start of the Dorking u3a Autumn holiday
Traversing the Surrey roads to reach the M40, via the M25
Our first comfort stop gave us a chance to revive
Later, a long lunch break at Packwood House gave us an insight
To a loving restoration to house and garden, which was a delight
Onwards and upwards to Forest Hills, Frodsham for our hotel
A nice welcome, comfort and dinner served us all well
Our Blue Badge Guide joined for our tour the next day
A friendly introduction and we were well on our way
Our first visit was to the City of Chester for a guided walk
City walls, The Cathedral, The Rows, Bronze elephant all made a good talk
After lunch we gently cruised on the River Dee and rested our feet
Going south of the city past the Eaton Estate and enjoying the treat
Finally, back to the hotel for pre drinks and our dinner
We all agreed our excursions had proved a winner
Next day we went into Wales to visit the estate of Errdig
An historic house and gardens which was extremely big
Previous owners had pictures of their servants on display
Shown in the basement hall an unusual and charming array
The afternoon saw us on the World Heritage Pontcysylite Aquaduct up high
126 feet above the Dee Valley we slowly crossed the stream in the sky
Our narrowboat cruising the canal was called Little Star
Bravely transporting us to Llangollen which was quite far
RHS Bridgewater Gardens was our next port of call
A beautifully laid out area and friendly to all
Mobility scooters were available to help people get round
Our four racers set off at speed and covered much ground
Next stop was at Dunham Massey in the borough of Trafford
A moated house so full of treasures,such an impressive hoard
Back to the Hotel and farewell to our lovely Blue Badge guide
Her knowledge and friendly personality ensured we enjoyed the ride
All too quickly our holiday in Cheshire had come to an end
We enjoyed it all and the weather had been a good friend
We were off home via Stratford on Avon, a brief visit with time to feed
Plus, a behind the scenes tour of Shakespeare’s Theatre, a treat indeed
Finally, back, on to the motorways for the journey to Surrey
Drop offs at various points in Dorking were done without hurry
Thanks to our nice coach driver for driving and helping us to roam
We had covered about 800 miles and it was time to go home
by Ianthe Cox, group leader