Friday 25th April saw some 28 members of the Club travel to Llandudno for a long weekend break; unfortunately two never made it, but that’s another story. They came in all directions; some using satnav directly via the M6 and A55, some using a good old road map along the A5. Comfort breaks at garden centres and cafes en route; Bodnant Gardens a final stop before the Marine Hotel, The Promenade, Llandudno.
Evening meal at 6.30 saw yet another casualty when little Sue was hit by a bout of sickness; was it the cockles and ice cream eagerly devoured on the pier during the afternoon? Phil and Mike capitalized on the situation with double helping of main and pudding. Friday night’s entertainment was the usual fare of bingo with the other Sue winning £10 for a line. Birthday Boy David, ably assisted by tall John, contributed to the entertainment acting as backing singers/dancers to the crooneress. Watch out for the video.
Saturday morning Sue was at the breakfast table making up for lost time. The morning saw the group in Conway, swarming around the harbour, falconry display, Telford’s bridge and the Town’s walls. Ken opted for a leisurely boat trip around the Conway estuary. Much advice was given regarding photographic techniques and camera settings, then exhausted, everyone descended to cafes and the chippy for well-earned refreshments. The weather had been kind; plenty of sunshine but a little breezy. Only one reported casualty this morning; a combination of vertigo and claustrophobia forced Jayne down from the Town Wall.
The Great Orme beckoned for the majority of us; fabulous views over the Conway estuary and Llandudno promenade saw the cameras out in force. St. Tudno’s church was once again a popular venue with its’ beautiful stained glass windows. After a couple of hours everyone returned to the hotel. Angie and Rita took a more energetic route down the recently constructed pathway, which conveniently comes out near the Grand Hotel; need I say more, afternoon tea etc.
After Friday night’s scintillating entertainment we decided that Saturday night would be camera night. So out on to the promenade we went camera and tripods to the fore. Nice sunset over the Great Orme and afterglow on the Little Orme. Our image making session was in full swing when it was rudely interrupted by none other than the local constabulary; apparently picked up on CCTV the Police were intrigued by the presence of the “Press” in large numbers in Llandudno and two community officers were dispatched to investigate. After extensive questioning one of the Phils was temporarily taken into custody!
Sunday morning dawned brightly and we all sallied forth to Anglesey with Beaumaris as first port of call. Phil and Teresa took to the air on the big wheel whilst everyone else sunned themselves and shopped for lunch. On to Penmon Point and cream teas after a spot of seawatching and long exposures. On our return journey we called in at Garth Pier, Bangor; a little Welshman threw a tantrum over 20 pence and ended up with 50 pence for his trouble!
The evening saw the climax of Angie’s quiz and brain-teaser, in the form of guessing the number of items in her tin box; Pauline was £ 27 better off! John, Alison, Jayne, Clare and Brian had started their trek home during the day; it’s hard on the workers.
Monday morning saw a mass exodus and the long journey home. Surprisingly, nobody really wanted to go and most stopped of at Bodnant Gardens, which were bathed in glorious sunshine.
Alas all good things have to end. Looking forward to the next time!
A Llandudno Gallery has been started; please add your images.
Pete & Angie.
PS. Thank you all for the card, kind comments and gifts.
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