Saturday 16 November 2024

The group were lucky to enjoy a rain-free day in Gloucester (unlike poor Dr Foster when he visited the city!)

Twenty-two of us met at Choir HQ in Risca and our coach arrived promptly at 9.15am allowing us to set off on time just after 9.30am.  The “rabble” at the back were able to stretch out as the coach company (Jenson Travel, based in Pontypool) had provided a full-size coach (at no extra cost). Many thanks to Mike Sullivan (Baritone) and Leigh Tucker (Bass) for organising the coach.  The coach itself had been decorated with tinsel and berries putting us all in a festive mood.

Our coach driver, Dai, took us on a safe and smooth trip to Gloucester Quays in just over an hour.  He was familiar with the route as he had been there with another party the previous week; and was due to make another journey to Gloucester the following week.  He was able to drop us off at the Quays just outside the entrance to the designer outlet.

The shopping centre was decorated ready for Christmas.  There were plenty of people milling around and there was a buzz of anticipation of what lay ahead for us during the day.  Some of our party headed straight for a coffee whilst others headed through the centre out to the historic docks where the Christmas market stalls were set up.  There we found plenty of local produce on sale and lots of hand-crafted jewellery and other gifts.  And unlike the Bath Christmas Market, the Gloucester Quays were not too busy that day.

It was lovely to walk around and appreciate the waterways and the historic dockland buildings at close quarters which had been recently restored and repurposed.  There was also the National Waterways Museum which was now housed in a Victorian warehouse.

As well as some temporary market stalls, decorated in a multitude of coloured lights, there were also more permanent wooden structures selling delicious-looking local produce - food and drinks (a range of gins seemed to be very popular!).  Unlike the Bath markets, the stalls in Gloucester were concentrated in one area so we didn’t have to walk too far to see it all.

After browsing the markets, myself and friends Nancy and Hazel, headed for the city centre, which was well signposted with plenty of street maps to help visitors navigate their way to the local places of interest.

Along the main street there was a beautiful old clock above a lovely old jewellery shop with a series of clockwork life-size figures which moved as each hour was struck (see attached photo).  

Off one of the side streets, we were directed to our destination - the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral.  There was no entrance fee, but visitors were encouraged to make a donation.  The outside is impressive but the inside is even more spectacular! It is steeped in history.  statues, tombs, chapels and remnants of medieval stained glass. Inside we ambled down the ancient corridors where the graves of long-departed parishioners and clerics now reside - some dating back to the sixteenth century.  The Gothic architecture is impressive with intricate carvings.  The courtyard is a must-see and I am sure would be even more spectacular in the summertime.  As we stood in awe of the place, a friendly robin perched near our bench and made the scene complete.

Back inside we discovered that the cathedral organ was being restored.  An information panel provided some interesting information about the multicoloured organ pipes that were being replaced.

Gloucester Cathedral has a connection to the Gloucestershire Regiment, a British infantry unit that served from 1881 to 1994: Regimental flags and banners adorned the walls of the cathedral honouring those who had served their country and fallen in battle.

Our tour finished in the cathedral gift shop which was well-worth a visit for some beautiful and unusual keepsakes. The cathedral has been used as a filming location for movies and for television including: the first, second and sixth Harry Potter movies.  There were a few gifts on sale linked to these movies.

We returned to the market for another quick look around before lunch.  For lunch we went to “Bill’s” restaurant and were pleasantly surprised to be shown to our table almost immediately – even though the place was heaving with hungry shoppers.

Suitably refreshed we mustered our energy to visit the Designer Outlet.  There were Black Friday sales on so this area was very busy.  We managed to bag a few bargains before heading for a well-earned coffee.  We joined Jan Hopkins and her friend Jen who had already secured a table.  They had both enjoyed the day and had relished the opportunity for a leisurely catch up without their other halves!

The day had gone by so quickly and it was time to return to the coach laden with our purchases. Dai was waiting to greet us and some of our party were already back on the coach.  Many had taken advantage of the spare seats to spread out for the journey home.  All in all a wonderful day spent with lovely friends – what more could you ask for.  Stay tuned for news of our next adventure!

Olga Tutton
November 2024