Magical Mystery Tour

The Friends of Gloucestershire Archives and their friends enjoyed a splendid magical mystery tour at the beginning of October, incredibly skilfully put together by our host, John Chandler. The event was the busiest ever, with 40 members and guests gathering on a fine Sunday morning, when we headed west from Gloucester, weaving our way (just) across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, before ending up in Herefordshire.

The roadwork gods were kind, as was St Sebastian the patron saint of runners who made sure that unlike last year, all and any half marathons were conducted well away from our route. Our inestimable driver, Tony, handled the coach beautifully. He ensured that the oldest surviving place of worship for a world religion did not sustain a coach shaped dent.

The weather too was glorious, allowing a relaxing stroll around the significant grounds of an early medieval priory as well as an inspection of the priory itself with a very topical connection to the Bayeux tapestry. The afternoon took a colourful turn with a trip to a local ‘Strawberry Hill Gothic’ church before the town featuring black and white buildings, and appearing in the Hamnet film proved to be our final stop.

All involved heartily agreed that a very good time had been had, and that very grateful thanks are owed to John Chandler for putting together such a fascinating expedition.

For those of you who would like to know the final destinations involved, please look out for the Friends of Gloucestershire Archives newsletter where all will be revealed!

If you’d like to join the Friends and enjoy a member rate for the next magical mystery tour please go to the website at https://www.foga.online/join.