Dani I would just like to express my sincere thanks TO the whole team at Just for Groups, for the contribution you have each made to ensure that our holiday was all and sometimes considerably more than we could have hoped for.
I retired as Group Holiday Organizer, at last week's meeting of Nuneaton Friendship Centre. After 25 years in that office/post. We first went to Llandriddod Wells staying at The Grand Usk, where we went for walks across the Brecon Beacons. We travelled in our own cars then, being just a small number, but also managed to walk up the steep hill, well it was a challenge, to see the lake where Barns Wallace, went for his practice runs, to ensure he released the bombs at the correct altitude, to do maximum damage during the Second World War.
We all 'dined out for ages, on having to reverse up the hill, all 4 cars, because we had to get past a refuse collection lorry. A tight squeeze for all of us, It wasn't long though, before we found and fell in love with Austria, the memories of which will stay with us forever.
When, age crept upon us whilst we were enjoying riding on cable cars, trains and long walks, our numbers began to dwindle, from 28 in Zell am Zee, right down to 2, on the high glacier. This was our last holiday before Covid curtailed our gatherings. I remember very well we were planning our next one on the way home. We had taken the cable car up the first part, then walked about 3 miles, before turning round to walk back to the cable car. Instead, we made the rash decision to walk down. It was 14 miles.
When we were well down, I was pooped and sat on a huge stone for a rest. Tony followed suit, but after a short rest, we needed to continue, as we also had a big journey, from the cable car back to the village. I asked Tony to go ahead and get 2 big ice creams. I am 12 years older than him, gave him some Euros and followed him down, albeit slower.
That was our last holiday because COVID-19 curtailed all of our activities. Well, that is until this last holiday to Newcastle upon Tyne. What started as a disaster for me, ended wonderfully. The 2 groups mixed very well, despite not knowing each other until then. In fact 2 from each group, wanted to go to Beamish, instead of the planned day out, so they enquired and went on the service bus.
This was also the holiday where all agreed that the coach driver, was a real gem. Despite the distance it was to go from Alnwick, up and through spectacular countryside, to Keilder Forest, a place which he had never heard of, nor could he find the information to put in his sat nav. We went and would recommend it to anyone, with one alteration. Make it a full day, not just a taster.
On our way back, Paul said he had a surprise for us. Cream tea on a Train. No, it didn't move, there were just 3 carriages which were permanently there, with a few other things to look at, like the tourist Centre.Again I would like to express my very sincere thanks to the whole team, current and retired, for the organisation, which made life much easier for me.
With very best wishes to all. God Bless. - Barbara.