The team at 'just for groups!' are always pleased to receive reports from our group organisers and members. Here is a magical one that touched all our hearts about this U3A's group holiday to Thursford Christmas Spectacular.
Amazing, spectacular, magnificent, dazzling, colourful, nostalgic, lively, exhilarating and emotional, what a SHOW! Why had I waited so long to see it?
Over 130 singers, dancers and musicians combined to give a seamless production to make one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable evenings that I have ever experienced. The spirit of Christmas surrounded us and set the scene for the happy family times to come. My heart was glowing with happiness as the evening evolved and I was almost overcome with joy and love. The displays decorating the steam engines, tractors, mechanical organs and carousels in Fantasy Land were magical and so well presented.
Everything was pristine and in perfect order. We felt like children again as we gazed in wonder at the exhibits. The shops took us back in time to the Dickensian period. Once again we were transported to bygone times and the real meaning of Christmas. Margaret has arranged similar trips before and many people were returnees; a sign of the quality of the experience. It was a first for me and one that I will treasure forever. The next day, the day of the big storm, we visited the city of Norwich where people found the Cathedral, the famous Mustard Shop and other shops and places of interest. It was cold and windy but we were fortunate to avoid any wet weather.
In the afternoon we went to the Fakenham Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival where 77 Christmas Trees were decorated to raise funds for charities. The church looked absolutely fantastic. The day ended with a visit to Holt where we visited the ‘Tardis’ like departmental store called Bakers and Larners to stock up on specialised seasonal foods and gifts. On the last day our final stop on the way home was Stamford, a beautiful small town bursting with so many independent shops all decorated with seasonal products. A fitting end to our short break. We certainly returned home more prepared for our individual celebrations.
Thank you Margaret for making this magical experience possible and thanks to everyone on the trip for making it such a special occasion.
S. HowlettUniversity of the Third Age