On a very wet morning a group of 36 members and friends set off at 9.00am on our last trip of the year to see the Autumn colour in the gardens of Hatfield House. The weather while travelling along the motorway was dreadful, but our driver Trev soldiered on cheerfully and we arrived safely to be met with clearing skies and a very pleasant member of staff who boarded the coach and welcomed us all, telling us about the arrangements and the lay of the estate.

Having been issued with tickets, we all made our way to the restaurant for our coffee and biscuits, by which time the weather was starting to look rather more hopeful - unfortunately not for too long.

Some members repaired to the shops and a wonderful exhibition of militaria, while other more intrepid people braved the elements before repairing again to the restaurant for lunch.

Miraculously the skies showed blue and the sun came out for most of the afternoon so we were able to see the colour and the beautiful and extensive gardens, several of which are not generally open to the public. We left a little earlier than planned, but all agreed that it had turned into a great day with a bonus of getting home before dark

Iris Novell