Trip Report from Shirley Harvey.
A coach full of U3a members set off on our trip to Gloucester at around 9.30am. The weather was good, if a little chilly to start.
We arrived behind the Gloucester Quays shops. A walk up the steps or ramp and there we were, the shops, such a treat. A stop for a coffee for most was first, then some retail therapy. Some of us had never been to Gloucester before and really enjoyed the shops, so many, it was a treat.
Then on to exploring the Docks area. We had lunch in a delightful café, 'Café Tucci' and then thought we would visit the Canal Museum across the square opposite the café. The weather had turned into a lovely sunny day,
At The Canal River Trust Museum the staff were very welcoming. “Are you from the u3a Weston? We've had a few of you in already.” Dave, a volunteer, gave us a very informative and interesting introduction to the Museum, surrounding docks and the Sharpness canal using old photos on a screen and a model of the river Severn. We saw him again when we went outside to see more exhibits. He showed us Sabrina, barge No 5. This would have been towed along with others down the canals by small tug. We went inside and saw how the planks and tarpaulin which were the roof could be removed so wood and cargo could be loaded. The wheel house could be lowered in order to get under bridges. Then we moved to Boadicea (or Boudicca). This was a small ship which had worked around Gloucester, the Thames and had been commandeered to take part in the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. It shuttled men from the beaches to the larger ships out at sea. It took soldiers and thirteen wounded. A nurse was taken from another ship to look after them.
The Museum was easy to follow, full of interesting exhibits and engineering and had a lot for children to do to hold their interest.
We arrived back in Weston around 6pm. Thanks to Martin, our coach driver and Jenny Entwistle, our trip organiser for a lovely day out, she was taught well by Jenny Schofield!
(last updated 01/04/26)