Our Friday morning sessions occur about twice a month in the comfort of your own home via zoom and last about 90 minutes with a short break for coffee half way through. New members are always welcome to join us by contacting me, Chris Gardner, using the contact form.

This summer has seen us visit beautiful places closer to home.

Back in May we spent time looking around Vienna from the beautiful classical architecture to relaxing in the wonderful green parks. You can’t visit this vibrant city without feasting on theirs music so we took in a classical concert, an opera and an open air live screening outside the city hall of a Franz Zimmer tribute to his film music. The final stop was to the vineyards on the outskirts of the city where they produce some outstanding wines you can taste.

In June we looked the outstanding villages and towns in South Tirol, Italy close to Bolzano. The area is dominated by the majestic Dolomite mountain range that towers above the settlements. Vineyards dominate the slopes and engulf the tiny roads that weave in between them. We looked at food of the area; hams, cheeses and knodel, which added to the experience when sampled with the wines. Whilst there I was researching a family tree which involved visiting the churches and graveyards which are have so much character and differ in so many ways from ours.

Our final talks in July reflected upon the wonders of Cornwall over the past ten years of visiting it. We looked at Looe, Lizzard peninsular, Artists like Barbara Hepworth and a wide range of gardens open to the public.  Visit to St. Michael’s Mount and looked at the disused Tin Mines really conjured up the special qualities this county has to offer us.

We had a break in August and the first half of September to allow me to travel abroad collecting photos and videos for talks in 2025. So we have a lot to look forward to as a group.

Chris Gardner

(last updated 6/9/24)