GROUP VISITS FOR ALL


“BEST places in the soft South?” Somebody shouted at me across a crowded room. As a minor delegate attending a short, just one day, conference I genuinely did not realise that my fellow delegate was addressing me, until she wandered over and repeated herself directly to me. “Best places in the soft South?” Is this a hypothetical question? I asked myself. Or possibly I may have missed


As the summer looms in from over the horizon, churches and schools, children’s and youth groups, special interest societies and all manner of other organisations start planning ahead. Yes, the (hopefully) warm season is approaching! It’s nearly time for another round of exciting days out and short trips away from home to relax with friends in a convivial atmosphere. Our regular contributor, Eric Thorn was recently asked for helpful suggestions of suitable places to visit in the south of England. In this feature, he takes the opportunity to share his thoughts with our readership in the hope that many will discover new places for memorable adventures.


something from the just finished introductory session. In any event, I was certain that I had not met this lady before.


Whilst I continued to sip my glass of Scottish mineral water, allegedly filtered through the Highlands for more years than I care to imagine, Felicity explained. She indicated that she was looking for possible venues in the soft South, by which she was referring to the south and south-east of the United Kingdom, suitable for her church and Sunday school, for an enjoyable day out during the summer. As a secondary consideration, she was interested in discovering places for a weekend away that were suitable for an informal church conference. Felicity’s church is in Bedfordshire. She has been organising days out rather than short conferences for a number of years. Some churches in her area are believed to have days out to more or less the same venues every year, but Felicity is of the opinion that a number of people may find it boring to go to the same place annually. Because of her considerations, she prefers to arrange visits to different places. Day trips would essentially need to be to places that could be completed by coach travel. Last year they went, for a change, to Bournemouth. It was the furthest day out that Felicity had ever arranged and although this meant leaving early in the morning and returning during the late evening, a good time was reportedly had by all.


But what was all this about the “Soft South” and why had Felicity approached me to enquire about venue suggestions?


Felicity explained: the “Soft South” is what she has always known as a kind of nick name for what she understands is the part of England that boasts the warmest climate. As far as approaching me, well, it seems that Felicity had made it to known during a conversation with


one of the conference organisers that she was seeking suggestions of places to visit in the south-east. The organiser in question knew me and my former association with the south coast, so suggested that Felicity might have a chat with me and pick my brains on the topic. Felicity went on to explain that although many of her outings were to seaside towns, she had often been disappointed with the inclement weather. She was happy to consider inland attractions with covered places in case of rain. For instance, they had sometimes been to properties such as those managed by the National Trust and English Heritage that included café facilities. For some unknown reason, Felicity was interested in the East Grinstead area which, indeed, I was able to advise her on. I was able to advise Felicity about a choice of venues that I could personally recommend in and around the East Grinstead area that are suitable for all manner of groups to visit; some that are particularly suited for children and some that are suitable for visitors of all ages. Of course, I did that from memory at the time, but on reflection I now have even more suggestions which I am delighted to pass on here.


Time stands still


Many tourist attractions have a historical background or setting. Local museums probably head the list being, as they are, showcases for intriguing relics and activities of ages long since past. If planned carefully, coach parties can easily take in two or even three short visits in one day, though I suggest two is probably enough, with a lunch break in between. Travelling to the south from the midlands, the


West Sussex town of East Grinstead borders the counties of both East Sussex and Surrey. It is easily reached via either the A22 or M23. Recorded in the Doomsday Book 1086, it is certainly a place where time stands still. Located in Cantelupe Road, the purpose


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