From page 21


Not only does it boast beautiful gardens, it also houses the Millennium Seed Bank. Wakehurst (https://www.kew.org/wakehurst) is located just outside of East Grinstead, in Ardingly Road, near Turners Hill.


Other gardens local to East Grinstead include the National Trust Sheffield Park and Garden (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield- park-and-garden) close to the Bluebell Railway Sheffield Park station.


Those who wish to enjoy a walk through the Hundred Acre Wood may follow one or more of the Pooh Walks, retracing the steps taken by Christopher Robin, Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore. A map is available from Pooh Corner which you may not need, but makes a nice souvenir. Whether or not you are a fan of Christopher Robin and his bear, I believe Pooh Corner is a great place to visit for all ages. A delightful venue providing a unique glimpse of the world of Christopher Robin Milne.


Green fingers


Many churches and other organisations have members who are avid gardeners. In my experience, it is sometimes overlooked that garden venues can often prove suitable for a great day out. I have participated in group trips to such places, and have been pleasantly surprised at how much these venues have been appreciated by young and old alike. Indeed, I recall at least one such coach journey to visit two beautiful gardens in one day,


although quite often it is better to visit just one: those with green fingers generally spend a lot of time inspecting the flora and fauna and taking photographs of the views. Following the outing, it came to light that some people had been bitten with the green finger bug; they set to work tidying up their own gardens! And some children managed to persuade their parents/ guardians to let them have a small patch to cultivate.


An outing to a garden can also do wonders for school teachers and also those who volunteer to be a member of their church flower ministry team. Teachers, especially primary school teachers, can often note ideas for nature projects and activities for their classes in the school garden. For churches and other organisations, gardens can be a source of bright ideas for unusual floral displays, possibly incorporating a welcome departure from the norm. Wakehurst is part of the popular Kew Gardens.


Group Travel Organiser In this article I have intentionally only mentioned places to visit in the East Grinstead area of the “Soft South” because not only have I passed on information briefly given verbally to Felicity, but also it would be impossible to suggest venues covering the whole of the United Kingdom, bearing in mind that this journal is distributed nationally. It is my hope, however, that I have been able, however briefly, to provide some new thinking to most, if not all, of our readers. No way would I expect readers who are not within a reasonable travel distance from the south of England to consider the East Grinstead area unless plans are afoot for a residential stay away for a few days! Especially for those outside of the relevant catchment area, I recommend the Group Travel Organiser magazine (https://grouptravelorganiser.com). This dedicated journal for group travel professionals is available free of charge or may be read online. It provides the latest comprehensive details of places to visit on day trips and short breaks throughout the UK, so it is suitable for everybody!


Each edition of Group Travel Organiser magazine announces the latest information about places well worth visiting. This includes changes and updates pertinent to well- established venues, alongside announcements about new venues and when they expect to be open.


Useful diary items include dates and information regarding what’s on. Promotional events are also listed. These latter events are usually free, although advance registration is recommended. They include local exhibitions and shows around the country, where exhibitors from a wide range of venues showcase their facilities and have representatives on hand to answer queries.


Enjoy your day out! Eric A. Thorn


22 Email: EricAThorn@msn.com M24


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