SHOBROOKE Friendly Club’s May outing this year was to Buckfast Abbey and Paignton.

A total of 32 members and friends from Crediton enjoyed the coach ride to Buckfast, where we arrived at about 10.30am.

After the usual visit to the café for coffee or something more substantial a leisurely three hours was spent looking around the Abbey and gardens.

Everyone marvelled at the workmanship that had gone into building the Abbey, and that so few monks had managed to create something so beautiful in just over 30 years. The weather was fine and warm, ideal for a pleasant stroll around the Abbey Gardens, or just for sitting in the sun.

After leaving Buckfast Abbey at about 1.30pm we travelled on to Paignton, where although the sun shone there was a strong breeze which made it feel much cooler.

Some of what were former hotels near the sea front were in the throes of demolition, which gave the place rather a run-down appearance.

The sea breeze made the water rather choppy. There were only about half-a-dozen brave souls with their surfboards in the water.

Obviously the water had not warmed up sufficiently for anyone else without a wetsuit to venture in.

The few hours spent at Paignton were passed either looking around the many gift shops or sitting quietly in one of the many street side coffee houses watching the world go by.

The usual draw was held on the coach on the way home, and we arrived back in Shobrooke at about 6.15pm.

The next meeting of the Club will be on June 19 in the Village Hall at the usual time of 2.15pm when there will be the chance to take part in some gentle exercise to music. Why not come along and have a gentle workout?

On July 17 the club is organising an outing to Tavistock and The Garden House at Buckland Monachorum.

The cost will be the coach fare plus the group rate entrance fee to the gardens of £8.50 per person.

Anyone wishing to go or to simply get more details should contact Margaret Gale on 01363 773282.

Norman Gale