ALTHOUGH the weather forecast a few days previously had promised a fine day for May 16, this was not to be. The morning dawned dull and overcast with a hint of rain in the air.

A total of 43 people, some of them Friendly Club members, and others from Crediton and surrounding area, made up the compliment for the journey to Dartmouth.

Before we reached Dartmouth it started to rain, but thankfully by the time journey’s end was reached the rain had stopped, although it was still cloudy.

The first port of call was to search out a cafe. Sadly, the cafe on the quayside, that had once formed parts of the railway service was closed. Nevertheless other cafes in the area must have picked up the trade.

After coffee, most of the people on the outing took one or other of the boat trips plying for trade along the quayside. It was whilst on the river trip that it really poured with rain for quite a little while. Thankfully once off the trip the rain eased.

Later in the afternoon we left Dartmouth for the Cider Press Centre at Dartington for afternoon tea, and of course there was the obligatory shopping.

The usual draw was held on the coach on the way home. The first prize was a box of groceries, which was won by Beth Daniels. Second prize, a bottle of wine was run by Rosa Hasler, third prize a folding shopping bag went to Eric Halsey, and the last prize an organiser was won by Sheila Job.

A list regarding the Club’s next outing on July 18, to Falmouth was circulated, and those wishing to go were requested to add their names to it.

Anyone wishing to go should contact either Eileen James on 01392 851218, Margaret Gale on 01363 773282 or Diane Tutton on 01363 860116. The fare will be announced later when it is known how many wish to go.

The next meeting of the Club will be on June 20, when Phil Keene, who was a one-time resident of Shobrooke, before moving to Topsham, will give a talk and demonstration on Screen Printing at home.

Norman Gale