About 40 or so of us boarded the snazzy coach in Partridge Green and sped off to our former capital city of Winchester for the day. OK it rained lightly for most of the morning but did not dampen our spirits. We started our sightseeing at the wonderful 11th century cathedral – home of King Alfred & King Canute and the setting for Trollope’s ‘Barchester Chronicels’. It now houses the 12th century Winchester Bible and the modern Anthony Gormley figure in the crypt. There was an exhibition in the cathedral to remember the amazing feat of William Walker who, a hundred years ago, saved the cathedral from collapse by diving in the foundations six hours a day in total darkness laying concrete.

The city has an interesting history. The Doomsday book was compiled there, half the population died from the Back death in the 14th century and the Plague in the 17th century, Raleigh was tried for treason there, it had a castle which Cromwell had demolished, a famous public school, and a magnificent 13th century Great Hall which was used as a court house up to quite recent times and houses a huge ancient Round Table. We included a museum detailing Winchester’s history and plenty of places to choose for lunch and I know a few in our party were busy with their camera.

We all made it back on the bus in time and were off to the village of Chawton to visit Jane Austen’s home. This was one of many of her fine homes in her life and where she wrote four of her best known novels. Very interesting items all round the house including an account from her publishers notifying her of her £70 fee for one of her books!

Then back home safe and sound – there some pictures in the Parish Picture Gallery.