Our first visit was to the craft centre at Arreton. This provided plenty of photo opportunities, with an ancient church and duck pond, plus the competition favourite - lots of rusty machinery.

Another attraction on site was the pub. Who should be sitting in the sunshine sipping something refreshing? None other than our members-in-exile, Annette and Roger East! They must be missing us all as they were to be seen at Osborne House and had dinner with us both nights!

Saturday dawned, slightly overcast, and after a good breakfast, we set off for Osborne House. The interior was very interesting, but no photography. Still, we all made up for that in the extensive grounds and gardens. So that was the Architecture Competition and an Open Competition or two sorted! The Walled Garden and its greenhouses contained a surprising variety of flowers and shrubs given the lateness of the season. No doubt plenty of those will be seen throughout next year.

In the afternoon the sun had come out and it was boys toys time, with a trip on the IOW Steam train. Even those of us who are not machine-mad found it interesting and very enjoyable. We wandered around the station area beforehand and could get off at the other stations to take pictures and watch the engines being changed, etc. Afterwards we were treated to a visit to the workshops where the volunteers restored and refurbished the rolling stock.

On Sunday morning it was warm and sunny. Many of us took the chance of a stroll along the esplanade and elevenses in the sunshine. A ride on the road train took us to the old village and we arrived back at the hotel in time for Sunday lunch and final departure.
We all had a great time. The hotel staff made us very welcome and the coach crew were delightful. Our thanks go to Glyn Hawkins for organising the trip.