If you're looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the countryside then there's nothing better than a sunny summer afternoon cruise along the Tiverton Canal sitting on a horse-drawn barge.

Prior to the cruise members enjoyed a lunch at Bickleigh Mill - Devon's shopping, eating and recreation destination housed within a 18th century historic working water Mill.

A coach ride to Bickleigh Mill ...	... where lunch could be enjoyed outside ...
... or inside ...	... with a chance to chat to ...
... friends new and old.	Then on to the Canal where the barge ...
... and the horse were waiting ...	... to greet us ready for the cruise ...
... through the Devon countryside ...	... at a leisurely pace ...
... giving ample opportunity to ...	... relax and thnk of a less hectic era.

A glorious June morning was the ideal setting for our annual Members' walk around the Golden Cap Estate guided by the Head Warden, Rob Rhodes.

Meeting outside the Stonebarrow shop ...	... members appreciated the drinks and biscuits ...
... supplied by the Social Committee.	There was also a chance to chat ...
... and listen to Rob explaining about how the estate was formed.	Rob then guided us around just a small section ...
... of the Golden Cap Estate pointing out the view of Lyme Regis ...	... in one direction and the Golden Cap itself in the other.

On a coolish June morning some members of the committee met some of those who had joined the Golden Cap Centre during the past 12 months. Tea or Coffee and biscuits were enjoyed along with a chance to chat and make friends.

The morning also included a talk by West Dorset's Visitor Services Manager, Caroline Richards, when she introduced the various NT properties in the local area.

An opportunity to chat ...	... was eagerly grasped ...
... by long-standing and ...	... new members alike.

The second venue on our May outing was to Gants Mill - a watermill on the River Brue near Bruton, Somerset. Hidden in the depths of Somerset down winding country lanes with sharp bends proved to be a challenge for our coach driver, one he met successfully.

We were given a guided tour of the current mill by Brian Shingler, who is the sixth generation of his family to act as the miller. It was built in 1810 but includes parts of the 18th century building and possibly some material from earlier mills, as there has been a mill on the same site since about 1290 which was originally a fulling mill.

It is a grade II* listed building, and takes its name from John le Gaunt who owned it in 1290.

Most of the machinery, including the grindstones, conveyers, sackhoist and grain bins, date from 1888 and is still used for grinding animal feed. Steam power was introduced in 1883, and replaced by semi-diesel in 1914. The mill was once on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk Register, but has now been restored.

The water garden planted and cared for by the Miller's wife, Alison Shingler, includes seasonal displays of iris, roses, delphiniums, day lilies, clematis, and dahlias and is also a popular venue for weddings.

The Grade II* listed building ...	... is complemented by a beautiful garden.
George the coach driver (right) has a well earned rest ...	... in the garden gazebo which is also licensed for weddings.
Happily sitting in the sun ...	... waiting for the tour of the mill to start.
Not simply a talk but a practical demonstration ...	... by the miller himself.
Bramble takes time off from his duties.	Tea and cake followed and another chance ...
... to inspect the beautiful garden and sculptures.	May is iris time.

Gants Mill is open for visitors on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month between May and September. Further details on their website: www.gantsmill.co.uk