In June 2009 50 members were thrilled to be able to visit the RN College in Dartmouth for a guided tour and cream tea. Strict security measures were in place and coach and bags were checked before we were allowed inside. After a tour around the grounds in the coach we were split into two groups for the tour. As the first person got off the coach the heavens opened and it continued to rain steadily for the rest of the afternoon. (We were reassured by the Guides that this was 'Devon sunshine' but it looked decidedly wet to us visitors from Dorset!) Fortunately the tour concentrated on inside the building although it would have been wonderful to be able to wander around the grounds in sunshine.

Photographs were only allowed in public parts of the building and we had to be careful not to include the face or uniform of any service personnel. The Quarterdeck is the name given to a central hall where we found a fencing lesson taking place (and we thought that this was a modern Navy establishment!). The balcony area is known as the Poop Deck which sported curved balcony rails which were designed to allow ladies in their crinolines to view the activities below without affecting the hang of their skirts.

A fleeting view of the parade ground through the rain

The Quarter Deck

Note the balcony rails to the Poop Deck.

Eventually our tour ended up in a wonderful room (in Naval tradition this is called a Senior Gun Room) with a magnificent ceiling plus some very appetising warm scones, cream and jam - not to mention the very welcome cup of tea or coffee.

The Senior Gun Room laid ready for tea	We're ready for our cuppa
These are mine - where are yours?	Time for a proper look around - notice the ceiling
On the ceiling . . .	. . . and this . . .
. . . and this.	An electric-lier (rather than a chandelier)

Our tour continued after the refreshments with a visit to the museum and a shopping 'opportunity'.

A very different experience, fascinating and also frustrating as there was so much more to see and learn about but no time in which to do it. (Apparently the naval cadets were all outside in the pouring rain doing 'outdoor activities'.)