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

Our coach arrived at Glastonbury Abbey to find that the car park was full! Undeterred George, our driver, quickly rearranged his plans and advised members of where he would be found after completing our tour of the ruins.

We were thrilled to find that two medieval guides were waiting to conduct us around the grounds pointing out places of interest as well as relating fascinating historical stories about the area.

The West door of the great church ...	... where tales were told ...
... and ruins explained ...	... to fascinated listeners.
Some were prepared to defend themselves ...	... but the knight proved friendly.
He made the past relive again ...	... as did the young Saxon monk ...
... who enthralled his group with his tales.	The Abbot's Kitchen proved to ...
... contain food of a sorts ...	... at least for one!

When we'd had our fill of history we had time to think about lunch before searching out the coach for the next part of our day out.