http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/ 2010-08-23T07:05:16+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/ http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/lib/images/favicon.ico text/html 2010-04-10T20:43:27+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:2010_agm?rev=1270932207&do=diff The 2010 AGM was held on Monday 29th March when the following appointments were made: President: Christopher Walliker Chairman: Yvonne Welch Secretary: Marjorie Broadhead Treasurer: Penny Bigg It was unanimously agreed that our retiring President, Roland Moss, should join Major Derek Parsons and Peter Phillips as Hon. Life-Vice President. text/html 2009-04-18T20:41:40+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:31st_annual_general_meeting?rev=1240087300&do=diff [Members attending the AGM] The AGM was held on 30th March where it was agreed that we would make a donation of £4,500 to the National Trust West Dorset office. This is to be used on three projects: Innovative and eye catching display material for the Roving Recruiter (£1,500); Workshops with children & young people (£1,800); Golden Cap Walk leaflet additional costs or BaseCamp finishing touches (£1,200). text/html 2010-07-19T20:42:48+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:a_cruise_on_the_tiverton_canal?rev=1279572168&do=diff 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. text/html 2009-10-16T22:21:04+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:a_feast_of_nostalgia?rev=1255731664&do=diff Over 70 members congregated at Salway Ash Village Hall in October to enjoy a meal cooked and served by the Social Committee members and friends. The menu consisted of items remembered from childhood days (mainly post war). There was also entertainment of song and verse from bygone days by Folk South West. Members were encouraged to join in the choruses of the songs remembered with affection. text/html 2009-08-21T17:07:23+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:a_river_avon_cruise?rev=1250874443&do=diff On a damp Wednesday morning in August 50 members climbed aboard the narrowboat Redshank for a river cruise around the floating harbour in Bristol and then upstream to the rural stretches of the River Avon. We were not going to let a few cold drips of rain down the backs of our necks dampen our spirits or spoil our enjoyment of this peaceful passage through the countryside. text/html 2009-02-19T23:09:39+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:a_sociable_lunch?rev=1235084979&do=diff In February more than 50 members enjoyed an excellent meal in congenial company at the Eype Mouth Country Hotel, Bridport. This is the latest in a series of lunches held in one of the many attractive pubs and hotels to be found in the West Dorset area. The popularity of the events is proving problematic for the organisers in that they have to find venues that can cope with the growing number of members who wish to join in. text/html 2009-11-30T21:39:10+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:a_visit_to_the_victorian_christmas_festival_in_portsmouth?rev=1259617150&do=diff A little bit of rain wasn't enough to dampen the enthusiasm of 40 members for a much anticipated visit to Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard's Victorian Festival of Christmas. There was so much to see that even a 5 hour visit wasn't long enough to fit it all in. text/html 2009-11-30T20:58:07+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:autumn_coffee_morning?rev=1259614687&do=diff On a wet miserable Saturday morning all was light and warmth in the Hall of the United Church in Bridport where we held our annual Autumn Coffee Morning. As well as tea, coffee and biscuits there was also on offer homemade cakes, good quality gifts, NT seasonal items, a guess the weight of a Christmas cake competition and a raffle. All this raised in excess of £225 which will be handed over to the West Dorset NT staff for use in our area. text/html 2010-08-10T20:35:32+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:biological_evidence_for_climate_change?rev=1281472532&do=diff We were really fortunate in welcoming Professor Sir Ghillean Prance, FRS as our July Guest Speaker. He told a packed hall that climate change is without doubt the greatest challenge facing mankind but damage to remote rainforests can sometimes appear to have little bearing on our everyday lives. text/html 2009-02-05T08:31:07+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:chairmans_report_january_2009?rev=1233822667&do=diff Introduction A very Happy New Year to you all from the members of the Golden Cap Centre Committee. 2008 was a good year for the Centre. We had some interesting Illustrated Talks (we are still indebted to Tony Wyatt for the current series 2008/9), a very well supported range of Social Events and a good series of Outings, as well as two Holidays. So we certainly enjoyed ourselves but as a bonus we also made some very useful money for the National Trust which can be spent locally. text/html 2009-02-05T19:46:08+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:christmas_trees?rev=1233863168&do=diff For many years the Bridport United Church has held a Christmas Tree Festival in December. Local groups and organisations are invited to decorate a Christmas Tree to advertise their organisation and, in some case, raise funds. [Other decorated trees in the church] text/html 2010-06-10T15:13:12+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:coffee_morning_for_new_members?rev=1276182792&do=diff 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. text/html 2010-06-05T21:46:39+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:flour_at_gants_mill_as_well_as_flowers?rev=1275774399&do=diff 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. text/html 2009-11-19T17:28:14+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:food_for_the_mind_body?rev=1258651694&do=diff Over 40 members spent an enjoyable November morning giving their 'little grey cells' a workout in the WI Hall, Bridport trying to answer questions set by Margaret Harrington. The Quiz & Fish 'n' Chip lunch (supplied by Longs) is a popular regular event in our calendar. (You could have chicken 'n' chips if you don't happen to like battered fish. :-)) text/html 2010-06-05T21:11:06+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:glastonbury_abbey_on_a_sunny_may_morning?rev=1275772266&do=diff 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. text/html 2010-07-19T20:19:38+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:members_stonebarrow_walk?rev=1279570778&do=diff 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. text/html 2009-06-12T06:56:15+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:new_members_coffee_morning?rev=1244789775&do=diff We like to meet our new members informally over coffee. This took place in June 2009 and there was plenty of time to chat and to get to know one another. Yvonne Welch (right) Chairman of the Golden Cap Centre warmly welcomed new members and introduced Angela Taylor, Volunteer Development Officer from the West Dorset NT Office who gave a fascinating talk about the many varied properties in the area. text/html 2009-04-18T20:49:44+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:ploughman_s_pud_lunch?rev=1240087784&do=diff In April 2009 more than 50 members enjoyed a Ploughman’s & Pud lunch at Marsh Barn, Burton Road, Bridport. The catering, serving and washing up was undertaken by Social Committee members and friends and much appreciated by all. [Being served][Cheers] text/html 2009-08-21T16:32:34+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:professor_brunsden_gives_an_inspirational_talk?rev=1250872354&do=diff Around 140 people crowded into the United Church Hall Bridport on a mild July evening to hear Professor Denys Brunsden, OBE, 'father' of the Jurassic Coast, give an absorbing, spirited and often passionate lecture on 'Learning From The Jurassic Coast' under the broader banner 'Looking After The World'. text/html 2010-08-20T20:11:02+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:salad_sweets_in_marsh_barn?rev=1282335062&do=diff Such is the reputation of our home-cooked meals at the ex-restaurant known as Marsh Barn that many members were disappointed in not being able to be part of those who met there on a damp August lunch time. A choice of light salads and sumptuous sweets were enjoyed by all and appreciation was expressed to the members of the Social Committee who cooked and served the meal. text/html 2009-02-19T22:11:04+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:social_committe_report?rev=1235081464&do=diff A Lunch and a Song The first Autumn event was a lunch in October to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Golden Cap Centre attended by over 80 members. The lunch was held in the Salway Ash Village Hall with the food being cooked and served by the Social Committee, with invaluable help from several other members. After the lunch, guests were entertained by ‘Bosom Friends’, a local female acappella (unaccompanied singing) group. text/html 2010-04-25T15:04:11+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:soup_sweet_in_marsh_barn?rev=1272207851&do=diff [Marsh Barn, Burton Rd, Bridport] Our regular meals at Marsh Barn on the Burton Road are always popular events and the one held in April 2010 proved to be another success. On a sunny spring day 50 members enjoyed home-made soup followed by a sweet along with pleasant conversation. The Social Committee and friends cooked and served the food, cleared the tables and did the washing up! text/html 2010-03-05T17:22:22+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:spring_lunch_at_highlands_end?rev=1267809742&do=diff The beautiful Spring sunshine beamed into the room where nearly 60 members enjoyed an excellent lunch cooked and served by the staff of Highlands End Leisure Club. The first social occasion of the year was held in early March and greatly appreciated by everyone who attended - as can be judged from the following photographs of some of the happy diners. text/html 2009-07-27T09:51:32+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:summer_lunch_at_marsh_barn?rev=1248688292&do=diff In June 50 members met in the attractive former restaurant called Marsh Barn, in West Bay to enjoy another home-cooked meal. Social Committee members and partners worked hard to make it an enjoyable occasion with plenty of opportunity to chat with old and new friends. text/html 2009-03-03T15:27:43+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:the_barn_owl_-_under_the_cloak_of_darkness?rev=1236094063&do=diff - Under the Cloak of Darkness ArrayMembers and visitors alike crowded into the Main Hall at the Bridport United Church on 23rd February to hear Mike Read's Illustrated Talk “The Barn Owl - Under the Cloak of Darkness”. A professional photographer for over 25 years, Mike is best known for his superb images of birds, although he is just as comfortable talking about other wildlife topics. He started by telling us that between 1932 and 1985 the Barn Owl population in the UK declined by over 70%,… text/html 2010-02-25T16:23:36+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:vice-president_s_90th_birthday_celebration?rev=1267115016&do=diff Major Derek J Parsons TD, one of our Life-Vice-Presidents, celebrated his 90th Birthday in early February at a tea party organised by his many friends in the village of Burton Bradstock. Photographs by Mike Southgate. text/html 2009-06-29T20:10:27+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:visit_to_britannia_royal_naval_college_dartmouth?rev=1246306227&do=diff 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 … text/html 2009-07-17T20:48:27+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:visit_to_coleton_fishacre?rev=1247863707&do=diff Not a promising start as we boarded the coach in drizzle then drove through showers and wind. However the elements eventually relented to give us a reasonably warm and mainly dry visit. Coleton Fishacre near Kingswear in Devon is a National Trust property built in the Arts & Crafts style. The house is set in lovely grounds with many viewpoints overlooking the sea. It was built as a holiday home for Rupert D'Oyly Carte in true 1920s elegance and furnished accordingly. Some of the furniture was o… text/html 2009-10-16T17:52:12+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:visit_to_edward_heath_s_house_salisbury?rev=1255715532&do=diff In September 2009 a 50 strong party of members visited 'Arundells' the home of the late Sir Edward Heath in Salisbury. The front of the house faces the green of Salisbury Cathedral and the gardens back on to the river. The rear of the property dates from the 13th century, believed to have been a canonry for the cathedral. The house as it stands today was rebuilt by the sixth Lord of Arundell who lived there in 1750. The area around Salisbury Cathedral and its environs were a delight to visit on … text/html 2010-08-20T19:38:47+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:visit_to_marwood_hill_gardens?rev=1282333127&do=diff On a showery day in August a coachload of members travelled first to Barnstaple for lunch and a quick look round then on to Marwood Hill Gardens Despite travelling through several heavy showers our time in the garden was blessed with dry weather and crowned by a cream tea served in what used to be the owner's front room. text/html 2009-05-14T16:42:00+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:visit_to_st_fagans_cardiff?rev=1242319320&do=diff Over 50 members enjoyed a gloriously sunny day out at St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff on 21st April. There was so much to see and enjoy that the four hours spent wandering around was far too short. During the last fifty years, over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100-acre parkland and still more are being added. The buildings include homes, farm houses, a pig sty, shops, a church and chapel, a school and post office as well as s… text/html 2010-05-04T15:13:09+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:visit_to_the_american_museum_bath?rev=1272985989&do=diff [Sightseeing in Bath] After sightseeing and lunch in Bath, 50 members visited the American Museum. The beautiful gardens of the museum are set in the historic Claverton Manor house with extensive views across the Avon Valley.The American Museum is the only one of its kind outside America, with exhibits detailing the history and culture of the people; including the lives and customs of the North American Indians. At present the main focus is on 150 Historic Patchwork Quilts which are on disp… text/html 2009-06-12T06:59:05+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:visit_to_wilton_house_salisbury?rev=1244789945&do=diff Wilton House, the home of the Earl of Pembroke, is 3 miles west of the city of Salisbury just off the A36. It opened its doors to the general public on the 1st May 1951 and this 460 year old building with its history, architecture, art treasures and 21 acres of gardens and parkland has attracted visitors from all over the world,including us. We were fortunate to visit on a glorious day in May 2009 so that not only could we appreciate the art treasures inside the house but also the wonderful grou… text/html 2009-06-29T19:42:49+00:00 http://www.goldencapcentre.org.uk/doku.php/news:walk_on_stonebarrow?rev=1246304569&do=diff 20 members joined the Head Warden, Rob Rhodes as he guided us around Stonebarrow pointing out how the area is maintained as a wildlife habitat as well as catering for people who enjoy walking in the magnificent countryside.