May 2023 the u3a Holiday was in Suffolk. This year on our trip to Devon the organisation as always was excellent and we came away invigorated, inspired by Sylvia’s unflappable leadership and looking forward to the next one. 

After a long period of wintry June weather, we were blessed with five days of actual summer in Devon before our return to another June winter back in High Wycombe.  In those five days we visited Exeter Cathedral, six country houses and had a boat trip up the River Dart.  Although six country houses in five days might seem a bit much,  all were well worth visiting – I would cite Cothele, an ancient house with a wonderful and absolutely authentic collection of furniture, tapestries etc dating back over five centuries, and Greenway, Agatha Christie’s house on a hill overlooking the River Dart, as particularly interesting .  Perhaps if there had been an extra day we might have varied the trip with something different, such as a journey up the Dart valley on an antique steam train. 

The hotel was of a very good standard and the food was plentiful and extremely well cooked - I have to admit to putting on some unwanted additional pounds.  As with Suffolk last year, we took our meals with different people each night  - a great way to mingle and welcome newcomers – and plenty of  animated and occasionally hilarious conversation flowed naturally.

A particularly nice touch was the “surprise” Pimm’s party on the Hotel terrace overlooking the sea on the last night.  Overall, it was a really enjoyable trip, with interesting places to see, excellent food and entertaining conversations.