Twenty members boarded the coach bound for South Stack near Holyhead to view the ancient hut circles in warm sunshine (yes, this was October!). After a picnic lunch and many favourable comments on how the site is being maintained and interpreted, we retraced our steps for a guided tour of Telford’s masterpiece – The Menai Bridge.
After viewing a video on the subject we were lead by Bob Daimond (retired Gwynedd County Engineer) over, under and round the bridge to learn many fascinating facts and see how the bridge chains are secured in the mother rock.
We made a quick diversion to Beaumaris prior to booking in at our hotel in Llandudno, for an enjoyable dinner, games and a hilarious poem by one of our number.
Sunday, after a stroll down the prom and the pier we boarded the Victorian tram for what felt like a near vertical ride up the Gt. Orme. Eight of us visited the fascinating Bronze Age copper mines whilst the remainder continued to the summit to enjoy the sun and explore the area before joining the coach for Conway.
With four hours in the town – the castle, town walls, 15th century Aberconwy House, Plas Mawr Town House and the opportunity to compare the original designs of both road and rail bridges to those seen the day before ensured there was something for everybody.
We arrived back at Barrowford early on Sunday evening with our heads full of memories and a couple new friends as well.