27 Aug “Where are we going next, Jo?”

Jo with 32 in tow sailed from Paignton harbour to Dartmouth for the day on the Liberty Lass

A day out at Buckfast Abbey and Widecombe-in-the-Moor

“Where are we going next, Jo?”

I’m not sure when we began, but I know who started me on this winding path; the incorrigible Eve, who loves an adventure.

We started with a day trip to Exmouth by train and discovered the joy that it brought to the lives of those who came. A beautiful train trip is one thing, but add a bunch of friends old and new, lunch out and laughing together, and the magic happens naturally.

This year we have branched into coach trips, and today we’ve had a day out at Buckfast Abbey and Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and I am still buzzing with delight. There were 47 of us on the coach, and as always, the weather was perfect despite overnight rain and threatening clouds.

Buckfast Abbey estate was a haven of calm and tranquillity. The Abbey was healing and restorative for some who needed that, and the cafes and grounds were peaceful and welcoming. I think everyone felt better for being there.

The roads were remarkably untroublesome, and we were soon at Widecombe which seemed uncharacteristically quiet for a Wednesday in mid-August as everyone dispersed to find what they needed, be it a waist-busting lunch or a walking-stick-umbrella – who knew there was such a thing?

Umbrellas were certainly not needed recently when 33 of us sailed from Paignton harbour to Dartmouth for the day on the Liberty Lass. (Only 29 sailed back, but that is a whole other story!) This was one of those wall-to-wall blue-sky days with soaring temperatures but a beautiful cooling breeze on the water. On the return trip we had dolphins swimming alongside us for a short while, the first time dear Les had seen dolphins in his 90 years. How special is that?

These trips are so much more than a day out, as new friendships sprout and blossom and lives are made richer and wider, somehow. They are open to anyone, numbers permitting, and I guarantee that everyone will find a warm community welcome, so do get in touch if you would like to know “Where are we going next, Jo?”.

If you’d like to get in touch with me, please call me on 07716 074903 or email [email protected]