Silhill U3A Land Cruise in Llandudno
On 25th February, 2018, 47 excited members of Silhill U3A set off by coach for a holiday in Llandudno, North Wales.Our lunch break was at the interesting British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire. In addition to many outdoor metal sculptures of animals (especially gorillas!)there was a thought-provoking Angel made from about 30,000 knives handed in under various amnesties. We reached Llandudno late afternoon where the Tynedale Hotel had arranged a “landlubbers cruise” and we were welcomed by a friendly, lifesize camel since our first day was to be in Dubai. Once our passports had been issued and stamped we enjoyed teaand cake and a video display of the delights of Dubai while our baggage was delivered to our rooms. The evening meal offered a delicious range of themed and regular dishes and the staff wore desert costumes. Afterwards we were entertained by a comedian with an amazing singing voice.
On Monday “the Beast from the East” arrived with little snow but a bitingly cold wind. Our coach took us along the coast to Caernafon with its impressive castle and harbour for coffee. The route then followed the Pass of Llanberis through part of the Snowdonia National Park and past the foot of Snowdon. We were treated to spectacular views of snow-dusted mountains and frozen waterfalls before reaching the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed for lunch. Then back to Llandudno along the lovely Conwy Valley to be greeted by a Chinese Dragon because we were now in Shanghai. There was an excellent Chinese-themed meal, with some dishes cooked in front of us, served by costumed staff.
Tuesday’s vintage charabanc trip up the nearby Great Orme was postponed due to icy conditions. A hardygroup of walkers made it to the top of the Little Orme but some of us took a local bus into Conwy. In brilliant sunshine we explored the outside of the castle, the town walls, the harbour and the town’s wealth of coffee shops, most of which contained more of our friends! Once back inside the hotel we could forget the cold wind because we had now reached Hawaii and this was party night. Everyone had dressed the part so there was a lively, colourful display of grass skirts, straw hats, floral skirts, shirts and blouses and, of course, garlands. After the imaginative meal, again served by costumed staff, prizes were awarded for the best fancy dress to Lawrence Conway, Peggy Faulkner and Derek Giles.
On Wednesday, despite the bitter wind but without further snow, the charabanc trips up the Great Orme were resumed while the intrepid walkers made their way up on foot. The hotel had now moved to Trondheim in Norway so we were greeted by a gang of Vikings. “The Captain” invited a number of people to his table for dinner and there were speeches and an opportunity to thank the staff. Afterwards, the lady singer got the party going and, eventually, most people were on the dance floor.
The hotel was very good and well placed on the historic waterfront. “The cruise” was well presented, the food was excellent and the staff were helpful and friendly. We were sorry to leave on Thursday morning, especially as we faced the oncoming snow on the journey back to Solihull.
I’d like to say a very big thank you to Joy, Janice and Annie for arranging such an enjoyable and memorable holiday. As always, the camaraderie was second to none.