The month got off to a great start with a visit to National Trust’s Hampstead gem Fenton House. After exploring the gardens in the light rain, NT Volunteer Frances (our very own secretary) gave us an introduction and a bit of background to the house before we explored at our own pace. Having various musicians playing some of the instruments in the extensive keyboard collection was certainly a highlight.

As our May meeting coincided with Deaf Awareness Week we had a really informative & entertaining introduction to British Sign Language led by the fantastic Sian Cooley (thank you Teddington WI for lending us your president for the evening).

A visit to Wakehurst followed about a week later, exploring the gardens and having a picnic lunch. Climbing up to the top of the scaffolding surrounding the Mansion gave us great views both of the gardens and the restoration work to the Mansion roof.

In a reprise of last year’s circular walk from Tonbridge via Tudeley we had a perfect day walking through meadows and orchards (there was even a distant cuckoo), with stops for a pub lunch and a visit to see the fantastic Chagall windows in Tudeley church.

A lovely sunny evening for Dining Club at ‘Waterway’ finished off the month and eating at an outdoor table made it feel as though summer was finally on its way. Perhaps it needs a bit more coaxing….