MONMOUTH FIELD AND HISTORY SOCIETY, OUTINGS AND

EXCURSIONS 2016

Summer is almost here, or at least it is as far as planning trips are concerned. We

have a varied programme ahead but as always it takes planning so I would be
grateful if you could read on and then fill in the booking forms in the separate
document.
Our first foray will be to the Newport Ship in April and details of this will follow
shortly.
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SPRING LUNCH AND ROMAN CAERLEON 19th May 2016 12.00 16.30
In May we have the Spring Lunch to look forward to and this year it will be at
The Priory in Caerleon. Lunch will be at 12, followed by a lecture in the Museum
and a tour of the attractions, finishing at 4.30 p.m. Dr. Mark Lewis will be the
speaker and guide and he is a fount of knowledge on the Roman period and
beyond. This promises to be an enjoyable and informative day.
There is a choice of a 2 course or a 3 course meal and a sample menu is given
below:
2 courses at 18
Starters
Chefs homemade soup of the day
Chicken Liver Pate, Cumberland Sauce, House Salad
Grilled Asparagus, lemon Aioli
Gravadlax of Salmon, Dill and Mustard Sauce
Sauted Mushrooms, brioche, Hollandaise Sauce
Main Courses
Chargrilled Leg of Lamb Steak, Roasted root vegetables, red wine jus
Grilled fillet of salmon, hollandaise sauce
Chargrilled pork steak, Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Breast of chicken, wrapped in bacon, stuffed with chorizo and Samfaina sauce
Herb crusted baked hake and lobster sauce
All served with a selection of twice cooked chips, new or jacket potatoes
3 courses 25
Starters
Chefs homemade soup of the day
Tian of poached and smoked salmon, Marie Rose Sauce and pea shoots
Baked Welsh Goats Cheese, toasted muffin, red onion marmalade

Ham hock and parsley terrine

Moorish Chicken skewer and piri piri sauce
Main Courses
Chargrilled 8 oz sirloin steak
Overnight cooked shank of Welsh lamb, roasted root vegetables and red wine
sauce
Fillets of wild sea bass, chestnut mushroom,
spinach and salsa verde
Chargrilled
swordfish Barbados
Roast breast of duck, braised red cabbage, red wine jus
Dessert
White chocolate and black currant cheesecake
Catalan Custard Tart
Warm apple pie
(N.B. on this occasion you only need to specify whether you would like a 2 or a 3
course lunch and you can make your food selection on the day. Hooray! Its a
spread sheet free event. Well, almost)
Lunch will be followed by a talk in the Roman Legion Museum and
Gallery by Dr. Mark Lewis from 14.00-15.00, Fortress Baths from 15.0015.30 and the Amphitheatre and Barracks from 15.30 -16.30
Access Policy: entrance to The Priory is level with parking adjacent. It is a
short, level walk from the lunch venue to the Roman Legion Museum which is
accessed up a short flight of steps. There are toilets in the Museum. The Baths
can also be accessed easily. However from the Baths to the Amphitheatre is a
longer walk as is the Barracks and parking in the afternoon at both sites can be
congested because of school bus parking. The last 2 venues might be a step too
far for those who are less mobile.
Lunch optional although the Spring Lunch is one of the highlights of the year,
members are welcome to join in with just the afternoon activities if they prefer.
Please complete a booking form stating your preference because numbers are
needed for the tour and talk.
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KELMSCOTT MANOR, COACH TRIP , July 21st. time of departure to be
confirmed.
Kelmscott Manor, a sixteenth century Cotswold Manor House, was the rural
retreat of William Morris and his friends. He described it as the loveliest haunt of
ancient peace and he leased the property with Dante Gabriel Rossetti. It is a
romantic venue surrounded by lovely gardens, the Thames runs nearby and the
village contains cottages designed by Webb and Grimson. On arrival there will be
time for complimentary coffee and biscuits before making our way to the barn for
a talk by one of the knowledgeable guides followed by a tour of the house. Light

lunches can be taken at the property, there is a gastro pub in the village or you
might prefer to bring a packed lunch and stroll down to the Thames or up to the
church.
The likely cost of the day is 32.50 including coach, coffee, talk and tour. The
coach will pick up from Blestium Street ( cattle market) and your place can be
secured with a 10 per person deposit. Please fill in a booking form.
Access Policy: Access to Kelmscott is flat but there are some cobbled surfaces.
The house involves stairs including 1 particularly unusual ascent on staggered
steps. However, you can take your time, even on a guided tour. There is good
access for wheelchair users to the ground floor of the house, the gardens, shop
and tea rooms. There are 2 wheel chairs available for use at the premises and
also a walking frame on wheels. There is also an accessible toilet at the rear of
the tea room.
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TYNTESFIELD, COACH TRIP, August 18th, departing 09:30 from Blestium
Street, return by 18.00
Cost 24.00 to include coach and entrance to the house and garden for non N.T.
members, 12 for NT members, remember to take your NT card and to let me
know on the booking form.
Tyntesfield really does offer a whole days entertainment! The spectacular Gothic
Revival House, built on the proceeds of selling guano, has been brought back to
life over a period of years. We are booked to visit the house at 12, midday and
you will be free to wander at your own pace making use of the knowledgeable
room guides. The house reflects the interests of a Victorian family and every visit
reveals something new and interesting as the restoration continues.
The gardens are extensive as is the surrounding estate so theres plenty to see
and do. We should arrive between 11 and 11.30 which will allow time for a
comfort stop and coffee.
Lunch tables have been booked in the Cow Barn Restaurant for those who would
like to be sure of somewhere to sit and refresh after visiting the house. Please
indicate on the Booking Form if this is your preference. As our visit is in August it
can be very busy in the catering facilities and it made sense to book our group
in. It may be necessary to pre book food but I will circulate information nearer
the time.
Access: There are ramps, level access and toilets for disabled visitors. The
reception/ shop/ coffee shop are some distance (450metres) from the house and
the walk involves gradients. However, a mobility vehicle runs from the entrance
to the house regularly and this will also be advantageous after the house visit,
for the less nimble to get back to the refreshment area! The gardens can also be
accessed in this way. Whether your interest is houses or gardens, Tyntesfield

provides enough to see to fill the whole day. Book your place now by filling in the
form and sending it with a deposit to the Secretary.

Finally, please tell your friends about our excursions. It is difficult to finance such
events if they are not well supported so if you are enjoying the programme
please pass on the information!
Terms and conditions
Deposits are required to secure either meals or transport. While every effort
will made to be flexible regarding cancellations, deposits for coaches in
particular may not be refundable. However, every effort will be made to sell
your ticket to another member/visitor if you cancel up to 14 days before a trip.
However, no shows on the day will not be refundable. Please ensure that the
Membership Secretary has ALL your details so that we can contact you should
we need to.