The SMFA Have A Luverly Time In Sidmouth

(To the tune of ‘Daytrip to Bangor’ – by Fiddler’s Dram – Ed). Didn’t they have a luverly time the day the SMFA went to Sidmouth……well, they certainly did! A memorable day out in early August began with the coach leaving Taunton Masonic Hall in the mid-morning sunshine with 34 aboard. If you know the way, you know there are some narrow roads & villages – Cat and Fiddle Inn! – but their driver Ed handled it all with aplomb & they rolled into town around 11:15. Most headed into town, but Karin & Charlie crossed the road & headed for The Belmont Hotel, just by the drop-off point. The home of a L261 Ladies weekend a while ago, they appreciate the coffee, the comfy sofas, the beautiful sea view & the very moreish lemon shortbread biscuits!

Everybody really enjoyed the day: Adrian & Anne finally found & bought new cushions, having spent many fruitless hours searching in Taunton. Small successes mean a lot! Lyn enjoyed a fabulous seafood platter – but wondered if they’d gone to Portland to catch the crab, as she & others waited ages for their food. Many visited Fields department store, an independent retailer similar to Hatchers. They bought several early Christmas gifts for American relatives. Karen & Hayley visited charity shops and reported back that the shops in Sidmouth have higher quality items. Delighted that Ray & Pat, and John & Lin could meet the group there. Ray said it was great to simply sit with good friends on the seafront enjoying the fresh smell of the sea, marvelling at the balance of the windsurfers & kayakers & savouring the wonderful weather with which we were blessed.

Alongside the shops & seafront, Sidmouth Folk Festival took place that week with Morris dancers, musicians & pop-up stands. Charlie met a seller offering medals & cap badges, including Masonic breast jewels, though none from Somerset. Karin met the ice-creams! And at the end, Ruth bumped into friends so didn’t come back on the coach at all! Many thanks to great local company Ridlers Ltd for the transport & especially Ed, whose driving was so smooth, that on the way home Charlie fell asleep leaving Sidmouth & didn’t wake up until the coach came down the J25 exit slip!

Thanks, of course, from all of the travellers to Lyn for organising the day out & to Sandra for creating the dazzling multi-coloured posters for it in advance! We are the Somerset Masonic Friendship Association. Friendship is central to our meetings & outings, offering social & health benefits. Come & join us at 10:00 am on the first Wednesday of each month at Taunton Masonic Hall.

Report by: Charlie Barker – Richard Huish Lodge 8518 Secretary