The Basingstoke Canal

Sunday 15^thApril 2012

Today's tour allows us to enjoy a cruise along the Basingstoke Canal, aboard the John Pinkerton, from the Georgian town of Odiham. We shall enjoy a cream tea aboard during our afternoon cruise.We shall, as usual use one of our vintage Bedford coaches, and therefore the tour is limited to a maximum of 24 group members.

Tour price is £42.50 from Portsmouth, or £49.50 to include ferry from the Isle of Wight

Alternatively, join us at Odiham for the afternoon cruise, fare £15.00 including cream tea.

The Somerset & Dorset

Southern Section

Saturday April 14^th2012

To some it was the Swift and Delightful, whilst to others it was merely the Slow & Dirty, but whatever your point of view, over 40 years after it was Sabotaged and Defeated the line still has almost legendary status.

Several years ago we explored the line south from Bath to Evercreech Junction, and this tour will allow us to explore the southern part of the line.

Although the coach will start on the island we will pick up at Lymington Pier (0915) and Christchurch at 0950.

We will then explore the remains of the line via Corfe Mullen, Blandford, the Shillingstone station project and onwards as time permits.

Tour price is £34.50 from Lymington or Christchurch, or £45 from the island, and as usual, seats are limited on the coach, so early booking is requested!

THAMES VALLEY TREASURE

Saturday 19^thMay 2012

I have been able to arrange a visit to the private bus and coach collection of Colin Billington, based near Maidenhead, which also houses the 1920s vehicles of the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust.

The visit includes lunch, a tour of the collection, which consists of about 70 vehicles, and a tour around Windsor in one of Colin's coaches - hopefully the Royal Blue Bristol LL!

We will use one of our own vintage Bedfords for the tour to Maidenhead.

Fare £49.50 from the island or £39.50 from Portsmouth

Lost Railways

Of the Isle of Wight

Saturday June 16^th 2012

The first island railway opened on June 16^th1862, and to commemorate the 150^thanniversary of the line's opening I would like to invite you to join another tour of the the remains of the island's once extensive railway system. Each year a little more disappears, but there is still plenty to occupy us for the day! We shall, as usual use one of our vintage Bedford coaches, and therefore the tour is limited to a maximum of 24 group members.

Tour price is £25.00

Tour departs Ryde Esplanade at 1030, return approx 1730.