CLUB VISITS ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA

Today a coach load of Oakley BC members visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea. With Janie Vickers in charge, we left the village at 10 am and 2 hours later we were having lunch in the cafe. Our tour began at 1.30 with our party split into two groups, both led by a Chelsea Pensioner, resplendent in his uniform and what excellent guides they were, giving us all the information we could want, mixed with many amusing stories and anecodotes. Our visit allowed us to see the exteriors of the famous buidings designed by Sir Christopher Wren and also to go inside the Royal Chapel, with its kneelers depicting the regiments and Corps of the British Army and the magnificent organ, little hanged from when the Chapel was first built. We also went inside the Great Hall, with its boards containing battle honours, where we could gaze upon a magnificent mural (under retoration) of Charles II, painted by Antonio Verrio, dating back to 1690.and think about how fascinating it would be formally to dine in such splendid surroundings. Our tour concluded with a visit to the Museum and Souvenir Shop before a final visit to the cafe. Boarding our coach soon after 4 pm, we arrived home 2 hours later after a day that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.