Excursions

Our 2024 Excursions

The Friends have an annual programme of visits to places of interest. Keep an eye on this page for new trips.

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Thursday 27th June 2024, 2.30pm

Cost: £20 Pick up 1.30pm East Hill opp. Greyfriars

This remarkable site is a working farm owned by Mr Ashley Cooper, which his father took over in 1945. He noticed that one particular field was overgrown with weeds; attempts at growing crops failed and so deep digging was required. This unearthed a vast number of red tiles that were identified as Roman, by Rex Hull of Colchester Museum. For the following 25 years, further excavations took place revealing the site of a magnificent Roman Villa and several other Romano-British buildings. To walk the site, discovering what the archaeology revealed and to see the wonderful array of artefacts found at Hill Farm, do take part in our visit to this fascinating location. There is also a magnificent 18th Century barn, set up as a farming museum. We will spend approximately two hours at the site. Tea will be provided in the beautiful adjoining Victorian barn.

View Hill Farm Gestingthorpe for information about the Roman Villa on the Gestingthorpe History Group website and Gestingthorpe Roman Villa for information from the Colne-Stour Countryside Association.

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Coggeshall Museum and guided walk

Tuesday 23rd July 2024, 10:30am

You will have read the article about the museum in our last newsletter. This is an opportunity to visit and also have a guided tour of the town. We will have refreshments at one of the local cafes. Coggeshall museum is a little gem, full of local interest with an audio feature from the archives, great for the local accent. We will arrive at approximately 10.30am, visit the museum, have a tour and enjoy local hospitality.

Cost: £25, including lunch Transport arrangements: Car share* or independent travel. Please see booking form for further details.

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‘Secrets of Long Melford‘ Walking Tour

Monday 2nd September 2024, 10:30am

We will enjoy a walking tour, ‘Secrets of Long Melford,’ led by a National Trust guide. The walk will be in the context of the history of the village, the architectural gems to be found and the famous people who have lived in or visited Long Melford. The walk will start at about 10.30am and take approximately two hours. It is mainly a pavement walk but stout shoes or trainers are advised. There is no need for boots. However, there are a couple of places where access is difficult so unfortunately wheelchair users will have difficulty in managing the full visit. Although the Hall and Café are not open, we will be able to have refreshments in the village. There is a free car park at Melford Hall.

Cost: £25 Transport arrangements: Car share* or independent travel. Please see booking form for further details.

*As all visits are relatively local, we will be able to make arrangements for car sharing. Detailed maps will be provided if members prefer to travel independently. Regular information updates about the visits will be provided at the Tuesday talks and on the website.

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