Excursions Policy – Volunteer-Organised Coach Trips

1. Purpose
This policy outlines the essential arrangements, responsibilities, and risk considerations for coach excursions organised by volunteers on behalf of the Society, involving members aged approximately 60–80 with varying and sometimes unknown health, medical, and access needs.

2. Scope
Applies to all coach trips arranged under the Society’s name, including day trips and short excursions, with typical attendance of 40–50 participants.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

• Volunteer Organiser(s):

o Plan and coordinate the excursion, including transport, itinerary, and basic accessibility considerations.

o Communicate key trip details (timings, itinerary, mobility expectations, costs).

o Carry a list of attendees and emergency contact information (where provided).

• Participants:

o Assess their own fitness and suitability for the excursion.

o Inform the organiser of any relevant medical conditions, mobility issues, or support needs that may affect participation (voluntarily disclosed).

o Comply with instructions given for safety and coordination during the trip.

4. Health, Medical, and Accessibility Considerations

• The Society and volunteer organisers do not conduct individual health assessments.

• Participants are responsible for managing their own health conditions, medications, mobility aids, and personal care needs.

• Excursion details will include general information about walking distances, terrain, and facilities where known, but full accessibility cannot be guaranteed.

• Participants requiring assistance must arrange for a companion or carer where necessary.

5. Risk Awareness and Safety

• All excursions involve inherent risks, including but not limited to travel delays, slips/trips, changes in weather, and limitations in accessibility or facilities.

• The organiser will take reasonable steps to plan safely (e.g., reputable coach operators, clear meeting points), but does not provide professional supervision or care.

• In the event of an emergency, standard public emergency services will be contacted.

6. Transport and Third Parties

• Coach transport will be provided by a third-party operator. The Society is not responsible for the acts or omissions of third-party providers.

• Participants must follow the coach company’s safety requirements.

7. Participant Acknowledgement, Assumption of Risk, and Liability
As a condition of Society membership and participation in excursions, members must sign a statement confirming that they:

• Understand the nature of excursions and associated risks.

• Accept personal responsibility for their health, safety, and belongings.

• Acknowledge that volunteer organisers are not trained professionals and act in good faith.

• Agree that the Society and its volunteers are not liable for injury, loss, or damage except where required by law.

8. Insurance

• The Society will maintain appropriate public liability insurance where feasible.

• Participants are encouraged to consider personal travel or health insurance where appropriate.

9. Data and Confidentiality

• Any personal or medical information shared with organisers will be treated confidentially and used only for the purpose of supporting participation and responding to emergencies.

10. Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains appropriate for the Society’s activities and participant needs.

Shibden Hall dates back to 1420 and offers visitors a fascinating journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked here. The architecture is a mix of styles reflecting its interesting and varied history. The adjacent 17th century aisled barn and workshops house a carriage collection and displays relating to different crafts, including a blacksmiths, coopers, wheelwrights and saddlers. The Hall is surrounded by the beautifully restored gardens and estate that forms Shibden Park. There are a range of features and attractions, including a cafe and visitor facilities. Shibden Hall is the focus of the BBC drama series written by Sally Wainwright, 'Gentleman Jack' exploring the life of Anne Lister (1791 - 1840) and those who lived in the Hall and Estate. 

The Grade I listed Piece Hall is  an architectural and cultural phenomenon which is absolutely unique. It is the only remaining Georgian cloth hall in the world, the sole survivor of the great eighteenth century northern cloth halls, a class of buildings which embodied the vital and dominant importance of the trade in hand woven textiles to the pre-industrial economy of the West Riding of Yorkshire, from the Middle Ages through to the early nineteenth century. From its inception the Piece Hall was a stunning combination of commerce and culture, This fascinating mix of purpose and idealism – business, arts and people, continues to influence and drive the Piece Hall’s role today. A direct link back over almost a quarter of a millennium of history.

The cost for this trip will also be £35 and again we will need at least 30 people to come along if this is to run. Our trips are very reasonable and compare very favourably with commercially organised ventures besides which we go to places others do not reach!

We will leave from the Centre car park and first visit the Manchester Art Gallery for a guided tour. The main gallery premises were built for a learned society in 1823 and today its collection occupies three connected buildings, two of which were designed by Sir Charles Barry. Both of Barry's buildings are listed. The building that links them was opened in 2002 following a major renovation and expansion project undertaken by the art gallery. There is a cafe here for lunch. 

Our afternoon visit will be to the John Rylands library where we will also have a guided tour. Based in one of the finest neo-Gothic buildings in Europe and in the heart of Manchester, it is a dynamic community of world-leading researchers, curators, conservators and imaging specialists, all focused on a core mission to define the human experience over five millennia and up to the current day.

The cost is £35 per person for members and guests.

Please book as soon as possible as places are limited.  

At the beginning of December we set off  to visit Arley Hall at Northwich to see the Christmas decorations and they were amazing! Each room was decorated on a fairy tale theme - Snow White, the Three Bears, Swan Lake, Cinderella - to name a few. Looking at all the detail certainly took time and we loved the dried Goliath alliums and the Christmas tree of Rapunzel's hair. Everywhere there was a picture! We also enjoyed the Christmas tree competition for the local schools which were very imaginative and the concert by the Rock Choir in the Chapel. The only complaint was that it was bitterly cold. Still, we returned full of Christmas spirit.

Visit to RHS Bridgewater Manchester

May 20 2025

A beautiful sunny day and a stunning garden. Our arrangement of setting of at 9 a.m
and returning at 3.30 p.m appears to work well as we managed to avoid any queues
around Manchester. Thanks to Carol for organising everything.
The gardens are large and still under development. The Western Walled Garden
was ablaze with Spring planting; gems, peonies, albums were in abundance. For
those interested in growing food there is also a large kitchen garden but for some of
us peas cannot compete with flowers. The bed below was a joy to behold.

The woodland areas are vast to stroll around and the shade was welcome on a
warm day. A Chinese Garden is being developed here and so far there is a pagoda
and a living stream of flowers. Hopefully the photo below captures part of it as it was
an amazing site.

Naturally many members spent time in the garden centre hunting out something to
put in their own plot to remind them of this visit. Some were attracted by colour, an
unusual variety or the appeal of a name.

There are still places for our trip to the Stoke on Trent Potteries Museum on March 26th so if you would like to join this the cost is £35 and Carol will be available for bookings. This Museum holds the Staffordshire Hoard as well as having Porcelain and Fine Art galleries.  Remember as well that we have two further trips planned for which Carol will be also be taking bookings -

May 20th   Bridgewater Gardens Manchester £40 (includes very expensive entrance ticket)
September 2nd  National Library Wales at Aberystwyth to view a special exhibition about Welsh Art as well as enjoying the other extensive exhibitions.

Tuesday December 3rd 2024
Lady Lever Art Gallery – Bedazzled Exhibition (Evening Wear 1920-1980)
Liverpool Cathedral – ‘The Light before Christmas : Starlight’ Son et Lumiere

This Tuesday a coach set off full of excited people on their way to visit the Lady Lever Gallery and the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. The wind was a little chilly but we were fortunate that we had a totally dry day. Caelloi Coaches offer us an amazing service at the most reasonable rate and are always clean and comfortable. Gareth, our driver, was as helpful as ever. He always knows just where to park so that we have the easiest access possible.

The 'Bedazzled' exhibition of evening wear was not large but the items on show were magnificent. It must have been wonderful to dress up in such fashion and many of us talked about how we have sparkly items still lurking in our wardrobes that we have worn in the past. A time of elegance. The bead work was amazing and there was an interesting video on how this is done. We had plenty of time to view this exhibit and others in the Gallery as well as wander the village and have lunch. Much Christmas shopping was also undertaken as the shop had an array of some unusual items.

Surprisingly we met little traffic on our journey into Liverpool and we arrived at the Cathedral in good time. At this point Carol sent me a photo to insert to show you of the party at the Cathedral. 
The Son et Lumiere filled the entire Cathedral - walls, floor and ceiling - so spectacular sound and vision. Amazing how technology develops such a performance and is certainly the new art of the 21st Century. Indeed this art form is developing so rapidly that the wondrous sights we saw this year will appear old fashioned in ten years time. The skill and talent to develop such a performance must be admired. Certainly the term Art is embracing a new dimension.
 

Visits for 2024 - 2025 Season 

Tuesday December 3rd 2024
Lady Lever Art Gallery – Bedazzled Exhibition (Evening Wear 1920-1980)
Liverpool Cathedral – ‘The Light before Christmas : Starlight’ Son et Lumiere
Wednesday March 26th  2025
Potteries Museum and Art Gallery – Stoke on Trent
Ceramics, Fine Art, Design, Staffordshire Hoard, Archaeology, Spitfire gallery
 Tuesday May 20th 2025
Bridgewater Garden RHS - Manchester
There is so much to see – the Weston Walled Garden contains multiple garden rooms, setting the tone for a journey of exploration with colourful themed borders, complementary sub-gardens each exploring a different horticultural style and characterful listed buildings. The wider woodland, meadows and lakes further your enjoyment.
Tuesday September 23rd 2025
 National Library of Wales Aberystwyth
 A Library for Wales and the World where you can view the nation's treasures. From books to art, manuscripts to audiovisual archives come and discover the story of Wales. Experts will lead you through the breadth of the collections, giving a voice to the past. From the famous works of art, to the diaries of the landed gentry, from modern films to early photography, at the Library, history comes alive. 

Tiffany Glass Exhibition

The only thing missing on this great day out was the sunshine!

It was a nearly full coach that set off from Craig y Don thanks to members from other
societies deciding to join us. Indeed they enjoyed the day so much that we may now
possibly see them as members of our own. We were fortunate to have an uneventful
journey so arriving in time for coffee at Rawtenstall.
The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery held eclectic treasures in the Room of
Curiosities. The hanging witch figure was unnerving! Apparently she would hang in
the textile factory and was used to frighten the children into working hard. The
accompanying information from a child at the time indicated that children might be as
young as under 5. Thank goodness that no longer happens here but we did pause to
think that children in some countries still have such experiences. Hopefully the
presence of this horrible artefact will encourage future generations to push for an
end to child labour in the world.
The work of contemporary artists was featured and we liked the paper cutting made from Ordinance Survey Maps. The one above hanging in the window and was
exquistit but at the cost of a £1000 a purchase was resisted. There was however the
opportunity to visit the shop. An enjoyable lunch was had in the café before setting
off for Accrington. The Museum welcomed the donation we were able to give them.
Brian Healey was waiting for us at the Haworth Gallery. After giving us an
introduction to this beautiful Arts and Crafts House Brian took us to the Tiffany

At Manchester Art Gallery we have arranged coffee/tea on arrival. We will separate into two groups for interpretation guides to take us around the ‘Highlights/ Collection tour. The tour will be 11.30-12.30.

We travel to the Whitworth gallery for lunch, (not included).  There are open spaces nearby for free time and a restaurant on site.

At the Whitworth Gallery we have a guide, (for 30 of us), to take us through the Albrecht Durer’s ‘Material World Exhibition’ at 3pm.  If we have more than 30 participants, our surplus number can join the general guided tour at 2pm.

Pickups.

Fellinheli The Half Way House  8.15am

Penmaenmawr, Opposite the Spar 8.30am

Craig y Don 8.45am

Holiday Inn, Chester bypass  9.30am                                                                                         

We plan to begin the journey home at around 4pm.

Costs- £35.00

Arts Society Llandudno Trip planned for 18th Ocober 2022.

We are planning a trip to the Lowry gallery in Salford and the Imperial War Museum.

The cost for the trip is £25.00. We will pick up from Felinheli, Penmaenmawr, Craig y Don in Landudno and the Holiday Inn by the Post House roundabout, Chester A55 turn off.

If you are interested in joining the trip please get in touch.

On the 17th May 2022 at last, we were able to enjoy a trip again after all the disruption of the pandemic.  We chose as our first visit Powys Castle and Gardens.  32 of us set off on a slightly overcast but promising day.

The medieval fortress rises above the spectacular gardens. The yew hedges are something to behold. We saw gardeners planting for the spring and summer amidst the wonderful herbaceous borders, there was not a weed insight.  

The castle is full of treasures, including sculptures, textiles, paintings, furniture and rare objects.  Some of us did admire the large Pietre dure table, which a Herbert family legend suggests was a gift from the Pope. It features a marble top inlaid with lapis lazuli and semi-precious stones. Look carefully at the design to see crickets, snails, birds and other little creatures.

We spread ourselves around the two tearooms for lunch, tea and cake.  Taking advantage of the kind weather, by sitting outside in the courtyards and admiring the peacock displays.  After which we were off to the shop to buy a memory of the day.

20th to 22nd September Trip to Oxford

An extended visit to the city of dreaming spires.

Further information available at meetings.

(Image: St Mary's Church, Oxford - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

The site of the first iron bridge and an area of amazing museums celebrating our industrial heritage.

Visit Report

Volume of traffic and a long section of 50mph ‘Emissions Reduction’ experiment near Wrexham conspired to make our arrival at ‘Ironbridge’ later than intended.  David de Haan, our Guide for the day met the 29 travellers outside Jackfield Tile Museum; he and Shirley agreed a re-jigging of the day’s itinerary. So the coach made it’s way instead to Coalbrookdale China Museum where we had a fairly swift, pre-arranged modest lunch.  David then gave us a resumé of the history of the Works and of his 30-year involvement before guiding us through the lengthy processes in producing the bone china items.  We even learnt the origin of the phrase ‘sagger-maker’s bottom knocker’. The exit through shop proved to be a draw with many coming away ‘trophies’.  Back on to the coach for a short journey to view the eponymous ‘Ironbridge’.  Designed by Abraham Derby and built in 1779 it has recently undergone a multi-million pound restoration project; it can now be seen in its original red-brown paintwork, its graceful arch spanning the River Severn.  After this brief viewing it was back on the coach for another short journey back to the Jackfield Tile Museum.  The uninspiring name gives no hint of the wonders within.  The time constraints made it necessary for David to take us only on a whistle-stop tour of the mouth-watering delights.  All too soon it was time to board the coach for the return journey.  The majority of the group were of the opinion that a return visit to the Tile Museum and the rest of the World Heritage Site was recommended for we had barely scratched the surface.  Our thanks must go to our Caelloi driver Gareth who negotiated the narrow winding roads (and his temporary change of name through a slip of the       tongue) with such good humour.

(Image: Ironbridge - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Thankfully there was no rain as 38 of us departed for this interesting day trip.

We firstly visited Yr Ysgwrn, the home of the poet Hedd Wyn. The setting of this house at Trawsfynydd is spectacular and we could understand how this scenic place inspired him to write. He won five bardic chairs at local eisteddfodau and then the National Chair in 1917. Considering that he had no formal schooling after the age of 12 this is an amazing accomplishment.

Sadly Hedd Wyn was killed in action prior to the announcement of the National Chair and so at the presentation the Chair was covered with a black cloth and is now known as the Black Chair. We were introduced to the symbolism of the carving and the place that this Chair has in Welsh culture.

Yr Ysgwrn has been the family home for decades and when it was given to the Snowdonia National Trust it was a capsule of the early 20th century.

After lunch in Betws y Coed we progressed to Gwydir Castle at Llanwrst. Part of the house dates from the 1500 and was the home of the Wynn Dynasty. We were shown around by Judy who with her husband purchased the property in 1994 and who have worked on a programme of restoration and conservation of both the house and gardens. We were particularly interested in seeing the dining room where the 18th century panelling has been restored. This was bought by the Hearst’s in 1921 for their mansion in California which was described to us in our last lecture about the homes of the plutocrats in the USA. However, it was never installed and has been stored in the original packing cases in the Metropolitan Museum in New York but is now back at Gwydir.

Another brilliantly organised and well received day out.

(Image: Gwydir Castle - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

VISIT REPORT

Sunday 25th - Thursday 29th September 2016

Sunday. Full of anticipation we boarded our comfortable Caelloi coach, ably driven by Will, and set off for South Wales.  Lunch was taken at The Hall in Abbey-Cwn-Hir near Llandrindod Wells. It is an amazing unique house with 52 rooms and each one will have a Christmas tree, beautifully decorated.  The house is closed until November 1st when it will be open decked in Yuletide splendour. After this excitement we made for The Holiday Inn in Cardiff handily placed by The Millennium Stadium.

Monday. Our guide, Stella, walked us around the city centre through enticing arcades and a lovely indoor market.  Lunch for some was a bowl of excellent cawl at the Madame Fromage cafe. We investigated Cardiff Castle, an historic building much improved in the Gothic style by the Marquess of Bute who had made a fortune from the coal industry.  He did a great deal for the city. His castle was well liked.  A visit to The Senedd proved interesting and produced some discussion on the architectural merits of the building. The use of wood and slate was applauded, however, and the setting, by Cardiff Bay, was lovely. A drive through the delights of the prosperous area of Penarth, taking in splendid views concluded the day’s tour.

Tuesday.  Diana was our guide and she led us to St. Fagan’s, National Museum where many historic buildings have been dismantled at their original sites and reconstructed on the museum site.  We saw a few of the many including a small chapel (still in use), a terrace of cottages, a working men’s institute and, probably the most interesting, a fully fitted Prefab which raised a few oohs. Llandaff was the next place to greet us and we headed for the delights of the cathedral which suffered much damage in WW2. There was a lot to appreciate but opinions differed over the merits of Jacob Epstein’s sculpture of Christ in Majesty. It certainly has impact. After an excellent lunch we set off to investigate Caerphilly Castle but we encountered problems as filming for an historical drama was in progress and we were not welcome. Diana did her best and we stood under the famous leaning tower which was exciting but somewhat alarming. We had to abandon a tour of the castle so took refuge in a cafe with a friendly cup of tea.

Wednesday. A visit was made to the medieval fairy-tale castle, Castell Coch, which is in fact a Victorian fantasy created by William Burges for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, more as a place of fun for the family. It was no surprise to learn that the castle is in much demand by the film industry. The afternoon was spent at The National Museum and Art Gallery of Wales which is full of wonderful things and was much enjoyed by all .Welsh artists were well represented but the Impressionists continue to impress.

Thursday. The coach pointed north and we set off for home and all was quiet as we digested all we’d seen in the capital. Will took us on a mystery route and we found ourselves in Hereford where we spent time in the beautiful Norman cathedral.  We sat in wonder and appreciation.

Our final visit of the holiday was to Attingham Park near Shrewsbury in time for lunch after which we were ushered into a room with chairs to listen to the Story of the Berwicks of Attingham very ably told by Mike.  From there we were free to wander around the house with some excellent room guides and enjoy the pleasures of the gardens, especially the massive walled garden.

Home was reached safely after a lovely few days away and we were all very grateful to Sue Beal for arranging everything.

The photograph was taken during the tour of Cardiff Castle.

Founded in 1907 and housed in a very imposing Edwardian building the National Library of Wales is the national legal deposit library of Wales and is the biggest library in Wales, holding over 6.5 million books and periodicals, and the largest collections of archives, portraits, maps and photographic images in Wales.  It is entitled to receive a copy of   every book published in the U.K. resulting in the collection requiring the building to be extended several times.   The Library is also home to the national collection of Welsh manuscripts, the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, and the most comprehensive collection of paintings and topographical prints in Wales.

 Leaving Craig y Don about 8.00am we should arrive at the National Library in time for coffee before beginning our tour of the library.  A light lunch will be available to buy in the café.

Before returning home we will make a visit to the Arts Centre which is part of the University of Aberystwyth on the Penglais campus.  One of the U.K.s largest Arts Centres it comprises a theatre, concert hall, studio and cinema, as well as four gallery spaces.  At the time of our visit there will be an exhibition titled Power in the Hand, ten artists’ views  of climate change and alternative sources of energy.

The cost will be £20.  Please complete and return the form below with your cheque payable to Llandudno DFAS or cash to Sue Beal at the next meeting and no later than   the 11 April to me at 35 Ffordd Glyder, Y Felinheli, LL56 4QX.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I would like to join the visit to Aberystwyth, the National Library of Wales and the Arts Centre….

Name……………………………………………….

and enclose my cheque/cash for £20

Telephone number………………………..

Mobile number………..……………………………

Chirk Castle is the last Welsh Castle from the reign of Edward I, completed in 1310.  Apart from its 700 year history, which includes the medieval tower and dungeon, the 17th Century Long Gallery, the 18th Century state apartments, servants’ hall and historic laundry, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful gardens, the surrounding parkland and far reaching views across Shropshire and Cheshire.

Depart Craig y Don at 9.30am to arrive in time for coffee before visiting the Adam Tower or the different areas of the house which opens at 12.00noon, fitting in a light lunch in the Tea Room as well as a walk in the award winning gardens.  There are occasional Architectural tours (no charge) held mainly in the court yard which you can join.

Cost is £16 + £10 entry to Chirk if not a member of the National Trust.  Please complete and return the form below with your cheque payable to Llandudno DFAS or cash to Sue Beal at the next meeting and no later than 11 April to me at 35 Ffordd Glyder, Y Felinheli,  LL56 4QX.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I would like to join the visit to Chirk Castle -

Name………………………………………………………………  

and enclose my cheque for £16 (member of NT)/£26. 

Telephone number …………………………………………

Mobile number ……………………………………….