Social Committee/ Visit to the Houses of Parliament

Tue 24th January 2006 at 12.00 am - 2.00 am

VISIT TO THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

Show related pages

VISIT TO THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

TUESDAY 24TH JANUARY 2006

FOR MEMBERS AND GUESTS

Following the speaker meeting with Gregory Barker MP we were invited to the Houses of Parliament on 24 January 2006 We left Hastings at 8.00 and made two more pick ups in Bexhill before setting off for London. It was a beautiful sunny cold morning with the trees covered in thick white frost, this was to be our downfall as the throttle froze on the coach and we had to park up at Robertsbridge and await a replacement vehicle which fortunately arrives 20 minutes later. The delay did place additional pressures on members and their ladies and having reread the literature supplied for the visit and ascertaining that their were no toilets until the end of the tour the coach driver made a very welcome diversion to the Royal Greenwich Observatory which has convenient parking and excellent public conveniences! Most of the traffic had gone and we arrived a little late but it caused no difficulty. We were split into two groups of nominally 15 and were shown everywhere except the Westminster Hall which is under renovation which unfortunately also included the cafeteria. The guides were excellent explaining the history and the workings of the house. We met our MP Greg Barker in the Central Lobby who had help organised the two special permits to tour the Palace of Westminster. He greeted us and then joined us going through the Common’s division lobbies and then explained the workings of the commons showing us where he normally sits so that we can look out for him on TV.

Following the tour we had the afternoon free and all went our separate ways for a selection of activities which included Covent Garden, visiting the sites, shopping, the Tate modern and of course lunch. Everyone appeared from different directions at 4.00 and we set off for home which was fortunately without incident.

The trip was organised by the Sports and Entertainment Committee and fronted by Mike Barton with more than a little help from his wife Sandra. An educational and enjoyable day was had by everyone.