The Master’s Report on his IOW Break – Day 2

ALUM BAY AND THE NEEDLES OLD BATTERY, morning

After a wobbly start on Wootton Hill with a coach that threatened to break down but then suddenly recovered, we motored to the West Wight. Parking at Alum Bay with its traditional tourist attractions, we were soon walking past the colourful sands of Alum Bay’s cliffs, to the Needles Old Battery perched at the western tip of the IOW. We toured this famous attraction with the help of an expert guide who explain the history and purpose of this key defence position in the Solent.

We also took in extraordinary views of the iconic Needles Rocks and Lighthouse on a sunny if blustery morning. Some of our party also found time to visit the New Battery and the famous Rocket Testing Site. After a brisk walk back to the coach (and, for some, a quick dash into the glassware and souvenir shops) our coach departed for Yarmouth.

YARMOUTH, afternoon

This was an opportunity, over about two and a half hours, to soak up the charm of this small, historic harbour town, just two miles from where David grew up, set on the lovely River Yar estuary. On arrival we had a buffet lunch and drinks at the Royal Solent Yacht Club (where David’s parent were members for decades) with splendid views of the Western Solent and the mainland.

After lunch there was free time to explore the town’s attractions – the pier, the castle, the marina, the estuary, the shops. An additional highlight saw the local RNLI crew welcome our party aboard the Yarmouth Lifeboat for a private visit. The 2 volunteers provided a fascinating insight into the performance of this vessel and the work of the brave crews who so magnificently save lives at sea.

ALBERT COTTAGE HOTEL, EAST COWES, evening

After a slightly tricky coach journey back to Wotton Bridge (due to the launch that day of the infamous IOW Pop Festival one-way system) our party still had time to relax and enjoy the Lakeside’s facilities, before taking the short coach ride to our ‘black-tie’ dinner at the Albert Cottage Hotel. Once part of Queen Victoria’s Osborne Estate, Albert Cottage was used by members of the Royal Family and their guests for many years. After Queen Victoria’s death her youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, lived here until she moved to Carisbrooke Castle in 1913.

On a beautiful evening, almost the longest day of the year, we enjoyed a drinks reception and canapes on the garden terrace before having a tasty private dinner overlooking the garden. There was much mirth and merriment on display, and the time flew by, before we headed back to our hotel in the late evening.