BUS TRIP BACK TO THE 1950's
(18/05/10)
It was a bus trip back in time for a group of volunteers at the Severn Hospice who took to the Shropshire road in a classic mini coach as part of a special afternoon out.
Dressed in the distinctive decade’s dresses and skirts, the team of lady volunteer kitchen staff at Apley Hospice in Wellington stepped aboard a 1950''s Austin K8 mini coach – lovingly restored by trip organiser Terry Leach.
After a ride through country lanes to Ironbridge and Coalport, the classic bus scheduled a stop in the picturesque grounds of The Wroxeter Hotel and restaurant, between Telford and Shrewsbury, for a picnic on the lawn overlooking The Wrekin.
They were served drinks on the lawn by the hotel’s director Margot Foster as they tucked into 1950’s fayre including spam sandwiches and pears with condensed milk – the forgotten food of 60 years ago.
“My hobby is restoring classic vehicles and I thought it would be nice to take all the kitchen staff out for a treat when we finish at 3pm,” said Terry, a retired businessman, of Shawbirch, Telford, who gives up his spare time to work as a kitchen steward at the hospice.
“Everyone was very excited and got into the mood by getting original costumes from ebay and we decided to do 1950’s food for the picnic.
“I had earlier popped into The Wroxeter hotel for a drink and a view of the wonderful landscape and I just thought it was such a beautiful setting that we could enjoy a picnic on their lawn. The hotel staff was most accommodating,” said Terry.
The hotel’s director said: “We do have lots of coach visitors but they normally eat in the restaurants. But this was such a wonderful idea that we really couldn’t refuse. They are a tremendous group of people. Hats off to them all.”
Picknickers donated the cost of their late afternoon picnic to the hospice. For more information on Terry’s classic restorations visit www.leachclassiccollection.webs.com
