The Arrowgroup

Day One: Tuesday

Two cars were used this year to transport us to our destination in Suffolk. We were then on our way on the 38th Arrow Trip. We stopped off at McDonalds near Colsterworth for breakfast. Continued on to Ipswich, getting there for lunch. Wandered about the town a bit after parking near the football stadium. Called in at a cafe for tea and cake then Settled on a Wetherspoons for a couple of drinks near the bus station. Very convivial and nice. Pressed on after to the house. All very nice and 3 floors, later to be revealed it had ghostly happenings. There was a also we learned, a seagull chick had fallen from the roof and was in the garden somwhere. All OK except anyone who went into the garden got dive bombed by seagulls.

After some millage and shopping at the Co-op up the road, we tried to find somewhere to eat. It wasn’t easy as you had to book generally. So we ended up at the Railway Inn which was nice enough and quite cheap. After that repaired to town centre, trying several pubs, it seemed the White Hart was the local favourite. One thing was the pubs shut at 10pm which was a bit of a surprise. Afterwards it was back to the house for some cheese and biscuits etc and a past Arrow video viewing.

Day Two: Wednesday

We were up early as it was nice and bright weather. Looked for somewhere for brekkie, and found a place called Aldeburgh Cafe. Was OK but there was too much. Left there and then headed to Lowestoft to the most easterly point of the UK. Took some photos there of course. Left there as it wasn’t great just an industrial zone really. Made our way down to Southwold and to the pier there. All nice enough, had something to eat and drink, a cake and tea on the pier itself. The day was lovely, sunshine in plentiful supply.

In the afternoon we went to visit Framingham Castle. Again, all good and a nice walk round the ramparts etc. Back home from there then ordered a takeaway from a Thai place cafe in Aldeburgh. It wasn’t very good. Out later then to the pub. Cross Keys and White Hart. A good evening ensued, and again, had the cheese and biscuits afterwards back at the house..

Day Three: Thursday

Up early-ish and again, it was nice and bright. Breakfasted at Thorpeness, then afterwards had a rowing session on the mere, messing about in boats. Was good fun, better than expected. A morning’s entertainment! Drove then to Woodbridge where we had some tea and cake again. After this progressed to Sutton Hoo to visit the Saxon dig. Was quite interesting, had a lot round, very pleasant afternoon and warm. Back home, had an Indian meal in Aleburgh then to the pubs as usual.

Day Four: Friday

We had the usual breakfast at Thorpeness, stopping off at the clam sculpture called the Scallop on the beach for a photo opportunity. Then went to an adventure golf course near Woodbridge called Ufford Park and whiled away an hour or so, it was good, though warm in the sheltered environment. Drove to Saxmundham and had a drink and toasted sandwich there at a cafe with staff who looked like they regurlarly serve their own menu to themselves.

After drove to the Escape Room just outside the town, had an hour in there and enjoyed it a lot. The guy there was friendly and we had a good time trying to solve the clues. Back for DSA then out to the Mill Inn down the road for a meal, then of course ending up at the White Hart Inn where it was quite busy.

Day Five: Saturday

We were up at 7.45. Packed up everything in order to go back home. Mark needed to get some exterior video of the house so he flew up the drone, or tried to with Chris on the beach but the seagulls were very rattled again so couldn’t do much and tried to attack it. Filmed the house tour with Chris then we had the breakfast at Thorpeness.

After that, travelled to Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens near Diss. There they had a Dad’s Army Museum and fairground and miniture steam railway. The consensus was it was a bit underwhelming, cost £15.50 to get in. Left there for home, got home about 3.30pm. Said bye to Mic as we won’t see him for a while as he’s finishing at Gedling then moving to Berwick.