VISIT TO THAMES BARRIER AND OLD NAVAL COLLEGE GREENWICH
 Sunday 1st April 2012
 
08.00 Pick up in Crowthorne at the bus stop outside The Iron Duke Pub (now closed). There is free parking opposite (Lower Broadmoor Road)
08.15  Pick up in Wokingham near a ‘free car park’ in Rose Street Wokingham.  I have investigated other pick up points but it would add to the cost and make an even earlier start. I realise that some people may have to drive further but once in a car driving the extra distance to the Wokingham car park should not be an imposition.
10.15 Arrive Thames Barrier
          The Barrier itself can be seen from the riverbank. (It is neither possible to set foot on it nor in the control room)
           There is a café in a close by building and toilets in view of us booking a group the toilets will be open earlier and the café at 10.30. The museum is underneath the café. It contains a working model of a barrier gate and considerable explanation about the river etc. There is also a video presentation lasting about 8 minutes on the history of the construction of the Barrier. Entrance to the museum £3 which will be paid when booking the trip.
11.45 Leave the Barrier for Greenwich.
12.15 Arrive Greenwich
Have lunch in the area. There is a whole range of places from a superior restaurant The King William in the Old RN College to various pubs.
14.00 Start organised tour of the Old RN College conducted by an expert guide
           This includes the Painted Hall and the Chapel that are free anyway but as well as much history about the place includes places that are not normally open to the public. Having visited the Old RN College on many occasions it is well worth the fee of £6 to be paid when booking the trip. 
16.00 Depart for home.
 
If you do not wish to visit the Old RN College then there is plenty more to see in Greenwich including the Observatory (which includes Harrison’s clocks), the Royal Maritime Museum both of which are free, and a Fan Museum. The restored Cutty Sark may be open –scheduled for spring 2012.
The problem is time. Really one wants at least two days to do all the attractions in the area justice.
More information on the Old RN College is available on their website.
Travel by Coach.
This depends on the number going but the number already booked this is unlikely to exceed £19 per head plus a gratuity of £1per head payable in advance but could reduce to about £12. The coach will have a toilet which will avoid a comfort stop on route.
Booking
If you are interested please e-mail with the following information (ldroland@gmail.com)
1 Name
2. Number in the party
3. Where you would like to join coach. Crowthorne or Wokingham
4. Do you want to join the conducted tour of the Old RN College?
5. Would you like to make your own travel arrangements on the day or join the coach party?