The March Travellers’ Tales meeting featured another entertaining presentation by popular U3A member Peter Atkinson – but was something of a sad occasion as it was Peter’s final talk to the group before he and his wife Gill move to Canada to be near their son in Toronto as well as their daughter, who lives just a 3-hour flight away in Texas.
At the beginning of the meeting group leader Angela Chantry presented wine to Peter and flowers to Gill as a special thank-you to the couple for their huge contribution to the U3A over the years, which includes running the History Group and Quiz Nights as well as giving numerous talks to groups and at general meetings.
Peter will be a hard act to follow – but he will not be going quietly. Before he leaves Spain in June, he will be guest presenter at the History Group in May and setting the questions at the next Quiz Night later this month!
His talk to the Travellers’ Tales meeting – entitled Gill and Peter’s ‘Beat the Heat’ Tour of Northern Spain – was typically informative and entertaining. Peter illustrated his talk with excellent photos illustrating the stunning scenery, historic buildings and impressive cities, towns and villages he and Gill visited during their 3-week tour last August.
The couple covered more than 3,300km during their road trip, staying in three AirBnbs and eight Parador Hotels. They visited several places on route including the birthplaces of artist Goya and military general Franco (Fuendtodos and El Ferrol respectively) as well as Santiago de Compostela, San Sebastian, Santillana del Mar, Leon, Getaria and Soria.
Did they succeed in their quest to “beat the heat”? Yes, said Peter – despite temperatures hitting 37C and 39C in a couple of places, overall it proved to be a welcome escape from the heat and humidity of the Costa Blanca.
Peter and Gill will be sorely missed by the U3A and the many friends they have made, but we wish them well in their next big adventure in Canada.
Report and photo by Publicity Officer Ian Rogerson
