MEMBERS of Wotton-under-Edge Probus Club enjoyed a splendid day out to Tewkesbury on Wednesday, June 21.

The morning consisted of a walking tour of the town followed by a boat trip along the River Severn with lunch on board.

The tour started outside the Abbey and proceeded north through the town.

Our guides described its interesting history pointing out many of the oldest buildings and describing aspects of its townsfolk through the ages.

The stories behind the many alleys that exist in Tewkesbury (there were 105 at one stage) were fascinating and we learnt that their names were originally linked to people living and working in properties at the entrance to each one.

Thus their names may have changed over time, although it was decreed more recently that names should not be changed anymore.

Our tour came to an end at the lock gates between the Rivers Avon and Severn where we boarded the ‘MV Conway Castle’, the vessel that would take us on a 90 minute cruise on the River Severn.

A fish and chip lunch was served as we cruised along, and the gentle breeze was a welcome relief from the heat in the town; after all, it was the hottest day of the year.

Wotton Probus Club meets at the Cotswold Edge Golf Club on every other Tuesday at 10.30am.

All are welcome to the next meeting on Tuesday, July 11 when there will be a talk on ‘POW Camps in Gloucestershire’.