A full house of 40 u3a members from 12 branches enjoyed a delightful trip to Combe Meadow Gardens near Ashburton, owned by u3a members Angela and Mike Walker. Members came from as far afield as Penzance and Warminster to experience a delightful setting in a beautiful location at only £15pp.
The afternoon started with a guided walk, led by Angela, around the 6 acres of gardens. The gardens include both wild and formal areas, restored by them after decades of neglect. They're studded with sculptures and relics from the old tin mine on the site.
This was followed by a huge barbecue, expertly cooked by Mike. Beef, pork, chicken, sausages and burgers, all of the highest quality and flavour, were enthusiastically eaten in glorious sunshine. Members had brought a variety of salads, desserts and cakes to finish a lovely meal.
Relaxing afterwards, we were entertained by Bill Murray, a well known West Country singer, telling tales and singing songs of Old Dartmoor.
As the first BBQ was over subscribed Mike and Angela agreed to hold another in September for everyone who missed out in August. Mike spent two hours putting up their 9m x 3m gazebo the previous evening. When they got up they found it had committed suicide, lying on it's back with it's legs flailing in the wind and rain! When I arrived we sat down with a cuppa, working out how to keep everyone dry.
I had a Gazebo in the boot of my car which we put up outside their kitchen door. The BBQ was warming up under a very large umbrella whilst Angela and their friend Jenny brought in garden chairs and opened their home up to the 28 members, some of whom had driven quite a distance to get there.
Angela led two walks around their lovely Gardens. The rain had stopped and the sun was trying to come out as the first walk began so most left their coats behind ... which they regretted when, half way round, they sought cover under some trees from a sudden burst of rain. After a delicious and generous BBQ we sat in their garden, umbrellas at the ready, whilst being entertained with Cornish ditties by Bill.
Everyone left carrying a doggy bag of left over meat. There was a small profit of £141, half of which was earmarked as a donation from u3a to Devon Air Ambulance, the other half going to a cause supported by Angela and Mike in India. With a little arm twisting Angela and Mike have agreed to open their beautiful gardens for members on 26th March and 12th May 2026.