Wessex Weekend Away 17-19 May 2019

Nine couples and seven TR's had a fantastic weekend away on the Isle of Purbeck. At first glance the idea of two nights away so close to home seems crazy; but how often do you feel shamefaced when visitors come to stay, and you don't know where to take them or what sights are on your doorstep? You know they are there, but you just haven't got around to visiting them yourself!

On Friday, we all arrived at Moreton's House Hotel in the village of Corfe, a delightful Elizabethan manor house built of the local stone (no half-timbered frames here!). We were welcomed by the staff and after a pre-dinner drink sat down to a fine dining experience that delighted us all. The attention to detail of the presentation of each course, its quality and particularly the way the staff knew exactly who ordered what and where they were sitting was truly impressive. (Doubly so because on the second night we all sat in different places!) We were all addressed by name and it was this personal attention to detail that was the theme of our stay.

On Saturday, after an excellent breakfast, we went our separate ways to explore the area. Some went to Swanage by steam train, some to Tyneham village and others to Clouds Hill and Moreton as well as wandering around Corfe village. Our second dining experience was just as excellent as the first evening. We asked to see the chef to compliment him and his staff – he agreed to do so on the condition that he got a ride in one of our cars! So on Sunday morning, chef Ed Firth had a ride in Gordon Denson's immaculate TR3A. Ed is a keen classic car enthusiast and judging by the grin on his face he enjoyed the experience!

Everyone agreed that the weekend had been a great success. The weather held off in the main; the hotel was magnificent and the company excellent! A big thank you to Geoff Glover for finding the hotel, a real gem, and making the arrangements necessary for a wonderful weekend away.

Words and picture by Ben Freer