There is always a certain amount of anxiety in arranging an outing requiring the sale of tickets when left-over seats can mean loss rather than profit. Until the last minute I was pessimistic when counting the takers but on the day eight more tickets were sold at the very door of the coach so off we went with light hearts. We seemed to take the pretty rather than the quick way to Plymouth but, once in Cornwall, made good progress. Below were two enormous bubble-wrapped treble domed Crystal Palaces, built at the bottom of a huge pit whose sides swarmed with people like ants making their way back to their ant hills and crowding the cafes, loos and shops on their way. Between zig-zagging paths, trees had been planted and murran grass to hold the soil but the overall impression was of dry earth and sparse greenery. Inside the two great enclosed worlds were two separate climates; Mediterranean and Tropical. By excluding the outside atmosphere they had made two perfect examples of these climatic zones both in temperature and vegetation. They were fascinating to explore and most of us would like to return in a few years when the plants have reach their full size and beauty.

The Eden Project

A summer outing of this type might be a regular treat perhaps, if watchkleepers were in favour. The cost was a little more than a private visit yet the economies of scale allowed FOPP to make £153 towards the Appeal. Well done Faye for suggesting and arranging the whole thing.