A group of Mid Sussex Ramblers enjoyed a day trip on Saturday 14^th June 2008, organised by Richard Mercer.

We travelled by coach from local pick up points for a two part day out, going first into Central London for a visit to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. We arrived mid morning for a short free time to enjoy the area around Covent Garden, and then were divided into two groups for guided tours of the Opera House, learning about its history and seeing at first hand, behind the scenes of this very famous building.

Rebuilt recently over a two and a half year period, it is now a stylish and custom designed theatre, covering about two and a half acres, capable of staging the most lavish world class productions. We saw the beautiful design of the building and the enlarged areas for the 900 staff who work there. Dressmaking, Practice Studios, Scenery areas and the Auditorium were all shown and described to us in great detail by very knowledgeable (and amusing) guides. We learned of the time it takes to prepare everything involved in a new Ballet or Opera, and the storage, post production, of everything for future shows, in a remote warehouse of in South Wales.

Leaving Central London in the early afternoon, we then travelled out to Caterham Valley. Here, in our more traditional mode, geared up for walking, Richard guided us along the North Downs Way, and other paths, for a most enjoyable ramble of about five miles through the hills and valleys before rejoining the coach above Woldingham at the North Downs Golf Club, and our return to Mid Sussex (a bit tired!)

The weather was kind to us and we enjoyed a warm and sunny June day to explore some new places. Our thanks to Richard Mercer for his organisation of the whole day, and to Nigel, our driver from Brighton and Hove Coaches, for coping with all the London traffic.

Please see some photos of the day in the 'Walks Records' Gallery 2008 April to June.

(P.S. Next year its Dover Castle and Samphire Hoe – should be good – all welcome - book early)