IN recent weeks a coach load of whist players travelled for their 2016 holiday to Eastbourne, organised by David and Edwina Broad of Tintagel and John and Sue Wonnacott of Bude, with the weather being wonderful.

The venue for the holiday was the Queen’s Hotel, on Eastbourne’s sea front. During the days, trips were taken out, but on the Tuesday everyone explored Eastbourne, where the shops were perused and many walks taken in beautiful sunshine.

Trips were taken to the ‘Battle and Hastings’, Royal Tonbridge Wells and Lama Park. On the Friday morning, a visit to Beechy Head had been arranged, but this was cancelled, due to roadworks. Instead the village of Alfriston was visited, where everyone had a look around, drank coffee, visited the church and bought gifts from the specialised shops.

Each evening 24 hands of whist were played, followed by 12 hands in a miniature drive, to include no trumps and misere. On Friday afternoon, most gathered, when the weather turned wet, to play rainbow whist, which when everyone got into it, was greatly enjoyed. David Broad was the MC and each evening there was also a raffle and a tally of the scores were kept.

The winners, jointly, were David Broad and Bet Pope of Holsworthy. The lowest was Bill Roberts. During the week, Edwina Broad, Norman Woodman and Anne Wilson celebrated birthdays.

On the Friday evening, a special draw for prizes was held and proceeds from the week were given to aid the League of Friends of Stratton Hospital and with birthday money given to Edwina Broad amounted to £625.

Ivor Pellow of Sourton gave thanks to David. Thanks were also accorded to Paul Tilley, of Tilley’s Coaches.

Since returning home Edwina and Sue presented their cheque to the League of Friends of Stratton Hospital, and this was received by their secretary Chris Roberts.

On the homeward journey, the travellers stopped in Winchester, where many took advantage of visiting the cathedral to have a look around, before they settled down for the trip home.