The organist librarian

Set off on Wednesday early and got to Portsmouth early for the ferry so enjoyed a visit to the cathedral. David Price was teachng some organists to play hymns and there were some lovely paintings on display. The cathedral looks great! Good crossing to Fishbourne and met the Duceys. To Channel View Hotel where we had a good meeting with Gill. Brendan and Alice were impressed! We went down to the beach to play crazy golf and Ciarán won. The food was excellent throughout the week and the service outstanding. Nice sunny room and we slept well although Ciaran developed a cough for which we got some mixture. Swam morning and evening in the indoor pool. Thursday to Osborne House and walked to the Swiss cottage  and loved the children's things. To Albert Cottage hotel which is lovely. By contrast Ryde castle hotel awful. Isle of Wight steam railway excellent especially Train story. Friday to Carisbrooke castle and saw the donkeys and up the keep, also Charles I's room. Interesting mu

Woke too early! As a result was a bit grumpy. We set off from Selhurst at 9.52 and went via East Croydon direct to Portsmouth Harbour. Filled in a passenger survey about the train which was good. Ferry to Ryde and walked down the pier when we could have taken the shuttle train. Got a bus to Sandown and visited the Trouville. First impressions not great but the dancefloor and rooms impressive. Parking is a problem and there is a charge if you cannot get into the car park, also the dining room cannot be rearranged into larger tables. We then went on to Shanklin on the bus and were immediately impressed by Channel View hotel. There are 2 disabled rooms which look very comfortable, nice dance floor and dining room which can be rearranged with tables of 8 and pool. We had an omelette at a cafe and got buses to Quarr Abbey. We arrived in the middle of vespers and met Fr Gregory Corcoran afterwards. He mentioned to a man that we were Catenians and he kindly picked us up and took us to the fe