Snow causing transport chaos

[mariana44]

They are all in what is called South West England-as opposed to South East England--which is where Kent is. Some lovely counties in that area.

I think that Paul would consider Weston to be near Bournemouth---compared to distances in USA.

[Marian]

Sorry, it's nowhere near Bournemouth Marian even by U.S distances, but I get what you mean!

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Weston-Super-Mare is a popular seaside town, famous for it's Donkey rides on the beach that go back as far as 1886, and run by the same family since the 1940s.
The good news about the Grand Pier that was destroyed by fire in July 2008 is that it has been completely restored and will open this Summer 2010.
So much to do in Weston and several nice places to visit, the Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole recommended, particularly if the weather's good.

[paul jh]

Thanks for the information on Weston-Super-Mare. Sounds like an interesting place to visit. I'll put it on my list. It does seem a bit far from Bournemouth, and Bristol would be a better base. So many interesting places to visit in Britain!

A followup question: Many of these seaside towns sound like eclectic and unique villages. I would prefer them over the super-exclusive and expensive resorts. Which leads me to this question: Is there a British Riviera with beautiful views and incredible resort hotels? I've seen it listed in a travel brochure, but I don't recall where it is, perhaps Torquay?

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Yes Paul, Torquay is part of Torbay and the English Riviera in Devon.
Paignton and Brixham on that South Coast. A lovely place to visit.

[Marian]

I remember day trips as a child on the steamer across from South Wales to Weston, enjoying the time we spent there and the donkey rides especially.
Torquay and Torbay are lovely too, but wasn't there talk last year of taking out the Torbay Palms because muggers could hide in them?!!
It would be such a shame to lose these trees as they really make this area special. It would change the whole character of the area.
Marian

[Lena & Harry Smith]

It would be a great shame if those trees were taken away, after all this time.
It's a few years since we were in Torquay. Harry's brother was a drummer and his group were residential backers of the seasons shows in the Palace Theatre there.
They were staying near Ruby Murrays house and were invited to several of her and her husband's parties.

[Marian]

That must have been an interesting time Lena and Harry. I should imagine they were an extremely nice couple.
We had quite a number of holidays in the Torquay area when the children were small, and whenever we could afford it, we included a trip to the shows at the Palace Theatre.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

They were an Interesting and nice couple Marian, most of the time

[Mark Fox]

More snow forecast this evening(in our area).
Terrifying pictures of the floods in Madeira put our weather into perspective.