The Enid Blyton Society

Good idea, Anita.

Thanks, Anita. I've just been looking at Exbury Gardens' website — here's the link for anyone else who, like me, hasn't been there before. It looks like they have a huge variety of gardens, a tea room, gift shop, gallery and a miniature steam train. Sounds like fun!

It is, Courtenay. We've been about twice now, and each time we see more things that we didn't see last visit. It's huge!

I too have noted the date and will do my utmost to attend. It's dependent on work but with plenty of notice I have high hopes.

pete9012S wrote:

sixret wrote: ...in Malaysia ... the weather and climate remain almost the same throughout the year.

Do you talk about the weather as much as we do in the UK?
If not,what do you talk about to break the ice with strangers etc?

Not so much. We usually talk about the event/occasion that we are joining together at the moment. We rarely talk about the weather here.

Having looked again at the website, it looks like we have scope for a really lovely day - with the possible inclusion of a steam train ride (an extra £4.50) - very Blytonian1 Thanks to Eddie and Julie for agreeing to take forward the arrangements. Looking forward to it already and to meeting up with everyone.

The steam train ride sounds interesting, Sally.

I posted the following on the General Natter thread on 26th April:

The May issue of "Gardeners' World", which is currently on sale for £4.75, includes a 2 for 1 Entry card and guide. This enables the holder and one other to visit any of 417 gardens listed for the price of one ticket. Included in the offer is Exbury Gardens with an entry fee of £11.50 for adults and OAPS. With a 2 for 1 card, the cost for two people would be £11.50. The cost for children aged 3 to 15 is £3.30. The magazine has 188 glossy pages and is worth having even if it didn't include the garden entry offers.

With any luck next year's May issue of "Gardeners' World" will include the 2 for 1 Entry card and guide with Exbury Gardens being one of the places included in the offer. The magazine is usually available during the last week of April.

You may have to remind us about that, Eddie. I know I'll forget!

The gardens are great, and I think those who are planning on coming with enjoy it all. Especially when you see 'Owls Dene' from the series, and the area of rock garden, where Secret Trail was used. Much of it has changed of course, as the trees have matured etc, but those who have seen the series will certainly recognize many parts used all over Exbury Gardens.

Eddie Muir wrote:I'm sure that Julie and I can work on the arrangements together, Sally.

You can rest assured that in these capable hands all will be well, Sally!

Those not familiar with Exbury can feast their eyes here.

I've never been - it looks absolutely lovely.
Are there any other Enid Blyton connections to Exbury besides the 70's tv series being filmed around there?

I don't know of any other Pete. Just the 70's series.

Moonraker wrote:

Eddie Muir wrote:I'm sure that Julie and I can work on the arrangements together, Sally.

You can rest assured that in these capable hands all will be well, Sally!

Thank you for the vote of confidence, Nigel.

I agree, Nigel, very capable hands. Also interested to read about Mr Eddy's tearoom - sound like your sort of place, Eddie!

It certainly sounds like my kind if place, Sally.

I so want to be able to go and meet you there!!