Pudding Club Weekend – May-2023

Coronation Weekend – 5th to 8th May 2023

We set off for our weekend away with the hood down to visit Charlecote Park, en-route to the Pudding Club. We managed to view the gardens before the rain showers appeared and after sheltering in the archway made it into the house. After a light lunch in the cafe we set off for Mickleton. Another shower began near Stratford so we pulled in to put the hood up.  Very good job we did as we then had to drive through a thunderstorm before eventually finding the 3 Ways House Hotel. Luckily it was dry for unloading and making our way to our room.  Friday night was pudding Club night and our host, Vicky entertained us with the history of the Pudding Club (founded in 1985) before bringing out our main courses which were very light. We then saw 7 puddings being paraded into the room, one of which was carried by Judith.

The aim was to try all 7 and mark them out of 10. Jan and I thought that the chocolate mousse could not be beaten and the majority thought so too as it was the clear winner – beating Sticky Toffee and Date Pudding into second place.

On Saturday morning some of us decided that we would like to watch the coronation on the TV which had been set up in the lounge.  Others decided to venture out. The weather was not kind so I think we did better keeping warm and dry with a coffee. Paul and Woody decided to visit a car museum (at Bourton on the Water) and when they returned were sent out to gather a snack from the local delicatessen. We then decided to stretch our legs with a walk round the village before heading back for a cuppa and to prepare ourselves in red, white and blue for the evening meal.

The weather on Sunday morning was considerably better so we ventured forth to Hidcote Gardens whilst others went on a steam train from Broadway or visited an old Tythe Barn.  Ian and Liz even managed to see Morris Dancers at a pub. Our lunch was at Broadway Tower’s cafe which was very tasty. On arrival back at the Hotel it seemed a good idea to sit out in the sunshine on the lawn and enjoy a drink or two before getting ourselves ready for dinner.

All in all, an excellent weekend with good company, so many thanks to David and Judith Pawley for organising it.

Words: Carol Wood

Pictures: Paul Fileman