An all-female force of 7 members, including returning member Anne, arrived in Felixstowe this morning.  (What happened to the fellows?)  After stopping for essentials at the Ferry Café, we explored the many delights of the boatyard, from the domesticity of houseboats to boatbuilding, boat repairs, boats of all varieties, and fish, not to mention the Ferry itself.  We had tea, chat and a viewing of our respective works in the Ferry Café before returning home happy with our day.  This sort of outing really does blow the cobwebs away.
​
Click on images to enlarge them.

Apart from some rumbles of thunder and one heavy rain shower, it was quite a good day for our visit to Bungay.  This market town has a long history.  It has much to offer in the way of independent shops and picturesque scenery, but not a lot in the way of handy parking space - or so it seemed to us.  Five of us went our various ways and found a variety of subjects to sketch, before meeting up at the Earsham Stree Café for tea and to share our experiences of an enjoyable day.  Below is some of our work, which you can click to enlarge.

There was so much to see, it was a bit overwhelming.  We were welcomed by the owners, who were happy to introduce us to the gardens and then allow us to wander, sketch or paint wherever we wished.  We found lots of beautiful flowers, plants, shrubs and trees of all kinds, quirky sculptures, wooden buildings, benches and garden furniture galore.  There was a different view round every corner.  Although we were there for most of the day, it wasn't long enough to do it any kind of justice.  However, we tried - and with some interesting results as you can see below.  We were 16 altogether, although not all stayed to tea when we looked at each other's work and, on this occasion, also heard from the owner about the development of these wonderful gardens.
Click to enlarge images.

Another beautiful day, albeit a bit windy, and a glorious house and garden for our day out sketching.  There was no end of subjects, from the very old thatched house itself to trees, ponds, plants and flowers, pots and paraphernalia.  Angela looked after us all day, plying us with teas and coffees - as well as keeping us entertained with dogs and chickens! There were ten of us at today's venue.

Here is what some of us did on the day, including work in progress.  Click on images to enlarge them.

Don't forget, next week is Southwold!