A CHRISTMAS CHEER!

Last Friday night was a really great evening...

ABD staff from all the offices (Devizes, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Marlborough) got together and enjoyed their annual “Christmas bash” which took place in the Bear Hotel, Devizes this year.

It was a great eve, everybody was in excellent festive form, and the party didn’t finish until the early hours of the following morning!  Just as well it was on a Friday night!

87 people sat down to eat. Andrew Douglas and Dave Turley handed out raffle prizes just before coffee and mince pies arrived. Then it was back to the bar, catching up on news, and disco!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

ABD WIN!

BEST SMALL CONVEYANCING FIRM OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD.

“The Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times and The Times is the longest running and most sought after awards in the residential property industry. Now, to recognise the vital part that conveyancers play in the process of moving, there is a new award: The Conveyancer of the Year Award.”  www.estateagencyevents

This prestigious event was held at the Lancaster London Hotel, London on Thursday 8 December 2011, and was attended by over 600 people. It has been running for over 9 years with Zoopla.co.uk as headline sponsor this year.

ABD Partners; Tony Awdry, Andrew Douglas and Alistair Everett attended with Head of Conveyancing, Ronna Turley and her team; Halina Tomlinson, Kathryn Roker, Kellie Hinton, Lisa Sidwell, Rebecca Vassie and Sara Lovesey.

The morning began with coffee and first class seminar programmes discussing “Future of Estate Agency” as well as demonstrations showing the latest technology and innovations from many exhibitors including Rightmove.

Drinks reception with canapés followed by a “Gala Luncheon” providing the very best of fine food and wine took place early afternoon enabling everybody to settle down and listen in anticipation to The Award Categories Ceremony. This was hosted by Lucia Coward and presented by Ben Fogle.  Ben Fogle for those of you who may not know or remember captured viewers’ hearts on BBC millennium project called”Castaway”.  He has recently finished filming a Year of Adventures for BBC Worldwide and Lonely Planet to be televised in 2012.

The Venue

ABD Team had no idea that they were going to win this Award! They were there to enjoy and support the event…

“This firm demonstrated an excellent customer service ethos throughout; strong processes and imaginative problem solving were evident across the board. There were numerous proven examples of the team going above and beyond to help customers. References from agents are exemplary; the entire team works hard to foster good relationships with the agents and they enjoy joint training and social events to aid this approach. The panel were pleased with its turnaround time from sale agreed to exchange; this is helped in no small way by top-notch systems and processes; with 97% of customers saying they would re-use this firm, theirs is clearly an approach which works.”

The Team

This GOLD AWARD is a very clear indication of the hard work and excellent service ABD provides and also to be recognised as the BEST.

For more information follow this link: http://www.estateagencyoftheyear.com/specialist_winners/small_conveyancer/

ABD SEMINARS OFF TO A SUCCESSFUL START

PLANNING FOR LONG TERM CARE CREATES POPULAR INTEREST

ABD Probate Team joined forces recently with Chilvester Independent Investment Consultants and Financial Planners to present 2 seminars. The first was based at Marsh Farm Hotel, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, and the second was based at The Corn Exchange, Devizes, Wiltshire. The purpose of the seminars was to discuss the topics surrounding Planning for Long Term Care in later life.

ABD Probate Team and Chilvester Financial get into full swing with the Seminar.

The seminars were extremely well attended and created much interest.

As a result of their success, we will be holding these seminars again in the New Year for those people that were not able to attend our previous dates.

If you are interested and would like to attend, please contact us on 01380 722311 or email keshid@awdrys.co.uk for more information.

ABD ENTERTAINS…

Saturday, November 5th 2011 was the date, the weather was grey but not raining and all the guests had arrived.

ABD Partners Tony Awdry, Alistair Everett, Andrew Douglas, Roger Chadwick and also Commercial Solicitor Richard Bowater, Conveyancing Manager Ronna Turley and Trainee Solicitor Joe Phelan had invited their guests to watch the Avivia Premiership Rugby Match at The Recreation Ground in Bath.

Calm before the storm – The Recreation Ground, Bath.

THE BIG MATCH

Bath v Harlequins. It was a sell out! Bath against top of the table Harlequins! There were no tickets left to watch this match! 12,200 people attended! It was going to be a cracking game!

Lunch was served in The Illustrious Suite as the guests chatted and waited in anticipation for the game to start…

As a special treat before the match, and with the help of the corporate team at Bath Rugby, ABD had a Bath team shirt signed by all the players. Also, in an exclusive raffle, ABD guests raised £155 for the shirt which was presented to the winner – Strakers Estate Agents Managing Director Antony Bulley by Bath and England prop David Flatman, the monies going to the Bath Community Foundation.

Bite to eat before the Match!

KICK OFF!

Harlequins made a bit of a slow start as Bath began the game on the front foot attacking Harlequins defence in every which way. As time went on though Harlequins eventually assumed control of the contest as they gained the upper-hand at the scrum, line out and breakdown.

At half time the score was 7 – 13 to Harlequins.

As the game resumed with the start of the second half, Bath Rugby were unable to halt Quins’ winning run. There were “fireworks” 10 minutes into the second half as a result of “fisty cuffs” following which “Quins” were awarded a penalty.

THE FINAL SCORE

The final score was Bath Rugby 13 – 26 Harlequins.

“Harlequins maintained their perfect start to the Aviva Premiership season as tries from Chris Robshaw and Mike Brown helped them to a 26-13 win at Bath”

A fantastic and exiting game enjoyed by all ended with tea and cake back in the Illustrious Suite. Then it was home for fireworks and bonfire night!

From left to right Alistair Everett, Roger Chadwick, David Flatman (Flats), Antony Bulley (Strakers Estate Agents) Tony Awdry and Andrew Douglas

HAPPY TO LIVE IN DEVIZES!

ABD PARTNER ROGER CHADWICK PASSES COMMENT...

Devizes Community Area Partnership (DCAP) is a body which links local government with local businesses, the community and statutory bodies such as the police and NHS.

One of the Partnerships aims is to create a Strategic Area Plan for the Devizes Community Area and to set out what services and facilities will be needed over the next 15 years.  For example how many schools, roads, hospitals, sports facilities etc will be required.

LIVING IN THE DEVIZES AREA

In order to gauge people’s needs, DCAP sent out a questionnaire to 11,500 households in the Devizes Community Area and to their surprise received 3,000 responses back!

Because the response was such a positive one, not only did  the local press write an article about it but also ITV wanted to do a short interview.

ABD Partner, Roger Chadwick who is Chairman of DCAP agreed to the interview which took place at ABD’s Devizes offices recently.

ROGERS THOUGHTS?

 

To see the interview and hear what Roger had to say about Devizes;

Follow the link

http://www.itv.com/westcountry-east/happy-to-live-in-devizes56925/

For more information about Devizes Community Area Partnership (DCAP)

Follow the link

www.dcap.org.uk

WILL PLANNING – ONLINE ASSETS.

“Pass on your digital footprint in a will, urge lawyers”.                                   (The Times, October 12 2011).

ABD is to start actively encouraging their clients when making a Will to decide on what they would like to do with their web based assets and “online life”.

In the same way that clients keep details of their investments, bank accounts, savings and assets etc, ABD will start to advise and recommend that clients keep details of their “online life and assets” to incorporate into their wills.

Many social networks, email providers and online account companies depending on their terms and conditions either grant differing levels of access, or refuse to disclose usernames/passwords/logins etc altogether to the next of kin, making it extremely difficult for them to access, deal with and close the deceased accounts.

ENTRUSTING YOUR PASSWORDS.

Clients are now starting to realise that by leaving details of their passwords/usernames/logins etc of their online accounts in their wills, it makes it much easier for their next of kin to have access and to deal with these accounts after death in the necessary way with help and advice from their solicitor.

For more information or making a will please contact either;-

- Catherine Cole (Calne Office). 
  catherine.cole@awdrys.co.uk

- Lynnette Hilliard (Royal Wootton Bassett Office).
  lynnette.hilliard@awdrys.co.uk  

- David Kelshall (Marlborough Office).  
  david.kelshall@awdrys.co.uk

- Naomi Hill (Devizes Office).
   naomi.hill@awdrys.co.uk

MAKING A WILL ONLINE?

Start making a Will with our simple online form.    click here

A WARM WELCOME TO…

Janice Leyland who has recently started in ABD’s Family Law Department.

Janice is married with 2 grown up children and previously worked for a law firm based in Gloucestershire where she specialised in family law.

Her role within ABD is to assist in the steady development of this very busy vibrant department which is based at the Devizes office. She will also be visiting ABD’s Calne office on a regular basis to meet clients and discuss any matters relating to family law.

Janice will be dealing with all matrimonial matters in both offices to include;-

- DIVORCE 
- CHILDREN ISSUES
- FINANCIAL PROVISION FOLLOWING THE BREAKDOWN OF RELATIONSHIP

To find out more about Janice and the family law team, click here or email Janice relating to any family issues on Janice.leyland@awdrys.co.uk

‘ROYAL’ WOOTTON BASSETT

“We honour those who serve”

(Royal Wootton Bassett motto).

Wootton Bassett Town is known as, and will always be remembered for, being a stronghold for community and support during the countless repatriation ceremonies that have taken place since 2007.  In recognition of this the Town has been granted the title ‘Royal’. The official unveiling of the new Royal Wootton Bassett road sign by Mayor Paul Heaphy, and Jane Scott, Leader of Wiltshire County Council, took place last week.

“This Community has come together in the most extraordinary way”(The Princess Royal).

Thousands of people turned out to line the town's High Street for the remaining ceremony which took place on Sunday 16th October 2011 whereby The Princess Royal presented the Letters Patent on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.  The Town being granted the title ‘Royal’ is a rare honour which was last bestowed on Tunbridge Wells, Kent in 1909.

The Prime Minister David Cameron also attended. He stood beside new Defence Secretary Philip Hammond as they witnessed the march-past by units representing the 3 services.  The march-past was led by the band of  the Royal Marines playing a piece of music entitled ‘Wootton Bassett’ as they took just 350 steps to the Viewing Stand in representation of the number of bodies driven along the very same route.  The piece of music was written by Captain Pete Curtis – a Royal Marines director of music.

There were also flypasts by a C130 Hercules, a giant RAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft, and a Vulcan Bomber – all planes which were important to nearby RAF Lyneham and Royal Wootton Bassets past.

COAT OF ARMS

ABD RECEIVES A PLAQUETTE IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEW COAT OF ARMS!

Also in commemoration of this change, approximately 14 local firms including ABD made a contribution towards the new Coat of Arms which has now been replaced with a gold lion at the bottom of the shield instead of a diamond. This will shortly be on show in Royal Wootton Bassett Town for the public to see.

To thank ABD and the other firms for their contributions, a presentation took place at Marsh Farm Hotel, Wootton Bassett on Friday 14th October 2011. All were invited to attend and each firm received a plaquette.  Dr Clive Cheesman, from The College of Arms, London, did a brief talk about the Coat of Arms, its historical facts, and its new design.

ABD Partner Peter Shah accompanied by Solicitor Alex David attended and was presented by Mayor Paul Heaphy with a Coat of Arms plaquette which will be placed in ABD’s Wootton Bassett Office Reception for the public to see!

ABD Partner Peter Shah (centre) receiving the new Royal Wootton Bassett Coat of Arms Plaquette from Mayor Paul Heaphy (left) with Dr Clive Cheeseman (right).

COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT WELCOMES…

ABD Commercial Department warmly welcomes Richard Bowater who has recently joined the team!

Richard will not only be working from ABD’s Marlborough Office but he will also be based at ABD’s Wootton Bassett Office dealing with new business and helping to develop the Commercial Department as from October 2011. He will also have a “watching brief” at ABD’s Calne based office dealing with any new business.

Richard is married, has 2 children and is the current captain of Spye Park Cricket Club. 

He is looking forward to his new role in the Commercial Department.

All enquiries regarding:-

-    Commercial land and property purchases/sales.
-    Business transfers and acquisitions.
-    Landlord and tenant work.
-    Equine.

Please contact Richard on richard.bowater@awdrys.co.uk

You can meet the rest of our team by clicking here or by visiting our website. www.awdrys.co.uk

INVITATION TO “SPEAK” SENT TO CHIEF LEGAL OMBUDSMAN FOR ENGLAND AND WALES - ADAM SAMPSON.

The venue was Bowood Golf and Country Club, Near Chippenham, Wiltshire. The date was set, and Adam Sampson was delighted to attend!

ABD Partner Roger Chadwick who was recently elected to be President for the Gloucester and Wiltshire Law Society will begin his new role in 2012.

IN THE MEANTIME…

Roger has been actively recruiting new sponsors and also new members to help promote and develop the Law Society in becoming a more accessible body.

He invited Adam Sampson to attend Bowood Golf and Country Club to talk about his role as Chief Legal Ombudsman for England and Wales.

Once the legal fraternity had gathered and seated, Adam spoke to an audience of about 70 people who listened to the role of the Legal Ombudsman and why it has been created. He talked about the changing complaints structure, and the purpose of the scheme.

This presentation was well attended from new members to existing members of the Gloucester and Wiltshire Law Society, qualified solicitors, trainee solicitors, legal executives and law students.

LAW SOCIETY SPONSOR

One of the sponsors of the Gloucester and Wiltshire Law Society is Handlesbanken, a Swedish Bank with approximately 100 offices in the UK.

Corporate Managers for Handlesbanken, Swindon - Paul Brown and Shaun Bradshaw were also invited to attend the event and chat to the legal fraternity about their involvement as a sponsor.

After a “Question and Answer” session with Adam Sampson, Roger Chadwick thanked everybody for attending.

ABD Partner Roger Chadwick (left) with Adam Sampson.

GOOD NEWS!

Awdry Bailey and Douglas Solicitors is now a Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme accredited firm.

The firm is very pleased to announce that they have successfully been approved by the Law Society for accreditation to the Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

“Only firm’s offering the highest standards of conveyancing are accepted.”  (Law Society).

Mrs Ronna Turley, Head of Conveyancing, for ABD Offices in Devizes, Calne, Wootton Bassett and Marlborough along with her team were delighted to hear the good news.


From left to right - Sally Mason, Sonya Smith, Sarah Lovesey, Kellie Hinton, Jackie Cooper, Kathryn Roker, Joe Phelan, Ronna Turley, Kate Hudson, Rebecca Davis, Rebecca Vassie, Georgina Giddings and Jean Phillips.




According to the Law Society this accreditation provides a recognised quality kite mark standard for residential conveyancing practices. It is designed to provide a bench mark when purchasers, sellers and lenders are dealing with conveyancing firms. The Conveyancing Quality Scheme shows that the firm is a genuine conveyancing firm which has passed strict quality checks to ensure efficient conveyancing procedures under the new Law Society protocol, also good practice management standards. The aim is to stamp out fraudulent/bogus firms and improve the standard of conveyancing in England and Wales.

The Conveyancing Quality Scheme is supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Association and the Association of British Insurers.

Look out for our new kite mark!

MATRIMONIAL DEPARTMENT TEST THE WATERS FOR NEW TIMES AHEAD!

ABD TEAM BUILDING DAY OUT!

A relaxing day out cruising on a canal barge from Hilperton Marina, to Seend for a "lite bite" sounded like a fantastic idea for this hardworking department not only to spend some "time out together" but to also use it as a kind of team building exercise, is exactly what the ABD Matrimonial Department did, and I felt very privileged to go with them...

The ABD Litigation Department had done this very same trip only a few weeks ago for their team building day out which proved to be a great success.

The weather started rather grey and cloudy (the day before had been hot and sunny, oh well,) as we boarded our canal barge for the day which was aptly named "Cheers".

After a complicated and lengthy but very informative "health and safety" talk on boat problems/use of lock key/getting through the locks/making a cup of tea/man over board etc etc from one of the smiley faced barge instructors, we nervously questioned amongst us for a split second whether we were capable and able enough to actually make it in one piece to our destination the "Brewery Inn", a popular inn producing excellent fare and drink based in Seend, Wiltshire.

"Come on team, we can do this!" So off we chugged with ABD Partner Andrew Douglas in the driving seat steering us away.

Carol Saunders and Andrew Douglas.

The journey itself to Seend took no more than approx 4 hours and was hugely relaxing even when it rained and at one stage felt slightly cold out. Most had a go and enjoyed steering the barge. Not an easy thing to do, the barge is a slow mover when steering, and you need to think ahead of the game especially if there is another barge insight heading towards you! The locks are relatively straight forward and require an amount of team strength to open/close the locks whilst you then wait for a few minutes or so for the water to rise. Its also a great way to meet/have idle chit chat to other barge users doing the same especially if they are going in the same direction because 2 barges can wait for the water to rise (or fall) at the same time. Patience, strength and avoiding other objects are key factors all round with this sport!

Alex David oversees and Janice Leyland

keeping a tight hold of the barge.

Approaching the locks.

PATIENCE IS KEY.

It was really good to meet the Matrimonial Department in the flesh so to speak. Chatting, listening and finding out what they were about - This is clearly a solid, and special close nit team of slick mediators who can calmly deal with any given matrimonial situation and achieve the required results. This is a team that deals with people who are going through a very difficult stage in their lives that involve the words separation, divorce, children, family, structure, home, belongings and loss.

Dave Turley and Leanne Matthews.

"Come on Dave, get your back into it".

KJ and Carol Saunders

contemplating!

WE MADE IT

Finally, we arrived at our destination, the Brewery Inn where we enjoyed very tasty lunches and drink. We were intrigued to note that they provided our food not only on plates but also baking trays and slabs of wood and slate! Very rustico!

Leanne Matthews, Janice Leyland,KJ, Alex David, Carol Saunders David Turley and Andrew Douglas. (Left to right).

The return journey was a deja vu of the locks (in reverse - we had to wait for the water to fall), herons happily perched close by, houses, gardens, wonderfully named, beautifully painted and a few unkempt barges moored up on the canal side. Some had solar panels. One even had a lengthy vegetable plot on its roof-amazing. Its good to see life from a different perspective.

The barge was aptly named "Cheers" which is what we said as we sipped our beers, wine and beverages. As if lunch wasn't enough, we piggishly tucked into further "party" fare as we passed the time of day. The sun even came out briefly!

Janice Leyland, Leanne Matthews and Dave Turley
"cheers!"

The journey seemed go slowly yet fly by because it had been such an enjoyable day which had come to end before we knew it. In fact, Janice Leyland, Matrimonial Solicitor based a Devizes Office who had joined the firm the day before was especially impressed with her second day in the office sorry I mean on the barge! As we moored up at the Hilperton Marina and collected our belongings, the unanimous vote that this would become an annual event was an absolute definite thumbs up! Thank you so much for inviting me too. It was great.

ABD PARTNER ELECTED NEW PRESIDENT OF THE GLOUCESTER AND WILTSHIRE LAW SOCIETY!

UNANIMOUS VOTE!

Recently, at the AGM of the Gloucester and Wiltshire Law Society, ABD Partner Roger Chadwick was elected to become the new President. The term of office commences January 2012 and runs for 18 months. Roger is based at the ABD offices in Devizes, Wiltshire and is already working hard and on the case.

Roger Chadwick "as pleased as punch" to be elected.

Roger who has been on the committee for 2 years already is really excited about his new role of becoming President in 2012.

Did you know that there are approximately 2000 solicitors in the Gloucester and Wiltshire area?

CHANGES ON THE WAY!

Roger plans to make some significant changes to the way the Gloucester and Wilts operates....

He has already started to actively recruit sponsors which has created really good interest and is working very well.

He is also looking for new members, in particular social members who can attend social networking development functions to not only develop their own businesses, but to also promote the Law Society in becoming a more accessible body.

ALSO..

Roger has invited the Legal Ombudsman for England and Wales Adam Sampson to attend Bowood Golf and Country Club, Calne, Near Chippenham in September 2011 to talk to solicitors about the role of the legal ombudsman and the changing complaints structure.

Adam Sampson was previously Chief Executive of "Shelter" the country's leading housing and homeless charity before he became chief Legal Ombudsman for England and Wales.

The legal ombudsman was established by the Office for Legal Complaints. It is an independant consumer focused ombudsman scheme set up to resolve complaints to members of the public, businesses, charities and trusts about lawyers in England and Wales in a fair and independant way without taking sides.

Keep posted and up to date with a follow on from this blog for the results of the this important exciting meeting and how Roger gets on.

AN EXTREMELY EVENTFUL DAY COURTESY OF HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL!

GATCOMBE PARK INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS....

A day to be remembered between sunshine and rain showers- we had an extremely enjoyable day!

ABD Partner Andrew Douglas and his wife Keshani were invited by Andrew Marshall who is Regional Sales Director of Hamptons International to the Festival of British Eventing presented by Gatcombe Park on Sunday 7 August 2011.

The morning started off by meeting other invitees in the Event Hospitality Marquee for coffee, danish pastries and a "catch up" followed by a visit to the trade stand area...

TRADE STANDS GALORE!

YOU WOULD HAVE A FIELD DAY SHOPPING!

From equestrian kit to cashmere clothing. Accessories for dogs to classy picnic hampers and Jacuzzis - it was all there. The Flying Fox provided country & sporting gift collections. The Sock Company Country supplied hosiery for town and country. Of course there was Dubarry of Ireland and Landrover UK. Henry Hunt sold luxury county clothing with height of fashion twist! Whilst Chatham Marine Ltd - one of of the UK's leading marine footwear and clothing brands were "on hand" too. These were just to name but a few trade stands there. The area was packed full of happy shoppers with their dogs in toe! It was a serious shoppers area.

A delicious lunch was served at 12.00 noon which Andrew and Keshani enjoyed followed by welcome and presentation on cross-country course by Captain Mark Phillips.

Princess Anne and her husband also attended lunch and Princess Anne's Son Peter Phillips who came to say hello along with Harry Mead (Richard Meads son).

After lunch the show jumping had just finished and it was time for Zara Phillips to say goodbye to her all time favourite horse "Toytown". Her husband Mike Tindall was there as well as her mother Princess Anne and brother Peter Phillips to watch Toytown in the ring for the last time before he retires - what a beautiful horse he is.




Mike Tindall with Princess Anne watching
Zara Phillips and Toytown.










Zara Phillips and Toytown.





Shetland Pony Grand National was a fun event. The ponies are only 40" high and the jockeys no older than 13 years of age.

DRESSAGE TO MUSIC WAS A MUST TO SEE..

Dressage to music has become hugely popular since its inception as part of the Olympic Dressage programme at the Atlantic Olympics in 1996 and is known as the musical kur. The rider chooses music that fits the paces and personality of themselves and their horse, and they put together a kur that includes all the movements of the Grand Prix. They can ride the movements in any sequence and the more difficult the sequence, the higher the mark - the test is marked 50% for technical merit and 50% for artistic merit.

Such an impressive sight to see. The horse looks so elegant and graceful as it moves in time to the music.

Afternoon tea was served at 4.00pm with delicious cakes and sandwiches.

TOP OF THE RANGE RANGE ROVER.

A tour of Gatcombe Park was a definite on the agenda - especially in a top of the range Range Rover!

Gatcombe Park





AREA ATTRACTIONS.

The falconry display was an impressive event. The children as well as adults were enthralled with watching these huge birds of prey with their enormous wing spans flying around.

-Winner of British Eventing Open Championship was Andrew Nicolson who rode on Nereo. Score 29.9.

-Winner of Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championship was Angus Smales on Clover hero. Score 32.5.

Next year this festival will be moved forward a month so as not to clash with the 2012 Olympic Games.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and thank you so much to Andrew Marshall and the Hamptons team for inviting us.

NO ARGY BARGY WITH ABD LITIGATION TEAM!

ABD LITIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNUAL DAY OUT!

The morning started dull, grey and muggy - almost slightly stormy but the tough Litigation Team didnt care, they were out to enjoy their day come rain or come shine....

Hilperton Marina, Trowbridge was the starting point where they divided into 2 groups and climbed on to their chosen barges which they had hired for the day.

Right then, who is going to be captain? Peter Shah or Peter Johnson? or both?

(front left and right Peter Shah and Peter Johnson).

After a brief litigious lesson on how to steer, health and safety, man over board situation, etc etc, off they went. They were heading for the Brewery Inn at Seend Cleeve for lunch along the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal.

This is a trip that they have been doing annually and is in its 6th year! Gillian Ephgrave based at Devizes Office has always organised it.

"It is a thoroughly relaxing day and everybody really enjoys it"

Come on Peter, hurry up, we are waiting. We havent got all day!

Ok ,ok this is a tough job for a litigator!

The journey started around 10 ish and the leisurely trip took about 2/3 hours to get to the Brewery Inn. En route, it rained, but nobody cared because they were hungry and had reached their destination. After mooring up. It was time to eat and good food was enjoyed by all.

Tasty food at the Brewery Inn.

The Brewery Inn was originally 2 cottages built in 1847 and converted into an inn in 1859. The name Brewery Inn was first mentioned in 1866. It is a good stop off for canal faring day trippers.

ABD Team; Sue Tristram, Rachael Faraday, April Philo, Cheryl Bishop, Andrew Douglas, Gillian Ephgrave, Sharon Mann, Frances Nash, Peter Shah,Tim Hotchkiss, Tom Paget and Peter Johnson outside the Brewery Inn, Seend Cleeve.
(from left to right)

After lunch, the sun looked as though it was trying to come out but it was still very muggy and grey. The canal was busy being height of season and lots of barges about.

That lunch was very filling, shall we walk back to Hilperton or phone for 2 barges?

After boarding the flat bottomed vessels it wasn't time to hit the deck, but it was time to return to Hilperton Marina again.

The picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal.

Tom Paget and Tim Hotchkiss chatting and enjoying themselves suddenly remembered what happened last year- somebody dropped the key into the canal by accident!! Shall we pretend its happened again for a laugh? Ok maybe not then.

Tim Hotchkiss and Tom Paget having a laugh.

(left to right).

The team finally reached their destination - Hilperton Marina where they moored up and said their farewells, see you tomorrow for another tough day in the office.

Back to where they started.

No doubt Gillian will be booking the same for next year as once again, they had such an enjoyable day.