Many times I have suggested going to Blandford to visit the Royal Signals Museum and when I saw an advert for a beer festival to be held in the town, it seemed like an ideal combination!
Booked into a B&B so we could have a decent drink in the evening, we decided to walk to Blandford Camp, home of the Royal Signals and location of the museum. It's only 1ΒΌ miles so didn't sound like much but the sign didn't say that most if it was uphill!
Arrived a bit out of breath and greeted by a soldier brandishing a weapon, we were directed to the security desk where we had to show ID, have our picture taken for a temporary pass (which sadly we couldn't keep as a memento) and be given directions to the museum with 'advice' not to stray. OK, you got guns. I'll do as I'm told!
The museum is larger than we expected and we hadn't allowed ourselves enough time to see it all so the final parts of it were a bit rushed but, if you have an interest in military history or communications, it's well worth a visit.
I've even started planning a return trip!
You can read more about the museum here:http://www.royalsignalsmuseum.com/
After that trip, and a very welcome lift back down to the town by the museum receptionist, Ericka, who had taken pity on us as it was now raining heavily, we walked into town looking for the Railway pub where the beer festival was being held. Didn't want to miss out on some of the other gems, we called first at Nelsons Ale House where the staff were exceptionally welcoming.
Leaving there, we made our way to the well-hidden railway pub to be greeted by a pianist called Matt Black playing spoof songs and telling some pretty good jokes. I was also just in time to watch Wasps kick off agains Cardiff Blues (which sadly, we [Wasps] lost!) but more importantly were the 58+ beers available direct from barrels in the Skittle alley!
Sadly, with bikes to ride in the morning, we didn't stay too late and left by about 22:00. Not very happy about that but probably the most sensible option! (sensible? when did that start then?)