Bexhill Gardens and Allotments Society

Bexhill and District Gardens and Allotments Society already has its programme of trips and outings buttoned-up for 2010.

But recently, the officers and committee headed by coach for Basingstoke. Their objective - to get ideas for 2011.

Milestones, Hampshire's ambitious living history project, was the engaging venue for one of this year's group travel fairs organised by Tourism South East.

With carrier bags laden with brochures offering everything from river cruises to zoo visits, the Bexhill party then set about exploring Milestones.

Milestones was opened in 2000, the product of county council foresight and EU funding. A comprehensive insight into the industrial and social history of Hampshire is housed under one vast curved roof.

Far removed from a bright but cold February day, the visitors were able to stroll in comfort through street after re-constructed street packed with interest.

Massive lorries built locally by the Thornycroft company competed for attention with steam rollers built by Wallis and Steevens.

Round the corner from an agricultural showground where young visitors in borrowed Edwardian costume romped happily round a gipsy caravan was a period cottage complete with outside loo.

The "latest" in water heaters, fires and stoves were on display in the gas showroom while workmen toiled in tableau in forge and sawmill and a locomotive, coal wagon and horse-drawn coal cart waited in the sidings by Chesil Street Station.

There was time for a pint in the Baverstock Arms - tucked between cycle shop and brewery - before visiting the fire station.

Most telling of all were period tableaux depicting the kitchens and living rooms of the past.

A fascinating day out organised by society chairman Dick Lancaster and made even more pleasurable by ever-obliging Rambler coach driver Trevor gave a foretaste of what Dick may have in mind for us in 2011.