The visit to the Old Operating Theatre turned out to be more interesting than envisaged; challenges included ascending and descending a very narrow, stone, spiral staircase of 51 steps, a  broken lift and a venue with no public toilets!, (can you believe it)?

Fortunately Ferndown U3A members are not faint-hearted.  All problems were overcome and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the experience even Thelma Poole whose leg was removed and rapidly attached without anaesthetic!

The Postal Museum was only opened in 2017 so is very modern and attractively organised, completely opposite to the 19th century Mail Rail which we visited next.  We went down under the London streets and folded ourselves into the small carriages to see how the post used to travel.  It was a short but unique journey for us all – a worthwhile visit.