On a bright and sunny morning, a small group of Lentune Probus members gathered at the Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth. We had managed the steep hill from the car park and met up with Jayne, our guide for the tour. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about this wonderful house built by Merton and Annie Russell Cotes in 1901. Merton gave it to Annie on her 66^th birthday and they filled it with glorious treasures and art from their extensive travels around the world, particularly Japan. 

Jayne had many anecdotes about the house and its art and her tour overran the time by a large margin. She was endlessly patient with those in the party who had mobility problems and we all enjoyed the tour immensely. 

We had a pleasant lunch in the café and some people had enough energy to see the Flower Fairies exhibition before a last look at the beautiful view of Bournemouth beach and glittering sea before us. 

It was a pity that the group was small and we agreed that those who weren’t able to join us had missed a real treat.