| 12 September 1998 Have you been considering a return visit to Woodbridge? I would like to encourage you to make the trip with your wife and family. My husband, John "PJ" Lechman, decided he wanted to see his old base at RAF Woodbridge, England to remember some "good old times." Once the decision was made to make the trip, I started reading some travel literature and knew I wanted to see some other areas in England as well. Much to my surprise, Woodbridge turned out to be
just as charming and much less crowded than the western region
known as Cotswolds. The town is in better shape than John remembered;
but, at the age of 20, he wasn’t really paying much attention
to gardens and architecture. Since the closure of the base, the
town has had to rely on tourism to a greater extent and the
efforts to make the town attractive are apparent. There is plenty to see. If you should be there on a weekend, I would encourage you to go to Buttrum’s Mill where two local docents enthusiastically explain the difficulties and precision required to use a windmill to grind flour - very informative and interesting for young and old. Down by the river is the well-known landmark of the Tide Mill, where trapped water from high tide is released at low tide to turn a water wheel and grind flour. A stroll along the wharf is very pleasant. There’s even a new pond made for sailing model boats. The local museum will also provide information on the amazing burial of a Saxon Ship containing the remains of one of their leaders and his wealth along with him (like the pharaohs in Egyptian pyramids). During our stay in Woodbridge we had a lovely visit with Linn Barringer, the creator of this web site. I would like to recommend that you stay at the Melton Grange Hotel, owned and managed by Laurie Brown. The hotel is very popular for weddings because of its elegant interior and romantic setting. It is located just outside the main part of town and a short walk to all the gift and antique shops. You can get additional information on www.meltongrange.co.uk web site. [Editor's note: Melton Grange Hotel is now closed - December 2000] Our visit to Woodbridge base was disappointing. Unfortunately, several of the buildings have been demolished, and the old Quonset huts where John lived, were behind gates and "off limits."
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