York Association Newsletter...16th February, Colin Alderson, “ Cooking at Buckingham Palace”...

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December 2018 Number 187 An Associaon of Naonal Trust Members and Supporters York Associaon Newsleer

Transcript of York Association Newsletter...16th February, Colin Alderson, “ Cooking at Buckingham Palace”...

Page 1: York Association Newsletter...16th February, Colin Alderson, “ Cooking at Buckingham Palace” Colin Alderson will entertain us with his account of working as a chef at Buckingham

December 2018 Number 187

An Association of

National Trust Members

and Supporters

York AssociationNewsletter

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Contents Page

Chairman’s Letter 3 Membership and AGM 4 Talks 5 Social and Fundraising Events 6 Holidays 7 Social Evening 8 Country Walks 9 Day Trip Reviews 12 Mystery Tour review 14 NT Property News 15 Holiday Reviews 17 Dates for your Diary Back Cover

Enclosed with this Newsletter are booking forms for the AGM lunch and the Social Evening, both in March.

Please contact the Newsletter editor if any of these are missing.

Chairman: Roger King [email protected] 01904 761274

Secretary: Jean Haywood [email protected] 01904 702402

Treasurer: Roger Mortimer [email protected] 01757 268118

Membership: Elinor Bailey [email protected] 01347 821262

Day Trips: Colin Sherwood [email protected] 01904 640915

Walks: Alison Rutter [email protected] 01904 703430

Holidays: Peter Drew [email protected] 01904 702285

Events: Christine Truman [email protected] 01937 541163

Website: Mike Morrow [email protected] 01904 654546

Talks: Roger King [email protected] 01904 761274

Newsletter: Catherine Brophy [email protected] 01904 331273

Cover: Santa decorating a gingerbread house at Nostell © National Trust Images/Freya Raby

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Chairman's Letter

It is with great sadness and a sense of shock that I have to report the sudden death of Peter Denton, our Vice Chairman, whilst on holiday in Bulgaria with Jenny, to whom we offer our condolences. Peter was always an enthusiastic supporter of, and contributor to, our events and activities. In all the years I knew him he always had a cheery disposition and invariably brought his own brand of humour and wisdom whenever and wherever he could sense the opportunities for them. In the title of the Monty Python song in "The Life of Brian" Peter would "Always look on the bright side of life". Peter had already served as our chairman from 2011 to 2013 and was set to become the first member to serve a second term at the AGM next March. As I said in my last letter, Roger Mortimer is retiring as our treasurer at the end of the year so it is with great pleasure that I can announce that the committee has appointed Valerie Laud to succeed him from 1st January 2019. Valerie is an Education Volunteer at Beningbrough and an Administration Volunteer at Goddards. Here we are into the Christmas season and almost at the year end, for me a year which seems to have flown by, but a year which, on reflection, has been a good year when measured by the support for our talks, trips, garden party and other fundraising events. My hope for next year is that the support will at the very least be sustained. The programme for 2019 is already taking shape. With my best wishes for Christmas and 2019.

Roger King

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Membership At the end of October 2018, the total membership of the Association was 615. We are pleased to have welcomed the following new members during the last three months, and very much hope that they and you will all enjoy the future planned events. Ann Simpson Dr G S & Mrs R H Oxford Edith Jayne Gillian Barron Geoffrey & Janet Crome Rachel Elwess Judy Mullinger As this is the last Newsletter in 2018, I would like to remind those members who still pay by cheque that subscriptions for next year are due on 4th January 2019. Unless this is paid by the end of February 2019 your name/s will be deleted from the membership list. Please send your cheque to me at 24 Stillington Oaks, Easingwold, York, YO61 3GP, as soon as possible. Thank you.

Elinor Bailey, Membership Secretary

Book the Date: Saturday 23rd March 2019 48th AGM and Lunch at the York Hilton Hotel, Tower Street, York

Dr Peter Hogarth is our guest speaker before lunch and he will give us a well-illustrated talk about the history of York’s Museum Gardens. Peter has spent many years researching the history of the garden and is the author of ‘The most fortunate situation’: The Story of York’s Museum Gardens; copies will be available to purchase at the special price of £20. Do join us for the short formal AGM at 11am, followed by the talk and lunch. A menu and booking form are enclosed for the lunch. Tea and coffee are available for everyone from 10.30am and at 12.45pm the Conservatory Bar will open, and remain available throughout lunch. Lunch is served at 1.30pm and the event concludes at 3.30pm.

Everyone welcome, particularly for an excellent talk and to meet fellow members over a very good lunch

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Talks

Talks are held at the Friends’ Meeting House in Friargate on Saturdays, starting at 2.30pm, lasting for about 45 minutes, with time for questions afterwards. A charge of £4 is made at the door. Members and friends are very welcome.

19th January, Maurice Gordon, “The Work of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust” Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of 47 wildlife trusts across the UK. They look after 103 nature reserves and also work with landowners and farmers to encourage good environmental practice on private land. Living Landscapes and Living Seas are their twin aims. Maurice Gordon is Wildlife Supporter Manager, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust 16th February, Colin Alderson, “ Cooking at Buckingham Palace” Colin Alderson will entertain us with his account of working as a chef at Buckingham Palace. Who did he cook for? What kind of food did he cook? What were the challenges of working in kitchens in a palace? Colin Alderson, Chef at Buckingham Palace 27th April, Dorothy Nott, “Waggoners Memorial at Sledmere” Further details to follow in the March newsletter.

Website Reminder!

More information and reviews are on the website www.yant.org.uk

Username is: member Password is: yantmember

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Social and Fundraising Events

Andrew Thwaite, Chocolatier was due to give us a talk on Tuesday 2nd October. However due to a diary mix-up he thought he was visiting us on 3rd October. We have received the following apology to everyone who booked this event and was so disappointed: “I am truly sorry that I let you down so badly. I can only apologise to everyone and hopefully you will allow me to come again in the spring with no charge.”

Andrew Thwaite Thanks also to Kath Carr and Wendy Lacey who saved the day with their off the cuff and excellent talks.

Photo credit: Committee Members at Fountains Abbey summerhouse ©Catherine Brophy

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On a happier note Committee members were invited to Fountains Abbey to see the improvements made to the summerhouse in the herb garden at Fountains Hall. The conservation of one of the original summerhouse windows was paid for by YANT fund raising activities so it was very much appreciated that we were invited to see the improvements and to enjoy a cup of tea in the autumn sunshine. Other fundraising activities have enabled us to make a donation to the NT Moors and Dales appeal and as you will on page 16 the Walks Group were invited to see some of the work that has been undertaken at Hudswell Woods, Richmond. The committee are planning fund raising events for next year, including another History Wardrobe event. Details will appear in the March newsletter. Thank you for your support for these activities.

Christine Truman, Chairman Projects Group

Holidays

Our last holiday this year is to Edinburgh, with a seasonal lunch followed by an evening at the National Scottish Ballet’s “Cinderella”. There will also be a visit to RY Britannia and some free sightseeing time in Edinburgh the next day. So far there are twenty members participating. Rooms still available. Our 2019 holidays are filling up nicely following the October meeting, with most single rooms already sold, so If you are considering any type of room on any of the holidays, view the full itineraries with photographs and prices in the holidays section of the YANT website or your YANT brochure, before contacting Brightwater holidays on 01334 657155 to book.

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Important Date Change!

Due to some revised itinerary planning, we are unable to hold the Holidays Advisory Meeting in March next year, so the revised date is now

Wednesday February 27th 2019 at Walmgate Ale House 10.0am coffee, 10.30am start

Before the monthly lunch at 12.00 noon

YANT Tours Organiser, Peter Drew

Country Walks Programme Social evening and quiz Friday, 15 March 2019. Our annual social evening will be held at the New Earswick and District Bowls Club, Huntington Road, York, starting at 7 30pm. A cash bar will open at 7pm. There will be the usual quiz, with Roger King and Alison Rutter asking the questions. Participants will be placed in teams of four. Those booking together will be placed in the same team; otherwise please enter your preferences on the booking form and we shall do our best to accommodate them. The Bowls Club will again provide a buffet supper with a variety of savoury items plus scones with jam and cream, cakes and tea and coffee. There will also be an optional raffle. The evening usually ends around 10pm.

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Tickets cost £12.50, to include supper. To reserve a place/places please complete the enclosed booking form and return it by 8 March. If you wish your application to be acknowledged by email there is no need to enclose an SAE, but please enter your email details on the form. All are welcome – walkers, non-walkers and friends – and we look forward to seeing you there. Our last walk this year, Thursday, 27 December (NB not 28th as shown in the September Newsletter). Approximately 3.2 miles. Leader Eileen Wishart. (01904633705/07939659719). An easy walk around York, including some of the Snickelways and some parts which may not be familiar. The route is mainly on paths and city pavements. Some steps, which will need care in icy weather. Dogs on leads are allowed. Toilet facilities are available in Exhibition Square and the Central Library (York Explore) and there are plenty of places for refreshments after the walk. Meet outside the Central Library (York Explore) for a 10 30am start.

Circular shorter walks using own transport Monday, 14 January. Knavesmire /Acomb windmill. Approximately 5 miles. Leader Jenny Nicholson (07709526254) A walk to Acomb windmill via the Knavesmire, Brick Pond, Hob Moor and West Bank Park (comfort stop available), returning via Holgate Road and Micklegate Stray. Mostly off-road, sound footpaths and cycle routes where possible. Muddy and uneven ground is possible over Hob Moor. No stiles. Flat walking with one steep but short incline to the windmill; some steps to access the railway bridge. Lunch is available at either the Fox and Roman on Tadcaster Road or the Cross Keys pub. Meet at the Cherry Lane car park (end of Cherry Lane off Tadcaster Road by the Holiday Inn YO24 1QF) for a 10 15am start. Extra parking available on Cherry Lane and buses 4 or 12 stop near the Holiday Inn (check details with driver).

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Tuesday, 12 February. Heworth. Approximately 4 miles. Leader Anne Harvey. A gentle exploratory stroll around Heworth. The walk takes in the new Derwenthorpe estate built by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust in four areas or quarters. We then proceed towards town via Hull Road park and St Nicholas Fields before using the path on the old railway line to loop back towards Heworth and the starting point. Easy walking on good paths and some roads. Light refreshments can be obtained at the Explore cafe and the Walnut Tree in Heworth village has the usual pub food. Meet at the Explore library in the Burnholme Centre, Mossdale Avenue (off Bad Bargain Lane) YO31 0GW at 10am. There is a large car park and toilets and the number 11 bus stops across the road. The bus leaves the railway station at 0925 and the Stonebow at 0935 to arrive at the library at 0945. Friday, 22 March. Stamford Bridge/Kexby, walking time about 3 hours. Leader Ruth Davies. (07732914276 – for use on the day) The outward part of the walk to Kexby via Low Catton has fences between walkers and any animals. The return part following the River Derwent along the Minster Way may have animals grazing, with no fences. Anyone wishing to do a shorter walk could return the way they have come at any point on the walk. The walk is on well-maintained meadow paths with four small barriers to surmount and no hills. At Kexby there is a 10-minute walk beside a busy road, on a safe footpath. Stamford Bridge has several pubs, a ‘Deli’, two cafes, a fish and chip shop and a bakery selling take-away food and drinks. The Balloon Tree farm shop and cafe is on the A166 (from York) shortly before reaching Stamford Bridge: this was ‘cafe of the year’ in 2018. Meet in the (free) car park, map ref. 71.2x55.7 OS Landranger map York and Selby 105 for a 10am start. Coming from York drive over the bridge and immediately turn right: the car park is beside the wooden Viking ship filled with flowers and an information board.. Picnic tables are both there and just beyond the shops. Public toilets are opposite the shops. The River Derwent is a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, rich in flora and fauna.

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April. Possibly in the Cropton area, led by Philip Mander. May. Leader Sally Mayo. June. Leader Sue Pearson. August. Dorothy Pope will lead a 7-mile circular walk. Details will be in the next and future Newsletters. NB. Walkers participate at their own risk and must be capable of completing the distance in open countryside, over uneven ground with some hill ascents, in a variety of weather conditions. Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn and light refreshments carried. If you would like a lift for any of these walks or can offer one to others, please contact Colin Sherwood (01904 640915). A £1 administration charge will be collected on each walk, except in December which is free. Full day walks with coach transport and afternoon tea. Walks are being planned for the following dates: Saturday, 13 April, South Cave area, Leader Dorothy Pope. Saturday, 25 May, Upper Swaledale, Leaders Alison and Nigel Rutter. Saturday, 20 July, Tony Brook will lead a coastal walk. June and September to be decided.

Brenda Batty (Secretary).

Editor’s Note All reviews are available online in full. However, because of space limitations, they may be edited for inclusion in the printed newsletter. There are also many photographs of holidays and day trips on the Members’ area of the website at www.yant.org.uk

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Day Trip Reviews

Visit to Hexham Abbey and Vindolanda, 21st August A full coach driven by Steve and accompanied by our guides Peter and Jenny Denton left Memorial Gardens at 8.30 for our first visit of the day, Hexham Abbey. On arrival at the Abbey a service was taking place, a buffet lunch was therefore provided to our group a little earlier than scheduled. Following lunch we were divided into three groups and escorted around the abbey by three very well informed guides. St Wilfrid founded Hexham Abbey in 674 as a Benedictine abbey, which in Norman times was replaced by an Augustinian priory. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1537, the crypt is all that remains of the original building. We were invited to visit the crypt being made aware, by our guide, of the very deep steps. Other relics from the past are the Frith stool and the tombstone of Flavinus, both of which we were shown. Our attention was also drawn to the magnificent stained glass windows. The Abbey, largely rebuilt in the 19th century, with additions in the early 20th century, is still used as a place of worship today. After a very interesting and informative tour of Hexham Abbey we re-joined our coach and made our way to our next visit, Vindolanda. On arrival our guide, Lauren, who gave us a potted history of the site, met us. Approximately 1 mile from Hadrian’s Wall it was believed to be under Roman occupation at around AD 85, approximately 200 years before the building of the wall. Still the site of archaeological excavation, we were informed that only recently shoes, pottery and textiles had been found in large numbers. All these items were on display in the museum, together with perhaps the most famous find, the Vindolanda tablets. The size of the site was quite extensive exhibiting ruins of bathrooms, toilets and a tavern! Indicating how well the Romans lived and worked in the area almost 2000 years ago. There was time for a cup of tea in the restaurant before we made our way back to York: a very enjoyable trip, with many of the group expressing their wish for a return visit.

Janet Harper

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Visit to Fulneck and Kirkstall Abbey, 9th October It was a lovely sunny day as 34 of us, accompanied by our guide Colin Sherwood, set off for our visit to Fulneck. Following refreshments we were introduced to our guides including the Minister, Michael Newman, and divided into 2 groups for our guided tour. The Settlement was founded in 1743, and the church, which is still used for common worship today, was completed in 1748. Georgian in style it has an organ, which was also built in 1748, and the lecterns and hymn boards are the work of the Mouseman of Kilburn. From the church windows there is a magnificent view of the Fulneck valley. Our guides pointed out many impressive buildings in the village including an independent boarding school and a museum, which we were invited to visit. As we made our way through the village we were shown the graveyard, known as God’s Acres, where unlike other graveyards, the headstones are laid on the ground. Famous people who have either lived in the village or been educated at the school include Sir Leonard Hutton and Diana Rigg. We left Fulneck for lunch at the Wetherby Whaler where large portions of fish and chips were devoured with relish! Our appetites fully satisfied we joined the coach, a little late, for our visit to Kirkstall Abbey. At the Visitor Centre we were greeted by our guide who informed us that the Cistercian monastery was founded in the 12th century on the banks of the River Aire and laid out in a similar style to that of Fountains Abbey. In its heyday the monastery was totally self-sufficient, having a mill, an infirmary and a library. Our guide informed us that the Abbot had his own “en-suite” apartment and there was accommodation for visitors. It is believed that Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys in the country and during the early 19th century the ruins were the subject of paintings by such artists as Turner and Girtin. We had time to explore the grounds and the museum, across the road, before joining the coach and our driver Darren for our return journey to York, after a very enjoyable day out.

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Janet Harper Mystery Tour, 11th September Our thanks to Elizabeth and Kathy for a mystery tour with a difference this year! Our driver, Darren was remarkable and even added his own unknown route to the trip. We left York travelling towards Askham Bryan before doubling back and heading north towards Tockwith where the Battle of Marston Moor took place on 2nd July 1644 and a Stirling Bomber crashed in the vicinity in October 1945, killing the postmaster as well as several of the crew. We drove past the place where Turner painted the old oak tree of Cowthorpe in 1822, but the tree sadly died in 1950. We headed towards Knaresborough, famous for its ruined castle and Mother Shipton’s Cave. Then on to Ripley, where in 1335, Thomas Ingleby saved Edward III from a boar. Sir William Ingleby hid in a priest hole at Ripley when Cromwell was billeted there. In the 1820s the village was rebuilt in the French style and one building shows this influence with a ‘Hotel de Ville’ sign. We left the Nidderdale area and to everyone’s surprise arrived at Fountains Abbey for our coffee break. Fountains Abbey is the largest monastic ruins in the U.K. and Studley Royal church is worth a visit for the wonderful windows by William Burges. We were heading towards Pateley Bridge when we hit a diversion on the road, not clearly marked. So Darren had to reverse the coach along the narrow road, then find another road to return us to our original route. We found ourselves on the road to Skipton, part of the Tour de France route. Skipton is famous for one of the best-preserved medieval castles. We travelled through Blubberhouses, Bolton and Wharfedale to the ‘Craven Heifer’ for our lunch. We all enjoyed our two-course lunch before it was time to return to York. Darren took us on a pretty route through Grassington, Copgrove, Staveley and Boroughbridge. This was a brilliant day out with perfect weather and beautiful countryside to admire.

Anne Jones

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News from the NT in Yorkshire

Treasurer’s House “Edwardian Christmas” Christmas at Treasurer’s House is a magical thing; see the house in all its glory as Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands fill every room with tumbling lights, glittering decorations and festive cheer. This is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the high street and soak up the atmosphere and wonder of an Edwardian Christmas. Open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm until 16th December. Goddards Goddards is opening its doors for a nostalgic run up to Christmas with stories of festive fun from when the Terry children were little to poignant and reflective times during the war. Decorated and ready for Christmas make yourselves at home in the family rooms and try your hand at traditional games and card making. Christmas lunches can be booked ahead of your visit. Goddards is open Friday to Sunday until 16th December. Beningbrough

Beningbrough is open on winter weekends for bracing walks and refreshments with plenty to see and do including “Sounds of Winter: Whispering Spaces”. This takes place in lesser-known parts of the garden and in outdoor buildings. As you wander, take in a series of brand new installations, poetry and verse. Listen out for the rustle of crisp leaves, crunching frost underneath and rain drops on glass rooftops – no two days will have the same sounds.

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Hudswell Woods, Richmond

The Walks Group committee members were invited by Seb. Mankelow, a NT Ranger, to see how YANT fund raising had helped to improve Hudswell Woods, Richmond.

Walks Group at Hudswell Woods Photo credit © Nigel Rutter The project aims to restore an area of NT owned grassland to encourage the growth of wild flowers and other wildlife. The Trust is using Belted Galloway cattle to graze the grassland in winter to give the native wild flower species a chance to thrive. Our donation has been used to help replace broken fences surrounding the fields and woodland and also to replace stiles with kissing gates, thus making the land more accessible to the public. The NT is starting to spend more money on rural conservation projects and the rangers were very grateful for our donation. In the future, with our help, the grassland at Hudswell should be able to rival the hay meadows further up Swaledale.

See http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

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Holiday Reviews Holiday Review: Bulgaria. 7th-14th August.

We visited the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, an Eastern Orthodox cathedral built in the Neo-Byzantine style and the National Museum of History, which houses objects connected to archaeology, fine arts, history and ethnography. The building itself formerly the residence of the dictator and last communist leader was architecturally stunning. In the Boyana Church we saw 13th century frescoes, which are one of the most complete and perfectly preserved collections of eastern European medieval art.

The museum town of Koprivshtitsa with its cobbled streets and many colourfully painted National Revival buildings had been the home of several leading revolutionaries. Here we immersed ourselves in authentic Bulgarian architecture viewing houses which contained collections of ethnographic treasures, art, fine fretwork, household weaves and embroideries. A peaceful atmosphere was to be found in the Troyan monastery with its ornately painted interior and exterior and central cobbled courtyard lined by wooden balconies be-decked with flowers.

Veliko Tarnovo sits in a picturesque hillside setting high above the meandering Yantra River dominated by the ruins of the majestic hilltop fortress of the Tsarevets which we explored, a vantage point almost continually occupied from the 4th millennium BC. We were entertained in the homes of local families in the village of Arbanassi and visited the Church of the Nativity with its 17th century interior of strikingly colourful murals depicting saints and biblical scenes. In the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel we were treated to an evocative and moving a cappella recital of Eastern Orthodox songs by a male quartet.

The Etura Open Air Ethnographic Complex, a reconstructed village where craftsmen work with wood, metal, clay, silver and cloth gave us a fascinating insight into 19th century town life. The Valley of the Thracian Kings where royalty and nobility were buried in elaborate stone tombs, which were sealed and covered with earth was a holy place in ancient times. We visited a replica

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of the Kazanluk tomb with its splendid horse murals dating back to the 4th century BC, one of the best-preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period. The valley is also famed for its rose farming and we saw aspects of this more recent history in the Museum of the Rose-Oil Industry.

We explored the old town of the ancient city of Plovdiv which traces its roots back to the 5th millennium BC with its steep cobbled streets, colourfully rendered houses and Roman ruins including an impressive amphitheatre. Our final visit was to the Rila Monastery high in the mountains with its unique architecture of stone arches, colonnades, covered wooden stairs and carved verandas founded early in the 10th century and named after the hermit St Ivan of Rila who lived in a cave nearby. This once wealthy, cultural and spiritual centre houses an impressive museum of art works.

A fascinating mixture of archaeological sites, historical towns, outstanding architecture and beautiful landscapes combined with wine and Turkish coffee tasting, local folk music and dancing, fine dining, knowledgeable guides and the good company of our fellow travellers all made for an excellent holiday.

Holiday Review: Scottish Classic Steam

This was my first YANT trip so it was with a little trepidation that I arrived at Memorial Gardens on 13 October. We were due to leave at 08.00 hours so I made sure I was there about 20 to 8 to get my luggage on board and find a seat. Imagine my surprise on boarding the coach - it was already completely full – every seat was occupied and I had to go right to the back seat to sneak in by the window. This wasn’t exactly comfortable but I sat and tried to read until we got to our morning coffee break and later to a lunch break at a garden centre. It was here that our Tour Manager from Brightwater Holidays joined us. It was a real pleasure to meet Clive, his enthusiasm and knowledge was infectious and his profession as an archaeologist meant he had many interesting snippets to add to every place we visited. Later that afternoon we got to the Falkirk Wheel, an engineering masterpiece of a boat lift, which moves craft between 2 canals with 35 metres difference in height. This was a real thrill for me, as was the visit immediately afterwards to the famous Kelpies – a beautiful public artwork depicting horses. We then progressed to our hotel in Drymen, where everyone seemed

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happy to leave the coach after a long day and enjoy drinks and our evening dinner. The following day was meant to be a sail on the Paddle Steamer Waverley, but unfortunately she was unable to cope with inclement weather so was languishing on the coast of south of England. Instead we took the ferry to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute – a bitter sweet memory for me as my in-laws lived there at one time – and visited Ascog Hall Gardens and Victorian Fernery http://www.ascogfernery.com which is a historic garden with much to say about the plant hunters of old. I took a short walk along the beach and was lucky enough to see a baby seal, first time in the wild for me. We then moved on to the extravagant 19th century mansion Mount Stuart House https://www.mountstuart.com with its impressive collections and original decorative art from the turn of the 20th century. Monday meant an early start and a long journey through movingly beautiful countryside to Fort William. We boarded the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig – a long journey, but broken by a stop at Glenfinnan – well known to aficionados of the Harry Potter films. After a break to look round Mallaig, where, to be honest, there isn’t a lot to see other than ferries going to the islands, we boarded the train going back in the opposite direction to Fort William where our coach and driver awaited us. We all enjoyed our dinner and drinks back at the hotel, I’m still thinking about the purple gin! The following morning we checked out and travelled through the Trossachs to Lake Katrine, where we had a sail on the wonderful 100+ years old vessel Sir Walter Scott. Persistent drizzle did dampen the thrill of being outside, but the whisky-laced hot chocolate being served in the bar made up for it. We then moved on to Callander – another venue from my past – for refreshments, before heading back south to York arriving at around 22.00 hours when many of us could jump on buses back to our own areas. This was a varied, interesting and amusing trip with some very good company – thank you to all involved with arranging it.

Barbara Boyce

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Printed by Print Solutions, Audax Close, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4RA. (01904 690090)

DECEMBER7 Christmas lunch at York College at 12 noon13 Day Trip: Christmas visit to Harewood House with lunch14-15 Holiday: Edinburgh and “Cinderella”27 Short Walk: Around York

JANUARY14 Short walk: Knavesmire / Acomb Windmill19 Talk: “The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust” by Maurice Gordon at Friends’ Meeting House, Friargate, 2.30pm30 Drop-in lunch, Walmgate Ale House & Bistro from 12 noon

FEBRUARY12 Short walk: Heworth16 Talk: “Cooking at Buckingham Palace” by Colin Alderson Friends’ Meeting House, Friargate, 2.30pm27 Tours Advisory meeting, Walmgate Ale House, 10 am27 Drop-in lunch, Walmgate Ale House & Bistro from 12 noon

MARCH 15 Social Evening and Quiz, 22 Short walk: Stamford Bridge / Kexby23 Annual General Meeting talk and lunch, 10.30am York Hilton24-31 Holiday: Naples and the Amalfi Coast

Please send contributions for the March Newsletter to Catherine Brophy [email protected] by Wednesday 6th February.