Thanks for photographs go to; Kate Rayner, Annie Inglis, Jackie and John Wiggins.
Text by Jackie Wiggins and Annie Inglis.
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Our holiday based in York in September, was a great success. We were truly blessed with sunny weather, which helped keep us in sunny spirits. The group ‘jelled’ and we all enjoyed each other’s company as much as the places we visited and the activities in which we took part. – Jackie Wiggins.
Annie Inglis writes: “I unexpectedly got an opportunity to go on the trip to York through the U3A which had been organised by Jackie Wiggins from 9 – 13 September 2024. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and had a wonderful few days.“
Monday: Hardwick Hall
At Hardwick Hall we were wowed by the extremely well-preserved ruins of the first hall and by the extravagant Elizabethan tapestries, colourful moulded plaster work and heavy, carved furniture adorning the guest rooms in the new hall, built by Bess of Hardwick. Hardwick Hall is the epitome of Elizabethan extravagance.
Annie writes: “We did quite a lot of National Trusting during the week starting with a visit to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire which was the home of Elizabeth Hardwick. Bess of Hardwick as she was known to many, became Countess of Shrewsbury upon marrying her third husband, George Talbot, the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury and ultimately held a very powerful position in Elizabethan society. Many of the rooms at Hardwick Hall are testament to Elizabeth’s wealth, power and ambition through the architectural design and materials used, which were lavish and intended to impress, which they continue to do today.“
Tuesday: Fountains Abbey and Studley Water
Fountains Abbey lived up to expectations of grandeur and for most of us Studley Water Gardens were a delightful surprise. The terrain was demanding and a few of our party took advantage of a minibus around the site.
Annie continues: “On the Tuesday we went to Fountains Abbey and Studley Water Gardens at Ripon, the Abbey was founded in 1132 by 13 Cistercian monks from St Mary’s in York.“
Another highlight was Ripon and its cathedral where we learnt more about members of the family responsible for the development of Studley Water Garden. Many of us would like to spend more time in Ripon.
Wednesday: Beningbrough Hall, then York
The gardens at Beningbrough Hall were a highlight: a productive vegetable garden, a formal garden of sculpted hedges, a lily pond terrace and a newly installed Mediterranean garden. Seats were installed in many nooks and crannies, and we tried many of them for comfort.
The Geocachers in the party found success and gained some converts, Margaret Pettit and Gillian Latimer! They picked up 6 caches near to the hotel, 15 at Sharow and 12 in Harrogate, including 2 adventure labs based on the town’s history. In Thirsk they found an adventure lab called ‘Welcome to Thirsk’.
While Annie writes: “Wednesday saw us with some free time in York. My friend Marilyn and I took a boat trip on the River Ouse, and later we undertook a ghost walk which was conducted by our guide Dante Deathly (a professional actor). He was in character from the beginning of the walk, maintaining his persona throughout and kept us highly entertained.“
The group had some free time in York to explore the cathedral, Clifford’s Tower and other museums of their choice.
We spent one evening roaming the lamplit, pedestrian areas of York with a guide, who related many ghostly tales. He was a talented actor, with a witty sense of humour. He kept our attention and made us chuckle.
Thursday: Thirsk
Annie writes: “Thursday saw us visiting the Jorvik Viking centre in York which includes the conservation of part of the original archaeological dig and the recreation of a Viking village. In the afternoon we went to the World of James Herriot museum at Thirsk which brought back many memories of watching All Creatures Great And Small.“
Thirsk is a thriving rural market town where many of our party enjoyed the award-winning James Herriot Museum.
James Herriot Museum photos, by Kate Rayner below.
A well-kept secret in Thirsk is the Sculpture Garden at Thirsk Hall which some of us discovered by accident, after investigating the ancient church, next door.
Outdoor sculpture exhibition photos by Jackie Wiggins, below.
Exhibition entitled “Light and Dark”, held in an orangerie, photos by Jackie Wiggins, below.
Friday: Harrogate or RHS Harlow Carr
Annie writes: “Friday, 13 September included a visit Harrogate which meant a compulsory visit to Betty’s tearoom for morning coffee, and a stroll around the Town Centre, before returning home to Windsor.“
RHS Harlow Carr photos, below, by Jackie Wiggins.
A most enjoyable trip and one I would recommend to anyone.
Annie Inglis
Highlights of the holiday were different for all of us.
When convenors organise outings and holidays, they receive many messages giving thanks for doing so. I would like to share one I received recently because it reflects the Learn, Laugh, Live ethos of the u3a movement which is so much needed in today’s world and the reason so many convenors and committee members are prepared to give their time and effort to u3a activities.
Val de Pear commented, “Thank you so much for a superb few days ‘up north’. It must have taken you and your husband hours of work to organise all the lovely things we did. Such commitment to the u3a and your efforts embody the spirit of the great organisation we are part of. I’m sure we save the NHS a fortune by being engaged in such rewarding activity. Great company, great fun”
My thanks to all contributors and my apologies if some photos are in the incorrect sections,
Dave Humphries (Web Editor)