National Heritage Open Days is an annual event, when venues of  interest are opened, all over the Country, in September, free of charge. Some are only open for this event.  If you would like to see if there is anything that interests you locally (see AFF visit currently advertised) Google in National Heritage Open Days 2024 Merseyside. Some start their events as early as 6.9.24.

We will be visiting the bustling, popular Artisan Treacle Market  which is held in the ancient town of Macclesfield, home to the former Silk Trade. Held monthly, people come from all over searching for the unusual and bargains. There are over 150 stalls to  browse selling just about everything you would want to buy. Ranging from  vintage, arts and crafts, food, household, furnishings and much much more. This maybe a good time to start looking for Christmas gifts. There is plenty of choice for coffee and time to explore this lovely Town. Then we will be off  to the 4* Mere Court Hotel, Knutsford which is set in its’ own grounds. Widely respected as a Wedding/Conference Venue and as a lovely Hotel with a Restaurant, which has a fine reputation for good food. Here we will have a 2 course Sunday Lunch followed by tea/coffee. We have been here before so it is tried and tested.

WHEN? Sunday 27th October 2024. Depart 9.15am  Return 5ish. Price: £38 includes 2 course Sunday Lunch followed by tea/coffee. Seats onwill be on sale at our table on Tues.3rd September 2024.

Excursions for our Festive Break to Weston Super Mare, departing on the llth November, are now pretty much arranged as follows:

Trip 1 we will be travelling through Cheddar Gorge which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Possibly stop in Cheddar. Then we are moving on to the lovely City of Wells. After which a visit will be made to Glastonbury which is a lovely old town. Close by is the Clarks Retail outlet for those who like to shop, together with the Museum of Rural Life (there is a charge for that)

TRIP 2 we will travel to Clifton, which is one the most desirable areas in the Country to live. Lovely town centre and we can get up close to the famous landmark the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Then we will move onto the amazing City of Bristol. Plenty to see and do here and the Christmas Market will be on. Full details will be included in your pack later in the year.

PLEASE NOTE there will be no Day Trips table on Tues.9th July 2024. Back as usual on the 16th July.

After a successful visit last year to the Lytham 40’s weekend, a lot have requested that we repeat it. It’s poignant that we do in the year of the 80th celebrations of D Day. Held on the wide green space on the seafront. There will be marquees set up with entertainment, bars and food. So why not join this fun day and hear the authentic music, see the lovely 40’s fashions (why not dress up yourself) There are parades (expect to see and hear Mr.Churchill) exhibitions, demonstrations, stalls, dancing in Clifton Square, a rare chance to practice your jitterbug! Don’t forget to visit the shopping street in Lytham with its’ lovely shops and a wide choice of food and drink. A lot of local staff and premises are dressed for the occasion. The ancient windmill is open to visit and the Heritage Centre. THEN there is a choice of travelling up the Coast,on one of Blackpool’s iconic trams, to Fleetwood (a 40 minute stay here)  and return (2 hours in all) back to the 40’s event.

WHEN? Saturday 17th August 2024.  Dep.9am Ret.5ish. PRICE: £13 for the 40’s day. or if you would like to do the tram ride as well £21. Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 25th June 2024. Big favour to ask. If you are paying cash could you please try to have right money as we are always short of change. Many thanks.