A full complement promptly hit the road to Cumbria on Wednesday morning. What promised to be a cool and overcast day turned out to be glorious with warm sunshine until our return. We arrived in Kendal for 10 am and had a 2 hour stay. More than enough time for coffee, a spin around the outdoor market and lunch.
Wed.-17th May . Be up before your breakfast to join the Coach departing from The Square at 8.30am. We will be visiting the ancient town of Kendal and onto Lowther Castle currently exhibiting 10,000 ceramic daffodils.
Didn’t we have a lovely day the day we went to Leeds last Wednesday?
35 of us first headed to Marks and Spencer Archives in the grounds of Leeds University, where we all enjoyed a cuppa and heard about how Mr. Michael Marks met Mr. Tom Spencer who, together, started their penny bazaar and the rest is history.
After lunch in the city we made our way to the ‘Arium’, an amazing plant nursery, one of the largest in the country, and operated by Leeds city council.
We started off with an interesting guided tour of the greenhouses and were then escorted to the restauraant where we were treated to a sumptuous never ending afternoon tea, then groaning with over indulgence and complete with doggy bags we headed for home.
We will start our day with a visit to the affluent and attractive Town of Wilmslow in 
Cheshire. Part of the Golden Triangle & home to some of our footballers. Browse the boutiques and shops. Look out for designer bargains in the Charity Shops. Time for coffee. Then we are off to Quarry Bank Mill, once owned by the Greg Family. Discover what it was like to work in a busy Cotton Mill and take a guided tour of the Apprentice House where the child pauper workers lived. Discover how it compares to the lavish home of the
Greg family. There are lovely gardens and a visit to Styal Village shows how other workers lived. Styal is still a thriving community. For the more energetic there are lovely walks along the River Bollin. With a choice of 3 places to eat and a shop to browse, it is an interesting place to visit.
WHEN? Wed.28th June 2023. Dep.9.l5am Ret.6pm. Price: NT Members £12 Non NT Members £29. Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 25th April.
What could be nicer than a late October trip when the Countryside is at its’ best in this lovely Autumnal Season and it is
the start of the Festive Season breaks? A 5day/4nights Dinner/Bed/Breakfast break has been booked with Alfa Travel. Staying at the comfortable Seabank Hotel, Porthcawl, South Wales. The Hotel has a good reputation and is situated on the Headland with stunning views across the Bristol Channel, close to the town. All rooms are ensuite with tea/coffee making. tv., hairdryer etc. The price includes excursions within the Cardiff, Swansea areas, entertainment, 2 lunches and the promise of good company.
WHEN? Mon.30.l0.23 to Fri.3.ll.23 Price: £269pp (will be less when group discount is applied) Some Sea View rooms are available at £20pp. Deposit £50. Seats are on sale at our table. NB Just 1 twin left.
We will start our day with a visit to Kendal. which is a border town not very far from Lancashire, but most definitely in Cumbria, and is just 9 miles from Windermere. There is plenty to do and see here. Don’t miss The Yards which house interesting artisan shops, the Chocolate House selling the most delicious chocolate drinks and just about anything else chocolaty. You might be interested in the Quaker Museum of Tapestries and it is market day. Plenty of coffee shops and don’t forget Kendal Mint Cake originally designed for the first Mount Everest team. You may want to have lunch here or wait until we get to Lowther Castle in Penrith, which has a lovely Cafe. An Exhibition Gallery tells the story of the
Castle and its’ family and how it is being restored to its’ former glory. When we visit there will be an amazing sight to see of 10,000 ceramic daffodils proceeds from which will go to Charity
When? Wednesday 17th May 2023. Dep.8.30am Ret.6pm. Price £23 per person. Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 7th March 2023.
NB. This trip has been suggested by one of our Members. If you have somewhere in mind that you would like to visit please come and discuss it with us.
WED.22nd March 2023 Clitheroe and Fence Gate Inn. Please call at our table to complete a choice of meal slip. Many thanks.
Our first visit of the day is to the Marks and Spencer Archive Museum at Leeds University. Here we will have a talk about M and S and a cup of tea/coffee. M and 
S has played a part in our lives for over 135 years and we will explore the development and impact they have had on the social history of Gt.Britain ranging from Staff Welfare to Puddings and Pants. There are unique artefacts , basic historic garments etc. and will track the journey from Market Stall to International Retailer. Time to explore the exhibition. Time to get some lunch then we are off to The Arium. This is a fascinating place that provides everything the City of Leeds needs in their floral displays in public places and lots more. It is the largest Local Authority Nursery in the country growing over 3 million plants a year.
We will have a guided tour, there is a well stocked shop and to finish a delicious afternoon tea.
WHEN? Wednesday 26th April 2023. Dep.8.30am Ret.6pm. Price: £32 inc.morning coffee/tea/afternoon tea and guided tours/talk. Seats will be on sale at our Coffee Morning table on Tuesday 3lst January. Venue size restricts us to 35 seats only.
Overlooked by the mysterious Pendle Hill, associated with stories about the Pendle Witches, and an ancient castle, Clitheroe is nearly 1,000 years old.
But there is nothing old fashioned here. It’s quaint streets are lined with individual shops. Where else can you find a dedicated sausage shop selling over 75 varieties, an amazing wine shop and brilliant food hall etc. Lots of places for morning coffee in its’ fast growing foodie reputation. Then we are off for a delicious 2 course lu
nch followed by tea/coffee/mints at the Fence Gate Inn which has an unrivalled position in the Trough of Bowland which is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
WHEN? Wed.22nd March 2023. Dep.9.15am Ret.4.30pm. Price £34 includes 2 course lunch followed by tea/coffee/mints. Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 17th January 2023. NB.PLEASE ASK FOR CHOICE OF MEAL SLIP
If I haven’t already done so I am sending you best wishes for a Happy, Healthy 2023. 
Planning has begun for 2023 for Day Trips. Looking to find new and interesting trips and to seeing you booked on them. In the meantime, make a note of the following, dates in your diary/on your calendar. Our first trips will be on , Wed.22nd March, Wed.26th April, Wed.17th May . Full details will be posted here on the website as soon as they are sorted and on our table at Coffee Mornings. Watch this space!!