Posted:  Thursday 25 May 2009

- 29th May -

On Friday 29th May 145 Associates set off from Manchester at 9:30am under brilliant blue skies – from north, south, east and west of our region – for our trip to the Holker Hall Garden Festival in Cumbria.

Most trips from Manchester are usually arranged to take place on Wednesdays, so what a blessing in disguise that the festival ran from Friday to Sunday as the weather on Wednesday 27th was rain, rain and more rain!

Plenty of sunshine on the day

The Social Committee were a little concerned when one of the four coaches failed to arrive at the ‘comfort stop’, but we discovered that the driver had driven straight on, so no worries as we all met up at our first destination of the day – the Windermere Hydro Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere for ‘brunch’.
We think we have recommended the Windermere Hydro in the past, and again they didn’t disappoint, as the brunch was superb and the service second to none.

At the Windermere Hydro

After all had had their fill it was time to board the coaches for a pleasant drive through the Cumbrian countryside to Holker Hall, where we were warmly welcomed by the staff.
Many Associates made their way to the hall before going to the festival, but those of us who are not so good on our feet took the courtesy bus to the festival gates.

Charles & Brian enjoy an ice-cream - each!

The festival was held within the 25 acres of Holker’s award-winning grounds and there was something for everyone, including a selection of bands playing throughout the day.

There were fabulous show gardens, displays, specialist growers, plant stalls and demonstrations to suit both the professional and amateur gardener.

In the events area was a packed programme, including dog trials, ‘Stallions of Substance’, falconry and much more.

The Food Hall presented delicious and locally produced food and drink, including Holker Estate cheeses and meats which could be sampled and bought.
There was also a ‘table barbeque’ where you could choose your own meats to be cooked and served to you, although after our large brunch no-one took up this offer!!

There was a large craft section with craftsmen and women demonstrating their skills and offering their work for sale.

For a small charge you could look around Holker Hall itself, the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish.

Holker Hall Festival is held once a year and is reputed to be the best of its kind in northern England.

Bert and Brian relax with a cuppa

Our very enjoyable day came to an end with refreshments in the Hall cafeteria prior to our journey home to Manchester.

A good day was had by all.

Bert Kelly

(ph  25/06/2009)

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