Posted:  Friday 20 August 2010

Another North Yorkshire town welcomes
North East Associates

- Thursday 19th August -

"There are many places called Richmond worldwide - 57 at the last count
- but Richmond in North Yorkshire is referred to as the 'Mother' of all.
"The town grew up around the castle built by the Normans on the
"riche-mont", meaning strong hill."

Today the town was bathed in sunshine when over one-hundred of us arrived in time to visit the castle before lunch.  This was after being held up by a harvesting convoy on the approach, then more delay with some roadworks in the town centre and a drive around the coach park - and through the roadworks again - before being dropped off in the market place, as close as possible to the castle.

So, first to the castle of which the Norman keep is still intact with what remains of the perimeter walls and buildings surrounding a large green.

Many tackled the climb to the top of the 100ft keep - someone counted over 150 steps - from where there were some stunning views of the town and its surroundings.  The River Swale, said to be the fastest running river in England, looked so calm today due to low rainfall over recent weeks  - unusual!

Organiser's perks?

The Culloden Tower - above - is a folly dating back to 1746.
Today it is a unique holiday cottage managed by the Landmark Trust.

Next came lunchtime when people dispersed with a choice of many eateries to satisfy a range of appetites and thirsts.

Choices again come afterwards as to which attraction to visit first.  Was it to be the Market Hall, the Town Hall, the town museum or the Green Howards museum - just a few of the many?  Gardens and parks too, or a walk along the river where there are relics of copper mining from earlier times.

Departure was to be from "The Station" complex in the old railway terminus area - passenger services ceased in 1968 - where the original station buildings have recently been restored and the site developed for community use.

It is very popular with townsfolk and tourists alike.

Within the original train shed we found a cafe-restaurant, a craft bakery, an artisan cheese-maker, a micro brewery and an ice-cream maker, together with a few more small shops.
Two small cinemas also thrive in the complex together with a heritage centre which was holding an art display with the pictures for sale.

After grabbing a sandwich, or cake, and a cuppa the brewery was also popular.
An ice-cream to finish the day seemed a good idea and then we headed back to our coaches, many making clanking sounds on the way. 

This then saw us on our way back through Richmond  - the roadworks had gone - to head north for 45 miles back to the toon and home.

ph  20/08/2010

pictures:  ph & r-mh

« Back to News