A visit to Betty's Country

"Sunday morning saw 53 of Audlem's finest, intrepid and mostly spritely friends assemble for the annual Probus holiday. Was it luck or good judgement which saw us head for the northeast and the sun when the rest of the UK was drowning? Whatever, we had an excellent week staying in the spacious and comfortable Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.

En route we had a very pleasant stop for lunch and exploration at Salts Mill, Saltaire near Bradford.

Day two saw us in Skipton for an enjoyable hour's trip on the Leeds Liverpool canal with coffee and entertaining commentary along with suitable nautical ditties included. Onwards to delightful Grassington for wander and optional walk to the falls – see photo of group standing on bridge enjoying fantastic views.

Tuesday offered free time in Harrogate for everyone to do their own thing before the excellent afternoon outing to RHS Harlow Carr. Perfect weather to enjoy the stunning gardens followed by walk back to hotel for those with energy left after examining every plant on show.

It would have been difficult to improve on Harlow Carr but our visit on Wednesday to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal water gardens was just wonderful, complete with the magical sight of visiting schoolchildren dressed in monks robes for their tour. This was a busy day with the afternoon spent at Newby Hall with tours of the house for our group and any spare time enjoying the superb gardens.

Thursday we were coached into York for the day. Most of the gents and some of the ladies had a visit to the Railway Museum, while the other ladies enjoyed some retail therapy and sightseeing in the historic city. In the evening we had our last supper, ready for our journey home tomorrow. However, the long trip was made most enjoyable by the route chosen, through the delightful countryside of Wensleydale and the Yorkshire Dales with lunch in Kirby Lonsdale where youngsters swimming in the river were testament to the wonderful weather we had enjoyed for most of the week.

All in all a most enjoyable week, with grateful thanks to Jan and John Evans for their planning, organisation and leadership."

Best wishes
Pat