WHITLEY WI

Culture Club get to many interesting places.

Saturday was an “away-day” on the Virgin Pendolino to London, for a “behind the scenes” tour of The Royal Albert Hall.

So much atmosphere in this Historical Building, especially as The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra were rehearsing their planned Afternoon Performance of “Gladiator”

The knowledgeable Tour Guide, led us around some of the various levels, pointing out many pictures of famous people and events which had played or taken part there. We sat in a box, but were only allowed to peep into the Royal Box.

We could view the Royal Staircase, and sit on chairs which had come from Buckingham Palace.
Queen Victoria had spent much of the money allocated to build The Hall on a Memorial to her late Husband Albert, which stands outside the building. The public (rich ones) raised the funds for The Hall by buying seats for £100 each. These are now worth a small fortune.

Following the tour, our group separated, to enjoy various activities.

A couple spent the afternoon with family members who live in London, two ladies went to the Afternoon Performance of “Gladiator”, the rest decided to head for The Shard and enjoyed a glass of champagne, as well as the wonderful views across London… Well it was one member’s birthday!

A walk around Borough Market ended our visit, as time had passed quickly and the train was waiting to take us home.

We met at the Carrier’s Inn car park near Hatchmere (shown as 1 on the map) below.

We started walking through Hatchmere Park and the forest. Crossing Ashton Road (2) we continued down through the forest to skirt Blakemere Moss (3 to 4). Turning a sharp left across Blakemere Lane (4) we went back into the forest up a very overgrown path. As we were walking I thought I heard a man talking in a nearby field. Nope. It was actually my phone which was playing a video about football in my pocket. Obviously I’d accidentally clicked on something.

Emerging from the forest at Harthill Hatch (No 5 on the map) we had to walk through a field full of cows which thankfully got out of our way as we walked towards them.

We continued along the route past Flaxmere on a lovely leafy path and returned to our starting point at the Inn some two hours after we left. Just in time for lunch.

The food was as good as the company.

Many thanks to Ann O’Brien for organising the event.

Jenny

At our first craft meeting we were all busy with stitching, sewing and nattering and some of the group made a duster dolly.

Annette Minor showed several members  how to make the dollies from kitchen items, the picture shows Chris Spittle and June Smither holding the ones they made.

Meetings are held on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month; our next meeting will be on the 20th June at WVH at 2pm. Those wishing to make a pair of dishcloth bloomers will find the ‘materials’ all waiting; otherwise bring your sewing or knitting or just come along for friendship.

Annette

On a sunny Sunday afternoon six ladies met at Arley Hall and Gardens, which is the home of Viscount and Viscountess of Ashbrook, to go on a guided estate and bluebell walk. The woods are only open to the public for the bluebells and later on in the year for the fungi walks.

We followed a track through the woods which was quite muddy in parts, and saw bluebells both blue and white nestling under the trees on either side. 

We wound our way through the woods and came upon expanses of water which was a spectacular sight with the sunlight streaming across.

After seeing many a blue bell we came to a lake that was made into three different sections, all of a sudden there was such a noise and a swan came half flying half skimming across the water.  We realised that it was protecting a nest which was on the other side.  The guide quickly moved us away back up the track so that we did not disturb it anymore.  As we walked further round the lake we could see in the distance the swan on the nest.

Going through Arley Green we were shown the posting box with the VR on denoting Victoria’s Reign.

We finished our one hour and forty five minute walk going through a rhododendron garden with an array of colour.  We passed the private St Mary’s Chapel which was built in 1845 the architect was Anthony Salvin.  It is regarded as one of his most important ecclesiastical buildings.

We all decided to end the walk with a well-deserved ice cream so we made post haste to the Gardener’s Kitchen and whilst enjoying our purchase all agreed what a super walk it had been.

Lane End Cottage Gardens Lymm.

An oasis of calm and beauty at a busy motorway junction.
Those who didnt make it missed a treat!