On Wednesday 09 September, once the Don Fraser coach had picked up all the SoFA members, we made our way to Bury Market by way of the M66. This bustling town has an award-winning market, that dates back to the 1440’s.
We left the coach at one of the entrances and were amazed at the size of the market and the variety of the stalls; which offered everything from fresh produce to clothes, books, pet supplies, rugs and bags. The list is endless. It is one of the biggest markets in the north of England and at every turn there were more stalls, especially ones selling ‘Bury Black Puddings’ (which is a local delicacy).
After lunch there was a return trip on the East Lancashire Railway, for a 12 mile journey to Rawtenstall. In 1987, passenger steam trains triumphantly returned to the line, running an initial stretch between Bury and Ramsbottom. The East Lancashire Railway is a registered charity, dedicated to restoring, preserving, and celebrating the long and rich history of the 12-mile heritage railway line.
The views from the carriage, reserved for the SoFA members, were peaceful and very tranquil. Many of us were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful countryside along the track.
Our return home was delayed somewhat by the sheer volume of traffic on our route. Thanks to the careful driving of Pat, we all arrived back safely at the various pick-up points.
Many thanks to Vikki for supplying this writeup about the SoFA September outing.
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The routine of local pickups was completed and 45 SoFA members set out to enjoy, over the next five days, the delights of North Yorkshire on SoFA’s 2026 holiday.
Harlow Carr
Following a well timed, relaxed break at Barton Grange Garden Centre, we made our way to the impressive Coniston Country Hotel for lunch. After this scenic stop we continued our journey through the countryside to the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate. This was accompanied by interesting and entertaining commentary from our driver Carl, always an added feature on a SoFA holiday. This historic hotel was chosen by Agatha Christie for her well documented hideaway in 1926 and two of our group had the pleasure of the Agatha Christie suite for the next four nights! Within walking distance of the centre, the hotel is surrounded by picturesque gardens, enabling members to enjoy a pre-breakfast or evening walk.
The next day was spent exploring the iconic sites of York. It began with a relaxing cruise on the River Ouse, followed by time to enjoy the variety of interests on offer which included exploring The Minster, window shopping in the Shambles and visiting the Jorvik Centre. As with each evening on this SoFA holiday members enjoyed exchanging accounts of their day over dinner.
A morning of garden delights was the next feature on our itinerary. At RHS Harlow Carr members took in the colour and lavishness of the herbaceous borders, garden displays and woodland walks. Some fulfilled the challenge of visiting Betty’s Tea Rooms on the site. In the afternoon, we visited National Trust Nunnington Hall, to discover the history of the Fife family and experience one of the world’s finest collection of miniature rooms, furniture and figures. There was ample time to enjoy the well maintained and picturesque gardens while skilfully dodging some heavy showers.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
The following day provided the opportunity to admire Newby Hall and Gardens in Ripon. This was originally built in the 1690’s by Christopher Wren and later enlarged by Robert Adam. It is one of the finest Adam Houses in England, filled with interesting furniture and statues collected by the Compton family over the centuries. There are award winning gardens, including a recently opened and spectacularly redesigned rock garden. There was also an exhibition of dolls houses and Giles Brandreth’s lifelong collection of teddy bears!
This was followed by a two in one visit to National Trust Fountain’s Abbey and Studley Royal, with time to explore the historic abbey and water gardens. This is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Yorkshire. The afternoon sunshine enabled members to explore the ruined dramatic medieval abbey and the beautifully designed 18th century water garden.
On the final day it rained and rained. However, the first stop on our itinerary was a delightful trip on the Keighley and Worth Valley Heritage Railway. Members were able to enjoy the scenic route through the Bronte countryside in the comfort of a classic railway carriage. Driver Carl was waiting for us at Oxenthorpe, at the end of the five mile trip, to take us on to Skipton. After lunch we enjoyed an early afternoon tranquil cruise along part of the Leeds Liverpool canal. The final stop was a meal together at the start of our homeward journey. Vikki, our holiday organiser, ably assisted by Alan, had chosen the Calf’s Head at Worton near Clitheroe. This provided us with a final opportunity to share the latest holiday experiences and memories, whilst enjoying a delicious carvery meal which included a spectacular dessert table.
The SoFA 2026 holiday, arranged with the help of Ellen Smith Holidays, had a varied itinerary, sampling some of Yorkshire’s places of interest and history. Throughout our time together, driver Carl delivered us safely and on time to all our destinations with his usual attention to detail and Wigan humour! Thank you to Vikki and Alan for an excellent choice and itinerary. We are already looking forward to the next holiday in 2027.
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With an outside temperature of 34 Degrees Centigrade, I was pleased to have chosen an air- conditioned coach journey to Stockport. Our destination was the cool comfort of the Plaza Cafe and the equally pleasant surroundings of the Stockport Hat Museum – the only museum of the hatting industry in the UK.
Hat Museum
The ever reliable Don Fraser Coaches provided the comfortable transport to the complex in Stockport. The cafe environment reflects the Art Deco style of the 1932 design of the theatre/cinema complex and has been an integral part, serving lunches and afternoon teas. SoFA members were served a light lunch by friendly, efficient staff who took particular care to manage the dietary issues of some members.
The next stop in the itinerary was the hat museum, just a short walk from the Plaza. After a warm welcome we were organised into two groups for a guided tour of the exhibition of the hatting process and factory machinery. The guides explained the historical timeline from it’s beginning, the early factory scale models and the continuous innovation of production and products until closure in the late 20th Century. By the end we could easily distinguish felt from woollen hats, explain the sourcing and role of shellac, while learning of the working and social conditions linked with the process and piece working. Members had time to browse among the many hats on display on the exhibition floor. Colourful displays of headgear through the centuries to modern interpretation and use of plastics. There was a final pit stop in the museum cafe before an uneventful journey home. Another enjoyable SoFA outing.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete Contact Form.
Our outing on 21st May was to Tatton Hall and Park in Knutsford. The weather was sunny and warm so perfect for our trip over to Cheshire. On arrival we were met at the car park by a very knowledgeable Guide who was expecting our coach party. After a brief introduction to the house and park he led us through to the courtyard cafe where most of us had a coffee. Despite the forecast the weather stayed fine and we enjoyed the gardens and grounds. The rhododendrons and azaleas being particularly colourful. Most people made their way up to the Japanese Garden before returning to the cafe for lunch.
In the afternoon we expored the Mansion. Although the Egerton family had owned the estate since 1598 they did not live there until the early 18th Century when a house was built. In 1729 Samuel Egerton, a second son so not due to inherit went to Venice to be apprentice to his uncle Joseph Smith. In 1738 Samuel’s brother died so he did inherit the estate. Then in 1758 Joseph Smith died leaving a vast legacy to Samuel. This enabled the Mansion to be built at Tatton and the huge collection of art and fine furnishings kept together. There is currently an exhibition in the Mansion called Beyond the View. This outlines the experience of the extraordinary journey of Samuel Egerton from Cheshire to Venice and his connection to the celebrated artist Canaletto. The highlight of the exhibition being two remarkable Canaletto paintings.
Our next outing is to the Hat Museum and Exhibition at the Plaza Complex in Stockport on August 13th. If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete Contact Form. Your enquiry will then be forwarded to the relevant organiser.
Our outing on 30th April was to Lyme Hall and Deer Park in Disley. The weather was warm and sunny so perfect for our trip over to Cheshire. We were made very welcome by the National Trust staff at Lyme Hall and everyone found plenty to see and do during our time there. Lyme Hall is nestled on the edge of the Peak District, was once home to the Leigh family and, in its heyday, a great sporting estate. The Hall is filled with treasures and stories of historical interest. The room guides were very friendly and knowledgeable and made our journey through the hall all the more interesting. There is also a 1,400 acre estate and deer park with lots of wooded areas and meadows to explore.
We all appreciated the sun and fresh air and agreed the outing to Lyme Hall was very relaxed and enjoyable. Our next outing is to Tatton Hall and Gardens in Knutsford, Cheshire which will take place on Thursday 21st May.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete the Contact Form. Your enquiry will then be forwarded to the relevant organiser.
The day before the outing it had rained solidly all day. However, on 16 December, the outing day itself was perfect, allowing 37 members of SoFA to enjoy a superb time at Lytham Hall in sparkling sunshine.
The short journey was made a little longer by the ubiquitous roadworks en route. However, Pat, our dependable driver from Don Fraser Coaches, ensured that we arrived in time for refreshments. Revitalised, we took a tour of the Hall decorated for Christmas with the theme ‘The Most Wonderful Rhyme of the Year’.
The display featured rooms containing one or more exquisitely decorated trees and scenes depicting nursery rhymes. It was impossible to choose a favourite, however, the staircase landing display was particularly spectacular.
The final display was a charming model village depicting Lytham in winter complete with ski slopes.
Members then enjoyed a silver afternoon tea. There was time to look at the Garden Centre and do some Christmas shopping then home safely in golden winter sunshine. Another enjoyable SoFA outing in friendly companionship.
Photographs of SoFA Lytham Hall outing supplied by Charlie Craig and article by Frank. Thank you both.
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