Category: Outings

SoFA days out

SoFA Lytham Hall Outing

Events News Outings No Comments
Lytham Hall
Lytham Hall

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. 

Village

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.

If you are interested in joining SoFA please contact us using our Contact Form.

Colleges, Country Homes and a Car Park

Holidays News No Comments
Cambridge

Thirty nine SoFA members enjoyed time together on our latest holiday in Cambridgeshire. Carl, our driver, took us through rural Staffordshire to our first stop on the outward journey, the Mill Hotel. Then on to Becketts Farm Shop in the Midlands for our lunch before arriving at the Marriott Hotel in Huntingdon. This quiet modern hotel provided a good standard of comfort and food during our five day stay.

Cambridge

Day one was full of options for the group. Some enjoyed a planned, guided College tour. Others chose a more leisurely opportunity to see the historical and tourist attractions including the impressive University Botanical Gardens. Prior to the city stop, Carl arranged a visit to the nearby American War Memorial and Cemetery. On day two members had the opportunity to explore Ely, with its historic buildings, river location and its unique Cathedral. The next stop was to Anglesey Abbey (NT) to enjoy the woodland walk, herbaceous and rose gardens and the magnificent country home. Anglesey Abbey was transformed from its religious beginning into a sumptuous collection of art, sculpture and tapestries by the wealthy patron, Lord Fairhaven.

Richard 111

On the third day our group visited the Wimpole Estate (NT). This was a different house experience with more herbaceous flowers and a splendid walled garden filled with springtime colours and fragrance. A historic church and working farm completed the experience. The afternoon was a look around the working Victorian Mill at Houghton (NT). The mill was in a chocolate box setting with meadow and riverside walks. Our journey home offered a complete contrast to the treasures of the National Trust. Carl took us to the Richard 111 Visitor Centre in Leicester. Members enjoyed a range of high quality visual presentations about Richard’s ascendancy to the throne. There was also the history of warfare surrounding his death and the details of the impressive discovery of Richard’s body under a nearby car park! We lunched together at the Visitor Centre, allowing time to visit the Medieval Guildhall and Richard’s tomb in the Cathedral. As usual, Carl kept us informed and managed a relaxing timetable. Another enjoyable and valued five days of SoFA companionship.

SoFA group photo

if you would like to join our Association please fill out our Contact Form.

Many thanks to Frank Hyland for the article and Charlie Craig for the photographs.

Outing to Sizergh Castle

News Outings No Comments
Sizergh Castle
Barton Grange Garden Centre
Barton Grange Garden Centre

Our outing on 29th April was to Sizergh Castle calling at Barton Grange Garden Centre for coffee. The weather was warm and sunny so perfect for our trip up to Cumbria. We enjoyed our coffee stop at the impressive Barton Grange before travelling further north to our destination. We were made very welcome by the staff at Sizergh Castle and everyone found plenty to see and do during our time there. Sizergh Castle is a medieval home and is still inhabited by the Strickland family. The castle is filled with treasures and stories of historical interest. The room guides were very friendly and knowledgeable and made our journey through the castle all the more interesting. There is a beautiful garden for all seasons and of particular interest during our visit were the stunning displays of tulips. Also of note was the mirror lake, working kitchen garden, apple orchard and limestone rock garden.

Sizergh Castle gardens
Sizergh Castle gardens

We all appreciated the sunshine and fresh air and agreed the outing to Sizergh was very relaxed and enjoyable. Our next trip is to Chirk Castle and Gardens, a magnificent fortress of the Welsh Marches situated near Wrexham. The outing will take place on Wednesday 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.

Snowdrops and Silver Service SoFA’s outing to Lytham Hall

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Lytham Hall snowdrops

For the first of several outings planned for 2025, over 40 members travelled together on the pleasant, short coach drive to Lytham Hall in mid February. Arriving at noon, there was ample time to wander through the Hall grounds to enjoy both the gardens and the beds of beautiful snowdrops. After the walk, we gathered in the refurbished first floor of the West Wing, over the cafe. In an informal setting, members could mix and chat while enjoying the variety of sandwiches, scones, delicious confectionary and cakes. The catering staff at Lytham Hall provided a high standard of silver service. There was still time to stroll through the shop and garden centre, where some members were tempted by the large display of flowers and plants. Then home safely by tea time thanks to the reliable service of Don Fraser Coaches.

If you are not a member but would like to join any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form. Article by Frank Hyland with thanks.

Outing to Shakespeare North Playhouse and Bents Garden Centre at Christmas

News Outings No Comments

On 31st October, Halloween, over 40 members fittingly visited Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. A building showcasing the Baird and his connections with Prescot and local historical properties at Knowsley and Rufford.

Members enjoyed an interesting explanation of the structure and atmosphere of the Cockpit Theatre – designed to reflect how Shakespeare’s plays were produced, actors performed his works and how the versatility of the theatre enables modern shows to be staged. We were expertly guided through the building including some detail of Sir Ken Dodd’s passion for Shakespeare and his support for the Playhouse which continues through the generosity of his wife.

We then enjoyed a lunch together in the Playhouse before beginning the next part of the day’s outing. Members gave a huge thanks to the staff and volunteer guides who helped make our visit so interesting and pleasurable.

Bents Garden Centre

In contrast we then made the short coach journey to Bents Garden Centre where we were treated to their Christmas displays featuring sumptuous festive food, a riot of colour everywhere and the use of latest light technology to present fabulous displays of trees, decorations and mechanical toy layouts which triggered the childhood enthusiasm for some members! With time to enjoy a drink and cake before heading home. A great introduction to our festive time together.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events please fill in the Contact Form.

With thanks to Frank Hyland for the article and photographs.

Visit to Speke Hall on 19th September

Outings No Comments

This outing gave all participants a leisurely start to their day, arriving at Speke Hall for midday.  On arrival we were given a warm welcome by staff and the buggy was provided for those wishing to take advantage.  Lunch was included and many members chose the scouse for which the Speke Hall café is famous.

With the sun shining all day, it was a pleasure to stroll round the gardens and inspect the many varieties of herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden.  

The Hall opened at 12.30 so there was plenty of time to explore and refresh our memories about this local property.  The room guides have a wide knowledge of the hall and its occupants over the last 400 years and many members commented on their friendliness.  We saw how the blinds we funded protect the furnishings from the sun’s rays.   

We were also able to visit a special exhibition from The Hardmans’ Photographic Collection. The pre-loved bookshop is a ‘must’ to visit, professionally set out and welcoming. Leaving at 4pm and driven safely by Pat we all had a good day out.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form.

Article written by Carol Hitchmough, with thanks.

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