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.
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.
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.
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Many thanks to Frank Hyland for the article and Charlie Craig for the photographs.
For ten years, committee member Michael Rofe has worked with Airedale Holiday Company to organise bespoke holidays for SoFA members. His final one before filing away his spreadsheets, was to North Wales.
Despite traffic delays locally, we were soon starting our holiday with delicious cakes, tea and coffee at the Georgian listed Rossett Hall near Wrexham. We then continued our journey into North Wales. Our driver, Carl, an extremely knowledgeable holiday guide, took us via the scenic route (aka ‘Little Switzerland’) to the imposing Penrhyn Castle (NT). We enjoyed visiting its dominant display of architecture, stone and wood carvings, together with a fine art collection. Our first day ended at our holiday base, the historic, modernised Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon. The hotel provided SoFA members with a comfortable, relaxing environment and dining facilities – allowing members to enjoy time together after the day’s activities.
Day 2 began at Plas Newydd House, a must on any NT bucket list. In brilliant sunshine, members enjoyed the house and colourful grounds set alongside the tidal waters of the Menai Strait. In the afternoon, we stayed on Anglesey to enjoy the equally colourful restored hidden gardens of Plas Cadnant. As well as wandering the beautifully tended gardens and wooded paths, we learned of the link with our botanic gardens in Southport through its Victorian gardener Thomas Williams.
The following day, we enjoyed free time in Caernarfon exploring its castle and enjoying options to wander around the town, cruise on the river or explore the local countryside. The next leg of itinerary was a trip around Llanberis area. We began at the National Slate Museum followed by a journey alongside Lake Padarn on the heritage steam railway, then on to Betws-y-Coed. The day’s coach journey had taken us passed rushing waterfalls and through some of the mountainous scenery of Snowdonia, accompanied by detailed commentary from driver Carl.
The first stop on the return journey was free time in Conwy. Members enjoyed a short bus tour of the area or on foot, the quay and old wharves which included a visit to the smallest house in Britain. We returned to Rossett Hall to enjoy a lunch together before heading home. Another enjoyable holiday among SoFA holiday friends.
If you are not a member but are interested in joining our Association, please complete the Contact Form.
For our June holiday, Michael Rofe took us to see the sights and scenery of Gloucestershire. We set out from our local joining points on a bright Sunday morning. After a coffee stop at Brockton Staffordshire, we arrived in the historic town of Tewksbury in time for lunch. Many of us chose to enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon enjoying the warm sunny weather and exploring the medieval history of the town and Abbey. We then made the short journey to Gloucester Robinwood Hotel. Our driver Carl offered to take us to the adjacent dry ski slope. To his surprise, our members preferred the quiet elegant surroundings of the hotel and spa facilities and thoughts of the evening meal. Carl hid his disappointment well as he began to manage our arrival and meal arrangements in his usual efficient manner which he maintained throughout the holiday.
Our first excursion was to Chavenage House, a wonderful Cotswold stone house dating from the Elizabethan period. Only two families have owned Chavenage, the present family, Lowsley-Williams and from the 16th century until 1891 the Stephens family. Caroline, one of the present family members and her equally entertaining brother Gordon made us welcome. We explored rooms with historic Cromwell connections and 17th century tapestries. We also learned the links with films and TV including being the stately home used for the Poldark series.
In the afternoon we enjoyed a visit to Berkeley Castle, built in 1153 and like Chavenage, has an unbroken record of family continuity. 27 generations of the Berkeley family have, and still live, in the castle. Steeped in English history, the castle has a direct link with the murder of Edward II. Royal guests have been entertained including Elizabeth I up to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in the present time.
The following day, we enjoyed experiences in total contrast. The history and sights of maritime Bristol. On a relaxing boat trip, we learned about the development of trade and engineering and the rise of Bristol as a key port. The reference to Brunell’s contribution to maritime Bristol continued in the afternoon with a visit to the Great Western Museum complex and SS Great Britain, the world’s first ocean going liner. In the dry dock (1839) we walked around the ship’s hull, saw a replica of Brunell’s propellor which changed shipping forever. Inside, we were taken through the time line of design, to its launch in 1843 and experienced how passengers and crew were looked after and entertained. The complex included a comprehensive national museum to the Brunell family.
Our final day started with a visit to one of the smallest but very attractive NT properties, Westbury Court Gardens. Originally laid out in the late 17th century, it is the only restored Dutch Water Garden in England. Maintained by two full time gardening staff and volunteers together with a perfect working example of a multi-tasking woman, car park supervisor, receptionist, shop manager and drinks provider! The afternoon was spent in Gloucester. Our visit began in the docks area reflecting 200 years of Bristol’s importance as an inland port. Some members explored the waterway system on a boat trip whilst others visited the Waterways Museum and the treasures of Gloucester Cathedral.
Our journey home included a stop at the sprawling Webbs Garden Centre at West Hagley and then to our familiar lunch location, the Moat House Hotel in Acton Trussell.
Another most enjoyable, bespoke holiday in the company of friends and companions. Perhaps on the first night, we were too relaxed and feeling the effects of the untypically warm day, but did anyone complete the word search on the holiday programme to claim the bottle of wine? If not, perhaps on the holiday to North Wales in September, there will be 2 bottles of wine as prizes!
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.
Article by Frank Hyland and photographs by Michael Rofe, with thanks.
For any members who still haven’t been on a SoFA Holiday, I must explain the above title. Our wonderfully comfortable coach is large and a very bright orange, so our excellent driver Carl has christened it “The Flying Carrot”. There is no danger of being unable to find the coach at the end of the day! It is very easy to see! Despite thunderstorm warnings for most of Britain, once again we had our usual very warm and sunny National Trust weather. Someone must have been on the prayer mat again.
On Sunday 25th June, we all started gathering at our various pick-up points, Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby, and off we went. At Huddersfield the coach joined runners on the Huddersfield Half Marathon till their route turned left and took them up a very steep hill! There was a break for coffee at the Cedar Court Hotel and then we moved on to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. A packed lunch had been arranged and we collected it from the Parsonage, where some of us ate in and others ate in the grounds
We then travelled to The Olde Barn Hotel in Grantham. After unpacking, some people had a swim in the Health Club before dinner which was served at 7pm. Everyone enjoyed a starter, main course and dessert followed by coffee and mints. Our bedrooms were comfortable and after a good night’s sleep, breakfast was available any time after 7am. There was plenty of choice including a Full English Breakfast.
At 9-30am on Monday our coach left for Burghley House. On arrival we had an interesting talk and refreshments in The Orangery, then a self-guided tour of the beautiful house. Burghley was built in the 1500’s by William Cecil who was principal adviser and Lord High Treasure to Queen Elizabeth 1. The State Rooms were simply awe-inspiring. There was an enormous collection of historic paintings, ceramics and works of art. Burghley is still lived in by a direct descendant of William Cecil, Miranda Rock, with her husband Orlando and their four children. We then toured the Garden of Surprises with its many waterfalls, misty archways, mirror maze and waterfall curtain at the exit. There was also a splendid sculpture garden that some of us visited.
We left Burghley at 2pm and travelled to nearby Belton House NT. It has the second largest library held by the National Trust, a room full of silver collections and a beautiful deer park. Many of the deer came across to say farewell when it was time for the coach to leave.
On Tuesday we visited The International Bomber Command Centre where a memorial spire, walls, peace gardens and visitor centre mark the service and sacrifice of World War ll. We were divided into three groups. Our Guide in Group 2 was excellent. He told us many fascinating stories, including crashed airmen from Czechoslovakia who found a little abandoned dog in a French barn and its subsequent adventures!
At 12-30pm our coach left for an afternoon in Lincoln. As we approached the city we could see Lincoln Cathedral and the Castle on the hill. Uphill Lincoln is where the main historic attractions are situated, and in Downhill Lincoln is the main shopping area and riverside. Linking the two is the appropriately named Steep Hill which dispels the myth that Lincolnshire is all flat! Carl was able to take those interested up Steep Hill to the Cathedral. He was unable to return up the hill to pick them up again due to regulations.
This evening we met in the bar at 6-30pm for drinks before dinner at 7pm.
On Wednesday, we travelled to RAF Coningsby to visit the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre. Once again we had excellent guides. We were split into three groups for a one and a half hour guided tour. No bags were allowed in the hangar on the tours. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He told us many interesting facts about Spitfires, Hurricanes and the enormous Lancaster at the far end of the hangar. He told a story about a Wren who had hung onto the tail of a plane during take-off and another story of a man in the tail section of a Lancaster whose parachute got stuck when the plane was shot down, so he jumped without one, and survived! Apparently he landed in a tree, covered with snow. His tale didn’t end there though. He was captured by Germans who didn’t believe his story until they found the crashed Lancaster five days later with his parachute still attached! Throughout our visit, several Typhoons were taking off and landing and this continued during the afternoon at Tattershall Castle.
In the afternoon, we visited Tattershall Castle and inside was an interesting video. I was amazed how many of our members were able to climb the winding staircase to the top and still had energy to wave to friends sitting on the seats at the bottom!
Once again, we had a glass of wine before our last evening meal, courtesy of Michael.
After breakfast on our final day, we left The Olde Barn Hotel and travelled to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. Bess of Hardwick built the house in the late 1500s. The initials ES (Elizabeth Shrewsbury) on the roof suggested wealth, so did the enormous glass windows. She was the richest woman in England after Elizabeth 1. Her descendants, the Dukes of Devonshire treasured Hardwick while lavishing much of their attention and money on nearby Chatsworth. There were a lot of stairs to climb! She had all that money and didn’t think to install a lift!
On all the NT holidays we have enjoyed the most interesting itineraries, with lots of variety, and these have been planned and organised by Michael Rofe, his wife Jean and Airedale Travel. We would like to thank Michael, Jean and Airedale Travel for arranging all these excellent holidays. They don’t just happen, they take a lot of planning and we appreciate it.
When Ian and I booked our first holiday in 2015 (I think) we were a little apprehensive. We knew very few people and wondered what they would be like. We decided to just book one holiday to give it a try. We need not have worried. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The hotels we have stayed in have been excellent, serving hearty breakfasts and delicious 3 course dinners in the evening. The coach is very comfortable and the coach driver Carl has added to our enjoyment. It is a good way of getting to know people and making new friends. Come and join us! We look forward to your company!
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, SoFA holidays or are interested in joining our Association, please complete SoFA’s Contact Form
With thanks to Jean Higson for providing the article and for the photographs courtesy of Michael Rofe.
All aboard the Flying Carrot for our holiday to Buckinghamshire, the Codebreakers and London’s great gardens, September 2022. For any members who have not yet been on a SoFA Holiday, I must explain the above title. Our wonderfully comfortable coach is a very bright orange, so no danger of being unable to find the coach at the end of the day! Our excellent driver Carl has christened it the “Flying Carrot”. The weather forecast for this holiday did not look good. However, once again we had our usual very warm and sunny National Trust weather every day. Someone must have been on their prayer mat all week!
Our holiday began on Thursday 01 September 2022. We stopped for coffee and delicious homemade biscuits at the Moat House Hotel in Acton Trussell, set in beautiful landscaped gardens around a lake. We then stopped for lunch at the Bicester Avenue Home and Garden Centre. Some had eaten sandwiches on the coach so enjoyed a little retail therapy.
We then travelled to the 4-star Bull Hotel in Gerrards Cross, a 17th century Coaching Inn with 147 bedrooms. Finding our rooms was a bit of a challenge and we decided we should have all been issued with a ball of string so we could find our way back to our rooms after dinner, which was served at 7pm! Dinner that evening was served buffet style and we all enjoyed a starter, main course and dessert followed by coffee or tea. Our bedrooms were comfortable and, after a good night’s sleep, breakfast was available any time after 7am. There was plenty of choice including a full English breakfast.
At 9.30am on Friday our coach left for Bletchley Park. This is an English Country Mansion and Estate where Code Breakers worked secretly during WW2. It was much larger than I expected and had up to 9,000 people working there. It is thought that the work done there brought forward the end of the war by as much as two years. There was a lot of walking and many commented that not only did our feet hurt, but our brains too, as exhibits explained how enigma worked. We all had a voucher for lunch which included a sandwich, cake and a drink. It was warm and some of us sat and ate lunch on the lovely picnic tables on the lawns. Others ate in the huts just as they had done all those years ago. We left Bletchley Park at 3.30pm and another good dinner was served back at our hotel at 7pm.
Next day, we went to RHS Wisley which was beautiful. It houses one of the largest plant collections in the world. We were given a very nice guide book and a map so we could explore the colourful gardens at our leisure. At 1pm we all met in the Tulip Room for a very good buffet lunch of sandwiches and crisps, a good selection of delicious cakes and a platter of fresh fruit with a drink. It was a welcome rest in the middle of the day. The guided tour of the gardens was cancelled because some of the guides had Covid, but we were able to explore more lovely gardens after lunch using the guide book.
On our final full day, we visited Windsor Castle. It was a bit of a climb from the coach park! Carl led us at a fairly leisurely pace to the lift, through the railway station, past the Royal Train and we all made it to the entrance of the castle and through the airport style security! Most people took headphones, listening to the commentary as we discovered 900 years of British heritage. It is the oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the official residences of The Queen. There was a lot to see! We toured the State Apartments and the staff were very helpful. The Queen’s Coronation Dress was on display and many of us marvelled at her tiny waist. Some of us saw the Changing of the Guards at lunch time. Unfortunately, because it was Sunday, St George’s Chapel was closed to the public, so we couldn’t go in.
After Windsor Castle, we re-joined our coach, (the walk was all downhill this time), and we travelled the short distance to the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. Visitors can wander along the paths through interconnected gardens. The Rose Garden was opened by Her Majesty the Queen. There was also a café outside and gift shop. A welcome break for tired legs and feet!
We then travelled back to our hotel and met in the bar earlier that evening. The holiday had gone so well, Frank and Michael treated us all to a glass of wine, beer or a soft drink before our meal.
On Monday 05 September we had our final breakfast at the Bull Hotel and some of us discovered an amazing pancake making machine. Waistlines may have been even larger if we had found it on day One! We boarded the Flying Carrot and travelled to The Hatton Arms in Warwickshire for coffee and cake. Some walked across the field to see the locks. We then continued our journey to The Moat House at Acton Trussell for an excellent late lunch in a lovely room. We were also treated to another glass of wine to have with the meal.
On all the SoFA NT holidays we have enjoyed the most interesting itineraries, with lots of variety, and these have been planned and organised by Michael Rofe, his wife Jean and Airedale Travel. We would like to thank Michael, Jean and Airedale Travel for arranging all these excellent holidays. They don’t just happen, they take a lot of planning and we appreciate it.
When Ian and I booked our first holiday in 2015 (I think) we were a little apprehensive. We knew very few people and wondered what they would be like. We decided to just book one holiday to give it a try. We need not have worried. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The hotels we have stayed in have been excellent, serving hearty breakfasts and delicious three-course dinners in the evening. The coach is very comfortable and the coach driver Carl has added to our enjoyment. It is a good way of getting to know people and making new friends. Come and join us! We look forward to your company!
This year sadly, Michael who had done all the meticulous planning for this holiday was not able to join us and he was greatly missed. We wish you a speedy recovery Michael and look forward to you being with us again soon. Frank stepped into Michael’s shoes at the last minute and praised Michael for his organisation and planning. So thank you to Frank, Marie and Carl.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, SoFA holidays or are interested in joining our Association, please complete SoFA’s Contact Form.
Article supplied by Jean Higson with thanks. Photographs courtesy of Charlie Craig and Ian Higson.
After a two year delay due to the Covid pandemic and much reorganisation on Michael’s part, our SoFA holiday to Scotland went ahead on Sunday 24 April. We stopped for coffee at the Tebay Hotel and then at Moffatt Mill for lunch before arriving at the Angus Hotel in Blairgowrie in the late afternoon.
House of Dun
On Monday morning we visited the National Trust of Scotland’s House of Dun. This early 18th century Georgian masterpiece was designed by the Scottish architect, William Adam. After splitting into three groups we were shown around the house by guides in 19th century costumes. The guides ’interviewed’ us as prospective employees which gave an interesting slant to the tour. The plasterwork in the saloon is incredible and took Dutch plasterer Joseph Enzer four years to complete. The house also contains many fine examples of needlework by Lady Augusta Fitzclarence, a daughter of King William IV, which must have taken many hours of her time.
Glamis Castle
In the afternoon we moved to Glamis Castle, reputedly the finest in Scotland. Many of us only knew it from Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ so were surprised to learn it was the childhood home of the Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret. Our guide was very informative and explained how the original castle has been much extended and updated. There are extensive gardens and grounds at Glamis Castle that flourish and change throughout the open season. We were lucky to see and enjoy the beautiful spring bulbs during our visit.
Balmoral Castle
We drove to Royal Deeside on Tuesday to visit Balmoral Castle. We were all keen to look around Balmoral, the Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family and were given audio guides to listen to as we walked around the grounds. The history of the castle was explained and how the estate is managed. It was too early in the year for there to be much growing in the gardens although all the fruit and vegetables are grown for the summer vacation of the Royal Family. Only the ballroom in the interior was open to the public where there was a lovely display of exhibits from our Royal Family. After our visit we were given the opportunity to walk up to Crathie Kirk, a small church best known for being the regular place of worship of the Royal Family and where Princess Anne married Commander Timothy Lawrence. We spent some of the afternoon a short drive away in Ballater a pleasant little town which is a centre for hikers.
RRS Discovery
On Wednesday morning we travelled to Dundee to visit Discovery Point and the new V&A Museum. Discovery point is home to the RRS Discovery the ship Captain Scott travelled on to the Antarctic. We spent time exploring the ship which is displayed in a purpose built dock and looking around an excellent exhibition in the Discovery centre charting the course of Antarctic exploration. The modern V&A museum next door contained many interesting exhibits including the Scottish Design Galleries featuring the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Group photo at Scone Palace
Our final visit in the afternoon was to Scone Palace, famous for the ‘Stone of Scone’ an oblong block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland. The Palace is a Category A listed building near the village of Scone and the city of Perth.
Reluctantly on Thursday morning we left Blairgowrie to head home. We had coffee and scones at South Queensferry in a cafe under the Forth rail bridge which was an imposing sight. We then continued south to the Shap Wells Hotel where we enjoyed a delicious three course lunch. Early evening saw us all safely back in Southport having enjoyed a great holiday in Scotland.
The SoFA holiday to Scotland was planned by Michael Rofe, his wife Jean and Airedale Travel. We would like to thank Michael, Jean, Airedale Travel and of course Carl our brilliant driver for such an excellent holiday. One of the highlights was being able to travel again with friends old and new following the restrictions of the past two years.
Forth rail bridge
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, a SoFA holiday or are interested in joining our Association, please complete SoFA’s Contact Form.
Article supplied by Richard Hughes. Photographs by Michael Rofe.
