The first of our Autumn talks was given by Sue Beacon on the National Garden Scheme (NGS) The first part of the talk was on the history of the NGS followed by a series of illustrated slides showing the large range of gardens involved. A booklet of local NGS gardens is available at selected garden centres, local libraries and tourist information centres. More information can be found on their website.
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors access to private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. In so doing this raises money for nursing and health charities. Its origin can be traced back to 1859 when William Rathbone a Liverpool architect and later MP employed Mary Robinson to nurse his wife. After his wife’s death Rathbone continued to employ Mrs Robinson to care for the sick poor of Liverpool. He then approached Florence Nightingale to organise a district nursing service. In 1887 the Queens Nursing Institute was founded to coordinate national standards and training for district nurses.
In 1926 Miss Elsie Wagg, a council member suggested raising money for district nursing through the nations obsession with gardening. In May 1927 the National Garden Scheme was launched. Admissions was a shilling a head and over 600 gardens opened raising £8191. Today as it approaches it’s centenary year over 3300 gardens are involved with the money raised still going to nursing, health and gardening charities.
Article written by Richard Hughes, with thanks. If you would like to attend any events or join our Association, please complete Contact Form.
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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A holiday to the Cotswolds and Wiltshire organised by Ellen Smith Tours staying at the Blunsdon House Hotel. As we travel to the Cotswolds we visit Becketts Farm for a light lunch before continuing to the hotel where evening dinner will be served.
The programme of events will include:
Full English breakfast and 3 course evening meals
Light lunch at Beckets Farmhouse
Visit to NT Lacock
Lunch, tour and tasting at Bluestone Vineyard
Admission to Blenheim Palace with Audio Guides
Rail journey on the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway
Admission and Heritage Talk at Adam Hanson’s Cotswold Farm Park
2 course early dinner at Cottons Hotel, Knutsford
All gratuities
Don’t forget to bring your National Trust Card(s)
Full details of the Holiday in the Cotswolds and Wiltshire are available in our Autumn 2026 magazine. Please contact Vikki Fahey with any queries (contact details in magazine)
If you are not a member but are interested in any of our events or in joining our Association, please complete Contact Form. Your query will then be forwarded to the relevant organiser.
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.
If you are interested in any of our events or in joining our Association please fill out the Contact Form.
The sinking of the RMS Titanic has been well documented but personal stories of bravery and survival on that dreadful night continue to enthral. This talk explains how Lady Noelle Rothes, a young aristocrat aided a White Star crewman, Thomas Jones, in steering their lifeboat No.8 to safety away from the plunging liner. Taking charge of the tiller and oars alongside the crewman, Lady Rothes demonstrated courage and determination when others hesitated to help.
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Another leisurely start to end our outings programme for 2026.
The garden centre and leisure complex at Barton Grange has won awards for its presentations and displays over the Christmas period. There are a number of themed displays full of baubles, garlands and festive forestry. Add to the mix festive food and drink, and some great gifting ideas.
The coach will pick up at Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Southport and Churchtown. Please see SoFA Autumn magazine for details. The cost to include travel and gratuities.
Barton Grange at Christmas
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aided a White Star crewman, Thomas Jones, in steering their lifeboat No.8 to safety away from the plunging liner. Taking charge of the tiller and oars alongside the crewman, Lady Rothes demonstrated courage and determination when others hesitated to help.
