Farewells - Sheffield to Manchester

Last year was a tough year for my schoolfriend Maria, with the loss of her grandson and husband John.  It was so good to see her and to talk rather than using telephone or zoom.  We also had a chance to chat with Jeannie and Adrian.  Its good to have friends at these sad times.

Of course we also visited my grandparents, parents and cousin's graves.  I can see I have to get some maintenance done as they are starting to look neglected.  Always an emotional time saying goodbye.

But say goodbye we did and headed off to Manchester to return the car.  We stopped at Disley on the way to stretch our legs (got to keep up the 10,000 steps per day!) A lovely little village, complete with canal, quirkily named pub, a few heart thumping hills and of course a mansion or two!

Café Nine Beats, and Howard Family Banter

Café Nine is one of our all-time favourite spots - great music, excellent coffee, and the same friendly baristas welcoming you back. I was originally supposed to hold a book launch here, but COVID got in the way! Next time!

Nether Edge also has fantastic charity and secondhand bookshops. I did spot a skeleton for sale, but decided buying it might cause just as many headaches for me as 'Mr. Violin' did for Mark!

Next on the itinerary was the Howard family gathering. I was nervous just as we arrived at the Broadfield Ale house, I found out about its colourful past. Hey! I booked it because the fantastic internet reviews. I needn't have worried as soon as we stepped inside I knew it was going to be good. Between the fantastic food, fab service and the lively Howard banter, it couldn't have gone better. 

Gathering with 'The Boys'(our nephews) is always a highlight.  It was amazing that Nicky caught the ferry from Ireland, Jonathan a plane from Spain and Mark and Christine drove from Ripley. 

Our great-niece Elise, who we hadn't seen since her stint living in the Arctic Circle and roaming the globe, has now settled in Sheffield so we should see more of her. 

Reminiscing brought back great memories - from Jeannie and Adrian visiting us back home in Manly for the North Head walk, and my schoolfriend Maria, who of course has visited us in Australia, USA and  UK so many times. 

It was fantastic to laugh and joke as if no time had passed but of course there was a sadness that John and Harvey are no longer with us.  It's such a tragic heartbreaking story.

Also Brian, Dot, Lynda, Sue, Martina, Dean, Cory, and Willow couldn't join us this time... Maybe next year?

 

Yet more fun with Sarah & Mark

Down Winnats, through Castleton, across Ladybower Dam and up on the ridge to our friends Sarah and Mark's farm.  It looks magnificent as ever. I am truly jealous of their veggie garden! We met years ago and somehow have managed to meet up either in Derbyshire or Manly ever since.  

Last time was in Allambie where Frankie and Arthur joined us for lunch on the terrace followed by a walk on North Head.This time we caught up with George over dinner at the farm. Frankie and Arthur in London. 

We celebrated our final night with a wonderful, authentic Italian meal with Pedro, Sarah and Mark at Sheffield's Bottega restaurant. I loved Mark's story about heading off to Ireland for a gig. Of course, he had to book a separate seat for his violin - oh, how my brother used to complain about having to pay for an extra seat for his instruments!

Anyway, Mark booked the violin under 'Mr. Violin', which caused absolute chaos at the airport when 'Mr. Violin' couldn't be found for boarding.

All too soon, our paths diverged: we were off to stay with Maria in Sheffield, while they headed to Stockholm for a summer house exchange.

We've shared so many meals, adventures and stories ...I wonder when and where we will meet up next!

Goodbye Middleham, Hello Derbyshire

On the morning we left Middleham, everyone dropped by to say goodbye and wish us good luck.  'We'll be back' we say ... but when? So as we leave we have our usual mixed feelings -  sad to leave, but eager to continue the adventure and to meet up with family and friends.  

We set off over the moors that are just sprouting their purple sprouts, but its strange to see the moors so brown and dry.  Of course in the usual Yorkshire fashion it wasn't long till the heavens open and there are the usual cow jams and sheep wandering across the road. 

Over the moors our first stop is Alderley Edge to meet up with our two nieces Laura and Katie with their children, Jessica, Conner and Rory.  Oh and Roger's brother Chris flew in from Portugal for the day! Yeah!

Laura cooked a wonderful lunch. Oh how the children have grown and so much news to catch up on. Must try to get to Portugal next year.

Then it was down Winnats Pass to Sarah & Mark's Farm.  Oh this is such an emotional trip for me.  So much of my childhood is tied up in this part of Derbyshire.  Adventurer's badge with the guides, climbing MamTor,  hiding in dillops and hollows until the fog lifts.  Blasted by wind, sleet, snow and occasionally by sun! LOVE IT!

winnats by Julie Howard

Facebook Blunder to a Wensleydale Feast

It all started with a mistake as many good things do.  Somehow Facebook posted that it was my birthday in June. As people started to send me messages I replied that it was actually in July and for the first time in a number of years I was going to have a summer birthday in Yorkshire!

Rachel saw it and said 'Oh we should have a cousin's get together.' Helen picked up on the idea and started at WhatsApp group.  All I had to do was organise the venue and the meal!

Back in Oz I thought that won't take long! Ha! Quickly the numbers grew to fourteen from six different counties. They were all looking forward to a pub that provided good food, was in driving distance of six counties, had parking and accessibility for a wheelchair user! Now pubs in the Yorkshire Dales are known for their ambiance and food but not for their larger dining rooms or accessibility.

At the time I was preparing for three concerts, two home exchanges, BeanZ events, packing and yes still trying to finish my novel!

Thank goodness I found Oliver at the Wensleydale Hotel only a 300 metre walk from Foxglove Cottage where we were staying! Thank you! You were a lifesaver, the service and food were superb! 

 

Its incredible to believe but I hadn't seen Rachel since she and Lucy gave me 'bridal horseshoes' 54 years ago at our wedding!  The other cousins I've seen briefly over the years, so there was a lot to catch up on. 

Everyone brought photos and there was lots of laughter, news sharing and anecdotes galore. 

It was strange to see other people's photos of your own wedding and amazing they have kept them all these years.

Rachel wasn't driving back to London until the next day and so we were able to do the Shawl walk one last time!

Oh and I guess we shouldn't leave it another 54 years till our next get together!

Celebrating Yorkshire Day in Style!

What a day to visit Richmond, Yorkshire Day!

We headed straight to the market square to hear the official proclamation, followed by a quick five-minute Zumba session with a group attempting to break the world record for the longest continuous Zumba event. Afterward, we joined a fantastic walking tour of Richmond led by Delphine, one of those terrific guides who seamlessly weaves centuries-old history into modern-day stories.

One of the most fascinating stories she shared was about a local lad, Ben Wilkinson. He built his wealth after getting into commercial drone technology—a sector that exploded in demand following the war in Ukraine, making him a multi-millionaire. Over the past few years, he has been purchasing and restoring historical buildings around town to turn them into thriving businesses. The impressive Fleece Hotel, originally built in 1898 in the Scottish Baronial style, is one of his key properties. He is currently redeveloping several other local sites, including Friary Lodge, the former Barclays and TSB bank buildings, and Oak Grange Farm. It is wonderful to see these heritage structures saved from decay and bringing new energy to the town.

The Fleece

Delphine also shared the story of Richmond Castle, whose construction began in the 1070s under Alan Rufus (Alan the Red). It remains a magnificent sight on the cliffside today. Although it fell into decay by the 16th century, the castle grounds were leased by the military in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During World War I, it served as a detention center for conscientious objectors—most famously the "Richmond Sixteen," who were held in the cell blocks before facing court-martial. We didn't have time for a full tour inside the castle this trip, but it is high on the list for our next visit.

Richmond really is a bustling town with a surprise around every corner, framed by vibrant summer flowers this time of year—though you certainly need your walking legs, as those cobbled streets are steep! We rounded off an incredible evening with delicious Thai food served with a warm Yorkshire accent, followed by a terrific performance of The Tempest at the restored Georgian Theatre Royal. It is well worth a visit if you ever get the chance!

You know you are in Yorkshire when ...

Cakes, zumba, tractors, sheep jams and misbehaving dogs within the castle walls!