Wednesday 16 March 2022

PROVINCIAL WEEKEND - YORK MARCH 2022

After the successful weekend in 2020 we again travelled across the Pennines to the Parsonage Hotel in the village of Escrick just south of York. The entertainment arranged by Provincial President Bernard Swarbrick on the Friday night was first class.  It started with a few songs from May Marian and was followed by an hour of laughter provided by comedian Jimmy Cricket, including a letter from his mammy.  Jimmy's act was very topical and occasionally required some sound accompaniment which was organised by his wife, aka May Marian.

 


 


Saturday saw 18 people eager to start on a supposedly seven-mile walk organised by Paul Bates and Adrian Crook.  The weather was perfect for the walk, better than had been forecast.

Starting from a nearby village of Kexby we walked the correctly advertised 3.2 miles to Stamford Bridge where we were given a history lesson by Adrian Crook on the battle which took place in 1066.  This is where King Harold beat the invading Vikings before marching south for three weeks only to lose to the invading Normans at the Battle of Hastings.  

The plaque commemorates the Battle of Stamford Bridge
 

Lunch was taken in the old railway station which had been transformed into a non-profit community heritage centre with sports facilities, bar and cafe.  We were made very welcome.  Afterwards we walked along the old railway line and over a viaduct and eventually returned to Kexby.  This is when it became apparent that the distance walked was not seven miles but nine, ten or even eleven depending upon whose contraption you believed!  Still it was an enjoyable walk although only 17 made it all the way!

Of the non walkers, a number went to the nearby Designer Outlet village, some out of necessity, whilst others went into York or travelled further to the coast.

Prior to the Gala Banquet and Ball we posed for a group photograph.

There were ten tables.

Table 1 - Burnley (1)

Table 2 - Burnley (2)
 
Table 3 - Broughton-in-Craven

Table 4 - Preston & District

Table 5 - Lytham St Annes

Table 6 - Chorley

Table 7 - South Ribble

Table 8 - Preston South, Garstang and Westmoreland

Table 9 - Longridge

Table 10 - Accrington and Preston 14


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