Derbyshire Region Head for North Yorkshire

Some 26 hardy souls signed up for a 2 night stay in Aldwark Manor Hotel between York and Ripon on 8-10 April 2025. In addition to the usual attendees we were pleased to be joined by Mike Derbyshire and Laura Slack for their first experience of a Derbyshire trip away.

Hartley and Rachel had identified the hotel and planned a route for the run out, which was fully subscribed within a few days of being announced some months previously. However, cometh the time, not everyone was able to join us as planned due to a combination of family reasons and illness. As a result, we actually had 10 cars /20 attendees. Absent friends were: Roger and Joan, Mike and Julie and Geoff and Angela. All of which was very unfortunate and you were all missed. Well, maybe we didn't miss Geoff's Jokes, but that's another story! Brenda was suffering a dental related issue but she bravely soldiered on and hopefully this didn't detract too much from her enjoyment of the event.

We met up initially at The Motorist Centre in Sherburn in Elmet for coffee/lunch and then went off individually to explore the area, several ending up in Wetherby just up the road.

Our base for the next 2 days was the Aldwark Manor Hotel and Spa. The pictures below don't really do the hotel justice, and it is currently undergoing an extension to add 23 rooms and associated function suites.

The weather allowed us to enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the terrace (see pictures below) and we needed some persuading to leave the sun to enter the restaurant. It was worth it though, as the three course dinner was excellent on both nights.

Wednesday was the run out, but before we set off we assembled the cars in front of the hotel - see pictures below. This somewhat artful arrangement, with 2 E Types holding centre stage is depicted below, but unfortunately Nigel photo-shopped a plastic sportscar from Norwich into the shot - what was he thinking?

The run totalled 96 miles round Ripon then up the B road to Grassington, then north to Leyburn and southwards to Masham, Ripon and back to the hotel for another excellent dinner. This was followed by one of Rachel's famous (or becoming famous) quizzes. Some people's competitive spirits were apparent early on, and whilst cheating was not obviously apparent, a high degree of competitive secrecy was in evidence. The winners were later declared to be Sonja and Dave, which was well commended by all. Perhaps you can make out the prize in the photo below (it's been a very expensive past few weeks in the Jenkinson household, and the prize fund duly suffered!)

On Thursday morning, following breakfast, the group dispersed to explore the area independently. Some headed off to continue the enjoyment by extending their stay over in Whitby for a few days whilst others returned home after viewing some local attractions.

Everyone enjoyed the trip and were very complimentary to Rachel and Hartley for organising.

We have another trip away in October organised by Mike and Julie, which I am sure will also be excellent. This next trip will be further north, in Northumberland.

PS. As above, Mike & Julie were unable to join us, but re-booked to visit over Easter, when Julie won the 'Easter draw'. The prize for which was Dinner Bed & Breakfast for one night, which they intend to take once the new Spa is open (scheduled for September this year). Lucky couple!

Photo's: Nigel M, Hartley J and Roger P