By Brian Dearn
The Lancashire Social Circle has been holding Ladies Weekends for many years, when members and their guests have been taking their wives, girlfriends or partners away for a couple of days. Over the years these have now become part of the fabric of the Lancashire Social Circle and the annual event has seen many of us making the most of some of the greatest places this country has to offer.
The rather elegant swan which guards the gates of the hotel grounds
Following two very successful breaks in the Roman City of Chester, Tony Merrick took the decision to go back to the Yorkshire Spa town of Harrogate which is great for shopping, restaurants and glorious gardens including RHS Garden Harlow Carr, and of course the unique Turkish Baths. Our last visit had the party staying at the Crown Hotel but this year a change of venue was the order of the day and Tony booked the splendid hotel, the Swan. This had many advantages in that the large room where dinner was served on both nights had plenty of room with its own bar and dance floor meaning there was no need for anyone to move too far from the entertainment which, Tony had arranged for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Tony Merrick (R) with guest Alan parker - Kim Merrick (L) with Alan's wife Dawn
Tony's wife Kim had put a great deal of thought into a small gift for each of the ladies which was placed on each table on the Saturday night. I can't speak for everyone but the ladies on my table were all over the moon with their present with comments of this will go with my new coat, and this is just my colour. Over the weekend the weather was kind to us with warm sunshine on the Saturday and many of the party took full advantage of this to visit Neighbouring towns of York or Pateley Bridge which is nestled in the heart of Nidderdale and well worth exploring as it is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Dales. Knaresborough was just a short drive away with its dramatic views and riverside walks; this old market town oozes character and history.
CLCIK HERE: Harrogate - Ladies Weekend 2016 - Picture Gallery
Others in our party spent the day in Harrogate itself as there were several events taking place in the town itself over the weekend. David Newson was pairing up early, when he was spotted holding hands with his wife Jill in Harrogate town centre. When he noticed me and fellow guest Russell and our wives, he said jokingly, get off my hand.
Pat Sutton speaks on behalf of the ladies - some of the ladies enjoying their evening - President BoB Smith and past President Eric Entwistle doing their thing!
Tony would like to thank all who helped make the weekend a success and thanks everyone who brought raffle prizes along, in particular Eddie and Julie Forggatt who made the offer of a day out at Uttoxeter Races as their guests later in the year. Pat Sutton said a few words of thanks on behalf of the ladies to Tony and Kim for all the hard work in putting the weekend together. As is usual in her address husband Roger takes the blunt of her jokes, but as she has the microphone he has little or no choice but to sit and listen along with the rest of us. On this occasion I have kept the text down in order to ask the editor to print as many photos as possible.
Brian Dearn (Tel. 01254 772515)
