September saw the group take two coaches on our longest journey of the year to Erddig close to Wrexham in Wales.
We arrived thankfully with the weather dry if cloudy and with rain forecast for later in the day, members sensibly chose to complete their tour of the gardens and parkland first. The gardens were very extensive with a very large number of apple trees, a rose garden, a Victorian garden and much more to see. The Parkland covering over 1,200 acres with two rivers passing through alongside over thirty ponds and beautifully laid out footpaths and water features. A truly beautiful landscape.
Erddig House itself was vast and after being bought by the National Trust in the 1970’s has been restored to a high standard. From the servants’ quarters below stairs to the dining rooms, bedrooms, lounges and so on the whole building was indeed very impressive.
After visiting the House there was still time for a visit to the restaurant, the Welsh food shop or second-hand bookshop before returning to the coaches for a prompt return journey to Hucknall. The rain became heavy as we travelled home after a lovely day.
October sees the group travelling up to Yorkshire to visit Nunnington Hall near York.
The final visit of the year takes us to York on Tuesday 3rd of December.