22nd to 25th April 2022
Having been initially booked for April 2020, postponed to 2021 and then postponed again to April 2022, it was a relief for all concerned when we finally checked in to the Valley Hotel in Ironbridge.
The advance party, Mike & Karen, greeted us and assured us that the food was excellent. It wasn’t long before the car park was thrumming with Morgans and overflowing as a large Ruby Wedding anniversary party was taking place on the Friday evening.
Sadly, ALY threw a tantrum when Liz was trying to move her – leaving Liz and Carrie on foot over the weekend.
The Saturday defied the weather forecasters with a reasonably bright day. Some opted to head off on foot and explore Ironbridge while others went out and about to NT properties (Wightwick Manor & Benthall Hall being favourites).
Early evening drinks for some on Saturday included updates on people’s activities during the day and further attempts to get ALY’s wiring to play nicely.
The plan for Sunday was for the majority of us to join the Staffordshire Centre Drive-It Day outing to Blists Hill. Sadly, ALY was consigned to recovery and Liz & Carrie headed for home. A large contingent left the hotel in convoy and cruised to Blists Hill. We were treated to discounted entry and lovely weather. Blists Hill is a recreation of a Victorian Town and has all manor of interesting displays.
Walking round the site, we found the old inclined plane where boats were moved between the River Severn and the Shropshire Canal by rail.
And we met George. George was very popular, Apparently, his friend Basil could be for sale. Fortunately, Jan was persuaded that there are no vacancies in the Fileman household..
With thanks to Judith and David Pawley for organising a great weekend and sticking with it through changes of year.
Paul Fileman