21st March 2023
The DOGS Outing to Thornbridge Hall provided us with the opportunity for a very scenic run through the Derbyshire Dales eventually arriving at the car park. Not a very MOG friendly day weatherwise so we made do with the Rav, although there were 4 Mogs lined up in the car park driven by more local hardy folk.
We made our way to the cafe for a coffee and more importantly the toilets.
Having registered our presence , Paul, Jan and the 2 of us started exploring the wonderful gardens. There were stunning views over the rolling Derbyshire hills from the lawns near the house and we then proceeded to make our way to the kitchen and Italian gardens and on to the lake where a heron was eyeing up the fish in the carp pond.
There was also a wet garden, a grotto and a lovely bank of daffodils. Nearer to the cafe was another pond with plastic ducks floating in it. Just managed to stop Woody from playing hook a duck whilst we sat on a pink seat admiring the view.
Lunch was prepared for us at the cafe where most people decided to be brave and sit outside. Blankets were brought out to keep us warm and all was going well until it rained – so Woody and I ate ours whilst keeping our food dry under umbrellas.
All in all, it was a very pleasant outing and good to meet up with some Tormog members too. Many thanks to Brian and Jean who organised everything for us.
Words: Carol Wood
Pictures: Paul Fileman and Brian Lee