Our visit in 2008 was from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th of February. We all met for dinner at 7.00 p.m. and the evening continued with a hard fought session of 'Bag Beetle', An epilogue and dancing concluded the first day's activities.
Saturday dawned bright and frosty and, after morning prayers and a substantial breakfast, many took the option of one or other of the fine walks available in the area. The longer walk took us through woods and meadows with good views over the countryside in the bright sunshine.We returned to Willersley along the Cromford Canal, now disused and a haven for lots of bird life and looking forward to our lunch after three hours walking in the fine weather.
In the afternoon there was a chance to get out and explore Cromford, pay a visit to the incredible Scarthin Bookshop or spend money in the nearby (too close for some husbands!) Arkwright and Masson mill shops. Some drove the short distance to Hopton Hall to enjoy the magnificent display of crocuses which were just coming into their prime.After dinner the day concluded with a very enjoyable social evening, epilogue and dancing.
Sunday remained fine and after a short Communion service and breakfast, most of us went to the Methodist Church in Cromford for their morning service. The formal activities concluded with lunch but there was still time for further exploration of the area before returning home after a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. It had given us the opportunity to renew old acquaintances, spend time together and get to know folk who had recently joined us at Grangewood or attended one of the other churches in the Wollaton area.
We all look forward to our next visit in 2010 and thank our members Geoff and Barbara Saville for organising the weekend so efficiently.
Click to see photographs taken during the Willersley weekend.
