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Friday 20 September 2019

Roadster 100's Visit God's Own Country -




Roadster 100's + 10 Tour De Yorkshire

Our Journey north from the South Coast, despite sticking to A & B Roads, may have proved too challenging at our age. 



We were also offered an opportunity too good to miss if we could get to North Lincolnshire by 11am,  so an Overnight was arranged at a country hotel in Allington, near to the A1 and Grantham.

With Roadster 100 friends Stephen & Elizabeth also staying nearby in a similar location we just had to stop to say hello as we also approached our overnighter just a few miles further north. 

With only 4 letting rooms we were booking too late to acquire one on the way up. 

Searching for Stephen we find ourselves in the deserted Bar / Reception at The 17th Century Chequers Inn at Woolsthorpe by Belvoir.

The important first call to inspect the plumbing and I am straight into my lavatorial photos.


Something to muse over.


Plenty for the Motoring Enthusiast to study among this fine collection of Rolls Royce.

The iconic E Type Jaguars over the years.


Jaguars of other models


Something for the Lambretta loving 'Mods' among the visitors.






A touch of France to study during those quiet moments.


Catering for Business meetings - The Group Dining Area.

As we take our coffee in the garden there is this stunning view of Belvior Castle sitting on its hill in the distance. Photo with thanks to the zoom function. 

Sadly the castle is only open to the public on Sunday during September.



Stephen & Elizabeth leaving the Inn as we prepare to continue our journey.



Five miles further north along some narrow country lanes and we arrive at our over night stay The Manor in the Village of Allington.



The Grand Staircase of this 1420's original part of the building.


The Grand Piano on the half landing.


The view from our Garden Room window.


The Bathroom with its ornate but very effective shower unit.


Tastefully furnished facilities in keeping with the architecture.

The hotel, while only a B&B is very popular locally as a wedding venue. 


The building has been extended in the past to include these beautiful Dutch Styled gable ends.


The Cul de Sac which would confuse me in the morning as I tried to lead us northwards towards the A1.


The Village Green triangle that I would circumnavigate at least once while deciding which way to go.


The correct road north, past the Gazebo.


The popular Welby Arms, just a short walk for a lovely evening meal in very pleasant surroundings.


Allington Manor from across the Village Green.


Antiques, in keeping with the ambiance.


A brief history of the building.


After William Russel Flint.


Our hosts with their 5 day old son, also named Frank and the team of dogs.


Taking our photos as we prepare to leave.


Stephen & Elizabeth have come to join us as we all sit in our cars ready for the drive to Winterton.

We took the left hand diversion along the country lanes passing through the Village of Scampton.

Sadly there was no sign of the Red Arrows there today.


Arriving for a Coffee at Sam & Sue's home before the short trip to Winterton and the Phil Ledgerwood Morgan Dealership.


Five Roadster 100's squeeze onto Sam's drive.


Sam is a Man of Logs as these photos will attest as Elizabeth negotiates between the Garages.


Sam is there to greet Stephen, Rosemary, Elizabeth and Chris.


Sam's Logs are stored in every handy location.


Sam is a man with a very tidy mind as one can clearly see here,


A beautiful natural patio greets us.


Sam is extremely proud of his 'Log-ia' = His Man Space, set around his welcome Log Burner.


Another very neat Log Store set between these pillars in the Log-ia.


The complete Log-ia just waiting for friends to arrive for another 'session'.


Plenty of Masculine Artifacts as one would expect.


Superbly manicure lawns lead us to the Garden Room and our Coffee.


Deeper into the garden we come across Sam's reserve of Logs waiting to be split with his Axe.


And, the Pie'ce De R'esistance - a Masterpiece of Log Store Creation.



Sam proudly describes his handiwork.


More Logs and Pallets of Work in Progress.


The Bins containing Sam's Award Winning Compost.


These are located alongside the residue of the thousands of bricks from the demolished Stables.

Sam had hand trimmed each one so that the Garages could be built with them.

The Sun Dial tells us that it will soon be time to leave.


One last look at Sam & Sue's lovely home.


Those fine rebuilt Garages.


The Ornate Blacksmith Crafted Front Porch.


Sam is the first of our group to arrive and discusses our parking arrangements with Joyce Ledgerwood.

https://www.morgan-motor.com/ledgerwood-morgan/


Is there room for one more?


Stephen slots his car into the corner and we are all in.


It is a very tight fit. There is not much room in amongst Phil's Display Cars.


I last visited Phil & Joyce back in 2012 during my Around Britain's Coast Roads tour.

I don't remember Phil having this superb Classic Recovery Truck.


The spotlessly clean and tidy workshop is laid out for our Buffet Lunch.


Alan & Lyn enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while Chris explains something to one of Phil's Engineer while Joyce keeps watch.


Derek's car is wheeled out having just had new stainless steel door check straps fitted. 


The very Showroom where I was treated to a magnificent buffet attended by a large group from LinMog, including Sam & Sue.


Time for eating, while Geoff, Sue, Ann & Elizabeth gather in front of the Rover Tool Display.


The seating area is being well utilised, alongside a customer's new Roadster which has undergone it Pre Delivery check.


Everyone is enjoying this superb lunch provided by Phil & Joyce topped up with delicious cakes baked by Sue.


While everyone is occupied, I take a stroll around the other workshops.


A visit to the Rear Workshop which are superbly equipped.


I spot this giant Milling Machine alongside a modern Parts Washer.


Around the back is also this giant Lathe, between them capable of making almost anything. 


On the other lift sits this British Racing Green Plus 4.


Tucked under the Lathe is the Company Morgan Peddle Car.


On the Lift.


Another car, in for service, is located in front of the Rear Garage.


In the Showroom I spot this lovely piece of Morgan Artwork.


Sam, with Sue, is making his presentation and offering a vote of thanks to Joyce, Phil and their Team, on our behalf.

Soon after we all receive an excellent Goody Bag filled with very informative touring information.

Our very attentive group.



Meanwhile, Outside more Stainless Steel Door Checks are being fitted.


Stephen, fancying himself as Phil's Truck Driver, on Route 66, maybe?


We all gather to give our personal thanks for a Superb Day.


Then, we are called for the group photo.



I think that we are all here, even if not everyone is paying attention. From Left to Right:

Derek & Carolyn, Sam, Alan & Lyn, Phil & Joyce, Stephen, Chris, Robert, Elizabeth, Carol, Rosemary, Geoff & Diana, Ann & I. 

Sue is missing?


Somewhere on Terry & Nola's journey north.

It is time to say farewell to Phil & Joyce and head north over the Humber Bridge following Sam's route to Easingwold.

Crossing the Humber Bridge.


Alan and I both need fuel so we will be setting off for the local garage first.



Following a convoluted rout as my Sat Nav tried to take us elsewhere, we finally arrive at our destination. 

The George Hotel in the Market Square of Easingwold.

https://the-george-hotel.co.uk/


With our cars all parked at the rear of the hotel, we all gather under the canopy in the Market Square. 


We are there primarily to be welcomed and to receive an introduction from Chris & Rosemary while most of us partake in a welcome glass of Prosecco.


Not everyone was able to visit the Ledgerwood Dealership.

This was the first opportunity for everyone to circulate and catch up with news.

Carol holds counci; with Sue, Ann, Nola, Sam and Alan, while Terry catches up with Roberts news.


Elizabeth finds Stephen's High Level Photography somewhat amusing.

Elizabeth, looking on in amazement.


Time for a welcoming hug.


The light is beginning to fail as it will soon be time for dinner.


Stephen remains on this plinth.


Chris being the perfect host keeping the Prosecco flowing.



Sam, ever the practical one, has brought his own specialty.


The Chaps take time to catch up.

Gerald listens intently to a story from Wan (Ann).




Keeping the hospitality flowing.


Something has amused Derek, Carolyn, Donna & Ian.

Geoff converses with Terry & Alan.


Gerald is definitely on form.


Carol's serious point to Nola seems to be amusing Sam.


Am I really that Plump?





Now its Sam's turn to get serious.


This must be a good story.

Chris gains our attention while the weekends plans are revealed.


The point where we realise that the Bus to York leaves right here.


Total attentiveness.


Sam is making that Pint last well.


Nick takes a rest while getting in focus.


Rosemary has done sterling work creating these very attractive Goody Boxes.

Each is filled with local treats and personalised Photo Fridge Magnets of each of our cars.
  


Frog Mog Magnets and welcome Yorkshire Tea.

Our excellent Tour De Yorkshire Itinerary prepared by Rosemary & Chris.

There was a surprise in store for Parrot Rearing Terry and Nola as Sue has been applying her Knitting Skills to create this lovely Red Collard Lorikeet.


Evening sets over Easingwold.


Our Meeting Place is empty now.


Lights come on in shops and our Hotel.


A beautiful end to a Gorgeous and Superb Day.


In the Hotel Car Park our Morgans have been tucked Up for the night.


Rain Covers on for either Security or to keep off the overnight Dew.


A Beautiful Sight.


On Saturday Morning everyone makes their own plans and we decide to visit the Shops.


Unexpectedly we come across some Morgans.

Ah! that was Donna & In followed closely by Mary & Gerald touring the town.

Beautiful house set around well manicured greens.


Ann is on a mission. What can she have seen?


I'll just hang back and take some more photos towards the Hotel.


Lots of Small Shops, Cafe's and Restaurants.


It is a warm morning and time to relax on a park bench.


The route out of town to the south. 

We will be driving down here very soon.

The Town Map, a handy way of studying the road layout.



Then we spot Mike and Anthea arriving to join the group.

Sadly they have to stay elsewhere as we have taken all of the hotel rooms for the weekend.


In the afternoon, Ann & I decided not to drive too far today so found our way to Beninborough Hall Nation Trust House and gardens.
It turned out to be so busy that we were on the Main Drive being the over-spill Car Park.


The route there was a straight forward 9.3 miles down the A19 


https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-hall-gallery-and-gardens


As it was early afternoon, lunch was calling as we headed to the Tea Room to be met by this Giant Tea Pot of Ceramic Tiles. 

Another sign of Yorkshires love of its Tea.

Blue & White with some lovely designs.


While we were there we unexpectedly met with David & Dawn Owens who had popped in on their way to Easingwold.


Lunch was followed by a tour of the gardens which surround the house.


One of the Walks bordering the Walled Garden.


Much to our surprise we came across this bed of what turn out to be Autumn Crocuses.


The beginnings of a special Garden being created by Chelsea Flower Show Designer Andy Sturgeon.


Heading for a visit to the house following the Walled Garden wall.


The House Main Entrance.



Inside the Entrance Hall.



The Main Bedrooms are on the Ground Floor of this three story house. 

Having the tallest rooms these beds are also very tall.


The Conservatory.



Another of the Ground Floor Beds.


The Magnificent Main Staircase.



The whole Staircase is renowned for being totally unsupported. 


The view from a First Floor Window.



The Clock Tower with its very rare Single Hand Clock.



The First Floor view down into the Hall.



In a small showcase I find this tribute to Bomber Command.


An Operations Log Book.



The view from a first floor window at the opposite end of the house.



The Main Drive where we are parked somewhere on the Right Hand Side.


One of the many pieces of Artwork. I was taken by how watery the eyes appeared.


That Courtyard again.



The Clock Tower taken from under the Bell Tower.



The house rear view.



The stunning Portico over the Rear Garden Door.



A Plan of the House and Garden.



Back at the Hotel is is time for our evening meal and we are celebrating a very special occasion. 

The 60th Wedding Anniversary of Nick and Janet Taylor.


Nola provided a stunning card and framed heart and together with Rosemary organised the Balloon and Celebration Cake.


A posed shot for Gerald.



Nick holding the Framed Heart as Janet looks on.



Then surprisingly I received a award for my creative game of Tiddlywinks. 

The previous evening as Ian & I winked using a 1p coin and our key fobs.

Very kindly, Elizabeth and Stephen provided what will now become the Roadster 100 Register Games Compendium.

This set must always be ready to travel for our next weekend away.


The Very Tasty Anniversary Cake about to be cut.



The complete set of gifts.


Gathering in the lounge for our Coffee & Cake.



Terry telling Sam about his day's travels.



Gerald quizzically spots me about to shoot.


In typical Gerald fashion he and Ian pose for the photo.



Nick & Janet cut their Cake.


Janet continues the cutting the cake while Nick handles distribution.



Coffee & Cake travelling in all directions.



The following Sunday morning, all is quiet in the car park.


Then it becomes a hive f activity as everyone prepares to leave for our Sunday Jaunt together


This process will take quite a while as the polishing cloths come out and we all use the relaxing time for more conversation.


'What new gadgets have you fitted to your car?' etc. etc.



No one can leave until everyone is ready and we can follow our leader.


Our journey along the moorland roads will take us just 13.5 miles North East to Nunnington Hall, National Trust.




Mike and Anthea have arrived from their hotel. 

It is a shame that there was not just one more room to allow them to stay with us all here.

Almost ready to leave.




Nola captures the scene with Terry in Frog Mog as they follow Sam & Sue towards the junction. 

In typical fashion on these empty roads we meet another car.

Arriving at the Locked Main Gates of Nunnington Hall. 

We need access here as we will be displaying the cars inside.
  


Frog Mog takes a selfie.


They even have another passenger it seems.


Waiting to enter the short drive to The Hall.


Alan & Lyn followed by Mike & Anthea and Sam & Sue


We have to wait our turn to enter and be parked so I catch this craft snap from our car.


I have time to take one of my overhead shots of Derek & Carolyn followed by Ian & Donna.



Just one more for good measure.



Parking is taking a while. There must be a log jam inside the hedge.




We are finally all inside and in our places.



Not quite, as Ian is still under organisation to be places next to Mike.


We all seem to be settled and ready for our individual tour of the House and gardens.


https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall


There will be more conversation and plenty of photos taken before we probably make for the Loo's and The Cafe.




Chris and Rosemary erect the Register Banner.


Somethings Cooking here I guess.


Our Associate Members Roadster & 4/4 have to be set aside but look stunning together.


Mike gets caught as we try to get everyone in one shot.


Gerald has the Bonnet Up. I need to find out what he has hidden under there.


Describing his new Air Filter and Fresh Air Tube to Lyn.


Nature Calls so I head inside to inspect the plumbing.


On the wall I spot this painting of the Hall's front entrance.


Hopefully this ancient fire fighting equipment never had to be used.


Through a window I get my first view of the gardens.


Lovely old furniture lines the passage to the Cafe.


Superb Carpentry used to create this architrave.


The Fire Fighting facilities were woefully wanting.



Signs of past activity on the estate adorn the hall way.


Taking a stroll outside we get an idea of the size and height of the building.


We need to cross the river bridge to get to the normal entrance to register our membership.


Exercising its right of way.


House, Toilets or Tea Garden? I wonder were it is heading.


We are soon off to visit the Meccano Exhibition being held here this week.


This intricate engineering toy was the love of most children.


Not too many will have had enough pieces in their set to build these magnificent models.


Everyone seems to have motion and are working via small electric motors.



Fascination with the mechanisms.


The original of his remote controlled Giant Crane can still be seen on the Clyde near Glasgow.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnieston_Crane



The piano was in frequent use with various versions of Chopsticks, however this young lady was far more proficient.


Family Coats of Arms.


A better view of the Garden 


The house tour exposes an almost modern style of comfortable living.


However the 4 Poster Bed is still the norm. in this Gentleman's Bedchamber.


A different angle of the Garden.


A more feminine styling to the bedchamber of Lady of the House.


Part of our display from the first floor window.


A stunning piece of Cabinetmaking depicted by the drawers of this tall bureau.


The scene under the floorboards where both builders rubbish and lost items reside.


Another masculine looking apartment.


This small prayer room is most unusual and is said to be haunted. 


I often notice such but had no indication here. 

Apparently items are know to be moved about when no one is in the house.

The servants area or back yard.


One of the more basic bedrooms. Could be a Housekeepers of Butlers room?


Modern Facilities for its time.


Hot and Cold for this smart bath.


Even the heated Towel Rail suggests modernity had been introduced here.


The Back Stairs to the second floor.


Children's Play Room in The Attic.


Another exhibition of animal skeletons this time.


Spotted down in the garden. Rosemary & Chris with Terry & Nola.


Terry takes a sudden lunge into the shrubbery?


Captured in the side garden.


One of the many Bird Artworks around the garden.



Lost or strategically placed?



One of the Scary Owl Statues.


Terry & Nola found this version of 'Worzel Gummage' somewhere on the estate.



Some of the Skeletal presentations.



Ann hates Snakes in all forms.



Beautiful presentations.



The Iconic Meerkat.



Plans for the house for those of an architectural bent.


The Site Plan.



In the Attic rooms we find a fantastic set of miniature rooms containing the best examples of miniaturisation I have ever seen.


The Woodworking Shop.


An alternative Workshop.


The Antique Shop.


Tiny examples of the artifacts.


The Sitting Room.


The Entrance Hall


The Lounge



The Games Room


The Music Room


The Bedroom


The Passage through the Eves.

The view of the house from the Gardens.


More Owl Statues.


and More.


The Floral Borders.


The House from the Garden Walk.


A beautiful Rose that we would like to find.


It is called Tickled Pink


The Side Garden alongside the river.


The Peacock reappears.


This beautiful Hare Statue is for sale in the Shop.


The Artist and the Price.


Typical of us and as Ann would remind me. Last to leave again.


Sadly it has started to rain so we have to have a 'Hood Up' ride back to Easingwold.


Just then the Female Peacock arrives with her Chicks.


The second Chick trying to catch up.


My navigator also needs to be come Gatekeeper.


It is out of the gate and turn left.


Suddenly it is Monday Morning and those who stayed over for the extra night are making plans to head for home.


Carol is in her driving seat and off.


Robert is waiting in the road to help Carol over the very high hump.


Slowly Slowly does it.


Now it is Gerald's turn.


Followed by Ian 




As we were only travelling part way home to stay in Woolsthorpe, Stephen arranged for us to visit an English Heritage House on the way.


Brodsworth Hall near to Doncaster.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brodsworth-hall-and-gardens/


Stephen heading for a Photo opportunity.


The Stunning Architecture and Gardens.


The Architecture of the gardens shrubs is beautiful.


These bees are having a lovely time among the flora and fauna.


The Target House which sits at the end of a long strip of lawn once used for archery.


Ann, Stephen and Elizabeth enjoying the sunshine.


The Archery Lawn.


Stunning Flower Beds and Plinth which sadly is missing its statue.



This whole garden seems to have been created in an old quarry. 


Stephen studying the Guidebook.



A sort of Folly that is just an overgrown wall.



The Grotto consists of a series of arches and footpaths.




Steps and Narrow pathways provide for the explorers willing to climb.



The Giant Sequoia or Redwood.


The view from the upper pathway.


Another beautiful view of the house as we pass along the pathways.


The ornate gazebo for those keen to climb again.


Every corner offers something new and interesting to discover.


Absolutely beautiful. The gardeners here certainly know their craft.



Approaching the house from another angle.


Well Shuttered to protect the contents.


A Love of Greyhounds.


The view from the Parkland


One of the many statues still in situ.

Making our way into the house via the Cafe I spot these photos of the previous owners.




Making our way to the front door here is the giant Cedar which also features frequently in family photos.


The visitors cloakroom gives an immediate idea of how run down the interior is.


Stout Facilities.


The owners were lovers of stunning artworks, particularly interesting statues which adorn spaces and corridors.


These chandeliers are absolutely magnificent but unfortunately the glare prevents a decent picture.


Some sort of renovation is underway here.


One of the long passages with more statues to admire.




A sleeping woman adorns the internal window used to borrow light from the room behind.


More facilities are located along the corridors so that one is never too far away.


This one of the 44 rooms in the hose is supposed to be a bedroom on the first floor. However the owner used it as his workshop and at one time it even contained a lathe and other machinery.



On Suite in one of the smaller bedrooms.


Plenty of hand holds for the infirm.


A well used bed which has seen better days.


Well worn carpets and faded drapes.


An interesting Day Bed. 



These long passages indicate how large this building is.




Sadly, everything once beautiful looks so worn and uncared for.



A Lady's Room 



Suggesting an infirm Man slept here.



This style of on suite facility seems to be provided in almost every bedroom.



The garden outside was better kept than the expensive to furnish inner rooms.



Even the Pantry is run down despite its modern chest freezer.



Nothing modern in the large kitchen.



Basic Plumbing of an early model.


Farley small pots and pans for such a large home.


This kitchen has been modernised with large Aga Cooker and aluminium kettles.


Visit over we continue our drive down the A1 to our overnight at the Chequers in Woolsthorpe. 


We had the pleasure of watching Daisy May, purchased for less than the cost of her hat at the Craft Fair in Easingwold,  as we followed Stephen.
   


Following breakfast on this glorious Tuesday morning.


One last photo of The Chequers.



Time to uncover the car and strap on the suitcase for the last time on this trip.



Our Rooms in the Annex.



Just the Hoods to come down and we will be heading home.



Bird House or Chimney?



We stopped at services near to Silverstone for a coffee break and while there I noticed this beautiful AC Cobra with hard top refueling at the pumps.


The owner, an American chap drove over to where we were parked to say hello and talk about our cars. 

It appears a small world as we establish that he keeps in the Historit Hanger at Bicester Heritage where we will be attending the Scramble there on 6th October. 



We have only been away for 6 days but Digby is happy that we have returned.


Now for all of the unpacking and cleaning following another lovely Roadster 100 Register Weekend.

Thank You Chris & Rosemary for a superbly organised event.