North Norfolk Week End
15th to 18th May 2009
Organised by John and Sue Gibson
It is a view I always enjoy, a line of Panthers in convoy. Jennifer had instructions to click away with the camera whenever it was possible to get most of the convoy in. However, with 13 cars in the convoy that was never possible on the winding roads of North Norfolk, but she did her best - bless her.
This picture, was taken just as we were going through the arch which is the back entrance to Holkham Hall.
This view of the cars streaming up to the obelisk was probably the nearest we were able to get of the complete convoy.
Or is it this one?Taken whilst still in the grounds of Holkham hall
Lunch stop in Holkham, just outside the Holkham Hall estate.
The lunch stop was at the Victoria and Albert pub. It took us an age to find the loos. The women's turned out to be called "Victoria" and of course the men's "Albert". How were we supposed to know that?
It must have been this local knowledge that enabled this table to get their food order in first. Others were obviously still searching for the loos when this group ordered.
Peter, Leigh, Linda and John seem to have their priorities correct as they wait for their food.
Weather looks reasonable doesn't it?
Pauline, Dennis, Mary, Nigel, Richard and Shirley await their grub.
As do Wendy, John, Sue and Tony
The scene changed dramatically a few minutes later!
We asked for that awning above to be opened, but "No". Apparently it can't be used in the rain as it fills up with water and tears!
So some sought cover......
and others toughed it out under umbrellas - like Cliff and Yvonne
Peter, Leigh, Linda and John look positively happy......
As does Pauline who obviously is too mean to share her brollie with Dennis. That smile says "tough this umbrella is mine!"
Afternoon.
A trip to Sandringham House was planned for the afternoon, but before that we had to bid Richard and Shirley adieu as work commitments meant that they were not staying the 3rd night and had to head of back to Leicester. We were also to lose the company of Cliff and Yvonne and Peter and Leigh for similar reasons later on.
Like they did on the morning's drive, John and Sue took us through some glorious countryside. It was different to the coastal drive of the morning, but just as interesting and just before Sandringham we went through Anmer and the Kings Avenue. Kings Avenue is the long straight road from Anmer to Sandringham with wide mown verges and lined on each side with the same trees. Including both sides, I reckon that with a gap between them of about 15 yards there must be between 400 to 500 trees lining this road.
At Sandringham, John and Sue had once again obtained permission for us to park outside the normal parking areas, so we duly pulled up on the grass near the entrance to the grounds and were immediately surrounded with spectators. Getting a clear shot of the cars was nigh impossible.
From the back things were a little easier.
Note the blue skies. This was typical of the weather for the weekend - cloudy mornings, glorious sunny afternoons and evenings, and rain overnight (good for leathering the car off). It was no problem. The only time we had to shelter from the rain was at today's lunch stop.
Most of us went around the house, gardens and museum. What a lovely place, the Royal children must have absolutely loved coming here. We came back to the cars around 4pm, said goodbye to Cliff, Yvonne, Peter and Leigh who were not staying a third night and made our way back to the hotel. More drinks in the golf club bar and pre-dinner drinks in the garden room and dinner. The perfect way to round off another great day.