This was the first of two Area 22 touring events in September. Organised by David Harrold, it just had to be good. David and I have toured Europe together for many years, so I knew the members were in for a treat. I did not attend personally so the following text has been penned by Will Dixon, and I quote:
FOLLOWING IN THE STEPS OF ROYALTY….
Ten trusty Astons from Area 22 arrived at the Inn at Whitewell, a couple of months or so after a visit by King Charles himself. The Inn is a very famous pub tucked away and surrounded by stunning scenery in the Forest of Bowland, with the magnificent River Hodder flowing through the valley right next to it. We knew we were in for another adventure with Area 22 and our Astons!
Day one took us in 2 groups of five on a very well organised and immaculately planned trip by David and in true style, from the start, we were not deterred by a series of bizarre events. Road diversions, an odd funeral cortège, strange figures in black walking down the road and of course variable weather. We found cafes that were advertised as open, but were in fact closed, or were not keen to allow our group in for a coffee (best laid plans & all that !) ……as our leader commented over the walkie talkies as we passed the funeral undertaker walking in front of the hearse…..“Isn’t it amazing what you see on an Area 22 trip ?!” We were nevertheless treated throughout the day to truly spectacular views wherever we drove; views that you dream about, the famous and stunning feat of engineering that is the Ribblesdale Viaduct, views from high on the moors at Jubilee Tower out to the coast, Lancaster and Morecombe Bay and a trip to the famous Wallings Ice Cream, with its hundreds of exotic flavours (I particularly enjoyed the huge Cadbury’s cream egg cone that I had !). As we all proudly drove our Astons, we discovered a beautiful part of Lancashire that we knew little about. We enjoyed the wonderful scenery surrounding us; the Trough of Bowland, a truly stunning drive through the undulating and rolling roads through the beautiful and majestic Hodder valley and then home to the crackling fires and a welcome pint at the Inn. The evening and excellent dinner provided us with much to talk about from our brilliant day, topped up with a post dinner whisky or two where we met some very interesting fellow guests, one of whom confessed to be one of the white witches of Lancashire, really….this could only happen on an Area 22 trip?! What next…..?!
Day two involved a trip to the very impressive Hoghton Tower, the home for the last 500 years of the De Hoghton family who first came over to England with William the Conqueror in 1066 after the Battle of Hastings. The family is still the second oldest Baronetcy in England. As we toured the house our incredibly enthusiastic guide regaled us with stories of Royal connections, ponies walking up the stairs, priest holes, Lancashire witches and the fact that this is the 3rd most haunted house in England. Our guide herself had had two “ghostly” experiences in the underground dungeons of the house, one only 3 weeks ago! She informed us that Hoghton Tower was the foundation of various well-known sayings such as “Sir Loin of beef”, “eat humble pie” and “put you in your place”, the latter two being if you had a bit too much to drink at dinner! Royal guests at Hoghton included King James 1 and more recently Prince Philip who was a guest for 3 nights in 1984, planting a majestic oak tree in the garden. We even saw the fine head of the deer that John Buchan of “The 39 Steps” shot, when he was a guest at the house. In the afternoon after a huge cream tea, we were entertained by an equally enthusiastic guide to see Lady Rosanna de Hoghton’s very impressive collection of 84 (and still growing) dolls houses. A fascinating day ended with a quiet walk around the gardens and the scenic trip back to Whitewell for another well-deserved pint!
A joyous, fascinating and eventful trip culminated in end of trip dinner where our esteemed leader, David, was presented with a very nice bottle of whisky for all his tireless efforts in organising the trip and a pair of socks marked “left” & “not left” to help him remember his left and rights when he organises the next trip! Thanks again David for a great few days of fun & social merriment!
So that is the story of the trip as reported by Will Dixon. Obviously, a great time was had by all. I would mention that during the trip, three members celebrated their birthdays... Nicky, Jane and Bob.
I have attached some photos below, the full pictorial view is at
Area 22 The Whitewell Tour
As I write this it is only eight days to the start of the next Area 22 expedition, this year to Belgium.