Whitby Annual Gathering

On the evening of 8 April, 2016, 85 members and friends gathered at the Saxonville Hotel in Whitby, this being the weekend location for the annual Gathering of the Society.

Before our buffet meal in the hotel restaurant people socialised and looked at the Book Fair and merchandise stall. Entertainment followed the meal with a film about Whitby and the surrounding area, made by Alan Bowman. After this Robert Wilkin gave a very interesting talk about his experiences of mining in the North East.

Next morning, a rainy one, 41 intrepid hikers were ferried off to Goathland for their walk onto the moors and Roman Road. The remaining 44 weekend attendees went up to Whitby Abbey, exploring the ruins, visitor centre and St. Marys Church close by. After that a welcome coffee and cake, away from the rain, was enjoyed in the café there.

Later everyone met up at the Mallyan Spout Hotel, in Goathland, for a light lunch and then on to the North York Moors Railway in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, due to engine problems that morning, our train was a diesel instead of the steam we had expected.

Once everyone had relaxed after the day's activities they gathered once more for the usual Fabulous Feast. Mike McGarry later presented a quiz followed by Jenny Aitken's entertaining play involving up and coming thespians from the Society. A fun evening!

The final part of the Gathering weekend was the AGM on Sunday morning. During the meeting 4 new recruits to the Society committee came forward and this was a fitting conclusion to a successful Gathering. The next Gathering, in 2017, will be in Brighton.