Chris and I were re-united with Sharron in the cafe next door, where we had a quick
drink. Sharron and I mentioned that the following day we intended driving up to
Whitby, whereupon Chris suggested takjng a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors
Railway. Well, although it seemed like an excellent idea to me, I didn't think I'd be
allowed anywhere near a steam railway, so thought no more about it. But remarkably,
later in the day Sharron suggested that we could indeed take a trip on the NYMR. The
week was just getting better and better!
So on the Thursday we drove up to the seaside town of Whitby, through some
beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Whitby is truly lovely and we spent a most
pleasant time there. For lunch we sat in the warm sunshine, each with what was
described as a 'roast pork sandwich' . Where we come from, it's what we would call
half a pig in a loaf of bread! Clearly, Yorkshiremen are made of sterner stuff than us
meagre Southerners.
At 2.00 pm, we boarded a train for Grosmont, which although only the next stop
from Whitby, was nonetheless a very pleasant half-hour journey. We alighted and
promptly found a pub! We then took a leisurely walk, including a most interesting tour
of the engine sheds, before relaxing with an afternoon Yorkshire cream tea. Surely the
week just couldn' t get any better? Well, it did .... ... .
We were due to return home on the Friday, although we were in no rush and
intended spending most of the day in Scarborough. The weather forecast on Thursday
evening was a little bleak for the following day, with light showers expected in the
morning. Now, perhaps I was a little over-confident, but I saw an opportunity, and I
seized it! I suggested that as it was probably going to rain in the morning, perhaps it
might be a good idea to visit the Scarborough Fair Collection, where we would be in
the dry, and we 'd probably only be there a couple of hours anyway.
Amazingly, Sharron agreed, so the following morning we set off for the
Scarborough Fair Collection, and a remarkable collection it is too; a truly wonderful
place. If, like me, you have a love for vintage fairground, mechanical organs, steam
engines, old cars and motor bikes, it is certainly a 'must visit' . I won ' t go into further
detail here, because by sheer coincidence, Stuart has also visited and written an
account for us (see following pages).
The sun was shining in the afternoon and we spent our time in Scarborough's
South Bay before returning home; a perfect end to a perfect week.
And you know what I really feel smug about? Having such a lovely, thoughtful wife,
who made the week so special. .. ...... . although I think she secretly enjoys old
fairgrounds and steam engines just as much as I do (well actually, I'm pretty sure she
doesn't, but it makes a nice end to the story).
Jerry
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