Durham - May 2024

Our first weekend excursion since Covid provided an opportunity for our “country members” to participate without having to travel to London. 19 members and guests began arriving on Friday afternoon, some to discover a city new to them, others to recall previous visits.

The sun shone all in welcome, albeit with a cool wind at times. Friday evening was free for members to meet up and dine as well as reconnoitre the  following day’s route.

Durham, like Rome, is blessed with hills. We were happy to discover the local run-around bus which took us on the final stretch up to the Cathedral. 

Our guide, Elizabeth was a charming fount of knowledge and extended our booked tour to an hour and a half. She answered many questions as she led us to the tomb of the Venerable Bede and spoke of his Ecclesiastical History of the English People. We heard the story of the Neville’s family and their role in the history of the cathedral. The history of the building was illuminated by pauses before several stained-glass windows, including some magnificent modern ones. Elizabeth told us of Saint Cuthbert’s life and we concluded our tour at Saint Cuthbert’s Feretory.

Returning to the sunshine and free for the afternoon, we set off to further explore the city on foot or to take a relaxing cruise along the River Wear, Sadly, the castle was closed to  visitors over the weekend.

The day concluded with the group meeting in the bar of the Old Shire Hall, now the IGH hotel, for pre- dinner drinks followed by an excellent meal in this historic building. A vote of thanks for Simon Sefton’s work in organising the weekend was given by Michael Robson. 

On Sunday morning, following a leisurely breakfast, members set off homeward, reliving the many special moments of a very enjoyable weekend. 

Many have asked whether we might do something similar next year. So, where do we go - 

Alnwick,  Berwick, Newcastle, York?