There was a layer of mist over Ripon racecourse when we arrived on Friday afternoon. We were expertly guided through the tight spot to the grandstand parking area by one of our hosts and were set up and ready for the weekend ahead in minutes. The grass was damp on the dog walks but this did not deter us heading over to Bell Furrows lock to hunt for a geocache.
We were kept busy on Friday night, catching up with old friends, a selection of Dingbat style quiz sheets, bingo and an interactive quiz that you joined in on your phone, hosted by Northern Counties own Neil Huggon. I briefly made it onto the leader board – so taking that as a win!
Saturday saw many of the group head out on a walk along the riverbank, while others strolled along the canal towpath into Ripon town or simply made the most of the sun on the racecourse grounds when it finally appeared.
Ripon is a lovely town with a variety of independent shops, cafes and pubs as well as the bigger chains for topping up with essentials. Plus a great market square where you can sit and watch the world go by as you scran on a locally made, award winning, pork pie from Appleton’s Butchers.
Saturday evening came around and the members were treated to games of card bingo, table quizes and a team game of table pong which was won by the ladies!
A coffee morning on Sunday rounded off a great weekend. Yorkshire Vice Chairman and co-host, Malcolm Core thanked Neil Huggon for the Quiz and arranging the walk. Elaine and Heather for making sure everyone had hot water and biscuits for their coffee/tea. Gill and Steve Aggett for co-hosting and seeing visiting vans through the tight spot to the grandstand parking area and of course, his wife Carol for the games and quizzes.
Breakdown of attending vans was as follows: Yorkshire 20; Northern Counties 11; Lancashire 5; Scotland 2; Severn Valley 1 and East Midlands 1. Thank you all for joining us!
And the ping pong games … Men vs Women
Men were winning 6 vs 3
…but went and lost
Then on Game 2
Men were winning 6 vs 2
…but went and lost
