Wash out? Soggy mess? Damp squib?  NO!!  Just a lovely fun  -  if slightly damp- day.  On July 16th  we had our second church Family Away Day at Bolton Abbey and its grounds – surely one of God’s most beautiful places.  The day was full of laughter, cake, tea (and some extra strong coffee thanks to the eagerness of a younger member to help make it!).  All in all more than 50 of us gathered together. The day started with coffee, chat and cake and then we had a simple All Age Service – it’s amazing how blowing up balloons can get people talking and praying.

 Then it was time for Boyer’s Dastardly Technological Challenge — this year a Top Gear challenge  to make jet propelled racing cars.  It looked like the creation from Roger Longworth’s grandson showed all the benefit of Roger’s engineering training and insight, and Dorothy Brown showed she is as good an engineer as she is an arty crafty person.  Some did comment that they thought a certain Mr Dewhurst, and a certain Mr Massey, were showing distinct signs of competitiveness but the surprise winner was little Alexandra. 

 I am not sure what was most amusing to watch – these rocket cars  leaping forth – some 2 inches, some no more than 2mm, some even backwards, or some shooting along the ground for a good 40 or 50 feet!  Was it that or the way the rocket designers were sprayed with water as they set off their cars? Or was it the good natured needling and banter as yet another car simply threw water everywhere and over everyone.  Or perhaps it was the look of cheerful bewilderrment from other visitors to the Bolton Abbey Estate, as they came across our group of all ages cheering and laughing at the sight of plastic bottles racing off with wheels sellotaped to them..  Many stayed to watch and cheer and then move off, gently shaking their heads with a smile on their face.

Yes so it rained- but not for the whole day.  As last year the sun came out for the afternoon and it  got HOT!  Some went for a walk, others just slobbed on chairs or on the river bank,  whilst we watched the more intrepid and footsure folk try and cross the stepping stones.  People did seem to be willing (and cheering) for the vicar to fall in though……  boat racing was planned but I forogt to bring the water so we know what we’re doing next year. Having sat in the blazing hot sunshine and steamed ourselves dry- it was time for a fantastic BBQ, a lot more banter, chat, jumping over the ruins – AND more cake!  Does it sound like fun?  Wish you had been there? Well come next year.  We hope more of us will make a weekend of it and go camping at nearby Appletreewick.  It’s likely to happen the last weekend in June or one of the first 2 weekends in July.

If you weren’t there  then you missed out – don’t let the threat of rain put you off.  We had just as much fun as last year.