The Wolseley Register in the North West
The New Year Coastal Road Run - Report
Despite the adverse weather Britain has experienced recently, a group of hardy North West Wolseley Register members, braved all, to join in with the inaugural road run of 2010. This was the Great North West Coastal Run.
The band of intrepid trekkers, including members who brought their Wolseleys from the Leeds and Manchester areas and those in their modern cars, gathered at the quaint canal-side setting, that is Owd Nell's Tavern, part of Guy's Thatched Hamlet in the village of Bilsborrow, Lancashire. Guys is family owned and has been run for nearly three decades. Here we enjoyed steaming cups of tea, coffee, some fine bacon 'butties' and a very friendly welcome.
It was great to see the Deputy Chairman of the Wolseley Register (and her husband Roy), up and about, following her recent knee operation. Anne did really well on her crutches - what a trooper!
Suitably repleat, we ventured forth on the Great North West Coastal Run. Heading north, we drove through St Michael's on Wyre. This village was always a popular destination for the charabanc trips of the early 20th century and as we drove through, we could see why. We were presented with picture postcard scenes of snow covered countryside and cosy cottages in this delightful setting.
Our journey continued to our first scheduled halt, the Victorian coastal town of Fleetwood. Fleetwood is located in the most North Westerly part of the North West of England at the mouth of the River Wyre, on the southern shore of Morecambe Bay, the second largest bay in the United Kingdom. Fleetwood is famous for its fish and amongst other things, the Mount Pavilion, clock and Fleetwood pier. Of course, Fleetwood is also famous for the strongest lozengers in the world, created by James Lofthouse in 1865, the Fisherman's Friend is a lozenge that is produced at the rate of 5 billion a year and is sold in 120 countries throughout the world. We drove past the factory that is still owned by the Lofthouse family today.
Fleetwood is also host to 'Tram Sunday' which is a popular event in July each year, that attracts visitors from all over the UK and features trams, buses, coaches, cars and even tanks!
As you can see, it was particularly 'bracing' on Fleetwood front and on went the woolly hats and hoods up!
After leaving Fleetwood, we drove through the Lancashire seaside town of Cleveleys before driving through the 'Vegas of the North - Blackpool.
Blackpool, in spite of the weather was reasonably busy, with people looking at the shops and entertainment centres. In the season, this family holiday capital is very busy and attracts more than 10 million visitors a year, with its attractions, top entertainment and sensational live shows. Blackpool is famous for its Tower, promenade, seven miles of award winning beaches and of course, its illuminations.
Next, we drove through Lytham St Anne's with its peaceful parks, beautiful gardens and old half-timbered buildings. Here there is a fine promenade and lovely sandy beach. Close to the promenade is the famous Lytham Green and its Windmill, where people were sledging today. St Anne's is famous for its Golf Links.
Nearing the end of our run, we drove back through the picturesque Lancashire villages of Freckleton, Clifton, Lea Town, Woodplumpton, Broughton, Bilsborrow...
...and finished at the fabulous new Barton Grange Garden in Brock. What a lovely place! We enjoyed very welcome bowls of hot Parsnip and Rosemary and Tomato and Basil soups with crusty rolls, washed down with tea and coffee, followed by some delicious cakes in the Riverside Cafe inside the garden centre. This cafe had lovely views over the River Brock and surrounding countryside.
We all agreed what a great run it had been; a lovely sunny day. As to the roads - no problem. All credit to Wyre Borough and Lancashire County Councils for keeping the highways of the Fylde and Lancashire open. The run had certainly blown the cobwebs away and we are looking forward to our next one.
As we all set off to go home.... it started to snow again!
