Winter Meet Burrs Country Park, Bury

At the Malvern show in August  I argued persuasively for the Burrs Country Park Caravan Club site for the winter gathering. I had wanted to visit Bury and Manchester for ages. After a quick visit to the site in August I did have misgivings that it was too far from town.....too awkward.....but common sense and enthusiasm prevailed and we made plans for mid November....which was earlier and bound to be warmer than recent winter gatherings!!
In spite of some very cold weather we all enjoyed a really special time. 

Winter Sunset over Burrs Country Park.               (Photo Tony Cockell)

We could walk or use the local bus to Bury with its extensive historic market and interesting mixed shopping centre.

The Fusiliers Museum and the Art Gallery were appreciated and a group of us also attended the homecoming parade of the local regiment.

Visiting Manchester was easy using the tram network from Bury. The Christmas Market extended around the centre of the city. There were so many historic buildings to admire as we wound our way around the festive stalls. Access to the Salford Quays, Imperial War Museum and the Lowery Gallery was convenient from the tram as well.

Some of us walked the Irwell  Trail with the varied sculptures.

Some rode the East Lancs Railway,                    (Photo  Tony Sutton)

Some went to the impressive garden centre at Summerseat, and some even took vans out for picturesque drives in the countryside! All of us enjoyed the food and drink at the Brown Cow pub located just outside the site where black  pudding and a hog roast were two of the specialties.
It was great to see new faces as well as lots of old friends. We were also pleased to greet two other IH van owners who were coincidentally on site!
Thanks so much to Ray and Judy Pym for coordinating another superb gathering. I loved the Bury experience and will definitely return to the friendly, lively area.           

Lyn