The theme of this visit was " Gardens of Northern England", and the programme was prepared by Eva Schumaker-Reid from Barnard Castle, who also acted as guide and interpreter.
Visits on the first two days were to Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal Water Garden, Newby Hall, Ripon Cathedral, the private gardens of Angie Townsend in Barningham and Sir Anthony Millbank, and Eggleston Hall nurseries and garden.
The third and fourth days were spent at Durham with a visit to the University gardens, Crook Hall gardens, (and ghost!), Wallington Hall in the Capability Brown park, and the famous Cragside House, former home of Lord Armstrong.
Day five offered somewhat of a change, with the traditional must for our visitors, a trip to Whitby for fish and chips, followed by a journey on North Yorks Moors Railway and an evening meal at te Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge.
The final two days included visits to The Forbidded Corner garden in Leyburn, Constable Burton Hall gardens, and the City of York museums and Minster.
Our members accompanied them daily and on the final evening members from both associations enjoyed a meal and social gathering at Darlington College.
Report By: Beate Kamliter