Note from our Webmaster: I’m slightly late publishing this blog post because we needed to report on our Summer Exhibition first, to get the word out! But, better late than never, here is the news from this year’s May Paintaway to Skelwith Bridge in the Lake District, with many thanks to Beverley Wightman, our Organiser, who planned our great escape perfectly and took care of us all so thoughtfully. She has provided this short report.
Well, what a fabulous week we all had! Eighteen hardy souls ventured north on bank holiday Monday (hmm… the M6 was… interesting!) but eventually we all got there after some slow motorway driving. The most wonderful weather greeted us – quite unusual in the Lakes – wall to wall sunshine! I’m pleased to report it remained for the whole week – not one drop of rain appeared. After last year’s trip north at a similar time of year, we were all prepared with winter woollies and waterproofs, but they were definitely not needed, but sun cream certainly was!
As previously, the welcome at the Skelwith Bridge Hotel was amazing. The staff couldn’t do enough for us and catered for our every dietary need and want. The bar before dinner was our meeting point (I think their bar takings were definitely up whilst we were there!), and the after-dinner gathering for coffee took place in their cosy lounge, a perfect size for us all to sit and be together. Two quizzes were organised during our stay – an art picture quiz, and a music quiz. Some were concerned that recent pop music might be forthcoming, but there was none of that – Beverley on her accordion played snippets of well-known tunes for participants to guess. A fun time was had by all!
The sketching/painting outdoors was blissful – aided greatly by the weather, and thank you Wilf for leading us with your generous painting demonstration. You always inspire us.
There is something wonderful about standing or sitting in a field next to a rippling river and painting or sketching, and feeling the warmth of the sun upon you. So relaxing! Chesters café, a stone’s throw from the hotel, did a roaring trade in coffee and cake during our few days there, as did the Britannia Inn at Elterwater, at the other end of the river path (a delightful walk of less than 2 miles).
We were all sad to leave on Friday, especially whilst the weather was so good, and the drive home was again challenging, but it was worth all the effort for such a fabulous week. Roll on next year!