Originally advertised for July 4th - Independence Day in the USA but also the day when we, in the UK, were allowed a bit of freedom and independence from the Lockdown we have been under for the past several months. However the weather forecast for the 4th July was abysmal, so I moved the date to 5th July when the forecast was, in theory, slightly better.
Heaton Park is the country estate around Heaton Hall. There has been a manorial home on the site since the middle ages, but the current neo-classical hall was completed by 1789.
The grounds of the hall were laid out in the style of Capability Brown and are still extensive and well maintained.
The Hall and its parklands were given to Manchester City Council, and now claims to be the UK’s largest municipal park.
A group of intrepid local guides braved the unseasonal weather and met at Heaton Park Metrolink stop and began our wander through the park to take in its views and history, and find a suitable place for the picnic we had brought. This ensured that we did not meet indoors, or in large groups, or share food etc - all in line with the newest Covid19 restrictions. So Maria (@Maria68) and her husband Anthony, Alan (@deadmanjones) and Zoe, Tim (@TimBull ), Adrian (@AdrianLunsong) and I (@PeteMHW) set off on our walk through the park: we were soon to be wetter than fish because the heavens opened. Our first stop was to shelter under the trees in some sort of attempt to keep dry.
It wasn’t too long before the passing shower passed, and we were drier again, although the ground was a little wet underfoot. Our walk continued. the large flat field to our right was once the meeting place for a quarter of a million people to celebrate Mass when Pope John Paul II visited the UK, and we walked past the boating lake where the ducks gather in the hope of being fed, and headed for the Hall. During the walk, we were able to meet up with Mark, who joined us for the rest of the MeetUp.
Under the Portico of the front entrance we set out our picnic – ate food, enjoyed company and admired the view from near the highest point in Manchester – watched over by the Heaton Lions. We celebrated friendships made recently and friendships which have lasted many years – some as long as 6!
Sadly, the occasion was also the last at which Adrian (@AdrianLunsong) was going to be with us. Adrian has been one of the leading lights of this group for many years, but is relocating to Malaysia. We took the opportunity to say thanks for his friendship and guidance, and presented him with a small token to help him remember Manchester, and wish him Bon Voyage (rather than farewell).
So despite the wind and weather, it was a good day with friendships made and strengthened, and despite the inclemency, I think that everyone enjoyed themselves. Here’s to the next Manchester MeetUp – when we’d more than welcome anyone to join us.
Finally you can see a collection of photos taken by group members here
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