Bridlington Priory and Sewerby Hall - June 2015

It was a cool and cloudy morning when a group of N.T. Members set off from Ramside Hall and headed south towards Bridlington. By the time we had reached the coffee venue, "The Balloon Tree" an excellent farm shop, just east of York, the sun was shining and everyone was looking forward to a good day out!
After coffee we motored on to Bridlington Priory, which is renowned for the largest stained glass window in the North of England! The group had an hour to explore the Priory and its grounds, which included the Great Gale Monument, a memorial to a sea tragedy in February 1871; the St. John of Bridlington Ledger Stone carved by Stephen Carvill using Caithness Stone; and a recently constructed prayer labyrinth. Within the Priory, the organ, the font and the choir stalls were of note, also a set of 12 appliqué panels depicting the history and life of the Priory, stitched by parishioners in 1995.

The group then joined the land train for a "cosy" ride along the esplanade to Sewerby Hall. An excellent lunch was enjoyed in "The Orangery". After lunch the group were free to investigate the Hall, now presented as it would have been in Edwardian times. This included a collection of Amy Johnson memorabilia and there was also an entertaining video presentation of Bridlington "past and present", a reminder of the traditional British seaside! Walking and relaxing in the extensive gardens was a delight on this beautiful afternoon. The sea views were splendid, but did anyone venture down the 100+ steps to the sand?
Another successful and enjoyable Durham Centre trip.