April you’ve been fun and full on

April you have been full on, but then I did know that as it’s me who organises events, so I can’t complain about being shattered can I.

We started with a few days away with my mum and sister at Alvaston Hall in Cheshire.  The weather was lovely as was the evening entertainment and food.  We even managed some outdoor games.

We followed this with a day aboard the elegant Northern Belle train, travelling from Todmorden in Yorkshire up country then back down via Lancaster.  Our friends who were celebrating their 60th birthdays loved the whole experience. 

NORTHERN BELLE LINK

The day after we drove upto the Lake District to open our caravan for the start of the 2024 season. Again the weather was kind to us. Our friends followed us up and we went to see our favourite band My Darling Clementine.

MY DARLING CLEMENTINE LINK

What a quirky venue, high above the town of Ulverston, in the village hall at Water Yeats.  We rocked upto a wooden hall painted blue and inside it was laid out cafe style with an audience of around 30.  We had been told to bring our own drinks and nibbles and had a fabulous evening.

Sunday we drove five minutes up the road to yew tree barn antiques and restoration centre.  It’s like Aladdin’s cave and always a must to visit.  

YEW TREE BARN LINK

Look at the gorgeous interior of the Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge where we had our evening meal.

Even the loos had amazing wallpaper.

Add into the month a few lunches out with other friends and we move onto last weekend and two trips to Manchester.

Friday we had dinner at the Bridgewater Hall followed by a concert by the Average White Band, their final tour ever.

We were transported back 46 years to our courting days, driving down to Port Madog in Philip’s Ford Mustang with their music blasting out of the cassette player, and also the soul sounds of Earth Wind & Fire.  Happy days.

Still with me ?

Saturday it was an early start with the drive over to Bolton to look at kitchens for my sister Jill.  This was followed by a quick dash over to my favourite tea room Park Farm in Ramsbottom for Afternoon Tea with friend Sue who needed cheering up.

Sunday saw us at the annual Antique Textile Fair at Fallowfield, Manchester.  We saw lots of fellow Instagram chums and had our photo featured on the Textile Society’s page.

I was quite restrained in my spending but couldn’t resist this 50’s fabric covered box.

I also picked up a piece of 1950’s barkcloth and a bundle of French print scraps.

Art & craft wise Ive played about making a mood board then using the app PhotoGrid I created a blended image of fabrics and a ceramic jug I have, made by artist Karen Shapley.

Well that’s it from me and a very busy April.  I’m leaving out the sad bits as I want to remember the month as a joyous one with lots of fun times with friends.

Hope you’ve all had a good April and are looking forward to May and all it will bring us.

Linking up with What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday 

LINK TO WOYWW