3rd ANNUAL ANGLO/SCOTTISH MEET - Sunday 22nd July 2012

[2Diesels]

Oh the 22nd.............I cant make it, now if it had been the 29th



Just kidding just kidding

[lady zed]

Originally Posted by 2Diesels

Oh the 22nd.............I cant make it, now if it had been the 29th



Just kidding just kidding

Oh you rascal!

[derekosb]

Originally Posted by 2Diesels

Oh the 22nd.............I cant make it, now if it had been the 29th


Just kidding just kidding

Originally Posted by scooterchick

Oh you rascal!

Thanks Anna, although I'm sure Colin has not been called a "rascal" for some time. Many other things I am sure, but I like Rascal!!

Derek

[2Diesels]

I can live with rascal, it's better than what some folks call me

[derekosb]

The good folks at Gretna are rightly proud of the improvements and achievements they have made recently and Lynda from the site has kindly sent me through some additional photographs to illustrate these.

One of the most obvious new features is the Courtship Maze

New attraction at Gretna Green

The Courtship Maze, a new attraction at Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop is a maze with a difference and great fun for all ages. Covering a space of 70m x 40m, its gabion exterior takes the shape of two interlocking wedding rings, symbolic of its romantic location.

Before you entre the Courtship Maze you will notice two entrances: this is to symbolise the beginning of our life’s journey, which we make independently before we meet our partner. Alasdair Houston, Chairman of Gretna Green Ltd, the family business that owns the attraction is behind the initial idea which led to the creation of the Courtship Maze. He explains the journey through the maze: “Choosing which entrance is the first of many decisions, twists and turns that will either lead to dead ends or to the goal! In the spirit of the Courtship Maze we suggest that couples choose separate entrances and along the way, through various features within the maze, they will get the chance to catch a glimpse of one another; maybe a fleeting chance to touch, even kiss but no opportunity to get together until they reach the goal: the bridge at the centre of the Courtship Maze. For families we see it as a journey of discovery and competition – can brother beat sister or daughter beat dad?”

Early visitors have enjoyed discovering the secrets of the Courtship Maze. Local mum and daughter Laura and Courtney Copland were not sure what to expect from their first visit: “While the Courtship Maze was being built we were very curious to know what it would look like inside. I love the romantic features that you come across as you follow the route of the maze and the inspirational messages. For adults it is a lovely place to explore and for children I think they will love the chance to simply run round and enjoy trying to hide from parents. You also get an amazing view once you reach the centre, where the two separate pathways meet, and climb the steps on to the bridge.”

The Courtship Maze will be open every day from 10am and entry is £2 per person with under 5’s entering free.

There have also been improvements to the shopping area and the new Blacksmiths Restaurant.

[bigbird]

Please can you put me down for this one sounds good

[derekosb]

Originally Posted by bigbird

Please can you put me down for this one sounds good

Will do and look forward to seeing you on the day

Cheers,

Derek

[FLYING BANANA]

Can someone give me details on hotels in the area. Looks like I may have a few spare days with owt to do. It be the furthest North the Flying Banana has been. So can you mark me down as a very possible please.

[bigbird]

Ok Bob which one you bringing

[derekosb]

Originally Posted by FLYING BANANA

Can someone give me details on hotels in the area. Looks like I may have a few spare days with owt to do. It be the furthest North the Flying Banana has been. So can you mark me down as a very possible please.

Hi Robert,

Depends on how much you want to spend?

The venue has its own Boutique Hotel but it will be a wee bit pricey. I can ask if they will offer a "deal" for a member staying the night before.

Hotel website here: Smiths at Gretna Green

On the cheaper front the nearest Premier Inn is 7.4 miles away in Carlisle and is £44 if booked far enough in advance. Premier Inn

A nice local hotel only 2 miles from Gretna is this one: The MILL FORGE HOTEL £77

Or a Days Inn at the nearest Motorway Services: The Days Inn £60

HTH

Derek