Popular Aycliffe Community Association will be once again travelling miles in search of adventure and sightseeing this year as we take Great Aycliffe residents to locations around the North East.
The fun began recently with a visit to the ever-popular Goth event in Whitby and although the weather was less than perfect the lashing rain added to the atmosphere making the famous Abbey a sight to behold. Some marvellous costumes were on display as locals and visitors paraded the streets in their fine plumage. A perfect day to enjoy fish and chips, peruse the shops and maybe just mingle.
Of course, this was the beginning of our programme of summer fun, ACORN are following swiftly on with an adventure to Hexham on the 11th of May where residents can visit the abbey, the old Gaol or simply check out local shops and tearooms.
Historic York is next on our itinerary, on 15th June, for those interested in all things train, Viking or looking around the famous shambles market. I am always amazed by the majestic Minster which stands like a centrepiece reaching up towards the sky and the medieval streets surrounding it.
Next up is a trip to Bamburgh and Seahouses on 27th July. Bamburgh castle never fails to impress with its massive battlements framed in the skyline or a visit to the Grace Darling Museum, a testament to brave men and women willing to risk their lives to save others. Seahouses is always a popular destination for fish and chips, dallying through this lovely seaside town or exploring the quaint harbour.
As we sail through the year on, 10th August we will be travelling to Scarborough for a day out at the seaside, amusements, fish and chips, pirate ship and park. Beach for the kiddies and shops to explore for adults, a great day out for the family.
We shall once again be attending the Grassington 1940s event is on 21st September, a must see for those enamoured by the great British indomitable spirit. Last year the event featured a spitfire in the marketplace, singers of wartime songs and dancing in the streets, get in the mood and sing along make new friends or remember old ones a truly super day out.
Of course, ACORN not only do trips, we are once again bringing a petting zoo to our very own town centre on 13th July, with sheep, goats, small animals, reptiles and, hopefully, donkeys, to enthral the kiddies, mams and dads too.
Locally, for many years, ACORN have been installing half tubs with flowers to brighten up our lovely town and work has begun by our volunteers to refurbish and paint these ready for a wonderful summer.
If you are interested in the work ACORN does in the community, feel free to join us at our monthly meetings on the second Thursday of every month in the upstairs lounge of the Phoenix Club, 6pm. We are always pleased to see new faces. Feel free to get in touch.
Ken Robson
kenrobson71@gmail.com or 01325 321471