Our President, Lynda Lees, welcomed 39 members and eight guests to our luncheon. Members were reminded of the lunch booking deadlines and made aware of the need for volunteers for the role of Secretary and Raffle Organiser.
Ladies enjoyed a delicious lunch starting with cream of broccoli soup with homemade focaccia croutons, followed by cod fillet with crushed new potatoes, chorizo, salsa verde and seasonal vegetables. Dessert was a dark chocolate delice served with Yorkshire poached rhubarb and chocolate orange crumb. Coffee or tea and after dinner mint concluded the meal.
Sandi Carter was introduced and delivered an interesting talk, illustrated by PowerPoint, about the history of Marrick Priory and its current role as an outdoor education centre.
Established in the 12th century on the banks of the river Swale the priory was a Benedictine nunnery founded by Roger de Aske. The priory records show that the nuns were self sufficient for food supplies and had additional income from rents.
The priory was dissolved in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Prioress Christabel Cowper surrendered the priory and of the 16 nuns eight returned to their families with the remainder receiving pensions.
The priory then passed into various private owners over the centuries, many of whom are families who have a presence in the dales today, such as Orde-Powlett, Sayers and Bulmers, before coming into the hands of the Church of England.
Sandi highlighted how the remaining buildings and ruins contain historical records from the days of the priory and the various owners. These include coffin lids in the chapel, the small door leading to the night stairs to the nuns’ dormitory, the 1696 Bolton arms and the Hearse House. Turner’s painting of the priory ruins in 1815 reveal a very similar picture to the remains that are still there, including an arch which has since collapsed.
Since 1970 the Marrick Priory outdoor education centre has provided a wide range of experiences for children from across Yorkshire and the north-east. The centre also provides Duke of Edinburgh training and supports expeditions. A wide range of activities including high and low rope courses, abseiling down the inside of the tower and day walks through the dales provide opportunities for children to experience the countryside as well as building their confidence, self-esteem and friendships. Sandi reported that children leave the centre with a sense of achievement that carries on once they are back in school.
Sandi made members aware of the events that the outdoor centre offers when there are no groups in residence, including afternoon tea, which many ladies expressed an interest in.
