The group pose outside Wheatlands Lodge

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Inkersall Women’s Club, in Derbyshire, its Secretary Jean Baker whisked away 38 of her members on a mystery weekend to York recently.

The group stayed at the Wheatlands Lodge, which is a family-run hotel. Jean says, “I didn’t want to stay in any of the chain hotels as I find the service to be much more personal at smaller establishments.”

The first day was spent at Castle Howard and York Castle Museum. She reveals, “In the morning we had a look round Castle Howard and ate a two-course lunch in its lavish Grecian Hall.” She continues, “It was great value because in the evenings you have to pay a fee for the Hall hire; however this is not applicable at lunch times.” Then it was on to York Castle Museum where they were welcomed with champagne. She says, “We ended the visit with a fantastic two-course evening meal. Tables had been set up on the cobbles of the Museum’s recreated Victorian street. It was certainly an evening to remember!”

On the Sunday morning, Jean organised a one-hour guided tour of York with City Sightseeing. She explains, “The bus picked us up from our hotel and it was great because you get the guide to yourself and can jump off where you like.” She concludes, “Afterwards we went to costume photographers Past Images and had our photographs taken in Victorian dress – also a lot of fun.”