Reports - Events & Days Out 2026

On a recent Wednesday evening, towards the end of May, 17 members from Nottinghamshire Country Link visited Whatton Manor Stud in the Vale of Belvoir. We also welcomed 2 visitors / guests for the evening.

The stud is a family owned thoroughbred business, breeding horses for the flat racing industry. We were welcomed by Edward Player, the stud owner, who gave us a brief history of the stud, and told us that there are currently 95 brood mares on site at the 650-acre site. Sixty-nine of the mares had already foaled, with one more due to foal during the following few days. As the mares are approaching their foaling date they are monitored by CCTV camera so that Edward and his right hand man can be alerted to go to attend to the mare. What is interesting is that the cameras are watched by people in Mexico. This is due to the time difference, and is more reliable than having people in the UK watching, and falling asleep on the job!

They do not have any stallions on site, with all of the mares going to visit the stallions for covering.

The site is well-maintained and beautifully fenced with post and rail fencing.

We walked to a field where there were 5 brood mares with their foals at foot. All of the foals were less than one-month old. They were quite inquisitive and not at all daunted by all of these strange people hanging over the fence looking at them. A couple of the foals came close enough for a fuss and a nuzzle. We then went into a stable block where there were 2 further mares with their foals at foot. Both of these foals were slightly younger so had not yet been turned out. However, the two mares had both also had recent surgery. One had received stomach surgery, and the other had given birth by Caesarean section. Both mares were doing well, and the foals were delightful. They also had a two-week old long-horn calf housed in this stable block.

In addition to the thoroughbreds the stud is also home to two Suffolk Punch mares, who also had foals. The Suffolk Punch is a rare native British heavy horse breed which is on the critically endangered species list.

Following our tour around the stables we were invited to Edward’s house where we were offered drinks and nibbles, which we all enjoyed while chatting out on the patio. Luckily, the weather stayed fine and was very kind to us.

A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all of those who attended.

Many thanks to Alastair (one of our newer members) who arranged this visit for us.

Lorraine, from Warwickshire Country Link, arranged a full-day boat trip on the Ashby Canal which took place on Sunday 19th April.

Eight people, including one friend, met at Harry and Sally Narrowboats on the Ashby Canal for a full day boat trip. Two members had been delayed due to roadworks but managed to hop aboard the boat further along the canal where it narrowed under a bridge. A leisurely 3 hour ride followed with people looking at the surrounding farmland and buildings from a different angle.

At the point where they turned around for their return trip, they all got off the boat for a look at an old pump house. The pump house is now a private residence, with some of the pump mechanics having been restored and painted. There was also a shop that apparently sold very nice, locally produced, ice-cream.

Everyone re-boarded the boat and continued a short way along to a canal-side pub where they stopped to enjoy a drink before the final stretch home. Once they were all back on board they enjoyed cheese and ham rolls, pork pie, crisps, and locally made scones. Tea and coffee were available throughout the day.

The journey included a trip through a tunnel, and over an aqueduct. They also saw a steam train and carriages on the local heritage railway line.

Everyone enjoyed their day out on the canal and there may be another trip later in the hyear, travelling in the opposite direction.

Derbyshire Country Link recently met for an evening walk around Doveridge, which was led by Liz Goodwin.

Liz met Clare, Maria, Wendy, and Phil in the pub car park, before leading them through St Cuthbert’s churchyard. Here they viewed the 1400 year old yew tree and read the notice stating that Robin Hood and Maid Marion were married there.

The tree is now hollow in the centre, and is held together with chains. Meg (the dog) picked up a stick which she carried around the village. It must have been the oldest stick she’d ever had!

The walk continued to the swingy (suspension) bridge and crossed the River Dove back into Staffordshire. Following the footpath and going back to the road, they had a scenic walk around the village looking at various houses and farms along the way.

The walkers met up with Mark, Margaret, and David on arrival back at the pub, where they all enjoyed a drink and a tasty meal.

A small number of Country Link members recently visited Conwy Castle in North Wales. Among them were Liz Goodwin from Derbyshire and Peter Hunt from Nottinghamshire. Liz is a keen runner and was taking the opportunity to do a park run near to the castle. Liz asked Peter if he was interested in joining her.

Peter had heard about park runs, that they take place all over the country around 9.00 am each Saturday covering a 5km / 3.1 mile course. Peter was a bit reluctant to join her as he had never run any distance, nor done any training.

The course took in the large walkway area to the front of Conwy Castle, then followed a cycle path along the side of the estuary. There were some excellent views of the castle. The weather was a bit blustery but stayed dry. Everyone was very friendly. After completing approximately 1 1/2 miles Peter resorted to a fast walk, then a run. This wasn't a problem, and Peter completed a sprint finish with another man to the finish line. The other man was not going to let a 'newbie' (Peter) overtake him!

After completing the run Peter met up with Liz, who had already finished, and they celebrated with a coffee and some breakfast in the café at the local supermarket, where they had parked before the run.

Peter says he must have enjoyed the experience as he has recently had a go at his local park run at Belvoir Castle.

Ayrshire Country Link celebrated their 40th anniversary in The Fenwick Hotel on 21st February 2026. Thanks to Jessie for organising a wonderful evening for us all.

In Autumn 1985 an article was posted in the Farmer's Weekly about the need for a social group for those aged over 26, and who had left Young Farmers' groups in England. Following this a lady called Deborah Hacket, who had Farmer's Weekly connections, used our local press and local radio to get a bunch of people to The Chestnuts Hotel in Ayr for the initial meeting of Ayrshire Country Link.

The next meeting was arranged for February 1986 on the topic of "Pancakes" ! Deborah moved away a few months later but others took over. Later on, Jim and Jessie, who are still loyal members, became our organisers. Many others have since followed in their footsteps, organising meetings at various venues, and trips or visits to numerous places over the years.

Most of our current Ayrshire members were able to attend our celebration along with a few past members, and we were delighted that Alistair (ex-Dumfries), Ivan and David (ex-Berwickshire), Joe and Hazel (ex-Borders) could make the long journey to join us too, as well as Helen and Andrew H (our "adopted" Cumbrians). It was great to meet up again after many years and to share our stories. A huge thank you goes to Dick, our National Chairman, who travelled the furthest coming from the north of Oxfordshire to celebrate with us.

The evening started with a welcome from Andrew who introduced Dick, then Dick said a few words about Country Link before we enjoyed our fabulous dinner. Once finished, and glasses refilled, Jessie, Jim and Matt (our original 3 stalwarts) cut the cake and we toasted the club before Jim told many a story of our Country Link antics over the years, assisted by others who shared their memorable moments too. Many hilarious "secrets" were exposed from days gone by, as we shared our tales of 40 years of fun and long lasting friendships = thanks to the wonderful association that is Country Link.

Sheila and Tom entertained us with some great songs, which were accompanied by some funny old photos. A few gasps of "Oh No!" and "I don't remember doing that!" were heard as we recalled the many parties attended over the years.

Finally, it was time for Matt to give a Vote of Thanks. The chatting continued until around midnight before we reluctantly had to say our goodbyes.

But not finished yet, 9 of us were still around to meet up for breakfast at the hotel the next morning, which was a lovely way to wind up our anniversary get-together.

So, "Cheers" Country Link - thank you for being there for us all. Here's to the next fun-filled decade!

Three members from Warwickshire Country Link visited Wightwick Manor, near Wolverhampton, for a day out in January. It was a cold, wet day. The house was very interesting, with all of its own furniture still there. Parts of the house are still lived in at times.

Only the lower floor was open at this time of year but it was still well worth visiting. There was a wonderful display of snowdrops and cyclamen under a tree on the way up to the house. Lorraine Clarke says she will be going back later in the year when the house is fully open.