The Spring Gathering is our main UK meeting and we have booked the popular Matlock Rugby Club.
Matlock is in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales on the southern edge of the Peak Distriict.
The site at Cromford Meadows is in a beautiful valley bordered by the river Derwent and Cromford Canal. It is located on the edge of the small village of Cromford which has 3 pubs serving real ales (2 of them serving pub food). There are also two excellent restaurants (The Market Place and Parky's) and Scarthin Books 'BRITAIN’S MOST ENJOYABLE BOOKSHOP' with 100,000 books and a cafe.
Cromford is a small historical village largely built by Richard Arkwright for his workers. Richard Arkwight was a key figure in the Industrial Revolution and there is a lot of history within the village relating to this era.
There are numerous attractions on the door step (within walking distance): beautiful walks, climbing, outdoor pursuits, fishing, cycling on the High Peak Trail, The Richard Arkwright Mill and Visitors Centre, Black Rocks, Lea Gardens and Cromford Canal.
Just a few minutes away by road, bus or train you will find:
Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth House, Carsington Water, Matlock, Matlock Bath (Gullivers Kingdom, The Heights of Abraham and the Cable Cars) and Bakewell, to name but a few. Public Transport is just a few hundred meters walk (bus/trains with regular services).
We will be sited on the Rugby Club's fields which are flat, well drained with lush grass.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO ELECTRIC HOOKUPS - ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE CHARGING FOR MEDICAL NEEDS AND FLAT BATTERIES.
We are running the gathering from Tuesday until Sunday to give members a chance to fully explore this wonderful area.
The Club's AGM will be held on the Sunday morning at 10am.
We have use of the clubhouse facilities throughout the gathering and the bar will be open in the evenings.
As usual we have organised a full program which will include a coach trip and 3 evening meals - full details will be finalised when we have an idea of numbers.
Our gathering cost is £150 per couple, the coach trip on Thursday to Chatsworth House and Bakewell costs £20 per person (including admission to the house).
For those members only able to attend for the weekend the cost is £80 per couple for Friday arrivals, this includes the Friday and Saturday meals.
We have also organised a half day coach trip on the Saturday to the nearby outstanding CrichTramway Village with its museum, historic street, pub, shops, tram rides on a number of vintage trams and walks in the 3 acres of woodland . The cost is £15 including admission.
