This Could Be Interesting.

[Lonewolf]

Well we're all back, ''twas a bloody nightmare getting there and both Nigel and I arrived slightly later than hoped. Nigel hit delays heading North and I had delays heading South. Pete was waiting for us, sorry about the wait, but at least we met up, had a catch up, a coffee or two and of course a walk around the Arboretum which as always was amazing. 

After parting company with Pete, Nigel and I returned to our nearby Premier Inn, looking forward to our evening meal. We'd already been forewarned that they couldn't provide breakfast due to staff shortages, so we were grateful that we had a confirmed booking for the evening meal so it wasn't all bad. 

Enter the restaurant, empty bar, no smell of food and multiple signs announcing no food, I can't remember what the reason was. What do we do, the barmaid suggested we order a takeaway and eat it in the bar so that's exactly what we did. Two Dominoes Pizza's for delivery please and half an hour later we're tucking into a 2000 + calorie meal. Long time since I'd had a pizza so it was rather nice. 

Following morning, we visited the Staffordshire Regiment Museum for a couple of hours, well worth a visit if you've never been and you have an interest in the sacrifices our Armed Forces Personnel have made in various conflicts over the last 100 years or so in order to provide the lifestyle we all take for granted today. 

Then our respective journeys home, North and South. A most enjoyable couple of days so thanks to those who attended. I didn't take many photos but I'll post some in the next day or two if anyone would like to see some.

[O.C.]

oooh yesssss please....photos for me      

Glad you enjoyed the meeting and eventually got some grub.  Really sorry I  couldn't  be there

[Rusty]

It was nice to get out and visit a couple of places that have been recommended, and of course meet up with Steve and Peter again.
If you live around that area both those places are worth a visit .. if only to support veterans and those in service.
A shame about the evening meal ! Lack of Chef usually does the trick although the staff were pleased to tell us they had a new one starting in the morning .. no good to us though !!!
A spitting of rain was all there was and nearly 400 miles for me. It had to be main roads just to achieve the time limits but I do enjoy a  norty motorway services coffee and sticky bun !  

[pross]

Glad you enjoyed it. Shame about the food though.
I'm gutted I missed it will put it on my todo list . Still waiting for the pictures 

[Rynglieder]

It was good to meet up again, thanks for putting it out there.

Although I only attended the NMA part it was an interesting walk around with a couple of opportunites to talk bike and life over a coffee or two.

A bit of an overcast day, but perfectly acceptable for riding and I took the opportunity to go the long way round home to show the GTR a few bends, something that was a bit lacking on the ride out there.

Hopefully there will be a couple more opportunities to get together further into the summer.

[O.C.]

I've never been and it looks like a spectacular place

Thanks for the pictures    

[Lonewolf]

A belated update with photos for anyone who is interested in our travels.

Nigel and I stayed at a Premiere Inn which could not have been better situated, only 1.9 miles down the road. Externally it appears a tad run down but the staff were great, the rooms were clean and spacious so in that respect I cannot fault it.












No issues parking the bikes.





We could even see them from our rooms so that was a bonus.





The rooms were ideal.







Almost forgot, due to staff shortages the Premiere Inn couldn't offer us any food so after a great deal of difficulty we managed to order a Dominoes Pizza for delivery which we were allowed to eat within the pub. This is what 2000 calories looks like, it was very nice though. 

[Lonewolf]

Some photos from the National Memorial Arboretum. No admission charge and no parkings costs for bikes. A Northerners dream day out. 


What I consider the main focal point of the grounds. On the walls are inscribed all the names of Military & Civilian Personnel, killed in the line of duty from various conflicts. A very emotional place and food for thought that they have left a number of walls blank to accommodate those who will lose their lives in future conflicts. 


















There are many individual memorials within the grounds representing specific elements of the Armed Forces. 












Beautifully landscaped gardens. 







Anyone fancy a Waffle?





His body is a temple! 









The first ever memorial from when the facility opened.









There are numerous civilian memorials also, representing Police, Fire and Ambulance personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

[Lonewolf]

And finally the following day Nigel & I paid a visit to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum which was about 5 miles from our accommodation. 






It doesn't bear thinking of, spending hours in one of these shelters whilst bombs are falling all around you. 














I didn't quite understand the significance of this unless it is simply as stated...

[O.C.]

Steve, thanks for the great pictures, war memorials are always places of very special significance for me, I've visitedmany WW1 memorials on the Somme, Thiepval, Vimmy , Menin Gate, and several others, I  don't mind admitting that I have shed tears at these sites, they are important.

Good old Premier Inn....always reliable ...well usually 

[pross]

Thanks for the pictures Steve it's on my todo list .
Was peters picture photoshopped he doesn't have a Costa in his hand 🤣🤣👍

[Lonewolf]

Thanks for the pictures Steve it's on my todo list .
Was peters picture photoshopped he doesn't have a Costa in his hand 🤣🤣👍

Why do you think his hands are out of shot, he has one in each hand! 

[pross]

Why do you think his hands are out of shot, he has one in each hand! 

🤣🤣👌

[Rusty]

Damn it Steve ... you beat me to putting some piccies up !  
Hope the photos portray what a vast place it is and how interesting to look around. I know we did't but you could easily spend a leisurely day there. Beautifully kept with the obligatory gift shop .. no tat there.
Thoroughly recommend it and the premier inn down the road was perfectly placed.