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The Walkington Weekends
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Ernie Teal
MBE with Mary from Bristol |
In April 1989 the first Walkington Weekend was held at The Beverley Arms, Beverley, East Yorkshire, England. This venue is only three miles from the pretty Yorkshire village of Walkington. It could be said that this first weekend marked the true beginning of the Walkington Society. These weekends have been held every three years ever since.
A key figure in helping Roderic Walkington to make the necessary arrangements with the Walkington village has been Ernie Teal pictured above. Ernie has always been at the heart of happenings within the Walkington village where it would be true to say that he has given a life time of service. The Society extends its warmest thanks for the warm welcome the village has always afforded us and especially to Ernie.
A typical Walkington Weekend starts on a Friday and finishes on a Sunday.
Friday is an informal day when guests are arriving at the hotel at all times. There is normally a free Sherry Reception at 7:00pm with eating planned for 7:30pm. The dining room is usually shared with other guests of the hotel on Friday and guests may sit where they wish and with whom they choose. After dinner it is usual for Ernie Teal MBE to entertain guests with one of his inimitable talks. Following this most guests retire to the bar for the crack and a drink or two.
Saturday is the main day of the Weekend and the longest. After breakfast guests aim to be in the vicinity of Walkington Village Hall at around 10:00am. There is ample parking at the Ferguson-Fawsitt Arms which is ideal for a drink or lunch later. As well as coffee & home made scones an entertainment is usually provided by the village choir and others. There is also, usually a selection of Walkington Souvenirs on sale for those interested
It is usual to present the village with a cheque in reciprocation of their generosity and a collection is made in the evening towards this.
Saturday afternoon is normally free to explore the interesting area of Beverley and its surroundings.
In the evening all meet up again for pre-dinner drinks at 7:00pm, followed by The Walkington Dinner at 7:30pm. Following dinner there are always a number of short speeches, usually including one by an overseas Walkington. Anyone present is welcome to make a contribution to the proceedings and a few words from 'first timers' are always welcome. Later, those with the stamina retire to the bar.
Sunday morning means sad goodbyes and the wish that all will meet again for the next Walkington Weekend.
It must be said that all those who take part in a Walkington Weekend find the experience very enjoyable and well worth the journey however far they have travelled.
The next Walkington Weekend, expected to be held in April 2007, has had to be postponed. Since then, the response to a circular suggesting a weekend in 2008 has unfortunately been disappointing.