Christmas Lunch
34 enjoyed a Christmas Lunch at Lotherton Hall on Sunday 19th December with 15 riding out from
the Buttercross, 1 more joining at Squires, Sherburn in Elmet, for elevenses, and another riding
straight to Lotherton Hall.

The Annual Sunday Ride Attendance Trophy went to Clive Morris.

A raffle raised £30 and the event was organised by Bill Ross.

The Ride Out
Clear blue skies, sunshine and no wind made the ride out to Lotherton almost perfect
except that the temperature hovered around freezing all day. Some revelled in these
conditions, while others, notably the three tandem stokers, clearly suffered.

Bill Ross conducted a virtuoso, meandering route through the lanes North East of Pontefract
passing through, Ferrybridge, Brotherton, Birkin, Hillam and Betteras Hill Road, after which
the group stopped to admire an 8 month old Harris Hawk perched on its owner's arm in a
lay-by (see photo below). Next came Fairburn then Lumby and up the hill on Whitecote
Lane past the impressive 15th Century Steeton Hall Gatehouse, a listed ancient monument.
Here some of the tandem stokers ran up to the Gatehouse and back to warm their feet.
The Lane eventually ends at the junction with the B1222, where a left turn takes you to Squires.

The road to Sherburn is undulating and Cold Hill Lane to the left in the village includes a stiffish
climb through attractive farmland up to Lotherton.