From My Mental Library: Ripon 2025

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Ripon 2025 - Day 6

For Sunday (3 August), my sister-in-law had arranged a family meal at The Inn at South Stainley, a village just outside Ripon.

In the past, our gatherings were much larger, but I guess it‘s the same for all families; as the older generation are getting on in years and young ones move away, less and less family members can make it. Still, there were nine of us, and it was great to see my other sister-in-law and her family. They live in Derbyshire, so we don‘t see them as often as A and her family.

It rained in the morning, but as the sun came out, it was warm enough at 23C to wear a short-sleeved dress. My sister and I walked to Littlethorpe, where A lives; this takes about half an hour and is a nice walk. The morning was spent doing our housekeeping.

At the Inn, we were shown to our table, and as the others arrived, lots of hugs and so-good-to-see-yous and you-look-wells were exchanged. We ordered our food and drinks, chatted and caught up with each other.

I sat next to my youngest niece (24) who has recently returned from 18 months in Japan and started a new job only a week or so ago. It was most interesting to hear about her life in Japan, and how different things are in the UK in comparison.

A large Yorkshire Pudding topped three slices of pork loin, stuffing with sage and thyme, roast spuds and carrot and a delicious gravy.

The food was good, portions a bit too large for me; service was friendly and as the sun was shining, we sat in the garden for a while afterwards. A then invited us back to their place for cake and coffee/tea, but the Derbyshire family understandably wanted to start the drive home, so there were six of us at A‘s.

My sister and I then walked back to Ripon, this time choosing the path along the canal, which was beautiful in the late afternoon light.