On Tuesday 22nd September 2009 a vintage Midland
Red double decker bus took a trip around North Warwickshire carrying members of
the Northern Warwickshire Tourism Association and the civic heads of North
Warwickshire Borough Council and Nuneaton and Bedworth
Borough Council.
It was part of an ongoing mission by the tourism association
in promoting the north part of our beautiful county of Warwickshire.
The day out started at Plantasia, part of the Dobbies Garden
Centre complex at Mancetter, near Atherstone, with Pam from the ‘Friends of
Atherstone’ providing a running commentary on what the party were seeing which
highlighted the long history of the area including what many historians believe
was the site of Boudicia’s last battle as well as a possible site for the
Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
On board for the first part of the day was Rosie King from BBC Coventry and Warwickshire who
carried out live interviews with NWTA members which were broadcast during the
Annie Othen morning programme.
A stop at Atherstone allowed local historian, Judy Vero to
bring Atherstone to life which included a look at the importance of the now
deceased hatting trade to the town.
Moving onto Polesworth the Party visited Polesworth Abbey with
it’s Twelfth Century ruins and were shown round by the informative and entertaining
Father Phillip.
A far longer stop was needed at the Abbey but it was back on
the bus and onto the North West
corner of Warwickshire to Middleton Hall.
Parts of the picturesque hall date back to 1250 and with
regular additions and changes to the buildings reflect a potted history of
English architecture.
John Ray is undoubtedly the star character in the story of
Middleton. He was the first great English Natural Scientist and he belongs to
Middleton, arguably more than anywhere else,
The hall also holds the archives for the Tamworth
based Robert Peel Society. Peel lived at nearby Drayton Manor and was
responsible for the formation of the first police force in London.
After an alfresco lunch provided by members of the
association a tour of the hall was enjoyed by all.
A gentle ride back to Plantasia saw the end of an excellent
day, many people not having previously visited Polesworth Abbey or Middleton
Hall.
The bus is owned by NWTA member Ashley Wakelin from Midland
Red Coaches, it was built in 1966 and has covered nearly 1,200,000 miles.