Hiley Website

Children, grandchildren, partners and friends travelled from all over the country to be in Derbyshire for Cath's Big Birthday Weekend.

This is my selection from the family photos of the weekend, so they are not all 'mine'. The others, well I deny all responsibility !

These are the more "people" photos and I've linked to two more pages of my walks at the appropriate places in the text.

Manor Farm Cottages looking rather damp as Loes and I arrived on the Thursday evening of the 12th of Feb.

Cathy and Mark have stayed here before so knew the place and the facilities well.

The whole weekend was supposed to be a surprise, but with 22 people to organise, that was never going to be a realistic prospect.

Inside the main reception room of the Haybarn, a large kitchen and lounge with six double bedrooms upstairs.

- - - o o o - - It wasn't long till the kettle was on and we were trying out the sofa. Cathy was pleased to be settled in the best (cushioned) seat and was soon welcoming some of her guests. - - - o o - - -



Molly, Alex 's girlfriend and Catherine, Jack's wife.	Long term friends Gill and Andy who go back to Cathy's Med School days.

That night, Alex was head chef for tonight's select company of folk, as most people would be arriving tomorrow.

- - - o o o - - -

The morning brought poor weather so we just organised a local walk to the Magpie Mine.

A damp but enjoyable walk which I've linked to here

but you can also see it, with the extra pictures from the walk itself, by following the link at the bottom of this page.

On this second and Birthday evening we 'ordered in' a meal for twenty or so,

which was duly delivered and heated as per the instructions on the baking trays.



Pat, myself and Loes, Alex and Molly on this side.	Cathy at the head of the table and Andy opposite.



Can't have a birthday without cake and a candle (or three!) . . .	. . . someone found a blow up photo frame for the media shots.

Afterwards we watched a lovely photo presentation of Cathy's life, put together in the last few weeks by Paula.



Just two of many photos, young Cathy here with a young Gill . . .	. . . Cathy in summer mode.

The window sills were fast filling up with cards to commemorate the special event.

- - - o o o - - -

It was still early, so we adjourned to The Barn where the owners had created a fine games room.

Who's going first ?

Gill seems new to the sport and talks tactics with Andy.

In a corner of the room was a giant "Connect Four" toy which would keep the youngsters amused.

The oldies enjoyed it too !



When Gareth, Rhian and the boys turned up . . .	. . . they were straight in on the action.



Also available to use was a fine table tennis table . . .	. . . games ranged from "friendly" to shall we say "keen".

- - - o o o - - -

In the morning the weather gods were working in our favour and we had the prospect of a day of wall to wall sunshine.



Mark and Cathy wrapped up warm despite the sunshine.	Al managed to join us, after his recent flight back from China.



Catherine and Jack . . . not suffering the cold it seems.	Cathy with her youngest, Alex and his girlfriend Molly.



Never one to stand out in a crowd, Gill has found a quiet hat to wear.	Pat, Loes and I will grab our coats for a slightly different walk shortly.

We're going to Miller's Dale Station for an easier, level walk along the Monsal Trail railway track.

The link wil be repeated later on if that helps.

- - - o o o - - -



Meanwhile the youngsters were made ready for their walk.	I wonder where Mum and Dad are taking us today ?



A helping hand for Sophie from the start.	Their walk headed down through the woods, to a mill in the valley.



. . . and back up one of the more muddy valleys.	We weren't there but it looked an interesting walk.

This evening it was "Curry Night" and everyone had brought a contribution for the feast.

The two girls ate early as they needed to get to bed sooner than the rest of us.



Gathering them together . . .	. . . before they climbed the stairs to their bedroom.

Jack's selfie of the meal.



All home made and beautifully warmed in the kitchen, ready for the table tonight.	The top end of the same table.

Relaxing afterwards . . . I was in temporary possession of the package in a pass-the-parcel game.



Paula and daughter Abi in matching red mode.	The boys and Gareth enjoyed their toys before they also left for bed.

One last game . . . and a win for Luke.

Okay, just one more last game . . . Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza . . . don't ask me the rules.

- - - o o o - - - As the evening progressed the games changed somewhat. This one was "Slide the After 8 chocolate down your nose" and eat it without using your hands. - - - o o o - - -

They were either really concentration or just plain tired after their day.

- - - o o o - - -

On our final morning the weather reverted to Winter and we were greeted with a layer of snow

plus the prospect of clearing our accommodation and being away by a rather early 9.30 am.

Only time for a quick morning cuppa this morning . . . as management had organised a brunch / breakfast elsewhere.

Still time for a snowball fight and a group photo to match yesterday's.

Can't have snow without making some snowballs !

Breakfast / Brunch was enjoyed at the Chatsworth Kitchens in Rowsley before we all departed for home.

More pictures of the last morning can be viewed here or follow on the bottom link in sequence.

- - - o o o - - -

Technical note: Pictures taken with my iPhone 11pro mobile phone camera.

Resized in Photoshop, and built up on a Dreamweaver web builder.

This site best viewed with . . . a house full of family and friends.

Previous walk - 7th February 2026 - Bempton and Flamborough

Next walk - 13th February - The Magpie Mine Walk