Wednesday’s ramble coincided with the judging day of Rose week at Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park (Upper Malone Road, Belfast)

Things got off to a very slow start as we waited for ramblers who had booked to come along but who chose not to turn up. (Strike one!)

The Rose Show runs throughout the week in Lady Dixon Park, and we arranged to visit it on the Wednesday. 

After a picnic on the lawns of Wilmot House we toured the walled garden area of the park together before watching a display of Irish dancing.  After finishing an ice cream we headed to the Rose Trials area of the park where many thousands of roses were on display.

At one point we stopped to listen to a harpist and while we stood the skies darkened and eventually open on us!  For about twenty minutes the thunder clapped and the skies emptied on us, which certainly tested the waterproof capes.  (Geraldine advises everyone to make sure the cape goes over the back of your scooter and not just over your back, otherwise the rain just gathers on your seat - as she discovered!)  Then, as quickly as it started, it was over.

Fortunately it was near the end of the day so it didn’t spoil our enjoyment too much.