On a beautiful Midsummer evening, 27 members of the Club made their way up Wensleydale to Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn. We were delighted that three members from Northallerton and Richmond were able to join us. As everyone gathered the shop enticed us, but exactly on time we were led into a beautifully appointed dining room for a delicious supper. We were joined by our host Rodney Tennant who welcomed us and then spent the evening with us. Conversation flowed over the meal and then we went upstairs to listen to Rodney talk about his life as an auctioneer and how he saw the future developing.
From a small business based in Middleham, the years have seen amazing growth leading to the £9 million development that is there today. The facilities include not just the auction rooms but meeting rooms, theatre, display areas, a café and a restaurant, all available for use by the locals and visitors. Dinners, concerts, fund raising events, demonstrations and exhibitions are now held there, to name just a few activities.
Rodney spoke about his delight at meeting people during the course of his work and told some lovely tales. He then showed us the site and some of the exhibitions including jewellery, costumes and vintage cars. We finished our evening in the newly built cloister a lovely peaceful area suitable for weddings, dinners and celebrations. In fact some members returned there to celebrate Richmond and Dales 60th Charter Lunch only a few days later.
After President Nicola giving our thanks to Rodney and his staff for such an enjoyable evening, we left for home, many of us via the shop, and many of us promising to return.