Addingham

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Wednesday 22 February 2023

Glenn Brian and I rendezvoused at the Leeds City Railway Station for the 10:33 to Ilkley. John was unable to join us because of Covid-19 and we wish him a speedy and healthy recovery. 

Arriving in Ilkley at around 11:00

where Glenn and Brian entered M&S for their sandwiches with mine already purchased at Greggs on Boar Lane. 

The No. 64 Skipton bus, 11:05 to Addingham was about to depart but the delay in catching this due to sandwich selection meant that we had to catch the 11:12 No. 62 which dropped us off at around 11:25 at Station Street in Addingham. 

A ten minute walk up to The Suspension Bridge and we were on our way. 

The forty minute walk to the Postman’s Shelter soon found us tucking into our sandwiches and chatting about where we might be going next. With the sandwiches consumed we hit the road for our final assault on our way to Ilkley. 

The walk had been pleasant enough with our walk only being disturbed by the occasional motor vehicle but plenty of cyclists passing us by with one obnoxious cylclist shouting “Jesus Christ” as he sped towards us as though he was on a time trial and we were just obstacles to his selfish intentions! 

Arriving at the Ilkley Park we used the toilets which you now had to pay for and then progressed up to the COSTA for a relaxing drink before departing for the 14:40 back to Leeds which left on time. 

We were soon back in Leeds where Brian went for his bus back to Morley and Glenn and I caught the bus back to Heckmondwike alighting at Barkly Road and the Thirlmere’s respectively. 

Another lovely day out and a trip to look forward to on Wednesday 29 February! Possibly Newmiller Dam?

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Imperial War Museum (North)

 Wednesday 15th February 2023.            Imperial War Museum 

For today’s adventure the Lads are heading west, over the boundary line and into the Red Rose county. Their intended destination would be located in the Salford Quays region on the outskirts of Manchester.

There means of getting there would be by a rather crowded railway journey beginning in Leeds for some with others joining along the way, finally arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, from this point they would take a short distance walk to the tram stop near Piccadilly Gardens in order to travel to the Museum. The group encountering this particular adventure would consist of Colin , Glenn, John, Derek and Dave. They eventually arrived at the museum just before midday due to a wrongful exit from the tram causing them to have a rather lengthy walk along the Salford Quayside area.

Once inside the building the lads partook in a somewhat disappointing lunch time meal, which they had hoped would have satisfied their needs,  but alas it didn’t . From here the lads now began to explore the artefacts and exhibits that were on display in this rather interesting building, acknowledging all the aspects of the numerous conflicts of war that had sadly taken place during the last 100 years or so. Many , many things to take on board and discuss, the millions of lives lost during these conflicts so hard to comprehend. A couple of short films depicting footage of various events that took place during conflicts had been linked together to try and give you a feeling of what had taking place trying to give you a more realistic insight into these tragic events.

 

After almost two and a half hours of viewing the various exhibits it was time for a nice cuppa and a comfort break before beginning our return journey back towards the city centre and hopefully catch the 15:58 train heading for Leeds. On arriving at Piccadilly station and platform 14 only to find out that earlier train cancellations had led to a large build up of passengers hoping to board this train as well. As you can imagine the resulting journey was a nightmare for most, which caused chaos to say the least, fortunately for us lads we were all able to find ourselves a seat.

A lot of laughter today interspersed with moments of great reflection.

Thanks to everyone involved 

Date at Dewsbury

 Wednesday 8 February 2023

Glenn and I rendezvoused at the White Rose for the 202 to Dewsbury but a 203 was already in and ready to go so we would be in Dewsbury fifteen minutes early where John would be meeting us. 

Arriving in Dewsbury at around 11:30 we waited for John to arrive and then we noticed Trevor who was already and there waiting for us. 

A ten minute walk up to The West Riding Pub and we were there. The pub is located on Platform 1 of Dewsbury Station was very olde worlde and very welcoming with two coal fires keeping us warm. Derek and Russ arrived next with Keith arriving just a little later. 

It was great to see Trevor and very quickly we were exchanging stories and anecdotes of many year’s history of all working together. 

Derek then mentioned Roger Wadman and one thing led to another Colin messaged Barry Poxon and very quickly we had traced Roger’s daughter Madi and she gave us his care home address which some of the lads from Wakefield knew. Madi is going to put on a spread for eight people once we arrange a specific date to visit him. 

Meals were ordered with a variety of sandwiches and chips on the side. Before we knew it it was 10  past 2 as we left the pub with four of us going down to the bus station and Keith and Russ getting into their cars but not before saying goodbye to Trevor with promises to revisit in the not too distant future. 

Glenn and Colin caught the 203 back to Leeds with John returning to Bradford and Derek to Wakefield. 

Another lovely day out and a trip to The Imperial War Museum to look forward to on Wednesday 15 February!

I’m

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Morley Meandering

 Wednesday 1 February 2023

Glenn, John and I rendezvoused at Morley Town Hall a little before 11:00.

We walked down towards Morley Railway Station sadly we should have gone down past the Miners Arms which wouldn’t have resulted climbing out of Morley Station. As it happened Colin was the only one who did this dangerous manoeuvre with Glenn and John traversing back along the route and crossing the line by the previous bridge. 

However, Colin waited ten minutes for them to catch him up! They then followed the private road but missed the right turning as a workman informed us that we can’t go beyond the gate. It was only a minute back to the turning and we were soon back on track. 

Breaking out into a field we could see the extent of the work being undertaken by the transpennine Upgrade. 

Perhaps the most significant improvement will be the step-free access throughout the station, via a new footbridge with lifts between platforms, and an access ramp on the entrance to the station. part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. 

Morley Station is being completely upgraded, to allow more trains and passengers to use the station. We know that the people of Morley have been seeking improvements to the station for some time, and so we are delighted to be able to deliver this stark improvement. 

The route was well protected so the wild windy weather was obviated to the delight of the three walkers. 

Arriving at the White Rose Centre at a little after 12:00 to be met by Keith who had motored down from his home in Gildersome after receiving a phone call from John fifteen minutes before our scheduled arrival. 

Another good day with 7000 steps for me and around10,000 for John.

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward