Ripon and Ripley Revisited

 Wednesday 26th July 2023.               Ripon and Ripley  Revisited 

 

Today’s outing for the Lads would take them back to 2 locations they previously visited some 6 years ago. On this occasion it would be just Colin, John and Dave making the journey, the rest of our group unfortunately having other commitments to be taken care of. 

Arrangements were made to meet up at Leeds railway station at around 9:30 and then take a train heading for Harrogate, from there they would catch a No 36 bus that would transport them to the town of Ripon passing through Ripley has they journeyed north.

The train to Harrogate was less crowded than expected , disruptive roadworks on the main route between Leeds and Harrogate could have caused more  passengers to abandon their commute between these locations and use the rail network instead, not so it seemed on this particular journey, however things would prove very different later on that day.

We eventually arrived in Ripon around 11:40 and soon found ourselves heading off to purchase a lunchtime snack with items from a renowned pie shop and also from Greggs, we sat in the town square to consume these purchases, yum yum.

 From here it was off in search of the imposing minster here in the town, we soon  came across it just a couple of streets away , stood there with all its magnificence and glory. We spent about thirty minutes looking around before heading back towards the bus station in order to take the 1 o’clock bus returning us in the direction of Ripley, this is where we exited the bus and crossed over the road heading for the scenic grounds of Ripley Castle, once through the kitchen garden allotment area it was out into open space with views overlooking the lake and the green pastures of the surrounding countryside, wonderful. While John and Colin went off in search of the magnificent redwood trees that are scattered around the woodland here

 

Dave rested for a while sat on a strategically placed bench enjoying the vistas while he recuperated. About twenty minutes later John and Colin returned having spotted just one large redwood tree with no sign of the rope swing that had been the source of some merriment upon their last visit. From this vantage point the lads now headed for the village green to enjoy the delights of a delicious ice cream courtesy of the rather busy outlet shop here in the heart of the village. As we sat in the shade we couldn’t help but notice the many dozens of girl guides that had descended upon this location also, they too were enjoying their choices of ice creams and goodies from the store. Soon it was time to head for the bus stop just a few yards from where we had been seated and then catch the bus that would return us to Harrogate.

Some twenty minutes later we were back in the town and off to the railway station for our connection back to the city of Leeds, it was whilst at the station and crossing over the footbridge that a fortuitous rendition of a famous Bob Dylan song brought much delight to some fellow passengers, so much so that a rail company employee who we named “Norman” was ready to sign up Colin on a regular basis to entertain the crowd here on platform 3. A lengthy conversation with this young man gave much enjoyment to us all as we climbed aboard our duly awaited train.

Once on board we got ourselves seated along side a fellow passenger who had also witnessed Colin’s entertainment skills so to speak, she proved to be quite chatty as we traveled back to Leeds, a few glasses of wine my have been the reason, she departed the train a few stops before Leeds and left us reflecting upon what an interesting and joyful outing we have experienced today, the company was great and the weather was favourable also.

Arriving back in Leeds just a few minutes before 4:00 pm, it was farewell to each other and take our own separate journeys home. 

Cheers Lads

Thanks yet again for a most interesting day out.

Navigating Newmiller Dam

 Wednesday 19th July 2023.            Navigating  Newmiller

For today’s adventure the lads would be travelling to Newmiller Dam a picturesque setting on the outskirts of Wakefield. This location is on the doorstep for both Dave and Glenn, whilst the rest of the group ie, John , Colin and Brian will travel from Leeds by train to Wakefield, then take the rest of the journey by bus  arriving at Newmiller Dam a few minutes after 11:30.

There would also be 3 guests taking part in today’s outing, relatives of Glenn to be precise, his wife Alison  her brother John and his wife Heather who happened to be on a short visit here in Yorkshire.

As we all gathered at the entrance gate to the dam and with introductions carried out it was best foot forward and begin our navigation so to speak.

Not before too long a predicted heavy rain shower came falling down on us all ,but luckily we were partly protected by the tree canopy over our heads, it only lasted for 10 minutes so no big problem there.

Walking along the group of eight eventually split into smaller numbers with various individuals having interesting conversations with each other. A totally different slant on things today being provided by our guests.

The pathway around the dam was littered with many rainwater puddles that had to be avoided by both us and the many dog walkers that were out and about , luckily no one slipped or fell has we covered the 2 mile journey around the dam, we eventually arrived back at our starting point a few minutes before 1:00 pm. From here we crossed over the road and on towards the Beuley Cafe for a lunchtime meal, some just enjoying tea and cake whilst others ordered a more substantial sustenance. Our conversations continued over lunch with time seaming to fly by it was now soon time for John , Colin and Brian to make their way to the nearby bus stop and take the No 59 transporting them back to Wakefield, we all gathered at the bus stop and bid farewell to each other , thanking our guests for their own particular spin upon today’s adventure here at Newmiller Dam.

Cheers Everyone 

Chester with the Jester

 Blog

Wednesday 12 July 2023

The Royal City of Chester

Todays trip would take the lads to Chester by train catching the 09:43 from Leeds City. Colin was the only one boarding at Leeds, John getting on at Bradford with Derek & Glenn further down the line boarding at Hebden Bridge. The train going via Manchester Victoria and Warrington Bank Quay. The train journey would end in Chester just after 12:00. 

On exiting the station we asked for directions and it wasn’t long before we were on the fifteen minute walk into the City Centre. 

We also bumped into the Town Cryer who was walkabout in this lovely city and he condescended to having his photograph taken with the Noizy Boyz. 

Our first stop was the Cafe Gate where the big boys (Colin&Glenn) ordered a full breakfast and the cheapskates (John& Derek) ordered a small breakfast that wasn’t even on the menu but missed out on delicious mushrooms and baked beans. 

On leaving the café it was a trip over to the Modern Market to use the WC facilities and to marvel at the market layout which catered for a multitude of choices. 

From the Market we meandered down to the River Dee to catch the 14:30  half hour cruise down the river and to learn about Chester’s historic past and some of the resplendent buildings that were on view on either side of the river. 

After the cruise which john really enjoyed, remarking it was just like one of my cruise holidays especially with the sun shining all day so far and not a hint of rain that had been predicted. 

We all then went over to the ice cream seller to purchase a variety of flavours that suited the individual tastes of the four trippers on todays jaunt. 

We then climbed onto the Wall and immediately espied the first cafe that we used “The Cafe at the Walls” where fond memories were rekindled. 

We then sauntered along the wall where we stopped next to the Eastgate Clock at Huxley’s where we also had a refreshing drink and had our photograph taken under the Clock!

It was now getting on and had turned 16:45 so we made our way back to Chester Station for the 17:25 back to Leeds where the participants would disembark in reverse order as to the way they came. 

Derek and Glenn at Hebden and John at Bradford with Colin going all the way to Leeds arriving at 19:42. 

Another lovely day out with the weather being kind all day.

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

  Wednesday 5th July 2023.                 Meaningful  Morley

It would be for more reasons than one that the Lads would visit the West Yorkshire town of Morley today

Firstly a prearranged meeting at the Lime Tree Restaurant as a means of a belated birthday celebration ,for one of our dear friends Keith Bland had been organised . A meeting time of midday was scheduled and it would be a group of seven that would partake in a lunchtime meal.

The group consisted of John, Colin, Glenn, Derek, Dave, Russ and of course Keith. We soon found ourselves sat at an appropriate table with drinks on order the various conversations began between each other. One of the main topics being discussed was that of the recent loss of an old work colleague and prominent figure in the rugby league fraternity. His name was Trevor Leathley, it soon became apparent that he had been a somewhat larger than life character who had made the most of what life had to offer him in more ways than one.

 For me personally I never had the opportunity of meeting him , but for the rest of the Lads ,according to their various memories and stories they told, he had left a long and lasting impression to say the least.

A good hour or so was spent talking about his various antics and escapades has the lads consumed their lunches here in the Lime Tree Cafe. Other topics were also mentioned ,that of future outings and adventures with a suggested visit to the city of Chester upcoming.

As the time approached 2:15 and a smile on all our faces with what had been discussed it was farewell to the town of Morley has we began our homeward journeys.

Cheers Everyone 

10th Anniversary

                                  10 Year Anniversary 

Way back in 2013 a group of old work colleague’s from Charles F Thackray, decided to embark on a series of walking journeys, a couple of the group had previous undergone such adventures,so were able to come up with a few ideas.They were mainly canal side walks and visiting historical buildings etc with a pub meal thrown in.

It was on a certain visit to the railway museum at York, the so called Great Gathering, an occasion where Locomotives of a certain A 4 Class build were on show, namely the Mallard, Union of South Africa, Dwight D Eisenhower , Bittern , Sir Nigel Gresley and Dominion of Canada. It was also a great gathering of these ex employees of Charles Thackray as well.

At this point in time a more consistent approach was made to their adventures with a possible trek out once a month and more distant venues being considered to explore. As the months and years progressed the list of places visited also grew, a few non work colleagues joined this group, the self acclaimed Thackray’s Intrepid Traveler’s Society, Tits for short!

Visits to cities such as London, Liverpool , Lincoln , Sheffield, Bradford and York have been undertaken along with a regular adventure to Scarborough, a favourite haunt for these traveler’s. Other coastal locations have been included in their wonderings, Blackpool, Morecambe , Southport and Lytham along with Llandudno on the West coast. Bridlington , Filey, Cleethorpes , Hull and Hornsea on the East coast and many,many others have welcomed these so called Lads who have enjoyed every moment spent in the company of each other over the years.

A log of all these adventures as been kept, along with the names of those taking part.

Obviously things haven’t always run smoothly, but with the various skills and ingenuity that the group possess they have turned disappointments and mishaps into successful experiences , along with their odd bursts in to song have amused their fellow travelers , being it on railway journeys or just a simple bus ride.

Over the last few years they have changed their title to the Midweek Marauders and a blog is now written about each adventure along with  photographs from these exploits. The adventure log now comes in the form of a spreadsheet and is readily available to browse.

A few small books containing photos have been printed along with a couple of posters which have brought much joy to the lads.

As you can imagine their spirits are still willing to adventure on to pastures new, but alas their bodies lack the stamina to go those extra miles whilst out walking now, so a much more leisurely approach as been adopted with the average walk of 4 to 5 miles now considered the order of the day, gone are the 9 to 12 mile hikes sadly. Nevertheless I am sure that they will continue for many more years to come ,the enthusiasm is still there and there are lots of different places to explore and visit. So best foot forward and carry on trekking Lads.

Never in a million years at the beginning of all this did they ever expect or imagine , what vast amounts of adventures they would pursue and accomplish , all with good hearted fun and enjoyment to say the least. More than 250 under their belts since they started way back in July 2013, a great testimony to their true

Friendships and beliefs.

Prominent members of this group over the years have been :-

John  Hey.                           Chief Coordinator and Logistics 

Eddie Hampshire.              Enthusiastic Supporter

Steve. Middleton.               Early Guidance Support 

Colin Hendrick Ward.        Communications Expert

Derek  Lee.                         Food Organiser

John  Howarth.                  Enthusiastic Support 

Les.    Watson.                             “               “

Jeff.   Dugan.                               “               “

Keith  Bland.                                “               “

Kevin. Shaw.                                “.              “

Malcolm Barker.                         “               “

Brian. Pickles.                             “               “

Dave. Dean.                       Photographer and Blog Writer 

Alan. Johnson.                   Enthusiastic Support 

Glenn.  Walton.                  New Enthusiastic Support 

Russ.  Parkinson.               New Occasional Support