Bewildering Bishopthorpe

 Wednesday 28th February 2024.        Bewildering Bishopthorpe

As the title suggests, today’s outing for the Lads was a rather bizarre event to say the least.

It all began with a telephone message to John, it said that our intended outing today was not going to take place due to a rather late cancellation by our prearranged guide.

So yet again Plan B was quickly put into action, a random internet search of possible walks in the city of York the night before by Dave had thrown up a possible alternative, so with map in hand and a sort of bus schedule to consider, this new approach was put into place.

All this rearranging taking place on board the 10:30 train heading from Leeds to York, those considering this alternative were John, Brian, Colin, Mark, Glenn, Derek and Dave.

On arrival at York it was a hastily purchase of a meal deal at the Sainsbury’s outlet before heading for the bus stop situated outside the railway station, unfortunately it turned out to be the wrong place, we should have been on the opposite side of the road, as our intended bus came and went. A look of confusion now ensued, but moments later a solution appeared in the form of a indication board informing the lads that a No.11 bus was due in a few minutes time that would transport them to the village of Bishopsthorpe, sigh of relief.

Once aboard the bus further inspections of the map were  pondered over with a few other passengers having their input. However a couple of stops further down the Main Street in Bishopsthorpe than intended we alighted the bus and headed for a footpath that would take us in the direction of the river Ouse. Once by the riverside we now headed in a southerly direction , eventually reaching open views of the river which was quite wide at some points, many boats and sailing craft were moored along this stretch of water .

45 minutes into our walk we considered resting for a short while in order to consume our meal deal snacks plus shelter from a rather cold breeze which was blowing in our faces on this outward journey. Another half mile or so found us outside the Ship Inn and from this point our return journey back across open fields to the village of Bishopsthorpe.

From here we eventually boarded a bus taking us back to the city of York and once again we had stood at the wrong bus stop for a while, it would be the No21 bus rushing through the outskirts and streets of the city reaching the railway station at a few minutes before 3 o’clock giving us just enough time to purchase a cuppa etc. Minutes later we were on board the 15:20 taking us back to Leeds and from there our respective homeward journeys.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was full of mishaps interspersed with endless enjoyment and fun, plus no rain to contend with.

Cheers Everyone.

 Wednesday 21st February 2024

Bowling Battle 

Today’s adventure walking along the canal from Woodlesford to the outskirts of Leeds was postponed due to the shocking weather. 

Nevertheless the lads rallied round and decided on another Ten-Pin Bowling session. 

This would take the Lads back to an establishment in the heart of Leeds, a place they visited quite a few weeks back. Which  brought much excitement and pleasure for them.

So it was Colin , Brian, Mark, Derek and John, that would step forward once again and set foot inside this building. 

The building in question is the refurbished Ten Pin Bowling Alley situated in the Merrion Centre in the city. A suggested time of 11:00 was agreed for the group to meet up, so after the formal handshakes it was a change of footwear for some and step up to the mark so to speak.

We were assigned lane 26, so with the scorecard filled in alphabetically Brian once again was first into action bowling with a rather decent bowling action his good form stayed with him throughout our first game closely followed by Colin and Derek, the rest of us just plodding along trying to get into some sort of rhythm. 

Eventually things began to change as each frame passed us by with a couple of Strikes entered on the scorecard. 

However, It would be Brian and Colin who came out on top for our first game with unfortunately a score of less than 100 for both of them, with a winning score of 87, well done Brian and Colin. 

Now on to our second game, maybe a different result this time round with our skills slightly improved. 

However, Colin did improve and came out the winner but only just in front of Derek. John started off like a train but soon ran out of steam. At one time he thought he was going to be asked to play for the over 80’s but alas it never transpired. 

The overall winner when combining both games was Colin the Champion with Derek securing second place, well done to both of them.

At the end after a very enjoyable two hour session the lads all made their individual ways home and were looking forward to their day out in York. 

 

Wednesday 14 February 2024

Ossett Greenway Revisited 

It was the 10:15 from Leeds to Liverpool and alighting at Dewsbury that most of us would be catching today with Brian, John, Mark and Colin meeting in the station. 

We arrived in Dewsbury at 10:25 and made our way down to the Bus Station to catch the 10:41 to Wakefield alighting at Ossett. It would be the 126 that would convey us to Ossett. Just before we got to the bus station we were joined on the bus by Derek.

Dave would not be joining us today as he was doing a spot of childminding for the family. 

Arriving in Ossett at just after 10:00 we then waited for Glenn who was travelling from Wakefield. Unfortunately his bus was cancelled so this delayed us for about twenty minutes or so. 

We walked from the bus station towards the Greenway and picked up some food for later on the way. 

We joined the Greenway and the Panoramic views were excellent with one of the landmarks instantaneously in view “Emley Moor.”

We followed the path towards Dewsbury and what a pleasant walk it was we seemed miles from anywhere and it was so peaceful and quiet. 

We soon approached the valley in Earlsheaton where in bygone days it was an active railway community.  

A little further on we walked under Earlsheaton Tunnel and then we stopped for a bite to eat and a chat finalising our future trips. 

We then set off again and instead of going over the viaduct this time we turned right and headed towards Savile Town and into a trading estate before crossing over the road and into Dewsbury and settling down in Cloggs, a coffeehouse that was extremely welcoming and served delicious food where we all enjoyed a bite to eat and a hot drink. 

It was now getting time to leave around 14:15 so we all made our ways back home to Wakefield, Otley, Ossett, Bingley, Morley and Beeston catching the necessary trains and buses home. 

Another lovely day out and it was great to have a sunny and warm day at last!

Colin Hendrick Ward

Addingham back to Ilkley

 Wednesday 7th February 2024.        Addingham back to Ilkley 

Today’s outing for the Lads will represent a significant milestone in their exploits of over the last decade. It will be their 300 Adventure, what a great achievement for this so called Walking Group.

To mark this milestone the Lads have chosen to revisit one of their earliest outings with a trip that will take them to the lovely village setting of Addingham and then take the rather scenic route back towards Ilkley. In doing so they will picnic at a location that is dear to them, Postman’s Shelter.

Today’s participants will be John, Colin, Brian, Derek, Dave and Glenn putting their best foot forward and enjoy what proved to be a successful adventure, the weather was perfect and the company was great.

It would be the 10:33 train leaving Leeds heading for Ilkley that 5 of the group would travel , John would be waiting for them , from the railway station at Ilkley the six boarded a bus taking them to Church Street, Addingham then their walking began, just a short distance to the suspension bridge that spans the rather fast running river Wharf on this occasion.

 

Now it was follow the footpath for a few hundred yards before joining a country lane that would take them in the direction of the hamlet of Nesfield and the Postman’s Shelter strategically positioned there. This country lane was fraught with danger at times the lads having to avoid the speeding cyclists from time to time. 50 minutes after crossing the river the lads were now enjoying their picnic lunches sat in close proximity to their chosen venue. Quite a while was spent here just enjoying the moment reminiscing the fond moments spent here in times gone by. 

Sunshine and sandwiches in a picturesque setting, wonderful. From  this point it would be downhill travel for the next mile or so until we crossed back over the river now in the town of Ilkley and a steady uphill climb heading towards the railway station.

The lads now participating in a cuppa etc sat in the warmth of the station cafe, John leaving first in order to catch his homeward journey, the rest of us left some 10 minutes later to board our train heading for Leeds 14:40. 

Upon reflection today’s milestone adventure was simply great.

Cheers everyone.

300 Adventures.

 Author Name.  Dave Dean

26 January 2024

 

300 Adventures 

                      300  Adventures and still going strong 

From just a so called One Off outing by 3 previous employees of Charles F Thackery ,who would believed that some 10 years later that they, along with other former work colleagues and their friends would have accomplished such a vast amount of Adventures. Each and every one of these outings has been treasured by all those able to take part in, in one way or another.

In the early beginning of this group’s formation the outings consisted mainly of scenic walks and visiting historical sites and buildings etc. One year on and it would be a group of 6 that descended the mine shaft at the Yorkshire Mining Museum which is located on the outskirts of Wakefield. The group now broadening their horizons with visits to Lancaster, Morecambe ,Scarborough, Durham and the facilities at Jodrell Bank along with an outing to the Wildlife Centre near Doncaster.

Into their 3rd. Year with the group averaging a membership of 7 , the Lads continued with more frequent outings, taking in visits to the city’s of York, Liverpool and Lincoln plus seaside locations of Heysham Port, Robinhoods Bay along with Sandsend  and Whitby, Carlisle was also visited along with many canal side walks in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Into the 4th year and a couple of bike rides were accomplished at the resorts of Cleethorpes and Southport with another thrown in near Whitby all to the enjoyment of those taking to the saddle.

Riverboat rides have been encountered at Durham, Chester and Newark, with many miles of train journeys endured in order to explore and experience the many, many varied opportunities out there, Eden Camp, Elvington and Doncaster Air Museums, Fish and Chip establishments along with Ice Cream Parlours, underground Bunkers and War Memorabilia , visiting the bygone days at Beamish along with nostalgic steam train journeys at Bury and Howarth. The Flying Scotsman and The Union of South Africa.

As the years progressed many more locations were added to their inventory along with many return visits to their favourite places, some new horizons included Ladybower Reservoir the Heights of Abraham, not forgetting the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct and the magnificent views from the summit of Whernside. Even a trip to the Welsh resort of Llandudno was accomplished along with A few trips to our capital city of London  being encountered, each with its own special memorable moments of significance and splendour and that was just the ride on the Underground .

London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey , Cutty Sark, Greenwich and HMS Belfast plus the Tower of London.

The Lads have taken the opportunity to explore and experience a vast array of memorable moments during these last 10 years, but they have also come with sad and poignant times as well , in the loss of a few comrades , but newer faces have come to replace them and brought their own spin to our outings and ventures with a more youthful perspective. The older generation keeping them in check most times .

More recently visited locations have been the historical sites of both  Kirkstall Abbey and Conisborough Castle along with moments spent by the riverside in Chester, Otley and Saltaire.

Meetings have also been arranged to see former colleagues in their choice of locations,be it a nearby cafe or care homes etc. 

Several Christmas lunch gatherings have taken place, each one vying to be top spot, the Woolly Knit holds the title at the present time, followed closely by the Railway Inn. Other venues have facilitated these Lads to celebrate birthday occasions or just a brief meet up to discuss future plans.

Catering for the Lads nutritional supplies on these many adventures as been provided by the odd J D Wetherspoon’s establishment or a nearby Greggs and a selected local Butcher’s shop have been frequented, for their pork pie specials etc.

Picnics have been had in picturesque meadows on hillside slopes or just by the riverside in rather dodgy weather conditions much to the enjoyment of all participating.

Nobody has ever come to any serious harm during there years of escapades only their pride dented from time to time by the odd stumble or fall , don’t even think a plaster as ever been applied.

They have had to suffer delays and cancellations but took all of these adversities in their stride, rearranging plans at the last minute in order to bring enjoyment and not despair. 

The adventures will take place and so will many more in the coming years to add to the already 300 that they have accomplished.

Keep on Adventuring Lads.

A Lucky Strike at Leeds

 Wednesday 31st. January 2024.        A Lucky Strike at Leeds

Today’s adventure for the Lads would take them to an establishment in the heart of Leeds, a place they visited quite a few years ago now. Back then it brought much excitement and pleasure for them.

So it was Colin , Brian, Mark, John, Derek and Dave that would step forward once again and set foot inside this building. The building in question is the refurbished Ten Pin Bowling Alley situated in the Merrian shopping centre in the city. A suggested time of midday was agreed for the group to meet up, so after the formal handshakes it was a change of footwear for some and step up to the mark so to speak.

We were assigned lane 15, so with the scorecard filled in alphabetically Brian was first into action bowling with a rather decent bowl knocking over 8 pins , his good form stayed with him throughout our first game closely followed by Derek, the rest of us just plodding along trying to get into some sort of rhythm. Eventually things began to change as each frame passed us by with a couple of Strikes entered on the scorecard. 

It would be Brian that came out on tops for our first game with a score of over 100, well deserved Brian. Now on to our second game, maybe a different result this time round with our skills slightly improved.

Not quite the start we all expected ,a poor showing on our first frame then things began to take off with Strikes coming thick and fast for a couple of us, the scoreboard screen above us being closely monitored all the time as the game progressed, it was a close run contest in the end with only 18 points difference between us all.

With over 2 hours of thrills and excitement these two games of Ten Pin Bowling have proved to be of great significance in lifting everyone’s spirits and competitive nature. Well worth the effort. Looking forward to the next time .

Cheers Everyone.