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.