Roundhay Roundup

 Wednesday 26th March 2025.               Roundhay Roundup 

Today would see a bunch of the Lads heading for Roundhay Park and meet up at the Mansion at about 11:30. Their mission was to join an old work colleague of theirs and enjoy each other’s company whilst reminiscing days of yore! That man would be no other than Tim Kearney, so it was Keith, John, Derek, Dave, Colin, Mark and Russ  that would meet him there.

As you can imagine the conversations were rife with many an interesting story attached to them, names from the past, seldom remembered although their stories are forever etched in the memories from Thackeray’s.

As the lads chatted away consuming their various snacks the time seemed to just fly by and soon 2 and a half hours of thorough delight had passed. It was after 2pm now and time to say farewell to Tim as we escorted him to an awaiting car driven by his wife , Keith and Russ also left us at this point taking their own car journeys home, so it was just five of us that participated in a short walk down through the park which was now bathed in glorious sunshine and so pleasant, eventually we reached the far entrance and crossed over the road in order to take the No 98 bus back into the city centre and then make our respective journeys home.

A great time was had by All

Cheers Everyone 

Walton Wanderers

 Wednesday 19th March 2025.                    Walton Wonderers

As the title suggests, today’s outing for the Lads will take them to the village of Walton, a suburb of Wakefield. The gang will consist of Derek, John, Colin, Brian, Mark, Russ and Dave, all congregating at the railway station of Sandal/Agbrigg at around 10:30.

Once eventually all had gathered it was best foot forward and this particular adventure began, a short distance along the main road first, then off onto the pathway taking them to the old disused Barnsley Canal and follow its towpath for almost a mile leading them to the Walton Colliery Nature Reserve. Once in this location there is a wide variety of different pathways that can be taken, the choice is ours.

It was the medium length of distance we took, on through a wooded area and passing alongside a few lakes and an old railway line before eventually reaching the nearby car park. From here it is just a few hundred yards to our intended lunch time meal venue, a newly opened cafe named Buttons that came highly recommended and it proved to be so. We really did enjoy our choice of meals sat outside in the pleasant sunshine we were blessed with today. We spent almost an hour sat here at Buttons Cafe before it was time to say farewell to Walton at begin our various journeys homeward bound, Russ was first to leave followed by the rest of us, the nearby bus stop coming in very convenient to transport us back to Sandal/ Agbrigg railway station. 

Upon reaching the station it was a disappointment for the Leeds Lads to find out the next two trains from here to Leeds had been cancelled. With about an hour to wait for the next available train the lads made their way back towards the bus stop and take a bus into the city of Wakefield where a couple of options could be taken. Again unfortunately it was only a train that would get them back to Leeds.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was most rewarding at times, great just to be out in the fresh air and enjoying the company and the fine weather accompanied by great food.

Cheers Everyone.

Visit to the 509

 Wednesday 12th March 2025.              Visit to the 509

The 509 is the appropriate name of the cafe situated on a corner of the high street in Outwood, a suburb of Wakefield and Leeds. 

For today’s adventure here at Outwood four of the Lads would meet up at the local railway station and then take a walk around the Lofthouse Colliery Nature Reserve, those four would be John, Colin, Brian and Dave, Derek would join them later once they reached the 509 cafe at about midday.

The weather was kind to the Lads has they embarked on their journey even though the original forecast was for rain from early morning, this didn’t come to fruition, they only suffered some very minor light showers.

Their walk proved to be quite exhilarating at times taking a slightly different route than their previous excursions, sunny intervals were on offer for most of their journey as they ambled along.

After almost an hour and a half of walking the 4 lads found themselves approaching the cafe and now a chance for a cuppa before Derek arrived and then their lunchtime meals could be served.

The lads were able to get seated at an appropriate table just in time as some 10 minutes later the cafe became rather crowded. Good choice of food selection and at very reasonable prices would be the cause of this,no doubt.

Our meals consumed and future plans discussed it was time to say farewell to the 509 and take our respective journeys homeward bound.

Upon reflection today’s adventure turned out pretty well. considering what could have happened.

The best laid plans of mice and men ! so to speak.

Cheers Everyone Anyway 

Mark’s Birthday Bash

 Wednesday 5th March 2025.           Mark’s  Birthday  Bash

Today’s Birthday Celebration will take place at a venue in the heart of Leeds, the venue in question is that of the Whitelocks Ale House, a three hundred year old establishment with a rather quaint atmosphere so to speak. It was 9 of the Lads that participated, those being, Keith, John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin, Glenn, Russ and obviously birthday boy himself Mark.

A table had been booked well in  advance as it can get very busy, this turned out to be so. 1:00 pm was our scheduled time to take our seats along with the many other customers. 

Various methods of transport had been used to get the lads to this venue on time which included walking, bus rides and train journeys, all proving worthwhile. Our meals here at the Whitelocks Inn were enjoyed with great pleasure and so was the company that was sat around our table. Plenty of laughs and joking taking place as you can imagine over the almost 2 hours we spent here. The customary birthday song was sang to Mark , much to his delight, with a few other customers joining in our rendition, Great Stuff.

A memorable time was had by All

Cheers Everyone