Getting Known at Knaresborough

 Wednesday 14th January 2026          Getting Known at Knaresborough 

Today marks a milestone in one of the Lads achievements, the person in question is me, Dave.

It’s been 10 years since I began sharing the friendship of this walking group and what a 10 years it as been. So many outings and adventures we have experienced and enjoyed together. 

This visit to the North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough was yet another one to add to that list.

It would be a group of 8 of us that would emerge from the railway station here in the town, market day was in flow, even though it had been a cold start to the day for the Lads, train cancellations adding some delay to our final arrival time, that of almost midday. A chance meeting with the Town Crier and his accomplice bringing some excitement to all concerned as we mingled with the crowd. 

A lunchtime meal appointment was secured at the Lavender Tea Rooms situated in the market square, so after a brief tour of the various stalls we didn’t have far to go for lunch. It was 12:30 when John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin, John Howarth, Glenn and Mark set foot inside the Tea Rooms and climbed the rather old and steep stairs to our allotted tables etc on the first floor. This particular building dating back a few hundred years, very quaint to say the least.

Not before too long our respective orders were taken and our conversations began to flow, yet again the main topic was geared around upcoming arrangements etc, notes added to our dairies but only in pencil as things can alter as the days go by.

Some 15 minutes later our meals arrived and we began to enjoy them very much so, indeed most of us feeling very satisfied with what we had chosen. 

We spent just over an hour in this cosy setting before venturing outside and on towards the Castle ruins and admire the views from this vantage point overlooking the river down below us, a brief moment was spent here before we began to make our way back towards the railway station in order to catch our returning train at 14:40.

 

Mark was the first to leave the train at his appropriate station,  the rest of us travelling on to Leeds, from here then taking our respective homeward bound journey.

Upon  reflection although not much walking was actually done, it was great to be together yet again.

Cheers Everyone.

Meet-up in Leeds

 Wednesday 7th January 2026               Meet-up in Leeds

This would be the first of the years get-together for the Lads, seven of them converging in Leeds Railway Station at about midday. It was a cold start for all of them, freezing overnight temperatures adding to the underfoot conditions as they now made their way through the streets of the city heading in the direction of the Royal Armouries and the surrounding area. Their intended target was that of Pizza Express outlet, but on way they chose a different venue, that of the Joshua Tetley building.

So it was Keith, John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin and Glenn that set foot inside this reinvigorated establishment, much to their delight. The whole ground floor was now a large bar and eating area with plenty of seating facilities to suit all occasions etc.

The Lads choosing an appropriate table and making themselves feel at home so to speak. Not before too long the menu had been browsed over and their individual choices along with a drink ordered.

It was about twenty minutes before their meals were served, so as per usual the main topic of conversation was what were the final arrangements for the upcoming outings etc, along with this the lads talked about past events and each other’s health issues that have to be considered when making their plans etc.

Everyone seamed to be pleased with this change of venue, so with our meals enjoyed and the time now at a few minutes after 2 pm it was farewell to the Joshua Tetley building and make our respective journeys homeward bound.

Yet another great day out with the Lads 

Cheers Everyone