Likeable Lincoln

 Wednesday 17th July 2024.                Likeable Lincoln 

What a very interesting day was in store for the Lads today, little did they know what the outcome would be! as they all travelled to the ancient city of Lincoln, various train time schedules had been put in place that would involve travelling to Doncaster and then from platform 5 at the departing time of 9:47 it would be John, Colin, Derek, Brian, Glenn, Mark and Dave that boarded a East Midland Railway train heading for Lincoln, once there they would meet up with Jeff Duggan who had travelled from his home town of Sleaford. The train was on time and Jeff greeted us as we got off the train, time about 10:40 am.

After a few moments greeting him and discussing our intended plans for the day , John went in search of a bus timetable in Order to confirm our afternoon plan. Once he returned we then all climbed aboard a city bus that would whisk us up the very steep road heading for the Magnificent Cathedral here in the city. We soon found ourselves outside this splendid structure and stood in ore at its sheer size and wonderful stonework etc. A few brief moments were spent inside the building reading some of the many artefacts before we ventured on through a city gateway and on towards the summit of the so-called Steep Hill Street, from here it would be a steady descent over the cobblestones until we reached the more level ground of the city centre. We were in search of a recommended lunchtime meal cafe,  going by the name of Rising Cafe , it would be a mobile phone app that eventually got us there, what a great place to have come across to say the least, we whiled away almost an hour and a quarter enjoying our meals and the various conversations that brought back reminiscing times of days gone by, great banter and work related stories. 

Soon it was time to leave this establishment and venture a little further, not before saying a big thank you to the staff here at Rising Cafe. A good 10 minutes walk now found our group of eight inside the relatively new bus station building in search of the appropriate coach that would transport us to our next destination, that of the International Bomber Command Centre, a ten minutes ride away, a little confusion ensued for a moment or two before we eventually boarded a number 2 bus heading part of the way there. Little did we expect to get dropped off only halfway up the hillside leading to this memorable building, it was a bit of a struggle for some of the Lads to complete the journey to the entrance door, but we eventually made it.

Once inside the building we were now able to view the vast amount of information boards telling stories of what this entire complex was put in place for, a history of the events that took place during WW 2 , short films showing the various conflicts throughout this period were able to be watched as well, what a fascinating experience for all of us, topped off by a short guided tour around the memorial gardens and an insight into why this project was built here on the hilltop overlooking the city of Lincoln.

With our schedule returning train journeys looming, it was back to a nearby bus stop and take the relatively short rideback in the direction of the city and it’s Train Station etc, not before consuming a delightful ice cream courtesy of Brian and John whilst sat enjoying the beautiful sunshine that we had been blessed with today.

 

We said our farewell to Jeff and wished him a safe journey home as we made our way to platform No 5 and climb aboard our 16:17 train hopefully heading for Retford and then make a connection to Doncaster.What happened on this particular journey can only be explained as hilarious, fraught with confusion but enjoyable to all concerned, even our travelling companions aboard this train were subjected to our ramblings, all brought about by a text message to Derek informing him that his onward journey from Retford to Doncaster and from Doncaster to Wakefield was experiencing some delays, this would affect all of us, various conversations now ensued even involving the very helpful ticket inspector, a pretty young girl who went beyond her call of duty to resolve our journey plan, did we stay on this train and accept it would be a rather lengthy journey in the direction of Leeds, calling at numerous stations along the way , or risk leaving it at Retford and assume our train to Doncaster would suddenly appear on time. The decision was made, off the train we got, only quickly to get back on again after a brief update from our pleasant ticket inspector informing us there were further delays to our intended train to Doncaster. So it was sit back and enjoy this rather time consuming journey, as we began to tick off the various stations along our way. John was still concerned about the final arrival time at Leeds by this particular train so much so he continued to find an alternative solution much to his dismay he couldn’t come up with a solution.

It would a change of plans for Derek, Dave and Glenn as they left the train at Kirkgate  station instead of Wakefield Westgate, not too much of a problem for them , Colin, John, Brian and Mark now travelling on to Leeds , hopefully arriving at around 6:45 pm.but alas , an unexpected delay near Normanton caused the final arrival time to change somewhat, It was well after 8 pm when John got home.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was full of excitement and intrigue, plus what can be gleaned from fellow travellers on the rail network, some will enjoy our banter whilst others may think we are a noisy bunch of old men. Knowing all this I think we will still ride the Rails etc.

Cheers Everyone for a rather interesting day!!

Wilsden to Cullingworth

 Wednesday 10th July 2024              Wilsden Wondering 

It would be best foot forward for the Lads today has they tread their way along the scenic paths and country lanes of this particular area of West Yorkshire. The area in question is that of Wilsden and its close neighbour Cullingworth.

It would be a group of 7 that would participate in this adventure, Colin, Mark, Glenn, Derek, Malcolm, Dave and finally John, whose locality we are exploring. The lads all met up at Bingley Railway Station about 10:45 this was in order to catch the little green number 4 bus waiting outside the station, it would then wind it’s way up the country roads leading out of Bingley and on to the far reaches of Wilsden and finally drop them off at a spot known locally as Harecroft. From this point it would be John taking the lead  up a steady incline lane and on towards a great advantage view of the surrounding landscape. Off in the distance we could see our intended target, that of Hewenden Viaduct , a reminder of the Victorian era and the structures that were built to accommodate a vast expanding railway network. This particular section being that of the Great Northern Railway, we would eventually cross this viaduct at some point on our journey, first we have to navigate the country lanes and pathways that would lead us there. 

Several stops along our journey were taken just to appreciate what was out there, the rolling hillsides crisscrossed with drystone walls, cows and sheep grazing in the fields, the odd wind turbines that were dotted all around us talking good advantage of this location. After over an hour’s walking we eventually came to to viaduct and a few moments spent here enjoying its splendour and the magnificent views it provided us with, up to now the weather was favourable with none of the expected rain actually falling on us, a blessing to say the least.

Once we had all successfully crossed the viaduct we continued along the track until we were able to access a suitable roadway taking us into the town of Cullingworth and locate the bus stop and to rest awhile whilst catching our breath from a hurried last few hundred yards or so ,from here where we could take a bus back towards Bingley and take advantage of a local cafe for a well earned lunchtime meal. The premises were that of the Loft Cafe situated on the high street here in Bingley and what an enjoyable meal was had by all, served with very helpful and accommodating staff. 

It was just a short distance from the cafe to the railway station so no need to hurry over our meals as we discussed arrangements for the upcoming trip to Lincoln, eventually some train time schedule was agreed upon. As the cafe clock told us it was a little before 2:30pm Colin and Malcolm made their exit in order to take an earlier train back to Leeds, the rest of us leaving the cafe some 15 minutes later. John remained in Bingley and waved us goodbye as we left the railway station on our way back to Leeds and our further journeys home.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was most enjoyable, being out in the fresh air with great company a little taxing at times with over 4 miles covered,but we were able to overcome these anxieties.

Cheers Everyone.

Brian’s Birthday Bash

 Wednesday 3rd July 2024                  Brian’s  Birthday Bash

As the title suggests, today the lads are celebrating the occasion of Brian’s birthday with a visit to the West Yorkshire town of Saltaire. They plan to carry out a circular walk which will include walking along the canal bank and then return along the riverbank ending up at the Boathouse Inn for a lunch time meal.

It was a group of seven that participated in the walk, those being Colin, Mark, Derek, Dave, Glenn, Malcolm and of course Birthday Boy himself Brian, joining them for the meal would be Keith, who would be in for a memorable surprise. John unfortunately having to withdraw from this outing due to last minute commitments.

The seven lads doing the walk met up at the railway station in Saltaire at about 10:45, from the station it is just a short distance down to the canal side and the beginning of their 3 mile walk. It was a pleasurable walk with the odd siting of wildlife ,the weather stayed favourable with no rain falling upon us at all. Along the way we sang the customary happy birthday song for the pleasure of Brian with some other fellow walkers joining our rendition.

We were scheduled to meet up with Keith outside the Boathouse Inn at about 12:15 and that was what happened, a table had been pre booked for 12:30 so they were expecting our group. It wasn’t too long before we found ourselves seated at the cafe and ordering our drinks along with our individual preferred meal options.With our lunches enjoyed the conversation turned to future plans and travel arrangements along with a surprise presentation for Keith. 

A few weeks earlier he had celebrated his 80th birthday, so to honour this event the rest of the Lads had clubbed together and purchased a most memorable gift in acknowledgement of the true friendship that they share with him, he was truly gratefully overwhelmed by this gesture.

Upon reflection today’s celebrations were what can be achieved through great friendships .

Well Done Everyone.

Selby Trip

 On 26th June 4 intrepid travellers, Derek, Glenn, Brian and Mark, ventured from Leeds to Selby on the 10.27 train. We arrived in Selby just prior to 11am and set off for a short walk along the canal. On a very hot and sunny day, we decided to walk for half an hour outwards and then return to Selby which we duly did. Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun after all!!!. We then retired to Wetherill's department store restaurant for an excellent lunch. Three of the group had steak pie,chips and veg, which they reported to be excellent, and one a very large and tasty chip butty!. Teas and coffees were also taken. Following lunch, we ambled across the road to Selby Abbey, where on entering the four of us were given a special invitation to the wedding blessing of a Taiwanese couple which was taking place there. It was quite a special affair, with  a barn owl delivering the wedding rings to the couple!. The abbey is excellent with many memorials from the World Wars including a Victoria Cross winning RAF pilot who flew from a nearby air base. Following our memorable abbey visit we decamped to the George Inn next door for drinks and a long chat about the old days at Thackrays and their sports teams. After 4pm it was getting towards time to head for the railway station for our train back to Leeds, which arrived back there at 5.20pm, rounding off an excellent visit to Selby.

Hull

 We convened at Leeds station on 19th June 2024 for a Wednesday trip to Hull. Derek, Glenn, Brian and myself. We caught the 10.27 train and arrived in Hull an hour later. We first headed for the Museum Quarter, and found ourselves at the Streetlife museum. This told of the history of transport in the city and was excellent. We spent a good hour and a half to two hours wandering round this fascinating museum. Horse drawn carriages, trams, buses and even an old railway signal box which had been moved to the museum brick by brick. We then retired to the Lion and Key public house for some well earned lunch. An excellent curry and a drink each later and it was after 2.30pm. Thus refreshed, we returned to the Museum Quarter, this time to the Hull and East Riding Archaeological Museum.

The artefacts here were stunning, with the majority of them having been discovered locally on digs. Of particular interest were the mosaics, Roman in origin and in superb condition. There were plenty of these to admire. Also many ancient brooches, clasps and rings. We can only imagine the excitement of the archaeologists who discovered these fine pieces. A highly recommended museum. Time was now getting on so we headed back towards the railway station, stopping off for a swift cup of coffee at an excellent cafe, prior to catching the 17.03 train back to Leeds. A superb day!....

Scenic Scarborough

 Wednesday 12th June 2024              Scenic Scarborough 

For today’s adventure the Lads would be revisiting the East Coast resort of Scarborough, a well known Yorkshire seaside town. It will be Colin, John, Brian, Mark and Dave that board a train in Leeds at 10:16 and eventually arrive in the resort a few minutes before midday, there to meet them will be Alan

 

. From the railway station here at Scarborough the six of them ventured in the direction of the South Bay area of the town, a more affluent suburb populated by large Victorian houses from them bygone days. This part of their walk took them along the Esplanade heading towards Shuttleworth Gardens passing a property that had a purpose built underground passageway leading under the road and coming out just above the Italian Gardens a cultivated area in the cliffs overlooking the sea.

The lads continued their downward journey passing the Italian Gardens intent on reaching the Clock Tower Cafe which they eventually did at about 1pm. Finding a suitable place to sit the lads now enjoying a relaxing time with a cuppa and a light bite to eat.

 

The next hour seemed to fly by, so their intended journey was cut short, it would have been a bus ride along the seafront as far as North Bay then a steady walk back along Marine Drive into the heart of the resort, instead it was a short stroll along the beach towards the harbour area and find a suitable place for lunch, much to the lads dismay their intended fish and chip restaurants where either unexpectedly closed or had no available seating. Plan B or C was now considered, Alan had recommended an alternative fish restaurant back further up the main road leading to the railway station, after a few moments of hesitation we now entered Princess Cafe, what a most enjoyable meal of fish and chips we were treated to, yum yum.Thanking the Russian proprietor as we left, from here it was a steady uphill walk heading for the Station and catch the 15:57 train back to Leeds.

Alan waving us goodbye from the platform edge as the train pulled away from the station, this particular train was a direct train back to Leeds, no need to change at York like our outbound journey , so settling back in our seats we began to reflect upon today’s adventure. The weather was not perfect a little unseasonably cold to start off with, then a warmer feel ensued for a short while, we got caught in a rain shower whilst walking on the beach and also endured about 15 minutes of sunshine, not great for mid June.

Another unexpected occurrence on our return train journey was that at some point after Church Fenton it took a slightly different trackway back to Leeds, passing through Sherburn in Elmet, Castleford, Normanton etc. No explanations given.

We did arrive at Leeds at the schedule time however, 17:36

Another great day out with the Lads 

Cheers Everyone 

Keith’s 80th Birthday Bash

 Wednesday 5th June 2024                 Keith’s 80th Birthday Bash 

Just a few days before his actual birthday eight of the Lads along with Keith would travel to The Railway Inn, a local hostelry located near Drighlington a suburb of Leeds.

Gathered at the table would be John, Brian, Derek, Colin, Glenn, Mark, Russ, Dave and our host Keith.

The Lads arriving just after midday at this very busy and popular establishment, mainly because of its reputation for serving very enjoyable food. We were not disappointed with all of our choices and the service was excellent, we thoroughly appreciated this chance to meet up with great delight and help our good friend Keith begin his birthday celebration..

It would be a few hours later that the lads said farewell to the Railway Inn and make their respective journeys home. 

A Great Time was had by All

Cheers Everyone