Loveable Liverpool

 Wednesday 2nd  October 2024.               Loveable Liverpool 

It would be Seven Likely Lads that traveled to the Merseyside City today, they would be on board the 9:20 train leaving Leeds, the gang consisted of Brian, Colin, Dave, Derek, Glenn, Mark and last but not least John. Eventually they managed to get seated close to one another and discuss their plans for today’s outing etc. Mark had brought along a street plan of the city, which came in very handy and as per usual Derek and located a suitable place for us all to have breakfast. 

Our train arrived at Lime Street Station on the stroke of 11 o’clock, after a few moments collecting our thoughts it was find our way to the Metro System that operates in this city, we soon found ourselves descending the various escalators leading to the underground station here at Lime Street, moments later we were on board and travelling just 2 stops to James Street, it was now back up to street level and begin to locate the said breakfast cafe which was situated on Cook Street.

We entered the cafe about 10 minutes before midday, it was only a small establishment and at first there was some confusion about whether we would be able to get seated, at that moment a few previous customers had finished their meals and were about to leave making our situation much better. Eventually we got seated at various tables and were able to order our food etc. Well worth the initial confusion as our meals met all our requirements, well done Dirk.

A couple of plans were now considered as we split into two groups, 4 of the Lads heading for the famous Cavern Club the rest heading for the Albert Docks region and the various museums that are located there.

With pleasant sunshine in the offing it was Colin, Dave and Brian that headed for the waterfront and stroll along side the river whilst enjoying a delicious ice cream before they found a suitable spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere of this bustling city.

Before not too long a phone call was made to the other group of Lads to find out their whereabouts, they had said farewell to the Cavern Club and were outside the Liverpool Museum waiting for our arrival. Soon we were all inside the building and heading for the top floor and begin to experience its grand array of artefacts and memorabilia etc. taking in short videos of the Merseyside culture, The Beatles Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs. 

With over an hour spent in this marvellous building it was time to head back in the direction of James Street and take the return metro journey to Lime Street Station in order to catch our train back in the direction of Leeds, due to leave at 15:55. So with a little time on our hands some went in search of an ice cream others in direction of the station pub.

Eventually we all boarded our home bound train and tried to find seats close by each other, this proving a little difficult at times due to separate ticket allocation, we made do with what was on offer, hoping that no one would come along and ask us to move, so it was fingers crossed all the way home.

Upon reflection today’s adventure here in Liverpool was full of pleasant memories of previous visits and the locations we had visited back then, as we traversed the city today the odd renditions of infamous songs could be heard as we strolled along the many pathways and corridors, (Hey Jude) etc.

Cheers for a great day out Lads.

I

Remembering Eddie

 Wednesday September 25 th

Golden Acre Park 

Today is our annual walk in remembrance of our dear friend Eddie who is still sadly missed after 5yrs. The day started with 6 of us Derek,Colin,John,Malcolm,Glenn,and John Howarth catching the X84 bus from the Merrion Centre Leeds the journey took a lot less than previous times and we arrived at the park at 11-10,we had a brief wait till Keith arrived 20mins later.We then set off under the underpass as we arrived at the café we had a moment to take a few photos then on to the hide which was one of Eddie’s favourite places after a few moments thinking about our Special friend we made our way back to the cafe and had a light snack and drinks.We then said our goodbyes and caught the X84 back to Leeds arriving back just after 14-00.From there we made our different journeys back home by train and bus.On reflection one thing stood out while we were doing our walk the sun appeared through some dark clouds I’m sure it was our dear friend Eddie shining down on us.

Memories of a former Colleague

 Saturday 21st September 2024            Something Different 

It’s a sad feeling when you miss a former friend and colleague, 5 years on since Eddie Hampshire said his last goodbyes, he is dearly missed by all.

What follows is just a few of the many moments we were able to share with him as we ventured here there and everywhere so to speak, his knowledge of the various things we saw was boundless along with his endless energy and enthusiasm, what a great friend to have known.

                                                           Thanks for the memories Eddie 

Temple Newsam

 

September 18th 2024

Visit to Truly Temple Newsam
Our Day began by meeting up at Leeds railway station to catch the 10-16 to Cross Gates there was four of us today Glenn,Derek,John,and Mal,due to three been on hols and Mark with a dodgy knee.We arrived at Cross Gates at 10-25 and was greeted by brilliant sunshine,after a bit of a climb we arrived at Temple house from there we explored the grounds taking in the wild life,lake and beautiful flowers which was about 2 to 3 miles.Having done the downhill stretch we arrived at the Station Hotel to have a well deserved lunch which was very satisfying for all of us,then it was time to catch 14-21 back to Leeds.Arriving in Leeds we all said our goodbyes after a very enjoyable day.
Sent from my iPhone

 Wednesday September 11th 2024

visit to South Elmsall

our visit today is to a nursing home to see our ex work colleague and friend Roger Wadman.Four of us Brian,Colin,Mark, and John catch the 10-21 from Leeds Derek will join us at Wakefield and Glenn at Sandal arriving at South Elmsall at 10-50.It;s an up-hill climb to the home arriving there at 11-30;before going to see him we were told that this visit might not be very pleasant but after signing in we were greeted by a member of the staff and to our great and pleasant surprise we met with our cheerful friend Rogerin one of the lounges after just over an hour having been supplied with tea and biscuits and talking about old times with our friend we left Roger to have is lunch in peace! We left better for having seen him lookig well and in good spirits,On our way back to the station we called in at the cafe we visited last time we came to have a light lunch before catching the 13-39 back to Leeds.We were all glad to have seen a much happier and  looking better Roger and looking forward to visiting him in the near future,and finallly a BIG thank you to the wonderful and friendly staff.

Settle Saunter

 Wednesday 4th September 2024.                Settle  Saunter 

Into another month now and the Lads venture on, this time they have their sight's set on the rural North Yorkshire town of Settle. Their means of getting there will be on board the 10:47 from Leeds to Carlisle train. Taking this journey will be Colin, Malcolm, John , Glenn, Derek and Dave, this train arriving at Settle station just a few minutes before midday, there was a noticeable change in weather conditions as they now began their walk, it felt rather cool with dampness in the air plus the promise of a few rain showers on the cards so to speak. The heavy rain held off, the lads were blessed with just a shortish shower, the rest of the day proved to be much more pleasant.

Their walk took them through the outskirts of the town then on into green pastures being grazed with an abundance of various breeds of sheep etc. The river Ribble was running close by throughout our entire journey which we had to cross several times as we ambled pleasantly along enjoying the outdoors feeling.

A brief stop along our way giving us time to take a snack sat on a countryside wall admiring the vistas etc, soon we found ourselves heading back towards the town after passing close by the local paper mill, here on the river bank. From this point they headed along the lane taking them to a main road leading to the town centre, a short cut pathway was found now avoiding the rather busy road traffic, enabling them to exit close to their intended destination ,that of their desired fish shop here in Settle.

With their various choices ordered and eventually served up it was off to a suitable bench and enjoy close to the Naked Man Cafe here in the heart of the town. The Lads spent about 40 minutes here eating and drinking plus the delight of their favourite choices of ice cream. 

Now with the time approaching 2:45 the lads made their way back towards the railway station in order to catch the 15:08 train returning them back in the direction of Leeds. It proved to be a rather packed train on this return journey with only 2 carriages providing space for the many travelers, quite a large number of Swiss passengers were aboard enjoying the delights of our  Rail Transport system etc. A brief exchange of pleasantries ensued much to everyone’s satisfaction as our train rumbled along passing the various stations on its way. John was the first to leave as we reached Bingley, the rest of us saying farewell at Leeds and taking our respective journeys home bound.

A most enjoyable day was had by all.

Cheers Everyone.