Scarborough Fair.

 Blog

Wednesday 29 June 2022

Visit to Scarborough 

John and I rendezvoused at Leeds Railway Station for the 09:27to Scarborough alighting in Scarborough at 10:51. 

When we got to York we were sat on our train when they tried to join us to another train that was stationary in York but the process failed and we were asked to alight and get on the leading train.

Although the train was now almost full we were still able to find a table although it was on the opposite side to that which we had travelled from Leeds. 

However, no matter we were soon on our way with two intermediate stops at Malton and Seamer pulling back the lost time at York in splendid fashion. 

We arrived in Scarborough bang on time where Brian and Allan were already waiting for us. 

We then made our way down the main drag to “The Market Vaults” for a bite to eat sitting outside to consume our fayre with tea or coffee to swill it down. 

Toilet break done it was then through the streets to make our way to the bridge and climb onto the top road so we could at some point drop down to the Clock Café for a drink and scone with Jam and Cream for a splendid afternoon tea. The views from this vantage point were magnificent and enjoyed by everyone.  

Nevertheless, this manoeuvre proved tremendously difficult as we made our way along the road to avoid the 4.7M Lottery Grant area refurbishment that was now underway with all entrances to the Clock Café blocked for safety reasons. 

Eventually we found an entrance that would allow us to descend and take us to the Swimming Bath area by the shoreline and then we’re able to navigate to our intended destination. 

We then had our afternoon tea basking in the glorious sunshine and enjoying the fantastic views from our favourite eatery. 

Brian then approximated it would take us an hour from the Clock Café to get back to Scarborough Station taking into consideration John’s damaged heel from overdoing it in the gym which in the end only took us half an hour so John, Brian and Allan decided to do a quick trip to see a Windmill close by whilst I waited back at the station buffet until they returned, as we agreed. However, they took a shortcut back onto the platform after visiting the Windmill ignoring the fact that I was in the buffet waiting for them? John then phoned me to say they were on the platform and “where are you?” I said in the buffet where we’d agreed for you to meet me!

We departed Scarborough bang on time @ 15:31 arriving back in Leeds at a little after 17:05. John catching the Skipton train and me wandering to Corn Exchange for the No. 3 bus. 

What was remarkable on this trip we never consumed Fish and Chips or Peach Melba’s!

Another great day out proving once again you don’t need to travel far to enjoy yourselves!

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

A Social Gathering

 Wednesday 22nd June 2022.               A Social Gathering 

It was a kind of Uncle Tom Cobleigh scenario for the lads today, has they took the old grey mare to Morley so to speak. Seriously this was a meeting up of eight of the lads in the town of Morley, mainly due to the fact that various transport systems were not available because of industrial disputes, so far off ventures were off the agenda for this particular week . However the lads overcame this problem and duly gathered at the Cocina restaurant situated on the high street here in the town. Most of the lads arriving by car while a couple trusted the transport system to get them there. Midday was the scheduled meeting time with John arriving first, shortly followed by Derek and Dave , then Keith,  John Howarth and Brian then Malcolm with Colin finally taking his place at the table some 10 minutes later. The staff at the restaurant had arranged an appropriate outdoor seating area for us all with plenty of shade as it was a rather warm sunny day. 

It was great to see everyone and enjoy the various conversations that were taking place finding out what stages of fitness we were all in considering what up evils several of us have had to confront over the last few months-and years ,non so much more than Brian poor lad who has suffered  the loss of his dear wife in the past few days, our thoughts are with him and his family at this particular difficult time. Even though his spirits were at a low ebb he appreciated this gathering and thanked us all for our concern. 

Hopefully he will join us in more future adventures when the time is right.

For now thanks to everyone for making the effort.

One for the Lads

            Resume of the Lads Adventures

With almost 175 outings under their belts , this group of Lads have traveled hundreds of miles in an effort to broaden their outlook on life and venture further than their back doorstep.

In doing so they have formed great and lasting friendships along with the numerous memories of these various adventures. 

Their journeys have took them on a kaleidoscopic tour of their part of the country with the odd trip further afield thrown in ie: London.

An almost full alphabet of towns ,cities and even villages have been explored during the last ten years, each of them enjoyed with pleasure and excitement to say the least.

They have included train journeys to the coastal resorts of Yorkshire and Lancashire plus the far reaches of Wales and the southern counties , many short bus rides to pasture’s new, not forgetting the thousand and thousands of steps they have trodden on the canal and river banks in search of more historical locations. They have visited numerous museums ,Cathedrals , Churches and Minsters ,climbed a few larger than life hills, ie: Whernside and Mam Tor, all in the search of adventure. Along their way they have tasted many fish and chip dinners with the odd curry thrown in, hundreds of ice cream delights along with apple pie and custard in an attempt to satisfy their nutritional needs.

Let’s hope these Adventures continue for many more years to come.

Cheers Everyone 

Tea for Two at Selby

 Wednesday 15th June 2022.                 Tea for Two at Selby 

It was a return trip to Selby for a couple of the lads today, the two being Colin and Dave the rest of the gang having other arrangements unfortunately. So it was aboard the 10:41 train from platform 15 b Leeds Station heading for Hull that Colin and Dave began this return journey, arriving at Selby some twenty minutes or so later. This time it was just a relatively short distance to the canal footpath as the two of them made steady progress along its meandering water course heading in the direction of Brayton Bridge.

Today’s weather conditions were rather warm and sunny with a temperature of around 23 degrees in prospect, so with this in mind it was steady as she goes. Several benches are situated along the first few hundred yards of this section of canal and came in useful upon on our return journey. Meanwhile on this outward track it was a pleasure to be out in the countryside enjoying the tranquility of these surroundings. With the warm conditions starting to take effect the two lads now decided to find a suitable place to sit and partake in a canal side picnic, it was just after midday as they began consuming their various meals, a few other walkers passing bye now and again enjoying this section of canal waterway, at one point they caught a glimpse of an otter as it swam alongside the opposite bank in search of food etc. Twenty minutes later and the lads decided not to progress any further, but to return back in the direction of the town and maybe explore some of its delights. This proved to be a more taxing effort on the two of them so a few resting places were sought so to speak. Eventually a decision was made to just take a coffee break at the railway station cafe and then take a somewhat earlier train journey back to Leeds, this is indeed what happened the lads catching the 13:40 train. Upon reflection the warm weather conditions played a significant role in the lads Adventures today cutting short their intended exploration of the town of Selby. Even so it was good to be out there in the fresh air enjoying each other’s company.

Cheers Lads.

Selby Situation

 

Wednesday 8 June  2022

Selby Canal Walk from Selby Railway Station to Brayton Bridge. 

John and I rendezvoused at Leeds Railway Station for the 10:34 to Hull alighting twenty minutes later at Selby Railway Station. The weather was bright and sunny with the likelihood of rain extremely unlikely. 

We exited the station at Selby and asked for directions to the canal but the lady advised us there was only a river! We asked a gentleman who by chance was going our way who told us indeed that there was a canal and chatted about his home town as we progressed down the road. 

He was a lovely chap and had tattoos all over his arms and face. Nevertheless, he was extremely kind and put us on the right path to Bayton  Bridge which would be today’s final destination. 

Proving you can’t judge a book by looking at the cover. 

We strode purposely on and passed a young family of Swans with five Cygnets that cheered us up as they were lovely and friendly. The walk was littered with benches and after an hour we partook in our lunch overlooking the canal, chatting about the present, past and future and the world is going mad as far as me and John are concerned. 

We then walked a little further arriving at Bayton Bridge where there was a picnic area and a boat selling coffees. We sat drinking our coffees chatting to the lady proprietor about the business in general and she said it was doing fine. She also introduced us to her female Alsatian that was almost a year old and had been rescued from some Gypsys that wanted them to fight but they were too nice so they became surplus after being mistreated. 

We then returned to Selby by the route we had taken and with time on our side we ventured to the old toll bridge and then into the Selby Abbey for a quick look round. It is one of the relatively few surviving abbey churches of the medieval period and although not a cathedral is on of the biggest.

We returned to Selby Railway Station in time to catch the 14:40 back to Leeds arriving just after 15:00. John catching the 15:18 to Carlisle and disembarking at Bingley. with Colin making his way to the new Corn Exchange to catch the No. 3 to Beeston. 

Another great day out proving you don’t need to travel far to enjoy yourselves!

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward5

Adding to Addington

 Blog

Wednesday 1 June  2022

Addingham-Ilkley via No 62 Keighley Bus and Postman’s Shelter. 

It was an overcast morning as Colin left home to catch the 09:36to the Railway Station where he would arrive in plenty of time for the 10:03 to Ilkley going from platform 10B arriving in Ilkley @ 10:31 to rendezvous with the Tour Overlord, John Hey would be arriving at 11:01 on the Dalesway bus  having to travel only a short distance from Bingley. This gave Colin time to go to Greggs for the meal deal which had gone up from its usual £3.45 to £3.50!

We then waited for the 11:12 No. 62 bus to Keighley alighting at Church Street around 11:25 and then a short walk to the suspension bridge at Addingham. 

We worked our way down the steps to the bridge and crossed over the river to embark on our walk through the peaceful countryside. 

Once we reached the road after leaving the farm buildings it was quite inclined until we reached the Postman’s Shelter where we partook in a bite to eat that would serve as part of our repast. We have decided that where appropriate the picnic option is a good alternative to seeking a restaurant on arrival at our destination. 

Leaving the postman’s Shelter we then strode purposefully on to our final destination with the weather being remarkable, glorious sunshine now brightening our route. 

We then discussed our next adventures to Heights of Abraham and Redcar including Saltburn with no fixed dates as yet. However with the light on our side we both thought let’s make hay whilst the sun shines. 

We soon arrived at the Golf Course and then the diversion by the power station to the Ilkley bridge and on and upwards to the bus / railway station (Toilet Visit for John) and our respective public transport to Leeds and Bingley. The 14:10 train for me and the 14:10 bus for John. 

Another great day out proving you don’t need to travel far to enjoy yourselves!

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Scarborough Fair

 Wednesday 25th May 2022.               Scarborough Fair

Today’s adventure for the Lads got off to a slightly traumatic start, their original train journey aboard a train heading to Scarborough via York was cancelled, an early morning message was conveyed to Dave’s mobile phone 7:15 . Quick action was now required to let the other lads know about this situation, John was the first to react with the suggestion that we could take the 9:27 train from Leeds, so it was a rather hurried dash for him to get to Leeds in time, in the meantime Dave let Derek know what had happened, but unfortunately for him there was insufficient time for him to react , as for Colin it was a much easier task. So John , Colin and Dave met at platform 14A just in time to board the now straight through Train to Scarborough. When the ticket inspector  person arrived it was down to John to explain the unfortunate situation that had happened to us, he was very understanding and wished us a pleasant journey. The train ride to the east coast resort was now more relaxed and enjoyable on board a six carriage loco with less than fifty passengers to share it with.

Upon arrival at Scarborough ,Alan was there to greet us with his sun tanned smile and asked what our plans were for the rest of the day , first thing was to head for breakfast, this was enjoyed courtesy of Lil and her husband at their small establishment in the vaults situated under the indoor market hall.

We took advantage of some outdoor seating soaking up the morning sunshine, which hadn’t been predicted, hence the Scarborough Fair Title, the rest of the day here in the resort was also bathed in sunshine from time to time although we did experience a rather gusty wind as we walked along Marine Drive heading for the North Bay, a nice cuppa was drank at a small roadside cafe in this location before three of us took the opened top bus back towards the centre, getting off near the Harbour Bar

 

establishment were John treated us all to a Peach Melba, yum yum. Alan missing out on this treat although he did rejoin us for our journey back along the seafront and eventually back towards the railway station , taking in a Tramway ride along our way. A decision to catch a earlier train back to Leeds was agreed upon and that would be the 15:35 from Scarborough to York and then boarding the Plymouth bound train stopping at Leeds, this is indeed what ensued, John again doing his best to convince the ticket inspectors of our predicament and getting the thumbs up for his explanation’s, we did eventually arrive back in Leeds a few minutes after 6 o’clock that afternoon, from here we all took our respective journeys home.

Yet another great day out with the Lads 

Cheers Everyone.

Super Settle

 Blog

Thursday 19 May 2022

Settle Circular River, Mill Pond  and Countryside walk.

Super Settle

It was an overcast morning as Colin boarded the 10:49 at Leeds bound for Carlisle on our way to Settle. 

John would board the train at Bingley where we both alighted at Settle at a round  11:50.  

Only John and Colin for today’s saunter around the Town of Settle as Dave was unavailable for today’s walk. 

We followed the walk as described on the board at Network Rail’s Settle Station and travelled down by the river crossing major roads, sty’s and fields and passing Settle AFC on the way. 

We chatted to a couple from Chorley who were coming in the opposite direction and they  assured us we were on the right track. 

We continued along roads and past a pair of stone cottages,  country lanes, over bridges and eventually through a working industrial mill that would eventually lead back into Settle. 

We had met a few people en route and one couple who we chatted to towards the end took us to their house and showed us where they lived in palatial settings having moved there sixteen years ago from Methley it was absolutely beautiful in gorgeous settings with rolling hills all around. 

We soon found the ginnel they had told us about which was a short cut into Settle passing the fish shop then crossing over the main road until we came upon The Naked Man Cafe. Ordering lunch I ordered a warm beef baguette with onions and an Eccles Cake with a latte and John ordered Canapés and Caviar with French Fries. He tried to order blancmange but they had just sold the last one to Lord Bingley of Settle so he opted to have nothing. 

We then made our way next door to the ice cream parlour for two rum and raisin ice creams which were delicious and we sat outside to finish them off. 

We then set off back to Settle Station to wait for the 16:28 back to Leeds. 

We then chatted to a lovely couple who were on holiday from South Wales and travelling to Kendal to finish off their delightful holiday. John and Colin both recommended the east coast to them and Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay as a starter. 

The train was on time with John eventually alighting at Bingley at 17:13. 

Arriving back in Leeds at 17:40 Colin was able to catch the 17:50 from Trinity back to Beeston arriving home at around 18:10. 

It was a lovely walk today and  on reflection we felt it well worth a revisit at some point in the future covering around 9000 steps, approximately 5 miles in two hours. 

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Waterfalls Walk

 Wednesday 4th May 2022                  Waterfalls Walk

For today’s adventure 3 of the lads have decided to take a visit to the town of Bingley and explore a local scenic attraction, that of Goit Stock Waterfalls in the so-called hidden valley. This location is just a few miles from the centre of the town, getting there was all planned out by our tour master for the day John. Colin and Dave would be joining him has he awaited their arrival at Bingley Railway Station, at a time of a few minutes before 11am. It was a quick departure from the station in order to catch the 616 bus that would take the lads up through nearby woodland and on to the outskirts of Wilsden.

 

From here they would take the roadside pavement following the B6144 for about a mile or so, which was a steady incline, before branching off down Bents Lane which would take them in the direction of the hidden valley and Bents Mill , a recently modified old cotton mill complex turned into holiday apartments. The countryside views as we descended Bents Lane were somewhat fantastic, even on a dull and showery morning ,didn’t spoil our enjoyment and the peacefulness that exist here in this location.

Upon arriving at Bent’s Mill and with the owners permission we were able to place ourselves at a located picnic table and consumed our lunches, nice setting created in wonderful gardens by the riverside. From this point the next few hundred yards of our journey would prove to be quite challenging to say the least, our sense of balance and sure footedness would be put to the test, along with a helping hand from John we continued our journey.

We were close to the river as it cascaded  downwards through this wooded valley strewn with rock formations from a bygone time, just wonderful to see and here, even though this was a treacherous part of our adventure it was well worth the experience,

eventually we reached relative safety  and a more easy walkway, the next part of our journey took us along a tarmac Lane and eventually to the location of the Malt Shovel Pub situated by the main road and a place where we were able to catch a bus back towards the town of Bingley, by this time the sun had managed to break through the clouds for more than a few moments and was now quite pleasant as we boarded the 616 bus. Some 15 minutes later we were back in Bingley and found ourselves heading for the Ice Cream Parlour situated in the pleasant surroundings of Myrtle Park, here we sat and watched a game of crown green bowling whilst consuming our delightful purchases, yum yum.

With the time approaching 2:45 it was a just a short distance back to the railway station here in Bingley in order to board the 15:08 back to Leeds, bidding farewell to John and thanking him for organising this adventure, Colin and Dave now jumped aboard a rather crowded train. Once back in the city the lads took their respective journeys home.

Upon reflection today’s adventure of almost 5 miles was full of thrills and spills ,literally, treacherous at some points but so much well worth the effort if only for the memories created .

Cheers Lads.