Lime Tree Lunch

 Wednesday 25th January 2023.                 Lime Tree Lunch 

It would be a group of eight that met up in the town of Morley, the occasion was a kind of birthday get together on the behalf of John and Derek, it’s their turn to alter the scoreboard so to speak. Helping them celebrate would be Keith, Colin, Dave, Glenn Walton, Russ  Parkinson and John Howarth . The Lads are set to gather at the Lime Tree restaurant situated on Queen Street here in Morley at midday. Only John was unfortunately a little late in arriving due to public transport problems.

It was the first time at this particular venue for most of the lads and it turned out to be a very pleasant experience for them, nice setting with a great choice of food from the menu and excellent service from the staff. 

As you can imagine plenty of conversations taking place over our lunch time meals, it’s been a few weeks since we were all out together so plenty to talk about, yet again more and more names of former work colleagues being banded about and who could remember certain happenings in the establishment of Thackray’s 

Future plans were also discussed and set dates established as to when and where these new adventures would take place. A couple of hours later it was farewell to Morley has we all made our individual journeys home having had a great time in great company.

Cheers Everyone 

Saltaire Surprise

 Blog

18 January 2023

Glenn and I rendezvoused at Leeds Railway Station for the 10:26 to Skipton alighting at Saltaire at 10:40. 

We meandered down to the main road via Roberts Park past The Titus Salt School and on up to Milners Field and through to the other side and down the hill looking for the short cut onto the Canal which soon had us heading towards Saltaire. 

We then made our way to the Moon Cafe in Roberts Park for a spot of lunch. 

We then made our way back to the Railway Station for the 14:12 back to Leeds. John shouted there’s a train in and before we knew it we were unbeknownst to ourselves hurtling towards Forster Square which signified we were on the wrong train. Undeterred we decamped at Forster Square and waited for the 14:30 to Leeds taking us through Apperly Bridge and Kirkstall Forge before arriving back in Leeds for just after 15:00. 

Glenn and I made our way back to our respective bus stops, Glenn back to Elland Road Park & Ride and me back on the 203 to Beeston. 

Another good day with 11,500 steps for me and 15,000 for John. 

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

 Blog

Wednesday 11 January 2023

Beeston - Middleton Lake Café

Today’s duo would consist of the John and Colin  who rendezvoused at Beeston Terminus for our walk to The Middleton Lake Café in Middleton Park. 

Leaving Beeston Terminus, we walked down through the Park Lees Estate to DePuy where it had altered slightly since we were last there with seemingly far more cars in the car park. Walking down the side we noticed the overflow car park had only one car parked in it which indicated that the additional cars now parked on the main site. 

We continued down the ginnel next to the spooky house which now looked in good condition. Passing along Back Road down to Cardinal Road and up Waincliffe Terrace and on to Waincliffe Drive and then up to Dewsbury Road. 

At this point we crossed over Dewsbury Road and made our way towards Gipsy Lane and up to our old school Parkside whose nomenclature had now changed to Cockburn which was the name of a local Grammar School on Burton Road that had closed in the late 80’s. 

We followed Gipsy Lane past The Old Clubhouse of South Leeds Golf Club and up through Middleton Woods and up some steps that lead us to Middleton Park Municipal Golf Club that had closed around 2015. 

Crossing the old course towards the Middleton Lake Café which was now in sight. Ordering a well earned sandwich and drink we sat inside because the weather was turning and rain was on the horizon. 

We finished our drinks and sandwiches and made our way to the bus stop for the No. 13 into Leeds dropping us off opposite Corn Exchange. 

John made his way to the Railway Station for the 14:56 to Bingley and Colin caught the No. 2 which had just pulled in at The Corn Exchange. 

The second walk of the year completed to blow the cobwebs away once again and well worth the effort taking around 9000 steps for me and slightly more for John. 

Another great day out proving you sometimes don't need to travel all that far to achieve greatness and we certainly did that once again today!

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Morley to the White Rose Centre

 Wednesday 4 January 2023

Morley - White Rose Centre 

Today’s trio would consist of the triumvirate John, Brian and Colin  who rendezvoused at Morley Town Hall for our walk to The White Rose Centre. 

However, we altered the route we were going to take by the side of the railway and chose the less muddy route on Elland Road (Churwell Hill) through the fields and new humungous housing estate. The walk was pleasant enough but the inclement weather was blowing a gale and the rain was incessant but not sufficient to cause the stalwarts any real trouble and within a few minutes the sun was shining and a rainbow appeared over Leeds where the panorama was spectacular. 

Finally the White Rose Centre came into view in the distance and before too long we were crossing the Railway lines by a bridge to get us into the White Rose Centre and The Scribbling Mill. 

We ordered our meals and drinks and chatted amongst ourselves until our meals arrived which didn’t take long. 

All satiated we descended down to the White Rose Centre Bus Station through the car park where Brian and John caught the 200 to Morley and I caught the 3 to Beeston.

The first walk of the year completed to blow the cobwebs away and well worth the effort taking around 6500 steps!

Another great day out proving you sometimes don't need to travel all that far to achieve greatness and we certainly did that once again today!

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Festive Cheer

 Wednesday 7th. December 2022.               Festive Cheer at the Railway Inn

For Today’s outing the lads have prearranged a pre Christmas lunch to be held at the Railway Inn, a local pub on the outskirts of Drigglington  a location situated between Bradford and Leeds. A suggested time of 1:00 pm as been arranged for the 10 lads participating on this festive occasion.Those making their way to this venue will be, Colin, Brian, Keith, Malcolm, John, Derek, Dave, along with John Howarth and newcomers Russ Parkinson and Glenn Walton. Once everyone had arrived we were seated at an appropriate table, with drinks ordered our festive meal began, a little confusion at first until we got to grips with what each of us had pre-ordered, it wasn’t long before different conversations we’re taking place, but all centred around who could remember so and so who once had the privilege of working at Thackray’s. Plenty of names being banded about. Starters consumed it was now on to the main course, a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings etc, served with a plentiful amount of enjoyable food. 30 minutes later it was time for our desserts which came in the form of Christmas Pud in various guises accompanied with ice cream or custard, yummy, yum yum. Some time later to round it all off we were offered coffee and mince pies , what a delightful meal served with accommodating staff in pleasant surroundings 

With the time fast approaching 3:30 it was time to say farewell to each other and then begin our individual journeys home.

A Big Thanks to Keith for recommending and booking this venue.

Cheers Everyone.

A Curry at Stanley Ferry

 Wednesday 30th November 2022.             Curry at Stanley Ferry 

For today’s adventure the Lads have arranged to meet up at a location nearby to the village of Stanley which is on the outskirts of Wakefield. It’s an area where the river Calder and the Canal cross paths so to speak. A famous steel canal  aqueduct was constructed in the Victorian age to facilitate this transport arrangement. In recent times a concrete structure as been placed alongside the old aqueduct to enable much wider craft to cross over the river.

It was 5 of the Lads participating in this adventure John, Malcolm and Colin making their way by a Train and bus journey, Derek and Dave getting there by car. A rendezvous time of about 11am was suggested outside the pub at Stanley Ferry. From this point the Lads had a choice of direction in which way to walk alongside the canal, they decided to go east to west and then west to east on a circular route.

It was a relatively short walk today with just under 2 miles covered , but was non the less most enjoyable just being out in the countryside and taking in the fresh air whilst chatting amongst ourselves, delightful.

The conversations continued has we made our way towards the local pub and partake in a lunchtime meal, a suggested choice at a bargain price from the menu was taken up by all “Curry”.follow by Apple & Berry Pie with custard, yum, yum.

An hour later that Lads began their journey home, Dave returning by car while the rest walked by means of the “Nagger Lines” footpath towards the main road in order to catch a bus back into Wakefield, Derek continue his journey by bus , John, Malcolm and Colin taking the train returning them to Leeds.

All in all another great day out with the Lads.

Cheers Everyone.

Walk to White Rose

 Wednesday 23 November 2022

Morley - White Rose Centre 

Today’s walk would consist of the triumvirate John, Brian and Colin  who rendezvoused at Morley Town Hall for our walk to The White Rose Centre. 

However, we altered the route we were going to take by the side of the railway and chose the less muddy route through the back streets of Morley, taking in St. Mary’s Church which was stricken by fire about 11 years ago, Wide Lane and Dewsbury Road calling in to McDonalds for a well earned lunch which we all enjoyed. We used the huge iPads to order and we were ably assisted by the Customer Service team who wizzed us through the ordering process in no time. They were a credit to McDonalds. 

We then continued along Dewsbury Road until we reached the White Rose Centre where Brian was keen to locate the new Wetherspoons “The Scribbling Mill” and John wanted to see the new ice rink. Both satiated we descended down to the White Rose Centre Bus Station where Brian caught the 201 to Morley and we caught the 201 to Leeds. 

Arriving in Leeds just before 14:45 to catch our respective trains and buses back home. 

Approximate steps today around  9500. 

Another great day out proving you sometimes don't need to travel all that far to achieve greatness and we certainly did that once again today!

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Roundhay Roundup

 Wednesday

16th November 2022.     Roundhay  Roundup 

Today’s adventure was literally a roundup for the Lads as 10 of them gathered at a local Inn situated in the Leeds suburb of Roundhay. The Inn in question was the Roundhay Fox, a rather extensive building that proved to be very busy especially around lunchtime.

However this location was chosen for its close proximity to the home of our dear friend Tim Kearney who was able to make the relatively short journey as he has mobility issues. Along with Tim would be John, Colin, Derek,Brian, Malcolm and Dave plus a guest appearance by John Howarth, Russ Parkinson and Glen Walton. The 10 of us were able to find a couple of suitable tables to sit around and discuss whatever topics took our fancy, mainly they were about the past experiences of working at Thackray’s or any other title it my have had along with the numerous names of former colleagues that were associated with that place. 

Some of the 10 hadn’t seen each other for years, so it was good to have a catch up etc. After a short while we all took a look at the menu and eventually order a meal which we enjoyed as the conversations continued, before we knew it almost 2 hours had passed us bye and the clock on the wall was saying 2 pm .So unfortunately it was off to the bus stop for several of the Lads in order to take the No 12 back towards the city centre and then our respective modes of transport home.

Yet another great day out with the Lads 

Cheers Everyone 

Tempting Temple Newsam

 Wednesday 9 November 2022

Cross Gates - Temple Newsam  

John, Malcolm and Colin  rendezvoused at Leeds City Station on Platform 8D for the 10:54 to Hull alighting at Cross Gates but an increase to the number of carriages would delay the train excessively and we were advised to catch the 11:18 York train on platform 7 which would depart before our intended train. We arrived at Cross Gates @ 11:24 bang on time with our alternative train although we were now 20 minutes behind our intended schedule.  

On exiting Cross Gates we crossed over the road to take Hollyshaw Lane up to The Brown Cow on Selby Road a walk of 20 minutes or so and crossing over to Calton Road and along Elm Walk until we entered the Gate into Temple Newsam. 

The topography at this point was reasonably flat but as we navigated our circular walk it would be quite undulating. 

We chatted to a couple of women from the Roundhay Park area who pointed us towards the medieval  village. 

We then stopped to have our sandwiches and chatted to another couple who were quite effusive about their retirement, he was 74 and his wife a mere 67 who lived in Rothwell and loved being retired. They had a shared accommodation in Los Cristianos which they sold recently to expand their horizons and visit various other resorts. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t find the medieval village of Colton but we did find the hidden temple instead which  John was ever so keen to see. 

We then continued through the park the way we had come and back to the Railway Station at Cross Gates arriving at 14:00 for the 14:33 back to Leeds resulting in over half an hour wait. At this point the heavens opened up but it had stayed off for the most part so we were extremely grateful. 

Arriving back in Leeds just before 14:45 to catch our respective trains and buses back home. 

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward