A Brief Encounter at the 509

 Wednesday 24th January 2024.               A Brief Encounter at the 509

Today’s adventure for the Lads was a rather brief visit to Outwood and partake in a celebratory lunch time meal. The occasion John and Dereks Birthdays.The venue would be at the renowned 509 Cafe situated on the corner of the high street in the village.

A meeting time of midday was suggested with Colin John and Mark arriving by train from Leeds , while Dave and Glenn took the train from Sandal/Agbrigg. It was just a short walk from the railway station to the Cafe .Derek came by bus , Keith and Russ by the means of their own transport etc. 

Eventually we all managed to get seated at a window side table ,due to arriving at slightly different times for one reason or another . So before not too long the waitress took our individual orders and we were soon enjoying their delights. Various conversations ensued now with the main topic being what is planned for our upcoming outings. Listening to each and everyone’s views about these events etc, Ten Pin bowling in Leeds a walking outing near Addingham and an upcoming visit to Liverpool , other topics were discussed as well , Leeds United match with Norwich and the Fulham Liverpool game.

With our lunchtime meal over and the re appearance of Colin’s cap, we slowly retreated from the 509 parting company with just five of us heading back towards the railway station here in Outwood 

Upon reflection today’s outing was far too brief, should have had at least another cuppa!and spent a little more time together.

Cheers Everyone 

A visit to Middleton Woods

 Wednesday 17th January 2024.                   A visit to Middleton Woods

As the title suggests ,today’s outing for the Lads would be a journey to a locality known as Middleton Park Woods an area steeped in history and knowledgeable facts, but today their visit is just a pleasurable one. Some points of history were noted as the group of six trudge around the expanse of woodland.

It would be Colin, John , Brian, Derek , Dave and Mark that would gather outside what is known locally as Tommy Wass’s , now a public house but in days gone by it was a farmers homestead  inhabited by yes you guessed Tommy Wass.

A time of 11am was agreed, so each of the lads making their own way to the meeting point. It was a pleasant sunny morning with quite a chilly feel, overnight temperatures below freezing had left the underfoot conditions treacherous, so it was steady has you go Lads. From the nearby bus stop it was just a short but slippery uphill journey via Gipsy Lane to a rear entrance into the Park, Colin , Brian and John adding their own personal memories of this location from their early years growing up here.

Our uphill journey continued for a while before we found ourselves in a Woodland setting and eventually came across a more permanent footpath or roadway with a few signposts scattered along the way depicting various areas of the woodland you could visit, our intention was to advance towards the small lake and the nearby Cafe and information centre which we eventually did having met an acquaintance of Colin on our way.

It was about 12:20 when we found ourselves seated in the cafe and beginning to enjoy our drinks and various sandwiches etc. With upcoming adventures the main topic of discussion has we sat and rested our bodies for a while longer. Some 40 minutes later we left the warmth of the cafe and continued our uphill journey towards the main entrance to the park and on towards a nearby bus stop, hopefully taking us back in the direction of Tommy Wass’s , But this was to be not so, instead we took the 12A bus on a more leisurely and lengthy journey around the area of Belle Isle finishing up outside the Corn Exchange in the centre of Leeds. It was from here that we now continued our respective routes homeward bound.

Upon reflection today’s outing was most pleasurable and full of fun and excitement.

Cheers Everyone.

Morley Meandering's

 January 10th. 2024.                     Morley  Meanderings

For the second outing of this new year, some of the Lads have decided to stretch their legs and blow a few cobwebs away by participating in a shortish walk from the centre of the town of Morley down towards the White Rose shopping centre and visit the establishment of the Scribbling Mill, a J D Wetherspoon outlet.

It will be John, Colin, Brian and Dave that will meet up near the town hall in Morley about 11am. From there they will begin their journey heading up the High Street then turning left in the direction of Peel Street passing on their way buildings of some significance from days gone by.

The town of Morley covers quite a large area and is full of interesting observations to say the least, once outside the Miners Arms and beyond the lads now descended the many steps taking them towards the railway station region, at the present time under reconstruction for some unknown reasons, however the lads carried on heading downwards eventually finding the pathway leading through scrubland and finally into open fields, the underfoot conditions at some points proving rather treacherous and muddy, the open field footpaths ran close to the railway line with a few transpennine trains passing us by as we struggled along.

Eventually we reached a desirable pathway of better construction leading us to the outer limits of the White Rose Centre and a few minutes later found us off the pathway and over the road heading towards our intended destination not before giving our boots a good cleaning etc.

Once inside the Scribbling Mill we eventually found a suitable place to sit , the place was somewhat rather busy and we were a few minutes ahead of schedule, Derek had arranged to meet up with us at 12:45 it was now 12:30 John called Derek to let him know fortunately he had arrived early so before we knew it he had joined us. Meals and drinks were now ordered and then the chattering began, discussing this that and the other about upcoming outings etc. Weather was the main topic and how it may affect our future plans. With our meals consumed and some sort of plan B in our heads it was off to the bus terminal here at White Rose and take our respective bus journeys homeward.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was good fun with great company and the weather didn’t spoil our enjoyment.

Cheers Everyone 

 Wednesday 3 January 2024

Roger Wadman Revisited 

It was to be the 10:21 from Leeds that takes John and  Colin into Wakefield today. The usual Plymouth train being cancelled. The fifteen minute walk up to the bus station from WESTGATE where we would meet up with John Howarth, Glenn and Derek before we set off for Sainsbury’s for flowers and Chocolates for Madi. We successfully made our purchase and set off for Sycamore Care Home where Keith and Russ were waiting. 

We all signed in and we were then taken down to meet Roger. 

Roger was having his dinner as we arrived and we all got settled down with cups of either tea or coffee in the beautiful care home. 

We enjoyed a tremendous spread of sandwiches, samosas, Bhaji’s  and cakes that were absolutely delightful. 

It was getting time to leave around 14:00 so we all made our ways back to Wakefield, Ossett, Bingley, Morley and Beeston. 

Another lovely day out to see Roger and it was great to have a sunny day although bitterly cold!

Christmas Lunch

 Wednesday 6th December 2023.             Christmas Lunch 

Today brings the occasion of a pre- Christmas lunch for the Lad's ,it will be at a venue named The Spotted Cow. A local Inn situated in Drighlington a suburb of Bradford I believe.

The meal as been pre- booked and a deposit paid, all it needs now is for 10 of the Lads to turn up, those being in order of merit, John, Keith, Derek, Brian, Colin, Dave, Glenn, John Howarth, Mark and last but not least Russ. A suggested time of midday was agreed upon with mainly car transport being provided along with a local bus service.

Once gathered in the establishment and seated around a suitable table, drinks were ordered and the conversations began for a short while until John Howarth proposed a toast to absent friends and colleagues followed closely by a 10 minute pre dinner speech from our leader John, he mentioned almost everyone attending , giving thanks to their various skills and dedication in participating in what our group have achieved over the many years we have been together. Almost 300 adventurers pursued with spirit and enthusiasm, long may it continue. 

Soon our meals began to be served with the friendly staff here at the Spotted Cow, a delicious soup to start things off followed by the traditional serving of roasted turkey potato's sprouts parsnips green beans and carrots, plus a small Yorkshire pudding and pigs in blankets etc. A Feast fit for a King. Some time later our various desserts arrived just to put the icing on the cake, so to speak.

Before it was time to say farewell to the Spotted Cow, a new and recently adopted secret Santa took place with John passing around a Christmas sack containing a present for all concerned, nice gesture everyone.

So now with abundant handshakes taking place and the wishing of a Merry Christmas to all ,we left the town of Drighlington and headed homeward bound feeling fit to burst.

Cheers Everyone 

Saltaire

 Wednesday 29 November 2023

Leeds to Saltaire 

It was to be the 10:26 from Leeds that takes us into Saltaire  today with  four making the direct journey. Brian, Glenn, Derek and Colin. Mark and John would be meeting us on Saltaire Railway Station. 

We arrived in Saltaire at around 10:40 and the group made their way down to the canal travelling West for about 3km before climbing down some steps and crossing over the river to return back to Saltaire by hugging the river using a footpath that passed the Saltaire rowing club with a number of rowers out and about on the river practicing. 

The lads had now covered a distance of 6km and made their way up to The Boathouse Inn a popular eatery adjacent to the river and unusually quiet, probably because of the temperature which had been checked by a local at -0.2°C who was taking readings for his records. He was wearing Russian Combat Fatigues that protected him down to -50°C which are worn by soldiers in the current conflict in the Ukraine. 

We approached the Boathouse and asked for a table for six which we were shown to without further ado. Given the menus we ordered our food and drinks. The setup was perfect with lovely views over the river and Roberts Park. 

We had arrived at the Boathouse Inn at around 12:30 and taking over an hour to consume our Fayre we paid our bills and made our way back to Saltaire Station for our 14:12 train back to Leeds. 

Saying goodbye to John who had a ten minute journey back to Bingley the rest of us catching the train with Mark alighting at Shipley to catch the train to Menston and then a bus back to Otley. 

The remainder all arrived back in Leeds at around 14:32 and we then made our way back to Wakefield, Ossett, Morley and Beeston. 

Another lovely day out and it was great to have a sunny day although bitterly cold!

Meeting at the Mansion

 Wednesday 22nd November 2023.                  Meeting at the Mansion 

Today would see a fun time for the Lads as they gathered at a venue situated in Roundhay Park Leeds. The  Mansion was their target, the meeting was arranged to see their friend and former work colleague Tim Kearney, who they found in good spirit and full of his usual charm and enthusiasm so to speak.

It would be a group of nine that sat around tables in the Mansion enjoying the various conversations whilst  drinking tea or coffee and a bite to eat. They would be Brian, Colin, Dave, Derek, John, Keith, Mark, Russ and of course star of the show Tim. 

Most of the Lads travelling to Roundhay courtesy of the Number 12 bus a journey of just over 20 minutes, a short walk from the bus stop soon found them through the park gates and on towards their meeting place, kicking up the autumn leaves as they strolled along trying to spot squirrels. They met up with Keith and Russ who had travelled by car , Tim was already seated inside, he had been dropped off by his wife they only resided a short distance away from the park.

A bit of rearranged seating took place before we all were settled down and the chatting began, catching up time now with various stories from the past being banded around the table, we became a rather boisterous group at certain points, nevertheless it was good for all concerned.

Almost 2 hours had past before it was time to bid farewell to Tim and the Mansion and begin our various homeward journeys, all with a smile on our faces, especially Tim.

Cheers Everyone for a great day out.

Otley Outing

 Wednesday 15th November 2023.             Otley Outing 

Today’s adventure for the Lads would be a visit to the North Yorkshire town of Otley situated astride the river Wharfe. It would be a group of six that would take a bus ride from the city of Leeds to this old market town. Those catching the X 84 bus would be Derek, Dave, Colin, John, Brian and guest visitor John Emmonds, upon arrival at the bus station in Otley they would be met by Mark, he resides here in Otley and he would be in charge of proceedings for today’s adventure.

First port of call was to a town centre butchers shop to purchase a well renowned pork pie then on to a similar establishment to buy some similar meat products, from here we headed through the town passing a statue of Thomas Chippendale a former resident of the town and on towards the river, it was fast flowing at the moment due to the extreme rainfall over the last few days.

Situated close to the river bridge is a stone sculpture of the famous Wharfedale Press which is of significant importance to the town and surrounding industries.

Once at the riverside we would now follow the pathway that runs along side it , journeying for almost a mile or so enjoying the various group conversations as we strolled along, passing a structure named the Archimedes wheel some form of apparatus built to support the close by paper mill, soon we began our return journey leading us away from the river then join a main road heading back to the town centre.

Situated along this road was our intended destination of the Maypole Fisheries and partake in our lunch time meals, a lovely and pleasing establishment with delightful staff who served us with a most delicious meal.

From the fish restaurant it was a few minutes walk back towards the bus station here in Otley in order to take the 14:45 bus heading for Leeds , a journey time of some 40 minutes. So it was farewell to Mark and thank him for his leadership on today’s adventure as we climbed aboard the X84.

Once back in the city of Leeds , John Emmonds, Dave and John departed the bus leaving the other lads to continue their journey back to the bus station and then their respective onwards travel , John and Dave heading for the railway station and their respective trains etc.

Upon reflection today was a pleasurable experience with great company and friendship, a distance of just over 3 miles covered and the weather was kind to us.

Cheers Everyone.