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 

Conisborough Challenge

 Wednesday 29th May 2024.            Conisborough Challenge 

As the title suggests today’s adventure for the Lads was a tough but rewarding experience to say the least. It was a decision hastily put together due to inclement weather conditions forecast for their intended destination of Malham, a location in North Yorkshire. South Yorkshire was the preferred choice as weather conditions were more favourable, so a re-visit to the village of Conisborough was put in place. This time the Lads would take on a scenic riverside walk starting at the railway station, it would include a visit to the impressive viaduct structure that spans the river Don, a former railway bridge from by-gone days. A few moments were spent here admiring the fantastic views in all directions which included a glimpse of the previously explored castle here in Conisborough.

From this vantage point the lads now descended the pathway leading to the river’s edge and follow the tarmac path that runs close to the riverside, this next stretch of their journey seemed to go on for ever , in fact it would be over an hour before they reached the Boat Inn, a riverside pub set in a prime location close to the villages of Sprotbrough and Warmsworth, suburbs of Doncaster.

We sat in the courtyard of the Boat Inn for a brief moment, mainly to rest our aching legs and study their menu only to find it didn’t meet our requirements, too expensive. So gathering up our belongings we ventured a little further in search of a pre-suggested cafe up in the village of Warmsworth, getting there was going to be a short uphill struggle through a wooded area before we reached the open road and finally the outskirts of the cafe only to find that it had closed at 2 pm. It was now 2:20 and with all our bellies rumbling it was a hasty dash to a nearby bus stop and take the 2:27 back to Doncaster and seek some relief for our hunger courtesy of the various food outlets situated on the upper floors of the shopping mall. Relief at last and time to rest awhile before our 15:26 train journey back in the direction of Leeds from whence we all came !.

John, Colin, Brian and Mark boarding the 10:21 train in Leeds, Derek joined the train at Wakefield leaving Glenn and Dave to jump on board at Sandal/Agbrigg, the train arrived at Doncaster 11:07 then a wait of about half an hour before we traveled the short distance to Conisborough a journey of about 7 minutes or so, once at the station it was study the map and off we set on this rather lengthy adventure taking in all the aspects of the surrounding countryside etc.

What a Great Adventure full of intrigue and surprises along with the odd misfortune ( food wise)

A distance of approximately 5 miles walking.

Cheers Everyone 

Walton Nature Reserve

 Wednesday 15th May 2024.               Walton  Nature  Reserve 

For today’s adventure John, Brian and Mark would travel from Leeds by the 10:21 train heading for the outskirts of Wakefield, their destination stop would be Sandal / Agbrigg, there to meet them would be two relatively local residents in the form of Glenn and Dave. From the station they would walk along the high street for a few hundred yards before heading in the direction of the Montague Allotments, a rather large area of gardening facilities for the residents of Agbrigg. Eventually they would reach a footpath that would lead them alongside the old disused Barnsley Canal. Following this pathway for about three quarters of a mile or so before crossing a country road and then on to the nature reserve here created on the site of the old Walton Colliery.

It was an overcast morning with predicted rainfall at some point , as we rambled around this area of man made scenery, it would be just a few spots that happened to fall nothing to spoil our adventure. Various forms of wildlife were spotted which included a heron standing by the waterside a group of swans swimming along with the company of a few other species of ducks etc. On to one of the fishing lakes now and a chance to sit for a while and enjoy the reality of this nature reserve, the various songbirds whistling out their tunes only to be disrupted now and again by the close proximity of the main railway lines .

Nevertheless it was great just to be out in the fresh air and enjoying our time here in this particular area. Now gathering our belongings we ventured a little further into a woodland area and started to make our return journey, this time to the village of Walton and enjoy what a local cafe has to offer for our lunchtime meals etc. The Whisk Cafe is only a small establishment but catered for our needs perfectly, they even extended their breakfast service to suit some of our requests. 

Having spending almost an hour here in the cafe discussing what future destinations we would envisage entertaining, it was time to leave Walton by means of the 196 bus , instead of the lengthy walk to the station at Sandal/Agbrigg this was a much easier option giving the Leeds lads the opportunity to take an early train back to the city. Glenn was the first to say farewell has he lives close to the cafe, Dave took the bus ride in order to make it back to the car whilst guiding the lads the now shorter distance to the station.John , Brian and Mark able to catch the 14:07 back to Leeds and then make their respective journey home.

Yet again, another great day out with the Lads

Cheers Everyone.

Favourable Filey

 Wednesday 8th May 2024.                 Favourable Filey

It would be all change for the Lads has they traveled to the North Yorkshire coastal resort of Filey, the train journey there would involve several stages, Leeds to York , York to Seamer and finally Seamer to Filey. The 3 Amigo’s John ,Colin and Dave left Leeds at 9:16 and eventually arrived at the resort about 11:20. 

The interrupted rail journey was negotiated with relative ease as we passed through York and Seamer, a few glimpses of wild life were spotted as we trundle along the countryside trackway. 

Upon reaching Filey railway station which is positioned a short distance from the seafront, a decision was made to head for a region locally known as Filey Brigg , a prominent part of the coastline here at the resort, its a great vantage point which gives you fantastic 360 degree views of the whole region, magnificent location to say the least.

After a few brief conversations with some local residents we were soon heading in the right direction ,over the Iron Bridge that spans the Ravine and up towards St. Oswalds church then onto open grassland and finally passed the very large car parking area that facilitates the many visitors to the Brigg. Soon we were enjoying the previously mentioned vistas.

It was a beautiful day, blue skies and pleasant sunshine with just a gentle breeze every now and again, distant hazy views of Scarborough to the north and Primrose Valley to the south could be spotted, the Lads spent quite a few moments here upon this vantage point before heading down the pathway taking them to the beach which was a fairly steep descent , Once on the beach and with a low tide it was an easy task to reach what is known locally as Cobbles landing , here we were able to enjoy a lunchtime meal of fish and chips from one of the many takeaway outlets whilst sat on a nearby bench looking out over the seafront. The fish and chips were followed by the customary ice cream enjoyed while taking a short stroll along the beach and passed a group of infant schoolchildren taking advantage of such a pleasant sunny day, great to see them enjoying themselves. Before not too long it was time to say farewell to the beach and head back towards the railway station, a slight uphill climb now ensued for a short distance until we reached the proximity of the station and a chance to sit for a while before our return journey home began.

It would be the 14:24 train that took us away from Filey and travel the short distance to Seamer , here again a short wait before we boarded the train heading for York and yet another transfer to reach Leeds. From Leeds each of us making our separate journeys home.

Looking back and reflecting upon today’s adventure, it was great fun full of pleasurable moments and time spent out in the open enjoying what this coastal resort has to offer.

Cheers Everyone.

 Wednesday 1 May 2024

York Rowntree Park Café

Today’s adventure would take six of us Brian, Glenn, Malcolm, Derek, Mark and Me to York.

Catching the 10:30 from Leeds Railway Station from Platform 12D arriving in York on platform 7 at 10:57.  

We left the Railway Station at York and made our way down to Rougire Street and down Tanners Moat to the river and then along to Ouse Bridge. 

Crossing the road diagonally and down the steps we were now on the left hand side of the river and followed this until we reached the Millennium Bridge. It was a lovely day and the walk was very pleasant and relaxing.

We crossed over the Millennium Bridge and made our way to Rowntree Park Café for lunch and a long chat. We spent just over an hour and a quarter in the café before we meandered back to the Railway Station stopping occasionally for respite as the day had now become much warmer.

We arrived back at the station in plenty of time for the 15:08 Northern train back to Leeds arriving in Leeds at 15:40

After a very enjoyable day in York the lads then all made their individual ways home on their respective modes of transport with a trip to Filey to look forward to next Wednesday where Dave and John would be back from their holidays abroad.

Cheers everyone!

Colin Hendrick Ward

 Wednesday 24 April 2024

Roundhay Mansion 

Today’s adventure would take three of us Derek, Mark and Me to Roundhay Park to join up with Tim. Russell would be joining us later at the Mansion. 

Tim was already there when we arrived at 11:20 after we had caught the No. 2 bus from Corn Exchange. Tim had also secured seating at a table with Chesterfield couches and our drinks were brought to us “presque immédiatement“ and we were all interested in catching up with Tim’s health recovery after his fall earlier this year and with his wife’s return to fitness.

Russell then arrived to increase the party from four to five and he soon found a seat which was placed in the Window. 

The conversation flowed as usual and before long it was time for the visitors to leave after over two hours chatting. Tim would have been happy to stay all day. 

We walked with Tim to meet his wife who came to pick him up.

At the end after a very enjoyable afternoon the lads then all made their individual ways home catching the No.12 back into Leeds and then getting their specific buses back home and were still looking forward to their day out in York next Wednesday on the 1st day of May.

Colin Hendrick Ward

Knaresborough

 Wednesday 17 April 2024

Knaresborough 

Today’s adventure would take four of us Brian, Glenn, Mark and Me to Knaresborough, Mark joining the train at Harrogate and apart from a stiff wind the weather stayed bright and sunny.

We left Knaresborough station Brian, Glenn, Mark and Me to join the Main Street turning left at the World’s End Pub. 

We then walked along Waterside in very pleasant surroundings. After a fair walk Colin suggested that we had missed our left turning up to the Castle. Glenn said categorically that it’s further along but Colin was adamant that we’d missed the steps and we should go back as it was time for Colin to eat to stop a severe hypoglycaemic attack. At this point Glenn acceded that he was thinking of the Chapel and not the Castle which after all both began with a letter “C.”

Retracing our steps we made it back to the steps in no more than twenty minutes and made it to the first stage to admire the view and had a photograph taken by a passerby which also had a train crossing the viaduct, an excellent and unexpected result.

On reaching the Castle we made our way towards the Market Square and found a lovely little cafe called The Secret Bakery where we stopped for a bite to eat. Unfortunately they didn’t do soup but they did fantastic sandwiches which we all participated in with homemade bread and sourdough if you fancied it. We spent a good thirty minutes in here putting the world to rights and recalling Thackray’s past then Glenn reminded us that we were catching the 14:07 back to Leeds not the 14:37 as he had a meeting back in Walton and as the Sheriff he had to be there.

We meandered down to the station but still had a few minutes to spare so a good look round the railway shop and a scone with Jam “pour moi” passed a few precious minutes before our train arrived.

The train journey back to Leeds was uneventful but pleasant enough with some spectacular views across the landscape and dropping off Mark at Harrogate Railway Station.

At the end after a very enjoyable day the lads all made their individual ways home and were looking forward to their day out in York on 1st of May with a visit to Roundhay Park Mansion on 24 May sandwiched in between.

Colin Hendrick Ward

Roundhay Roundup

 Wednesday 10th April 2024.                 Roundhay Roundup 

It would be a group of just 4 of the Lads that descended upon the region of Roundhay Park for today’s outing here in the outskirts of Leeds. They will be Colin , John , Mark and Dave making the journey courtesy of the No 12 bus , they boarded it outside the Corn Exchange at about 10:40 it was running a few minutes late. However this was not a problem, some 25 minutes length of journey through the streets of the city found them soon  alighting the bus just outside the entrance gates to the park.

From the bus terminus it was now across the road and onto the pathway leading to the Mansion House Cafe where they spent a short while taking refreshments etc. Upon leaving the Mansion House the lads now took the trail down through the park and on towards one of the lakes situated here in this lovely setting. A decision was now made to continue a circular route along the pathway leading around the edge of Waterloo lake , the underfoot conditions not being too bad considering the amount of rain that as been falling over the last few days. 

Eventually the lads made their way to a lower park entrance gate and then followed the main road for a short distance until they reached the location of Oakwood and the famous clock tower which as been sited there, with the forecasted rain now falling it was a hastily dash towards a nearby bus stop and hop on the No 13 taking them back to the city centre , then each making their respective onward journeys home.

Upon reflection today’s so called roundup was both fun and exhilarating to say the least, plenty of fresh air  to consume with conversation to match.

Cheers Everyone