Walking in the Snow

 8th January 2025.                 Walking in the Snow at Roundhay Park

For their first adventure of 2025, it would be 5 of the Lads that would venture to an area of Leeds known as Roundhay Park. As per usual the said five would make their way to the city centre either by train or bus. It was John, Colin, Brian, Glenn and Dave that would board a No 12 bus that transported them to the Park. The city centre was surprisingly free of snow considering the amount that had fallen over the previous days, not so the underfoot conditions at the park. It was to prove a rather difficult task to stay upright on our feet. Slip sliding away was imminent at any moment with the wrongfully placed foot, so with great care the Lads made their way to the Mansion and partake in a refreshing cuppa etc. 

The Lads spent about 20 minutes or so before venturing a little further on their walk through the park with every step taken with caution trying to avoid any mishap, it was slowly, slowly, as they made their way along side the main lake and on towards the exit gates on Wetherby Road. Once the roadway was reached the lads crossed over and then down to the nearby bus stop just in time to catch the X98 bus back towards the city centre, a journey of about 20 minutes. The Lads now getting off the bus  on Duncan Street and then made their way into the Trinity Shopping Centre and go in search of their lunch time meal which would be courtesy of the Street Food Establishment.

It was Pizza for all has they found a suitable place to sit and eat their favourite delight along with a choice of cold drink etc. Time to reflect now about today’s outing, did we make the right decision to come to Roundhay or not , we all thought it was a good call considering the weather conditions even though it was tough to stay upright at times, just being outdoors in the cold but fresh air was exhilarating and gave us the lift that was needed after our Christmas break.

Cheers Everyone.

Christmas Lunch 2024

 Wednesday 4th December 2024.  

  Christmas Lunch at the Greedy Duck 

With great anticipation it would be Eleven of the Lads that made their journey to the Greedy Duck, a public house situated on the outskirts of Morley in a pleasant rural setting.

The group consisted of Keith, John, Derek, Malcolm, Russel, Mark, Glenn, Brian, Colin, Dave and John Howarth. All arrived at the pub car park at about ten minutes to midday, the doors to this establishment opening a few minutes after midday, the lads were soon shown to their pre booked table and the drinks began to flow so to speak along with the various conversations etc. Some 15 minutes later and our choice of starters began to arrive, but it was soon apparent that the soup dish was not hot enough to suit most of us , so was returned to the kitchen to be sorted out, which the chef rectified at once. The soup proved enjoyable as did the mushrooms but the same cannot be said about the main course, a few of the lads feeling a little disappointed with this serving, the pudding course was just about average, pity because it had all been served to us by a pleasant and thoughtful waitress. 

Now with the time approaching 2:30 it was time to bid farewell to the Greedy Duck and begin our respective journeys home, not before wishing each other all the best for Christmas and looking forward to meeting up again in the New Year.

Upon reflection today’s experience at the Greedy Duck was a little lacklustre, no atmosphere and a well below average Christmas lunch, only the joy of seeing each other and the banter that we exchange amongst ourselves lifting our spirits as it always does.

This year as seen 40 plus adventures undertaken, which could be a record, all done with enthusiasm and fortitude, we have overcome certain difficulties in pursuing our dreams and aspirations in making each outing as thrilling as it could possibly be. Here’s looking forward to many, many more.

Cheers Everyone and a Merry Christmas to All.

Ossett to Dewsbury Walk

 Wednesday 27th November 2024    Ossett to Dewsbury Walk

Today’s Adventure for the Lads would take them on a return visit to the town of Ossett and  from there, take part of the Greenway pathway down to the larger town of Dewsbury a distance of about 3 miles or so.  It would be a gang of seven that participated in this rather scenic route, those being Derek, Dave , Colin, Brian, John, Malcolm and Mark. They had arranged to gather at the Bus Station in Ossett around 11am.

This is indeed what occurred, it was a cold start to their journey and after a brief stop to purchase a hot pie of sorts they were on their way, through the market square crossing over the high street and onto Wells Road taking them in the direction of the start of Greenway pathway. Now with pleasant sunshine on their faces and abundant great vistas to admire they followed some of the route of the old railroad that used to be situated in this particular spot. The underfoot conditions were perfect with a tarmac surface to navigate them along their way, passing a few fellow walkers has they did so, they also managed to catch a glimpse of Derek’s wife Sandra has she waved to the lads from a distant upstairs window.

Part of this pathway took the lads through the old railway tunnel and finally onto the outskirts of Dewsbury following the river Calder for a short stretch before heading towards the town centre and their intended lunchtime destination. This would be at Cloggs Cafe, a humble establishment, run by pleasant staff who served us with our individual requests etc. After spending almost an hour in this cafe discussing various topics it was off to the railway station for some of the lads , while the rest made their way to the nearby bus station, all making their respective onward journeys home.

Yet another great day out with the Lads

Cheers Everyone.

Yeadon Tarn to Murgatroyds

 Wednesday 20th November 2024.           Yeadon Tarn to Murgatroyds 

It was a Cold but sunny morning as most of the Lads made their way to Leeds city railway station, once here the group, who included John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin and Glenn headed for a bus stop somewhere on Park Row, they were intending to catch a No 34 bus that would transport them to the far reaches of the city, Yeadon. But alas the intended bus was cancelled, now a little confusion ensued to say the least ,do we take No 33 or an alternative, it was two dear ladies who came to the rescue and pointed us in the right direction in order to take the A1 airport bus at a location known as Trinity. Eventually at about 11 o’clock we managed to board the airport bus and along the way pick up Malcolm at his home town of Horseforth. The other person joining us today will be Mark, he intends to meet up with the rest of us when we have our lunchtime meal.

As we clambered off the bus in Yeadon and with a cold wind in our faces it was off in the direction of a small stretch of water known locally as the Tarn, the temperature at this point was about 2 degrees if that. So it was best foot forward and follow our leader John, who incidentally did know the way!

The walk around the tarn was a relatively short and easy exercise, so a decision to make 2 circuits of the lake was the order of the day. After almost one complete circuit we sat on a nearby bench and enjoyed a short while admiring the charm of this location along with some autumn sunshine whilst we chatted away. Some twenty minutes later we resumed our journey and then continued on towards Murgatroyds for a well deserved lunch. Once at this establishment Mark now joined us as we browsed the rather extensive menu and decided what options to take, before not too long we were enjoying our individual choices of meal with various conversations now taking place. During our meal the opportunity was taken to provide Glenn with a belated birthday present much to his delight, we also sang the customary song along with a few other patrons of this establishment.

Now with the time approaching 2:25pm, it was time to say farewell to Yeadon and Murgatroyds and head back towards the city of Leeds courtesy of a No 34 bus, dropping off Malcolm on our way, we had already said goodbye to Mark has he was heading for his home town of Otley. Our 34 bus eventually got into Leeds about 3:15 having stopped at almost ever bus stop along it’s journey towards the city centre, Brian and Colin staying on board for the full journey, the rest of us departed the bus a little closer to the railway station in order to catch our home bound trains etc.

Upon reflection our adventure today was most rewarding, memorable and full of pleasant surprises.

Cheers Everyone.

Staying Safe at Stanley Ferry

 Wednesday 6th November 2024              Staying Safe at Stanley Ferry 

Today’s adventure would give eight of the Lads a most pleasurable towpath walk alongside the Aire and Calder Navigation at the location of Stanley Ferry. This is an area situated on the outskirts of the city of Wakefield, just a short car ride for some, whilst others travelled there by both train and bus, the group consisting of Malcolm, Keith, John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin and Glenn , all meeting up in the car park outside the on site Pub at about 11:15.

From here the Lads would begin to follow a roadway leading to the canal side pathway, then cross over the canal and head in a south westerly direction. The towpath here is more of a lane rather than a pathway giving vehicle access to the many canal boats moored alongside this stretch of water. They were heading for a distant road bridge crossing some three quarters of a mile off, twenty minutes later they had reached this structure and a photo opportunity was taken of all concerned.

Now, should we cross over the bridge at this point or continue a little further downstream for at least another  half mile or so, yes was the decision so their journey continued. It was a perfect day for walking, no sunshine on this November day, no rain either, just great to be outdoors chatting with each other.

Soon we reached our point of return and after a few minutes reflecting on our outward journey and another photo opportunity it was about turn and start heading back towards our lunchtime destination.

This would be at the on site Pub aptly named The Stanley Ferry, run by the Hungry Horse franchise who supplied us with rather enjoyable meals to say the least. The Lads spent just over an hour here in the Pub discussing future arrangements along with other less important matters, soon it was farewell to Stanley Ferry and with the time approaching 2 pm. It was off to the nearby bus stop for most of the Lads while the rest took to their vehicles.

Today was yet another interesting and pleasurable days adventure.

Cheers Everyone.

Mansion House Meeting

 Wednesday 30th  October 2024.                   Mansion House Meeting 

With Autumn in the air it was off to Roundhay Park  Leeds for the Lads today and eventually kick a few leaves about, but before this exercise they had arranged to meet up with their dear friend and work colleague Tim Kearney at the Mansion, a time of between 11:30 and midday was suggested and this is indeed what occurred.

Colin, Brian, Malcolm, John, Derek and Dave met at the bus stop near the Corn Exchange , this was in order to take a journey on the No 12 bus through the streets of the city heading for their destination of Roundhay Park, this bus ride stirred up memories of bygone youthful days misspent in various activities in establishments long gone, brought about a few smiles to all concerned etc.

Not before too long the bus came to a halt at the terminus just opposite to the main gates to the park, from here it is just a short stroll to the location of the Mansion which sits in a prominent position giving splendid views of the parkland laid out before it. 

Eventually we all made ourselves comfortable sat inside the Mansion, our group now included Keith who had journeyed there by car and of course Tim , he was in good spirits as per usual considering his mobility issues and all too ready to recall incidents that happened throughout his days at Thackrays.

Drinks and food were now consumed as the various conversations now continued for almost an hour and a half ,soon it was time to bid farewell to Tim until next time . It was also farewell to Keith at this point, the rest of us taking the opportunity to stretch our leg and take a twenty five minute walk through the park to the other entrance gate, once here we crossed over the main road and down to the nearby bus stop, from here we would catch the Wetherby to Leeds bus and return to the city centre in order to make our respective homeward journeys.

 Yet another great day out with the Lads 

Cheers Everyone.

Sights of Sandal

 Wednesday 23rd October 2024.                Sights of Sandal

Today’s adventure for the Lads would take them to a location on the outskirts of Wakefield, that location is known as Sandal Magna. Home to the ruined medieval Sandal Castle that overlooks the river Calder.

The group taking part in this adventure will be Brian, Colin, John, and Malcolm travelling by train from Leeds, Dave and Glenn would meet these four at Sandal/Agbrigg station then take the 15 minute walk up to the Castle and finally meet up with Derek, an approximate time of 11:00 am was suggested for this.

It was a pleasant morning full of blue sky and sunshine as the Lads began their walk. Once in the grounds of the Castle ruins this group of seven began to walk around the perimeter pathway taking in the wonderful views from this vantage point, a full 360 aspect of the city of Wakefield and the surrounding countryside etc.

From this  pathway they could see their next port of call so to speak, the nearby expanse of Pugneys Lakes about a mile away and some few hundred yards below their current location. 

It would be a steady downhill walk from the Castle following the various footpaths that would eventually lead them to the waters edge and time for a short rest and bite to eat. This was done on a few strategically placed wooden benches giving good views across the main lake. The Lads spent about 20 minutes at this particular location before moving on and then followed the wide pathway taking them in the direction of the Boat House Cafe and for some a spot of lunch etc.

A suitable place was found to consume our lunches and talk about upcoming events , what date should we arrange to see our dear friend Tim Kearney, next week or the week after, a final decision was next week.

Various other conversations took place as well as you can imagine ie, The promotion of Wakefield Trinity back into the Super League this bringing much joy and pleasure to a few of our members along with the good fortunes of Leeds United etc.

With their lunchtime break over the Lads now continued on their walk alongside the lake taking them almost full circle before eventually taking a pathway that would lead them towards a local bus stop near the Asda Shopping Centre here in Sandal. From this bus stop it was just a 5 minute ride towards the railway station and an hurried dash in order to take the 14:10 back to Leeds for some. Derek stayed on the bus and on into Wakefield, Dave collected his car and drove home,in the meantime Glenn waved the Lads goodbye at the railway station and continued his walk home.

All in all a most pleasurable and enjoyable adventure, with a few miles completed and fresh air in our lungs.

Cheers Everyone 

o