Wednesday 21 January 2026

Visit to see Tim Kearney (Snr)

 

There would be eleven of us today rendezvousing at Roundhay Mansion to see Tim.

Today’s group would consist of Brian, Donald, Ashton, Mark, Keith, John Howarth, Glenn, John Hey, Derek, Russell Tim and Colin. Dave was unable to attend today and was badly missed as he always is when he can’t make it. 

The weather was slight drizzle in the air as we set off from the bus stop opposite Corn Exchange catching the No. 12 and extremely cold. However, Tim was already there when we arrived and was happy to see us all. Many of us ordered a snack and drink to make it a pleasurable meetup. 

Various discussions were taking place and Tim was proud to be showing us his grandchild who had graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Physics and Nuclear Technology, well done. 

The group discussed our next adventure at Bingley and it was decided that dependent on the weather we would walk from Saltaire to Bingley, about an hour or for those not wanting to walk they would catch a later train and go directly to The LOFT café! The train times would be either 10:26 for the walkers or 11:56 for those going directly to the café. Tickets would be return to Bingley alighting at Saltaire for the walk.

The LOFT Café in Bingley is booked for 12:30. 

Many discussions were going on simultaneously with catchups and reminiscing about times gone by. After a couple of hours we decided to catch the FirstBus back into Leeds rather than the X98  and left about 13:30 to make our way back into Leeds Corn Exchange where we then caught our respect ice trains and/or buses for the final leg. 

A lovely day out particularly seeing so many ignoring the inclement weather to make the journey to see our friend Tim. 

Best regards Colin

Colin Hendrick Ward

 Wednesday 28th January 2026.        Birthday Bash

Today would see a gathering of 10 Lads,  eventually meeting up at a pleasant little cafe in Bingley. The Loft is it’s name, a scheduled time of 12:30 was suggested to meet there, the Lads were given the option of engaging in a canal side walk first taking them from Saltaire to Bingley, or just going to Bingley direct.

It would be John, Malcolm, Colin, Dave , Brian and Glenn that participate in the walk, it had been a cold and foggy start to the morning, with the hint of some sunshine, maybe.

Glenn and Dave met up with Colin, Malcolm and Brian at Leeds railway station in order to catch the 10:26 train that would take them to Saltaire, John was there to greet them, by this time the sun was out and burning away the last of the foggy mist that had been hanging around , leaving clear blue skies now, we felt blessed. From the station here in Saltaire it was down the cobblestone streets and on to the Canal side pathway heading towards Bingley and beyond.

This group of Lads eventually arriving in the outskirts of Bingley just before midday, another 10 minutes and they were outside the Loft. On entering the cafe we were able to find our allotted tables and order a cuppa so to speak. It was now time to study the menu’s whilst the rest of our group arrived, those being Derek, Mark, Keith and John Howarth. Once assembled and our choice of lunchtime meals decided the waitress took our orders etc. Various conversations now ensued around our tables as per usual, the main topic either Football or what’s happening next week etc.

Moments before our meals began to arrive, the cafe lights flickered at this point we all gave our rendition of the Happy Birthday song, it was aimed at John and Derek who had recently celebrated their 81st birthday, Cheers to them both.

We spent over an hour here in the Loft enjoying each other’s company, plenty of laughs and great banter around our table as you can imagine.1:45 and it was time to say farewell to the Loft and now head for the railway station, John waiving us goodbye as the rest of us boarded the 14:08 train heading back to Leeds.

Yet again another great day out with the Boys 

Cheers Everyone.