#pieandpriestley J.B.Priestley Pie and Proud of Bradford Show. 13th Sept. Napoleons Casino, Bradford. Book early!

Glyn Watkins’ J.B.Priestley Pie and Proud of Bradford. 13/9/17. 19.30 for 20.00. Napoleons Casino Bradford. tickets contact Napoleons Casino 01274 391820 For more on Glyn see http://www.bradwan.com

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#lostbradfordtour triumph.

Organisers of an annual bus that, in their words’ “Tours around stuff in Bradford that isn’t there anymore.” have declared their latest one, on Saturday, a  triumph, after they received universal praise from a packed bus.

‘Tales from the Tracks’ was the 3rd tour planned by local showman and poet Glyn Watkins and local historian Dave Pendleton; with support from the The Sparrow Bier Cafe and the Record Cafe on North Parade.

This year the tour drove by the route of the lost Queensbury railway to Cullingworth, in a vintage Daimlar bus hired from Yesteryear Cars of Baildon.

The trip set off from The Record Cafe with no spare seats. There was a running commentary from Glyn and Mastermind semi-finalist James Mackenzie (specialist subject: ‘Lost Railways of West Yorkshire’) that informed, educated and, judging by the amount of loud laughter, entertained.

After travelling around Bradford’s terminal railway stations (2 alive and 5 lost) the bus party travelled up Thornton Road to the site of Thornton Station. They then travelled on to the site of Cullingworth Station, before taking refreshment at The George; who appreciated the trade from 70 odd thirsty travellers.

Next came a short drive to Hewenden Viaduct, where undeterred by a thin drizzle, nearly all the party got off to walk across the viaduct; which was seen to be a magnificent, but expensive, monument to Victorian engineering.

Re-boarding the bus at the site of Wilsden Station (which was a long way from Wilsden)  the bus then travelled the scenic road past Egypt and through Moscow. Climbing to Mountain before dropping down through Queensbury the party could clearly see the triangular site of Queensbury Station, a long way down from the town itself.

Next stop was Clayton Parish Church to view the tombstone of:

‘Thomas Coates aged 20 years and William Elliot aged 27 years who departed this life November 5th 1874. They were both killed at number one shaft Clayton tunnel caused by the neglect of the man in charge of the engine.’

Next stop was Bowling Old Lane Cricket Club for curry and buns laid on by the club, and a pop-up bar organised by Les Hall of The Sparrow. Many of the party also watched part of the game against Gomersal C.C.

After crossing over the disused Bowling Junction Railway on Hall Lane, the bus finally returned to the Sparrow, where the travellers showed their appreciation with a loud and spontaneous round of applause.

If you were wondering about the 5 ‘lost terminal stations’ they were: 1. Old Forster Square. 2. The small station that Forster Square was built over. 3. The Exchange. 4. The smaller station that was built over. 5. Adolphus Street, parts of which survive on Dryden Street.

#lostbradfordtour

“Picture by Keith at Clayton, including Glyn, Dave and James.

#lostbradfordtour Joe Ogden filmed it. At Clayton Parish Church.

#lostbradfordtour Weather means closed top bus and amended route. More time for history, culture and beer!

#lostbradfordtour . Route planning complete!

Bowling Old Lane Cricket Club Menu for bus tour stop.

#lostbradfordtour

We are technically, and factually, sold out for the Tales From The Tracks bus tour. A vintage bus trip to see stuff what ain’t there no more.

Tickets will become available between now and 10th June, as long as ticket holders tell us they can’t be there (they have done for the last 2 trips).

As a man of experience I know there will be empty seats on the day, and if it’s bucketing down there will be plenty.

If you a desperate to be on the bus go to the Record Cafe and make them write your name down on the piece of paper (if I have not given them a piece of paper yet, make them use their initiative.

If you are really desperate, then be at the Record Cafe before just after 10.00 on 10th June, bang on door, and make Keith put your name down in capital letters.

I said we should have put price up! Did they listen? Smily emoji (? the smiley, toss, face things people use now instead of trying to write what they actually mean ).