Birthday Bash
Wednesday 11th August 2021. Birthday Bash
What a brilliant day was in prospect for the Lads today, but little did they know how extra special it would turn out to be.
It all started off with a train journey from Leeds to the Lancashire town of Rochdale, there would be just 4 lads participating in this adventure, John,Brian, Colin and Dave the latter 2 are celebrating their birthday’s in the next couple of days, so this was an extra special treat for them.
Upon arrival at Rochdale station at about 10:15 the next step was to take a bus ride on the 471 heading for the market town of Bury, this journey would take about 25-30 minutes. The Lads were soon aboard a bus as this service was 1 every 10 minutes , not bad. Their plan once reaching Bury was to locate the famous Lancashire Fusiliers Museum and spend about 90 minutes looking around all the artefacts regarding this famous battalion, what a really magnificent display was to be observed, a great thanks to all involved.
As the museum clock was approaching 12:30 it was now time for the Lads to head off to the East Lancs Railway Station here in Bury and begin the start of their main event of this trip to Lancashire. It was to be a really memorable experience for the Lads, a luncheon aboard a vintage railway carriage being pulled by the famous Union of South Africa steam train, what a great thrill for all who were on board for this trip. Just the sound of steam trains whistle was enough to send shivers down your spine not to mention the excitement as we rolled steadily along through the countryside here in this region of Lancashire.
This enthralling journey would take us in the direction of Heyward and then return up line to the far destination of Rawtenstall passing several other nostalgic stations on our way whilst enjoying a splendid luncheon served to us by very friendly and attentive staff.
Many conversations were struck up with our fellow passengers as we were able to take advantage of the many photo stops we had along our way, stopping briefly at the stations of Ramsbotham, Rawtenstall and finally at Bury. What a magnificent Steam Engine the Union of South Africa turned out to be considering those many years of service, still a sight worth seeing. Sadly our luncheon trip came to an end some Two and a half hours later, from the station at Bury it was time to make our way back towards the bus terminus and take the 471 for the return journey back to Rochdale in order to catch the 16:36 train heading for Leeds.and then our respective journeys home.
All in all this adventure and experience of today, we would rate as one of our best.
Cheers Lads.
Fantastic day out and so many friendly people to make our day out so special if riding behind an A4 wasn’t special enough?
ReplyDeleteLovely photographs Dave Thank you and Many Happy Returns!