John and Derek’s Birthday Bash

 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.

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