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GLW2402
: Baht 'at
Saturday
16th to Monday 18th March 2024
There
is a learned debate about the meaning of
“BAHT”. Some think it’s the Thai unit
of currency. Others think it refers
to the British Association of Hand Therapists.
However those of a certain age, with
or without a drop of Yorkshire blood, know that means the absence of something,
for instance head gear. It is to be mortally regretted if one should
venture forth on Ilkley Moor baht ‘at.
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It
was Saturday and we were staying at the
Wheatley Arms in Ben Rhydding, a stone’s
throw from Ilkley. It’s an oddball
sort of hostelry.
At first sight it
looks like a throwback, almost to the Fawlty
Towers sort of establishment. However
once entered, the bar area is a pleasant
surprise. Somewhat eccentric and surprisingly
large.
The greeting was warm and we
were presented with the key to our room.
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The
stairs were worryingly steep and the bedroom
too might be thought a bit of a throwback,
especially the en-suite with a door that
didn’t pass the sink, making access to the
shower interesting. However it was
clean and comfortable so what more do you
want?
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On
Saturday evening, we visited Bramhope, the
village (or is it a suburb) of Margaret’s
youth. Driving around brought back
many memories for her and some for me.
Back
at the hotel, the restaurant was an extension
of the bar area. The staff were friendly
and helpful. The food was good and
came remarkably quickly considering how
busy they were. Clearly it had a reputation
as it is somewhat out of the way and passing
trade would be minimal.
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Sunday
was our day to visit Leeds. As Ben
Rhydding has its own station just down the
road from the hotel, we decided to travel
by train, again surprisingly busy given
the day.
Alighting
at Central Station we wandered through streets
that at one time were very familiar to both
of us. Much had changed but a lot
remains more or less as we remembered. The
city seemed thriving and the arcades particularly
attractive. We had coffee in one then
continued our exploration.
The
Corn Exchange was a revelation. Very
much an artisanmakert place, very nicely
done up.
An
intriguing slogan surrounded the balcony.
OUR
PAST SHAPES OUR FUTURE. BLOCK BY BLOCK
WE BUILD FIRM FOUNDATIONS THAT TURN INTO
SKY SCRAPERS. FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS,
BIG IGEAS, VISIONS TURNED INTO REAL LIFE
FEATURES.
On
Boar Lane we discovered one reason why there
were so many people around. In the
distance was a marching band.
Soon
we realised it was much more than that-
it was a full blown St Patrick’s day parade
with lots of folk dressed partly in green
walking with the bands or waving from wagons.
Had it been Liverpool, this would
not have been a surprise, but in Leeds?
One
band caught the eye, or in particular the
girl on the big bass drum caught our eyes,
it was Amanda- Brian and Christine’s daughteron
the big bass drum.
They
continued on their way. A marshal
had a moan about this being the first of
three events he had to man that afternoon.
After St Patrick would be Leeds versus
Millwall- the team with the reputation of
being followed by the worst thugs in the
football leagues. If he survived that,
he then had a pro Palestine march with which
to contend.
We
headed back up through the shopping streets
to the Headrow where we once again met the
procession.
After
a bit more wandering, in particular seeing
Cookridge Street where Margaret used to
catch the bus home, we chanced upon Millennium
Square which neither of us remembered, probably
because it wasn’t there when we were! It
was heaving with Irish and at the far end
was a stage upon which a very large choir
was singing beautifully. After all
those streets, broad and narrow, I quite
expected to see Gareth Malone conducting.
The
Art Gallery was a bit of a disappointment.
The upstairs room was closed which
left only one room with traditional style
paintings. Some were very good but
we had expected a larger collection to be
on view.
Our
wander continued to Park Square where I
tried to find the old Provincial offices
and Margaret where her dentist used to be.
Inconclusive.
The
canal called next but we didn’t go the most
efficient way so first found ourselves by
the river.
The distance walked (probably
over 5 miles) was taking its toll so we
stopped for a coffee in a smart hotel bar
where a very drunken couple were draped
all over each other until, the man noticed
Leeds United score and leapt to his feet
with such a huge, aggressive shout that
the security men came rushing.
It
was time to catch the train back to the
hotel and another good meal, even though,
with it being Sunday, it was rather earlier
than we would have liked leaving us with
rather a lot of time to explore the night
time charms of Ben Rhydding or alternatively
watch the TV. The latter won.
Home
on Monday but not before the mandatory trip
“baht ‘at”. Parking below the Cow
and Calf, the obligatory photo was taken,
then, donning sensible head gear to avoid
the predicted demise, we climbed round and
explored the said rocks before avoiding
the temptations of Bettys in Ilkley and heading home.
Don, Wednesday 18th March 2024
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