Leeds........
Contact:- Mrs Sylvia Sharpe...............................................
Tel:- 0113 2664101
E-mail:- sylvia@sylviasharpe.wanadoo.co.uk
FOCERRSA REP :-Dave Watson, Shadows Lodge, 207 Manchester Road,
Greenfield, Oldham, OL3 7HX. Telephone 01457 837113. dave@greenfieldyorkshire.freeserve.co.uk
Activities:- Walks, Theatre trips,
lunches,outings and short holidays..............................
Programme Lunches. ...... Sylvia
Sharpe 0113 266 4101
Friday 30th October at 12 noonA pub
lunch at theBlack Swan at Burn BridgeDown the years
the fortunes and reputaton of the ‘Mucky Duck’ haveebbed
and flowed as successive owners, tenants or managers sought toput
their particular stamp on its trading style; trying everything
fromconventional ‘local’ to upmarket gastro pub and all
options in between At present it is enjoying a normal, refreshed
lease of life. It is not longrefurbished, well-maintained,
energetically managed and serving goodfood. Once again it
justifies our patronage.On the Harrogate side of the roundabout
with the A658 (the start of thesouthern Harrogate ring road at
‘Buttersyke Bar’) take the first left turnoff the A61
signed for Burn Bridge ¼ mile. Negotiate this narrowishlane,
sharp double bend over the bridge and traffic control ploys withcare;
soon to come upon the Black Swan on your left.Please let Sylvia know by Saturday 24th
October if you will belunching with us.
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VISITS
Meet at the Golden Acre Car ParkAt
10.30am on Tuesday 13th OctoberOfficially opened in
1932, in its hey-day Golden Acre was a largeamusement park. The
lake, formerly Black Hill Dam, was then about halfa mile long and
about quarter of a mile wide. Motor launches, rowingboats and
dinghys sailed the length and breadth of the lake, whilst in thecentre
stood a large music tower from which music and announcementswere
relayed to visitors.Circling around, a distance of just over a
mile, ran a miniature railway.Two engines worked the line pulling
open top carriages between threestations connecting the many
attractions (including the Blue Lagoon openair swimming pool) to
the rest of the park.The park closed after the 1938 season and,
having lain derelict since 1939,the park was acquired by Leeds
City Council in 1945.Now it consists of approximately 55 hectares
of gardens and maturewoodland round an attractive lake which is
home to many species ofwildfowl. Over recent years the gardens
have seen much transformation.Existing features have been
upgraded, beds and borders re-organised andnew features added. In
the heart of the park is the Demonstration Garden.This follows
horticultural trends and provides visitors with inspirationand
ideas for their own gardens. Three National Plant Collections
held bythe Council (lilacs, large-leaved hostas and day-lilies)
can be seen in thepark.Refreshments varying from snacks to full
meals are provided in theattractive ‘Bakery Coffee House’.
Please let Keith Brooks know (01937 584573) at
least a couple ofdays before this visit if you propose to attend.
A visit toThe Leeds Mansion HouseRoundhay
ParkThursday 19th November at 10.30am
Meet by
the door to the house.(Convenient nearby car parking is
available.)The Mansion is an impressive regency country
house, built in 1811 andsituated in the 700 acres of woodland and
water gardens at RoundhayPark. The building and park were
acquired for the people of Leeds in1871, when the Mansion
established renown as a café restaurant,carvery and party venue.
The house was managed for over 120 years bythe Gilpin family.
After the Gilpin family relinquished their tenancy in2003, Leeds
City Council undertook a major assessment of the state ofthe
house. It was found to be in a serious state of disrepair, in
need ofmajor refurbishment, maintenance and repair.After being
closed for six years the Grade II-listed building has beengiven a
complete restoration to return it to its former glory. It has
beenpart of a major £8million restoration scheme for the whole
of RoundhayPark, with significant funding support from the
Heritage Lottery Fund.Within the house there has been painstaking
repair of original detailfeatures such as decorative plaster
cornices, architraves, wall panellingand beechwood dance floors.
Restored features include the magnificentsweeping staircase with
original stone steps, decorative wrought ironworkand carved
mahogany banister - the centrepiece of the Mansion.All in all
your committee considers that the Mansion is now in a fitcondition
for members to undertake an inspection of the restoredproperty,
the deli and new café restaurant. We may even undertake adoddle
of a toddle in the park to view the house in its setting.
Please let Keith Brooks know (01937 584573) at
least a couple ofdays before the visit whether you propose to
attend.
Theatre Trip.ChicagoTHE MUSICALSTARRINGGARY
WILMOT as BILLY FLYNNDate: 27th November Time 5.0pmPrice: £22.50
(Sorry no concessions)
“Murder,
greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery....allthose
things we hold near and dear to our hearts”...(!)... So
begins theinternational award -winning musical, ‘Chicago’.
Based on real eventsback in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer
Roxie Hart shoots her loverand along with Cell Block rival,
double murderess Velma Kelly, theyfight to keep from Death Row
with the help of smooth-talking lawyer,Billy Flynn. It would be a
crime to miss this show; winner of 6 Tony, 2Olivier, 1 Grammy, 2
BAFTA and 6 Academy Awards and featuringthose great numbers,
‘All that Jazz’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’.If you would like to go please let Jim Quinlan
knowon 0113 278 3816within one week of receiving this newsletter.
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