The Trip to York and Knaresborough
At 8.00 on Monday, 21st July, a group of third formers collected at the top of West Street for the trip to York and Knaresborough. Mr. Wells and Mr. Handforth came and shortly afterwards the coach arrived. We all settled in our seats, that was, with the exception of one boy, Dunkerley. Ten minutes later he hurried across to where the coach was waiting. Dunkerley found a seat, the driver started the engine, and we were off. We stopped en route to pick up the rest of the party. The noisiest crew possible congregated on the back seat - Sudds, Platt, Rodgers, Kitchen and Feeley, with Walker not far away. Half-way a female, who shall be anonymous joined them. The weather became warm, clear and sunny, with a promise of a good day, and we reached York about 10.30 a.m.
The coach parked in the Castle Coach Park and we all got out.
First we all visited the Castle Museum under supervision. Most people found the Museum very interesting especially the Medieval Streets and Shops. Then, after being told to return to the coach at 3.30 p.m., we split up to visit the places of interest. Mr. Wells had kindly had street maps of York printed for us, and armed with these we invaded the City of York. Most of us visited the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford's Tower. After that everybody satisfied his individual taste, most boys I suppose visiting the Railway Museum.
At 3.30 p.m. everyone was back at the Castle Coach Park. Parcels of food and presents were put on the racks, and we left York for Knaresborough. We drove through quiet country lanes with songs and other noises issuing forth from the coach. The coach pulled up in the cobbled market place. This was surrounded by cafes and sweet and souvenir shops. A street led to the nearby gardens and ruined castle. From the top of the cliffs we had a wonderful view of the river and woods. To reach the riverside one had to climb down a hundred or so steps. The weather became gloomy but this did not deter many of us from going on the boats. Nearly everyone went to see Mother Shipton's Cave and the Petrifying Well and a few of us were lucky enough to see a very bold red squirrel in the woodland path on the way. Some found time to visit the Chapel and House in the Rocks. In the lane leading to these five boys, who shall be nameless, managed to become drunk on Dandelion and Burdock and some girls found it good for the feet to walk barefoot. At 7.30 p.m. everyone was back at the coach except a few who could not bring themselves to leave the lovely places Knaresborough had to offer. The journey is without doubt something to remember, as far as certain members of the party are concerned. At roughly 9.0 p.m. we reached a wet and dismal Oldham. Our thanks are due to Mr. Wells and Mr. Handforth and all those who helped in any way to make the trip such an enjoyable one.
J.A.H.
