I have returned from my sell out tour ‘Ooop t’North’. During my time up there, I visited such venues as Leeds, York and Guiseley. Here are some of the sights I saw…

Leeds United v Reading
In typical Leeds fashion, they have stumbled of late, just as the football season is coming to an end. Therefore, the visit of Reading, who have won their last 8 games, lead me pessimistically predict a loss. I was pleasantly surprised. Leeds played very well. They drew 0-0, but it was an entertaining goalless draw.

A trip to York
I was born in York and spent the early stages of my life there before moving to Bristol. Besides going to the football ground last October, I have never visited the city since leaving when I was a baby.

We went there on Saturday. It is one of the most beautiful towns I have ever visited. It was a wonderful, hot spring day as we walked past the river and into the city which, like Bath, has retained much of it Roman heritage.

We ate outside in lovely pub/restaurant, while watching members of a history museum, dressed in vintage clothing. It was a very tranquil experience.

I know I am lucky enough to live in Bath, where there are also such places, but when you have lived somewhere for most of your life, you begin to take these places for granted and do not appreciate them.  I can really see why both York and Bath are such renowned cities and popular with tourism.

On the way home, we visited the house where I lived when I was a very young child. I must admit – I was expecting a plaque outside the house celebrating the fact I had lived there. There wasn’t one. I assume it had been stolen by collectors. I think I have vague memories of the place, although due to my age at the time, I doubt these are necessarily true!

Chips!
We went out for fish and chips in the evening. I don’t like fish, so I had sausage and chips. “So what”, I hear you cry. Well, we visited Harry Ramsdens. I was assured by my dad, that this was a world famous fish and chip shop. Indeed the signs outside the restaurant proclaimed themselves to be just that. However, I later learnt that there are branches of Harry Ramsdens everywhere – including in Bristol!

The significant thing of our visit to Harry Ramsdens was that it was in Guiseley – the place where the famous fish and chip shop empire first began. So I guess there was something of slight interest in my visit.

I am now back home in good old Zummerzet, but continue on my travels in the morning, when I return to the thrills and spills of non-league football – travelling to Eastbourne to watch the mighty Bath City in their last away game of the season.