Thursday 18th April saw us depart from the Square on a sunny but windy morning.  We set off for Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton, Stoke.  On arrival we hade tea/coffee/biscuits and then joined our guides for our tour.  What an interesting place it turned out to be.    Who could believe in this day and age the hardships they worked under in the Potteries.  Brick bottle shaped kilns which we went in, belched thick black smoke all over Stoke on Trent.  Children from as young as 6 were working there.  There was a lighter side though with a demonstration of pot and exquisite flower making.  We visited the Doctor’s house and were repulsed by the things that people suffered from as a result of working in this trade.     Gladstone Museum itself is a lasting testimony to the way it was and in its’ heyday made beautiful fine bone china.   We finished off at the Flushed with Pride exhibition which explained the history and development of the modern wc and flush. How enterprising were the Victorians who built sewers and developed the water flush and with none of the technoloy we have to-day.  We travelled on to Leek, famous for its antiques and button making where we went our separate ways to have lunch.  Then off we went to Hartington, reputedly one of the prettiest villages in the area.  We travelled across the wild Staffordshire Moorland, not as well known as its’ Derbyshire neighbour, but beautiful nonetheless.  We  bought cheese from the Little Cheese Shop, some of it is now made in the area and had tea/cakes in the local tea rooms and the lovely Charles Cotton Hotel.  By this time it was still very windy and becoming quite cold so we were pleased to reboard the coach and head for home.  A very interesting worthwhile day

We set off from the Square, weather was not good – cold and wet.  However, we arrived in Leeds complete with our street map giving directions to hostelries, tea rooms, pubs, shops etc.  What a surprise Leeds is.  Fantastic City Centre, superb shops, lovely arcades with individual shops, brilliant real old pubs and an excellent market where Marks and Spencer began their life.  A stall is shortly to open here commemorating their start here.    Plenty of bargains to be had.  We arrived in good time to take our seats at the Theatre – and very good seats they were.  In the stalls at the front.  The show was most enjoyable with plenty of variety, a good Chairman and excellent comedians who gave us a real laugh.  The theatre awarded prizes for the best appropriate outfit and 3 of our ladies won – Beryl, Rosina and Mikki.  They looked great.  There were other good outfits as well – it all added to the atmosphere.  On our way back on the M62 we came through heavy snow and fog but arrived back safe and sound in Maghull – still raining!!  I think we all agreed a good day had been had by all.