16 members boarded the coach on a dry March day and headed for Wakefield for two contrasting visits.

Chris Blomerley explained in terms that we could all understand (even the author), why the Wars of the Roses started and the role that Sandal Castle played in the Battle of Wakefield in 1460 before leading us on a tour of the castle’s remains.  Fascinating.

Then on to the Shepherd’s Arms in Horbury for an excellent lunch of soup and a sandwich. The pub has its origins in Nether Hall, a 15th century building, when it was twice the size it is now.  Several of the beams are believed to date back to the original build.

Next, to the National Mining Museum where 12 intrepid explorers joined the underground tour being lowered 140 metres in a miners cage to spend an hour and a quarter exploring before returning to the surface.  The guide was a retired miner which led credibilty to his stories and gave a great insight into the lives of these hardworking men.

One question remains.  Why do ex-miners say they’d go back tomorrow given the chance?  It seems to have been a life of hard toil, danger and meagre reward.  However, the communities they created may be where the answer lies.

It was then back onto the coach, arriving in Helmshore about 5.30pm.