A Day Out

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There's nothing like a day out to boost the mood. When your destination is an unknown quantity that you have never visited before, it provides both stimulation and reinvigoration. The problem at the moment can be persuading yourself to enter potentially crowded places. However, on the basis that so many people are thinking likewise or sheltering from the cold, frequently a place that would normally be teeming with people can, contrary to all expectations, be deserted.

So yesterday found me travelling again by train, this time to meet up with a friend for a visit to the Bankfield Museum in Halifax where an art exhibition by Kate Lycett had been recommended to us. Her paintings were an interesting mixture of  golden threads, geometric patterns, and landscape in an architectural style. I confess that after admiring her work, I subsequently wasn't surprised to discover that she had been influenced by an architect originally and had also specialised in textiles. The colours were vivid and her landscape scenes of Yorkshire instantly recognisable.

The coffee shop staffed by friendly staff was virtually empty and on wandering around we were invariably the only people in the particular exhibit room at any one time. 

 

We proceeded from there to The Piece Hall which is the country's only remaining Cloth Hall, completed in 1779 to enable Georgian merchants to trade their pieces of cloth. When you enter through the beautiful painted gates you know you are about to see something that will excite. It was stunningly restored in 2017 and is quite simply magnificent. Originally two and three storeys of small trading rooms set around a large open square, it was instantly reminiscent of our visit to the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, can you believe exactly 3 years ago now? How time flies when you feel as though you have been hardly anywhere since!

A Christmas Market is operating in the central square of The Piece Hall too although only on weekends, but the delightful shops stocking local artisan products as well as a variety of cafes were sufficient to satisfy us and although we were by no means the only visitors, there were certainly no crowds.

Looking out eastwards, autumn was still in evidence with a blaze of yellow and brown as opposed to in my own area where it seems the branches are now completely bare. 

The aroma too of coffee drifting across the square and then the perfumed scents emanating from the Yorkshire Soap Company were more than enough to elevate the sensorial emotions especially when coupled with some speciality chocolate tasting!

Although perhaps on the periphery of what I would consider as an appropriate distance for a day visit, it made me realise that we really do need to get out and explore our hinterlands much more. If the crowds want to stay at home rather than accompany us, then so much the better.


 

Comments

Treaders said…
You're absolutely right - think we all need to get out and about again and if the crowds decide to stay away then it's so much the better isn't it!
27 November 2021 at 17:17
Jean said…
We are certainly still very circumspect about where we go. There are too many people not wearing masks for my liking in most places so we've become quite adept at seeking out places that are reasonably deserted. Luckily, being retired, we can choose our time of day when places are likely to be quiet and avoid going anywhere much at the weekends! We have not been short of opportunities to have a day out during the week and as you say, it's a real boost!
27 November 2021 at 17:59
Caree Risover said…
Yes, something of a relief to hear today that mask wearing in shops and on public transport is once again to be compulsory, although to be fair most people in our area have kept it up regardless. However, I much prefer the concept of space and although I’ve vowed to walk away if anywhere is particularly crowded, by choosing our days and times, it’s not something I’ve yet had to do.
27 November 2021 at 18:24
Viv said…
Great review and it's inspired me to visit our local museums again The latest announcement re mask wearing should make more people wear them routinely I hope
28 November 2021 at 06:35
Caree Risover said…
I think museums and art galleries need all the help they can get at the moment
28 November 2021 at 09:31
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