SOUND ISSUES: I am aware of some sound issues in this video. I now know what was causing it, and it's all down to a wind reduction setting on the camera. This has since been amended on future videos. But as I film many weeks ahead, it has meant that it's taken a while for it to be brought to my attention.
I used to go to Middleton park and the woods when I was a kid, some 50 odd years ago. I remember there was a pavillion and the playground next to the golf course and the lake where I used to go fishing on and boats went on to. The manor house had a cafe inside and the loos on the right. Down at the bottom of the woods there was a scrap yard, which we clambered inside the cars pretending we were driving them . The colliery shale at the bottom of the park we used to call black pudding and the murky slurry there was called orange river for obvious reasons. Fond memories of walking through til you got to Beeston and Hunslet through the park.
Absolutely fascinating - thanks so much. Like most people that lived in Miggy, I spent a lot of time in the park or woods - I never really did get over the loss of the lovely old cafe by the boating lake! I grew up on the Manor Farm estate in the 1960s, and can remember the Broom Pit siren. The colliery was closed in 1968, but the old winding gear mechanism that had been used for hauling coal up the hill onto Town St, opposite the Southcroft parade of shops, lived on for a while.
I was brought up in Middleton and used to ride to Leeds city centre as a child on the tram with my mother. It's a fabulous park with some great history.
Once again thanks. As a child I used to use the tram from Dewsberry Road Polise staion/library up to the middle of the woods where I got off to go to my dads allotment. When the trams stopped it was the 29 bus from Holbeck moor. Also used to play football on the pitches at the top of the wood. Happy days. V Best Wishes - Jn
Now Leeds Urban Bike Park is providing a world class facility, coupled with the outstanding work by friends of Middleton Park, this gives Middletonians something to be proud of. If you haven't been then you're missing out! My Dad was often at the park as a child and our Grandson is also a regular visitor. Well done to all.
I lived in Middleton and remember seeing kids put pennies on the tram lines to crush them. I am now 68 and remember going on the trams with my mum so it must have been the late 50’s or early 60’s when they stopped. There used to be a signal tower and a signal on the abandoned railway line at the bottom of the park. I used to know every inch of the park as it was my playground for many years
A couple of little stories on the trams. My dad used to ride on those when he was younger. On one occasion he rang the bell before the conductor got back on and the tram left with him running behind it. On a separate ride a young boy was sat blowing bubble gum, my dad getting more annoyed at him popped it resulting in the bubble gum going all over the boys face.
It’s lovely park and fascinating history there are some wonderful little cottages scattered around too (outside the park) tucked away in the more recent house building. Lots of cute squirrels galavanting about too 🐿 🙂
Great video I must have been about 4 years old because I can just remember the Trams in Middleton my mum used to go into Leeds most saturday's the Tram used to set off from the lingwell's then turn off just before the Middleton water tower, Then go through the woods it was well known at the time that the Tram drivers took the brakes off so the Tram would tear off down the hill in the woods Middleton people called it the fast track! and then the tram would come out at the bottom of Dewsbury Road the number 12 I think it was that number is still in use today, To be fair the Trams were bone shakers!! Middleton was one of the last places to get rid of the Trams back in 1959. Looking forward to you next video. Ray
The trams that were designed specially for that route, the Middleton Bogie Trams, were not boneshakers - they were very smooth. However, the route saw a lot of regular trams, too, which swayed all over the place. I suppose it depends what you mean by the 'bottom' of Dewsbury Road, but the trams from Middleton joined Dewsbury Road at the junction with Moor Road, turning right towards the city centre, just by The Junction pub.
Very interesting, I’ve never been further than the horse riding arena. All knew info to me, I do remember the last tram running in Leeds. It went to Temple Newsam and I used to go on it with my Mother and Grandma. 😎
Great video as per usual. I grew up nearby and spent a lot of time in those woods and on the railway. My dad used to be a fireman on the locomotives at Middleton Railway. Also, I'll be looking forward to seeing a video about the Beeston-Hunslet branch line you hinted at!
Have you been to the Crich Tramway Museum, they have a Leeds tram there plus lots of others. I wish some of these places where still here today. So much better what's there is now!
Hi Darren. Great video I watched it when you originally posted it and although never going to look for the tram way I was aware of it. I was also aware the ice house had just been discovered. I finally pulled my finger out today and went down. Oh how I wish I'd watched your vlog again. An old lady showed us to the start of the tram way and I asked if she new the location of the ice house unfortunately she didn't. Thinking in my head it was near the cleanings I went up the steps where the tram stop was and went looking for said ice house. After a good half hour I finally found it. On the way home I bumped into the lady who showed us the tram way and told her where it was. Anyway got back home and watched your vlog again and BOOM you says it's just next to the tram way.
The tramway system to middleton and through the woods finished on the 28 march 1959 missed it by 3 yrs was born in 1962 would loved to gone on a middleton bogie through the woods.
Very interesting again Darren. Brought back another load of memories from my childhood. Never knew about the Ice House. Used to go on the tram to Leeds.
Ace video again mate, been long time since I went Middleton park going to go back soon to see some of this for myself. Have you ever thought to check out adel/meanwood woods? There’s abandoned bunkers and old aqua ducks along with lots other interesting history that’s hidden beneath the trees
A relation of mine owned the farm that was at the bottom of Middleton park, It was owned by someone called farmer ward, then my relation bought it for £500 pounds its was in the 50`s his name was Jack North . The TV show Black Beauty ( in the 70`s ) It was his horse that was used in the show. In the late 70`s and early 80`s the land was started been sold to the NCB for open cast mining and other places which now makes up part of Parkside industrial estate.
Middleton born 1957. Mum works on the trams. I remember being about 5 picking bits of coal up with my dad and brother that was dropped about to take home for the fire
Did you know the Morgans in Moor Flatts Road? John Morgan was a sports journalist for the Yorkshire Post, and his son Richard and I went to St Philips together.
all the old tram rails were still there 40 years ago burried at the side of the track under all the vegitation unless the scrap people have found them.
Great video and thank you! It seems like we didn't visit the yellow, orange and purple railways in Middleton Park? Thanks disappointing. Any reason why?
Steven. Did you see part 1? This is part 2.Some of those lines were old waggon ways not railways. And part 3 still to come at Middleton railway. I've covered them all.
OH YEAH, WE MADE THAT UP AS IT'S SO FUNNY. THESE GUYS PRETENDED TO HAVE ALL THIS KNOWLEDGE, AND JUST TALK TO THEMSELVES INSTEAD. WE EVEN HAD A GUIDE BOOK HIDDEN BEHIND THE CAMERA. IT'S CALLED "MIDDLETON PARK STUFF FOR UA-cam DUMMIES". EVEN THAT ICE HOUSE WAS A LIE, IT WAS ACTUALLY A TORN DOWN KFC DRIVE THRU. EVEN THIS WEBSITE I LINKED IN MY VIDEO , FOR GUIDED WALKING TOURS IN MIDDLETON PARK. IT WAS MADE JUST FOR A LAUGH, THEY JUST PUT THAT TOGETHER AFTER A NIGHT ON THE RAZZ AT COCO BONGO'S; fomp.co.uk/html/walks.html I'LL HAVE A CUPPA WHILST YOU ENJOY YOUR HUMBLE PIE, AND I'll stop shouting now.
SOUND ISSUES:
I am aware of some sound issues in this video. I now know what was causing it, and it's all down to a wind reduction setting on the camera. This has since been amended on future videos. But as I film many weeks ahead, it has meant that it's taken a while for it to be brought to my attention.
I used to go to Middleton park and the woods when I was a kid, some 50 odd years ago. I remember there was a pavillion and the playground next to the golf course and the lake where I used to go fishing on and boats went on to. The manor house had a cafe inside and the loos on the right. Down at the bottom of the woods there was a scrap yard, which we clambered inside the cars pretending we were driving them . The colliery shale at the bottom of the park we used to call black pudding and the murky slurry there was called orange river for obvious reasons. Fond memories of walking through til you got to Beeston and Hunslet through the park.
Thanks for sharing Andy.
Thank you Rich and Jim with Darren on this episode. Cheers gentlemen.
Absolutely fascinating - thanks so much. Like most people that lived in Miggy, I spent a lot of time in the park or woods - I never really did get over the loss of the lovely old cafe by the boating lake! I grew up on the Manor Farm estate in the 1960s, and can remember the Broom Pit siren. The colliery was closed in 1968, but the old winding gear mechanism that had been used for hauling coal up the hill onto Town St, opposite the Southcroft parade of shops, lived on for a while.
Thanks Eileen
I was brought up in Middleton and used to ride to Leeds city centre as a child on the tram with my mother. It's a fabulous park with some great history.
Thanks for sharing
Once again thanks. As a child I used to use the tram from Dewsberry Road Polise staion/library up to the middle of the woods where I got off to go to my dads allotment. When the trams stopped it was the 29 bus from Holbeck moor. Also used to play football on the pitches at the top of the wood. Happy days. V Best Wishes - Jn
Now Leeds Urban Bike Park is providing a world class facility, coupled with the outstanding work by friends of Middleton Park, this gives Middletonians something to be proud of. If you haven't been then you're missing out! My Dad was often at the park as a child and our Grandson is also a regular visitor. Well done to all.
Yes we stopped there for a coffee.
G day mate great channel I’m originally from Leicester but now live in Warrnambool in Victoria oz. I miss this kind of thing.
Spent many hours of my childhood in this park. Another great video Darren 👍🏻
Thanks Ashley 👍
I lived in Middleton and remember seeing kids put pennies on the tram lines to crush them. I am now 68 and remember going on the trams with my mum so it must have been the late 50’s or early 60’s when they stopped. There used to be a signal tower and a signal on the abandoned railway line at the bottom of the park. I used to know every inch of the park as it was my playground for many years
Thanks Bob.
A couple of little stories on the trams.
My dad used to ride on those when he was younger. On one occasion he rang the bell before the conductor got back on and the tram left with him running behind it.
On a separate ride a young boy was sat blowing bubble gum, my dad getting more annoyed at him popped it resulting in the bubble gum going all over the boys face.
Brilliant. Wish I could have tried it.
I loved the tram journey through the woods. How disappointing it was to have to get a bus through Hunslet when the trams ended.
I can imagine it was much more fun trundling down that steep hill.
Middleton park is so nice and it is lovely doing my daily dog walks so much history to it...more people need to come
That's true Joan.
It’s lovely park and fascinating history there are some wonderful little cottages scattered around too (outside the park) tucked away in the more recent house building.
Lots of cute squirrels galavanting about too 🐿 🙂
Great video I must have been about 4 years old because I can just remember the Trams in Middleton my mum used to go into Leeds most saturday's the Tram used to set off from the lingwell's then turn off just before the Middleton water tower, Then go through the woods it was well known at the time that the Tram drivers took the brakes off so the Tram would tear off down the hill in the woods Middleton people called it the fast track! and then the tram would come out at the bottom of Dewsbury Road the number 12 I think it was that number is still in use today, To be fair the Trams were bone shakers!! Middleton was one of the last places to get rid of the Trams back in 1959. Looking forward to you next video. Ray
Wish I could have ridden one.
The trams that were designed specially for that route, the Middleton Bogie Trams, were not boneshakers - they were very smooth. However, the route saw a lot of regular trams, too, which swayed all over the place. I suppose it depends what you mean by the 'bottom' of Dewsbury Road, but the trams from Middleton joined Dewsbury Road at the junction with Moor Road, turning right towards the city centre, just by The Junction pub.
Brilliant Darren. Nice to hear your guests taking part more and keep going enjoying your films thank you xx
My pleasure
Re: the ice house. If you were wondering how they got the ice, it would be collected from ponds when they froze over.
Ahh, that explains it. Someone asked me that the other day, I didn't have a clue. Thanks for that Peter.
Very interesting, I’ve never been further than the horse riding arena. All knew info to me, I do remember the last tram running in Leeds.
It went to Temple Newsam and I used to go on it with my Mother and Grandma. 😎
You should explore, it's huge.
Great video as per usual. I grew up nearby and spent a lot of time in those woods and on the railway. My dad used to be a fireman on the locomotives at Middleton Railway. Also, I'll be looking forward to seeing a video about the Beeston-Hunslet branch line you hinted at!
Thanks Josh, video is coming soon. Already filmed.
My local park, my house backs onto it. I've always found the parks history fascinating.
Thanks Tom. Glad you enjoyed.
Have you been to the Crich Tramway Museum, they have a Leeds tram there plus lots of others. I wish some of these places where still here today. So much better what's there is now!
Not yet. But I will
Hi Darren. Great video I watched it when you originally posted it and although never going to look for the tram way I was aware of it. I was also aware the ice house had just been discovered. I finally pulled my finger out today and went down. Oh how I wish I'd watched your vlog again. An old lady showed us to the start of the tram way and I asked if she new the location of the ice house unfortunately she didn't. Thinking in my head it was near the cleanings I went up the steps where the tram stop was and went looking for said ice house. After a good half hour I finally found it. On the way home I bumped into the lady who showed us the tram way and told her where it was. Anyway got back home and watched your vlog again and BOOM you says it's just next to the tram way.
Thanks Damon, glad you found it. It's not an easy spot.
Love Middleton Park, use to work as a grounds keeper there, fascinating place
Thanks for watching.
The tramway system to middleton and through the woods finished on the 28 march 1959 missed it by 3 yrs was born in 1962 would loved to gone on a middleton bogie through the woods.
Another fact filled vid. An historical little goldmine with excellent guides bringing it to life.
Thanks Bob
Very interesting again Darren. Brought back another load of memories from my childhood. Never knew about the Ice House. Used to go on the tram to Leeds.
Thanks Granville. The guys who did the tours never knew about the ice house either until recently.
Ace video again mate, been long time since I went Middleton park going to go back soon to see some of this for myself. Have you ever thought to check out adel/meanwood woods? There’s abandoned bunkers and old aqua ducks along with lots other interesting history that’s hidden beneath the trees
Thanks mate. Yes I have it on my list to do.
@@AdventureMe that’s brill to hear mate. I’ll look forward too it 👍🏻
Another amazing vlog on Middleton Park.Again it was interesting to see the history I was running over!!
Glad you enjoyed it
It's interesting to remember history of Middleton Railway but I'm surprised he hasn't done one for Temple Newsam tram line
All in good time Simon. Only been around just over a year. Lots still to come locally. Keep your eyes peeled.
Thanks,love your videos,being a former Pudsey/Leeds lad i can relate to them
I used to fly my radio control planes and helicopters on Middleton Park clearings in the 80’s and 90’s
Love these videos you make, when the time is right I will wanna visit these places myself, thank you so much for sharing
Thanks Stephen. More to come.
Hi Darren, another fascinating video thank you
Steve
Thanks 👍
Absolutely fascinating, one of your best!
Many thanks!
nice informative vid darren
Thanks Chris.
So much history, thanks for a great vlog.
Thanks Nix.
A relation of mine owned the farm that was at the bottom of Middleton park, It was owned by someone called farmer ward, then my relation bought it for £500 pounds its was in the 50`s his name was Jack North . The TV show Black Beauty ( in the 70`s ) It was his horse that was used in the show. In the late 70`s and early 80`s the land was started been sold to the NCB for open cast mining and other places which now makes up part of Parkside industrial estate.
Thanks for the info mate.
Re “Black beauty” that’s really interesting 🙂🌺🌸
thank you so much for posting this video 1 of my grandfarthers woked at middleton broom pit and the other 1 was a tram driver
You're very welcome. More to come.
Great local history.
Thanks David.
A fascinating park. I do know it, but there is more to be explored.
Yes, I'm sure there's much more. Future videos I hope.
Amazing video very interesting stuff keep up the good work
Thank you very much!
Very, very good. Meriden, Kansas
Thanks Jerry.
Middleton born 1957. Mum works on the trams. I remember being about 5 picking bits of coal up with my dad and brother that was dropped about to take home for the fire
Still lots of coal there now.
interesting stuff as always man.👍
Thanks mate.
My old stomping ground, born in Moor Flatts Ave, stones throw away from `Miggy woods`. Could tell you some real stories....x-cert though.
Did you know the Morgans in Moor Flatts Road? John Morgan was a sports journalist for the Yorkshire Post, and his son Richard and I went to St Philips together.
@@frogandspanner Yes, I knew him and his son. They called John Morgan `The Ranger` in the Evening Post.
@@enrobsorussell I understand John Morgan died earlier this year and I tried (unsuccessfully) to contact his family through the paper.
Hiya I watch your series I know where that temple Newsom ice houses
Yeah I've seen it on a walk. Will get to it on a video one day.
all the old tram rails were still there 40 years ago burried at the side of the track under all the vegitation unless the scrap people have found them.
Maybe 20 year's ago there was a tram bogie next to the tram way. I've been down recently and it's no longer there.
Yeah not there anymore.
Any chance of a walk round temple newsam can't find many videos on the history of it
Great video and thank you! It seems like we didn't visit the yellow, orange and purple railways in Middleton Park? Thanks disappointing. Any reason why?
Steven. Did you see part 1? This is part 2.Some of those lines were old waggon ways not railways. And part 3 still to come at Middleton railway. I've covered them all.
Informative video , did you get to finish the Pudsey Loop video ?
Not yet, waiting for the right weather. Wind is a video killer. I'll finish it all in one day if I can.
Looking forward to seeing it one day
Interesting video. Your guides could have taken more part though.
Hi Hazel, they weren't microphoned up. I only have one. So I have to relay the information to the camera.
A large and interesting stone at 12:54 that you made no comments about. What was it?
Oh it's just an information board that has been vandalised. It's a large rock with a cut out where the board used to be. They are all over the park.
My local park. Very under used.
It is. Very nice.
👍👍👍😊
Ice video
No pun intended!
IF THERE ARE SO CALLED MIDDLETON PARK TOURS, THEY WOULD BE PUBLICISED, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NOWT ON THE INTERNET TO SAY THIS !!!!..
OH YEAH, WE MADE THAT UP AS IT'S SO FUNNY. THESE GUYS PRETENDED TO HAVE ALL THIS KNOWLEDGE, AND JUST TALK TO THEMSELVES INSTEAD. WE EVEN HAD A GUIDE BOOK HIDDEN BEHIND THE CAMERA. IT'S CALLED "MIDDLETON PARK STUFF FOR UA-cam DUMMIES".
EVEN THAT ICE HOUSE WAS A LIE, IT WAS ACTUALLY A TORN DOWN KFC DRIVE THRU.
EVEN THIS WEBSITE I LINKED IN MY VIDEO , FOR GUIDED WALKING TOURS IN MIDDLETON PARK. IT WAS MADE JUST FOR A LAUGH, THEY JUST PUT THAT TOGETHER AFTER A NIGHT ON THE RAZZ AT COCO BONGO'S;
fomp.co.uk/html/walks.html
I'LL HAVE A CUPPA WHILST YOU ENJOY YOUR HUMBLE PIE, AND I'll stop shouting now.