The header image is of an entry in the Parlington Park Visitors Book dated August 10th 1899, (a Thursday for those interested!) the party was supervised by the Vicar of Aberford, the Rev. Ashley Lawrence Barnes-Lawrence [Yes two Lawrence's in the name!]. But significantly there were 130 people, mostly children presumably, in the party. The entries in the visitors book span the years 1898 to 1908 and there are a number of occasions when the Aberford Sunday School enjoyed a day out! Some of the other groups who visited were the Leeds Parish Church Band of Hope, Rothwell Primitive Methodist School, Crystal Fountain Juvenile Lodge, The Leeds Rambling Club and many more. It was not uncommon for groups of over 200 to visit, I dare say a logistical nightmare at the time, how many came via the Aberford Railway is not known. Certainly those visiting from the areas of Leeds such as Hunslet and Armley would have benefitted by using the train to Garforth and on to Aberford on the High Flier! Read the earlier article on Aberford 2 for the beginnings of this story.

Visitors Book Cover

Rules for Park Visitors

Click on the Rules picture for enlarged version in a new window.