Wonderful Feelings

New Briggate c1955
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My mother was born in Leeds and most years we would spend some time there. I came to love Leeds; such a vibrant place compared to Lincoln where we lived. This picture evokes a lot of feeling. From the V J celebrations in 1945 onwards we often stayed at Parker's Commercial Hotel opposite the Grand Theatre. It can just be seen in this picture on the left hand side (adjoining Wilsons Commercial Hotel).

The hotel was run by a distant relative. When I met old Mr Parker he was 90 years old, living at Alwoodly. A blind man, he had been chess champion for the West Riding.

I loved the trams and once in bed would listen enthralled to the noise of the trams coming round the bend, the squeal of the wheels on the rails and clang of the bell. The one coming round the bend on this picture brings back some lovely memories of sight and sound. And I remember how I used to look forward to the coming day and exploring the lovely Victorian Arcades.

There was a bookshop under the hotel. I recall when I was older purchasing a detective story to read in bed. When I obtained a driving license I borrowed an old Ford 8 and took my parents to Leeds. Bravely I passed the trams on the left hand side, nearly coming unstuck as I forgot about the "tram pinch", and was able to park in the little lane beside the hotel - right in the heart of Leeds!

Happy days!