The Duck and Drake on Tour 2006 party met at Leeds City bus/coach station at 7-45 on Friday morning to visit the wonderful Isle of Bute off the West Coast of Scotland.
The twelve-strong party, consisting of a variety of ages, background and cultures showed how the wonderful thing called music can unite people together. Traffic congestion around West Yorkshire brought a delayed start, but spirits (in more ways than one!) remained high throughout the journey, which saw us finally board our ferry at 6-30pm, a smooth if bracing sailing of 35 minutes, followed by a five minute drive took us to our hotel.
After dinner, the search began for some “Live” music. Eventually we found “The Argyle Arms” where the locals proved friendly and the owner Robin Patrick proved to be a very versatile and accomplished musician, playing keyboards, lead guitar, accordion and the bagpipes, in a set which lasted four hours, dancing took place in the true D & D tradition, with one of our group completing his Strictly Ballroom application form as he danced.
Returning to our Hotel at 1-30, tired but anticipating an excellent weekend. Saturday saw many of the group set out on various walks in the beautiful scenery, or relaxing on an island, where time seems to have ground to a standstill 30 years ago, one police officer looks after the graffiti-free, litter-free island where respect for people and possessions are all important.
Saturday night and it was back to the “Argyle” and another four hour set, covering a varied and enjoyable range of music, this included a set from Dave of our party playing his cittern, much to the delight of the locals. Sunday morning brought a guided (?) tour of the Island, where we had to take the word of the guide, that landmarks or wildlife where there, but obscured, one passenger quipped “I've never seen so many unseen things!”, this all made for a jovial and light-hearted trip before a walk around the deserted Rothesay, which transported us back to UK Sundays of our childhood, with no supermarkets or DIY stores to visit or endure.
Our last evening was spent at the Black Bull hostelry and enabled our group to bond even further, as musical tales where exchanged. An early start and with fine weather again prevailing we arrived back to Leeds 5-00pm Monday tea-time, weary but high after a wonderful four days of friendship, good humor and a few drinks along the way!
“When friends meet, hearts warm”.
