Pickering - Writers from Yorkshire

Welcome to Pickering, a small market town
On the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
In summer the coaches come crawling in,
On magical mystery tours.
There’s plenty to eat, as cafés abound,
Fresh produce available too.
And if it turns cold, buy a cardi or coat,
As charity shops….We have quite a few!

The huffing and puffing of steam on the rails,
A whistle as great trains roll in.
A 30’s style platform, a station so rare,
Most deserving for our Pickering.
The Duke and Sir Nigel pull into the sheds,
And sometimes ‘Pocket the Rocket,
Even a visit from ‘Planet’ you’ll see,
Our station has certainly got it!

The Beck Isle Museum has won an award
And tells us of Pickering’s great past.
A history of locals, their families, their lives,
Memories that always will last.
And throughout our town a rippling beck,
How tranquil and peaceful it looks.
It’s here near the car park, a sign is displayed,
‘Please … do not feed the ducks!’

There is on a Monday, a market quite fine,
Where all of the locals will meet.
The traders and townsfolk have such a good time,
And they even, will close off the street.
There are old fashioned sweeties and good juicy pies,
Summer frocks, greeting cards, and some bling.
Even a climbing clematis
To remind you of Pickering.

Overlooking the town, the Conqueror he built,
A castle since one thousand years.
Mediaeval remains; once a place to be feared,
Now hosts picnics and teddy bears cheers.
A climb to the top of the central mound,
A view that is all on its own,
Then crossing the moat, just visit the shop,
For souvenirs you can take home.

A year that was magical for our little town,
With buntings and flags you could see,
When townsfolk and villagers were lining the street…
To celebrate the Queen’s jubilee!
When ‘The Torch’ came to Pickering, it rode in on steam,
And was carried high right through the town,
With jubilant hearts and masses of pride…
Our Pickering!… A jewel in her crown.

The main street, a picture. So interestingly quaint,
As Delis and pubs ply their wares.
Baskets of flowers, trestles of fruit,
A main street so lavished with care.
But beware at midday, an invasion occurs
And nothing will stop their main goal
As Sixth formers flock, to the bakery there,
To feast upon fat sausage rolls!

Now it is quiet, the visitors have gone
And we pick up the threads once more,
Enrolling in classes, returning to clubs
We tolerate occasional tours.
When spring comes around we tentatively watch
The car park along Eastgate Square.
We know they’ve arrived, when crawling on in……
The coaches are always in pairs!

Festivals and rallies are held in our town
As was a popular wartime weekend.
Pickering in bloom, they play a great part
As flowers they lovingly tend.
The Kirk Theatre so entertaining, shows movies… the best
There’s pantomimes and plays and pud tasting days
Locals and visitors will be so impressed.
And built in remembrance, The Memorial Hall
We attend productions, classes and clubs
Historical buildings, churches and schools,
And lots of popular pubs.

We’ve farmers and doctors, vicars and butchers,
Landlords and solicitors too.
Builders and firemen, police and our gardening men,
‘Fast Response’ lies in wait for you!
There are so many more, as they work side by side,
To make Pickering a good place to live,
Especially our own faithful town volunteers
And the time and the love that they give.

Lillian Bradbury’s poem “Pickering” is a charming ode to this picturesque market town nestled in North Yorkshire. With vivid imagery and a touch of local humor, the poem paints a delightful picture of Pickering’s attractions, from its historic castle and Beck Isle Museum to the beloved North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Bradbury captures the essence of the town’s character, mentioning its quaint shops, the Monday market, and even the sixth formers’ lunchtime dash for sausage rolls. The poem beautifully encapsulates the town’s seasonal rhythms, from summer tourists to the quiet winter months, celebrating Pickering’s enduring charm and community spirit.

About the Book and Author

“Welcome to my World” is a heartwarming collection of short stories and poems by Lillian Bradbury, a talented writer from Yorkshire. This 136-page paperback offers readers a glimpse into Bradbury’s imaginative mind, showcasing her provocative poetry and whimsical musings inspired by life in the charming town of Pickering. With colorful illustrations complementing her words, this anthology invites readers to explore the author’s deeper fantasies and reflections on what might have been. If you’re looking for a delightful literary journey through Yorkshire’s landscapes and local life, why not treat yourself to Lillian Bradbury’s captivating book?

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