The Raby Moor pub at Burnthouses, (sadly closed now) was one of those drinking holes that was almost exclusively for the lads.

In its heyday it was run by Trevor and Elsie Parnaby, then, by their son David and his wife Annette.

The lads would take the short walk up Black Path, and settle in for a long afternoon (and night) of watching the racing, dominoes, darts, pool and of course DRINKING !

In those days, four of Cockfields most lovable rogues were regulars there. Namely, Geordie Fielding, Lenny Watson, Donald Lindsley and Norman (Piggy) Sams.

Sadly Donald and Piggy are no longer with us. ‘Got Away’ as they say round here.

Now when I say these lads could drink, I mean they could DRINK !

One cold clear night, the four of them were walking back from Burnt’ after an ‘All Day Session’. Reports have it they could hardly stand, never mind walk.

As they made their way down Black Path, Geordie stopped to relieve himself. As he stood there, he found himself stood next to a large puddle, and in it, was a reflection of the moon.

“Whaaaaz that I‘s stand‘n on?” slurs Geordie, pointing into the puddle.

“It’zz da moooon” Lenny manages to get out.

“Well how the @%$*^+ing hell have we got up here” says a stunned Geordie !

I’d have loved to have seen the look on Mission Control’s face when he re-entered his house !