It’s not an exaggeration to say Drew was a life-long student. After studying psychology at Royal Holloway for 18 months, he decided that wasn’t the route he wanted to follow, and he switched to Leeds University to study The History of Science and Philosophy.
It was at Leeds he found his academic home, and Drew spent five years at Leeds doing his undergrad and masters degrees. Over those years, there were many trips up to Leeds to visit Drew and explore the city and surrounding area. Here are some of my favourites.
1. The University & Campus
Leeds Uni’s campus sits on a hill overlooking the city centre. Given Leeds isn’t an old city by British Standards, the campus has a well contained footprint. One of the projects Drew was very proud of was the design and implementation of the museum display case pictured.
He had to organise and lead a team of classmates to bring the project together. Gaining consensus among independently minded students pushed his skills. I made a trip up to see the project, and the results spoke for themselves.
A “red brick” uni, Leeds has a mix of classic and modern buildings. My favourite on the campus is the Parkinson Building, a 1930s masterpiece of Greek Revival. It’s the first large university building you see when you come up from the city centre, and it hosts the university’s art collection and acts as the gateway to the main library.
Drew’s graduation day was particularly memorable. The sun was shining, Drew looked sharp in his gown, and Paige, Wendy & I all looked on proudly as he was awarded his degree. After a year working and saving money, he and Sarah went back to spend another two years at Leeds earning their master’s degrees.
2. Akbars
We loved a good curry, and, once we found Akbars restaurant in the city centre, it became a must-do on any visit. The signature dish for me was their hanging naan bread. The presentation was brilliant, as was the taste.
3. Hyde Park Picture House
With our love of film, this classic cinema was always worth a visit. It dates back to 1914, and it has retained its single screen format in an era of multiplexes and home streaming. It runs contemporary art house, blockbusters, and classic films.
4. “God’s Own Country”
Yorkshire people are proud of the beauty of their natural surroundings, and hiking in the city and the nearby countryside was always fun. My favourite trip out with Drew in Yorkshire was to Ilkley Moor and the Cow & Calf pub. From the Moor, south Yorkshire spreads out before you. The hike to the 12 Apostles stone circle has been walked for at least 4,000 years.
5. Leeds International Film Festival
One of our trips coincided with the Festival, and Drew had the unenviable task of picking a film that the whole family could enjoy. His choice, Robot & Frank, was inspired. It had enough sci fy to scratch that itch for Drew and me, but it was really a story about family relationships, unreliable memories and how the roles of parents and their children change as the parents age.
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