The society is made up of members from nearby villages in Wharfdale, from farming folk to solicitors, youngsters to octogenarians. The group was created in 1923 when William Walker held the first meeting and has entertained audiences in the Yorkshire Dales, usually in the main hall or the Octagon of the Devonshire Institute (Town hall) in Grassington. The wide variety of around 200 performances have more recently included: Waiting for Godot, The Cracked Pot, Slim Chance, Lord Arthur Savilles Crime and the ‘world premiere’, amateur performance of the Calendar Girls, to name just a few. The Calendar Girls was difficult for the cast as many knew the real characters giving the play much greater significance to them.

There is also a proud record of success in competition, with outright wins in both local and Welsh Drama Festivals. In recent years, the Grassington Players have gained immense popular appeal nationally with their pre-Christmas Dickensian productions coinciding with the festivities in the village on December Saturdays.

Grassington Players have donated several thousands of pounds to worthy charities over the years. In 1942, £700 had been given to various charities by the Players. By 1947 that had risen to over £1000 and by 2006 at least £30,000, with the Players consistently raising in excess of £1000 per annum; no mean feat for an amateur theatre group in a rural location.

By Cathy Parry

Cathy Parry is the owner of two holiday cottages set alongside the picturesque River Wharfe. You can view them on her website www.riversidegrassington.co.uk and connect via Facebook www.facebook.com/RiversideGrassington.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

• ladies and gents fashion shops for all ages and tastes
• a dress agency, which also specialises in hiring evening wear, prom dresses and hats
• outdoor shops stocking a wide range of walking, camping, cycling and running gear
• delightful book shops
• traditional sweet shops
• newsagent which also sell lottery tickets
• an array of linen and gift shops selling an imaginative selection of gifts
• an off licence selling a comprehensive range of beverages
• a mini supermarket
• a delicious deli, which sells amongst other delights fantastic sandwiches
• a bakery with breads and naughty but very nice cakes and confectionary
• a local butcher selling prime cuts, including locally sourced meats
• a hardware shop selling everything you might need from pets foods to oven gloves
• florists to treat yourself and those you love
•  a very friendly post office with a wide selection of greetings cards and gifts as well as a free cash machine
• a range of friendly and welcoming churches
• cafes to suit everyone’s tastes and pockets
• pubs with fine ales and wines
• restaurants serving wonderful food ranging from traditional English meals to the more exotic, as well as one providing cookery courses
• a library and information centre
• a bank with free cash machine
• a garage and petrol station in nearby Threshfield
• leisure facilities including gym and pool 1 mile away at Long Ashes
• This is all on your doorstep as well as:
• a doctors
• dentists
• fire station
• ambulance station
• post depot
• schools and pre-schools
• Of course these are just the basics. There a myriad of social events you can be involved in including:
• weekly pub quiz nights
• meetings of different societies….too many to mention both during the day and evenings
• groups for children and young people
• movie nights in the town hall
• productions starring the Grassington Players
• annual pantomime
• Grassington festival
• Dickensian weekends

You can do as much or as little as you want. It’s all here……..just enjoy.

By Cathy Parry

Cathy Parry is the owner of two holiday cottages set alongside the picturesque River Wharfe. You can view them on her website www.riversidegrassington.co.uk and connect via Facebook www.facebook.com/RiversideGrassington.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Grassington Festival is a fortnight of exciting events for all the family. It has now been running for 33 years and in that time has provided some outstanding entertainment from high class artists.

Previous artist have included Billy Ocean and Alan Davis. This year they include Jules Holland and Jack Dee. But this isn’t just about bringing performers to Grassington but also about showcasing some of the exceptional local talent, for instance last year Skipton Girls’ High School Chamber Choir and Bradford Grammar School Concert Band entertained crowds. The unique combination of performances, live music and visual arts means no one will leave our beautiful village disappointed.

Every year during the last two weeks of June, Grassington is a cultural haven, which not only provides concerts and a range of performances including, dance, music, street theater and workshops but also walks, talks and creative challenges. Events take place in the large marquee, town hall, local pubs, churches and streets.  This year (2013) the two weeks are themed around the weather with an opening parade of umbrellas and the town hall transformed into a feast of weather. The festival team listen to audiences and in response this year are providing a classical tour with a rich and varied program of classical music as well as the wonderful Black Dyke Brass Band. The local community takes great pride in being involved and endeavors to give everyone a chance to learn something new, enjoy something familiar and be actively involved in a fantastic fortnight. There is something for everyone and to suit every pocket. Don’t miss out on a sensational two weeks of entertainment in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

By Cathy Parry

Cathy Parry is the owner of two holiday cottages set alongside the picturesque River Wharfe. You can view them on her website www.riversidegrassington.co.uk and connect via Facebook www.facebook.com/RiversideGrassington.

Be Sociable, Share!

•