Riverside Grassington » Cathy Parry

The Stepping Stones Project in Skipton

Cathy Parry — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 09:43:21 +0000

Last year I commented to a neighbour on how lovely their hanging baskets looked and they explained how they’d bought them from the Stepping Stones Project in Skipton. I’d never heard of the group so decided to find out a bit more.

Apparently the group started in 1999 and is a day service for adults with learning disabilities. There are between 15 and 20 adults with learning disabilities on the project, all of whom are referred through social services and come on a part or full time basis. Others offer their time as volunteers. It strives to build the confidence of the vulnerable adults through gardening with the intention of enabling them to move on to different things. New skills are developed such as using a variety of equipment, including petrol lawn mowers and strimmers, which opens up new opportunities.

The Stepping Stones Project also encourages independence and attendees are encouraged and nurtured to enable them to access the group on their own using public transport. Skills to use in the home are also promoted, for instance cooking activities. The project is much more than a gardening group with long lasting effects on vulnerable people’s lives. The group is also interested in is other community groups, such as people with mental health issues so that it opens its doors in a sense and becomes more of a community-based project. Engaging in physical work, including working with plants can help people with a range of health issues.

My Neighbours Hanging Basket

The project is situated at the bottom of Aireville Park, which is really a wonderful setting near the canal. The site used to be a nursery but had become run down and overgrown and had to be completely renovated. The transformed area has a pond with a sensory area, a fruit and vegetable growing area and poly-tunnels for bedding plants, including hanging baskets.

The group has grown from strength to strength including having the brilliant success for ‘Stepping Stones in Bloom’, beating 30 others in their category to win a Gold Award in the RHS Yorkshire in Bloom Competition.

So when you need hanging baskets give them a call and be ready to be amazed.

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.

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WAGS – Women around Grassington

Cathy Parry — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 10:02:55 +0000

The WAGS was set up several years ago by two women who attended The Congregational Church in Grassington. The idea was to set up a group that was very informal with no membership fee or committee, for women in and around the village to meet up once a month, (usually the second Tuesday).

Over the years the group has grown from strength to strength. Women from all walks of life and of varying ages have made new friends, gained knowledge for different speakers, enjoyed lunches together and generally had a good time. Get togethers happen both during the day and the evening. Examples of events that took place during 2013 are: Lunch at The Retreat and The Grassington House Hotel, a visit from a chocolate maker, a visit to the local bowling club, a make-up demonstration just to name a few. Evening events usually include wine, nibbles and a lot of laughter.

Walking Group in Grassington

A spin off from the group is a weekly Thursday morning walking group. This again is a very relaxed group, which people dip in and out of as they are able. The walks vary in length to suit those attending on the day. So it might be a walk around the village or perhaps involve getting a bus to Kettlewell and walking back to Grassington. The group is really about fun and friendship. So whether you live in the village or are a visitor you would always be welcome. There is a WI (Womens Institute) in Grassington for those who enjoy a more formal arrangement. This usually meets on the first Wednesday in the month in the town hall.

There really is something for everyone in Grassington.

By Cathy Parry

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The Grassington Players

admin — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 15:04:13 +0000

The Grassington Players celebrate 90 years of walking the boards this year, apart from the break for the duration of the Second World War, there is a continuous record of productions, usually three a year.

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

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Grassington 1940′s weekend

Cathy Parry — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 13:17:12 +0000

Friday 20 – Saturday 21 -Sunday 22

September 2013

Have a short break at Riverside or River View and enjoy a weekend to remember in Grassington, as well as a time to rekindle treasured memories.

The weekend starts on Friday evening in the Town Hall with an evening of entertainment provided by Burnsall Empire Players followed by a Lindy Hop with Shack Shakin’ Jack.

On Saturday and Sunday take a stroll around the village and cobbled streets while listening to the sounds of Paul Harper, Jane Francis, Mickey Ramsbottom and the Alka Seltzer Sisters and others.

Sit inside the cockpit of a full size replica MK1 Spitfire, sponsored by Cottages4you. Wander down to the Vintage Market , inspect the Military Displays and Re-enactor Camps.

Look out for the BBMF flypast featuring a Hurricane and a Spitfire.

There is a Tea Dance in the Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday from 2.00 – 4.00pm.

Saturday evening features Echo 42 Big Band, (by popular demand) with supper included.
(Tickets are required for all dance events, book early to avoid disappointment)

This year’s 1940′s weekend is to include:
Royal British Legion Skipton Band
A full size replica Spitfire Mk1 in Grassington Square
West Yorkshire Austin / Classic Car Club parked around the village

Re-enactor camps and displays in YDNP Car Park to include:
A large selection of Vintage Military Vehicles
Fox Commando Royal Navy and Combined Operations Unit
American encampment
German 21st Panzer Div LHG
German 1st Kompanie GD
Russian 13th Guards ‘Poltavaskaya’ Rifle Division
West Riding 28th Battalion Home Guard – ‘C’ Company
Some displays will include pyrotechnics.

Vintage Market Stalls
Paintball and Rifle Ranges

What’s the cost to the public for all this entertainment (excluding the dances & cockpit visit)?
£6 per car for the park & ride in a 1940′s Vintage Bus from Threshfield Quarry
Parking in the Hebden Road YDNP car park is for disabled only.

Contact info@grassington1940sweekend.co.uk for more information.

By Cathy Parry

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Riverside and River View supporting the Richard Ford Trust.

Cathy Parry — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 09:23:38 +0000

Recently, we were fortunate to be asked by a family member to donate a prize for a raffle being held at a dinner to raise funds for the Richard Ford Trust. At that time although I had heard of Richard I was not really familiar with his amazing story. So we donated a long weekend stay at River View, which has since been enjoyed by a lovely family, whose boys particularly liked playing in the river.

I have since looked at Richard’s website http://www.simplesite.com/richard-ford and wanted to share his story and perhaps encourage others to donate. If this can happen to such a fit 41 year old man then it can happen to any of us and it is wonderful if we can help in any small way.

On the 9th June 2012 Richard became the victim of a debilitating, devastating brain stem stroke. His fitness, age and true grit determination made him a survivor and fighter. He was a super fit marathon runner, footballer, junior football coach, skilled Detective Constable, fantastic Daddy to three young boys and wife to Jude. Richard collapsed on the floor at home. He had been suffering from a severe headache all morning, he popped a few pills and went back to bed. The ambulance was called once Harry, (Richard’s son) who was seven, alerted Jude to the fact that Daddy was calling her name from the bathroom. He was lying on the floor, speech slurred, arms outstretched towards her, mouth drooped. Richard’s brain was deprived of oxygen for approximately eight hours until the blood flow was successfully restored to his brain following a successful retrieval of a clot. During the days that followed it was clear that Richard was there, locked inside his own body. He began to communicate slowly by blinking his eyes, once for no and twice for yes. Being locked in was the Consultants worst fear as often people can live the rest of their lives mentally intact but living trapped inside a body that just doesn’t work.

The journey since then has been a rollercoaster but his family welcomed Richard back home on the 4th March 2013. Things haven’t been complete bliss but as the weeks go by Richard is definitely improving, getting stronger, gaining back the 2 stone in weight that he lost, his hair seems thicker again and shiny, his eyes brighter and his manner is as upbeat and determined as ever. Richard is now using a stand aid and doesn’t need to be hoisted in transit as he was in hospital. He now eats anything, which is a far cry from the days of being peg fed and more recently pureed mush! His vice is a Friday night Dominoes pizza!!

This is an amazing and uplifting story of hope, faith and belief. Richard is not alone and has asked me to highlight the inspirational Kate Allatt and the charity she set up after suffering a similar brain stem stroke to him, fighting strokes.

By Cathy Parry

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The Tour de France 2014 – Grassington

Cathy Parry — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:23:03 +0000

Cycling around Grassington in The Yorkshire Dales

What a fantastic base or stopping point as part of a touring holiday. Exploring The Yorkshire Dales by bicycle gives you the opportunity to either use the network of minor roads or for the more adventurous the ‘green lanes’, byways and bridleways -there are over 800 km (500 miles) with some testing climbs and challenging descents.

This is the ideal way to discover the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales as well as having the opportunity to visit the array of local tea rooms and public houses to savour well-earned homemade cakes and perhaps a pint of locally brewed beer. This is the place for all abilities with the option of riding on the valley bottoms perhaps as a family group or for the more experienced rider that extra challenge of the Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way 210km (130miles). (The National Parks Authority along with North Yorkshire County Council is undertaking the re-signing of the route showing their commitment to encouraging cycling).

The Tour de France 2014

What an exciting time to enjoy cycling at whatever pace you choose, including being a spectator. The first two stages of the world’s awe inspiring road cycling race, the Tour de France, will be visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park in July 2014. The sponsor vans travel the route ahead of the cyclists handing out a wide variety of freebies and offering miles of entertainment in anticipation of the ‘main event’. The crowds will be buzzing and the atmosphere electric. This will be something very special and an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Securing this event has taken a lot of hard work and commitment by a team of dedicated people led by Welcome to Yorkshire. Showcasing this wonderful part of the country to the rest of the world the Tour goes through Threshfield literally minutes from Grassington village. Consequently, there couldn’t be a better time or place to visit.

By Cathy Parry

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Dining out in Grassington

Cathy Parry — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:07:13 +0000

An evening in Grassington and wondering where to dine?

Grassington village in the Yorkshire Dales may not be very big but there are many options to choose from if you want to eat out during the evening. There really is something for everyone with the village being home to several excellent pubs and restaurants.

The Devonshire Hotel is comfortable with excellent food, which can be eaten in the restaurant or bar. The landlord offers a friendly welcome and fine ales. As well as the extensive a la carte menu there are separate steak and fish nights. An early bird menu is also available and a kids choice.

The Black Horse Hotel. The landlord offers a range of fine ales and meals can be eaten in the bar or for a more relaxed dining experience in the restaurant. Fresh local produce is used in the wide variety of traditional English fayre as well as a selection of vegetarian and fish dishes to delight your taste buds.

The Foresters Arms. A good selection of traditional ales and meals served in the bar or restaurant area. This is a lively establishment, which has a welcoming atmosphere. As well as a varied a la carte menu and daily specials board the chef also offers pizzas to eat in or take away.

The Grassington Hotel is a little bit of luxury in the centre of the village. Call in for a drink or eat in the restaurant. The chef uses fresh local produce twinned with international speciality ingredients when preparing dishes for the mouth watering menu.

Rozi’s Tandoori House may be small but what fantastic food it offers. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the chef prepares very good meals at very reasonable prices. Not only a restaurant, (bring your own alcoholic drinks) but also a take away.

Only a short walk away are; The Old Hall at Threshfield or The Fountain at Linton and a little further afield is the well-known Angel at Hetton.

Come to Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales and be spoiled for choice or just be spoiled!!

By Cathy Parry

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Fishing on the River Wharfe in Grassington.

Cathy Parry — Thu, 30 May 2013 08:39:38 +0000

The River Wharfe is a wonderful sight whatever the weather. The name Wharfe is Celtic and means ‘twisting, winding’. It rises near Beckermonds, in Langstrothdale, at the head of Wharfedale and flows some 60 miles through the the wonderful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales to meet the Yorkshire Ouse at Cawood. For much of its length it forms the county boundary between West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.

The stretch through Grassington is beautiful and varied as it winds its way down under the bridge, which carries the B6265 over the River Wharfe between Grassington and Threshfield. The bridge itself has an interesting history with one of its most notable claims to fame being it was the place where the murderer Tom Lee was hanged in the 19th century.

As well as enjoying the river’s beauty and power, fishing is proving ever popular, particularly fly fishing. Generally the preferred methods on the Wharfe are upstream dry fly fishing as well as upstream and downstream wet fly and nymph fishing. Fishing permits can be purchased from Grassington Post Office for £20 per day and £3.85 per day (£10 for 8 days) for a Rod Licence. There are said to be large stocks of wild brown trout in the Wharfe and it would be hard to find a better river in the country for fly fishing. Apparently a 4lb+ Brownie is caught nearly every year on fly with the best being 10lb+!!. But The Yorkshire Dales River Trust is not complacent and plans to make substantial enhancements to the river over the next few years. These include pollution control and easing erosion.

So come and enjoy fishing in the Wharfe and see if you can beat 10lbs. The challenge is set…..

By Cathy Parry

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Grassington Festival launches its very own festival beer

Cathy Parry — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:44:30 +0000

FestivAle goes on sale from Saturday 1st June, 2013

The Grassington Festival Team are delighted to announce that local brewers, Richard and Carole Eyton-Jones of the Dark Horse Brewery in Wharfedale, have produced a fabulous creamy Yorkshire Ale, especially for Grassington Festival. FestivAle is 4% ABV.

Housed in an old laithe, Dark Horse Brewery can produce up to 12,000 pints a week. Distribution of their flagship beer, Hetton Pale Ale, which won the coveted title of Yorkshire’s Perfect Pint in the TV series of the same name, is mainly found within a 20 mile radius of the brewery.

Richard says, “the pure Yorkshire water is drawn from the brewery’s own bore hole and even the waste that’s produced is used in a sustainable way to feed a reed bed system, which in turn is home to a rich variety of plants and animals.” Only top quality English malts and the finest hops are used to produce their distinctive and popular beers.

FestivAle will go on sale on Saturday 1st June, 2013 and will be available to try in pubs up and down the Dale, including those in Grassington, The Angel at Hetton, The Clarendon at Hebden and The Fountaine at Linton.

So why not sit back and enjoy a well-earned pint after one of our Festival walks? Or after our Wild Food Foraging Masterclass with celebrity forager Chris Bax, from BBC Countryfile, at Grassington House Hotel? For more information or to book tickets to this fabulous event, click on http://www.grassington-festival.org.uk/events/masterclass-wild-food-foraging-with-chris-bax/

Participating pubs are generously donating proceeds to the Festival. So you can enjoy a fabulous Yorkshire pint whilst supporting your favourite Yorkshire festival! If you are one of the many that will experience this new delightful beer, then we’d love to hear your comments.

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.

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Things to do in Grassington, Yorkshire Dales

admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:39:21 +0000

Wondering what to do when you visit Grassington? Well of course there are the wonderful walks by the river but that’s just the beginning. Enjoy fishing, horse riding, climbing, canoeing, cycling and running. The scenery is stunning, which adds to the activity you choose. But what about the village and what it can offer you on a day to day and evening to evening basis. The wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants mean you don’t need to leave the village. There are:

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

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