Riverside Grassington » Entertainment in Grassington

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

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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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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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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Grassington Festival 14th-29th June 2013

admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:07:20 +0000

Grassington Festival – 15 days of Music and Arts in the Yorkshire Dales

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

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