Posts Tagged ‘york’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

History of Chocolate in York

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 by chrisjones
History of Chocolate in York - picture courtesy of Pen & Sword Books Ltd

History of Chocolate in York - picture courtesy of Pen & Sword Books Ltd

History of Chocolate in York is a book by Paul Chrystal, with a contribution by Joe Dickinson and photography by Mark Sunderland.

Think of York and many things spring to mind – it might be the Minster, or maybe the City Walls, perhaps it’s the Railway Museum, the Art Gallery or any of the other many tourism attractions.

But for chocoholics and sweet lovers York is forever associated with the names Rowntree & Co, Cravens and Joseph Terry & Sons. These companies were deeply embedded in York’s social fabric – and not just because they employed thousands of local people.

Although all three of these companies have either ceased trading or been taken over by large conglomerates, many of the brands live on. Rowntree’s Kit Kats are still synonymous with having “a break” for lots of people, and Mums never forget the Fruit Gums. And for many, Christmas isn’t the same without a Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

Paul Chrystal’s book tells the story of York’s confectionary industry from its origins, describing how it was much influenced by the ethics of Quaker families, when and how different confectionary items were introduced, how it was affected by two world wars and the recession between them. It also relates how the confectionary industry changed the city – commercially, economically and its social fabric.

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking on the cover image below:

Buy History of Chocolate in York on Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Chrystal is the author of books on chocolate, the Quakers, York’s place in education and culture and on other towns in and near North Yorkshire. He is the owner of the Knaresborough Bookshop and lives not far from York.

Joe Dickinson is a Freeman of the City of York. He owns the largest collection of Rowntree’s memorabilia in the world, having worked for the company for 40 years.

Mark Sunderland was born in York and is a landscape and travel photographer based in Knaresborough, with many publishing credits in books and magazines to his name.

History of Chocolate in York front cover - picture courtesy of Pen & Sword Books Ltd

History of Chocolate in York front cover - picture courtesy of Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Lavishly illustrated, History of Chocolate in York is due to be published in March by Pen & Sword Books Ltd, based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

And coming soon to York is a new visitor attraction, read more about it here: The Sweet History of York

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Industry News | No Comments »

11-19 Feb: Wizard Week 2012 at the National Railway Museum in York

Friday, January 20th, 2012 by RichFox
Olton Hall, better known to many as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films, will form part of the event - picture courtesy of NRM
Olton Hall, better known to many as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films, will form part of the event – picture courtesy of NRM

WIZARDRY AND HOCUS POCUS AT THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM IN YORK

It’s time to dig out your broomsticks and dust down that old pointy hat and head down to the National Railway Museum in February for their enchanting family event – Wizard Week.

And with a special prize on offer for the Best Dressed Wizard or Witch, it’s anticipated that kids and big kids from miles around will be turning up in marvellous costumes to give the event a really magical feel (the prize includes a lesson in magic from The Magic Hatter (a real life wizard) and an Owl Experience at Falconry UK). You can uploaded pictures of yourselves dressed as witches or wizards whilst at the event to the NRM’s Facebook page here.

One of the stars of the show will be the steam engine from the Harry Potter films – Olton Hall (or the Hogwarts Express, pictured above), whilst you will also have the chance to fly a broomstick (using green screen technology), meet a talking dragon (called Derek!), watch owl displays and daily wizards duels. Magical science demonstrations will also be on show, presented by the resident wizards and witches at the museum.

Hello Yorkshire will be at the event on Saturday, 11 February and will be posting a blog with pictures during the weekend, so please check back soon to find out how we get on with Derek the Dragon and on our broomsticks…

In the meantime, if you’re planning to go to York for the event and need somewhere to stay, check out some York hotels and York B&Bs on Hello Yorkshire.

Entry to the National Railway Museum in York is free, as are most of the events during Wizard Week although the broomstick flying and craft activities will have a small charge. For more information, please see NRM’s website here.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in North Yorkshire Events, York Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

5 Jan: Angels Descend on York in ITV’s Eternal Law

Thursday, January 5th, 2012 by RichFox
Left to right: Ukweli Roach as Tom, Sam West as Zak, Orla Brady as Mrs Sheringham, Hattie Morahan as Hannah and Tobias Menzies as Richard. Picture courtesy of ITV.

Left to right: Ukweli Roach as Tom, Sam West as Zak, Orla Brady as Mrs Sheringham, Hattie Morahan as Hannah and Tobias Menzies as Richard. Picture courtesy of ITV.

York is widely fêted as Britain’s most haunted town or city and its inhabitants over its 8,000+ year history seems to have had a penchant for the gory – from pillaging Vikings to Roman Gladiators. Indeed, one of the city’s top attractions is the “steeped-in-blood” York Dungeon.

Tom, Zak and Mrs Sheringham stroll down Low Petergate in York, picture courtesy of ITV

Tom, Zak and Mrs Sheringham stroll down Low Petergate in York, picture courtesy of ITV

So perhaps it’s long overdue that York can now make claim to angels. Not just any angels mind, these are ones which feature in a brand new ITV drama from the writers of Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes. This heavenly new programme is called Eternal Law and starts at 9pm on ITV1 on 5 January 2012, starring Samuel West, Ukweli Roach, Hattie Morahan, Tobias Menzies and Orla Brady.

Tom and Zak on the roof of York Minster, picture courtesy of ITV

Tom and Zak on the roof of York Minster, picture courtesy of ITV

The two main characters – Tom and Zak – are lawyers, but not your run-of-the-mill city lawyers – these guys are angels who have been sent to earth to help humans in their everyday lives.

The series promises to be a witty, vibrant and original drama, and York provides the stunning backdrop with its magnificent Gothic cathedral proving to be the perfect setting for the angel storyline.

Richard outside the Mansion House, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Richard outside the Mansion House, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Already a favourite tourist destination (and voted the most beautiful British city and the place most Brits would like to live in a 2011 survey), York is likely to see a further increase in visitors over the coming months as its picturesque locations enjoy superb coverage on film including Stonegate, St William’s College, Bettys Café Tea Rooms and Petergate.

Mrs Sheringham in St Helen's Square, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Mrs Sheringham in St Helen's Square, York - picture courtesy of ITV

Other Yorkshire locations used throughout Eternal Law’s first series of filming include Leeds, Selby, Wakefield, Richmondshire and Kirklees.

Whether you’re looking for angelic lawyers or just keen to visit one of Britain’s best-loved cities, check out the York hotels or York B&Bs on Hello Yorkshire.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Industry News, North Yorkshire Events, York Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

Gervase Phinn in York on 16 December for Christmas Cruse

Friday, December 2nd, 2011 by chrisjones
Gervase Phinn - photo courtesy of Richard Benson, Danum Photos

Gervase Phinn - photo courtesy of Richard Benson, Danum Photos

Cruse – the charity which helps counsel bereaved people – is having a Christmas fundraiser at the Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate, York on Friday 16 December with one of Yorkshire’s best-loved and wittiest authors and raconteurs, Gervase Phinn, as special guest.

The evening will take the form of a Carol Service with an unusual slant as Gervase will be telling anecdotes and stories gleaned from his years in education as a teacher and school inspector.

Gervase has been showered with awards over the years – including honorary doctorates and fellowships from a host of universities and he is a consultant for the Open University as well as the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at the University of Teesside. He has written many novels and children’s books and has made numerous appearances on local and national TV and radio.

Gervase Phinn - photo courtesy of Richard Benson, Danum Photos

Gervase Phinn - photo courtesy of Richard Benson, Danum Photos

Besides being laugh-out-loud funny, Gervase’s books also radiate warmth: he clearly loves children, is passionate about education, and has an ear for dialogue – particularly those things that children innocently come out with but which have adults in stitches.

Gervase Phinn’s latest book is called Out of the Woods But Not Over the Hill and you can buy it by clicking on the image of the book below:

Gervase has also written a book using anecdotes drawn from some of the many school nativity plays he has seen. A Wayne in a Manger is available here:

Another highlight of the evening will be the reading of a poem called Smile written by 15-year-old Emily Henman-Green, a pupil at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, which was picked by York Cruse as the winning entry in a recent competition.

Emily Henman-Green's winning poem - Smile - will be read out during the evening. Picture courtesy of Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, York.

Emily Henman-Green's winning poem - Smile - will be read out during the evening. Picture courtesy of Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, York.

The money raised by the Christmas Cruse event will help finance the training of volunteers and supervisors for counselling bereaved children and adults.

Tickets for this very worthy evening are £10.50 and offer excellent value for money – as anyone attending will not only be helping a very deserving cause but will also come away feeling right-royally entertained.

The evening kicks off at 7:30pm in the Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, York. Tickets can be purchased by calling 01937 834 702 or emailing york@cruse.org.uk

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Gigs, Concerts & Festivals, Industry News, North Yorkshire Events, York Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

Riding Lights Theatre Company Christmas Productions

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 by chrisjones
Give It Back, Mak - image courtesy of Riding Lights Theatre Company

Give It Back, Mak - image courtesy of Riding Lights Theatre Company

The highly esteemed Riding Lights Theatre Company (based in York) is putting on two travelling Christmas productions over the coming weeks:

GIVE IT BACK, MAK!
written by Paul Burbridge

It’s the coldest of nights and snow lies thick on the ground. It’s chill and bitter under a sky glittering with twinkling stars. The lights in the town are also gleaming brightly and the houses look warm and inviting. But the shepherds have to stay out on the hills and watch their flocks at winter lambing time – who knows what nasty predator might be about!

In the town, the Lamb Chop Inn is heaving. Not only do they have nothing to eat for Sunday lunch but they’ve no spare rooms for guests. The landlord, Mak, has put up two signs. The top one says, “NO VACANCIES AT ALL” and below it another says, “NOT EVEN THE TEENSIEST ONE”.

But wait, a young couple’s car has got stuck in the snow. Where shall they stay? Despite the signs, they know on the door of the Lamb Chop Inn . . .

“Give It Back, Mak!” is a brand new, rollicking, warm-hearted, fun-filled Christmas play for all the family – with tales of desperate deeds, people that glow in the dark and sheep in prams. And out in the potting shed, something quite extraordinary is happening that will change everyone and everything for the better.

“Give It Back, Mak!” has puppetry and amazing story-telling and provides a hilarious evening’s entertainment.

Suitable for age five upwards. Approximately one hour long.

Nearly The Goat - image courtesy of Riding Lights Theatre Company

Nearly The Goat - image courtesy of Riding Lights Theatre Company

Nearly The Goat
written by Nigel Forde

“Nearly” is a goat with a difference – he’s an amazing actor and impersonator, so definitely not your run of the mill goat, no kidding!

Nearly uses his remarkable skills and butts in (exactly when needed) to save the day. What’s more, in the process, he helps in the telling of a thoroughly enchanting Christmas tale.

On the way he has to use his home-made travelling machine to get to Bethlehem before the wolf and help the kings of Persia get home without their camel. And these are the only disasters that come raining down from the heavens that Nearly has to deal with.

First staged in 2009 (to widespread acclaim) this production involves marvellous puppetry and tells the Christmas story in a new and unforgettable way.

Suitable for age five upwards. Approximately one hour long.

You can find out more about Riding Lights on their website here, and can view their Christmas schedule in Yorkshire below:

Bedale

Give It Back, Mak!

3 December 7pm

Bedale High School, Fitzalan Road, Bedale DL8 2EQ

Box office: 01765 698 363

Tickets: adults £5, concessions £3

Willerby

Give It Back, Mak!

10 December 2.00pm

Willerby Methodist Church, Carr Lane, Willerby, Hull HU10 6JP

Box office: 01482 653 245

Tickets: £6 adults, £3 children

Easingwold

Give It Back, Mak!

17 December 1.30pm

Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold, York YO61 3AD

Box Office: 01347 822 472

Tickets: £6 adults, £4 concessions

Horsforth

Give It Back, Mak!

19 December 2pm & 7pm

St Margaret’s Hall, Church Road, Horsforth LS18 5LQ

Box office: 0113 258 2448

giveitbackmak@hotmail.co.uk

Tickets: adults £6, concessions £4, family £15

York

Nearly the Goat

22 & 23 December 2pm & 7pm

Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York YO1 9SL

Box office: 01904 613 000

Tickets: £6 adults, £4 concessions

Burniston

Give It Back, Mak!

24 December 1.00pm

Burniston Village Hall, High Street, Burniston, Scarborough YO13 0HH

Box office: 07912 789 408

Tickets: adults £2.50, concessions £1.50

For holiday accommodation over the Christmas period, check out the York bed and breakfasts and Scarborough hotels on Hello Yorkshire.

And for other Christmas productions and pantos across Yorkshire, see here:

Christmas panto in North Yorkshire

Christmas panto in East Yorkshire

Christmas panto in West Yorkshire

Christmas panto in South Yorkshire

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bedale Events, Easingwold, Gigs, Concerts & Festivals, Hull Events, Leeds Events, North Yorkshire Events, Scarborough Events, West Yorkshire Events, York Events, Yorkshire Coast & Wolds Events, Yorkshire Dales Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

18 June 2012: Olympic Torch Gets Some Good Old Yorkshire Traction

Monday, November 14th, 2011 by chrisjones
From left to right: Philip Benham (North Yorkshire Moors Railway), Councillor Joan Lovejoy (Mayor of Pickering), Councillor James Fraser (Ryedale District Council), Hannah Cockcroft (Paralympic athlete - Double world champion wheelchair racer), Gary Verity (Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and Chair of Yorkshire Gold) - photo courtesy of NYMR

From left to right: Philip Benham (North Yorkshire Moors Railway), Councillor Joan Lovejoy (Mayor of Pickering), Councillor James Fraser (Ryedale District Council), Hannah Cockcroft (Paralympic athlete - Double world champion wheelchair racer), Gary Verity (Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and Chair of Yorkshire Gold) - photo courtesy of NYMR

As we mentioned in our recent blog the Olympic Torch will be visiting many cities, towns and villages in Yorkshire and the Humber on its passage around the UK which ends in London for the opening ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. During its journey the Torch will travel by various means of transport as well as being carried on foot. But Yorkshire has really struck lucky as two of the forms of locomotion will be locomotives – or rather on board trains being pulled by locomotives.

On Monday 18 June, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will take the Olympic Flame from Whitby, one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts, aboard one of its steam trains. The Flame will leave the North Yorkshire coast to travel through the beautiful countryside of the North York Moors to the historic market town of Pickering. It seems rather fitting that the Torch will be travelling through countryside very much associated with outdoor exercises such as walking, running, cycling and riding as part of its journey to the premier competition for all things athletic.

Flying Scotsman from the National Rail Museum Pictorial Collection

Flying Scotsman from the National Rail Museum Pictorial Collection

Philip Benham, the General Manager of The North Yorkshire Moors Railway said on hearing the news that the NYMR would be involved, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Railway to unite with the communities of North Yorkshire, in welcoming the Olympic Flame to our region and supporting those who have been chosen to run as Torchbearers. It is a great honour to have been selected as one of the host locations and we look forward to sharing the excitement of the Olympic spirit all the way along the line.”

And local councillors are delighted too. Cllr James Fraser, Member Champion for Sport for Ryedale District Council, said, “I am absolutely delighted that Ryedale residents will have the chance to see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay.”

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games added: ‘We are thrilled to confirm that the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to the people in Yorkshire to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK. This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Yorkshire to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.’

The Olympic Flame will be carried from York to Thirsk on Wednesday 20 June 2012 by the majestic Flying Scotsman. This glorious engine was built in 1923, having been designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and in 1934, the Scotsman was the first locomotive to officially break the 100 mph barrier. It did its bit during the Second World War carrying passengers and troops the length of the country – though it had to forgo its Apple Green livery for the more austere black, but when the war ended it returned to its original colour. Later, after the railways were nationalised the Scotsman was briefly blue before again changing colour to Brunswick Green in which colour it remained until its retirement in 1963. After several changes of ownership involving a stay in the United States and Australia it was saved for the nation in 2004. It is currently being restored, and should be back in service in spring 2012. The Flying Scotsman has travelled approximately 2½ million miles and given useful service to millions of passengers in its lifetime and is now an object of pleasure for new generations.

Flying Scotsman from the NRM Pictorial Collection

Flying Scotsman from the NRM Pictorial Collection

The Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and chair of Yorkshire Gold, Gary Verity, said: “We are delighted that the Torch will visit two of Yorkshire’s most prestigious railways. It is going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone and it will be wonderful to see the flame travelling on the Flying Scotsman from York to Thirsk and between Whitby and Pickering on the steam trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.  Being able to host the Torch over six days will give us a wonderful opportunity to profile and showcase our county to the world.”

Find all the places in Yorkshire and the Humber through which the Olympic Flame will be carried here.

And for Whitby hotels or Pickering B&Bs to stay in during this time, check out Hello Yorkshire’s accommodation.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Industry News, North Yorkshire Events, North Yorkshire Moors Events, Pickering Events, Whitby Events, York Events, Yorkshire Coast & Wolds Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

7 Nov: London 2012 Olympic Torch Yorkshire Dates Unveiled

Monday, November 7th, 2011 by RichFox

The Olympic Torch will visit numerous Yorkshire towns & cities

The Olympic Torch will visit numerous Yorkshire towns & cities

The route for the 2012 London Olympic torch has been announced.

Arriving from Greece on 18 May, the torch’s relay starts in Land’s End on Saturday, 19 May and will snake its way around the United Kingdom for the next 70 days, taking in 1018 places before making one final journey from Hampton Court Palace down the River Thames to the Olympic Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony.

Organisers say the torch will come within 10 miles of 95% of the population, and travel approximately 8000 miles. And as you’d expect, Yorkshire gets its fair share of exposure as the torch visits every corner of our great county.

The extensive list of Yorkshire dates is as follows:

Day 31 – 18 June 2012

Middlesbrough

Redcar

Marske-by-the-Sea

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Brotton

Carlin How

Loftus

Hinderwell

Lythe

Sandsend

Whitby

Pickering

Scarborough

Filey

Bridlington

Beverley

Hull

Day 32 – 19 June 2012

Hull

Brough

Goole

Camblesforth

Selby

Monk Fryston

Barkston Ash

Tadcaster

Boston Spa

Wetherby

Harewood

Knaresborough

Harrogate

Ripon

York

Day 33 – 20 June 2012

York

Thirsk

Northallerton

Aiskew

Bedale

Aysgarth

Leyburn

Richmond

Day 37 – 24 June 2012

Marsh

Huddersfield

Brighouse

Halifax

Bradford

Keighley

Skipton

Ilkley

Headingley

Potternewton

Harehills

Richmond Hill

Leeds

Day 38 – 25 June 2012

Leeds

Hunslet

Beeston

Morley

Batley

Dewsbury

Wakefield

Castleford

Pontefract

Ackworth

Lundwood

Cundy Cross

Barnsley

Darton

Kexbrough

Chapeltown

Ecclesfield

Parson Cross

Sheffield

Day 39 – 26 June 2012

Sheffield

Rotherham

Templeborough

Dalton

Thrybergh

Conisbrough

Warmsworth

Doncaster

Armthorpe

Dunsville

Hatfield

Part of the journey through Yorkshire will be on the Flying Scotsman as the torch travels from York to Thirsk, and the torch will also pass great Yorkshire landmarks such as York Minster, the Humber Bridge and Harewood House. Major celebrations are being planned in Leeds, Sheffield and York, whilst Hull will be hosting a festival of music and sport.

You can see the design of the torch with Jonathan Edwards here:

We’ll have updates of parties and celebrations as and when they’re announced in the coming months. In the meantime, for those looking for accommodation in Yorkshire during the Olympic torch relay, or even during the Olympics if you’re staying away from the capital, find York hotels, Whitby hotels and Leeds hotels on Hello Yorkshire.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Barnsley Events, Bedale Events, Beverley Events, Bradford Events, Bridlington Events, Doncaster Events, Filey Events, Halifax Events, Harrogate Events, Huddersfield Events, Hull Events, Ilkely Events, Industry News, Knaresborough Events, Leeds Events, Leyburn Events, North Yorkshire Events, North Yorkshire Moors Events, Pickering Events, Pontefract Events, Richmond Events, Ripon Events, Rotherham Events, Scarborough Events, Sheffield Events, South Yorkshire Events, Thirsk Events, Wakefield Events, West Yorkshire Events, Whitby Events, York Events, Yorkshire Coast & Wolds Events, Yorkshire Dales Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

10 Nov onwards: Christmas Fayres & Christmas Markets in North Yorkshire

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 by chrisjones

 

Oxford Street in Harrogate at Christmas

Oxford Street in Harrogate at Christmas

 

Christmas Markets in North Yorkshire

The build up to Christmas is always an exciting time, and it’s extra special in Yorkshire.

There are dozens of Christmas fayres, markets, lights switch ons and craft fairs in North Yorkshire – including the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors – this year and we’ve listed a host of them below in alphabetical order by city or town including Harrogate, York, Knaresborough, Grassington and Ripon.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for Christmas markets & fayres in other parts of Yorkshire, please see the links below:

Christmas Markets West Yorkshire

Christmas Markets South Yorkshire

Christmas Markets East Yorkshire

 

BEDALE

Christmas Extravaganza Bedale Hall

3 December 2011 from 10am to 4pm

Bedale Hall, Bedale DL8 1AA

Shopping Fayre, Ice rink, carol singers, street entertainers and lots more.

Lights switch on at 5.30pm

 

CASTLE HOWARD

Artsmix – Christmas Contemporary Art Market

27 November 2011 from 10am to 4pm

Stable Courtyard, Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

A unique and delightful selection of handmade design, art and contemporary craft – the ideal place to uncover unusual Christmas gift ideas.

Free admission and parking.

“Made in Yorkshire” Christmas Craft & Produce Market

28 & 29 November and 5 & 6 December from 10am to 4pm

Stable Courtyard, Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

Situated in Castle Howard’s Stable Courtyard, over 20 stalls selling the very best Yorkshire produce and expertly hand-crafted gifts.

Free entry and parking, further info here on Castle Howard’s website.

 

DANBY

Brigantia Present Yorkshire Yule

18 November to 7 December 2011 from 11am to 4pm

The Moors National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB

A veritable seasonal feast of arts & crafts, ranging from the contemporary to the traditional. This exhibition includes stained glass, pottery, jewellery, felt, photography, woven goods and more.

Admission free.

Victorian Christmas Craft Fair

19 and 20 November 2011 from 10.30am to 4.30pm

The Moors National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB

Over 35 stalls of arts, crafts and gifts including wooden items, ceramics, jewellery, willow wreaths, pickles, cheese and honey sourced from in or around the North York Moors National Park.  Organ fairground music, outdoor trails, pony-trap rides, a visit from Father Christmas, and craft-making activities for the kids ensure this is a popular event for the whole family.

Free entry to Christmas Craft Fair, Visitor Centre and Seeing Santa – other activities may incur a charge.

 

EASINGWOLD

Annual Craft Fair

13 November 2011 from 10am to 4pm

Galtres Centre, Easingwold, York YO61 3AE

Refreshments available all day

Admission: adults 50p, children free

Easingwold Christmas Charity Market

3 December 2011 from 9am to 1pm

Market Place, Easingwold, York YO61 3AA

Selection of great stalls selling Christmas decorations and stationery, handmade knitted clothes, cakes, preserves, bacon butties and hot dogs, minced pies, mulled wine.

Raffles, tombola, plus the Easingwold Choir and Easingwold School Sax Quartet.

Free admission and parking, this event is in aid of local charities.

 

GRANTLEY

Grantley Christmas Shopping Extravaganza

29 November 2011 – 3pm – 7.30pm

Grantley Village Hall, Grantley, Ripon HG4 3PJ

Admission £2 – inc free mince pie & hot drink (tea/coffee/mulled wine)

In aid of Fountains Playgroup & Preschool

With stalls selling jams, cakes, hand-painted Christmas baubles from Kashmir, children’s clothing, handmade soaps, beauty products, jewellery, handbags, home furnishings, toys, cards and stationery and much more. Plus tombola.

 

GRASSINGTON

Grassington Dickensian Festival

3, 10, 17 December 2011 – all day

Grassington, North Yorkshire

Go back in time to an earlier era – it’s like opening the pages of a Charles Dickens’ novel and finding the characters come alive. With Christmas lights and decorations, the village square and surrounding streets become magically transformed into a traditional Victorian market, as shopkeepers, stallholders, villagers and visitors dress up in period costume. Entertainment from dancers, musicians, street performers, and with exhibitions of traditional local country crafts. And there’ll be an ice rink from 16th to 18th December – check for times and prices.

Check out the Grassington Dickensian Festival website here.

Dickensian Christmas shop window in Grassington

Dickensian Christmas shop window in Grassington

 

HARROGATE

Crafts for Christmas

10 – 13 November 2011

Thu-Sat: 9.00am – 5.00pm   Sun: 9.00am – 4.00pm

The Yorkshire Event Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Wetherby Road, Harrogate HG2 8PW

Tickets in advance: adults £7.00, seniors £6.00 (60p transaction fee) from here.

On the door: adults £8.00, seniors £7.00, children free, students £4.00 with NUS card

Parking: FREE

Harrogate Christmas Lights Switch-On at Victoria Shopping Centre

Thursday 17 Nov 2011 at 6 pm

Victoria Centre Piazza, Harrogate

Free entry

 

HAWES

Annual “Turning on” of the Christmas lights

2 December 2011 from 1.30pm

Market Place, Hawes

It all kicks off at 1.30 in the Market House with the Children’s Party, then at 4.00 community carol sing-a-long led by Rev. Janet Park accompanied by the Hawes Prize Silver band.

At 4.30 Father Christmas arrives and the Hawes Christmas lights are switched on.

 

HOVINGHAM

Hovingham Village Market

5 November, 3 & 17 December

Award-winning community market with 40 stalls selling food and crafts

 

KNARESBOROUGH

Knaresborough Carol Service & Christmas Lights Switch On

2 December – 7 pm

Market Square, Knaresborough

Carol service with music from Knaresborough Silver Band, plus a visit from Santa. The Mayor will be on hand to switch on the lights of the Christmas tree.

Refreshments available.

Knaresborough Christmas Fair

3 December -10.00am to 4.00pm

4 December – 12.00noon to 4.00pm

Methodist Church Centre, Gracious Street

Gifts, crafts, books, cards & gift tags, cakes, preserves – plus a children’s Present Room for kids to choose their own gift and have it wrapped just for them, ready for Christmas Day.

With a café open the whole time serving mince pies, cakes, hot drinks, and “soup and a sweet” lunches.

Knaresborough Christmas Market

Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 December

Market Square, Knaresborough

Local cheeses, meats and game from traditional butchers, freshly baked bread, delicious Christmas cake and Christmas puds, and winter toffees, local fudge, and sweets that bring back a taste of childhood. And lots more culinary delights too!

There will be carol singing by local church members, fabulous Morris dancing from local dancers, young musicians from Knaresborough’s schools and festive songs from the choral society, all accompanied by a big brass band.

And at 4.30 on Sunday watch a superb Firework Spectacular.

Knaresborough Christmas Market website

 

LIGHTWATER VALLEY

Lightwater Shopping Village Dickensian Festival

Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT

Thursday – Sunday 1 – 4 December 2011

10:00am – 5:00pm every day

Free entry & free parking

Rated one of the top 10 Christmas Markets in the UK by the Daily Telegraph, this fabulous five-day festival has more than 75 stalls displaying one of the most extensive ranges of Christmas fare, gifts and decorations, all accompanied by a lovely festive atmosphere. Ideal for wonderful stocking fillers, quality hats, handmade jewellery, glassware, bespoke fine art and other Yorkshire crafts.

Yorkshire is famous for having some of the finest food in the UK and this festival boasts an array of stalls with some of the best Yorkshire produce – cheeses, meats, wines and beers.

And there’s some great entertainment laid on too:

  • Birds of Prey
  • Jazz Band
  • Barrel Organ
  • Victorian Flea Circus
  • Fire Eaters
  • Stilt Walkers
  • Santa’s Grotto
  • Carol Singers
  • Handbell Ringers
  • Punch & Judy show
  • Terrific Local Choirs

And if all of this tires you out, why not chill out and enjoy some wonderful food at the Granary Restaurant – unless you’ve already had your fill after all those roast chestnuts, hog roast and mulled wine, and . . . . . in fact, there’s just so much to describe, you would be better coming along to discover it all for yourself!

Further info on the Lightwater Valley website here.

 

MASHAM

Victorian Christmas Fair

10 December 2011

 

NEWTON-ON-OUSE

A Christmas Fair

19-20 November 2011 from 10.30am to 4pm

Christmas produce, jewellery, cards, gifts, plants, Santa’s Grotto.

Refreshments including light lunches.

Admission: adults £1, children free

 

NORTHALLERTON

Northallerton Christmas Fayre

2 December 2011 from 5.00 pm to 9.00pm

The Fleece Inn, 89 High Street, Northallerton DL7 8PP

Gifts and more – children welcome

Northallerton Christmas Late Night Shopping

2 December 2011 from 5.30pm

High Street, Northallerton

Lights switch on at 6.00pm and Santa arrives outside Barkers Department Store at 6.30pm


RIPLEY CASTLE

Christmas Fair at Ripley Castle

9 – 11 December 2011

Ripley Castle, Harrogate HG3 3AY

See the family home of Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby decorated ready for Christmas and buy gifts for your loved ones in the perfect setting. And you can dine out in style with two restaurants in the Castle’s East Wing.

There’s a free car park in the nearby village of Ripley with a minibus service to and from the Castle. Disabled parking onsite, and pick-up service for heavy packages.

Tickets, £5 online (with a free £5 voucher valid on any stall) from here, £7 by phone (01634 226 203).

No pushchairs or dogs, unfortunately. Backpacks for baby available for use at no cost.

Book timed sessions at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm or 2pm each day.

 

RIPON

Ripon Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair

19 November 2011 from 10am to 4pm

Ripon Cathedral, Minster Rd, Ripon HG4 1QT

More than 70 stalls with gifts for all the family, homemade Christmas cakes, food and wine tastings, Santa’s Grotto, tombola, raffle, face-painting and other children’s activities.

Refreshments including mulled wine, tea & coffee, soft drinks, turkey sandwiches (hot!), mince pies and other homemade cakes, all in the gorgeous setting of Ripon Cathedral.

Admission £2.50, accompanied children go free

 

SKIPTON

Skipton’s Yuletide Festival & Christmas Market 2011

4 & 11 December from 10am to 4pm

High Street, Skipton

Skipton, the “Gateway to the Dales”, will be holding Yuletide Markets & Festivals on the first two Sundays of December down the whole length of its remarkable High Street (which in 2009 was named Britain’s Best Street in the UK).

But it won’t just be the stalls and the well-renowned breadth of independent shops that makes these Christmas events two of the best in Yorkshire, as there will also be loads of superb entertainment, with music from the Skipton Brass Band, Accrington Pipe Band, Barnoldswick Brass Band and Nelson Brass Band.

A fabulous experience throughout the year, shopping in Skipton is particularly special at Christmas. There are two department stores and many famous brand names, plus an abundance of restaurants and cafés to rest those weary legs when it’s time to take a break.

In addition to the Market in the High Street, there will be lots of other Christmas entertainment in various locations throughout the Skipton, and the celebrations will end at 4pm with a procession from the High Street to Holy Trinity Church on both days of the Festival for a traditional carol service in the grounds.

Skipton Yuletide Festival website

 

THIRSK

Thirsk Christmas Fayre & Market

25 – 27 November 2011

It all starts on the 25th at 5pm, with kids’ rides late night shopping. The Christmas Lights Switch On is at 7pm. To keep everything in the right festive mood there’ll be a hog roast and a Spanish Shack van, carol singing, music from the Thirsk British Legion Brass Band and the Thirsk Bagpipe Band (who will lead a Lantern Parade at 6.30pm) – and you may even catch a glimpse of Santa. On Saturday it’s an all-day affair (9am to 9pm) and there’ll also be a Yorkshire Food Market, kids’ rides (from 11am), Rural arts, a live reindeer pen and Santa’s grotto, balloons for sale, and bell ringers. Sunday is from 10am to 7pm and another full day of festive activities.

Read more here

 

UPPER POPPLETON

Christmas Craft Fair

27 November 2011, 10am-3pm

Poppleton Centre, Main Street, Upper Poppleton, York, North Yorkshire YO26 6JT

Popular Christmas fair with local crafts, handmade gifts and lots of stalls selling unusual ideas for Christmas presents. Cups of tea and home-baked cakes also on offer!

 

YORK

Winter Wonderland

17 November 2011 – 17.00 to 21.00

Parliament Street, York YO1 8SE

Santa’s Grotto, children’s fairground, late-night shopping, festive bar, big Christmas lights switch-on at 8pm by the Bogus Brothers

St Nicholas Fair – Craft Event

24 – 26 November 2011 from 10.00 to 16.00

Quilt Museum and Gallery, St Anthony’s Hall, Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PW

Quilt Museum website

St Nicholas Fayre

24 to 27 November 2011 from 9.30am to 5.30pm

Parliament Street/St Sampson’s Sq/Coppergate, York YO1 7HB

Admission free

St Nicholas Fayre at Barley Hall

24 to 27 November 2011 from 10am to 5pm

Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR

Craftsmen & traders dressed in medieval apparel gather to sell their wares. Living history and unique gifts included, whilst you can also sample traditional ale and wine at the bar.

Discounted admissions prices: £2 adult, £1 concessions, £5 family of four, Ticket is valid throughout the Fayre (but do not include the exhibition from Hamlet to Hollywood).

Barley Hall website

Tenth Century Traders

25-27 November 2011 from 10am to 4pm

St Sampsons Square, York, YO1 8RN

Friendly Vikings from all over the world come together to trade – items on sale include jewellery, costumes, belts, shoes, weapons, bowls, tankards, chests, lanterns and pottery.

Made in Yorkshire Crafts Market

1 – 18 December 2011 from 9am to 5pm

St Sampsons Square, York YO1 8RN

Featuring some of the finest art & crafts in the county including ceramics, paintings, glass, textiles and woodwork – everything created within Yorkshire’s boundaries.

York’s Festive Fayre

3 – 18 December 2011 from 9.30am to 7.30pm

Parliament Street, York YO1 8SE

Celebrate Christmas traditions with music and decorated wooden huts at York’s Festive Fayre.

Lots of unusual gifts on sale and the setting makes Christmas shopping a delight – afterwards relax at the Festive Inne where you can enjoy a glass of Winter Pimms.

Santa & his Reindeer come to Monks Cross

4 December 2011 – 12.00 to 16.00

Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York YO32 9GX

In aid of the Give a Gift charity campaign (on behalf of The Salvation Army and York Women’s Refuge this year)

York Festive Farmers Market

21 Dec 2011   09:00 to 16:00

Parliament Street, York YO1 8SE

Free entry

York’s Farmers Market takes place once a month throughout the year, but it is particularly special at Christmas as everybody pulls out all the stops. There’ll be venison, ostrich, home-grown organic vegetables, organic lamb burgers, locally produced cheeses, and fantastic Yorkshire Punch – practically everything required to turn Christmas dinner into a superb Yuletide feast!

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland – and the Ice Factor

26 November 2011 to 8 January 2012

York Designer Outlet, Saint Nicholas Avenue, Fulford, York YO19 4TA

Festive market, traditional fair rides, illuminated forest with reindeer, log cabins and the brilliant award-winning outdoor ice rink, the Ice Factor. 120 leading high street and designer brands, heated Ice Bar & Café. Free parking.

The Ice Factor’s website

Tickets from Ticketweb 0844 847 1523 or 01653 619 169

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland and Ice Factor - Skating Rink

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland and Ice Factor - Skating Rink

 

If your Christmas Fayre or Market does not appear above, please get in touch.

And if you need North Yorkshire holiday accommodation, find York hotels or guest houses in Harrogate on Hello Yorkshire.

And whilst you’re in the festive mood, check out these Christmas pantos in North Yorkshire.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bedale Events, Easingwold, Gigs, Concerts & Festivals, Grassington Events, Harrogate Events, Knaresborough Events, Masham Events, North Yorkshire Events, Ripon Events, Skipton Events, Thirsk Events, York Events, Yorkshire Dales Events, Yorkshire Events | No Comments »

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 by RichFox
Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

As spring takes hold, thoughts turn to gardens; what to dig up, what to plant, and how to arrange it all. So a trip to the local nursery may well be in order. But not all nurseries are the same and some are worth travelling a long way to see. Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens has the endorsement of the Royal Horticultural Society that it is indeed one of those worth going the extra mile for.

It’s one of the best gardens and nurseries in North Yorkshire (and probably a lot further afield), which not only has a wide range of herbaceous plants for sale, but also has a number of different styles of gardens so that visitors can see plants in a range of settings. The flower beds are densely packed for a wealth of colour and ease of maintenance, and there’s a variety of texture and fragrance. So not only is it a pleasurable experience wandering through the gardens and enjoying their many delights, but it can also be regarded as practical help in deciding which plants go with what.

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens is set in the grounds of a farmhouse which was built over 300 years ago, and it’s a haven of peace and tranquillity. It has a woodland walk which leads to a natural pond with reeds and lilies. If you’re lucky you may spot a dragonfly catching smaller insects or a frog hopping from lily pad to lily pad. A little further on there’s a wildflower meadow which attracts birds, butterflies, ladybirds and grasshoppers. And the circuit back to the house is completed with a walk through extensive and beautiful herbaceous borders.

The Lodge Gardens have a café which tries, as far as possible, to source local produce, so you can enjoy home-made cakes, jams, and chutneys and locally made ice creams. The café also sells greetings cards, locally-made baskets, paintings and Plant World seeds.

The Gardens have their own beehives (not open to the public), and a vegetable plot too, so there’s plenty to see and do.

And I haven’t mentioned the poultry! Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens has geese and several varieties of rare poultry – allowed to roam free, they serve the excellent purpose of devouring unwanted slugs.

The Gardens were started in 1975 when Vanessa Cook and her husband bought the farmhouse and its four acres of land. After much hard work, Vanessa opened the nursery in 1983 and it’s gone from strength to strength since then.

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens run morning courses on a variety of subjects including: Keeping Poultry, Willow Weaving, Watercolour Painting, Patchwork, Beekeeping. But the main course topics are related to gardening and horticulture. Vanessa also personally offers guided tours around the gardens – each tour lasts around two hours. Further details (including costs) can be found here.

The Lodge Gardens have featured in many publications including:

  • The Daily Telegraph Gardeners’ Guide to Britain (by Patrick Taylor)
  • Gardeners’ Favourite Nurseries (by Leslie Geddes-Brown)
  • Gardens Illustrated 2009 (“one of the best cottage gardens”)
  • The Good Gardens Guide (edited by Peter King)

As well as:

  • The English Garden
  • The Independent (one of the top ten June gardens)
  • The Garden
  • Yorkshire Life

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens was also included in the BBC 2 TV programme Castle in the Country.

The gardens are open this year from 2 April until 28 September (open every Wednesday & Friday and the first and third Saturday & Sunday of each month from 1pm – 5pm).

Garden Entry fee: £4.00 or 50p for children aged 5-16. The garden is free to RHS members on Wednesdays.

Directions: 8 miles south of York, just off the B1222, almost at the midpoint between Selby and Tadcaster. The number 42 bus (which runs between York & Selby) stops at Stillingfleet village by St Helen’s parish church, 5 minutes’ walk from the Nursery.

Check the website for further details: Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

And if you’re looking for North Yorkshire accommodation nearby, take a look at some of the York hotels or York bed and breakfasts on Hello Yorkshire.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Yorkshire Ramblings | No Comments »

11-13 March: Spooksfest York 2011

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 by chrisjones
York - the most haunted city in the world? Photograph courtesy of Richard Fox

York - the most haunted city in the world? Photograph courtesy of Richard Fox

York is reputedly the most haunted city in Europe, if not the world, and it makes the ideal venue for a festival entirely devoted to the more ethereal and mystical areas of life (or perhaps that should be the afterlife). Spooksfest takes place in March this year and offers a variety of frighteningly tempting activities and events for families, friends and serious ghost hunters in search of something completely different. It’s scary, it’s spooky, but it’s also fun and immensely interesting, and it provides an ideal opportunity to discover some of the usually hidden aspects of the historic city of York and its many treasures.

You may quiver and quake, you may shake and tremble, but you’re sure to enjoy the many goings-on. Whether down the narrow ginnels and snickelways, or in the ancient buildings, or on the city walls where the history seems to seep from the very stones that were tramped and trodden by Roman legionnaires more than 1,600 years ago, there’s something for everyone – alive or dead – at the Spooksfest.

Visit York and In the Company of Ghosts have got together (with the help of their sponsor York Printing.com) to put on this weird and wonderful weekend with workshops and walks, as well as a welter of other-worldly activities.

Here’s a summary of what to expect:

Friday 11 March

City Screen showing Hell’s Ground with Special Guests

Fairfax House Ghost Stories by Candlelight

Family Spooky Treasure Hunt

Lunchtime and Evening Haunted Pub Walk

Mansion House Candlelit Tours and Spooky Stories

Spooksfest Recommended Ghost Walks

Treasurer’s House Haunted Cellar Tour

Saturday 12 March

The Dean Court Hotel’s Ghostly Supper Evening

An Evening with Ciaran O’Keeffe in the Treasurers House

Fairfax House Ghost Stories by Candlelight

Family Spooky Treasure Hunt

Ghost Hunting Workshop

Horrible History Family Walk

Lunchtime and Evening Haunted Pub Walk

Mansion House Candlelit Tours and Spooky Stories

Psychic and Medium Trail

Talks on the Supernatural and Paranormal

Treasurer’s House Haunted Cellar Tour

Spooksfest Recommended Ghost Walks

Sunday 13 March

Family Spooky Treasure Hunt

Ghost Stories Around the Fire at the Red Lion Pub

Horrible History Family Walk

Lunchtime and Early Evening Haunted Pub Walk

Psychic and Medium Trail

Spooksfest Recommended Ghost Walks

For more info go to: www.spooksfest.co.uk

And if you’re thinking of heading to York for this ghoulish weekend, take a look on Hello Yorkshire for York hotels, York bed and breakfast and other accommodation in York.

Other haunting articles you may enjoy:

The Ghost Hunt of York

The Ghost Trail of York

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in North Yorkshire Events, York Events, Yorkshire Events | 2 Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »