Hello Tadcaster & Boston Spa!
Hello, and welcome to another edition of Keep It Handy: Tadcaster & Boston Spa.
In this issue, we’ve brought together a fresh round-up of the latest events and activities taking place across the area over the coming months, giving you plenty of inspiration to make the most of what’s happening locally.
You’ll also find a handy guide to pick-yourown fruit farms to enjoy this summer, plus a useful information section where you’ll find key contacts, local services and dates you might want to keep close by.
If you’re looking to meet new people or take up a new hobby, we’ve included a selection of local clubs and groups to help you get involved. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there’s a scenic walking route exploring
Boston Spa, the River Wharfe, and the surrounding area.
New to this edition is our Agony Aunt, Daphne, who is here to help with your problems, offering a healthy dose of wisdom and the occasional bit of tough love.
We’ve also included a page of puzzles to keep you entertained, perfect for a quiet moment or if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge.
As always, Keep It Handy is designed to be a useful guide you’ll come back to time and again, whether you’re looking for something to do, somewhere new to explore, or simply want to discover more about your local area.
We hope you enjoy this latest edition and find it useful in the weeks and months ahead.
See us online!
Missed a copy? You can read all of our Keep It Handy Guides and magazines online at: issuu.com/ yourlocallink!
Looking for a local business?
Head to our handy Index on page 31 to quickly find advertisers, services and useful contacts featured throughout this guide.
• All work guaranteed
•
•
What’s On
Tadcaster, Boston Spa & Surrounding Area
UNTIL 6 SEPTEMBER
STOCKELD SUMMER, Stockeld Park, LS22 4AN. Enjoy a summer packed with festival fun as this family-friendly attraction comes alive with daily live entertainment and outdoor adventures. Visit stockeldpark.co.uk/activities/season/thesummer-adventure.
4 AUGUST, 1 SEPTEMBER & 6 OCTOBER
MATINEE BALLROOM & LATIN SOCIAL
DANCE, Riley-Smith Hall, LS24 9AB. Enjoy an afternoon of Ballroom and Latin social dancing with experienced dance teacher Jackie Hinde. Refreshments are available from noon, with dancing until 3pm. Entry is £7 per person, payable on the door, with no booking required. Find out more at rileysmithhall.org.uk/events.
7, 11, 18, 19, 24 AUGUST
SUMMER AT TADCASTER
COMMUNITY LIBRARY, LS24 9JG. Keep the kids entertained this summer with a fantastic programme of creative workshops, music, crafts and fun. From musical instrument making to LEGO robotics, circus skills, a Punch & Judy show and Minecraft crafts. To reserve a place, email katherine.tadcasterlibrary@gmail.com or via the Tadcaster Community Library Facebook.
7 AUGUST
THE BOBCATS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL NIGHT, Riley-Smith Hall, LS24 9AB. Enjoy an evening of live rock ‘n’ roll with The Bobcats, supported by DJ The Rhythm Rooster. Doors open at 7pm, with dancing from 7.30–11.30pm. Entry is £15, with a charity raffle. Call Eileen on 07752 333094 to reserve your ticket. Find out more at rileysmithhall.org.uk/events.
21 AUGUST
DIRTY DANCING OUTDOOR CINEMA, Harewood House, LS17 9LG. Experience the magic of outdoor cinema in the stunning surroundings of Harewood. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or camping chair and watch Dirty Dancing on a huge screen under the summer sky, with music before the film. Gates open at 6pm and the screening begins at 7.30pm. Visit harewood.org/events/dirty-dancing-outdoorcinema.
27 – 30 AUGUST
LEEDS FESTIVAL, Bramham Park, LS23 6ND. Leeds Festival returns for another huge Bank Holiday weekend. This year’s line-up includes Charli XCX, Dave, Florence + The
Machine, Fontaines D.C., RAYE and special Thursday-night headliners Kasabian, alongside dozens more artists across multiple stages. Tickets and further information are available at www.leedsfestival.com.
30 AUGUST
AN EVENING WITH SIR DAVID JASON, Leeds Grand Theatre, LS1 6NU. Join Sir David Jason and Mike Bushell for an evening of laughter, nostalgia and never-before-heard stories. Featuring rare clips and behind-thescenes secrets, David reflects on his journey from amateur dramatics to creating some of British television’s most iconic characters. To book, visit leedsheritagetheatres.com/leedsgrand-theatre/whats-on/.
3 SEPTEMBER
FAIRFAX BLENDING SESSION, Fairfax Distillery, Ye Old Sun Inn, LS24 8EP. Discover the history of distilling before choosing from over 70 flavours to create your own gin, rum and vodka. Enjoy each creation with your choice of mixer and garnish, accompanied by a grazing board. The interactive session runs from 7–9.30pm. Visit fairfaxdistillery.co.uk/events.
10 SEPTEMBER – 8 OCTOBER
TEACUPS TO TREASURES, Harewood House, LS17 9LG. Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to care for one of Yorkshire's finest historic homes and its treasured collections. This exclusive tour offers a rare opportunity to step beyond the ropes and explore areas not normally open to the public. For more details, visit harewood.org/events/ teacups-to-treasures-collections-care-tour.
17 SEPTEMBER
A HISTORIC TOUR OF YORKSHIRE’S
EDWARDIAN GEM, Lotherton Hall, LS25 3EB. Explore Lotherton Hall’s fascinating past on an expert-led tour through its beautifully preserved rooms. Discover the legacy of the Gascoigne family, admire original Edwardian furnishings, and hear how the Hall became a convalescent hospital during the First World War. Visit museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/ whats-on.
UNTIL 4 OCTOBER
CECIL BEATON: STAGING ICONS
Harewood House, LS17 9LG. Step into the glamorous world of legendary photographer Cecil Beaton in this captivating exhibition featuring more than 60 works from the National Portrait Gallery. Discover portraits of Audrey
Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II, alongside photographs displayed publicly for the first time. Visit harewood.org/events/cecilbeaton-staging-icons.
5 OCTOBER
AUTUMN WREATH MAKING, The Waterfront Café, YO19 4RW. Celebrate the colours of the season and create your own autumn-inspired wreath with Jemma from Riverbend Flowers. The relaxed workshop runs from 10am–12pm, with arrival from 9.30am. Tickets cost £52 per person and include a hot drink and fruit scone. Booking is essential. Visit waterfront-cafe.co.uk/event.
9 – 10 OCTOBER
BOSTON SPA ARTS & CRAFTS
FESTIVAL, The Village Hall, LS23 6AA. Browse original work from local artists and creators, including paintings, photography, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and more. Meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work and enjoy homemade refreshments. Open Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm. Find out more at www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61577031984437.
14 OCTOBER
THE OPENING MEETING SUPPORTING SPINAL RESEARCH, Wetherby Racecourse, LS22 5EJ. Support a vital cause while enjoying an exciting day at the races. This long-running fundraising event combines thrilling live racing with excellent hospitality, including a champagne reception, three-course meal, auctions, raffles and inspirational guest speakers. Visit www.wetherbyracing.co.uk/ events/the-opening-meeting-supporting-spinalresearch.
18 OCTOBER
AUTUMN WEDDING FAYRE, Hazlewood Castle, LS24 9NJ. Explore beautifully styled spaces, meet talented local wedding suppliers and gather inspiration for your special day. Discover everything from florists and photographers to bridalwear and décor. Find out more by visiting hazlewood-castle.co.uk/events/ event/autumn-wedding-fayre.
Looking for more local events?
Discover what’s on in and around your community at: yourlocallink.co.uk
Adventure Outdoor Cinema, Harewood House
Pick Your Own
Where to Pick-Your-Own fruit this summer:
Cedarbarn Farm Shop & Cafe
Pick your own strawberries and soft fruits.
YO18 7JX
Call 01751 475614 or email info@cedarbarnfarmshop.co.uk.
Spilmans
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries & gooseberries.
Also PYO sunflowers and wildflowers!
YO7 3NB
Visit www.spilmans.co.uk/pyostrawberries to book.
The Balloon Tree Farm Shop & Cafe
The ‘Pick Your Own Strawberries’ dates are to be confirmed, check their website for updates.
YO41 1NB
Visit www.theballoontree.co.uk/ our-farm/current-pick-your-own.
Kemps
Farm Leeds
Strawberries, raspberries, sunflowers and wildflowers.
LS18 5ES
Visit www.kemps.farm for details. Call 07798 937821 or email info@kemps.farm to get in touch.
The
Fruit Yard
Pick strawberries! Check their Facebook for other fruits that are available.
YO43 3PW
Visit www.facebook.com/ PYOShiptonthorpe for details.
Fruity Berry Fruit Farm
Strawberries, gooseberries & blackcurrants.
All on raised guttering, built with wheelchair, disabled, elderly and children users in mind.
YO7 3DB
Visit www.fruityberryfruit farm.co.uk for details.
Farmer Copleys
Pick your own strawberries and learn all about them at the same time at the ‘Strawberry Experience’.
WF7 5AF
Visit www.farmercopleys. co.uk for details.
Kemps Farm
Malton
The little sister site to the Leeds branch, where you can pick your own strawberries and raspberries.
YO17 6PP
Visit www.kemps.farm for details. Call 07798 937821 or email info@ kemps.farm to get in touch.
Useful Information
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Police (non-emergency): 101
Electricity emergencies (Northern Powergrid): 105
Gas emergencies: 0800 111 999
Floodline (Environment Agency): 0345 988 1188
York Fire Station: 01904 625272
Tadcaster Fire Station: 01609 780150 Emergency: 999 | General info: through NYCC
Join a club
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn a new skill or simply get out and about more, we’ve rounded up a selection of clubs and groups right here in your area.
Stutton & Tadcaster WI
• Mon 31 Aug – Late Summer Bank Hol
• Fri 25 Dec – Christmas Day
• Mon 28 Dec – Boxing Day (substitute)
• Fri 1 Jan 2027 – New Year’s Day Bank Holidays
Tadcaster Library
8 Station Rd, Tadcaster, LS24 9JG Call: 01609 534525
Opening Times:
• Monday: 2pm to 6pm
• Tuesday: 1.30pm to 5pm
• Wednesday: 1.30pm to 5pm
• Thursday: 9am to 1pm
• Friday: 9am to 5pm
• Saturday: 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Sunday: Closed
Boston Spa Library
High Street, Leeds, LS23 6BH Call: 0113 535 2501
Opening Times:
• Monday: 10am to 1pm, 1:30pm - 5pm
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 10am to 1pm, 1:30pm - 6pm
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 10am to 1pm
• Saturday: 10am to 1pm
• Sunday: Closed
Recycling & Waste Services
Tadcaster Household Waste Recycling Centre Station Road Industrial Estate, Tadcaster, LS24 9SG More information: northyorks.gov.uk
Local School Term Dates
(North Yorkshire)
Autumn Term 2026
• Term starts: 7 Sept
• Half-term: 26 Oct - 30 Oct
• Term ends: 18 Dec
Spring Term 2027
• Term starts: 4 Jan
• Half-term: 8 Feb - 12 Feb
• Term ends: 19 March
Summer Term 2027
• Term starts: 5 April
• Half-term: 31 May - 4 June
• Term ends: 26 July
Wetherby Household Waste Recycling Centre General enquiries: 01132 224406 Find out more information: leeds.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/ recycling-sites/
Local School Contacts
(Tadcaster)
Tadcaster Primary Academy 01937833795 tadcaster.ebor.academy
St Joseph’s Primary School 01937 832344 www.st-josephs-tadcaster.nyorks.sch.uk
Riverside School, Tadcaster 01937 832899 www.riverside.n-yorks.sch.uk
Tadcaster Grammar School 01937 833466 tgs.starmat.uk
A friendly and welcoming Women’s Institute with a varied programme of monthly speakers and social activities. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.15pm at Calcaria House, Tadcaster, LS24 9HR. New members and visitors are always welcome, and your first visit is free. Email: tadcasterwi@gmail.com
Tadcaster Tennis Club
A friendly and welcoming tennis club with three courts on Fairfield Road, Tadcaster. We welcome players of all ages and abilities, offering social tennis, professional coaching, league teams and fun tournaments throughout the year. Our courts are open all year round, with new members always welcome. Visit www.clubspark. lta.org.uk/TadcasterTennisClub
Tadcaster Magnets
Hockey
A friendly and welcoming hockey club, with two ladies’ teams, one men’s team and a thriving junior section. We welcome players of all ages and abilities, whether you’re new to hockey or returning to the game. Find out more on their Facebook: www.facebook. com/TadcasterMagnetsHC
Tadcaster & Wetherby Young Farmers
A friendly and active Young Farmers’ Club for anyone aged 10–28 looking to meet new people, learn new skills and have fun. Enjoy a varied programme of social events, competitions, fundraising and activities throughout the year. New members are always welcome. Visit www.facebook. com/tadwetherbyYFC/
LOCAL Walking Routes
WALKING WITH THE WANDERER
BOSTON SPA, THE RIVER WHARFE AND AROUND
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 7 miles
This walk circles the large and very salubrious village of Boston Spa. Starting in its main street, it drops to the river Wharfe, following it downstream passing the converted spa buildings. Heading into the countryside, it goes the old railway viaduct to follow an old Roman road into farmland. A pleasant trundle across fields leads to the village of Clifford, and the final stretch returns to the river. Climbing over tree hung Jackdaw Crag, the route comes to the impressive weir before finishing in the village’s main street. Care should be taken where the path runs close to the river, especially near Jackdaw Crag and the weir. If the river is high, some sections of the riverside may be impassable. Apart from this, except for the track at Point 3, the route is relatively free of serious mud and water.
1. Start on Boston Spa High Street at the junction with Bridge Road, near the prominent former hotel building now housing a Costcutter supermarket (if travelling by bus alight just beyond Costcutter and turn back in the direction of travel to the junction). Go down Bridge Road and take the signed path to the right, leading to the river. Continue ahead following the river downstream, with houses up above to the right, soon passing the old spa bath buildings. Ignore a path off, keeping alongside the river to a kissing gate into a field.
2. Continue, crossing a bridge over a tributary beck, then coming to another kissing gate with a wooded bank to the right. Climb steps and at the top, with the river down to the left, proceed on a narrow fenced path to another gate. Pass under the arch of the disused railway and keep by the river in the field beyond, eventually coming to stile.
3. Climb and turn right (do not go over the stile opposite) going into the trees (if the way here is flooded, do not cross the first stile, but go along the field boundary until a collapsed fence gives access to the path beyond the flooded area). Continue on the tree fringed narrow path which widens into a track (numerous puddles here after wet weather). After about 800 metres, the track reaches a main road.
4. Cross the road and go up the minor road opposite. In about 300 metres at a crossroads, turn right down Watson’s Lane. Where the lane splits, keep ahead between properties to climb steps over a short wall. Go ahead on a grass path to a kissing gate then keep alongside the stream to a wooden stile. Over this, turn right up a track, but in 20 metres turn left alongside a wooden fence. Follow the path as it swings right and left along the field boundary and, as signed, into bushes to another kissing gate.
In the field beyond, keep right to the corner but
Disclaimer:
Walks are undertaken at your own risk. Due care must be taken in following the walk, particularly after poor weather. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the description, changes may have occurred since compilation. Neither the walk author nor Your Local Link can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.
ignore the gate and turn left down the hedge to a gate by a footpath sign. Go through this and follow the wooden fence on the right to another gate.
5. Turn right here on track, but in ten metres turn left on another track with a hedge to the left. Follow the track as it bends left through a barrier but ten metres beyond this, turn right on a path between fields. Keep ahead as the path becomes hedged and fenced, swinging slightly left then widening to a track with gardens on the right before reaching a road. Turn right here, following the road as it bends left and right passing a ‘Welcome to Clifford’ sign. Continue ahead as road narrows to T junction.
6. Turn left passing the Catholic Church and then ignore the road signed ‘Boston Spa’. Where the road bends left at War Memorial, turn right onto Willow Lane. You now continue on this lane which becomes Clifford Moor Road for nearly a mile leaving Clifford, passing a school and entering the outskirts of Boston Spa to reach a crossroads with
the main road.
7. Cross straight over the main road to go down Leys Lane. Follow the hedged tarmac lane but at a no through road sign turn right, still on tarmac down to a dip. Take the bridleway signed ‘Deepdale’ down a small valley with a stream on the right. Approaching the river, cross the footbridge over the stream and go steeply uphill. Keep on up steps ignoring a path to the right.
8. You now continue on a path high above the river to the left (take care, steep drops in places) soon with houses, including a large new development set back from the path, away to the right. Eventually, with the weir prominent to the left, the path drops down to a junction with a bridleway on the right (the weir can be approached by paths to the left). Go up the bridleway (Holgate Lane) in the gully to emerge by the church at the main road (High Street), where you turn left back to the starting point.
Dentec Direct - Denture Clinic
Dentec Direct provide clinical treatment necessary to produce the very highest-quality dentures. At Dentec Direct we care for all our patients’ needs. Not only does Mr William Anthony Kraus CDT RCS (ENg) Clinical Dental Technician of the Royal College of Surgeons of England physically make the denture restorations that we provide, but he also holds a dedicated Denture Clinic for denture wearers on Fridays, at Gillet Bungalow (near the Cenotaph) in Rothwell, where each patient is allocated the appropriate treatment time to meet their needs.
Surgery Hours Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 6:00pm For a consultation and to discover what we can do for you, please call us on 0113 282 7000. CLINIC NOW ALSO AT Kirkgate Dental Surgery. 36 Kirkgate, Tadcaster. IS24 9AD
Dear Daphne,
DaphneDear
I am convinced my partner is seeing someone else. The other day I smelt perfume on his clothes and it definitely wasn't mine. He keeps saying nothing is going on but I just can't stop thinking about it. My head is all over the place and I don't know if I'm overthinking everything or if my gut is trying to tell me something. What do I do?
R, York.
Dear R,
The problem is that the perfume itself doesn't prove anything really. It might have come from a hug, a crowded lift, another co-worker or someone else. Right now you have one piece of information but at least fifty theories.
Avoid trying to figure everything out alone. If there's a feeling that things aren't as they should be, just tell him about it. Let him know what you've noticed, but more importantly, how you feel about it. You aren't trying to figure out a murder mystery, you just need to listen. On the other hand, keep an eye out for patterns. Has his behaviour been changing? Has he become more secretive about his phone or anything else? Can you say that your instinct came from this one bottle of perfume, or from a long time of experience with the guy? In either case, it's worth asking tough questions. If it’s the second, don't make one smell ruin it all.
Sometimes our gut is trying to protect us. Other times it's just fuelled by fear. Your job is to work out which one is speaking. Daphne x
Dear Daphne,
My son is 36 and still lives at home. We lost his dad 4 years ago, and at first it was nice having the company, but I just can't afford it anymore. I've tried talking to him but nothing changes. How do I get him to move on without pushing him away?
Sandra, York.
Dear Sandra,
There is one thing that I would like you to realise - he is 36, not 16!
The loss of his father was devastating for you both, and it sounds like you managed to pull through some very tough times together. However, grieving should not become a life-long lease.
You have tried to talk to him, now it's time to move from hints to being open and clear about things. Say that you love him, you feel proud about yourself being there for him, but you cannot finance him any more. This does not mean you are being heartless, it means that you are being honest. Do not make it all about getting rid of him. Make it about him living his own life. Come up with a reasonable time period, be it six months or a year, and let him create a plan. It is much harder to ignore the set date.
What if he reacts in an angry way? Let him. Sometimes the most loving thing a parent can do is make their kids’ lives not quite as easy. After all, you've already raised him. You don't need to keep raising a 36-yearold man.
Daphne x
Dear Daphne,
Got a problem? Of course you do! Lucky for you, our sharp-tongued yet warm-hearted agony aunt Daphne is here to slice through the chaos and help tackle all your burning life dilemmas with wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of tough love!
I had my baby 4 months ago and ever since then my best friend of 20 years seems to be avoiding me. She hardly replies to my messages anymore and we never see each other. I don't know if I've done something wrong or if she just doesn't want to be around me now I've got a baby.
Vicki, York.
Dear Vicki,
Being a mum is a completely transformative experience, and yet at the same time, it transforms relationships around you in ways that no one ever warned you about.
Don't rush into assuming anything negative on your part. Your friend may just be having difficulty coming to terms with this new role in life. If she doesn't have kids of her own, she may feel like she would be in the way, or perhaps, that you are too busy to spend any more time with her. There are those who distance themselves without even realising why - just because they do not know how to approach the situation.
Nevertheless, friendship is a two-way relationship. Twenty years is a lot of time to lose touch with someone. What I would do is send her a message inviting her out for a cuppa or just a stroll together like old times. Either she will come along, and it will all be fine, or she will make all kinds of excuses again, and then you can try to address it.
True friends don't abandon you when a baby is born. They sometimes take a bit of time adjusting, thats all.
Daphne x
Dear Daphne,
Every time we go to my partner’s parents house, his mum tells my kids off, overrules me or tells me how I should be parenting. It’s really starting to get on my nerves. My partner just says, “That’s how she is.” How do I get her to stop?
Liv, York.
Dear Liv,
Come on, I bet “that’s just how she is” has caused more family feuds than Christmas dinner!
The real issue here is not the mother-in-law per se, it’s the fact that your husband uses that excuse to get away with anything. Just because he’s always done it, it doesn’t mean that everybody should tolerate it! Your children deserve a united front, not a council of elders. The next time she bosses you around or gives the kids a dressing down after you’ve sorted things out, smile sweetly and tell her “thanks, but we’ve got this” or something like that. Brevity is key here. You don’t owe anybody a lengthy explanation.
I would also have a word with your husband. Tell him that you’re not trying to make him choose sides, you just want him to support you as a parent and make your life easier as a parent. That’s a big difference.
Grandparents are usually wellintentioned, but somewhere down the line they’ve forgotten that their position has changed. They’re no longer the Head Teacher, now they’re happy, retired advisors.
Just hold your ground politely but firmly. People usually stop crossing boundaries, once they realise they’re actually there.
Daphne x
PUZZLES & Brainteasers
PUZZLES
Challenge yourself with this month’s puzzles and brainteasers.
Fancy a quick brain break? Dive into these wordsearches and sudokus and see how you get on.
WORD SEARCH
SUDOKU SUDOKU
green
Wentwor th Street, Malton, Nor th Yorkshire
When responding to advertisers please mention that you found them in this Keep it Handy Guide
We will beat any genuine like-for-like quote
York Manor Care Home
York Manor redefines senior living, offering a spacious and thoughtfully designed environment that ensures comfort and elegance. Residents enjoy an exceptional lifestyle experience, supported by our commitment to care and quality. We invite you to discover our home because it’s always the right time to embrace the luxury care you deserve.
