Hello Haxby & Wigginton!
Welcome back to Keep It Handy: Haxby & Wigginton.
After the launch of our first expanded edition, we’re pleased to return with issue two, bringing you another snapshot of what’s happening across the area.
The events section continues this month, with updated listings covering upcoming activities and dates in and around Haxby and Wigginton.
Elsewhere in the magazine, you’ll find a selection of local clubs and groups, highlighting some of the organisations and activities available within the community. There’s
also a walking route, designed to be enjoyed at a steady pace and suitable for exploring the area on foot.
This edition also includes Time Travel, a historical feature looking at aspects of Haxby and Wigginton’s past, from early settlements to more recent developments, and how these have shaped the area today.
As always, Keep It Handy is designed to be practical and easy to return to, whether you’re looking for local information, things to do, or something new to discover. We hope you enjoy this latest edition and find it useful in the weeks ahead.
If you run a local group, club, activity or event, let us know and we’ll include it in a future edition of our Keep it Handy Guide! Email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk
Got a great photo of Haxby or Wigginton?
We’re looking for photos of Haxby or Wigginton to showcase in the magazine. Landmarks, nature, local life - we’d love to feature your photos in a future issue.
Send your images to: sophie@yourlocallink.co.uk
GIN TASTING NIGHT! Wednesday 18th February £25pp
• Saturday 31st Jan - The Living Young - 20:30 Start.
• Saturday 28th Feb - Melting Pot Duo - 20:30 Start.
• Saturday 21st March - The Mojos - 20:30 Start.
• Saturday 28th March - The Wham Bams - 20:30 Start.
Music from amazing bands! Multiple Days Available 9.30/11.30 - Saturday and Sunday Full English from £8.50 - Absolute Bargain!
What’s On
Haxby & Wigginton
EARLY FEBRUARY
SNOWDROP TRAIL, Sledmere House. Wander through beautiful parkland as snowdrops and winter-flowering bulbs come into bloom, with a waymarked trail highlighting the best displays around the estate. Open 10am–5pm. To find out more, visit www.sledmerehouse.com.
4–22 FEBRUARY
COLOUR & LIGHT 2026, Eye of York, York, YO1 9WZ. York BID brings Colour & Light back with a spectacular free projection show illuminating York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower, together for the first time. This familyfriendly, ten-minute looped show runs nightly from 6–9pm, bringing York’s historic characters to life through light and sound.
7–8 FEBRUARY
YORK ICE TRAIL 2026: AN ENCHANTED CITY. York is transformed by dazzling ice sculptures inspired by magic, mystery and mythical creatures, creating a trail through the historic streets. New for 2026, explore the Ice Village, browse offerings from themed traders and book ice carving masterclasses. Runs 10.30am–4pm. To find out more, visit www.visityork.org.
13 FEBRUARY – 1 MARCH
DARK SKIES FESTIVAL, North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales. Celebrate the magic of the night sky with stargazing safaris, astrophotography workshops, night walks, outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities. A unique festival showcasing some of the UK’s darkest skies. To find out more, visit www. darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk.
14 FEBRUARY
ASKHAM BRYAN WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION PARK. The wildlife park reopens to visitors, offering the chance to discover over 100 species of animals while learning about conservation, education and research. A family-friendly day out with talks, tours and close-up wildlife experiences. To find out more, visit abcwildlifepark.co.uk
16–22 FEBRUARY
JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL, York city centre. The Vikings return to York for a week of living history encampments, hands-on workshops, tours, traditional crafts, family events and dramatic combat performances. This is a must-see half-term highlight. To find out more, visit www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.
18 FEBRUARY
GIN TASTING NIGHT, The Black Horse. Enjoy a guided evening of gin tasting in partnership with The Hooting Owl Distillery, featuring a gin and tonic on arrival, a minimum of five gin samples, and a sharing board. Starts 7pm. Tickets £25 per person. To book, call 01904 340853.
21 FEBRUARY
UNITED IN MUSIC & SONG
FUNDRAISER, Strensall Village Hall, YO32. An uplifting evening of live music in aid of the Keep Your Pet scheme, featuring performances from The Old Humpy Band, Bridge Shanty Crew and Dynamics Community Band. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £10, BYOB. To book, contact Stephen Marshall on 07929 719 286.
UNTIL 21 FEBRUARY
OBJECT JOURNEYS, York Army Museum, YO1 9SB. Various times. Delve into the murky colonial past of museum curation and military collecting, and learn how objects were traded, stolen, or claimed. Highlights include three medieval ewers looted by British soldiers during the Anglo-Asante wars. Visit www. yorkarmymuseum.co.uk/exhibitions-events to find out more.
10 MARCH
HAMLET BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, Theatre@41, York. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera stars as Hamlet in this bold, contemporary production directed by Robert Hastie. A powerful reimagining of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, exploring power, privilege and the cost of doubt. Starts 7.30pm. To find out more and book tickets, visit www.theatre41. co.uk.
13–15 MARCH
MOTHER’S DAY PLANTED WREATH WORKSHOP, Dobbies Garden Centre, York. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed, hands-on workshop creating a living planted wreath using seasonal greenery and plants. All materials are provided, with no experience needed. An optional Afternoon Tea add-on is available if you’d like to make a full day of it. To find out more and book, visit dobbies.com.
21 MARCH
THE COMPLETE ADANA WORKSHOP, Thin Ice Press – York Centre for Print, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW. A fullday hands-on course for aspiring letterpress
printers, covering the basics of printing, using and maintaining an Adana press. Suitable for beginners and those with experience, with the option to bring your own press for servicing. Runs 10am–4pm, with lunch and refreshments included. To find out more, visit www. thinicepress.org.
21 MARCH
BRAMBLE BERRY MARKETS, Haxby Memorial Hall, YO32 3HT. Discover a beautifully curated indoor artisan market featuring independent makers, local produce and handmade gifts. Free entry with dogs welcome, running from 10am until 3pm. A perfect local shopping day out.
1-5 APRIL
YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, York city centre. Celebrate York’s world-famous chocolate heritage with artisan stalls, tastings, demonstrations and family-friendly activities across the city. A sweet spring festival featuring local makers, hands-on experiences and plenty of treats for all ages. To find out more, visit www. yorkfoodfestival.com
3
&
6 APRIL
EASTER BUNNY BREAKFAST 2026, Dobbies Garden Centre, York. Treat little ones to a fun-filled Easter breakfast with games, crafts and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Children can enjoy Easter activities, photo opportunities and a mini chocolate bunny, making it a perfect spring celebration for families with kids aged 3–10. To find out more and book, visit dobbies.com.
EVERY TUESDAY
QUIZ NIGHT, The Black Horse. Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test at this relaxed weekly quiz night. Kicks off at 9pm with entry just £1 per person. A fun midweek evening and a great pub atmosphere. For more information, go to www.theblackhorse-wigginton. co.uk, or head over to their Facebook.
Image: Guy Richards
Covering
Join a club
Thinking about joining a club but not quite sure where to start? 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 welcoming clubs and groups right here in your area.
Haxby Runners:
Founded in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, Haxby Runners are a welcoming and supportive group who meet regularly to run together, train and enjoy the chance to catch up. With a strong belief that running benefits both physical and mental health, the club encourages members to get outdoors, stay active and connect with like-minded people. Haxby Runners take part in a variety of races and events throughout the year. For more information, visit their website at clubspark. englandathletics.org/HaxbyRunners or find them on Facebook.
Wigginton Squash Club:
This friendly, family-run club offers the chance to meet new people and enjoy squash at any level, with a wide range of activities including mini-leagues, club nights and tournaments. With coaching available for both children and adults, Wigginton Squash Club caters for beginners through to more experienced players. For more information, visit www. wiggintonsquash.co.uk.
Wigginton & Haxby WI:
Meeting on the second Tuesday of every month, this relaxed and friendly group enjoys a wide variety of activities, from crafting sessions to ghost walks and organised days
out. Originally established in 1920, Wigginton & Haxby WI is a long-standing and successful group that is always welcoming new members. For more information, visit their Facebook page or their website at wiggihaxbywi. wordpress.com.
Wigby Walkers:
If you’re looking to get out into the countryside for a good wander, Wigby Walkers could be the group for you. Every Wednesday, members split into two groups: one enjoying a shorter 3–5 mile walk, and the other heading out on a longer 5–8 mile route, all while taking in the local countryside. It’s a great way to keep fit and meet new people. To find out more, contact Janet on 07885 920324 or Malcolm on 07944 460336.
Shine 21:
This group supports families who have a child with Down syndrome. Through weekly sessions focusing on communication, interaction, maths and reading, the group helps children develop key skills while also raising awareness of Down syndrome. Working closely with local services and professionals, they aim to improve care and support for families. To find out more, visit www.shine21.org or email contact@ shine21.org.
Wigginton Tennis Club:
Wigginton Tennis Club is an inclusive and social club that offers a welcoming environment for people who enjoy playing tennis and meeting like-minded members of the community. With a range of different social tennis groups running throughout the week, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, whatever your experience or ability. The club provides a great way to keep fit, develop your game and feel part of a friendly and supportive team. To find out more, visit wiggintontennisclub.co.uk.
Oaken Grove Youth & Community Association
Oaken Grove Youth & Community Association provides a safe and welcoming space for the people of Haxby and Wigginton, offering inclusive access to a wide range of recreational activities and community facilities. Established in 2005, the association is dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of local residents of all ages. With a varied programme of events and groups - from Lego Club and knitting to drama, music and sports activities - there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and connect with others. To keep up to date with events and find out how to take part, visit www.hwyca.co.uk.
Do you have a group or club you’d like to see featured in the next issue?
Get in touch by emailing info@yourlocallink.co.uk
Your LOCAL business directory
WALKING WITH THE WANDERER
ROUND & ABOUT STRENSALL
This short,flat walk includes a stretch by the River Foss, Strensall Common and traverses a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Much of the route is on hard-surfaced paths, but the crossing of the nature reserve may be wet. It can be avoided, keep ahead at Point 8 to return to the start. There is public access to the reserve but no right of way. If closed, keep ahead at Point 8. Strensall Common is used for military training – please observe warning signs. There is a short section alongside a road (Point 5). This is necessary as the footpath alongside the Foss from Strensall Bridge to Lock Cottage is currently closed. When reopened there will be the option to walk alongside the Foss from Direction Point 4 to 7 (see ‘Alternative Route’).
The recommended starting point is the car park on the right side of Lords Moor Lane Strensall Common. This is seven miles from York via Huntington. This is the second car park on the Common when approaching from York. If using public transport, bus No. 5 runs regularly from the city centre. Alight at Strensall Library very near Direction Point 3.
1. From the parking area take the track through a red and white barrier. At the fork in 75 metres, veer left passing an interpretation board to continue through pine trees. Just beyond the golf tee on the left, look for a low marker post right with a yellow waymark. Go through the kissing gate as directed to the boardwalk with a wire fence left and golf course right. Continue with the golf course on the right, eventually reaching the kissing gate. Go through, keeping ahead on the main track into open heathland, still following yellow waymarks. At the parking area by the metal barriers, turn right onto the access road. Go through a gate by a cattle grid but in 20 metres, fork left (No Entry sign) to reach the main road.
2. Cross the road and take Moor Lane opposite, continuing over the level crossing. Join York Road coming in from the left, keeping ahead for about 100 metres to where the main road swings right and becomes The Village.
3. Here go left onto Church Lane. Just beyond the churchyard entrance take the alley left protected by metal barriers. This leads to a road (West End). Turn right on the pavement but in about 200 metres, just beyond the school entrance, leave the pavement to follow the school’s hedged boundary, keeping right with a grassed area left. Remain by the hedge then join the road to a humpback bridge crossing the River Foss.
Disclaimer:
4. Immediately over the bridge, go right down steps onto a riverside path. Continue as it bends left with the river. Where the river starts to swing right go slightly left at a wooden gate leaving the riverside. Ignore the kissing gate on the left to continue to rough track passing allotments after which the track becomes paved and leads to the main road.
5. Turn left on the pavement. Beyond the cemetery entrance keep left on the verge, but where this narrows, cross the road with care to continue on a wider right verge, passing a cottage. About 200 metres beyond the cottage turn right at the footpath sign onto a track to Duncombe Farm. Continue passing between the house and buildings. Soon after a small pond, on the left track reaches some metal house gates. Here go left along the field edge with house grounds over a wooden fence to the right. In 50 metres, at the wooden fence corner, go right on a narrow unsigned path with the house grounds to the right. Keep going on a poorly maintained path passing beside the grounds of the further house to reach the riverbank.
6. Turn left alongside the river on the field edge path. Where a scrubby bank develops, keep by the river on a grassy path soon approaching a metal bridge.
7. Go over the bridge and head across the grass beyond to an obvious wooden bridge. Over this,
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.
follow the enclosed path keeping ahead where this joins a track leading from houses on right.
8. Where the track curves right go through a gate on left into Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve. Follow the faint path through rough grass, initially paralleling the reserve edge to the left. As the path fades, bear slightly right. After a few hundred metres, buildings should be visible through the trees ahead to the right. Aim towards these, skirting any boggy areas near the reserve’s right edge. Keep on, there’s no clear path, to locate the gate by a fence at the corner of the garden. Go through
to a narrow enclosed path. After a short distance turn right at the track passing cottages. Cross the railway with care to reach the main road.
9. Cross the road into the parking area. Turn right to leave this by a ‘Warning Troop Training’ sign on the path that keeps close to the road on the right. Soon, find the first of several low posts that guide the route as it continues to the parallel road. After traversing boardwalks the path goes over a small bridge to reach a hard-surfaced track. Turn right, but in a short distance before the metal barrier, go left through some trees to the car park.
A Roman & Viking History
Haxby and Wigginton have a rich Roman and Viking history and were originally known as ‘Hakr’s Farm’ and ‘Wicga’s Settlement’. Over the years, a range of archaeological findings have proven that early settlements once existed in these areas.
One site that can still be seen today is a Viking cross base in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, where a stone cross would originally have stood. A Viking cross shaft was also discovered in a nearby garden during the 1970s. Cross shafts were carved stone pillars used as grave markers or landmarks, and were often decorated with mythological beasts or religious symbols. These sculptures highlight the AngloScandinavian fusion between the Saxons and Vikings, and show the artistic styles featuring animals such as dragons, which symbolised protection.
Other Roman findings include the site of a Roman Villa on Haxby Moor, along with pottery, coins and even a silver signet ring. Roman field systems were also identified, rectangular fields which were defined by ditches and connected by tracks. These were used for crops and animals, much like today.
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Exploring
the past, one place at a time
Haxby Memorial Hall
The Memorial Hall in Haxby has an interesting history that reflects community life in the village. Originally built in 1876, it was a school for the local children. Attached to the main building was a house, which provided accommodation for the headmaster at the time, allowing them to live and work on the school grounds.
The school was attended by students from both Haxby and Wigginton. As the population grew, the number of pupils increased, and in 1903 the school was extended to accommodate them and improve the facilities.
One of the most notable features of the building is the clock, which was installed in honour of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.
The school continued for several decades before closing in 1954. The building was purchased by Haxby Parish Council, and was repurposed as a village hall, becoming a space for the community to use.
Haxby Train Station
With the prospect of a new railway station in Haxby, it is worth reflecting on the history of the original station and the important role it once played. Like the proposed new station, the original was located on the York to Scarborough line. It opened in 1845 and provided an essential transport link for the people living here.
The opening of the station was part of the wider expansion of railways across Yorkshire during the mid-19th century. This network transformed travel for the people of Haxby, allowing residents to journey easily into York city centre, and along to the coast. In addition, the railway was used for transportation of goods from agricultural produce to coal, supporting farming and connecting the village more easily to wider markets.
The development continued and the station house was built around 1850. The railway station remained a key feature in village life, reflecting the growing importance of rail travel during this time.
Unfortunately, by the early 1900s, changes in transport began to affect the station. With increasing competition from buses, it led to a decline in passengers, and as a result, the station closed to passengers in 1930. However, the site continued to be used for transporting goods into the 1960s, before fully closing afterwards.
Although it has been closed for a long time, it is clear to see why the return of the rail service is significant today.
Image: Linda Dixon
Image: Guy Richards
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MONDAY
FOXWOOD
COMMUNITY CENTRE
9am and 10:30am Vicki - 07340037638
HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB
5:30pm and 7pm Vicki - 07340037638
STOCKTON LANE
METHODIST CHURCH
5pm and 7pm
Michaela 07856151037
MELODIE PARK, CLIFTON
5:30pm and 7pm Pete - 07855494880
TUESDAY
HAXBY SPORTS BAR
3:30pm, 5pm and 6:30pm Corinne 07496265251
ST CHAD’S CHURCH, SOUTH BANK
5:30pm Sue - 07816537210
York Gas Engineering
FOXWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE
5:30 and 7pm Pete - 07855494880
WEDNESDAY
Relaunches 14th Jan
HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB , New Ln, Acomb, York YO24 4LE 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm Jacqui - 07779123167
HAXBY SPORTS BAR 9am and 10:30am Corinne 07496265251
HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm Corinne 07496265251
POPPLETON VILLAGE HALL 6pm and 7:30pm Vicki - 07340037638
ST AELRED’S CHURCH 9am Pete - 07855494880
STRENSALL VILLAGE HALL 5pm Sharon 07397682674
THURSDAY BISHOPTHORPE
VILLAGE HALL
5:30pm and 7pm Sue - 07816537210
NEW EARSWICK
BOWLING CLUB
5:30pm and 7pm Michaela 07856151037
EASINGWOLD SCOUT HUT
9am, 4pm 5:30pm and 7pm Sharon 07397682674
HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB 5pm Corinne 07496265251
FRIDAY
NEW EARSWICK
BOWLING CLUB 9am and 11am Michaela 07856151037
CLIFTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
8am and 9:30am Sharon 07397682674
SATURDAY
PARK GROVE SCHOOL
6:30pm Corinne 07496265251
PARK GROVE SCHOOL
7:30am, 9 am and 10:30am Corinne 07496265251
LIDGETT METHODIST CHURCH
8am and 9:30am Corinne 07496265251
Relaunches 24th Jan PARK GROVE SCHOOL York YO31 8LG
7:30am, 9am & 10:30am Alysha - 07804500684
York Manor Care Home
