Hello Haxby & Wigginton!
Hello, and welcome to another Keep It Handy: Haxby & Wigginton.
In this edition, 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 ideas to help you make the most of what’s on locally.
New this time, we’ve introduced a selection of book reviews to help inspire your next read, whether you’re after something light and uplifting or a real page-turner. Alongside this, you’ll find an update on the new Post
Office and the ongoing work of Haxby Foodshare, both continuing to play an important role in the local community. We’ve also included a page of puzzles to keep you entertained, perfect for a quiet moment or a bit of a challenge. And for those looking to get out and about, our popular walk feature returns with a new route. This time, we’re heading to the Stamford Bridge area, offering a great opportunity to explore more of the surrounding countryside.
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What’s On
Haxby & Wigginton
FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH
BINGO NIGHT, Strensall Village Hall. Doors open 19:00, starts 19:30. Enjoy a friendly evening of bingo with a top cash prize of £100, plus a range of other prizes and a raffle. Held on the first Monday of every month.
11
& 26 MAY, 10 & 25 JUNE, 10 & 27 JULY
STRENSALL WALKING GROUP. Strensall Walking Group is a friendly and welcoming group offering regular 5–6 mile walks, usually finishing at a pub or café. Open to everyone with no commitment required, walkers simply meet at the village hall car park before 9am on selected dates, with car sharing available so transport isn’t essential. It’s a great way to stay active, explore the local area and enjoy good company. For more information, call 07786 914272.
18 MAY
FLAXTON GARDENING CLUB: THE FOREST OF FLOWERS, Huby, YO61 1JB. Flaxton Gardening Club invites you to a special evening event, The Forest of Flowers. The session offers a chance to visit and explore the Forest of Flowers at Home Farm, followed by refreshments. Based at Flaxton Village Hall, the club welcomes visitors to come along and get involved. For more information, call 07972 518786.
26 & 28 MAY
DISCOVER WHAT LIVES IN A POND, Beningbrough Hall, YO30 1DD. Discover what lives beneath the surface this half term at Beningbrough, with a handson event for all ages. Drop in and take a closer look at the viewing tank to uncover the fascinating creatures that call the water home. This relaxed, family-friendly activity
offers a chance to learn more about pond life and spot some hidden underwater residents. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/yorkshire/beningbrough
27 MAY
AN ARCHAELOGICAL LOOK AT LIFE IN SAXON/VIKING YORK, Strensall Village Hall. Strensall Local History Club presents an engaging talk, An Archaeological Look at Life in Saxon/Viking York. Led by speaker Tom Gibson, the evening offers a fascinating insight into everyday life during the Saxon and Viking periods, with the opportunity to view and handle over 200 artefacts that help bring the history to life. Everyone is welcome. For more information, visit slhg.weebly.com.
30 MAY
STRENSALL TABLE TOP
SALE, Strensall Village Hall. 13:00-15:00. Browse a wide variety of stalls including crafts, cards, bric-a-brac and cakes. With refreshments available on the day, including hot dogs, everyone is welcome. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ groups/466772490979174.
20 JUNE
SLICE
OF FUN: QUIZ NIGHT
FUNDRAISER, Haxby Memorial Hall, YO32 3HT. Join Keep Your Pet and Age UK York for a funfilled “Slice of Fun” Quiz Night. Your ticket includes a pie and pea supper. A fully stocked bar will be open throughout the evening, alongside a raffle and auction to help raise funds for a great cause. Keep Your Pet, run by Age UK York, supports older and vulnerable people in caring for their pets during illness or emergencies. For tickets or more information, contact Stephen Marshall on 07929 719 286 or email stephen.marshall2@ homecall.co.uk
20-21 JUNE
HAXBY AND WIGGINTON
OPEN GARDENS. Inviting visitors to explore a variety of local gardens across the weekend. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this community event is a great chance to gather inspiration, share ideas and enjoy some beautiful outdoor spaces. For more information or to get involved, contact 01904 750378 or email office@ haxbytowncouncil.gov.uk.
27 JUNE
MORNING OF YOGA AND CREATIVITY, Strensall Village Hall. 10:00-13:00. The session begins with gentle yoga from 10am to 11am, followed by a relaxed creative workshop until 1pm, where you’ll design your own handmade journal. All materials and refreshments are provided for the art session, just bring a mat and yourself. To book, email alexmyoga@hotmail.com.
11 JULY
HAXBY CARNIVAL, Ethel Ward Playing Fields. Haxby Town Carnival returns this summer, bringing a fun-filled day for all the community to enjoy. The muchloved annual event promises a lively atmosphere with something
for all ages. For more details, keep a look out on the Haxby Town Council Facebook.
11 JULY
YORK MAZE OPENS, Elvington Lane, YO19 5LT. York Maze offers a fun-filled family day out, with over 20 rides, attractions and shows to enjoy. Not only one of the largest mazes in the UK, but also an award-winning attraction packed with things to see and do. Get active on the Popcorn Pillow, enjoy the Crowmania ride or take your seat for the Crazy Maze Show. Visitors can explore a variety of mazes, each offering something different, or relax in the sand and water play area. For more details, visit www.yorkmaze.com.
1 AUGUST
WIGGYFEST 2026, Wigginton Sports & Playing Fields. 11:0020:30. A vibrant live music event celebrating the talents of local musicians, sports clubs and businesses, all while bringing the community together for a day of entertainment and fun. With something for all ages, WiggyFest is all about community spirit, getting involved and enjoying a fantastic day together. Find out more at www.wiggyfest.co.uk.
Crossmoor Lane, York, YO32 2QR 07443 957838
jbautosyork.co.uk
BEN’S BOOKS
Looking for inspiration for your next great read? Ben shares honest reviews and recommendations.
‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ by
Helen Fielding
Whilst this may not be your typical summer novel, it is one of the great modern Romance novels. Bridget Jones is a thirtysomething Londoner, and after a life of one failed relationship after another she finally meets the man of her dreams. But when someone else comes into the picture Bridget has a decision to make, and with all her quirks it’s one that doesn’t come easy. It feels just right to dive into the crazy world of Bridget Jones whilst chilling by the pool with this book.
‘It’s Not Summer Without You’
by Jenny Han
This is the second book in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ trilogy, however it is undoubtedly the standout. ‘It’s Not Summer Without You’ takes on the story of two grieving families navigating life at their beach house without one key member. Mix this in with complex teenage feelings and a parent who is reeling from the loss of a lifelong friend, and you have a brilliant romance novel. This book may be Young Adult Fiction, but anyone would appreciate and love these characters.
‘The Hotel Avocado’
by Bob Mortimer
Mortimer’s second novel is just as brilliant and hilarious as his first. We continue with the story of Gary Thorn, a thirty-something ordinary guy from London – who ends up in quite an extraordinary story. In a tale of espionage, secret gangs, and a mystery that needs to be uncovered, what lengths will Gary go to - to protect those closest to him? This read is sure to keep you on the edge of your seats and will absolutely leave you wanting more from Gary’s seemingly mysterious life.
Haxby Foodshare
Haxby Foodshare helps to support people and families across Haxby and Wigginton by distributing food donated by the local community, shops, businesses and food collection services.
The team is based at the Scout Hut, on the Ethel Ward playing field in Haxby, every Wednesday and Friday morning between 10:30am and 12:30pm
Haxby Foodshare is open to anyone who needs a little extra help, with no questions asked and no referral or vouchers needed. Its aim is to “make life a little easier.”
You can also help the cause by donating food, cleaning products, and pet supplies. Items can be brought to the Scout Hut during opening times or placed in the collection basket at the Haxby Co-op.
For more information, visit www.hwmc.org.uk/post/ haxby-food-share-project.
Haxby Foodshare at 2nd Haxby & Wigginton Scouts Group, Ethel Ward Playing Fields, Haxby, York, YO32 3DY
The NEW Post Office
The new post office has been up-and-running in the former Dutch Nurseries since the end of March, providing a vital service for local residents.
The branch began operating at the end of March, following the closure of the post office inside Morrisons
Daily in May 2025. During the interim period, services were run from the Oaken Grove Community Centre.
Now in its permanent home, the new branch offers a long-term base, serving the communities of Haxby and Wigginton.
WRITTEN BY
BEN ROBINSON
Opening times:
Monday: 9am-5:30pm
Tuesday: 9am-5:30pm
Wednesday: 9am-5:30pm
Thursday: 9am-5:30pm
Friday: 9am-5:30pm
Saturday: 9am-2:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Looking for more LOCAL customers? Advertise here from just £25 + VAT
PUZZLES
Your LOCAL business directory
Fancy a quick brain break? Dive into these wordsearches and sudokus and see how you get on.
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SUDOKU SUDOKU
WALKING WITH THE WANDERER
STAMFORD BRIDGE, KEXBY AND THE RIVER DERWENT
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 7 miles
This easy, almost entirely flat walk follows the usually tranquil River Derwent for around four of its seven miles. Route finding is straightforward and the paths are generally good, although cattle may be grazing in riverside fields north of Kexby. The walk will be impassable when the river is in flood. Stamford Bridge itself is a busy village, best known for its eleventh-century battle. The now redundant railway viaduct has become a popular walking and cycle route, offering views over the river and surrounding countryside, while the straggling village of Low Catton features an ancient church in a secluded riverside setting, and the n river and its wildlife are the main attractions, with kingfisher, reed warbler, egret and yellowhammer often spotted along the route.
The recommended starting point is Stamford Bridge, with the main car park immediately on the right after crossing the river bridge. The walk can also be started from Kexby, where there is limited parking off the main road by the old bridge. There are several refreshment options in the centre of Stamford Bridge, including two pubs, a wine bar and a café, while Low Catton is home to the Gold Cup pub.
1. Starting at the entrance to the car park in Stamford Bridge, take the signed footpath on the right (on the left if exiting the car park) going over the flood bank and down towards the riverside as directed by a yellow arrow. Go through a gate and continue beside the river towards the viaduct. After the viaduct, keep right by the river to go over a ditch on a plank bridge on the edge of grassy meadows. After a metal gate, the path goes slightly left away from the river. The way ahead is then obvious, first on a stoned track then along the right edge of fields. Beyond this, the path goes between a hedge and a wooded area, crosses a stream on a concrete bridge, passes through conifer trees and then skirts a large garden on the right. Eventually, it ends at a kissing gate giving access to a road on the edge of Low Catton.
2. Turn right here to immediately go left around a bend into Low Catton (to visit the church take the path to the right at the bend). Pass the Gold Cup pub on the right and continue through the village. Keep on the quiet road until it turns sharply left. Here take the signed bridleway ahead on the right.
3. Follow this across an open field on a dirt track. Where the track goes sharp right, continue ahead with a hedge to the left. Keep going as the track becomes grassy, passing through further gates with a hedge and soon, a pig farm to the left. Keep ahead at a further gate, now with a hedge on the right, to reach the main road.
4. Go right on the pavement soon coming to the bridge over the river. Immediately over the bridge, look for a signed footpath on the right by the East Riding sign. Take this path, initially through tall vegetation, dropping down to the riverside. For the next three miles, the route follows the river on the right passing through a series of metal gates, some guarding bridges over ditches. About halfway along this stretch, there’s a stone bridge over a ditch in a hollow with a step over metal rails. When the houses of Stamford Bridge become visible across the river on the right the route passes through an area of rougher vegetation. Soon after this, there’s another stonebuilt bridge after which there’s a fenced path as the viaduct is again approached.
5. Once under the viaduct do not continue alongside the river but go left on a path paralleling the old railway embankment to the left (for a slightly shorter return to Stamford Bridge keep on by the river). After about 150 metres climb the wooden steps set in the bank on the left to reach the tarmac cycle track. Here turn left, crossing the viaduct high above the river. Keep on through the old station to come to a road. Turn left here passing the school and church on the right. Follow the road as it bends left to arrive at the square in the centre of Stamford Bridge. Turn left to return to the bus stop and car park.
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.
Road bridge at Stamford Bridge by Paul Harrop : commons.wikimedia.org
GUTTER
ALL
INSURANCE
York Manor Care Home
MONDAY
FOXWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE
9am and 10:30am
Vicki - 07340037638
HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB
5:30pm and 7pm
Vicki - 07340037638
MELODIE PARK, CLIFTON
5:30pm and 7pm Mick - 07710583170
STRENSALL
VILLAGE HALL
5:30pm Alysha - 07557171136
TUESDAY
HAXBY SPORTS BAR
3:30pm, 5pm and 6:30pm
Corinne - 07496265251
ST CHAD’S CHURCH, SOUTH BANK
5:30pm
Sue - 07816537210
FOXWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE
5:30 and 7pm Pete - 07855494880
WEDNESDAY HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB
3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm Jacqui - 07932999863
HAXBY SPORTS BAR 9am and 10:30am Corinne - 07496265251
POPPLETON ALL SAINTS CHURCH HALL
6pm and 7:30pm Vicki - 07340037638
*NEW SESSION ADDED*
TANG HALL
ST AELRED’S CHURCH
7:30am and 9am Pete - 07855494880
THURSDAY
*NEW SESSION ADDED*
FRIDAY
*NEW SESSION ADDED*
17TH APRIL
ST OSWALD’S HALL, FULFORD
5:30 pm and 7pm Sue - 07816537210
BISHOPTHORPE
VILLAGE HALL
5:30pm and 7pm Pete - 07855494880
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 Jacqui - 07932999863
ST OSWALD’S HALL, FULFORD 9am
Sue - 07816537210
CLIFTON COMMUNITY CENTRE 8am and 9:30am
Sharon - 07397682674
PARK GROVE SCHOOL
6:30pm Alysha - 07557171136
SATURDAY
LIDGETT METHODIST CHURCH
8am and 9:30am
Corinne - 07496265251
PARK GROVE SCHOOL
7:30am, 9am & 10:30am
Alysha - 07557171136
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