TicketyBoo present A Kick in the Baubles

Local amateur dramatics group Tickety-Boo Theatre Company returns to Pontefract Town Hall with a special festive play called A Kick in the Baubles written written by Gordon Steel from December 1 to 3.
It should be another peaceful Christmas in the Bailey household, but chestnuts are not roasting on an open fire, and although a Silent Night would be welcome, all is not calm and all is certainly not bright.
First performed by Hull Truck Theatre Company, this is a very funny festive play that might just jingle your baubles! The Tickety-Boo Theatre Company have a great track record for delivering excellent and funny drama – so make sure you don’t miss out.
Doors open at 6.30pm and the performances begins at 7.30pm.Adult tickets £8.00 and concession tickets (Children, OAP) are £6.00. Tickets are available either online (no booking fee) via the Tickety-Boo website www.ticketybootheatre.co.uk, or by telephoning the Box Office on 01977 799740 or in person from PC Perfect computer shop opposite Pontefract Bus Station. Group discounts are also available.

Light up a Life in Wakefield

At Christmas we often wish to remember those who are special to us. We are delighted then, to be working with Wakefield Hospice who invites you to honour a loved one who may have passed away or be absent during the Christmas season.
You can celebrate the memory of your loved ones or honour someone special in your life by sponsoring a light on our tree of lights, which will be illuminated at our dedication ceremonies on the Thursday, December 1 at Wakefield Town Hall.
This is a new service being held on the steps of the Town Hall on Wood Street which will be closed to traffic during the service. The service will start at 6pm and last approximately half an hour. Please note that there will be very limited seating available at this service.
A further two services will be held at Wakefield Cathedral on Sunday, December 4 at 2.00pm and 5.00pm. For every name sponsored, Wakefield Hospice will send you a personalised card (cards will be issued after Remembrance Sunday). Each name will also appear in Wakefield Hospice’s book of Christmas blessings, which will be available to view at the Cathedral dedication services and will remain in the Cathedral until twelfth night.
For further information visit the Wakefield Hospice Website.

Wakefield District lights up for Christmas

Wakefield’s festive celebrations officially begin on Thursday, November 17 when the city’s Christmas lights will be switched on.
The Xmas light up will coincide with a Victorian market and other entertainments - last year we had live entertainment from St Ignatius Primary School Choir, Wakefield Wildcats cheerleaders, Music 4 Kids, Dimensions Dance Troupe and the Bevox Choir.
We’ve got a major programme of exciting events right across the district which will help us all celebrate the start of Christmas. We have special markets and a range of exciting activities, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss Wakefield’s festive celebrations for all the family to enjoy. The lights will be switched on at 6pm with a programme of live entertainment on offer in the City Centre from 4pm.
On Saturday, the Wakefield Victorian Market comes to the town where shoppers can enjoy delicious festive food, live music and entertainment while browsing the many colourful stalls in the City Centre. Friendly traders dressed in Victorian costume will be on hand to help you find that special Christmas gift!
And don’t forget the Christmas illuminations in Pontefract, Castleford and Ossett. On Monday, November 21 at 6.30pm Castleford will put on its Christmas lights with lots of entertainment for all the family, including fairground rides, stalls, music and much more.
On Tuesday, November 22, the switch will be tripped in Castleford on 6.30pm and there will be a programme of live entertainment, children’s rides and a festive market available from 4.30pm in the Town Centre.
Finally in Ossett, on Saturday, November 26 come and celebrate Christmas in Ossett Town Centre where a variety of events will guarantee to get you into the festive spirit, these include a Victorian Market, fairground rides, entertainers, donkey rides and Santa’s grotto inside the Town Hall.

Ossett Wakefield Hospice Autumn Fayre

Next weekend on Saturday, November 12 Wakefield Hospice Ossett Fund Raising Group host their annual Autumn Fayre at Ossett Town Hall.
Entry to the fayre is free and visitors will have access to a variety of stalls including tombola, lucky dip, cakes, toys, books etc.
There will also be a raffle and refreshments will be available. And, of course, it is all for a good cause – Wakefield Hospice.

A secret garden perfect for a fairytale wedding

A hidden gem is how anyone who has been fortunate enough to discover Woolley Hall would describe it.
Set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland and Italian-inspired gardens, Woolley Hall is a grand 17th century mansion located on the border of West and South Yorkshire.
The house is an example of early Jacobean architecture, built in 1635, and its picturesque surroundings make a perfect backdrop for wedding photography.
With the help of the events team at Woolley Hall, brides and grooms can create a truly bespoke country house wedding day and evening reception which is completely exclusive to the wedding party.
Licensed to conduct civil weddings and partnerships, Woolley Hall offers a beautiful setting for couples to exchange their vows.
Brides can prepare for their big day in the elegant bridal suite which is available to the couple throughout the day whenever a quiet retreat from the celebrations is needed.
The official ceremony takes place in the romantic Music Room which overlooks the house’s gardens and so called because of the grand piano which occupies the room. Up to 80 guests can be seated in this room.
After the ceremony, guests can explore the house and its grounds before retreating to the elegant dining room, a magnificent space overlooking the Italian gardens for a wedding breakfast.
And, you have the option of hosting and unforgettable house party, as you and your friends and family occupy the entire historic house for your evening celebrations. Dance to a traditional band or disco in the Boardroom, relax in the Library and Lounge or simply enjoy the evening breeze as the sun sets on your fairytale day.
The grounds are also the perfect setting to host a marquee reception, ideal for a spring or summer wedding.
Woolley Hall original belonged to the Woodrove (or Woodroffe) family who sold it to the Wentworth family in 1559.
Woolley Hall, which is situated between Wakefield and Barnsley, was renovated around 1800 by architect sir Jeffry Wyatville, who was employed by George IV to remodel Windsor Castle.
Wyattville specialised in period restorations and additions to historic mansions which included, amongst many others, Chatsworth House and Longleat House.
Woolley Hall was eventually sold by the Wentworth family in 1947.  In 1952 it began a new life as a residential college and today this beautiful house and surrounding 20 acres of grounds is under the ownership of Wakefield Council – which may explain why this stunning building has often been overlooked by those who are looking for a special venue for their big day. There is a dedicated team at Woolley Hall who can make sure you have a perfect country house wedding and take care of your every request, contact them on 01924 305830 or at: eventsandfunctions@wakefield.gov.uk

By Guest Blogger Gemma Ryder