CASTLEFORD DAILY BRIEFING OF NEWS AND EVENTS 15 OCTOBER 2025
Compiled by Tony Wallis of “Talk Castleford with Tony’
When the group first formed to mark the new millennium with a new Market Clock, calling itself 'Time for Castleford', its members had no idea that their conversations would eventually lead to taking over a great town building, the mill on Aire Street, creating a buzzing, memorable and community centered asset by the river.
This year is the group's 25th anniversary and events are being held at what is now called Queen's Mill. It's a success story demonstrating how the trustees, volunteers and the community work together to make the town a better place.
While I usually avoid signaling out individuals for praise, because it's not fair to the other unsung heroes and heroines, on this occasion I make an exception to mention the late Alison Drake. She had a passion for her town and took the brave decision for the trust to take over the mill. I had the privilege of being her friend ever since we were in the same primary school class and supporting her in her achievements. Alison was a great believer that talk should lead to action. Her faith was that by doing so, success would surely follow. The mill is her testament to this.
Yesterday and today, I illustrated two Castleford groups that showed talk, act and success. There are others, such as the Friends of Castleford Library, the Castleford Historical Society and the groups that improve our parks. These are the rainbows that shine in our gloomy sky, that show our community spirit is very much alive.
You can find out more about the trust and Queen's Mill by visiting
https://www.castlefordheritagetrust.org.uk/
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Tony
The Portugal basketballer turned England rugby player
Mike Whalley, BBC Sport senior journalist, tells the story of Luis Domingos.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c2dn2dd21exo
Burberry introduces a cinematic new outerwear campaign
Grace Coleman writes for V magazine.
https://vmagazine.com/article/burberry-introduces-a-cinematic-new-outerwear-campaign/
Crackdown on car cruising ‘plague’ planned across Wakefield district
Tony Gardner reports for the Wakefield Express
Castleford parents honour hospital doctor by naming baby after her following tragic losses
Leanne Clarke reports for the Wakefield Express
Events subject to change. Please check with the organiser before visiting.
Experience Wakefield’s Autumn-Winter Planner
List of family events daily 25 October 2025 to 4 January 2026 now available.
View the digital edition
https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/planner/
Tea and Tech
Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st October 2025 1pm to 2.30 pm. Light refreshments and tech support. No need to book. Five Towns Christian Fellowship, Beancroft St, Castleford WF10 5RR.
Free advice sessions for cost of living support. Time: 1pm - 2:30pm 7 November 2025 10am to 12 noon at Castleford Market Hall
More information
Wakefield Council’s cost of living support portal can be found at
https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support
Yorkshire Smoke free Bus
Learn how you can get better health by stopping smoking.
The bus will be at Junction 32 (next to Next) on 20th, and 27th October. It will also be at Queen’s Mill 28th October.
For further information including locations outside of Castleford visit
https://wakefield.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/pages/yorkshire-smoke-free-bus
Castleford Christmas Lights switch on 25th November 2025.
Activities start at 12 noon.
Castleford Museum, top floor (lift available) Library and Museum, Carlton Street.
Information about the museum at
https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/castleford-museum/
Toddler Tuesdays every Tuesday in term time 10am to 11am. No booking required.
Family Fun. Every Saturday 10am to 3pm. No booking required.
Medieval Monsters Pop-up Books
Mon 27 Oct 2025 - Fri 31 Oct 2025 10am to 3pm
Castleford Library, Carlton Street
Wordfest.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-libraries/wordfest-2025-story-times/e-mqyjyv
Tolkien display - 25th October 2025 10am to 3pm.
Carved pumpkin competition for children. Collect pumpkins from 23rd October 2025 (2pm start) and 24th from 10am, and return on 30th. Judging on 31st.
Hollowe’en events
Pumpkin Patch. Kids can pick their own pumpkin, carve it into a spooky masterpiece, and snap a photo with seasonal scarecrow and wheelbarrow displays.
Pontefract Market – Wednesday 29 October, 10am til 3pm
Castleford Market – Thursday 30 October, 10am til 3pm
On Friday October 31, a pumpkin trail takes place from 10am to 3pm at Castleford market.
Junction 32. 27th to 31st October 2025. Hallowe’en events including haunted house, craft activities and on 27th October 2025 local children’s author Kiersten Ward.
https://junction32.com/haunted-fun-this-half-term/
Find more about Kiersten and her Mindful Monsters at
https://kierstenjasmine.co.uk/
Farmer Copley’s pumpkin festival. Now until 31st October 2025.
https://farmercopleys.co.uk/events/pumpkin-festival/
SEND Witches and Wizards Week at Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH
Wednesday 29th October 2025 to Saturday 1st November 2025
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-museums-castles/send-witches-and-wizards-week/e-kjvxvg
Nostell Priory. Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield WF4 1QE. 25th October to 2nd November 2025
Creepy Crawly Trails. Follow a special trail designed by creative students from Trinity Academy Halifax. From buzzing bees to wriggly worms, take on family-friendly challenges and activities along the way.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/nostell/events/f1faa4d1-ec54-440f-aa40-95d2c578eb71
Castleford Historical Society talks
All at Trinity Church starting 7pm. £2 charge for non-members.
Tuesday 21 October
Crime and Punishment
Speaker - Eric A Jackson
Tuesday 18 November
The Donald Prince Memorial Lecture
Made in Yorkshire
Speaker - Stuart Hartley
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090751030505
The Hut, Kershaw Avenue WF10 3ES
Community Leisure Centre.
https://www.facebook.com/TheHutAiredaleWMDC/
WX - Wakefield District’s Events Place, Wakefield City Centre
https://www.wxwakefield.co.uk/whats-on
Police PACT meeting.
Friday, November 7, 2025 - 10:00 to Friday, November 7, 2025 - 11:00. PACT (Police and Communities Together) meeting for the Castleford & Glasshoughton ward. Castleford Library, Carlton Street, Castleford WF10 1BB.
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/my-neighbourhood/wakefield/wakefield-east
This blog is part of ‘Talk Castleford with Tony’ - the big discussion on social media about the future, present and past of Castleford, West Yorkshire. Find out more by visiting
https://www.talkcastlefordwithtony.co.uk
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