CASTLEFORD DAILY BRIEFING 3/12/2025 - REMEMBERING PAST TIMES - LUXURY TRAIN - CHRISTMAS CHEER BEGINS - NEWS AND EVENTS


 Wednesday 3 December 2025
Compiled by Tony Wallis of 'Talk Castleford with Tony'
The 16 days of action against violence against women continues.


Good morning, Castleford.

Last night’s annual gathering of the Castleford Historical Society turned into a warm and lively journey back through time. Stories flowed easily - tales of the old Glasshoughton colliery stacks, the thrill of piling onto wagons for “pea pulling,” and all those adventures that were enormous fun - even if safety wasn’t always part of the plan.

It got me thinking: what memories will today’s young people look back on with fondness? Perhaps the comfort of a favourite Minecraft coat, the excitement of a brand-new play area, or the idea - almost quaint already - of cars driven by real people. (And whatever you do, let’s quietly tiptoe past “6, 7")

But truly, whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in the joyful middle, I’d love to hear from you. What memory from days gone by still makes you smile? Your story might spark someone else’s, and that’s how the Castleford community keeps its spirit alive.

 In today’s local news

A touch of luxury passing through Castleford

This Friday, 5 December 2025, the York Christmas Statesman, a beautifully restored luxury train, will glide through Castleford Station at 12:44 pm and again at 4:47 pm. Powered by two classic Class 47 locomotives, it’s a real treat for railway lovers. Tickets for the journey sold out quickly, but even watching it pass is a bit of magic in itself.

If you’d like to read more, you can visit the official page:

https://www.statesmanrail.com/journey/york-christmas-statesman-05-12-25/

Spreading festive cheer in our community

Newfield Lodge Care Home is kicking off December with an uplifting Elf Day celebration today (Wednesday 3 December,) all to support the fantastic work of the Airedale Food Bank. It’s a wonderful example of local people coming together to help local families,  a great way to start the season with kindness and a smile.

That's today briefing. Events are listed below. For more events and to comment on this post or anything about Castleford you'd like us to discuss, please visit the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/talk.castleford/

Wishing you all a bright and cheerful day,

Tony


Events subject to change. Please check with the organiser before visiting. More events are on the ‘Talk Castleford with Tony’ Facebook page.


CASTLEFORD CONTINENTAL STREET MARKET

Thu 04 Dec 2025 - Sun 07 Dec 2025 10am to 6pm

Castleford Precinct


Christmas Fayre at Trinity Church, Powell Street

6th December 2025 10am to 1pm.


CHRISTMAS with the SALVATION ARMY
BOOTH STREET, CASTLEFORD, WF10 1SA

SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2025
Christmas Toy Service
10AM

THURSDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2025
Little Lights Christmas Party
9:30AM

SUNDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2025
Corps Carol Service
10AM
Christmas Nativity
5PM

TUESDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2025
Carols in Roebucks
7PM–9:30PM

SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2025
Christmas Jumper Sunday
10AM
Carols by Candlelight
5PM

THURSDAY 25TH DECEMBER 2025
Christmas Day Service
10:30AM


Pop up ice rink returns

Castleford market hall 21 to 30 December 2025


Exhibition Beyond the Visual now to 19 April 2026

Henry Moore Institute, Leeds. Free Entry

Beyond the Visual is the UK’s first major sculpture exhibition in which blind and partially blind practitioners are central to the curatorial process and make up the majority of participating artists.

https://henry-moore.org/whats-on/beyond-the-visual/




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