7th October 2022
We are staying for the weekend at the Pateley Bridge Showground, just over the River Nidd from the small, but old and interesting town of Pateley Bridge.
When we arrived, there were sheep grazing the showground which apparently had escaped from a nearby field.
We have visited before and have briefly posted previously about the town on the 21st August 2021.
There is a large picture in the window of the local Spar shop which shows Pateley Bridge many years ago. I guess this would be around just before WW1.
Some of the buildings are very old. Pateley Bridge Club, originally The George Inn, was built in 1664.
The town boasts the oldest sweet shop in the country, where a small purchase of chocolate covered cinder toffee was made. A taste which takes you back to your childhood.
There is a real sense of community here and the town is proud of its record in achieving awards in the annual Britain in Bloom competition.
It also features as a waypoint on the Tour of Yorkshire cycle race.
The town was once served by a railway line, but this was closed in 1964.
Even some of the local vehicles have an abundance of character.
A short walk from the town centre, downstream alongside the River Nidd, is the “Pillars Past” sculpture. Created by Joseph Hayton, the sculpture comprises three figures, representing the lead mining, agricultural and monastic past that has shaped the landscape in and around Pateley Bridge.
Even the bus shelter is decorated.
When we returned to the showground, the sheep were being rounded-up. There were many more than were initially apparent.
"See-u-Later" 