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Clitheroe Advertiser & Times,Thursday, June 30,2011


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WELCOME TO WADDINGTON; This picture postcard village is a tour­ ists’ favourite.


by Katie Hammond


THE chocofate box village of Waddington has long been a favourite of tour­ ists and locals alike when deciding on a day trip destination, either with eating and drinking in mind, or just for a wander around this beautiful and picture perfect example of one the best-loved Ribble Valley rural communities.


Clitheroe, it’s easy to forget that the village which now considers itself one of Lancashire’s finest jewels was a treasure that belonged to the white rose county of Yorkshire until as recently as 1974, when boundary changes redefined the counties. The history of Waddington has


alongside the quiet and beautifully inaintained “Coronation Gardens”, to it’s variety of pubs and hostelries, there’s something special beating at the heart of this thriving village. Situated exactly two miles from


been largely dictated by it’s buildings. St Helen’s Church, for example, still bears the coat of arms of the Richard Tempest, Lord of the Manor, who was concerned with the building of


From it’s babbling brook, running 1


seen in their original position right next to the church and were kept in repair for use as late as the end of the 18th century, as was the old smithy next to them, where older villag­ ers can still remember gathering to watch the blacksmith at work and to hear the latest news and obliga­ tory village gossip. During the First World War, the smith spent one day


the church in 1435. The village stocks are still to be


. perweek making horseshoes for the household cavalry.


back houses may well have been the homes and wortehops of weavers, who were the centre of village life. There was also a wheelwright’s shop, the post office, houses thatched with straw or ling and several shops. At the Higher Buck - then known as the Buck ‘ith Vine — in 1838 members of the Waddington Branch of the Order of Foresters were enrolled by “Robin Hood” and “Little John”. Only a few years before this there had been bull­ baiting in the Square. Today’s community relies on some of the same core principles of village


Waddington vary from retired people to young families and commuters, the village was, until a hundred years ago, a self-supporting coiiimunity. Around the Square, the back-to-


Although today the residents of ^ —fm i.i -''S-i’;'.', PUPILS FROM WADDINGTON SCHOOL: Generations of viilage youngsters have been educated here.


retail and leisure destination was the brainchild of local farmer Richard Drinkall, after his family business was hard-hit by the foot and mouth crisis in 2001. Whilst Backridge has managed to continue as a working farm, Richard’s vision has meant that the land is now also home to more than 20 businesses and boasts it’s own successful cafe bar and events venue, “The Plate”. Richard said: “We needed to find


a way of diversifying after foot and mouth hit us and it had to be an appropriate venture for the existing


life as the generations that have gone before it. Passionate support for local commerce is an important part of keeping the micro-economy thriving and the village now supports a large number of businesses including the introduction, in more recent years, of developments such as Backridge and Bashall Bam on the very outskirts of the community. The idea of a unique business,


farm buildings and rural location. My first tenant, candle company “Melt”, is still with us and is now a well established national company. The shop is very popular with Backridge visitors.” Richard continued: “I think we are


now considered part of the village. Many of our tenant business owners live in Waddington and the village benefits as we draw visitors from further afield, who have not visited the area before. This obviously helps the local economy and benefits all the businesses in the village. We also have plans under way for complete the final phase of development in the next few yeari, which adds to both


Backridge and the community’s long term prospects.”


(Read about one of Backridge’s


business success^ories Woodstoc on page 24).


those visiting the village, another obvious reason that Waddington is


Along with specific attractions for so popular is the array of good food


i'yms is a great example of a tradi­ tional country inn, serving excellent food and offering well appointed and cosy bed and breakfast accommoda­ tion. A1 fresco dining and live music are particularly popular here in the summer months. The cosy ambience and excel­


on offer from its variety of pubs and cafes. The award winning Waddington


lent selection of local beers at the neighbouring Lower Buck, with food ranging from hearty open sandwiches to delicious home-made pies and other daily specials, make this an­ other firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. A third pub. The Higher Buck,


and cafes Country Kitchen and The Dovecote, situated further out of the village on Waddington fell, offer more choice again for even the hun­ griest of visitors and are all known individually for their own specialities


WADDINGTON: This bustling Ribble Valley village boasts a sociable close knit community and raise a family.


'


and home-made fare. Country Kitchen is a firm favourite with walkers and cyclists and offers fighter snacks, cakes and a deli­ cious variety of locally made ice creams (see page 24 for a recipe from proprietor for the past 20 years, Tim Slater). Generations of village children have been educated at Wadding-


ton and West Bradford CE Pri­ mary School, equidistant between Waddington and its neighbouring village of West Bradford. The school has a strong relationship with the churches it serves and strives to maintain close finks between the school, home, parish and the wider community. Waddington Methodist Church


ST HELEN’S CHURCH: A place of worship steeped in history. W


l ! ! ! '-Sfr f : THE LOWER BUCK: One of the village’s trio of pubs. if ■■ ■}


WADDINGTON METHODIST CHURCH- Enjoys a busy programme.


' BACKRIDGE: A ereat M great example of local diversification.


POST OFFiCE: Still an Important village amenity.


go, the same foundations that have enabled this close knit and lively community to thrive and prosper for hundreds of years re­ main. Community spirit, a strong sense of belonging, a safe place to raise a family and of course, the veiy best in good northern hospitality.


mittees to help make sure that big events such as Bonfire Night, Halloween and the now famous “scarecrow festival” run as smoothly as possible and provide great and safe entertainment for both locals and visitors alike. As new generations come and


with most communities, is based around getting together. This takes many forms, from a pint with friends in one of the pubs, to a game of bowls or snooker at Waddington Social Club, or families making the most of sunny days and letting off some steam on the playground at “The Rec”, as it’s mown locally. The village has various com­


year-old Francesca explained: “The Waddlers group is a real asset to the village and everyone is made to feel really welcome. Apart from the children being able to play, it’s great to be able to get together and have a chat and a cup of tea whilst keeping an eye on the little ones. It also helps in making new friends and meeting other mums from the area.” A massive part of village life, as


and St Helen’s pride themselves on the continual development of their ecumenical relationship and they are committed to serving the community together. A good example of this is the weekly playgroup “Waddlers”, which welcomes all denominations of mums and children between the ages of nought and five and is held at the Methodist church hall every Friday. Lauren Frost, mum to one-


Is a great place to COUNTRY KITCHEN: A popular and established eaterie, which is a firm favourite with visitors and iocals alike.


Buy Direct? Open to the Public Monday—Friday 6.30am—5.30pm


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www.cntheroeadvertl8er.co.uk V ‘ 3 Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, Thursday, June 30,2011


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Wadjington Fell Quarry (01200)446334 , A v a d d i i i g ( u n . f c l l ( r i j a g g r e g n t e ,c o i n


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