Handy Mag York December 2012 by Handy Mag

york edition delivered to yo32, yo31 9 & yo60 6 december 12 • issue 86 www.thehandymag.co.uk

Your FREE & informative local community magazine

the best gadget gifts

Local events guide

What’s on and where in your area

Leeds bradford Airport Week at Conexo Travel

christmas tree Festivals

Delivered by Royal Mail to all letterboxes in Haxby, Wigginton, Strensall, Huntington, Earswick, New Earswick, Sheriff Hutton & Stockton on the Forest....that’s 16,400 letterboxes!

GW PLUMBING

Your reliable local & experienced plumbing firm

SPECI AL OF F Boile r Ser ER v ic just £ 45.50 es until

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“As well as taking pride in our work, we arrive on time, we’re honest, professional, tidy and give great service to all our customers. We treat every customer as important.”

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Office 7, York Eco Business Centre, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor YO30 4AG 2 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

• Boiler Servicing, Landlords and Gas Safety Certificates • Bathroom design, supply, installation and tiling • Shower repair. • Immersion and header tanks. • Guttering, blocked drains and external waste pipes.

graham@gw-plumbing.com www.gw-plumbing.com Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

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Welcome to the December edition and the last of 2012. As night follows day, Christmas is with us once more and our local shops, businesses, churches and the community at large are gearing themselves for a busy and festive time. Let’s take advantage of what is nearest to us and enjoy the wealth of choice, variety and quality to be had in our local area. A thought for next year is to never say never. This month I have discovered Twitter and a world of hash tags, tweeting and retweeting. It’s so easy to dismiss what you don’t know. Too easy to simply lump this wave of relentless ‘social media’ as benign twaddle for a younger generation on which they waste so much time and energy. But, ray of light, after talking to a local business owner and devoted ‘tweeter’, I took the plunge and I’m now totally Twittered! It may not be for all businesses, but it is a fantastic place to tell people what’s going on in the area and perfect for the Handy Mags. So ‘follow me’ @Handymag and I’ll be

This month’s features General

Books - Christmas goes crackers ........................... 14 Party Perfect Make-Up ......................................... 22 Christmas tree lights............................................. 26 The best gifts for gadget fans ............................... 48 Ella’s column ......................................................... 34

letting you know all about what’s on alongside the features in the magazines every month. I’d like to thank Emily for her columns over the last year. This month we have a new columnist. Ella’s first column is all about having a PC Christmas - see more on page 34. Next month there will not be a magazine, as I too take time out for friends and family and fun this Christmas. So it just remains for me in signing off for 2012 to thank everyone who has supported the Handy Mag, not least our local posties for every magazine posted in every corner of the delivery area. I wish you all, readers and advertisers alike, a very happy Christmas and a very fulfilling new year! Well done to Kerry Davies and Mrs Foster for winning the October competitions. Until 2013…Marianne

www.thehandymag.co.uk | @Handymag Publisher: Editor: Tel: Email: Address: Community:

Moonriver Publishing Ltd Marianne Long 01653 658776 info@thehandymag.co.uk 10 The Rise, Leavening, Malton YO17 9TA Nicky Whalen (community@thehandymag.co.uk)

Please note that while the publisher takes care to be accurate no liability will be accepted under any circumstances should any of the contents of this magazine be incorrect. The Handy Mag does not endorse any advertising material included within this publication. The views expressed in the articles are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

• APLUS BUILDING • APLUS JOINERY • APLUS PLUMBING • APLUS ELECTRICAL

Business Features

Morality of Tax ..................................................... 23 Make your home a hard target............................. 37

Community

A world premiere in Malton ................................. 16 Diamond Champion.............................................. 20 Christmas with Dickens ........................................ 24 Stamford Bridge Singers ....................................... 30 Oaken Grove receives a royal thankyou ............... 34 Events ................................................................... 50 Local Groups ......................................................... 54

Property

A Maintenance Plumber to rely on Ben Leefe has been creating beautiful bathrooms in the York area for ten years.

Food & Drink

This typical case study demonstrates how Ben is willing to spend time to help homeowners find exactly he right solution for their home and their family. Free estimates and quotes are available.

Mini Christmas Cakes ........................................... 18

Homes & Gardens

Winter Planters..................................................... 42

Motoring

Ford B-Max ........................................................... 38

Animals

Help my cat! ....................................................... 28 Tom & Co. at Cats Protection................................ 28

for a long time, but it seemed the installation and wiring meant they were stuck with it. Ben, however, managed to change them over to a thermostatic shower... and restore peace to the family once more!

H • Multi trade team e mainly works in domestic properties and specialises in installing bathrooms, showers – and helping families solve their plumbing problems.

Ben doesn’t believe in being a ‘jack of all trades’ – he prefers himself and the people he works with to be masters of one. He works alongside experienced tilers and a trusted, qualified electrician, which means he can ensure your bathroom project is completed as swiftly as possible and every aspect of it is carried out by the appropriate expert. While he focuses on the plumbing – the bit he does best – the tiling and electrics

are being carried out by people who are fully qualified for the job. In response to customer demand, last year Ben qualified to work with gas and was registered with Gas Safe, meaning he can bring the reliability and quality of workmanship he’s known for to boiler and central heating installations and plumbing. For a discussion about your plumbing or heating, or a free estimate, contact Ben Leefe on 01904 340801 or 07887 852468. • Bathroom, Tiling & Showers

• Qualiﬁed & highly experienced • Project management For example, he recently helped a father get out of the doghouse with Professional, affordable service his family•and become his teenage children’s flavour of the month. The household had been struggling with an inefficient, aging electric shower

Excell and quence a come lity standa as rd.

• All domestic plumbing work & repairs • Gas work & Central heating

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Puzzle pages ......................................................... 60 Competition.......................................................... 30

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Colourful Cuba...................................................... 32

APLUS the complete home maintenance solution.

Puzzles Travel

4 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

HOMES & GARDENS

Joinery & Electrical Contractors Full kitchen fitting service, From design to installation or just installation. We take care of the whole project so you don’t need to get a plumber or electrician as well! With experience in building and renovations we can deal with building alterations like removing walls (with building regulations) and complete any electrical work involved from sockets to a full house rewire.

Call us on 01904 769392 or Casey (Joiner) 07525 159893 Kevin (Electrician) 07708 215415

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• BATHROOM INSTALLATION, DESIGN & TILING • BOILER INSTALLATION, SERVICING & LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • SHOWER REPAIR • LEAKS, TAP & WASHER RENEWAL • GUTTERING, EXTERNAL WASTE PIPES & BLOCKED DRAINS • RENEW HOT WATER CYLINDERS • IMMERSION & HEADER TANKS • FULL POWER FLUSHING • ANY OTHER PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN

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Competitive Rates www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 5

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

HOMES & GARDENS

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All electrical work from additional sockets to complete re-wires, new and existing. All work inspected and tested to BS7671:2008 (17th Edition) and Certiﬁcates supplied. PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) also available. 8 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

HOMES & GARDENS

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

HOMES & GARDENS

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If you’re fed up with your Uncle Jack’s unfunny one-liners this Christmas, why not retreat to a quiet corner and find a bit of comic relief away from the relatives. From classic cats to depressed rabbits, we have enough Christmas cheer to keep you laughing well into the New Year. The Far Side Gallery 1 By Gary Larson Seeing the world through Larson’s eyes is viewing it through a pair of Dame Edna-style glasses. He finds the funny in the ordinary and I guarantee you’ll never look at cows and chickens in quite the same way again. The Far Side books can be passed from grandparents to parents to children and all will be equally tickled by Larson’s humour.

Simon’s Cat Vs. The World! By Simon Tofield Not since Garfield has a cartoon cat so captured the nation’s heart. Simon’s cat spends his days terrorising and tormenting his long-suffering owner but this

time, it’s the puss that’s under threat. With a new kitten on the scene, Simon’s Cat is facing a power-struggle of a magnitude he’s never known before. Forget fighting dead flies…this time it’s war. Life-long cat fan Tofield has had years of feline experience, and it shows. The new cartoons are full of pure moggy magic.

The Best of Matt 2012 By Matthew Pritchett This multi award-winning cartoonist captures the spirit of the nation in his own inimitable way. It’s a subtle mixture of wit and satire that will have you chuckling into your pudding. His almost haphazard drawing style is quirky and suggestive, making you feel like he’s capturing British life on the fly. A brilliant way to look back over the year.

Christmas Residential Packages at The Old Lodge

2 NIGHT PACKAGE

Stay Christmas eve and Christmas Day night. Evening meal on Christmas eve. Midnight mass. If you’ve been good, you may even receive a present from Santa! Continental breakfast in bed on Christmas Day, then spend your morning chilling out until your lunch. Light supper in the bar on Christmas Day night. Board games, quizzes and party games if you feel like it. Late breakfast on Boxing Day. £299 per person.

3 NIGHT PACKAGE

Stay Christmas eve, Christmas Day night and Boxing Day night. All of the above, plus Boxing Day lunch. Supper on Boxing Day night and a late check out on the morning of the 27th. Either enjoy the traditional spectacle of the Boxing Day hunt at the Lodge or as a guest you can get down and dirty and help us to feed the hunt participants. Cost £399 per person

NEW YEAR PACKAGE

New Year’s Eve evening festivities, meal, overnight stay. New Year’s Day turkey antidote brunch. £280 per couple. All offers are based on 2 adults sharing a room and are subject to availability. Supplement for single occupancy, £55. Dogs welcome at £15 per dog per night. Visiting family and friends? Stay with us on a room only basis for only £80. 14 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

YORK

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 The Best of “Punch” Cartoons By Helen Walasek Prion Books Ltd ‘Punch’ magazine may have closed its doors in 2002 but its legendary status lives on. This is the biggest collection of Punch cartoons ever and it’s one to be savoured. It’s essential reading for all fans of humour and satire, with no holds barred and nowhere safe to hide. The selection was made by Helen Walasek of the Punch Cartoon Library and it’s definitely to be treasured.

LOCAL YARN AND HABERDASHERY STORE 6 Haxby Shopping Centre, Haxby

The Book of Bunny Suicides By Andy Riley Poor bunny. Here we are, taking pleasure in his impending pain. It sounds terribly fiendish & it’s definitely not for Peter Rabbit fans but Riley’s cartoons somehow manage to maintain a touch of innocence in the macabre. The premise is simple and yet Bunny’s plans to end his days become more and more elaborate and ingenious as the book goes on. It brings new meaning to the phrase ‘not a happy bunny’. I guarantee that you’ll laugh out loud.

Garfield Going for Gold By Jim Davis Timed to coincide with London 2012, this special edition is one of the classic sports strips. He may have been around since the 70s but Davis’ furry antihero hasn’t grown out of taunting his owner with violence towards his canine counterpart, Odie and of laziness, gluttony, sarcasm and a hatred of Mondays. You gotta love a cat like that.

S CHRISTMA SCARF GIFT SETS NEW KATIA SCARF YARNS

Tel: 01904 764644 www.castawayyarnsyork.co.uk

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 15

The Milton Rooms Malton and Park House present...

A Christmas Fair

The World Première of a new play by Jim Cartwright (Author of Road and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) at The Milton Rooms, Malton December 13-16, 20-23, 2012 Written and directed by Jim Cartwright. Designed by Nicky Bunch

ollowing the huge success of their 2011 community promenade production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the team at The Milton Rooms presents a play for Christmas by internationally renowned playwright Jim Cartwright. It is Christmas In the old village hall, villagers are setting up their stalls for the annual fair. Amidst the bric-a-brac, tombola and crafts, hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking stories emerge, fueled by the powerful Christmas punch at the refreshments table. Young love seems imminent, the vicar has his mind elsewhere, Veronica needs all hands on deck to make this fair a success and the caretaker just wants to go home. Village life as seen through the eyes of one of the country’s leading playwrights. Will romance blossom? Will secrets be revealed? And will the audience be able to buy their own last minute stocking fillers and sample the Christmas punch? Will the Christmas Fair go with a bang? It just might… Jim Cartwright’s plays are consistently performed around the world and have won numerous awards. They have been translated into over 30 languages. His first play, Road, opened at the Royal Court in 1986 and starred Ian Dury. Now considered a modern classic Road won the Samuel Beckett Award, Drama Magazine’s Best New Play Award, and was joint winner of The Plays and Players Award and The George Devine Award. The Rise and Fall of Little Voice was written for the Royal National Theatre and transferred to the Aldwych Theatre in London's West End in 1992. In 1998 it was made into the hugely successful feature film Little Voice, both productions starring Jane Horrocks. Other works include: Bed, Two, Baths, Eight Miles High, Stone Free, I Licked A Slag’s Deodorant, Vroom and Johnny Shakespeare.

16 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Jim Cartwright “Earlier this year, I was invited to The Milton Rooms by Nick Bagnall and Garry Cooper, to take a look at what they were doing there. Their evident passion for the The Milton Rooms was irresistible and I was intrigued. I knew that if these two men of the theatre, with their combined calibre and experience, had come together to focus their talents on a project such as this, it would definitely be worth investigating. I was right. When I saw first-hand what they had already achieved and heard of their ongoing plans for the Milton Rooms, I could not help but get involved. And so A Christmas Fair was born.”

A Christmas Fair Thur 13th & Sat 15th December at 7.30pm Sun 16th at 6.30pm Thur 20th, Fri 21st & Sat 22nd at 7.30pm Sun 23rd at 6.30pm The Milton Rooms, Market Place, Malton,YO17 7LX Tel: 01653 696240 info@themiltonrooms.com Twitter: @themiltonrooms www.facebook.com/groups/481911605172956

Give your business some sparkle in 2013 Reach 16,500 homes and businesses each month in the HandyMag Call Marianne for details

01653 658776

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

YORK

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

CHRISTMAS AT PIGLETS

THIS YEAR SAnTA’S ELvES HAvE AddEd LoAdS MoRE FESTIvE IndooR Fun FoR You! REFRESHMEnTS kIoSk / SnowbALL SPLAT / GInGERbREAd dECoRATInG / RIdE on MInI TRACToRS / IndooR SAndPIT / ALL wELL bEHAvEd CHILdREn RECEIvE A wondERFuL GIFT FRoM SAnTA And PAREnTS EnjoY A MInCE PIE And A FESTIvE MuLLEd dRInk. Loads more festive fun... all included! nd in 24th e k e nd – y we 6th, Ever r plus 22 15th & 1 be & 9th, r) m e e b c De nd, 8th Decem 2 4th ded: ily (1st &22nd – 2 nclu are i 4.50, Fam 23 s e i t £ lts £ ctivi ren) All a n £8, Adux 2 child re a e lts dr nts Chil et (2 adu iscou hools, d k g c n i c i t ok le for s ease p bo l b Grouo availa arties. P bsite s l a nd p e the we a s club e or se ability. phon for avail Mem bers S Chil pecial: dren £6 A Fam dults £3 .50 il (2 ad y ticke ults t £18 x2c hil dren

)

Last y entr ly t stricm 3p

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 17

Mini Christmas Cakes

These delightful mini fruit and nut topped cakes are perfect for giving as a festive foodie present. Simply wrap in clear cellophane and tie with gold ribbon or place in small gift boxes. For the cake 250g butter, softened 250g dark muscovado sugar 4 medium eggs, beaten 350g plain flour 2 tsp ground mixed spice ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground cloves Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 800g mixed dried fruit 100g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and chopped 100g chopped mixed nuts For the decoration 750g marzipan Icing sugar, for dusting 4 tbsp apricot jam, warmed and sieved Mixed coloured glace cherries, walnut halves, Brazil Nuts & chopped dried apricots

Christmas Craft & Local Produce Markets Sunday 2 December to Tuesday 4 December 2012 Sunday 9 December and Monday 10 December 2012

Soak up the festive atmosphere in the Courtyard | Browse over 30 stalls of Yorkshire crafts and produce | Visit the Farm Shop, Garden Centre, Gift Shops and Cafés | Open daily from 10am | Free admission and parking

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

www.castlehoward.co.uk

18 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

FOOD & DRINK

Makes 9. Ready in 4 hours (plus cooling) 1. Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/gas 2. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin with a double thickness of greased, greaseproof paper. 2. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and cream together until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs. Sift together the flour and spices then fold into the creamed mixture. Fold in the lemon zest, dried fruit, glace cherries and nuts and mix thoroughly. 3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface. Use the back of a metal spoon to make a slight dip in the centre (this will help to give an even rise). Bake in the preheated oven for 3¼ - 3 ½ hours or until firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin.

at the

Highwayman Nu New miNeter this w

Food served at the following times: Tues-Sat 12-2pm & 6-9pm, Sun 12-4pm

4. When the cake is completely cold, use a sharp knife to cut it into 9 smaller square cakes. Brush the sides of each cake with a little apricot jam. Divide the marzipan into 9 pieces. Dust a surface lightly with icing sugar & roll each piece out to a strip long enough to go around each cake. Wrap the strips around the cakes pinching the ends together to seal. Top each cake with a selection of cherries, nuts & apricots. Tie a ribbon around each cake if liked.

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 19

Diamond Champion T he Handy Mag would like to congratulate Ron Middlemas who was awarded one of the Diamond Jubilee Older Person Awards in October. Ron works tirelessly to raise money for the York Branch Myasthenia Gravis Society through events, table top sales and collections. In four years he has helped raise over a fantastic £32,000! Ron says “One of our members who lives in Badger Hill area of York, nominated me for the award last May. I received an invitation to the Guildhall in York along with 59 others who had been short listed for the national award.” The awards are the idea of the Queen in her Jubilee year after she met a lady aged 91 volun-

teering for the WRVS. She wanted to recognise the important and valuable role played by older people in communities throughout the UK. She has been assisted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in seeking out ‘Diamond Champions’ who give so much for others and yet never ask for anything in return. The awards received 4,753 nominations divided between 8 areas with Ron being in the North West, Yorkshire and Humbersire area. There were 830 nominations

in this local area alone! Ten judges narrowed it down to sixty people to go to St James Palace in London to find the national champion. Ron was one of the ten chosen in the area and received his award from Lord Craythorn Lord-lieutenant North Yorkshire. If anyone would like further information about the Myasthenia Gravis Association and their local fund raising, please call Ron on 01904 679939.

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YORK

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ireside A AF u

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

Experience the

Magic of Christmas 24 November to 16 December 2012 From the elegant decorations and music in the House, to festive food, gifts and audiences with Father Christmas, there is something for everyone this Christmas at Castle Howard.

www.castlehoward.co.uk 01653 648333 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 21

Party Perfect Make-Up

by Helen Jane Taylor

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold back this Christmas: ďŹ nd a glamorous party look thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guaranteed to make you the belle of the ball.

orgeous hair and make-up is essential for whatever social gathering youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re attending and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the finishing touches that make you look really special. Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party season is the one month in the calendar where you can really embrace a strong make-up look - so make the most of it. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found one that will look great with whichever little black dress youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be wearing: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic, sophisticated and perfect for Christmas, and hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to achieve it.

Sophisticated Christmas Glamour:

Porcelain skin, flushed cheeks, berry stained lips and defined eyes make fabulous make-up at this time of year. Embracing your natural complexion and choosing a foundation shade thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close to it can give incredible results and a really classy finish. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re used to applying bronzer though, leaving it off - even in the winter - will take a little getting used to, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always good to step out of your cosmetic comfort zone and try something new. Skin really has to be flawless for this look. Use a primer first, then apply a covering foundation using a foundation brush. Choose a light-reflecting loose powder to apply on top of your foundation for a radiant glow that helps to set your base. Although glittery cosmetics are everywhere at this time of year, it really is best to stay away from them, because shimmer and glitter show up every line and wrinkle and arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t flattering unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a teenager. If you do fancy some sparkle, opt for a dazzling nail varnish instead. Sculpt cheekbones by applying a blusher in a dusky pink hue. Remember not to place the colour too close to the centre of your face - smile as you apply it, to see the apples of your cheeks, and sweep upwards and outwards. Next, lightly define your eyes. Use a neutral eyeshadow across the lids and brow bone, then apply a light brown shade in the socket, and a deeper brown in the far corner. Brush your brows into shape using a brow brush, pluck away any stray hairs and emphasise them with a hint of colour. Use a brow powder to add definition and shape - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth doing this even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually, as strong make-up calls for more defined

22 â&#x20AC;˘ info@thehandymag.co.uk

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 brows - and finish with a slick of gel to set them. Choose a liquid liner in black and line your top lid. Extend the line out to create a small flick if you want to. Wait for it to dry fully before curling your eyelashes and apply lashings of mascara. For extra definition use false eyelashes, but make sure that they are natural looking. Use a soft black eye-pencil under your eye, and on the inner rim choose black liner for a smoky look or white for a wide-eyed look. Finish with a touch of mascara. Use a lip liner in a shade that compliments your lipstick and create a great shape. Using a lip brush, apply your lipstick. Choose a berry-red hue for instant glamour and finish with a dab of lip gloss in the centre of your lips for a really full look.

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Busy Joe – Tax Bill = £270,000 Layabout Jack - Tax Bill = £nil ’ve got into a bit of a spat recently about the morality of helping my clients protect their assets from attack from all sort of legalised robbers, from the tax man to crazy creditors. As a Chartered Financial Planner it’s my job to increase your wealth and protect it from attack from various risks, which are many and varied. And some people think that’s immoral. The argument goes something like this. If you have lots of money, it’s only fair that you pay a higher proportion of tax so that it can be shared out between all the people who haven’t got any, and pay for the services we all enjoy that makes Britain Great. So let’s take a close look at this. Meet Joe and Jack Bloggs. Joe works hard all his life (paying his fair share of tax as he goes) and invests wisely and buys himself a nice house etc. When Joe dies let’s say he’s worth a million quid. Nice work Joe. Jack, on the other hand, lounges about all his life, spends any money he has down the pub and when he dies he’s got nothing. Tough luck Jack. Jack’s Inheritance Tax Bill is Zero. Joe’s Inheritance Tax bill is £270,000. How is that fair? It’s not. And that’s why I do what I do. There are perfectly legal, in fact “GovernmentEncouraged”, strategies which I can put in place so that Joe can avoid that Inheritance Tax bill, which means his beneficiaries can share in the fruits of his lifetime’s work. And that’s how it should be in my view. I’d be interested to know what you think. If you’d like a copy of my FREE guide “What’s Mine is Mine. A Straight Talking Guide on Increasing your Wealth and protecting it from Greedy Bankers, Crazy Governments, Desperate Creditors and other Legalised Robbers”, just contact my office and we’ll get one straight over to you.

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 23

Christmas with Dickens

harles Dickens is often credited with inventing Christmas, or at least reinventing it and giving it its modern form. A Christmas Carol must be one of the most-filmed books ever, and the name of its central character, Scrooge, has entered the language. Yet it is one of his shorter works – a novella rather than a novel – and was only written to recoup the author’s finances after the failure of Martin Chuzzlewit. A Christmas Carol was an instant success, and Dickens followed it up with four more Christmas novellas between 1844 and 1848, with 17 short stories published in the seasonal editions of his two magazines, Household Words and All the Year Round, between 1850 and 1867. Christmas badly needed reinventing. In the countryside, the grand old midwinter feast

of medieval and earlier times had been driven underground by Puritan opposition before and during the Interregnum; and even after the Restoration it never really recovered its previous significance. And in the burgeoning industrial cities of the 18th and early 19th centuries, commerce allowed no pause for 12 days of ritual merriment. The shops didn’t even close. A companionable man, Dickens saw this as a great social evil. The traditional Christmas festivities had been communal events, and it was the sociable and communal side of Christmas that Dickens celebrated. Although privately he was a devout if unorthodox Christian, you will find little of the religious side of Christmas in his writings. Scrooge, frightened out of his miserly ways, does not rush out to church on Christmas morning

Financial Planning • • • •

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but goes visiting. And at the heart of The Pickwick Papers is the Christmas Eve ball at Manor Farm, where Wardle hosts a blowout of Lucullan proportions at which all comers, including the Pickwickians, are welcome.

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24 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 It would be a wonderful but wholly impossible endeavour to seek to recreate that feast at Dingley Dell. For one thing the sheer quantity of alcohol consumed – hot punch, mulled ale, warmed claret, brandy and hot water for the coachman, the “something good” enjoyed by Sam Weller and the Fat Boy at the Blue Lion at Muggleton, the “hot elder wine, well-qualified with brandy and spice” would give your GP a fit. For another, even the most rabid “political correctness gone mad” merchant would have to admit that the game enjoyed by the partygoers was dangerous to the point of insanity. This was snap-dragon. The lights were extinguished, and a “ghost” in white sheet and wild wig presented a tray of raisins which had been soaked in brandy and set alight. These the players would have to grab without burning their fingers (hence the modern expression); and “when fingers enough were burned, and all the raisins were gone, they sat down by the huge fire of blazing logs to a substantial supper and a mighty bowl of wassail in which the hot apples were hissing and bubbling”. More booze. Perhaps, then, a truly Dickensian Christmas is too strong for modern stomachs. But one thing we might try is turning off the TV. No Queen’s Speech, The Great Escape, The Sound of Music or even A Christmas Carol. He believed in togetherness: friends, relations, neighbours, and stray Pickwickians all joining in one great joyous riot. So, hide the remote and bring on the mighty bowl of wassail and the only harp in all Muggleton! By Ted Bruning

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 25

here’s nothing that says ‘Christmas has arrived’ as much as a Christmas tree beautifully illuminated with lights. Some say that the tradition dates as far back as the 1600s when wealthy German families would decorate their trees with small candles held in place with pins or melted wax. Owing to the danger of fire however, the candles would only stay lit for several minutes at a time with home owners standing nervously by. Even after candle holders and lanterns became available, fires were common and insurance companies started refusing to pay claims. The solution was provided by a very well-known name and its unveiling must be one of the greatest publicity stunts of all time. In December 1880, in order to publicise his latest invention,

Thomas Edison hung a string of electric lights around his laboratory in New Jersey. Passers-by were mesmerised by the beautiful display and associated it with yuletide celebrations. Two years later one of Edison’s inventors, Edward Johnson, lit a Christmas tree with 80 small bulbs and by 1900, Christmas displays with lights started appearing in department store windows. On Christmas Eve, 1923, President Coolidge lit the National Christmas Tree near the White House with 3,000 lights. A string of lights cost about $12 which put buying them way out of reach of ordinary American families. General Electric, who had purchased the rights to Edison’s bulbs, even released advertisements suggesting families rented them. It wasn’t until 1925 when the Sadacca family, who owned a novelty lighting business, started mass manufacturing Christmas lights, that they become affordable. Today you can take your pick of incandescent or LED lights. Either way, what a pleasure it is to light up your tree in these cold winter months.

Christmas Tree Festival Huntington Methodist Church

Strensall Road, Huntington (on the number 5 bus route)

Friday 30 November to Monday 3 December. The festival will be open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, 2pm to 5pm on Sunday and 10am to 3pm on Monday. There will be 18 trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organisations on the theme of Pantomimes, homemade refreshments will be available all day, and there will be stalls selling gifts, crafts and jewellery. Admission is free, and all proceeds are for the Churches’ improvements scheme. 26 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

COMMUNITY

HAXBY MEMORIAL HALL

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December The hall will be full of decorated christmas trees, a fabulous Santas grotto, gift stalls and refreshments. Santa will be at the hall at 1pm on both days. All letters to Santa can be left at the event and Santa will send a personal reply. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the Hall and towards our Raise the Roof appeal. We have to raise at least £60,000 for a new roof, so every penny counts!

Can you help? ...become a volunteer collector & help the RNLI fundraise to save lives

Local Volunteers Urgently Needed Volunteer Collectors Location: York The RNLI has a network of local fundraising branches organising a wide range of activities and events which last year raised £14 million to help save lives at sea This is a great opportunity to really make a difference within your community and to raise vital lifesaving funds. Even if you have just a little time, we would love to hear from you. For more information please call: Hannah: 07557 191864 or for more information visit: www.rnli.org.uk/volroles RNLI Volunteering Team: 01202 336102

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our lifeboat crews rescue 21 people a day, while our lifeguards patrol more than 140 beaches in the summer. Join our team of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, energy and skills, your help will ensure we raise vital funds needed to keep on saving lives. We are looking for volunteers with a friendly and welcoming nature who can offer a little of their valuable time to help collect at local stores, superstores, shopping centres and/or at our street collection days. Each collection requires collectors to volunteer up to two hours of their time collecting donations and generating support within the local community. This role would suit a friendly welcoming person who enjoys being part of a team and working within their local community. Can you help the RNLI fundraise to save lives? We’re delighted that you’re interested in volunteering with the RNLI and hope you’ll find an opportunity to get involved. www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 27

Help my cat keeps squatting but can’t pee!

by Lucy Nowell, Station House Vets

our cat seems unsettled and keeps going out the cat flap or keeps digging in the litter tray and squats but can’t seem to pass anything or only drops of urine. He/She may spend a lot of time licking around the back end and may even cry. This is quite a common problem in cats and one you should contact the vet about promptly. There are a number of things that could be going on, either your cat has cystitis and feels he/she needs to pee but the bladder is empty and inflamed,

he/she can not actually pee as the urethra is blocked – this occurs most commonly in male cats and requires rapid attention or they may be constipated and struggling to pass a stool. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder which is painful and makes the cat keep wanting to try and empty their bladder even when there is only a small amount of urine. Occasionally it is caused by an infection, particularly in older cats or cats with other problems, for example if their kidneys are not working properly.

Tom & Co... A

t York Cats Protection we are currently experiencing 2012’s second ‘kitten season’, with a floodgate of the little furry monsters being opened and we are struggling to find homes for them all! Many of the kittens we have in the Adoption Centre at present were born on farms or in the countryside to stray or feral mums. Although these litters are all friendly and lovable kitts they are all a bit timid with new people, so many 28 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

folk are put off taking them home because of their initial shyness. The frustrating thing is that once these kittens have got to know you and trust you they are all absolutely adorable. We desperately need homes for black beauties Tom, Alannah & Joe (pictured), comedy pair Milo & Doodles, striking tabbies Glen & Taylor, cheeky nutters Jake & Izabella and beauty queens Ann & Catherine. And then once we have home all of them we have another 25+ kittens waiting to come in! It would be very satisfying to know that these kittens have all found new homes before Christmas. All they need is a bit of time and patience, a lot of TLC and there will be some very lucky

families in York with some of the cutest cats in the City! York Cats Protection Adoption Centre at 582 Huntington Road is open every day between 11am & 3pm. If you would like to adopt any of our cats please contact us on 01904 760356 or email york@cats.org.uk. All our cats have been vet checked, microchipped, started on a course of vaccinations, been neutered (if old enough), have been treated for fleas and worms and also come with 4 weeks free pet insurance.

Visit www.york.cats.org. uk to see the other cats in our care.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 More commonly it appears to be linked to stress, which people often find surprising as to most of us our cats live a life of luxury! It is more common in indoor and overweight cats though any cat can show signs and sometimes a source of stress can be identified, for example living in a multicat household, a visiting cat, something going on at home for example building work. In addition some cats have crystals in their urine which can cause cystitis. Treatment can include pain killers to rapidly improve comfort and then examination of a urine sample to rule out infection/crystals. Stress related cystitis can be something that recurs so once they are comfortable we would recommend looking at longer term issues: managing stresses, improving water intake and encouraging activity and regular toileting. Blockage of the urethra is a true emergency and the reason why it is important to see any cat that doesn’t appear to be peeing. It occurs more commonly in male cats because the urethra – the tube that leaves the bladder and through which they pee through, is narrower than in female cats and if they have crystals and inflammation in the bladder can be easily blocked. These cats often need an anaesthetic once we have stabilised them with fluid therapy so we can very carefully pass a catheter and flush through the blockage. The sooner a blocked cat is seen the better as they can very quickly become extremely unwell. Once they have recovered we may need to address the cause – crystals in the urine can be resolved by using a specialised diet which stops them forming and helps them to dissolve and increasing their fluid intake. Constipation can also be very distressing and may occur for a number of reasons but often is made worse when we have bad weather and cats are reluctant to go out! The longer a cat avoids or can’t pass a stool the more the faeces in the large bowel dries out making it much harder for them to go. Sometimes they need an anaesthetic and an enema or they might be managed with medication but left untreated the large bowel can become really stretched and not work properly again. Once resolved constipation can be prevented by using a diet with some beneficial fibre, sometimes laxatives and also management changes like encouraging exercise and more frequent toileting .

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 29

The Stamford Bridge Singers

The Stamford Bridge Singers are well into rehearsals for two important Christmas events in December. First of all on Friday December 7th at 7.30pm, the Singers make a return visit to the Chapel at the Bar Convent in York for a celebration of Advent and Christmas entitled ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’. This event last year was a sell-out and much praised by those who attended. The evening will consist of readings and music to prepare for the Advent and Christmas season. Tickets, priced £10 to include wine and mince pies, can be obtained from the Bar Convent on 01904 643238 or email: reception@bar-convent.org.uk The second event will be a return visit to St John the Evangelist Church in Welburn near Malton on Saturday 15th December starting at 7.30pm. This event, entitled ‘This Wondrous Night’ will be a joyous celebration of both the religious and the secular side of Christmas. Tickets, priced £10 to include supper in the village hall, are available by ringing 01653 61564 / 618836 / 618662 or from Malton Tourist Office 01653 600048. Further details of both events and all Stamford Bridge Singers news can be found at www.stamfordbridgesingers.btck.co.uk

O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL

A CELEBRATION OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WITH THE STAMFORD BRIDGE SINGERS Friday 7th December 7.30pm





        

Find t Reind he ee and W IN £2 r 0! The Reindeer is hiding in 5 adverts

Can you find them all? Tickets cost £10 each and include a glass of wine and mince pies. Please book in advance

17 BLOSSOM STREET | YORK | YO24 1AQ t: 01904 643238 e: reception@bar-convent.org.uk w: www.bar-convent.org.uk By Lauren Ford

30 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

actual size!

Simply send a postcard or email telling us which pages the reindeers are on and in which adverts to: December Competition, The Handymag, 10 The Rise, Leavening, Malton, YO17 9TA or competition@thehandymag.co.uk, telling us your: name, address and a contact number. Entries must be received no later than 30th December 2012 Entries will be drawn from a hat. First correct entry drawn wins. Only 1 entry per household. Winner will be notified by post. Responsibility is not accepted for lost/delayed/damaged entries.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

YORK

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

Magical

Ballet Classes

A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL •FOLK & FUN• WITH

Modern Dentistry Traditional Service

THE FORESTERS Caring professional & approachable • Free parking & fully disabled access • Early morning & evening appointments available • Emergency treatment available for people not registered • Under 6’s free with registered adult Non-surgical facial rejuvenation

Saturday 15th December at 7.30pm Wigginton Recreational Hall Tickets £7.50, Call 01904 490440 bring your own drinks & supper and have a party with THE FORESTERS

Dr Christine Parker BDS invites you to register We are conveniently located at 11 Alan Farnaby Way, York Road Business Park, Sheriff Hutton YO60 6PG t: 01347 878111 info@howardiandental.co.uk www.howardiandental.co.uk www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 31

Natural beauty and vibrant cities

Colourful Cuba

by Solange Hando

‘It’s the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen’, said Christopher Columbus as he marvelled at this gem of an island, its lush mountains and virgin beaches lapped by the clear waters of the Caribbean, barely 100 miles from Florida.

n this once troubled land, history is always within reach, but the real charm lies in the ever changing scenery and colourful cities. Take Santiago de Cuba, nestling on a vast aquamarine bay meandering, almost deserted, in and out of the mangrove, with its sturdy del Morro fortress and Granma island where rickety houses on stilts jostle along the shore. Beyond the winding lanes, the grand churches and colonial buildings festooned in bougainvillaea, coffee plantations climb up the slopes of the Sierra Maestra, among flame and papaya trees, wild lemon and pines. Up there at nearly 4000 feet, the air is cool and on a clear day, the panorama over Cuba’s second city dazzles you with colour and light. It’s a fair drive across the island but the best way to discover the rural heartlands; here a grove of carob trees, there the feathery blossom of jacarandas, a patch of cassava or the forlorn chimney of an old sugar mill. Pretty towns are sprinkled around - Camaguey, famous for ballet and clay pots, Sancti Spiritus with its shaded arcades, Cienfuegos, the ‘Pearl of the South’ - set among flowering trees and elegant Italian style buildings. But framed by mountains clad in jungle and waterfalls, Trinidad 32 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

is the jewel of them all, the mirror image of a nostalgic island where bicycles and horse-drawn carts outnumber conventional traffic. The heart of the town is a UNESCO site, a maze of colonial buildings, blue, yellow, pink or pistachio green, with beautiful ironwork and red roofs glowing in the sun. In the cobbled alleyways, lace and embroidery flap in the breeze, drums echo in hidden courtyards and on the splendid Plaza Mayor, the old sugar capital enjoys its afternoon siesta. Meanwhile the steam train takes a handful of visitors to Sugar Mill Valley for fabulous views of hills and vales and sleepy villages sheltering under the mango trees. Heading west, luminous rice fields bask in the sunshine, rare birds and sea cows gather on the Zapata peninsula and soon, the capital beckons. Even for seasoned travellers, Havana defies imagination with its swirling kaleidoscope of colours and sounds, stunning palaces and

crumbling ruins, wide boulevards and tangled lanes, revamped Cadillacs, side-cars, three-wheeler scooter taxis and elegant horsedrawn carriages for tourists. The craft market sells Cuban dolls and hammocks while flower girls in bright costumes pose for pictures on Cathedral Square. It’s a wonderful dizzying city where you can eat al fresco, escape to nearby beaches, climb up to the fortress or follow the Hemingway trail to the fishing village of Cojimar. But the must-do excursion is to the hill town of Vinales, shaded by pine and orange trees, where pretty verandas frame every house in pastel colours. You can take a boat trip on an underground river to the Cave of the Indian Chief, partake of a farmer’s lunch in the forest and enjoy the view at the Jasmine Belvedere, overlooking the limestone hills which rise dragon-like from the valley floor. With its natural beauty and vibrant cities, Cuba is truly enticing.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 33

Tak

Oaken Grove Community Centre receives Royal Thank You

aken Grove Community Centre in Haxby has been awarded a prestigious regional community award. The Community Centre which was set up in 2005 to provide social, leisure and educational facilities, for all ages, and particularly young people, in the communities of Haxby & Wigginton, is the latest recipient of The Duke of York Community Initiative Award. His Royal Highness The Duke of York founded the initiative in 1998, primarily and actively encouraging the development of community spirit, individual leadership and initiatives in Yorkshire and the Humber. The initiative supports projects through a dedicated award scheme and recognition of excellence. Its principal aim is to foster and increase community spirit throughout Yorkshire and is only awarded to community schemes of outstanding merit which meet the rigorous and robust assessment criteria. The Community Centre Chair of Trustees, Pat Wilford said: “Being awarded the Duke of York Community Initiative is a fantastic achievement and a real honour for us and testament to our staff and 40 plus volunteers who give their time so freely to support the many activities that take place at the Centre” “We are very proud of the work we do and this award is a marvellous seal of approval, especially as it was the Duke of York himself who opened the Community Centre in 2005”. Simon Blagden, Chair of Trustees for The Duke of York’s Community Initiative Award scheme, said: “On behalf of myself and the Assessment Panel, I would like to offer our congratulations on what is a great achievement.” Haxby & Wigginton Youth & Community Association, which is responsible for Oaken Grove Community Centre received its award from The Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Hon Susan Cunliffe-Lister, who also read a personal message from The Duke of York, who was unable to attend the Ceremony because of the thick fog which was prevalent across the country.

34 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

The Award being presented by The Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Hon Susan CunliffeLister to Pat Wilford, Chair of Trustees

Haxby & Wigginton Youth & Community Association/Oaken Grove Community Centre The Association dates back to 1998 when the charity was formed with the aim of addressing concerns by local residents about decreasing facilities for young people. On obtaining the lease of Oaken Grove Community Centre from City of York Council in 2005, the Association has flourished. It continues to provide thriving activities for young people, and in addition, with volunteer-lead initiatives in response to local needs, now provides twice weekly lunches and also computer/internet tuition, as well as facilities for other groups to hire (eg adult art classes, mother & baby groups, table tennis, MS support group & lunches) The Duke of York’s Community Initiative is an exciting venture which supports community projects throughout Yorkshire and Humberside, by recognition of excellence. In January 1998 HRH The Duke of York presented the first Community Initiative Awards to ten schemes, from different parts of the region, run by their local communities. Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

YORK

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

Haxby Singers present a

Christmas Fantasia Celebrating 50 years Saturday 8th December Haxby Memorial Hall 7.30pm Musical Director: Maggie Fayers Accompanist: David Hammond

Tickets: Available on the door or from choir members. £6 Adults, £3 Children. Refreshments included.

...on having a PC Christmas Is ‘Merry Christmas’ offensive? ‘Merry Christmas’ has long since been a cheerful, friendly greeting which can warm the heart on a cold winter’s day. However, could it in fact alienate and insult a good deal of people, if taken the wrong way? Some would say so. For a long while now, the custom in America has been to wish each other ‘Happy Holidays’ or ‘Season’s Greetings’ instead of a ‘Merry Christmas’. And why? Indeed, the trouble with saying ‘Merry Christmas’ is that it assumes that whomever you are talking to is a Christian, and also celebrates Christmas, which may not be the case. On one level, I think they have a point. We often hear religious people complaining about ‘taking the Christ out of Christmas’, but forgetting that for some, Christ was never there in the first place. By wishing a stranger a Merry Christmas, you could be unwittingly disregarding whatever religion they follow, if any at all. When companies or businesses use ‘Merry Christmas’, it could be seen that they favour Christians over others. Is that fair? Perhaps we should also wish each other a happy Hanukah, Bodhi day, Diwali, Solstice, Saturnalia, Hogswatch… But of course, all of that’s very impractical and near impossible to communicate with one simple greeting, and ‘Happy Holidays’, although kind of empty-feeling, at least allows a person to be succinctly inclusive in their well-wishings. The key problem I find with this though, is that in wishing someone a happy Christmas (or Hanukah, or any other relevant festival), you are quite clearly wishing him or her happiness over the winter period that is sincere and thoughtful, if not entirely accurate. Surely then it makes no sense to be offended when it is evident that offence was not intentional, it was simply a gesture of kindness. It seems ridiculous to be so wrapped up in trivial things like political correctness that we cannot appreciate that. So, maybe this year when wishing people the season’s greetings, the most important thing is to say it with sincerity and a smile, because in truth, it’s not the words you say that are significant, but the genuine meaning behind them. I wish you a very happy whatever-the-appropriate-holiday-is-if-you-subscribe-to-any-particularform-of-religion-and-if-not-have-a-nice-winter.

-Ella

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 35

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HOMES & GARDENS

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s midwinter approaches and the nights grow even longer it’s an important time to review your home security. Long dark evenings and empty homes during the season of Christmas visiting unfortunately provide plenty of opportunities for criminals. Effective alarms, well-placed security lighting and even CCTV protect your home by putting potential intruders off at first glance, and can help reduce the likelihood of a break-in to practically nil. Huntington-based Judge Electrical Ltd are expanding, and they can now offer a host of new security services to domestic and trade customers. Thanks to the addition of security expert Steve Edwards to the team, they can now offer alarm and security products, with installation, including intruder alarms, fire alarms and emergency lighting. Don’t take risks – for as little as £350+vat, an investment in a Judge security system means you can relax and enjoy your Christmas break, in the knowledge that your family, home and property are well protected. Security systems can be provided and installed at businesses as well as homes. Offices, factories and warehouses should all have good intruder alarms and effective fire safety systems are subject to stringent legislation. Effective CCTV systems are a must if you keep a lot of stock or valuable equipment on site, whether outside or indoors. Judge Electrical can give a full service, delivery and installation service of CCTV systems to suit exactly what you need for factories, warehouses and distribution centres. You will find the Judge Electrical team expert, reliable, and skilled at providing the right security solution for full peace of mind.

week. They also specialise in taking care of electrical issues that can crop up with central heating systems – so if your boiler is on the blink and your plumber can’t fix it, call in Judge Electrical. Finally, if you’re interested in saving money on bills and improving your ecological impact, Judge Electrical can help ‘green’ Chris Judge, Judge Electrical Ltd your home or business, with measures like the supply and fitting of energyreducing lamps and money-saving solar panels on your roof. Judge Electrical is an approved contractor and domestic installer with NICEIC (registration number 032836000) and part of the Contractors Health and Safety Scheme (CHAS). For enquiries and advice, you can find Chris Judge at Judge Electrical Limited, 15 Mulberry Court, Huntington, YO32 9TU or call him on 01904 764845 or 07919 033113.

AreAs of electricAl expertise Judge Electrical is owned and run by Chris Judge, who works with a team of three highly qualified and trained electricians. Based in Huntington, they cover areas around Harrogate and Ripon, Malton, Pickering and Pocklington, Selby, Tadcaster and York, Thirsk and Wetherby. They provide electrical services to homeowners and tradesmen, taking care of anything from installing appliances and upgrading current systems, adding sockets and new circuits, through to full rewires for homes, conversions and extensions, plus safety testing. They also offer a fault-finding service and are available to come out and help you with any electrical problem 24 hours a day, seven days a

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR PRICES www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 37 AND ADVICE

Ford

B-Max

Ford has ditched its forgettable Fusion and replaced it with a bold car sporting no B-pillars, but is it any good? We find out... What is it? It is the first car in a massive product offensive from the Blue Oval, designed to keep the car giant profitable in Europe. The B-Max replaces the forgettable – but much-loved among certain UK buyers – Fusion and goes up against rivals from Vauxhall, Honda, Nissan and Citroen in the B-segment MPV market. But to steal sales away from these firms, the B-Max has a party-piece – no B-pillars.

What’s under the bonnet? Petrol buyers will be able to choose between the new 1.0 litre Ecoboost engine with 99bhp or 118bhp. There’s also a 1.4 litre Duratorq with 89bhp and a 1.6-litre Ti-VCT unit with 104bhp and an automatic gearbox. Diesels include a 1.5 with 74bhp and a 1.6 with 94bhp. Ford says the best seller will be the 1.6-litre diesel, but, in time, the 1.0-litre could claim that title.

What’s the spec like? The range kicks off at £12,995 for the Studio 1.4-litre petrol which comes with electric mirrors and electric windows front and rear, while prices top out at £18,895 for the Titanium 1.6-litre diesel. That model comes as standard with 16-inch alloys, auto 38 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

headlamps and Ford system – a clever voice control and device integration system. It’s a £250 option on all models bar the Titanium.

What’s it like to drive? At launch we drove the 1.0-litre Ecoboost 118bhp and the 1.6-litre diesel. The 1.0-litre is a blast yet still offers agreeable fuel economy figures – 55.4mpg combined is quoted – while the 1.6-litre diesel is sluggish. It has light steering and the ride is supple. The B-Max retains the Fiesta’s fun handling – a car on which it’s based.

What do the press think of it? The Telegraph said: ‘After the execrable Fusion, Ford has worked hard to produce something different and worthwhile. This is a wellengineered car, safe and good looking.’ Honest John adds: ‘And

anyone already contemplating a Citroen C3 Picasso, a Hyundai ix20, a Kia Venga, a Toyota Verso S or a Vauxhall Meriva should get down to their Ford dealers and take a look.’

We asked Ford of Britain MD Mark Ovenden how much of a change the B-Max is over the old Fusion. ‘It’s a completely different vehicle. Fusion did pretty well for us and our dealers, but with B-Max the wow is the door system. B-Max also has lots of style, a large range of clever features and, of course, there’s the 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine. The B-Max is an excellent car – whereas the Fusion was essentially just a highriding vehicle. B-Max has a got a lot more strength to it. As one of my younger colleagues said to me, the B-Max is more of an automotive app than a car!’

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

MOTORING

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 What do we think of it? This could well be the new class-leader as it makes other cars in this sector seem terribly conservative. Without having the benefit of trying all the engines and specifications, we can only really recommend the 1.0-litre Ecoboost 118bhp Titanium model which retails at £17,595. It’s not cheap but it’s probably worth the money.

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 39

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DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

HOMES & GARDENS

Winter Planters

by Pippa Greenwood

Even if you’re sure you’re not going to venture out in to your garden much in the colder months, make sure you have every possible encouragement by creating a winter planter or two.

A pretty planter on the front steps or gracing the patio will not only look gorgeous from the warm comfort of the house, but will also help to coax you outside from time to time. Grab a container, some compost and a selection of plants and be creative. Larger is better, as once temperatures drop a larger container is more likely to protect the roots on the plants due to the greater volume of compost. Frozen roots are fatal, so this is really worth bearing in mind. I’d avoid any container less than 30cm (12in) diameter if possible, unless you live in a very mild area. Remember that summer bedding displays can be pulled out now, so you can always re-use suitable containers once the plants have been cleared. Any container will insulate the roots a little, but one made from thick wood (such as a wooden trough or window box, or a half-barrel) will be very effective. Good quality, fairy chunky plastic also works quite

well. Try to avoid metal as this tends to conduct cold. Warm undergarments are all the rage for winter planters. A lining of bubblewrap polythene or even a few layers of old fabric or carpet, sandwiched between the sides of the container and the compost will help to keep both compost and roots warm. I always save packaging materials from parcels for this sort of thing; why not pull out the bubble-wrap inner lining from a large padded envelope and use that? If you live in a particularly cold area, or simply want to decrease the risk of winter damage further, try to position winter planters out of the

windiest areas. If possible place them fairly close to a house wall on the south or west side as this will help to provide a little extra warmth. A visit to your local plant nursery or garden centre at this time of year should fill you with inspiration as you’ll be amazed at the range of plants available for adding winter colour and interest to pots and planters. Some of my favourites are the universal or other winter flowering pansies or even hardier smaller flowered violas. For some seriously sturdy winter colour, try the winter flowering heathers as these make a good base for the display and you can, if you wish, add trailing plants such www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 43

narcissus, crocus and miniature iris. There are many different forms, colours and shapes of all these bulbs available and if hidden beneath the roots of your winter bedding plants, you will forget they are there until they burst out in spring and produce a lovely flush of fresh, pretty colour and often some delightful perfume too. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Choose from a fantastic selection of vegetables that Pippa will send to you at just the right time for planting AND each week you receive an email telling you all you need to know to ensure great results – from just £29 for up to 66 garden-ready plants.

In warmer areas, you will also be able to add bright patches of colour to your display using the ‘winter cherry’ or solanum which has bright yellow and orange fruits and also many of the polyanthus whose super-sized, primroselike flowers come in a wide range of really showy colours. You could also use a few winter flowering cyclamen but these definitely need a very sheltered spot such as a window box on a protected wall.

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as variegated ivies to help provide extra colour, texture and interesting leaf shapes. All these plants will last for years, not just the winter months. At this time of year you are likely to find many garden centres offer very tiny versions of shrubs such as skimmias, Pieris or hollies and many of the dwarf conifers. Although these obviously have the potential to grow considerably larger, they will provide good colour and interest in a container for a year or two and can then be planted out into the garden and allowed to reach their full size.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 All aspects of tree work, hedge cutting, fencing and planting.

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

HOMES & GARDENS

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 47

What do you buy the person who has everything?

Buying Christmas presents for gadget fans can be difficult, because they don’t tend to wait for special occasions to splash out - but before you reach for the stand-by option of perfume or socks, it’s worth thinking laterally. The answer to the question “what do you buy for the person who has everything?” is often “accessories”.

This doesn’t necessarily mean brightly coloured cases or novelty items that plug into laptops’ USB ports, although of course there are plenty of those to choose from; novelty USB items are this decade’s equivalent of hilarious musical socks, and best avoided. In many cases accessories can make gadgets even more useful. Take the Eye-Fi Connect memory card, for example: it’s a camera memory card

with built-in Wi-Fi, so it turns any camera into a connected one for instant uploading. It’s not as expensive as you might expect - at the time of writing a 4GB Eye-Fi Connect X2 is £32.25 on Amazon - and it will genuinely delight any camera fan. Just make sure it’ll fit: Eye-Fi cards are designed to fit in SDHC slots, which you’ll find in most but not all modern cameras. Another camera favourite is the Gorillapod, an innovative

A Christmas Carol Pantomime presented by

Thursday 6th December 7.30pm Friday 7th December 7.30pm Saturday 8th December 2.30pm Adults £6 Concessions £3.50 Strensall Village Hall

Tickets available from Strensall Post Office from 1st Nov A Pantomime by Limelight Scripts – www.limelightscripts. co.uk 48 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

YORK

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 camera tripod that can hang on to almost anything. It’s available for everything from smartphones to enormous digital SLRs, and prices start at around £10. Unlike traditional tripods it doesn’t need to sit on the ground: you can wrap it around lampposts and tree branches, hang it from tables or put it on your head. There are no shortage of useful accessories for iPads, and one of the best is Logitech’s Ultrathin Keyboard (around £75), which essentially turns an iPad into a small laptop. If you’d rather spend a little less, there are tablet styluses for writing notes and drawing for as little as £6.30 (Griffin’s Apple iPad Stylus), rising to around £22 for the Pogo Sketch Pro. Such styluses work not just on iPads, but any touchscreen device including rival tablets and smartphones. As you’ve probably noticed in the shop, Apple owners are particularly well served by accessories: you can’t wander round the supermarket without tripping over a pile of iPhone alarm clocks and speaker docks. Such items make great presents, but be careful which ones you buy: with the arrival of the iPhone 5 in September, Apple dumped its existing dock connector in favour of a smaller connector called Lightning. Accessories designed for the iPhone 4 and earlier will still work, but they’ll need an expensive adapter for the iPhone 5, updated iPods and updated iPads - and in some cases the cost of the adapter may be more than the cost of the accessory. It’s definitely worth checking which version the person has before spending any money - advice that also applies to very useful multi-device chargers such as the Bluelounge Refresh (£69.99), which can charge multiple gadgets simultaneously.

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If you’re still stuck for ideas, there’s always the famous answer to the present for someone who has everything: a box for them to put it all in. Rather than a box we’d recommend a bag, and we particularly like the Unit Portables bags (£59.99 from Muazo.co.uk): while they’re designed to accommodate gadgets, chargers and their accessories, they’re smart, stylish and available in a range of eye-catching colours. www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 49

Local Events

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE Millegro - Anniversary Concert

1 December Millegro returns to Joseph Rowntree Theatre for a spectacular concert event celebrating their 3rd Anniversary.

Cinderella 8-15 December Get your tickets early for this years “rollicking romp of a panto”

Gala Christmas Concert 20 – 21 December Shepherd Group Brass Band

HUNTINGTON METHODIST CHURCH

Christmas Tree Festival 30 November – 3 December The festival will be open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, 2pm to 5pm on Sunday and 10am to 3pm on Monday. There will be 18 trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organisations on the theme of Pantomimes, homemade refreshments will be available all day, and there will be stalls selling gifts, crafts and jewellery. Admission is free, and all proceeds are for the Churches’ improvements scheme.

Christmas Music Night 22 December Saturday Night is Christmas Music Night Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA

HAXBY & WIGGINTON U3A A Christmas Carol & Other Stories 21 December at Wiggington Recreation Hall at 2pm. A talk given by the York Dickens Fellowship followed by Community Singing from the ranks of our U3A & Christmas refreshments.

SHERIFF HUTTON JUMBLIES

15 December Wigginton Recreational Hall at 7.30pm, tickets £7.50 T: 01904 490440, bring your own drinks & supper and join the party!

HOVINGHAM VILLAGE MARKET 1 & 15 December Starts 10.30am. Hovingham Village Hall, Main Street, Hovingham,YO62 4LF

Christmas Concert 2 December Concert given by the Swinton Brass Band, organised by Sheriff Hutton Jumblies, in The Village Hall at 2.30pm. Raising money for The Village Hall.

MALTON FOOD LOVERS

BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS Wigginton Recreation Centre 3 December & 28 January 2- 4pm and 5-7pm

New Earswick Folk Hall 14 January 2-4pm & 5-7pm

Christmas 2012

50 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Folk & Fun with The Foresters

Christmas Market

THE ICE FACTOR 24 November – 6 January York’s award-winning real ice rink, brings the Christmas magic back this season at York Designer Outlet. Booking is advisable, through our new ticket shop at www.theicefactor.co.uk Further details are available at www. theicefactor.co.uk or by calling 01653 619169.

A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL

RIVER FOSS SOCIETY Malton Food Market 1 December The Milton Rooms. Malton’s regular indoor market and the little brother of the bigger annual festival. www.welovemalton. co.uk/foodmarket

Christmas Lunch 2 December For more details contact June Card on 01904 766196 or email june_ card@o2.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 CASTLE HOWARD Christmas at Castle Howard 2012

Christmas Craft & Produce Market

24 November - 16 December From the elegant decorations and music in the House, to festive food, gifts and audiences with Father Christmas, there is something for everyone this Christmas at Castle Howard. Children will love a trip to Castle Howard with Geoffrey the Lion’s special house trail, rides on the Christmas Express to the Lakeside Adventure Playground and a fireside audience with Father Christmas (pre-book), a magical experience they’ll never forget.

27 November 2 - 4, 9 & 10 December Shop for perfect Christmas gifts and treats from the wide selection of delicious food and beautiful crafts. Open from 10am until 4pm. Castle Howard, York, YO6O 7DA, www.castlehoward.co.uk, 01653 648333

THORNTON LE CLAY EVENTS Christmas Shopping 22 December Raising money for Foston School PTA. 10am-4pm. Serving Refreshments All Day. Come and visit us whilst finishing your Xmas Shopping! St Crux Parish Hall – York.

ST NICHOLAS FIELDS Winter Music For St Nicks 14 December 7:30pm at St Helen’s Church, St Helen’s Square YO1 8QP. Programme details to be confirmed. Light refreshments will be available. All proceeds will go to the Friends of St Nicholas Fields charity. Tickets: on the door - £8/£6 concessions; £1 off advance tickets available from York Environment Centre or 01904 411821. For more details check www.stnicksfields.org.uk

POLLY ANNA’S NURSERY Quiz Night 30 November The Cottage Inn, 8pm, £2 per person (max 4 in a team). Fun raffle £1 per ticket. Raising funds for ‘Help the Heroes’ and ‘Martin House’

WIGGINTON & HAXBY WI

COMMUNITY THE BETHANY PROJECT African Experience 28 November This African Children’s Choir is coming all the way from their orphanage in Tanzania to perform in York. The performances are free at Dunnington Methodist Chapel at 2.30pm and at Holy Trinity Church, Stockton-on-theForest at 7pm.

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Santa’s Steam Adventure 29 & 30 November 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 December Everything is ready for Christmas but Santa has lost his presents. Take a magical journey with us to the North Yorkshire Pole to help track them down. For more information please visit www. nrm.org.uk

Christmas Social 13 December A swinging 60’s Christmas by Alan Ramsbottom. Competition : Handmade Christmas cracker.

Chris Beavers 10 January Not a pretty face amongst them! by Chris Beavers. Competition : A Doll

HAXBY SINGERS “Christmas Fantasia” 8 December A programme including seasonal music and readings. 7.30pm in Haxby Memorial Hall. Tickets £6 adults, £3 children, available from choir members or on the door. Light refreshments included.

THE YORK BARBICAN The York Community Christmas Carol Concert 15 December 2.30pm (tickets £7). York’s longest running and most popular Community Carol Concert celebrates its 55th Anniversary by returning to the York Barbican. The Barbican, 20 Barbican Road, YO10 5AA York.

Cinderella 21 – 30 December York Barbican Pantomime featuring CBeebies star Dani Harmer, from hit tv shows Tracy Beaker and Dani’s House as Cinderella, Joe Tracini (Hollyoaks’ Dennis Savage) as Buttons, King of the Jungle Joe Swash as Dandini and Minster Fm’s James Watt as Baron Hardup! The Barbican, 20 Barbican Road, YO10 5AA York www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 51

YORK SANTA JOG 2012 British Heart Foundation 9 December In aid of British Heart Foundation. Choose from a 2km or 5km around York Knavesmire and get into the festive spirit with hundreds of fellow Santas. £9 per adult advance registration. Contact BHF York Fundraising Team on 01653 624558 or north@bhf.org.uk . More information on www.bhf.org.uk

SPARTS A Christmas Carol Pantomime 6 - 8 December On the Thursday and Friday night, performances start at 7.30pm. On Saturday performance begins at 2.30pm. Adults £6, Concessions £3.50. Strensall Village Hall. Tickets available from Strensall Post Office from 1 November.

STRENSALL METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Coffee Morning 15 December Raising money for Macmillan at the hall from 10am till 1pm. There will be a selection of different cake, Christmas cakes, mince pies, chocolates, jewellery and Christmas cards. All are welcome to come along and help support a great cause.

HAXBY & WIGGINTON U3A 21 December At Wiggington Recreation Hall at 2pm. ‘A Christmas Carol & Other Stories’ A talk given by the York Dickens Fellowship followed by Community Singing from the ranks of our U3A and Christmas Refreshments.

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY Santa Specials 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 December Perfect for families with young children, embark on this magical adventure on-board the Santa Express to meet Santa in his Grotto on-board the train. Ticket price includes return travel, a present for each child, a scrumptious mince pie for everyone, warming hot drinks, juice for the children and adults can enjoy a complimentary alcoholic tipple. For more details visit www.nymr.co.uk

STAMFORD BRIDGE SINGERS O Come O Come Emmanuel

This Wondrous Night

7 December 7.30pm. Chapel at the Bar Convent in York for a celebration of Advent and Christmas. Tickets priced £10 to include wine and mince pies, can be obtained from the Bar Convent on 01904 643238 or email: reception@barconvent.org.uk

15 December St John the Evangelist Church in Welburn near Malton at 7.30pm. This event will be a joyous celebration of both the religious and the secular side of Christmas. Tickets, priced £10 to include supper in the village hall, are available by ringing 01653 61564 / 618836 / 618662 or from Malton Tourist Office 01653 600048. www.stamfordbridgesingers. btck.co.uk

52 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

HAXBY MEMORIAL HALL Christmas Tree Festival 1 -2 December The Hall will be full of decorated christmas trees, a fabulous Santas grotto, gift stalls and refreshments. Santa will be at the hall at 1pm on both days. Each child that writes a letter to Santa and leaves it with us that weekend we receive a personal reply from Santa. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the Hall and towards our Raise the Roof appeal.

ST NICHOLAS FAYRE Christmas Market 29 November 2 December One of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK, offering a range of markets specialising in gifts, crafts, and the very best in local farm produce. Outside markets move into Parliament Street, St Sampsons Square and Coppergate. The Guild Hall provides a home for 'Made In Yorkshire' artists and crafters from across the region. Barley Hall, presents a special medieval market with live crafting, mulled wine and costumed traders. St William's College houses an arts and crafts market for fine hand-made items not to be found in the shops.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 DALBY FOREST

COMMUNITY

STRAIGHT AS QUO

YO18 7LT | 01751 460295

Fibbers, York

Stars at Christmas

26 January The greatest Status Quo Tribute band on the planet perform in York, come along for a night you will enjoy, after all everyone likes a bit of Quo!! For tickets visit www. fibbers.co.uk. £7 pp. For more information contact 07947 791037 | www.straightasquo. com.

7 December Join the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society for a tour of the night sky with a Christmas theme. Bring warm clothing and a torch. Suitable for all ages. Check details www. forestry.gov.uk

Father Christmas at Dalby Forest 8, 9, 15 & 16 December Visit Father Christmas in his grotto in the Visitor Centre. Suitable for all ages. Check details at www. forestry.gov.uk

CHRISTMAS FAIR Stockton on the Forest Primary School 30 November 3.15 - 5pm See Santa in his grotto. Grand prize raffle, tombola, cake stall, seasonal games and stalls. Refreshments.

Tale and aTune Need entertainment for your get together? Over 60s a speciality For more information please call Maureen Stannard or Ivy Eden 01904 644366 or 01904 768112

Pianist needed for Vintage Rhythms

YORK RSPCA ANIMAL HOME Christmas Fair 2 December 11am-3.30pm. Our last fair of the year heralds the countdown to the festival season and will provide you with the perfect opportunity to support our work into the new year. Entry is £2 for adults and under 16yrs attend for free.

We are an amateur band that plays all the old dance band music of the 30s and 40s etc for concerts and similar. We rehearse on Monday lunchtime at New Earswick Methodist church 12 till 1pm. We have all the brass and reed players but lack a good pianist who can read music well! If that is you, please contact is Mick Reeder on 01904 690320 or michael.reeder@ mypostoffice.co.uk

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM OF FARMING Santa Specials 1,2,8,9,15,16,22 & 23 December Join Santa and his elves for a fun packed traditional Christmas experience. For more information view the webpage or contact Murton Park.

‘A Woman’s Work is Never Done…’ 5 December Talk about women on the farm in WWII by Dr Karen Sayer, Professor of Social and Cultural History as seen on the BBC “Wartime Farm”. 1:30 - 3:30 pm. £3 inc. Afternoon Tea.

Murton, York, YO19 5UF, 01904 489966, enquiries@murtonpark.co.uk, www.murtonpark.co.uk

The next edition will be for February 2013 The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 8th January www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 53

2ND SUNDAY RAMBLING CLUB Our walks are usually 10 - 12 miles long and within about an hours journey from York. We have a coach which picks up in Wigginton, Haxby, New Earswick and Clarence Street from 8.30am, with an introductory fare of £5 for your first walk. We look forward to seeing you next month - on the second Sunday, of course! For more information please ring either Helen on York 782891 or Hazel on York 760897.

AGE CONCERN YORK Age Concern York provides a wide range of personal and practical support to older people in the York area. www. ageconcernyork.org.uk The office is open Monday - Friday 09.00am - 4.00pm. For more information contact: Information Officer, Age Concern York tel: (01904) 627995/621020

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SOCIETY Information and support for all people with dementia and their carers. www. alzheimers.org.uk/york Monday - Friday 9.30 - 3.30 The Retreat, Heslington Road, Heslington, York YO10 5BN For more information contact: Branch Manager, Alzheimer’s Society, York Branch, Ground Floor Suite, Holgate Villa, 22 Holgate Road, York YO24 4AB tel: 01904 658106 or 01904 799773 email: AL.york@tesco.net

BREATHE EASY YORK The group meets every first Wednesday of the month 1pm-3pm at Huntington Working Mens Club. This is open for sufferers, helpers and carers. Support, speakers and trips out. For more information call Sue, 01904 410 003 or go to: www.breatheeasyyork.co.uk

BRITISH RED CROSS Car and minibus drivers required in all areas. The British Red Cross Transport Service is looking for volunteer drivers who can help in their local community to make a difference to those in need. As a transport service volunteer, you will have the rewarding experience of helping people who cannot get about easily. Training and support given and mileage allowance of 40p per mile paid. If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer please ring Linda on 01904 692550 or Helen on 01904 693027

CANCER CARE CENTRE at York Hospital offers support and information for Cancer Patients, their Families and Carers. Information available includes access to Local Support Groups, Travel Insurance and Forthcoming Events. We offer specialised services on a referral basis such as Psycho-Oncology, Complementary Therapy and Benefits Advice. To find out more come in and see us, the Centre is open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm or telephone 01904 721166.

CITIZEN ADVICE BUREAU Free and confidential advice. Mon & Tues - 9.30-3.30pm. Wed 4.30pm-7pm. Thurs 9.30am-3.30pm. Closed on fridays. 0844

54 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

826 9705 www.yorkcab.org.uk

FRIENDS OF YORK HOSPITALS

CITY OF YORK PIPE BAND

This group organises volunteers who provide patients with extra comfort and support. We also raise funds for medical and surgical equipment which cannot be provided through NHS finances. For more information call Friends Office tel: 01904 726762 email: friendsofyorkhospital@ york.nhs.uk

We consist of bagpipers, base drum, tenor drums and side drummers. We practice weekly at the Huntington Memorial Hall, on Wednesday nights,. We offer tuition, free for under 18’s and a small yearly fee for adults. We have all the equipment anyone will need to start... so come and join us!! Ring Laura, Pipe Major, on 01904 763243 or John on 01423 879519.

CITY OF YORK AND DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY. We hold monthly meetings on the 1st Wednesday of the month at The Folk Hall, New Earswick 7pm for 7 30. excluding January. We also have a well equipped Study Centre in York where we can help both inexperienced and the more experienced with their problems and brickwalls. We welcome newcomers to the hobby and are willing to give advice to set them on the way. Please see our web site at www.yorkfamilyhistory.org.uk or call Mike on 01904 767013

CLAXTON AND SAND HUTTON KNIT AND NATTER GROUP We meet in the village hall on the first monday of each month 10.00am to 12.00pm. For more details and/or to learn to knit call Rachel on 07970956022. There is no charge for meetings or tuition.

CRAFT AND CHAT GROUP Come along and try your hand at any craft from knitting to card making. Lots of help and advice on offer. Just bring along any craft project. All ages and levels welcome. New Earwick Folk Hall 10-12pm Every Saturday in term time. £2 per session. For more details call 01904 762255.

EWENIQUE MACHINE KNITTING CLUB Meet at the Folk Hall New Earswick on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month 2pm until 4pm. (No meeting July/August).We are a friendly group who meet to exchange ideas and techniques. Most meetings we have a demonstration of knitting. For more information call Pat on 01904 763964.

FOSTON & THORNTON LE CLAY VILLAGE HALL Recently refurbished and central heated hall available for hire for events,parties, meetings, etc . Well sprung wooden floor for exercise and dancing (currently used by the Minster Strays) with kitchen and cloakroom facilities ; £6 per hour. Contact Fiona Hill 01904 468773 for details.

FRIENDS OF ST NICHOLAS FIELDS York Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, York, YO10 3ST. The nature reserve is open all the time and has a children’s playground, mini stonehenge, butterfly walk and wooded area. Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5pm and Sat 10.00am - 2pm. Please pop down during opening hours to find out more. Be a volunteer or a member of St Nicholas - call 01904 411821

FRIENDS OF YORK THEATRE ROYAL We are an enthusiastic, theatre-loving group keen to support our local theatre and meet others who share a passion for the arts. Joining us is a good way to make new friends, to take part in events at the Theatre Royal, to visit theatres in other places such as Newcastle, Scarborough and Leeds, and other places of interest such as historical buildings in York and elsewhere. We hold monthly lunches in the theatre foyer, and help with selling programmes. If you would like to join, please write to our Membership Secretary,c/o York Theatre Royal, St Leonards Place, York YO1 7HD or visit our website at friends@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

HALVES Are you a person who has lost their other

half? If so, would you like to join us for a friendly chat over refreshments? We meet at 12 noon on the first Saturday of each month in the coffee area of Trinity Methodist Church, Monkgate, York For more information telephone Margaret on 01904 415894

HAXBY & WIGGINTON FLOWER CLUB (Affiliated to NAFAS) A group for people who are interested in flower arranging, voluntary competitions, visiting speakers, self help activities and opportunities for wider involvement. All visitors are welcome. Further details from 01904 765676

HAXBY & WIGGINTON GARDENING CLUB We meet monthly on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 2.30pm at .St Mary’s Church Hall, Haxby. We have regular speakers, visits and events and welcome new members to this friendly and informal group. For more information please phone Ginny Mason, Secretary 01904 768516

HAXBY & WIGGINTON KNIT AND NATTER GROUP Tuesdays from 7-9 pm at Wigginton Church Hall. Do you enjoy knitting or crochet? Would you like to meet new people, have a chat and share your hobby? Then come along to Knit and Natter. All ages and abilities are welcome, just bring your latest project with you. There is a charge of £2 per person to cover the cost of room hire and refreshments will be available. Any queries please contact Clare on 079800 26690

HAXBY & WIGGINTON PROBUS CLUB We are a club for retired people over 55 years old. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday each month in the Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church Hall at 10am

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 for 10.30am. We have speakers on many varied subjects. New members welcome. For further information contact Mike Harrison on 01904 769507

HAXBY & WIGGINTON U3A The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a voluntary body of retired but active people who like to follow their interests and take up new ones. Courses are run free of charge by members themselves, no qualifications are required only enthusiasm and a wish to join with others in the pursuit of new activities. Monthly meetings with a speaker on the 3rd Friday of the month at 2pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall. Current groups include Art, Bird Watching, History, Mah Yong, Philosophy, IT, Languages, Literature, Scrabble, Table Tennis, Walking etc. Theatre visits, luncheons and excursions are also arranged. For further information call John Dowell (01904 769618).

COMMUNITY

companionship, which helps relieve the stress, isolation and loneliness that deafness can bring. To find out how you can get involved please contact us on 01844 348100, at info@hearingdogs.org. uk or see www.hearingdogs.org.uk

from £1.10 per week (for up to 8hrs per week).Vacancies now available in all sections. For more information see www. newearswicksc.co.uk. Learn to swim enquires.Tel 01904 768163. Coaching enquiries.Tel 01904 765397. Email memberships@newearswicksc.co.uk

HUNTINGTON BRIDGE CLUB Held every Saturday at Huntington Community Centre, 26 Strensall Road. 7 till 10,. All new players welcome! Just come along. For more information please call Marianne on 01904 761892.

HUNTINGTON MEMORIAL HALL

46 Strensall Road, Huntington. Two rooms available for hire. Other groups who use the hall are Huntington Pre-School, the Guiding Association, Karate, Ebor Rag Ruggers, Diet and Fitness Groups, dance groups and Military Whist groups. Further information and bookings is via the Caretaker on 01904 760044.

HAXBY AND WIGGINTON YORK IN TRANSITION We are a voluntary group of people who live in the area, who want to make a local impact on the York in Transition Agenda: to persuade everyone to make small steps towards reducing our reliance on ways of living which are unsustainable and will cause serious dilemmas for our children and grandchildren. We want to start by becoming more cooperative about what we grow and produce locally...contact to join the ‘germinators’ or express any interests: 01904 760659

HAXBY MEMORIAL HALL Situated in the heart of Haxby. Two meeting rooms and a large hall available for all non and licenced functions, meetings, leisure, fundraising and hobby groups.Please view website - www. haxbymemorialhall.org or contact the caretaker on 01904 764358 for further information. Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales - No. 508205

HAXBY SINGERS Do you like to sing? Basses, Tenors, Altos and Sopranos it’s great fun, come along to the Haxby Singers. Auditions are not required to join our friendly mixed choir group. We meet 7.30pm, once a week In St Mary’s Church Hall. For further information, telephone Lynn on 01904 769838 or Margaret on 01904 761618

HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLE Hearing dogs provide deaf people with greater independence, confidence and

Access to information, advice and support, and to offer opportunities and choice to anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). For more information please call our helpline 01904 758577. www2.mssociety. org.uk/York

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Charity No 1046443. We can help you to access information, support and you can talk to fellow sufferers. You are not alone if you need any help pr advice just get in touch. Newly diagnosed? Not a member? Call Ron Middlemass Chairman for more information on 01904 679939 or 07715 943406 or e-mail ron.middlemass@o2.co. uk

NEW EARSWICK BRIDGE CLUB. Meets every Monday evening at 7pm in the Folk Hall. New members always welcome, more information; Tel:01904760639

NEW EARSWICK CAMERA CLUB We meet mid September to the end of April each Thursday evening at 7:30pm at the Quaker Meeting House which is located to the rear of the Folk Hall car park, New Earswick. NECC was founded in 1949 and now, in its 62nd year, embraces all aspects of digital photography. Come along and try our varied programme before you join. You will love our friendly hospitality. See our new Syllabus at www.communigate.co.uk/york/ newearswickcameraclub

NEW EARSWICK SWIMMING CLUB We offer low cost learn to swim (from 4yrs old), competitive swim training, masters sessions, opportunities to compete in local leagues, recreational swimming*. New Earswick Pool* and 2 other venues in the city. Best Value learn to swim scheme in the area. Fees from £1.75 per lesson. Competitive swim training from £4.50 per week. (3 sessions)Low cost annual membership for Recreational swimming

Contact detail Bryan Blundell 01904 764648. New Earswick Sports and Social club 3rd Monday of the month. at 7.30 for 7.45. Details of all meetings available at http://www.yorkareagroup.co.uk/

OAKEN GROVE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

HAXBY & WIGGINTON LOCAL HISTORY MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY (YORK GROUP BRANCH)

We are a lively, friendly and informal group who meet to promote local history. We have speakers, research groups and occasional visits to interesting locations. Why not make a trial visit with a view to becoming a member? We meet every third Thursday of the month in St Mary’s Church Hall, Haxby. at 10.00am (refreshments available). Ring Ian Mason 768516

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY GROUP

ideal venue for children’s parties. We have various room sizes for hire, a good kitchen/ cafe area, conservatory, garden and a safe children’s play area. Come and see what we have to offer. If you are interested or you would like more information, please call in at the Centre in Reid Park, Haxby, or contact Paul Lawrence, Centre Manager, Tel. 01904 769176 Registered Charity Number 1105675.

OAKEN GROVE SURFERS Oaken Grove Surfers meet at Oaken Grove Community Centre, Reid Park (off Oaken Grove) Haxby on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons. We help adult beginners get to grips with computers and the internet. We are a friendly group providing one to one support to learn how to email, shop and stay safe online (we are a UK Online Centre) Telephone the centre on 01904 769176 for more information.

OLDER CITIZENS ADVOCACY YORK – OCAY OCAY is an independent, registered charity offering a free advocacy service for all citizens of York aged 50 and over. If you think that we may be able to help you, or someone you know, then please get in touch by phone (01904 676200), e-mail (ocay@btconnect.com), or by calling in to our office in Townend Street, Monday -Thursday 10am -4pm or Friday 10am 2pm.

PARKINSONS UK This local group meets usually on the first Monday of the month at Huntington Community Centre, 26 Strensall Road, Huntington, York YO32 9RG at 7pm. New members, together with families and friends are welcome to join us. At most meetings we have a guest speaker and towards the end of the gathering we have refreshments. Contact numbers for further information are Jayne Rigall, Information and Support Officer at national level on freephone 0844 225 36 32 or Kate Pearson 01904 758355.

REFLECT Reflect is a counselling service based in York that is specifically for women and men facing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy. We are one of around 150 centres across the UK www. careconfidential.com and can offer trained

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advisers to help. The York centre has 13 volunteers and opening times Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm and Fridays between 3-5pm for drops in at the Gateway centre, Acomb, but many other appointments are available, just call to arrange. More information from 01904 676710 or visit www.reflectyork.co.uk.

RIVER FOSS SOCIETY The Society is dedicated to the conservation and improvement of the River Foss, from its source until it joins the Ouse in York, for the benefit of its wildlife and the enjoyment of local residents. The quarterly newsletter for members includes details of the programme of walks, talks and other activities. Further information can be obtained from the Society’s website at www.riverfosssociety.co.uk or from the Membership Secretary on 01904 768071.

RNLI GALTRES FOREST BRANCH A small group of people who are mad enough to enjoy raising money for the Lifeboats. If you are interested in helping us or just want to know more about the work we do please contact Sue Lowe on 01904 491133 or colin.lowe@virgin.net

ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS - YORK LOCAL GROUP The group arranges regular meetings, field trips and local short walks for people who enjoy looking at and learning more about birds and their environment. It is not necessary to be a member of the national organisation. Our indoor meetings are held in Temple Hall at York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk. For more information visit our website www.yorkrspb.org.uk or ring 01904 794865.

SAMARITANS OF YORK & DISTRICT Confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or despair or at risk and self harm or suicide. www.samaritans.org.uk tel 08457 90 90 90. We are always available for phone calls and visitors 8.00am - 10.00pm. 89 Nunnery Lane, York YO23 1AH tel: 01904 655888

SAND HUTTON AND CLAXTON VILLAGE HALL The ideal venue to hire for parties, meetings, celebrations etc. Large bright hall, Meeting Room, Excellent kitchen facilities and cloakrooms. For more details please phone 0770 4353186 for competitive rates of hire.

SHOPMOBILITY IN YORK Anyone with a mobility problem, whether it is temporary or permanent can hire a powered scooter or an electric or manual wheelchair (you must be able to safely control the vehicle). Low daily hire charge. Located on the second floor of Piccadilly Multistorey Car Park in the city centre. For further information and booking call on 01904 679222

SINGLE PARENTS NATTER AND PLAY New Earswick Children’s Centre. Every last Friday of the month. 1.30 - 3pm.

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Friendly group of single mums and dads of under 5s. Call 01904 552646 for more information.

STAMFORD BRIDGE SINGERS We are a friendly, community choir of approx: 40 voices aged 13 to 70 which rehearses weekly throughout term time in Stamford Bridge School. We are available for Concerts, Church Services and Weddings. To hire us or to join the choir please email: info@stamfordbridgesingers. co.uk Further details on our website: www.stamfordbridgesingers.btck.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

STOCKTON-ON-THE-FOREST VILLAGE HALL Available to hire on a regular or one-off basis. We have four different sized rooms suitable for various purposes including meetings, parties, exhibitions, dancing, wedding receptions and there is also a stage with full lighting available. There is also a fully equipped kitchen. Packages for children’s parties up to the age of 12 are available (no teenage or 21st parties). For further information please telephone 400409.

STRENSALL BRIDGE CLUB Strensall Village Hall, Thursday at 7:00pm For non-serious bridge, contact John on 01904 769618

STRENSALL DINING GROUP Who says you’re old and past it when you are 50 or over? Our dining group of friends are full of fun and life. So do not sit or eat alone, come and join us. We meet every 3-4 weeks at various venues in and around the York area. If you enjoy good food and good company then ring 01904 490987 for more details.

STRENSALL LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Aims to promote and study the history of the parish of Strensall and to disseminate historical information through meetings, publications lectures and events. We are a friendly group who in order to explore, study and record this exciting history have regular monthly meetings which provide opportunities to hear a variety of speakers or to participate in workshops. Meetings are held in Strensall Village Hall on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm.

STRENSALL READING GROUP We are a friendly group who meet on the last Wednesday of the month from 2.30 – 3.30 pm in Strensall Library. The Library provides us with a book which we read over the month and then get together to discuss it over tea and biscuits. We are looking for new members and if you enjoy books and reading do please come along. It is free! If you would like any more information then please ring Sarah at the Library on 490876 or Pam on 764518.

STRENSALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE All welcome. Huntington ladies most welcome. For more information, please call 01904 490758.

THE SHEPHERD GROUP BRASS BAND

Rehearsal facilities for us at the Portakabin Site in Huntington. The Beginners Band rehearses Monday evenings 6.30-8.00pm. Contact Audrey Brown, tel 01904 425256. The Concert Band rehearses Wednesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm. Contact David Gregg on 07710 106906. The Senior Band rehearses on Tuesday and Friday evenings 8.00-10.00pm. Contact Charles Wilson on 07802 190250. www.shepherdbrassband. org

WIGBY WALKERS Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Why not join us on our weekly Wednesday walks? We set off from Wigginton Recreation Hall car park at 10 am for a short drive and a 5-7 mile walk, stopping at a tea shop on the way home. We also have 6-8 mile walks on the 4th Saturday of each month. You just need suitable clothing and footwear, a packed lunch and to live in Haxby or Wigginton. For more information call Joyce on 01904 762605.

WIGGINTON & HAXBY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Registered Charity No. 1023129. We meet every second Thursday in the month at St. Mary’s Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. New and old members, and visitors, always welcome. For more information contact Mrs Graves on 01904 750570. Please see the events pages for details of our next meeting.

WIGGINTON AND HAXBY OVER SIXTIES We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 2.00pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall. We have speakers, trips out, activity groups. Old and new members, also visitors are always welcome. For more information please contact Mrs Lilian Gomersall (Secretary) on 01904 769993

YORK AMATEUR RADIO CLUB The club meets every Thursday at 8pm at the Bishopthorpe Social Club in Bishopthorpe. We are always interested in meeting others interested in Amateur Radio and run courses for new members to obtain a license and call sign of their own. Interested future members just need to turn up on Thursdays.

YORK BONSAI SOCIETY Meet monthly at Wigginton Hall on the third Monday of every month at 7.30pm. Friendly & informal group with refreshments. Occasional speakers, library & bonsai suppliers available. Come along or speak to the secretary: Andy Mudd 01757 268145.

YORK CAVING CLUB Friendly group offering regular caving trips to the Yorkshire Dales and Derbyshire, with occasional trips to Wales, Summerset and Ireland. Open to new members with some caving experience or can offer advice to those with none. Bi-weekly pub meets in York. Info can be found on www. yorkcavingclub.org.uk or email: info@ yorkcavingclub.org.uk or phone 07747 063181.

YORK CONCERT BAND We play a wide variety of music including

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 film, show, classical and pop. We perform about 8 concerts a year in and around York and occasionally abroad. The band operates an open policy and all players are welcome. We rehearse from 7.30 to 9.30 pm on Mondays at New Earswick Methodist Church. No audition required. For more details contact the Secretary, Jill Wall, on York 629065 or come along to a rehearsal.

YORK CORONARY SUPPORT GROUP TRUST The group was founded in 1988 to provide help and support to cardiac patients and their families following their release from hospital. the group meets every month at the Folk Hall at New Earswick on the first Monday of each month (second if Bank Holiday occurs). Meetings start at 07:30 for a variety of talks with a break for refreshments and a chance to talk to fellow patients. The group also organise exercise classes and swimming sessions. Contact Ernie Young 01904 760698 for further details.

YORK LIBRARIES Interested in your family history? Would you like to trace your ancestors? City of York Libraries now offer free access to ancestry.com. Now available at Haxby Library. Call in or telephone 01904 552660 for details

YORK LIGHT ORCHESTRA We play light music, popular classics, selections from musicals and themes from films and television. We are open to anyone of any age who plays an orchestral instrument and we don’t hold auditions, just come along. We rehearse on Thursday evenings 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Acomb Methodist Church, Front Street (September to July). We perform 6 to 8 concerts a year, in and around York for local charities and community groups. If you would like to join or if you would like YLO to do a concert to raise money for your charity please see our website www. ylo.org.uk or call our secretary on (01904) 870759 for more details.

YORK AND DISTRICT PAIN MANAGEMENT SUPPORT GROUP A voluntary group established to provide a community for people and their supporters suffering with long term pain that are or have been participants in the Pain Management Program or attend the Pain Management Clinic. Contact Gordon 01904 491141 or Jill 01904 708490 for more details. www.ypmsg.co.uk

YORKSHIRE MINIATURISTS ASSOCIATION Are you interested in Dolls Houses and miniatures or have just bought a dolls house and don’t know where to start? YMA is a group of miniature enthusiasts who meet on the first Saturday of the month at the Friends Meeting House in the centre of York. We have speakers, project meetings, demonstrations and also have a stand at the Dolls House Fair at York Race Course in June and November. We welcome new members to the hobby as well as more experienced miniaturists. For more

COMMUNITY

information please ring Ann Holmes on (01757) 288974 or Elizabeth Jackson on (01904) 795361.

org.uk

YORVIK GATEWAY CLUB

YORK MODEL BOAT CLUB We meet at Heworth Rugby Club on the 4th Tuesday of the month starting at 8pm. It is a great place to learn about building techniques and various models. The club holds 4 regattas throughout the summer on Rowntree Park Lane, York. We also sail on the York University Lake when Parks Lane is unavailable. For more details please call chairman Steve Agar on 01904 424155 or visit www.yorkmodelboatclub.co.uk

YORK PHILATELIC SOCIETY

THE WONDER YEARS

YORK RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP (YORKRA) A relaxed and friendly group, which provides support, information and resources for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and their families and carers. Meetings take place on the second Saturday of each month, 3pm - 5pm, at the Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street (off Micklegate), York YO1 6ET. Membership is currently free. For more information please call 01904 642227

YORK RAMBLERS

YORK ROTTERS York Rotters are a group of enthusiastic volunteers who promote home composting. If you have any questions about composting, whether you want to know where to start, or want to know more about specialist methods then contact York Rotters for advice. As well as providing free home composting advice York Rotters are available to carry out talks at meetings and to attend events. York Rotters are always on the look out for new volunteers. No previous experience is required as full training will be provided. York Rotters can be contacted on 01904 412861 or email rotters@stnicksfields.

PLAYGROUPS

HAXBY PLAYGROUPS

Haxby Playgroups@Scout HQ - Birth to school age children (parents stay) Tuesday to Thursday 9.30 - 11.30. Term time only. Playgroup - Haxby Playgroups@Headlands. Headlands Primary School. 9am - 3pm daily term time only. Sessions 9am 12noon and 12noon - 3pm. Starting age 2. Rising Fives is now Haxby Playgroups@ RalphButterfield. 9am - 3pm daily term time only or Sessional 9am - 12noon and 12noon to 3pm. For further information please contact further information or bookings please contact 01904 768966 or manager@haxbyplaygroups.org.uk. www. haxbyplaygroups.org.uk

The York Philatelic Society meets every second Tuesday in the month apart from August in the Denham Room in the Priory Street Centre, Priory Street, York at 7-15 p.m. During the meetings there is a bourse to enable members to buy, sell or exchange material. A packet circuit is also operated by the York Society. Annual subscriptions are £6-00 annually payable on the 1st January each year. (youth subscription , is13 - 18 years, is £3-00). Contact can be made to the Publicity Secretary, Captain P. Hyde, on 01904490603 ( e-mail:- p.hyde335@btinternet. com. ) or to Tony Ward, Secretary, on 01904-411378 (e-mail:- aew6@york.ac.uk ) or to Peter Byrne, President, on 01904 792603. Further details can be found on the York Society website on:- http://sites. google.com/site/yorkps/

New members are always welcome on the walks and can try out 2 or 3 walks before deciding whether to join the Ramblers.Walks vary in length from 5 miles to 12 miles and some use public transport to get to the start of the walks, so there is something to suit everyone. Details of all the walks can be found on www.yorkramblers.org.uk or contact the secretary on 01904-628134

A social club for adults with disabilities and is held every Monday 7.00-9.00pm at the Oaken Grove Community Centre off Usher Lane in Haxby. The club offers a variety of activities and welcomes new members. For more information, ring Club Leader Debbie, on 0791 9191372 or just come along.

Wigginton - adjoining Wigginton Primary School, for children from Haxby, Wigginton & surrounds: Boddlers – Baby/Toddler group (Birth to 3yrs).Tues, Wed, Thurs 9.3011am term time at Wigginton Recreation Hall. Pre-School – 3-5 years - Mon-Fri term time. Morning session 9am – 12 noon, Afternoon session 12.45pm -3.15pm . Plus 1 hr Lunch Club can be added to am or pm session. Early Years Funded places available. Extended School – 3-11 years - Breakfast Club 7.40-9am & After School Club 3-6pm including breakfast/ snack. Supports children’s interests in sport, games & crafts. Holiday Club – Care for 3-11 year olds, with fully engaging activity programme. Full day 8am – 6pm Half Day 8am – 1pm or 1pm – 6pm Tel : 01904 758717

HUNTINGTON PRESCHOOL & TODDLERS Huntington Pre-school Babies and Toddler Group: Monday and Friday mornings 9.15 - 10.45 during term time. The Memorial Hall, Strensall Road, Huntington. All welcome. £3 per session including refreshments for adults and children. Discounts available for half-termly registration or additional children. Feel free to call in, or contact Lynne Britton on 01904 765017 or email lynne.britton1@ btinternet.com

HUNTINGTON PRE SCHOOL The Memorial Hall, Strensall Road, Huntington. Babies and Toddler Group (birth to 3 years) Monday and Friday mornings 9.15 – 10.45 (term time only) Pre-school (2.5 – 5 years) Monday to Friday mornings 9.00 – 12 noon (term time only). Rising 5’s sessions are held from January to July to help prepare children for the transition to school. Please feel free to call in during our opening times or for information contact Lynne Britton on 01904 765017 or email enquiries@

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huntingtonpreschool.org.uk

ORCHARD PARK PRE-SCHOOL Orchard Park Community centre, Off Brockfield park shops, Huntington. OpenMon to Fri 9.15 to 12.15. Lunch Club 12.15 to 1.15 For children aged 2 to 5 to Learn and play.. Please call Sandra on Tel 07407 700315 or 01904 626361 for more info

SHERIFF HUTTON PLAYGROUP

We offer places to children aged 2 years to school age in a warm, stimulating and caring environment with outside playspace. OFSTED registered with qualified staff. Playgroup runs on Mon and Wed from 9.30 -12 noon with an optional Lunch Club from 12 -1pm and all day Friday 9.30-3pm. .Contact Jo on 01653 618356.

SHERIFF HUTTON BABIES AND TODDLERS GROUP

Village Hall, Thu 9.45-11.45am Play and other activities for all babies and toddlers with their parents and carers. Health visitor drop-in first Thursday of the month. All welcome. Contact Margaret on 01347 878314.

SHIPTON PRE-SCHOOL & TODDLERS The Community Centre, Shipton by Beningbrough, York. A friendly Pre-school with places from 2 years old to School age. Ofsted registered with qualified staff. Sessions run on a Mon,Wed,Thur and Fri (term time only) with an optional lunch club available and afternoon sessions run on a Wed and Thur until 3.15pm. Toddler & baby group each Tuesday 9.30-12noon (term time only). There is also a large garden area available for the children to play in. Come along and meet us. For more information please contact the Pre-school team on 07546 571089

SINNINGTON PRE SCHOOL The Pre School is OFSTED registered and inspected. Sessions are; Toddler groupTuesday 10.00am - 11.30am. Pre -School - Monday 09.10am-11.40am. Wednesday 09.10am-11.40am Thursday 09.10am11.40am Friday 09.10am-11.40am. For more information contact Kerry or Suzanne on 07799727656

STOCKTON LANE PLAYGROUP We are a pre-school for children from 2-5 years. We are ofsted inspected and LEA funded. Monday - Friday 9.00am-12 noon (term time only). Wednesdays - 12.30pm - 3.30pm Christ Church, Stockton Lane, York YO31 1JG tel: 07746 806426 For more information contact: Mrs Fiona Wheeler tel: 07746 806426 During Play group opening times only.

STRENSALL PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP

We offer a natural transition from preschool to school as we are situated next door to Robert Wilkinson School. We have various sessions on offer in our newly refurbished setting – Pram Club/Messy’s (‘pay as you go’)– Fridays 1.15pm – 2.45pm. Rising 3’s – Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm – 2.55pm. Pre-schoolers – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays – 8.45am – 12.45pm and Wednesdays 10.45am – 2.45pm. For more information telephone Sarah on 01904 492937 or email sarahsmithpg@btconnect.com

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TINY STEPS TODDLER GROUP

tel: 01904 442826 Friday mornings 9.30am - 11.00am - £1 per session. The mums and tots session will be run by the Stepping Stones staff in Hurst Hall, with lots of crafts and activities to keep the under twos busy. (Please feel free to bring along an older sibling if your toddler has one). Children attending the toddler group will have priority on the Stepping Stones Pre-School waiting list.

TREASURE CHEST

ages 5,6,7, & 11 to join our small friendly football club.All of our coaches are FA Coaching Level 1 trained and have been CRB checked. We train every Saturday 10.30 - 11.30am at Ethel Ward Playing Fields, Haxby. We are always looking for people to help out with training, coaching and refereeing. Full training is provided. Please phone Neil Thorbinson on 01904 761908

HUNTINGTON JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

Haxby, Wigginton & Huntington. Calling all Mums - Treasure Chest is here to help! A group of local mums dedicated to promoting, supporting and encouraging breastfeeding in the Haxby, Wigginton & Huntington areas, have got together to form Treasure Chest. As well as being mums, we are fully trained Peer Supporters. We meet up every Monday between 12.30 and 1.30pm at Oaken Grove Community Centre, Haxby. Run alongside the Haxby Postnatal Group, this is a drop in facililty and we also welcome pregnant mums. More details are available on our website: www.treasurechest. org.uk or email our helpline:support@ treasurechest.org

We are a Charter Standard football club meeting the required FA coaching levels and CRB clearances etc. The club have excellent facilities at Hopgrove sports ground on the Malton Road York, where the teams train and play home fixtures. For 2011/12 season we will be running a Ladies open age team, Boys and Girls under 10s, Boys under 14s and under 15s and Mens open age. Players are required for all teams for the coming season. Training is continuing through the summer, so if interested come down and give it a go. Contact Karl on 07896 674299 or gafbr@rocketmail.com for further details.

YORK FAMILY INFORMATION SERVICE

We welcome new players of all abilities, please contact Jason halliwell on 07714471271 for further details

If you are a parent and carer of a 0-19 year old then you can get free, professional, helpful, and up-to-date information about... Finding and paying for childcare,free early education places for 3 and 4 year olds ,returning to work, working in Early Years, family groups and activities, local parenting support. Call us on 01904 554628 or text ‘info’ to 07624 802244 and we will call you back.

SPORTS CLUBS

BADMINTON CLUB

We play on a Friday night between 6 and 8 at Joseph Rowntrees School. Contact Jean 01904 760347 for more information.

DUNNINGTON SPORTS CLUB

Starting Table Tennis- A six week course for absolute beginners. Have you wanted to play and never known where to start? Call now for details of our NEW courses. Phone Nick on 01904 481039 or Keith on 07770 874996 Email: nick. roberts@dunningtonsportsclub.com or keithmayhew@hotmail.com

HAXBY SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB

Haxby Shotokan Karate Club is a friendly traditional karate club with a proud 30 year history. The Club train on a Monday and Thursday from 7pm – 9pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall, The Village, Haxby, York, YO32 2PL. The Club is open to people of all ages and abilities whatever their fitness level. Whether you are a complete beginner or a black belt, everyone is always welcome.To receive a FREE training session, or to find out more, please visit the Club’s new website www.haxbykarate. co.uk. Alternatively phone Ian on 07909 991541, email info@haxbykarate.co.uk or pop along to a training session.

HAXBY TOWN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

At the moment we run 6 teams from the

ages of 7-16 years. We need boys and girls,

HUNTINGTON CRICKET CLUB

NEW EARSWICK CRICKET CLUB

New Earswick Cricket Club, who play in the York & District Senior League are looking to recruit both Senior and Junior players. Our indoor nets start at the end of February. We play at the Sports Fields, White Rose Avenue. We have excellent playing facilities and a good after match social side. Please contact Paul on 07533655470, email paul.stimpson3@ btinternet.com or Matt on 07885282937, email matty_noble@hotmail.co.uk

HAXBY NETBALL CLUB

…affiliated to England Netball. Would you like to join this very successful netball club which currently run a team in the North Yorkshire Netball Academy League and 4 teams in the York & District League. Currently Champions of this League with two teams in Division 1, one in Division 2 and one in Division 4 of the 7 Divisions which make up this League. The Club also runs a youth section (Yr 7 upwards) and has 4 teams playing in the Netball York League for junior players and two of these teams also play in the North Yorkshire Junior League. Please contact the club secretary Mrs Alison Blackler on 01904 612268 or 07751 984840 or Val Kennedy on 07708 050307.Training is on a Monday evening at the Ethel Ward Playing Field throughout summer, and the League season runs from September until March. Would you like to learn to umpire? We have a qualified tutor in the club. Also if you are a budding Junior player ( school years 7-10) there is a junior section which trains every other Monday, 6 -7:15pm. All coaches are CRB checked.

HUNTINGTON MILLERS NETBALL CLUB

Are you looking to join a netball club – we are looking for new players. We are affiliated to England Netball and run 4 teams in the York and District League

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86 spread over the league’s 7 divisions and we are a CAPS accredited Club from England Netball. If interested please contact the Club’s secretary Pam Drake on 07547 095 603 For information on our junior section please contact Audrey Smith 01904 761641.

NEW EARSWICK TENNIS CLUB

Junior coaching on Thursday and Friday nights for 5-16 year olds. Adult coaching is held on Saturday afternoons. We also run holiday camps, fun days, many social events and tournaments. People can contact: Joanne on 07835948593 if interested.

PARTNERSHIP GYMNASTICS CLUB

Classes for boys and girls from reception to year 10. Classes are held at various venues across York, Monday to Friday– venues include Archbishop Holgate’s School, Manor C of E School, Park Grove Primary school, Canon Lee School, Joseph Rowntree School and Huntington Secondary School. Partnership Gymnastics is affiliated to British Gymnastics, run by fully qualified coaches all with CRB clearance. The club has also achieved club Mark for its high standards and quality coaching. For more information please contact Ruth Walker 07886926420.

COMMUNITY

WIGGINTON BOWLING CLUB

of the Rainbows.

Come and play lawn bowls, a sport for all ages. We welcome beginners and seasoned bowlers alike and we can lend newcomers a set of woods to see if they like the game. Adult membership age 26+ is £52 flat fee, £26 ages 18 to 25 and free to juniors under 18 and you can play as often as you like. Why not take the opportunity of a month’s free trial membership, without obligation. For further details, or to arrange a visit, contact: Colin Ellis (Secretary) on 01904 760877 or Email: colin.ellis23@talktalk.net

WIGGINTON GRASSHOPPERS

Under 9s are looking for new players. We train every Wednesday 6-7pm. All coaches are CRB checked. For more details please call Richard Colley (FA Level 1 instructor) on 07814 266987

SANDBURN HALL BADMINTON CLUB

STRENSALL COMMUNITY YOUTH AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

2ND HAXBY & WIGGINTON SCOUT GROUP

Tennis Club - There are now 3 newly

surfaced tennis courts. Muga Pitch - The floodlit muga pitch is now available for hire for both 5 a sidefootball and netball. tel 07951 920 308 or email strensallsa@ tesco.net

STRENSALL FOOTBALL CLUB

All of our coaches are FA coaching level 1 qualified and are CRB checked. Training is on Saturday mornings at Durlston Drive, Strensall.If you are interested in playing then please email strensallsa@tesco.net or ring Louise on 07801896698.

STRENSALL LAWN BOWLING CLUB Lawn Bowls - A sport for all ages. Strensall Bowling Club has been in existence for a long time yet seems to be little known. We are a small and friendly club and always happy to welcome new members of any age; under 18s bowl free! Adults pay only £30 for the season, which runs from April through to September. Entrance to our club is between house No’s 5–7 Park Gate near the terminus of the No 5 Bus. We can provide Bowls and Coaching and a months free trial. As a club we compete in various leagues, hold regular friendlies and, of course, social bowling, including tea and biscuits. For more information contact the secretary Annette Prosser on 01904 492807

STRENSALL SHORT MAT INDOOR BOWLS

Strensall Village Hall, Wednesdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm. £10 annual fee, £2 subscription per session. Tel Jackie Silk on 01904 492993 for more details.

SCOUTS & GUIDES

STOCKTON ON THE FOREST SCOUT GROUP

Boys and Girls, age 6 to 14. Beavers: Mon 6.00 .700pm. Cubs: Tues 6.45 - 8.15pm. Scouts: Fri 7.00 - 9.00pm. We are also in need of Leaders - any one interested please contact Kath Shapcott on 01904 421096. A uniformed organisation for children aged 13-18 years. We are based in Easingwold. We parade on a Tuesday evening at Easingwold and Friday evening at RAF Linton On Ouse in the gymnasium between the hours of 1930 – 2200. We do have a minibus that goes from the car park of The Cottage Inn in Haxby via Shipton by Beningbrough at 1900hrs. We cover a range of activities from flying and gliding to target shooting and sport. The cost is £36 per quarter and covers the above activities and uniform. Email: 2487@ aircadets.org Charity No. 1559/79

YOUTH GROUPS

YOUTH CLUBS AT OAKEN GROVE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Boys & Girls age 6 to 14. Beavers: Mon & Thurs 6.00 - 7.15 pm. Cubs: Weds & Fri 6.30 - 8.00pm Scouts: Mon 7.30 - 9.00 pm. Thurs. 7.45 - 9.15 pm. Contact Linda Parkinson 01904 769167.

HAXBY MOOR GIRL GUIDING

Girls aged 5-14years old. Rainbows 5-7years Wednesday evenings. Brownies 7-10yrs old Mondays,Wednesday,Thursday evenings. Guides 10-14yrs old Monday, Thursday evenings. Units meet throughout Haxby & Wigginton. Adults- Can you spare an hour a week? Are you interested in finding out more about being a volunteer? Contact Helen Feetenby 01904 762926 for further details

1ST HEWORTH SCOUT GROUP

Boys and girls 8 to 14. Cubs: Tuesday 6.30pm - 8.15pm, Scouts: Friday 7.00pm - 9.00pm. If interested please phone Matthew on 01904413882 or visit www.1st-heworth.org.uk

29TH YORK (HUNTINGTON ALL SAINTS) RAINBOWS

Boys and Girls age 6 - 14. Beavers Tuesday 6pm - 7pm. Cubs Thursday 6.30pm 8pm. Scouts Friday 7pm - 9pm We are in need of leaders for the group. For further information please contact Wendy Davis 07808882749 or drop in to any of the group nights as above.

AIR CADETS, EASINGWOLD

YORK HOTSHOTS CHEERLEADING CLUB

Classes are held on a Wednesday evening during term time, at Archbishop Holgate’s School, Hull Road, York. The club is affiliated to British Gymnastics and is run by qualified coaches who have all been CRB checked. We are also a club mark accredited club. For more information or to request a registration form please contact Anna Murray on 07507638804 or e-mail yorkhotshots@hotmail.co.uk

Sandburn Hall, Flaxton. Fridays 2 - 3.30pm All ages welcome. tel: Stephen Marshall 01904 490440 for more details

CHRISTCHURCH SCOUT GROUP (STOCKTON LANE)

Safe, supervised indoor and outdoor areas. The cost of sessions is £1.50 per session. Come along and try us out! WEDNESDAY OPEN YOUTH CLUB: An Open Youth club is run at the centre on a Wednesday Night for anyone aged 10-16 years. The club runs from 7 - 9pm and facilities include a Nintendo Wii on projector screen, Widescreen TV, Pool Table, Outside Sports, Table Tennis and Tuck Shop.

IN-2-ACTING:

If you are interested in acting, singing and dancing and are between 8-16 years of age, please come and give us a try. With two productions each year, themed nights and theatre trips – its lots of fun! Sessions are run on a Thursday evening. Depending on numbers, priority will be given to residents of Haxby & Wigginton. For more info contact Megan Godden on 07786 121832 or email admin@oakengrove. org.uk

Rainbows take part in games and activities as part of their programme called the Rainbow Jigsaw. Everything a Rainbow does helps her to develop and to think for herself, in a safe girl-only environment. A girl can join Rainbows at any time after her fifth birthday. Most Rainbows move on shortly after their seventh birthday. For further details about when the 29th York (Huntington All Saints) Rainbows meet and to see if there is availability for you to join, you can contact Miss Stephanie Easton (known to the Rainbows as Robin) on 07875 541520, who is Guider in charge

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PUZZLE PAGES

WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU CROSSWORD 2

8 10

15 17

16 18

Pictograms PICTOGRAM 3 words

E Y E B I R

N I O L R I S

3 words

PEEP 3 words

A. ALL B. ALL C. ALL D. ALL

60 â&#x20AC;˘ info@thehandymag.co.uk

Across 1. south American animal (6) 4. Clans (6) 9. whirlwind (7) 10. male duck (5) 11. Casseroles (5) 12. surprised (7) 13. source of power (11) 18. Cars, buses etc. (7) 20. dangerous (5) 22. Tacks (5) 23. graceful (7) 24. Eighth month (6) 25. Flow (6)

Down 1. Painter (6) 2. American handbag (5) 3. masterpiece (7) 5. wireless (5) 6. woollen cover (7) 7. Fast (6) 8. Assembled (11) 14. departing (7) 15. right (7) 16. Lines of a verse (6) 17. method (6) 19. Clenched hands (5) 21. Frighten (5)

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

YORK

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE QUIZ

Maiden Names Maiden Names Maiden Names 1 Samantha Cameron 2 Linda McCartney 3 Louise Redknapp 4 Margaret Thatcher 5 Sharon Osbourne 6 Michelle Obama 7 Hilary Clinton 8 Coleen Rooney 9 Sarah Brown 10 Marge Simpson

CAN YOU SPOT 10 DIFFERENCES?

Choosing from list below, Choosing from the listthe below, can can you identify the maiden of you identify the maiden namesnames of ten famous the tenthe famous womenwomen above?above? Arden

CALCUDUKO x12

Nurding

Bouvier

Roberts

Eastman

Robinson

Macaulay

Rodham

McLoughlin

Sheffield

DROP DOWN The letters to the left belong in the squares immediately to the right, but not necessarily in the given order. When entered correctly, they reveal the names of ﬁve ports of the world, reading downwards.

↓

Fill each cell with a number from 1-6. No number can be repeated in any row or column. The numbers in the heavily outlined set of squares (cages) must combine in any order to produce the target number in the top corner, using only the mathematical operator specified: +, -, x or /. Numbers can be repeated within a cage, but not in the same row or column.

AEHHK

→

AAAN S

→

BMRRT

→

ABJWW

→

CEEIU

→

CHRRR

→

GGHIP

→

↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

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INDEX AERIAL & AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES ADI Communications.........42 Aerial Services......................... 3 Aerial Solutions...................... 6 BLTV Aerials............................. 9 ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AP Design Services.............47 Prospect Design...................41 ATTRACTION Castle Howard......................21 Piglets Adventure Park......17 BATHROOMS Bluewater Bathrooms.......... 9 BEAUTY Nails of Beauty......................23 BLINDS AA Blinds................................36 BUILDERS ALH Builders............................ 8 Eastgate Building Contractors............................13 LJD Construction Services..... ..................................................... 8 Pickering Construction Ltd... ...................................................10 CARPET CLEANING Andy’s Carpet Cleaning.....40 Future Carpet Cleaning Services Ltd...........................47 Kevin Atkinson Carpet Cleaning..................................10 Smart-Dry...............................36 Ultraclean...............................41 CARS & SERVICING Lease not Buy........................39 Paint X......................................39 CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES Baby Swimmers....................25 Enpointe Classical Dance School......................................31 COMPUTERS & WEB DESIGN Computer Troubleshooters... ...................................................49 G-TEC-IT...................................49 NYCOM Ltd............................49 CRAFTS Castaway Yarns.....................15

PUZZLE ANSWERS

DENTISTS Howardian Dental Practice... ...................................................31 ELECTRICIANS C&S Electrical York................. 6 D Carrington Electrical Services Ltd...........................41 Electrical Connections.......47 Haxby Electrical....................13 Judge Electrical....................37 Mark Smith Electrical.........47 Wilson Electrical Services... 8 ESTATE AGENTS & HOMES Hudson Moody....................64 FENCING Linear Fencing......................45 York Fencing..........................44 FUELS The Woodshed.....................47 FINANCES Moneywise Financial Solutions.................................24 Pen Life Chartered Financial Planners..................................23 FOOD & DRINK Cakes-d-Licious....................19 Farmers Cart, The.................17 Highwayman, The...............19 Old Lodge Hotel...................14 GARAGE DOORS ABI Garage Doors................12 Hobman Garage Doors.....41 GARDENS Astek Landscapes................44 Future Landscapes..............45 House & Garden Maintenance.........................42 Marks Garden Services......45 RAC Handyman & Gardening Services.............44 Tree and Woodland Services...................................42 York Landscapes & Maintenance.........................45 HAIRDRESSING Caren Vollans Hair Design..... ...................................................22 HOTELS Old Lodge Hotel...................14

JOINERS Joinery and Property Services...................................40 Neil Jackson Joiner..............40 SM Maintenance..................36 KITCHENS & BEDROOMS. Dream Doors Ltd................... 3 Instyle Kitchens Ltd.............. 7 MARKETS Castle Howard Craft & Produce Market....................18 Hovingham Village Market... ...................................................20 MOBILITY Able to Enable Ltd...............20 MV Mobility...........................22 NURSERIES & CHILDCARE York Montessori Nursery...25 OPTICIANS Haxby Opticians...................23 OVEN CLEANING Ultraclean...............................41 PAINTING & DECORATING Dave Kavanagh Painting & Decorating.............................40 MD Bonney Specialist Decorator...............................40 PJP Painting & Decorating Contractors............................42 R Barker Painting & Decorating.............................40 PETS Station House Vets..............29 PLASTERING ABM Plastering & Tiling.....41 Ian’s Plastering Service......40 PLUMBING & HEATING BGT Plumbing......................... 5 DJC Plumbing, Heating and Gas Engineers......................... 3 Gemma Lonsdale Gas Servicing.................................40 GW Plumbing.......................... 2 Haxby Plumbing & Heating.. ...................................................40 HC Engineering Ltd.............. 8 Hopgrove Heating..............41 PLUMBING - GENERAL Ken Hamilton Plumber &

Handyman.............................10 Plumbing by Taylor.............40 PRINT & EMBROIDERY Yorkshire Print and Stitch.10 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE A Plus Property Maintenance........................... 4 CK Home Solutions............... 5 House & Garden Maintenance.........................42 Joinery and Property Services...................................40 RAC Handyman & Gardening Services.............44 SM Maintenance..................36 Yorkshire Home & Property Services...................................36 RENEWABLE ENERGY Peak Power Systems...........12 ROOFING & GUTTERING BMB Fibreglass Flat Roofs Ltd.............................................12 John Pletts Roofing.............42 Top Roofing...........................42 Ultimate Plastic Solutions.47 SOFT FURNISHINGS Neilson Interiors...................47 SOLICITORS Ardent Law............................29 SPORT York Golf Range....................15 TILING ABM Plastering & Tiling.....41 TREE SURGEONS Bartlett Tree Experts...........44 Expert Tree Care Ltd...........46 Tree and Woodland Services...................................42 Yorkshire Tree Surgeons Ltd. ...................................................45 TRAVEL Conexo Travel........................33 WASTE Acomb Waste Disposal........ 8 WINDOWS Cloudy2Clear.......................... 5 Instyle Windows...................11 Protech Windows.................13 Window Distribution Ltd.... 6 Ultimate Plastic Solutions.47

CROSSWORD: Across: 1 Alpaca, 4 Tribes, 9 Tornado, 10 Drake, 11 Stews, 12 Shocked, 13 Electricity, 18 Traffic, 20 Risky, 22 Nails, 23 Elegant, 24 August, 25 Stream Down: 1 Artist, 2 Purse, 3 Classic, 5 Radio, 6 Blanket, 7 Speedy, 8 Constructed, 14 Leaving, 15 Correct, 16 Stanza, 17 System, 19 Fists, 21 Scare PICTOGRAMS:1. Raising the stakes 2. Look both ways 3. All at sea WORDSEARCH: Hidden Phrase: Deck the halls with boughs of holly DROP DOWN: Answers from left to right: Antwerp, Esbjerg, Hamburg, Harwich, Karachi SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1. Toy train colour 2. Hanging star 3. Toy leg 4. Hammer head 5. Elf’s eye 6. Stripy sleeve 7. Badge on hat 8. Bobble 9. Ear 10. Buttons QUIZ: 1. Samantha Cameron- Sheffield 2. Linda McCartney -Eastman 3. Louise Redknapp -Nurding 4. Margaret Thatcher -Roberts 5. Sharon Osbourne -Arden 6. Michelle Obama -Robinson 7. Hilary Clinton -Rodham 8. Coleen Rooney McLoughlin 9. Sarah Brown -Macaulay 10. Marge Simpson - Bouvier

62 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 8th January

DECEMBER 2012 • ISSUE 86

LOCAL USEFUL NUMBERS

Christmas Postal Dates LAST RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES UK

SERVICE

LAST SERVICE RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES INTERNATIONAL AIRMAIL

Thursday 13th December Tuesday 18th December

Standard Parcels

Wednesday 5th December

Second Class and Recorded Signed for™

Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand

Thursday 20th December

First Class and Recorded Signed for™

Friday 7th December

South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East,

Friday 21st December

Special Delivery™ with Saturday Guarantee

Monday 10th December

Eastern Europe, USA and Canada

Saturday 22nd December

Special Delivery™

Wednesday 12th December

Western Europe

POST OFFICES

Strensall PO.........................................01904 490301 Haxby PO.............................................01904 763395 Huntington PO....................................01904 769180 New Earswick PO.................................01904 768105

MEDICAL

Social Care Emergencies......................01904 762314 Macmillan Cancer Support ................01904 651700 York Hospital .................................01904 631313 Ambulance Service.............................01904 666000 Samaritans ..................................08457 909090

PHARMACIES

Strensall Chemist................................01904 492497 Haxby Chemists...................................01904 766512 .................................. or 01904 768911 Huntington Pharmacy.........................01904 762566 Lloyds Pharmacy, Huntington.............01904 623415 Tesco Pharmacy - Clifton Moor............01904 880449 Boots UK, Monks Cross .......................01904 656360

COUNCILS

HAXBY TOWN PARISH COUNCIL

Town Clerk ..........................................01904 750378 WIGGINTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Clerk ........................................01904 763880 STRENSALL & TOWTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Clerk ........................................01904 491569 NEW EARSWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Clerk ........................................01904 758028 HUNTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Clerk ....................................... 01904 758366

WASTE SITES

Hazel Court, James Street. Open Mon - Sat 8.30 7pm, Sun 8.30-4pm Towthorpe/Strensall Open Mon - Sun 8.30 - 7pm Beckfield Lane Open Mon - Fri 5pm - 7pm, Sat & Sun 10- 2pm

SCHOOLS

Haxby Road Primary ...........................01904 653218 Headlands Primary .............................01904 762356 Huntington Primary School.................01904 768636 Ralph Butterfield Primary...................01904 768325 Robert Wilksinson Primary..................01904 490306 New Earswick Primary ........................01904 768228 Huntington.........................................01904 752100 Joseph Rowntree.................................01905 552100 Easingwold .........................................01347 821451 Sheriff Hutton Primary School ...........01347 878441 Stockton on the Forest Primary...........01904 400366 Wigginton Primary .............................01904 761647

LIBRARIES

Huntington Library.............................01904 552669 Strensall Library..................................01904 552677 Haxby Library......................................01904 552660 Explore: New Earswick Library............01904 552629

FINANCIAL MATTERS

National Debtline...............................0808 808 4000 Inland Revenue..................................0845 010 9000 Tax Credits..........................................0845 300 3900

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Childcare Link......................................08000 960296 Childline....................................................0800 1111 NSPCC ................................................0808 800 5000

TRANSPORT

AA Breakdown .....................................0800 887 766 AA Roadwatch.....................................09003 401100 Rail Enquiries......................................08457 484950 Dial & Ride.........................................01904 551441 First Bus York.......................................01904 883000 Yorkshire Coastliner.............................01653 692556

GENERAL SERVICES

Electricity emergencies.........................0800 668877 BT Faultline..........................................0800 800 151 Floodline............................................0845 988 1188 Transco Emergency Service - Gas..........0800 111 999 Yorkshire Water..................................0845 124 2424 Environment Agency........................ 0-870 850 6506 Domestic Violence Helpline................0808 2000 247 City of York Council..............................01904 613161 Crimestoppers.......................................0800 555111 North Yorkshire Police (non emergency) .................. ...........................................................0845 6060247 Safer York Partnership.........................01904 669069 Shop Mobility......................................01904 679222

ANIMALS

RSPCA York..........................................01904 654949 RSPCA National Helpline....................0300 1234 999

MPS

York Outer: Julian Sturdy.....................01904 788355 York Central: Hugh Bayley..................01904 623713 www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 63

• • • •

A beautifully presented detached bungalow 2 bedrooms (1 en-suite) Sitting room Large conservatory

• • • •

Newly fitted kitchen Wet room/Utility Lawned garden and decked terraced area Single garage

Beechwood, Strensall

£295,000

• A spacious and well presented detached bungalow

• Situated within a quiet cul de sac • 3 Double Bedrooms

• • • •

L-shaped Sitting room/ Dining Room Breakfast Kitchen Corner plot gardens Garage

Mulberry Court, Huntington

• • • •

Guide Price £290,000

A good sized refurbished detached bungalow 3 bedrooms L-shaped sitting/dining room Kitchen

• Bathroom/separate WC • Landscaped gardens • Ample off street parking leading to a single garage

Eastfield Avenue, Haxby

£229,950

• An immaculately presented end townhouse • •

offering spacious accommodation 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) Spacious sitting room

• • • •

Large open plan dining kitchen Good sized conservatory House bathroom Attractive landscaped gardens & garage

Terrington Court, Strensall

£209,950

• An attractive end townhouse situated within • a sought after village location • • 3 bedrooms • • Sitting room

16ft dining kitchen Bathroom Attractive rear garden offering a good degree of privacy & garage

Terrington Court, Strensall

• • • •

£199,950

A well presented semi detached bungalow Modern breakfast kitchen 2 Bedrooms Sitting room / Dining Room

• • • •

Conservatory Garage Low maintenance gardens No onward chain

North Moor Road, Huntington

£172,000

If you are considering selling a property or would like to register your buying requirements please contact us

Hudson Moody, 58 Micklegate,York T: 01904 650650

E: property@hudson-moody.com

W: www.hudson-moody.com