Handy Mag York March 2013

YORK EDITION Delivered to YO32, YO31 9 & YO60 6 MARCH 13 • ISSUE 88 www.thehandymag.co.uk

Your FREE & informative local community magazine

Don’t forget Mother’s Day 10th March Local Events Guide What’s on and where this March 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!

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YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

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Welcome to the March edition.

To have something to look forward to later in the year makes the bleakness of February weather more bearable. So, along with many others I trust, we have booked our summer holiday. Somewhere warm and dry with sun-shimmering beaches to laze away the hours, far removed from all our hectic lives? Well not quite. We’ve booked a cottage in the wettest part of Scotland, but it is far away from the masses and probably most forms of communication! At least this year it’s not camping with 2 large wet dogs, so I can be thankful for that! And actually I am really looking forward to our break and the cottage is in the middle of nowhere, miles and miles from the nearest shops; a safe haven for my black lab to run around like the looney he is, without embarrassing us too much for our lack of control!

I can while away the hours looking out through the mist over the loch at my dogs swimming around searching for a monster – maybe!

If you haven’t decided where to go yet, Conexo

This month’s features General

The Zen of Chickens................................................. 8 Books - Creature comforts..................................... 24 Head for hills - Gadget guide................................. 28 Fresh faced - The ultimate home facial................. 42 Ella’s column.......................................................... 57

Travel in Haxby have plenty of ideas. They are holding a China Evening in March - see page 31 for more details.

Don’t forget to appreciate your mothers on the 10th March! There are plenty of local places to help show your appreciation – note to my children – you can never have too many scarves!!

Of course in March the weather might be good enough to get out in the garden, and if even not, the urge may be too strong for some to resist starting to clear up ready for spring. I’m looking forward to seeing the first fresh bud-breaking green leaves of the Acer; as I write this midFebruary, the snow drops are already coming through.

If you have any local events happening in April, don’t forget to tell me so I can list them on our events pages. The deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March.

Until next month…Marianne

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

Moonriver Publishing Ltd Marianne Long 01653 658776 info@thehandymag.co.uk 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.

Animals

Chocolate & other common poisons..................... 14 Cat Protection........................................................ 14

Business Features

And to the taxman I bequeath.............................. 12 Prospect Design..................................................... 21 Focus Fireplaces.................................................... 26 Maintaining healthy trees & shrubs...................... 32

LOCAL YARN AND HABERDASHERY STORE 6 Haxby Shopping Centre, Haxby

Community

Events.................................................................... 52 Local Groups.......................................................... 58

Food & Drink

Lemon Chicken with Tabbouleh............................ 40

Homes & Gardens

Time for a spring clean.......................................... 16 Seed sowing on the cheap..................................... 34

Knitting Accessories Cross Stitch Kits & Aida Buttons Ribbons General Haberdashery & Gifts

Motoring

Tel: 01904 764644 www.castawayyarnsyork.co.uk

Puzzles

This month’s workshop...

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Travel

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Jaguar XJ AWD....................................................... 25 Puzzle pages.......................................................... 54 Competition........................................................... 10 Visit China.............................................................. 30 4 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

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YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

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The Zen of Chickens Y

By Derek Thompson

ou can learn a lot about life from a chicken. Behind that beak and those golden eyes lies a creature bristling with poultry wisdom. Here’s a sample of what I’ve picked up from both Sweet Pea and Pepperoni.

Be in the moment.

Chickens seem to have a very short attention span, unless they’re on the trail of a worm.

However, they’re actually demonstrating an ability to detach from the superficial, which – to a chicken – is anything inedible.

Be curious about the world.

Chickens are life’s little explorers. They can

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find that hole in the fence which I blocked with some feeble bamboo canes and never got round to repairing properly, the last wild strawberry, or a snail who thought hiding behind the coop was a foolproof survival strategy.

Celebrate your successes.

The commotion a chicken makes before, while and after laying an egg is surely one of Nature’s cruellest jokes. Short of ringing a dinner bell, it’s the most efficient way of summoning any fox within a two-mile radius.

Despite that, I defy any smallholder not to be impressed at the ‘scraps, grain and grit in, followed by egg and fertiliser poop out’ magic trick performed most days.

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YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 Be how you feel.

Our cat learned early on that it’s wise to keep out of the path of a broody, moody hen. She also discovered they can run surprisingly fast and launch themselves at unwitting felines. Me? I learned that the term ‘an affectionate peck’ doesn’t apply to poultry.

Make time to relax.

When they’re not eating, advertising their egg-laying prowess, playing tugof-war with snails or enjoying dirt baths, chickens like nothing better than sitting still and watching the world go by. Or, if it’s a sunny day, a spot of Chicken Yoga might be in order. You can forget about downward dog, cat posture or doing the cobra. For chickens, the yogic routine is a few luxurious wing stretches, some flexing of the neck and then it’s time to sprawl out in the warm. And if it’s cold outside?

They snuggle up together in what I call the ‘tea cosies’ posture.

Eat your greens – and give peas a chance.

three) if they had a chicken for a role model. And, being life’s gourmet connoisseurs, chickens will also happily try tomatoes, grapes, porridge, roast potatoes, bananas, raisins and spaghetti. Although someone we once met, who declared that she fed her hens leftover bacon and eggs did, I feel, overstep the mark a little.

The early bird really does get the worm.

Although the slightly delayed bird may succeed in taking it off you, if you don’t pay attention. Opportunity not only knocks, it grabs too.

Care for your environment.

Once again, chickens lead by example. Whether it’s pulling up the weeds*, providing some essential pest control or aerating the soil, chickens are constantly on the lookout for ways to contribute. * A word of caution - an unchecked chicken gets a little over enthusiastic in its garden duties!

Play to your strengths.

Impressionable children the world over would have no qualms about devouring chard, lettuce or spinach (to name but

Chickens don’t fly or glide and their singing isn’t up to much. But...they don’t waste food, or an opportunity, and they make eggcellent companions.

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

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Chocolate

and other common poisons Chocolate With Easter fast approaching we are frequently asked about or see dogs that have eaten chocolate.

Theobromine is the substance that causes the toxicity in chocolate and is in higher concentration in dark or plain chocolate than milk, with white chocolate having a low concentration.

In addition the more they have eaten the greater the concern. We recommend to always store chocolate out of reach, particularly plain and dark chocolate but if your dog does steal chocolate (which happens to us all!) try and estimate what quantity they might have eaten and ring for advice. Seen promptly, we can make them sick so very little is absorbed. Signs of toxicity usually become apparent within 4hrs but can take as long as 24hrs and include vomiting,

Moggy mums neglected

T

his Mother’s Day, the York Cats Protection Adoption Centre is urging people to adopt a moggy mum as figures show they wait over twice as long as their kittens to find a home. At a time of year when people are indulging their own mothers, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity would like people to consider giving an unwanted moggy matriarch the perfect gift of a loving new home.

Centre Manager, James Hodgkison said, “We are aware that people tend to choose cute fluffy kittens but the mum cats that come into our care are just as in need of new homes and can make wonderful family pets. It’s a shame that these mum cats, who have done a great job raising their kittens, are left on the shelf.”

“Many of these mum cats have

14 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

been living as strays so I think after everything they’ve been through they deserve some pampering! If anyone is thinking of adopting a new pet, please give a moggy mum a chance.”

One mum cat who is currently in need of a new home is Christabel, a quiet but very friendly young tortoiseshell who was living as stray and gave birth to a litter of kittens in a hedge late last year. Her kitts have all found new homes and she’s still patiently waiting for her turn “The story of Christabel is all too common so we would encourage people to get their cats neutered to help reduce the chances of them straying and producing unwanted litters of kittens,” added James.

York Cats Protection Adoption Centre at 582 Huntington Road is open every day between 11am & 3pm. If you would like to adopt Christabel or 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 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 a tender abdomen, drooling, excitability and incoordination Seek veterinary attention in this case, with treatment the chances of recovery are good.

The pellets are usually bright blue so can be recognised in the ground.

Bulbs

We frequently see animals that have eaten rat poison, which stops the affected animal clotting their blood.

Signs may not be seen for several days after eating the poison but can be severe – anaemia and internal haemorrhage. If you think your dog may have eaten poison bringing the animals to the surgery promptly so that we can make them vomit will prevent them absorbing it.

If you have it, bring the details of the rat poison with you. Those that are affected need treatment with vitamin k to help them to clot.

The modern rat poisons can last in the system for several weeks so affected animals need treatment for this duration. Signs of poisoning include weakness, lethargy, pale gums and breathing difficulty.

If using rat poison make sure it is contained in appropriate boxes to stop other animals getting to it.

Daffodil bulbs can cause vomiting diarrhoea and abdominal tenderness if consumed due to a number of toxins which can be found in all parts of the plant but are particularly concentrated in the bulb.

Mild cases can be seen if the water in which the cut flowers are standing in is drunk. Affected animals may need treatment but will recover.

Slug Pellets If you have pets please don’t use slug pellets in your garden, as well as being toxic to wildlife like hedgehogs (which are effective slug controllers) they are very toxic to cats and dogs which often show signs within 30mins of consuming slug bait.

Affected animals should be treated as soon as possible and in severe cases treatment needs to be very aggressive.

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Time for a Spring Clean

I

had invited an old school friend around for coffee and was trying hard to make a good impression.

Suddenly a shaft of spring sunlight flooded my lounge, making me cringe with embarrassment.

With a growing sense of shame I watched as this unforgiving shaft of light slid across the room, showing up the grubby finger marks on the door, the ring marks on my glass table and a thick layer of dust on the mantelpiece.

When it finally landed at my friend’s feet, close to a dirty paw mark our dog had left on the carpet, I saw a look of alarm on her face.

“I’m so sorry, I’ve just noticed. Did I do that?”

I had a nanosecond to decide whether I should openly confess my domestic shortcomings or keep quiet.

“Oh, don’t worry”, I replied. “It’ll brush off when it’s dry.”

She left soon afterwards, still apologising. I took a deep breath and realised it was time for some spring cleaning.

An article in the Manufacturer and Builder magazine of 1872 (a “practical journal of industrial

16 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

progress”) describes spring cleaning as “The season of general cleaning, when all the corners and closets are overturned and hidden things are brought to light”.

Whilst period dramas such as “Downton Abbey” have inspired a new generation to revive traditional kitchen skills, it’s questionable whether 21st century householders will be tempted to adopt the cleaning methods recommended by the magazine, which include black-leading grates, whitewashing walls and scalding bedsteads.

The Victorians may have excelled at spring cleaning but they certainly didn’t invent it. Some historians believe that the origins of this tradition date back to the ancient Persian New Year, the Iranian Norouz, which falls on the first day of spring. Iranians still practice “khooneh tekouni” – which literally translates as ‘shaking the house’ – at this time.

The Jewish feast of Passover is a religious festival that also hints at a possible origin for spring cleaning. During the holiday the faithful are instructed to refrain from eating any leavened foodstuffs (‘chametz’). The Bible commands that even tiny crumbs must be removed from the house and this results in a ritual hunt for crumbs by candlelight during the evening before the holiday begins.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 Christianity has its own spring cleaning traditions. In Greece, householders clean everything thoroughly either before or during the first week of Lent, as a physical manifestation of Lent’s message of spiritual cleansing and renewal.

For the ancient Chinese, the concept of New Year cleaning is associated with good fortune.

They believed that people should sweep their floors and clean their houses to rid them of any negative influences that may have accumulated during the last twelve months. Householders then locked up the broom for a few days to prevent sweeping away any good luck that might have entered at the turn of the year.

When ancient cultures share such similar traditions it’s hard to say exactly when and where the idea of ‘spring cleaning’ originated. However, it’s obvious that the urge to clear away the cobwebs of winter and prepare for the summer months is hard-wired into human DNA. Personally I believe that our seasonal enthusiasm to get busy with a mop and broom is always motivated by the same thing: it’s that accusing beam of sunlight that shows us up in front of guests.

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

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www.directtile.co.uk 20 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Cost-effective, professional Architectural Services at Prospect Design

R

Richard Webster at Prospect Design can help you turn your home into your dream property.

Free initia l consulta tion

ichard Webster of Prospect Design is a local architectural technologist, offering a friendly, accessible service for people looking for cost-effective solutions to extend, convert or build a new property.

Prospect Design offers a full range of Architectural services from a “conception to completion” architectural design and management service to CAD drafting. Richard can also act as your agent in submitting Planning and Building regulation applications taking the stress out of a potentially complicated procedure.

Richard Webster established the business at the beginning of 2007 feeling the time was right to pass on his skills and expertise to help people plan affordable, achievable building projects.

Working with a professional during the early stages of any development will help you to establish a brief that realises a design which not only meets your needs but is viable to build and cost-effective too. Taking advantage of a professional’s advice, experience, design skills and knowledge of regulations and industry contacts when considering a building project will save you time and money.

If you need more space to accommodate a growing family, have a room that is currently under used, or want to open up your living space and connect it with your garden Prospect Design has the solutions Richard explains how he is able to help from the outset, “I can talk through the pro’s and cons of the different decisions that need to be made in terms of design and construction. For example, sketch schemes can be used to illustrate different designs, concepts and solutions. This approach should help you maximise the potential of any projects in terms of adding value

Full d e co-or sign & din servic ation e incept From io compl n to etion

to your property and improving the usability and space available in your home.”

By offering potential clients a free, no-obligation consultation prior to any formal quotation Richard can ensure that he really understands what the client is looking for in terms of design and general budget and thus tailor his designs, services and quotation accordingly. Richard provides a fixed price quotation so that you know from the outset what the costs will be.

Prospect Design aims to continually improve the service offered to clients.

Richard receives regular industry and technical updates so he can advise clients on the most suitable solutions for them. Prospect Design can also offer advice on sustainable “eco friendly” components where possible.

Richard strives to deliver the best possible service in terms of advice, experience and value for money.

Richard’s excellent record of working with clients and getting projects through the planning process make him a safe bet for getting your building project moving.

For new builds, extensions and conversions contact Richard Webster BSc (Hons) Arch Tech for a free initial consultation.

tel: 01904 500504 mob: 07792 700035 e: info@prospectdesign.co.uk www.prospectdesign.co.uk www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 21

Malton’s Award Winning Food Lovers Market Sat 9 March 2012 (10am – 3pm) * Free Entry * Free Parking

“For Quality Yorkshire Produce there’s nowt better!”

The Food Lovers Market at The Milton Rooms in the Market Place in Malton, run quarterly in 2012, has become so popular that capacity has been reached for both traders and visitors. In order to cope with the demand for local Yorkshire produce and retailers in the area, there will be a monthly Food Lovers Market

in 2013 which will run alongside the existing weekly Saturday market, the normal monthly farmers market and an annual food festival.

The Food Lovers Market, which will run on the second Saturday of every month, will focus on quality and be dedicated to Yorkshire producers. There will be indoor and outdoor sections to accommodate the huge range of local food retailers available, along with street food to help with your energy levels whilst shopping!

A dedicated theme each month with music will add to the festival

atmosphere and a free tasting table, run by a producer or supplier celebrating the theme, gives you an opportunity to try something new.

The first market on Saturday 9th March will celebrate Easter. Find something special for Mother’s Day - the following day! - and pick up your chocolate eggs and Simnel cakes as well as other seasonal goodies.

Visit The Milton Rooms in Malton for the first of many exciting Food Lovers Markets and sample the best food and drink in the area.

At the cinema OZ – THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

THE CROODS 3D

Released 8th March

The pre-historic Croods are the worlds first family hiding from danger in a cave. When the cave that shields them is destroyed they embark on a journey of adventure across a spectacular landscape in a world of fantastic creatures and their outlook is changed forever.

When a small-time magician lands in Oz he thinks he has hit the jackpot, until he meets 3 witches who are not convinced he is the Wizard they have been expecting. He reluctantly becomes drawn into the problems facing the people of Oz and is forced to save them from evil.

22 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Released 22 March

GI JOE RETALIATION

Release date 29 March When a villain disguised as the President has the GI Joes framed as traitors and executed, the remaining Joes have no option but to seek revenge.

HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS Released 1st March After getting a taste for blood as children, Hansel and Gretel have become the ultimate vigilantes, hell bent on retribution. Now, Hansel and Gretel have become the hunted, and must face an evil far greater than witches...their past.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

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Creature Comforts ‘Hang spring –cleaning!’ cries Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. The critters are emerging from hibernation, and so are we.

We’ve picked a selection of the best novels where animals are calling the shots. What better way to welcome in the warmer weather, than with some tales from the riverbank… and beyond?

Watership Down Richard Adams

Fiver can sense impending doom.

Something very bad is coming to the rabbit warren and fleeing is the only way to save the clan. His brother Hazel knows that Fiver is never wrong and so they embark on the journey of a lifetime to find sanctuary at Watership Down.

Crammed full of amazing rabbit folklore, myths, legends and even their own language of ‘Lapine’, we become totally immersed in Fiver and Hazel’s world, carried along on this amazing and perilous journey across southern England. Is that ‘Bright Eyes’ I can hear?

War Horse

Michael Morpurgo Based on the true story of a horse named ‘Warrior’, War Horse follows the tale of Joey, a young mount who is sold to the cavalry for service in the First World War and the attempts of his previous owner Albert to bring him home safely. But Albert isn’t old enough to enlist and so sets off under his own steam to try and find his 24 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

beloved Joey. It’s an amazing story of bravery and friendship, set against the bloodiest of backdrops and you can’t help but gallop alongside the intrepid pair.

Charlotte’s Web E.B. White

Wilbur really is ‘some pig’ and it’s up to a spider named Charlotte to tell the world. Bashful and whimsical Wilbur is horrified to learn that he’s facing the chop.

His human protector, Fern, might not be able to save him all on her own and it looks like it’s up to the barn’s resident arachnid to save his bacon. Can Charlotte convince the farmer that Wilbur really is worth hanging onto; how can a spider be that persuasive? Ok, so the clue is in the title but this is a thoroughly charming tale that will have you laying off the sausages, and letting the cobwebs hang around a bit longer, way after you’ve put the book down.

Animal Farm George Orwell

Originally subtitled ‘A Fairy Story’, Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

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this was Orwell’s allegory for events leading up to the Russian Revolution and not a light and fluffy bedtime story for children after all. It tackles greed and corruption, injustice and pigignorance, if you’ll pardon the pun. Revolution is in the air at Manor Farm when the drunken layabout of a farmer, Mr Jones, forgets to feed his animals. Pigs Napoleon and Snowball lead the rebellion and bring power to all those on four legs. But in time, the uprising takes an unexpected downturn. Remember: ‘All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others’.

White Fang Jack London

Set in Canada during the gold rush at the end of the 1800s, White Fang is the story of a half doghalf wolf hybrid puppy and his attempts to find his place in the world. It’s an epic story of survival, with White Fang struggling against the violent backdrop of the Yukon Territory and then the equally menacing and threatening life that awaits him as he is adopted by American Indian Grey Beaver and attempts to live as a domesticated canine. White Fang’s new life is just as brutal, as he fails to be accepted by other young dogs and so reverts to being the ‘lone wolf’, detached and isolated in the frozen wastelands.

The Art of Racing in the Rain Garth Stein

Another dog has his day now and this time it’s Enzo who wants to be reincarnated as a human; he believes in the Mongolian legend that a dog ‘who is prepared’ will come back as a man. Enzo

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already feels human - he watches television and listens carefully to everything his master, racing driver Denny Swift, tells him. Through watching and listening, Enzo has gleaned that his human family is in trouble and he must do everything in his power to fix them. ‘Heart-warming’ doesn’t come close. For everyone who ever thought of their dog as the fifth member of their family, Enzo’s story of his humans will have you reaching for the tissues before the novel is finished.

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

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Focus Fireplaces & Stoves

F

ocus Fireplaces have long been recognized as the area’s premier fireplace experts and specialists.

Their large showroom features a selection of fires, stoves and fireplaces for all types of homes.

Nothing beats a real fire and the benefits of wood-burning stoves are becoming more and more recognised. Focus display a wide choice of stoves (including Defra approved) and their installers have the experience and HETAS qualifications to install these appliances. For those wanting the appearance of a stove but with less effort involved: there are also gas and electric versions available that can be seen on live display in their showroom.

York has an abundance of period properties and as manufacturers, Focus Fireplaces offer a wide choice from their portfolio of traditional stone, timber and painted fire surrounds.

Recent years however, have seen contemporary fireplaces become more popular and Focus can tempt customers with stunning designs in black glass and chrome.

Many of the fireplaces are manufactured in a

26 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

petite size so that studio or retirement apartments can benefit from the focal point that a fireplace creates. In addition to this, there are various contemporary hang on the wall fires available in gas and electric options.

With the increase in fuel prices there has been a shift towards installing more efficient gas fires. Focus Fireplaces have several of these on live display.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff have literally decades of experience in imparting the technical help essential in choosing a new fireplace.

Focus Fireplaces Ltd are situated just after Deans garden centre on Stockton Lane, less than a mile from Monks Cross. Open Mon - Sat. Tel: 01904 400525 www.focusfireplacesyork.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

High efciency gas res and woodburning stoves Visit Yorks Premier showroom 5 mins from Monk’s Cross Roundabout,The Bull Commercial Centre, Stockton Lane, York Y032 9LE OPEN Mon-Sat In-house fitting service

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 27

Head for the hills Gadgets that make the great outdoors even greater

T

echnology isn’t just something you use at home - it can be handy when you’re out and about too, even if your idea of out and about means going far off the beaten track.

One of the most useful kinds of outdoor technology is GPS, the satellite system that can work out where we are and help us find where we want to go. There are all kinds of dedicated GPS receivers, ranging from cheaper devices such as Garmin’s £100 eTrex 10 to more expensive navigators such as Magellan’s Explorist 710, which currently costs around £350.

You don’t necessarily need to invest in standalone GPS kit, however, especially now that smartphones and tablets can run very accurate mapping apps - although if you’re taking a phone or tablet into the wilds, onto a boat or anywhere else nature can destroy it, it’s a very good idea to invest in some protection. You can spend ridiculous sums on all-weather protection, but cases such as Griffin’s Survivor (around £25 for phones, £29 for tablets) - something Griffin admits is “ridiculously overengineered” - wraps your device in military-spec protection for a very reasonable price. It isn’t pretty, but it’s tough - and that’s what really matters here.

Technology has even made its way into the humble torch, which these days boasts LED illumination and innovative designs. Nite Ize’s BugLit LED (around £13) has low, high and strobe modes, is visible from a mile away and has rubber feet that you can twist to attach to almost anything, while head-mounted LED lights range in price from around £35 to well over £100. Petzl’s Nao Headtorch (£135) is a bit over the top for the odd walk in the woods, but for serious running and other sports its sensor ensures a uniform level of brightness irrespective of how light or dark conditions become.

28 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

The most famous outdoors gadget is probably the Swiss Army Knife with its array of tools, but these days you’re more likely to carry a Leatherman or one of its many imitators. With prices ranging from around £30 to £100 for originals and considerably less for clones, the range offers allin-one devices with tools such as pliers, knives, saws, bottle and can openers, wire cutters, screwdrivers and even scissors.

If you’re planning to be outside for a long time, you’ll need to eat - and gadgets can help you with that too. Jetboil’s Zip Stove (£75) is a gas stove given a high-tech twist: its heat exchanger means it can boil half a litre in just over two minutes, and its neoprene jacket keeps things warmer for longer.

Meanwhile the BioLite CampStove (£150) takes the humble campfire into the 21st century: as it burns twigs, bark or pinecones it generates electricity, which powers a fan, which fans the flames for better heat efficiency and less smoke - and there’s enough power left over to recharge your lights, phone or MP3 player.

If you need to recharge gadgets but don’t fancy lugging a stove around, no matter how portable, you might be better off with a monkey - and by monkey we mean a Powermonkey, such as the Powermonkey Discovery. Charge it before you go, and when your phone or other digital device runs out of puff the Powermonkey can recharge it twice if it’s an iPhone and three to four times if it’s a standard mobile phone. Expect to pay around £45.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

ON-SITE COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT Friendly personalised service for small businesses, home office and home users

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

Visit

China C hina is home to some amazing sights and wonders of the world.

To explore the Forbidden City, walk on the Great Wall, sail the Yangtze River, see Giant Pandas or stand face to face with the Terracotta Warriors is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. The diversity of this huge country is both fascinating and daunting to the traveller, so it pays to do your planning and discover the possibilities of what you should expect on a trip to China.

Over the last fifteen years tours of China have become extremely popular, partly due to the increase in flights, but also as a result in improvements in the Chinese infrastructure and it’s the country’s willingness to open up to tourism. However, the vastness of China requires that visitors are not over ambitious when planning an itinerary, so it is sensible to use the expertise of specialist tour operators who know the country and have experience and people on the ground to make sure your holiday runs smoothly.

But what should you aim to achieve when visiting China for the first time? The classic sights, the Golden Triangle of Beijing, Shanghai and Xian are hard to beat. Walk the Great Wall of China, photograph historic sights from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing, stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors and visit the ancient city walls of Xian.

Shanghai provides fascinating contrasts, with 30 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

its futuristic skyline and lively social scene it is the epitome of a modern and dynamic Asian city; whilst nature lovers can explore the beautiful landscape of craggy limestone peaks along the Li River in Guilin or visit Chengdu’s famous Giant Pandas.

Off the beaten track in China leads the traveller to alpine forests and the clear blue lakes of the Nine Villages Valley, the famous ‘Avatar Mountains’ of Zhangjiajie and the sky piercing peak of Mount Everest. And for those with an inquisitive palate, China boasts a fantastic array of food with many regional specialities.

Beautiful Yunnan Province in the south of the country offers the cobbled streets of Dali and Lijang, as well as the Stone Forest of Kunming, the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge. The more adventurous can follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps and explore the ancient Silk Road or venture towards Tibet and its Buddhist Culture.

And don’t forget the Yangtze, one of the world’s largest and most famous waterways as it makes its journey over 4,000 miles from its source in Qinghai Province into the East China Sea at Shanghai. A cruise along the Yangtze is one of the highlights of any trip in China and worth trying to include in your itinerary if time permits.

Finally, remember there are different types of tours available to China. From Group Tours which are great for single people to join, to private tours which can be tailored to families or couples, or even Private Groups – perfect for societies or special interest groups. Whichever way you to choose to visit you are sure to create some unforgettable memories of this unique country.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 31

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Maintaining Healthy Trees and Shrubs Trees require regular professional inspections to ensure their health and safety is maintained. Using a professional trained arborist to determine the type of pruning necessary to improve the health, appearance and safety of your tree is essential. Bartlett Tree Experts can provide regular complimentary inspections of your trees and shrubs.

Pruning

, is the selective removal of parts of a plant to maintain size, shape and improve light. Trees which have not been pruned, or improperly pruned, can often be a safety hazard to people and property.

Young TreeS

require formative pruning to ensure a strong framework for future growth, thus reducing more expensive pruning at a later date.

MaTure TreeS

require removal of dead and dying branches known as ‘dead wooding’ to maintain health and safety.

Crown LifTing

is the removal of lower branches to a given height, it is carried out where trees overhang footpaths and highways lifting to current statutory heights to avoid contact with vehicles and pedestrians.

Lifting the crown increases the light beneath the crown of a tree which can aid grass development or under planted shrubs and plants.

Crown THinning

, when a tree has a very dense crown assists to reduce the crown density to reduce wind resistance and potential storm damage. It also increases light through the crown of the tree.

individuaL branCHeS

may require reduction in length to avoid contact with buildings/structures or to improve structure and form.

SHrubS

require Trimming or Pruning. Trimming produces a formal appearance with an outer shell of foliage but little growth on the interior. Pruning removes older growth as well as new shoots and the plant has a more informal, natural appearance and can be maintained to a specific size. It also promotes new growth encouraging health and vigour.

PeSTS and diSeaSeS can affect

Trees and Shrubs like any other plants. Bartlett’s also specialise in treatment control of various woody plant Pests, Diseases and other conditions such as buried root flares.

Root and Soil Disorders are the leading causes of decline of landscape plants. Most urban 32 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

and suburban soil conditions do not promote vigorous new root growth. Soil compaction, lack of organic matter, poor nutrition, drought and low levels of beneficial fungi create an environment that is unfavourable to root growth.

Stimulating root growth allows some declining trees to revive and recover their health and aesthetics.

Young trees and transplants also benefit, because root growth drives all other tree functions such as; trunk growth, leaf/fruit/seed production, branching and defense against pests and diseases.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 Bartlett’s recommend an evaluation of your Trees and Shrubs, taking soil samples for analysis. Based on these results we can recommend the appropriate treatment which may involve some or all of the following; mulching, soil aeration, fertilisation, and Mycorrhiza inoculation.

Browned off with your Leylandii?

Two insect pests have been associated with browning of conifer hedges;

Conifer SHooT MinerS is a small moth which can cause severe and highly visible damage to infested hedges. The Moth larvae hollow out the entire shoot tip so infested trees appear scorched with the dead, hollowed out twigs easily broken off.

Conifer aPHid are small sap sucking insects.

Initially foliage becomes severely yellowed and browned and affected needles fall in large numbers.

Eventually hedge crowns become thin, consisting of a few bare needles. Secondary effects result from fouling of the leaves and stems with Honeydew which encourages the growth of the fungus known as Sooty Mould.

Bartlett’s recommend an inspection of your hedge and can offer the appropriate treatment to control these Insect Pests and associated problems.

Bartlett Tree Consulting has considerable expertise and experience, offering residential and commercial clients a comprehensive range of services, which include; Tree risk assessments:

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to Trees Trees can sometimes cause structural damage by root action, or limb failure and collapse; insurers, surveyors, lenders and structural engineers frequently require tree owners to obtain specialist Risk Assessment Reports and Vegetation Management Plans. We can provide detailed reports covering trees and buildings for insurance and mortgage purposes at a level of detail to suit your budget and needs.

Internal Decay Detection

resistograph Micro drill, to establish the internal structural integrity of an individual tree. The device drills

a micro bit into the tree stem , measuring the resistance of the timber to the drill and provides a print-out of the structure of the timber tested, providing information on levels of decay, unseen voids and types of wood decay.

PiCuS Sonic Tomograph.

This is a non-invasive internal decay detection test which uses sound waves to detect any internal voids and timber density. A colour image is produced indicating any risks within the test site.

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Pruning | Trimming | Removals | Planting Stump Grinding | Disease & Insect Control Soil & Root Zone Services | Soil & Nutrient Analysis york@bartlettuk.com

Tree Surveys | Development Site Reports Mortgage & Insurance Assessments | Site Supervision Internal Decay Detection Tests

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

Seed Sowing on the cheap

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34 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

by Pippa Greenwood

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We load and dispose of your waste

It’s the time of year when you can easily produce great plants without breaking the bank.

If you want your garden full of colour, interest, perfume and perhaps even tasty crops, there’s no doubt that the least expensive way to do it is to raise your plants from seed. But what can be done to ensure the results in the garden are just as impressive?

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

S

tart with a little self-restraint. Whether from catalogues or at the garden centre, it’s all too easy to buy enough flower seed to fill a tennis court when you have an average-sized garden, or enough veg seed for a family twice the size of your own.

Make a list of what you actually need and put a limit on how many un-planned purchases you’ll allow yourself.

Think about sharing. Each packet of seed often contains tens or even hundreds of seeds, so why not agree to swap a few with friends and relatives. This will not only save you money, but will also maximise the range of plants you can grow without increasing your outlay.

Don’t be tempted to sow too many seeds at one time. By sowing little and often you’ll maximise flower time of annual flowers and cropping time for vegetables and herbs. It also means that if the conditions are not right for germination on one occasion, all is not lost.

Don’t forget that you may not need to buy what you want. Some plants can be reliably raised from seed collected from your own garden and don’t forget to ask friends and neighbours too. Make sure you only collect from healthy

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Some seeds, especially those labelled as ‘F1’, will produce flowers whose seeds will not ‘come true’ - this means that the offspring will not be the same as the original plant and will often be less productive.

As well as ensuring the seed is ripe, try to harvest it when the plants and the weather are dry, remove any bits of plant debris that are attached to the seed and allow the seed to dry off naturally. Letting them become too warm or too cold can soon kill off seeds. If you can’t sow the seeds straight away, make sure you store them, well labelled, in a cool, dry place.

Old film containers or tightly sealed lunch boxes work well, especially if you pop a sachet

or two of silica gel into the containers. Store them in the veg box of your fridge.

A small heated or even unheated propagator can often end up saving you money as you can reliably raise a far wider range of plants from seed. There are many types available now, but make sure you choose one which is sturdily built and has proper ventilation in the clear plastic lid, otherwise seedlings may die on hot days. We stock some of the lovely UK-made Stewart propagators at www. pippagreenwood.com including a simple window sill propagator

Seeds do best if not sown too closely, and by sowing thinly you’ll also save yourself time and money.

SEED SHARING Another of our regular sharing events Saturday 2nd March Share surplus seeds

10.30-11.30am

Haxby & Wigginton in Transition

CREATING CO-OPERATIVE COMMUNITY

Seed & Plant Sharing Bring your surplus or just come along and share some of ours if you haven‛t any yourself – there is always more than enough for all

at H&W Methodist Church Hall Hear how ABUNDANCE help people with their fruit picking in York each autumn

Saturday, 5 March 2011 hwtransition@googlemail.com Haxby Methodist Church or or call Tim& Wigginton on 01904 760659 visit ALL ARE WELCOME www.haxbyandwiggintonccc.org.uk 10.45 - 11.45 am Lounge (entry at side)

Talk by David Broughton of Abundance, Who are

we?

We are a group who areWho responding are we? challenges bybyCreating CoWe are ato groupnew who are responding to new challenges Creating Cooperative Community in Haxby and Wigginton operative Community in Haxby and We hope to moveWigginton towards Greater sharing and co-operation; more locally grown food; Better use of resources; a lower carbon community; less dependence on We hope to move towards expensive oil Greater sharing and co-operation; hwtransition@googlemail.com or call Stephen on 01904 765651 more locally grown food; Better use of Look out for resources; a lower carbon community; Sharing Plants 21 May 2011 St Mary’s Hall, Haxby 1.30 - 2.30 pm Sharing Crops in July, August & September on expensive oil less dependence

36 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

which, unlike many others, fits perfectly on most window sills without protruding.

Seeds do best if not sown too closely, and by sowing thinly you’ll also save yourself time and money. Wider spacing makes for less thinning out but if you do have to thin out a bit, remember that most seedlings will perform well if looked after properly.

Many herbaceous perennials can successfully be divided into several new plants. Indeed most herbaceous plants do better when occasionally divided as the plant does not become so congested and you can dispose of the grotty bits and plant the good sections into fresh soil.

Many plants are also easily propagated from cuttings, and over the next few weeks, you could get some great cuttings from summer favourites such as fuchsias for virtually no cost at

YorkSEED Landscapes SHARING

CREATING CO-OPERATIVE COMMUNITY

plants however and make sure they are ready and ripe – seed harvested too early will not be fully mature and won’t germinate.

and Maintenance Another of our regular sharing events

Share surplus seeds

Bring your surplus or just come along and share some of ours if you haven‛t any yourself – there is always more than enough for all Hear how ABUNDANCE help people with their fruit picking in York each autumn

Driveways  Patios &Saturday, Paths 5March Fencing & Decking  2011 Turfing  Block Paving  Grass Cutting  Clearance Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church  Hedge Cutting  Tree & Hedge & Garden Tidies & Commercial  Chippings Removal  Domestic ALL ARE WELCOME  Mini Digger Hire for Sale 10.45 - 11.45 am Lounge (entry at side) Experienced Talk by David Broughton of Abundance, company

based in Strensall.

We are commited to completing all projects We to move towards inhope a tidy, clean and polite Greater sharing and co-operation; more locally grown food; manner.

Better use of resources; a lower carbon community; less dependence on Who are we?

We are a group who are responding to new challenges by Creating Cooperative Community in Haxby and Wigginton

expensive oil

t: 07707 325861 or 01904 491651 www.york-landscaping.co.uk hwtransition@googlemail.com or call Stephen on 01904 765651

Look out for

Sharing Plants 21 May 2011 St Mary’s Hall, Haxby 1.30 - 2.30 pm Sharing Crops in July, August & September

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 all. They’ll be flowering later this year too.

Rhubarb crowns benefit from division every five or so years. March and April are generally the best months to do this. My favourite rhubarb, ‘Valentine’ has been grown from lovely crowns in a friend’s father’s garden.

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Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ where you can choose from a fantastic selection of vegetables for planting AND receive an email each week telling you all you need to know to ensure great results – from just £29. You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and receive a free ebook on organic gardening, and buy Nemaslug and other garden products.

RAC Handyman & Gardening Services Any job considered Please call for a quote Call Robert Chilton on T: 01904 490609 or M: 07989 266589 rachandyman@hotmail.co.uk 42 Moor Lane, Strensall

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www.minstergroundworks.co.uk www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 37

Easy Composting Composting your kitchen and garden waste at home is a great and easy way to get free home compost. To help you get started York Rotters are holding a 1-day sale of half price compost bins on Saturday 23rd March at York Environment Centre, St Nicholas Fields, Rawdon Avenue, YO10 3ST. It is really easy to compost your kitchen and garden waste and the resulting free compost is great for your garden and much better than bought compost. Home compost improves the soil in your garden and healthy soil means healthy plants. As well as being brilliant for your garden, home composting is a great way to do your bit for the environment by reducing the amount of rubbish you send to landfill.

Bins are on sale for just ÂŁ15 for a 330 litre compost bin and must be pre-ordered by Friday 15th March. To pre-order and arrange collection please email rotters@stnicksfields.org.uk or call 01904 412861

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Babies from 6 weeks old to 6 years old.

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Haxby Memorial Hall Fundraisers are holding an

EASTER COFFEE MORNING Sat 16th March 10am till 1pm Light refreshments on sale and gift stalls

38 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

easter Weekend FUn Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2013

Traditional Easter Fair | Themed Woodland Trail | ‘Meet’ Molly the Rabbit | Face Painting | ‘Lamb National’ Sheep Racing | Sheepdog Displays | Children’s Illustrated Trail Booklet | Adventure Playground All activities included in the admission price.

Open daily from 10am. www.castlehoward.co.uk Telephone 01653 648333 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

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

Lemon Chicken with Tabbouleh This is a great way to turn simple and very economical chicken portions into a delicious Mediterranean-style supper. If you have time, make the tabbouleh a few hours in advance to let the flavours fully develop.

Ingredients: 1 lemon, thinly sliced 4 large chicken thigh portions (or 8 small thigh portions) 4 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp clear honey, warmed 225g bulgar wheat (see tip) � cucumber, finely diced 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh chopped mint 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Courtyard Craft & Local Produce Markets

TIP: Bulgar wheat is a type of wheat grain that has been parboiled, dried then finely crushed. It is similar to couscous but has more texture and bite. You’ll find it in most large supermarkets or health food shops.

Serves 4 & Ready in 45 mins

Farm Shop Perfect for Easter: Howardian Hebridean Lamb reared by Gareth Barlow as seen on BBC Countryfile

Sunday 31 March & Monday 1 April 2013 Over 20 stalls of Yorkshire crafts and produce in the Courtyard. Visit the farm shop, garden centre, gift shops and cafés.

Slowly matured for an old-fashioned flavour. Pick up in store.

Open 10am | Free entry and parking Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA www.castlehoward.co.uk 40 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 1. Preheat the oven to 190C, 375F, Gas 5. Push a lemon slice under the skin of each chicken thigh. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken over a medium-high heat until golden brown all over. Transfer to a shallow roasting tin and arrange the rest of the lemon slices around the chicken.

2. Mix together 1 tbsp of the lemon juice with the honey and pour over the chicken.

Roast for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

3. Meanwhile, place the bulgar wheat into a bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Leave for 30 minutes until grains are soft. Stir well and drain off any excess water.

4. Stir in the rest of the olive oil and lemon juice and season with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the cucumber, spring onions, mint and coriander and mix well. Serve the hot roast chicken on the tabbouleh with any juices from the roasting tin poured over.

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 41

Fresh faced The ultimate at home facial

by Helen Jane Taylor

A trip to the beauty salon is the ultimate treat for many women after a stressful and hectic day. But, ‘me time’ should continue at home too as regular care of your skin will have lifetime benefits.

A facial is a great pick-me-up and one of those all-important treatments that not only results in glowing skin, but leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated too. And what’s more you can achieve near professional results at home.

P

art of the joy of treating yourself to a salon session is soaking up the atmosphere the gentle lighting and soothing music equal total relaxation - so recreate that by turning your bathroom into a candle lit haven, that’s delicately fragranced and full of luxurious accessories.

Cleanse away the day by removing all traces of make-up. You must use a liquid eye make-up remover, cleanser and toner - make up remover wipes are convenient but not as thorough nor as pleasant to use.

Use a muslin cloth that’s been submerged in hot water to place over the face in order to open up the pores. Leave for a few moments before repeating.

Double cleanse by using a wash off cleanser that will extract any deeply ingrained dirt and grime.

Smooth the product over the face and neck, before removing using circular, upward motions. Splash with water.

Now that the skin is at this stage it’s time to work on congested areas. If you are prone to blackheads then a good exfoliator is essential for clearing out blocked pores. And what’s more, they are great for removing dead skin cells and revealing brighter, fresher and younger looking skin.

Apply the exfoliant to damp skin and work all over, concentrating on the forehead, nose and chin.

Always use upwards, circular movements and don’t be tempted to scrub - light strokes are all that’s needed.

After exfoliating, apply a face mask. Ensure that it’s

42 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Courtesy of Clinique the right kind for you - if you have combination skin then use assorted masks, applied in different areas for the very best results. Many beauty therapists do this so that they can address the requirements of each part of the face. Thermal masks are fabulous.

They gently heat up to draw out impurities and prove to be the perfect pampering treat.

With your face mask on, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy doing nothing for a few minutes.

Use a wet face cloth to remove the mask and splash your face with cool water before drying thoroughly.

At this point your skin should be feeling totally refreshed and super soft, but there is still more to do.

Applying an eye cream is a must to protect against and fight off wrinkles. Start at the outer most point of the eye and use light tapping motions to press the product into the skin. Because the eye area is so sensitive it really is vital that you do not rub, drag or pull.

Moisturise using a product that suits your skin’s needs and as you apply treat yourself to a mini massage that will stimulate circulation and bring much needed oxygen and nutrition to the surface.

Work from the centre of your face, moving upwards and outwards, using your fingers and palms to lift and smooth the skin. Don’t forget to include your neck in the massage too.

The results are sure to be amazing.

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

York Pilates Matwork

NEW Antenatal Class Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm ÂŁ45 for a 5 week course

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Up for a challenge

in 2013?

CYCLE 146 MILES IN 2 DAYS... and raise funds for

STUNNING CIRCULAR YORKSHIRE WOLDS CYCLE ROUTE OVERNIGHT HALFWAY STOPOVER WITH BBQ, BAR & LIVE MUSIC! SUPPORT CYCLISTS & VEHICLES INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES OR GROUPS WELCOME For full details and to register, visit:

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or telephone:

01904 720003 or: 01653 690503 ORGANISED BY

44 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

WITH SUPPORT FROM

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

Samantha Lambert Specialist Podiatrist BSc (Hons) M.Ch.s HCPC Reg

• Painful feet relief • In-growing toenails • Nail Cutting • Verrucae treatment • Dry and cracked heel treatments SPECIAL O • Athletes foot treatment Free fu FFER • Specialist foot care for healthy Ureka Fooll size t Cre on your happy feet first visit am this adve & with rt • Professional and reliable service

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Our small team of experienced, friendly staff are focused on you. You’ll see the same faces each time you visit, allowing us to really get to know you and offer truly personal service.

We offer easy access with free parking right outside. The number one and twelve bus routes are directly opposite too, just hop off at the Ryedale Court Shopping Centre.

Haxby Opticians 6 Ryedale Court Haxby YO32 3SA

(01904) 761216 Info@HaxbyOpticians.co.uk www.HaxbyOpticians.co.uk

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York Natural Health Clinic 36 York Road, Acomb YO24 4LZ T: 01904 788411 M: 07889 341343 www.samanthalambert-podiatrist.co.uk

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FULFORD & STRENSALL, YORK from birth to 5 years We have re-named our nurseries to recognise our Outstanding Montessori childcare.

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www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 45

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YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

Jaguar XJ AWD

J

aguar has introduced a clever all-wheel drive set-up for its luxury XJ - we head to Canada to try it out.

Jaguar’s star is rising fast. Sales across the world are booming, especially in growth markets like China where sales are up a staggering 84 per cent this year. It’s a similar pretty picture in the US and even in the troubled European markets the prestige brand is still up 20 per cent.

Jaguar Land Rover’s global brand director John Edwards attributes the success to the Indian company Tata taking over the company in 2008.

“I look back to the days of BMW and Ford ownership and think of them as foster parents,” he said.

“They had their own parameters of what we could and couldn’t do and we had to live by those rules.”

But since Tata took over, the manufacturer has been able to set its own rules once again – and Edwards thinks it’s this that has helped the Jaguar and Land Rover brands flourish.

“When Tata took over it was like we became 18 – we could make up our own rules. We have a careful guardian watching over us but we can come up with

by James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk)

our own plans and go our own way. That’s liberating.

It’s opened our eyes to the long term.”

What is the AWD XJ? It’s an all-wheel drive version of Jaguar’s luxury limo, the XJ. Using a part mechanical, part electric set-up Jaguar’s engineers have created a clever fourwheel drive system for markets where cold weather is the norm, like the car’s launch location, Canada.

The system allows 100 per cent of the power to go to the front or rear wheels, depending on where the grip is needed. The good news is that no driving characteristics are lost during normal conditions as just five per cent of the power is sent to the front wheels.

What’s under the bonnet?

The highlight is the new 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6. Producing 335bhp and 450Nm of torque it hits 60mph in 6.1 seconds, achieves a top speed of 155mph and returns 28.8mpg. It’s a corker of a unit and mated to the eight-seed automatic it’s incredibly smooth.

What’s the kit like? continued over...

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

It’s plentiful. Leather upholstery, a frankly sensational Meridian sound system, Bluetooth, cruise control; in fact pretty much everything you’d want and more comes as standard.

Any rivals?

The biggest rivals come with four-ringed badges on the bonnet. Audi has always made a big deal about its Quattro models, as the firm’s four-wheel drive system is one of their biggest selling points.

With that in mind the Audi S8 would be the Jag’s biggest rival.

Is it any good?

It’s brilliant. Jaguar took us to Canada to test the system in the snow and I’ve never felt as safe on the slippery stuff. However, it’s worth noting that these AWD Jaguars aren’t due to come to the UK. Sales of four wheel drive saloons are small, says the manufacturer, and it doesn’t warrant the development costs, but a spokesman did tell AOL Cars that it hasn’t been ruled out completely.

The verdict It’s a shame they aren’t coming to the UK as they are very accomplished and with the weather we’ve been having recently, they’d make wise buys. However, there is a slim chance we’ll see the technology here and it’s always nice to see a success story for British car manufacturing elsewhere around the globe.

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Stamford Bridge Singers An evening of Music and Readings for Passiontide & Easter 16 March at 7.30pm at the Chapel of the Bar Convent in York This concert presented on the Eve of Passion Sunday will include a feast of music by well-known composers such as Rutter, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Weelkes, Bruckner, Stainer and Handel.

It will trace Our Lord’s journey to the cross and will conclude with the rejoicing on the day of Resurrection.

Please book in advance, tickets are £10 (includes wine) from the Bar Convent Reception 01904 643238 or email reception@bar-convent.org.uk. For further details visit www.stamfordbridgesingers.btck.co.uk 48 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

ELECTRICAL Connections

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Joinery & Property Services

Dave Kavanagh

Painting & Decorating

• Kitchen fitting • Bathroom fitting • Plastering & Tiling • Wood & Laminate floors

For all your painting and decorating needs.

No job too small.

Over 25 years experience

Call Dave T: 07563 737631 www.joinersyork.mobi

T: 01904 706024 or: 07905 537236

Plumbing by Taylor

GT Ceramic Tiling Est 20 years

Bathroom

Installation Specialist

Bathroom & Wetroom Specialist

Complete bathroom fitting service All building work undertaken

Leaks • Burst Pipes • Dripping Taps • Dripping Overflow

Tiling • Plumbing Joinery • PlasTering

To discuss your plumbing needs, get free advice or a quote, contact Stuart at Plumbing by Taylor on t:

01904 631227 07766 984425

mob:

Call Dave for a free estimate on

A reliable professional service from start to finish

www.bathroomspecialistyork.co.uk

Call Graham for a FREE quote on 01904 793388 or 07947 506477

Rob Barker

Your advert here from just £30+vat per month For more details call 01653 658776 info@thehandymag.co.uk

Painter & Decorator Over 35 years experience City & Guilds qualified

For Free Quotes & Advice call 07939 846641 www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 49

Haxby & Wigginton Local History Group

LAWN BOWLS at WIGGINTON BOWLING CLUB

Come and play lawn bowls, a sport for all ages

A Pictorial History of Wigginton To be held in Wigginton Old School, Wigginton On Saturday 16th March from 10am until 1pm

Looking for a pleasurable outdoor pursuit at a friendly local club? Then come down to Wigginton Bowling Club.

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 £56 flat fee, £28 ages 18 to 25 and free to juniors under 18 and you can play as often as you like.

Home-Start York helps parents with preschool children who are experiencing difficulties.

The 2013 season is open from Saturday 13th April to Saturday 14th September for social bowling and league matches.

We recruit, train and support parent volunteers to visit families in their own homes offering practical and emotional assistance for 2-3 hours each week.

Why not take the opportunity of a month’s free trial membership, without obligation, or come along to our “Come and Try” day on Sunday 21st April from 2pm to 5pm and give it a go.

We are recruiting volunteers for our nine week training course commencing in February.

For further details, or to arrange a visit, contact: Colin Ellis (Secretary) on 01904 760877 or Email: colin.ellis23@talktalk.net

If you are interested in finding out more please contact Hilary, Gill or Maria on 01904 674 764 homestartyork@ukgateway.net www.homestartyork.org.uk

50 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 51

Local Events SHERIFF HUTTON JUMBLIES

10 March Second Hand Book Sale

11am to 3pm - in aid of the Chanticleer Singers.

BIG CHARITY NIGHT 9 March Haley Sisters In aid of Multiple Sclerosis (York Branch) 50s and 60s Music, Folk and Country Huntington Working Men’s Club, 1 North Moor Road, Huntington, York YO32 9QS Tickets £5 available on 01904 762358 or from the club

FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE

HAXBY & WIGGINTON U3A

15 March ‘Crime & Punishment’

A talk by Mr Malcolm Smith.

Venue: Wiggington Recreation Hall Time: 2pm. Admission £2.00 including tea & biscuits. Guests admission £3.

CASTLE HOWARD 29 March – 1 April Easter Fair & Lamb National

RIVER FOSS SOCIETY 5 March Walk 1. Monk Bridge to Haxby about 4½ miles. Meet at 10am. at Monk Bridge. We suggest using public transport to get to the start and from the finish. If you would like lunch in Haxby contact Bob in advance.

23 March Morning litter pick. Details will be posted on the website nearer the date or contact June.

For walks – Bob Jowett Tel. 01904 764702, e-mail bobjowett1@ btopenworld.com For other events – June Card Tel. 01904 766196, e-mail junecard700@gmail.com

Traditional Easter fair with vintage rides, sweet stall, face painters and more. Meet Molly the Rabbit and take part in our Easter trail around the wonderful new woodland paths. New for 2013 is the Lamb National! An entertaining and thrilling display of racing sheep! And as if thats not enough there will also be sheepdog demonstrations from the amazing Bob Hogg's Sheepdog Displays throughout the days.

Starts10am-4pm each day.

www.riverfosssociety.co.uk

31 March - 1 April Easter Courtyard Craft and Produce Markets

31 March

19 – 24 March

YORK RSPCA ANIMAL HOME 16 March Quiz Night

At York Railway Institute. @ 7.30pm. Tickets £8 pp to include hot supper. Teams of 4 maximum Tickets from the Institute, The Animal Home, RSPCA shop in Gillygate.

See www.yorkfestivals.com for more details.

HOVINGHAM VILLAGE MARKET 2 March 10.30 – 1.30pm. Hovingham Village Hall

Over 30 stalls selling a unique range of handmade crafts and local produce. Open from 10am to 4pm, with free entry. Visit: at www.castlehoward.co.uk.

Easter Fair

At the Animal Home, 11.00am to 3pm. Raffle, home made cakes, refreshments, books, trinkets.

Come and meet our animals.

Entrance £1 adults, accompanied children free.

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE 22 February – 2 March Miss Saigon - School Edition.

York Stage Musicals

7 – 9 March Blithe Spirit - Rowntree Players 52 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

10 March Music Night 16 March Simply Musicals In Concert Razzamataz Theatre School

21 – 23 March Return to the Forbidden Planet - Flying Ducks Youth

Theatre.

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 ST NICHOLAS FIELDS 2 March ECO-ACTIVE DAY

10am-2pm, at York Environment Centre. Help with nature reserve, a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Free entry.

7 March TOOL CARE training

At the York Environment Centre.

With Geoff Norton of Yorkshire Hurdles Drinks provided but bring lunch. (times tbc). Entry: £25/ £20 conc. & members. Please book.

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM OF FARMING

STAMFORD BRIDGE SINGERS 16 March

29 – 31 March

Passiontide & Easter

Museum Reopens for the Season

at 7.30pm at the Chapel of the Bar Convent in York, tickets are £10. 01904 643238 or email reception@bar-convent.org.uk.

1 April Easter Eggstravaganza

HAXBY MEMORIAL HALL FUNDRAISERS 16 March Easter coffee morning

10am till 1pm. Light refreshments on sale. Also gift stalls

BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS 8 March Wigginton Recreation Centre, 2-4pm & 5-7pm

9 March

5 & 20 March

GET (re)CREATIVE!

Best Western Monk Bar Hotel, York. 2-4pm & 5-7pm

1-3pm at York Environment Centre. Session will be led by Sue of ‘Waste Not Want it’. Light refreshments provided. Entry: £6/ £5 conc. & members.

9 & 18 March Grow Your Own

...In a small space.7:30-9:30pm at Friends Meeting House, Friargate, YO1 9RL. Free training event with Jane Thurlow, a founder of York Organic Gardeners Association. Entry: free but booking is essential.

23 March 1-day Sale of Half Price Compost Bins

York Environment Centre, York Rotters are holding a 1-day sale of half price compost bins. Bins are just £15 and must be pre-ordered by 15th March.

To book or for information contact York Rotters: 01904 411821 / 01904 412861 or email rotters@ stnicksfields.org.uk

HAXBY & WIGGINTON LOCAL HISTORY GROUP 16 March Present a Pictorial History of Wigginton

Wigginton Old School, Wigginton starts at 10am until 1pm.

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM 9 – 10 March Diesel Electric Shunter Weekend 23 – 24 March Robots Live 29 March – 14 April Railway Detectives

WIGGINTON & HAXBY WI 14 March Quiz Night With David Lambden.

Refreshments included. St Mary’s Church Hall, Haxby at 7.30pm

THE FORESTERS 22 March The Foresters at English Martyrs Hall, Dalton Terrace York Tickets available from David Bryant on 01904 709733 www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 53

PUZZLE PAGES

WORDSEARCH

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Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

QUIZ

Detectives Detectives Detectives 1 Father Brown 2 Inspector Morse 3 Mike Hammer 4 Sherlock Holmes 5 Harry Hole 6 Jack Frost 7 Sam Spade 8 Inspector Wexford 9 Adam Dalgliesh 10 John Rebus

CAN YOU SPOT 10 DIFFERENCES?

Choosing list Choosing fromfrom the the list below, canlist you workauthors out canbelow, you out which Choosing fromwork the below, which created the the detectives below? can you created work outauthors which authors detectivesbelow? above? created the detectives Dashiell Hammett

WORDLADDER

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

G. K. Chesterton

R.D. Wingfield

Mickey Spillane

Ruth Rendell

Arthur Conan Doyle

P. D. James

Ian Rankin

Colin Dexter

Jo Nesbø

HIDATO

G O L D

D U S T

Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecutive numbers into the empty shapes as you go. Some numbers are already given. www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 55

Heworth Tennis Club

Can you spare a few hours a month?

Membership & events secretary Karen Thomas Tel: 01904 425888 Email:heworthtennis@yahoo.co.uk www.communigate.co.uk/york/tennisinheworth Heworth Tennis Club is a small & friendly tennis club situated on East Parade, Heworth. It has two hard courts and a wide variety of members including adults of all levels and a thriving Junior coaching section. It also has regular tennis coaching and fitness sessions for all levels and abilities which are open to non members. There are men’s, ladies and mixed teams who play in the local leagues.

Volunteers are urgently needed for The Home Library Service in the Haxby & Wigginton area We select and deliver library books to people who are unable to visit the library themselves We particularly need drivers but non-drivers are also welcome For further information please ask at Haxby Library or telephone Lorraine on 07771 974868

FITNESS & TENNIS TRAINING FOR ALL AT HEWORTH Hate running but love chasing a ball!

Heworth Tennis Club on East Parade, Heworth runs fun fitness training on Tuesday evenings 7-8pm and Saturdays 9.30-10.30am – open to all and no need to be a member. Great for general cardio fitness as well as improving speed around the court. All levels of player can enjoy and benefit from these fun sessions with workout, drills & games suitable for all standards of players Free first time taster sessions. £5 for non members.

For more information email heworthtennis@yahoo. co.uk

Fitness training with coach Jason May (forefront left) 56 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Haxby Parish ...from 1863 to 2013

Join Haxby as to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Ecclesiastical Parish.

Working with the Town Council, St Mary’s Church in Haxby is organising a whole series of special events throughout 2013 to celebrate this anniversary.

For many years Haxby was part of Strensall parish before being given separate parish status.

Visit the Haxby 150 website and discover more... www.haxby150.co.uk

Gala Concert The Hermitage Ensemble 18th April 2013 at St Mary’s Church, Haxby. 7:30pm - 9:30pm Tickets £10 The internationally renowned Russian Orthodox Choir, The Hermitage Ensemble, was formed in St Petersburg in 1997 to keep alive the great traditions of Russian sacred music and folksong.

Each singer has a passionate commitment to Russian music, but also an extensive repertoire that includes music written by the great classical composers of Western Europe.

More information and tickets through the website www.haxby150.co.uk or from St Marys Church.

Ella... ...on YouTube The other week, my dad was having trouble fixing the old family computer, and, after having spent several frustrating hours scouring a complicated manual, he eventually opted to Google the problem… and quickly found a YouTube video perfectly explaining exactly what had gone wrong and how to fix it in less than five minutes.

YouTube is a website which has gained a reputation of being a place to waste time online watching silly (although admittedly hilarious) videos of babies, cats, and people falling over, like some kind of cheap shop full of tacky rubbish you don’t need, but still sort of want.

However, looking past all of the lyric videos and ‘Gangnam style’ parodies, the place can really be a goldmine of worthwhile information. It’s possible to find a video explaining anything, whether or not you wanted to know it, from solving a Rubik’s cube to differential equations and from the best ways to redesign a room to how to tie your shoelaces onehanded, (I kid you not, this is honestly possible).

The site is genuinely huge, and the statistics are on a monumental scale; 72 hours worth of video are uploaded per minute, and over 4 billion hours of video are watched each month. You couldn’t watch all of YouTube in a lifetime. You couldn’t watch all of YouTube in ten lifetimes.

But the percentage of uploaded videos which is actually functional and effective information or tutorials is astounding.

An example; A couple of summers ago I got a guitar, and learned to play it relatively well without ever having had an actual lesson, and using purely the Internet and a little time. This was mostly achieved using the vast array of ‘guitar for beginners’ YouTube videos, which explain and demonstrate everything from the very beginning of ‘How to Hold Your Guitar’. YouTube is also disturbingly what is getting me through my A level biology, with serious help from a series of educational videos called ‘Crash Course’, where each video is a fully structured lesson. It’s the first place I go if I don’t understand homework, or want to understand more.

The possibilities are almost endless; you could even learn ancient history on the same channel in your spare time – that is, if you’re not watching cat videos.

-Ella

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 57

LOCAL GROUPS ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES CLAXTON & SAND HUTTON KNIT AND NATTER GROUP Meet in the village hall on 1st Monday of each month 10am to 12pm. There is no charge for meetings or tuition.

Contact Rachel: 07970 956022.

CRAFT AND CHAT GROUP Any craft from knitting to card making. Lots of help and advice on offer. Bring craft projects, all ages and levels welcome. New Earwick Folk Hall 10-12pm Every Saturday in term time. £2 per session.

Contact: 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 to exchange ideas and techniques..

(No meeting July/August).

Contact 01904 399697.

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. Visitors are welcome.

Contact: 01904 765676.

HAXBY & WIGGINTON GARDENING CLUB Meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, Haxby. Regular speakers, visits and events and welcome new members.

Contact Ginny, Secretary: 01904 768516.

HAXBY & WIGGINTON KNIT AND NATTER GROUP

of digital photography.

Contact: www.communigate. co.uk/york/newearswickcameraclub.

NEW EARSWICK SWIMMING CLUB Offering learn to swim (from 4yrs old), competitive swim training, masters sessions, opportunities to compete in local leagues, recreational swimming *New Earswick Pool* Fees from £1.75 per lesson. Competitive swim training from £4.50 per week. (3 sessions) Low cost annual membership for Recreational swimming from £1.10 per week (for up to 8hrs per week).

Contact: 01904 768163 or visit www.newearswicksc.co.uk. or ring Coaching enquiries: 01904 765397 or email memberships@ newearswicksc.co.uk.

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY GROUP

Every Monday at 7pm in the Folk Hall. New members always welcome.

Contact: 01904 760639.

NEW EARSWICK CAMERA CLUB Meet mid September to the end of April each Thurs at 7:30pm at the Quaker Meeting House located to the rear of the Folk Hall car park, New Earswick. Embrace all aspects

58 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

YORK CAVING CLUB Offering regular caving trips to the Yorkshire Dales and Derbyshire, 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.

Contact: 07747 063181 or visit www.yorkcavingclub.org.uk or email: info@yorkcavingclub.org.uk.

YORK MODEL BOAT CLUB Meet at Heworth Rugby Club on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 8pm.Building techniques and various models. Holds 4 regattas in the summer on Rowntree Park Lane, York & sail on the York University Lake when Parks Lane is unavailable.

Contact Steve: 01904 424155 or www.yorkmodelboatclub.co.uk.

New Earswick Sports & Social club YORK PHILATELIC SOCIETY 3rd Monday of each month at 7.30.

Meets every 2nd Tuesday in the Contact Bryan: 01904 764648 or month except Aug, at Denham email: www.yorkareagroup.co.uk.

Room, Priory Street Centre, Priory Street, York at 7.15 pm. Buy, sell SINGLE PARENTS NATTER or exchange material. A packet AND PLAY circuit is also operated by York New Earswick Children’s Centre.

Society. Annual cost £6, youth- 13 Last Friday of each month 1.30 -18 years- £3.

3pm for single mums & dads of Contact Captain P. Hyde: 01904 under 5s.

490603 or p.hyde335@btinternet.

Contact: 01904 552646. com or Tony: 01904 411378 or aew6@york.ac.uk or Trevor: 01904 STRENSALL BRIDGE CLUB 764140 or trevorcollins834@ Strensall Village Hall, Thursday at btinternet.com.

7pm For non-serious bridge.

YORKSHIRE MINIATURISTS Contact John: 01904 769618.

STRENSALL DINING GROUP 50 or over? Our dining group of friends are full of fun and life. So don’t sit or eat alone, come join us.

Meet every 3-4 weeks at various venues around the York area.

Contact: 01904 490987.

Tues, 7-9 pm at Wigginton Church STRENSALL READING Hall. All ages and abilities welGROUP come, just bring your latest project Meet the last Wednesday of the with you. £2 pp to cover the cost month from 2.30– 3.30 pm in of room hire and refreshments.

Strensall Library. Provides us with Contact Clare: 079800 26690. a book which we read over the HUNTINGTON BRIDGE CLUB month and then get together to discuss it over tea and biscuits.

Every Saturday at Huntington Contact Sarah: 01904 490876 or Community Centre, 26 Strensall Pam: 01904 764518.

Road. 7 till 10. All welcome.

Contact Marianne: 01904 761892.

YORK AMATEUR RADIO

NEW EARSWICK BRIDGE CLUB

suppliers available.

Contact: Andy 01757 268145.

CLUB

ASSOCIATION

Miniature enthusiasts meet on 1st Saturday of the month at Friends Meeting House in the centre of York. Speakers, project meetings, demonstrations and also have a stand at the Dolls House Fair at York Race Course in June and Nov. Contact Ann: 01757 288974 or Elizabeth: 01904 795361.

YOUTH CLUBS AT OAKEN GROVE COMMUNITY CENTRE Safe, supervised indoor and outdoor areas. £1.50 per session.

WEDNESDAY OPEN YOUTH CLUB: run at the centre from 7 - 9pm and facilities include a Nintendo Wii on projector screen, Widescreen TV, Pool Table, Outside Sports, Table Tennis and Tuck Shop.

Meets each Thursday at 8pm at the Bishopthorpe Social Club in ADVICE & SUPPORT Bishopthorpe. Running courses for new members to obtain a license AGE UK YORK and call sign of their own. Future members welcome, just turn up on Provides a wide range of personal and practical support to older Thursdays. people in the York area.

Contact: 01904 627995or visit YORK BONSAI SOCIETY www.ageukyork.org.uk.

Meet monthly at Wigginton Hall on the 3rd Monday of every month ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE - 7.30pm. Friendly & informal SOCIETY group with refreshments. Occasional speakers, library & bonsai Information and support for all people with dementia and their

carers. The Retreat, Heslington Road, Heslington, York YO10 5BN Contact: 01904 658106 or 01904 799773 or visit www.alzheimers. org.uk/york or email: AL.york@ tesco.net.

BREATHE EASY YORK This is open for sufferers, helpers and carers. Support, speakers and trips out. Meet 1st Wednesday of the month 1pm-3pm at Huntington Working Mens Club.

Contact Sue: 01904 410 003 or visit www.breatheeasyyork.co.uk.

CANCER CARE CENTRE Specialised services on a referral basis such as Psycho-Oncology, Complementary Therapy and Benefits Advice at York Hospital offers support and information for Cancer Patients, their Families & Carers. The Centre is open Mon to Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Contact: 01904 721166.

CITIZEN ADVICE BUREAU Free and confidential advice. Mon & Tues - 9.30-3.30pm. Wed 4.30pm7pm. Thurs 9.30am-3.30pm.

Contact: 0844 826 9705 or visit www.yorkcab.org.uk.

HALVES Lost your other half? If so, we meet for a friendly chat over refreshments? Meet at 12pm on the !st Saturday of each month in the coffee area of Trinity Methodist Church, Monkgate, York.

Contact Margaret: 01904 415894

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY YORK BRANCH Access to information, advice and

support, and to offer opportunities and choice to anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Contact: 01904 758577 or visit www2.mssociety.org.uk/York

OAKEN GROVE SURFERS Meets at Oaken Grove Community Centre, Reid Park (off Oaken Grove) Haxby, on Monday mornings & Thursday afternoons. Helping adult beginners get to grips with computers and the internet.

Contact: 01904 769176.

OLDER CITIZENS ADVOCACY YORK – OCAY Registered charity offering a free advocacy service for all citizens of York aged 50+. Office in Townend Street is open Monday -Thursday 10am -4pm or Friday 10am - 2pm.

Contact: 01904 676200 or e-mail ocay@btconnect.com.

PARKINSONS UK Meets 1st Monday of the month at Huntington Community Centre, 26 Strensall Road, Huntington, York YO32 9RG at 7pm. At most meetings we have a guest speaker and refreshments.

Contact Jayne, Information& Support Officer: 0844 225 36 32 or

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 Kate: 01904 758355.

REFLECT Counselling service based in York, specifically for women and men facing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy. The York centre has 13 volunteers and opening times Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm and Fridays between 3-5pm, drop in at the Gateway centre, Acomb, Contact: 01904 676710 or visit www.reflectyork.co.uk or www. careconfidential.com.

SAMARITANS OF YORK & DISTRICT Confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or despair or at risk and self harm or suicide.

Always available for phone calls and visitors 8.00am - 10.00pm. 89 Nunnery Lane, York YO23 1AH. Contact: 01904 655888 or 08457 90 90 90 or visit www.samaritans. org.uk.

SHOPMOBILITY IN YORK Mobility problem? 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. Second floor of Piccadilly Multistorey Car Park in York Centre.

Contact: 01904 679222.

YORK AND DISTRICT PAIN MANAGEMENT SUPPORT GROUP 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 or visit www. ypmsg.co.uk.

YORK CORONARY SUPPORT GROUP TRUST Help and support to cardiac patients and their families following release from hospital. Meets 1st Mon of every month at the Folk Hall at New Earswick, 7:30 for talks & refreshments.

Contact Ernie: 01904 760698.

YORVIK GATEWAY CLUB A social club for adults with disabilities and is held every Monday 7-9pm at the Oaken Grove Community Centre off Usher Lane in Haxby. The club offers a variety of activities and welcomes new members.

Contact Club Leader Debbie: 0791 9191372.

Centre, 15 Priory Street, York.

Contact: 01904 642227.

ANIMALS HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLE Hearing dogs provide deaf people with greater independence, confidence and companionship, which helps relieve the stress, isolation and loneliness that deafness can bring.

Contact: 01844 348100 or email info@hearingdogs.org.uk or visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk.

ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS YORK LOCAL GROUP Regular meetings, field trips and local short walks for people who enjoy looking at and learning more about birds and their environment. Our indoor meetings are held in Temple Hall at York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk.

Contact: 01904 794865 or visit www.yorkrspb.org.uk.

ENVIRONMENTAL 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 9am - 5pm and Sat 10am - 2pm.

Be a volunteer or a member of St Nicholas.

Contact: 01904 411821.

HAXBY AND WIGGINTON YORK IN TRANSITION Making a local impact on the York in Transition Agenda: make small steps towards reducing our reliance on ways of living which are unsustainable and will cause serious dilemmas for our children and grandchildren. Becoming more cooperative about what we grow and produce locally.

Contact: 01904 760659.

RIVER FOSS SOCIETY Dedicated to the conservation & improvement of the River Foss.

They do walks, talks and other activities.

Contact the Secretary: 01904 768071 or visit www.riverfosssociety.co.uk.

YORK ROTTERS

Volunteers who promote home composting. As well as providing free home composting advice York YORK RHEUMATOID Rotters are available to carry out ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP talks at meetings and to attend (YORKRA) events.

Provides support, information and Contact: 01904 412861 or email rotters@stnicksfields.org.uk. resources for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and their families and carers. Meet 2nd Saturday of each FUNDRAISING month, 3- 5pm, at the Priory Street

BRITISH RED CROSS Looking for volunteer car and minibus drivers required for your local community, training, support and mileage allowance given.

Contact Linda: 01904 692550 or Helen: 01904 693027.

FRIENDS OF YORK HOSPITALS Organising volunteers who provide patients with extra comfort and support, also raise funds for medical and surgical equipment which cannot be provided through NHS finances.

Contact Friends Office: 01904 726762 or email friendsofyorkhospital@york.nhs.uk.

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Charity helping people to access information, support and to talk to fellow sufferers. You are not alone if you need any help or advice just get in touch.

Contact Ron, Chairman: 01904 679939 or 07715 943406 or email ron.middlemass@o2.co.uk.

RNLI GALTRES FOREST BRANCH Raising money for the Lifeboats.

Contact Sue: 01904 491133 or email colin.lowe@virgin.net.

tory? Would you like to trace your ancestors? Now offer free access to ancestry.com. Now available at Haxby Library.

Contact: 01904 552660.

MUSIC & THEATRE CITY OF YORK PIPE BAND We consist of bagpipers, base drum, tenor drums and side drummers, practicing on Wednesday nights at the Huntington Memorial Hall - offering tuition.Small yearly fee for 18yrs +, we have equipment.

Contact Laura, Pipe Major: 01904 763243 or John: 01423 879519.

FRIENDS OF YORK THEATRE ROYAL Theatre-loving group supporting our local theatre. Take part in events at the Theatre Royal, visit theatres in other places such as Newcastle, Scarborough and Leeds, and more. They hold monthly lunches in the theatre foyer, and help with selling programmes.

Contact Membership Secretary/ York Theatre Royal, St Leonards Place, York YO1 7HD or visit friends@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

HAXBY SINGERS

Join our friendly mixed choir group of Basses, Tenors, Altos and HISTORY Sopranos, meeting 7.30pm, once a week in St Mary’s Church Hall.

CITY OF YORK AND DISTRICT Contact Lynn: 01904 769838 or FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Margaret: 01904 761618.

Meet on 1st Wed of the month IN-2-ACTING at The Folk Hall, New Earswick 7pm. Exclu. January. Have a well Acting, singing and dancing for equipped Study Centre in York ages 8-16 years, two productions where we can help both inexperieach year, themed nights and enced and the more experienced theatre trips. Sessions run on with their problems and brickwalls. Thursday evenings. Depending on Welcome newcomers to the hobby numbers, priority will be given to and are willing to give advice to residents of Haxby & Wigginton. set them on the way.

Contact Megan: 07786 121832 or Contact Mike: 01904 767013 or admin@oakengrove.org.uk visit www.yorkfamilyhistory.org.uk.

HAXBY & WIGGINTON LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Meet to promote local history. We have speakers, research groups and occasional visits to interesting locations. Meet every 3rd Thursday of the month in St Mary’s Church Hall, Haxby at 10am.

Contact Ian: 01904 768516.

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.

Monthly meetings, hear a variety of speakers or to participate in workshops held in Strensall Village Hall on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm.

YORK LIBRARIES Interested in your family his-

STAMFORD BRIDGE SINGERS

Community choir of approx: 40 voices aged 13 to 70 which rehearses weekly throughout term time in Stamford Bridge School.

Available for Concerts, Church Services and Weddings. To hire us or to join the choir please email: info@stamfordbridgesingers.co.uk or visit www.stamfordbridgesingers.btck.co.uk

THE SHEPHERD GROUP BRASS BAND Rehearsals at the Portakabin Site in Huntington. www.shepherdbrassband.org Beginners Band rehearses Monday 6.30-8.00pm. Ring Audrey: 01904 425256.

The Concert Band rehearses Wednesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm.

Ring David: 07710 106906.

The Senior Band rehearses on

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 59

LOCAL GROUPS Tuesday and Friday 8-10pm. Ring Charles: 07802 190250.

YORK CONCERT BAND Play a wide variety of music and also perform 8 concerts a year around York and occasionally abroad. Rehearsals from 7.30 to 9.30pm on Mondays at New Earswick Methodist Church.

Contact the Secretary, Jill: 01904 629065.

YORK LIGHT ORCHESTRA Play light music, popular classics, musicals and themes. We rehearse on Thursdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Acomb Methodist Church, Front Street (September to July). We perform 8 concerts a year, 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.

Contact the secretary: 01904 870759 or visit www.ylo.org.uk.

PLAYGROUPS

12.15. Lunch Club 12.15 to 1.15 For children aged 2 to 5 to Learn and play.

Contact Sandra: 07407 700315 or 01904 626361.

SHERIFF HUTTON PLAYGROUP Places for children aged 2 yrs to school age in a warm, stimulating and caring environment with

outside playspace. OFSTED registered with qualified staff.

Playgroup runs Mon, Wed & Fri 9.30-2.30pm or half days from 9.30- 12.30pm.

Contact: 07717 799646.

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: 01347 878314.

HAXBY PLAYGROUPS

SHIPTON PRE-SCHOOL & TODDLERS

Scout HQ - Birth to school age children (parents stay) Tuesday to Thursday 9.30 - 11.30. Rising Fives is now RalphButterfield and Headlands is at Headlands Primary School, both groups are from 9am - 3pm or Sessional 9am - 12pm and 12pm to 3pm. All term time only.

Contact: 01904 768966 or email manager@haxbyplaygroups.org. uk or visit www.haxbyplaygroups. org.uk

The Community Centre, Shipton

by Beningbrough, York. Places from 2 yrs old to School age.

Ofsted registered with qualified staff. Sessions on Mon,Wed,Thur and Fri (term time only) with an optional lunch club available, afternoon sessions run on a Wed and Thur until 3.15pm. Toddler & baby group each Tuesday 9.3012pm Large garden area available for play.

Contact: 07546 571089.

THE WONDER YEARS

SINNINGTON PRE SCHOOL

For Haxby, Wigginton & surroundings: Boddlers – Baby/Toddler group (Birth to 3yrs).Tues, Wed, Thurs 9.30- 11am term time at Wigginton Recreation Hall.

Pre-School -3-5 yrs - Mon-Fri term time. 9am – 12pm, 2.45 -3.15pm.

Plus Lunch Club added to am or pm session. Early Years Funded places available. Extended School – 3-11 yrs - Breakfast Club 7.409am & After School Club 3-6pm.

Holiday Club – Care for 3-11 yrs, 8 – 6pm. Half Day 8– 1pm or 1– 6pm.

Contact: 01904 758717

HUNTINGTON PRESCHOOL & TODDLERS Babies and Toddler Group: Monday & Friday 9.15 - 10.45.

The Memorial Hall, Strensall Road, Huntington. £3, Pre-school - MonFri 9 – 12pm (term time only).

Rising 5’s sessions are held from Jan to Jul. Contact Lynne: 01904 765017 or email enquiries@huntingtonpreschool.org.uk.

OFSTED registered and inspected.

Toddler group- Tuesday 10 11.30am. Pre -School - Monday 09.10-11.40am. Wednesday 09.1011.40am Thursday 09.10-11.40am Friday 09.10-11.40am.

Contact Kerry or Suzanne: 07799727656.

STOCKTON LANE PLAYGROUP We are a pre-school for children from 2-5 years. Ofsted inspected and LEA funded. Monday - Friday 9am-12pm (term time only).

Wednesdays - 12.30 - 3.30pm Christ Church, Stockton Lane, York YO31 1JG. Contact Fiona: 07746 806426.

STRENSALL PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP

We offer a natural transition from pre-school to school as we are situated next door to Robert Wilkinson School. Various sessions on offer in our newly refurbished setting. Pram Club/Messy’s (‘pay as you go’)– Fri 1.15 – 2.45pm. Rising ORCHARD PARK PRE3’s – Mon, Tues & Thurs 1– 2.55pm.

Pre-schoolers – Mon, Tues, Thurs, SCHOOL Fri– 8.45– 12.45pm & Wed 10.45– Orchard Park Community centre, 2.45pm.

Off Brockfield park shops, HuntingContact Sarah: 01904 492937 or ton. Open- Mon to Fri 9.15 to email sarahsmithpg@btconnect.

60 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

com.

TINY STEPS TODDLER GROUP Friday mornings 9.30am - 11am £1 per session. The mums and tots session will be run by the Stepping Stones staff in Hurst Hall. Children attending the toddler group will have priority on the Stepping Stones Pre-School waiting list.

Contact: 01904 442826

TREASURE CHEST Haxby, Wigginton & Huntington.

A group of local mums dedicated to promoting, supporting and encouraging breastfeeding All fully trained Peer Supporters.

Meet every Mon 12.30 -1.30pm at Oaken Grove Community Centre, Haxby. Drop in facililty and we also welcome pregnant mums.

Contact: www.treasurechest.org. uk or helpline:support@treasurechest.org.

after their seventh birthday.

Contact Stephanie Easton: 07875 541520

CHRISTCHURCH SCOUT GROUP (STOCKTON LANE) Boys and Girls age 6 -14yrs. Beavers - Tuesday 6pm - 7pm. Cubs -Thursday 6.30pm - 8pm. ScoutsFriday 7pm - 9pm We are in need of leaders for the group.

Contact Wendy Davis: 07808 882749

STOCKTON ON THE FOREST SCOUT GROUP Boys and Girls, age 6 to 14. Beavers: Mon 6 - 7pm. Cubs: Tues 6.45 - 8.15pm. Scouts: Fri 7 - 9pm. We are also in need of Leaders.

Contact Kath Shapcott: 01904 421096.

AIR CADETS, EASINGWOLD

A uniformed for ages 13-18 yrs.

Tuesday evening at Easingwold YORK FAMILY INFORMATION and Friday evening at RAF Linton On Ouse in the gymnasium at SERVICE 7.30-10pm. Minibus goes from Parent /carer of a 0-19 year old get the car park of The Cottage Inn free, professional, helpful, and up- in Haxby via Shipton by Beningto-date information about. Finding brough at 7pm. Range of activities and paying for childcare,free early from flying and gliding to target education places for 3 and 4 year shooting and sport. £36 per quarolds, returning to work, working ter covers activities and uniform. in Early Years, family groups and Charity No. 1559/79 activities, local parenting support. Contact: 2487@aircadets.org Contact: 01904 554628 or text ‘info’ to 07624 802244.

SOCIETIES

SCOUTS & GUIDES 2ND HAXBY & WIGGINTON SCOUT GROUP Boys & Girls age 6 to 14. Beavers: Mon & Thurs 6 - 7.15 pm. Cubs: Weds & Fri 6.30 - 8pm Scouts: Mon 7.30 - 9pm. Thurs. 7.45 - 9.15 pm.

Contact Linda Parkinson: 01904 769167.

HAXBY & WIGGINTON PROBUS CLUB Club for retired people over 55 yrs.

Meetings are held on 1st Tuesday of each month in the Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church Hall at 10am for 10.30am.

Contact Mike: 01904 769507.

HAXBY & WIGGINTON U3A The University of the Third Age

HAXBY MOOR GIRL GUIDING (U3A) is a voluntary body of retired Girls aged 5-14years old. but active people who like to Rainbows 5-7years Wednesday evenings. Brownies 7-10yrs on Mondays,Wednesday,Thursday evenings. Guides 10-14yrs old Monday, Thursday evenings.

Units meet throughout Haxby & Wigginton.

Contact Helen Feeten: 01904 762926

1ST HEWORTH SCOUT GROUP Boys and girls 8 to 14. Cubs: Tuesday 6.30pm - 8.15pm, Scouts: Friday 7pm - 9pm.

Contact Matthew: 01904413882 or visit www.1st-heworth.org.uk

29TH YORK (HUNTINGTON ALL SAINTS) RAINBOWS 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

follow their interests and take up new ones. Courses are run free for the pursuit of new activities.

Monthly meetings on the 3rd Friday of the month at 2pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall.

Contact John: 01904 769618.

STRENSALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Huntington ladies most welcome.

Contact: 01904 490758.

WIGGINTON & HAXBY OVER SIXTIES Meet the 1st Wednesday of each month at 2pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall. We have speakers, trips out, activity groups. Old and new members, also visitors are always welcome.

Contact Lilian, Secretary: 01904 769993

WIGGINTON & HAXBY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88 Registered Charity No. 1023129.

Meet 2nd Thursday of the month at St. Mary’s Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. New, old members & visitors always welcome.

Contact Mrs Graves: 01904 750570.

SPORTS CLUBS BADMINTON CLUB Play on a Friday night 6 -8pm at Joseph Rowntrees School.

Contact Jean: 01904 760347.

DUNNINGTON SPORTS CLUB Starting Table Tennis- A six week course for absolute beginners.

Contact Nick: 01904 481039 or Keith: 07770 874996 or nick.roberts@dunningtonsportsclub.com or keithmayhew@hotmail.com

HAXBY SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB Friendly, traditional karate club with a proud 30 year history.

Train on a Monday and Thursday from 7pm – 9pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall, The Village, Haxby, York, YO32 2PL. Open to people of all ages and abilities whatever their fitness level.

Contact Ian: 07909 991541or www.haxbykarate.co.uk or info@ haxbykarate.co.uk.

HAXBY TOWN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Run 6 teams from the ages of 7-16 years. We need boys and girls to join us. All of our coaches are FA Coaching Level 1 trained and have been CRB checked. Train every Saturday 10.30 - 11.30am at Ethel Ward Playing Fields, Haxby.

Looking for help with training, coaching and refereeing.

Contact Neil: 01904 761908

HUNTINGTON JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Charter Standard football club meet the required FA coaching levels, CRB checked etc good facilities at Hopgrove sports ground on the Malton Road York, teams train and play home games.

Contact Karl: 07896 674299 or gafbr@rocketmail.com.

HUNTINGTON CRICKET CLUB We welcome new players of all abilities.

Contact Jason: 07714471271

NEW EARSWICK CRICKET CLUB Play in the York & District Senior League are recruiting both Senior and Junior players. Our indoor nets start at the end of Feb. Sports Fields, White Rose Avenue. Excellent playing facilities and a good after match social side.

Contact Paul: 07533655470 or paul.stimpson3@btinternet.com or Matt: 07885282937 or matty_noble@hotmail.co.uk

HAXBY NETBALL CLUB …affiliated to England Netball.

North Yorkshire Netball Academy League team & 4 teams in the York & District League. Youth section (Yr 7 upwards). Training on Mon evening at the Ethel Ward Playing Field in summer, league season runs from Sept until March. Qualified tutor. Junior section trains every other Mon 6 -7:15pm. Coaches CRB checked.

Contact the secretary, Alison: 01904 612268 or 07751 984840 or Val: 07708 050307.

HUNTINGTON MILLERS NETBALL CLUB We are affiliated to England Netball and run 4 teams in the York and District League spread over the league’s 7 divisions and we are a CAPS accredited Club from England Netball.

Contact Club’s secretary Pam: 07547 095 603 or junior section, 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. Run holiday camps, fun days, many social events and tournaments.

Contact Joanne: 07835948593

PARTNERSHIP GYMNASTICS CLUB Classes for boys and girls from reception to year 10. Classes are held at various venues across York, Mon to Fri– 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, qualified coaches, CRB checked.

Contact Ruth: 07886926420.

SANDBURN HALL BADMINTON CLUB Sandburn Hall, Flaxton. Fridays 2 3.30pm All ages welcome.

Contact Stephen: 01904 490440.

STRENSALL COMMUNITY YOUTH AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION Tennis Club - 3 newly surfaced tennis courts. Muga Pitch - The floodlit muga pitch is now available for hire for both 5 a sidefootball and netball.

Contact: 07951 920308 or strensallsa@tesco.net.

STRENSALL LAWN BOWLING org or ring the caretaker: 01904 764358.

CLUB For all ages, a small and friendly club, 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. Provide Bowls and Coaching and 1 months free trial.

Contact Annette, Secretary: 01904 492807

STRENSALL SHORT MAT INDOOR BOWLS Strensall Village Hall, Wednesdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm. £10 annual fee, £2 subscription per session.

Contact Jackie: 01904 492993.

HUNTINGTON MEMORIAL HALL 46 Strensall Road, Huntington. Two rooms available for hire. Used by lots of diverse groups.

Contact the Caretaker: 01904 760044.

OAKEN GROVE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE Ideal venue for children’s parties.

Various room sizes for hire, a good kitchen/cafe area, conservatory, garden and a safe children’s play area, registered Charity Number 1105675. Reid Park, Haxby.

Contact Paul: 01904 769176.

SAND HUTTON AND WIGGINTON BOWLING CLUB CLAXTON VILLAGE HALL

All ages, welcome beginners & seasoned bowlers, we can lend woods. Adult cost 26yrs+, £56, £28 for 18 to 25yrs, free for under 18s. 2013 open from Saturday13th April to Saturday 14th Sept for social bowling and league matches.

Come along to our “Come and Try” day on Sunday 21st April from 2- 5pm.

Contact Colin: 01904 760877 or colin.ellis23@talktalk.net

The ideal venue to hire for parties, meetings, celebrations etc.

Large bright hall, meeting room, excellent kitchen facilities and cloakrooms.

Contact: 01904 468001

STOCKTON-ON-THE-FOREST VILLAGE HALL

To hire on regular or one-off basis, four different sized rooms suitable for various purposes including meetings, parties, exhibitions, WIGGINTON dancing, wedding receptions and GRASSHOPPERS there is also a stage with full lightUnder 9s - looking for new players. ing available and fully equipped Train every Wednesday 6-7pm. All kitchen. Packages for children’s parties up to the age of 12 are coaches are CRB checked.

Contact Richard, FA Level 1 instruc- available.

Contact: 01904 400409. tor: 07814 266987.

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. Also a club mark accredited club.

Contact Anna: 07507638804 or email yorkhotshots@hotmail.co.uk.

VILLAGE HALL HIRE FOSTON & THORNTON LE CLAY VILLAGE HALL Refurbished and central heated hall available for hire for events,parties, meetings, etc . Well sprung wooden floor for exercise and dancing, with kitchen and cloakroom facilities. £6 ph.

Contact Fiona: 01904 468773.

WALKING GROUPS 2ND SUNDAY RAMBLING CLUB Walks are usually 11miles long and within an hour from York. Coach collects us at Wigginton, Haxby, New Earswick and Clarence Street from 8.30am, introductory fare £5 for your first walk. On the 2nd Sunday of the month.

Contact Helen: 01904 782891 or Hazel: 01904 760897.

WIGBY WALKERS Wednesday walks from Wigginton Recreation Hall car park at 10am for a short drive and a 5-7 mile walk, stopping at a tea shop on the way home. Also have 6-8 mile walks on the 4th Sat of each month.

Contact Joyce: 01904 762605.

YORK RAMBLERS HAXBY MEMORIAL HALL Walks vary from 5 miles to 12 miles STRENSALL FOOTBALL CLUB Situated in the heart of Haxby. Two and some use public transport to

All of our coaches are FA coaching level 1 qualified and are CRB checked. Training is on Saturday mornings at Durlston Drive, Strensall.

Contact Louise: 07801896698 or visit strensallsa@tesco.net.

meeting rooms and a large hall available for all non and license functions, meetings, leisure, fundraising and hobby groups.

Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales - No. 508205.

Contact www.haxbymemorialhall.

get to the start of the walks.

Contact The Secretary: 01904628134 or www.yorkramblers. org.uk.

www.thehandymag.co.uk • 01653 658776 • 61

AERIAL & AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES ADI Communications..........10 Aerial Services.......................... 3 BLTV Aerials.............................. 7 ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AP Design Services..............49 Prospect Design....................21 ATTRACTIONS Castle Howard Easter Weekend Fun.........................39 BATHROOMS Bluewater Bathrooms.........19 BEAUTY Nails of Beauty.......................43 BLINDS AA Blinds.................................13 BUILDERS ALH Builders............................. 6 Eastgate Building Contractors............................... 8 CARPET CLEANING Andy’s Carpet Cleaning......17 Future Carpet Cleaning Services Ltd............................17 Kevin Atkinson Carpet Cleaning...................................17 Smart-Dry................................17 Ultraclean................................17 CARS & SERVICING Auto Safe Clifton...................46 Lease not Buy.........................48 Paint X.......................................46 CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES Baby Swimmers.....................38 COMPUTERS & WEB DESIGN Computer Troubleshooters.... ....................................................29 Computer FX..........................26 G-TEC.........................................25 NYCOM Ltd.............................49 CRAFTS Castaway Yarns........................ 4 DENTISTS Howardian Dental Practice.... ....................................................25

ELECTRICIANS C&S Electrical York................10 D Carrington Electrical Services Ltd............................23 Electrical Connections........49 Judge Electrical....................... 6 Mark Smith Electrical..........12 Wilson Electrical Services....... ....................................................18 ESTATE AGENTS & HOMES Hudson Moody.....................64 FENCING Linear Fencing.......................35 Westfield Fencing.................37 York Fencing...........................35 FUEL The Woodshed......................23 FINANCES Moneywise Financial Solutions..................................39 Pen Life Chartered Financial Planners...................................12 FIREPLACES Focus Fireplaces....................26 FOOD & DRINK Castle Howard Farm Shop.40 Cakes-d-Licious.....................41 GARAGE DOORS ABI Garage Doors.................19 Hobman Garage Doors......12 GARDENS Astek Landscapes.................34 Marks Garden Services.......34 Nick Stannard House & Garden Maintenance..........19 RAC Handyman & Gardening Services..............37 York Landscapes & Maintenance..........................36 GROUNDWORKS Chesterton Surfacing..........19 Minster Groundworks.........37 HAIRDRESSING Caren Vollans Hair Design...... ....................................................25 HEALTH Samantha Lambert Specialist Podiatry................45

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Slimming World ...................43 York Pilates Matwork...........43 JOINERS Joinery and Property Services....................................49 Neil Jackson Joiner...............12 SM Maintenance..................... 6 KITCHENS & BEDROOMS Dream Doors Ltd..................13 Instyle Kitchens Ltd............... 5 Richard James Handmade Interiors....................................23 MARKETS Castle Howard Market........40 Hovingham Village Market... ....................................................43 MOBILITY MV Mobility............................43 NURSERIES & CHILDCARE York Montessori Nursery....45 OPTICIANS Haxby Opticians....................45 OVEN CLEANING Ultraclean................................23 PAINTING & DECORATING Dave Kavanagh Painting & Decorating..............................49 MD Bonney Specialist Decorator................................49 R Barker Painting & Decorating..............................49 RJH Decorators......................18 PETS Pet Stay....................................15 Station House Vets...............15 PLASTERING ABM Plastering & Tiling......10 Ian’s Plastering Service......... 6 PLUMBING & HEATING DJC Plumbing, Heating and Gas Engineers........................18 Gemma Lonsdale Gas Servicing..................................49 GW Plumbing........................... 2 Haxby Plumbing & Heating... ....................................................37 HC Engineering Ltd.............29

PLUMBING - GENERAL Ken Hamilton Plumber & Handyman..............................37 Plumbing by Taylor..............49 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE A Plus Property Maintenance............................ 6 CK Home Solutions..............18 Crystal Clear Home Improvements......................... 3 Joinery and Property Services....................................49 House & Garden Maintenance..........................27 RAC Handyman & Gardening Services..............37 SM Maintenance..................... 6 Yorkshire Home & Property Services....................................18 RENEWABLE ENERGY Peak Power Systems.............. 7 ROOFING & GUTTERING BMB Fibreglass Flat Roofs Ltd..............................................26 John Pletts Roofing..............27 Ultimate Plastic Solutions.23 TILES Direct Tile Importers............20 TILING ABM Plastering & Tiling......10 GT Ceramic Tiling..................49 TRAVEL Conexo Travel.........................31 TREE SURGEONS Bartlett Tree Experts............32 Tree and Woodland Services. ....................................................37 Yorkshire Tree Surgeons Ltd.. ....................................................35 WASTE Acomb Waste Disposal.......34 WINDOWS Cloudy2Clear........................... 3 Crystal Clear Home Improvements......................... 3 Instyle Windows....................11 Protech Windows..................27 Ultimate Plastic Solutions.23 Window Distribution Ltd..... 9

CROSSWORD: Across: 1 Extreme, 5 Cubes, 8 Twist, 9 Handbag, 10 Advertisement, 11 Casual, 12 Stupid, 15 Demonstration, 18 Loudest, 19 Irate, 20 Scent, 21 Dinners. Down: 1 Extra, 2 Thieves, 3 Entertainment, 4 Ethnic, 5 Concentration, 6 Bible, 7 Sighted, 11 Cuddles, 13 Private, 14 Stated, 16 Mouse, 17 Needs.

QUIZ: Detectives, 1. Father Brown, G. K. Chesterton, 2. Inspector Morse, Colin Dexter, 3. Mike Hammer, Mickey Spillane, 4. Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle, 5. Harry Hole, Jo Nesbo, 6. Jack Frost, R.D. Wingfield, 7. Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett, 8. Inspector Wexford, Ruth Rendell, 9. Adam Dalgliesh, P. D. James, 10. John Rebus, Ian Rankin SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1.The flying man is upright rather than upside down, 2.There is a red bird, 3. There is only one tree, 4.The man with the pink scarf is walking to the right rather than to the left, 5. The dog with the collar is beneath the dog with the lead rather than the other way around, 6. There are stars on the man’s green scarf, 7. The umbrella is red, 8. The man’s eyes are closed, 9.

The man is missing a pocket, 10. The man is missing shoelaces WORDLADDER: One possible solution (others may exist); Gold-gild-gilt-gist-gust-Dust PICTOGRAMS: 1. An inside job, 2. Just the ticket, 3. Water under the bridge WORDSEARCH: The worst club in my bag is my brain. Chris Perry

62 • info@thehandymag.co.uk

Copy deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 5th March

YORK • MARCH 2013 • ISSUE 88

Would you love more local business?

The Handy Mags are delivered through a total of 34,000 letterboxes in two separate areas: Handy Mag York to Haxby, Wigginton, Strensall, Huntington, Sheriff Hutton and everything in between.

Handy Mag Ryedale to Malton, Norton, Pickering and all surrounding villages.

Reach the heaRt of the local community with the handy Mag

To find out how we can help you get more local customers for your business call Marianne at the Handy Mag on 01653 658776 or email info@thehandymag.co.uk

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 Victorian semi detached property 3 bedrooms Living room Dining room

• • • •

Extra sitting room Bathroom Front and rear gardens Garage/workshop

The Village, Strensall

£285,950

• A modern townhouse situated in a quiet and • sought after location • • 4 bedrooms (1 E/S) • • Living Room •

Kitchen 2 Bathrooms Carport Gardens

The Garden Village, Earswick

• • • •

£275,000

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

• A deceptively spacious detached bungalow • •

situated within a quiet cul-de-sac 2 bedrooms Sitting room

• • • •

Dining kitchen Bathroom Garage Large rear garden

Keith Avenue, Huntington

£225,000

• 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

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