WHERE YOUR CHILD CAN PERFORM TO THEIR VERY BEST BUS ROUTES THROUGHOUT
YORKSHIRE
An award-winning, coeducational day and baording school set in 220 acres outside York. Its four schools welcome children aged 3 months to 19 years.
INSIDE THIS MONTH...
10— Walking Wanderer
Our wanderer takes us on a scenic wintery stroll through the beautiful Howardian Hills. 16-17 — Horoscopes. Check out what the month (and year ahead) have in store for you.
27-33 — Home and Garden. Hear the latest from regular columnists Tony Chalcraft and Matt Todd. Matt takes us through some of the amazing new technologies revolutionising kitchen design and Tony delves into some top tips on how to successfully make use of weedkiller.
WIN, WIN, WIN
We may only have a couple of competitions this month, but believe us when we tell you they are well worth your time. Get yourself to page 8 before someone else wins!
INTERVIEWS
66 — Up-and-coming poet Jacob Davies. Despite
only being 21, the incredibly talented Jacob Davies has just released his third collection of poetry. Learn more about Jacob and read one of his poems.
FEATURES
14—Shine21. Shine21 is a community-based, parentled charity that supports children aged 8 and under with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome in York and North Yorkshire. Learn more about their amazing work and what you can do to help them make more of a difference.
37-58— A-Z Annual Guide. Everything you need to know to survive the next 12 months in York, all in one place. Pull out and keep!
65— Time Travel. This month we’re looking back at how the English Civil War (quite literally) shaped our city.
75— York Residents’ Festival. Your guide to making the most of this
month’s upcoming festival. 73— Panto Reviews. ‘Aladdin’ at York Theatre Royal and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Grand Opera. We were there, we lived it, and we absolutely loved them, and guess what, there’s still time for you to get a ticket. Make sure to read our reviews before you do though!
76- Enoteca by L’uva. Read about how the restaurant with the reputation for delicious Italian dining right in the city centre lived up to the hype in our review.
69-74 — EVENTS
There’s so much going on in and around York this month. Flick to our events guide for info on all the best theatre shows, gigs, and events you need to know about and maybe some you don’t. 80-95 — Classified. Find the tradesperson you need.
Welcome to 2025!
If you can believe it (we can’t either!), we’ve somehow already reached another new year and another January.
As a result, you’re probably sat wondering what on earth 2025 is going to be all about. Well just keep reading, as we’ve especially planned for this issue of Your Local Link to go some of the distance in helping you make sense of it all. Let’s start with our bumper A-Z guide. (pages 37-58) This January we decided to take our traditional role as York’s local encyclopaedia to never before seen levels, and have provided you with more than 20 pages of useful contacts, helplines, and resources. It’s so extensive that no matter what the next 12 months throw at you, you’re going to be covered. The guide has been made
possible through the support and generosity of our amazing community of advertisers, so as you read it, we’d really appreciate if you could keep an eye on some of their adverts on those pages too.
Then if you’re after New year’s resolution inspiration, check out our “Join a Club” recommendations on page 15!
However, if you’re still rooted in the here and now rather than the next few months, we’ve got plenty for you too. As always, there are listings on all the upcoming events, theatre shows, and gigs happening in January. Plus, and unique to this month, we also have an extensive guide to making the most of York Residents' Festival which is taking place at the end of January.
Until next month, The YLL Team
ON THE COVER THIS MONTH:
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Over a century old, and once home to legendary English poet Anne Brontë, Queen Ethelburga’s isn’t just one of the best schools in Yorkshire, it’s one of the best places to be educated in the whole country. Today the school seamlessly blends a rich heritage with cutting-edge facilities, including a professional theatre and a world-class Sports Village, which regularly hosts professional sports teams. The Collegiate welcomes girls and boys from 3 months to 19 years, you can learn more about enrolment by visiting www.qe.org or calling 01423 33 33 30.
Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365page book. Write a good one.– Brad Paisley
Gini Simon Tristan Vincent Sammi
Lauren
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PUZZLES & COMPETITIONS
WIN: A ROBOT VACUUM WORTH £1000
You may already recognise our prize (and no, it wasn’t wandering the halls of the Death Star in one of the recent Star Wars films) from our Gadget Guide last month. If you don’t remember, we rated The Dreame L40 Ultra Robotic Vacuum as pretty much the best gadget we’ve seen all year long. Serving as both vacuum cleaner and mop, and powered by the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence, there is no crumb, stain, or dust that this versatile cleaner cannot reach. And if you’re worried about maintenance, well don’t. It knows how to clean itself!
However, at such a high price point, it’s understandable why most people weren’t able to pick one up in time for Christmas. If this is you, then our January competition is made for you, we’ll be giving away one of these phenomenal machines for free!
By now you’re probably thinking, when
will they get on with it and actually tell me how to win! So, without further ado— all you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer this question: In the above paragraph, which film franchise did we just compare this futuristic vacuum cleaner to? Was it?
A. Star Trek
B. Harry Potter
C. Star Wars
Send your answer (along with your name, address, email address, and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked “Robot Vacuum” to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF or competitions@yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Friday the 17th of January. Terms and conditions apply.
WIN: A FREE ADVERT WORTH £373
Are you planning on launching a new business this year? Or do you need a little bit more exposure for one that’s already well established? There is no better way to get your name out there than with an advert in Your Local Link (you know, the magazine you’re reading right now!). Each magazine goes out to all 91,000 homes and business in York. Yeah, you read that right, it really does go out to everyone in York!
So, if this amazing opportunity sounds like a bit of you, there’s no better time than now to join our community of advertisers— as we’re giving away a huge quarter of a page advert in our next issue for completely free! That would usually cost more than £350!!!
All you need to do to be in with a chance to winning is sign up to our weekly email newsletters. Not only will you be in with a chance of a free ad, but you’ll also receive updates about the latest, events, community news, and more every week!
Scan the QR code to sign up and enter the competition.
WALKING WITH THE WANDERER
This walk in the Howardian Hills National Landscape explores some of the area’s flatter terrain between the main hills south of Hovingham and the northern outlier hill of Caukleys Bank.
IS THIS WALK FOR ME?
The walk is relatively short and almost entirely flat. Most of the paths are well maintained and the route should not be too muddy even in winter. There are several stiles and a narrow footbridge to cross. The road section north of Cawton carries almost no traffic.
GETTING THERE
The recommended starting point is Hovingham. Parking is available at the village hall or on nearby roads. Public transport from York is difficult. The only feasible option is bus or train to Malton, then the 194 bus which runs four times daily to Hovingham (not Sunday). The last return bus to Malton currently leaves Hovingham at 3.50pm.
DIRECTIONS
1/ Starting from outside the village hall, cross the main road and turn right passing Hovingham Stores. As the main road starts to bend right, walk left in front of Hovingham Bakery to cross the stream on a footbridge next to the ford. Once over, turn left and follow the road for a short distance, but soon turn right as signed by a telegraph pole. Approaching a playground, take the signed and fenced bridleway going half left (not the footpath going sharp left).
2/ Follow the bridleway soon reaching a track crossroads. Here go straight ahead signed Oswaldkirk (the right turn is your return route). Now continue on the obvious track with a hedge right. At a junction, ignore the permissive path ahead turning right to pass between two oak trees. Keep on the track as it turns sharp left. Reaching a house (formerly the spa) stay on the track as it curves right then left. Now remain on the track for a further 1,000 metres to reach wooden gates. Go through these and continue for 60 metres to a road at the edge of Cawton.
3/ Turn right and continue on the road which turns sharp right after 500 metres at a cottage. About 100 metres beyond this, take the signed footpath left by a roadside bench heading down the right side of a long field with a hedge right. At the field’s right corner, turn right through a kissing gate. Now continue along the field’s edges with a hedge and stream
left to a footpath junction. Here turn left, crossing a brick-sided bridge. Keep ahead with a pond right to a field gate. Through this head diagonally right over the pasture, then angling slightly left to the end of the wooden fence towards a gate. Through this walk between trees for 20 metres, then climb the steps ahead to enter the churchyard of Stonegrave Minster. Keep the building on the left to exit through metal gates, going ahead to reach a main road.
4/ Turn right on the road but in a short distance go right downhill on a tarmac lane (signed Cawton).
In 150 metres, immediately after a bridge, turn left over a stile walking beside the stream to the left field corner. Here turn right to a metal gate and a stile. Through, walk ahead on a grassy path with a hedge right. At the field corner turn left with a hedge/ditch left. In about 150 metres go over a wooden bridge across the ditch then turn immediately left. At the field corner turn right keeping the hedge left. Continue to the field corner. Here do not go into the
REFRESHMENTS
The main option is the Worsley Arms Hotel on Hovingham’s main street. Hovingham Bakery provides takeaway food and drink. There are picnic tables nearby..
WHAT TO SEE
Hovingham is an attractive stone-built village best known for eighteenth century Hovingham Hall with its unusual riding school entrance. The church has a part
Hovingham and Stonegrave
Time: 2½ hours
Distance: 4¾ miles
3
4
Saxon tower. Stonegrave Minster, is one of the smallest ‘minster’ churches in the country, dating back to the eighth century. There is an almost complete and four fragmentary Saxon crosses in the building. Unlikely though it now may seem, the house passed between Hovingham and Cawton was once a spa.
field to the left but pass through a hedge gap into the field to the right with the hedge left. Follow the hedge as it soon curves sharp left and passes sheds to reach an earth track. Turn right quickly coming to a track T junction.
5/ Turn left then follow the track as it veers right over a sleeper bridge. Continue on the obvious route with a hedge right. In about 500 metres at a path crossroads turn left (signed Hovingham). Now retrace your outward route turning right then left to arrive back in the village by the ford and Bakery.
DISCLAIMER
Walks are undertaken at your own risk. Due care must be taken in following the walk, particularly after poor weather. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the description changes may have occurred since compilation. Neither the walk author nor Your Local Link can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.
Cawton
A FEW
Shower glass restoration
Grout restoration and recolour
Glass, tile and grout protective coatings
Silicone removal & replacement
Landline: 01904 900212
Email: gary@groutgleam.co.uk
Web: www.groutgleam.co.uk/york-harrogate
C stands for ‘Christmas’ and ‘Contact’
Hayley Crossman-Shaw
Now that the Halloween decorations have been put away for another year, and the sparklers have all burnt out, attention turns to Christmas and our plans for the festive season.
Within most families, there will be disagreements about how and when time will be spent with each side of the family. “We were with your family last year” or “Why are we always the ones traveling?” or “I don’t want everyone descending on us, I want to relax!” However, for separated parents, the discussions about Christmas can be much harder to navigate.
At this time of year, we get a lot of calls about Christmas contact, as parents begin to worry that they will not get to spend time with their children during the festive period. This issue doesn’t have to end in court proceedings and practical steps can be taken to reach a resolution. Here are some top tips in how to reach a compromise to ensure that you all have a Merry Christmas:
1. Communicate – Don’t put off having this conversation in the hope it will resolve itself – it won’t.
2. Listen – Listen to what the children are saying, it is their Christmas too.
3. Be practical – If you know that the children are going to be spending time with family over 100 miles away, then it’s not fair or reasonable to split Christmas Day with handover taking place at midday. Can there be an agreement that the parent who doesn’t spend Christmas Day with the children has them for New Year’s Eve instead?
4. Alternate years – If one parent has Christmas Day with the Children this year, then next year it would be fair for the other parent to have the children on Christmas Day instead. The same can be said for birthdays and other special events.
5. Keep it magical – It’s not always easy, but this time of year is meant to be about families. If it is safe and practical to do so, can handovers take place at the front door with parties wishing each other a ‘Merry Christmas’? Little things like that do not go unnoticed by children.
We are here to help with any issues or concerns which you may have about contact with children following divorce or separation.
Call Hayley Crossman-Shaw on 01904 528391 or email on hcs@hethertons.co.uk Our expert team of lawyers are on hand to help if you need further advice or guidance.
FOCUS ON A LOCAL CHARITY: SHINE21
Shine21 is a community-based, parent-led registered charity supporting children aged 8 and under with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome in York and North Yorkshire, helping them to reach their full potential.
It was formed in 2020 in response to two families’ struggles to access meaningful support for their young children with Down Syndrome. Having first-hand experience of the gap that existed locally, they wished to ensure that future families receiving a Down Syndrome diagnosis would feel more supported and have easy access to relevant information and evidence-based, tailored therapy and support to give their child the best start in life.
Children with Down Syndrome typically meet developmental milestones (e.g. speech, crawling, standing, walking, and fine motor skills) later than their peers, placing them at significant disadvantage when they start school. Research shows early intervention can help bring these skills forward significantly, considerably increasing the likelihood that our children will be able to learn and develop alongside their age-matched peers within mainstream
education. This builds their future independence and autonomy and helps to minimise future disadvantages and discrimination that, unfortunately, we know people with Down Syndrome can face. This is where Shine21 can help and offer the intervention and support the children and families need to thrive.
SHINE21 INTERVENTIONS
Intervention Groups
Weekly intervention sessions, focus on a range of key areas including Makaton signing (a form of sign language), social communication, reading, speech sound development, understanding language, early communication skills, attention and listening plus many more. The activities are broken down to
a small steps approach to make it achievable for the children; they then build the activity up gradually to achieve further milestones and goals.
Physiotherapy
Weekly Physiotherapy sessions focus on gross motor skills including sitting, crawling, cruising and walking, as well as balance and core strength. The sessions allow parents to see the activities firsthand so that they can continue to use them at home. This greatly increases their effectiveness, providing more opportunities to aide each child's ongoing development.
Feeding
Feeding clinics support the children with oral motor strength, drinking, eating new textures as well as sensory avoidance of foods. This is an area which causes huge stress to parents but with Shine21’s support, challenges can be overcome.
Parent Support
Shine21’s ethos is to empower the parents to help their little stars shine and they do this by providing the parents with training, knowledge, resources and information about the best ways they can support their child. As the families are all on a similar journey, they reach out to support each other and celebrate milestone achievements.
FUNDRAISING AND SUPPORTING SHINE21
Shine21 is run through fundraising activities and grants. From nominating Shine21 as your company’s chosen charity, hosting a sponsored event or making a one off/monthly donation there are many ways in which you can help Shine21 continue to offer this life changing support and intervention. Drop their fundraising volunteers an email if you can help fundraising@ shine21.org
JOINING SHINE21
If you have a child with Down Syndrome aged 8 and below and would like more information about the intervention and support Shine21 can offer you and your child please email contact@shine21.org
For more information about Shine21 or see the progress and achievements of the children visit their website www.shine21.org or Facebook page @Shine21DS.
JOIN A CLUB
The arrival of January each year can only mean one thing: it’s time to get started on your New Year’s resolutions. This year we’re here to help, by showing you the clubs and activities that are worth your attention. They’ll introduce you to the community you need, so that this 2025, you can unlock the new you.
YORK SPOKEN WORD — POETRY AND PROSE
This incredible literature group have been running an open mic night every Tuesday since 2006! They start at 7.30pm though it's best to arrive by 7.15 or so. It runs until about 10pm, and each slot is 5 minutes. It’s a fantastic place to meet other creatives, and to share your work. Contact yorkspokenword@yahoo. co.uk for more info.
CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE
Keen to learn a bit more about the world around you? Why not join up with Café Scientifique, a branch of the York Philosophical Society, dedicated to sharing scientific knowledge with anyone who’ll listen.
Once a month, for the price of a coffee, a beer or a glass of wine, learn about the latest scientific research. Join the York Philosophical Society at a popular bar or café every month and let them help you to expand your scientific perspective. Head to www.ypsyork.org/cafescientifique/ for more info.
SOCIAL YORKIES IVC
Run by its members, Social Yorkies are a varied and friendly local group who regularly organise a large variety of activities including walks, meals out, pub quizzes, and much more. The club is easy to join, safe, and welcoming to all singles, couples, locals, and anyone who is new to the area too!
If you want to see if it’s for you before committing to an annual membership, you can come along to a couple of the events and activities. Membership for a month costs £5, and the annual subscription costs £20. To find out more, email enquiries@yorkivc.club or visit the website www.yorkivc.club.
YORK CAMERA CLUB
How about photography for a new hobby? This club welcomes everyone with a genuine interest and enthusiasm for photography, whether you’re a beginner, serious amateur or professional. Visit www.yorkcameraclub. co.uk or email for more details secretary@ yorkcameraclub.co.uk
JOIN THE TRIBE — TRIBE FITNESS YORK
Tribe Fitness on Auster Road in Clifton Moor is more than your everyday gym, it’s a real family institution — making it the perfect pace to start your new year’s fitness kick. They’ll make you feel so welcome that your fitness and training will feel fun every day. Visit www. tribefitness.co.uk to get started!
THE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS (TCV)
The TCV are one of the amazing groups that make York what it is. They combine conservation work, community outreach, and physical and mental well-being. Undertaking a range of activities in both urban and rural
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JANUARY 2025
areas, from planting trees and wildflower meadows, to building stiles, clearing footpaths or creating new food growing projects.
If you’d like to help out by wheeling a barrow, planting a sapling or simply handing out the warming cuppas, they’d love you to join them! It’s not just great fun, it’s a great way to keep fit too. And most importantly it’s a fantastic way to make a really positive impact on your local community. Email information@tcv.org. uk or call 01302 388 883 for more info.
YORK MEN’S SHED (YMS)
Located in the Old Wardens Building in Hull Road Park, YMS is a not-for-profit makerspace, and social woodworking workshop affiliated with the international Men’s Sheds movement. The workshop is open 09:30am – 12:30pm Tuesday and Saturday, with inductions running once a month. The club has a very reasonable £75/yr membership fee which helps fund their insurance costs and maintenance of the equipment.
If you wish to support, collaborate or just register your interest with The York Men’s Shed, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing YMS_Membership@outlook.com, or just drop in to The Old Wardens Building when we’re open to have a butchers!
Horoscopes
STAR SIGN OF THE MONTH: CAPRICORN
CAPRICORN
22ND DEC – 19TH JAN
James Christie
A bit of a breathing space now that the Christmas thingy is behind you, a chance to get your breath back and return to normal and familiar routines. A calm period where relationships and domestic matters are concerned, and even if you don’t have all that you want, you do recognise the fact that you’ve got more than you thought you were ever going to get. For senior Capricorns, this may well be a time perhaps for finding new interests and hobbies. The Year Ahead should bring you most of what you’re looking for, providing you’re not looking for world cruises and Ferrari sports cars. Careers progress with plenty of rewards, and promotions and salary increases look likely around the early summer. Anyone with a “green” agenda (or just with green fingers) should be more than pleased with the result of their labours, and there seems to be a little more money around enabling you to spend a bit more on what you want, rather than what you need.
AQUARIUS
2OTH JAN - 18TH FEB
January is unashamedly going to be all about money – how much you’ve got, how much you’ve spent, and how much you need. There will inevitably be some rearranging of financial priorities, and you’re going to have to work hard at making other people see things from your point of view. Younger Aquarians get a really lucky career break on or around the 9th and from the 10th to the 19th is potentially a very romantic period.
The Year Ahead brings new energy, new ideas, new plans, and new confidence. Anything which is “new” will grab your attention like a magnet, and you’ll not be averse at sacrificing some of the old to get what the new has to offer. Women of the sign will recognise that they have found (or are finding) the love of their life, while gentlemen get their fair share of the action, despite the fact that for a lot of time they’re going to be concentrating on other, more practical things. Travel aspects are strong throughout the year and extra holidays and long journeys will be a recurring theme.
PISCES 19TH FEB – 20TH MAR
Quite a good month moneywise with cash earmarked for future ambitions. An upbeat period for younger members of the sign who have political agendas and who want to save the world. The 8th and the 17th will be two red letter dates when you receive good news which tells you your long-term targets are coming one step (or even two steps) closer. Anyone working on or with “the land” (farming, animal welfare etc.) should be on the receiving end of special rewards.
The Year Ahead sees the January energy developing
and blossoming at a great rate of knots. You can relax in the knowledge that you’re on the right pathway, heading in the right direction. There is no need to push events into fruition, they come to that in their own time without any great effort from you. Relationships seem solid enough, perhaps with a twinge of anxiety around April and it is important that you don’t get hung up on historic losses that are now firmly in your past.
ARIES
21ST MAR – 19TH APR
A quiet mood of relief now that Christmas is behind you and you’re happy to slide into the New Year in a philosophical mood. No rush, no angst, a “let’s take it as it comes” attitude. Now this may encourage other people to try taking advantage of you, and knowing what they’re up to, you’ll let them get away with it – but only so far. Just a gentle but firm “no” should be enough to keep them in check.
The Year Ahead is unlikely to bring any major problems. Travel aspects strong in April and October, a streamlining where friends and family are concerned, a need to be particularly supportive towards a partner in March and September as they deal with some difficult times. It’s quite a busy domestic year, property deals, DIY schemes, etc. but quite honestly not a lot of change where jobs and careers are concerned. Having said that, you make the best of it with a smile on your face.
TAURUS 20TH APR – 20TH MAR
Quite a strong start to the New Year with some very firm resolutions being made that you’re going to bust a gut to keep to. A frugal month financially,
especially if you’ve splashed the cash over the Festive Season. Relationships are steady and reliable, except for a couple of days around the 14th when there will be a disagreement on financial priorities. Not much enthusiasm for careers or work projects, but money doesn’t grow on trees, so you’d better find some from somewhere.
The Year Ahead is likely to be one of a few high-highs and one or two low-lows. The lows hit you in March, but the highs hit you in April and May. This pattern repeats in the autumn… High-highs in September, a lull and a low in October. This is not a good year for travel aspects, and if you get yourself as far as Brid or Whitby, you’ll feel that you’re doing well. 2025 is a thoughtful year in which you examine your values and priorities and find yourself able to look back into your history with fresh perspective.
GEMINI 21ST MAY – 20TH JUN
Quite an active and aggressive start to the New Year. You are going to be impatient in the face of any kind of delay or opposition. This uncompromising attitude encourages others to look at your with fresh eyes and greater respect. Some welcome reunion around the 11th or 12th and overall, January is a month wherein you win most of your arguments. Any links with people and places overseas get stronger.
The Year Ahead has a few up and downs (but then so has life!) A dark opening to the year when old memories and moods of nostalgia get the better of you. Things brightening in the spring when travel and reunions go together like fish and chips. Finances getting stronger throughout the summer, suggesting new jobs
and promotions, and also money being spent on property, either its purchase or its renovation. An aspect of good fortune finds you in April, then marches by your side for the rest of the year. This could be financial or emotional, or indeed both.
CANCER 21ST JUN – 22ND JUL
The name of the game in January is temptation, in all its myriad forms. The temptation to do something you shouldn’t, or not to do something you should. Temptation to take short cuts on the business/work scene, and the temptation to believe that everyone thinks about you in the same way you think about yourself. The temptation of thinking you can get away with even little fibs and minor indiscretions.
This mood follows you through The Year Ahead and you are constantly going to have to use your own judgement when making choices and decisions. Probably some clashes of will or involvement with bureaucracy around February and October, and oddly, some involvement with politics looks likely around these times... 2025 is a very important year for finding new causes and acquiring fresh targets. When you hear the bugle call you’ll not be able to resist… and there’s that element of temptation again.
LEO 23RD JUL – 22ND AUG
January brings quite a gentle start to the year. Relationships are stable, arguments and old feuds are forgotten about, and the overall ambience is one of domestic stability and security. There will probably be some thought and discussion given to property around the 15th/20th, and there will also be a news of an
engagement or a wedding. Probably a marquee event, so bring your coat and umbrella. Guys, you need to recognise that your strength is underpinned by the love of a woman.
The Year Ahead brings a number of intense and emotional decisions about your long-term romantic future, and being a bit parochial, I think that 2025 is going to be a very important year for you, romantically and sexually. Relationships are found, founded, and cemented and there are lots of promises and arrangements being made in June.
VIRGO 23RD AUG – 22ND SEPT
Awards, rewards and accolades are the key elements in January so you must be doing something right. Looks like being a very productive year on the work scene; self-employed members of the sign enjoy an unexpected and exciting start to the year and if you’re a bureaucrat, or politician, or just anyone in charge of anything, you should be riding high on a wave of popularity, especially in the first quarter of The Year Ahead
It promises to be a remarkable and memorable year from beginning to end. You gather all your strengths around you, turn away from the past and march purposefully towards a new future. No, this doesn’t happen
all at once wrapped around any one single event, but it is the mood and direction of the year ahead and you will be surprised (and pleased) by the amount of progress you make. 2025 is for finding a new direction, a new sense of purpose, and a brighter and more positive self-image. There will be a widening of your circle of friends and associates, and I suspect you’re going to meet some interesting (and very helpful) new people, especially in the mid-summer.
LIBRA 23RD SEPT – 22ND OCT
Guys, if you’re single and unattached, this is one of those months when out of the blue you meet the love of your life!
Good month for independent business people of both sexes, and a stepping stone up the ladder occurs around the 20th.
The Year Ahead is not going to be boring! Long term attachments and commitments are made and it’s going to be a very quick year, everything happening very fast. New jobs for some in the late winter with major victories and romantic triumphs in the mid-summer. New ideas flourish and there is an ongoing mood of excitement, especially in all affairs of the heart. And sort of allied to that, 2025 is a year of healing heartaches.
As you proceed into the New Year there is a tentative energy of bridge building and reconciliations. A hopeful month unfolding one step at a time so don’t try rushing or pushing. The 9th or 10th brings you into contact with a member of the opposite sex who ignites some interest, and it looks as though they are as interested as you are, and there should be a journey arranged at short notice around the 20th or 21st.
The Year Ahead should be a productive year, with many gains made by taking small steps rather than giant leaps of faith. Probably an emotionally intense year, and knowing you, it might be difficult to keep your emotions in check –which might be easier said than done as there is a very strong romantic vibe occurring between late summer and October. Where jobs and careers are concerned, you appear to be content to coast along without rocking the boat… that is until October/November when an opportune opening kindles the fires of ambition.
SAGITTARIUS
22ND NOV – 21ST DEC
Possibly a difficult start to the New Year. Feelings of being out of time and out of place, moods of negativity even though there is nothing to feel negative about. Elderly Sagittarians will be particularly prone to this trend, but even younger members of the sign will feel lethargic and uninspired. This situation changes on or closely around the 10th when you become aware of the fact that there are people around you with many more problems than you might have yourself, and you will be called upon to fulfil the role of the 7th Cavalry, riding to the rescue.
The Year Ahead brings knowledge and learning and anything to do with education on any level is well starred. You will frequently be in the role of arbiter of go-between, and in this role, there is no script, so you must use you own instincts and intuition. All members of the sign will acquire a different self-image, especially towards the latter half of the year.
New year, new … business idea?
Are you preparing to make your 2025 all about starting a new business?
Trying and failing at the same old new year’s resolution every year can get a bit boring. After all, there’s only so many fitness kicks you can go on before the unused gym passes really start to pile up. But, if you’re less of a read more books, or get out to the gym kind of person, but are planning more of a business-minded kind of new year, well let’s just say you might want to keep reading this piece.
Enterprise Works, the entrepreneur and business-focused wing of the University of York, are offering a completely free online course for anyone interested in starting a new business in York. Whether it’s
a side hustle or full-time startup, their free 3-week course provides essential skills for success.
The course covers; generating innovative ideas, evaluating the market, collaborating with others, monetising your idea, and creating a positive social impact. By its end, you’ll have the practical techniques you need to test and refine your ideas, helping you advance your career or launch your own business.
Take the first step on that business journey today by getting in touch with their team at bit.ly/EnterpriseCourse
9 JANUARY
York Professionals — Breakfast at The Waterfront Café, York Marina. 8.30-9.30am. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking with local businesses and entrepreneurs while you enjoy a hearty home cooked full English Breakfast. The event is sponsored by Green Economy. Visit www.york-professionals. co.uk/breakfast-at-thewaterfront-cafe-york-marina2/
16 JANUARY AND 30 JANUARY
Business over Breakfast (BoB) Club York Outer, Forest Park Golf Club, Stockton on the Forest, York YO32 9UF. 8.15am. £10 attendance fee, per event, that includes a full English Breakfast, tea / coffee and free car parking. Meet business owners and decision makers at an informal and professional networking group in stunning surroundings.
23 JANUARY
Google Digital Garage — Ripon. Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire. 9am2.30pm. Take part in four comprehensive sessions, all of
which are run by experts from Google. They are aimed to help you better understand how to use Google to get more exposure for your business. Visit www.fsb.org. uk to book a place.
29 JANUARY
Visit York Tourism Conference, The Creative Centre, York St John University. 8.45am-4.40pmA huge gathering of city leaders and Visit York members. The event is focused on fostering creative collaborations and exploring new opportunities for York. Visit visityork.org for more.
30 JANUARY
How to Engage & Schedule on Social Media, The Hawk Creative Business Park, Hawkhills Estate, York. 9.30am-12.30pm. An opportunity to learn how to create engaging content for your social media and use Meta Business Suite (an online scheduling tool) to help create more efficiency within your social media marketing strategy. An interactive session so make sure to bring your devices! Book from Eventbrite.
Learn how TikTok can expand your small business
When TikTok first soared to popularity in 2020, it was all about trendy dances, banana bread recipes, and gen-z music — so not exactly the ideal environment to grow a small business! But in the 5 years since, the app has grown astronomically and, in that time, it has evolved a fair bit along the way. In fact, TikTok’s own figures say that of the small business owners to have used the app, just shy of three-quarters of them say it helped reach new customers. With those kind of numbers, we reckon TikTok must be at least worth giving a go!
Courtesy of the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, you can attend a special TikTok-focused
No matter how much you love your job, there are always days when you need a little injection of fun to get through the day! Read on for a selection of the very best timewasting tools around.
webinar later this month. “Getting Started on TikTok” takes places on the 23rd of January, from 10.30am11.30am. The event will cover everything from how the platform works and best practice, to how to utilise TikTok’s algorithm to reach your target audience. Visit ynygrowthhub.com/events/social-mediawebinar-series-23-january-getting-started-ontiktok/ to get signed up now!
ATOZ 8212 WOODEN BOWLING SET, £7.99 FROM AMAZON
Bring the thrills of the bowling alley to your office desk. This affordable and compact set includes one metal bowling ball, ten pins, a launching shute, side gutters & a backboard. Just try your best to keep your aim reasonably accurate. You don’t want that metal ball flying across the room and attracting your boss’s attention!
By Adam Dent, Chartered Financial Planner
Hello 2025... TRAVEL &
BY TRAVEL EXPERT
Kerry Lakey
As we welcome a new year, January is a busy time for us as clients begin to plan arrangements for the year ahead & beyond. If you are seeking inspiration for your next trip here’s 8 destinations proving popular with Savannah Travel clients at the moment:
Andalucia:
Located on the south of the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalucia region of Spain has the popular cities of Malaga & Seville to the beach resorts of Nerja, Benalmadena. Whether you prefer to use one destination as a base to explore from or to explore ‘Andalucia’s Golden Triangle’ of Seville, Cordoba & Granada by train, this area of Spain is definitely somewhere to add to your travel plans.
Vietnam:
Vietnam is a destination that is often combined with neighbouring countries such as Cambodia but we would encourage you to take the time to explore this fantastic country. From the beaches of Nha Trang & Phu Quoc, offering powder soft sands, to trekking in the mountains of Sapa. A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the night markets in Ho Chi Minh City is something we highly recommend. Explore the city of Hanoi, sample street food from one of the many food carts before spending a couple of nights on a traditional junk boat in Lan Ha Bay. Our personal favourite is the ancient town of Hoi An, known as the city of lanterns if you were lucky enough to be there at full moon as I was, you can see the river lit with paper lanterns floating after the sunsets.
Portugal:
Whether city breaks in Lisbon & Porto, a cruise along the Douro or a beach break on the Algarve where they have on average over 300 days of sunshine a year.
One of our personal recommendations is to take a trip to Sintra just a short train journey from Lisbon. With a Moorish and Manueline style, Sintra National Palace is famous for its tileworks and double chimneys.
The resort of Tavira on the Algarve is definitely worth considering, home to a flock of flamingos who can be found living amongst the lagoons & salt flats. Choose to sample typical Portuguese food, relax on a beach or visit one of the town's 37 churches.
Peru:
Having experienced Peru myself in 2024, I understand the home of the Incas proving to be so popular for travellers. One of the areas we have seen is families looking for a guided adventure, typically this has been families with children of secondary school age but our suppliers do accept children on small group tours tailored for families from the age of six. Whether you are travelling as a family or adults, a highlight of any trip is the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu. Head on an adventure into the Peruvian Amazon, take flight over the Nazca lines or enjoy a Pisco Sour in the cosmopolitan city of Lima.
Colombia:
Andalucia Portugal Polar Regions
Polar regions:
Trips to both the Arctic & Antarctica are proving to be on many clients ‘book it’ lists at the moment. We recommend travelling with some of our specialist expedition cruise operators who are true experts in these parts of the world. Their ships are also purpose built for the regions and the teams on board are experts who know the terrain, wildlife and are incredibly knowledgeable which all enhances your journey through these lesser explored parts. Search for the elusive polar bear in Svalbard or see the penguins of the Antarctica Peninsula.
Canada:
One of our most popular destinations in 2023 & 2024, Canada really does have something to offer everyone and can be reached from the UK in as little as 5 hours 30 minutes. With everything from iconic road trips, excellent ski opportunities, famous (and some hidden gems) rail journeys to city life. No 2 trips are the same and we love using our knowledge and experience to create a trip for you. We have been recognised by Destination Canada as one of 20 elite specialists in the UK.
Over recent years Colombia has become a destination more explored by travellers to Latin America. From exploring the Tayrona National Park on a guided hike, the vibrant and bustling Medellin or relax on a luxury river cruise with Ama Waterways on the Magdalena River. No two trips are the same and we can tailor your trip to meet your interests.
Montenegro:
This beautiful Balkan country is one that has hidden under the radar for many, but once customers have been we have only received positive feedback. From the stunning & hidden Kotor Bay on the Adriatic coast to the bustling town of Budva where the old town can feel like you have stepped foot into Italy with houses in typical Venetian tyle, piazzas and bell towers. And at around 3 hours from the UK it is perfect for a short break or to allow for a restful break in a beautiful location.
When you are ready to start thinking of your travel plans we look forward to being on hand to assist with creating your trip.
Call 01904 623444 or visit us at 88 Main Street, Fulford, York.
The season so far…
Despite two losses in the last five games, York City F.C. have somehow found themselves (at time of publication) on top of the league!
But how did they get there? Let’s take a quick look back at the past few months in red and blue.
The 2023/24 season began under somewhat dulled expectations. Under new-ish manager Adam Hinshelwood, most fans had been hoping for a slight improvement on the previous season, in which York survived relegation to the National League North by the skin of their teeth— or just one point! But not too much more. Spoiler: They’ve done a bit better than that!
August and September started out according to plan. Despite a shock loss to
newly relegated side Boston United, York went on to beat Rochdale, Tamworth and Fylde and a few others to steadily climb up the table. They reached 1st position by the end of September.
It would be in the last few weeks of October that York would really come into their own though. The club faced an intimidating double-header of 2nd place Barnet on the 22nd before taking on local rivals Halifax on the 26th. After comfortably sweeping Barnet aside 3-1 at home, York’s good run of fortune seemed to be at an end as they trailed 1-0 in the 90th minute at The Shay Stadium. However, as added time began, the Minstermen would snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Malachi Fagan-Walcott equalised in the 91st minute before super-
LATEST RESULTS NEAR YOU
FOOTBALL
York Premier Division
and were taken
signing Ollie Pearce secured an unlikely comeback as he slotted home in the 96th.
And York City have continued to build on the momentum ever since. While an away loss to fellow promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers, may have slowed York’s rise momentarily, and knocked them out of top spot for a week, huge victories over Yeovil and Maidenhead, 4-0 and 6-2 respectively, see York now as favourites to not only win promotion back into the football league, but to win the National League itself!
So, let’s hope that by this time next year we won’t even be talking about the National League anymore. Maybe, we’ll be discussing York’s chances of making it to League One. You never know!
HOCKEY
Blast Off: York to host its first ever T20 blast fixture
June may seem a long way off but with news this exciting, it's already about time to start making preparations. Yorkshire County Cricket Club (CCC) have announced that their fixture against Durham on June the 15th will be played at York’s Clifton Park. It’s the first time in the history of the Vitality T20 Blast league that a game’s been played in York. About time we say!
The game is already expected to be a sell-out, so make sure to act fast if you’d like to go. They’ll be available from Yorkshire CCC’s website soon!
S U pport Clean
HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR ROOF RECENTLY TO SEE HOW MUCH MOSS, ALGAE, LICHENS AND FUNGI ARE LIVING UP THERE?
HAVING YOUR ROOF PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED WILL:
• Increase the longevity of your roof
• Improve the aesthetic appeal
• Add value to your property
We have a no foot on tile policy. Our insurance covers us for up to £10m Public Liability. For further information please check our website or call today for a free site survey.
We also clean render, paths, patio areas, paving areas and driveways.
Freephone 0800 246 1180 or mobile 07739 072478 enquiries@supportclean.co.uk www.supportclean.co.uk
New Year, New Roads: Top Tips for York Drivers in 2025
Happy New Year, York! As the clock resets, it’s a great time to give your trusty motor some TLC and get ready for another year on the road. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a Sunday driver cruising the Moors, here are some top tips to keep your car (and your nerves) in top gear this year.
1. CHECK YOUR CAR’S WINTER READINESS
York winters can be frosty, so make sure your car’s ready for the chill. Check your battery, keep your tyres pumped and grippy, and don’t forget to top up that windscreen washer fluid—you’ll thank yourself on those muddy country lanes!
2. PLAN YOUR MOT AND SERVICE
Don’t wait for your car to throw a tantrum halfway down Tadcaster Road. Start the year right by booking your MOT and service. A well-maintained car saves you money in the long run—and avoids that dreaded “check engine” light spoiling your road trips. When planning your MOT make sure to check out the following pages for a selection of reputable local garages.
3. DISCOVER YORK’S SCENIC DRIVES
Fancy a little adventure? The New Year is a perfect
Motor events and jumble sales in and around York
4 JANUARY
RETROTORQUE CLASSIC CAR LUNCH, THE PUNCH BOWL INN, MARTON-CUM-GRAFTON, BOROUGHBRIDGE. STARTS AT 11.30 AM AND ENDS AT 3PM. A friendly classic car meeting. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you have a classic car or not. You may just want to look at the display of classic cars, chat with the owners, and perhaps share a drink and/or lunch with the assembled group of classic car enthusiasts! Check out their Facebook page for more details.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH RUFFORTH AUTOJUMBLE, RUFFORTH PARK, YORK. STARTS AT 8AM. There will be at least 350 pitches full of spare car parts and collectors’ items. While there you can also enjoy refreshments from a five-star café and ample parking, that also includes disabled parking facilities. Admission is £2. Head to www. rufforthautojumble.com for further details.
excuse to explore York’s surrounding countryside. From the winding roads of the Howardian Hills to the coastal charm of Whitby, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Just pack snacks and a playlist!
4. PACK A CAR KIT
Winter adventures (or surprise breakdowns) are more bearable with snacks, a blanket, and a spare phone charger. Pro tip: keep York-themed trivia cards to entertain passengers while waiting for roadside assistance.
5. GO GREEN(ISH)
No need to splash out on a Tesla—small steps count! Combine errands to cut down on trips, and keep your tyres inflated for better fuel efficiency. Good for your wallet and the planet. Here’s to smooth roads and happy travels in 2025!
GADGETGUIDE
Just because Christmas is over it doesn’t mean we don’t need any more gadgets in our lives! Here’s a collection of a few that are guaranteed to kickstart whatever new year’s resolution you’re planning. So, as you’re exploring the January sales over the next few weeks, make sure to check out our recommendations.
myFirst 3D Pen Artist - £55.99 from www.uk.myfirst. tech
Ideal for teens, hobbyists, artists, and DIY enthusiasts, this tool lets you draw in 3D, creating everything from personalized gifts to intricate sculptures. Whether you're fixing household items or designing unique wearables, myFirst 3dPen Artist offers endless possibilities. The kit includes a safe and easy-to-use 3D pen, designed just for kids and an Eco-friendly filament in 6 colours.
myFirst Voice 2 - £39.99 from www.uk.myfirst. tech
Get ready to rock! With this nifty device you’ll be able to transform any space into a karaoke paradise. It seamlessly connects to your phone or computer for a wireless speaker experience. With three modes to choose from - BT, Memory Card, and AUX - you have versatile audio options to suit any occasion. So, let the little stars shine with the included microphone, perfect for budding performers.
NDY’S AUTOS
AENO Premium Eco Smart Heater, £259.00 from Curry’s
Keep yourself warm this winter! Imagine getting to heat your home to as high as 40 degrees Celsius all from the comfort of your sofa, via an app on your phone. What’s more, you’ll even save money when using it! Designed with infrared technology this Aeno heater is much cheaper to run compared to traditional heating systems because it uses an infrared and convection heating method for even heat distribution. It will even switch itself off automatically if accidentally knocked over by a child or pet. Plus it looks the part; the thin glass body is just 11mm wide creating a stylish look in any modern home or office.
Creative Outlier Go Headphones, £54.99 from www.uk.creative.com
Whatever your 2025 is going to be about, whether it be fitness goals, career targets or even spending more time listening to the music you love, you’ll go a lot further to achieving those goals with a pair of these headphones on your side. These comfortable headphones are perfect for on-the-go commuters, adventurers and fitness enthusiasts. And boasting up to 26 hours of total playtime, the Creative Outlier Go keeps the beats going all day long. These headphones are also all about comfort, featuring an adjustable fit with soft silicone ear hooks that keep users comfortable even during marathon music sessions, or whilst keeping fit.
TOP PICK
Enhance your home with our beautiful made-to-measure shading solutions. We offer an unrivalled range of blinds and curtains suitable for all domestic purposes. Choose from a huge range of styles, finishes and accessories.
The new technologies changing kitchen design
As we fly into the New Year, I thought I would try and bring you up to date with some new technologies that are enhancing kitchen design, making them more functional, efficient, and user-friendly.
HERE’S MY TOP SIX:
1. Smart Appliances: Devices like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are becoming smarter, offering features like remote control, energy monitoring, and automated cooking. For example, smart ovens can adjust temperature and cooking time based on the recipe.
2. Touchless Taps: These taps use motion sensors to turn water on and off, reducing the spread of germs and offering convenience while multitasking in the kitchen.
3. Induction Cooktops: Induction cooktops heat pots and pans directly through electromagnetic energy, offering precise temperature control, faster cooking times, and energy efficiency. We have these on permanent demonstration in our stores if you would like to learn more.
4. Under-Cabinet Lighting: LED lights installed under cabinets not only provide task lighting but also add aesthetic appeal. These lights are energy-efficient and can be
controlled via smart apps. We can put these on sensors so you can operate your lights while you make the scones!
5. Voice-Controlled Technology: Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can control appliances, play music, set timers, or provide recipes without needing to touch buttons.
6. Integrated Recycling Systems: New built-in systems for waste sorting and composting streamline waste management and help with sustainability.
All these technologies are making kitchens more intuitive, sustainable, and connected to our daily needs and we are incorporating them into our latest designs. We are currently offering a free home measure and design service so please give us a call to arrange yours on 01904 628676 and make 2025 the year for your new kitchen!
A very Happy New Year to all our customers and Local Link readers!
New year, new kitchen?
Good news! One of York’s oldest and besttrusted shops, Herbert Todd & Son, are offering 0% finance on all British kitchens. That means you could get a new kitchen for as little as only £39.50 per week!
Herbert Todd & Son are your one-stop destination for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms or office installation, with a free design service, and their full project management, all available to you at great prices! You better act fast though as this incredible deal is only available until February the 28th.
But how does it work?
The offer is on their full range of kitchens, across all price groups, door types and colours, and even includes the premium Laura Ashley kitchen collection! (wow!)
Having a new kitchen designed and fitted should be a fun experience, so it’s
lucky that Herbert Todd’s have the expertise, contacts and enthusiasm to make it happen. All their projects start with a home visit and measure, which are still currently provided completely free of charge. You would then be invited into their design studio to see your dream kitchen come to life in photo-realistic computer-aided images. Once the design has been discussed and finalised, you can leave it to them to order everything for the project and oversee the craftsmen that fit it, all in time and on-budget. If this sounds good to you then don’t delay. You’ll be getting the best service at the best price and ultimately the best new kitchen around!
You can reach them through the website, at kitchens@ htodd.co.uk or on 01904 628676.
BY GARDENING EXPERT
Weedkiller Woes Tony Chalcraft
Like many who grow organically without chemicals, I’ve always avoided using weedkillers. Unfortunately, though, such is the prevalence of herbicides in gardening and farming, that even where not used directly, weedkillers can still affect crops. Generally the risk isn’t from spray drift, although this can be a danger if you live near a field treated on a breezy day. Far more likely is weedkiller damage from contaminated manures and composts.
With manures, the risk mainly comes from weedkillers doused on forage fields to kill perennial broad-leaved weeds such as dock. Most likely to cause a problem is the hormonal herbicide aminopyralid. Highly persistent, its residues on forage such as hay and silage can pass through animal digestive systems to contaminate manure. The danger is usually greatest with manure from horses as some have a high hay diet. With farm animals the risk may be lower; it depends on what is fed. Aminopyralid tends to be used less on grassland cut
for silage so where this, rather than hay, is the main feed; the manure may have no or reduced concentrations. Straw in manure is usually uncontaminated as it comes from grain fields where aminopyralid application is less likely. Where animals are bedded on straw, but fed hay or silage, a risk remains.
On the whole, compost is less likely to be contaminated by weedkiller than manure. Homemade garden compost should be completely safe. However, some treatments touted for use on lawns to kill weeds such as dandelion contain the selective herbicide clopyralid. This has a high level of persistence. If clippings from a clopyralid treated lawn are added to a compost heap, there is the possibility that traces will remain and damage susceptible plants when the compost is used. Because many people dispose of grass clippings in council green recycling bins, there’s also the risk compost containing domestic green waste may have weedkiller residue. This applies not only to green waste
sold as ‘municipal’ compost, but any bagged compost. Where possible it is worth checking the composition of peat-free garden centre composts before purchase. Several times I’ve been shown growbags with severely distorted tomato plants apparently damaged by herbicide taint. It is easy to overstate the risk of herbicide contamination, but the damage caused can also go unrecognised.
Unfortunately, for the vegetable grower, food crops are generally more susceptible than most nonedibles. Common crops severely affected include potatoes, tomatoes, beans, peas and lettuce. Brassicas, onions and sweet corn are usually unaffected. Symptoms will vary depending on the level of contamination but can include stunted growth, curled and cupped leaves, which in the case of tomatoes can also have a ‘ferny’ appearance, and distorted tips to the shoots of young growth. Often plants will recover to some extent and may still produce an edible crop. Whether
this should be eaten is a matter of choice. Current advice from the Health and Safety Executive is that there are no implications for human health.
Although the chances of crop damage from herbicide contamination may be relatively small, it’s best to be cautious. Be wary of manure especially if it’s fresh or from hay fed horses. Think carefully before using compost made from green waste. Buy only reputable bagged compost or growbags. Best of all, so as not to contribute to the problem, avoid the use of weedkillers, especially when unsure of the active ingredients. When uncertain about any manure or compost consider the broad bean test. Place a few broad bean seeds in pots of the suspect manure or compost. If they don’t germinate or, more likely, sprout but show very abnormal distorted growth with curled leaves, contamination is possible. Should that be the case either don’t use the manure or compost at all or stack it for at least a year to help the contaminants break down.
Start your year right with a new haircut
There’s no better time than January to refresh your style, and no better way to get it done than with a high-quality haircut.
Luckily for you, one of our incredible local businesses are ready to help with that exact goal.
IT’S TIME FOR A BEAUTY REFRESH
H&B EDIT
Cut & Go Hairdressers, based on Poppleton Road in York, are here to have you and the clan looking your absolute best this new year.
Dedicated to providing highquality haircuts that are both affordable and convenient, Cut
& Go have a team of experienced stylists with the latest techniques to give you a haircut that’s quick, efficient, and tailored to your style. You don’t even need to book; their walk-in service allows you to drop-in whenever suits your busy schedule.
Whether you’re there for a trim or a whole new look, go in and let them help you look and feel fabulous, every day. Located on 103 Poppleton Road York, call 07753741427 www.cutandgo. co.uk.
Say goodbye to earwax discomfort with microsuction
Earwax – it’s something we rarely think about until it becomes a problem. But when it does, the discomfort can be hard to ignore. From blocked hearing to the potential risk of infection, earwax build-up can interfere with your daily life. Thankfully, there’s a solution: microsuction.
Microsuction uses a gentle vacuum to clear the ear canal without water, significantly reducing the risk of infection and avoiding unnecessary contact with sensitive ear structures.
While earwax serves an important role in protecting your ears, it can sometimes accumulate and cause discomfort. If symptoms persist beyond five days or your hearing is severely impacted, it’s time to seek professional help.
Nimbuscare has expanded its microsuction earwax removal service at Acomb Garth Community Care Centre to offer even more appointments and will soon offer the service even closer to patients as they look to develop a mobile community service!
Priced at just £50 for both ears, this quick, effective, and safe procedure could be the relief you’ve been waiting for.
Take the first step toward clear hearing – call today to book your appointment: 01904 943 690.
It’s not too late to support our Movember challenge
As promised, here’s a picture of two of our team here at Your Local Link sporting the finest facial hair they could come up with. We hope you’re at least a little bit impressed, but if not, just remember it’s all for a great cause.
On a more serious note, Movember is a brilliant initiative that helps raise millions each year for three fantastic causes: mental health and suicide prevention,
January is the perfect time for a health and beauty reset. With the start of a new year, it’s an opportunity to rejuvenate your routine and embrace products that nourish, protect, and enhance your well-being. Here’s a curated list of must-haves to refresh your health and beauty lineup this month.
1. Hydrating Skincare Essentials
Winter weather can be harsh on the skin, making hydration a top priority. Invest in a rich moisturizer like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore your skin’s barrier. Pair it with a hydrating serum such as The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, which delivers a deep moisture boost.
For your lips, try Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask to keep them soft and supple. And don’t forget sunscreen! Even in January, UV rays are a concern. Opt for EltaMD UV Clear BroadSpectrum SPF 46, perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
2. Supplements for Inner Wellness
Kick-start your wellness journey with supplements that support your health from within. Ritual Essential Multivitamins are an excellent choice, as they offer key nutrients like omega-3s and vitamin D. For gut health, a daily probiotic
such as Seed’s Daily Synbiotic can improve digestion and support your immune system.
3. Haircare Rejuvenation
January is a great time to revitalize your hair, especially after the stress of holiday styling. Incorporate a nourishing hair mask like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector to strengthen and repair damaged locks. Follow up with a sulfate-free shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo to keep your hair moisturized and vibrant.
4. Makeup with Skincare Benefits
Freshen up your makeup collection with products that offer skincare benefits. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30 is a lightweight, glowy foundation alternative that hydrates while protecting your skin. Finish with a multitasking lip and cheek tint like Milk
Makeup’s Lip + Cheek Stick
classes for children aged 6 to 13
prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. They do a massive job to help and support those affected by the crisis in men’s health. Even though “Movember” is technically over, it’s not too late to raise more money for these amazing causes.
DEAR Daphnie
Got a problem? Of course you do. Lucky for you, our sharp-tongued yet warm-hearted Agony Aunt Daphnie is here to slice through the chaos and help tackle all your burning life dilemmas with wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of tough love!
Dear Daphnie,
I think my friend might have developed a gambling addiction, but I’m unsure if I should approach him about it. We’ve been very good friends for almost 20 years, yet I’m not sure whether this is something I should bring up or if I should perhaps speak to a family member instead. It’s a very tricky situation, and I’ve no idea what to do next—please help! Pru, York
Dear Pru,
Thank you for writing in and sharing something so deeply personal. It’s clear how much you care for your friend, and I can see how difficult this must be for you to navigate. You’re right—this is a sensitive and challenging situation that requires careful thought and compassion. Addiction, in any form, can be tough to face—for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones. While I’m not a professional in the field of gambling addiction, I’ve seen how openness, support, and expert advice can help individuals overcome such struggles. It’s heartening to know that you want to approach this with kindness and tact.
If you feel comfortable, having a direct but gentle conversation with your friend might be the best first step. Choose a time and place where you can talk without interruptions—perhaps during a walk or over coffee, somewhere private and relaxed. Start by affirming your friendship and how much they mean to you. Then, share your observations with honesty but without judgement. For example, you could say, “I’ve noticed some things lately, and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay?” This can open the door for them to share, if they’re ready. It’s also important to let your friend know you’re there to support them and that help is available. Recovery is a journey, and knowing they have someone in their corner can make all the difference.
If speaking directly to your friend feels too daunting or you’re unsure how they might react, involving a trusted family member is another
option. However, tread carefully— your friend might feel betrayed if they sense conversations have taken place without their knowledge.
Lastly, reaching out to professionals for guidance is invaluable. Organisations like the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) offer free, confidential advice not just for those struggling with addiction but also for friends and family members. They can provide strategies for how to approach the conversation and point you towards further support if needed. Remember, Pru, this isn’t something you need to handle alone. Your concern shows how much your friend means to you, and that’s a wonderful foundation to start from. I’m wishing you both the very best as you take this brave and compassionate step forward.
With love,
Daphnie
Dear Daphnie,
I don't think my parents trust me at all. Whenever I am out with friends (or anywhere for that matter!) I am having to constantly update them on my whereabouts and various other things like what time to be home. I am 16 now and think this is maybe too controlling for someone of my age? Shannon, York.
Dear Shannon,
Ah, the age-old teenage battle cry: “Why don’t my parents trust me?” Let’s be honest, Shannon, your parents probably do trust you— what they don’t trust is the world out there, which, let’s face it, can be a bit of a circus at times. Their constant check-ins might feel like they’re running a CIA operation on your social life, but it likely comes from a place of love (and maybe a bit of paranoia).
That said, you’re 16, not six, and I agree—it’s time for a bit of balance. But here’s the thing: trust isn’t just handed out like free samples at a supermarket. It’s earned. Are you consistently sticking to curfews? Keeping your phone charged?
Showing up when you say you will?
These little things might seem trivial, but they’re like gold stars on the “I’m a responsible human” chart. Now, onto the tricky part: talking to your parents. Find a moment when they’re not stressed or distracted— preferably not while Dad’s midNetflix binge or Mum’s doing the Tesco shop online. Start with, “I get that you worry about me, and I appreciate that. But all the constant updates are making me feel like I’m on a leash. Can we find a way to compromise?” This shows maturity and gives them a chance to explain their side. Remember, compromise works both ways. Maybe you agree to a curfew or text them your plans once and stick to it. No sneakiness, no “my phone died” excuses—they’ll see you’re reliable, and you might just get the breathing room you’re after.
Independence isn’t a right; it’s a privilege you earn. Prove you’re ready, and they’ll loosen the reins. In the meantime, cut them a little slack—they’re probably just terrified of you growing up too fast.
Good luck,
Daphnie
Dear Daphnie,
My boyfriend has been offered a new job in Australia starting in March 2025, and he’s asked me to move with him. I’m really unsure about leaving my friends, family, and a thriving career behind for a relationship that’s only been going for eight months. Do I consider going, or do I say goodbye?
Jennifer, Clifton.
Dear Jennifer,
Ah, the classic crossroads: love or life as you know it? It sounds like your boyfriend’s got his bags packed for Australia while you’re left holding the map, wondering if you’re ready for a one-way ticket to the land of kangaroos and barbies. And fair enough—this isn’t just about romance; it’s about uprooting everything.
Let’s cut to it: eight months is not exactly “till death do us part”
territory. It’s more “still figuring out his favourite pizza topping.” That doesn’t mean the relationship isn’t meaningful, but let’s not ignore the fact that this is a huge leap. Are you excited by the idea of Australia—a fresh start, sunshine, and all that Vegemite—or are you just worried about losing him? Be honest with yourself.
Before you go packing your life into a suitcase, have a serious chat with your boyfriend. Ask the big questions: How does he see your life together out there? Is he expecting you to become his travel buddy or his emotional support animal while he chases his career dreams? And here’s the kicker—how does this move fit into your goals? If the answers leave you feeling like a plus-one to his life rather than a partner in crime, you’ve got your answer.
But let’s say you’re tempted to take the plunge. Think of it as a trial run, not a lifelong commitment. Life in Australia might turn out to be the adventure of a lifetime—or a total disaster—and that’s okay. Worst case, you come back with a tan, a collection of koala selfies, and a better idea of what you want in life.
And if you decide to stay? Relationships can survive longdistance. If he’s worth it, he’ll understand your reasons and support you just as much as you’re supporting him now. If he doesn’t, well, at least you dodged the heartbreak and the jet lag.
Bottom line, Jennifer? Don’t let his opportunity overshadow your life. Your future is yours to build—make sure it’s one you’re excited about, with or without him.
With love,
Daphnie
Have you got a question for Daphnie? Send your question to info@yourlocallink. co.uk with a subject "FOR DAPHNIE" and check back here next month to see if your question gets answered!
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, we’re here for you.
Our weekly Sunflower Wellbeing Hub offers a safe, welcoming space where you can relax and receive expert advice from our compassionate team.
No referral or prior connection to St Leonard’s Hospice is needed, just drop in and let us support you.
Every Thursday, 10am to12.30 pm
Sunflower Centre, St Leonard’s Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, YO24 1GL
We look forward to welcoming you
Our care is made possible thanks to the support of our community. To help us continue making a difference, please visit our website to donate.
stleonardshospice.org.uk
ADOPTION
Apply to become an adopter through One Adoption North and Humber.
Call 0345 305 2576, visit www.oneadoption.co.uk/ about-us/about-one-adoptionnorth-and-humber
York City Council Adoption: 01904 553525
ALLOTMENTS
York Allotments Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Call 07887 529195. Visit www. yorkallotments.org
SITE PLOTS WAITING LIST
Bootham Stray 125 207
Carr, Ostman Rd 50 96
Fulford Cross 62 281
Glen 100 138
Green Lane 108 174
Hempland 184 236
Hob Moor 50 196
Holgate 93 225
Hospital Field 61 259
RSPCA Helpline 0300 1234 999
Find a Scan Angel (Lost Pet Recovery System)
Visit www.microchipcentral.com/ find-a-scan-angel/ Haxby Hedgehog Hospital 07774 439668, or visit www.facebook.com/ haxbyhedgehoghospital Animal Health Team: 01904 551525
Portly, Male, 4 years. As his name suggests, this sweet lad is
sadly extremely overweight –over 9kg on arrival! This cannot be comfortable for him and understandably, Portly doesn’t have much energy to move around. Despite this, Portly is a gentle, loving boy who loves nothing more than some fuss and a cuddle.
Ruffle McDuffle, Female, 11 years
Being a senior lady Ruffle will soon be preparing to enjoy a slower pace to life and would appreciate a calm household with lots of napping spots.
If you’d like to adopt either visit www.cats.org.uk/york or call 01904 760356
Team Arlo The Lost Dog Trapping Team
Visit www.facebook.com/ groups/864896675067221
Gucci, Female, 3 years
Timmy, Male, 3 Years.
A retired racer, Timmy is genuinely a very lovely lad who is looking for a new home.
Gucci is a very friendly girl who is now ready to start her search of a new loving family who will love her and make up for everything she has missed out on.
For Timmy or Gucci, it’s www.rspca-yorkhome.org.uk. Please bear in mind that some conditions do apply for adoption.
Howe Hill 48 98
Low Moor 284 309
New Lane 43 81
Scarcroft 199 510
Strensall 22 69
Wigginton Road 38 153
Wigginton Trce 23 152
Waiting list and plot figures are correct as of 26/11/24
ADOPT A PET
BUSINESS
Advertising Standards Authority:
020 7492 2222
Financial Services Authority (FSA): 0845 111 6768
Job Centre+
11-17 Monkgate, York 0845 604 3719 or 01904 682307
Tourist Information (VisitYork): 21 Parliament St, York, York YO1 7DT
01904 550099
York Council for Voluntary Services (CVS): 01904 621133
York Cares (independent employee-volunteering charity):
01904 323482 info@yorkcares.co.uk
York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce: 01904 567838
York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub: 0800 246 5045
support@ynygrowthhub.com
Institute of Directors (IOD): 020 385 54313
Federation of Small Businesses: 0808 20 20 888
WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise): www.wireuk.org York Professionals: 01904 435 363
York & North Yorkshire Business Support: 01904 699590
York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce: 08455 240 240
York Angels Investors CIC: www.yorkangels.co.uk, suv@yorkangels.com
University of York Enterprise Works: enterprise-works@york.ac.uk 01904 321420.
BLOOD DONATION
NHS Blood Donation
Helpline: 0300 123 23 23. Visit my.blood.co.uk/youraccount/where-to-donate and book your first appointment. The appointment takes around an hour, including 10 to 15 minutes to donate.
You can donate again if you want to so long as you leave at least 12 weeks between appointments for men and 16 weeks for women.
New Earswick, The Folk Hall
Hawthorn Terrace, New Earswick, York, YO32 4AQ
Huntington, Huntington Working Mens Club
1 North Moor Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9QS
York, National Centre for Early Music
St. Margarets Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
York, Novotel York Central
Novotel, Fishergate, York, YO10 4FD
Acomb, Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints
West Bank, York, YO24 4ES
Acomb, Parish Church Hall
18A Front Street, Acomb, YO24 3BZ
Wigginton, Recreation Centre
The Village, Wigginton, York, YO32 2LL
Stockton on the Forest, Village Hall
Sandy Lane, Stockton On The Forest, YORK, YO32 9UR
NDY’S AUTOS
CITY OF YORK COUNCIL CONTACTS
Income Services Team: incomeservices@york.gov.uk
Personal Budgets, Direct Payments & Charging : 01904 554684
Deferred Payments, Invoicing & Payment Plans: 01904 5551 Customer Services: 01904 551550
COURTS
Crown Prosecution Service
Foss House, Kings Poole, 1-2 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 9PQ 01904 545400 www.cps.gov.uk
York County Court
Piccadilly House, 55 Piccadilly, York, YO19 W 01904 688550
York Crown Court
York Castle, Tower St., York, YO1 9WZ 01904 645121
York & Selby Magistrates Court Law Courts, Clifford Street, York YO1 9RE 01904 818300
COMMUNITY FOOD BANKS
I AM REUSEABLE
45 Aldbrough Way, York.
Open 10am-5pm seven-days-a-week.
Contact John McGall at iamreusable@gmail.com.
The Collective Sharehouse
Tuesdays and Fridays 9:15-11am
Wednesdays 5-6pm
Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York, YO23 1BW
Tang Hall Community Centre
Wednesdays 11am-12:30pm
Tang Hall Community Centre, Fifth Avenue, York, YO31 0UG
Luke’s Larder
Wednesdays 12:30-1:30pm
St Luke’s Church Hall, Burton Stone Lane, York, YO30 6DG
Lidgett Grove
Tuesdays and Fridays 9am onwards
Lidgett Methodist Church, Wheatlands Grove, York, YO26 5NH
York Travellers Trust
Thursdays 10:30am-12:30pm
20 Falsgrave Crescent, York, YO30 7AZ
CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
One of the best things about living in York has to be the generosity of our community.
At this time of the year, we can think of no better example than the inspirational efforts made by local restaurant and takeaway Middle Feast.
Usually known for making some of the best chicken shawarma on Earth (our writer’s opinion), every Christmas (from 12-3pm) Middle Feast give away free meals to those who need it. That includes NHS staff, emergency workers, homeless people, refugees, and anyone who’s lonely.
Middle Feast is located on Lendal in the city centre and are available on 01904 339072
York Vineyard Church Tuesdays 10-12pm. Hamilton House, 3 Fawcett Street, York, YO10 4AH.
Door 84
Fridays 11am-1pm
Door 84 Youth and Community Centre, Lowther St, York, YO31 7LX Bell Farm
Monday to Saturday 12pm-4pm
Bell Farm Social Hall, Roche Avenue, York, YO31 9BB EVERY SUNDAY
Hoping York Street Kitchen
2.30-4pm — Weekly free hot meal at King’s Manor front lawn. Call 07587 963233 for more information.
Trussell Trust York Food Bank, 5 Sterling Way, Clifton Moor. For Food Bank referrals: Citizens Advice 0808 208 2138 (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, closed on public holidays).
Alternatively for help in accessing a voucher, you can also call Citizens Advice York on 03 444 111 444, or their partner advice helpline on 0300 365 7700 (10am-3pm Monday-Wednesday and Friday).
We love hearing incredible stories like this from our community, so if you have noticed a random act of kindness by someone in York, please reach out to our writer at Sammi@yourlocallink.co.uk.
CRIME PREVENTION & COMMUNITY SAFETY
In an emergency situation, if there is a crime in progress or a threat to life – Police, fire & ambulance: 999
North Yorkshire Police: 01904 618691
Safer York Partnership: 01904 551550
Shopmobility: 01904 679222
British Transport Police: 0800 405040
Crimestoppers: 0800 555111
Council: 01904 551550 www.york.gov.uk
Council Tax Helpline: 01904 551558
Social Services Emergency Duty Team: 01609 780780
Family Information Service: 01904 554444
Sharing Care: 01904 555669
Fostering (Family Placement Team): 01904 555678
School Governor Service Managing: 01904 554210
York Family Information Services (if you are concerned about a child): 01904 554444
CREASES AWAY IRONING
Professional and reliable ironing service. Covering York and surrounding areas since 2002.
Call Karen Chandler: 01904 758482 / 07718 563708
DISABILITY SUPPORT
Adult Social Care Community Team: 01904 555111, adult.socialsupport@york.gov.uk.
Adult Social Care Emergency Team: 0300 131 2131
York Carers Centre: 01904 715490
The Snappy Trust: 07710 282269
York Disability Rights Forum: 01904 326781
United Response: 01904 791795
The council have made a map of all local disability services available for residents to use. It shows the locations of
• Public Toilets with Disabled Access (RADAR key)
• Changing Places
• Park & Ride Stops
• Blue Badge Parking Bays
• Dedicated Disabled Bays
• Loading/Disabled Bays
• Car Parks with Dedicated Disabled Bays
• Park & Ride Sites
• Blue Badge Routes
• Footstreets and Access Restrictions
Check it out by following the QR code below.
RADAR KEYS
The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) locks can now be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores, bus and train stations and many other locations in most parts of the country. Access a map via the QR code on this page to find the toilets in York that are part of the scheme.
A key can be bought for about £5 from www.shop.disabilityrightsuk.org
To learn more about the key scheme call 0330 995 0400 or their shop on 0203 687 0790.
DISABLED PARKING ACCESS
As of January last year, blue badge holders have been able to park within the boundaries of York city centre.
Disabled parking in pedestrianised areas was initially banned to enable for the construction of bollards that protect against vehicle-based terror attacks.
This new access does not mean an end to anti-terrorist protection. Instead, while bollards are in operation (between 10.30am5pm), blue badge holders will be able to drive into the city centre through staffed, sliding bollards at the junction of Goodramgate and Deangate.
Contact council parking services for more information: Telephone: 01904 551309 Email: parking@york.gov.uk
EARWAX REMOVAL
DID YOU KNOW?
Earwax removal is no longer covered by the NHS. Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable services here in York. Find one below!
Clear & Hear: 07999 325656
Ryedale Ear Clinic: 07503 926426
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
City of York Council Environment and Community Dept: 01904 551551 environmentandcommunity @york.gov.uk
Eco Depot, Hazel Court, York, YO10 3DS
Air Quality:
You can make complaints about odours and smoke from bonfires and vehicles, to the Public Protection – Air Quality team at city council. They’re available on 01904 551525 or at public. protection@york.gov.uk.
Office for Environmental Protection (National Body): 0800 80 70 60.
Smells of gas:
Natural gas odours should be reported to the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111999.
CLIMATE CHANGE IN YORK
Learn more about York’s 10-year plan to become a NetZero city by contacting york2032@york.gov. uk or visiting www.york.gov.uk/ ClimateChange10YearStrategy.
City of York Council Carbon Reduction Team: carbon.reduction@york.gov.uk
Green Economy (help businesses achieve a ‘green makeover’): www.greeneconomy. co.uk, 0161 2281111
York Climate Commission: www.yorkclimate.org.uk
Earwax Away: 07960 008179
Ear and There: 07985 664947
York Environmental Sustainability Institute (University of York): yesi@york.ac.uk 01904 328866
Dringhouses
York & District Indoor Bowls Club
Thanet Road, YO24 2NW
MONDAYS at 9.00am & 10.30am
TUESDAYS at 5.30pm & 7.00pm
WEDNESDAYS at 3.00pm, 4.30pm & 6.00pm
Open Bank Holidays • Disabled Access Call Lorraine on 07947 157152
FLOODING
In case of flooding events, you can contact the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 9881188. Flooding transport updates: www.itravelyork.info/flood-information Impact of flooding on York transport routes:
River Roads closed Bus Routes Diversion
3.55m Main St (Nether Poppleton) 10 Dikelands Lane, Ebor Way
Acaster Lane 21 Appleton Road
3.90m B1222 Naburn Lane 42 A19
4.00m Skeldergate 3, 4, 59 Nunnery Lane, Bishopthorpe
4.3m Fordlands Road 25, 26 Terminate services on Fulford
A19 Selby Road 7, 18, 36, 42, 415 A64, Hull Road 3, 4, 59 Terminate at Rail Station
4.80m Tower Street
Clifton Green
7, 42, 66, 415 Picadilly, Merchantgate
2, 2A, 19, 30, 31X A1237, Boroughbridge Road
A19 Shipton Road 2, 2A, 30, 31X, 80 A1237, Boroughbridge Road
Salisbury Road 2, 2A, 10, 29, 30 Poppleton Road
5.45m Hamilton Drive 16 York Road
You should report any blocked roads or blocked drains to the council on 01904 551551.
To prepare for flood events you can buy sandbags from:
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FLOOD IN YORK
Residents whose homes have been flooded, who have limited means and who are not adequately insured, may be eligible for help from the York Disaster Fund.
To see if you’re eligible you can reach out to the Two Ridings Community Foundation, who administer the fund, on 01904 435277 or at info@trcf.org.uk. Support for businesses
Travis Perkins - Foss Islands Road or Clifton Moor
Jewsons - Foss Islands Road
James Burrell - Clifton Moor
There is also extra advice for food businesses following a flooding event. Before reopening for trade all premises must be restored to “a safe and hygienic state.” All unopened food and drinks which has been in contact with floodwater (including cans) must be disposed of. Opened food must also be disposed of, it doesn’t matter whether the food came into contact with floodwater or not. Also, gas appliances must be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer before they are used.
B&Q - Hull Road or Clifton Moor
Wickes - Clifton Moor
Buildbase - James Street
Keyline - Osbaldwick
journey after flooding or high river levels make sure to check. The council have a list of temporary road closures at www.york.gov.uk/ TemporaryTrafficRestrictions
Emotional support
If your premises have been flooded and you're having problems paying your Business Rates, contact business.rates@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551140. You may be able to claim an 'empty property exemption' if you have been closed due to flooding.
If you are concerned about how to disinfect a part of your premises or what needs disinfecting, you can contact food.safety@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551525.
Check for road closures
Even in cases of light flooding its more than likely that some roads will be closed, especially in rural areas. Before setting off on any
York has a readily available Major Incident Support Team. They’re part of North Yorkshire Council and the City of York Council’s 24hour emergency response service who provide a confidential and non-intrusive support service to anyone caught up in an incident or event that is outside of 'normal' life.
You can email them at MIRT@ northyorks.gov.uk.
FOOD SAFETY SERVICES
If you’re concerned about the hygiene at a local food spot, you can make a food safety complaint to the City of York Council Food and Safety Unit. They’re available on 01904 551525, at food.safety@ york.gov.uk, and are located at Eco Depot, Hazel Court, York, YO10 3DS. To see how well-rated a restaurant or café’s hygiene is before visiting, you should visit the Food Standards Agency at www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/ food-hygiene-rating-scheme. The scheme helps you choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving you clear information about
GARDEN WASTE
businesses’ hygiene standards. Each business is given a rating from 0-5. Our advice: don’t visit somewhere with a 0 rating!
You can subscribe to council garden waste subscription at www.york.gov.uk/ GardenWasteSubscriptionScheme or by calling 01904 551551. It costs £46.50 per season, per bin. Bins with stickers will be
HEALTH SERVICES
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: 01904 631313.
The Care Quality Commission (independent regulator for care providers in England): 03000 61616
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): 01904 726262
York Against Cancer:
A charity providing support to those affected by cancer and their loved ones. You can call 01904 764466 or visit their HQ, The Leveson Centre at the LNER Community Stadium to learn more abiout how they can help. The Leveson Centre, York Community Stadium, Kathryn Ave,
FRAUD
Report any case of fraud to Veritau immediately on 0800 9179 247 or fraud@york.gov.uk. This is York’s anti-fraud team.
If you think a business has broken the law or acted unfairly, you can report them to Trading Standards. 0808 223 1133
emptied every 2 weeks of the season. Waste, Highways and Environmental Services: 01904 551551 ycc@york.gov.uk
Huntington, York, YO32 9AF
Number: 01904 202647
Email: support@thelevesoncentre. org.uk
Healthwatch York: 01904 621133
Emergency health enquiries: 999 Non-emergency health enquiries: 111
Nearest Emergency Department (A&E):
York Hospital, Wigginton Rd, Clifton, York YO31 8HE.
YORK’S GROUP PRACTICES:
Lavender Grove Surgery
Lavender Grove, Boroughbridge Road, York YO26 5RX 01904 404100
Rawcliffe Surgery
Belcombe Way, Water Lane, Clifton, York YO30 6ND 01904 404100
Priory Medical Centre Cornlands Road, Acomb, York YO24 3WX
01904 404100
Fulford Surgery
2 Fulford Park, Fulford, York YO10 4QE
01904 404100
Park View Surgery
28 Millfield Ave, Hull Road, York YO10 3AB
01904 404100
Tang Hall Surgery
190 Tang Hall Lane, York YO10 3RL 01904 404100
Heworth Green Surgery
45 Heworth Green, Heworth, York YO31 7SX
01904 404100
Victoria Way Surgery
2 Victoria Way, Huntington York YO32 9GE
What’s On
in Malton
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
Housing associations are usually non-profit-making organisations providing a range of accommodation for rent, and in some cases purchase, including shared ownership.
Lowfield Green Housing Co-Op
— www. lowfieldgreencoop.uk or email lowfieldgreenhousingcoop@ gmail.com . A community-led housing cooperative in Acomb.
Accent Group
• Telephone: 0800 731 2020
• Email: customerservices@ accentgroup.org
Anchor Hanover Housing Association
• Telephone: 0800 731 2020
Anchor Trust
• Telephone: 0808 301 7246
Habinteg Housing Association
• Telephone: 0300 365 3100
• Email: direct@habinteg.org.uk
Housing 21
• Telephone: 0370 192 4000
• Email: enquiries@housing21.org.uk
Homegroup
• Telephone: 0345 141 4663
HISTORIC DAYS OUT IN YORK…
If like many in the city you’ve come across a problem trying to get on the property ladder in York, this amazing community group might be for you. Their plan is to create a community of locally built, sustainable and affordable homes which meets the needs of residents whilst having minimal impact on the planet. It’s about creating a place for everyone to thrive, no matter what their situation, age or background. To learn more about the community initiative, you can attend an event taking place at Acomb Methodist Church from 2-3pm on the 12th of January. There are only a few houses left so it’s well worth acting fast!
54North Homes
• Telephone: 0345 521 1993
• Email: Hello@54northhomes.co.uk
Abbeyfield
• Telephone: 01904 704500
• Email: enquiries@abbeyfieldyork. co.uk
Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust
• Telephone: 0800 5870211
• Email: information@jrht.org.uk
MHA Care Group
• Telephone: 01332 296200
Places for People
• Telephone: 01772 667002
Railway Housing Association
• Telephone: 0800 028 7428
• Email: info@railwayha.co.uk
Riverside York
• Telephone: 0345 111 0000
• Email: info@riverside.org.uk
Tees Valley Housing - Part of the Thirteen Group
• Telephone: 0300 111 1000
• Email: customerservices@ thirteengroup.co.uk
Yorkshire Housing
• Telephone: 0345 366 4404
• Email: customerservices@ yorkshirehousing.co.uk
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate, York. www. merchantshallyork.org. Tel 01904 654818.
Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York. www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Tel 01904 624247.
Beningborough Hall and Gardens, Beningborough, York. www. nationaltrust.org.uk. Tel 01904 472027.
Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, York. Tel. 01904 489966.
York Maze, Grimston Bar park and ride site at the junction of the A1079 Hull Road and A64 York ring road. www.yorkmaze.com Tel 01904 608000.
Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York. www.barleyhall. co.uk
Tel 01904 615505.
Sutton Park, Sutton-on-theForest, North Yorkshire, www. sutton-park.co.uk/visit-suttonpark. Tel 01347 810249.
York Minster, Deangate, York www.yorkminster.org. Tel 01904 557200.
York Cold War Bunker, Acomb Road, Holgate, York. www.englishheritage.org.uk. Tel 0370 333 1181
BLACKER STEEL FABRICATIONS LTD
… AND A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
Dalby Forest Drive and Visitor Centre, Low Dalby, North Yorkshire. www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest. Tel 01751 460295.
Duncombe Park, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire. www. duncombepark.com. Tel 01439 772625 or 01439 770213.
Byland Abbey, Coxwold, NorthYorkshire, www.englishheritage.org.uk. Tel 01347 868614. Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, www.english-heritage. org.uk.
Tel 01439 798228.
Nunnington Hall, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, www.nationaltrust.org. uk.
Tel 01439 748283
Scarborough Castle, Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire. www.english-heritage.org.uk. Tel 01723 372 451.
Scarborough Art Gallery
The Crescent, Scarborough, North Yorkshire. www. scarboroughmuseumsandgalleries. org.uk. Tel 01723 374753
Wood End Gallery, Scarborough. The Crescent, Scarborough. www. scarboroughmuseumsandgalleries. org.uk Tel 01723 384 500
The Rotunda Museum. Vernon Road, Scarborough. www. scarboroughmuseumsandgalleries. org.uk. Tel 01723 353665.
The World of James Herriot Museum and Visitor Attraction Skeldale House at 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk. www.worldofjamesherriot. com.Tel 01845 524234.
The Bird of Prey Centre, Sion Hall Hill, Kirby Wiske, nr Thirsk. www. falconrycentre.co.uk. Tel 01845 587522.
Monk Park Farm Visitor Centre, Bagby, Thirsk. www.monkpark. co.uk. Tel 01845 597730
Castle Howard. York YO60 7DA. www.castlehoward.co.uk Tel 01653 648333
Eden Camp, Malton, North
Yorkshire. www.edencamp.co.uk. Tel 01653 697777.
Malton Museum, Town Hall, Market Place, Malton, North Yorkshire www.maltonmuseum.co.uk. Tel 01653 691 261.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. www.rhs.org.uk. Tel 01423 565418.
Ripley Castle, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. www.ripleycastle.co.uk. Tel 01423 770152.
Royal Pump Room Museum, Crown Place, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. www.harrogate.gov.uk. Tel 01423 556188.
Ripon Museums - The Yorkshire Law and Order Museums Ripon Museum Trust, The Workhouse Museum, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon. www. riponmuseums.co.uk Tel 01765 690799.
Fountains Abbey and Studley
Royal Water Garden, Ripon, North Yorkshire. www.nationaltrust.org. uk. Tel 01765 608888.
Newby Hall Ripon, North Yorkshire. www.newbyhall.com Tel 01423 322 583.
The Bram Stoker Dracula Experience. 9 Marine Parade, Whitby, North Yorkshire. Tel 01947 601923.
Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire. www.english-heritage. org.uk. Tel 01947 603568.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire. www. northyorkshiremoorsrailway.com. Tel 01751 472508.
North York Moors National Park www.moors.uk.net Tel 01439 770657.
Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton le Hole, York. www. ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk. Tel 01751 417 367.
Pickering Castle, Pickering, North Yorkshire. www.english-heritage. org.uk. Tel 01751 474989.
Bolton Castle, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, www.boltoncastle.co.uk. Tel 01969 623981.
The Forbidden Corner, The Tupgill Park Estate, Coverdale, Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire. www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/ theforbiddencorner e. Tel 01969 640638.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Woodland Garden and Falconry Centre, Bedale, North Yorkshire. www.thorpperrow.com. Tel 01677 425323.
Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire. www.skiptoncastle. co.uk. Tel 01756 792442.
HISTORICAL SERVICES
York Archaeology: enquiries@yorkat.co.uk 01904 663000
York Civic Trust: 01904 655543
Archaeology (City of York Council): archaeology@york.gov.uk
Listed Buildings: Planning Enquiries, West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA, call 01904 551553 or email planning.enquiries@ york.gov.uk
Explore York Archives: archives@exploreyork.org.uk 01904 552800
York Oral History Society: 01904 630970
INCOME SUPPORT
Age UK
0800 678 1602
Age UK provide free advice on all kinds of things like budgeting, energy saving, and more.
Live Well York
www.livewellyork.co.uk
An Information and Advice community website for all adults. Visiting the site will point you in the right direction for the charities and people to speak to on everything including housing, money, legal, carers, employment and more!
Financial Conduct Authority
0800 111 6768
The FCA will point you in the direction of the right financial advisor for you.
York Financial Assistance Scheme yfas@york.gov.uk
This scheme is in place to provide residents with support when facing financial or emergency difficulties. Reach out to see how you can benefit.
York Fuel and Food Voucher Scheme 01904 552044
Vouchers are available for York residents to assist with the cost of gas, electricity, oil, bottled gas, and food. The vouchers are delivered by advice support workers from both City of York Council as well as partner organisations. In addition to vouchers, they will provide financial support and advice to York residents affected by food poverty and fuel debt.
JOBCENTRE
Jobcentres are great for helping residents find employment and move from benefits into work. Jobcentres also help employers find the right people for their vacancies and support the local community.
Our local Jobcentre is — York Monkgate Jobcentre Plus: 11-17 Monkgate, York YO31 7JZ. Call 0800 169 0190 ahead of attending.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Beetle Bank Farm
Moor Lane, Murton, York.
From Alpacas to pigs, turkeys to goats, there are lots of wonderful animals for your little ones to get to know.
www.beetlebankopenfarm.co.uk.
Potions Cauldron
Shambles, York.
A wizarding adventure on York’s oldest street.
Head to www.thepotionscauldron. com/visit for more information. Hole in Wand Coppergate, York.
Visit the world’s most magical golf course and enjoy a Wizarding adventure as you vie for golfing superiority against friends!
Wizard Walk of York
Find magical creatures on a tour wizard fans go Potty for! www.wizardwalkofyork.com
York Maze
Elvington, York.
A fun summer day out at Europe’s largest corn maze. www.yorkmaze.com.
LIBRARIES
Acomb Explore Front St, York YO24 3BZ 01904 552651
Bishopthorpe Library
Main St, York YO23 2RB 01904 552678
Clifton Explore Rawcliffe Ln, York YO30 5SJ 01904 552662
Copmanthorpe Library
Main St, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3SU 01904 552672
Dringhouses Library
Tadcaster Road Dringhouses, York, North Yorkshire YO24 1LR 01904 552674
Dunnington Library
Church St, Dunnington, York, North Yorkshire YO19 5PW 01904 552668
Fulford Library
St Oswald’s CE School, Heslington Lane, York, YO10 4LX 01904 555444
Haxby Explore, Reid Park, Oaken Grove, Haxby, York YO32 3QW 01904 552660
Huntington Library Garth Road, York YO32 9QJ 01904 552669
New Earswick Library
Hawthorn Terrace N, York
YO32 4BY
AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION
For further information and viewing call 07860 311924 anytime.
Goose Lane, Sutton on the Forest, York YO61 1ET
01904 552629
Poppleton Library
Main St, York YO26 6JT
01904 552680
Rowntree Park Reading Café
Rowntree Park Lodge, Richardson St, York YO23 1JU 01904 551489
Strensall Library
19B The Village, Strensall, York YO32 5XS 01904 552677
Tang Hall Explore
Burnholme, Mossdale Avenue, York, YO31 0HA 01904 552655
York Explore Library Learning Centre
Library Square, Museum Street, York 01904 552828
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR LIBRARIES
The City of York Council are calling on you to have your say on our city libraries!
With the council set to face growing financial strains in the coming years, they want to ensure that all future investment in our libraries meets our needs. They want to know what we use libraries for so they can ensure they continue to be useful. The engagement process includes an online survey and focus groups targeting specific demographics, such as families, young people, and disabled people, to ensure diverse voices are heard. An accessible paper survey can also be picked up from any Explore library or at West Offices. The survey results will feed into a Libraries Needs Assessment to understand how and when residents use library services and what matters most to them. It closes on February the 7th so make sure to get involved now! Visit www.york.gov.uk/ consultations to access the online survey.
MUSEUMS
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
Home to iconic trains, including the Flying Scotsman and the only Japanese bullet train outside Japan.
JORVIK Viking Centre
Coppergate Shopping Centre, York YO1 9WT
A museum focused on York's Viking heritage, featuring reconstructions and artifacts.
York Castle Museum
Tower St, York YO1 9RY
Known for its recreated Victorian street and exhibits on York’s social history.
Yorkshire Museum
Museum Gardens, Museum St, York YO1 7FR
Features collections of archaeology, paleontology, and natural history, set in beautiful gardens.
York’s Chocolate Story
King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
A museum dedicated to York’s history of chocolate production, including interactive tours.
Fairfax House Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
Merchant Adventurers' Hall Fossgate, York YO1 9XD
A medieval guildhall with exhibits on trade and commerce in York’s history.
Clifford's Tower
Tower St, York YO1 9SA
The historic remnants of York Castle with panoramic city views.
Barley Hall
2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
A restored medieval townhouse, offering insights into medieval life.
York Dungeon
12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD
An interactive experience presenting the darker history of York.
York Army Museum
3 Tower St, York YO1 9SB
Snug war museum spotlighting local WWI regiments, with military exhibits & interactive activities.
Yorkshire Air Museum
Halifax Way, Elvington, York.
Aviation museum on the site of the former RAF Elvington airfield and Second World War RAF Bomber Command station.
Eden Camp
Malton YO17 6RT.
Experience the sights, sounds and even smells of life on both the Home Front and the Front Line during WW2.
Decorator
MUSEUMS CONTINUED...
York Art Gallery
Exhibition Square, York.
Public art gallery with a collection of paintings from 14th-century to contemporary, prints, watercolours, drawings, and ceramics.
The Bar Convent
17 Blossom St, York YO24 1AQ.
The oldest surviving Catholic convent in the British Isles.
York Mansion House
St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 9QL.
The official residence of the Lord Mayor of York at the heart of city society since 1732.
Holgate Windmill
Windmill Rise, Holgate, York, YO26 4TX.
Yorkshire's oldest working windmill.
York Cold War Bunker
Monument Cl, Holgate, York.
A two-storey, semi-subterranean bunker built in 1961 to monitor nuclear explosions and fallout in Yorkshire, in the event of nuclear war.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
To submit an application: 01904 551553 or planning. enquiries@york.gov.uk.
To view applications that are currently being considered: www.planningaccess.york.gov.uk/ online-applications/ City Strategy (Plans Processing): 01904 551550
PARKING
All council-run car parks in York: Bishopthorpe Road car park
Address: YO23 1NA
Bootham Row car park
Address: YO30 7BP
Castle car park
Address: YO1 9SA
OMBUDSMEN
Local Government
Ombudsmen, 0300 061 0614
Coppergate Centre car park
Address: YO1 9NX
East Parade car park
Address: YO31 0XH
Esplanade car park
Address: YO26 4ZP
Foss Bank car park
Address: YO31 7PL
Marygate car park
Address: YO30 7DT
NON-DOMESTIC RATES
(AKA BUSINESS TAX)
This is the tax paid on all nondomestic properties. You'll have to pay business rates if you own, lease or occupy a building or part of a building for non-domestic purposes, such as a shop, office, pub, warehouse, or factory.
To learn more about what you have to pay and what it goes towards, contact York’s Business Rates team. You can call 01904 551140 or email business.rates@york.gov.uk.
Financial Ombudsmen Service: 0800 023 4567
Legal Ombudsmen: 0300 555 0333
Property Ombudsmen: 01722 333 306
Housing Ombudsmen: 0300 111 3000
Prison & Probation
Ombudsmen:
020 7276 2876 or 08450 0107938
Energy Supply Ombudsmen: 0330 440 1624
By Steven Charles Popple & Co. York
Monk Bar car park
Address: YO31 7QR
Nunnery Lane car park
Address: YO23 1AA
Rowntree Park car park
Address: YO23 1JQ
St George's Field car park
Address: YO10 4AB
St George's Field coach park
Address: YO10 4AB
Union Terrace car park
Address: YO31 7ES
Union Terrace coach park
Address: YO31 7ES
PARKS
West Bank Park
5 Hill St, Acomb, York YO24 4JB
A 16-acre park with woodland walks, a rose garden, and a historical arboretum.
Homestead Park
Water End, Rawcliffe & Clifton
Without, York YO30 6WP
Features well-maintained gardens, a large play area, picnic spots, and a tree trail.
Hull Road Park
Alcuin Avenue, Hull Road, York YO10 3TH
Offers tennis and basketball courts, wooded areas, and a playground.
Rowntree Park
Terry Ave, York YO23 1JQ
Includes ornamental gardens, a café, a duck pond, tennis courts, and a large playground.
Clarence Gardens
Haxby Rd, York YO31 8ND
A small urban park with a play area. Museum Gardens
Museum Street, York YO1 7FR
Home to St. Mary’s Abbey ruins and botanical gardens.
Dean's Park
York Minster, York YO1 7JA
A peaceful green space adjacent to York Minster, perfect for relaxation.
RADIO
York Hospital Community Radio
For the first time in its 60-year history York Hospital
Radio’s mix of music, guests, outside broadcasts, live football commentaries, and useful patient information can be heard on DAB radios in the York area. York Hospital Radio can also be heard on smart speakers; online at www. yorkhospitalradio.com and by downloading the free app from your app store.
On DAB, the station can be heard in an area extending to Riccall, Green Hammerton, Barmby Moor, Huby, Sheriff Hutton and Tollerton. To listen, simply search for York Hospital Radio on your DAB radio.
YO1 Radio
Frequency: 102.8 FM
How to listen: Online or via FM
T: 01904 530043
W: studio@yo1radio.co.uk
RESIDENT PARKING PERMITS
City council Parking Services: 01904 551309
parking@york.gov.uk.
You can apply for a household parking permit if you live in a house or flat within a residents' priority parking scheme (ResPark) zone. To
Unit 1, The Raylor Centre, James Street, York, YO10 3DW
W: yo1radio.co.uk
YorkMix Radio
Frequency: Digital Radio
How to listen: Online
T: 01904 375029
E: hello@yorkmixradio.com
10 Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ
W: yorkmix.com/radiomedia.info
Jorvik Radio
Frequency: 94.8 FM
How to listen: Online, App, and Smart Speakers
T: 01904 890141
E: studio@jorvikradio.com
W: jorvikradio.com
BBC Radio York (95.5 FM)
Offers news, pop, rock, and sports coverage. It serves York and the surrounding areas.
Listen live online or via FM.
Greatest Hits Radio York and North Yorkshire (104.7 FM)
Plays adult contemporary, pop, and rock music, catering to a wide audience.
Available online and on FM.
URY (University Radio York) (88.3 MHz FM)
A community station offering various genres, often featuring student-run content.
Listen on AM or online via their website.
Vixen 101 (101.8 FM)
Plays a mix of pop and variety music.
Available online or on FM.
SCAMS
EMERGENCY
HOTLINE 159
If you’re concerned that someone supposedly calling from your bank might be a scammer, the best advice is to hang up and to NEVER transfer any money to them. Most banks won’t contact you directly, but if you’re still worried someone with sinister intentions might have gotten into your account, you can call 159. The 159 helpline will connect you to your bank’s fraud department who will deal with the issue.
SCHOOLS
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
A-G
Acomb Primary School
West Bank, York YO24 4ES
Tel: 01904 806799
Badger Hill Primary School
Crossways, York YO10 5JF
01904 806480
Bishopthorpe Infant School
Sim Balk Lane, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2QQ
01904 552399
Burton Green Primary School
Burton Green, York YO30 6JE
01904 552380
Carr Infant School
Ostman Road, York YO26 5QA
01904 798996
Clifton Green Primary School
Kingsway North, York YO30 6JA
01904 555105
Clifton with Rawcliffe Primary School
St. Lawrence's Church of England
Primary School
Heslington Road, York YO10 5BW 01904 806486
St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School
Eastholme Drive, York YO30 5TA 01904 555230
Copmanthorpe Primary School
Yorkfield Lane, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3YP 01904 554535
H-P
Headlands Primary School
Oak Tree Lane, Haxby, York YO32 3QY
01904 762356
Hempland Primary Academy
Whitby Avenue, York YO31 1ET 01904 555495
Knavesmire Primary School
Trafalgar Street, York YO23 1HY 01904 806545
Lakeside Primary School
Oakdale Road, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4YL 01904 806444
Lord Deramore’s Primary School
Heslington, York YO10 5EE 01904 553890
Q-Z
Poppleton Ousebank Primary School
Main Street, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6JT 01904 795930
St. Aelred’s Catholic Primary School
Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, York YO31 0QQ 01904 806075
St. Barnabas' Church of England Primary School
Jubilee Terrace, York YO23 1AB 01904 936330
St. George’s Roman Catholic Primary School
37 Peel Street, York YO1 9PZ 01904 806192
School Lane, Askham Richard, York YO23 3PD 01904 552 540
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
All Saints Roman Catholic School
Mill Mount Lane, York YO24 1BJ Tel: 01904 647877
Archbishop Holgate's Church of England School
Hull Road, York YO10 5ZA Tel: 01904 411341
Danesgate Community School
Fulford Cross, York YO10 4PB Tel: 01904 555555
Fulford School
Fulfordgate, York YO10 4FY Tel: 01904 633300
Huntington School
Huntington Road, York YO32 9WT Tel: 01904 752100
Joseph Rowntree School
Haxby Road, New Earswick, York YO32 4BZ
Tel: 01904 552100
Manor Church of England Academy
Millfield Lane, York YO26 6PA Tel: 01904 798722
Millthorpe School
Nunthorpe Avenue, York YO23 1WF Tel: 01904 686400
Vale of York Academy
Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton, York YO30 6ZS
Tel: 01904 560000
York High School
Cornlands Road, Acomb, York YO24 3WZ
Tel: 01904 555500
For more details, visit the City of York Council Schools Directory.
SCHOOL TERM DATES
SPRING TERM 2025
First half of term: Monday
6 January to Friday 14 February
Half-term holiday: Monday 17
February to Friday 21 February
Second half of term: Monday 24 February to Friday 4 April
SUMMER TERM 2025
First half of term: Tuesday 22 April to Friday 23 May
Half-term holiday: Tuesday 27
May to Friday 30 May
Second half of term: Monday
2 June to Tuesday 22 July
AUTUMN TERM 2025
First half of term: Monday
1 September to Friday 24 October
Half-term holiday: Monday 27
October to Friday 31 October
Second half of term: Monday
3 November to Friday 19 December
TAX
Council tax is a tax paid on all ‘domestic properties’ occupied by at least two adults. It’s calculated by a banding system (A-H in England) with A being the cheapest band and H the most expensive. The average band is D. The higher the banding the higher a household’s council tax bill will be. There is a 25% discount for adults living alone. Students are exempt from council tax as are some buildings such as designated ‘religious dwellings’. Those on low income may be eligible for a means tested reduction.
If you’re unsure about the amount you’re currently paying, or would like more information about reductions contact the city council Council Tax team on 01904 551558 or at council.tax@york.gov.uk.
TAXIS
TAXI RANK LOCATIONS:
Clifford Street (for Kuda Nightclub)
Clifford Street (opposite side of road from Kuda Nightclub)
Clifton Moor Cinema
Duncombe Place
Exhibition Square
Micklegate (outside The Parish)
Piccadilly
Queen Street
Rougier Street
St Leonard's Place
St Sampson's Square
St Saviourgate - Rank A
St Saviourgate - Rank B
Station Road (York Station)
TRANSPORT
iTravel York
The most important resource you need for all transport info and concerns in York. They’re available online at www.itravelyork.info and at itravel@york.gov.uk. You can download maps of cycle routes from the website, view live traffic updates, find car parks and electric charging points and everything in-between. Their Twitter/X page @york_travel is best for traffic updates.
Blue Badge Scheme: 01904 552522
bluebadge@york.gov.uk.
Road Safety: 01904 555579
road.safety@york.gov.uk
TRANSPORT CONTINUED...
PARK & RIDE
Sick of the traffic? Struggle to find a parking space in the city centre? Luckily in York we’re blessed to have access to a cheap and reliable Park & Ride bus service. Check out the details below. And view the map too on the next page. It shows all the stops.
The Crescent (off Blossom Street)
Toft Green
Tower Street
York Racecourse
YORK’S TAXI COMPANIES:
Streamline Taxis: 01904 65 65 65
York Cars: 01904 765765
Drive Taxis York: 01904 659659
Fleetways: 01904 365365
Getaway Cars: 01904 707070
York Station Taxis: 01904623332
Taxi Licensing Team: 01904 552422, licensing@york.gov.uk
Make a complaint of bad driving about a taxi driver: opspartan@ northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Make a complaint about a taxi driver: 01904 552422
Askham Bar Park & Ride (Service 3)
Serves the southern area of York. Buses run from early morning to late evening, with services approximately every 10-15 minutes.
Timetables vary slightly depending on the day, with shorter intervals during peak periods.
Designer Outlet Park & Ride (Service 7)
Serves the shopping and outlet areas to the southwest of York. Buses run from around 6:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays. Frequent services, every 9-10 minutes, especially during busy hours.
Grimston Bar Park & Ride (Service 8)
Located to the northeast, this route offers access from areas like Grimston and the A64. Similar to the others, services run every 10-15 minutes during weekdays, with adjustments during weekends.
Service hours typically span from early morning through the evening.
Tree, fencing, paving & landscaping specialists Premier Arborist & Landscaping Company
CONSTRUCTION PROPERTY REPAIRS
Contact Nick Stannard 07747 878887 islandyork@gmail.com
CONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTION
All internal & external maintenance. Brickwork, roofing, paving & driveways, fencing, joinery, sheds & gates, pointing, lime & cement mortar, guttering, digger work.
@islandconstruction100 3 Anthea Drive, Huntington, York.
Drainage Needs? When
Give your garden the WOW factor in time for Spring/Summer 2025 and let our Landscaping team bring your vision to life.
Monks Cross Park & Ride (Service 9)
CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
SPORTS CLUBS
ANGLING:
York & District Amalgamation of Anglers.
Contact: 01904 215105, secretary@ ydaa.org.uk, and www.ydaa.org.uk
drainage project, you can Quality Assurance • Customer
We also offer a full Tree Surgery service and our experienced, qualified and fully insured team can undertake all work including:
• Tree Removal
• Crown Lifting
• Crown Reducing
• All Hedge work (out of bird nesting season)
• Stump Grinding
• Garden Maintenance from one-off tidy up's to a regular service.
When you work with Toby H Johnson Ltd you can be guaranteed of the following:
• Friendly Staff who excel in communicating with their clients
• No obligation, written detailed quotations
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• Quality Assurance
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This route serves the area around Monks Cross and the northern outskirts of York.
Frequencies may increase on weekends, with buses every 10 minutes during peak times.
Poppleton Bar Park & Ride (Service 10)
Located to the west of York, this service connects with the ring road.
Buses run every 12-15 minutes during weekdays, with slightly longer intervals on weekends.
Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride (Service 11)
A popular route to the northeast of the city.
Similar to the others, buses run from morning until late evening, with frequencies varying from
every 10-15 minutes during peak times.
For the full timetables and any changes due to holidays or special schedules, you can visit the official First Bus or City of York websites.
LOST PROPERTY ON PARK & RIDE TRANSPORT
Askham Bar: 01904 702072
Designer Outlet: 01904 626106
Grimston Bar: 01904 413108
Monks Cross: 01904 883993
Poppleton Bar: 01904 787881
Rawcliffe Bar: 01904 883991
City council have a live map that shows where all the roadworks are in York. Visit www.york.gov.uk/ roadworks to see where they are and streamline your journey.
ARCHERY:
Ebor Archers, Long Marston Sports Field, YO26 7LW, www.eborarchers. com.
York Archers Society, Hopgrove Playing Fields, YO32 9TD. www.yorkarchers.co.uk. yorkarcherssociety@gmail.com.
ATHLETICS:
City of York Athletics Club, University of York, YO10 5NA. www. cityofyorkathleticclub.net
York Knavesmire Harriers, The Knavesmire, YO24 1QQ. clubsecretary@ yorkknavesmireharriers.co.uk and www.yorkknavesmireharriers.co.uk
BADMINTON
Burnholme Badminton Club, Bunholme Community Club, burnholmebadminton.org.uk
Clifton Badminton Club, 01904 607192 enquiries@cliftonbadmintonclub. org.uk
www.cliftonbadmintonclub.org.uk
Fulfordgate Badminton Club, The Mount School, YO24 4DD fulfordgatebc@hotmail.co.uk www.fulfordgatebadmintonclub.org
Huntington Mixed Badminton Club, Joseph Rowntree School, YO32 4BZ, 01904 653327
Middlethorpe Badminton Club, Bishopthorpe Village Hall, YO23 2RA, 01904 638982
Poppleton Badminton Club, The Poppleton Centre, YO26 6JT, 01904 787191
Riverside Badminton Club, The Poppleton Centre, YO26 6JT, 01904 411842
BOOK NOW
MAP COURTESY OF ITRAVEL YORK
BOWLS
Bishopthorpe Bowling Club
Bishopthorpe Bowling Club, YO23 2SA
01904 702708
bishbowls@btinternet.com
www.bishopthorpe-bc.co.uk
Copmanthorpe Bowling Club
Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre, YO23 3YR
07749 970755
ptooze@ copmanthorpebowlingclub.org.uk www.copmanthorpebowlingclub. org.uk
Dunnington Bowling Club
Common Road, Dunnington, YO19 5NG
07908 050912
jasrobertson@talktalk.net
New Earswick & District Indoor Bowling Club
Huntington Road, YO32 9PX 01904 750230
manager@newearswickibc.co.uk www.newearswickibc.co.uk
Osbaldwick Bowls
Heworth Bowling Pavilion, YO31 1AP 01904 412995
Poppleton Bowls Club
Poppleton Bowls Club, YO26 6HS 01904 795969
Strensall Bowling Club
Strensall, YO32 5XP 01904 491010
York & District Indoor Bowls Club
York & District Indoor Bowls Club, YO24 2NW 01904 704180
ydibc@tiscali.co.uk www.yorkanddistrictibc.com
York RI Bowls Club
York RI Bowls Club, YO24 4HX www.ribowlsclub.weebly.com
CANOEING
York Canoe Club
The Boathouse, YO23 1JQ
www.yorkcanoeclub.co.uk contactus@yorkcanoeclub.co.uk
CHEERLEADING
York Hotshots Cheer & Dance
Burnholme Community Hub, YO31 0GW yorkhotshots@hotmail.co.uk www.yorkhotshots.co.uk
CLIMBING
York Mountaineering Club, mail@yorkmc.org.uk www.yorkmc.org.uk
CRICKET
Acomb Cricket Club, Acomb Sports and Social Club, 01904 797272.
Askham Bryan Cricket Club, 22 Acres, Garrowby Way, Heslington, York, askhambryancc.play-cricket. com
Heworth Cricket Club, Elm Park Way, York, 07969 955847
Heslington Cricket Club, Heslington Sports Ground, 1 Outgang, Heslington, York, heslingtoncc@gmail.com
Rufforth Cricket Club, Wetherby Rd, Rufforth, York, 07890 813436
Ovington Cricket Club, Cricket Pavilion, Little Knavesmire, York, 01904 331408
Dringhouses Cricket Club, St Helens Road, York. 07919 050636
York Cricket Club, Clifton Park, Clifton Green, York, 07815 809596
Dunnington Cricket Club, Common Rd, Dunnington, York, dunningtoncricket@btinternet. com
Bishopthorpe Cricket Club, Ferry Lane, York. 07881876011
Copmanthorpe Cricket Club, Barons Crescent, Copmanthorpe, York, copmanthorpecricketclub@ hotmail.co.uk
CYCLING
Clifton Cycling Club, York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, York, info@
cliftoncc.org.
University of York Cycling Club, University of York, Heslington, York. cycling@yusu.org
York Bike Belles, various locations, 07493 692490
York Wednesday Wheelers, various locations, help@wwyork.org
York Rouleurs, Hospital Fields Rd, York, yorkrouleurs@gmail.com
GAELIC FOOTBALL
York Éireannach Gaelic Football Club, YSJ Active, Haxby Road, York, Yorkgaa@gmail.com.
FOOTBALL
Walking Football, York City Football Club Foundation, 01904 559508
Fulford Football Club, Fulford Parish Playing Fields, Fulford, 07769 901914
Dunnington Football Club, Common Road, Dunnington, York. karl.hetherington@hotmail.co.uk
Copmanthorpe FC - Disability Football, Energise Sports Centre, York, 07721 672976 / 01904 704256
Copmanthorpe FC, Copmanthorpe Sports and Community Centre. Barons Crescent, Copmanthorpe, York, YO23 3YR. info@ copmanthorpefc.co.uk.
Wheldrake Junior Football Club, Broad Highway Wheldrake, York. 07801 213926
Poppleton Junior Football Club, Poppleton Community Sports Pavilion, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York. 07770 576966
Bishopthorpe White Rose FC, Moor Lane Playing Fields, York, bishopthorpewhiterose@gmail. com.
Hamilton Panthers AFC, Little Knavesmire Sports Pavilion, York, 07894 470200.
Atlas Design york, we specialise in transforming your living space’s with our creative designs and high-quality home improvements. Our experienced team executes tailored projects based on your unique taste and ideas, bringing your visions to life.
T: 07394 937120
E: Atlas.design.york@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
SPORTS CLUBS
CONTINUED...
Brayton Belles Ladies FC, Selby, www. braytonbellesladiesfootballclub. com.
Wigginton Grasshoppers FC, Mill Ln, York. chair. wiggintongrasshoppers82@gmail. com
Huntington Rovers FC, Huntington Sports & Social Club, North Lane, Huntington, York. 07960331743.
GOLF
York Golf Club, York Golf Club, Strensall, York. 01904 491840
Heworth Golf Club, Heworth Golf Club, Muncaster House, Muncastergate, York. 01904 426156
York Golf Academy, Melody
Domestic & commercial, York-based Pest Control. Insured, professionally trained & fully qualified.
• Rat, Mouse & Squirrel Control
• Solar Panel Pigeon Proofing
• Bird Deterrents & Control
• Mole Trapping
• Woodworm Treatments
• Wasp Nest Removal
• Flea Infestations
• & Many More
For a quick response, Call Jack on:
07375 554 760 or 01904 206 041 Visit www.thepestcompany.co.uk
Park Driving Range, Melody Park, Wigginton Road, York. 07860 535107
Pike Hills Golf Club, Pike Hills Golf Club,Tadcaster Road, Askham Bryan. secretary@pikehillsgolfclub. co.uk
Forest Park Golf Club, StocktonOn-The-Forest, York. 01904 400425
KARATE
Haxby Shotokan Karate Club, Wigginton Recreation Hall, www. haxbykarate.co.uk.
RUGBY LEAGUE
York Acorn Rugby League, Acorn ARL Sports and Social Club, 01904 330351
New Earswick All Blacks, New Earswick Sports Club, 07446 993855
Heworth ARLFC, YO31 1DX, 01904 421075
RUGBY UNION
York RUFC, York Sports Club, YO30 5RE, 01904 623602
York RI RUFC, York Railway Institute Sports Ground, YO24 4NT, 07734 649686
SQUASH
York Squash Rackets Club, York Sports Club, YO30 5RE, info@ yorksquashclub.co.uk
Dunnington Squash Club, Common Lane, Dunnington, 07515 377300. Wigginton Squash & Social Club, Mill Lane, Wiggington, 01904 763567.
York RI Squash Club, York RI, Queens Street, YO24 1AD. risqash@ gmail.com
SWIMMING
Better Yearsley Swimming Pool, Hayley's Terrace, YO31 8SB, 01904 403860
Better Energise Leisure Centre, Cornlands, Road, YO24 3DX. 01904 403900 energise@gll.org.
New Earswick Disabled Swimming Club, New Earswick Swimming Pool, YO32 4DX. 01904 764758.
York Sport Village, YO10 5FG. 01904 325 751, www.york-sport.com.
TENNIS
Strensall & Towthorpe LTC, The Recreation Ground, YO32 5AT, StrensallTennis@gmail.com.
Bishopthorpe Tennis Club, Acaster Lane, Bishopthorpe, www. bishtennis.btck.co.uk. Copmanthorpe Tennis Club, Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre, 07496 837681.
Dunnington Tennis Club, Common Road Dunnington, Facebook @ Dunningtontc.
Heworth Tennis Club, YO31 7TA. heworthtennis@yahoo.co.uk
Rowntree Park Tennis Club, Rowntree Park, YO23 1JQ, www. clubspark.lta.org.uk/rowntreeparktennis Rufforth Tennis Club, YO23 3QB, rufforthtennisclub@gmail.com
Wheldrake Tennis Club, Wheldrake Recreation, 01904 449935.
Wigginton Tennis Club, Mill Lane, Wiggington, YO32 2PY, 9 www. wiggintontennisclub.co.uk.
York Tennis Club, Clifton Park, Shipton Rd, enquiries@ yorktennisclub.net.
C A Architectural
UNIVERSITIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION
The University of York Heslington, York, YO10 5DD. 01904 430000
York College
Sim Balk Ln, Bishopthorpe, York, YO23 2BB 01904 770100
York St John University
Lord Mayor's Walk, York, YO31 7EX. 01904 624624
York Learning
West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA. 01904 554277
Askham Bryan College
Askham Bryan, York, YO23 3FR 01904 772277
Access Creative College (music industry further education and higher education college).
The Jam Factory, 106 Eldon Street, York, YO31 7NH. 01904 655290
USEFUL HELPLINES
Citizens Advice York: West Offices, Station Rise, YO1 6GA 01904 623648
Age UK York: 01904 634061 firstcall@ageukyork.org.uk. Age UK have been working to support the local community in York for the last 50-years. If you or someone you know is feeling isolated, is looking for care services, or is in need of some budgeting/ benefits advice you can call Age UK. Independent Domestic Abuse Services: 0300 011 0110
Housing and Homelessness Charity Restore York: 0343 289 7927
VOLUNTEERING
PLACES
TO VOLUNTEER IN YORK
York Volunteers
York Mind Young Peoples Counselling: ypcounselling@yorkmind.org.uk
City of York Council Benefits Advice:
01904 552044 (10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday) incomeservices@york.gov.uk
Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust - Money and Benefits Advisers: 0800 587 0211
mba@jrht.org.uk
Salvation Army Early Intervention and Prevention Team:
01904 416562
Housing Option Department, City of York Council: 01904 554500
housing.options@york.gov.uk
Samaritans York: 0330 094 5717
York Energy Advice:
York Volunteers Centre has hundreds of volunteering opportunities in York, you can even give them a call or drop in to find the perfect match for you. To get in touch call 01904 621133 or visit www. yorkcvs .org.uk/volunteers.
York Carers Centre
York Carers Centre provides free help to unpaid carers. To find out more call York Carers Centre on 01904 715 490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk
Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY)
Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY) provide a voice for those who sometimes aren’t able to speak up for themselves on the issues that matter most. Get in touch today on 01904 676 200, at info@ocay.org.uk or at oldercitizensadvocacyyork.org.uk
Landline: 01904 900212
Mobile: 07813938771
Email: gary@groutgleam.co.uk
Web: www.groutgleam.co.uk/york-harrogate
who can’t transport themselves from A to B. Call 01904 630080 for more information.
Wilberforce Trust
This charity offer supported housing, supported living, sensory impairment assessments, sight registrations, rehabilitation support to those with visual impairments, hearing impairments and other disabilities in York. Visit www. wilberforcetrust.org.uk for more info!
St Nicks
Green space conservation charity. Call 01904411821or email info@ stnicks.org.uk.
Parkinson’s UK — York head to localsupport.parkinsons. org.uk/provider/york-branch to get started.
York Neighbours
York Neighbours help the over-65 community in York to live happily in their homes as they age. Head to yorkneighbours.org.uk/ or call 01904 891 627 to begin your volunteering journey.
St Leonard's Hospice
St Leonard's provide specialist palliative care, and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses. If you're interested in lending a hand head to www.facebook.com/ StLeonardsHospiceYork
8.30am to 6.00pm
Sundays: 8.30am to 4.00pm
Hazel Court accept most types of household waste from paper and card to bricks and rubble. They do not accept items such as petrol, diesel, chemicals and tyres.
Towthorpe/Strensall HWRC: Moor Lane, Strensall, York, YO32 9ST. Open: Every day (except
CABINET MAKER & CARPENTER
WHO IS YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR?
Katie Lomas, (Labour)
E. llr.klomas@york.gov.uk
Jason Rose (Labour)
E. Cllr.jRose@york.gov.uk
Michael Nicholls (Conservative)
E. Cllr.mNicholls @york.gov.uk
Support and advocacy for over 50s in York Why is our support needed? Complicated bureaucracy Not aware of your rights Communication/Digital barriers Hit crisis/no other help available
OCAY has helped 308 people in the last 6 months, in very practical ways, including: Benefits, energy, finance, health, consumer complaints
t. 01904 676
e. info@ocay.org.uk The Priory Street Centre, York https://oldercitizensadvocacyyork.org.uk
Danny Myers (Labour)
E. cllr.dmyer@york.gov.uk
Margaret Wells (Labour)
E. cllr.mwells@york.gov.uk
COPMANTHORPE
Chris Steward (Conservative)
T. 07919 523093
E. Cllr.cSteward @york.gov.uk
DRINGHOUSE & WOODTHORPE
Stephen Fenton (Lib Dem)
T. 07751 963215
E. cllr.sfenton @york.gov.uk
Ashley Mason (Lib Dem)
T. 07799 693171
E. cllr.amason @york.gov.uk
Read on to discover the name and contact details for the council member responsible for your area. Phone numbers and email addresses have been included where they were made publicly available.
Paula Widdowson
T. 01904 555310
E. cllr.pwiddowson @york.gov.uk
FISHERGATE
Conrad Whitcroft (Labour)
T. 07742766114
E. Cllr.cWhitcroft @york.gov.uk
Sarah Wilson (Labour)
E. Cllr.sWilson @york.gov.uk
FULFORD & HESLINGTON
Kate Ravilious (Labour)
E. Cllr.kRavilious @york.gov.uk
GUILDHALL
Tony Clarke (Labour)
E. Cllr.tClarke @york.gov.uk
Rachel Melly (Labour)
T. 07845 159156
E. cllr.rmelly @york.gov.uk
Dave Merrett (Labour)
T. 07742 766106
E. Cllr.dMerrett @york.gov.uk
HAXBY & WIGGINTON
Ian Cuthbertson (Lib Dem)
T. 01904 764356
E. cllr.icuthbertson @york.gov.uk
Andrew Hollyer (Lib Dem)
E. cllr.ahollyer @york.gov.uk
Richard Watson (Lib Dem)
HEWORTH
Ben Burton (Labour)
T. 07742766092
E. cllr.bburton @york.gov.uk
Claire Douglas (Labour)
E. cllr.cdouglas @york.gov.uk
Robert Webb (Labour)
T. 07742 766168
E. cllr.rwebb @york.gov.uk
HEWORTH WITHOUT
Nigel Ayre (Lib Dem) T. 01904 555310
E. cllr.nayre@york.gov.uk
HOLGATE
Jenny Kent (Labour)
E. Cllr.jKent@york.gov.uk
Lucy Steels-Walshaw (Labour)
E. Cllr.lSteels-Walshaw @york.gov.uk
Kallum Taylor (Labour)
T. 07742766152
E. cllr.ktaylor @york.gov.uk
BISHOPTHORPE
Care
With
HULL ROAD
Anna Baxter (Labour)
E. Cllr.aBaxter @york.gov.uk
John Moroney (Labour)
E. secretary @yorklabour.org.uk
Michael Pavlovic (Labour)
T. 07490 693573
E. cllr.mpavlovic @york.gov.uk
HUNTINGTON & NEW EARSWICK
Chris Cullwick (Lib Dem)
T. 07792565805
E. cllr.ccullwick @york.gov.uk
Keith Orrell (Lib Dem)
T. 01904 758573
E. cllr.korrell@york.gov.uk
Carol Runciman (Lib Dem)
T. 01904 764356
E. cllr.crunciman @york.gov.uk
MICKLEGATE
Jane Burton (Labour)
E. Cllr.jBurton @york.gov.uk
Jonny Crawshaw (Labour)
T. 01904 552783
E. cllr.jcrawshaw @york.gov.uk
Peter Kilbane (Labour)
E. cllr.pkilbane @york.gov.uk
OSBALDWICK & DERWENT
Martin Rowley (Conservative)
T. 07837 935968
E. cllr.mrowley @york.gov.uk
Mark Warters (Independent)
T. 01904 413370
RAWCLIFFE & CLIFTON WITHOUT
Darryl Smalley (Lib Dem)
T. 07988 376054
E. cllr.dsmalley @york.gov.uk
Derek Wann (Lib Dem)
E. cllr.dwann @york.gov.uk
Sam Waudby (Lib Dem)
E. cllr.swaudby @york.gov.uk
RURAL WEST YORK
Anne Hook (Lib Dem)
T. 07851 671027
E. cllr.ahook@york.gov.uk
Emilie Knight (Lib Dem)
T. 07805293302
E. Cllr.eKnight @york.gov.uk
STRENSALL
Tony Fisher (Lib Dem)
T. 07930885194
E. cllr.tfisher@york.gov.uk
Paul Healey (Lib Dem)
T. 07769 930234
E. Cllr.pHealey @york.gov.uk
WESTFIELD
Jo Coles (Labour)
E. Cllr.jColes@york.gov.uk
Emily Nelson (Labour).
Cllr Nelson is currently on Maternity Leave
E. Cllr.enelson @york.gov.uk
Andrew Waller (Lib Dem)
T. 01904 337757
E. cllr.awaller @york.gov.uk
WHELDRAKE
Christian Vassie (Lib Dem)
T. 01904 449206
E.cllr.cvassie@york.gov.uk
The names, information, and contact details for each council member was gathered from democracy.york.gov.uk and is correct as of 27/08/24.
Leader of the Labour Group: Councillor Claire Douglas
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group: Councillor Nigel Ayre
Leader of the Conservative Group: Councillor Chris Steward
The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor: Councillor Margaret Wells
The names and information was gathered from democracy.york.gov.uk and is correct as of 6/12/24.
There are 47 seats on the Council: Labour 24 Lib Dem 18 Conservative 3 Independent 1 Vacant 1
FESTIVE WASTE COLLECTION
YOUNG PEOPLE
Youth and Community Centre
01904 623177
•From Traditional to Modern
•English Folk Dancing
•Dancing to recorded music
•Fully instructed
The Island Provides mentoring, life skills development, and therapeutic services for young people. 01904 628449 www.theislandyork.org
YorChoice Mental Health Drop-In
A support service offering guidance on mental health and referrals for young people aged 14-21. 01904 643364
WATER
No Water/ Low pressure: 01156 472 850
Find your water supplier: www.water.org.uk/customers/ find-your-supplier
Yorkshire Water: 0345 124 2424
River pollution: Visit heriverstrust.org/key-issues/ sewage-in-rivers to learn more about how sewage and pollution has affected our rivers.
York Mind
Offers mental health services, including counseling and group support, for young people. 01904 643364
The best of the best: The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s Wins ISA Senior School of the Year
The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s, which is one of the two senior schools for Years 10-13 at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in Thorpe Underwood, York, has been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Schools Association - Senior School of the Year 2024. Well done to them!
ISA senior schools are already among the best in the country. So, to become the ISA Senior School of the Year, QE Faculty had to go above and beyond!
The fact that the school offers a diverse and flexible curriculum with timetables designed around each student's passions, certainly went a long way to helping them stand out! On top of that, they also offer students a choice of over 150 extracurricular activities including Esports and Motorsports to have a go at.
For athletes, the school offers Year 12 students an additional five hours a week for sporting development structured around four AS levels as part of QE's popular Performance Sport Pathway (PSP). Last year, Head Boy, Sebastian, received AA in his A Levels plus a BTEC Distinction whilst captaining QE's First Rugby
team, and progressed to study Management at Loughborough University.
QE Faculty also promotes excellence and development in the arts through its Queen's Academy for Creative Arts and its Academy of Dramatic Arts (ADA) pathway. Budding artists and designers are fully supported within the rich arts offering of QE's Gold Artsmark accredited creative arts department, who offer a large choice of subject options and extracurriculars, outstanding facilities and extra studio timethe results of which can be seen in how many students receive regional and national awards and prestigious university places each year.
QE Faculty ranks 2nd in Yorkshire for A-Level results behind fellow senior school, QE College, due in large part to the academic support offered, including expert training on study and revision technique and catch-up sessions for time missed through fixtures, trials, auditions, rehearsals, competitions or performances. You can learn more about the school and how to enrol at www.qe.org.
What if there is a time when you are not able to make or communicate your own decisions? Should that time come, having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) set up beforehand can make things much easier. After all, the best time to make an LPA is when you don't need it. When it comes to making a start, it couldn’t be simpler. We’re lucky in York to have Age UK York. The local charity have a free, impartial and confident information & advice team which can help you understand LPAs, including outlining the options you have to put one in place.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal framework that allows an individual (known as the donor) to appoint one or more people they trust (known as attorneys) to make decisions on their behalf.
Anyone over 18 can make an LPA, provided they have the mental capacity to do so.
There are a number of reasons why you might need someone to make decisions on your behalf; it could be that you are concerned
about going into hospital or whether you might need care in the future, or it could be that you are starting to need help with completing everyday financial tasks such as paying your bills. LPAs enable you to plan ahead in case you are concerned about your ability to make your own decisions in the future.
It is possible for people to make and register their LPA themselves, though there is help available. Some people decide to pay for assistance (e.g. a solicitor, or some other professional). Age UK York also offers a service to assist people make and register their LPAs. As a not-for-profit charity, Age UK York do charge a fee for this additional service, just to help cover any incurred costs.
To get started you can contact Age UK York by phone or email. Webpage: www.ageuk.org.uk/ york/about-us/contact-us/ Phone: 01904 634061 (9.30am - 3pm, Monday to Friday with answerphone) email: lpa@ageukyork.org.uk
January Blues: Supporting Older People Through the Post-Holiday Winter
While many of us will be spending the month thinking about how to learn a new language of our own, you could help make that dream come true for someone else, by hosting an overseas student as they aim to learn English here in the city.
York’s Melton College, have been teaching English to overseas students since 1963 and most have stayed with local families. Now, over 60 years later, they are welcoming the second generation of students — and some of their hosts are the second generation too!
Being a host is fun and rewarding, makes use of your spare room and introduces you and your family to students from all over the world. Their students fall into two very different groups. They have lots of teenagers — many travel as part
of a school group, and almost all are placed in pairs or in threes. Then, they have Gold Course students, aged 40 plus who all stay in single rooms.
Students are part of the family, share meals with you and take a packed lunch to school every day.
In fact, our director at YLL, has hosted Melton students in the past and found it to be an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience. It introduces you to people from parts of the world you otherwise wouldn’t get to meet.
Visit www.melton-college.co.uk/ become-a-host/ to get started.
January is often the hardest month of the year for many older people. After the warmth and activity of Christmas and New Year, the return to quiet routines and long, cold days can feel especially isolating. Known for its grey skies and post-festive slump, January is a time when we all need to check in on our older neighbours, friends, and family members.
The weeks following the holidays can highlight loneliness. Families return to their busy lives, leaving some older people with fewer social interactions. For those who spent the holidays alone, January can be a sharp reminder of what they’re missing. A simple visit, a phone call, or even an offer to go for a walk can be a lifeline, providing much-needed companionship during this quiet time of year.
Practical challenges can also mount in January. The cold weather persists, and energy bills from heating can cause financial strain, particularly
after the expense of Christmas. Offering help with tasks like shopping, delivering warm meals, or checking that homes are adequately heated can make a big difference. For those living in rural or isolated areas, the icy conditions can be especially dangerous, so small gestures like gritting a driveway or running errands can provide peace of mind.
It’s also important to watch for signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can impact mental health during the dark winter months. Encouraging time outdoors on brighter days, even for a short walk, can boost mood and wellbeing.
January might be bleak, but it’s also an opportunity for kindness and connection. By reaching out and offering support, we can ensure older people feel valued and cared for—not just during the festive season, but all winter long. Let’s make these weeks a little brighter for everyone.
Discover Goldsborough Manor Care Home in Strensall, York
Goldsborough Manor Care Home – a place where luxury living accommodation meets exceptional, personalised care. Nestled in a charming village with easy access to York city centre, we offer a warm, welcoming community designed to help residents thrive. Our bespoke care packages and thoughtfully crafted spaces ensure comfort, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.
• Personalised Care
• 62 Bedroom Suites
• Ensuite Wet Rooms
• Luxury Opulent Lounges
• Orchard Way Restaurant
Visit us to explore our stunning surroundings and discuss how we can support you or your loved one. Arrange your personalised tour today and experience a new standard in care and living. Contact us today to discuss your care requirements
• Haxby Restaurant
• Clifton Bar & Bistro
• Private Dining
• Electric Theatre
• Waterlily Wellbeing Spa
Goldsborough Manor Care Home
10 – 12 Moor Lane, Strensall, York, North Yorkshire YO32 5UQ
Telephone: 01904 237671
Email: enquiries@crowncaregroup.co.uk
Web: www.crowncaregroup.co.uk Scan the QR code for
• Shambles Hair & Nail Salon
• Betty’s Roof Terrace Bar
• Harvest Garden Café
• Landscaped Garden
• WiFi Throughout
Care At Home Service
Personal Care Suppor t with all aspects of care including washing, dressing, bathing, mobility and medication.
Care At Home Service
Companionship
Suppor t you to build confidence, arranging and attending appointments or just time for a chat.
Care At Home Service
Personal Care Suppor t with all aspects of care including washing, dressing, bathing, mobility and medication.
Dementia Support
Personal Care Suppor t with all aspects of care including washing, dressing, bathing, mobility and medication.
Companionship
You or your loved one will be supported with dignity and respect by our highly trained carers.
Suppor t you to build confidence, arranging and attending appointments or just time for a chat.
Companionship
Extended Care
Suppor t you to build confidence, arranging and attending appointments or just time for a chat.
Dementia Support
Dementia Support
Longer visits that support family/carers, including overnight care at home.
You or your loved one will be supported with dignity and respect by our highly trained carers.
You or your loved one will be supported with dignity and respect by our highly trained carers.
Extended Care
Help at Home
Extended Care
Longer visits that support family/carers, including overnight care at home.
Longer visits that support family/carers, including overnight care at home.
Support to prepare basic meals and light household chores.
Help at Home
Help at Home
Support to prepare basic meals and light household chores.
Support to prepare basic meals and light household chores.
Our care service is fully regulated, providing packages specific to your needs. All delivered by our local professional care team.
Our care service is fully regulated, providing packages specific to your needs. All delivered by our local professional care team.
Our care service is fully regulated, providing packages specific to your needs. All delivered by our local professional care team.
Age UK York’s Care at Home team made 16,884 home visits last year helping older pepople in York to continue to live at home
Age UK York’s Care at Home team made 16,884 home visits last year helping older pepople in York to continue to live at home
Age UK York’s Care at Home team made 16,884 home visits last year helping older pepople in York to continue to live at home
t.01904 866070
t.01904 866070
t.01904 866070
e. ageukyork@ageukyork.uk
e. ageukyork@ageukyork.uk
e. ageukyork@ageukyork.uk
w. www.ageukyork.org.uk
w. www.ageukyork.org.uk
w. www.ageukyork.org.uk
“It’s not like having carers, they are more like friends visiting.”
“It’s not like having carers, they are more like friends visiting.”
“It’s not like having carers, they are more like friends visiting.”
Open Monday to Friday
• Promoting independence and quality of life for the over 50’s.
• A great place to meet people and pursue new activities and interests.
• Day care can help provide significant emotional and social benefits.
• Providing quality care for people with dementia related illnesses.
• Skilled, friendly, experienced care team.
TIME TRAVEL
Exploding walls, cannon sconces, and civil war: How St Mary’s Tower survived the Siege of York
Have you ever wondered why St Mary’s Tower, you know the building with pointy roof at the edge of Museum Gardens, looks as though some great monster has taken a bite out of it? Well, to answer that question, you’ll have to allow me to take you back to the world of 17th Century Britain — and the English Civil War.
At the time, York was considered by all to be the ‘capital’ of the north of England, and by most, to be the nation’s second city after London, (we think this is still the case by the way!) so when civil war broke out between Royalists (those loyal to the King) and Parliamentarians (those wanting to give Parliament more power) it was only a matter of time until York saw action.
The worst onslaught of this occurred in the spring of 1644, in what is now remembered as ‘The Siege of York.’
Despite being a royalist stronghold, York had been relatively safe from Parliamentarian aggression for the first couple of years of the war. This was thanks to the Earl of Newcastle and his army from the northernmost counties, which had been stationed nearby. The temporary sense of safety enjoyed by York’s residents was not to last though.
In early 1644 the Parliamentarians signed a treaty with the “Scottish Covenanters”, leading to an invasion across the border by the Scottish Earl of Leven.
This attracted the attention of the Earl of Newcastle, who marched up north to face the threat — leaving York exposed and vulnerable. The Earl left just over 3,000 men behind to defend York, from a growingly emboldened Parliamentarian army stationed in Cheshire.
The two forces (the army left in York and the Cheshire Parliamentarians) first met at a skirmish in Selby on April the 11th, where the Governor of York was captured, and the town quickly overrun.
Over 1,600 Royalist soldiers were taken prisoner, leaving York all but undefended.
On hearing the news, the Earl of Newcastle immediately understood the threat posed to York and quickly turned tail, and returned to York by the 19th of April. He was followed south by the Scottish army though, who joined forces with the Parliamentarians who were already beginning siege preparations.
By the 22nd of April, York was surrounded by the Scots from the West and a Lord Fairfax-led Parliamentarian army from the East. Sensing victory was unlikely, the Earl of Newcastle sent the majority of his cavalry out of the city to join larger Royalist forces elsewhere. A garrison
of just 800 horse soldiers and 5,000 footmen remained.
By the start of May, the Parliamentarians had been joined by a third force, led by the Earl of Manchester, who was fresh from routing another Royalist stronghold in Lincoln. So, it wasn’t looking great for the, already pretty hungry, people of York.
York’s defences consisted of an inner ring formed around the mediaeval city walls and an outer ring of several "sconces" (small, detached earthwork forts, each with a garrison of infantry cannons) at a distance from the walls.
The besieging Parliamentarians began by attempting to overcome these sconces, to tighten their grip around the city. The trickiest of these to overcome was a sconce on The Mount. Half-a-mile from Micklegate Bar and now home to many of our favourite city centre hotels, in the 17th Century The Mount was a very different proposition. It was a key strategic position with a very wide range of cannon fire, so try as the Scots might, they couldn’t get close enough to overpower the Royalist guns.
So, 400 words later after I drew you in with the promise of a story about St Mary’s Tower, you’re probably all wondering what any of this has to do it. But please bear with me for a couple more lines, as I promise, we’re getting there!
On the morning of 16 June 1644 — the Parliamentarians switched strategy. Forgetting all about The Mount, the Earl of Manchester
By Sammi Minion
(remember him? The guy who just arrived from Lincoln) set about at attacking the city from the other side. He put guns on Lamel Hill and battered the hell out of Walmgate Bar, then put an explosive mine under the Walmgate Barbican!
All at the same time, the crafty Earl also placed another explosive mine underneath St Mary’s Tower. The Tower was completely demolished — allowing for a regiment of Parliamentary troops to breach the wall and temporarily enter the city. What they didn’t realise however, was that a group of York’s Royalist soldiers had been hiding around the corner at Postern Gate (near the Wetherspoons!)
The Royalists snuck around the back of the Parliamentarians, trapped them, and sealed the breach in the wall.
The Tower would not be so lucky though. The mine succeeded in shattering its foundations and the walls were left a crumbled and dilapidated mess. While the tower was later rebuilt using some original materials that preserved its octagonal interior, albeit with thinner exterior walls, if you look closely though you’ll notice the reconstructed bricks are a few tones darker and follow an irregular curve — making it look as though a chunk is missing. Today the Tower is home to the York Singing Academy, where its tall octagonal shape provides the perfect acoustic environment for new generations of York’s signers to refine their sounds.
And what of the siege? Well, after sealing the breach at St Mary’s Tower, the people of York were relieved by an arriving army led by the Royalist Prince Rupert of the Rhine.
There wasn’t much to celebrate though.
The next day the northern Royalist Army (made up of the Earl of Newcastle and Prince Rupert’s forces) were soundly defeated by the Parliamentarians at The Battle of Marston Moor. The battle essentially ended all northern support for the King’s Royalist cause, setting the stage for all-out Parliamentarian victory in 1646.
Artist's impression of St Mary's Tower and Bootham Bar, c.1850s
THE INTERVIEW THE POEM
“It’s keeping me sane!”
By Sammi Minion
— an interview with up-and coming Yorkshire poet Jacob Davies on the importance of the written word.
How many 21-year-olds do you know that spend their spare time writing poetry? The answer is probably not enough! This month we sat down with one, Jacob Davies, who has just published his third collection of poetry. Read on to learn more about his process, and why Jacob thinks more young people like him should be giving poetry a go. Could you tell us a bit about yourself Jacob?
I’m Jacob, I’m from West Yorkshire and I’ve written poetry for about as long as I’ve been able to write really. But I never showed anyone anything I’d written until I was about 17 when I entered a competition and won!
From there, I put together a collection and published my first book in December 2020 which is about four years ago, but feels like about 40-years-ago! Now I’m here with collection number three. And I’m really proud of it. It’s certainly the best I can do.
That new collection is called “The Dream Must Die”, but what does that mean?
It’s not an upbeat title, I appreciate that! The dream is ambition, it's love, it’s a universal statement, I think. People will look at the title and think of it as something quite negative, but I see a positivity and hope in it. So, the dream must die, but then let’s live in the glory of the aftermath of it, and drop all the pretence, the nonsense, to become our true selves. It’s gritty, it’s real, it’s not a comedy but there’s a sense throughout all the poems that you [sometimes] have to lose something to gain something much bigger.
Poetry, isn’t a super fashionable artform for young people these days, so why did you choose writing poems, rather than music or something else, as the method to tell your story?
There’s a couple of reasons really. One is that I absolutely love poetry, I’m an avid reader of poetry — I read everything.
writing poetry a go?
100%. I feel like that feeling you get when you capture an emotion, or you capture an idea [through poetry]— it’s keeping me sane. I would encourage anyone to pick up a pen and give it ago, because words can save lives, and they can help you find out things about yourself that you didn’t know.
If your poetry could leave one impact on readers, what would you like it to be?
That there is extreme beauty to be found in the grittiness of living in the modern world. Whilst there is a lot of negativity in the work, there is also so much hope.
If your poetry could be summed up by any animal, what would it be?
There’s just so many! Something that’s probably not the best looking but is quite well intentioned.
‘The
Dream Must Die’ is available to buy from amazon or directly from Jacob’s publisher Troubador now. Scan the QR code to pick yours up now! And make sure to read one of his poems on this page.
THE LIGHTS ARE OFF, BUT SOMEBODY’S HOME A
Idiosyncrasy is dead but
poem by Jacob Davies
Two and a half glasses blur the lines
To become the philosopher
That many generations have left behind.
Let's go to Barcelona in September
We'll drink Madri by the cathedral
We'll walk in circles and love one another
And drown out all evil.
Ignore the lights of the nightlife and hear
The words the bands badly sing
And you'll find out pretty quickly
Life is just impossible to live.
And in the mutters from the crowd
You can feel the sickness and distaste
Towards the ageing men on stage
Without a pretty face, since 1988.
Nuance is dead and
The singer refuses to move with the times
He’s the type who'll get jet-lagged
From a forty-five-minute drive.
The least funny part was when
He told a joke, though the encore was good
For a moment, it looked like skill
But most certainly, it was luck.
On these nights, caution is a double-edged sword
And that's the trouble with two-pound pints
Bubbles and thrift are such a dangerous mix
You'll see the light, by quarter to nine.
And even with all the time in the world; with a million guesses
You'll never again find Isabella and
Don't you ever put two and two together
Because you might get four.
Faces turn pale with ale and whisper something to the extent of
One day, all of our heroes will be dead
Just like the rest, the evening drifts towards history
Ben's Book Corner
By Ben Robinson
As the days become shorter and we spend more time indoors away from the chill, I often find myself craving some adventure. Winter is the time for snuggling by the fire, and movie nights – long gone are the days of summer adventures. However, adventure fiction novels are certainly one way to keep some excitement alive throughout the winter months. Here is a selection of my favourite adventure fiction novels
‘Treasure Island’ by Robert Louis Stevenson - This was one of my first adventure novels I read when I was a child, and it has stuck with me ever since. Suitable for children and adults alike, ‘Treasure Island’ follows the story of Jim Hawkins who finds a treasure map, and along with his friends he takes the journey to a remote island. When he arrives what will be waiting for him? Riches? Or perhaps something more sinister.
‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’ by Jules Verne – ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ is easily one of the most famous adventure novels written. When a professor and his nephew decide to descend into an Icelandic volcano, what will they find? Can they really find their way to the centre of the earth, and what mysteries and magic await them when they get there? I really recommend the 2008 movie of this novel too, once you have read the book, if you’re wanting to dive deeper into the world of Jules Verne.
‘Gulliver's Travels’ by Jonathan Swift – ‘Gulliver's Travels’ is the ultimate action novel. Lemuel Gulliver works on ships as a surgeon, and he repeatedly finds himself in distant and unfamiliar lands. From shipwrecks to pirate attacks, Gulliver is never far from the action, and soon he becomes no stranger to exploration. Of course, none of the places Gulliver visits are normal, in fact some might even say they are magical...
‘The Mysterious Island’ by Jules Verne – It is no mistake that Verne appears twice on this list. He is potentially one of the greatest adventure authors in history. ‘The Mysterious Island’ details the story of five escaped Prisoners of War as they wind up stranded on a South Pacific Island. However, as with all brilliant adventure novels, this will not be an easy island to get out of... and is an escape really even possible!
Last Night Together
“So, this might be the last night we will see her?” said Mary. I shrugged.
“That’s the way it seems to be,” I said. “She has been fading away for a while now, and we’ve been told… that this will be the last week.”
Mary laid back and looked up. The stars were reflecting in my wife’s eyes, but I could see a deep sadness in there as well.
“She is still lovely,” she said, and I nodded, squeezing Mary’s hand.
“She was there that wonderful day,” I said. “She gave us her blessing.”
Mary looked at me and frowned.
“I’m not sure it was a blessing… but she was there, you are right.”
Mary raises her hand, and holds out a finger, touching the sky and a faint light within it.
“That day… do you remember that day?” she asks.
“I do, my love,” I say. “It was a full, bright night, and I asked you, and you said yes.”
It had been a beautiful evening, with a full Moon and now the stars are doing their best to make it romantic again.
“Did they know this was going to happen?” I ask. Mary shook her head.
“How could they?” she said. “It surprised everyone.”
She was right about that. Everyone had been surprised
By Robin Lewis-Light
when they had told us what was happening, and that it was getting faster, and that there was nothing we could do about it.
She had been a beautiful sign all my life, and I had always loved to be watched by her, to be under her gaze. The fact that she was going away now, never to be near us again, was a deep pain that I knew would never go away.
I also knew that there were those who would never know her, and for that I felt very sorry for them, and for the world, which would eventually forget her.
There were people who had said that it would affect the tides and the weather, and it had, though we had been expecting that and it had not been as bad as some had feared.
The Moon had been bright when I had asked Mary to marry me. She had made that most romantic evening even more romantic.
The Moon was leaving; she was just a distant dot now, another star. Many had said that she would be taken and consumed by Jupiter. She had taken a course away from Earth, and nobody quite knew why.
If I looked carefully, I could still make the Moon out, her gaze smiling back at me. She was taking a long trip, and nobody knew if she would come back. All Mary and I knew was that the sky was going to be a darker, sadder place without her shining down.
POEM: THE DAY OF YOUR INTERVIEW
Straight out of York station we saw the stone curve of walls that circled the heart of the city like a sun-warmed arm and beyond trees, York Minster its twin towers like a familiar greeting though your interview would decide.
by Sue Norton
When we went inside the cathedral smelt of smoke the transept roof had fallen the rose window was in pieces there was daylight and cold air and charred roof bosses laid on the floor and we felt the kind of grief we’d feel if we already lived here.
Mary would almost certainly still have agreed to marry me if the Moon had not been full that night, I know that. But it just wouldn’t have been the same.
Robin Lewis-Light lives in York, and writes the occasional story, and he hopes the moon never leaves.
POETRY THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Luke Western, a Shropshire-based artist and poet, has won the Stories for Survival poetry competition, organised by the conservation charity Explorers Against Extinction.
The poem, which highlights the fragility of nature, earned acclaim for its creative and poignant message about environmental change.
Written during the Global Birdfair, Luke’s poem uses a clever linguistic twist—changing single letters in words like “love” to “loved” and “shine” to “shone”—to demonstrate how easily the things we cherish can fade into the past.
The poem gained significant recognition when Stephen Fry, renowned actor and conservation advocate, offered to read it aloud.
“Writing this poem was my way of illustrating how quickly things can change if we don’t take care of our planet,” says Luke. “Winning the competition and having Stephen Fry read it was a dream come true, but my real mission is to share this message with as many people as possible.”
Survivors' Guilt
It’s only a hop, from tock to tick, a flick, from the last to the past is equally quick. Hope on the edge, pales to hoped, pale dreams on the brink, slink, failed to dreamt.
In the blink of an eye, smiles shrink to smiled, and the shine in that eye, shies to shone, once one drops to none, belief is gone. When belief has passed, there is no believe, just believed, a door to the past, and all we adore will have been adored, the song in the air mute now, warnings ignored.
By Luke Western
If there is no song, sing is sang. if the sky is empty and so is the sea, we’ve left it too late, food for thought, not for your plate, savour your meal as eat staves to ate.
We need to slow down, swallow our pride, before swim sinks to swam, lost in the tide, or run crawls to ran, with nowhere to hide. Before fall folds to fell, with full forests felled, trunks cut to wood, habitats expelled. Before stride slides to strode, dive falls to dove, drive stalls to drove, at the end road.
Take a deep breath, before breathe becomes breathed.
Gasp as we mourn the trees and their leaves, and the thistle and thorn, and the weeds that we weed, and the soil we spray to keep them away.
When nothing is new, grow shifts to grew, no wings in the air, no eggs in the sand, no legs in the hills, life lost on land. If life is lost, then live will be lived and what we love we’ll lose to loved.
We willingly watch our wild world wilt, weighing the weight of survivors' guilt, fuelling the flames of the fire we built, solely to blame, our hands on the hilt.
You can listen to Stephen Fry’s reading of “Survivors’ Guilt” by following this QR code:
EVENTS HOTLIST
THE BEST OF THE BEST!
31 DECEMBER
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DINNER, Maxis, Ings Lane, Nether Poppleton. Closes at 1am.
Enjoy a delicious meal from Maxis’ fantastic menu, before the disco begins! There will also be a countdown to see-in the New Year. Tickets for the gala are £40 per person, which includes champagne. Call 01904 783898 to book. There’s also an exclusive 10% off discount voucher on page 77.
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
ALADDIN, York Theatre Royal. Don’t miss panto season! CBeebies and CBBC star Evie Pickerill features as the Spirit of the Ring while Robin Simpson returns as the hilarious Dame Dolly, and Paul Hawkyard steps into the shoes of the wicked Abanazar. Get ready for an evening of catchy tunes, dazzling costumes, and plenty of laughs. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ show/aladdin/ to book
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
castle, under the spell of an evil enchantress. Can the wicked Hugo be defeated, can Belle see beyond the Beast and fall in love with her captor, will the Beast’s heart be melted by Belle’s beauty? Head to www.atgtickets.com/venues/ grand-opera-house-york/ for tickets.
UNTIL 6 JANUARY
PENGUINS IN ART & FILM, The Robert Fuller Gallery, Thixendale, North Yorkshire. A penguinthemed exhibition by wildlife artist and BBC filmmaker
Robert E. Fuller. Inspired by expeditions to South Georgia and the Antarctic, the event includes penguin art, photography and film, and reflects the artist’s lifelong obsession with penguins. Visit www.robertefuller.com/pages/exhibition for more
11 JANUARY
more details.
19 JANUARY
THE CRESCENT RECORD
FAIR, The Crescent Community Venue YO24 1AW. 11am-3pm. In the mood to update your record collection this January? Well, you’re in luck. This fair offers 8 record stalls with a great selection of vinyl records of all genres. Free admission. Search “The Crescent Record Fair” on Facebook for more details.
25
JANUARY
WHOLE SCHOOL
ALICE’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND AT CASTLE HOWARD. This one needs no introduction. One of the most anticipated events of the year is upon us as Castle Howard have announced the theme for their much-loved Christmas showcase, and it’s none other than Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland! Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises. Head to www. castlehoward.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-atcastle-howard to book tickets.
UNTIL
5 JANUARY
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Grand Opera House, York. It’s panto season here in York and The Grand Opera House are putting on an absolute classic, starring Tracy Beaker actor Dani Harmer! Get ready to join Belle, The Beast, Fairy Bon Bon, the exuberant Polly La Plonk and her cheeky chappy son Louis La Plonk as they are transported to a cursed
YORK NATIONAL BOOK FAIR, Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse. 10.30am-4.30pm. Many exhibitors from leading booksellers around the country will be on hand to show off some truly incredible finds. It’s set to be a dream day-out for the book worms amongst you, as there will be thousands of books on display. Head to www. yorkbookfair.com for more info! Call 01904 623088 for more information.
16 JANUARY
JEWELLERY, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES, WINE & WHISKY
VALUATION EVENT, The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom St, York. 11am-3pm. How would you like to learn the real monetary worth of an ancient family heirloom? For one special occasion, Tennants’ team of specialists will be happy to value any item you may wish to sell, including: jewellery, antiques & collectables, wine & whisky and more. For a free auction estimate, bring your items between 11am and 3pm. You do not need an appointment. Call 01423 531661 for more information.
OPEN DAY, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, Thorpe Underwood Estate, York. Gain in-depth insight into the Queen Ethelburga’s community, which welcomes children from 3 months to 18 years old. Over a century old, and once home to legendary English poet Anne Brontë, Queen Ethelburga’s isn’t just one of the best schools in Yorkshire, it’s one of the best places to be educated in the whole country. Today the school seamlessly blends a rich heritage with cutting-edge facilities, including a professional theatre and a world-class Sports Village, which regularly hosts professional sports teams. Book your place from www.qe.org/open-day.
25-26
JANUARY
ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE FAIR, Wetherby Racecourse, 8am-5pm Saturday and 9am-4pm on the Sunday. Pick up some amazing antique finds, enjoy onsite catering, free parking and free entry for those aged under-16s who are accompanied by an adult. More information is available at www. jaguarfairs.com.
4-8 FEBRUARY
17-18
JANUARY
YORK STAMP & COIN FAIR, York Racecourse. 10am5pm. Check out stalls from 70+ stamp and postal history dealers and 50+ coin, banknote and medal dealers. Visitors are welcome to come and browse, make purchases or simply learn more about these fascinating subjects. Visit stampshows.net/york-stamp-coin-fair/ for
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Visit www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk
Events
Itching for something to do? Read on…
Information is correct at the time of printing but subject to change. Please check with venues ahead of your visit.
31 DECEMBER
YORK’S NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL, Merchant Adventurer’s Hall, Fossgate, York. 7pm-1am. A luxurious festive ball in one of York’s most historic buildings. Enjoy great food, drinks, live music and much more as you ‘see in’ 2025. Call 07799693171 or email events@ noblehappenings.co.uk to book tickets now.
31 DECEMBER
NEW YEAR’S PARTY, Social 8 Lounge, High Ousegate, York. 7pm1am. Live music, great food, and more. Tickets are £49 each from www.ateoclock.co.uk/social8lounge-bar/
UNTIL 1 JANUARY
THE NUTCRACKER TRAIL, various locations, York. York Bid have partnered with local artist Marc Godfrey-Murphy to create 10 fascinating statues dotted around the city. Visit www.theyorkbid. com/york-nutcracker-trail/ for more information.
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
A CHRISTMAS MOUSTERY, Fairfax House, York. 9am-5pm. Hundreds of mice will once again descend on Fairfax House this Christmouse. It is Christmas morning, and the family have awoken to discover the famous Fairfax Ruby has been stolen by the dastardly Highway Mouse, but he did not act alone. Visitors will need to play detective
to discover who helped commit the crime. Head to www.fairfaxhouse. co.uk for more details.
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
ALICE’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND AT CASTLE HOWARD. Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises. Head to www.castlehoward.co.uk/ whats-on/christmas-at-castlehoward to book.
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
YORKSHIRE’S WINTER
WONDERLAND, Designer Outlet, York, 9.15am-10pm. With a glistening outdoor ice rink (The Ice Factor), thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine café, the Winter Wonderland is the perfect place to spend a wintery afternoon this year. The Ice Factor is the north of England’s largest outdoor rink! Head to www. yorkshireswinterwonderland.com to buy tickets.
5 JANUARY
A FEAST OF FOOLS II, The Black Swan, Peasholme Green, York. 6.3010.30pm. A celebration of Twelfth Night and Old Christmas: with live folk music, spoken word and a nod to the pagan and the impish. Local alt-folk legends White Sail are returning from last year's sold-out event, as is poet and experimental musician Thomas Pearson. Contact navigatorsart@gmail.com to book tickets before they all sell-out.
11 JANUARY
YORK NATIONAL BOOK FAIR, Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse. 10.30am-4.30pm. Many exhibitors from leading booksellers around the country will be on hand to show off some truly incredible finds. It’s set to be a dream day-out for the book worms amongst you, as there will be thousands of books on display. Head to www.yorkbookfair.com for more info! Call 01904 623088 for more information.
11 JANUARY
WEDDING OPEN DAY, The Milner York, Station Road, York. 11am-2pm. Free entry, booking not required, and make sure to enjoy delicious canapés and welcome drink while there!
12 JANUARY
LOWFIELD GREEN HOUSING CO-OP: MEET AND GREET EVENT, Acomb Methodist Church, York. 2-3pm. Don’t miss your chance to be part of York’s first housing co-operative. Be part of a shared vision for intentional community-centred living! Find out more at this event. Visit www.lowfieldgreencoop.uk for more info.
17-18 JANUARY
YORK STAMP & COIN FAIR, York Racecourse. 10am-5pm. Check out stalls from 95+ stamp and postal history dealers and 60+ coin, banknote and medal dealers. Visitors are welcome to come and browse, make purchases or simply learn more about these fascinating subjects. Visit stampshows.net/ york-stamp-coin-fair/ for more details.
18 JANUARY
LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB, York Barbican. 6.30-11pm. Each show includes comedians from television’s top shows. Seating is given out on a first come, first served, basis so make sure to arrive a bit early! Visit www.yorkbarbican. co.uk for more.
19 JANUARY
THE CRESCENT RECORD FAIR, The Crescent Community Venue. 11:00am - 3:00pm. A small fair with a great selection of vinyl records of many genres. Call 07896713988 for more.
20 JANUARY
PROTECTING BUSINESS-CRITICAL INFORMATION FROM BEING USED IN COMPETITION. York Guildhall. 9-11.10am. As your business expands, safeguarding your essential information, valued staff, and loyal
customers becomes increasingly vital. Ensuring these critical assets are legally protected from potential threats posed by departing employees and competitors is not just smart—it's a necessity. Book a place on Eventbrite
22 JANUARY
YORK JOBS, APPRENTICESHIPS & SKILLS FAIR, Acomb Parish Church Hall. 11am-2pm. The Jobs Fairs has a proven track record in moving job seekers towards employment, meeting the needs of individuals and employers alike and, in doing so, contributing to the economic vibrancy of our city. Visit www. yorklearning.org.uk/yorkjobsfair/
23 JANUARY
A BURNS NIGHT DINNER, Middlethorpe Hall, York. 6.3011.45pm. A Burns' Night dinner hosted by Filey Bay Whisky with a celebration menu and reading from Robert Burns' poems. Email j.betteridge@middlethorpe.com.
24 JANUARY
SIP & PAINT STARRY NIGHT OVER YORK, Cavo, The Pavilion at the Cocoa Works, Haxby Road, York. 7.30-10pm. Unleash your creativity wine glass in one hand, paint brush in the other. No experience needed. Book tickets from Skiddle.
24 JANUARY
BURN’S NIGHT DINNER, Carlton Towers, Goole. 7pm-midnight. You will be greeted by the beautiful sound of bagpipes & the warmth of the roaring fire, before taking your seat for a fabulous 4 course dinner including a dram of whiskey or glass of fizz whilst piping in the haggis. Email info@carltontowers.co.uk to book.
25 JANUARY
ACADEMY OF ST OLAVE’S WINTER CONCERT, St Olave’s Church, Marygate. 7.30pm York's leading chamber orchestra present a programme of classical music in the beautiful setting of St Olave's church. Featuring music by Humperdinck and Mozart alongside Schumann's radiant "Spring" Symphony No. 1. Tickets cost £16 or £5 for Students & Children from www.academyofstolaves. org.uk or on the door. In aid of Jessie's Fund.
25-26 JANUARY
YORK RESIDENTS’ FESTIVAL, various locations, York. offering York residents an amazing opportunity to enjoy exclusive deals, free entries, and unique experiences across the city. Organised by Make It York, this much-loved event is a celebration of everything York has to offer, giving residents the chance to explore the city’s attractions, enjoy fantastic food, and support local businesses. Read more about the festival on page 75
25-26 JANUARY
FREE ADMISSION TO YORK ARMY MUSEUM, York Army Museum, Tower Street, York. 10am-4pm. As part of the upcoming York Residents’ Festival, the incredible York Army Museum are offering free entry to their wonderful range of exhibits (be aware that some restrictions to apply). Spanning 300 years of British military history, there’s so much to see! Head to www.yorkarmymuseum.co.uk for more details.
14 FEBRUARY-2 MARCH
DARK SKIES FESTIVAL. Various locations in the North York Moors. A full programme of activities and opportunities to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. Take some time to look up and marvel at the thousands of sparkles in the sky during a guided night walk, enjoy a mindful experience to launch into the new year or choose from an array of stay and gaze packages.
9 FEBRUARY
SIBELIUS, BLOCH, TCHAIKOVSKY & SHOSTAKOVICH, York Barbican. 3pm. This February concert sees the return of cellist and soloist Jamie Walton. He will perform Shelomo by Ernst Bloch and the 9th Symphony of Dmitri Shostakovich alongside works by both Sibelius and Tchaikovsky. Book tickets from www.yorkguildhallorchestra.com
12 FEBRUARY
SKETCHBOOK CIRCLE, York Art Gallery. 1.30-3.30pm. Give yourself time to sharpen and share your drawing skills in this two-hour sketching workshop with artist Griselda Goldsbrough. Visit www. yorkartgallery.org.uk/your-visit/ events.
17-23 FEBRUARY
JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL, various locations, York. See the Viking city as it was meant to be seen! This world renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances. Visit www. jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk for more info.
REGULAR EVENTS
EVERY SUNDAY DOWN BY THE RIVER, Plonkers Wine Bar, 8.30pm. Head on down to Plonkers Wine Bar every Sunday for an evening of live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Free drink to all performers and all music equipment is provided. To find out more information search Plonkers Wine Bar on Facebook.
EVERY TUESDAY
YORK TAOIST CENTRE, Heworth Holy Trinity Church Hall, York.
7-8.15pm. Weekly Tai Chi and Dao yoga classes in York. Contact Phil on 07921100188 to ask any questions you might have before you start
EVERY WEDNESDAY
MOVE IT OR LOSE IT, Acomb Methodist Church, Front Street, Acomb. 10.30-11.30am. A fitness class for seniors. For more info or to book your place please contact Hannah on 07375950315 or at hannah.carterbrown@ moveitorloseit.co.uk
YOGA WITH NESTOR, Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, 10am. A mixed ability yoga class, beginners welcome. Email nestorportnoy@ yahoo.com.
DAILY
SOCIAL YORKIES. Run by its members, Social Yorkies are a varied and friendly local group who regularly organise a large variety of activities including walks, meals out, pub quizzes, and much more. The club is easy to join, safe, and welcoming to all singles, couples, locals, and anyone who is new to the area too! If you want to see if it’s for you before committing to an annual membership, you can come along to a couple of the events and activities. Membership for a month costs £5, and the annual subscription costs £20. To find out more, email enquiries@ yorkivc.club or visit the website www.yorkivc.club.
ART EXHIBITION: THE BOTANICAL WORLD OF MARY DELANY, Reddihough Galleries, Beningbrough Hall, York. An exhibition celebrating eighteenth-century artist, Mary Delany, presented in partnership with the British Museum. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough.
THE ART OF WALLPAPER: MORRIS & CO, at York Art Gallery until February 2025, this exhibition is a celebration of the life and creations of one of
the greatest artistic craftsmen in English history, William Morris. Head to www.yorkartgallery.org.uk to check out their event programme
THE HILT, 57B Goodramgate York. An axe throwing venue offering eight lanes for aspiring Vikings to either be coached or to take part in axe throwing tournaments. Head to www.thehilt.co.uk for more info.
THE HOLE IN WAND, Coppergate Shopping Centre, York. Visit the world’s most magical golf course and enjoy a Wizarding adventure as you vie for golfing superiority against friends! To find out more information or to book, please visit www.theholeinwand.com/ york
WIZARD AFTERNOON TEA, The Potions Academy, Shambles, York. Why not try out ‘York’s most unusual Afternoon Tea?” Led by the Potions Master, witches and wizards will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with all ingredients from Europe’s most photographed street. You'll also get the chance to learn some potion secrets and then end the session with a flight at their Broom School. Head to www.thepotionscauldron.com/ academy/wizard-afternoon-tea
WHITE ROSE YORK TOURS, Meet at the West Entrance to York Minster, 11am. Take a free history tour of the city centre. Visit www. whiteroseyork.com or call 07792 207679.
WIZARD WALK OF YORK, The Shambles. Explore the enchanting historical city on a mission to locate magical creatures. Ideal for children aged between five and ten years old, there are several evening days available; reserve your spot online at www.wizardwalkofyork.com.
Photo credit "Milkyway over Ravenscar" By Steve Bell
What's on at the
THEATRE
GRAND OPERA HOUSE
To book, call 0333 009 6690 or visit atgtickets.com.
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. A showstopping production of family favourite show Beauty and the Beast will be live at Grand Opera House York. It stars Dani Harmer as Fairy Bon Bon!
10 JANUARY
AUSTENTATIOUS. A Jane Austeninspired West End smash hit show. For one delightful evening only, the cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience!
12 JANUARY
THE NUTCRACKER. Ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s music. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll who magically comes to life, an enchanting adventure unfolds; a dramatic battle with the Mouse King ensues, and dancing snowflakes fill the stage.
25 JANUARY
A MILLION DREAMS. Experience the world’s most popular musical theatre songs performed by York’s top talent. All profits go to The Snappy Trust, ‘dedicated to maximising the personal development of children and young people with wide ranging disabilities’.
YORK THEATRE ROYAL
To book, call 01904 623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
UNTIL 5 JANUARY
ALADDIN. Whatever you’re doing right now, stop. Theatre Royal's Christmas panto is here and you need a ticket. Get ready for an evening of catchy tunes, dazzling costumes, and plenty of laughs.
24 JANUARY
AN EVENING WITH SIMON ARMITAGE AND LYR. A unique evening of poetry and music featuring Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and his band LYR.
28 JANUARY - 1 FEBRUARY
STEWART LEE VS THE MAN-WULF. The award-winning comedian Stewart Lee comes to York. The show explores Lee's journey to come to terms with his changing status and age.
Do you want more events?
THEATRE 41 @ MONKGATE
To book visit, tickets.41monkgate.co.uk
8 FEBRUARY
ALICE! A twist on the original story with new characters, crazier moments and a confused pigeon! Join Alice on her adventures through Wonderland. Meet the mysterious and confusing residents and follow Alice as she tries to find her way home!
YORK BARBICAN
Head to www.yorkbarbican.co.uk or call 01904 676332 to book.
18 JANUARY
MAN IN THE MIRROR - A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON. Relive all of Michael Jackson's greatest hits, inclduing the likes of "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal," and of course, "Man in the Mirror."
31 JANUARY
COUNTRY ROADS. Enjoy the very biggest country songs of all time; 9 to 5, The Gambler, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, King of the Road, Crazy, Rhinestone Cowboy, Jolene, Dance the Night Away, Walkin’ after Midnight, and many, many more.
3 FEBRUARY
THE ROCK ORCHESTRA BY CANDLELIGHT. A rotating collective of classical musicians, featuring some of the greatest instrumentalists and vocalists in the world.
JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE
To book email boxoffice@ jrtheatre.co.uk or call 01904 501 935
24-25 JANUARY
ROBIN HOOD. Nottingham cowers under the grip of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Can Robin and the Merry Men set them free?
4-8 FEBRUARY
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. A new local production of the story you know and love!
20-22 FEBRUARY
SHREK THE MUSICAL. Dive into a world where love knows no boundaries. With catchy songs, quirky characters and a story that turns fairytales upside down, this show is a roaring good time for all ages
THEATRE
REVIEWS: Aladdin at York Theatre Royal By Kenz
Theatre Royal have produced the goods this year with a modern take on one of the West End classics— Aladdin. From start to finish, it was jam-packed with unbelievably imaginative sets, amazing dance routines, and most importantly, hilarious jokes, a lot of which relate to the city of York itself.
The storyline is new, fresh, and full of comedy highlights, brought to life by the perfect family cast, starting with Aladdin (Sario Soloman) his comedic brother Charlie (Tommy Carmichael) and their ‘Mammy’ the one the only Dame Dolly (Robin Simpson).
Robin was hilarious from his gags to his exuberant outfit changes. His interaction with the audience is second to none, with him pulling ‘Adam’ from the front row with his magnet of love and getting him on stage. So, if you’re not one for being on centre stage I would avoid the front row!
Onto our villain, ‘Ivan Tobebooed’ (Paul Hawkyard) who played Abanazar in the original Aladdin. His name worked magnificently with the kids in the audience who were in full voice every time the bellowing voice baddy entered the stage. He would then rub his ring and ‘bang’ the spirit of the ring/genie would appear, played by Evie Pickerill from CBeebies who brought all the laughter and enthusiasm as you would expect form a children’s presenter, she was fantastic throughout.
A special mention to PC World, the police officer played by Rowan Armitt-Brewster, whose physical comedy and witty remarks entertained not only the kids but all the adults too.
“The best night I’ve had all year.”
The show has special effects of which I won’t spoil, but the magic carpet scene really was magic! If you want to have 2 ½ hours of fun and laughter this Christmas, I would certainly come to watch Aladdin to make those dreams come true!
The show runs until 5th January. Head to www.yorktheatreroyal. co.uk to book a ticket now.
Beauty and the Beast at Grand Opera House York By Mya
Here at Your Local Link head office, we were kindly invited to go and see Beauty and the Beast!
I have been fortunate to see lots of pantos and of course I have been a faithful follower of Berwick Kaler for many years, so as you can imagine I was a bit dubious at first and I did think to myself those are going to be very big shoes to fill, however it was great to see a fresh cast.
“It must be said that this was the best panto I have ever been to!!! ”
The singing, and the costume design was stunning, but what I loved most was the comedy, we laughed by the bucket loads (oh yes there was)!
All characters were amazing, especially Phil Reid, he was superb. He had an amazing natural talent of making the crowd laugh, heckle, and boo, his energy was unbelievable. However, the one
character who really caught my heart was a lady with great dress sense and amazing make up — it was none other than the beautiful talented Polly la Plonk (played by Leon Craig)!
The one liners, and the innuendos, were all spot on. What a legend! I would gladly go again to see Beauty and the Beast.
The show is on until January 5th. Head to atgtickets.com to buy a ticket now!
JAN
GIGGUIDE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
Just Another Jester Ye Old Shambles Tavern
5.30pm-7.30pm The Daltons & Mick Agnew The Hi Ho Club 8pm Black Swan Folk Club The Black Swan Inn 8pm
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
Edstock! featuring The Herbs + Victory Samosa The Fulford Arms
7.30pm Just Another Jester
Harker’s Bar
8.30pm Tom Merson Cat in the Wall
8.30pm Jay-Jay Luckman
The Royal Oak
8.30pm Blurz + Vagabond Burton Lane Club
8pm
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
Chaos Bleak + All My Thorns + IAmImperfect + DOBERWOMAN + Black Rain
The Fulford Arms
7.30pm Tri-Starrs The Hop 9pm Jimbo Doomface
The Three Tuns 9pm Just Another Jester
The Punch Bowl 9pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30
Bang Bang Bang Thor’s Tipi 4pm-6pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
5K + Dj Oreo The Fulford Arms 8pm
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 Alligator Jumbo Dringhouses Sports Club 1pm-3.30pm
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9
Steve Cassidy Country & Western Band Dringhouses Sports Club 1pm-3.30pm The January Jaunt (in aid of Mind) Cover of Dark
The Fulford Arms 7pm
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
Ed Force One: Iron Maiden Tribute + Spirit of the Hawk
The Crescent Community Venue
7.30pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
Locked Out
The Edinburgh Arms 9pm
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
Crashed Out + The Allergics + The Daisymen
The Fulford Arms 7.30pm
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
Chonky Dogg + Covent + Patience
The Fulford Arms 7.30pm
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
The John Otway Big Band
The Crescent Community Venue 7.30pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
Harrison Rimmer + Sally Pepper + Kiss Kiss Kill + Hex Poseur + Static Lives + Dirty
1 JANUARY–2 FEBRUARY
YORK ICE TRAIL, York City Centre. On this trail, you won’t just see these magnificent ice sculptures, but also York’s amazing historical streets and landmarks. For more information: www.visityork.org/york-ice-trail
Vertebrae + Thieves Of Liberty
The Fulford Arms
2pm
Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
The Crescent Community Venue
7.30pm
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
Girl Band x Tom A Smith The Fulford Arms 7.30pm
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Slaughter + The Fauves
The Fulford Arms 7.30pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
Scott
Matthews
National Centre for Early Music 7.30pm
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Lionel Patterson
The Edinburgh Arms 4pm-8pm
One of last year’s sculptures.
17-23 FEBRUARY
JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. Make sure to reserve time for this one! It’s a chance to see the Viking as it’s meant to be! Get ready for living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances. Keep an eye on www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk for a full programme soon!
12 MAY–18 AUGUST
THOR’S TIPI BAR, Parliament Street and the Milner York. Soak up as much of the British sun as you can in Thor’s Tipi Bar! (certainly seems a long way off now!) The tipi will bring you the very best local food, drink, and live music. Visit their website now for more information: www. thorstipi.com
31 MAY-13 JUNE
YORK FESTIVAL OF IDEAS, various locations, York. 200 mostly free events designed to educate, entertain and inspire. Taking place for two weeks each June, it offers a diverse programme of talks by world-class speakers, performances, exhibitions, guided walks, family activities, workshops and much more. Visit www. yorkfestivalofideas.com.
7 JUNE
YORK PRIDE. York Pride will return for 2025 with an array of guests, including La Voix from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6! Visit yorkpride.org. uk to see all the latest events.
3 JULY
LIVE AT THE MUSEUM GARDENS, York Museum Gardens. Elbow has been announced to play at the Museum Gardens this year. With this multi-award-winning rock band, we can’t wait! Visit their website today to see who else will be announced too: www.futuresoundgroup.com
25–26 JULY
YORK RACECOURSE MUSIC SHOWCASE. York Racecourse’s annual Music Showcase is set to return this July! With their musical guests yet to be announced, make sure you keep an eye out so you can grab your tickets. Get your ticket now at: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
19–28 SEPTEMBER
YORK FOOD FESTIVAL, Parliament Street, York. This festival is a fantastic way to see all of the local food and drink York has to offer. This is a not-for-profit organisation, and all money from tickets goes toward making next year's festival even bigger and better! Visit their website for more information: www.yorkfoodfestival.com
5-9 NOVEMBER
AESTHETICA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, various locations around York. A BAFTA-Qualifying film festival in the heart of the city. Each year, this celebration of independent cinema welcomes thousands of attendees who get to enjoy hundreds of films, VR experiences, and video games. They span animation, comedy, documentary, thriller and more! Visit www.asff.co.uk.
29 NOVEMBER – 7 DECEMBER
UK CHAMPIONSHIP SNOOKER, York Barbican, 1pm-7pm. Don't miss the chance to witness the exploits of a strong field expected to include the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Ding Junhui, Mark Allen and more. Book tickets from www.yorkbarbican.co.uk.
NEXT YEAR’S
PANTOS It’s never too early to book ahead!
2 DECEMBER 2025– 4 JANUARY 2026
SLEEPING BEAUTY, York Theatre Royal. Join York Theatre Royal in a timeless tale of adventure, magic, and festive fun. With stunning costumes, dazzling sets, and lots of hilarious jokes! Visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for more information.
6 DECEMBER 2025–4 JANUARY 2026
CINDERELLA, The Grand Opera House. Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters treat her as a servant, so she's going to need all the magic she can get. This spectacular production, with a script from Jon Monie, is set to delight with its fantastic story and side-splitting comedy. Visit atgtickets.com for more information.
Discover York Residents' Festival 2025: EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND EXCITING EXPERIENCES!
York Residents' Festival returns on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January 2025, offering York residents an amazing opportunity to enjoy exclusive deals, free entries, and unique experiences across the city. Organised by Make It York, this much-loved event is a celebration of everything York has to offer, giving residents the chance to explore the city’s attractions, enjoy fantastic food, and support local businesses.
What’s On?
Get ready for an unmissable weekend celebrating everything that makes York special! The full list of offers and pre-booking will go live in early January 2025 at visityork.org/resfest. Read on for a glimpse of what’s to come – from free entry to iconic attractions and unique tours to exclusive dining deals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar, start planning your weekend, and be ready to book early for venues with limited spaces! Enjoy free entry to some of York’s most iconic attractions, including Beningbrough Hall, with its stunning gardens and exhibitions, and Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, where you can explore rare artefacts and awe-inspiring architecture.
THRILL SEEKERS
Don’t be late to York Dungeon. They’re giving away 150 tickets for completely free! Our team got up to all sorts of fun when they attended back in October. Disclaimer: No salespeople were harmed in the making of this image.
For thrill-seekers, the York Dungeon is offering 150 free tickets across the weekend at selected times (pre-booking required), giving residents the chance to experience its exciting and spine-chilling tour. Or, take to the streets with Golden Tours York, offering free open-top bus tours exclusively for York residents throughout the weekend. Head to Exhibition Square to hop on a 50-minute tour of the city, departing hourly from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
ICONIC ATTRACTIONS
Don’t miss free entry to Merchant Adventurer’s Hall where you’ll get to see rare artefacts and aweinspiring architecture!
For families and adventurers, there’s plenty to enjoy. Let the kids burn off some energy at Oxygen Activeplay York, with 15% off climbing, jumping, and exploring.
Calling all history buffs, how do you fancy a free tour of the historic streets of our city?
History lovers can take part in free tours, like "York Residents: Past and Present" at Holy Trinity Goodramgate, explore the famous stained glass of All Saints North Street, or enjoy a free walking tour with the Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York. For a unique experience, don’t miss the Historic Pub Walking Tour, which dives into York’s beer and pub heritage, or "In The Veins," a moving film and music event at St. Margaret’s Church.
For a day out with a difference, hop on a Mountain Goat tour of the Yorkshire Dales at an exclusive 50% off, and explore breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems with expert guides.
Make sure to enjoy your food this January. Starting with 10% off at Love Cheese and The Speakcheesey, there’s all sorts of discounts at some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes.
Food lovers can enjoy exclusive discounts at some of York’s most-loved venues. Treat yourself to 10% off at Love Cheese and The Speakcheesey, 25% off dining at Rio Steakhouse, or take advantage of familyfriendly offers like kids eat free and a free drink with a meal at Pho. Gin enthusiasts can visit York Gin, with 10% off in their shops and two-for-one tastings or experience vouchers available during the festival. Whether you’re planning a family meal or a foodie adventure, there’s something to tempt every palate.
SATURDAY 25 - SUNDAY 26 JANUARY 2025
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
The full programme of events and offers will be available in early January 2025 at visityork.org/resfest, where you’ll find all the details and booking options. Some venues have limited spaces, so make sure to book early and start planning your perfect festival weekend!
FAMILIES & ADVENTURERS
Bounce into 2025 with discounts at Oxygen Activeplay
FOOD LOVERS
BY L'UVA
by Gini
A cosy restaurant with a big heart.
It’s an experience…a good one. This little gem of a restaurant on Bridge Street has a big reputation, we decided to see if it lived up to the hype.
The tables are packed when we enter, all 3 floors of them, we did wonder if being so busy would affect Enoteca’s reputed great service, happily we can report it didn’t. While we waited in the bar upstairs we were brought the traditional olives, bread, oil and balsamic dressing to whet our appetites, along with their extensive menu. Drinks were served immediately by their welltrained, friendly and very helpful staff. Nothing was too much effort – even transporting all our coats, drinks and other paraphernalia downstairs to our table. Our order was taken immediately with even the pickiest of our party satisfied with the amendments (extra garlic on this, no parmesan on that).
Our starters of Funghi Formi, Mushrooms in cream and spinach sauce, with mix di formaggio and homemade flatbread was fragrant, well-seasoned with a sauce that we all fought over to dip the remains of our garlic bread with mozzarella in.
I have not tasted such an authentic carbonarra since eating in New York’s Little Italy. " "
Needless to say the serving bowl looked like it had been licked clean. The Arancini al Verdura Arborio rice balls, stuffed with mozzarella and roasted peppers, coated in fresh breadcrumbs, served with an arancini sauce had the right amount of spice to perfectly complement the mushrooms. For our main courses,
WE TRIED: Tribe Fitness
The local gym fighting to make working out “less scary.”
It may be a bit of a cliché, but there’s no denying that January is the best month to begin a new fitness kick. In fact, the latest research shows that 12% of all annual gym sign ups happen in the first month of the year alone. But as is the problem with most New Year’s resolutions, it’s not really about signing up, it’s about making the habit stick.
For most of us, who aren’t used to, or aren’t always comfortable with the atmosphere of a conventional or traditional gym, we need something that’s a little bit different. Fortunately, difference to the rest is something that York’s Tribe Fitness do best. Launched by Kerry Harris and Jess Black in 2020, Tribe Fitness was founded on a premise of making fitness fun rather than hard work.
The gym is situated on Auster Road so is super easy to access (especially if like us, your office is in Clifton Moor), but also has a quite private location. This balance is great if you’re new to working out or just feel a bit self-conscious about re-starting your fitness journey.
“Gyms are a little bit scary for everybody so we wanted to create a small community where
everyone can feel safe,” the pair tells us.
Making gym users feel at home begins with much smaller class sizes. So, they adapt the environment and intensity for any ability to match their participants’ (that’s me and you!) skill level.
we opted for the Linguine Carbonara, A creamy egg sauce with crispy pancetta, black pepper and mix di formaggio served over homemade linguine, I can honestly say that I have not tasted such an authentic carbonarra since eating in New York’s Little Italy. An outstanding dish.
My partner had steak, not what I would usually pick in an Italian restaurant, but he highly recommended it. Saying, it was cooked perfectly to his liking and
‘one of the best in York’, as a beef farmer, he knows his meat! Our deserts of a salted caramel cheesecake, and the lemon tart were ridiculously tasty. This charming place with its open kitchen, fabulous, fast service and friendly, knowledgeable staff is a real treat. It has the atmosphere of a true local Italian restaurant and transports you to culinary heaven. I would recommend booking at this fun, fabulous gem of a find.
They say, “We probably over explain to be honest! We just want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe working out.”
In terms of facilities, the gym has everything you need for cardio and weight-based training and caters for all needs, ages and gender. Users can book in for a mixture of cardiobased and weight-based classes and a few that are mixed between. They’ve got bikes for cycle classes, a tempo class (which is like body pump), and much more.
They add, “There’s also a massive range to the people who use our gym, our oldest member is actually over 70.”
Whatever requirements you have, the team are happy to help. Whether you have any particular injury, they can look at particular exercises to help. What’s more, they also offer sports massage and personal training, and with both founders fully qualified to Sports Massage Level 4 , you can be sure they know what they’re doing!
If this sounds like the perfect place to get your 2025 fitness goals kickstarted, then make sure to reach out at Info@ tribefitnessyork.co.uk, or on 01904 692918. For more information about Tribe Fitness visit www.tribefitnessyork.co.uk
GALA DINNER
What’s On
Malton Monthly Food Market
Saturday, March 8, 2025
9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market
Saturday, April 12, 2025
9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market
Saturday, May 10, 2025
9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Food Lovers Festival (Spring) May 24 & 26 2025
9:00 AM 6:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market
Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market Saturday, July 12, 2025
9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market Saturday, August 9, 2025
9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market Saturday, September 13, 2025
9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
in Malton
The Malton 10k Sunday, September 21, 2025 10:00 AM 4:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market Saturday, October 11, 2025 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Monthly Food Market Saturday, November 8, 2025 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Market Place, Malton
Malton Christmas Festival Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7 9 AM to 3.30 PM Market Place, Malton
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Many of us consider making advance funeral arrangements for our final passing in the way we would want and in the comfort of knowing we have relieved our loved ones this burden when the time comes.
But how many of us have considered where we would like our ashes to be finally laid to rest?
Our newly created memorial wood in the quiet countryside just outside York offers the perfect place. A Resting Place amongst the Trees
Imagine a tranquil woodland sanctuary where your ashes can rest beneath your personal dedicated tree as it grows and flourishes over the years, in a calm and natural environment.
Choose a tree that resonates with you from our wide and carefully selected range of complimentary species and be reassured that your loved ones will always be able to visit and remember you in a serene and beautiful setting.
It is never too early to plan your alternative forever Call or visit our website today to learn more or to schedule a visit.
Planning ahead can offer comfort and peace
