Your Local Link Magazine April 2011

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n Issue 89 April 2011

88,167 magazines delivered monthly to every home and business in York and the villages

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Places to visit Family days out Arts & Crafts Real life stories

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Plus:

Competitions, news and views and hundreds of local businesses to help you make the best of York!

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the best of york

the best of york

It’s a very sad time for us here at

Your Local Link semi-naked photos of Megan Fox. But would he listen? Apparently not.

In fact, we haven’t been this depressed and upset since Lee accidentally bought Redbush teabags (have you ever tried them? It’s like drinking hot water strained through an old sock).

The reason is – Robin is leaving. Yes, after all this time he’s finally decided to go and get himself a Proper Job. In fact, a career no less. We tried to warn him against it. We told him that other offices might not look so kindly on him trawling the internet for mancealer and

We’ll miss him. We’ll miss hearing about his bus traumas (Robin doesn’t Do Public Transport; he once asked a First York driver to wait for him outside the station while he went in and bought a Starbucks). We’ll miss his constant talk about food, and having to hide his lunch to stop him eating it before 9.30am. We’ll miss him wearing Arctic strength jumpers and then throwing open all the windows because he’s too hot.

Donna and Helen will miss spending the whole morning shopping online for a Cavachon puppy (a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, since you ask) and

wondering if we can keep it secretly in the office. Most of all we’ll miss the fact that we can send him into meltdown just by uttering those six words; “What’s going on with your hair?”

But there are some things we’re looking forward to. Donna is looking forward to having a whole desk to herself and Emily is looking forward to having her mirror back and not having to share her Earl Grey teabags.

We reckon he’ll be back. He’ll miss Rachel’s cupcakes too much to stay away. But in the meantime, we wish him well in his future career as an Financial Planner. And we’d like to welcome Claire to our busy Accounts team. We hope she’ll cope with the madness!

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Best of York Your Wedding Health & Beauty Your Family Your Education Your Pet Your Garden Your Environment Your Home York on a Fork Your Events Trades & Services Your Motoring Your Business

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Email: info@yourlocallink.co.uk Fax: 01904 764843 Write: Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm,

The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH

Space booking, copy and cancellation deadline for the May edition is 8th April 2011 and 15th April 2011 for recruitment.

Please book early - space is limited! Publishers: Tracy Outram and Gini Guttery

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your competitions

Make your pet a

calendar star!

How would you like to turn your pet into a celeb? That’s the great prize on offer in our great competition, which launches this month.

Thompsons of York are putting together their 2012 calendar, and they’re looking for our readers’ real life pets to star every month. Just think, your puppy or pony, cat or canary could be one of the lucky dozen! Not only that, but three finalists for every month will receive a goodie bag of products from Thompsons of York’s Country Store in Murton. And the overall winner in each category will also win a year’s free feed for your star pet!

There’s plenty to choose from. Thompson’s Country Store has everything you and your pet needs, from food to accessories. For horse lovers, you’ll find tack and grooming products. The store also stocks aquatic food and equipment, and wild bird food, tables and nesting boxes. For keen anglers, there’s a wide range of bait, rods, nets and tackle.

Every month between now and September we’ll be introducing two different pet categories and asking readers to send us their pet photos.

Our favourites will be sent an application form to hand in at Thompson’s Country Store. If chosen, their photograph will make it into the Thompsons calendar!

This month’s categories are Dogs and Fish (pond or tropical).

So if you have a cute canine or Koi, either email your photos to us at kelly@ yourlocallink.co.uk, or send them to the address on page five to reach us

by Monday 11th April. Either way, mark your entry ‘Thompson’s Calendar Competition’ and don’t forget your own contact details. We regret we are unable to return photos sent in the post.

Categories coming up in future months will be: - Cats; Gerbils/Hamsters/Mice/Rats & Guinea Pigs; Rabbits; Horses & Ponies; Reptiles; Cage & Aviary Birds; Smallholder Animals/Poultry; Rare Breed Pets; Wild Birds and the Best Christmas Pet Picture.

Look out for them!

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Six Lips Theatre: Anna Rose James, Hannah Wallace and Roxanna Klimaszewska

Win theatre tickets Six Lips Theatre is a dynamic drama company formed by three students from York St John University. Anna Rose James, Hannah Wallace and Roxanna Klimaszewska. Their first full-scale production is a re-imagining of Samuel Beckett’s classic play Footfalls. Six Lips are performing the short play alongside a devised piece of their own, Sequel. The show will run from Tuesday, 19 April, to Saturday, 23 April, at Bar Lane Studios Basement, near Micklegate Bar, York.

Performances start at 7pm every night with a 2pm matinee on the Saturday.

Box office: 635563.

The theatre company is offering three pairs of ticket to our readers, one for each of the first three performances.To have a chance of winning a pair of tickets, simply answer the following question: Who wrote Footfalls?

Send your answer on a postcard to Six Lips Theatre Competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday, April 15. Please include your name, address and phone number.

the best of york

Win Sunday lunch at the York Marriott We all look forward to Sunday lunch. It’s the only chance in the week we get to catch up with friends and family and share a relaxing meal together. Only trouble is, someone always ends up having to cook and do the washing up.

Now the York Marriott is offering our readers the chance to win a delicious Sunday lunch for four people in its stylish Chase Bar & Grill.

You can relax and enjoy a traditional carvery Sunday lunch with your choice of Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings, Roast Pork or Red Onion and Cheddar Cheese Tart all served with roast potatoes and fresh vegetables.

As well as fabulous food and relaxed surroundings, you can also enjoy breathtaking views over the York Racecourse. And best of all – no washing up at the end of it all!

The Chase Bar & Grill is open daily and serves Sunday Lunch each week between 12.30pm and 2pm.

To be in with a chance to win this prize, all you have to do is answer the following question: Which York landmark does the York Marriott overlook? Send your answer on a postcard marked ‘York Marriott Competition’ to the address on page five. Don’t forget to include your own contact details, including a daytime phone number. Closing date for the competition is 10th April. n Chase Bar & Grill, York Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road YO24 1QQ. Tel. 01904 770625 or log on to www.yorkmarriott.co.uk

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the best of york

The way i see it

Secret Shopper The ups and downs of life as seen by our very own Grumpy (very) Old (almost) Woman I have a confession to make to my husband. You know when you picked me up from town a few weeks ago and I had that big Mulberry carrier bag with me? I told you it was recycled from home and all it had in it was the new shampoo I’d bought.

Well, it didn’t. The truth is I had a weird out of body experience in the Mulberry shop and when I came to I’d bought a handbag. I didn’t mean to. Ironically, I only went in there to kill time because I was too cheap to fork out two quid for a latte in Starbucks. But then I saw this bag and I suddenly got this strange feeling, like a swarm of bluebottles buzzing around in my skull. Before I knew what I was doing I was at the cash desk, keying in my PIN number.

Panic Buy Paralysis

high maintenance - there are premature babies who need less care than that handbag.

“Can you please stop talking?” I said. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

Meanwhile, there was an argument going on inside my head. “Keep calm,” I told myself. “You need this. You don’t have a tan handbag.”

“What are you thinking?” I argued back. “You have three.”

“There are premature babies who need less care than that handbag”

I would have dropped the bag, rushed out of the shop and legged it up Grape Lane, but I was in the grip of Panic Buy Paralysis.

“It’s not like it’s pink or leopardskin or anything,” I continued, ignoring myself. “It’s timeless, it will go with everything.”

Meanwhile, the assistant was going on and on about the bag and how to look after it. Spray it with this, massage it with that, don’t take it out when it’s raining, or too sunny, treat it to an Elemis facial once a month, etc etc. Talk about

“So will all your other tan handbags. Not to mention every other bag you own,” I replied.

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“But this is an investment,” I told myself. “You can leave it to your daughter when you die.”

Guilt For some reason that made me feel better about my big splurge. Because like most women, I have a real problem with spending money on myself.

It wasn’t as if I was maxing out my credit card, or taking food from my family’s mouths; I’d just agreed a new book contract and this was by way of a reward. I would have had no hesitation in spending a similar amount on my daughter, or my husband, or something for the home. But me? Forget it. Every time I pick up something to buy, I have an attack of guilt, thinking the money would be better spent on someone else.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been stopped from buying a new festive party dress because the shop was playing Do They Know It’s Christmas? and it’s made me feel bad about the starving children in Africa.

So although I’m taking this opportunity to confess to my husband about The Bag, I’m not expecting him to give me a hard time over it. He’ll probably saying “Good for you. You deserve it.”

It’s just myself I have to convince...

Cycle Chic™ events exclusively for women, history outings, and visits to a garden centre, stately home and country pub are just a small selection of the wide range of free, guided rides planned by Cycling City York.

The latest programme of guided rides, which runs from April to June, is out now and there’s a ride to appeal to everyone, from women with a passion for fashion to families who want to enjoy some fresh air together. There’s a series of ‘Pedal to the Past’ themed events for those who want to learn more about York’s fascinating history, as well as guided mountain bike rides at Dalby Forest for beginners and improvers.

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Chic Cycling

This space could be yours for only

£55

Call us on 767881 for details

All of the guided rides are free of charge, apart from the mountain biking activities at Dalby Forest, near Thornton-le-Dale, where transport and equipment is provided at a cost of £25 per person and places must be booked in advance by calling Fiona Barker, Active Living officer, on 553440 or emailing fiona.barker@york.gov.uk The new guided ride timetable is available from City of York Council reception points, leisure centres, libraries and other venues across the city. Copies can be downloaded from the Cycling City York website at www.cyclingcityyork.org.uk and you’ll also find the details of each individual ride on the website’s ‘What’s on’ section.

Bike rides Cycling City York is organising guided bike rides for people with physical or learning disabilities, and mobility or balance problems.

They will take place on Monday, April 4th, Tuesday, April 5th, and Saturday, April 9th. n Places must be booked in advance by calling 636812 or emailing nobarriers@ getcycling.org.uk

CONSERVATORIES

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BOOK REVIEWS Read all about it...

Number one bestselling author Philippa Gregory is back at it again with her second instalment to the series of the Cousins War trilogy, The Red Queen.

This time, the spotlight shines on Margaret Beaufort who seeks to have her son, Henry Tudor, succeed on the English throne. In a time of bloody battles and major political doubledealing, ambitious Margaret proves to be more than a match for the men. Often imitated, but never beaten, Philippa Gregory reigns supreme when it comes to bringing history to life.

There’s a power struggle of a different kind going on in Joanna Trollope’s latest novel, Daughters-In-Law. Rachel is used to being the centre of her sons’ world, and even manages to rule the roost over her two daughters in law, until her youngest marries. Faced with an empty nest, Rachel reacts like a woman possessed, alienating her whole family. Monstrous she may be, but I bet there isn’t a mum-in-law in the country who won’t sympathise – or at least understand.

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From the best-selling author Cathy Glass, comes Run, Mummy Run. It tells the story of Aisha, a woman stuck in a vicious cycle of abuse and bad relationships. Aisha finally thinks she has found the perfect marriage, but when the abuse begins again, the perfect life quickly dissolves. With two children to look after, Aisha finds that she struggles to find an escape from the abuse. What is the price she must pay for her freedom?

Controversy surrounds author James Frey. After winning over the immensely powerful Oprah Winfrey with his autobiography A Million Little Pieces, he was then forced into a humiliating climbdown when he had to admit he’d made the whole thing up. He might have a few issues with the truth, but there’s no doubting his writing ability. He’s back at it again – the writing, that is, not the lying – with his most controversial novel yet, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible. It asks the big question – how would we react if Christ was alive today, living in New York, healing the sick, defying government, and impregnating women?

with York author

donna hay

Travelling back and forth between the memories and life of H.G. Wells, A Man Of Parts, tells of Wells’ beginning, failures, and life struggles while making his way to becoming one of the most famous writers of the world. Author David Lodge paints a portrait of Wells as a man who was as contradictory as he was talented. Now old and ill, he reminisces in his bed about feeling lost and forgotten by the world.

Children’s choice Making sure that all weddings are happy and magical is Kate the Royal Wedding Fairy’s job. But in Daisy Meadows’ newest novel Kate the Royal Wedding Fairy – Rainbow Magic, the happiness and magic are nearly lost when the True Love Crown is stolen by Jack Frost. With the crown gone there is mass chaos and little hope for the Fairyland Royal Wedding. It is then Kristy and Rachel’s task to find the crown so the royal court can live happily ever after. Can they do it?

No-glasses 3D TV The need to wear 3D glasses is a major barrier to the mass acceptance of 3D TV. 3D glasses are expensive, uncomfortable for some, and the need to wear them means you will need multiple pairs if watching with friends or family.

That’s why hi-tech companies are striving to remove the need for glasses. One way of doing this is by using lenticular lenses, which are shaped so that a different image is displayed depending on the viewing angle. Toshiba is using this technique in its no-glasses 3D TVs. However, the largest display is 21 inches - Toshiba says it will take time to make these displays affordable at larger screen sizes.

Matthew Todd, of York retailer Matthew Todd & Son, attended a demonstration of no-glasses 3D TV by Toshiba. He says: “It was very convincing. The 3D was there to be seen and the picture quality was good.”

He expects affordable 40-inch 3D TVs to be in the shops next year – hopefully in time for the London Olympics. The new TVs being launched by the major manufacturers this year come with user-friendly links to the internet to enable viewers to watch the BBC’s iPlayer and similar functions. n Herbert Todd & Son, Percy’s Lane & York Road, Acomb. Tel: 628676.

Are you registered to vote?

Residents need to register to be able to vote in May’s local elections, says City of York Council The reminder is particularly relevant to any residents who have moved since December 1st as arranging council tax for a new address does not automatically register them to vote. Students are also advised to check with the council’s electoral team to see whether they are registered. n Those not on the electoral register can get an application form from www.york.gov.uk/democracy_and_elections, email register. vote@york.gov.uk or call 551007. All completed forms must be signed and returned to the council by April 14th.

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A month in the life of the

Lord Mayor

Last year, Councillor Sue Galloway became the new Lord Mayor of York. We’ve been following her and the rest of the civic party as they go about their duties...

“The Valentine’s Ball, which we held back in February at York Racecourse turned out to be a marvellous event, raising more than £11,000 for my nominated charities, the British Heart Foundation and Our Celebration. Everyone was really pleased with the amount raised, especially when times are so hard for many of us. We’ve had so many positive comments from people saying how much they enjoyed the event – especially our great band, Huge.

They always know how to get a party started!

Vikings – and Harry Potter!

“The big event in York was the Jorvik Viking Festival.

I went along to a performance by York schools in Coppergate Centre and then a march through the city and further songs at the Guildhall performed by the children. This was a delightful event and obviously a lot of work had gone into not only composing and singing the songs but in making the costumes which were beautiful.

Blooming marvellous “With spring in the air, I’m involved with quite a lot of In Bloom events over the next few weeks. As a result of our winning Silver Gilt in last year’s In Bloom competition, we have been invited to enter the national competition. The only criticism against

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us in recent years has been a lack of community involvement, but we’re really hoping to overcome that this year. We’ve written to various organisations and parish councils, and we’ve had a really positive response. Many groups have been given trees to plant by Britain In Bloom, so over the coming weeks I’ll be attending events at Dunnington, Fulford and Askham Bryan. The Royal York and Marriott Hotels are also taking part, which I’m really pleased about.

Hopefully York will be blooming by the national judging in August!

“There are various other events coming up. On behalf of my charities, I’m holding another of our ever popular Gurkha Curry Evenings on 8th April.

Tennants Auctioneers are also coming along for a Valuation Event on 31st March at the Guildhall.

You can bring up to three items to be valued for £5. Then on 29th April there’s our Royal Wedding Extravaganza. Dress to impress and come and watch the Royal Wedding at the Mansion House! Tickets are £20, including wedding cake and refreshments.

For details of all these events, contact the Civic Office on 551049.

Calling all sports clubs!

The City of York Special Olympics Committee has funds available to clubs who want encourage participation of adults and /or children with learning disabilities in their sports clubs.

Funding up to £1,000 can be granted as long as the primary beneficiaries will be athletes with learning disabilities, appropriate/additional Special Olympics CRB checks are carried out and participants are registered for involvement in Special Olympics events. n For information contact Rob Tyas at rob.tyas@york. gov.uk or log on to www. specialolympicscityofyork.org .

New Earswick & Dist Bowls Club, Huntington Road Huntington York is hosting the Yorkshire & Humberside Special Olympics Regional Indoor Bowls Tournament on Sunday 17th April.

Spectators are welcome and anyone interested in taking up the sport or looking for a volunteering opportunity can come down for an informal chat.

For more information on

the gardening pages please call Mim on:

01904 767881

Put your pet in the picture How would you like to turn your pet into a celeb? That’s the great prize on offer in our great competition, which launches this month. Thompsons of York are putting together their 2012 calendar, and they’re looking for our readers’ real life pets to star every month. Just think, your puppy or pony, cat or canary could be one of the lucky dozen! Not only that, but three finalists for every month will receive a goodie bag of products from Thompsons of York’s Country Store in Murton. And the overall winner in each category will also win a year’s free feed for your star pet! n Look out for more details in our competitions section on page six, and start sending in your snaps!

RSPCA garden appeal Volunteers are creating a wildlife-friendly garden and vegetable patch at the RSPCA home in Landing Lane, York – and they need your help.

Anyone with spare seed or young plants can consider donating them, particularly brassica plants as the rabbits and guinea pigs at the rescue centre can't get enough and it's much better for the charity if they can be grown on site rather than bought in. Also more volunteer gardeners are needed n For more details, contact her on juliahsmith@me.com.

Bell Farm | Riccall Road (A19) Escrick | York | YO19 6ED

Tel: 01904 360065 13

Golden opportunity

Your Local Link’s Golden Ticket that attracted thousands of people to the new-look Yorkshire Museum has been praised by TV presenter Michael Portillo. The former Tory Cabinet minister was visiting the 19th century building in York’s Museum Gardens as a judge for the prestigious ‘Museum of the Year’ award.

Mr Portillo said the Golden Ticket scheme, devised by the museum and York’s biggest magazine, was an excellent idea. Holders of the ticket, which was published in Your Local Link, were able to attend a VIP preview at the revamped museum before its official opening last year. Nearly 2,500 people turned up, forming a queue that stretched back to the gates of the Museum Gardens.

Mr Portillo said he had been impressed by the museum’s ‘Letting In The Light’ project which was designed to flood the building with natural light and highlight its proximity to the majestic ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. He told Your Local Link: “I was drawn by the application because there was this reference to the large amount of DIY the museum had done. It’s unusual to find out the curator and staff had been knocking down walls, plastering and painting. This high level of commitment delivered extraordinary value for money.”

Mr Portillo was told by the York Museums Trust that its DIY approach had reduced the price of the project from about £5 million to £2.2 million.

He was also impressed by the museum’s rich collection, featuring star exhibits from the Roman,

Viking and Medieval periods, as well as its excellent Natural History objects. “York really does have a terrific advantage,” said Mr Portillo.

The Yorkshire Museum is one of ten contenders for the prestigious award, which is sponsored by the Art Fund.

n York residents are being urged to vote online at www.artfundprize.org.uk for the Yorkshire Museum – and tell the judges why it should win the £100,000 prize and be named ‘Museum of the Year’. The winner will be selected by an independent panel of judges, chaired by Mr Portillo.

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You can go to the ball York Theatre Royal has been restoring the De Grey Rooms to create a new rehearsal space and accommodation for its costume hire, wardrobe and education departments, including its youth theatre.

An important part of the project, which is backed by York Conservation Trust, has been to restore the majestic ballroom to encourage members of the public to use the building that used to house York’s Tourist Information Centre.

Now, as it prepares for its first public event, the new-look ballroom has been revealed in all its glory.

From April, the theatre will host Saturday Nights At The Ballroom; a selection of tea dances, big band and jive nights. You will be able to enjoy the newly refurbished ballroom, dance the night away and have the option of a dance class from a qualified instructor before the main event. n To kick off these events, the ballroom will be hosting a 10.5 hour dance-a-thon on Sunday, April 3rd, to raise money to install a lift in the De Grey Rooms. For more details, go to www.yorktheatreroyal. co.uk or call the box office on 623568.

Calling York runners York runners are being offered a limited number of places for the 2011 Bupa Great North Run at Newcastle in September to raise vital funds for Sense, the national deaf-blind charity. n Runners need to register before July 8th to secure a place. To find out more, contact fundraiser David Steele by emailing david. steele@sense.org.uk or calling 0845 127 0069.

Green Lane

Carpets

ooring specialist

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Horoscopes April 2011

ARIES (21st March - 19th April)

by James Christie n For details of private readings phone 07884 107100 or 01423 339770 Email: jcp@magepublishing.co.uk

Buying and selling high on your agenda and watch out for problems with transport and motor cars. Clashes with a partner over financial priorities creates tension but you’ll find it hard to make compromises this time round. New business opportunities for the self employed, especially between the 13th and 24th.

LEO (23th July - 22nd August) Education has a major role to play in the events of this month, even if it only means you learn how to see yourself as others see you! The 13th to the 18th is a great window for making necessary apologies and the 19th to the 25th should bring favour and attention from a member of the opposite sex.

TAURUS (20th April - 20th May)

VIRGO (24th August - 22nd September)

Spring is in the air and there is a mood of restlessness that pushes you into being impulsive in search of new experience and adventure. Romantic aspects quite stimulating but it would be easy to misinterpret someone else’s intentions. Travel aspects rather good.

Dilemmas and decisions between doing what you know what you’ve got to do and doing what you know to be right. A few sleepless nights around the 15th as you wrestle with your conscience. Financially quite a good month but with an annoying dip at month’s end.

GEMINI

LIBRA (23rd September - 22nd October) Some super romantic opportunities throughout the month, which is great if you’re single but dangerous if you’re already committed. Either way, there should be quite a few exciting nights and at least one sexy weekend away. Frustration on the job scene will push work ambitions into second place.

AQUARIUS (20th January - 18th February)

SCORPIO (23rd October - 21st November)

(19th February - 20th March)

(21st May - 20th June) A good month for patching up old arguments and for establishing a much more peaceful domestic environment. Anything with artistic merit should grab your attention and from the 14th onwards there should be a notable boost to your social life. Finances are not great.

CANCER

(21st June - 22nd July) Female Cancerians will tend to dominate while gentlemen Cancerians will feel that they are being dominated. Thus, female Cancerians will get their come-uppance if they cannot be sensitive to the needs of others while gentlemen Crabs will become extremely devious in their dealings with partners.

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A bit of a reality check as you analyse certain aspects of your life style and work out just who your true friends really are. The 16th 17th and 18th are key dates for sorting out priorities and maybe you have to kick a friendship or relationship into touch .

SAGITTARIUS (22nd November - 21st December) There’s a mood of freedom and frivolity moving through your sign and this should be a great time for letting your hair down and having a few laughs. Sagittarian parents revel in the achievements of their children but curiously,

CAPRICORN (22nd December - 19th January) Social life gets a major boost this month; you’ll be the centre of attraction and will feel justifiably proud of recent achievements.

Relationships are stable if predictable but there could be a lot happening with new job routines and promotions on the job scene. Travel aspects very favourable.

This month you’ll be thinking that you’re very lucky in so many respects but it won’t stop you feeling some resentment when you realize how much other people take you for granted and take advantage of you. In this April period the worm turns. You will learn how to say “no”.

PISCES

Younger Piscesians need to be circumspect in their dealings with the state and those in authority, but older members of the sign who have little or nothing to lose can afford to throw caution to the winds and act with brazen impulsiveness.

Bluebird flies into York Bluebird Care, the UK’s fastest growing provider of care at home has opened a new office in York Eco Business Centre, Clifton Moor. The office will provide tailor-made care in the home to customers and their families in the York area, and intends to create at least 20 jobs by the end of the year.

The York office is owned and operated by Nicola Walden. She has worked in the care sector since 2007. She and her Care Manager, Anna Walker, share the aim of providing a high-quality service that enables their customers to achieve a fulfilling life with independence and dignity.

“There are many people in the York area who are devoting much of their time to caring for a family member or friend giving them little time for themselves,” says Nicola. “We aim to help them get their life back, enabling them to spend more quality time with their family and friends knowing their loved one is receiving the best quality care.” n Bluebird Care are always looking for dedicated carers to join their growing team. If you would like to have a rewarding career and enable people to live life to the full then please contact Anna on 691992.

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RSS YEBA ES USIN IN

Closed Thursday

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Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, gives his Easter message to readers of Your Local Link

Have a wonderful

Easter

It is a wonderful privilege to speak to York residents, via the pages of the Local Link. I am always aware that someone has had to walk the streets and post this magazine through every letter box in the city in order for you to read this message. Wow! But if you think that is incredible, you should remember that every single individual is important to God. Not just everyone who lives in York – but every person on the planet.

When Christians talk about God, we need to ensure that we reach out effectively so people hear the message of love, forgiveness and hope in ways they can readily understand.

In the modern world, that may not just mean writing in magazines and newspapers, but also engaging with technology.

With the creation of the internet, we can now speak to hundreds of people at a click of a button. Through applications like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube there is a wonderful potential for getting the message out, not just to people in your city or country, but to a readership across the globe.

However, I believe that there is no substitute for communicating with someone in person, face to face. We are naturally social creatures who need human contact and relationship in our daily lives. Not only can meeting with others make us feel valued, it can help us realise that we are part of a greater community outside of the comfort of our own front rooms!

We need to be careful that we do not see church as something we just do on a Sunday, behind closed doors. The Church has an important role to play in our shared society. Whether we are out shopping, in the pub or in the workplace, we have a calling to meet people where they are.

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Whilst Lent may be a time of penitence and fasting for Christians, it also allows us time to reflect on the needs and suffering of others.

For example, on Ash Wednesday I went out into York city centre and spoke to shoppers and people on their lunch breaks. I went to the local hospital and met with patients, staff and visitors. I also met with homeless people getting their lives back on track at the Arc Light project. I simply chatted to each person as a loved and precious individual and offered to say a prayer for them and their own situation.

I find it both humbling and reaffirming experience to talk to other people and learn a small part of what is going on in their lives. Their hopes and dreams.

Their expectations and fears. God makes everyone a unique creation for a reason, and we all work in slightly different ways, with differing interests, aspirations and talents.

We need to be active and outward looking, and ready to put others’ needs before our own. Remember this Easter that it is the message of renewal and rebirth that we should focus on – not the way we choose to tell the message!

Have a wonderful Easter.

York charity appeals for more donors A York-based charity that enables people to give money directly to those in need via a website is appealing for more donors to help it expand.

For more information on

food & drink please call Lee on:

01904 767881

Scores of people have been helped since Acts 435 was launched last year by Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York. From washing machines to children’s clothing, a great variety of needs have been met through the generosity of donors. Acts 435 is now calling for more donors and inviting more churches to identify those in need.

There are four steps in the process: an applicant in need applies to a local church for help; an advocate at the church verifies the request; the requests are posted on the Acts 435 website; and donors meet the needs directly by making a payment via a secure system online – 100% of the donations go directly to those in need.

The charity is inspired by a verse from the Bible (Acts 4: 35) which describes members of the early church sharing their possessions and passing money to the apostles to give to anyone in need.

Fantastic Deals Available

n For more details, go to www.acts435.com

Hospital car park opens York Hospital’s £6.5 million multi-storey car park has opened ahead of schedule, having taken 18 months to complete.

Patients and visitors can now ‘pay on exit’ for parking; paying for the time they have used rather than paying on arrival and estimating the time they might need. The full range of concessions will also continue to be offered.

The number of spaces for visitors and patients has doubled to 500, and the number of disabled parking spaces has also been increased.

Patrick Crowley, Chief Executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, says: “I am delighted the car park is now open. It will bring real benefits to the hospital and our patients, not only in terms of improving visitor parking on site, but also because it allows the creation of a potential development site.”

19

Join

the

club

Cheerleaders wanted

is a friendly club that’s Strensall Bowling Club at Park Gate members of any age; under-18s always happy to welcome new the season, which runs from bowl free! Adults pay only £30 for is holding an Open Taster club April through to September. The and 4pm.

2pm een betw Weekend on April 16 & 17 on 492807. sser Pro n For more details, call Annette

Learn to play croquet

York Hotshots Cheerleading Club is recruiting new members, aged seven to 19, to join its energetic team. The members train on a Wednesday evening at Archbish op Holgate’s School, Hull Road, York. n Call Anna on 0750 763 880 4 www.yorkhotshots.webs.com

Lance Andrews and Alison Larard introduce beginners to the game of Association Croquet with York Croquet Club’s course of six weekly lessons on Tuesdays at 6.30pm, beginning on May 3rd. n Call Lance on 624132 or Alison on 01759 368123. Club members play on the bowling green at Scarcroft Road.

Further details also on www.yorkcroquetclub.co.uk

Play netball

Straight as an arrow

16 or started in York for women, aged A new Social Netball session has holme Burn at , 9pm to 8pm from nights, over. It takes place on Thursday ly turn up to the session.

Community College. Your can simp rts lle, City of York Council’s spo Savi Will n For more details, call 48.

7012 440 or 07786 participation officer, on 553

Wanted: VW owners York Volkswagen Owners Club is looking for new members.

If you are interested in VWs, from classic Beetles to new Golfs... n Call Peter on 07910 100449.

Does your club or group need new members?

Or maybe you have some news you’d like to share. If so, get in touch with us.

Write to us at the address of page five, or email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk.

Mark your message ‘Club News’.

20

Play bowls

York Darts Promotions is organisin g a major competition to raise the profile of darts in the city. The York Open Darts Championship’s qualifying stag es start on May 21st, with the grand final being held on August 20th.York Darts Promotions is also organising two ladies dart s events on June 11th and July 16th, with a youth tournament on July 9th. All the events will take place at Huntington Working Men’s Club n Check out York Darts Promot ions on Facebook.

Good friends, good fun!

improve your social life? York IVC Looking to make new friends and al club targeted at graduates and is a friendly and welcoming soci 140 active members. Their monthly professionals in the city, with over variety of activities including events programme includes a large club parties. walks, meals out, badminton and t g to their New Members Nigh n If you’re interested, head alon Call . te, on 28th April at 7pm at The Red Lion, Merchantga e. mor out find 07922 558483 to

Are you sitting comfortably?

Railway Children return to Waterloo After last year’s successful run in London, York Theatre Royal’s acclaimed production of The Railway Children is returning to the Waterloo Station Theatre, starring the comedian Marcus Brigstocke as Mr Perks, the station master. It runs from June 18th to September 4th and tickets are on sale now on 0871 297 0740.

Getting around – or even just getting in and out of the chair – can get trickier as you get older. Kettley’s, the North’s leading chair specialists, specialise in furniture for people with mobility problems – from electrically operated powerlift recliners, adjustable beds and chairs to stairlifts. n If you are unable to visit their showroom at Ivegate, Yeadon, Leeds, they offer a free shop at home service – just ring 0113 2503716 or visit their website www.kettleysfurniture.co.uk.

Last year’s production – seen by more than 165,000 people at Waterloo – was named Best Entertainment in this year’s Laurence Olivier Awards. The show also won Best Set Design at the What’s On Stage Awards. York Theatre Royal is also taking its production of The Railway Children to Toronto, Canada, opening on May 3rd. Mike Kenny’s adaptation, which stars a 66-tonne steam locomotive, was first staged at York’s National Railway Museum, where it enjoyed two successful seasons in 2008 and 2009.

Snow patrol The city council has already started recruiting snow wardens to clear next winter’s snow from York’s side roads. Some 50 volunteers are needed to help keep cul-de-sacs and side streets clear of snow across the city. These wardens will be given a shovel, a high-visibility coat, gloves and safety training well before next winter hits. It’s also planned that one-tonne bags of salt will be put at their disposal in addition to the usual salt bins on the streets. n For more details, call Michal Czekajlo on 551841.

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Meet your neighbour

All the world’s As a young man Steve Outhwaite had to choose between the theatre and farming. He recalls: “I took the devil I knew and went back to the family farm.” But, over the years, show business has taken more and more of his time.

As a character actor, he would be performing in up to three shows a year, including pantomimes, plays and musicals, for various amateur societies. “I played one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella and never looked back,” he recalls.

His interest in theatre was not limited to strutting his stuff on the stage.

He became skilled in applying stage make-up as well as designing and building sets.

He says: “I did my own make-up and other actors in the show asked me if I could do theirs as well and it sort of developed from there. I’m largely self-taught. I read a lot of books and learned from experience.”

He once made seven prosthetic noses for the dwarfs in Snow White and he enjoys making theatrical beards. One of his biggest challenges

was doing the make-up for an ambitious production of Alice In Wonderland, which featured a Griffin and Dodo.

Steve, aged 59, also gives demonstrations and workshops to those who want to learn about the

art of stage make-up.

He has been involved in youth work for 45 years, volunteering for the Sunday School at Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church as well as helping to run its youth club.

He noticed some of the youngsters

Home from home

.

We’ve been looking at an innovative scheme recently opened in York that offers a new approach to care Auden House is a £6m development of 41 specialised ‘extra care’ apartments for the over 55s. "Auden House is a first for York and a much needed facility," said Kate Spencer, Operations Director for York Housing Association. "It has been designed to provide different levels of care to match tenant's needs.

Coffee products, hairdressing salon and internet cafe, all open to the public. There is also a meeting room which is available to hire.

“The idea is to get a mixed and vibrant community. So there’ll be a third of the residents with quite low care needs, then a third needing a bit more help and the rest with the higher needs.

“We’re hoping to get mums from the local schools popping in for a coffee and home-made cake after dropping the kids off, or students will come in to use the internet cafe,” says Kate.

“We’re also planning to provide a series of free workshops for residents and older people in the neighbourhood to learn how to use the internet. We want it to be a real hub in the community.”

The reception area includes a bistro and cafe selling Costa

Beyond the double doors there is another lounge which is open

to residents only, complete with comfy sofas, a flat screen TV and a Wii. Each apartment has two bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom with wet area, and a fitted kitchen. There is also an assisted bathroom on site as well as a laundry and maintained gardens.

A single and double ensuite room is available to book for additional guests.

“We want our residents to enjoy their retirement in comfort,” says Kate. “It is up to them how much they make use of the facilities on offer. For some, assisted bathing or catering is invaluable whereas for others the social side of the development will be a lifeline.”

Anyone interested in living in one of the apartments at Auden House can contact the City of York Council allocations team or York Housing Association.

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were keen on performing sketches.

“I felt the energy was there, but the direction was lacking; so I decided to form a youth theatre.”

into self-confident individuals.”

Even though he was still running a farm, Steve had a bit of spare time on his hands because he had stopped performing on stage.

Steve and his wife Jill took over the business in 2002 and built it up so that it now has about 12,000 costumes stored in a former cattle shed as well as a vast range of wigs, hats, shoes and gloves. Steve says: “Buying Dress Circle was one of those leaps of faith.

I thought it can’t be any worse than farming and I’m happy about the way the business has grown.” He still finds the time to keep the farm ticking over by nurturing ewes for breeding and growing a biomass crop.

The Flying Ducks Youth Theatre has gone from strength to strength over the last 14 years. It has about 60 members aged between 10 and 18 plus another 20 or so adult volunteers. There’s even a waiting list for budding thespians. The youth theatre presents one major show a year as well as a host of fundraising activities.

He says: “Some of the youngsters who join us are shrinking violets. It’s very rewarding to see them bloom

Steve’s biggest venture, however, is Dress Circle, which supplies theatrical costumes and fancy dress.

n Dress Circle, Low Grange Farm, Moor Lane, Haxby, YO32 2QW. Tel: 769243.

York website revamped Yortime is a one-stop shop of things to do for people living and working in York.

The website, which is undergoing an upgrade, signposts you to events, activities and services to help you make the most of life in the city. For example, Yortime gives details of courses provided by City of York Council’s Adult Education Service and the website is expected to include an online booking and payment facility in time for the autumn term.

Yortime has details of hundreds of community groups in its A-Z directory which is a great database for those looking to join a club. Yortime says: “Let us know what your community group is up to, celebrate your successes and put out a request for new members by contributing to our Community Blog.” n Visit the revamped website at www.yortime.org.uk

people you can depend on

23

portrait of a LOCAL artist

Celebrating a decade of York art York Open Studios is celebrating its tenth anniversary by holding the event over two weekends, instead of the usual one.

Talks, events and exhibitions will be happening at venues across the city on 1-3 April and 8-10 April.

To celebrate the anniversary all artists who have exhibited over the last 10 years, and are still living in the York area, have been invited to take part.

York Open Studios combines discovering creative talent with wandering round the medieval city in search of art studios. With more than 100 artists taking part, visitors will

need to plan their route carefully with the help of the events free guide/map and website www.yorkopenstudios. co.uk. Most of the studios can be reached on foot.

Newcomer Suzi Tibbetts, who creates work specifically for each site including performances at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, will be developing a sonic piece of work relating to the bell in the Cricket Pavilion at Bootham School, where she is artist-in-residence.

Discover the passion which drives some of the UK’s most respected contemporary craftspeople, such

as ceramicists Jane Blackman, Peter Humpherson and Ruth King, stained glass artist Ann Sotheran, furnituremaker Wilf Williams and Richard Whitelegg, an architectural blacksmith who received an award from the York Guild of Builders for his work on the late Queen Mother’s statue and lanterns in The Mall, London.

Ebor Ruggers will be revealing the art of rag rugs at York’s Cemetery Chapel.

A programme of talks, workshops and events will offer a fascinating insight into York’s creative community, including a chance to find out more

‘Share the artist’s experiences, ideas and skills, or perhaps be inspired to develop a new skill or buy or commission a piece of work directly from the makers.’ about York Glaziers Trust, Britain’s oldest and largest stained glass conservation studio.

Ruth King, chairperson and ceramicist, says: “York's visual arts community has grown and thrived since Open Studios began and there

walls Within these

A new group, Friends of York Walls, has just launched in the city. We’ve been finding out how you can get involved…

It was while showing a visitor around the city that Keith Myers first became aware of the state of York’s historic walls.

“I was amazed at how so many things had been left. Like an old table in Bootham Bar with four redundant plastic push buttons that obviously belonged to a display which had long since disappeared. There were staircases blocked up with barbed wire, and an old gate hanging off at the bottom of Nunnery Lane. I’ve lived in York all my life and I just thought, ‘This isn’t right. Something should be done about it.’”

And so he did. Keith mustered some local support and earlier this year formed The Friends of York Walls, a voluntary group dedicated to protecting and encouraging the use of this vital part of the city’s heritage.

The group has set itself a number of key objectives. The first is to open up Fishergate Postern at the end of Piccadilly as a visitor’s centre and base for community activities. “City of York Council has estimated that it will cost £35,000 to do all the necessary work, so we’ve applied for a grant with the Heritage Lottery Fund. We would also like to open up Red Tower, which is close to the new Waitrose store.”

Other objectives include better signposting, lighting and bulb planting, as well as encouraging locals to use the walls more. The group is also hoping to launch a Festival of the Walls next year – which is also the 800th anniversary of York becoming a city. In the meantime, they’re looking for volunteers to get involved with forthcoming projects.

If you’d like to find out more about the Friends of York Walls and their forthcoming activities, log on to www.yorkwalls.org.uk.

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is such a fantastic variety of things to see for everyone, whatever their age.

“We have such a diversity of art on show and lots of extras we have arranged by way of celebration.

“Share the artist’s experiences, ideas and skills, or perhaps be inspired to develop a new skill or buy or commission a piece of work directly from the makers. The free event is a great way to spend a weekend.” n Contact the organisers for a free map: tel 706123, email info@ yorkopenstudios.co.uk or download fromwww.yorkopenstudios.co.uk

and sponsored by Harrowell’s solicitors. The event features artists who work in and around York, from those starting out to established names. They offer workshops and demonstrations of their art practice as well as work for sale.

The concept

Open Studios cover a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, design, film and photography.

York Open studios, run by artists and volunteers, is supported by Arts Council England, City of York Council

A Taster Exhibition is being held at Grays Court until April 15, open daily 10am - 6pm, free entry.

25

Local

Sport report Cole of Duty “Role Model”; a person whose behaviour in a particular social setting is imitated by others, especially by younger persons. There isn’t really a definition for the opposite but if there was it should just read ‘Ashley Cole’ following his latest media scandal; shooting a work experience boy with an air riffle. It made me think what an amazing work experience placement, if you take away the gun part, that would be. My work experience involved putting Stationary Box down as my last choice and then living the dream for two weeks where the biggest excitement was a new order of pencil sharpeners. For all the media attention there has been no reason forthcoming for why an air gun was at the Chelsea training ground. It was like asking Charlie Sheen to do his rehab at the Playboy mansion and expect no repercussions.

The recent International Football Association meeting was supposed to discuss the burning issues to improve football such as the age old goal line technology debate. For all the brains

26

The only way is up

in the room the best they could come up with was that snoods will be banned. As far as I am aware, York City don’t have any players in the snood wearing department though midfielder Andre Boucaud rarely steps foot onto the pitch without his favourite woolly gloves. I guess when you consider he has played internationally for Trinidad and Tobago you can maybe understand his trepidation.

York City continue to head in the right direction under Gary Mills’ stewardship. The sustained run of results has even persuaded want - away defensive stalwart David McGurk to pen a new deal. Probably the most in-form striker on the books is Michael Gash, though his goals have come for Rushden and Diamonds where he is on loan. The £55,000 has not hit the target this regularly since his arrest outside Subway last pre-season.

Its just not cricket April, despite not having a renowned history of great British weather, marks the start of the Cricket County Championship where Yorkshire will look to build on last season’s impressive campaign. Headingly holds the back to back games against Durham (14th-17th) and Nottinghamshire (20th -23rd). Local residents will have opportunities to see the 2nd eleven later in the season with fixtures scheduled for both York and Stamford Bridge later in the season.

It is a busy month for both York’s

with DAN TAIT

football and rugby clubs though the Knights have only the Hunslet Hawks game at home (Friday, 22nd) whereas York City have four games on the bounce against high flyers Crawley, conference new boys Newport County, Gary Mills former employees Tamworth and then the rearranged grudge match with old foes Luton Town. City have a strong home record and will surely go close to achieving their ambitions with a good run over these four crunch games.

York City Knights have showed that they can top scoring charts too especially in the multi record breaking 132-0 victory over Northumbria University in the third round of the Challenge Cup. It really does give new meaning to the terrace chant of ‘can we play you every week’. Chris Thorman etched himself well and truly into future rugby trivia when he notched up an incredible haul of 56 points.

Marathon man!

It’s funny what drink does to you, isn’t it? In the case of Chris Barnes, it made him commit to the ultimate charity challenge. “I woke up one morning after a night out at the pub, and realised I was getting fatter and older and needed to do something to improve my fitness,” says Chris. But rather than signing up for the gym like most of us might, Chris decided to go one step further. Or in his case, a lot of steps.

“First I thought about doing the Great North Run in September for charity.

Then I thought I might as well cycle up to Newcastle for it, and cycle back.

Then I heard about the Great South Run, which takes place in October. So I thought I’d cycle down to Portsmouth and back for that, too.”

In total, Chris will be cycling 750 miles and running 22 miles – and he’s doing it all for Help For Heroes and Guide Dogs For The Blind. “I did think about swimming across to the Isle of Wight, but I guessed that might be a bit too much.” Action man Chris has already invested in a new hybrid bike for his mammoth charity effort. And he’s enlisted the support of the family’s pets to help with his training regime. “We have two Rottweilers, and Golden Labrador and two cats, and they all come out running with me,” says Chris. “It causes a bit of a stir when we all go out together – especially the cats!” n If you’d like to support Chris, log on to his fundraising website – www.virginmoneygiving.com/cycletorun.

Golf club celebrates centenary Heworth Golf Club is celebrating its centenary this year with a series of events which starts with a Seniors Open on Thursday, April 28th. The four-ball, better ball tournament is open to men over the age of 50.

Fraser Kelley, aged 34, is the club’s new professional. He has competed in tournaments in Europe and the United States before becoming a PGA club professional in Yorkshire, starting at Filey, before moving to Malton and then on to his current job. n Fraser says 2011 is going to be a big year for Heworth.

Give him a call on 422389.

27

your wedding

With a little help

from their friends “I love Calla Lilies, so I wanted them everywhere.

As well as my bouquet and around the church, they featured in the men’s corsages, the invitations and even in the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses.”

Her own dress was a surprise decision – even to her! “I wasn’t even shopping for a dress when I found it. I’d taken my mum for a day out in town when I spotted a shop was having a discount sale. I thought I might as well go in and have a look – and spotted the dress of my dreams!”

Helen and Frank were married in Heworth Methodist Church, where Helen was brought up.

She was given away by her brother. “My father had passed away, and I thought I might get emotional when my brother walked me down the aisle, but luckily I was okay.”

“All our family and friends were involved in our wedding plans,” says Helen, who runs the New Inn in Huby. “My brother designed the invitations, the best man’s mum made the bridesmaids’ dresses, and my cousin and my friend Claire did the flowers.”

Flowers were an important part of the wedding – in fact, Helen based her entire theme around them!

Her choice of bridesmaids also had special meaning for Helen. “My friend Jo was very ill a couple of years ago, and we didn’t think she would live to see our wedding. We’d always vowed to be bridesmaids at each other’s weddings, so it meant a lot to me that she could be with me.”

The reception was at the Ramada Fairfield Manor. The guests feasted on crayfish and prawn cocktail, followed by roast lamb and profiteroles.

Entertainment was supplied by York band Ezee

Ask Emily...

Need help with a wedding dilemma?

Q. I’m planning a winter wedding and I really want my bridesmaids to wear black, but I’ve been told by my fiance’s mum that it’s ‘not appropriate’. Is this true? I’m not planning a Goth theme, or anything – I just thought it would be more elegant to have a monochrome theme.

A. Bridesmaids in black dresses were considered a no-no once upon a time. But thankfully those rules are long gone, and if a bride can walk down the aisle in a black dress these days, why can’t her bridesmaids do the same? Your bridesmaids will probably thank you for it, as it means they will have a stylish black party frock they can wear again and again! But if you want to please your future mum-inlaw, you could always team the black with a smoky silver, ivory or bronze wrap.

Q. This may seem a silly question, but should we send invitations to the people in our wedding party? Surely they already know where and when it is!

A. True, but you should send them an invitation anyway. It’s a nice gesture, and they will probably want to keep it as a souvenir. And you never know, some absent-minded bridesmaid might get the date wrong! It has been known, believe me...

Goin, whose singer Dean happens to be another friend of Helen and Frank’s.

In fact, it was also very much a Your Local Link wedding; Dean is also a member of our team, as is florist Claire, who works in our Accounts department. And Chris from Distribution also acted as an usher!

Says Helen, “We were so lucky to have so many talented friends and family who were willing to lend a hand to make our day so special.”

Send us your wedding story! n If you’ve had an unusual or interesting wedding you’d like to tell us about, write to us at the address on page five, or email infor@ yourlocallink. Don’t forget to include some pics of your big day!

Sales executive Emily Cuthbert is in charge of our wedding pages, which means she has access to experts from all over the city. Whatever your wedding woes, Emily can find out the answer for you!

Q. I’m just about to choose my wedding flowers and I’m so confused about which shape bouquet I should have. Any advice?

A. Bouquets can range from the just-picked-from-the-garden look, to a very formal arrangement. Which you go for depends on the style of wedding you’re having; a natural bouquet may look out of place in very formal surroundings, for instance. Your flowers should also complement the style of your dress; if it’s very simple, you can probably get away with a more elaborate bouquet (although be careful it’s not so over the top it overpowers everything else!). As a general rule large bouquets suit formal, long dresses while smaller bouquets or even a single bloom are more in proportion with a shorter dress. Your body shape is important, too. Your flowers should be in proportion with you – if you’re small, you don’t want to look as if you’re struggling down the aisle with an enormous shrubbery in your arms!

Similarly, the posy style of bouquet draws attention to the middle of the body, so it might not be idea for

n If you have a wedding problem you’d like answered, write to Emily at the address on page three, or email info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Mark your message ‘Ask Emily’ 28

your wedding

You’ve bought the T-shirt and the mug, now here’s your chance to get your hands on the ultimate Royal Wedding souvenir. Yes, with Fiona Goble’s Knit Your Own Royal Wedding, you can recreate the big day in your own front room, right down to the bride’s sparkly engagement ring and the groom’s sequin medals. You can even create your own customised guest list. And with an ‘authentic’ display backdrop of Westminster Abbey included, it’s almost as good as being there on the big day. Well, sort of. Okay, so the Archbishop looks like a gangster rapper and Camilla’s clearly had a few pre-wedding sherries, but we reckon it beats a tacky old souvenir tea towel any day. Knit Your Own Royal Wedding is available from all good bookshops.

Burn Hall Open Day If you’re a bride (or groom!) to be, head along to the Wedding Open Evening at Burn Hall in Huby on 13th April. You can meet the Wedding Team, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, taste some delicious canapes created by Burn Hall’s own talented chefs, and see the Minster Suite and Mulberry Suite set for a Wedding Breakfast and Civil Ceremony. There will also be fabulous prize draws so make 13th April a date for your diary! n Call 01347 825400 for more details.

Wedding Fair at The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration for your big day, head along to the Spring Wedding Fair being held at The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on 17th April. You can explore the beautiful venue and chat to a whole host of wedding experts, who’ll all be on hand to help you plan a day to remember. The event is on from 11am to 3pm, and admission is free. n For information, call 654818. www.theyorkcompany.co.uk.

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health&beauty for you...

For information on this section please email our beauty expert Emily! emily@yourlocallink.co.uk

New treatment offer Do you suffer from migraines, anxiety, arthritis or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Or perhaps you’re looking for relief from the troubling symptoms of the menopause?

Then you’ll be interested in a unique trial being offered by the Northern College of Acupuncture.

What’s on offer at

Kuki Spa? Now’s your chance to find out. Kuki is holding a very special Open Night at its luxury Spa on Huntington Road on 12th April from 4-8.30pm, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society. Just a £5 entrance fee will buy you a fantastic night out. Why not bring along a group of friends and have a girly night out?

Meanwhile, Director Lisa Carlyle and Beauty Therapist Claire Huitson are gearing up for their wing walk on 3rd July. Just in case you’re not sure what a wing walk is, basically it involves being strapped to the wing of a plane and taking off. Not surprisingly, it’s one of the scariest things the girls have ever done (we’d be shocked if it wasn’t!) so please show your support! The girls need to raise

30

£3000 so anybody that would like to support them please do so. See www.kukispa.com for details They’re also running a ‘Double your Money’ competition online – for the highest bidder they will double the money for treatments. For example if you bid £500, they will give you £1,000 of treatments, and it all goes to charity! If you’d like donate please log onto www.justgiving.com/Kuki-Giving/.

Kuki Spa are now taking online bookings, if you would like to save yourself the time of telephoning then log onto www.kukispa.com, choose from the menu list on line and book yourself in, what a fantastic idea! During April, they’re also offering 15% off injectables and dermal fillers with their fully qualified nurse. n Call 659007 to book

The college is looking for people to take part in a research project into the use of acupuncture and nutritional therapy to treat common medical conditions.

You’ll receive a free consultation at both the acupuncture and nutrition clinic (normally priced at £35 for acupuncture and £25 for nutrition). This will be followed by a series of half price acupuncture treatments and one half price nutrition follow-up treatment (normally £20 each for acupuncture and £15 each for nutrition).

This offer is open to the first ten people signing up for each condition. Treatment must begin before 1st May and patients must complete the course of treatments. n If you’re interested in the offer or you’d like more information, call the clinic on 343305 or visit the website www.chinese-medicine.co.uk

The Strensall NSPCC Committee has been working hard since the early 1960s – in fact, five of the current committee have been members for more than 35 years! During that time, they’ve helped raise a mind-boggling amount of money with various fundraising activities including coffee mornings, garden parties, concerts, dances and treasure hunts. Their next big event is a Spring Fashion Show by 'Elise' of Goodramgate, York on April 13th at The Folk Hall, New Earswick.

As well as the fashion show, there will be a variety of stalls selling chocolate, greetings cards, gifts, jewellery and make-up. n Entrance is £10, including a glass of wine, and doors open at 7pm.

Tickets are available from either 'Elise' on 679984 or Mrs Jane Brown 655947.

Put a spring in your step!

Summer is on the way, which can only mean one thing – baring your feet in strappy sandals! If your feet are badly in need of some TLC after a winter spent in heavy boots, then treat yourself to some serious foot care from chiropodist Angie Render. Angie treats a variety of foot problems, from corns and callouses to ingrowing toenails, all in the comfort of your own home.

Or for the ultimate in pampering, why not try a relaxing Reflexology treatment? n For more information, call Angie on 01759 306374 or 07706 526215.

health & beauty for you

Fundraising fashion

Let’s Talk About... with Jane Tai

How stress may be

making you fat Most of us know that stress, makes you feel anxious, irritable and miserable, as well as leading to illnesses from eczema to heart attacks. But most people don’t realize that stress is also a major factor in weight gain, even if you eat healthily.

Why Does Stress Make You Fat? Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which slows the metabolism, causing fat to be stored. Stress also creates an acidic environment in the body, which creates a breeding ground for illness. The body reacts by making fat to protect the vital organs against disease. So even if you eat healthily, if you are stressed, you may still be putting on fat. If you get your body back into an alkaline state, the fat falls away because your body no longer needs to protect itself.

The Secret Key For Getting Rid of Fat Traditional weight loss methods alone are not enough. The key to losing fat is being alkaline not acid. To do this you need to cut out sugars and refined foods which cause the body to be acid and eat fresh fruit and vegetables which make it alkaline and keep your body alkaline by reducing the stress in your life.

10 Easy Stress-Busters: 1. Get plenty of exercise exercise reduces the stress “fight or flight” hormones.

2. Have something to look forward to every day like a bath, or listening to some beautiful music.

3. “Lose yourself” for ten minutes a day daydream, colour a mosaic pattern, or watch the clouds.

4. Practise mindfulness focussing totally on what you are doing in the here and now, doing it to the best of your ability and becoming aware of colours, textures, sounds, smells, feelings.

5. Put a drop of lavender oil on a tissue and smell it or rub a drop into your temples and the base of your neck.

6. Relieve tension with 2 or 3 quick stretches. Stretch often.

7. When worry strikes, keep telling yourself “I’ll handle it” until the worry subsides.

8. When you feel emotionally vulnerable, close your eyes and imagine a soft, fluffy, pink cloud enveloping you gently, lifting you off your feet and cradling you like a baby.

9. Be organised. Unclutter your home and workspace. Set aside a regular time to keep on top of things.

10. Breathe! Calm stress by taking 3 very deep breaths and letting them out heavily as if you are trying to mist up a mirror.

n Jane Tai – Oxford Graduate, with a mission to help free people who are stuck in their lives, uses techniques she developed as a lawyer solving the problems of multi-national companies to help you find solutions in your life. Face-to-face or Skype consultations available.

Stop Smoking, Lose Weight, Overcome Stress, Anxiety, Depression Check out www.mindworkssolutions.co.uk or Call FREEPHONE 0800 083 1681 for a FREE 15 minute consultation. Follow her at: www.janetai.co.uk

31

health & beauty for you

void 10 ways to a

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s a big wedding happening this month. They may be the most famous couple in the country, but we bet even Will and Kate are having their fair share of pre-wedding panics. We’ve come up with some last minute tips to make sure their big day goes smoothly... n Entrust a friend or family member to keep track of the DJ/band, caterers, florists and photography team. They can be the point of contact and save you the stress.

n Wear in your wedding shoes.

And bring along some stylish flats for later in the evening – you won’t able to wear those sky-high heels all night. n Have an emergency kit on hand.

Get someone to bring along extra make-up, safety pins, hairspray, a comb, and anything else you need to combat wedding stress.

n Provide your guests with an accurate map and directions. The last thing you need are phone calls demanding directions in the middle of your vows.

n Try this red carpet pose for looking good in your wedding photos. Stand with your hips rotated 45 degrees away from the camera. Put your weight on your back foot.

Elongate your other leg and cross it in front, with your foot pointed towards the camera.

Put your hand on your hip and smile!

n Pick attendants who are reliable and stay calm under stress. Your bridesmaids and best man are there to support you, not to cause more drama.

n Try to speak to all your guests – after all, they’ve come to see you. This might prove a bit of a faff for Princess Kate, but it could prevent World War 3.

n Plan your look. The morning of your wedding is no time to experiment with a new hair or make-up look.

n Remember, this really is just one day.

So if the Archbishop fluffs his lines, or Prince Harry comes up with a couple of off-colour jokes during his speech, just smile. Your grandmother-in-law can always send them to The Tower later.

n Make sure you eat before the wedding. It’s easy to forget in all the excitement, but you don’t want to pass out in front of your guests.

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health & beauty for you

DIY therapies If you’ve ever had a massage or Reflexology session, you’ll know what a difference it can make to your health and wellbeing. But with costs increasing many people may not afford to receive therapies as often as they would like.

So why not train yourself and treat your families and friends on a regular basis?

Holistic Touch in Clarence Street is now offering the opportunity to train in some of the main holistic therapies for Family and Friends. They run small class sizes for a more personal learning approach, coupled with flexible learning where times and dates are tailored to suit the class.

Proprietor James McHugh is a respected Yoga teacher and qualified therapist, as well as a post graduate certificate in education (P.G.C.E.). He is also a member of the Association of Therapy Lectures (M.A.T.L.) and The Institute for Learning (M.I.f.L.), so he’s well qualified to share his experience and knowledge.

Working with Amethystholistictraining.co.uk, who are accredited with The Guild of Holistic Therapies, training is now available at practitioner level too. View the website for details www.holistictouchyork.co.uk

New customers recieve a free semi-perminent colour when booking a cut & blow dry

Fit for a day Fancy a day of fitness and pampering, but don’t want to sign up for a lifetime at the gym? Did you know the health and beauty facilities at the York Marriott Hotel are open to non residents? No, neither did we, but now we’ve found out we’re grabbing our cozzies and heading straight down there. Just £13 will get you a day pass which means you can use all the spa facilities. Get fit with a few laps of the swimming pool, try out the gym equipment, and relax in the sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi.

Or, for an extra charge, you can pamper yourself with one of the many beauty treatments on offer (treatments are charged separately and need to be booked in advance on 770604). You’ll find the York Marriott on Tadcaster Road. See you by the pool!

33

health & beauty for you

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Got a health or beauty question?

Whether it’s about healing or hair extensions, we can help!

Q. I’ve heard that acupuncture can help with menopausal hot flushes – is this true? How does it work?

A. A recent study in Ankara, Turkey, has shown that acupuncture can help reduce the severity of hot flushes and relieve menopausal mood swings. A lot of people certainly swear by it for this and all kinds of other conditions, including neck and back pain, migraines, arthritis and sports injuries. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing. It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific body parts to stimulate the body’s immune and healing systems.

It’s generally a painless procedure, and it has proved so effective that some GPs are even offering it in their surgeries. But it’s vital that acupuncture is carried out by a qualified professional.

Q. I’m desperate to get in shape for the summer. What kind of exercise is best to burn off those pounds?

A. Serious fat-burning activity uses the large muscle groups of the body – so the more muscles you’re using, the more calories you’ll use. The rowing machine, for instance, is a great all-round calorie burner. Activities that are weight bearing, such as walking and running, use more calories than those in which your weight is supported (such as swimming

or cycling), simply because you have to shift your own body weight against gravity. To see maximum benefits, you need to exercise for 20 – 60 minutes, three to five times a week. So skipping for three minutes a day is not going to do you as much good as a 30 minute walk. But above all, pick an activity that you enjoy – you’ll be more likely to stick at it and see results.

Q. I keep seeing mineral make-up everywhere.

Before I splash out and buy some, can you tell me what’s so special about it?

A. Where do we start? Mineral make-up, as the name suggests, is made up of minerals pulverised into a very fine powder, which is then mixed with natural colourings. It’s entirely natural, which means it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction on sensitive skins.

It’s also non-comodogenic, meaning it doesn’t block the pores and allows skin to breathe (some people reckon you can even sleep in it!). It may even contain ingredients that are beneficial to your skin. And it doesn’t have that mask-like feel that some heavier make-up has. The bad news is mineral make-up may be tricky to apply until you get the knack. For the best results, go along to a spa or salon that stocks a wide range of mineral make-up and book a professional make-up lesson.

n If you have a health or beauty question, write to us at the address on page five, or email info@yourlocallink.co.uk.

Don’t forget to mark your question ‘Q & A’.

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health & beauty for you

Stop hair loss Hair loss and hair thinning isn’t just a problem for men; women can suffer from this distressing condition too. But now there is an effective answer, right on our doorstep. The York Laser Clinic in Nether Poppleton uses breakthrough hair loss therapy which not only stops hair loss, but may be able to reverse its course.

This is how it works: lasers stimulate cellular metabolism while dramatically increasing circulation. Clinical studies have proven a 54% increase in circulation. This unique combination increased cellular metabolism and circulation is necessary to heal or restore damaged hair follicle cells.

The Clinic exclusively uses the world’s finest laser systems from Luminary Industries, providing you with the safest yet most powerful treatments available. York Laser Clinic’s technologically advanced hair restoration protocols provide results which cannot be obtained anywhere else. It’s the only non drug/medication approved treatment for hair growth.

The results speak for themselves. The technique offers proven hair growth of 19 new terminal hairs per square cm; a 20% increase in volume (thickness) from improved hair shaft quality, and a 78% increase in hair tensile strength.

Best of all, it’s pain-free, surgery-free and has no side effects. York Laser Clinic also offers a short, intensive course for anyone wishing to improve hair strength, quality, thickness and overall condition of their hair. n To arrange a free, no obligation consultation and hair check, call York Laser Clinic free on 08000 43 43 57. For more information on the treatments available, visit www.yorklaserclinic.co.uk.

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35

Learning while

earning

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a dayrelease basis at college, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally-recognised qualifications.

Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education can apply. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of apprenticeship.

York College, which currently has more than 700 people learning skills on its 17 apprenticeship programmes is expecting another 400-plus apprentices to sign up for courses in September.

Wendy Darley, York College’s employer engagement support officer, says: “Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based training. All the things apprentices study will be useful in their jobs and will help them succeed in their future careers.”

The college is hosting an open

evening between 6.30pm and 8pm on May 19th where people can find out about modern apprenticeships. n For details, call 770368 or email employers@yorkcollege.ac.uk.

Starting out Two people who enjoy ‘earning while learning’ are Laura Coles and Adam Loughman who are both training to be dental nurses at the Clock House Dental Practice in Heworth.

Adam, aged 20, wants to be a dentist and he sees his apprenticeship as being a first step towards achieving his ambition.

He says: “You learn just as much doing the job as you do at college.

The practical work you do complements the theoretical work.”

His fellow apprentice, Laura, aged 24, says: “It’s good to earn a wage while learning useful skills. We do a wide variety of work at the dental practice which helps our training.”

to

36

Staying in trim From our experience we’ve found there are two kinds of men in the world; those who love having their hair cut, and those who don’t.

They’re both easy to spot; the first kind have a bathroom cabinet full of gels, mousses and waxes and find it hard to pass a mirror without checking themselves out. The second generally have hair like Top Gear’s James May, which they get their mum or their missus to cut every six months, or when they’re mistaken for a down and out.

But we’ve found a place in York where both types of men can get a stylish haircut – and even enjoy it!

Mali is a spacious salon on the corner of Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate and Colliergate. It offers a range of cuts and colours for men and women. For men, there are dry and clipper cuts as well as blow dries, colours and highlights. Or why not treat yourself to a luxury shave with hot towel and head massage for just £9? Prices are very reasonable, starting at just £8 for a clipper cut. There’s also a 10% discount for students. n So for a stylish haircut without any trauma, call 651866.

Live well, live healthy

York Chiropractor Kristian Einshoj, of The Chiropractic Wellness Practice in Gillygate, is passionate about helping us all lead healthier, happier lives by making simple, easily implemented positive lifestyle changes. He has recently launched a ‘Community Outreach Program’ throughout the York community, offering talks, health and wellness tips and lunch and learn programs and workshops on various topics including stress management, exercise and nutrition. The programs are available to all to companies, schools, government offices and social groups in the York area at no cost.

The Chiropractic Wellness Practice offers treatment for a wide range of conditions including headaches, neck, low back and leg pains with particular focus on correcting underlying problems for long-term prevention. In addition to traditional chiropractic consultation and examinations, the clinic utilises stateof-the art scanning equipment that measures five elements of nervous system function in order to determine how the nervous system is controlling the body. n For more information on the Community Outreach Program, email Info@ChiropracticWellnessPractice.co.uk or call Kristian Einshoj directly on 07790 556078.

You’ll find The Chiropractic Wellness Practice at 2-4 Gillygate (@ Millers Yard).

Call 351288 for an appointment, or check out the website www.ChiropracticWellnessPractice.co.uk

Blood donor sessions 7 April Rawcliffe Pavilion (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.15pm) 11 April Merchant Taylors’ Hall, York (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 12 April Acomb Parish Church Hall (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) 13 April Osbaldwick Primary School (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 19 April New Earswick Folk Hall (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 20 April St Oswald’s Church, Fulford (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 21 April Merchant Taylors’ Hall, York (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm)

37

your family

Do it by the

book As a parent, you are an influential teacher with a vital part to play in helping your child learn to read.

Here’s how you can make this a positive experience.

• Set aside a quiet time with no distractions. Ten to 15 minutes is usually long enough.

• Make reading an enjoyable experience.

Sit with your child. Try not to pressurise if he or she is reluctant. If your child loses interest then do something else.

• Maintain the flow. If your child mispronounces a word do not interrupt immediately. Instead allow an opportunity for self-correction. It is better to tell a child some unknown words to maintain the flow rather than insisting on trying to build them all up from the sounds of the letters.

• Be positive. If your child says something nearly right to start with, that’s fine. Don't say 'No. That's wrong' but 'Let's read it together'

and point to the words as you say them. Boost your child's confidence with constant praise for even the smallest achievement.

comments and any concerns. Your child will then know that you are interested in their progress and that you value reading.

• Parents anxious for a child to progress can mistakenly give a child a book that is too difficult. This can have the opposite effect to the one they are wanting. Remember 'Nothing succeeds like success'. Until your child has built up his or her confidence, it is better to keep to easier books.

• Talk about the books. There is more to being a good reader than just being able to read the words accurately. Just as important is being able to understand what has been read. Always talk to your child about the book; about the pictures, the characters, how they think the story will end and their favourite part.

• Try to read with your child on most school days. 'Little and often' is best.

Teachers have limited time to help your child with reading.

• Variety is the spice of life. Children need to experience a variety of reading materials, such as picture books, hard backs, comics, magazines, poems and information books.

• Your child will most likely have a reading diary from school. Try to communicate regularly with positive

Somebodyelse’schild Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for someone who is not their parent or a 'close relative'. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer, for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage).

Do you know of a child being privately fostered?

Someone you know may have someone else’s child living with them. They may have been asked to look after a child because a parent is in hospital or travelling abroad.

Are you a private foster carer? If you have been looking after someone else’s child for 28 days or more, the law requires you to notify your local council.

Are you a privately fostered young person? If you are aged 16 or under and living with someone who is not your parent, legal guardian or close relative, you are being privately fostered.

Please contact Children’s Services on 01904 551900 if you know of a young person who is privately fostered.

38

your family

For more information on

the family pages please call Zoe on:

01904 767881

Tennis for tots

Tennis is a great first sport for your child to try during the Easter holidays.

Tennis Tykes is offering a number of exciting holiday classes for two to fouryear-olds at the Poppleton Centre, Poppleton, York. They will be held on Tuesday, April 12th, and Tuesday, April 19th,and Thursday, April 21st (10am11am and 11am-noon). n All classes include lots of tennis as well as Easter activities.

For more details, go to www.tennistykes.co.uk or call Caroline Buncall on 0784 334 2662.

It’s play time New play equipment has been installed at Hull Road Park. It is being paid for by City of York Council’s grant from the Playbuilder Initiative which is also benefiting other areas of York. Work has begun in Haxby and Strensall where play areas at Littlethorpe Close, Pasture Close Play Area and Northfield are being fitted with new equipment. Tenders have been invited to extend the play area at Stray Road in Heworth Without, while Bell Farm and Garnett Terrace playgrounds will also be reworked.

39

your family

Tumble Treats!

We all know the right diet and regular exercise are really important for kids’ health.

But how do you make sure your child is getting all their vitamins when they’re addicted to Monster Munch and turn their noses up at anything green? Tumble Tots have got together with leading children’s nutrition expert Annabel Karmel to produce a really useful booklet full of tempting treats for kids that look as good as they taste. Crunchy Salmon Fish Cakes, Mini Chicken and Potato Pies and Frozen Berry Pots with white chocolate sauce are sure to tempt even the pickiest little eater! You can get hold of a copy of the booklet by contacting Lucy at Tumble Tots on 412381. And while you’re there, ask her about the Tumble Tots sessions being held all around the city. They’re a great way for kids to stay fit and have fun!

York student up for journalism award A second-year English Literature and History of Art student from York University has been shortlisted for the inaugural Student Human Rights Reporter of the Year award. Camilla Apcar, aged 19, interviewed Curtis McCarty, who was acquitted after 19 years on death row. The winner of the competition, which is being run by Amnesty International UK, the National Union of Students, and the Daily Mirror, will be announced on May 24th.

40

Monkey business Fancy a day out with a difference? Then why not take the kids to Go Ape at Dalby Forest? Imagine a giant obstacle course built high up in the trees, made up of ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super strong wires, all topped off with hair-raising ziplines. They'll be kitted out with harnesses, pulleys and all the equipment you need, then taken through a safety briefing and training and after that they're let loose in the forest canopy, free

to swing through the trees (with instructors always on hand, of course). It's such an adrenalin rush you might even want to join in yourself! Why should kids have all the fun..? n It's just one of the attractions on offer at Dalby Forest. Contact the Visitors Centre on 01751 460295 for more information.

your family

New A-level at York College York College, responding to student demand, is to offer an A-level in human biology from September 2011. The subject is accepted as a general science A-level by top medical schools and is a welcome alternative to straight biology for some students. The college now offers 45 different A-level subjects.

Oxbridge success Two students at York College have received conditional offers to go to Oxford and Cambridge universities. Poppy Duke has an offer to study computer science at Magdalen College, Oxford, and Sam Poulten has an offer to study maths at Girton College, Cambridge.

Miggy Biller, co-ordinator of Oxbridge applications at York College, says: “Student success and achievement is the main focus for all our students and we are delighted that Poppy and Sam, who both study Maths and Further Maths among their A-levels, have been given conditional offers.�

41

your education

Pedal power Purple Mountain is on the lookout for the next MTB World Champ. The mountain bike specialist is running a special course on Thursday, April 14th, aimed at aspiring junior champions.

Learn top tips to improve your technical skills and learn how to tackle difficult terrain with a Purple Mountain instructor and guide.

Having a ball

Enjoy-a-Ball is a sports coaching programme for girls and boys aged between three and nine. The children are introduced to basketball, baseball, football, hockey, volleyball, tennis, rugby and cricket in a caring, positive, fun-filled environment.

The course will be based around the World Cup circuit to be held at Dalby Forest, near Thornton-le-Dale, in May. So, if you’re a keen junior rider looking for a challenging and exciting course, this is the one for you. n For more details, go to www.purplemountain.co.uk Church could be the children or even the grandchildren of people who played there themselves! It’s a very friendly group with some great facilities, including a new play area that opened last September. The playgroup meets every morning except Wednesdays, and all day on Fridays, and they’re always looking for new children to join in the fun – call 07922538027 for more information.

The emphasis is on teamwork to develop life skills such as sportsmanship, respect, confidence and concentration.

Lesley Reid took her fiveyear-old son to Enjoy-a-Ball in Harrogate. She was so impressed, that she decided to establish Enjoy-a-Ball in York.

She runs regular sessions in Woodthorpe, Fulford, Acomb and Heworth which have already attracted about 70 children. n For more details, call Lesley on 07789 861108 or go to www.enjoy-a-ball.co

Easter fun at Marygate

Can you believe, Marygate Playgroup is more than 40 years old? That means some of the kids passing through the doors at Clifton Methodist

Open Days 2011 Monday 4 July Saturday 20 August Wednesday 24 August Saturday 10 September

DISCOVER York St John University for yourself We think you'll love it!

To book a place T: 01904 876598 | E: opendays@yorksj.ac.uk www.yorksj.ac.uk/opendays

42

You can find out more at their Royal Wedding Easter Extravaganza, which is happening on 30th April from 2 – 4pm at Clifton Methodist Church.

There’ll be all kinds of fun and games for the kids, including face-painting, fancy dress and an East Egg Hunt, as well as a great raffle for the grown-ups – including the chance to win Sunday lunch at the York Hilton!

to life

A pupil from Tang Hall Primary School uses a camera at the University of York

Members of York’s business community are being urged to inspire young children to learn.

York Children’s University has been launched to build on the work of York Cares Kids College which, since 2009, has helped bring learning to life for more than 400 children.

Led by employee-volunteering charity York Cares, the children’s university brings together employers, the University of York, schools and, most importantly, the children and families they serve. It supports children, aged seven to 14, particularly those from disadvantaged areas, to learn through extra-curricular and out-of-hours activities delivered by volunteers.

During the formal launch at Aviva, in Wellington Row, York, John Lister, Finance Director for Aviva Life

Business UK and Chairman of York Cares, said: “We are calling upon more employers to work with us to expand the activities on offer into new areas such as retail, technology, construction and leisure.”

Lesley Barringer, head teacher at Osbaldwick Primary School, said: “By interacting with people from business, our children get a window into possible futures and can see how their classroom learning relates to the world of work.”

Student volunteers are running fiveweek modules in different themed areas, such as the Science Of Food, Money, the Media, Law & Justice, and Tracks & Trains. n Call Kate Harper on 322688, www.childrensuniversity.co.uk

your education

Bringing learning

We’re going to

the wedding!

Royal wedding fever has hit the country - and it’s hit the Your Local Link offices even more, as we’ve been invited to be guests at the big event!

As you probably know, the Government has declared Will and Kate’s big day ‘The People’s Wedding’ in a bid to banish doom and gloom following the recent economic downturn. In line with this, they recently issued ‘Will’s Wedding’ scratchcards, with the lucky winners receiving an invitation to the ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

Proceeds from the sale of the cards have gone towards paying off the national budget deficit.

“We sent our Sales Executive Kelly to the Co-op to buy ours, as she is known as being a dab hand with the scratchcards,” says Director Gini Guttery. “But even we couldn’t believe it when she came up trumps!

She was actually disappointed, as she was hoping to win a tenner.”

Now the team are busy deciding what to wear to the big day.

They have already booked a mass spray tanning session for 1st April.

“Our big problem is what to take as a wedding gift,” says Gini. “We thought about a toaster, but apparently the Obamas have already got their names down for that.”

Realise your child’s potential Maths and English After-School Programmes • Work at a pace tailored to your child’s needs • Give their confidence a real boost • Develop invaluable study habits and concentration • Complement the school curriculum

YORK FULFORD

kumon.co.uk

Every child can shine

STUDY CENTRE For more information contact Jenny Scanlon 01757 268114

Contact your local Instructor today.

43

yourpet Diary of

For information on this section please email kelly@yourlocallink.co.uk

a puppy

Go walkies for a good cause

Connie may look cute, but the little pup has a very big future ahead of her. She’s been selected to train as a Hearing Dog for Deaf People.

But before Connie can begin her official training, she’s spending her first year with socialiser Sheila Pilliner and her family in Copmanthorpe, learning the basics of good behaviour.

When we spoke to Sheila this month, she was waiting for Connie to come home from her second operation for a slipped patella. She had an operation on her other leg a few weeks ago.

“She’s being spayed at the same time to avoid having to go under general anaesthetic three times,” says Sheila.

“It will benefit her in the long run, but she’s bound to come home feeling very sorry for herself!”

Fighting fit But she’s hoping Connie will make the same excellent recovery she did after her first operation. “For

the first couple of weeks she had to rest completely,” says Sheila. “Then we gradually started taking her out for walks. We started with one five minute walk, then two, then three.

Gradually we worked up to three 30 minute walks a day, which is more than enough for her.”

While Sheila’s been keeping a close eye on her fitness, Connie’s been a bit too keen to get going again. “After a few weeks she decided she was fit enough to have a race in the garden with my dog Boris, which was a scary moment! They’ve also been rolling around in the lounge together, having a tussle over a toy. But dogs are very intuitive and luckily both Boris and my other dog Crisp realise that she’s been poorly and needs some TLC. I just have to be careful they don’t roll on

her when we’re all cuddling up on the settee together!”

Excellent recovery Sheila’s also been careful to keep up with Connie’s training. “She came with me when I took my other dogs to their agility class. She watched from the car and everyone came over and made a fuss of her so that helped with her socialising. I’ve also been keeping up her basic commands such as sit and stay and recall to make sure she stays on top of things.

“If she needs it, she may stay with me for an extra month for some extra socialising, but she’s doing so well I’m not sure she’s going to need it. And the good news is, because she’s had this operation so young she should make an excellent recovery. She still has a good future as a Hearing Dog.”

If you’re a fan of Connie’s Diary, you’ll know all about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Now York Lions are raising money for this very worthwhile charity with their third Annual Sponsored Dog Walk on 8th May. Every year the Lions choose two charities to benefit from the event – this year it’s Hearing Dogs and Safe & Sound Homes (SASH).

The Sponsored Walk covers 1.5 miles from Millennium Bridge to Skeldergate Bridge, and they are looking for dog walkers to take part. n If you and your pooch would like to raise some cash for a worthwhile cause, call 07549 150647 or 701574 yahoo. co.uk.

THOMPSONS Country Store FRIENDLY & EXPERT ADVICE GIVEN FROM EXPERIENCED STAFF.

Est:1926

Jubilee Mills (opposite York Auction Centre) Murton, York. YO19 5UT Telephone:01904 488388 www.thompsons-feeds.co.uk 44

your pet

Give us a

home

All over the city there are cats and dogs looking for homes.

Could you be the one to offer them the love they need?

Fancy a ginger Ninja? NINJA earned his name from his catty acrobatics, which include hanging upside down in his pen!

Whether he’s climbing, swinging or just hanging around, Ninja will give you hours of entertainment!

Talk about a big name for a big lad! CADWALLADER is living proof that sometimes good things do come in good packages. Don’t let his timid act fool you; Cadwallader likes to give the impression of being something of a scaredy cat, when really he’s just big, soft and silly. n If you’d like to offer either of these cats a loving home, call York Cats Protection on 760356.

BRUCE a four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, would thrive as an only dog with teenaged children, say our friends at the RSPCA home in Landing Lane, York. They add he is a good-natured dog who would make an excellent family pet.

SCOTT a ten-year-old collie-cross, finds it difficult to get along with other dogs. Like Bruce, he gets along best with older children. Scott needs a change of scene and has the potential to be a great family pet. n If you can offer any of these dogs a home, call the RSPCA on 654949.

SAM, the three-year-old boxer, featured in last month’s magazine, has attracted a lot of interest from our readers, says the RSPCA. The charity is carrying out visits to find the most suitable home for him.

45

your garden

Make sure everything in the garden’s lovely with the team at Dean’s

Orchids

Not so long ago orchids were considered a very exotic plant, expensive and hard to look after.

All that has now changed, although there are around 100,000 named varieties only a fraction are suitable as ‘houseplants’ but that fraction has become almost common from Cymbidiums, Phalaenopsis, Cambria’s, Dendrobium and Miltonia to name but a few, but the most common ‘houseplant’ orchids are Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis.

Cymbidiums Amongst the most popular varieties are cymbidiums, being one of the easiest to look after, it is possible to get these to re-flower yourself. The secret to successful cymbidium growing is to keep your plants in a cool area.

Once the threat of frosts is over, they can be kept happily outdoors, being careful to avoid heavy rains or direct sunlight as either can damage flowers and leaves.

Cymbidiums are easily identified with their long strap like leaves and flower spikes of arching sprays with double rows of blooms; their

colours ranging from green through cream and white, yellow to tawny and rusty brown.

They require cool nights and warm days to encourage flowering. They also need regular watering throughout the year; however in the winter months they can be left 2-3 weeks between waterings. When the plant shows any signs of a flower spike you should begin feeding with an appropriate fertiliser.

Phalaenopsis Another popular variety that can quite easily be kept in the home is phalaenopsis, more commonly known as the ‘Moth Orchid’. They are easily recognisable by their large flattish blooms ranging from 2” to nearly 5” in diameter.

Phalaenopsis flowers come in a vast range of colours from white, pinks, reds, lavender and yellow as single solid colours or mixed up with spots or stripes. The longevity of the flower spikes can last as long as three months and sometimes they can flower twice in the same year.

Orchids require specific compost to thrive, most orchid media contain bark and coconut fibre

chips, others may contain rockwool or perlite.

All are intended to keep the roots warm, well aerated and to retain moisture. In most cases you will know when to re-pot as the orchid will have out grown the pot it is in, or if the bark compost has degraded as it will then hold too much water, which can be detrimental to most orchids. When re-potting a tip for drainage is to put polystyrene chips in the bottom.

Orchids also need humidity, especially in the winter when radiators are on. It is a good idea to fill a saucer with gravel and stand your pot on top, then water the gravel, as the water evaporates it provides humidity, however, you mustn’t allow the orchid’s roots to sit in water.

There are various feeds available specifically for orchids, some are high in Nitrogen for general growth and others are high in phosphates and potash to help boost the blooms.

You will find that most orchids you buy are in clear see through pots, this is because the roots also need the light. If the roots are green they don’t need water, when they are a greyish in colour they are ready for a drink.

n Dean’s Garden Centre, Stockton Lane, Stockton on the Forest, York • Tel: 01904 400141

46

your garden

Open Gardens Every year, thousands of enthusiastic gardeners open their gardens to the public under the National Gardens Scheme, either for charity or for the joy of sharing their passion. Here are some of the gardens open this month...

130 Prince Rupert Drive, Tockwith, York, Yorkshire, YO26 7PU. ½-acre enthusiast's garden planted for yearround interest from early hellebores, cyclamen and bulbs to late perennials and grasses mixed with a large fern collection. Rock and bog gardens, pond and pergola, glasshouses, shade house, kitchen garden with vegetables and trained fruit, small nursery. Open 17th April, 1-4pm.

• Fencing & All Landscaping Work • Patio & Driveway Powerwashing • Garden Maintenance & Tidy Ups • Shed/Garage Clearances & Demolition • Grass Cutting Specialists

Friars Hill, Sinnington, Yorkshire, YO62 6SL. 1¾-acre plantswoman's garden containing over 2,500 varieties of perennials and bulbs, with year-round colour. Early interest with hellebores, bulbs and woodland plants. Herbaceous beds. Hostas, delphiniums, old roses and stone troughs. Open 17th April, 1 – 5pm.

Weathervane House, Seaton Ross, Yorkshire, YO42 4NE. Two-acre garden with semi-mature woodland, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, flowering trees and shrubs, wide range of spring bulbs together with mixed herbaceous borders, lawns and circular mini-meadow. Fruit garden, glasshouse and large polytunnel with specimen acers, camellias and rhododendrons. Open 24th April, 12 noon – 5pm.

Shandy Hall Gardens, Coxwold, Yorkshire, YO61 4AD. Home of 18th century author Laurence Sterne. Two walled gardens, one acre of unusual perennials interplanted with tulips and old roses in low walled beds.

In old quarry, another acre of trees, shrubs, bulbs, climbers and wild flowers encouraging wildlife, including over 150 recorded species of moths. Open 29th April, 6.30 – 8.30pm.

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your garden

Pond Life...

A garden pond can be left to its own devices as a miniature nature reserve, but it will be much more attractive if it is stocked with aquatic plants and ornamental fish.

If you are stocking a new pond from scratch, get the plants established before introducing the fish.

Pond plants Oxygenators : are essential plants for keeping the pond healthy. Some are rooted, but most simply float in the water, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen as they grow. Start with a few small clumps and be prepared to cull the plants as they spread.

Water lilies: are planted in containers that sit on the bottom of the pond and produce leaves and stunning flowers on the surface in the summer. Do not be tempted to over plant as they grow rapidly.

Marginals: are planted in containers set in shallow water on shelves around the pond margins.

This group includes various species of Iris, Flag, Marsh Marigold and the Arrow Head.

Floaters: such as Fairy Moss, Greater Bladderwort and Water Soldier are flowering plants that float on the pond.

Marsh plants: such as Bullrushes, can be planted at the pond edge, if the liner is extended and filled with soil to create waterlogged bog conditions.

Get specialist advice when choosing pond plants, containers and special pH-balanced pond soil. Do not be tempted to use ordinary garden soil, or to plant directly in soil spread on the bottom of the pond.

allow the water temperatures to equalise before releasing the fish.

Something Fishy

Don’t over feed fish; one meal every other day is enough in winter, increasing to twice a day in summer. Supply no more food than can be eaten in about ten minutes.

Always buy fish from reputable established suppliers and check that all fish in their ponds or tanks appear healthy.

Your pond needs to have part of the area at least 60cm deep for goldfish and 1.5m or more for Koi if they are to be left over winter safely in the pond.

Float the bag in the pond for at least 30 minutes to

For further advice about garden ponds, check out the appropriate adverts in Your Local Link.

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your garden

C 0, M 53, Y 100, K 0 R 247, G 143, B 30

C 68, M 0, Y 100, K 28 R 63, G 144, B 54

Blooming good

Residents are being asked to provide potted plants to enhance public areas of Haxby in a bid to impress Yorkshire In Bloom judges.

This is the first time Haxby has entered the competition and the judges are expected to check out its spring floral displays on April 6th.

Town councillor Allan Leak, chairman of Haxby’s Yorkshire In Bloom committee, says: “Haxby businesses are sponsoring our entry and we want residents to donate potted plants for the spring judging day. We can collect the pots and then return them.” n If you have a plant pot of any size planted with spring flowering plants and would like to display it, call 750378.

Residents are also being asked to plant up a pot for the summer judging day in July. The colour scheme is anything white and purple, mixed or single.

Right on Kew Members of Askham Bryan College Gardening Club will hear an illustrated talk entitled ‘The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew’ by Matthew Biggs, a panellist on BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Conference Hall, Askham Bryan College, on Tuesday, April 12th. n For more details, call David Whiteman on 707208 or Peter Powell on 795059.

49

your garden

Ask Chris...

Got a gardening problem?

Chris Brown from Brown’s Nurseries can help Q. Could you recommend a good large evergreen shrub that would look nice in winter, please?

A. There are quite a few, but Cotoneaster is one of the best. They’re large shrubs with pretty coloured berries in autumn and winter.

Cotoneaster ‘Rothschildianus’ in particular has beautiful golden yellow berries which look stunning on a snowy winter’s day. It’s a tree-like, vigorous, upright shrub with arching branches and long, pale green lance-shaped leaves. Plant it close to a path, and its arching stems will make a beautiful covered walkway.

Q.

I have lost a lot of shrubs in my garden this winter, and I am thinking of replacing them with conifers. Could you please recommend some dwarf conifers for my border?

A. Slow-growing conifers, or those with a naturally dwarf habit, are ideal for small gardens, rock gardens, raised beds and containers. Few other hardy, woody plants offer such a range of shape, form and colour all year round. Dwarf conifers with a rounded

or domed habit include Abies Balsamea ‘Nana’; Abies ‘Gold Spreader’; Chamaecyparis ‘Gnome’, or Chamaecyparis Obtusa ‘Nana Aurea’. If you prefer a conifer with a columnar or conical habit, look out for Abies ‘Compacta’, Juniperus ‘Blue Star’, Glauca ‘Alberta Blue’ and Thuja Plicata ‘Stoneham Gold’. All varieties are very slow growing.

first signs of damage in May and June and then spray thoroughly with a contact insecticide to kill young larvae. Repeat after a week or so if necessary.

Q.

A. These are lichens and they can occur in all types of garden habitat, especially on old walls, roofs and tree trunks. You will often find lichens on azaleas, rhodedendrons and heathers, usually in shaded sites and moist areas. They form a grey-green crust covering the bark, or scaly and woolly growths on twigs and branches. They are not generally believed to be harmful to plants, although their development is probably greater on trees that are growing poorly. So it is important to feed regularly in summer and mulch with manure in winter to increase your plants’ vigour.

Last year my Viburnum Tinus shrub was badly eaten in May. Can you tell me how to stop it happening again?

A. This problem is caused by Viburnum Beetle.

If left untreated, irregular holes are eaten out of the leaves of most Viburnum species in May and June and then the remaining tissue left between the main veins turns brown. Eggs survive over winter in cracks on young stems and hatch in mid-May. Creamy yellow larvae with extensive black markings then feed on leaves in May and June and grow to a length of about 7mm before going to the soil to pupate.

Adult beetles emerge in July and August and also feed on leaves before laying eggs at the tips of year old shoots. To treat, look out for the

Q. I have a bed of rhododendrons in my garden. They have green algae on their stems, and seem to be poor in growth. Is there anything I can do to prevent this happening?

If you have a question for Chris, write to him c/o Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH

50

your garden

It pays to look after your

lawnmower

It’s time to spring into action with your lawnmower to keep your grassed areas looking neat and tidy.

Follow these tips to keep your machine in tip-top condition: n Check the condition of the blades and cutters. Do they need sharpening, tightening or even replacing? n Examine electric mower cables for signs of any damage.

Any visible signs of wear mean the cables should be replaced immediately. n To prepare a motor mower for an idle winter, drain the petrol and oil tanks and clean the spark plug. Fill the oil tank with clean oil but leave the petrol tank empty because petrol deteriorates. n To prevent rusting whilst not in use, wipe all moving parts with a lightly oiled rag. n Never leave a motor mower standing for months on a damp surface or in a damp place as this will inevitably make it difficult to start. Stand it on a piece of cardboard or a block of wood and keep the area as well ventilated as possible to avoid condensation.

If you need professional help with your lawnmower, check out the appropriate adverts in Your Local Link.

R

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your garden

GROW YOUR OWN with Sandra Geere Growing your own fruit and veg is rewarding, good for the planet – and your pocket. Here’s how…

You won’t find these in the shops...

You won’t often find them in the shops, very few gardeners grow or even know about them but the seeds of salsify and scorzonera appear in all the seed catalogues I’ve seen. It is said to have originated in the Mediterranean and until the sixteenth century eating scorzonera was believed to be effective against the plague and snake bites. You may have admired the tall, slender pink/purple flower of salsify growing on the edge of your vegetable plot or allotment without realising what they are. There appearance is often due to a seed blowing in from somewhere else. The root is delicious and tastes of oysters which is why it’s often referred to as the vegetable oyster. If you leave a few plants in the ground over winter the new spring shoots with unopened buds and 4 inches (10 cm) of stem can be eaten like asparagus.

Salsify is a hardy biennial, usually grown as an annual. It has long, thin, creamy coloured roots and should be eaten as soon after harvesting as possible although it will stand in the ground all winter.

Plant with other roots in your crop rotation as they have the same requirements. Scorzonera differs from salsify in that the plant has broader

leaves and the roots are black skinned. They tend to bleed like beetroot so take the same precautions when harvesting and cooking.

We never know what weather we are going to get these days but spring should truly have sprung this month and last winter can be a distant memory. The ground is warmed up, although have some fleece handy should frost be forecast, and the weeds are beginning to grow and compete with new plantings and seedlings. Ensure you have your slug defences in place and start some outdoor sowings because this is a busy month.

Remember to protect carrots from carrot fly (or sow Flyaway which is said to be carrot fly resistant) and brassicas with mesh or cloches from cabbage white butterflies, pigeons, white fly etc.

Check wildlife ponds and clear any debris with as little disturbance to frog and toad spawn as possible. My gang of extremely cheeky robins are back and busy foraging, waiting for the next turn of my spade. Check that nest boxes are firmly attached to trees and cleaned out if necessary. There will soon be new neighbours on the plot!

JOBS FOR APRIL 3 Begin regular hoeing 3 Sow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers inside 3 Under cloches sow salads, French beans 3 Outside sow brassicas, roots, peas 3 Begin slug protection LOCAL SUPPLIERS Mr Thomas 01759 371549 Spent mushroom compost £12 for 5 bags delivered free (note new price) Brunswick Organic Nursery, Appleton Road, Bishopthorpe, York 01904 701869. Suppliers of organic plants, seeds, composts and much more. n Sandra specialises in creating sustainable organic kitchen gardens in small spaces and can show you how to grow crops all year round.

Contact Sandra Geere Kitchen Garden Design & Consultancy 01904 655366 or email kitchgard@geere.demon.co.uk

TO SHERIFF HUTTON NELSONS PARKS

CEMETERY NEW LANE SHIP INN THE VILLAGE - STRENSALL

52

your garden

Caring for people and lawns Andy Davis, who runs the GreenThumb lawn care company at Tockwith, near York, is a long-standing member of the Caravan Club.

Travelling with his wife, Sheila, and their brown Labrador Buddy, he is gradually exploring the British Isles. Last year they spent their holiday in Suffolk; this year they are planning to chill out in the Cotswolds.

When he’s not caring for lawns, Andy enjoys spending time with his four grandchildren.

Before taking over the GreenThumb business in North Yorkshire in 2006, Andy got a buzz by working as a retailer, selling electrical appliances. He ended up managing the former Powerhouse superstore in Scarborough.

Before his retail career, Andy, aged 59, cared for people who had suffered traumatic brain injuries. Working as a house manager for the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, he helped to set up a home in New Earswick where three people provided round-the-clock care for two head injury victims. n GreenThumb, Evans Business Centre, Marston Moor Business Park, Tockwith, York. Tel: 01423 359048.

Email: york@greenthumb.co.uk

Gardening club Members of Haxby & Wigginton Gardening Club meet on the second Sunday of each month (except July and August) at 2.30pm in St Mary’s Church Hall, Haxby. Ginny Mason, club secretary, says: “We have regular speakers, visits and events and welcome new members to this friendly and informal group.” n For more details, call Ginny on 768516.

53

your environment

Creating a

pet-friendly

garden It is important to ensure your garden does not harbour any dangers to your pets.

Many dogs and cats like to chew plants, often in curiosity. Unfortunately, many common plants, flowers, weeds and herbs can be poisonous to your pets if chewed and swallowed. Any kind of lily, for example, can be dangerous, especially to cats. The bulbs of tulips, daffodils, spider lilies and crocuses can be deadly; these are especially attractive to dogs who like to play with balls. If you are unsure about any plant, ask your veterinarian and local plant nursery.

If you have a vegetable patch, remember there are several things that humans can eat which could be toxic to dogs and cats, such as garlic, onions and chives. Any part of the raw potato plant can be toxic and the cores of fruits like apples, cherries, plums, peaches and apricots have seeds that contain poisonous cyanide. It’s a good idea to keep pets out of the vegetable patch by fencing it off.

Be careful about any chemicals that you may be using, such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilisers. These often contain strong, toxic

54

compounds that could be fatal to your pet. Consider switching to natural, nontoxic, organic alternatives.

If you must use chemicals, try to keep pets away from the treated area for at least a few days afterwards.

Pest control can also be a source of danger – slug and snail baits are a common cause of poisoning in dogs. Again, a non-toxic method of pest control, such as a beer trap, may be the best solution.

Check your pets’ bodies for allergies regularly when they are spending time outside in the garden. Look for any red, flaky or inflamed skin or bald, thinning patches; also if you notice your pet licking, scratching, chewing or rubbing a certain area.

Even if a plant is not directly poisonous, it may still cause an allergic reaction in your pet. Many dogs and cats are allergic to various grasses and plants, such as rye grass, paspalum and spiderwort, which causes itchy feet, legs and stomach rashes. By keeping your grass short and restricting your pet

to areas of mown grass, you can help to reduce allergic reactions.

Be careful if you have a young or very small pet and a deep pond in your garden – you may want to consider covering the pond or fencing it off temporarily until your pet is larger or older and wiser. If you do have a swimming pool in your garden, ensure that it is securely fenced off or covered to prevent pets falling in and drowning – although most dogs and cats can swim instinctively, they can become exhausted if they panic and cannot find a place to climb out easily.

Don’t forget to protect your pets from themselves.

Dogs, especially, can be their own worst enemy by escaping from your garden and getting lost or run over by traffic. Fence your garden securely.

your environment

SAVE ENERGY, SAVE MONEY with graNT henderson Solarwall Ltd

Dispelling the myths of solar photovoltaic systems

A touch of glass!

Fancy something different for your home? Why not check out J.W. Smith (Masonry) Ltd’s eye-catching range of recycled glass tiles, splashbacks and worktops for your kitchen or bathroom? The environmentally-friendly material creates stunning focal points in any room.

J W Smith has been creating high-quality products for more than 25 years. The company’s master stonemasons use their experience with recycled glass as well as granite, marble, Yorkstone and slate to design and manufacture bespoke pieces for your home. Visit the showroom to see the recycled glass as well as a wide range of granite, marble, quartz and slate, all available to create stunning kitchens and bathrooms. n J.W. Smith (Masonry) Ltd, Millfield Industrial Estate, Wheldrake, York. Tel: 360058.

Free compost City of York Council and Yorwaste Ltd have teamed up to give residents free compost this summer. Green-fingered gardeners can collect their compost from Yorwaste’s Harewood Whin site, in Tinker Lane, Rufforth, on the first Sunday of each month, between 9.30am and 2.30pm, with the last one falling on October 2nd. Residents should bring a shovel and bags or containers to take the compost home in. n For details, call City of York Council’s waste team on 551551.

There has been a lot of press coverage recently about the do’s and don’t of solar photovoltaic electricity generating systems. Some people have suggested that they are hard to install, lack the right conditions in the UK and don’t have a very long life span. Hopefully I can shed some light on the subject by answering these commonly asked questions.

A solar photovoltaic system will only work if facing directly south.

If your panels face directly south you will get a higher kWp output.

However, your panels will still work very effectively as long as it is in some way presented southerly. If there is shading around your property that may affect your panels but your installer will be able to advise if your system needs an extra inverter adding to split the system to guard against shading.

My roof isn’t big enough for a full system.

Even a small roof can accommodate a PV system capable of generating a significant amount of electricity. We don’t just fit systems to large buildings and premises with big roofs; we have in the past fitted panels to the roofs of sheds and garages and they had a significant impact on the owner’s electricity bills.

The UK doesn’t get much sunlight – will the system still work?

You’d be surprised just how much sun the UK gets. A commonly held belief is that Photovoltaic systems require constant and direct bright sunshine to function – this isn’t the case. The panels are powered by light, even if that is sunlight defused through clouds. Therefore even on a cloudy day the system will still function to a high capacity.

The system will only work for a few years.

Contrary to popular belief modern solar panels have long life spans. With payment incentives like the Feed in Tariff suppliers are working harder to meet the demands of the consumer by increasing guarantees on output kWp for up to 20 years. What customers do need to take into account is the guarantees that are provided for other components of the system such as the inverter which are more likely to only carry a 5 year guarantee. Always check the quality of the product used: a better quality inverter will give you better conversion of DC to AC current.

The system loses a lot of energy by converting from dc to ac current.

Yes a small amount of energy is lost in the conversion of current but by ensuring your installer uses a good converter you will ensure you get the best conversion of your units with the minimum loss to supply. Check that your installer can confirm these figures for you. n If you have any further question regarding solar photovoltaic systems, the Feed in Tariff or any other energy saving technology please contact me or my team on 0500 127 005 or call in to the Energy Centre, or visit us online at www. solarwall.co.uk

Green Lane Trading Estate, Clifton, York, YO30 5PY. 55

your environment

Something old, something new...

We all know about recycling, but have you heard of upcycling?

It’s the new buzzword that’s taking the ethical world by storm.

We’ve been taking a look at one new York business that has just launched in the upcycling world, and another that has been doing it for 25 years...

Bags of style “Essentially upcycling is taking something of little or no value and turning it into something of greater value,” says Ali Gane, Director of York-based online bag company onfriday. “We sell bags made from the inner tubes of tyres, decommissioned firehoses or surplus seatbelts from the motor industry. The sort of stuff that would normally end up in landfill. But now designers are using their amazing expertise and flair to turn it into something stunning.”

Ali launched onfriday last year after a career in sports development. As well as quirky ranges from up and coming designers such as Elvis & Kresse (a favourite of A-Listers such as Cameron Diaz), onfriday supplies ethically sourced fairtrade bags for men and women.

“For many people, ethical means the jute shopping bag that gets put away ready for your next Sainsburys shop,” says Ali. “We wanted to dispel

56

Recycling bicycles York retailer Jeremy Piercy is a big fan of upcycling because it promotes fair trade which is about paying Third World craftsmen a living wage for their work.

He founded Shared Earth 25 years ago when he opened a shop in York selling crafts from Africa, Asia and South America. the myth that ethical can’t be cutting edge and uber cool. The onfriday brand is all about supporting and nurturing young designers, but with an ethical point too.”

Hence the name onfriday. “Friday is the day we all look forward to – there’s a feeling of anticipation and excitement, and that’s what we wanted as a brand.”

Shared Earth sells a lot of recycled products, including watering cans made from car tyres and spectacle holders made from bike parts.

Jeremy says: “We set a trend in the UK by selling items made from bicycle parts in India. My aim is to recycle a whole bicycle. We already sell gifts made from the tyres, chains, cogs, sprockets and spokes. But the frame and handlebars are a bit more difficult.”

your home

yourhome For information on this section please email dick@yourlocallink.co.uk

Waterbloc, the wet room solution Waterbloc™ is a blend of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) for use in wet rooms and bathrooms. It’s expertly applied to walls and floor surfaces, beneath tiles, to permanently protect your home from water damage. Water can soak through tiles, grout and between sealed joins causing expensive damage to your home. It’s essential to protect your wet room with a tough waterproof barrier.

Waterbloc GRP is a flexible, permanent solution to interior waterproofing which does not leak, buckle or crack – creating a clean smooth finish that can be tiled. Experienced installers can apply Waterbloc GRP to any size or shape room. GRP is waterproof, tough and maintenance free, making it well suited for external and internal applications. It’s also hygienic, resistant to mould and is able to cope with normal structural movement.

GRP is used in the manufacture of boats, gliders, sports cars, fluid tanks, wind turbine blades and flat roofs all over the world. n For information about waterproofing your wet room or bathroom, call Future Roof on 777094. The company’s workers have years of experience of GRP and are fully-trained installers of Waterbloc.

Beat mould misery Remember the misery of condensation and mould? The time it took to clean?

The money spent on redecorating? The puddles of water and the musty smell throughout the house? EnviroVent says it can provide a cost-effective solution that lasts a lifetime. The Harrogate company, which has been solving condensation problems for more than 20 years, is so confident in its technology that it offers a money-back guarantee. n For more details, call 0845 2727807.

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Calverts Carpets on the Londonebor Business Park in Nether Poppleton

Best of both worlds Calverts Carpets, a family firm famous for its low prices, offers customers in York both city centre and out-of-town shopping.

To complement its showroom at Stonebow, the company has opened a new showroom and warehouse on the Londonebor Business Park in Nether Poppleton.

The out-of-town showroom is managed by Graham Chaplin who has an extensive knowledge of the trade.

He started working for Bill Calvert, who founded the company in 1972, as a carpet fitter before being promoted to a managerial position.

He says: “Our own stunning brand collections can simply be described as wall-to-wall elegance. They

range from hardwearing, stain-resistant, man-made fibres to the soft warm luxury of 100% wool in a dazzling choice of colours, shades and textures. There really is something to suit every taste.”

Also, with thousands of roll-ends to choose from, you are sure to find a bargain in Calverts’ extensive clearance lines.

Calverts brings the world to your feet – thanks to its comprehensive range of rugs. The company sells rugs made in Persia, Turkey, China, India and Afghanistan among other places.

The company also supplies and fits vinyl, wood and laminate flooring.

n Calverts Carpets, Unit 10, Londonebor Business Park, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York. Tel: 788222. Open Monday to Saturday.

Calverts Carpets, 15 Stonebow, York. Tel: 673777. Open Monday to Sunday.

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Buy a new double bed for £195

G. A. White is a family-run business with more than 50 years of experience in the furniture trade. Founded in 1957 by Gerald White, the business is still run by two of his sons, Michael and David.

They say: “We pride ourselves on offering quality products at good value prices, but are also able to offer that unique level of personnel service and attention to detail.”

For a limited time only G. A. White now has some fantastic offers on beds. You can buy a 4ft 6in double divan bed with two storage drawers for £195. You can also get a 3ft single divan bed with two drawers for £129. Both prices include free local delivery. n G.A. White, 59-63 Walmgate, York. Tel: 624643.

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

your home

Happy first anniversary!

A York family business is celebrating its first year based at Clifton Moor after spending three years selling conservatories at a garden centre at Poppleton.

The move to a bigger site has enabled House’n’Homes to diversify into building orangeries as well as selling a wide range of cane furniture.

House’n’Homes is run by husband-and-wife team David and Christine Burhouse. They say: “We'll offer a very relaxed and informal service, with no sales pressure, and we'll personally oversee the whole project from start to finish too. As for our prices, you'll find them very competitive.”

The showroom at Unit 74, Auster Road, features five conservatories as well as an orangery and is open seven days a week. Tel: 692329.

Kitchen showroom goes for growth Business has been going so well at the York branch of Dream Doors that Barry Kent, the franchise holder, has recruited Liz Garrity as a showroom assistant to help him cope with the increasing workload.

Dream Doors, which has more than 30 showrooms throughout the country, does kitchen facelifts by replacing the doors and drawer fronts. Barry says: “An effective facelift can deliver outstanding results.” He wishes to make it clear that businesses along Fishergate are open as usual and access for customers is being maintained despite a section of the route, between Cemetery Road and Melbourne Street, being closed for major roadworks. n Dream Doors, 110 Fishergate, York. Tel: 622234.

01904 234 543 infoyork@britisheco.com

www.britisheco.com

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

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YOUR PROPERTY with PAULA MATTHEWS

On the move...

Paula Matthews at Opus Estate Agents has been chatting to buyers and sellers all over York answering their concerns and queries Q. My sale has fallen through twice for different reasons and I am at the end of my tether. Is there anything I can do to stop this happening again?

A. Sales fall through for all kinds of reasons, sadly many of them outside anyone’s control. But in today’s market the right buyer is as important as the right price. A buyer needs to feel comfortable that they are getting good value for money and your agent should be working hard to make sure that the buyer is happy with all aspects of their purchase to ensure a smooth sale. In two years that we have been running our business we have only had one sale fall through which in today’s market is a fantastic achievement.

Agents should be ready to guide sellers and buyers through complex property transactions in a still challenging market and ready to go the extra mile to make sure the sale completes.

Q.

Do you foresee the housing market picking up anytime soon? I have noticed a few more sold boards recently when I have been driving around but am unsure which way the market is going?

A. We have been busy with new properties to the market over the last few months. Setting a realistic

asking price is key. We discuss at length the pricing with our sellers and they listen to our advice and are realistic in their expectations. If interest rates remain low, affordability will improve for many existing mortgage borrowers and also any new buyers entering the market. We have definitely seen an increase in January and February’s activity and we are optimistic that market conditions are improving.

Q. When choosing an Agent why should we consider a small Independent like OPUS when we could use a large national agent that has been around for years?

A. I believe that local and owner managed independent agents have an advantage over employee managed, centralised agents. Many independent, accredited agents across the country deliver great service and provide excellent customer satisfaction. In a time of economic uncertainty sellers have turned to bespoke independent agents as they want to be assured of a quality service founded on local knowledge and experience but more importantly personal service. Sellers or buyers should be receiving an excellent level of service at all times, dealing with the same people from the start of marketing to completion of their sale. Their agent will guide them through all aspects of the sale.

Put your property in good hands Whether you are a landlord seeking responsible, quality tenants for your property or a tenant searching for a home, Unique Lettings is keen to help.

Trevor Dale, the owner of the new business, says: “Together with our attention to detail and conscientious attitude, we have the experience, resources and skills to deliver the kind of services that landlords and tenants require.”

Unique Lettings offers a competitive package to landlords: • No set-up fee • No commission for the first three months • 7% commission with no VAT Being a landlord himself, Trevor knows how to manage a portfolio of properties. He adds: “We always strive to be at the forefront of the property letting market and invest much time and effort in ensuring that we are fully up to date with ever-changing tenancy law and government legislation.” n Unique Lettings, Regency House, Westminster Place, York Business Park, York YO26 6RW. Tel: 798777.

n Opus Estate Agents, Tel: 01904 790070, www.opusmove.co.uk

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Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

your home

Be good with wood

Want to learn woodworking from an expert?

Master craftsman Bob Lambert is holding a series of workshops at The Woodwork Room, York Riding School, Clifton Road Business Park, Wigginton Road, YO32 2RH. They are as follows: 2nd 7th 9th 11th

Open Day One Day Router for Beginners Sharpening Techniques One Day Router for Beginners

18th, 19th & 20th 3 day Basic woodworking course 23rd Woodturning Basics 29th Router Basics

For details on all these courses, call 348343 or email bob.lambert@woodworkingacademy.co.uk

Luxury family homes

Antler Homes has appointed York estate agent Your Move Anscombs to market its prestigious new development at Appleton Roebuck.

Mayfield Chase is an exclusive development of four substantial family homes, with prices starting at £459,950. The elegant accommodation includes a spacious, open-plan kitchen/breakfast/family room as well as two further reception rooms. All four bedrooms are light, bright and airy; the master suites are particularly impressive as they have luxury en suite bathrooms and, in two of the properties, there are also dressing rooms to the master suite.

The homes are also equipped with top-quality custom-built kitchens equipped with Siemens appliances and granite worktops and the bathrooms are luxuriously appointed. The homes are finished with turfed front and rear gardens and there are three double garages and a single garage with the fourth home. Appleton Roebuck is only nine miles away from York with the city’s busy rail station providing direct connections to Leeds and Hull as well as London, Newcastle and Edinburgh. The A64, A1 and M62 are also close at hand, as well as airports at Leeds/Bradford and Doncaster.

15% J B Bathrooms ltd NT DISCOuntion If you me l Link Your Locaine Magaz

n For more details, call Your Move Anscombs on 621532 or visit www.antlerhomes.co.uk

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Samples & free estimates available to public and trade Telephone: 01845 522523 Fax: 01845 527198 info@dalesofthirsk.co.uk

LT D

www.dalesofthirsk.co.uk Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

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your home

your home

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your home

Property of the month

Hillgarth Court , Elvington. £275,000 BLADES BUILD - in an individually designed quiet cul-de-sac location, situated within the beautiful village of Elvington, 6 miles East of York, offering convenient access to the A64 by-pass, making it commutable for Leeds and West Yorkshire. This spacious three bedroom detached property, which is beautifully presented and benefits from double glazing and central heating* has accommodation briefly comprising; entrance hall, guest cloakroom, lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility and conservatory. To the first floor are master bedroom en-suite, two further bedrooms and a house bathroom. There are gardens to both front and rear with a single attached garage. Viewing is highly recommended Three Bedrooms • Detached House • Village Location

Tel: 01904 621026 www.huntersnet.co.uk

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Holme Lea, Strensall Being so conveniently situated in the popular village of Strensall, at first glance you would not believe that behind the unassuming exterior lies a fabulous home with far reaching rural views. Step inside this modern 4 double bungalow and you cannot fail to be impressed by the spacious lounge and the fabulous open plan kitchen/dining/conservatory all of which overlook the wonderful lawned gardens and open countryside beyond.

For more details or to arrange a viewing call

01904 621532

your home

Property of the month

Attention first time buyers! If you’re looking to take your first step on the property ladder, Opus Estate Agents have a three bedroom mid terrace property that offers a lot of house for your money. The house couldn’t be more convenient for local shops and amenities, as well as the District Hospital, Nestle, York St John University and the city centre. So it could also make an excellent investment buy.

The property consists of a modern lounge with tiled fireplace and laminate floor; a spacious dining kitchen with integrated fridge, dishwasher, electric oven and hob and stylish Belfast sink. Upstairs you’ll find three bedrooms, two with recessed wardrobes, and a family bathroom. There’s useful off-street parking out front, with a fully enclosed garden to the rear. And guess how much all this would set you back? A real steal at just £139,950. n For more details or to arrange a viewing contact OPUS on 790070.

Tel: 01904 690400

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10 things to look for when

buying a home

Don’t let those co-ordinated cushions or the smell of fresh coffee lull you into making an expensive mistake. When buying a new home it pays to look beneath the surface...

Decide what you really want from your new home.

For some it’s having a big garden or garage, for others it may be close proximity to the local school. Make a list of your priorities and be ruthless about only seeing properties that fit your needs.

Think about how it will resell.

Most people make the mistake of assuming they will live in a house forever. But you need to look at it from an investment point of view, too. You may be willing to live with certain features like a downstairs bathroom or a bedroom off a living room, but it might make it difficult to sell later on.

Research the area.

Try to view the property at different times to check it out. Ask around about the neighbours, and find out from the local authority if there are any developments proposed for the area. You don’t want any nasty surprises once you’ve moved in.

If you’re buying an apartment, find out as much as you can about the management company.

How much will the monthly maintenance charge be, and what does it cover? Do the tenants have a good relationship with the management company?

Don’t always go for the most expensive home on the block.

Location is everything, and it’s better to have the worst house in the best area than vice versa.

Take a good look at the outside.

Is the roof in good order, or are there slipped or missing tiles? A damaged roof can be expensive to replace, and may also lead to expensive water damage inside the property.

Similarly, check out the windows.

Do they look weathered? Can you feel a draught through them? Not only will ageing windows cost to replace, single or poor quality double glazing can add hundreds of pounds to your energy bills.

Ask about insulation.

If the property has cavity walls, have they been insulated? What about the loft? True, you could do these jobs yourself, but it’s a hassle you can do without when you’ve just moved in.

Check with the owners about any improvements they’ve done.

Have they been carried out professionally, and is there any building regulations paperwork to back them up? You don’t want to pay the price for the previous owners’ over-enthusiastic DIY attempts.

Check the boiler.

If it’s over 15 years old it’s likely to be a lot less energy efficient, and it will probably need to be replaced soon.

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no:1

Choice for Blinds

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

TV presenter joins York estate agents York-based estate agents Hunters have hired TV presenter Linda Barker to advise home owners on how best to present their homes for sale.

For more information on

the motors pages please call Mim on:

01904 767881

Linda, who found fame presenting BBC TV’s Changing Rooms, has written an exclusive guide for Hunters customers. The ‘Inspire Your Buyers Guide’, available at huntersnet. co.uk, features advice for home owners on how to repair and improve their property before it comes on to the market. It also gives low-cost tips on home decor and design.

Linda, a property and design expert who lives in Howden, near York, says: “There are two important things any home owner needs to sell a property: the right price and the correct presentation.

“A good estate agent will look after the first, but it’s down to you to make sure the second point gets looked after. That’s where my guide comes in.”

One of Linda’s next projects for Hunters will be a series of videos to feature on the website.

Kevin Hollinrake, managing director of Hunters, says: “Linda’s clever home-selling tips will prove invaluable to sellers and potential sellers.”

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

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york on a fork

yorkonafork

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Verdict VVVV

31 Castlegate We sent Sales Manager Sarah Pulleyn and her partner Graham to sample to delights on offer at this popular city centre restaurant.

As a couple of home birds who like nothing more than curling up in front of the TV after a home cooked meal we headed to 31 Castlegate with an open mind but a tiny bit of reluctance to leave our warm home. We were off to a very positive start when we opened the door and found the very same wallpaper that adorns our living room walls!!

The menu was easy to follow, not too overloaded with choice and had, I believe, something that would suit most tastes from interesting vegetarian options to traditionalist too. Following a little deliberation I chose an amusing take on goats cheese starter dish styled as a cheesecake whilst Graham (shall I say a little more of the aforementioned traditionalist) opted for the soup of the day – Parsnip. These were preceded by a basket of home-made foccachia bread - delicious!

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The starters did not disappoint after the high of the homemade bread. The sign of a good soup (according to my dad) is one you don’t have to season too heavily and this one had enough taste not to reach for the salt shaker, the thick, tasty and obviously natural soup went down a real treat. The goat’s cheese cheesecake was perfectly accompanied with a combination of chestnuts and beetroot and a peppery rocket.

We had to force ourselves again for the purpose of the review to sample the full array of the menu and choose dessert – sticky toffee pudding and a chocolate & orange tart. We only meant to taste them but before we knew it our plates were clear – need I say more?

For my main course I chose the duck breast and Graham opted for the belly pork cooked in Magners cider. Neither of us wanted to be overfaced with huge portions or disappointed with a tiny mouthful for our mains and 31 Castlegate got the size just right. The cooking could not be faulted either. The best crackling (sorry, Mum!) I have ever tasted was wasted on Graham who does not like it (yes really! he is not from Yorkshire so I’ll forgive him). His loss was my gain as I had to try it for the purpose of this review (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!).

I would hope that a restaurant in the city of York that has been established as long as 31 Castlegate could provide a culinary experience to impress and it did. The menu offered just the right variety of choice and the food cooked with obvious skill and, more importantly, with love. However what sets excellent restaurant experiences apart from ordinary ones is the service and ambience. All the tables received attentive, friendly service, with advice passed from staff to table on menu choice and composition of each dish. And of course we just couldn’t fault that wallpaper, either..!

marriott_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € marriot_condensed_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" €

SO SO PERFECT PERFECT YOU'D YOU'D THINK THINK MUM MUM PLANNED PLANNED IT LUNCH IT SUNDAY SUNDAY LUNCH DOESN'T DOESN'TGET GETANY ANYBETTER BETTERTHAN THAN HERSELF HERSELF THIS THIS Treat Treat youryour Mum Mum to a to very a very special special Carvery Carvery lunch lunch atus The at Chase Bar Bar Join Join us atatThe The TheChase Chase Chase Bar Barand andGrill Grillwithin withinthe theYork YorkMarriott Marriottevery every andand GrillGrill within within the York the York Marriott Marriott this this Mother's Mother's Day,Day, Sunday 3rd 3rd Sunday Sunday for forSunday our oursumptuous sumptuous Carvery CarverySunday SundayLunch.

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YORK YORK MARRIOTT MARRIOTT HOTEL HOTEL YORK YORKMARRIOTT MARRIOTTHOTEL HOTEL Tadcaster Tadcaster Road,Road, York,York, Yorkshire Yorkshire YO24YO24 1QQ 1QQ Tadcaster TadcasterRoad, Road,York, York,Yorkshire YorkshireYO24 YO241QQ 1QQ 01904 01904 701000 701000 | YorkMarriott.co.uk | YorkMarriott.co.uk Follow Follow us onus Twitter, on Twitter, Find Find us onus Facebook on Facebook 01904 01904701000 701000| YorkMarriott.co.uk | YorkMarriott.co.uk Follow Followus uson onTwitter, Twitter,Find Findus uson onFacebook Facebook Limited Limited availability. availability.

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SO PERFECT YOU'D THINK MUM PLANNED IT HERSELF Treat your Mum to a very special Carvery lunch at The Chase Bar

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york on a fork

Authentic

Italian dining

Per Bacco is a fine pizza and pasta restaurant known for its warm Italian hospitality. The friendly members of staff serve delicious meals made from top-quality seasonal ingredients, featuring a high percentage of local and organic products. Fresh fish is a speciality.

The dining area has an intimate and contemporary feel with its high, open-beam ceiling, exposed brick and concrete, banquette seating and gentle lighting.

Luca, the owner, says: “Our approach towards the operation of the restaurant is truly co-operative. We believe that every single member of our staff is integral to our success.” n Per Bacco, 3 Silver Street, Riccall. Tel: 01757 249146.

Forest fare Great food with the best view in town – that’s what Treetops Restaurant at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre offers. If you’re looking for a quick snack before tackling a big bike ride, they offer a wide selection of sandwiches, baguettes and paninis, as well as hot and cold drinks. Or relax and take in the stunning forest views while enjoying one of their homemade cakes, pastries, cookies and muffins. Even better, spoil yourself with Treetops’ famous deluxe hot chocolate, topped with a mound of whipped cream and mini marshmallows! For bigger appetites, take a look at the daily specials board, where you’ll find delicious homemade meals such as Bangers & Mash topped with caramelised onions and Lasagne served with garlic bread and salad.

Or for food on the move, you can’t beat the Purple Mountain Cafe.

It’s a great place to enjoy a good coffee and a big slice of homemade cake.

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Jim’ll fix it TV legend Sir Jimmy Savile paid a surprise visit to York to celebrate the welcome return of a popular Indian restaurant to the city centre after a fiveyear absence.

The self-confessed curry fan attended the grand opening of Jinnah (York) in Cumberland Street. It’s the latest venture by York-based Saleem Akhtar and his brothers, who already have restaurants in Selby, Harrogate, Sheffield and York.

The restaurant’s Indian style buffet meal has already proved a hit elsewhere and now they’re hoping to repeat their success in the city.

The York restaurant is open each evening from 5.30pm and from midday on Sundays. The ‘Grand Kashmiri Buffet’ is available every day except Fridays and Saturdays at the incredibly low price of £8.95.

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

york on a fork

Kiss me Kate!

Celebrate the Royal Wedding in style by taking advantage of the excellent cuisine at York Racecourse.

Enjoy a two-course lunch, drink a toast to the future happiness of William and Kate, and watch the wedding itself, with all its pomp and ceremony, on a big screen.

Knavemire’s Big Fat Wedding Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for fans of the Royal Family to dress up and get all patriotic. Don’t forget to wear your big hat!

Cliff-top pub The Ship Inn, perched on the top of a cliff at Sewerby, is the ideal base for Your Local Link readers wishing to spend a day at the seaside. The family-friendly pub boasts a large beer garden with a children’s play area, burger bar, amusement arcade and sea views. There’s a large car park which has access to the beach.

Nearby is Sewerby Hall, which has its own zoo, from where you can take the land train to the seaside resort of Bridlington. Pub landlord Charlie Kilburn says: “You can park all day in our car park as long as you buy something from the pub. We also welcome motor homes, charging £10 a night.” n The Ship Inn has a daily carvery as well as chef’s specials such as braised belly pork, braised steak and haddock. For more details, call 01262 672374.

Tasty carve up Treat your Mum to a delicious Mother’s Day meal at the Coach House in Marygate, York, before strolling through the nearby Museum Gardens to enjoy all the spring flowers. At the pub’s Mother’s Day Carvery you can get two courses for £11.95 with children’s meals at half price. Tel: 652780.

The fun starts at 10am on Friday, April 29th, with a carvery served from noon. The bar closes at 4.30pm.

Mum’s the word when York Racecourse celebrates Mother’s Day with a three-course carvery lunch on Sunday, April 3rd. Go on, treat your Mum to a slap-up meal.

York Racecourse is also marking Easter Sunday with another three-course carvery lunch on Sunday, April 24th. Don’t forget your Easter eggs. n To book your place at any of these events, call 638971.

Mum’s the word Treat your mother to a vintage afternoon tea at the Bar Convent, Blossom Street, York, featuring a mouth-watering selection of dainty sandwiches, home-made scones, chocolate éclairs, fruit tartlets and strawberry shortcake. The Mother’s Day treat is being served between 2pm and 4pm from March 28th to April 2nd. n To book your table, call 643238.

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

Off to market 16th April Local meat, vegetables, Yorkshire cheeses, homemade soups and fruit wine are just some of the tempting treats on offer at the Farmers’ Market at York Auction Centre, Murton.

21st-23rd April Easter Crafts & Food Fayre, York city centre.

21st- 25th April Made in Yorkshire Crafts, York city centre.

24th April Easter Sunday Market, York city centre.

29th April Enjoy the best of Yorkshire’s local produce at the Farmers’ Market in York city centre.

From fresh vegetables to local meat and the best of British baking.

30th April Italian Market York city centre.

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york on a fork

Your FAVOURITE RECIPEs The Ship Inn, in the Picturesque village of Sewerby on the cliff tops overlooking the bay between the seaside town of Bridlington and fish ing village of Flamboroug h have kindly sent in thi s ver y tasty recipe.

The

Ship Crisp Belly Pork Inn SEWERBY

with Cider & Apple Gravy

Method: n Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/gas 4. n Place the pork, skin side up, in a roasting tray.

Rub a little olive oil over the skin, and then rub in the salt making sure it goes between the score lines. n Place in the oven for 11/2 hours. n Lift the pork from the tray and scatter in the

onions, celery, carrot and thyme. Sit the pork on top. Return to the oven and cook for another hour. n By now the meat should be meltingly soft and the skin wonderfully crisp. You can continue to roast the pork if you want the skin even crispier. n Transfer the pork to a board to rest, covered with foil.

3 1.3-1.5kg boneless pork belly with the fat scored every 1cm.

3 Olive oil for drizzling 3 2tsp flaked sea salt 3 2 large onions, peeled and thickly sliced 3 2 stalks of celery, thickly sliced 3 1 large carrot, thickly sliced 3 2 stalks of thyme 3 400m1 (14f l oz) cider 3 2 apples, cored and sliced 3 2tbsp runny honey n Spoon any excess fat from the roasting tray, and place the tray over a high heat on the hob. n Add the cider, apples and honey and bring to the boil, scraping any sticky residue from the base of the tray. n Season to taste and strain through a sieve, pushing it through with the base of a ladle. n Slice the pork thickly, and serve.

Win free entry to

The Healing Spirit Fayre and a £25 gift voucher

The Healing Spirit Fayre is a Psychic and Alternative Therapies Fayre that brings together some of the most popular clairvoyants, mediums, palmistry experts and many others under one roof. You'll also find Reiki, Spiritual and alternative therapies, plus a wide range of New Age stalls, books, CDs, incense, jewellery and much more! There will be talks and demonstrations throughout the day, with speakers including international clairvoyant JewelMarie Leaf.

The Fayre is run by one of Yorkshire’s best known mediums, Nance Turner, a one time paranormal investigator for National Magazine Vision.

The Fayre, now in its third year, will be held at The Folk Hall, New Earswick on Saturday 30th April from 10am - 4pm. Admission is £2, with concessions for students and OAPS. Readings and therapies will have individual prices.

The organisers are giving readers a chance to win free entry for four people and a £25 Gift voucher to spend at the event. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the following question: Which international clairvoyant will be speaking at this year’s event?

Send your answers on a postcard marked ‘Healing Spirit Fayre’ to the address on page five, to reach us by Monday 11th April. n For more information on The Healing Spirit Fayre please contact 764247 or log onto www.healingspiritconnection.co.cc 74

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

events

Do just a few minutes more physical activity every day.

Do just a few minutes more physical activity every day.

Visit the fitness promotions and loads of local ideas to Visit the website for fitness prizes, promotions andwebsite loads offor local ideasprizes, to become more active. www.justafewminutesmore.com become more active. www.justafewminutesmore.com

Ghost Trail of York, West Doors of York Minster. 7.30pm every night. Whether you’re a visitor or you’ve lived in York all your life, the chances are you don’t know much about the supernatural side of the city. Dare you cross the centuries and discover more about York’s spinetingling history? Join an Equity-qualified guide and hear tales of murder, mayhem and unexplained death – and possibly have a giggle or two along the way! The tour is now in its 18th highly successful year. Call 633276 for more information.

York Dungeon 12 Clifford Street. The York Dungeon brings York’s horrible history to life with 11 live shows, actors and special effects. Face the drop with Dick Turpin, see a witch burned alive before your eyes, enter the Labyrinth of the Lost and witness the darker side of our Viking ancestors.

Or if you’re feeling really brave, face the Judgement of Sinners and pray the judge has pity on your soul (warning – it’s very unlikely!). And if all that leaves you lost for words, the city torturer can always be guaranteed to get you talking, whether with the hook, the castrator, the jaw breaker, or the creeping agony of the rack. Call 632 599 or 0871 423 2260 for bookings.

YorkBoat The Boatyard, Lendal Bridge.

Yorkboat is one of the largest fleet of modern sightseeing, restaurant and party boats outside

London. Every YorkBoat has modern toilets, heated lounges with large windows for maximum viewing and comfort, tea/coffee and bar facilities and open sun-decks. On selected dates starting 9th April you can hop on board the YorkBoat River Bus and enjoy a relaxing, hassle-free journey from Naburn to the city centre and back again. There’s plenty to see as you travel upstream past the Archbishop’s Palace straight into the heart of the city – and no getting stuck in traffic! Call 628324, www.yorkboat.co.uk

Until September Shipwrecks DIG, St Saviourgate. A 400 year old merman, discovered with the remains of a 17th Century merchant ship in Dorset, is just one of the fascinating exhibits at the York Archaeological Trust’s fascinating exhibition. Shipwrecks will enable visitors to explore the underwater world of marine archaeology and find out how shipwrecks are discovered, recovered and preserved for future generations. The exhibition will also include other finds from the Swash Channel wreckage such as a swivel gun and an apothecary jar. Gunpowder containers from an Elizabethan wreck from Alderney; expanding bar shot; and a mysterious rescued object which can only be seen through x-rays will also form part of DIG’s Shipwrecks exhibition. Visit www.digyork.com for details

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 62202 2 or 631818

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events

30 March & 6 April Silver Cyclists Taster Session Dalby Forest. Did you know that people who cycle regularly have the health of someone ten years younger? Which is why Purple Mountain have come up with Purple Wednesdays, weekly cycling sessions for over 55s who want to get – and stay fit. They’re running a series of Taster Sessions at their bike centre in Dalby Forest. You’ll ride with a Purple Mountain guide who’ll give you top tips and guide you through the beautiful forest. Come and enjoy a sociable ride, followed by coffee and cake in the Purple Mountain Cafe. Call 01751 460011 to book, or visit www.purplemountain.co.uk .

1 - 30 April Abbey Tours Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Daily 11am, 1pm & 2pm. Join a tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks. Meet at Porter’s Lodge. For further information, call 01765 608888.

Mr Aislabie’s Garden Tour Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Daily 11.30am. Enjoy a guided tour taking in the grand design of the Georgian landscape including Deer Park and Water Garden. Call 01765 608888.

1 April – 31 July Gilding The Lily Fairfax House. Did you know the Georgians were passionate about plant life? They loved flowers, not only in their gardens but also all over their homes, in paintings, porcelain, furniture and even their pocket watches!

Now you can find out more at this important new exhibition, which brings together precious works of art from all over the country – including the royal

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palaces! There are also some pieces from private collections never before seen in public. Don’t miss it! Call 655543 or visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 April St Mary’s Church Tour Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 11am. Take a free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges.

Meet at St Mary’s Church. Call 01765 608888.

1,8,15,29 April Antiques and Collectors Fair Helmsley Town Hall. 9.30am- 4.30pm. Also watch out for their Five day Easter Event from 21st – 25th April.

2 & 3 April Grand Spring Re-opening The Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton. 10am – 5pm. Celebrate country crafts and games at the Museum’s Spring re-opening weekend. The museum will host a number of local and traditional craft stalls and demonstrations run by costumed interpreters. These will include corn dolly making, a working blacksmith, wool spinning and weaving demonstrations, folk singers and, in the Victorian farmhouse kitchen, living history staff will show you how to make traditional recipes. The Yorkshire and District Beekeepers will be on site and the Derwent Valley Light Railway will be running train rides for visitors. Drop in on celebrity goat Jeffery and his new Spring livestock friends. There will also

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2, 9, 16 April Antiques and Collectors Fair Wetherby Town Hall. 9.30am – 4.30pm.

2, 6, 16 April Beyond Monopoly Railway Institute, Queen St. 10am – 6pm. Come and join York’s friendliest boardgame club. Fun and games guaranteed – and your first visit is free. For more information, email bmyork@gmail.com.

2 April Song Recital the Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York. 7.30pm. Baritone Robert Rice’s recital, with William Vann on piano, explores the partnership between Late Music composers and York Literature Festival poets. The programme also includes music by Michael Berkley, Mark Anthony Turnage, Henri Duttilleux and the first performance of Steve Crowther’s Songs For Fred. There will be a pre-concert talk by David Power at 6.45pm and an interval poetry reading by Don Walls. The concert takes place at the Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, at 7.30pm.

Tickets: www.latemusic.org or on the door.

3 April

12.30pm. Booking essential on 624247.

Mother’s Day Concert & Afternoon Tea Fairfax House. 4.30 – 6pm.

Ebor lecture York Minster. 7pm. Peter Taylor,

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a special concert and afternoon tea in the splendid surroundings of the Saloon at Fairfax House. Soprano Jessa Liversidge and pianist Malcolm Maddock (from York Musical Theatre Company) have a treat in store for you with a superb programme of musical favourites plus some flower-themed songs inspired by the latest decorative arts exhibition, Gilding the Lily. It’s the perfect treat for your mum – or even yourself!

Call 655543, or visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk.

Mother’s Day Morning Nostell Priory and Parkland, Doncaster Road, Nostell Nr Wakefield. 10am. Bring mum for a special morning at Nostell. It starts at 10.30am with a cooked breakfast in the Tea Rooms. Then you will set off for a two hour tour of the gardens, led by Head Gardener, Paul. This will be followed by afternoon tea in the Tearooms. Booking is essential – call 01924 863892

presenter of the BBC series ‘Age of Terror’, will deliver this month’s Ebor Lecture. His talk is entitled ‘What is a Terrorist?’ Book your free ticket by phone on 876474 .

9, 16 & 25 April Chocolate tour Museum Gardens gates.

10.30am and 2pm. Ever since the Rowntree and Terry families produced their first chocolate bars, York’s history has been built on sweeties (so to speak). Now here’s your chance to find out more about the confectionery industry that helped make the city great. Hear the history of Terry’s and Rowntree, visit choccy and sweetie shops and taste free samples! It’s a delicious treat for the whole family. It’s just one of the tours offered by Yorkwalk, which offers a fascinating look at the side of the city which visitors and locals rarely get to see. For more information, call Yorkwalk on 622303.

9 – 25 April

12.30pm. If you single, widowed or looking to make new friends, enjoy a two-course lunch at

Japan Festival National Railway Museum.

Celebrate the culture of Japan with music, matrial arts and much more. The NRM have gathered together the best of the East to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Shinkansen arriving at the Museum. There are a whole host of activities for all the family. Make your own origami bullet train, find out how to wear a kimono and learn the basics of unarmed combat, with displays of Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo, Shotokan Karate and Shodokan Aikido. There will be breathtaking Taiko drumming, and a rare opportunity to access the cab of Shinkansen, the only bullet train outside Japan. Call 08448 153139 or go online at www.nrm.org.uk

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Visit to Boundary Mill Colne and Oswaldtwistle Mills. Join the team at Glenn Coaches for a visit to Boundary Mill’s new Colne store, where you can pick up a bargain in ladies and menswear, homewares, luggage and lingerie and much, much more. Then it’s off to Oswaldtwistle for some more retail therapy!

Call 769914 for more information.

6 April – 27 October Upstairs Downstairs Tours Nostell Priory and Parkland, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Nr Wakefield. Visit the impressive vaulted cellars and the near derelict servants quarters. Discover how the family and their servants lived and worked at Nostell, including parts of the house not generally open to the public! Call 01924 863892

6 April Lunch Club Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard.

events

be new displays including Yorkshire Wagons and Ferguson tractors as well as fun new features for children. Tel. 489966, www.murtonpark.co.uk.

events

bun recipes, use some original toasting forks, and learn about Easter traditions of the past. Also, see a splash of rainy day wear from the past - from umbrellas and the first wellington boots to the iconic foldaway rain hat. See how soldiers got the boots and buttons polished up to satisfy the sergeant major. View archive footage of soldiers of the Yorkshire & Lancaster Regiment parading in York in 1915. For more details, call 687687 or go to www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

9 April – 30 October The Battle of Towton Micklegate Bar Museum. This year sees the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Towton, one of the turning points in the Wars of the Roses. This innovative new exhibition tells the triumphant and tragic story of Britain’s bloodiest battle, which decided the fate of a kingdom and left thousands dead.

9 – 25 April Easter Egg Trail Treasurer’s House, Minster Seeing Stars Yorkshire Museum. 10am – 5pm. Take the star trail through the Yorkshire Museum this Easter and find out which gods and animals you can find in the night sky. Then create your own starry myths and legends and draw your story as a comic strip to take home. Create your own model of a planet and draw a picture of the stars with chalk pastels. For more details, call 687687 or go to www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

Easter Extravaganza York Castle Museum. 10am – 4pm. See what’s cooking in the kitchen studio as York Castle Museum delves into the world of Easter foods and traditions. Visitors will have the chance to sample some historic hot cross

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Yard. 11am - 4.30pm (closed Fridays). Have some Eater fun and find out more about one of the city’s most intriguing stately homes. Families will be able to explore the historic rooms of Treasurer’s House, in search of bogus and bonus bunnies. Successful bunny hunters will be able to take away a Cadbury Egghead Chocolate Egg! Even if you miss out on the big prize, you can still visit the tearoom for other Easter treats or relax in the garden with views of York Minster. Trails are free, but normal house admission applies. No booking is required. Call 624247 for more information.

Easter School Holiday Fun Spring Flowers, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 11am3pm. Free trail and drop in self-led activities for

children. Come along and have some fantastic Easter fun! Call 01765 608888.

9 April – 10 September Guided walks around the Parkland Nostell Priory and Parkland, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Nr Wakefield. Join the wonderful informative walks led and narrated by volunteer walk leaders every Wednesday and Saturday. Walks take between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Call the Guided Walks Coordinator on 0777 501 2073 or email ian.vincent@nationaltrust.org.uk

9 & 10 April Fashion & Gift Fair The Guildhall. 10am – 4pm. Bored with the High Street? Looking for a unique shopping experience where you can find something truly fabulous? Then look no further than All Season Events’ new Fashion & Gift Fair. You’ll find an excellent variety of gifts, crafts, ladieswear, childrens wear, jewellery, homewares, beauty products, toys, Books, handbags, and accessories and many many more all under one roof! For more information on this and other All Season Events, visit www.allseasonevents.co.uk.

Meet the Gatekeeper Micklegate Bar Museum. 10.30am – 4pm. The Bar’s medieval gatekeeper will be on hand with fun and gruesome activities for kids.

9 April World Heritage Site Tour Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 10.30am-1pm. Find out what makes Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal a World Heritage Site. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Outdoor footwear recommended. For further information, call 01765 608888.

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Books, Games, Raffle, Tombola, Toys, Cake Stall, Refreshments.

Spirit & Healing Fair

Easter Fair Haxby Memorial Hall. Variety of

York at the time of Towton Departs Micklegate Bar Museum. 10.30am. £4 adult, £3 concessions. Join a YAT historian for a guided introduction to Towton-era landmarks in York. See the remains of the city’s great religious houses, tour the infamous sites where the heads of the king’s enemies were put on display, and visit the reputed final resting-place of one of Towton’s fallen leaders.

Please be prepared to walk long distances, up and down stairs and across busy roads. Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing recommended. Call 615505

Slingsby village hall. Tel: 01653 627266.

stalls including a cake stall supplied by the Wigginton & Haxby WI.

Long Marston Parish History Group Special Exhibition All Saints Church, Long Marston. 10am – 4pm. The History Group presents ‘The Parish In Photographs to the Present Day’. For further information call 738456

Terry’s Towton DIG, St Saviourgate.

10.30am – 12.30pm. Meet Terry Deary, author of the Horrible Histories series, as he signs books and chats with his fans, assisted by a team of horrible medieval peasants. Plus collect your free child’s ticket to visit Micklegate Bar and Barley Hall.

Fatal Colours with George Goodwin and Tim Sutherland, York Mansion House. 3pm.

Enter the splendid setting of the state room at York Mansion House to hear two contrasting views of the greatest battle in English history.

Historian George Goodwin will present his major new study of the battle, a gripping account based on original documents and new research, and battlefield archaeologist Tim Sutherland will provide a fascinating insight into the excavation of Towton mass graves and the ongoing work to interpret the site. Pre-booking essential – call 615505

From 10 April Giant Car Boot Sale York Riding School, Mozart Requiem and Bach Double Violin Concert York Minster. 7.30pm. It was Joseph Haydn’s opinion that Mozart’s Requiem Mass was alone sufficient to secure eternal fame for the composer. This concert celebrates both composers work, featuring Haydn’s powerful anthem, Insanae et vanae curae, opening York Musical Society’s Passiontide concert.

Visit to White Rose Centre and Tong Garden Centre. Join the team at Glenn Coaches for a spot of retail therapy at one of the county’s best shopping centres. Then head off to Tong Garden Centre to pick up some garden bargains. Call 769914 for more information.

Bring & Buy New Earswick & District Indoor Bowls Club, Huntington Road. 10am – 2pm.

Wigginton Road. 6am start. The Big One is coming to York! Yes, as from 10th April York Riding School (next to Creepy Crawlies Adventure Playpark) will be playing host to the city’s first GIANT car boot sale. It’s your chance to empty your lofts, garages and sheds and turn your unwanted stuff into cash! Alternatively, why not go along and pick up a bargain? For more information, call 07980 or 07798 588011. Strictly no new or counterfeit goods.

10 April

• Admission Adult £8

Medieval Industry TourTicket Fountains (2A & 2C) £22 • Family

Children & Concessions Abbey & Studley Royal. •11am.

Join a tour to find£6 out about the industrious English Cistercians. Meet • Bus Service from •Railway Admission Adult at the Visitor Centre. For further information, call £8 York Station Family Ticket (2A & 2C) £22 • Free •Parking for 800 cars 01765 608888.

• Children & Concessions £6 • Full Refreshment Service

Specialist Plant Fair Sutton Park. 11am – 4pm. Looking for something unusual for your garden? This is where you’ll find it. Flower Power Fairs bring together enthusiastic plant growers from all over theThe North of England.Annual You’ll find a wide 49th selection of rare, quirky but above all good quality and reasonably priced plants from some top awardwinning nurseries, some of which are no longer The 49th available anywhere else. TheAnnual atmosphere is friendly, and the growers are all passionate about plants and keen to share their expertise and advice.

• Bus Service from York Railway Station • Admission Adult £8 • Free ParkingTicket for 800(2Acars & 2C) £22 • Family • Admission Adult £8 • Full Refreshment Service

• Children & Concessions • Family Ticket (2A & 2C) £22 £6

• Children & Concessions £6 • Admission Adult £8 • •Bus Service from (2A & 2C)from £22 • Family Ticket Bus Service • Children &Railway Concessions £6 York Station York Railway Station • Free Parking for for 800 • Free Parking 800cars cars • Bus Service from • Full Refreshment Service • Full Refreshment Service York Railway Station • Free Parking for 800 cars • Full Refreshment Service

Opening Hours Daily 10am - 5pm

The 49th Annual • Admission Adult £8 • Family Ticket (2A & 2C) £22 • Children & Concessions £6

The 49th Annual The 49th Annual OPENING HOURS The 49th Daily 10am - 5pm

Annual

OPENING HOURS Daily 10am - 5pm

OPENING HOURS• Daily 10am - 5pm

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OPENING HOURS - 5pm • Fr • Fu

OPENING HOURS Daily 10am Daily 10am - 5pm

• Bus Service from York Railway Station • Free Parking for 800 cars • Full Refreshment Service

OPENING HOURS Daily 10am - 5pm

23rd, 24th April2011 2011 23rd, 24th& & 25th 25th April 23rd, 24th & 25th April2011 Over 100 stands& including 40 40 layouts 23rd, 24th 25th over April 2011 Over 100 stands over layouts Over 100 standsincluding including over 40 layouts • Demonstrations, Trade Stands

• Demonstrations, Trade Stands & Specialist Societies all here!

• Demonstrations, Trade Stands Over 100 stands including over 40 layouts & Specialist Societies all here!

Demonstrations, Trade Stands &• Specialist Societies all here!

At the KNAVESMIRE STAND, YORK RACECOURSE & Specialist Societies all here!

Advance booking (at slightly reduced prices) available from: 17 Danebury Drive, Acomb, York YO26 5EQ (Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope & make cheques payable to: York Model Railway Show).

At the KNAVESMIRE YORKRACECOURSE RACECOURSE At the KNAVESMIRE STAND, STAND, YORK At the KNAVESMIRE STAND, YORK RACECOURSE

23rd, 24th & 25th April 2011 Printed by Askew Design & Print, Doncaster. Tel: 01302 323714

Ask:3948

Advance booking (at slightly reduced prices)available available from: Drive, Acomb, YorkYork YO26YO26 5EQ 5EQ Advance booking (at slightly reduced prices) from: 17 17Danebury Danebury Drive, Acomb, Advance booking (at slightly reduced prices) available from: 17 Danebury Drive, Acomb, York YO26 5EQ (Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope make cheques payable York Model Railway Show).

(Please enclose a enclose stamped addressed envelope &&&make cheques payable to: York Model Railway Show).

(Please a stamped addressed envelope make cheques payable to:to: York Model Railway Show).

Printed

by Askew Design Print,Doncaster.

Doncaster. Tel: 323714 Printed

by Askew Design & &Print, Tel:01302 01302 323714Ask:3948 Ask:3948

Printed by Askew Design & Print, Doncaster. Tel: 01302 323714

Ask:3948

Over 100 stands including over 40 layouts For a healthier, happier you visit www.justafewminutesmore.com 79t • Demonstrations, TradeA Stands

Antique & Collectors Fair York Racecourse. For further details, contact Reg Frost on 07817724904

11, 13 & 20 April Art at the Adventurers’ Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. 11am – 3pm. Be inspired by a building which has stood in the centre of York for over 650 years. Imagine what the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall may once have looked like.

Design your own coat of arms or guild banner!

Create a portrait with a difference or take part in our memory challenge! Spaces limited.

launch of the Swash Channel Wreck exhibition by testing your Tudor pirate skills in a series of fiendish challenges. Have you got what it takes to be the scourge of the seven seas? Come to DIG to find out and to be in with a chance of winning a family visit to the Legoland Discovery Centre!

12 & 19 April Spring Has Sprung, Nostell Priory Doncaster Road, Nostell, Nr Wakefield. 10.30am.

Celebrate the arrival of Spring (well, hopefully!) with these great activities actitivites for the whole family. Bbooking is essential – call 01924 863892.

11 - 24 April

12 – 15 April

Francis Drake’s Pirate Challenge, DIG, St Saviourgate. 10.30am – 4pm. Celebrate the

Holiday Bible Club York Baptist Church.

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The theme is ‘Down on the Farm’, and for one

week only, York Baptist Church is becoming a Yorkshire farm complete with tractor, animals, windmill and barn. Featuring songs, sketches, Bible stories as well as activities, crafts and quizzes. For more information, call 640124 or 07597 562953.

12 April Open Cabinets, Treasurer’s House behind York Minster, 11am – 4.30pm.

Find out what lies behind the doors of some of the furniture at the National Trust property. Tel: 624247.

13 – 21 April It’s a Monk’s Life Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal (every Wed, Thu & Fri only) 2pm.

Join the fun for a family tour of the Abbey. Dress

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in monks’ robes and learn about their daily life.

Suitable for age seven and over. £1.50 per child.

Meet at the Visitor Centre. Call 01765 608888.

13 April Family Fun Papermaking Dalby Forest.

10am – 12.30pm. Have fun learning the simple craft of papermaking using colourful recycled waste paper adding nature’s finds to make decorative sheets for cards, books or pictures. Suitable for over 6s. Booking essential – call 01751 460134.

Spring Fashion Show The Folk Hall, New Earswick. Doors open 7pm. Featuring fashions from ‘Elise’ of Goodramgate, plus stalls selling chocolate, greetings cards, gifts, jewellery and make-up. In aid of the NSPCC. Tickets £10 from ‘Elise’ on 679984 or Mrs Jane Brown on 655947.

Deer Walk Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal.

2pm-4pm. Come and spot the 500 Red, Fallow and Sika deer that live in the Medieval Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Call 01765 608888.

Easter Coffee Morning Cancer Care Centre, York Hospital. 10am – 12 noon. There will be a prize raffle, lots of cakes and refreshments not to mention a stall full of Easter treats. All proceeds will go to local charity York Against Cancer. Call Michelle or Claire on 721166.

15 & 21 April Guided Family Dalby Ride Dalby Forest, near Thornton-le-Dale. Starts 10am.

Have fun, learning new riding skills and spend quality time with the family by joining a fun-packed three hour session with a Purple Mountain guide/ instructor. Includes drink and snacks from the Purple Mountain Café. www.purplemountain.co.uk

15 – 26 April Easter Fun Fair St George’s Field Car Park.

Open 12 noon to early evenings. The Annual Easter Fun Fair has become a tradition in the city, so you’ll be pleased to hear it’s opening for business from 15th. There are rides for kids of all ages, so the whole family can join in the fun. If you look out for the ad in Your Local Link, you’ll also get two for one on all rides!

15 April An Audience with Joanna Trollope Explore York Library Learning Centre. 2pm. Best selling novelist Joanna Trollope will be talking about her latest books, Daughters in Law and The Other Family. Tickets £5 (with YorkCard) and £6.50 from Explore York, tel. 552815, or exploreyork@york. gov.uk

Cafe-dance Clement’s Hall, Nunthorpe Road.

8 -11.30pm.York’s popular jazz trio Bejazzled will play swing and latin music for dancing. Tickets £5.50 on door / £4.50 in advance from 654174.

Haxby & Wigginton U3A Wigginton

Woodland Wander Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 2pm-4pm. Discover the beauty of the springtime trees and woodland on a guided walk. Meet at the Visitor Centre. For further information, call 01765 608888.

Easter Concert the Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street. 7.30pm. The Chanticleer Singers are a lively chamber choir of approximately 30 voices who will once again be providing a wonderful Easter concert in the Bar Convent’s beautiful Chapel. The choir, directed by Jane Sturmheit, will perform a range of music from sacred works of celebration to more secular music, with accompanist Ray Sturdy. Tickets are £10 including light refreshments. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available in advance only by calling Lynn Gale on 01904 643238 or email reception@barconvent.org.uk. Fundraising event on behalf of the Bar Convent Heritage

Coffee Morning Haxby Memorial Hall.

10am In aid of Haxby & Wigginton U3A. Entrance £1 to include refreshments.

Rcreation Hall. 2pm. Talk by Francesca Horsfield on The Role of the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire.

17 April

16 April

11am – 3pm. Looking for ideas and inspiration for your big day? Head along to the Spring Wedding Fair being held at The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

You can explore the beautiful venue and chat to a whole host of wedding experts, who’ll all be on hand to help you plan a day to remember.

The event is on from 11am to 3pm, and admission is free. Call 654818 or log on to www. theyorkcompany.co.uk.

The Aislabies’ Deer Park Tour Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 11am. Join a guided tour to discover more about the Aislabies’ Deer Park. Including: St Mary’s Church, Studley Hall, the Lime Kiln, the deer, the ice houses and a visit to the Valley of the Seven Bridges. Meet at the Visitor Centre. For further information, call 01765 608888.

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Wedding Fair Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

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events

Towton Anniversary Events Towton Hall, Towton. 9.30am – 4pm. Join the Towton Battlefield Society on Palm Sunday for falconry displays, traders, living history and military displays by the Wars of the Roses Federation. Plus, meet Graham Turner, the acclaimed historical artist. With a new, four mile guided walk to enjoy (departing every 15 minutes from 9.30 to 10.45) and refreshments for sale in the Rockingham Arms.

Walkers are advised to wear sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing. See www.towton.org.uk for information. A Towton Battlefield Society event.

The Stamford Bridge Singers, St

Terry and the Chocolate Orange Fairfax House. 10.30am and 4.30pm. We all know York’s fame and fortune was built on chocolate, and the people who made it. Now you can find out more with these fun storytelling and drama activities for kids with Jenna Drury of Mud Pie Arts.

You’ll hear all about the story of chocolate and the Terry family in York. Find out how and why chocolate became popular in the 18th century, and how chocolate is made from rainforest to factory.

There’s even the chance to use your imagination and create your very own chocolate machine!

Even better, rich hot chocolate will be served to all chocolate workers. Find out more by calling 655543 or visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk.

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John and All Saints Church, Easingwold. 6.30pm.

The Stamford Bridge Singers will be leading a Meditation upon Holy Week and Easter in words and music. Readings will be taken from the Bible and will include poems by Dorothy Parker and R S Thomas. There will be hymns for everyone to join in with and music sung by the choir will include: Hosanna to the Son of David (Thomas Weelkes), God so loved the world (John Stainer), The Crown of Roses (Tchaikovsky), The Strife is o’er (Vulpius, arr. Henry Lee) and Christus Factus Est (Anerio).

18 April Amusing Stories Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 2pm. Come and have a laugh!

Stories for 4-9 year olds at Swanley Grange. £1.50 per child. Booking essential. Tel. 01765 643166.

19 April Lunch at North Star. Join the team at Glenn Coaches for a trip out to the dramatic and beautiful East Yorkshire coast. You’ll enjoy lunch at the North Star, a restaurant famous for its delicious Flamborough seafood. Call 769914

20 April Easter Fun Day Dalby Forest. Bring along a hard boiled egg, decorate it and join in the Easter egg rolling tradition! Egg decorating 10.00am and 1.00pm, with Egg rolling 10.45am and 1.45pm.

Don’t forget suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

21 – 23 April Easter Craft and Food Fair Parliament Street. 8.30am – 5pm. Your chance to buy crafts and gifts from all over the country. Plus there’ll be food stalls selling the very best of Yorkshire’s produce. Call 551355 or 07887 754455.

22 April Good Friday Service Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 3pm. An ecumenical service in the Abbey. Everyone welcome. Call 01765 608888.

Trip to Helmsley and Whitby Join the team at Glenn Coaches for a two centre day out. First stop is the pretty market town of Helmsley, where you’ll have time to wander around the picturesque shops. Then it’s on to the fascinating town of Whitby for some bracing sea air!

Call 769914 for more information.

Easter Extravaganza Best Western York Pavilion Hotel. Family fun event in support of the York Teaching Hospital Charity. From now until Good Friday, children under 16 can take part in an Easter egg design competition and win a prize (contact Harrison McKenzie on 07905 808830 or Lucy Watson on 721737 for a stencil, or download one from www.yorkpavilionhotel.com). On Good Friday from 11.30am there will be a host of Easterthemed events, including an egg hunt, raffle, mini egg competition and other entertainment. The

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Clifford Tower. 10am – 6pm. Throughout the Easter weekend, a series of mini dastardly dragon models will be concealed all around Clifford’s Tower, from the fireplaces to the ramparts, and young visitors will be invited to play the role of St George and hunt them all down before they cause distress to any more damsels! Anyone finding all of the dragons will be rewarded with a special treat!

Call 646940, www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffords

22, 23 & 25 April Great Easter Egg Hunt The Farmer’s

hotel will also offer a discounted lunch to anyone participating in the Easter egg design competition (subject to availability) at the price of £10.99 for two courses. To book, call 01904 622099.

22 – 25 April Easter Traditional Fair and Shire Horse Experience Castle Howard. A traditional Victorian fun fair including children’s Carousel, Train-Ride, Swing-Boats, Chair-O-Planes, face painting and candy barrow. Meet ‘Molly’ the rabbit and follow her fabulous Easter bunny trail.

Take a ride on a dray cart pulled by a magnificent Shire horse. Get close up with the gentle giants and learn how the Shire Horses are prepared for special days out. Call 01653 648333 for more information.

Cart, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York. From 10am. On Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday, The Farmer’s Cart near Strensall is welcoming young Easter egg hunters.

Their quest is to hunt down all the Easter chicks hidden in the fields and retrieve an egg from each one. It’s fun for all the family! Other eggs-citing events include the Egg Painting Competition, Chicken Flappin’, Giant Straw Maze, The Chicken Run Giant Slide, Bunny’s BBQ or watching the animals busying their day away in the paddocks outside the farm shop. The farm shop and cafe will be open as usual. Call 499183.

23 & 24 April Antiques and Collectors Fair Ripley Village Hall. 9am – 4.30pm. Call 01423 889163 or 0776 5006996

23 – 25 April York Model Railway Show Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse. 10am – 5pm. Calling all railway buffs! The 49th annual York Model Railway Show is back, and it promises to be even bigger

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and better than ever! You’ll find over 100 stands including more than 40 amazing layouts for you to admire, plus demonstrations and trade stands to help you create your own brilliant displays at home.

Many of the country’s specialist societies will also be there so you can swop tips and advice.

Selby Game Fair Carlton Towers, nr Goole.

9am – 6pm. Where do we start to describe Selby Game Fair? If you’ve ever been, you’ll know what an amazing event it is. And if you haven’t – what are you waiting for? There really is something for everyone here, whether you’re a country lover or you’ve never put on a pair of green wellies in your life. If you’re the outdoorsy type (and even if you’re not), you can enjoy clay shooting, show jumping, lurcher and terrier events and gun dog demonstrations, not to mention all the other animals on display. For the children, there are quad bikes, and a special kiddie zone with bouncy castles and much more. And shopaholics will love browsing the shopping pavilion and the crafts marquee, where many of our best country craftspeople will be showing off their wares. For more information, visit www.selbygamefair.co.uk.

Easter Eggstravaganza Nostell Priory and Parkland, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Nr Wakefield. Loads of family fun at Nostell Priory over the Bank Holiday Weekend. On Easter Saturday there’ll be Egg hunts in garden and Easter Trails in House. Then on Easter Sunday and Monday Easter there will be another Egg hunt in the gardens and an Easter trail in the house, plus face painting, egg and spoon races and lots more. Fun and games for everyone with lots of chocolate! What more could you need? Booking not essential – call 01924 863892 for more information.

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events

Dragon Family Fun Trail

St George’s Day Disco New Earswick Bowls Club, Huntington Road. 7.30pm – 12 midnight. Get out your best red and white and come along to the St George’s Day Disco with pie and peas supper. Tickets cost £10 each – call Jean on 760347, Margaret on 490889 or Maureen on 763903.

Trip to Kendal and Windermere.

Join the team at Glenn Coaches for a great trip over to the scenic Lake District. You’ll stop off for Market Day in Kendal, where you can pick up a bargain. Then it’s on to the beautiful lakeside town of Windermere. Call 769914 for more information.

23 April – 2 May Bear & Music Festival The Ship Inn, Cliff Road, Sewerby. 10-day Festival featuring 20 different cask ales and a variety of acoustic-style live music. Call 01262 672374 for more information.

23 April Fountains in Spring Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 11am-1pm.

Spring has sprung! Celebrate with a guided walk around this magnificent estate. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Call 01765 608888.

The Lord Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt. Collect treasure sheets from JORVIK. 10am – 1pm (participants to start no later than 12 noon). Set out from JORVIK on a city-wide quest for chocolate. Solve the puzzles to visit six different locations around the city, with a treat at each stop!

Includes free entry to Micklegate Bar Museum for children (£1 for each accompanying adult).

24 & 25 April Cadbury Easter Fun Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 11am-4pm.

Easter trails chocolate ‘eggheads’, face painters, story-telling, and a Cadbury play area.

Meet at Swanley Grange. Plus on 25th only, enjoy some fun Easter Egg ‘Eggsploits’ at 2pm. Bring your decorated hard boiled eggs for the annual best decorated egg and egg rolling competitions. Meet on the Abbey West Green. Call 01765 608888.

Victorian Falconry Rievaulx Abbey.

11.30am – 5pm. If you are expecting to find fluffy little yellow chicks at Rievaulx Abbey this Easter, think again! The birds taking to the sky on Easter Sunday and Monday are some of the most effective hunting birds you can find, as Rievaulx turns back the clock 100 years for a series of displays of Victorian falconry! See some of the skills of the Victorian falconer re-created by expert re-enactors, Mike and Emma Raphael as their highly-trained birds of prey take to the skies above Rievaulx’s soaring arches. For details, call 01439 798228.

24 April Easter Sunday Market Newgate Market, Parliament Street. 9.30am – 4.30pm. If you’ve overdone the Easter Eggs this year, why not walk off those extra calories with a stroll around York’s famous market? Who knows, you could pick up a bargain! Call 551355 or 07887 754455.

Children’s Treasure Hunt Sutton Park. 11am – 3pm. Bring to kids along to enjoy hunting for goods in the grounds of this magnificent 18th century stately home.

Family fun day Turf Tavern, Thanet Road, Dringhouses. Starts 1.30pm. Looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter? Then why not take the kids along to the Turf Tavern. There are all kinds of fun and games on offer for the whole family. Have a go on the junior quad bikes, enjoy the bouncy castle and slide, try your hand at the penalty shoot-out or search for treasure on the Easter Egg Hunt. If you’ve overdone the chocolate, why not work it off at the disco? It’s the perfect way to spend an Easter Sunday! For more information, call 703846.

Fox Fest 2011 Fox Inn, Holgate Road. A day of live music, bbq, raffle, auction, face painting and children’s bouncy castle. All in aid of York Hospital Renal Unit. Contact www.foxfestyork.co.uk.

25 April Trip to Bakewell and Buxton Join the team at Glenn Coaches for a trip into the beautiful Peak District. Stop off at Bakewell for the Market and to cample some of their legendary Bakewell pudding. Then head off to the picturesque town of Buxton. Call 769914 for more information.

AN EASTER CONCERT IN THE BAR CONVENT CHAPEL THE CHANTICLEER SINGERS WITH ACCOMPANIST RAY STURDY & DIRECTOR JANE STURMHEIT

SATURDAY 16 APRIL, 7.30PM

TICKETS £10.00 including light refreshments All proceeds to go to the Bar Convent Heritage Project

t: 01904 643238 w: www.bar-convent.org.uk

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Dalby Duck Dash Dalby Forest. Buy a ticket for a duck and see if yours floats the fastest down the Beck! Organised and run by the Friends of Dalby Forest.

27 April Navigation Skills Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 9am-5pm. Take a one day course to learn basic navigation skills. Learn how to understand an OS map, use a compass and stay safe on the hills. £49 per person. Booking essential.

Tel. 01423 871750

28 April York Anglo-Scandinavian Society Annual General Meeting Heslington Village Hall. 7.30pm. Meeting will be followed by a programme of live Norwegian music featuring Folk Fiddlers from Lillehammer. All welcome.

28 April – 2 May Harrogate Antique & Fine Art Fair Harrogate International Centre. Harrogate Antique & Fine Art Fair takes place at the spa town’s impressive International Centre. Encompassing a huge variety of periods, trends and styles, the fair is one of the finest in the country. With its ample parking facilities and excellent food, the International Centre provides a wonderful base for a day exploring the range of antique furniture, porcelain, silver and paintings on offer. A gala reception on April 28th will raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. There will also be exciting events to celebrate the Royal Wedding. For more details, go to www.harrogateantiquefair.com Call 01823 323363

29 April – 1 May BISHOPSTOCK 2 Bishopthorpe Sports and Social Club, Main Street, Bishopthorpe. Charity weekend in aid of Help for Heroes. Highlights include a Comedy Night, plus music from The Goosehorns and The Supermodels. There is also a raffle with great prizes. Tickets £5 per night available in advance from the club. Tel. 707185.

29 April – 2 May Knights Family Fun Trail Cliffords Tower. 10am – 6pm. The Queen has asked you to invite the English Heritage knights ans squires to a banquet. Can you find them and deliver this invitation in time? You’ll royally rewarded with a small prize.

29 April Royal Wedding Celebration York Racecourse. Starts 10am. As you may know, there’s a certain wedding happening on 29th. If you weren’t lucky enough to get an invitation, here’s the next best thing. Head along to York Racecourse, where you can watch all the wedding action as it happens on their big screen with a celebratory glass of fizz, then enjoy a two course carvery lunch that’s definitely fit for a King! The carvery opens at 12 noon, and the whole event costs £23.95, or £10.95 for under 12s. They also say big hats are welcome, so why not dress up in your best and celebrate the Royal Wedding in style! Advance bookings only on 638971

Royal Wedding Special Opening Day Sutton Park. To celebration the marriage

tour of the house at 1pm and 3pm. You’ll be able to see the fine furniture, important collection of porcelain and the paintings, which originally hung in Buckingham Palace! The gardens and tearooms will be open as usual from 11am – 5pm. Numbers are limited, so it’s advisable to pre-book to avoid disappointment – call 01347 810249.

30 April – 2 May Civil War Wedding Rievaulx Abbey. 11am – 5pm. The Civil War returns to the Rievaulx Valley.

Musketeers and camp followers gather under the shadows of the Abbey to seek refuge, plan attack and capture enemy soldiers. Whilst the citizens celebrate a 17th Century wedding, how long will the peace last? Will the newly weds also be split between the choice of King or Parliament?

Newton on Ouse Art Group Annual Exhibition/Sale of Paintings, The Village Hall, Newton on Ouse. 2 – 4.30pm (30th); 10.30am – 4.30pm (1st and 2nd).

of William and Kate, the magnificent 18th century Sutton Park will be opening its doors with guided

Featuring Girl Band the Bon Bonz (The newest girl band sensation)

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10am - 5pm

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and admire classic cars. Try some vintage dance moves and get crafty in the make do and mend corner. There will also be a chance for some vintage shopping too, with over 100 specially selected Vintage dealers from across the UK selling everything from frocks to kitchenware and toys to radios. This event is more than just a Vintage Fair, it’s a Vintage day out. www.discovervintage.co.uk

The Healing Spirit Fayre New Earswick Folk Hall. 10am – 4pm. A must for anyone interested in matters of the mind, body and spirit.

You’ll find a whole host of stalls on display, along with talks and demonstrations on everything from palmistry to past life regression. Mediums, clairvoyants, and tarot readers will be offering workshops and readings. Try a complementary therapy, browse the new age stalls or treat yourself to some crystals, CDs, books or hand-crafted jewellery. www.healingspiritconnection.co.cc.

Royal Wedding Easter Extravaganza Marygate Playgroup, Clifton

Dales Festival of Food & Drink

Southbank Scarecrow Festival.

Leyburn. This 10th anniversary year promises to be a real extravaganza for foodies, with exhibitors, demonstrations – and, of course, lots of fabulous local produce to enjoy! In the 14,000 sq ft marquee you’ll find over 80 local food producers, selling everything from award-winning home-made cakes and pies to locally produced honey, deli goods and ice cream in a range of amazing flavours! Over in the demonstration tent, which comfortably seats 200, you can watch live demonstrations of everything from the delicate art of patisserie to DIY butchery! And with a Real Ale Festival going on too, there really is something for everyone! Further information is available from the Leyburn Tourist Office on 01748 828747.

10am – 5pm. Don’t miss the second ever Scarcroft Scarecrow Festival, organised by local environment group, Planet Southbank. Refreshments will be available during part of the weekend at local churches. Buy trails from local shops on Bishopthorpe Road or email scarecrows@ planetsouthbank.org.uk for further information.

30 April The Festival of Vintage York Racecourse. 10am – 5pm. A new Vintage event that promises to showcase all the sights and sounds of the thirties to the sixties. Experience bygone music and styles from past decades.

Take a step back in time, watch fashion parades

Methodist Church, Clifton. 2 – 4pm. All kinds of fun and games for the kids, including face painting, fancy dress and an East Egg Hunt, as well as a great raffle for the grown-ups! Call 07922538027

2 May Copmanthorpe Street Fair Low Green, Copmanthorpe. Noon - 4pm. The Royal Wedding provides the theme of the 21st fair.

Stalls with a wide range of goods for sale, including crafts, charity goods and refreshments. Side shows include rides on a miniature train. To check availability for stalls, write to Street Fair (L), 15A School Lane, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 2SQ.

SportsFixtures Horse racing

York City FC

Horse racing (Flat Racing, unless otherwise stated)

(Blue Square Premier) Sat 2nd (A)

Kettering Town

Sat 2nd Doncaster (Championship)

Sat 9th (H)

Newport County

Sat 3rd Doncaster (Championship; Family Day)

Tue 19th (H) Luton Town

Tue 5th

Pontefract

Wed 6th

Beverley

Sat 16th (H) Tamworth Sat 23rd (A) Darlington Mon 25th (H) Cambridge United Sat 30th (A) Crawley Town

Thurs 7th Ripon Sat 9th Thirsk Wed 13th

Thurs 14th Beverley Sat 16th Ripon Sat 16th

Doncaster (Evening)

Sun 17th Wetherby (Jump Racing; Family Day) Mon 18th Redcar Tues 19th

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York City Knights

Catterick

Pontefract

(Co-operative Championship) Mon 25th Redcar (Family Day)

Sun 3rd (A) Widnes Vikings

Wed 27th

Pontefract

Fri 22nd (H) Hunslet Hawks

Fri 29th

Doncaster

Mon 25th (A) T Olympique

Sat 30th Thirsk (Championship) Sat 30th

Doncaster (Evening)

oulouse

Yorkshire County Cricket Club (LVCC1 – County Championship division one; 40L – Clydesdale Bank 40 League) Fri 8th Worcestershire New Road (LVCC 1) Thur 14th Durham Headingley (LVCC 1) Wed 20th Nottinghamshire Headingley (LVCC 1) Sun 24th Netherlands Headingley (40L) Wed 27th Durham

Durham University,

5 May Hypnotherapy Demonstration

13 May

New Earswick Folk Hall. 7.30pm. Hypnotherapist Peter Wall will be asking for volunteers to experience their past lives using his unique relaxation technique. He will also expose the myths and misconceptions surrounding hypnosis. To book your ticket call 01226 792342.

Shabby Chic Party Night Ramada Fairfield Manor Hotel. Doors open 8pm. Now here’s a charity event with a difference. The Georgina Grace Trust is inviting people to come along to their event dressed in the best (or worst!) outfit you can buy from a charity shop for just £5.

The mind boggles! Apart from having a good giggle at what everyone else is wearing, you can enjoy music from latest girl band sensation The Bon Bonz.

Tickets are £10, which includes a light buffet. To book, call 780880 or go online at www.ggt.org.uk.

7 & 8 May Battle Group North Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington. Starts 10am. Military Wheels & Wings is the theme of this year’s event, an absolute must for all militaria buffs. There will be over 200 vehicle entries, plus living history displays, a superb wargaming show and trade stands. There’s so much to see, you might well need to sit down and relax with a cup of tea in the NAAFI style restaurant! The Yorkshire Air Museum is the largest and most original WW2 station open to the public, so it’s well worth a visit. Call 608595

7 May Late Music Concert Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate. 7.30pm. opening with Richard Whalley’s response to M.C. Escher’s print lithograph, Three Worlds, the programme interweaves pieces by composers based in Manchester and York. Richard Casey’s piano recital is framed by two works by John Adams, and at the centre, a Late Music commission by Composerin-Residence, Michael Parkin. Intriguingly, there is a new work by 17-year-old, Joe Howard, called Kaleidoscope. Joe is a sixth-form student at Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering. There will be a preconcert talk by Michael Parkin at 6.45pm. Tickets: www.latemusic.org or on the door.

20 – 22 May UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Cup Dalby Forest. See the experts

8 May Open Eco House 24 Grange Street, off Fulford Road. 2 – 4pm. Anna Semlyen is a Yoga instructor and event organiser for ‘York in Transition’, an environmental project aiming to combat climate change through communityled actions. Anna really has practised what she preaches by cutting carbon emissions at her 1890s built end of terrace home. You can see how Anna managed to halve her home’s carbon use – and pick up some tips for your own home – at this month’s open house. Learn about solar electricity and thermal water and solid wall insulation. Email anna@yogainyork.co.uk or call 654355 for details.

Sponsored Dog Walk Millennium Bridge to Skeldergate Bridge. Organised by York Lions

Sales & Auctions 9th & 10th April. Fashion & Gift Fair, The Guildhall. 10am – 4pm. www.allseasonevents.co.uk 10th April. Antique & Collectors Fair, York Racecourse.

For further details, contact Reg Frost on 07817724904 28th April – 2nd May. Harrogate Antique & Fine Art Fair, Harrogate International Centre. Call 01823 323363 30th April. Festival of Vintage, York Racecourse. Log on to www.discovervintage.co.uk.

1st/8th/15th/29th April.

Antiques & Collectors Fair, Helmsley Town Hall.

9.30am- 4.30pm. Five day Easter Event from 21st – 25th.

2nd/9th/16th April. Antiques & Collectors Fair, Wetherby Town Hall. 9.30am – 4.30pm.

23rd and 24th April.

Antiques and Collectors Fair, Ripley Village Hall. 9am – 4.30pm. Call

events

in aid of hearing Dogs for deaf People and SASH. Contact 07549 150647 or 701574.

01423 889163 or 0776 5006996

Tennants, The Auction Centre, Leyburn.

Tel 01969 623780 1st April. Antique & Home Furnishings Sale. 9.30am 9th April. Antique & Home Furnishings Sale. 9.30am.

Sporting, fishing, taxidermy and natural history. Starts 11.30am 13th April. Books, maps and photographs. Starts 12 noon.

16th April. Country House Sale. Starts 9.30am 27th April. Antique & Home Furnishings Sale. 9.30am

Boulton & Cooper Fine Art. Tel 01653 696151 6th April. General Sale. Central Salerooms, Market Place, Pickering.

10.30am 20th April. Antique Sale. Milton Rooms, Market Place, Malton.

10am

in action on this exciting weekend, and ride the course yourself in Saturday’s Dalby Dare. For further information visit www.mtbworldcup.co.uk

16 June Ladies Day at Royal Ascot York Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road. 12 noon. Yes, we know it’s a long way off but here’s an event you might want to think about. Why go all the way down south for Royal Ascot when you can have just as much fun here in York? That’s what the Georgina Grace Trust thinks, anyway. They’re inviting you to celebrate Ladies Day at Royal Ascot at the Marriott Hotel. There’ll be a drinks reception, followed by lunch, afternoon teas/coffees. Watch the day’s racing on large screens and have a little flutter on the charity tote. Why not get a group together and have a girly day out? Call Ruth on 780880

Sign up for

Tockwith Show Trade stand applications are now being taken for the Tockwith & District Show which takes place on Saturday, August 6th.

To book your place, call 01423 358393 or email tradestands@ tockwithshow.org.uk Tockwith bills itself as ‘the greatest little show in Yorkshire’. Attractions include gun dog demonstrations, show jumping, equestrian and livestock classes, rural crafts, a heavy horse farrier (shoeing) competition, vintage tractors and vehicles of all ages, children’s classes plus displays of produce, flowers and cookery.

For more details, go to www.tockwithshow.org.uk

Get maximum ticket sales and attendance for your event by ringing Kelly on 767881 87

YOUR Night LIFE

Theatre

DrumChasers (6 April) Ten percussionists and dancers take to the stage at York’s Grand Opera House with a story of rivalry, romance and rhythm. Powerful and energetic, moving and funny, DrumChasers is a show for all ages, for both fans of percussion and lovers of theatre. It features the voice of Stephen Fry as narrator. Box office: 0844 847 2322.

The Big Ballet (12 April) Of Mice and Men (1 - 2 April) Mind the Gap presents an award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel about two drifters in Depression-hit America. This extraordinary tale of friendship, loyalty and the power of dreams is staged at York Theatre Royal. n Box office: 623568.

Cinderella (5 April) Vienna Festival Ballet’s version of this famous fairytale has all the familiar ingredients: a downtrodden young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step- sisters and a handsome prince.

A specially commissioned orchestral score by Chris Nicholls, with music from some of Rossini’s most famous operas, adds to the magic. n York’s Grand Opera House. Box office: 0844 847 2322.

York’s Grand Opera House stages The Big Ballet featuring 16 dancers, each weighing 16-stone, who proudly present their voluptuous yet surprisingly sinuous and flexible figures in a comedy ballet of weighty elegance and adorable humour. n Box office: 0844 847 2322.

The Slipper and the Rose: The Real Story of Cinderella (12 - 16 April) Featuring all the charm and magic of the original story, this beautiful musical version of the classic fairytale Cinderella surprises the audience with many unexpected twists and turns. It’s being staged at York Theatre Royal by York Musical Theatre Company. n Box office: 623568.

Film guide

ORANGES AND SUNSHINE

88

Jesus Christ Superstar (15 - 23 April) Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage. The rock opera chronicles the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, ending in his death on the cross. The show opened in New York in October 1971, with the London production opening in August 1972 with Paul Nicholas (Jesus), Stephen Tate (Judas) and Dana Gillespie (Mary Magdalene).

By the time it closed, after eight years and 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history. The critically-acclaimed show features such unforgettable songs as

Vue: 08712 240 240 www.myvue.co.uk City Screen: 0871 902 5726 www.picturehouses.co.uk/york Reel Cinema: 0870 801 0870 www.reelcinemas.co.uk

KILLING BONO Based on Neil

Emily Watson stars as Margaret Humphreys, a social worker who discovers the British government secret of forced migration of children to Commonwealth countries. The children, being told their parents are dead,

Members of Flying Ducks Youth Theatre are presenting the UK youth premiere of Curtains The Musical. The Broadway show was written by Kander and Ebb, whose credits include Cabaret and Chicago. This romantic comedy and murder mystery, set in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1959, is being staged at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York. Curtain up: 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. n Tickets may be obtained from Michael Whyte on 768963.

CINEMAS:

are subsequently promised oranges and sunshine, but instead are subjected to hard labour and life in institutions. Humphreys then risks her life and well being to reunite the families that were torn apart.

RIO From the creators of Ice Age, comes an animated comedy featuring Jesse Eisenberg as the voice of the rare, domesticated macaw, Blu. Scientists take Blu from his home in Minnesota and bring him to Rio de Janeiro to meet Jewel (Anne Hathaway), also a rare macaw. Blu tries to win over Jewel’s heart as they battle thieves and poachers, with a little help from their animal friends.

Curtains The Musical (14 - 16 April)

McCormick’s memoir Killing Bono: I Was Bono’s Doppelganger, Killing Bono tells of two brothers, Neil and Ivan McCormick, as they watch their dreams of becoming rock stars turned into realties for the band of their high school friends, U2. Ben Barnes stars as Neil McCormick and Martin McCann as Bono. It also features, in his final role, the late Pete Postlethwaite.

YOUR HIGHNESS Danny McBride stars as Thadeous, a lazy prince who lives under the shadow of his perfect brother, Fabious (James Franco). When the King gives Thadeous an ultimatum to help rescue Fabious’s fiancée, Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel), or get cut off from the family, Thadeous reluctantly sets out on the quest.

Joined by Isabel (Natalie Portman), the three

set out on a mission to rescue Belladonna and to save their land from destruction.

BEASTLY A modern day version of Beauty and the Beast, Beastly revolves around the life of Kyle Kingson (Alex Pettyfer) who is turned into a grotesque monster by an undercover witch (Mary Kate Olson) when Kingson disrespects her at a public event. It is Kingson’s fate to remain ‘beastly’ forever unless he finds someone who will love him.

Musical tribute One of York’s favourite sons, composer John Barry, died earlier this year. As a tribute, City Screen is showing three classic movies featuring Barry’s music. On Sunday 10th April at 5.30pm, you can see Seance on a Wet Afternoon. On Sunday 17th at 8pm, there’s the classic Midnight Cowboy, and on 26th April at 6.15pm you can see Walkabout, starring Jenny Agutter. n For more information, call City Screen on 0871 902 5726 or log on to www. picturehouses.co.uk/york.

For a healthier, happier you visit www.justafewminutesmore.com

YOUR Night LIFE Hamburg, and Cape Town, Argentina’s hottest dance show stops off at York’s Grand Opera House at 7.30pm. This sizzling show features ten sensational dancers, including three world Tango champions, accompanied by Quatrotango, a quartet of brilliant musicians and one of Argentina’s finest young singers. Box office: 0844 847 2322.

Superstar, Everything‘s Alright, Gethsemane and I Don‘t Know How To Love Him. Released to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary, York Stage Musicals is thrilled to perform Jesus Christ Superstar at the Grand Opera House, York, in the week before Easter 2011. Don’t miss one of the great modern musicals, seen and loved by millions, a truly exhilarating and unforgettable piece of musical theatre. n Box office: 0870 770 5741.

The Crucible (7-28 May) Arthur Miller’s classic play about the Salem witch trials is performed in the round at York Theatre Royal. n Box office: 623568.

Footfalls (19 - 23 April) Six Lips Theatre is a fresh, dynamic drama company formed by three students from York St John University. Anna Rose James, Hannah Wallace and Roxanna Klimaszewska are working on an internship at Bar Lane Studios in association with the university’s Creative Business Department.

Their first full-scale production is a re-imagining of Samuel Beckett’s classic play ‘Footfalls’. Six Lips are performing the short play alongside a devised piece of their own, ‘Sequel’. The show will run from Tuesday, 19 April, to Saturday, 23 April, at Bar Lane Studios Basement, near Micklegate Bar, York.

Performances start at 7pm every night with a 2pm matinee on the Saturday. Tel: 635563.

Verdict (2 - 7 May) The Agatha Christie Theatre Company is presenting Verdict at York’s Grand Opera House.

Having been forced to flee persecution in his home country, the brilliant Professor Karl Hendryk leads a content life, but his world is turned upside-down when the prospect of life-saving treatment for his invalid wife persuades him to take on a new pupil

The Importance of Being Earnest (19-21 May)

against his better judgement. The cast includes Emmerdale’s Susan Penhaligon, Robert Duncan (Drop The Dead Donkey), Peter Byrne (Dixon Of Dock Green), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films), Elizabeth Power (EastEnders) and 1960s pop idol Mark Wynter. Box office: 0844 847 2322.

The Rowntree Players present Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, at 7.30pm. Two young gentlemen living in 1890s England have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives. Things start to go awry when they end up together in country and their deceptions are discovered - threatening to spoil their romantic pursuits. n For tickets, call 07927 026071, email tickets@rowntreeplayers.co.uk or go to www. rowntreeplayers.co.uk

Tango Fire – Flames of Desire (10 May) Direct from Buenos Aires, following sell-out seasons in New York, London, Barcelona,

The Duchess: 641413

City Screen: 0871 902 5726

Fibbers: 651250

Grand Opera House: 0844 847 2322

Stereo: 0121 234 5678

Black Swan Folk: Club: 679131

1 April

8 April

13 April

20 April

Back For Good, Grand Opera House // King King, Fibbers // Wild Moccasins, Stereo // The Buccaneers, The Duchess // Undersex, City Screen

For The Jam (Bruce Foxton), The Duchess // The Grand Slambovians, Pocklington Arts Centre // Elavi, City Screen

Josh Ritter, Pocklington Arts Centre // Stacey Kent, York Theatre Royal

Arts Centre // Bellowhead, Grand Opera House // Metronomy, The Duchess // Kassidy, Fibbers

21 April

28 April

2 April

Dr Feelgood, The Duchess // Rachel Harrington, Selby Town Hall

The Solid Silver 1960s Show, Grand Opera House // Beth Orton, Pocklington Arts Centre // Marina Celeste, Fibbers // Voodoo Johnson, Stereo // Fawn Spots, City Screen

The Undertones, Fibbers // The Buccaneers, The Duchess

3 April Thea Gilmore, Fibbers

6 April Drumchasers, Grand Opera House // What Would Jesus Drive? Stereo

7 April The Virgin Marys, Fibbers // Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts, Black Swan Folk Club // Star Rats, Stereo

9 April

10 April David McAlmont, Fibbers

11 April Toy Horses, Fibbers //

12 April The Crookes, Fibbers // Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, Pocklington Arts Centre // Ben Howard, The Duchess // Bad For Lazarus, Stereo // Acoustic Extravaganza, City Screen

14 April Singers & Musicians Night, Black Swan Folk Club //Brother, Stereo // Dinosaur Pile-Up, Fibbers

15 April Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes, The Duchess // Jeniferever, Fibbers // Paul Liddell, City Screen

17 April Steve Cradock, Fibbers // Her Name Is Calla, The Duchess // Eddi Reader, Pocklington Arts Centre // Lennox, Stereo

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Black Swan Folk Club // Lesley Garrett, Pocklington Arts Centre

Lucy Ward + Emma Sweeney, Black Swan Folk Club // Times New Viking, The Duchess

22 April

29 April

Oli Brown Band, The Duchess

30 April

23 April Goldblade, Fibbers // Sacred Mother Tongue, Stereo

24 April

Sandi Thom, The Duchess Right Said Fred, Fibbers // Ryan Spendlove, The Duchess *Listings correct at time of press.

Jody Has A Hit List, Fibbers // Easter Metal, The Duchess

27 April Jody Has A Hitlist, Fibbers // Alan Price, Pocklington

For a healthier, happier you visit www.justafewminutesmore.com

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AERIALS

AERIALS

trades&services

directory Aerials Building & Property Maintenance Cleaning Decorators Electricians Fascias & Soffits Garage Doors Handypeople

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90 91 94 96 97 99 99 100

Local businesses at your fingertips

Building

BUILDING &

For more information on the trades and services directory please call Mim on:

Property maintenance

01904 767881 Joinery Locks / Security Plastering Plumbing Plumbing Removals Roofing Worktops

100 101 101 102 102 104 105 107

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

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building

TOP TIPS The ultimate

cool guide Do you need a new fridge? Here’s our guide to buying the best!

If you have a separate freezer you don’t need a fridge with an ice box, as it will take up unnecessary space.

Go for a larder fridge instead. An added bonus is that these will auto defrost, saving you a job.

If space is limited, choose a standard fridge which will fit under a counter top. Allow a gap of 25mm at the top, back and sides of the appliance so that the warm air produced by the condenser can be properly ventilated (this doesn’t apply to builtin appliances).

free

eSTIM ATeS

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Local businesses at your fingertips

Building

Large American-style fridge freezers look fabulous, and often have high tech features such as different temperature ‘cool zones’, ice and chilled water dispensers. These must be plumbed in within one metre of a water supply.

Be careful your fridge isn’t in a too hot or cold a room. If the temperature around the fridge is too high or low, the appliance’s compressor may fail, either temporarily or permanently.

Energy efficiency Most modern fridges are super efficient energy grades A+ and A++.

You’ll often find that the more expensive the appliance, the better the running costs because energy-saving features such as thicker insulation, automatic door closing or ‘door open’ audible alerts will be included.

High-tech features to look out for include: Antibacterial coating Some fridges have an antibacterial coating on the walls and door that helps prevent bacteria growth, improving the hygiene in your fridge.

Dynamic cooling Some larder fridges have a built-in fan which circulates cold air at about 5ºC, meaning less variation in fridge temperature

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

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building / CLEANING

TOP TIPS

Boiling Point Swap your kettle for one of the new generation eco-friendly water boilers, and you could be saving yourself time and money every time you take a tea break. We’ve been taking a look at the options...

Eco kettles Savvy new kettles come with loads of energy-saving extras, such as larger windows that let you see exactly how much water you’re boiling; one cup options and individual chambers so you can fill the kettle to the brim and then control how much of it you boil. You can even buy kettles that will heat water to preset temperatures – ideal for coffee and speciality teas which don’t need boiling water.

Hot water dispensers Fill these gadgets up to the brim and then when you press a button, the water is passed through a heating element and then dispensed in measured cup sizes, usually up to 300ml. They’re quick and great for gadget buffs, but they tend to only heat water to 85-95 degrees – fine for coffee, but not great if you like strong builder’s brew!



Boiling water taps These insulated vacuum tanks are plumbed in and sit under your sink. Not only do you get instant tea and coffee, but you can also use them for filling pans for cooking. You will need to check you have space under your sink for them to fit, though.

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

CLEANING



  

Need a BUILDER? Use a Local one -

use a

one!

reliable cleaners fully insure d and vetted

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Local businesses at your fingertips

TOP TIPS cleaning

How to wire a plug Although most new plugs are moulded on to the appliance lead, you may need to renew an old plug if the pins become bent or the casing is broken.

Step 1: Undo the screw in the centre of the plug and remove the top cover. Loosen the brass screws that hold each wire into the pin.

Step 2: Place the wire inside the plug and mark how long it needs to be to reach the terminals. Score the outer sheath. Modern wiring is coloured: blue - neutral, brown - live and green/yellow - earth. The plug will have clear markings for E (earth), L (live) and N (neutral).

Step 3: Cut the wires to the length required and use wire strippers to pull away 12mm (1/2in) of insulation from the end of each wire. Twist the ends of each wire and push into the terminals. Use a screwdriver to secure each wire in place.

Step 4: Tighten the clamp screws to secure the sheathed flex. Fit the correct fuse and screw the top of the plug back on.

If you are in any doubt about any electrical wiring, always use a professional, there are many local electricians advertising here that will be only too happy to help.

Recommended by

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95

TOP TIPS CLEANING / DECORATORS

New looks for old While it’s fairly easy to give your furniture a fresh coat of paint, specialist finishes are best left to the professionals. Steve Brigham is an expert in turning old furniture into beautiful heirloom pieces.

He uses a variety of ageing and distressing techniques to produce an authentic ‘shabby chic’ vintage look. “I take a basic brown varnished or waxed piece, sand it down and paint it using different types of paints, paint techniques and waxes,” he says. “It really does transform the piece and gives it a new lease of life for a fraction of the price you would pay in the shop.” He has tackled all kinds of furniture, from bedheads to chests of drawers. But his most ambitious project was an ancient butcher’s block. “It was ingrained with grease and all kinds of other unmentionable stuff,” he says. “I sanded it down, rewaxed it, added some painted and aged legs, and turned it into a stunning coffee table!” n For more information, call Steve on 07917 467833.

DECORATORS

Gary Roe

Painting & Decorating all aspects of decorating Interior & Exterior No job too small Free quotes & advice given All insurance work undertaken

call today on

01904 612419 or 07717 116489 96

Local businesses at your fingertips

TOP TIPS DECORATORS / electricians

Furniture facelifts A quick coat of paint will give tired wooden furniture a whole new look. Here’s how... n Do the preparation. If the surface has been painted or varnished before, give it a rub down with fine sandpaper to roughen the surface and help the paint adhere better. If the wood is unfinished, sand it and dab any knots with a knotting solution and allow to dry. n Get your furniture primed and ready by wiping the surface with a lintfree cloth dampened with white spirit to remove dust and grease. Then apply a coat of primer. n Now it’s time for the fun bit – painting your furniture. Choose white, cream or pale grey to fit in with this season’s monochrome, shabby chic look. Bold, bright colours look great in a kids’ room. Apply two or three coats of gloss or eggshell in your chosen colour. If possible use a waterbased paint as it doesn’t smell so strong and is much easier to wash off brushes.

SJB

Painting & Decorating

ELECTRICIANS Sponsored by:

HC ELECTRICAL Tel: 01904 477623

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97

ELECTRICIANS/

Top tips

Wonder Walls

Whether used as a feature wall or to decorate a whole room, wallpaper can transform your decor. Here’s how to choose the right one for you...

Wallpaper can set the mood of a room. Delicate damasks and florals in muted colours create a romantic, feminine feel. For a contemporary look, go for bold geometrics with high gloss and metallic accents. Intricate damasks and stripes suit a more traditional decor.

As a rule, light colours create a more spacious feeling while dark colours can add drama and cosiness. Bold patterns may be on trend at the moment, but be careful when decorating a small room as they could prove overpowering. Consider using as a feature wall instead.

Textured wallpapers can give a wall some dimension and also do an excellent job in covering imperfections.

From a practical point of view, go for vinyl or washable wallpaper for areas

FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING

POLYPLAS FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING

We Are 100% Roofline!

York’s Longest Established Fascia & Soffit Replacement Company

Find us at www.polyplas.net E: info@polyplas.net

Tel: 01904 782300

98

Local businesses at your fingertips

Top tips FASCIAS & SOFFITS / GARAGE DOORS

GARAGE DOORS

of heavy traffic or humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms or children’s rooms. If you’re new to using wallpaper, choose a pattern that’s easy to match. Avoid very small patterns with offset matches; the designs can be difficult to match up in repeat.

Small swatches are no use; bring home a large sample of paper and blu-tak it to your wall so you can see how it looks in daylight and artificial lighting. Choose wallpaper from the same dye lot or batch number to ensure a perfect match. If in doubt buy more rolls than you need – you can always return unused rolls.

FASCIAS/ SOFFITS & GUTTERING

Need a

GARAGE DOOR? Use a LOCAL company.

Use one from:

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99

handy people / JOINERY

MEET THE ADVERTISER

HANDY PEOPLE

The beautiful game Karen Vickers, who has been involved in setting up and running businesses in York for 20 years, is passionate about football.

One of her ventures was Premier Soccer School which organised community football schemes for children in the York area. Karen was associated with the school for 10 years and during that time she said it placed more than 80 York boys at professional football clubs.

She recalls: “Whilst working with Premier Soccer School and bringing up my children, I had cleaners. Although most were good, there always seemed to be something missing, so I decided to set up a business called 'Domestic Divas' that did the kind of cleaning I had always wanted, with high standards and attention to detail.”

Domestic Divas is building up a wide range of clients and Karen says: “Now that the cleaning business is growing, I am looking into different ways of sponsoring local children's football next season.” n For details, call 653711 email karen@domestic-divas.co.uk or go to www.domestic-divas.co.uk

JOINERY

No VAT

No VAT

Doors Fitted

£35

Kitchens Fitted

£395

Fitted Wardrobes

£395Per MTr

100

Local businesses at your fingertips

LOCKS & SECURITY / plastering

COMPANY PROFILE

LOCk fIx SECuRITY

PLASTERING n Give them a call or call into the shop at 69 Walmgate, Y01 9TZ, 01904 623108 www.lockďŹ x.uk.com Shop open Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 2.30pm

DL J

LOCKS/SECURITY

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use a

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one!

101

plumbing

PLUMBING/ HEATING

    

102

Local businesses at your fingertips

plumbing

Need more

space?

The Loft Space Company can help you make the most of your home’s roof space by transforming it into an easily accessible, dustfree area from only £395.

A company spokesman says: “Our beautifullycrafted wooden loft stair ladders are designed for comfort and safety; they take just a few hours to fit and come with a manufacturer’s 10-year parts guarantee. They are incredibly easy to use, quick and convenient, folding out of sight when not in use. “We provide a full range of boarding services, including bespoke eave-to-eave boarding. Regardless of the area, we’ll offer you the most efficient and effective use of your available space and budget, with a high-quality finish. “We can also help maximize the energy efficiency of your home, reducing the loss of valuable energy through the roof with various insulation products.” n Call 0800 5876662 for a free, no-obligation quote

The Plumbing & Heating Experts

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103

plumbing / removals

MEET THE ADVERTISER

Gym, golf and family Running a successful plumbing business means Graham Walker does not have a lot of spare time. However, away from GW Plumbing, Graham relaxes by going to the gym; it’s obviously makes sense to keep in shape when fitting a central heating system or revamping a bathroom.

When he has the time, Graham, aged 27, also likes a play a round of golf at Sandburn Hall. He says: “It’s a good break away from things and it gets you outside in the fresh air.”

Graham is also a devoted father to his baby daughter Georgia and Harry, his four-year-old son. “Most of my spare time is taken up with family trips,” he says.

GW Plumbing, with its slogan ‘Any job? No problem’, is doing well. Graham, who works with fellow plumber Liam Gray, has recently taken on an apprentice. “I like to pass on the skills I’ve learned to the next generation of plumbers,” says Graham. n Call GW Plumbing on 750469 or 07525 858008.

REMOVALS

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COMPANY PROFILE

MARK WINTERS LEADWORK & ROOFING

Tel: 612169 / 07976 845678

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

removals / roofing

ROOFING Sponsored by:

105

roofing

TOP TIPS

Thickness of loft insulation To comply with current building regulations, loft insulation should be about 270mm (10.5 inches) thick, depending on roof construction and insulation type. The average ceiling joist in modern houses is only around 100mm deep (4 inches). You can increase the depth of the material by adding another blanket layer on top of the first, but at right angles to it.

The insulation needs to be laid both between the ceiling joists and over them. Simply placing insulation between the rafters greatly reduces its effectiveness and the required insulation is not achieved.

Ensure that the insulation is well fitting without air gaps and is complete and continuous right to the perimeter. Recommended insulation types include cellulose fibre (from recycled newspapers), mineral wool fibre and glass fibre.

Remember to take the insulation over water storage tanks to prevent them from freezing during the winter. Never lay the insulation material under the cold water tank, as the warm air from below prevents the water freezing. Ensure that the loft space is adequately ventilated.

For more help with insulating your loft there are businesses advertising in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition that are ready to help and advise you.

WINDOW Solutions

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windows or doors?

Use a Local company.

Find one in:

WINDOWS / DOORS CONSERVATORIES

WORKTOPS

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roofing

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at a g l a n c e Accountancy services Best Bookkeeping 760393 118 CC Accountancy 639754 118 D Inglis Accountancy 345103 118 Hare and Co 692585 118 Lorraine Hart 07968 474409 118 aerials ADI Communication 07850636902 90 Aerial Man 07974 954846 90 Aerial Services 678823 91 Aerial Solutions 654144 90 Atkinson Aerials 651128 90 BLTV 07977 044778 90 Castle Aerials 07711 222307 91 DBS Aerials 692266 90 DR Aerial Services 0808 1605678 91 Icon Installations 07870 606492 91 Asbestos Removal Asbestos Services 678823 91 attractions/events/shows York Museums Trust 3 All Seasons Events 07838 420209 82 Bar Convent 643238 84 Castle Howard 01653 648333 78 Dalby Forest North Riding 01751 460454 80 English Heritage 0870 333 1181 80 Evening with Peter Wall 01226387641 75 Fairfax House 655543 85 Festival of Vintage discovervintage.co.uk 85 Flying Ducks 768963 82 Georgina Grace Trust 780880 85 Georgina Grace Trust 780880 85 Glenn Coaches 01904 769914 23 Jorvik Viking Centre 543426 81 Merchant Adventurers 654818 84 New Earswick Bowls Club “750230 73 Newgate Market 07887 754455 81 R&J Public Address Hire 07889 438187 84 Rowntree Players 490642 75 Selby Game Fair 01205 871354 82 Sutton Park 01347 810249 82 The big One York Carboot 07980 496639 85 The Harrogate Antiques 01823 323363 84 The Healing Spirit Fayre 01904 764247 85 The Purple Mountain 01751 460193 75 Turf Tavern 703846 75 Welcome Crafts 07985 662636 82 York Model Railway Show 01653 604484 79 York Musical Theatre Co 612961 88 York Racecourse 638971 83 York Theatre Royal 623568 79 Yorkshire Air Museum 608595 76 Yorkshire Museum Of Farming 489966 77 Yorkwalk 622303 82 Bathroom/tiles/kitchens Almurad 476333 7 Bath & Kitchen Craft 07900 313151 19 Dream Doors 622234 17 Easingwold Bathroom 01347 824777 8 GA White 624643 27 Southbank Kitchens 679666 3 beds/bedrooms Moonlight Bedrooms 01759 302388 15 The York Bed Co. Ltd 777070 18 blinds Blind Image 693069 68 Blinds By Mark Harrison 630449 68 Blinds Direct 701260 59 Haxby Blinds 769277 68

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Carol Saunders Swimming 01757 709703 39 CYC Family Information 554628 40 CYC Fostering 551900 38 Enjoy-A-Ball 08452262694 41 Home to Home Montessori 490339 39 Imaginative Beginnings 407803 43 Jackie Bock Counsellor 07944 465767 39 Kate Middlebrook 41 La Jolie Ronde 471234 39 Marygate Playgroup 07922538027 43 Moto Mania 01423 331929 41 Painty Party 07981 205539 41 Pollyannas Nursery 765049 41 Pretty in Pink 07849 329251 41 Proper Soccer Parties 07787 846250 41 Stagecoach Theatre Arts 672662 39 Talking Tots 07521 680949 43 Tennis Tykes 07843 342662 41 Tramline Tennis 07970 092535 41 Tumble Tots 412381 41 York Dance Works 07981 553465 39 cleaning/Ironing 24h Cleaning 0800 566 8285 94 A & M Cleaning 07754 285742 1 Bella Casa (York) Ltd 08719 512345 95 Claires Cleaning Services 07717 756431 95 Creases Away Ironing SVs 758482 19 Dave The Sweep 07761 083072 95 Dolly Char York 07929 452904 94 Domestic Divas 07754 549801 95 Lynda Starkey Cleaning 07778 862368 96 Maid 2 Clean 0800 0439370 95 No Dust R Us 07522 433573 96 Proactive Facilities 07724 042513 95 Richardsons Cleaning Svs 07949 464942 96 Synergy Cleaning 0800 1522101 96 Synergy Cleaning 0800 1522101 95 Tim Stockdale 413612 96 Top 2 Bottom Cleaning 07849 518899 94 Ultra Clean 01759 371741 96 Ultra Clean 01759 371741 clubs/groups CYC Yortime www.yortime.org.uk 128 computers/Web Design Aldwark Computers 654954 118 Bishopwood Accountancy 400660 118 Computer Start 07944 717019 5 Gemini PC Solutions 639488 118 Past Images Web Design 676167 124 The Computer Doctor 07904 478440 118 We R Your IT 08000 470181 5 York PC Solutions 07729 291234 118 Courier Services LPL Couriers 9 Curtains/Soft furnishings Carolines Curtains 332949 59 Christine Alker Curtains 339214 19 Curtain Make Up & Alteration 470331 69 Garnetts 627064 61 Cycling Bob Trotter Cycle Centre 622868 12 Damp Proofing Envirovent 0845 2727807 69 Holland Damp Proofing 0808 155 2571 67 decorators Alan Kitson 07801 346218 96 Bright Interiors 07952 947536 97 C Mcleod Decorating 07789 816602 97 C.K.W.Decorators 07803 96 Callum Anderson 07969 521475 97

Gary Ambler 07762 551845 97 Gary Roe Painter 07717 116489 96 Graham Richardson 07505 759543 96 Jeff Wright 703824 97 K Walton Painting 07535 004212 97 Marks Decorating 449869 97 NG Decorators 07790 015966 97 Phil Wilson Decorating 424048 97 Quality Decorators 778466 97 Ray Webster Painting 07742 077743 97 Richard Cole Interior 07979 571012 97 Richard Driscoll 332030 97 RJH Decorating 07833 105296 97 RPS Decorating 7873132540 97 SJB Painting & Decorating 07876 782020 97 Steve Brigham Specialist 07917 467833 67 Steves Decorating Services 07766 379736 97 Dentists Blossom Street Dentures 653278 37 Crystal Clear 01904 642595 33 distribution Link Distribution 767881 124 Domestic Appliance Repairs Clyde Electrical - Eric Clyde 768698 97 driving schools Richard SOM 07904 142108 114 education/tuition Governance Service 554258 40 Dobbs Associates Consultancy 07407 360641 43 Goodmans Piano Tuition 636340 43 Kumon Maths 01757 268114 43 Ryedale & York Piano Services 01653 696390 43 Spanish Talk 07800 634510 43 The Wood Work Room 348343 14 York College 770200 42 York St John University 876598 42 Electrical goods Domestic Appliance 692275 17 Herbert Todd 628676 15 Herbert Todd 628676 18 Electricians Active Electrical Solutions 07999 357647 97 Court Electrical Services 07766 887179 98 D Carrington Electrical Svs 07809 534791 98 Electric Blew 07980 054547 98 Electrical Connections 07724 177824 98 Haxby Electrical 07846 380086 98 HC Engineering 477623 98 JCT Contractors 07872 932762 98 Judge Electrical Ltd 07919 033113 98 M Fletcher Electrical Services 07850 349926 98 Martin Clancy 767480 98 Martin Starkey Electrical 750893 98 S Electrics 795205 98 Yorvik Electrical Services 422157 10 Estate/letting agents Hunters 621026 62 Hunters Selby 01757 210 894 66 Northwood Residential 638999 1 Opus Estate Agents 790070 60 Unique Lettings 798777 60 Your Move Anscombs 621532 63-65 Fascias/soffitts Mark Leslie Roofline 07754 205625 99 Plasti-Fit 07765 142505 99 Polyplas 07966 373525 98 Financial advisors Future Estate Planning Ltd 08006250512 26 Pen-Life Associates Ltd 661140 121 fireplaces Gas Flair 658333 6 Hot Box Stoves Ltd 289202 20 florists Garden of Eden 18 Food & Drink Boss Hog Roast 07930 847553 73 Chapman Butchers 655382 72 Coach House Hotel 652780 70 Farmers Cart 499183 76

Il Treno/Sidings 470221 Jacobean Lodge 762749 Jennys Fish & Chips 466354 Jinnah Restaurant 468202 Lady Anne Middletons Hotel 611570 Mariott Hotel 770625 Nags Head 422989 Oriental Pearl 01904 693737 Per Bacco 01757 249146 Pizza Choice 622022 Ship Inn 01262 672374 The Bay Tree Stillington 01347 811394 The Royal Oak Goodramgate The Village Tearoom 07941 544416 The White Swan 728287 Funeral Services JG Fielder & Sons 654460 Garage Doors Haxby Garage Doors 07889 152242 Hobman Garage Doors 608951 Premier Garage Doors 07887 940084 SJL Garage Doors 416284 York Garage Door Centre 788822 Gardening A & M Groundworks 758021 Absolute Landscapes 07864 952340 AJ Lawn Care 07584199001 Andrew Kent 738646 Apex Shed & Fencing 415735 Arborwise 07841 719672 Ascot Fencing 337225 Asset Cleaning Solutions 07592 066396 Aztek Landscapes 07803 257347 Brighter Gardens 790112 Brunswick Organic Nurseries 701869 C& C Contracting 448239 Chem Dry 0800 1696054 Chris Rivers Gardens 07930 682975 David Waudby Fencing 670711 Deans Garden Centre 400141 Designer Drives 07533 111543 Direct Driveway Company 295033 Driveway Doctor 07714 249898 Eden Landscapes 07737 825621 Eden Treescapes 07737 825621 Fencing,Paving and Decking 07813 752954 Foss Feeds 706376 Future Landscapes 07969 354674 Gardens Cared For 400753 Greenthumb 01423 359048 Grumbleweed 750157 Horse Manure 4 Sale 01347 811202 Insight Landscaping 07891 023347 Lawn Keeper 0845 0945363 Lawns For Lifestyles 488868 Lewis Tree Surgery 0783 1692275 M & M Landscapes 07967 656142 Mick Lambert Landscaping 07702 126380 Mike Walmsley Landscapes 700921 MS Gardening 07826 811722 Orchard Nurseries 421153 P R Paving and Landscapes 07783877024 PH Fabrications 07984 737084 Portal Fencing 07958 181642 R & S Landscaping & Paving 691123 Robs Mowing 07802 292011 Rock n Stone York Ltd 608300 Rolawn 0845 604 6075 Rowan Tree Garden Design 411487 Sandalwood Gates 608542 Signature Landscaping 07771 543493 Spectacular Driveways 07737 190150 SRB Fencing 07841 187928 SRC Paving & Groundworks 423511 Top Soil 4 Sale 07702 126380 Trevor Smith Landscaping 489998 Waterdale Landscapes 07960 603025 Wykeham Mature Plants 01723 862406 York Disabled Workers 421091

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loft conversions Yorkshire loft conversions 423511 58 Mobile Phone Repairs fone fix 689999 17 Mobility/hearing/care Bluebird Care 691992 23 Heritage Healthcare 567362 23 Kettleys 0113 2503716 25 Minster Mobility 788592 25 MV Mobility 01937 558604 25 York Housing Association 27 motor parts/services A Ivinson Autos 767675 115 Auto Cosmetics of York 01347 811100 115 B & S Motor Cycles 622793 111 Birch Park Vehicle Test 627444 116 C & M Auto Services Ltd 796718 114 Central Body Repairs 791176 117 Chips Away 07810 243444 111 D & J Woodcock 430130 128 Dave Woods Motorcycles 633000 116 Dead or Alive Motorcycles 07966 417182 115 Hometune 07802 722330 117 HP Maintenance 792899 115 Incartec Ltd 479907 115 JB Auto Cosmetics 693101 117 JJB Motors 01904 426691 112 North Eastern Tyres 692500 117 Osbaldwick Motors 01904 412417 116 R Walker Cars 797720 116 SG Petch 466600 113 Six Five Nine Six Five Nine 659960 116 Transit Motorcycles 637169 114 U Pull It 0844 8751914 114 Wigginton Car Repairs 750272 115 York Vehicle Test Centre 541888 115 Yorvac 07545 382286 115 oven Cleaning Cookerburra 672859 95 Oven U 471517 96 pet Care A Cut Above Dog Grooming 422629 45 Alisons Dog Grooming 422905 45 Dirty Dogs 07891 671950 45 Foss Feeds 706376 45 German Shepard Training 703504 45 Kute k9s & Kats 07851 240108 45 Oscar Pet Food 704198 124 Paddock Available Wigginton 07525 824152 Pet Pals UK 07740 985831 45 Precious Pets 07565 758214 45 Sweeney Dog Ltd 890666 45 Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country Store 488388 44 Top Dog 07846 794257 45 photographers Past Images 676167 18 picture framing Steve Garnett 761624 19 plastering Colin Hardgrave 07881 733344 101 Ernie Jeffrey Plastering 639619 101 M Simpson Plastering 332568 101 Oak Tree Plastering 07579 189942 101 Paul Bell Plastering 07904 203537 101 Paul Sellars Plastering 07789 677251 101 SM Bradley Plastering Services 07826 270335 101 Plumbing/heating 1A Rapid Response 708000 102 All Cisterns Go 07946 346928 102 Aquatec Utilities Ltd 07977 133061 102 BPH Services 07973 542283 102 C Hudson Plumbing 789447 103 Carl Potter Plumbing 07734871932 104 Chris Murray Plumbing 07912 575963 103 Clarkes Plumbing 07739 165681 103 Colin Bell Plumbing 07885 514332 103 DJC Plumbing 07770 754215 103 E Martin & Sons 07966 486329 102 Foss Controls 07941114788 104 Future Roofs 07773 388141 57 Gas Servicing 07793 355168 103

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Gastech 07793814172 George C Stone & Son 659476 Glen Plumbing & Electrics 424169 GW Plumbing 07525 858008 GW Plumbing 07525 858008 HC Engineering 477623 Ian Taylor Plumbing 339877 J B Bathrooms Ltd 07947 525227 Luke Mitchell Plumbing 07974 025903 Melbourne Heating York 07984 742264 Nunthorpe Services 07906 592872 P H Plumbing 07885 228423 Pocklington Boiler Service 01759 304789 Poppleton Plumbing 07903 979712 RVT Plumbing & Heating 07981 741026 Skelton Plumbing Services 07766 625584 Sleepsafe Gas Services 07799 474565 T P Plumbing 07709 711137 T Whitelam Plumbing 07729 980253 The Direct Boiler Co 295033 Tom Plumb 07971 437359 Williams Plumbing & Heating 07716 788680 Yorkshire Central Plumbing 780780 pointing Grove Property Repairs 780910 Heworth Pointing 07957 901639 mortar the point 07737 825621 printing Link Print 767881 Property Services Henderson Property Services 07812 768806 recruitment Aloe Vera 339432 Beaver Employment 644721 Beningbrough Hall 472006 Bright Beginnings 691698 BTSC UK LTD 02083913060 Claires Cleaning Services 07717 756431 Dave Parker 07933540858 Driver Hire York 0845 6023652 ERA Health Care 622322 Everycare 430999 Goldsborough Home Care 425841 Heritage Healthcare 567362 Home Instead Senior Care 690884 independent Living Schemes 427251 independent Living Schemes 427251 independent Living Schemes 427251 Joseph Rowntree Foundation 752212 Lynette Shaw - Host Families 762740 Mark Lidster 07738 335260 Minster Cleaning Services 01482 882200 Minstergate Phoenix Trading 07921 259106 Pitman Training 624260 Riccall Carers 720700 Surecare 520192 The Retreat United Response 541722 York Helpers 655422 Yorkshire & Humber Teachers 01757 633160 recycling CYC Waste Strategy 553292 Removals/Storage 1 Van 1 Man 0800 955 0200 2 Anywhere 07952 843398 A2B 07772 568526 Andy Vans 422268 Move It Removals 07971 048729 Mr Shifter 07710 450672 Ridings Removals 07854 747129 Riverside Removals 07979 523076 renewable energy British Eco Renewable 234543 Solarwall 0500 127005 Solarwall 0500 127005 roofing Able Roofing (York) 07908 558954 Almsford Roofing 795121 Ascot Roofing 07899 655058 BMB Flat Roofs 769762

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Elite Roofing 750166 106 Elite Roofing 750166 105 Fibretech Ltd 07880 726122 106 Flat Roof Company 0800 212548 59 Flat Roof Company 0800 212548 106 Future Roofs 07773 388141 105 Haxby Roofline Company 0845 4671947 105 Ian Young Roofing 07906 590626 107 Phil Summerbell 07919 021994 105 Roofs Above 0800 0855 688 106 Shops/stores Barnitts 625601 4 Richard James 468100 60 Ruth Perrott 784040 11 Supersave 625735 19 Time Out 626949 14 Vickers Hi-Fi 691600 8 Wiltshire Farm Foods 01423 339666 25 York Community Furniture 426444 6 Skips/Waste Removal A - Z Waste 07802 434349 54 Acomb Waste Disposal 07724 441630 54 D Boswell 488632 54 Ebor Skip Hire 400997 53 Wrights of Crockey Hill 620626 68 Solicitors Coles Solicitors 679990 14 Denison Till Solicitors 0800 2797500 119 Harrowells 558600 11 Richardson Gildener Solicitors 642727 122 Richardson Gildener Solicitors 642727 122 sports/Clubs/Activities Alan Sparks Taekwondo School 796332 31 England Angling 476476 12 Tilers 3R Tiling 07817 847992 58 K C Tiling 766096 58 Mr Multitrade 07946 378665 100 travel/holidays Holiday Villas to Rent 631957 21 Quartz of York 07834 023134 21 York Classic Car Hire 07733 899526 10 Upholstery A & V Upholstery 07889 431691 69 Weddings Burn Hall Hotel 01347 825400 29 Grosvenor Design 07891049061 29 Kuki Skin, Hair & Beauty 659007 29 Prestige Cars 29 York Register Office 654477 29 will Writing JMD Associates UK 799282 23 Window Cleaning Claires Window Cleaning 07717 756431 95 Shine Windows 07817 641314 Window/Door Repairs Access All UPVC Repairs 410069 107 All Double Glazing Repairs 481148 107 Arrow Homecare 07581 792731 107 D.G.M.S. 479944 19 Eliments 08000 436005 13 House & Homes 692329 9 Newspan 0800 5873423 13 Protech Windows 01653 917202 69 Sash Windows 01751 431449 107 Square Deals Ltd 692255 2 Square Deals Ltd 692255 2 UPVC Window Doctor 077328 22525 107 Window Solutions 07842 532133 106 York Door Services 07973 889232 107 York Millenium Window 691122 16 worktops Dales of Thirsk Ltd 01845 522523 61 J W Hardcastle Granite 07540 539894 107 Work Top Man 07891 858873 107

One for the boys....

Your Local Link’s sports writer DAN TAIT reports on York’s three boxing stars from Leeds Elland Road Banqueting Suite Heworth’s Matthew Doyle maintained his unbeaten record with a well deserved points victory over Leeds fighter Tommy Broadbent.

For Doyle it marked the end of a turbulent week following the death of his close friend, Greg Tobin, who was a tragic victim of the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.

Matt dedicated the win to Greg saying he was “the most thoughtful intelligent young man with a wicked sense of adventure who will be dearly missed”.

Early in the fight, Doyle had blood coming from his nose, but he battled on and showed a tremendous amount of determination, skill and technique to take the fight from the opponent.

Boxer Matthew Doyle wins his bout against Tommy Broadbent in Leeds

By round three it was clear that Matt had the fitness on Broadbent and, as his opponent tired, Doyle grew stronger and was rightly given the contest as a win, raising the volume from the travelling supporters who, in truth, made this feel more like he was the home fighter.

B &S

The Pocklington Rocket, Harry Matthews, also won on points, coming close to gaining a stoppage win after landing some concussive blows on Plymouth’s Gavin Brook in the fourth and final round. In the end, Harry had to settle for a comfortable points victory, which signalled win number 11 for the 23-year-old, further enhancing his reputation as a rising star in British boxing.

The night also saw Graham Fearn take on tough Londoner Mark McKray. After taking some massive shots in the opening round, Fearn rebuilt and reverted to his boxing skills including an impressive jab and defence skills to work his way back into the fight. By the end of the final round, the referee couldn’t separate them and raised both boxers’ arms to signal a draw. All three boxers are rumoured to be appearing on a York show scheduled for May, with Matthews topping the bill. Given the excitement from the Leeds bouts, this would be a great night for local sports fans.

A complete service for motorcycles

MOTORCYCLES

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Drive on home...

Sponsored by JJB Motors , Unit 1, The Raylor Centre, James Street, York, YO10 3DW Tel: 01904 426691

Delivering extra power &

performance

If you’ve spent many thousands investing in a high performance car, can you really improve on perfection? Yes, says Johnny Barber from JJB Motors. They offer specialist remapping, which promises to improve your car’s power and performance – and save fuel at the same time.

Using cutting edge technology, your car’s on-board computer, or ECU, can be reprogrammed to your own requirements, whether it be improved performance, torque or lower CO2 emissions.

Only small changes are need to deliver truly impressive results – power can be increased by up to 30%, while fuel economy in certain diesel models can be improved by 15%, or 150 miles per tank for some vehicles.

It takes under two hours to transform your vehicle, and the results last for life. All work is fully insured, and there’s even a seven-day money back

guarantee available to ensure full satisfaction.

Alfa and Audi specialist JJB Motors offer a full tuning service using cutting edge technology. They can re-tune most European makes, as well as some Japanese and American models.

The results speak for themselves, as many of their satisfied customers testify.

“Since JJB remapped my BMW it is a lot more powerful and returns an extra 2mpg,” says Richard Fisher of Boroughbridge. “It is like a different car.

I’m very impressed – it’s excellent value for money, and customer service.”

Greg Hindle, owner of an Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6, agrees. “Johnny has remapped my car over the previous map that was only 6 months old, and to say it goes well is a vast understatement...I'm only too willing to let anyone with a licence take it for a spin and see the tangible difference it has made. I

also use a dash dyno so I know for a fact that it is as good as it was promised. Nice one, Johnny!”

Thom Wiseman is another satisfied customer.

JJB Motors remapped his Seat Leon Cupra R 1.8 20V Turbo. “The remap has made a remarkable difference,” he says. “The car pulls a lot stronger throughout the rev range. Big thanks to JJB – the service was excellent and you have transformed my car.”

As another aspect of their commitment to helping their clients get the most out of their motors, JJB Motors has recently become official stockists for Milltek Sport, a top company that offers a comprehensive selection of performance exhausts and hi flow catalysts which build on the successes of key marques like Audi, Volkswagen and BMW. Milltek Sport is at the forefront of tuning companies and owners ‘must have’ list.

n For more information on how they can tailor your vehicle to give you a smoother, more powerful and more economic drive, contact them on 426691.

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your motors

Testing times

With the evenings getting lighter, now is a good time for parents to buy driving lessons for their teenage children.

Driving instructors must be approved and registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). and must pass a demanding three-part examination to fully qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), and they have to maintain the high standards required by the DSA.

Getting a feel for a driving instructor or driving school Has the school/instructor got a website?

Many instructors give details of themselves, their experience, personality and school ethos in their website design and content.

Do they sound approachable, friendly and helpful on the phone? If the instructor seems grumpy, cagey, rude or disinterested during a telephone call, then the chances are they'll be the same (or worse) when you're stuck in a car with them on a driving lesson.

Theory test The theory test is made up of two parts the Highway Code and Hazard Perception.

The Highway Code part is a 50-question test with multiple choice answers; the Hazard Perception part uses video clips to see how quick you respond to hazards. Both parts will be taken one

ÂŁ15

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after the other at the same test appointment and both need to be passed. Once you have passed these you can then apply to take your practical driving test.

Insurance advice for young motorists Young driver car insurance is not going to be cheap. It may seem unfair when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just passed your test and saved up to buy your first

car, but car insurance prices are set according to risk, and statistics show that younger drivers are more likely to have an accident than older, more experienced drivers.

Manage the cost of young driver car insurance, choose a car with a smaller engine. But beware of the temptation to insure your car in your parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names and drive as a named driver; if you ever needed to make a claim your policy could be invalid.

your motors

The seven-year switch!

Kia has extended its popular seven-year switch programme and upped the savings by £500 on selected models to £2,000.

Customers with a seven-year-old car, with a maximum of 100,000 miles on the clock, can now swap their old banger for either a new Picanto 1.0 ‘1' from only £5,370 or a wider choice from the Rio range from only £6,540.

The scheme excludes imports and insurance write-offs. To qualify: • The part-exchange vehicle must have been first registered in the UK on or before June 30th 2004 • It must have been owned by the customer for a minimum of six months at March 31st 2011 • It must have a valid MOT • It must show fewer than 100,000 miles For those with no car to trade in, the Rio range is available from just £7,995 for the Rio 1.4 ‘1' or from £8,995 for the highly-equipped Rio 1.4 Domino which comes with 15-inch alloys, front fog lights, premium upholstery, leather steering wheel, air conditioning, six airbags and ESC. For more information on the Kia Picanto and Rio Range, call S.G. Petch, Jockey Lane, Monks Cross, York, on 466600.

York manager Glenn Boyes says: “Here at S.G. Petch, we strongly believe that customer satisfaction is the key ingredient of a family-run business. We have a range of new and used cars to suit all needs, budgets and requirements.”

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Drive Talkin’

Our very own ‘Stig’ looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads blue badge. Users can park on yellow lines, save hundreds of pounds in parking fees and avoid London’s congestion charge. It is estimated that able-bodied drivers have cost the taxpayer £14.7 million a year by abusing the blue badge system.

Extra cash to repair potholes Britain's roads have been under attack from frost and thaw due to harsh winter weather.

Bid to stop disabled parking abuse The Government has announced a crackdown on the abuse of disabled parking badges.

Under the new rules, GPs will no longer be allowed to issue patients with the badges. Instead the applicants will have to visit independent centres for assessments.

Parking attendants will also be able to seize suspected fake badges. Currently, only the police have the power to do so.

According to an AA/Populus poll, 88% of AA members in Yorkshire & Humberside think the region’s roads have deteriorated in the last three years, with 68% of respondents saying conditions had deteriorated significantly.

The Department for Transport said it would hand more than £100 million to local councils to help fix the UK's pothole-ridden roads.

Transport secretary Philip Hammond confirmed the funding would be in addition to the £831 million already provided to councils for road maintenance this year. The Government has pledged £3 billion in total over the next four years.

Dead cop fines 2,000 US motorists

The cost of a badge will rise from £2.50 to £10 and they will become laminated with a hologram to make them harder to duplicate.

A dead policeman's signature on red light camera tickets means about 2,000 penalties could be overturned.

More than 2.5 million people in the UK have a

The camera, in the American city of Baltimore,

We don’t repair so you know it’s fair

Cars Motor Homes Vans

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records motorists ignoring the red light. Offenders are penalised automatically, though the film is supposed to be checked by a law officer before a ticket is issued. One motorist noticed the ticket he received had the signature of police officer James Fowler who could not possibly have reviewed the film because he had been killed in a car accident four months earlier.

Footballers top driving offences league Professional footballers are top of the league when it comes to committing driving offences, according to a survey by insurance company elephant.co.uk.

With common offences being speeding, running red lights and driving whilst on the phone, almost a third of footballers have points on their licence, making them nearly two-and-a-half times more likely than the average motorist to be caught breaking the rules of the road. And the fact that they all drive cars that cost more than most of us make in a year makes them fairly easy to spot…

Amongst the other top offenders are riggers, sound editors, cameramen and travelling sales managers. On the flip side, driving instructors do a remarkable job of practising what they preach as they are bottom of the conviction charts, along with au pairs, cardiographers, typists and housemaids. Housemaids? Presumably on their way to their day job at Downton Abbey.

your motors

Safe Motoring with

NORTH EASTERN TYRE & AUTOCARE

Richard Loft Store Manager

Poor road surface

Your tyre and fuel enemies We may well have now recovered from the extreme winter weather conditions, but our roads have suffered quite badly.

I’ve recently heard news report quoting the cost to Council’s to try and keep up with the repairs and also to motorists whose tyres are damaged as a result of driving on poor road surfaces.

£330,000 birthday car for Paris Hilton

There is no getting away from the fact that the snow and ice damages the road surface and leads to more potholes.

What is wheel alignment?

What do you give the girl who has everything? How about a £330,000 car?

That’s the little trinket celebrity heiress and party girl Paris Hilton received for her 30th birthday from her boyfriend Cy Waits. Only 500 of the Lexus LFA supercar will ever be made. Puts a box of Black Magic and a belated card to shame, doesn’t it?

Wheels are properly aligned when all four wheels are straight ahead, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road and their respective axles. Basically they should be straight. This should be checked whenever you have new tyres fitted. Wheels with incorrect alignment may have more of the inside or outside edge of the tyre in contact with the road, rather than an even spread across the centre of the tread pattern.

Town renamed ‘Speedkills’

How can poor road surface affect my alignment?

A rural Australian town changed its name to ‘Speedkills’ to raise awareness of speeding. The name was not too big a change - the town was called ‘Speed’ anyway and has a mere 45 residents.

One of them, sheep farmer Phil Down, agreed to change his name to Phil Slow Down as part of the campaign. Situated in Victoria county and 250 miles north of Melbourne, ‘Speed’ became ‘Speedkills’ for one month only - throughout March. With a campaign to reduce swearing just around the corner, the towns of ‘Off’ and ‘Yours’ are growing increasingly worried…

Hitting a pothole, speed bump or kerb can result in a wheel which was perfectly aligned becoming mis-aligned. Wheels that are mis-aligned will mean that the tyres that are not in proper contact with the road, or are not facing straight ahead.

The tyres will then wear unevenly and will need to be replaced sooner.

Tyre tread is measured across the entire width of the tyre and if any part becomes worn, then the tyre needs replacing, even if there is good tread remaining in other parts.

How do mis-aligned wheels cost me money?

Apart from needing to replace your tyres sooner and not getting the full life from them, you will also be using more fuel. This is due to both the vehicle wandering or pulling on the road and the fact that unevenly worn tyres reduce fuel efficiency.

A vehicle that has an alignment issue will cause more problems and cost more money than it would be to check the alignment regularly and having it corrected.

What can you do about it?

You can have your wheel alignment checked for free at your local NETA on Clifton Moorgate in York. We use 4-wheel laser alignment to give an accurate reading of your alignment. We would recommend having your alignment checked every 6 months or so.

BEFORE

If you do feel the vehicle wanting to pull to the left or right, this could be an indication of mis-alignment and you should have this checked as soon as possible.

We also offer very competitive rates for adjusting your alignment should the free check indicate that this is necessary.

AFTER

For any advice on maintaining your tyres for best performance and fuel economy, just call in any time. We’ll give you straightforward, honest advice that will help you get the most out of your vehicle.

Call: 01904 692500 www.nete.co.uk

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your business

Business your

Business is buoyant in York, despite what some people are saying. Here’s your chance to tell the city about your successes, talk about new products or services, offer tips and praise the people behind your business. Call Your Local Link (01904) 767881

n

The Social Network: Over the past few years there has been an explosion in new media. From Facebook to Twitter, websites to blogging, there are so many ways for businesses to reach potential customers. But what works and what doesn’t? Every month we’ll be talking to a different business or organisation to find out how they make the new media work for them – and how you can do the same.

This month… York College New media is very important to York College – after all, no one is more computer savvy than the average teenager. And they’ve found it a useful – and sometimes ingenious – way of communicating with their student customers. “When the Icelandic ash cloud left one of our IT tutors stranded in LA, she was able to talk to her class via Skype!” says Marketing Manager Corina Inverno.

sure they’re offering the right kind of information. Facebook is another vital communication tool for the college’s existing students. “We can get information across quickly – for instance, if the school has to close due to bad weather,” says Corina. It also helps build a community feel. “If a student is about to join the college, they can chat to other students so they have a ready made set of friends when they walk through the doors.”

Like many businesses, central to their new media strategy is their website. “As well as giving practical information, we try to give a feel for the culture and personality of the college,” says Corina. “This is very important to potential customers , who may well base their choice on whether they like the look of the place.”

Being guided by the customer is vital when it comes to new media, says Corina. “Some people panic and start getting involved in everything else just because they think they should. It’s important to take a step back and look at who your customers are and what they will actually use. “

Keeping the site fresh and relevant is vital – the college marketing team update the site at least five times a day. They also survey customers regularly to make

Which is why the college is now exploring the development of an app that students can download to their phones. “We have to look at the way our customers are accessing information. Very few of them are sitting in front of a desktop or even using a laptop – it’s all done on their iPhones or Blackberrys.

If they could download a college diary they’re much more likely to use it.”

For more information on the

business pages please call Dickie on:

01904 767881 118

your business

Ask the Expert...

Family Law

with ni C K I M I TC H E L L

Happy Families?

This month sees the introduction of radical new rules which will change the way in which family disputes are dealt with by the courts. From 6th April 2011 every separating couple will need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before they will be able to apply to the court. This is the case whether the issues the court is being asked to decide relate to children or finances (with some limited exceptions).

New members of the board Two new members have joined the Science City York Advisory Board, building on the company’s strength and expertise. Marcus Romer has accepted the position of the board’s Creative Chair. Currently the Artistic Director of Pilot Theatre based at York theatre Royal, Marcus is a published playwright and an award-winning director. Joining the board as the Bioscience Sector Champion is Professor Robert Edwards, a leading plant scientist.

Accolade for lawyer Alison Elwess, a solicitor in Harrowells’ Private Client Department, has attained a coveted distinction in her entrance examinations to the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

She is now a full member of the professional body, which represents specialist trust advisers around the world. Her achievement confirms her expertise in advising on more complex inheritance and estate planning issues.

Recruiting apprentices Apprenticeships are not only for 16 to 25-year-olds entering the world of work; they are also an effective way of improving the skills of older employees. This is the view of Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce which has set up a team to help employers recruit and/or train apprentices.

Katrina Beck, project director for the chamber’s Workforce Development Team, says: “Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular and employers across Yorkshire and the UK are beginning to realise the benefits they can bring to their business, allowing them to recruit for the right attitudes and train the skills required to help their businesses grow.

“However, feedback from some businesses shows there is still the perception that apprenticeships are only for 16 to 25-year-olds entering the world of work. Chambers the and Government need to work together to inform employers that apprentices are a credible and cost-effective training route for people of all ages and a fantastic way to boost both confidence and skills.” n For more information on how the chamber can help your business recruit and/or train an apprentice, call 0113 247 0000.

The obligation is not to mediate, but to attend a meeting with a qualified mediator who will decide whether mediation would be a suitable process to help the couple settle their differences.

Mediation Mediation should not be confused with relationship counselling.

It does not aim to get the relationship back on track. Instead the mediator will guide the couple through face to face discussions so that they reach their own solutions in an environment which is neutral, safe and constructive. A good mediator will help a couple to focus on working towards a better future and to avoid going over past problems and disputes.

Mediation is a voluntary process. Both people taking part need to be willing to attend and, if it is to work properly, committed to listening and compromising where necessary. It is important for anyone engaged in mediation to have access to good legal advice to ensure that they are fully aware of the issues and options and, at the end, to convert the agreement into a legally binding form.

Mediation is not always an easy option. However, when it works, the process helps couples improve their communication and work co-operatively. This can not only help to reduce their own stress levels but directly benefit their children.

Mediation is not the only alternative to the court process. Indeed the Protocol which sets out how family lawyers are to deal with the new rules talks about “alternative dispute resolution” often referred to by the shorthand “ADR”. Mediation is only one form of ADR. Another, more recent arrival in the UK, is Collaborative Family Law.

Collaborative Law Collaborative Law is a process in which all issues between a couple are resolved at a series of meetings attended by them both and their lawyers. At the outset of the process all four sign an agreement not to go to court. The process can be suitable for people who find the idea of mediation daunting and who prefer to have the support of their lawyer during the discussions.

Collaborative Law has the same benefits as mediation in terms of better communication and consequent benefit for the children and is proving to be a highly effective alternative to the court for an increasing number of separating couples, whatever the issues between them.

There will always be a role for the courts. Not every dispute can be resolved by agreement and there are people who are, for a variety of reasons, unable to deal with their former partner face to face.

However, there are few professionals working in family law today who would disagree with the principle that there are better ways to resolve family disputes than through the courts.

n For legal advice on this or any aspect of family law, contact Nicki Mitchell at Denison Till Solicitors on 01904 611411 (ncm@denisontill.com).

Nicki is a Specialist Family Solicitor and an accredited member of Resolution – First for Family Law. She is also a Collaborative Lawyer.

See www.yorkcfl.com for further information

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your business

ern,

SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS

Who dares

wins

ProActive Facilities and Maintenance UK Ltd is a real local success story.

The company, which operates from offices on Westminster Business Park, provides daily commercial cleaning and has more than 70 clients throughout Yorkshire. It has recently expanded into offering security services and facilities management.

It’s a far cry from five years ago, when director Chris Burton began the business with a single cleaning machine.

“Before that I worked in retail as a sales manager,” says Chris. “I wanted to get away from the high pressure environment, so I went on a specialist carpet cleaning course, invested in a machine and started up my own business.

“After about a year a few of my customers starting asking me if I knew of any cleaners so I thought I’d do it. My business partner Alan came on board and we started to pick up local contracts.”

A year ago the company hit the

big time when it won the contract for Roko Health Clubs in York and Nottingham, and a hospital in Leeds.

They have recently taken on the new Cafe Rouge in Coney Street and the revamped Revolution Bar. ProActive now employs 75 staff.

“I found there are a lot of businesses out there where the managers spend too much time worrying about their cleaners when they should be concentrating on running their business,” says Chris. “As a company we can take the problem

A picture is worth a thousand words A video production is an effective way of getting your business message across to potential customers.

This is the view of videographer and website designer Dave Tew, who works for Your Local Link magazine. He says: “Video is very versatile.

Thanks to sites like YouTube, people are waking up to its potential for promoting small businesses.”

For example, it can be used as an introduction video for a business website. “Customers find it reassuring to see the faces behind the names and to know who they are dealing with,” says Dave, who has been helping small businesses promote themselves successfully online for ten years.

“A short introductory video tells people you’re human, and not just a faceless website full of jargon. People remember pictures more than

words, so it’s a memorable way of getting across your company’s image and values.”

Video can also be used to demonstrate products and services, so customers can see them in action before they buy. Estate agents, hotels and guest houses can use it to post virtual tours of their property. Dave can also create event videos and DVDs, which are powerful promotional tools.

It isn’t too expensive, either. “A lot of people are put off by the potential cost, but depending on their requirements they can actually have a professional video created and edited for less than £500,” says Dave.

He will discuss clients’ requirements before developing a promotional solution to suit their needs. “Having had a wealth of experience I can often make suggestions that are more costeffective and get their message across in the way they would like.” He will then shoot the video, and edit it into a three or four minute film.

“There’s no disruption to the working day, as I work very unobtrusively – most of my clients forget I’m even there!” says Dave.

Your Local Link can testify to that after inviting him to film the team for our own promotional video.

You can check it out for yourself on www.yourlocalweblink.co.uk

n To find out how a video can make your business shine online, call us on 767881.

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away so they don’t have to think about what to do if their cleaner is off sick or on holiday.”

As part of their commitment to making life easier for clients, they have made the progression into gardening and facilities management. Security expert Nick Earnshaw recently joined the company with a view to expanding the company’s security division.

“We are looking to build up the security side of the business, including property management and physical security,” he says.

They have also expanded into property management in Tenerife.

“Having my own property out there made me realise there was a market for a reliable company to take care of other rental homes,” says Chris. “We set up and office out there six months ago, and we’re looking to develop that side of the business.”

It’s not bad for someone who set up as a one man cleaning company just five years ago. So what’s the secret of his success? “I believe in business you shouldn’t listen to other people,” says Chris. “Follow your gut instincts – it’s better to fail trying at something you really want to do than never to do it at all.”

Chris and Nick’s tips for business

success

Don’t be afraid of failure.

“So many people put themselves off starting their own business by thinking of all the things that can go wrong,” says Chris. “Beware of talking yourself out of taking a risk.”

Never say no.

“I built up my business by doing the jobs other companies would turn down,” says Nick. “People now know they can hand me an assignment and know it will be done.”

Surround yourself with the right people.

“Build up a team you can trust. People who aren’t afraid of hard work and who share your goals,” says Chris.

Exceed your customer’s expectations.

“Don’t over-promise and underdeliver,” says Chris. “So many people warned me against starting up my own cleaning company because there are already so many out there. But there’s always room for someone to come in, do something special and make a difference.”

Business Diary...

WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) York Branch meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month.

Visit www.wireuk.org or email at yorkwire@hotmail.co.uk.

For more information.

Federation of Small Businesses York Branch meets on the third Monday of each month.

Call Christine on 629777.

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce 6th April Chamber Business Lunch, National Centre for Early Music. 12 noon – 2pm.

14th April Chamber Networking Breakfast, Bar Convent. 7.30 – 9pm.

19th April Chamber Ladies Networking Evening, Fenwicks.

6 – 8pm.This exciting networking event is aimed primarily at business

women and is held in association with Fenwick, York. The evening will take a relaxed format giving you plenty of opportunities to network and make new contacts over a glass of wine and canapés, as well as enjoying a variety of Clarins treats. The cost of the evening also includes a £10 voucher which is redeemable against a Clarins purchase or treatment booked on the evening.

York Professionals Call 435363 or email hjackson@ york-professionals.co.uk for details of forthcoming meetings If you have a business networking event coming up, email details to info@ yourlocallink.co.uk

your business

SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS

Ask the Expert...

investments advice with julie wilson

All change!

There are some really big changes ahead concerning pensions.

I know, I know – you’ve heard it all before. Many of you will remember the hullabaloo in 2006 – when the Government attempted to rationalise the various pensions regimes – known as pension simplification. And it was anything but simple – in fact we called it complification! And I know the various Governments are always meddling with pensions one way or another. But this is not a mere tweak – this a full blown re-writing of the pension rule book.

And there is a lot of it.

You will no doubt have heard the hoo-ha about Public Sector Pension Schemes. At the moment these pensions – for the likes of teachers and civil servants etc – are based on their earnings and are basically funded by the taxpayer. The reforms being proposed will mean that public sector workers would have to pay more and work longer for less pension. And members of these scheme are understandably unhappy about the proposals. But the current schemes are frankly unsustainable, and are grossly unfair on the taxpayer. Something had to give eventually.

In the private sector, a new pension scheme - The National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) – is due to be implemented next year. Every employee over 22 and under state pension age not already contributing to a pension will be automatically enrolled in the scheme. Both Employers and Employees will have to contribute to the scheme. Eventually, 8% will be going in – made up of 3% from Employers, 4% from Employees and 1% from the related tax relief.

And (this bit is important) – even if you only employ a gardener or nanny – you will have to contribute to their pension! It’s estimated that this is going to affect between 4 and 7 million people. Massive!

In another “simplification” exercise – this time with state pensions – there are proposals to give everyone a basic state pension of £100 a week with a £40 top up for those that have never contracted out of the “additional” state pensions such as S2P and SERPS. Another major change is that you will no longer be forced to buy your annuity from age 75. It used to be necessary for people to swap their “pots” of pension money (after taking a maximum of 25% as tax free cash) for an income for life – an “annuity” – at age 75 at the latest, and that’s no longer the case. So there are more choices for how and when you take your “income” in retirement – and a big chunk of the decision process will hinge on the tax consequences.

There’s going to be even more choice for those with higher pension incomes. But there is a catch! The “pension pot” left on death will be taxed at 55%! (You think that’s bad? - it used to be over 80%!)

How and when you take your pension benefits depends upon your own circumstances – your current and future tax status, whether you need protection for a husband or wife, whether you would prefer an “inflation proofed” income, need the security of guarantees etc. I know pensions can be a bit tedious. But so can living a long retirement with no income!

n Pen-Life Chartered Financial Planners, Equinox House, Clifton Park, York YO30 5PA Tel: 01904 661140; Fax: 01904 466206; Email: Julie@pen-life.co.uk; www.pen-life.co.uk Julie Wilson is a Chartered Financial Planner with Pen-Life Associates Ltd who help individuals and small businesses make the most from their money including advice on residential and commercial mortgages, individual and business protection, pensions and retirement planning, savings, investments, tax planning and wealth preservation.

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Advertisers Announcement

Marriage/Civil Partnership: An old fashioned concept or a legal necessity York law firm Richardson Gildener assesses the legal minefield that potentially awaits the cohabiting couples.

Unmarried couples face legal minefield In a recent survey, 61% of people interviewed mistakenly believed that by simply living together they acquired the same legal rights as married couples or civil partnerships. They understood the term ‘common law man and wife’ as vesting upon their relationship a recognised legal status. Alas, if only this were the case… love truly can be blind!

Many unmarried couples also believe that if they have a child together this will further bestow upon them additional legal rights, they too are sadly mistaken.

If an unmarried couple have a child and later separate, the partner is under no legal obligation to pay the other partner maintenance. In such circumstances maintenance is only legally required to be paid for the support of the child.

It gets worse for cohabiting couples - for example, if one partner has savings that have accrued or has accrued or acquired pension rights during the period of cohabitation, the other partner will have no legal claim over such assets should they separate.

So what can cohabiting couples do to protect their legal rights in the event of separation?

Cohabiting couples in rented accommodation should ensure that both of their names are on the tenancy agreement, a cohabitee whose name is not on the tenancy will have no automatic right to stay in the property if the cohabitee named in the tenancy agreement decides to leave.

Cohabiting couples living in private owner occupied accommodation which is in one partner¹s name only, should ensure their legal position is protected by having the property put into joint names or, if the owning partner is reluctant to agree to this, the none owning partner should seek their partner¹s agreement to enter into a formal legal document to reflect what both parties intentions are with regard to the house should they go their separate ways.

In the event of death, the surviving cohabiting partner is particularly vulnerable. Where a cohabiting partner dies intestate (i.e. without having made a valid Will) the survivor will

Sarah Burt, Richardson Gildener Solicitors not automatically inherit anything from their deceased partner’s estate. They will not inherit the family home; they will not be entitled to receive any state bereavement benefit and could be left with absolutely nothing from the deceased’s estate whilst distant surviving relatives fill their boots!

Even where a cohabiting partner dies testate (i.e. having left a valid Will) leaving his or her estate to the surviving partner, there is no spousal relief from Inheritance Tax. This means that all of the deceased partner¹s assets over £325,000 will be subject to inheritance tax (currently taxed at 40%).

In order to protect their rights I would recommend cohabiting partners: • Make a Will • Check any personal or employment pension scheme • Check your tenancy/rental agreement • Where one partner owns a property and it is intended to be owned jointly, ensure this is recorded at the Land Registry • Obtain a formal deed to express any agreement reached.

n For further advice on parental responsibility and any other child issues, please contact Sarah Burt at Richardson Gildener Solicitors on 01904 642727.

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your business

business in brief Plum posts Elvington-based Rolawn, the UK’s largest turf grower and leading topsoil supplier, has appointed Yvonne Fogg as finance manager. She was previously company accountant at Slingsby Advanced Composites Ltd.

Green technology

Rolawn’s sister company Hallstone Developments, a landscaping products supplier, has appointed Terry Ryan as sales director. He has worked as a business development consultant for the last five years. Prior to this he was Rolawn’s sales and marketing director.

A former graduate of York University told a business event in the city the region was well placed to become a centre of excellence for green technology.

Fast-track conveyancing

David Richards is managing director of Vivergo Fuels which is building one of Europe’s biggest bio-refineries at Saltend, near Hull.

Anyone who has either bought or sold a house will know how stressful and uncertain the process can be.

The plant, due to come on stream later this year, will be the fifth largest ethanol producer in Europe, processing 1.1 million tonnes of feed grade wheat each year to create 420 million litres of bio-ethanol and 500,000 tonnes of animal feed.

That’s why Hunters, the York-based estate agent, has introduced its new Faster Legals service which gets much of the paperwork of a sale out of the way before a potential buyer comes forward.

Ethanol, the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, can be used as a transport fuel, mainly as a biofuel additive for gasoline.

Dr Richards told the Chamber of Commerce’s annual lunch at York Racecourse that more than 800 people were employed building the bio-refinery.

Vivergo, a venture involving BP, DuPont and British Sugar, was creating about 70 full-time skilled jobs to operate the plant.

Dr Richards said his company’s bioethanol would offer greenhouse gas savings in excess of 50% over standard petrol production, the equivalent of removing 180,000 cars from the road each year.

The service is being rolled out through a partnership with the national legal technology company, The Live Organisation.

The Faster Legals service, suitable for adoption by all independent local solicitors, streamlines the legal process of buying and selling property.

Hunters’ new conveyancing method enables the seller, at no additional cost, to provide all the legal information the buyer’s solicitor will need when the property is put on to the market. This means the seller is in a position to exchange contracts as soon as a buyer is found.

Hunters Managing Director Kevin Hollinrake says: “Sellers using the service have their properties marked with the ‘Faster Legals’ badge, which means they are more attractive to buyers who largely want the purchase to be as quick and stress free as possible.

“This partnership allows us to offer an exclusive conveyancing service to our customers, which not only simplifies the legal process but also reduces the time taken to buy and move in.” n For more details call 621026 or go to www.huntersnet.co.uk

Business accord signed Small is beautiful when it comes to boosting York’s economy. This is the view of the city council which has signed a formal agreement with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Yorkshire and Humber.

The Small Business Engagement Accord is a voluntary code of practice that seeks to encourage an even more productive dialogue with local businesses, to improve their level of participation in local democracy and to recognize the contribution they make to York’s wealth and jobs.

The Accord includes: • The FSB supports the principle of joint working with City of York Council for the benefit of the city and the local business community.

For example, encouraging wider use of apprenticeships in industry and commerce, wider training opportunities in the workplace and a broader enterprise culture • The FSB will welcome the opportunity to comment from a business perspective on City of York Council’s strategic policies such as the Local Transport Plan • City of York Council and the FSB will share business intelligence for better joint understanding of economic and business conditions in the city and of the potential difficulties faced by businesses in York Roger Ranson, City of York Council’s Assistant Director, Economy and 123

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Y H T A YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE

TEACHERS people you can depend on

girls just want to have fun!

Care is not all about cooking & cleaning We want to work with people who think like us and want to help people maintain their independence by living in their own home.

If you would like to learn more about part-time opportunities with Home Instead visit www.homeinstead.co.uk, email york@homeinstead.co.uk or call 01904 690884

Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated

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