Your Local Link Magazine April 2012

Delivered monthly into all 88,167 homes and businesses in York and the villages

MORE PROPERTY INSIDE

n Issue 103 APRIL 2012

the best of york

Let us help you shout about your business!

Advertising with us couldn’t be easier!

Give our friendly team a call on 01904 767881

2

Prices start from just

ÂŁ55.00 per month

the best of york

Spring Super Savings!

UP TO

20% OFF

WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES d fit e supply an

W

IDING BI-FOLD SOLORS PATIO D

Hand this advertisement to a Square Deal representative to qualify for your discount.

Call

SAVE £££’s

on production of this advert

Free Design & Quotation Service Polycarbonate or Specialist Glass Roofing options All Designs Computer Checked for Structural Integrity 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Professional, Clean & Tidy Installations Our Own Fitters - No Sub-Contractors FREE No Obligation Quotations Sash Windows and Secondary Glazing Fensa Registered Window Installations Local Company - Highly Recommended

ON YOUR HEATING BILLS

39 Boroughbridge Road, York YO26 5SQ. Between The Ainsty Pub and Fire Station.

☎ 01904 795225

now for a free quote

with our ‘A’ Rated Windows with FREE Argon SAVING YOU OVER *

£460 A YEAR

www.square-deals.com

in our We’re now ro om! ow sh w ne

FREE on 0800 7315435

We fit Yale

®

The world’s favourite lock

Gas!

*Based on a typical 3 Bed Semi.

Square deals Ltd Windows Doors Conservatories

3

the best of york

LIMITED STOCK

CADIZE FOLDING LIGHT FINISH MAPLE TABLE WITH 4 CHAIRS WAS £475.00

NOW £299.00

4

welcome...

Get in touch... call: 01904 767881

Email: info@yourlocallink.co.uk Fax: 01904 764843 Write: Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH

a few of Vicky’s chips while she wasn’t looking. Still, she is the Queen, so we’re going to let her off.

Just in case you happen to bump into her, there’s a guide to royal protocol in our new Hotlist on page 22 (we think we’ve broken rules that don’t even exist, but she had a laugh so hopefully we won’t be sent to the tower).

York is terribly excited for the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen this month, but the fact is her royalness has only just this morning left the Your Local Link office. Yes readers, we were graced with a regal visit and we can reveal that Liz (yep, we’re on first name terms) makes a cracking cuppa. She even showed us the exercises she does to keep her pinkies perky (it takes more energy than you think to keep that little finger raised while drinking tea, you know) and kindly helped Jon and Ronnie in Distribution by delivering a few leaflets. She’s a spam fritter fan too, and (apologies if this is treasonous, mam) we’re fairly certain she pinched

Yourlocallink York

It seems that Claire’s new haircut has so far stemmed her naughty streak – we reckon she’s like a mischievous version of Samson. There was a moment when we feared that Mousegate would set off a war between Sales and Accounts when Claire pretended to find Kelly’s missing mouse Trevor (it was a fib – see our blog for pics blog. yourlocallink.co.uk) but since going to Kuki and having a new ‘do’ she’s turned over a new leaf and even made a cheesecake for the office. It was delicious (hint, hint...).

a bit of Photoshop wizardry too (after all, nobody’s perfect). So far, though, we’ve been lucky enough to avoid the drama of last year: Tracy was found in a dead faint after she opened her lunch box to find a KitKat, then soon discovered that her other half had just covered two bits of cardboard in a Nestle wrapper. April Fools’ Day is a real test of strength.

Is it obvious that we gave up chocolate for Lent? In case you hadn’t noticed, this issue is pretty much packed with the stuff – including our front cover.

Our domestic diva and designer Rachel was so cocoa-deprived that she almost passed out after airbrushing all of those Smarties. Yes, Smarties need

Nevertheless, the end of the chocolate drought is in sight and after much grafting our shiny, sparkly new website is finally live – have a look at page 10 for details on what you can do on there (erm, pretty much everything except the pots) or visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk. Happy Easter!

@locallinkyork

Space booking, copy, cancellation and editorial deadline for the May edition is 13th April 2012 and 20th April 2012 for recruitment.

Learning made easy at home Email, Google, Skype & more!

Computer set-up

5

contents

Get a free goody bag worth £50... when you spend £50 in store see p124-125 for details

Features:

Cover story: 12-15. CHOCOHOLICS UNITE! Well, it is Easter. We indulge in our cocoa obsession by chatting to local chocolatiers and got a sneak peek behind the scenes at Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story.

Regulars: 16. The way I see it Our very own ‘grumpy’ woman Donna Hay makes tentative steps towards a blog post and gets angry about dry cleaners.

10. We have a shiny new website, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. It’s a one-stop-shop for events, local resources and tradespeople, and our fantastic Search and Sell facility is on there too – read all about it on page 10 or head to www.yourlocallink.co.uk

22-25. Welcome to our brand new Hotlist – our selection of what’s sizzling in April.

30-31. Writing competition & tips.

Have you started scribbling your story yet?

Donna’s here to give you some tried-andtested tips on how to get a novel published, but if you’re just starting out in writing then our competition is a great place to begin.

90. BROWNIE POINTS. We met the man behind Brown & Blond, who makes the gooiest, tastiest, chocolatiest brownies ever (we know, we got to try some... we almost proposed). experts at Kuki answer your questions.

interest, there’ll be a group in York looking for new members that covers it.

34. The gadget guide: Etch-A-Sketch iPhone case. We want.

26. Can you help? Worthy local causes need a hand.

36-39. Motors: we look at the benefits of used cars, plus our very own Stig looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads.

48. Weddings: Take a deep breath, try not to panic and take a look at our wedding section for help with planning your big day.

40-48. Health & Beauty, sponsored by Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa: The inside scoop on what’s hot and what’s not plus the

50-61. Your Family: Check out our tips for finding work experience over the summer holidays.

18. Horoscopes with James Christie

28. Didn’t they do well! The people of York have done it again...

20. Join the club: amateur dramatics, cricket, calligraphy... no matter what your

32. Local Sport Report. Dan Tait confesses his love for Gary Lineker.

6

52-55. Family Easter activities.

Turn to our boredom-busting ideas to keep kids entertained.

the best of york

Win WIn WIn

8.Fancy winning VIP family tickets to Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story, a cut and blow dry at Kuki Health & Beauty Spa or a Montego Legend Bike?

Thought so – head to P8. Golf lover? You could win up to two month’s unlimited golf for you and a friend at Heworth Golf Club on P33.

Also a chance to win a term of drama for your child with Helen O’Grady on P56

Dogged Pursuit Love your dog? Love Yorkshire? Love walking?

Check out page 50 – we’ve found your perfect website.

103. Culture Column. Film, fashion and angels wings aren’t the usual makings of a museum display, but that’s where the new 1212: The Making of the City exhibition at The Yorkshire Museum is different. We chat to Natalie McCaul, Assistant Curator of Archaeology, about the work behind it.

62-75. Property & Interiors: Make sure you consult our Property Hotlist if you’re planning on sprucing up your abode

from our experts.

78-79 Your Pet: These dogs and cats need a new home – can you help?

93-105.Events and Days Out

80-88. Gardening: Get the kids outside with our gardening guide for beginners, and make your lawn look luscious with tips

89-92. Food & Drink. Expert tips on making the perfect roast (provided by you!)

106-108. Classified directory 109-125 Trades & Services directory.

126-128 Jobs, jobs, jobs...

7

Win: a sleek

new style!

We can’t lie: at Your Local Link, we love to look good. And when we want to look good, we dash over to Kuki Spa as fast as our legs can carry us!

Our own Claire just had her hair beautifully cut and coloured by the Kuki crew, and you can see how it went on our blog (www.blog.yourlocallink.co.uk).

Due to high demand, Kuki will now open on Sundays (from 15th April), giving all of York’s citizens a chance to experience its huge range of services. The spa offers hair design, facial treatments, massages and nail care –that’s without even mentioning its expert cosmetic procedures and dazzling wedding packages.

Kuki’s new opening hours are: Monday: 9am-7pm, Tuesday: 9am-5pm, Wednesday: 9am-8.30pm, Thursday: 9am-8.30pm, Friday: 9am-6pm, Saturday: 8.30am-4pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm (from 15th April!)

To celebrate the change, Kuki Spa is offering one lucky winner a fabulous cut and blow-dry, helping them look chic and stunning for the springtime season.

All you have to do is answer the following question: What are Kuki Spa’s new opening hours?

Send your answer on a postcard to the address on page five. Mark your entry ‘Kuki Competition’ and don’t forget to include your name and daytime contact number!

Competition closes 27th April, so don’t delay! T&Cs apply, call Kuki on 659007 for details.

8

The Sweetest Discovery Calling all Charlie Buckets! Naturally we’re all excited about the opening of Chocolate: York’s Sweet Story on 31st March - we’ve become quite accustomed to daydreaming about all the tantalisingly tasty treats that will be highlighted from York’s delicious history. and we’re thrilled to announce we have five golden tickets to give away! These passes will give five families (inclusive of two adults and two children) the chance to enjoy a rare VIP tour of the attraction and everything it has to offer; you’ll even receive a special goody bag, letting you enjoy some enjoyable chocolate homework once it’s over!

The tour will take place on 21st April, and we’re already jealous of whoever wins. To enter the competition, all you need to do is answer the following question: When does Chocolate - York’s Sweet Story open?

Send your answers (along with your name and number) on a postcard marked ‘The Sweetest Discovery’ to the address on page 5. The competition ends 16th April, so don’t delay! T&Cs apply, call 0845 4989411 for details. For more information about Chocolate: York’s Sweet Story, call 0845 4989411 or visit www.yorkssweetstory.com

your competitions

Win a

Montego Legend Bike!

When it comes to getting around in style, you can’t go wrong with the Montego Legend Bike (RRP £479). A product of 1950s sensibility and classic Dutch design, the Montego Legend is one of Get Cycling’s most vibrant and exciting models. The city bicycle features an aluminium frame with integrated cables, Shimano roller brakes and Shimano Nexus three-speed gears.

Get Cycling (one of York’s leading bicycle retailers and community educators) is so proud of this model that they want to give one Your Local Link reader a chance to own it, and so we’ve joined forces to create: The Legendary Easter Hunt!

To enter the competition, you need to find the SEVEN secret Easter eggs that we’ve hidden across the magazine and on our website (your first one is above).

Each egg will show a single letter, and when you find all seven letters you need to solve the “old-fashioned” anagram to discover the secret word! (Psst! There are three in the magazine and the rest are online at www.yourlocallink.co.uk) When you discover the secret word, send it on a postcard marked ‘The Legendary Easter Hunt’ to the address on page five for a chance to win! Make sure to include your name and daytime contact number.

Competition closes 25th April. Winner will have choice of either male or female version, each available in two sizes. Pop in to Get Cycling at 22 Hospital Fields Road, York, YO10 4DZ or visit www.getcycling.org.uk

9

the best of york

At the click of a button

We’ve revamped our website!

Our snazzy new site offers a wealth of information about the city...

We admit it – our old website was getting a little creaky. It needed a bit of a facelift, the poor old thing. Thankfully, something magical happened when we received some help from a web wizard called Tony. As Donna describes in her column on page 16, we once struggled to operate a kettle, but then thanks to Tony’s help (and a lot of hard work) we’re proud to relaunch www.yourlocallink.co.uk in all its shiny, pixelated glory.

We’ve collected loads of useful information about local events, tradespeople and resources, so it really is a one-stop-shop. Our ever-popular Search and Sell facility has been given a revamp too – you can even sell your car! If you’re bored on your lunch break, amuse yourself with our blog (blog. yourlocallink.co.uk) which covers sport, beauty reviews, office antics and a virtual story writing course. Go on, have a look...

WHAT’S GOING ON? Without its engaging events, York just wouldn’t be the same. Every week we can expect new plays, galleries, classes, fairs, tours, workshops, and a mammoth assortment of weird and wonderful things in between. www.yourlocallink.co.uk is now

the ONLY website you need to make the most of your time in the city and its surrounding villages – it lists hundreds of events in dozens of categories, and always gives you a convenient map showing exactly where you need to be. No fuss, no confusion!

And if you’re putting on your own event, you’ll be able to quickly complete a digital form to have it placed on our database, enabling all our website’s

visitors to find out more about it. Go on, give it a try: we’re sure you’ll discover something new!

TRADES AND SERVICES Finding local trades and services can be a daunting task. While you can always rely on the magazine edition of Your Local Link to point you towards all the area’s best businesses, sometimes it’s

SYMPHONY BEDROOM COLLECTION

A Symphony bedroom is designed to suit you and no one else. The 2012 collection ranges from cutting edge furniture to contemporary classics, to sliding wardrobes offering the perfect modern bedroom furniture finish. Available now from Howarth Timber & Building Supplies York.

Visit our inspirational showroom: Leeman Road, York, YO26 4ZH T: 01904 629 931 W: www.howarth-timber.co.uk

10

the best of york

useful to have a little more information at your fingertips. To make this possible, we’ve created a brand-new online Business Directory, and it’s packed full of fantastic features. Each professional profile can be fully customised with video, picture-portfolios, maps, contact information and even a livefeed from the organisation’s Twitter profile (keeping you completely up-to-date with news and special offers!). We think it’s the best thing to happen to businesses since the screwdriver, but don’t take our word for it pop over to www.yourlocallink.co.uk and see for yourself!

BAFFLED BY WEB JARGON? If you’re not sure how to access the internet, there’s never been a better time to learn. Read our special feature on page 60 to discover some brilliant, stress-free ways to learn computer and internet skills.

incorporating Hileys of Thirsk and Easingwold

Fresh thinking

SEARCH AND SELL Got a cupboard full of bits and bobs that you’ve been meaning to get rid of?

Turn your unwanted items into cash with a free listing on our Search and Sell facility. If you’re looking for second hand items, ranging from cars to cots, have a gander and see what you can find – you might bag yourself a bargain!

LOCAL RESOURCES Need a doctor? How about a dentist? Can’t remember the number for your local school? Trust us, we’ve been there. Instead of jumping between dozens of different websites every time you need a community number or address, now you can find everything you need in one place: the ‘Local!’ section on www. yourlocallink.co.uk

WE’LL SEE YOU THERE! What are you waiting for? Brew some tea, fetch a couple of biscuits and check us out. (We’ll even give you the chance to win a fantastic bike from Just Cycling – see our competition on page 8).

...to help you through a relationship breakdown We offer expert advice and practical assistance to those experiencing separation and divorce.

“Relationship breakdown can be a traumatic and expensive experience. We will advise and assist whenever needed to ensure the right approach in resolving your difficulties and our charges can be structured to meet your requirements” John Reynard, Partner We have a team of family law specialists independently recognised by leading professional bodies. In addition to our legal expertise we offer a flexible service tailored to your particular circumstances.

Divorce Separation Financial matters Arrangements for children Unmarried/co-habitees Civil partnerships

n n n n n n

T: 01904 558600 E: advice@harrowells.co.uk www.harrowells.co.uk Business advice I Personal advice I Disputes & claims I Property Harrowells LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (No 471957) and by the Financial Services Authority (FSA register number 470834).

11

The

“It’s amazing to see what started out as a random hope actually happening”

wonderful world of

chocolate!

“We made a lot of mistakes in those early days but we learnt a lot”

As you probably know, York’s newest attraction, Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story opens its doors on 31st March.

April also sees the launch of the city’s very first Chocolate Festival over the Easter weekend.

To celebrate, we’ve been dipping into the world of chocolate, starting with a look at the modern day chocolatiers who are keeping the city’s chocolate traditions alive. Then, over the page, you can take an exclusive sneak peek behind the scenes of Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story before it opens its doors...

Fit for a queen...

If Sophie Jewett ever went on Mastermind, there’s no doubt what her specialist subject would be. The York chocolatier is, as you’d expect, passionate about chocolate. Last year she made her dream come true by

12

opening the doors of her very own chocolate emporium, York Cocoa House on Blake Street.

And this month sees another of Sophie’s dreams come true, as York’s first Chocolate Festival is launched.

Sophie’s worked tirelessly to bring the

city together for the event, which takes place from 6th – 9th April (see our Events section for more details). “It’s amazing to see what started out as a random hope and aspiration actually happening,” she says.

And as York’s unofficial queen of

chocolate, it’s only fitting that she should be rubbing shoulders with royalty. When Her Majesty the Queen visits York this month, Sophie has prepared a special gift for her.

“When I was researching the Craven family archives, I came across details

book and a little machine and got started myself. We made a lot of mistakes in those early days but we learnt a lot.”

of a casket of local chocolates given to the Queen when she visited in 1952 and 1972. I thought it would be a nice idea to produce another one for this visit.”

Three years later, Linda and her team produce bespoke Fairtrade chocolate for sale in shops and online. It’s a real family affair – Linda’s brother in law is her business partner, and her husband and sister help out with the business. “My mum and dad and the kids help with the packing, too.”

The casket, which is being made by a local craftsman John Freeborn, has sections of chocolates produced by Nestle, Tangerine and Sophie. “We’re using a vanilla fondant recipe from Joseph Terry’s journals, to show how York’s chocolate making tradition goes on,” she says.

A family affair It was her daughters’ milk intolerance that led Linda Barrie to launch a brand new business. “Traditional hot chocolate drinks were out, so I needed to come up with an alternative,” she says. After some experimentation with chocolate, unrefined sugar and soy milk, the idea of a delicious, natural hot chocolate was born. “I realised there could be a business there and Choc Affair was created!”

Even then, Linda didn’t expect to be making the chocolate herself. “I originally intended to get another company to produce it for me, but at the last minute they closed for a holiday and I was stuck. So I brought a

Products include chocolate flavoured with mint, lime, rose, bergamot and aniseed, as well as wedding favours, chocolate lollipops and even chocolate hampers. They’re also supplying the promotional bars for the new ‘Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story’ attraction.

And what’s the most unusual request they’ve had? “A couple asked for chocolate pigs piped with their initials for wedding favours. But they were both farmers so perhaps it wasn't that odd!”

Turn over for an exclusive preview of York’s new chocolate attraction!

Did we mention we sell bikes?

YORK PERFORMANCE CENTRE, STIRLING PARK, CLIFTON MOOR, YORK, YO30 4WU www.RatRace.com - 01904 409401 13

Sweet

sensation!

So what can visitors expect from the city’s latest attraction? We took a tour inside Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story with General Manager Michael Constantine to find out...

Let’s be clear from the start. This is not the place to come if you’re on a diet. Because the sights, smells and tastes in this place are going to test your willpower to breaking point.

You walk in and you’re met by a wall of chocolate. Literally. From cocoa bean to liquid chocolate, the whole sweet story is stretched out before you in a state of the art graphic, along with a timeline detailing York’s historical association with confectionery.

And then the fun really starts when you’re met by your ‘confectioneer’ who demonstrates how to eat chocolate. Which is not, funnily enough, by the family bag full in front

14

of the telly, as we’d always thought.

No, apparently there’s more to it than that. You have to look at it and listen to it, too. When we listen to chocolate, all it seems to be saying is ‘eat me’, but that’s probably just us.

Surprises in store After the tasting station (your first taste of chocolate, but not your last), you can find out how chocolate began. Michael is keeping very quiet

about how this story will be told, but he promises visitors will get “a few surprises”. We’re willing to bet there’ll be yet more chocolate involved.

More surprises are in store when you find out how York became the capital of chocolate. And if you’ve

ever worked in York’s confectionery industry, you might even recognise some of the photos and memories – especially if you answered our call for sweet stories from the past to the present day.

The new attraction will feature

priceless objects such as the long lost cocoa tin that survived Captain Scott’s fateful expedition to Antarctica and the famous Mr York who was the George Clooney of his day.

The magic of chocolate Everyone who visits CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story will learn the intricate processes that cocoa beans go through to become a chocolate bar including grinding, conching and tempering.. You can also see, touch and smell real beans, clock in and out of a chocolate factory and find out more about York’s most famous chocolate product, KIT KAT (did you know it had a blue wrapper in wartime? Neither did we). The billion dollar brand started its life as Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp and is now the most global confectionery brand with 17.8 billion fingers sold every year appearing in many different forms - in Japan alone there are 45 varieties including wasabi!

There’s a trip down memory lane for the grown ups, with a whole display of old fashioned advertisements and you can find out what happened

to your childhood sweets in Sweetie Heaven,

Guess the flavour And apparently, says Michael, there’s more to life than chocolate. York’s confectionery industry’s chocolate roots led to the development of specialist skills using sugar and flavours to develop gums and boiled sweets such as York Fruits, Craven’s Humbugs and the unforgettable Polos, Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles and Fruit Gums. So you’ll be able to explore the sweet story too and have a chance to put your taste buds to the ultimate test!

If that’s not enough, there will be chocolate making demonstrations from the expert confectioneers (plus more tasting opportunities, of course), and then it’s down to the shop and the cafe, where you can really indulge yourself with a coffee and some home baked treats, or take home some very special chocolate souvenirs.

Yes, it will probably blow your Weightwatchers points sky high. But what the hell? You can always get back on the wagon tomorrow.

15

THE WAY I SEE IT...

The ups and downs of life as seen by our very own (very) Grumpy, (almost) Old Woman

Down & Dirty

It’s been a bad month for...

I don’t know why I don’t just forget about the cleaning, post tenners through their letterbox and save us all a lot of trouble.

I took my white coat to the dry cleaners the other day (I know, I only have myself to blame. Owning a white coat is about as low maintenance as sharing a flat with Elton John and Paris Hilton).

It’s been a good month for...

dry cleaning

Anyway, the aforesaid coat had got splattered with mud (quelle surprise) so I took it along to the dry cleaners. When I handed it over I pointed out the dirty marks. The woman physically recoiled, as if I’d invited her to take a look at the severed head in my Waitrose carrier bag.

“Well, we’ll do our best,” she sighed.

“But I can’t guarantee we can do anything with those.”

I pointed out that ‘those’ were only minute spots of mud. I hadn’t been herding pigs or servicing my tractor in it, as she seemed to believe. But she just went on sighing and shaking her head.

“It’s quite difficult to clean a coat if it has marks on it,” she said.

So let me get this straight. They can clean a coat as long as it’s not actually dirty. If it is dirty, they will pin a little message to it when they give it back to you, pointing out that it’s dirty. Which is very helpful, isn’t it?

16

Follow Donna on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

blogging

I had to write my very first blog post today. It was utterly terrifying.

It’s simple, everyone said. But then they said that about the photocopier, and I still haven’t got to grips with it. Technology and I go together like Jedward and a sponsored silence.

But while I’ve been out of the office finishing off my book, everyone else has undergone some kind of group brainwashing procedure (or ‘web training’, as they call it).

One minute working the electric kettle is outside their skills set, the next they’re flinging around words like ‘hyperlink’ and ‘gravatar’. It’s like a cyber version of Invasion of the Bodysnatchers in here.

They were very caring for a while as I explained again and again how technophobic I was and how very difficult it all was for me. Then finally they got bored and told me to just jolly well get on with it (except they didn’t use the word ‘jolly’). “Just write something, press

the button and it will just appear,” they said.

Which was the problem. What if I accidentally pressed the wrong button and single handedly brought down the entire internet? According to our website guru this is a physical impossibility, but then he’s never seen my wanton button pressing. If I can break a pencil, I can break the world wide web, no problem.

Anyway, six hours and several hundred Haribos later, I finally managed to post my blog entry. Go online and take a look at it, if you dare... n To see Donna’s blog, visit blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

Do you have a moan you’d like to share?

Or maybe you’d like to thank someone in our pages?

If so, email donna@yourlocallink.co.uk or write to us on page five. Mark your message ‘Have Your Say’.

“Why do we need so many passwords? I’ve just spent nearly an hour trying to buy a pair of shoes online. I last bought something from that site a year ago, but the website wouldn’t let me place my order until I came up with the right password. How do computer hackers manage it when you can’t even access your own account?”

“I can’t stand it when people talking about giving ‘110%’. I know I only just scraped through GCSE maths, but even I know it’s a physical impossibility. I don’t know why, but it just winds me up 100%!”

And now for the good news...

“Can I use the pages of your magazine to thank the kind person who handed my purse in after I lost it in town? It’s nice to know there are some honest people in the world!”

“Thank you so much for the tickets to the Ideal Home Show, which I won in last month’s competition. They were waiting for me when I came home from a short stay in hospital. It was the perfect tonic!”

17

Horoscopes April 2012

Starsign of the month...

Aries (21st March - 19th April)

here’s a few famous faces you share your sign with

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

Arians are not renowned for their patience. They want it and they want it now, and if they can’t have it for any reason, they do one of three things.

Option one is that they have a long drawn out sulk, option two is they have a tantrum, and option three is that they lose interest and go on to do something else! These trends will be very noticeable throughout April, but be warned! It’s a month of acting in haste and repenting at leisure, so try to avoid impatience and impulsiveness. This might be easy for me to say, but less easy for you to do! Nevertheless, do try your best because there are significant rewards in the wind for those members of the sign who can restrain their wilder impulses in favour of a more measured outlook and attitude. A long hard look at career prospects takes up some of your time, and you’ll be considering different ways of getting out of the rat race. There is a degree of domestic claustrophobia when other members in your family find it hard to understand where you’re coming from and what it is that you really want. Be clear in expressing your desires and expectations. This will help everybody.

L to R: Elton John, Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, Alan Sugar

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO (23th July - 23rd August)

(20th April - 20th May)

(21st May - 20th June)

(21st June - 22nd July)

Taureans always get very restless in the spring, and this year is no exception – except that you’re all dressed up with no place to go.

Try to channel your energies into something creative, and if there is something specific that you want, then go and look for it, rather than sitting there, waiting for it to come to you.

A good money month, although cash comes from some unexpected sources. The possibility of some significant changes on the job scene, especially between the 14th and 21st. Some good advice on offer from two different people… professionally, from an older male, and emotionally from an older female. Consider all options before making commitments.

Rather a tense month in affairs of the heart, but with some major problems being sorted out during the last few days. Finances are up and down, with some major purchases made between the 15th and 22nd. Not a great deal of support at this time from lovers and partners, and there is likely to be some concern on health matters.

Softly softly catchee monkey in affairs of the heart brings rewarding results, but this same technique won’t work on the business front, where a very direct approach will achieve more. The 17th, 18th and 19th are three dates when business and pleasure mix very nicely and travel aspects look promising after the 23rd.

YORK MARRIOTT- FOR THE BEST START TO YOUR RACE DAY At the York Marriott Hotel our Grand lunch buffet is the best pre-race preparation you can get. A superb selection of inspired dishes will help get your race day off to the best possible start.

Why not combine a pre-race lunch with a traditional afternoon tea served after theMARRIOTTraces finish- the perfect YORK FOR THEcombination.

BEST START Prices for GrandRACE Buffet lunch TOtheYOUR DAY start from £25 per head with afternoon tea from £15 per head

At the York Marriott Hotel our Grand lunch buffet is the best preparation can superb selection inspired For morepre-race information pleaseyou call usget. on A01904 770625 or of email dishes will help get your race day off to the best possible start. mhrs.qqyyk.eventsorganiser@marriotthotels.com mhrs.qqyyk.eventorganiser.com Why not combine a pre-race lunch with a traditional afternoon tea served after the races finish- the perfect combination.

YORK MARRIOTT HOTEL Tadcaster Road Prices for the Grand Buffet lunch start from £25 per head with York afternoon tea from £15 per head YO24 1QQ For more information please call us on 01904 770625 or email YorkMarriott.co.uk

mhrs.qqyyk.eventsorganiser@marriotthotels.com mhrs.qqyyk.eventorganiser.com 18

YORK MARRIOTT HOTEL Tadcaster Road York

(24th August - 22nd September) An important month for reunions and anniversaries, also for fresh starts in problematical relationships.

Some serious choices need to be made around the 16th and 17th and don’t go scratching any old wounds.

Someone will be saying some very nice words to you (around the 23rd and 24th) and you’d be silly not to believe them.

LIBRA (23rd September - 22nd October) Some legal stuff in the wind between the 7th and 15th and you need to be canny with your cash.

Having said that, it’s a great month for getting rid of old rubbish and an opportune time to reassess some key friendships and relationships – especially those which are not really working.

SCORPIO (23rd October - 21st November) Quite a positive and successful period, especially during the first couple of weeks. Things get twitchy around the 14th or 15th when someone puts the boot in and tries to trip you up. I reckon you’ll know exactly what’s going on, and if you give someone enough rope, they’ll hang themselves.

Sagittarius (22nd November - 21st December) Some well-earned successes come your way during the first fortnight, but your energy levels take a nose dive around the 14th or 15th.

Livestock, pets and children could be the cause of some concern and there won’t be much leadership on offer from lovers and partners.

Things pick up again around the 22nd with some good news.

the best of york

VIRGO

CAPRICORN (22nd December - 19th January Pretty good month across the board, marginally compromised by some concern for the welfare of others. Romantic aspects quite spicy, especially for single fellers… but the girls aren’t far behind. Some changes in work routines are very much to your advantage at this time.

Don’t be afraid of accepting extra responsibility.

Clinical Negligence and Catastrophic Injury Solicitors

aquarius (20th January - 18th February) Some fresh energy will be filtering through to give you a much needed boost. Travel aspects between the 8th and 11th look super, and a specific target is hit, a winning goal scored, between the 22nd and 30th.

Aspects auger well for competitive sports and hobbies, and there are some new romantic vibes.

PISCES (19th February - 20th March) A few new domestic routines should have fallen into place by now and you will find life a little more calm and predictable… which is great if that’s what you want, but not if you’re looking for wild parties and adventures! Having said that, social aspects do pick up a bit after the 22nd.

Support and advice for victims of serious injury or illness SPECIALISTS IN COMPENSATION CLAIMS FOR:

• MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE • BRAIN & SPINAL INJURY • FATAL ACCIDENT • ASSAULT & ABUSE • ASBESTOS DISEASE • SERIOUS INJURY

0845 601 4499 www.cnci.co.uk

CNCI is a specialist service provided by Harrowells LLP

T: 01904 558600 www.harrowells.co.uk Harrowells LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (No 471957) and by the Financial Services Authority (FSA register number 470834).

19

Join

the

club

Supporting the stage

boast brilliant productions, but York Theatre Royal continues to its wealth of local support. The out these wouldn’t be possible with cated to helping the iconic dedi are l Roya Friends of York Theatre e calendar of events, and they institution maintain its impressiv es l functions by selling programm routinely lend a hand at theatrica and tres thea r othe s visit p grou and voluntarily stewarding. The enjoy a monthly lunch and historical buildings, and they also occasional social evenings. ing new friends and helping n If you’re interested in mak future, write to their tre’s thea to raise funds for the theatre’s address (York Theatre Membership Secretary at the @ k YO1 7HD) or email friends Royal, St Leonards Place, Yor yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Bring and Sing The York Rose Singers are performing Stainer’s The Crucifixion on 1st April at Our Lady’s Roman Catholic Church in Acomb, and would like to invite fellow singers to join them. Under the direction of Tim Knight, the rehearsal is 3-4.30pm, after which the group will stop for light refreshments before the performance starts at 6.15pm.

If you would like to join in with this bring and sing performance the cost is £10 and you’ll need to bring a copy of The Crucifixion with you. If you aren’t a singer but would like to listen to the performance there’s no charge to the audience. Doors open at 6pm. n For further information and to complete the booking form, please visit www.yorkrosesingers.org.uk or ring 345778 to have a form posted to you.

Step up!

Looking to put your dancing shoe s on and dazzle the York populace? No, Your Local Link isn’t starting a breakdance troop…

Ebor Morris is looking for a jumb le of jolly jiggers to join their Morris Dancing practices - there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy trips away and other adve ntures while making new friends. Right now they’re only looking for dancers with previous experience, but beginners can start in September. Practices take place ever y Monday from 8.30-10p m at the Scout Hut in Bad Bargain Lane. n You can also catch the gro up performing in King’s Squ are on 23rd April at 7.30pm.

Email paul@sanderson1278.fsn et.co.uk for more details.

Young Yorkers Wanted!

who’s a little batty? Well, that’s Do you have a son or daughter ely, this means they might make pretty common (trust us). Fortunat larly can be great exercise, regu t cracking cricketers! Playing spor outside of school hours. If and a valuable chance to socialise ; look at Dringhouses Cricket Club they’re game, you should take a er und ody anyb and , bers mem r they’re on the lookout for new junio . part take and g alon e com nine years old is welcome to or Vicky Rennison on n Call Mick Kenyon on 706388 tion.

07972 333884 for more informa

Local Vocals!

The World Music Choir ‘Chechelele’ is looking for new bass and tenor voices to complement its regular performances throughout the year. The group does a wide repertoire of songs and they’re eager to hear from enthusiastic newcomers! n If you’re interested, visit www.chechelele.co.uk or email coleaders@Chechelele.co.uk

YOUR OWN

holiday home

BY THE SEA bespoke design

manufacture

fitting

KITCHEN WORKT WORKTOPS K OPS KT LEISURE PARK

We design, manufacture and fit domestic and commercial worktops in Granite, Marble, Quartz Stone and Corian®

Over 100 Corian® colours available.

Granite & Quartz in polished, honed & textured finishes

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

www.dalesofthirsk.co.uk 20

LT D

Pen Friends They say a picture can say a thou sand words, but what about beautiful lettering? Calligraphy has been around for centuries, and the skill is still as popular and imp ressive as ever. York Scribes, who have been encouraging and supp orting people with an interest in calligraphy for over 20 years, will offer a chance for complete beginners to have a go at the skill on 28th April at the Friends Meeting House in New Earswick . Both morning and afternoon sessions are available. n To register and for further information, call Trish on 758428 or Margaret on 7694 35, or email Margaret@beeches13.fre eser ve.co.uk

Make a Scene

a brilliant theatre company, but Interested in getting involved with uses Dramatic Society is calling not keen about acting? Dringho cially interested in hearing out for new members, and it’s espe backstage. You don’t need to have from people who’d like to work ’re eager to find people who’d they and any previous experience, ther props and handle the all the like to help create sets, put toge t n ever y one of the society’s grea technical elements which underpi St at pm 7.30 at ys rsda Thu on ts productions. The company mee rpe.

James the Deacon Hall in Woodtho t n For more information visi ciety.org.uk ticso ama esdr ous ngh .dri www

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 on page seven, or email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk.

Mark your message ‘Club News’.

21

April Hotlist April is the month to...

Get Chocolatey Easter, the Chocolate Festival, the launch of Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story... there are a multitude of reasons why April is the month to learn about York’s long love affair with chocolate, and it’d be rude not to indulge in the stuff. Check out page 12 for our sneak behind-the-scenes preview of Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story, and turn to the events section for information on the Chocolate Festival. Yum. Our Nicolette didn’t get called back by the organisers after her audition (see last month’s Your Local Link), by the way.

She was distraught until George Welton the brownie king sent in some scrummy treats for us to try. Check out page 90 to see Donna’s interview with the culinary wizard.

Visit the Panto

Go Gardening

Visit nearby open gardens to make the most of the spring weather while getting some inspiration for your patch at home. It’s a great opportunity to get the whole family to enjoy a picnic together, and the kids can help by preparing sandwiches. Days out like these can be the ones that create wonderful memories to treasure – and there’s little cost to boot. See page 83 for further details on local open gardens from the National Gardens Scheme or visit www.ngs.org.uk Pssst – check out our gardening guide on page 88 for ideal tools for kids!

IS0422_Rich.LocaLink/Straps/AW

20/7/11 11:49

No, this isn’t one of our April Fools’ jokes.

The Wizard of Oz – An Easter Pantomime is on at the York Barbican Centre (check the events section for details) and we think it makes for a refreshing change. Dani Harmer, (best known as TV’s Tracy Beaker) will star as Dorothy, and Aaron Sidwell (AKA Steven Beale from Eastenders) will play the Wicked Witch of the West’s henchman.

It looks fabulously funny and we’re looking forward to the kids* stopping their nagging about how long it is until Christmas for an evening. * That sentence should read: The kids are looking forward to us stopping our nagging about how many sleeps it is until Christmas!

Page 2

RICHARDSON GILDENER SOLICITORS 1 Peckitt Street, Opposite Clifford’s Tower, York YO1 9SF. Tel 01904 642727 Email mail@richardsonlaw.co.uk Website www.richardsongildener.co.uk

22

travel back in time The Castle Museum’s Victorian street offers a fantastic glimpse into the past, and a £300,000 refurbishment will see the street extended. New features will include shops based on real examples from the Victorian era and an alleyway with a stinking privy.

The street is set to reopen on 2nd June – keep an eye out in Your Local Link for further information.

Play the fooL April Fools’ Day is perhaps our favourite morning of the year. Until 12 noon you’re basically allowed to do pretty much anything you like and use it as an excuse. Our favourites are the classic Clingfilm over the loo (gross but the screams of terror from within the bathroom are hilarious) and IKEA announcing a highchair for dogs call the Hundstol. Go all out and orchestrate a prank on a colleague or friend, planning well in advance so that you can iron out any potential flaws. However, make sure you select your victim carefully: they must be able to take a joke, (if you choose unwisely, don’t blame us). Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Can you spot any gags in the mag?

Foolish Facts...

• April Fools’ Day day is thought to have its origins in Iran, where the tradition (which dates back to as early as 536 BC) is to play jokes on one another on the 13th day of the Persian New Year, which falls on 1st or 2nd April.

• The French and Italians stick a paper fish on one another’s backs while shouting “April fish!” (we’re sure it’s hilarious, you just have to be there) • In Sweden pranks are followed by the immortal words "April April din dumma sill, jag kan lura dig vart jag vill" (translated as April, April, you stupid herring, I can fool you to wherever I want", of course).

There’s no use in trying to put it off any longer – spring is here, and it’s time to get the dusters out. Spend a weekend giving the house a good going over and you’ll reap the benefits in the long term while getting a great workout into the bargain. Take any junk that you no longer want to a charity shop, but first check to see if it can be used in a different way (‘upcycling’ is in - see our Property Hotlist on page 68). Check out local tradespeople in the property section who can help with getting those odd jobs sorted, and hire a carpet cleaner to give your floor a new lease of life. Make your home sparkle and you’ll feel get rid of any nasty germs that are lurking, meaning your family will be healthier – it’s particularly good for asthma sufferers to get rid of dust. Get those Marigolds on!

23

April Hotlist April is the month to...

Ride a Bike Now that the sun is making tentative moves towards donning his hat, now’s as good a time as any to get the bike out of the shed and give it a good airing.

Don’t let not having a bike stop you, either – Cycle Street in Heworth stock a range of bikes from top brands Orbea, GT and Dawes, and can tune up rusty ones that have been locked away all winter so that they run like a dream. The shop will celebrate their second birthday from 7th-9th April with competitions to win a bike instore. n For further information, visit www.cycle-street.co.uk or call 427510.

It’s worth checking out the classes and courses on offer at Get Cycling too, where you can learn about a range of bike-related topics including maintenance, safety and how to repair a puncture: n Visit www.getcyclingyork.org.uk or call 636812.

Meanwhile, Cycle Heaven offer road and racing bikes as well as custom fitting. n For further info, call 636578 or visit www.cycle-heaven.co.uk

24

Practice Your

Get Stuffed...

The closing date for entries to the Haxby and Wigginton Methodist Church Scarecrow Festival is 22nd April, so get stuffing quick if you want to enter.

The event will see the streets around the Your Local Link office filled with straw people from 5th-7th May – and if last year’s event is anything to go by, straw cartoon characters, straw mermaids and straw dragons too. Before anyone asks, no, we won’t be entering. It’s not fair on the other applicants – they should be given a chance.*

n For details, call Dave on 761262 or write to him at 29 Old Orchard, Haxby, York, YO32 3DS. *In case we didn’t make it clear enough in the March issue, our scarecrow last year was hideous.

STOP PRESS! We’ve found the most fantastic website: www.dogwalksyorkshire.com is a free guide to the Yorkshire countryside, offering info on routes (including pooch-friendly pubs) that you and your dog can explore together – and best of all, it’s free. Turn to page 24 to find out more.

Curtsey

Her Majesty the Queen is visiting York this month, so get out the flags and practice your royal wave. Just in case you get the chance to speak to the monarch, make sure you’re prepared with our tips on royal protocol: • When first addressing the queen, refer to her as Your Majesty, then afterwards it’s mam like jam not marm like arm • Don’t speak unless spoken to • Ladies, remember to curtsey when you meet her, and gentlemen you should nod your heads • If the Queen offers her hand for a handshake, keep the shake short and gentle • If you’re lucky enough to dine with Her Majesty, watch carefully – you must stop eating when she does • Never turn your back to the Queen – always allow her to leave the room before you

CUT OUT & KEEP

ASK THE EXPERT

with sUZIE BOGLE MA, FCIPD, FCMI

business diary FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES (YORK BRANCH) Meets on the third Monday of the month at the Riverside Farm in Skelton, York YO30 IXJ. Call Christine on 629777 YORK BUSINESS NETWORKING Meeting on 10th and 24th of April.

Takes place from 8-10am at Riverside Farm, Skelton.

Visit www.4networking.biz NETWORK YORK INTERCHANGE Networking event. Takes place on 19th April 7.45-9.15am at the Holiday Inn on Tadcaster Road.

Call Anne Ma’aye on 0780 3616878 NETWORK NORTH Breakfast meeting every Wednesday from 7.30-9am at the The Beechwood Close Hotel.

Email steve@stevetwynham.com or visit www.networknorth.org.uk WIRE (WOMEN IN RURAL ENTERPRISE) YORK BRANCH Group meets first Tuesday of every month at The Cottage Inn, Haxby. enquiries@yorkwirenetwork.co.uk WOMEN’S BUSINESS CLUBS Meeting on 3rd April from 10am12noon at The Grange Hotel. www.thewomensbusinessclubs.com HARROWELLS SEMINAR The Employment Law Team will lead a session on the use of social media and electronic communications in the workplace and beyond on 25th April at the Innovation Centre at York Science Park. Registration and refreshments from 9am, seminar from 9.30am-10.45am.

Book online at www.harrowells.co.uk or call Peter Mills on 558664

n If you have a business networking event coming up, please email details to info@yourlocallink.co.uk For more business news check out our new section on www.yourlocallink.co.uk

Maternity - your rights at work...

Maternity leave and pay is probably one of the most complex areas of human resources and employment law that I face as an HR professional. Here are some pointers about the rights and process.

To actually be entitled to any maternity leave, or pay, you need to inform your employer in writing at least 15 weeks before the baby is due. You need to tell them when your baby is due and when you want your maternity leave to start. You can start your maternity leave no sooner than the 11th week before your baby’s due date. If you want to change your mind about start date you need to give 28 days notice of the change in date.

Your employer has to take care of your health and safety at work when you are pregnant and steps should be taken to remove or reduce risks.

They also need to provide rest facilities and facilities for breastfeeding.

They also need to respond in 28 days to let you know when your maternity leave is due to end. In the horrific circumstances that the baby is stillborn, or you miscarry after 24 weeks of pregnancy, you are still entitled to maternity leave.

As a pregnant employee, you can take time off work to attend antenatal care; this can include parent craft or relaxation classes. Your employer might ask for appointment cards as proof.

Did you know you are actually forced to take at least two weeks paternity leave after the birth? And if you work in a factory, this is four weeks. There are two types of maternity leave: ordinary maternity leave and additional maternity leave, which total one-year. Whilst you’re on maternity leave all your benefits and your contract stay the same. The only thing that changes is your pay, which is changed to maternity pay. You are also bound by your contract, for example you need to be faithful to your employer and maintain confidentiality for them.

During maternity leave you will accrue holiday entitlement to leave and pay. It is always best to use up any outstanding holiday prior to going on leave and then take as much as has been accrued before returning to work.

Suzie Bogle MA, FCIPD, FCMI Managing Consultant of Breathing Space providing practical and effective HR support and consultancy for small and medium sized businesses in Yorkshire.

If your business needs help with staffing or HR, we are here to help.

Call 0113 386 9270 Email suzie.bogle@breathingspacehr.co.uk These answers are general in nature and are not intended to substitute for specific expert advice.

25

Can you help... local people, local causes

Trekking for Charity

Get Guiding

Here at Your Local Link we occasionally receive some strangelytitled emails. While we usually attribute the bulk of these to Tracy having one-too-many Saturday sangrias, we were intrigued to see an email pop up with the title ‘Two Fat Yorkshire Men: One Mountain’. After taking a look, it turns out that this refers to quite an inspirational event, and one we definitely thought was

worth sharing. In 2014, Dave Firth and Nick Keating are planning to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, and they’re doing it all to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. They’ve set an ambitious fundraising target of £40,000, and they’re appealing to York’s charitable citizens for support. To find out more and to contribute, visit www. justgiving.com/davidfirth2014

Groups like Girl Guides, Rainbows and Scouts groups are a brilliant way for kids to make friends, learn new skills and develop their personalities within a fun and supportive environment. The programme is so popular that children often have to be placed on waiting lists, meaning that new leaders are high in demand! If you’ve got some extra time and think you’d enjoy getting involved, you should get in touch with the organisation and let them know – Your Local Link’s Claire became a Rainbows leader recently, and she loves it! Your efforts could make a huge difference to a lot of young lives, and give you a great sense of pride.

Happy Birthday!

n Visit www.girlguidingnortheast.org.uk or www.scouts.org.uk

n Pssst – cycling is in this month. Check out our April Hotlsit on page 24...

26

Congratulations to Cycle Street, who will turn two this month. Since the shop’s launch in April 2010 the team have built a loyal fanbase thanks to their comprehensive service offering repairs, custom wheel building and bespoke bikes. Well done guys! For further information, visit www.cycle-street.co.uk

ASK THE EXPERT with simon crack

Employee Rights This month we take a look at a couple of topical issues around employment law.

Q. An additional bank holiday has been announced for 5th June to mark the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Do I have to pay my employees for this holiday?

Staying Afloat York’s local branch of the RNLI endeavours tirelessly to save lives at sea, and we at Your Local Link couldn’t be prouder that they continue to be such an important presence within our community. Right now they’re on the lookout for somebody to lend or donate a DVD/CD player to assist them in giving educational talks. They’re also excited to announce an upcoming table-top sale on 28th April, taking place at 18, The Village, York. We definitely encourage everybody to come along and support their work – and who knows, you might even pick up a bargain! RNLI are also eager to hear from people who’d like to become members, either as supporters or committee members. n For more information call Colin on 491133.

Memory Lane If you’ve lived in York for a long time, you’re likely to have plenty of pictures and memories from your particular patch. While these should always be shared, the Tang Hall Local History Group is particularly interested in photographs and stories from days gone by in Lawrence Street. These will illustrate a display later this year in October, and it’s a great way to educate others about local history and get everybody talking. To contribute, call the group’s secretary on 345942 or email jjrhrt@ntlworld.com. Pictures and stories can also be sent to Jane Burrows, 17 Oakland Avenue, Stockton Lane, Heworth, York YO31 1BY.

A. Employees do not have an automatic right to take bank holidays so the announcement of an extra bank holiday does not necessarily increase their entitlement to holiday. It all depends on the exact wording in your employment contracts.

Some contracts of employment, such as those which entitle an employee to 20 days’ annual leave in addition to “all statutory, bank and public holidays” would give an employee an extra day’s paid holiday.

However, contracts of employment which specify the amount of bank holidays the employee is entitled to each year, for example “eight bank holidays” or specifically names the bank holidays do not entitle that employee to an extra day’s paid holiday.

You also need to consider the rights of your part-time employees.

If bank holidays are pro-rata’d for part-time employees and your employees are entitled to this extra day’s holiday, you should take into account the extra day’s bank holiday in the 2012 pro-rata calculations.

Even if your contracts don’t allow for paid time off you can choose to provide this as a gesture of goodwill and to help boost morale but do make it clear it is a one-off arrangement Q. I have an employee with 18 months’ service, who I would like to dismiss for poor performance. I understand new legislation means an employee currently can’t claim for unfair dismissal until they have two years’ service. Is that right?

A. No, the new legislation doesn’t kick in until 6th April, 2012. As things stand an employee generally needs one year’s continuous service before they can claim for unfair dismissal.

There are circumstances in which an employee does not need one year’s service to bring a claim such as where they have been dismissed for a discriminatory reason (for example sex, age or disability), or for trade union and health and safety reasons.

However, the changes due to come into force from 6th April will mean that employees starting new employment on or after 6 April, 2012 will need to have given two years’ continuous service before they can bring a claim for unfair dismissal.

For employees who started employment before 6th April, 2012 the qualifying period is unchanged at one year.

Before dismissing any employee you should seek advice from a solicitor to make sure you have a fair reason to dismiss and are following a fair procedure.

Hethertons offers a free 30-minute initial appointment on the above issues. For further details please call us on 528200.

Simon Crack is a partner at Hethertons LLP solicitors and Head of the Business Support Unit. Based at York Business Park, Hethertons provide the full range of legal services to businesses and individuals.

Tel: 528200 email: bsu@hethertons.co.uk, www.hethertons.co.uk Tudor Court, Opus Avenue, York Business Park, York, Yo26 6Rs. 27

Didn’t they do well Want to shout about a recent success? Won an award, or raised funds for charity? Let us know about it, and we’ll tell the rest of York!

Peak Practice

A Grand Development The Cedar Court Grand, York’s first five-star hotel, is already renowned throughout the country for its breathtaking location, convenient presence and luxurious facilities. Set in a Grade Two listed building, the former railway company headquarters has been transformed into a modern marvel, featuring the very best in therapeutic and indulgent amenities.

To go the extra mile, the hotel has appointed York’s own Great Potential,

one of the UK’s finest tourism specialists, to produce a winning campaign with VisitYork to boost its profile overseas. We’re sure this will have the fantastic result of bringing more business into York’s economy, and we know it’ll do wonders to cement our excellent international reputation. n Call the Cedar Court Grand Hotel on 380038 or visit www.cedarcourtgrand.co.uk

Remember we told you about the security team at York Hospital attempting to tackle the three-peaks challenge twice in our March issue?

Well, the team are about to begin their bid and they need all the support they can get! As a ‘warm-up’, the four will climb the Yorkshire three-peaks on 24th March, then they’ll aim to finish the national three-peaks challenge in under 24 hours on 13th April. Funds raised go towards a new garden at the Cancer Care Centre. n To sponsor the team, call 721737 or visit www.justgiving. com/challenges4cancer

We just wanted to say a big well done to Lisa Carlyle at Kuki Health & Beauty Spa, who now owns her premises outright. Lisa has been in business for 14 years, and we wish her a long and happy time at her stunning spa on Huntington Road.

Snapping Up Awards!

Simon Roy, a local photographer, has put York’s stunning scenery on the map after entering two gorgeous pictures in the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition – and coming third place in the Wildlife Havens category! His entry ‘Ratty Breakfast’ depicts a water vole nibbling on some brambles while perched on rock, and was taken at the Askham Bog Nature Reserve on a late-summer’s morning.

Congratulations are due to Simon, and we’re brimming with pride that he’s bringing our spectacular wildlife to an international audience. n For further information, visit www.siphoto.co.uk

Now it’s your turn... Just write to us at the address on page five, or email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk, marking your message ‘Didn’t they do well’ and we’ll do the rest. And if you’ve got a photo for us, even better! Go on, big yourself up. You know you want to...

28

Ask the Expert...

investments advice with julie wilson

£12.6 billion down the plughole

Best and Brightest

Harrowells Solicitors is well-known for its strong presence within the York community. With over 100 staff, the firm has built up a rock-solid reputation for ensuring that all its employees are highly trained and qualified, and this professional dedication continues to shine brightly within all its new recruits.

The firm has taken on Ruth Griffiths and Annie Noble, who have both recently completed their two years of professional training at the company; Ruth is its newest fully-qualified solicitor, and Annie has joined the firm’s Employment Law Team. But it’s not just emerging talent that Harrowells values – it’s also proud to announce that Jonathan Moore has re-joined the company as a Partner in its Commercial Property team.

Every year, Unbiased release their Tax Action report which reveals the money that Britons waste in unnecessary tax. Can you believe it? £12.6 billion! That’s a lot of money. And chances are you contributed to it.

“Not me”, I hear you cry – I don’t earn that much money. “Yes you”, I reply, because we rarely see clients who have their affairs arranged efficiently, taking advantage of the tax reliefs and allowances available, and making sure their investments and insurance plans are arranged as tax efficiently as possible.

Let’s not beat around the bush. It matters where your investments and savings are held. It matters that you take advantage of tax allowances and reliefs. Let me show you. Let’s assume you are a basic rate taxpayer and save £200 per month for 20 years. Choose which of the following money boxes you’d like your savings to have grown to:

n Call Harrowells Solicitors on 558664 or visit www.harrowells.co.uk

An Ideal Idea!

Here at Your Local Link, we love it when young people achieve great things; 17 year-old Peter Balackley, from York College, definitely fits this bill. At Venturefest – York’s annual showcase of business innovation – Peter took home the coveted Griffins Nest prize for his own enterprising idea, based on the presentation he gave to 150 delegates at the event.

His idea, Silver Surfers, detailed a business structure whereby young offenders teach IT skills to elderly people, and the judges felt that it perfectly captured the spirit of inclusion and social enterprise. Well done!

PIG A

PIG B

PIG C

I’m guessing you’d say Pig C. But most of you will end up with Pig A. And as to which one is best, well that depends what you want it for and when. “Aha”, I hear you say, “but I don’t want to take any risk.” So would it surprise you to know that all the pots are invested in exactly the same thing —cash, for example.

“So”, I hear you say “how come they’re Which of the pots different amounts then?” Well, it’s all of money would to do with the type of savings plan you you rather have? have – the ‘wrapper’ into which your savings go. The smart ones among you I’m guessing you’d might have worked out by now that say Pig C Pig A is a standard bank account, Pig B is an ISA and Pig C is a pension. And the difference is purely the tax treatment of each of the pots. And, as you can see, it makes a massive difference. That’s before we get started on what type of investment fund actually goes into the wrapper. And that matters as well. A lot.

But that’s a different and altogether longer story.

The fact is that there’s a strong correlation between an individual’s commitment to finding and following proven financial strategies and their eventual financial freedom. Most people don’t know this stuff. Most people get their finances wrong. Most people pay more tax than they need to. Most people live very ordinary lives. This isn’t a coindence. The two things are directly linked. Pen-Life will help you to learn and implement practical things that will improve your finances.

So you’re not one of the masses contributing to the £12.6 billion pounds going down the drain. Contact us now for a free assessment of where your pot of money is leaking and how to stop it.

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 Pen-Life Associates Ltd, Chartered Financial Planners, help individuals and small businesses make the most from their money and pay less tax, including advice on residential and commercial mortgages and equity release, individual and business protection, pensions and retirement planning, savings, investments, tax planning, Inheritance Tax and long term care.

29

The Write Stuff?

Have you entered our great short story competition yet?

Penning short stories is a great way of getting started as a writer.

But what if you’ve got your eye on writing a bestseller? We asked author Donna Hay for the inside story on getting a book published.

If you want to find a mainstream publisher, you’ll generally you need to hook yourself an agent first. You can find a good agent by searching through the Writers and Artists’ Yearbook (available from the library). Try to find an agent who represents ‘your’ type of book – it’s pointless approaching someone with your touching romance when they only deal in horror.

So you’ve written your novel. What do you do with it now?

I recommend putting it away in a drawer for at least a month. When you read it again, you’ll be amazed at how cringeworthy it may be. Please don't be afraid to rewrite it at this stage – you need to make your manuscript as good as it can possibly be before you send it out.

30

Now comes the hard part – getting published. You can publish your book yourself, either in print or e-book form. This is an increasingly popular method, because once you’ve covered your costs you get to keep most of the profits from every book you sell. Beware vanity publishers, who offer you the earth and charge you accordingly.

Most agents ask for three chapters and a synopsis. Obvious as it sounds, this should be the first three chapters, not a selection of your best. Your synopsis should be no more than two pages long. Some agents accept submissions by email, others insist on a printed typescript. If in doubt – ask.

Include a covering letter. Don’t tell the agent you are the most exciting writer since Dan

Brown, but do include details of any short stories or articles you’ve had published.

If the agent is interested, they will ask to see the rest of the book. Be ready to send this immediately – if they have to wait until you finish writing the book, you could miss your chance.

Be prepared to wait.

It may take months to get an answer.

Beware of pestering, or they’ll send your book straight back!

If at first you don’t success – try again. Just because one agent or publisher doesn’t like your work, it doesn’t mean no one will. Remember, JK Rowling got turned down by 19 publishers – and look what happened to her... n Donna’s new book, The Nightingale Girls (by Donna Douglas), is published

by Arrow in August

Tell us a story...

Calling all budding writers! How would you like to see your name in print?

That’s the prize on offer in our great short story competition. All entries will be judged by a panel of experts, and the best will be printed in an exclusive anthology and published online. The winner will also win a special prize!

Your story can be funny or sad, suspenseful or supernatural, as long as it starts with the following first line...

‘The figure stepped out of a doorway in The Shambles.’

Stories can be anything up to 1000 words. As well as the adult (over 18) competition, there’ll also be special categories for kids (5 – 10 years; 11 – 15 years, and 16 – 18 years). So why not get your school involved and get writing?

The closing date for the competition is 7th September. Between now and then, you can find hints, tips and inspiration on our exclusive online writing course – check out blog. yourlocallink.co.uk to get started.

Rules Your story must be your own original work and previously unpublished.

All entries must be accompanied by your name, age (if under 18), address and a contact email/telephone number. Judges cannot be responsible for lost or missing entries, and no stories will be returned.

Authors must give permission for stories to be published for public distribution. There will be no payment for this. Send your entry to the address on page five, or email it to info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Be sure to mark it ‘Short Story Competition’. Judges’ decision is final

Family Music Groups

Quality time for all 0-4’s with mum, dad or carer Telephone: 01904 634390 Email: tjsongbox@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.york-songbox.co.uk

FOR ALL AGES

31

Local

Follow DAN on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

Sport report LINEKER LOVE This month saw me change my opinion on someone I have despised for years. It may shock a few people but squeaky clean Gary Lineker has got on my nerves for ages. I can’t really put my finger on what it is that gets under my skin. Perhaps it’s the predictable wise cracks during endless, unwarranted analysis during match of the day; a job which he rakes in £2million a year and yet ironically says players earn too much money these days. Maybe it’s the fact that he is the smug face munching Walkers crisps and its only when you buy a packet you realise there are about three crisps per bag. However, all was forgiven when equally irritating, ex-News of the World editor and somehow judge on a ‘talent’ show, Piers Morgan questioned Lineker’s proud record of never having received a yellow or red card during his football career. Suggesting his final playing days spent in Japan yielded a yellow, Lineker brilliantly tweeted back “unlike you, I was never a hacker”.

BOX CLEVER “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life”, a quote attributed to the great Muhammed Ali. Compared with “I am going to physically burn David Haye”, you can see why people say boxing isn’t what it used to be. I am referring to the infamous Munich brawl between British boxer Dereck Chisora and apparent ex-boxer David Haye who clashed in the press conference following Chisora’s defeat to Vitali Klitschko. The altercation has led people to say that Dereck Chisora had lost his marbles, but if you consider his pre-fight slap on Klitschko during the traditional TV face-off (he has also kissed and bitten opponents before) the guy never had any marbles to start with.

TRIGGER HAPPY

with DAN TAIT

dramatic climax at all levels. Gary Mills could well lead York City to Wembley twice for FA Trophy and Play Off glory. Having ventured to ‘Great Grimsby’ (who am I to argue with a road sign?) to see Scott Kerr flick a late header into the net, the highlight for me was the meeting of the Grimsby keeper and cult hero supporter Trigger. After the ball spooned high and wide and out for a goal kick the Grimsby keeper put his hand out to receive the ball back from the crowd. Enter Trigger, who booted it back towards the half way line. April sees the end of the regular season (hopefully some play off games and a final to play in May) with home games for York City against high-flyers Fleetwood Town (7th April), Newport County (14th April) and then the last game of the season at Bootham Crescent when Forest Green are the visitors (28th April).

NOBLE KNIGHTS In other local sport news, York City Knights are now underway in their new season. After some good early performances and results in the Northern Rail cup, a crushing 30-10 defeat away to Dewsbury Rams dampened the early optimism for Chris Thorman’s men. York City Knights face Batley Bulldogs on 22nd April, when they will be hoping home advantage can get them three points.

Tweeting aside, the football season is drawing to a

onelife oneclub

Love to

dance?!

Bannatyne’s Health Club York offers a diverse class timetable including fantastic new dance themed classes!

mem call the now obership t n 019 eam 10 04 more 0 to find o 606 u or to bo t your VIP to ok for ur!

0+ all 9es per s e claseek ard in w ude ip! l inc bersh m e m

Dancing is a fantastic form of exercise and it combines fitness and fun to get great results! We have classes such as: Zumba - A Latin dance based workout!

Aqua Zumba - All the fun of Zumba in the water!

Ballroom Blitz - Partner-free dance fitness class!

Bokwa - Innovative dance programme using South African war dance and steps!

York Business Park, Nether Poppleton, York

the

bannatyne

sales.york@bannatyne.co.uk

01904 606100 *Terms and conditions apply. Admin fee applies.

32

Scan the code with your QR app for further details

S

P

A

www.bannatynespa.com

B

Bannatyne’s Health Club w w w. b a n n a t y n e . c o . u k

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Get Some Golf...

To take your mind off the football and rugby, you’ll want to get the plaid out and find a nearby golf course. Heworth Golf Course (on Muncastergate) is a good bet, and it’s only a mile and a half away from York city centre. The century-old club is a mere youngster in comparison to the ancient architecture surrounding it, but the parkland course is always a hit if you’re looking for tight landing areas and put a premium on accuracy over distance. Heworth Golf Course wants to thank two lucky Your Local Link readers with its April competition – and here’s what you could win: First prize - two months of unlimited golf for the winner and a friend

Second prize - one month of unlimited golf for the winner and a friend To enter, all you need to do is answer the following question: How far away is Heworth Golf Course from York city centre?

Write the answer on a postcard marked ‘THE HEWORTH GOLF COURSE APRIL COMPETITION’, and make sure you include your name and daytime phone number.

Send the postcard to the address on page five for a chance to win. Don’t wait around though; the competition closes on 23rd April. T&Cs apply, call 426156 for details.

Find us on facebook - search for YourLocallink York and send us a friend request!

33

the

guide

The world of gadgets is a bewildering place (trust us, we’ve just been there). Whilst some gadgets are seemingly pointless, others win you over in disbelief that you’ve ever lived your life without it. We’ve scoured cyberspace to bring you the best gizmos on the market, from the ingenious to the downright bizarre. The mind boggles…

iPHONE APPS INSTAGRAM This little app will make all your new photos look memorable and beautiful.

ANTI-STRESS QUOTES Not that we’d ever need them… but we imagine they could be useful.

FIND MY IPHONE So long as your phone has this app, you can use another one to find it. Brill.

AB WORKOUTS FREE What can we say? Swimsuit season will be here soon…!

TALKING TOM CAT A little silly, but this has kept us happily entertained in the Your Local Link HQ.

Doodle Bug Forget the Xbox or the Playstation 34 - the best toy from our childhood was the Etch-a-Sketch. All it did was draw lines through the use of two twiddly knobs, but it was awesome.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this wonderful piece of technology, the manufacturers launched this wonderful iPhone cover. It makes your phone look uber cool and is also available for the iPad. Now all we need is an Etch-a-Sketch app!

Gadget rating 9/10 Available to pre-order now.

Firebox www.firebox.com

IS0422_Rich.LocaLink/Straps/AW

20/7/11 11:49

Like / Dislike Stamps One of the effects of too much Facebook is that you feel the urge to ‘like’ everything - and now, you can! These self-inking stamps allow you to add your opinion to anything you wish - and unlike Facebook, you can dislike stuff too. Genius. So, obviously you’d stick a whole bunch of ‘likes’ on the cover of Your Local Link Magazine and ‘dislikes’ on a bag of sprouts.*

Gadget rating 4/10 Available from www.plextor-digital.com

*Be careful not to ‘dislike’ the sprouts unless you’ve already purchased them, though, otherwise you might get chased out of Tesco.

ION ITYPE Got an iPhone? You’ve probably experienced how difficult it can be to type anything quickly or accurately. So we love the Ion iType, a portable wireless keyboard which lets you press real keys and produce actual sentences. Wowzers!!!

Gadget Rating 5/10 I Want One Of Those www.iwoot.com

Gadget rating 6/10 Available from www.iwantoneofthose.com

Page 2

RICHARDSON GILDENER SOLICITORS 1 Peckitt Street, Opposite Clifford’s Tower, York YO1 9SF. Tel 01904 642727 Email mail@richardsonlaw.co.uk Website www.richardsongildener.co.uk

34

PLEXEASY To ensure that your digital photos are safe and secure you’ll always need to back them up, and for non-techy people this might pose a problem. PlexEasy could be the solution. It’s designed to read your camera’s memory card and burn the pictures onto a CD or DVD without the need for a computer!

Top 5 Websites 1) Your Local Link www.yourlocallink.co.uk Our re-launched website is packed with events, services and local information (plus the return of our brilliant search-and-sell section). For a complete introduction, read our guide on page 10!

C-PEN This alluringly academic accessory is designed to save students time on note taking and highlighting, as it automatically ‘reads’ words and converts them into digital text when it’s moved across the printed page. The device has lots of lovely features, such as a Bluetooth transmitter which lets it send the information to any compatible portable device, and text-to-speech abilities (which can even incorporate simultaneous translation for foreign languages). We tracked down a REAL student (gosh!) and asked her to test it for us. Results? The device is fantastic for using on books and journals but dodgy for some photocopies, so it depends what you need to read. With a good quality print-out though, this is a great timesaver.

Gadget rating 7/10 Available from www.cpen.com

2) LibriVox www.librivox.org We love audiobooks – especially when they’re free – so this huge collection of spoken-stories is right up our street.

3) Transport Direct www.transportdirect.info This government resource is an overlooked gem. Just enter where you are and where you want to go, and it will tell you exactly which local bus services will get you there. Brilliant!

4) Sporcle www. sporcle.com Can you name the top 200 characters mentioned in the Harry Potter series? Flex your mental muscles with this magnificent collection of trivia challenges.

5) Couchsurfing www.couchsurfing.org Host tourists in your home and let them return the favour! A great to way meet new people, learn about different cultures and save money while travelling.

FREE

Courtesy Car Subject to T&C’s

35

D

o h m n e o ... e

v i r Pre-loved Motors

Did you know that the moment you drive a new car off the forecourt, it loses a quarter of its value? Buying a used car can save you a huge amount of money, and lucky for us York is home to lots of reliable used car dealers who can offer a wide range of vehicles at affordable prices. Not only will you save yourself a bundle of cash, you’ll boost the local economy while you’re at it. Cars that have been cared for by a loving owner are often almost as good as new but sell for a fraction of the price, and you can easily track the vehicle’s history through its logbook, so go on – grab yourself a bargain! Check out our selection of used car dealers in the Motors pages.

Copmanthorpe Motor Sales

Station Garage

Stocking a huge choice of second hand cars, the team at Copmanthorpe Motor Sales offer over 40 years of experience in the motor industry, so they can provide excellent advice on the best car for you. The range features most models from Audi, Vauxhall, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen and Renault, with prices to suit a wide variety of budgets. As they are an independent finance broker, Copmanthorpe Motor Sales can also search the market to offer the best rates available, and are an Approved Dealer of Close Motor Finance so you know the rates and terms are great value. There’s also a range of cars on their website, making it easy to browse the cars on offer before making the journey to the garage.

It’s worth calling Station Garage, even if you don’t see anything that’s quite right for you on their website, as the team regularly update their stock list. There’s a wide range of cars on offer that suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles , and advice on cars and maintenance is on hand from the friendly staff who are always happy to go out of their way to make sure you’re matched with your ideal vehicle. In addition, the team are car finance experts and can offer flexible options, even if you’ve been refused finance before.

Check out the website to see if any of the cars on there take your fancy, but be quick if you find the car of your dreams – they don’t last long!

n Call 703467 or visit www.copycars.co.uk

n Call 411161 or visit www.stationgarageyork.co.uk

STATION GARAGE

36

your motors

Manor Garage You can be sure that the cars at Manor Lane Garage, located on Rawcliffe Industrial Estate, are safe and secure – the team carry out rigorous service and safety checks on all their vehicles, and they all come with full or long MOT cover to boot. n For further information, call 611802 or 07748 708933.

G Chapman Norton The team at Malton-based G Chapman Norton strive to match you to your ideal car, and that you drive away with a vehicle that meets your needs both practically and financially. There’s a range of makes on offer, too. n Call 01653 691199 or visit www.gchapmannortonltd.co.uk

Cookes Car Sales Based in Malton, Cookes Car Sales offer a huge range of excellent quality used cars at competitive prices. The stock is regularly updated and the team have put together simple and cost-effective finance packages. n For further information, call 01653 699666 or visit www.cookescars.autoweb1.co.uk

Alexander Snee Looking for a specific car? Holgate Bridge-based Alexander Snee can source vehicles to order for your needs if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in stock, and you can part exchange your old car too. n For further information, call 07880 558048

37

Our very own ‘Stig’ looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads A BUGGED BUG!?

Young men have some of the highest insurance premiums in the country, but many think this is unfair. That’s why we’re all so impressed by the introduction of ‘telematics’ (otherwise known as ‘black boxes’) - these can reduce a young person’s annual fee by as much as £700 a year, under a new scheme launched by Co-operative Insurance. The device is attached under the car’s bonnet, and records information about the driver’s speeding, breaking, acceleration and cornering habits, allowing insurers to stay up-todate and confident about their ability.

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

A rolling ritz

Think caravans are a bit dull? This might make you think again!

The Elemment Palazzo features a working fireplace, 40-inch satellite TV, a full-size bathroom (with a rainfall shower), wireless internet and a pop-up roof terrace. The 20 tonne vehicle is probably the definition of ‘swish’, though at £1.9m it’s not exactly the kind of thing you rent for a seaside holiday in Scarborough.

38

We all know France is famed for its delicious wine, but that’s not always a good thing when it comes to keeping roads safe. To combat the level of shiraz-inspired-swerving, the French government is now insisting that all drivers carry portable breathalysers in their vehicle, helping highway inhabitants to quickly query whether they’re over the legal limit. And that applies to all UK travellers and tourists too! But don’t worry, the devices only cost £2 and are widely available at Channel ports.

your motors

SATELLITE FOR DESTRUCTION Admit it: without your trusty Satnav, you’d have a snowball’s chance (in St Helena) of ever getting to your destination.

We put a lot of faith in these seemingly omnipotent ornaments, making it all-themore unsettling to learn that since their creation they’ve caused more than £203m worth of damage from accidents caused by wrong instructions! 83% of British motorists report that their Satnav has misled them at some point, and 52% admit that they screamed at their device when it frustrated them! Maybe the dashboard map will make a comeback…?

CENTENARIAN SPEEDERS! It’s not just youngsters who get a little carried away when they’re behind the wheel. Did you know that there are 121 registered motorists in the UK who are over 100 years old? And of those, five have points on their license, mostly for going too fast; maybe a need for speed isn’t something people always grow out of!

A Fresh Start Wrigglesworth Garage is back! After the electrical fire at the Gladstone Street premises last year, owners Scott and Emma have resiliently thrown all of their energy into opening a new and improved location on Hallfield Road. The fantastic new garage is much bigger than the last and features four ramps and dealer-trained mechanics, allowing Wrigglesworth Garage to carry out work on a range of larger vehicles such as motorhomes, vans and commercial vehicles.

To make matters even better there’s an introductory discount for new clients, and they’re even giving a 10% discount to ALL Your Local Link readers (just take this page with you). Wrigglesworth Garage can be found in Unit 7 of the Ebor Industrial Estate, Hallfield Road, YO31 7XD. n For further information call 672123.

Birch Park Vehicle Test Centre £15

39

HOT Flare-bulous Though we’re still not sure about the combination of orange and brown which the 1970s brought to us (in abundance), flares are back in a big way, and we love it. The bigger the better – this look both makes a statement and makes your hips appear smaller. Any help that our clothes can provide in making us look skinny is always welcome in this office.

Liverpudlian Lovelies The Scouse brow is certainly making a name for itself after the success of TV show Desperate Scousewives, and we think it’s a trend that’s worth trying out. There’s a tonne of tutorial videos on Youtube that show you how to get the look, which was actually first made famous by Joan Crawford back in the 1940s. Maybe they should be renamed Browfords?

Our Rachel is hellbent on developing her own Browfords and is testing out Rapid Brow by 4711 – check out our blog to see how she gets on (blog. yourlocallink.co.uk)

Have a Seat Got a pair of killer heels you can barely walk in? Don’t leave them to gather dust in the back of your wardrobe. Take them to the office and have them as your Sitting Down Shoes. Our Donna introduced the rest of the office to this, and we think it’s marvellous – make your feet look fabulous without any of the pain. In fact, we love the idea so much that we’re going to ditch our slippers in favour of six inch-beauties while we recline on the sofa saying things like “fetch me a cuppa, daaahling.”

FREE

family

photoshoots when booked in March & April

40

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

NOT Arabian Nights Unlike the exotic climes that camels hail from, accessories and clothes in this colour are dull. Dull, dull, dull as dishwater – which it also closely resembles. It was all we could find in the shops over the winter months – surely that’s the time we need bright colours the most – and we’re thrilled to see the back of this trend so that our outfits can be interesting again.

Hallelujah for spring.

Skinny Jeans Good job that flares have overtaken skinny jeans in the style stakes, as they’re pretty bad for your health which puts them firmly in our not hot list. Skinnies can cut off circulation and also cause yeast infections. Yuck.

Jeggings? Jog On Jeggings might look good and be really comfortable – fair enough. But ladies (and gents especially), please refrain from wearing them in place of trousers. Jeggings and leggings are not suitable as outerwear, but should be worn as you’d wear tights. No matter how lovely your bum is, it’s just indecent. Sorry folks – do us all a favour and cover up.

We’ve scoured beautyland to test creams, lotions, potions and makeup. It’s a tough job, but, well, y’know...

Smooch Lipstick This lippy certainly packs a punch in the colour stakes, and the texture is light and creamy and not claggy. It glides on and is moisturising, so your lips are left feeling soft and kissable. Our Gini recommends it! Pucker up! £7.50 www.smoochcosmeticsuk.com Natio Meditate Hand Cream and Body Butter The jasmine scent is strong in the hand cream, and both the cream and the butter absorb well into the skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. The butter has a thick consistency, but that doesn’t make it greasy – it’s light and refreshing, and we actually preferred it to the hand cream.

Hand cream £10; body butter £14 www.lookfantastic.co.uk W7 Silk Nude Nail Varnish This polish’s pretty pink colour makes an ideal base for a French manicure, perfect for a Parisian tea party.

Lush. Now we just need tickets to France... £4.95 New Look stores n For more beauty reviews, visit blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

41

Carrying the Spirit Do you know an inspirational person with a disability? York will be hosting the Paralympic Flame during the summer, and City of York Council are eager to receive nominations for torchbearers. But hurry, you need to nominate people before 1st May! n Write to Paul Ramskill (City of York Council, Sport and Active Leisure, 18 Back Swinegate, Swinegate Court, York YO1 8ZD) or email paul.ramskill@york.gov.uk

Blood donor

sessions 2nd & 23rd April Wigginton Recreation Centre 2pm – 4pm & 5pm – 7pm 3rd April Merchant Taylors Hall, 2pm – 4pm & 5pm – 7pm

9th April St. Oswalds Church, 10am - 1pm 10th April Acomb Parish Church Hall 2pm – 4pm & 5pm – 7.30pm 11th April Osbaldwick Primary School 2pm – 4pm & 5pm – 7pm n For more details, call 0300 123 2323.

Get Fit for Free!

In honour of World Health Day on 7th April, we’ve decided it’s time to fight the flab – especially now that spring has well and truly arrived. Joining a gym is a great way to do it, but there’s also plenty of ways to get fighting fit for free.

• Walk the dog (or borrow your neighbour’s – we’re sure they’ll be pleased with the offer!)

• Take advantage of York City Council’s free walks – for further info, visit www.york.gov.uk/ healthwalks • Take the children to the park and push them on the swings and the roundabout for half an hour.

• Go window shopping on your lunch break.

Worried about spending? Leave your purse in the office, and you won’t be tempted.

•

Climb Clifford’s Tower steps – all 55 of them.

• Do more rounds of tea at the office (making you ever more popular in the process!)

A New Fairy Godmother Fancy more fabulous in your life? Want to look extra sensational on your special day? Gemma is an experienced beauty professional (having worked at York’s Loves and Toni & Guy), and she’s just launched an entrepreneurial new service: mobile Cinderella hair extensions! Cinderella is the brand of choice throughout the country, as it uses only the softest hair for all of its extensions; it comes in a huge variety of colours, and all the products are closely measured for perfect quality. Gemma offers her talented application service for parties, weddings and special events. n For more information call 07968 152162.

42

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

Be Your Best When it comes to your body, mind and spirit, there aren’t many events which can cater to all three of these essential elements at once. York’s Health & Healing Festival, taking place 21st-22nd April at the York Racecourse, is a highlight for anybody who’s interested in exploring the city’s widest range of wellbeing and alternative practices. Attendees can expect over 90 exhibition stands, and there will be an extensive selection of talks and workshops on offer; you can enjoy belly dancing, experience singing the Hu Chants and even take in some great live music.

Whether you’ve always been curious about holistic healing, or you’re already a dedicated practitioner, you’re guaranteed to find something which will take your interest. n Email pat@healthhealingfestivals.co.uk or visit www.healthhealingfestivals.co.uk

Refine and Rewind If you’re looking for quality cosmetic treatments, you’d do well to find out about the wide range of services offered by our good friends at Kuki Spa (367 Huntington Road, Huntington). Catherine, Kuki’s resident Aesthetic Nurse, is available for consultations and individually-tailored treatments for anybody interested in experiencing refined lines and a more youthful appearance. For spring, the spa is offering Radiesse treatments, which help to add volume to particular areas of the face; these are especially popular for treating nasolabial lines (which exist between the nose to the mouth) and marionette lines (the shadows that form in the corners of the mouth), as the treatment can have a dramatic and noticeable ‘freshening’ effect. n For more information call 659007 or visit www.kukispa.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

43

Whether it’s about false lashes or foundation we can help!

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007 www.kukispa.com Preparing for a wedding can be the most exciting time of your life, but trying to sort out all the intricate details can take its toll. Many people often ask me for advice on what they can do to look their best in the lead up to the big day, so here are some hints and tips that will hopefully help you along the way.

If you have a 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’.

Q. I’m getting married in August. When do you

Q. My skin is really dry, how can I make

think I should start to have facials?

Many people make the mistake of booking in for one facial just before their wedding and wonder why breakouts can occur. It takes anything from four weeks up to a good few months to get your skin to look its best. I suggest starting six months prior to the wedding and if you can afford monthly facials then do so. If not, think about changing your skincare products but get professional advice before buying anything so that you’ll know which ones will be best for you. I recommend Dermalogica Prescriptive Products.

sure it’s nice for the day?

Regardless of when your wedding day is, start your homework today! Body brushing, exfoliating once to twice a week and investing in a good moisturiser will remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin – I recommend Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream. A good reputable salon will carry out a body scan to ensure you receive the correct product for you.

Q.

I can’t decide what hair style to have for my wedding?

Don’t worry! Find a good, reputable salon who know all the latest styles and techniques and they’ll have the experience to be able to suggest what suits you.

Alternatively, find a picture you like and take it along to the salon with you. Always have a trial so you know exactly what to expect.

MONDAY St.Aelred’s Community Centre, 216 Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, York, YO31 0PN 09:30 - 11:00 am (Slim & Aerobatone)

TUESDAY Canon Lee Secondary School, Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton (Without), York, YO30 6ZS 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Slim & Aerobics) 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Slim & Aerobatone)

St.Lawrence Primary School Heslington Road, York, YO10 5BW 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Slim & Aerobatone) 7:30 - 9:00 pm Featuring KARDY-O-FUN from 30/04/12!

WEDNESDAY Melodies Park Country Club, Wigginton Road, Wigginton, York, YO32 2RJ 10:00 - 11:30 am (Slim & Aerobatone)

TUESDAY Huntington & District W M C, 1 North Moor Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9QS 09:15 - 10:45 am (Slim & Aerobatone)

Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Road, New Earswick, York, YO32 4BZ 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Slim & Aerobatone) 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Slim & Latin Fitness)

Call Helen on 01904 790922 email: helen.howard-mawer@rosemaryconley.com SUPERB VALUE!

Diet advice AnD exercise at ALL classes

44

Q. My mum would like some treatments to look her best, what do you recommend?

Mums have a very important role on the day, and should always look their best! I recommend a manicure, blow dry and a make-over. For a cheaper alternative, she could go for a free make-over at a beauty store for a different look, and purchase a good nail polish to apply at home. n Kuki have an on-site wedding co-ordinator who can deal with all of your needs from start to finish.

For further information, call Lisa on 659007

THURSDAY Huntington & District W M C 1 North Moor Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9QS 09:30 - 11:00 am Featuring KARDY-O-FUN from 03/05/12!

Canon Lee Secondary School Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton (Without), York, YO30 6ZS 6:00 - 7:30 pm Featuring KARDY-O-FUN from 03/05/12!

COMING SOON

“You will love our newstyle classes inspired by exercise supremo, Kardy Laguda.”

Rosemary Conley

COMING SOON!

FREE Membership & Diet Pack worth £35!* *When you pre pay for 1 class or pay £23 monthly.

New members only. Valid until 03/05/12.

Class Fee £5.95. Bring voucher to claim offer.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

Beauty Review

Our Claire went to Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa to check out the services on offer.

My stylist Sarah was very excited about transforming my hair, and she talked me through a few styles that she thought would suit my face shape and clipped my hair up to show me what the new length would look like, so I had a good idea of how it would look. Sarah then advised me on which colours would be best for my skin tone and add warmth. Sarah and Danielle, who assisted with the restyle, both checked that I was happy at every stage, and I really felt like I was being listened to. They’re lovely girls who are extremely passionate about what they do, and are total perfectionists – Sarah kept checking throughout the cut that my hair was falling in the right way so that I can care of it easily at home.

The salon has a lovely, relaxing atmosphere and it’s clear that Lisa, the owner, takes a great deal of pride in her salon. The new colour and cut has made me feel much more confident – my smile has not left my face since! I’ve already had to take my daughter so that the team can cut her hair like mummy’s (the team are fantastic with kids), and I’ll definitely be going back myself. n For further information, call 659007 or visit www.kukispa.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

45

Hair today…

sessions you’ll need depends on your skin and hair type). And at a flat rate price of £39 per session, it could be an excellent investment!

IPL is also great for rejuvenating ageing skin. It stimulates the underlying dermis to regenerate collagen and elastin, making your skin feel firmer and younger and diminishing fine lines, age spots and sun damage.

Imagine not having the hassle of shaving or waxing this summer – or ever again! That’s the promise being given by No+Vello. The system uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to permanently remove hair. It’s reliable, safe and gentler on the skin than other hair removal methods. It can be used on any type of skin (how many

Lisa Dryden, a local lass with 17 years’ experience in the beauty business, has brought the No+Vello system to York.

Her salon at 43 Goodramgate is the only place you’ll find No+Vello north of Birmingham. n For a free patch test or more information, call 655598.

Get up and glow!

Are you looking pasty after being hidden away under winter woollies for months? Then head for The Tanning Lounge in Huntington and give yourself a golden glow from head to toe. The salon has recently undergone a refurbishment, and they’re looking forward to welcoming old and new customers with some tanfastic offers. Like a full body spray tan for an amazing £17, or great savings if you block book sunbed sessions (see their ad for more details). It’s also the place to go for a bargain manicure, with a tidy and polish starting at just £10, and £30 for a full set of falsies. n To find out more, call The Tanning Lounge on 652025.

46

Amazing offer!!

Manicure and Pedicure Duo

£30 !

The winter months are never kind to our skin, so now that the sun is peeping out once more it’s time to spruce up your skin, ready for spring.

No need to worry about hefty costs, though, as there’s lots of lovely pampering treatments on offer at the moment at Heavenly Nails and Beauty

by Marcelle, so you can get gorgeous without breaking the bank. Better still, the treatments are tailored to target problem areas that have taken a beating during the winter months – and Marcelle is mobile, so she comes to you!

The Manicure and Pedicure Duo (£30) hydrates and nourishes hardworking hands and feet and includes a massage which helps to ease away stress.

Bliss. Now that your hands and tootsies are gleaming, finish off the look with Shellac Nails and Toes (£25): the finished result will remain flawless for two weeks and can last for up to eight. Now it’s time for the face, which often needs some TLC after winter. The Luxury Facial (£25) intensively detoxifies and recharges with a deep cleansing treatment that’s followed by a steam scrub, massage and mask, and finished off with toner and moisturiser.

Why not get the girls round and have your own pamper party? Marcelle can tailor parties to suit the client, with a range of treatments from just £5 each. n For further information, call Marcelle on 07710 669945

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

Treasure Your Tootsies Shoes that fit perfectly can make a huge difference to your day – but how can you ensure that you pick the correct size? The Footcare Works can help with a free foot scanning service, that focuses on foot size, arch type and pressure points, so that you can select shoes that will make you feel as if you are walking on air. Sizes come in multiple widths and a range of styles are available too, so you can be sure to both look and feel fabulous.

MAXINE FLYNN & A SSOCIATES

n For further details, call 620120 or visit theorthoticworks.co.uk

We Want

Spring is all about getting rid of the drab, dull colours of winter and brightening things up a bit (thank goodness). Go for candycoloured lips to celebrate, and team with subtle eyes to keep it looking pretty and fresh – just a coat of mascara should do the trick. Make sure that your blusher isn’t too full on, or you may well end up looking like a creepy porcelain doll. We love the eyepopping pink of Prom Punch lipstick from Smooch, which we’ve tried out – see what we thought in our new Tried and Tested section on page 41.

Prom Date Every girl wants to look her best for her prom, and Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa have some great value packages especially for the occasion. These can include having your hair put in an up-do, your nails painted, spray tans, eyebrow shaping and make-up, so you’ll be sure to look a million dollars on the night. For an extra special glow, skin peels – which are great for problematic skin – are half price at the moment: get your appointments booked in plenty of time, as depending on your skin type you may need between one and five sessions for optimum results. The salon will be open seven days a week from 15th April, and there’s even an online booking system if you don’t have time to call to make an appointment, so it’s easier than ever to get all of your treatments sorted. n For further information, call 659007 or visit www.kukispa.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

47

Word Search

In association with:

How would you like to win some fabulous flowers, courtesy of Dutch Nurseries in Haxby?

Every month they’ll be giving a gorgeous hand-tied bouquet to the winner of our wordsearch.

This month’s puzzle has a Easter theme!

48

Send your completed puzzle to ‘April Puzzle Competition’ to Oaktree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, York YO32 2LH. To reach us by no later than Friday 13th April. The first correct entry picked out of the hat will win the flowers!

n Dutch Nurseries, 5 Wyre Court, Haxby.

Tel. 01904 768439.

Simply find the following words hidden in the grid to the left. They can be left, right, horizontal or even backwards!

APRIL

HALF TERM

BISCUITS

HOLIDAY

BOILED

LEMON

BUNNY

MARZIPAN

CAKE

MAUNDY

CANDY

MELTED

CARDS

NEST

CARROT

QUEEN

CELEBRATION

ROAST

CHILDREN

SCAVENGER

CHOCOLATE

SECRET

COCOA

SPRING

COOKIE

SUNDAY

CREAM

TARTS

CUSTARD

TASTY

DECORATING

TEA

EASTER

WELL

EGG

WISHING

FAMILY

YUMMY

FUN GARDEN GOOD FRIDAY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

A Lifetime of Benefits

Here at Your Local Link, we’re always interested in clever ways to keep healthy.

While some people love their gyms, swims and calorie slims, there’s another option altogether that we’re excited about. Alan Sparks has been involved with martial arts for over 30 years, and during this time he has experienced such a wealth of benefits that he’s now dedicated to helping others develop the same advantages. He teaches Taekwondo at his independent schools throughout York, and he’s committed to emphasising how the ancient martial art can have life-long advantages for every pupil. His students learn about self-defence, physical awareness and personal respect in a disciplined and safe environment, ensuring that their workout enhances more than just their physical wellbeing. n Call Alan Sparks on 607158 or visit www.york-taekwondo.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

49

Congratulations! You’ve named the day, so what do you do next? Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be stressful if you don’t know where to start.

A Timeless Occasion The National Centre for Early Music is already a popular venue for people to explore and enjoy a wide range of concerts and special events. Based within an inspiring, grade-one listed church (with its roots going back to the 11th century), the centre is perfectly positioned to offer its remarkable facilities for private hire; this makes it a fantastic choice for anniversary parties and wedding receptions, ensuring that all guests experience a memorable time in this historic and ancient venue. The awardwinning building is definitely a delight to admire, making it all the better for those once-in-a-lifetime pictures to mark the occasion. n For more information call Gill Baldwin on 632220, or visit www.ncem.co.uk

50

Which is why wedding fairs are such a brilliant idea. You can check out the venue and discuss your requirements with the catering team. You’ll also find a wide range of suppliers and services, from cakes to cars, photographers to wedding favours under one roof, some of them offering generous discounts on the day. So you’ll save time and money, plus you’ll have a great day out. The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is hosting a Spring Wedding Fair on Sunday 22nd April from 11am-3pm in their Great Hall and Undercroft. It’s a great chance to see this magnificent venue at its big day best. The Hall’s wedding experts and dedicated catering team will also be there to help you plan your big day. Why not go along and be inspired?

Brides on a budget When it comes to weddings, it’s all too easy to let costs spiral out of control. What with the hire of the venue, the food, the invitations, not to mention all those little extras like welcome drinks and table decorations – those bills could rack up before you know it! That’s why we were so impressed by the 2012 weddings for £2012 package Burn Hall Hotel in Huby has come up with for budget conscious brides (and grooms!). For just £2012, you can have a three course wedding breakfast for 40 guests (plus arrival drinks); a traditional buffet or hog roast for 80 guests; use of the Mulberry Ceremony Room and Minster Suite (with mirrors and lily vases for table decorations). They’ll also throw in a complimentary standard bedroom and wedding stationery. Can’t be bad, can it? n For more details of the package, call 01347 85400 or visit www.burn-hall.co.uk.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

NG

DI WED

wishlist Happy Campers A family run company in York who specialise in chauffeur driven classic VW campers.

Planning your dream wedding? Looking to make it extra special and unique?

Abbey All Events have pulled out all the stops to make their next wedding fair (at the York Barbican on 29th April) a spotlight of the city’s matrimonial calendar.

The event features the finest in handmade, bespoke-to-order wedding dresses and hats, along with the most talented local mobile beauticians. Personalised jewellers will be on hand, and attendees will also be able to commission bound photographic keepsakes for their wedding day. The organisers are still keen to hear from other local professionals who are interested in taking part in the day, as they’re enthusiastic about making the event as comprehensive as possible. n To find out more visit www.abbeyallevents.co.uk or call John on 07552 962407.

♥ LOVEDUB CAMPERS ♥ 01904 737864 www.lovedubcampers.co.uk

Kate’s flowers

aim to give specialist one to one service to make the wedding flowers of your dreams. ♥ KATES FLOWERS ♥ 01904 705495 55 Moorcroft Road, Woodthorpe

Perfect Setting

Let Them Entertain You! Andy Baker knows a thing or two about exciting an audience; he’s been playing guitar for over 20 years, most recently with Glastonbury-featured band The Summits. He’s been inundated with requests to play at private events, so it wasn’t long before he recruited several other local musicians to form York’s newest live act: The Entertainment. Playing at a wide range of weddings and charity events, the group cover dozens of genres (from Motown to Rock) and are always happy to take requests. Recently crowned Minster FM’s Band of the Week, The Entertainment is looking forward to a great year performing all over the area. n For more information or to make a booking, call 07725 953187.

Bridal Hair Beautiful Bride packages & Bridal make-up available.

Mobile hair service ♥ REVIVE HAIR ♥ 01904 430612

musicians

Wedding market Sun 22nd April 2012 10am-2pm ♥ FAIRFIELD MANOR ♥ 0844 8159038

♥ ENTERTAINMENT BAND ♥ 07725 953187

Be Our Guest

bridal wear 01904 625552 www.miasposayork.co.uk

Perfect Day Stunning oak framed Function Hall overlooking golf course & lakes.

Splendid Setting

A 9 piece team of musicians available for hire!

Just arrived - Sophia Tolli gown plus much more ♥ MIA SPOSA, YORK ♥

♥ BURYTHORPE HOUSE ♥ 01653 658200 www.burythorpehouse.co.uk

♥ SANDBURN HALL ♥ 01904 469922 www.sandburnhall.co.uk

SWEETEN YOUR DAY With our cupcakes & layer cakes! ♥ SOOTYS CUPCAKERY ♥ 01904 289603

Burythorpe House, Malton is licensed to hold weddings, your day can be tailored to your budget, taste and wishes

We specialise in wedding parties with a personal service. Private grounds with racecourse view. ♥ KNAVESMIRE MANOR ♥ 01904 702941

Bedern Hall provides an intimate, splendid setting for your ceremony (licensed for civil weddings) ♥ BEDERN HALL ♥ 01904 653698

Your Wedding, Your Way

Let us plan a day that is uniquely yours.

Packages from £999. ♥ HOLIDAY INN, YORK ♥ 01904 777582

Fletchers Fabrics One of the largest ranges of fabrics for the bride and bridesmaids in The North of England . ♥ FLETCHERS FABRICS ♥ 01904 692984 info@fletchersfabrics.co.uk

CAKES TO ORDER ♥ CELEBRATION CAKES ♥ 01937 831173

www.celebrationscakesandcrafts.supersimpleshop.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007

51

Going for Gold!

York’s Olympic spirit certainly isn’t in short supply, as it’s inspiring a wide range of community activities all across the area.

As part of these celebrations, York Baptist Church on Priory Street is transforming into an ‘Olympic Stadium’ as part of its free Easter Holiday Bible Club for primary school children. The club will feature songs, quizzes, sketches and bible stories, with around 100 youngsters expected.

It all takes place 10th-15th April, and if you’re interested you should call the church office on 640124 or email office@ yorkbaptist.org.uk

Take It Up a Gear Calling all thrill-seekers: are you looking for something to test your cycle skills? If so, you’re in luck! City of York Council has just opened up a new mountain biking area in Rawcliffe Country Park, and it’s guaranteed to challenge off-road riders from all levels. The all-weather track, funded by the Big Lottery play programme, promises to be a fantastic way for new cyclists to gradually build confidence in their abilities, while more experienced riders can reliably refine their skills with an intense set of extra challenges. The area features enough jumps, banks and turns to make even the most talented cyclists swoon, and both of the area’s tracks are connected to the rest of the park for extra convenience.

52

Barking Brilliant

Dog lovers, take note! We have stumbled upon an absolutely invaluable website: www. dogwalksyorkshire.com is a free guide to the Yorkshire countryside, offering a wealth of information on routes that you and your dog can explore together – and best of all, it’s free. Website publisher Corina confesses that she has no sense of direction, so she created the site when she found it difficult to get the information she needed when taking her dog for a walk. The website includes routes in a range of areas across North Yorkshire including the coast, the Moors, the Dales and the Howardian Hills – and plenty of places that we’ve never thought to explore before.

It’s especially thorough, too. Corina has included plenty of photos of most stages of each walk, so you can see which ones appeal to you and get a sense of

where you’re going. There are also downloadable maps, the weather forecast for the area, dog-friendly pubs and cafes along the route (each route has at least one, so you’ll be sure of a place to rest) and even a smartphone app, so you can visit the website while you’re on the move. Information on how to get there, the terrain and difficulty of the walk, length of the walk and how long it’s likely to take, nearby car parks, public toilets and ‘dog friendliness’ is also provided. If you’ve dog-loving friends visiting Yorkshire with their pooch, there’s info on canine-friendly places to stay, too. And, the forum allows walkers to chat to one another, so you can share your thoughts on the walks.

What are you waiting for? Get fit, have fun and enjoy Yorkshire’s stunning scenery!

n For further information, visit www.dogwalksyorkshire.com

your family

She bakes, she makes, she decorates – frankly there’s nothing our very own domestic goddess Rachel doesn’t know. Every month she’ll be passing on some of her favourite money and time saving tips...

• Don’t throw eggs away if they’ve passed their sell by date – this isn’t always totally accurate. Test them to see if they’re still okay to eat. Place your eggs, one by one, into a large bowl filled with cold water.

If the egg sinks, it’s safe to consume.

If it sinks but stands on its point, use it immediately before it goes off. If it floats, throw it away!

• Isn’t it a nightmare when your freshly cleaned windows have streaks, but you don’t know which side the streaks are on?

Always wash the outside of the windows with horizontal strokes and the inside with vertical strokes, then it’s easy to see which side is streaky straight away.

And never wash your windows on sunny days – the heat makes them dry too quickly, which causes streaks.

• If you need your clothes to dry quickly, add a dry towel to the tumble dryer – it absorbs the excess moisture, getting your clothes dried in a fraction of the time.

• Ever cut up a chilli then wiped your eyes? Don’t do it again – use a knife and fork to chop the chilli in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard them, then continue using the knife and fork to chop the chilli into small pieces. No more chilli burns!

• Ice cream cones are notorious for dripping on hot days – stick a mini marshmallow in the bottom Follow RACHEL on to stop the melted ice cream from leaking out. blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

53

Make a Nest The Easter bunny is going to need somewhere to put those eggs on Easter Sunday, but making a real nest out of twigs is a bit tricky when you’re not a bird. So, cheat! Get an old plastic bowl and cut up some brown paper into strips (or use a shredder). Next, cover the inside of the bowl with glue and attach the paper. When it’s dry repeat for the outside of the bowl, and hey presto! We bet the Easter Bunny won’t even know the difference.

Decorate an Egg Hands up who decorated a boiled egg with food colouring when they were little? The possibilities of egg decorating are endless – use stickers, crayons and finger prints to create different effects. We particularly like the coloured tissue paper idea: stick squares of brightly-coloured paper to your egg with a spritz of water and wait

for it to dry. Then, peel the paper off to reveal the stained shell. For another bit of magic, if you use wax crayons to create a pattern on your egg then dip the egg in dye, the pattern won’t change colour! Use the opportunity to do some scientific egg-speriments (sorry again...) and discover why these techniques work.

Make Easter Cards All you need for this is some coloured card, crayons and imagination. Show little ones how to draw a chick using two circles for the body and head and a triangle for the beak.

Older children can learn how to draw a bunny, again using shapes – circles for the body, head and paws and ovals for the ears. Then they can practise their writing inside and proudly present their finished article to a friend or family member.

do you want to host an international student for bright world guardianships?

‘This is a great job and has provided our family with a valuable extra income as well as being lots of fun and a cultural experience for us all.’

Bright World Guardianships Ltd takes care of international children studying at UK boarding schools in the York area. We are looking for families to host our students for some weekends and half terms.

For more information please contact: Lindsay Tribe, Host Family Recruitment Manager lindsay@brightworld.co.uk or call 01273 835745 54

your family

Plan An Easter Egg Hunt Plan an Easter egg hunt, with eggs colour coded according to age so that it’s fair for everyone (including Dad). Remember to make a note of where the eggs are hidden so that you can give clues if the kids get stuck – and, of course, so that you don’t end up with an out-of-date chocolate egg on top of the fridge (it happened to us once, and we found it five years later.

What a waste of chocolate...). If you have time, draw a treasure map of the house with X marking the spots where the eggs are hidden. Then, create a trail of clues that lead the children to the map. Hours of egg hunting!

Dress Up Who wouldn’t like the Easter Bunny’s job? Aside from the endless supplies of chocolate thanks to an almost unbelievable ability to lay chocolate eggs, there’s an egg-stremely (erm, sorry. Really sorry. Will stop now) generous holiday allowance. Alas, we are mere humans, but we can at least pretend. Make some bunny ears using an old headband, card and sellotape, and decorate with cotton wool. You could also make some buck teeth by cutting some card to the appropriate size and drawing a straight line down the middle, then attaching the card to a piece of string so that the ‘teeth’ can be worn. For the final touch, cotton wool and a bit of sticky tape can be used to make a bunny tail. n Check out our website www.yourlocallink.co.uk for more recipes, printable colouring sheets and puzzles.

55

Win a Term of

Priceless Practice Drama!

Forget the negative news headlines – when it comes to finding your first job, work placements are a great way of gaining experience and boosting your CV. And with the summer holidays fast approaching, now’s the best time to start looking. But how do you find one, and what do you do when you get there?

Here are some top tips...

Theatre can be a powerful opportunity for young people to gain confidence, strengthen their verbal skills and make lifelong friends in the process.

The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy has its origins in 1979, when the actress of the same name (who had turned to teaching) began after-school drama classes for children. Today the organisation is the world’s largest Drama Academy, and has locations all over the world – including York!

• Get your foot in the door.

Write an ace application letter (you’ll find an excellent template on www.freewebs.com/ workexperience/letter.doc). Follow it up with a phone call. Employers like initiative and persistence (as long as you don’t make a nuisance of yourself!).

• If you’re asked to come in for a meeting, do your homework.

Do some research into the company and prepare some intelligent questions (not just ‘What time do you finish?’ or ‘How long is the lunch break?’). Get someone to role play the interview with you so you can prepare.

• Once you start, you will be given some jobs that are menial and downright boring. Be patient and keep smiling. People will appreciate it and remember your enthusiasm.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for more work. If you’re eager and show you’re up for a challenge, your boss might give you something more interesting to do.

56

• Never be afraid to ask questions if there’s anything you are unsure of (or if you would just like to know more about something!).

• Mind your manners. Be polite and courteous. When your work experience is over, write a letter of thanks. Leave people with a positive memory and they’ll remember you next time there’s a job vacancy. And make sure you ask for a reference, too.

The academy is looking for new students (between the ages of five and 17). To make things even more exciting, the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy is giving one young person a free term of drama lessons in a special competition. To enter, all you need to do is answer the following question: What is the name of the world’s largest Drama Academy?

Send the answer (along with your name and number) on a postcard marked ‘Helen O'Grady Drama Academy Competition’ to our address on page 5. But hurry! The competition ends on 9th April, and the new term starts on 16th April (but don’t worry – if you win you can attend a later term if you like!). Call the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy on 01481 200250 or visit www. helenogrady.co.uk

your family

Opening Doors Imagine being a non-British child attending an independent school in the UK. Your parents are thousands of miles away, and you might be completely new to the culture. Sounds scary, right? Well this is the case for nearly 25,000 children in the country, and during the holidays (when boarding schools close) many of them need somewhere to stay. Study Links International, a programme which helps find accommodation for these children, is eager to hear from potential homestay families; these are reliable and welcoming households which can support a student (or two!), helping to make them feel at home and assimilated into the culture. Homestays can be families, retired people, single parents or individuals – anybody who has a spare bedroom and a clean criminal record is invited to apply. If you’re selected to be a homestay, you’ll receive plenty of advice and an allowance for expenses. It’s a brilliant chance to meet people and form lasting friendships! n For details call 01274 679710 or visit www.studylinks.co.uk

Complete Confidence The classroom can be a difficult environment for some students, especially when there isn’t time for all their questions to be properly addressed; unfortunately this means many pupils may feel left behind, which can affect their confidence and academic performance. Here at Your Local Link, we’re always enthusiastic about talented tutoring companies which go the extra mile, and we can’t think of a better case than York & Harrogate Tutors. All tutors are local and are graduates in their key subject, and plenty of them have experience working for major examination boards, guaranteeing that each student will receive knowledgeable answers and focused explanations for every aspect of their course.

Tutors are available for all major subjects with primary, secondary (GCSE) and AS/A2 education. n For details call 786126 or visit www. yorkandharrogatetutors.co.uk

57

58

your family

Part Time Theatre School Dance, Act and Sing

Baby Talk

Is your child a chatterbox? The University of York is looking for babies between the ages of two and 12 months to take part in its Babbling Babies word learning experiment. We think it’s a fantastic opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with your child, while contributing to a fun and interesting study. Babies need to be full term and from English-speaking households to take part, and you’ll be able to stay with your child throughout the session. You’ll even be paid for your time, too, and your child’s involvement is kept entirely confidential. n Call 433619 or visit www.york.ac.uk/res/babylab

Cold-Blooded Thrills!

Interested in planning a children’s party with the wow factor? The Reptile Roadshow is York’s tantalising tour of lizards, iguanas, tortoises and even bearded dragons; the new enterprise is set to dazzle youngsters all over the area. Run by Mark and Christine (both fully CRB-checked), the show gives kids a rare hands-on opportunity to feel, touch and understand a huge range of different creatures in a uniquely fun and educational experience. You can even meet a brand-new morph of an albino boa constrictor, one of only six in the entire world! Both the organisers have a combined 18 years’ experience of running similar shows, and the Reptile Roadshow is also available for educational functions (such as schools and scout groups). n Call 798963 to book.

59

A Helping Hand For many elderly and terminally ill people in York, pets are more than just a friend; they offer comfort and emotional warmth, helping their owners to feel more positive and peaceful in what can be a very difficult time. The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity which finds volunteers to help these owners, ensuring that their pets are kept healthy and properly exercised. The charity is looking for people within the York area who would be happy to donate some time to walking these pets and occasionally hosting them when their owners need to stay in hospital. n If you’re interested, 01736 758707 or visit www.cinnamon.org.uk

Silver Celebrations

People to Click With!

While we loved making our new website (see page 10-11 for a special in-depth look!), we weren’t born knowing how to use the internet. As with every skill, becoming computer literate takes time – but it’s full of fantastic rewards, and we’re sure everyone would benefit from the ability. To emphasise the usefulness of computer literacy, the BBC has launched its ‘Give an Hour’ campaign, and it’s committed to encouraging people to dedicate at least one hour of their time to helping others learn to use computers and the internet.

So whether you’re a complete beginner, or you’d like to volunteer some of your time, here’s our round-up of the area’s best computer-learning opportunities:

• The Oaken Grove Community Centre (Reid Park, Haxby, York, YO32 3QW) is having an Open Day on 24th April, and it’s all set to teach attendees all the basics in computer and internet use. Call 769176.

• Age UK York consistently offers free computer classes in its training centre in Acomb. Call 799953.

• York’s libraries offer one-off starter sessions to help get you going.

• COMPUTER START offers training in getting to grips with computers and the internet Call Anita on 07944 717019

The wonderful team at York Against Cancer are celebrating their silver anniversary of caring for the residents of York who have been affected by the disease. In the past 25 years, York Against Cancer have been able to make a significant difference to cancer patients, thanks to the support of York’s residents. The team have helped to make advancements in research possible with the staff at the Jack Birch Unit at The University of York, schools and colleges have benefited from education packs and talks, and their link with York Hospital has meant more specialist nurses and funding for a variety of projects. n Look out for their spring newsletter or visit www.yorkagainstcancer.org.uk

stepping up

Postgraduate Open Event Wednesday 25 April 2012 4.00pm – 6.00pm De Grey Court Foyer, York St John University

Pop in for a chat about:

● Our courses ● Admissions ● Finance ● Research ● Careers

To reserve your place visit: www.yorksj.ac.uk/postgrad or T: 01904 876960

60

your family

Meet the Advertiser We chat to Mark Sanchez-Garcia, co-founder of Dublecheck Cleaning.

Tell us about your business. Dublecheck Cleaning is a domestic, office and commercial contract cleaning company based in York and operated as a franchise by myself and my wife Carolyn. We offer either one-off spring cleans or a regular cleaning service which can be tailored to suit the customer, and we’re entering our fourth year in business.

What inspired you to launch Dublecheck Cleaning?

We’ve both been in the service industry for over 25 years, and I had become quite disillusioned by attitude that some companies I’d worked for had towards communication with clients. When the opportunity came to run my own business and do things differently, I grabbed it with both hands.

What’s the strangest job you’ve ever been asked to do?

Quoting for a cobweb and dust clean on the rafters of a church was quite odd...

What would your last meal on earth be? I was born in the region of Galicia in Northern Spain which boasts one of the best cuisines in the whole country, so I guess my last meal would have to start with some fresh langoustines with crusty bread followed by some Carne estofada, which is a wonderfully slow roasted meat with roasted potatoes. For dessert, though, you can’t beat British, so it would have to be something like sticky toffee pudding.

61

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

THOMPSON DRIVE, STRENSALL £385,000 An attractive detached family house built by the HOGG The Builder on this sought after village development. The area is popular with families with a highly regarded primary school in the village. The property has five bedrooms including a large master bedroom with ensuite shower room/WC and a family bathroom/WC. A welcoming entrance hall leads you to the ground floor rooms with double doors to both the lounge and the family room/dining room and there is also a conservatory, a modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room, a utility room and cloakroom/WC. The gardens are landscaped with extensive lawned areas and smart brick paved driveway to an integral double garage.

Frankly, who wouldn’t want to live in Huntington? It’s a short hop by bus or car to the city centre, handy for the outer ring road, plus it has a whole host of local amenities on its doorstep. And it’s only a few minutes away from the retail therapy opportunities of Monks Cross! Tempting, no? And right now OPUS Estate agents have a beautifully presented, three bedroom semi detached bungalow.

The property comprises an entrance hall, lounge/diner with French doors out to the decked area, a modern white kitchen with useful utility area, plus three bedrooms and a decent sized bathroom. Outside there are gardens to the front, side and rear and off street parking. It’s a very versatile property that will appeal to a whole range of buyers. And at £200,000, the price is pretty appealing, too! n For more details or to arrange a viewing contact OPUS on 790070 www.opusmove.co.uk.

£1500 per month

Campleshon road, knavesmire £285,000 A well presented 3 double bedroom modern mid town house. The accommodation comprises on the ground floor an entrance hallway, a double bedroom/study and a shower room/WC. On the first floor there is a spacious lounge with sliding doors onto a full width balcony and a feature fireplace as well as a kitchen/dining room. On the second floor there is a master bedroom with views towards The Minster and a further double bedroom. There is also a family bathroom/WC with separate shower cubicle. Outside there is a small landscaped garden to the front with a driveway leading to the integral garage and the rear there is a landscaped gravelled garden with a raised decked area.

For more details or to arrange a viewing call

01904 621532 62

A beautiful and spacious, well presented and equipped 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment furnished to a very high standard, situated in this prime location within walking distance to the city centre and railway station and in the opposite direction the York racecourse.Accommodation comprises of: Entrance hall, Spacious open plan living room with dining area, Fully fitted and equipped kitchen, Master bedroom with ensuite shower room, Further double bedroom, 1 single bedroom, delightful communal gardens with summer house, Allocated parking, Secure development with electric gates and entry phone For details call 01904 652729 / 655454 or visit www.cityletsyork.co.uk

63

64

65

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 property has been up for sale for almost a year and in that time I’ve had two offers. But each time the sale has fallen through, both times for different reasons. My nerves can’t stand any more – what can I do to make it third time lucky?

A. You need to sit down with your agent and understand the reasons why the sale has fallen through and have a plan to safeguard your sale next time. At OPUS we try and look for the right buyer, sometimes this may take longer but when the sale completes you realise that it has been worth it.

Q.

I have a very old house to sell, and I think it’s going to be difficult for anyone to get a mortgage on it. How can I make sure I get the right buyer?

A. There is a buyer for every type of property. It’s a bit like a dating agency matching buyers to the property like you would match one individual to another. Some buyers will specifically want an older property that has all the features that come with an older property. Ideally you might need a cash buyer or someone who has a substantial deposit. Your agent will know what kind of buyer you need and don’t worry there is always a buyer who is looking for an older property that has character.

Q. I’ve spent the past six months waiting for my buyer to sell their house, and in the meantime I’ve lost the property I’d set my heart on. I told my agent I needed a quick sale and he assured me this buyer had everything in place. Any advice on what I should do now?

A. This is a no brainer, switch agents immediately. This agent has not looked after your interests and don’t forget you are paying their wages. It’s time for a FRESH APPROACH and there will be another property out there for you.

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

fRee

Measuring & fitting service

20% off All stock materials

66

No:1

Choice for Blinds

Make Do and Mend

Are your windows still dressed as if they’re partying like it’s 1999?

Don’t rush out to buy a new blind or pair of curtains. John Hall Designs is offering more of its one day courses throughout April that promise to teach you how to create your own Roman blinds, curtains and cushions, so you can make your own accessories to jazz up your home – without any packaging that will lie in landfill for eternity. As the saying goes: give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, but teach him how to knock up a pair of snazzy curtains and he’ll be the envy of his street for a lifetime and save the world (probably). The dates for the course are below: 5th April - Curtains (basics) 10th April – Roman blinds 12th April - Curtains (basics) 17th April - Cushions 19th April - Roman blinds 21th April – Curtains (basics) 24th April – Roman blinds All courses are from 10am-5pm and additional dates can be arranged around the client. n For more information or to book a place on one of the courses, call 631660 or visit www.johnhalldesigns.co.uk

your home

ASK THE EXPERT WITH CAROLE CARTER

Letting Advice Carole Carter answers your questions on what to remember when letting out your home.

A Brighter View When a window is right, it complements the house and benefits everyone who lives within it, making it important that every new installation fits the space like a glove. The team at Quickslide Windows Direct have always known this, which is why they specialise in producing bespoke windows that perfectly meet your needs – they’re made with PVCu, a natural insulator, and an ideal choice if you want to avoid the warping or swelling which other models can cause. We’re excited to announce that Quickslide Windows Direct are opening a brand new location in York, which means it’s now easier than ever to find beautiful doors, windows and fittings for your home. Visit the grand opening on Easter weekend at 1 Redeness Street, York YO31 7UU, or call 0844 8094491. n For more information visit www.quickslidewindowsdirect.co.uk

Talent on Tap If you’re starting a new business, you need to stand out from the crowd.

This is something Liam Gray knows well - when he set out to start his own plumbing business he wanted to become renowned for being one of the most communicative workpeople available. Throughout every job, he endeavours to ensure that the client is kept informed and completely up-to-date, allowing them to always make the most informed decision possible. He prides himself in his availability for emergency callouts. As a special bonus, he offers clients a £20 voucher every time they successfully refer his services to a friend (t&c’s apply). n Call 345288 or visit www.liamgrayplumbing.com

How can I tell whether my tenant’s requests for repairs are excessive?

Whenever a property is let the tenant takes the property ‘as seen’. It is therefore imperative that a fully detailed and accurate inventory is compiled and signed by both landlord and tenant.

Not only does this give the landlord and tenant a description of the condition and contents of their property but it also gives both parties a point of reference during the tenancy.

A regular inspection process is also essential throughout the tenancy, but must not interfere with tenants’ right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ A quarterly inspection can provide the landlord with a clear indication of how the property is being cared for and maintained.

It is also important to ensure clear instruction manuals for all appliances and heating systems are available. Tenants need to be made aware that if they report a fault that necessitates a contractor being called out, that they may be liable for the callout costs if no fault was found and the problem was due to the tenant not following instructions on how to use the appliance or system.

Having these processes in place will assist landlords in trying to establish if tenants are being reasonable in their requests.

Am I allowed to request a criminal background check on all applicants?

Reference companies are unable to carry out criminal checks on prospective tenants. This would have to be applied for through the police and can take up to eight weeks, and as lettings are normally a quick turnaround the timescale involved makes this impractical.

My tenant has rejected my original inventory, and insisted on one being produced by a third party. If the two inventories conflict, what should I do?

An Inventory is compiled on behalf of a landlord, therefore a Check-In is a tenant’s opportunity to disagree with the Inventory and make addendums to the same – this means that the tenant would not need to commission a new Inventory as his or her points would be noted on the Check-In. If there are, however, two Inventories and the tenant is not agreeing to the original, then provided the landlord agrees to the second Inventory, this is the one which should be used at the Check-Out stage for the purposes of calculating dilapidations. If, however, the landlord does not agree with the second Inventory then the best course of action would be to regard the original Inventory as the main Inventory, and the second Inventory as a Check-In document.

However, disputes are likely to arise and the case would probably need to be sent to arbitration for the final decision to be made Carole Carter is co-founder of independent lettings agency City Lets and Yorkshire’s representative for the Association of Residential Letting Agents. City Lets offers a residential letting & management service, short term lets and serviced accommodation.

Tel: 652729 email: info@cityletsyork.co.uk web www.cityletsyork.co.uk 8 Fossbridge House, Walmgate, York, YO1 9SY. Safe in the knowledge that your assets are being well cared for.

67

What’s hot &what’s not We’ve got the lowdown on what the well dressed home is wearing

Hot...

Be Bold If you fancy a designer wallpaper but are put off by its price tag, fear not: the Feature Wall is still in. You’ll only need to get a fraction of the paper you’d usually buy, and it will make more of a statement than papering the whole room would. This also means that you can get away with choosing big, bold prints as papering only one wall will mean that the room won’t be swamped by a busy design. When selecting paint to coat the other walls, pick out a colour from the wallpaper design and match it or contrast it so that the look all ties in together.

68

Furniture Face-lift That old bedside table that’s stuck in the garage? Don’t take it to the tip.

It can be transformed into something rather pretty with a lick of cream paint and a rub with a bit of sandpaper to give it a vintage feel. Or, turn your old jumpers or shirts into a patchwork cushion cover – much quicker and easier than you think, and it’ll make a totally unique item that’s personal to you. Build up a bank of these items and you’ll end up with a quirky, kooky home that’s got your personality well and truly stamped on it.

The Right Tone Tonal colour schemes are huge right now, and are a great way to tie a room together. Just pick one colour, and select accessories in a range of shades of the same hue.

Mix it up with different textures and if you’re using a cool scheme such as blue or grey, pick a couple of accessories like cushions in a contrasting colour such as orange or yellow to add warmth.

Doodle Bug We love this doodle tablecloth, which is sure to enthral both children and adults alike. Dinner parties will never be dull – you could even use it to play Pictionary while you eat. You can keep the design as long as you like, then stick it in the washing machine to make it into a blank canvas once more. Also the kids will have something to draw on other than the skirting board, and it won’t make a permanent mark. Your washcloths will thank us. For details on the doodle tablecloth, visit www.stitchdesignworks.co.uk

Anaglypta Horror The team at Your Local Link is sickened to learn that Anaglypta wallpaper is still on sale. It’s almost acceptable at our nana’s, as her decor hasn’t been updated since 1983. However, there are people out there holding the very much mistaken belief that this stuff looks nice. It doesn’t. No, not even if you paint over it. If you’re reading this and you’re not aware of the existence of Anaglypta, count yourself lucky.

It’s textured wallpaper that was once popular in the dark ages. Never, ever buy it. Also, never Artex your ceilings (or, please God, your walls) for the same reason.

Not So Suite Coloured bathroom suites are hideous. Fact.

Decor issues aside, how are you supposed to see the dirt on an Avocado-coloured bath? You could very well be soaking in a layer of grime without even knowing it. The choices of colour are all pretty dingy and drab too, with salmon pink and what can only be described as poo brown featuring heavily. Thankfully, these monstrosities have mostly been discontinued, but one of the Your Local Link members found one when house hunting recently (to her utter horror). If you’re trying to sell or rent out your house, please, we beg you – sort it out.

your home

Not...

Sopping Wet The whole point of bath mats is supposed to be to dry off your feet when you leave the shower, yet all too often we find ours soggier than a wet weekend. Failing that, the glittery ones manage to coat our tootsies in sparkle, which sounds pretty but is really just annoying.

Opt for a wooden bath mat like this recycled mango wood one from Toast. It’s designed so that water drips down and any excess is soaked up by the wood. It looks pretty, too. For further information on the Toast bath mat, visit www.toast.co.uk Back to the Future Why is it that all ideas of the future look nothing like the future when you actually get there? Silver seems to feature heavily in every decade’s prediction of what the future will look like, but the colour hasn’t actually ever been popular in home decor.

‘Futuristic’ furniture is uncomfortable and makes a room look cold. We’d much rather the future look like a big squishy sofa, thanks, not angular and like it’s been robbed from a spaceship.

510728

69

If you’ve ever sold a house, you’ll know that getting an offer is only half the battle. And there’s nothing more disappointing than having a sale fall through at the last minute. It can cost you time, money and may even lose you your dream property.

A fresh start...

According to a recent survey by a leading UK conveyancing firm, almost one in three property sales fall through for one reason or another. So it’s impressive that in the last three years, Opus Estate Agents have seen only two sales collapse. It’s a record most larger estate agents would envy. What’s their secret?

Success story Paula from Opus puts it down to the personal touch.

She and her team know every property on their books inside and out, and they take a great deal of care to match potential buyers to the right home.

They will also check the buyer’s situation – whether they have a property to sell, or if they’re in need of a mortgage; or if they are sold, is there a chain and how far has it progressed – to minimise the risk of any hitches later.

She quotes the example of a bungalow she recently had on her books. “We shared dual agency with another company, who quickly found two possible buyers,” she says. “It all looked good on paper, but we knew for a fact that it wouldn’t be possible to raise a mortgage on the property. Both the potential

buyers needed to borrow money, so of course both deals fell through. In the meantime, we were able to line up a cash buyer who was in a position to proceed, so everyone was happy.”

Personal touch Opus is a small, family run company, which often works in their favour. Both buyers and sellers get the personal touch. “We do all the viewings on our houses at times to suit the buyers and we are available at any time to fit in with our clients,” says Paula. “We never rush people into buying – we will allow as much time as a person needs to make sure that the property is exactly what they are looking for.

“We offer a real personal service, with a tailor made package to match our customers’ needs. We don’t promise the earth and deliver nothing like some of our competitors. We listen, give realistic valuations and arrange viewings only for people we feel will be genuinely interested in buying the property. One of our main strengths is being able to negotiate to make the sale happen and then to keep the sale together.

You’ll also always deal with the same person, so you’ll never feel fobbed off.”

Remarkable achievement Opus Estate Agents have just begun their fourth year of trading, a remarkable achievement when you consider they launched in the middle of the property crash.

"We are handling properties all over the city but our particular area of expertise is the west side of the city,” says Paula. “We live and work in the area, so we know it well. This comes in useful for our buyers, who are looking for the right lifestyle as well as the right four walls. Whether you’re looking for a family home and need advice about schools or bus routes in to town, or even where to find a good pint, we can give you honest advice.”

So if your property has been on the market for a while and you’re not happy with the service you’ve received, or you’re putting your home up for sale for the first time and you’re looking for a fresh approach that really works, give Opus a call.

For more details call Paula Matthews today on 01904 790070 for a free valuation

making the move work for you

70

your home

Life at the Top Every household wants more space. You might think that the only way to enjoy an extra room is to commission a costly expansion – or worse, up sticks and look for a new home. Fortunately there’s a third option, and it’s one which has the extra effect of adding a huge amount of value to your property. Yorkshire Loft Conversions have over 25 years of experience in transforming attics into attractions, giving you a fantastic new living space in the process. They specialise in carrying out work which causes minimal disruption, with every job planned out in absolute and precise detail. The company fully guarantees its work – after all, there’s a loft riding on it! n For more details call 236333 or visit www.yorkshirelofts.co.uk

Your Home - Their History Whitby Oliver Furniture truly defines what it means to be a historic York business. Established in 1897, the company combines over a century’s worth of experience with a contemporary vision and passion for brilliant design. As a testament to its continued influence, Whitby Oliver was recently featured in both Excelle and 25 Beautiful Homes magazines, solidifying its powerful local (and increasingly national) reputation. The company is especially proud to offer a Lowest Price Promise, giving their customers peace of mind that they’re getting the best quality items at the lowest possible price. n Stop by and browse their attractive showroom on Hospital Fields Road (in Fulford), or call 652424.

71

You can buy these stunning hand-made vintage house signs from: www.personalisedgiftsshop.co.uk

Keep up to date on the latest design trends and property news Carry On Camping Some people will go to all manner of lengths to get the house of their dreams, but the Geordies seem to have taken things to new extremes.

Hopeful housebuyers made the decision to camp outside a new development in Killingworth near Newcastle recently so that they’d be first in the queue to put their names down for a pad.

They even brought their own camping stove and a bottle of wine, presumably to celebrate or commiserate with depending on the outcome. ..

Check Your Locks

What does your front door do for you (apart from working quite well as a route out of the house, of course)? The colour can apparently have more of an effect that you think. Blue suggests a prosperous interior apparently, as the colour is linked with abundance, and it’s also supposed to create a feeling of calm and attract positive energy. Meanwhile, if you’re after mental clarity and wisdom, go for yellow, and green represents renewal and harmony.

Do you want new opportunities? Choose purple

– unless your door faces the northwest, in which case you should paint it gold or grey. White brings serenity, and red is welcoming – which derives from an early American tradition when red doors signified a place that travellers would be welcome to rest. However, in Scotland doors are allegedly painted red to show that the occupants have paid their mortgage. We can’t decide on a colour now, so reckon we might paint ours in a rainbow effect, just to be on the safe side.

Senior Citizen Discount

72

Did you know that it only takes 30 seconds to break a lock? All uPVC doors that have been installed in the past 20 years are vulnerable to attack. Fear not, there’s a simple and effective solution. Local company Haxby Lock Attack can ensure your doors are secure with a Yale Diamond British-standard lock. It features a break-secure cylinder that protects against snapping, bumping, drilling and picking. The lock replacement won’t mean changing your whole door, or even the entire lock, so the procedure is quick and efficient, and with over 30 years of experience in the double glazing industry you can be sure that they’ll do a good job. For further information, call 767638 or 07718 521107.

your home

What’s in a Name?

Naming your home used to be the preserve of the landed gentry, but now many of us have chosen to ditch the numbers in favour of words – and The Cottage tops the bill of most favourite house names. Lots of old homes are called barn, dairy or forge as that’s the function they would have served in days gone by, and nature is also a common theme in the top 50, with lots of abodes named after trees, plants and flowers. Naming your home can do more than add sentimental value, though – it can also increase the value of your property, so choose well.

Don’t go for a name like The Cottage if your house is a new-build, for obvious reasons – apparently in this case, Wentworth House is a favourite for new homes apparently. We think it sounds much grander than number 128...

C A

Extreme DIY A chap in Ireland has taken planning your own home to a new level. Architect Dominic Stevens built his own house, getting most of the work done within the space of an August bank holiday weekend – with a little help from some friends.

The place cost about £21,000 to construct and features a lounge, kitchen and three bedrooms. The roof and walls look as if they’re made from corrugated iron, but are actually fashioned from a material called Onduline. The use of space is pretty ingenious – books are kept between the stairs – and Dominic insists it rarely gets cramped, even when he has visitors. Makes our wendy house look tiny. We have a feeling that any attempt we make might not be so successful, and may well go the way of our entry to the Haxby Scarecrow Festival.

73

Want to save money on your heating bills? TWS, a leading installer of upvc windows, double glazing, conservatories, doors, fascias, soffits and guttering and replacement flat roof systems, offers some advice.

Wasteful windows?

It’s estimated that up to 20% of heat lost from a home escapes through the windows. Even if you have double glazing fitted, it may not be as energy efficient as the more modern systems. As well as reducing your energy bills, efficient double glazing also keeps your home warmer and quieter.

now replace a conservatory roof with a solid roof without having to apply for building regulations?

As of October 2010 you can replace your conservatory roof as long as: -

Window Energy Ratings (WER) are a guide to the energy performance of your windows. Ratings go from A-G, with A being the best. TWS offer peace of mind by providing products from market leaders including Eurocell and Solarframe, which have ratings of A or A+. The service they offer is second to none, and all work is covered by a comprehensive ten year insurance-backed guarantee, offering you genuine protection.

TWS have also been awarded the government endorsed standards TRUSTMARK, and are BSIregistered, carrying the BS8213-4:2007 Kitemark for installation. Not all companies carry this, but the standards that TWS work to far exceed this requirement, so you can rest assured that their quality of installation is top notch.

• The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows

Cosy Conservatory A poorly-insulated conservatory that is too hot in summer or too cold in winter is something many of us struggle with. But did you know you can

74

• It is built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area

• There should be an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls • Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements TWS have the solution for existing or new conservatories with the thermally-efficient Guardian Conservatory Roof which has a U-Value of 0.16. A U-Value measures how well a wall, roof or window keeps heat inside the building. Anything below two is classed as good, so this roof is a super-efficient way to keep your heating bills down, plus it¹s available in a choice of colours and finishes.

The Guardian Conservatory Roof allows you to have an extension to your living space that you can use comfortably all year round. The tiles and

cappings are streamlined and unobtrusive, so it looks good too. Since it doesn’t rely on bulky portal frames, concrete or brick columns, its lightweight facet means there’s a wide range of options or window and door selection. There are also a range of contemporary and traditional finishes internally, including a plaster finish or timber/PVCu cladding to fit in with your existing decor. Concealed lighting can also be used to add a fantastic finishing touch.

your home

Smooth Operators Here at Your Local Link we absolutely love businesses which are family-run and built from the ground-up, as these are always packed with local knowledge and grounded in years of solid experience. The York Garage Doors Centre fits the bill perfectly, and it’s proud to continue supporting many of the same customers who first dealt with the company over 25 years ago. Having recently opened a new state-of-the-art showroom in York (the region’s largest), the centre prides itself on providing strong after-sale support to build continuing (and often life-long!) customer loyalty. The York Garage Doors Centre offers free site surveys and insurance quotes, and can handle all aspects of garage door installation and repair. n See the centre in York Business Park (YO26 6BL), visit www.yorkgaragedoors.co.uk or call 788822 for more information.

Bespoke Style Unique features are the heart of any beautiful home, and this is something Eliments (based in York) appreciates completely. When working with its clients to construct new conservatories and orangeries, the FENSA-registered company manufactures (on-site) all the products which it goes on to fit, ensuring a custom and individual design service. Eliments even create composite doors and window profiles, ensuring that all your home’s new features will fit perfectly alongside one another. We’re thinking it might be time to finally build Your Local Link’s new sunroom… n Call Eliments on 01757 249950 or visit www.eliments.co.uk

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1990

WINDOW Solutions

75

Look out for more tips in next month’s issue!

Top Work, Dave!

Perfect Ponds...

Ponds not only look good in your garden, they also make a great home for wildlife. We’ve got some tips from GRAHAM SAVAGE at Pond Planet on making the most of yours…

Now the winter’s over, it’s an ideal time to clean up your pond. Start by removing any silt and debris from the bottom of your pond using a fine net or special pond vacuum.

Tidy up your pond plants by removing the old leaves and shoots. Marginal and bog plants can be lifted, divided and replanted using only the vigorous outer portions. Like any other garden plant they will benefit from some fertiliser (you can buy sticks or tablets for this). This is also a good time to replenish your pond plants.

76

Take out your pump and filter and give them a spring clean.

The filter must be cleaned in pond water. Never use tap water for this job or any other chemicals as this will kill any beneficial bacteria.

If you have a UV clarifier in your pond equipment this is the time to replace the bulb. Go to a specialist stockist to make sure you get a correct replacement. n For advice, call Pond Planet on 01347 811897

When it comes to interior design, there’s one thing we know for sure: a quality worktop makes a quality kitchen - and if you want a quality worktop, you need an experienced tradesperson. With this in mind, Dave The Worktop Man has built up a solid reputation for installing sleek and eye-catching kitchen surfaces throughout York and the surrounding area.

He’s been in the game for over 20 years, and is always overwhelmed by the positive references he gets back from customers. He offers a wide variety of kitchen frontals (and an expert installation service), but he’s also a talented hand when it comes to tiling, plumbing and electrics. He doesn’t limit himself to kitchens either, as he’s happy to work on bedrooms, offices, bathrooms and shops too. n Call Dave on 468288 or visit www.worktopmanyork.co.uk

your environment

Badge of Honour When it comes to landscaping, you shouldn’t be afraid to demand the best.

The work landscapers do will dramatically change the appearance of your garden and property, and this can have huge implications for influencing your home’s estimated value. Country Gardens is proud to be registered with the British Association of Landscape Industries, a privilege which is only granted after extensive checks and a rigorous vetting procedure. The registration means that Country Gardens has been closely examined and approved by some of the best in the industry, giving absolute assurance that the company works to the height of professionalism. The team has 25 years of experience, and offers ongoing year-round care to all their clients, helping people to enjoy tailored and dedicated support for all projects big and small. n For more information call 07900 193657 or visit www.countrygardensyork.co.uk

Flourishing Conversation The Askham Bryan College Gardening Club is always inviting a diverse range of people to speak and share their earthy expertise with the audience. On 17th April it’s presenting ‘An Evening with Bunny Guinness’; a unique chance to hear a talk by the Chartered Landscape Architect, perhaps best known for her show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show where she has won six Gold Medals. The meeting starts at 7.30pm, and takes place within The Conference Hall (Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York, YO23 3FR). New members welcome. n Call David on 707208 or visit www.abcgardeningclub.org.uk

Solar Panels Solar Panels

STILL a great STILL a great investment! investment!

onít miss out, install Solar PV now and; Donít miss out, install Solar PV now and;

Earn a return of up to 11% (or more) • Earn a return of up to 11% (or more) Generate free electricity • Generate free electricity nflation proof for 25 years • Inflation proof for 25 years Avoid new energy efficiency requirements coming in on April 1st • Avoid new energy efficiency requirements coming in on April 1st

all now for a free, no obligation, survey and quotation Call now for a free, no obligation, survey and quotation

p r o j pe rc ot sj e c t s Call Free 0800 644 00 45 Call Free 0800 644 00 45

www.greenenergyprojects.co.uk www.greenenergyprojects.co.uk

York Road, Easingwold, YO61 3EJ York Road, Easingwold, YO61 3EJ

77

your pet

PET TALK in association with MINSTER VETS

Got a problem with your pet?

Tracey Pulleyn of Minster Vets has the answer! their preferred food do so because they may be getting discomfort from toothache.

I would recommend that you make an appointment to see a vet so they can take a look at your dog’s mouth to ensure that there isn’t a physical reason for him not eating dry food.

Many dogs and cats undergo routine general anaesthesia to scale and polish their teeth. Most vets offer pre-anaesthetic bloods to ensure that your pet is well enough to cope with a general anaesthetic, they may also wish to give him fluid therapy throughout the proceedure. In the meantime I would recommend that you pop into your vets and ask them for some digestible wet food. They will be able to give you one that is high in energy so he won’t have to eat much to maintain his health.

Q. I have an older dog that I currently

Q. I have a new kitten: at what age should

feed on a complete dry food; he has lost a few teeth and is now struggling a little bit to eat his food. Can you recommend anything that may help him?

I let him out and get him neutered and when should I start his jabs?

Just as human teeth deteriorate as we become older, so do our pets’. Unless regularly cleaned, plaque builds up on their teeth which in time turns into tartar (the hard brown material that you see on the tooth). Most pets that stop eating

We recommend that kittens are vaccinated from nine weeks of age. The vaccine is given in a twopart course, given three weeks apart. We would recommend that kittens are vaccinated against Feline Flu, Enteritis and Leukaemia.

anaesthetic. You will need to leave your cat at the vet’s for the morning so that the operation can be performed. Most patients are able to go home that afternoon as long as they have recovered well from the anaesthetic.

Once he has recovered from the surgery and been given his final check post-operation, then he should be able to venture out of the house.

You may wish to get a harness for him initially, and take him out into the garden on a leash.

Q. What can cause a cat’s hind legs to lose lots of fur and produce a bald patch?

The most likely cause of fur from a cat’s leg would be due to the cat licking the area. I would advise that you seek your vet’s advice on this matter. If your cat is licking the area there may be a reason for this that would require investigation. It may be a parasite issue, pain in the leg or a hormonal cause. Over licking the area could cause a severe skin irritation due to the coarseness of the cat’s tongue.

At six months of age we advise that cats are neutered. This requires them to have a general

Need help? Write to us at the address on page 5, or email info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Mark your question ‘Pet talk’.

78

ASK THE EXPERT WITH JAMES NIXON OF PETS PANTRY

All over the city there are animals looking for homes.

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

CAMPBELL He came to the RSPCA as an unclaimed stray. He’s a little shy until he gets to know you, so a home with no young children will suit him best. Once he knows you, Cambell is an affectionate little guy who would love to have a home to call his own.

DUNCAN He came to the RSPCA after he was hit by a car and never claimed. He has had an eye removed, but it doesn’t bother him at all. He is an extremely friendly lad who would make an excellent family pet. n If you’re interested in finding out more about these adorable moggies, or any of the cats at York Cats Protection, call 760356.

SASHA Came to York’s RSPCA centre after her owner could no longer afford to keep her. She’s a typical collie cross who will need a very active home to keep her happy. She loves her toys and would happily play with you for hours – she just loves to be around people!

BAILEY Only a year old, Bailey is a lovely, lively lad who adores walks and playing with people. He’ll need a home where he will be kept busy and get lots of exercise and be the only pet, and any children will need to be over seven years old. n If you could give any of these dogs a home Call: 01904 654 949 or visit RSPCA, Landing Lane, York

If you love dogs, walking and Yorkshire...

dogwalks yorkshire.com dogwalks

yorkshire.com

Pets Pantry explain how to improve your dog’s health simply by changing his diet.

Does your dog have any of the following problems?

3 Loose or wet faeces 3 Itchy skin or paws 3 Smelly breath or body

3 Hyperactive behaviour 3 Insatiable appetite 3 Itchy Anal Glands

These problems are often caused by feeding the leading brands of dog foods bought from the supermarket because of the following reasons: 1) They contain no genuine meat.

Generally the ingredients will state that they contain between four and eight per cent meat and animal derivatives. This can often mean that indigestible feathers or other parts of the carcass are used.

2) They contain a high percentage of cereals and glutens.

A dog’s body can only absorb about 30% of the cereals it eats, hence so much coming out the other end as waste. These also cause issues with scratching and smells as his body can’t break down these unusual carbohydrates.

3) High levels of colourings, sugars and salts are put in to make the food tastier for them, but these can worsen his behaviour. Just imagine how a child might behave if you fed them on sweets and fizzy pop all day. The high levels of sugars can also cause a build up of tartar and plaque on his teeth.

How can you make your dog healthier and happier?

Feed him on a good quality food on advice from experts. The food we recommend this month is James Wellbeloved • Kibble sizes for either, mini, medium and large breed dogs to encourage chewing and dental care.

• Highly digestible human grade Turkey; Lamb; Duck or Fish, resulting in smaller, compact faeces.

• An option of vegetable based foods for very sensitive dogs to cut down on skin irritations.

• All senior foods have chondroitin and glucosamine to keep joints healthy.

• Hypoallergenic - no cereals, glutens, colours or sugars. Just a very tasty, healthy food!

• For the whole of April, all 2Kg ONLY £4.99 and 15Kg ONLY £35.99 • Full money back satisfaction guarantee on all 2Kg Bags

Pets Pantry

ASDA Monks Cross

ALDI

to To Hunting ne Jockey La

n

New Lane

www.dogwalksyorkshire.com has lots of dog-friendly walks, pubs, cafés and places to stay.

your pet

Give us a home...

Halifax Bank

Call 01904 620527

or visit www.petspantryyork.co.uk Jockey Lane York YO32 9NE 79

your garden

Ask Amanda...

Got a gardening problem?

Amanda from skelton garden centre can help

Q. How should I look after

streptocarpus, hibiscus, spider plant, sansevieria, peace lily and New Guinea impatiens.

my house plants? Mine always seem to die off quickly.

Q. My lawn is looking a bit

House plants come in all shapes and sizes, many with attractive foliage or beautiful blooms.

To keep your house plants healthy and bright here are a few cultivation notes.

Most house plants need bright filtered light, but as the light levels fall in the winter you will need to move them to a brighter position.

They thrive in warm rooms that keep an even temperature all year round, but during winter resist overheating rooms and avoid placing plants near open fires, radiators, in draughts or on windowsills on frosty nights.

House plants can fail because they are overwatered. This causes root death and collapse of the plant.

Let the surface of the compost

tired, and I’d like to rejuvenate it for spring – what’s the best way to do this?

There are several reasons for this. Often when your grass turns yellow it is either suffering from drought, acidification from dog urine, nutrient deficiency or a low PH.

dry a little before watering. Allow the plant to drink for a while and remove the excess water from the saucer. Do not let the plant sit in water. Water less in the winter as the plant is not actively growing and will not require as much.

Feed with liquid feed during

the growing season (March to September). Watch out for pests such as whitefly, greenfly, scale insect, mealy bug and red spider mite, and spray with an appropriate pesticide.

Easy-to-care for houseplants include dracaena, ficus,

It is more likely to be over treating with lawn weed killer or cutting too close or too often. Too strong a weed killer solution can actually kill the grass as well as the weed.

Cutting too close will often weaken grass and over cutting can destroy the grasses root system. Roots need time to regenerate after cutting and if cut too close the root system becomes shallower and the grass

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

80

your garden

less vigorous, resulting in a thinner lawn. Allow the grass to recover for a few weeks and only cut when it is between four and six inches tall and follow the 60/40 rule – cut 60% and leave 40%.

If you think the yellowing is due to nutrient deficiency, replenish with a lawn fertiliser and sparse or weak grass can be reseeded or re-turfed now.

Q. I’ve just moved into my first home, and the garden is a bit of a mess – how should I prepare the garden for planting?

Overuse of pesticides can lead to a development of resistance. There is a growing list of pests, diseases and weeds that are no longer controlled by chemicals that were once effective against them.

You must identify the problem

first and choose an insecticide that has been approved for that particular pest or disease. Apply the treatment in the evening and inspect the plants at regular intervals to prevent heavy infestation building up. Some pests will need a number of treatments and the instructions on the packet will give you the correct dosage and interval time.

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

Spray or dust thoroughly and don’t forget to treat under the leaves where a lot of pests will lurk. Choose a fine evening when there is no wind or rain forecast.

Consider using good gardening techniques such as crop rotation, hand picking of pests such as slugs, removing diseased leaves and feeding and watering correctly. A well grown, healthy plant is more tolerant of pests and disease.

Selby Road, Crockey Hill, York, YO19 4SJ Telephone 01904 622901 www.wooden-garden-furniture.com 81

your garden

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

Dean’s Garden centre

Lovely Lavender

A favourite in English gardens for centuries, lavenders are perennial herbs that grow from woody bases.

They form compact little shrubs with silvery needlelike leaves and slender stalks, topped with very fragrant purple, red, pink or white flowers. The leaves are just as aromatic as the flowers, so it’s a very fragrant plant! The team at Dean’s give us the lowdown on how best to care for lavender and the differences between varieties.

How should I care for my lavender?

All types of lavender prefer full sun and well-drained alkaline soil. You should plant it in the spring, spacing plants between one and a half to three feet apart.

They can be divided, if necessary, but this is best done in the autumn, and you should mulch in winter with bark or compost. Flower stalks can be cut just before they are fully bloomed and hung upside down in a dry, dark place until dry for use in sachets and potpourris.

Lavender thrives in cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Combining Lavender with plants having similar cultural requirements creates a Mediterranean-

themed planting bed. Plants like Rosemary, English Rose, Artemesia, and Cistus can also be planted with other herbs.

Pruning Lavender grows well and doesn’t require a lot of watering or maintenance. However, just like most plants, lavender will look better and be healthier with the right type of pruning. Cut the branches back about one third of their length in the spring, just after flowering. A big plant that has been neglected can be trimmed a little farther, about halfway, as long as you leave green foliage behind and do not cut down to the woody part.

Cut the flower wand stems, which are usually bright green, as well as the stems with the grey leaves.

Shape the plant into a ball, or a hedge with straight sides and a rounded top. Prune only lightly if the plant is more than three years old and has never been pruned. You can increase the amount of pruning slightly each following year until you are pruning normally. Never prune your lavender plant all the way back to the woody part of the branches – this will probably kill it.

Latin name: Lavandula Common Name: Lavender

Popular Varieties English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or L. officinalis) English lavender varieties include Hidcote, which features deep purple flowers that grow up to 16 inches and makes a good plant for hedging, and Munstead Dwarf, which is compact, low growing and has violet flowers that grow up to 12 inches – it’s density makes it perfect for edging paths. English lavender is the hardiest variety of the plant. It also has a sweeter scent than other types and is traditionally used to create lavender oil. It is slow growing, but tolerates cold climates and blooms in early summer and often again in autumn.

French Lavender(Lavandula dentate or Lavandula stoechas) The foliage on this type of lavender is greyer and the flowers are a lighter shade of purple and are sometimes even white. French lavender will need frost protection in a hard English winter.

Dutch Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia Vera) This variety bears grey leaves and fragrant pale blue flowers. The leaves of the Dutch group tend to be larger than most lavender, and prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

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

82

your garden

landscapes

A Fair to Remember!

There’s no surer sign of spring than the wonderful plant fairs which begin in earnest during April. We’ve picked out a few of our favourites for you to explore…

The Flower Power Spring Plant Fair (www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk). This yearly favourite brings together enthusiastic plant growers from all over the North of England. Specialising in unusual, rare, and quirky types, the fair offers a great selection of plants at a reasonable price. The day will include many varieties not usually available at retail outlets, ensuring a unique and refreshing experience.

You’ll also have the opportunity to receive personal advice from the different growers, helping you to improve your own gardening skills at home! The Flower Power Spring Plant Fair will take place at:

DIVINE DESIGN Patios & Paving Driveways & Brickwork Decking, Pergolas & Fencing Turfing & Planting / Design Ponds & Water Features Garden Maintenance tel: 01904 211021

mob: 07737 825621 www.weareedenlandscapes.co.uk

• Newburgh Priory, Coxwold, York, YO61 4AS. 8th April (Easter Sunday), 11am-4pm. Call 01347 868372 or visit www.newburghpriory.co.uk • Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York, YO61 1DP. 15th April, 11am-4pm.

Call 01347 810249 or visit www.statelyhome.co.uk The Harrogate Flower Show (www.flowershow.org.uk). The event is set to feature innovative display nurseries, floral artwork and expertise by Kitchen Garden Live. Great Yorkshire Showground (Harrogate, HG2 8NZ). 26-29th April, 9.30am-5.30pm. Call 01423 546157.

83

Keep up to date with all the green fingered gossip!

w

Fill these quirky bird feeders with seeds or nuts and have the birds singing your praises!!

Loo k

gardening

we found.... t ha

What’s even better...

It’s only £4.98 Available from B&Q www.diy.com Available from B&Q www.diy.com

Free Compost!

Be eco - aware!

Think that tending to your garden is bound to be eco-friendly? Think again. A recent study by the Royal Horticultural Society and the Universities of Sheffield and Reading has shown that activities such as mowing the lawn and using peat can harm the environment rather than helping it to flourish. So, avoid using chemicals, eliminate peat from your compost (in the UK, peat that’s dug for compost releases about half a million tonnes of CO2 every year – that’s the equivalent of the emissions of 100,000 cars!) and switch from petrol mowers to a manual one – you’ll not only be helping the environment, but you’ll get a great workout into the bargain! For more ideas on free ways to keep fit by the way, check out page 42.

Don’t have the time to make your own compost?

Fret not – you can get some for free on 1st April (no, this actually isn’t an April Fools gag – though you might have spotted some others throughout the magazine...check out the intro on page 5).

Head down to Yorwaste’s Harewood Whin site on Tinker Lane, off Wetherby Road, between 9.30am-2.30pm and fetch a container and a shovel.

The giveaway scheme, run by City of York Council and Yorwaste, has returned after the success of last year when residents took around 2,320 tonnes of compost. It will run once a month until October, so you can stock up whenever you need to.

For further information visit www.york.gov.uk/waste

Call PVC-UK Today on

Freephone 0800 0371947 01262605690 / 07831 584119

84

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

your garden

Win a

£250 Voucher!

Fancy winning a £250 voucher to spend at Garden Outlet?

All you have to do is ‘like’ their Facebook page (before it reaches 2,000 ‘likes’) to be in the running – sounds fab to us. There’s a huge range to spend your winnings on, too. Since opening last August, the Garden Outlet has been transforming the way people personalise their plots; it offers a wide variety of beautiful wooden furniture and features a brilliant array of elegant outdoor ornaments. We were particularly intrigued by the outlet’s selection of fine pottery, as it sells pieces bought wholesale from craftspeople based in both Thailand and Vietnam, giving any garden an authentically international ambience.

The business isn’t just confined to its Crockey Hill location though, as it’s increasingly expanding its online presence; visitors to the site can happily browse its benches and admire its arches all from the comfort of their own homes!

Tree, Hedge & Shrub Care since 1907 Pruning . Planting . Removal Stump Grinding . Disease & Insect Control

Call 01904 784 956 or 07808 915 872

york@bartlettuk.com / www.bartlett.com FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION

n For more information call the Garden Outlet on 622901, or visit www.wooden-garden-furniture.com

Fit for royalty Forget your china adorned with cheesy pics of the royal family to celebrate the upcoming Jubilee – there’s now a flower to mark the occasion. The Rosa ‘Royal Jubilee’ has been bred by David Austin Roses and will be available after its launch at the Chelsea Flower Show in May. It’s not the first royally-named breed to be offered by David, who celebrated the marriage of Wills and Kate with a myrrh-scented flower. We reckon a bunch of these would put a smile on her majesty’s face when she visits York this month – Mr Austin, WALLED GARDEN please can HELMSLEY we have a few blooms early?

Five acres of stunning walled garden HELMSLEY WALLED GARDEN Award winning Vinehouse Café Plant Centre with hundreds of perennials www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk Tel 01439 771427

Five acres of stunning walled garden Award winning Vinehouse Café Plant Centre with hundreds of perennials www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk Tel 01439 771427

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

85

your garden

GROW YOUR OWN with Debbie Pendle from Brunswick Organic Nursery Growing your own fruit and veg is rewarding, good for the planet – and your pocket. Here’s how…

Let the sowing begin!

Finally the time has arrived to break open those shiny new seed packets and get sowing. At Brunswick, the seed sowing frenzy is in full flow and the propagators that have stood empty over the winter months are now bulging at the seams. At the first sign of germination seed trays are quickly removed and replaced as the competition for heated space builds up.

For those gardeners who do not have the advantage of a glasshouse or polytunnel, it is at last possible to sow seeds of hardy veg safely outside in the open soil.

The weather in early spring can be quite unpredictable so be patient and delay sowing and planting outdoors should we experience a cold spell.

Soil temperature is the key to good seed germination and a good indication of rising soil temperature is the unwelcome germination of weed seeds.

Parsnips Parsnips are notorious for poor germination and gardeners have deliberated for years about the best time to sow. Seed packets often instruct sowing in

86

February, but early sowings in cold, wet soils can take up to six weeks to germinate and even then germination is sporadic and unreliable. Delaying sowing to mid- April, when the soil has had a chance to warm has proved to be quicker and more reliable and still provides quality good sized roots. Soil temperature and sowing time also has an effect on canker (a fungal disease that causes reddish brown patches, usually at the crown) which is more problematic on early sowings.

Parsnip seed does not store well so it is essential to use fresh seed every year.

Avoid growing on freshly-manured ground, although a plot that has been manured for a previous crop is ideal.

You could add compost from your heap if you need to improve the soil structure, incorporating it well into the soil and carefully removing any stones that will cause the young roots to fork. Sow seed direct into shallow drills 2cm (3/4 in) deep, two or three seeds per station, about 7.5cm (3in) between each station and in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Thin out leaving the strongest seedling to grow on at each station.

JOBS FOR APRIL 3 Plant seed potatoes 3 Plant onion and shallot sets 3 Sow dwarf beans and runner beans

under cover

3 Sow broad beans direct into growing

position 3 Sow brassicas in nursery rows or cell trays undercover

Local Suppliers: Brunswick of York CIC, Appleton Road, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2RF

n Brunswick Organic Nursery is a growing charity that provides opportunities for adults with learning difficulties in horticulture. www.brunswickyork.org.uk

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

your garden

Open Gardens It’s that time of year again! The National Gardens Scheme features hundreds of beautiful spaces which are open to the public to raise money for charity, and we’re here to let you know where all the local ones will be in April.

Ellerker House, Everingham, York, YO42 4JA. Spring bulbs, mature trees and a tranquil grass area marks this charming, five-acre garden on sandy soil. Features a woodland walkway around the lake, a formal lawn and several scenic seating areas. Open 1st and 7th April, 12 noon-5pm.

Friars Hill, Sinnington, YO62 6SL. Over 2500 varieties of colourful perennials and bulbs are displayed in this cosy garden, less than two acres large. Includes hellebores, woodland plants and herbaceous beds. Open 1st April, 1-5pm.

Goldsborough Hall, Goldsborough, nr Knaresborough, HG5 8NR. This former residence of HRH Princess Mary (daughter of George V and Queen Mary) reopened in 2010, having previously been exhibited from 1928-1930. The Grade II listed building has been beautifully restored and features 11 acres of garden and formal landscaped grounds. Includes a quarter-mile lime tree walk originally planted by the royals in the 1920s. Open 1st April, 12noon-4pm.

Shandy Hall Gardens, Coxwold, YO61 4AD. Features two walled gardens and an acre of unusual perennials planted with tulips and old roses in low-walled beds. Also with many wild flowers attracting a large variety of wildlife (including moths). Open 20th April, 6.30-8.30pm.

Four Gables, Oaks Lane, Boston Spa, nr Wetherby, LS23 6DS. Features a densely planted garden inspired by ‘The Wild Garden’

by William Robinson. Includes fine specimen trees, hellebores, wood anemone, dicentra, tree peony, aquilegia and fritillaria. Open 22nd April, 12.30-5pm.

Weathervane House, Mill Lane, Seaton Ross, YO42 4NE. This two-acre garden features mature woodland, magnolias, flowering trees and shrubs. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and a wide range of spring bulbs will also be on display. Open 29th April, 12noon-5pm. n For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk or call 01483 211535

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

87

your garden

Get kids excited about the great outdoors with these tools that are perfect for little hands.

Drip, Drip, Drop Who doesn’t adore The Very Hungry Caterpillar? This watering can is ideal for teaching children about the importance of feeding plants with water. £10.95 Garden Divas www.gardendivas.co.uk Muck Out Oink oink! This stool comes with three gardening tools and a handy storage compartment to keep them in while little ones sit down for a well-earned rest and admire their handiwork. £21.95 Garden Divas www.gardendivas.co.uk Bold and Bright Children can practise digging and raking with these brightly-coloured tools. £4.99 Gifted Originals www.giftedoriginals.co.uk

88

Pocket Patch Available in blue and pink, this tool pouch features a trowel and fork as well as a pair of child-sized gardening gloves. £7.49 Crafts4Kids www.crafts4kids.co.uk Budding Baby Even really little ones can join in the gardening fun – these scoops are suitable for children aged 12 months and up, and are ideal for collecting leaves or grass cuttings, or using in the sandpit. £4.99 Garden Gear www.garden-gear.co.uk

Shade of Pail Every gardener worth their salt needs a sturdy bucket, and this one is the perfect size for little ones to carry. £4.99 Gifted Originals www.giftedoriginals.co.uk Sweet Strawberries Children can grow their very own fruit with this set. Simply water the plant, and it will produce juicy strawberries – yum! £6 John Lewis www.johnlewis.com/

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

What better way to celebrate Easter Sunday than to cook a scrumptious roast dinner?

We asked our talented readers for tips.

2

1

MEALS FOR THE PRICE OF

Your fat should be steaming hot before Perfect Potatoes you pop your batter into the tin – but Put a slice of bread over the spuds and water for half an hour before part boiling just be careful not to have it steaming so much that you can’t see (I’m speaking them. This takes the starch out and from experience...) Your Local Link’s makes them crispy on the outside and resident domestic goddess, Rachel fluffy on the inside. Jade Rossiter Brilliant Beef Yummy Yorkshire Puds Goose fat is better than oil when making A slow roasted chine of beef, a cut which Yorkshire puddings – they rise better, and includes the ribs and backbone, is an less fat is needed. Also, add an extra egg ideal option for a Sunday Roast. As a into the mixture to make the puds really mum of two and farmer’s wife, this is an ideal option for me as it’s simple. Leave light and fluffy. Then, cook the puds on it in the oven for a good six hours then the highest temperature possible and serve with giant Yorkshire puddings, try to resist the temptation to open the plenty of veggies and horseradish mash, oven door until they’re nearly cooked, and use the meat’s juices and red wine to otherwise they might ‘flop’. Bit of Yorkshire trivia too – Yorkshire puddings make the gravy. were originally cooked under the meat, Charlotte Shipley, Manor Farm Beef which was on a spit over the fire. The Cook your beef or lamb all day in a slow juices from the meat cooked the top and cooker then brown off for an hour in the fire cooked the underneath of the the oven so that it melts in the mouth.

P1497 local link dining ad 197x126_Layout 1 08/03/2012 15:44 Page 1 puddings simultaneously. Angie Krausz Sharon Denniss

Enjoy a ‘Grand’ dining experience in our 2 Rosette restaurant Afternoon Tea Champagne Afternoon Tea Lunch Evening meal

Sleep Spa Dine Meet To make a reservation, please call 0845 409 3816 or visit www.cedarcourtgrand.co.uk Gift vouchers available

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

89

Market Days

30th March and 27th April The Parliament Street Farmers’ Market is one of York’s most popular trading events, featuring a range of cheeses, meats, chutneys, baked goods, fruit and vegetables direct from the producer.

The event takes place on the last Friday of every month.

6-9th April York Chocolate Festival.

York’s deliciously sweet heritage is celebrated by its attractions and museums.

12-15th April A Crafty York: Easter Fayre. A huge celebration of yummy York goodies, but also includes the best in local craft.

21st April The York Auction Centre holds its monthly Farmer’s Market, featuring plenty of high quality local produce. n For more information visit www.york.gov.uk/markets

90

At the age of 20, most young men are still glued to their X-Box and wondering what they’re going to do with their lives. But not George Welton. For the past two years, the young chef has run a successful bakery business, Brown & Blond, supplying delicious chocolate brownies to a variety of shops, restaurants, hotels and individual customers, including York Cocoa House on Blake Street.

George always knew he wanted to work with food. After leaving school, he began working as a pastry chef in partnership with a Michelin starred chef. But the partnership broke up and he ended up at the age of 18 on his own with one baking tray, a domestic oven and a Kenwood Chef to his name. It was then that he came up with the idea of starting his own brownie business.

“Everyone else was doing cupcakes, but no one else was baking and supplying brownies, so there was a definite gap in the market,” he says.

But despite his bright idea, getting started was a problem.

“No bank was willing to take a risk on an 18 year old – I had trouble getting a bank account, let alone a business loan! I had to save up for everything myself.”

His determination has paid off; in two years George has gone from selling six trays of brownies a week to 160 trays. He’s become famous for his range of almost 50 flavours, from delicious butterscotch and pecan and amaretto (our favourite!) to weird and wonderful combinations such as Earl Grey and lavender.

George’s next ambition is to open a shop selling artisan cakes and bread. “But I’d also like to own an Aston Martin by the time I’m 25!” he says. n For more information, email brownandblond@btinternet.com

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

Free Food Alert!

The Bay Tree in Stillington is a gorgeous jewel of a pub, and to celebrate opening its restaurant on Monday evenings from 2nd April they’re offering you lovely readers a voucher to get two delicious meals for the price of one. It’s valid on all main courses (except fillet and rib-eye steaks) and you can use it on Monday evenings. Terms and conditions apply. n To book call 01347 811394, quoting Your Local Link two for one offer.

High Society Comes to York It goes without saying that everyone at Your Local Link is a party animal. While this sometimes gets us into trouble (as Xmas-tree-theft is generally frowned upon… don’t ask), it also means we’re well up-to-speed on all of York’s newest hotspots. That’s why we’re excited to reveal that Society Lounge & Bar – a fab new venue on Rougier St – will be opening its doors on 2nd April, all set to coincide with the arrival of the Queen! Society will feature one of the city’s best observation points for the special day, as its first-floor viewing gallery (complete with bunting and flags) will give patrons a rare chance to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty as she passes down George Hudson Street. The bar boasts a relaxing and informal ambience, all tied together in a sleekly contemporary style; with its daytime focus of fresh coffee, panini, pastries and cakes (with a fully trained barista service) we’re sure it’ll prove a hit with Micklegate’s dynamic makeup of office workers and tourists. n Visit the Society Lounge & Bar at 1 Rougier St, or call 625438

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

91

yorkonafork

92

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

EVENTS KEY: n WALKS & TOURS n LOCAL & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Castle Howard easter weekend Friday 6 to Monday 9 April 2012

n DAYS OUT & ATTRACTIONS n CONCERTS n FAIRS & markets

Traditional fairground rides, face painting, Shire horse dray rides, children’s Easter Egg trail and meet Molly the Rabbit. All activities are included in your admission price. Open from 10am.

Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 648333 for details.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

93

The sweetest place to live!

With the opening of Chocolate - York’s Sweet Story and the launch of the city’s first chocolate festival, April is a dream for the sweet toothed!

Everyday

their smart phones on the go.

New chocolate Trail To celebrate

Easter Trail at The Balloon Tree

The Chocolate Market.

York’s chocolate heritage Visit York has compiled a new York Chocolate Trail, taking you on a tour of the city’s most important chocolate buildings. Points on the trail include the site of Joseph Rowntree’s original Grocery Shop, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, associated with Chocolate entrepreneur Mary Tuke and CHOCOLATE - York’s Sweet Story, York’s newest attraction celebrating the past, present and future of York’s Chocolate industry.

Gate Helmsley, near York. Visit The Balloon Tree to take part in the Easter Trail Treasure Hunt to earn your chocolatey reward at the end. 9.30am 4.00pm

Chocolate - York’s Sweet Story,

The Chocolate Market will take place throughout Parliament Street and will be open from 9.30am 5.30pm Demonstrations will take place throughout the day in the main information tent in St Sampson’s Square

The trail has also been launched online, on both www.visityork.org/chocolate and the mobile website, allowing visitors to follow the trail from

10am - 5pm

King’s Square - Chocolatey Fun and Games at York’s new attraction

5 & 7 April

The Little Chocolate Factory -

Terry and the Chocolate Orange. Story-telling and drama activities

drop in to create your own chocolate Easter Egg at the Festival Marquee in St Sampson’s Square with the chocolate team from York Cocoa House.

at Fairfax House, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN. Discover the story of the Terry family in York.

Find out how chocolate became popular in the

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA 31ST MARCH UNTIL 15TH APRIL FROM 10AM – 5.30PM

s let Pig Park n e m r Fa be op rom f l wil yday rch r a eve 1st M Nov 3 4th 2 to 201

Plus all our usual Piglets Farm Park activities: bouncing pillows, trailer rides, go-carts and much much more...

PIGLETS AT THE FARMER’S CART TOWTHORPE GRANGE, TOWTHORPE MOOR LANE, YORK YO32 9ST TELEPHONE 01904 499183 WWW.THEFARMERSCART.CO.UK

94

Easter Egg-stravaganz a activities are all included in the price, so come an entry d sp the day. Entry pri end Children £6.75, Ad ce: £5.75, Family Tic ults ke Save with our an t £23. nual membership scheme.

eighteenth century and how chocolate is made, from rainforest to factory. Set your imagination to work and create your very own chocolate machine!

Rich hot chocolate will be served to all chocolate workers! 4.00pm. Tel: 655543

discover tastes of recipes from 1651. 3.00pm

Gourmet Chocolate Banquet at The Mansion House Take a seat at the Lord Mayor’s Dining Table and indulge in a chocolate menu of delectable combinations of chocolate savoury and sweet dishes. 7.30pm

6 April

9 April

The Apprentice. Chocolate Tea & Talk at The Mansion House. Life at 28 Pavement as a Rowntree Grocer’s Apprentice. Dr Bridget Morris of the Rowntree Society will look at a survey of daily life for the many generations of apprentices who worked in the famous business established

by Joseph Rowntree in 1822, including Richard Cadbury and Lewis Fry. 3.00pm

Choccy and Sweetie Tour by York Walk. A delicious tour - hear the history of Terrys and Rowntrees, visit chocolate and sweetie shops and taste free samples. Walks start at Museum Gardens Gates on Museum Street.

10.30am & 2pm

The Golden Age of Confectionery. Chocolate Tea & Talk

Chocolate Literary Inspiration Dinner at the Dean Court Hotel Fiona Shaw, author of The Sweetest Thing and Paul Chrystal, author of History of Chocolate in York will talk about their books and the inspiration that the chocolate industry has had on their writings whilst guests enjoy a specially create Chocolate Festival 4 course Chocolate Tasting Menu. The authors will answer questions after dinner before signing books.

7.30pm Tel: 625082

7th April The Lord Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt Set out from JORVIK on a city-wide quest for chocolate visiting six different locations around York with a treat at each stop! Families are invited to join in on what is bound to be a ‘cracking’ day! The hunt starts at 10am and participants are to start no later than 12 noon. Collect your treasure sheet from JORVIK, £1.50 per child (includes admission to the Mansion House and Micklegate Bar). It’s bound to

at The Mansion House. A look at the Golden Age of Confectionery manufacturing in York. Alex Hutchinson, Nestle Archivist will look at the era in confectionery manufacturing from 1860’s to 1960’s that made York the home of UK confectionery industry. 3.00pm be a mad scramble! 10am - 1.00pm

Choccy and Sweetie Tour by York Walk A delicious tour - hear the history of Terrys and Rowntrees, visit chocolate and sweetie shops and taste free samples. Walks start at Museum Gardens Gates on Museum Street 10.30am & 2pm

A Virtuous Confection. Chocolate Tea & Talk at The Mansion House. A look at Chocolates’ journey through English social history

by Dr Annie Gray, Food Historian, will look at the often vitriolic debates surrounding the acceptability of chocolate under Queen Anne as well as its development as a luxury drink. Attendees will

A Sweet Success. Exclusive tour of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. The Merchant Adventurers have been part of York life for over 650 years and in this special one off guided tour for York Chocolate Festival hear about the organisation that has both the Terry and Rowntree families as members and famously battled with Mary Tuke over trading rights. The tour will explore the Merchant Adventurers, their magnificent hall and their impact on trade, enterprise and confectionery.

7.00pm

Celebrating Country Crafts 31st March & 1st April

Our 2012 season begins with a celebration of country crafts from a bygone age as well as new spring livestock and a wide range of Living History on site all weekend!

Open 10am—5pm

Adults £6 Concessions £5 Children £4 Under 3s Free!

Coming soon… Easter Eggstravaganza! 8th & 9th April Join the Easter Bunny for seasonal fun and games The Derwent Valley Light Railway will be running services for visitors on these events

Tel: 01904 489966 (E) www.yorkshiremuseumoffarming.co.uk 95

events

EVENTS KEY: n WALKS & TOURS n LOCAL & COMMUNITY EVENTS

EVERY DAY n NEWGATE MARKET, 9am – 4pm (4.30pm Sat and Sun). York boasts the brightest and possibly best daily open market in the North.

Newgate market has 110 stalls offering something for everyone every day including a wide variety of goods, fruit and vegetables, as well as a good selection of fresh fish and meat. n YORK DUNGEONS, 12 Clifford Street.

Be the first to see the Dungeons’ latest horror, ‘Execution: Traitors of York’ which opens on 24th March. Travel back to the 15th century and join the crowds gathered to witness the careless executioner as he shares the gory tales of York’s Micklegate Bar. But watch out… there is a traitor amongst you. Call 632 599. n YORKWALK, Museum Garden Gates, Museum Street. A wide range of tours, including Essential York, Snickleways, Secret York and Roman York, with several taking place every day. Call 622303 for full times and details.

EVERY NIGHT n GHOST TRAIL OF YORK, West Doors of York Minster. 7.30pm. Dare you cross the centuries and discover York’s spine-chilling history?

From tragic plague victims to murdered orphans and the plumber who spotted an entire Roman

96

legion marching through a basement, you’ll find out how York earned its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the world. Call 633276.

28 MARCH n Y12 INSPIRING YORKSHIRE, York Barbican, 10am-2pm. Part of the York 800 celebrations. An opportunity to network with some of the industry's leading and most influential names and hear the tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire's plans for 2012. Call 0113 3223500 n TASTER DAY, Askham Bryan College. For students who are currently in Years 10 or 11 at school. An opportunity to spend the afternoon trying some activities in a range of subjects. Call 772236 or email mary.hair@askham-bryan.ac.uk n ROCKERY GARDENING, West Bank Park, Holgate, 1.30-3pm. The Friends of West Bank Park present this monthly work party. Tasks will include clearing leaves, weeding and planting. Nonmembers welcome. Call Jenny on 07833 436832

30 MARCH, 5 – 9, 13, 20, 27 APRIL n DML ANTIQUE FAIR Helmsley Town Hall.

9.30am – 4.30pm. Call 01937 582803. n WEDDING OPEN EVENING Sandburn Hall, Flaxton, YO60 7RB. 5-9pm. This is a fantastic chance to view the Grand Function Hall and talk to the Wedding Co-ordinators about your wedding.

n DAYS OUT & ATTRACTIONS n CONCERTS n FAIRS & markets

The Grand Function Hall will be set for a wedding, so it will give you the chance to get inspired and picture your perfect wedding at Sandburn Hall! Call Karen or Louise on 01904 469922

30th March – 1st April n Hornsea Leisure Park Cliffe Road, Hornsea HU18 1JY are holding an Open Weekend. Fantastic deals on holiday homes, for details contact John or Paul Tel 01964 535352. www.hornsealeisurepark.co.uk

31 MARCH, 14, 21, 28 APRIL n DML ANTIQUE FAIR Wetherby Town Hall.

9.30am – 4.30pm. Call 01937 582803.

31 MARCH - 1 JANUARY 2013 n LOOKING BACK AT HUNGATE Jorvik Viking Centre, Coppergate, 10am-5pm. From Roman grave goods and Viking craftsmanship, through to medieval life and Victorian industry, this innovative new exhibition uses artefacts to tell the story of a changing city landscape. Call 543400 or visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

31 MARCH - 16 APRIL n EASTER HOLIDAY CHILDREN'S TRAILS Treasurer's House, Minster Yard, 11am4.30pm (closed Fridays). Children of all ages will be able to explore the historic rooms of Treasurer’s

n GRAND OPENING Chocolate: York’s Sweet Story, King’s Square, 10am-5.30pm. Be one of the first to experience York’s newest, most delicious chocolate attraction! Call 527700 or visit www. yorkssweetstory.com

House, solving clues and spotting bunnies.

Successful bunny hunters will be able to take away a Cadbury Egghead chocolate egg. Call 624247

31 MARCH - 15 APRIL n DIG: ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR! DIG, St Saviour's Church, 10.30am-4pm. Enjoy the new Looking Back at Hungate exhibition, and have a go at some traditional Victorian fairground games. Join the games-master and take the coconut shy challenge for your chance to win a prize. Call 615505 or visit www.digyork.com

n NEWBY HALL & GARDENS RE-OPENS Ripon HG4 5AE. For all the forthcoming events throughout 2012, please call 01423 322583 (opt 3)

1 APRIL 2012 – 31 JANUARY 2013 n VISITING PORTRAITS EXHIBITION Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, Beningbrough, 12noon-4.30pm. Natural Arts: Great Landscape Designers of the 18th Century pairs contemporary landscape photography with portraits of eighteenthcentury garden designers to celebrate their work and explore their living legacies. In partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. Call 472027

n EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Piglets at the Farmer’s Cart, Moor Lane, Towthorpe. 10am5.30pm. Features ‘Hook-a-duckling’, ‘Bunny’s BBQ’, lamb feeding and ‘The Great Easter Egg Hunt’. Call 499183. www.thefarmerscart.co.uk n COMMUNAL ART PROJECT National Railway Museum. Create a huge version of one of the museum’s art gallery lithographs, using potato prints and other fun tools. You can also enjoy the Easter egg hunt. Call 0844 8153139 n EASTER CELEBRATIONS AND TRAIL Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, 12noon-4pm.

Challenging trails, games, face painting, eggy artrageous and egg and spoon racing in the annual Easter celebrations. Includes Cadbury Egghead prize. Call 472027.

31 MARCH - 1 APRIL n CELEBRATION OF COUNTRY CRAFTS WEEKEND Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton, 10am-5pm. Features traditional craft stalls - including pottery, metalwork, bonework, leatherwork, woodwork and much more. The museum will be welcoming new Spring livestock and there will be a wide range of living

history on site all weekend. Call 489966

1-15 APRIL

n YORK OPEN STUDIOS multiple locations, 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday.

See artists’ work in their studios, all within a ten mile radius of the city. Buy artwork and talk to the people who created them! Call 704485 or visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk

n EASTER TRAIL Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield, 11am-5pm. An exciting Easter trail for children.

Clues will be hidden throughout grounds of the Hall, and each child that solves the puzzle will receive an Easter treat. On Easter Sunday and Monday (8-9 April) there will be a special Easter Egg Hunt. Call 01262 490324

31 MARCH n SPRING FAIR Huntington Community Centre, Strensall Road, Huntington, 10am12noon. Features stalls, refreshments and a raffle. All proceeds go to York’s oldest charity, the Wilberforce Trust, which supports people with sight loss and additional disabilities. Call 760037.

n SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Ripon Nr Harrogate HG4 3DY. 11am – 3pm. Follow the clues on the mystery trail and join in with drop-in craft activities in Swanley Grange. Call 01765 608888

1 APRIL

n CHARITY FAYRE Haxby Memorial Hall, n THUNDER DAY Yorkshire Air Museum, 10am-2pm. Free entrance. Any charities interested Elvington, 10am-4pm. 'Engine Running Day' with 020_BH_Wedding Offer_Local Link 15/2/12 01:40 Page 1 in taking part should book a place by calling Brenda historic live jets, vehicles and propeller aircraft on on 764404. display. Call 608595.

2012 WEDDINGS AT

BURN HALL FOR

£2012

Call us on 01347 825 400 www.burn-hall.co.uk

£2012 BURN HALL WEDDING OFFER INCLUDES • Three course Wedding Breakfast for 40 guests • Arrival drinks for guests • Wedding Toast • Traditional Buffet or Hog Roast for 80 guests • Use of the Mulberry Ceremony Room and Minster Suite • Complimentary standard bedroom • Use of mirrors and lily vases • Complimentary wedding stationery

Call us on 01347 825 400 or visit www.burn-hall.co.uk Tollerton Road I Huby I York I YO61 1JB I enquiries@burn-hall.co.uk

97

events

n BATTY ABOUT BATS? Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, Beningbrough, 11am-5.30pm. Like bats or know nothing about them? Then come and join Mark as he leads a special walk at dusk to uncover these shy little creatures with his bat detector. Call 472027

4 - 5 APRIL n IT’S A MONK’S LIFE Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Ripon Nr Harrogate HG4 3DY. 2pm. Family tour of the Abbey. Dress in monks’ robes and learn about their daily life. Suitable for age 7s and over. Call 01765 608888

5 AND 7 APRIL n TERRY & THE CHOCOLATE ORANGE Fairfax House, Castlegate, 4pm. The story of chocolate and the Terry family in York. Find out how chocolate became popular in the 18th century and how chocolate is made, from rainforest to factory. Call 655543, www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk

FROM 5 APRIL n LUNCH AND DINNER CRUISES Yorkboat, Lendal Bridge. Relax for one hour cruise through the city to the picturesque village of Acaster Malbis. Here you will pause for one and a half hours at The Ship Inn, where you can enjoy a delicious home-made bar meal. Choose from a leisurely lunch cruise or relaxing dinner cruise. Dinner Cruise sails from 5th April and the Lunch Cruise from 19th April, sailing on alternative Thursdays. 01904 628324.

5 – 9 APRIL n Helmsley Town Hall antique & collectors fair Easter Event. Tel: 01937 582 803

PRODUCER & CHOREOGRAPHER ANN McCREADIE MUSICAL DIRECTOR DON PEARS

98

5 APRIL n EX-TERRY'S EMPLOYEES REUNION South Bank Social Club, Ovington Terrace, 8pm. This year the popular local Beatles tribute band 'The Pepper Hearts' will be performing. All ex-Terry's employees, members, associates and followers of the band are welcome. Call 656523. n CHAT AND CRAFT Quilt Museum and Gallery, Peasholme Green, 10am-12noon. A chance to share ideas, chat with old friends and even make new ones. Call 613242.

6-9 APRIL n CASTLE HOWARD EASTER WEEKEND Castle Howard, 10am-5pm. Features traditional fairground rides, a children's Easter Egg trail and a chance to meet Molly the Rabbit. All activities included in admission price. Call 01653 648333 n EASTER EGG TRAIL The Balloon Tree Farm Shop, Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, 9.30am-4pm. Follow the 'wabbit' and answer the clues around the farm to claim your Easter egg prize! Call 01759 373023 n EASTER TRAIL Clifford’s Tower. For four days over the Easter weekend, a warren full of Lindt chocolate rabbits will take up residence in the tower until they are taken home as prizes for any young visitors completing the Easter trail within the walls of York’s castle’s original keep.Call 0870 333 1183. n ANCIENT INSPIRATIONS Museum Garden Gates. 1.30pm. Two new heritage walks for Easter. On 6th and 9th you can discover the secrets of Symbolic York, while on 7th and 8th the subject is Imagining Antiquity. Tickets £5. For more information, visit www.restage.org.uk

n OPEN WEEKEND Holgate Windmill, Windmill Rise, Holgate, 11am-4pm. See the whole interior of the mill. Call Bob on 795851.

6th April –9th April n Hornsea Leisure Park, Cliffe Road, Hornsea, HU18 1JY are holding an Open Weekend. Fantastic deals on holiday homes, for details contact John or Paul, Tel 01964 535352

7, 8, 28, 29 APRIL n ANTIQUES FAIR The Town Hall, Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AX. Call 01423 889163

7 - 9 APRIL n YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW York Racecourse, 10am. Over 100 stands including trade displays and specialist societies, as well as around 40 working layouts. The venue is fully accessible for less able visitors and there is also a catering service featuring hot and cold refreshments, and a fully licensed bar. Visit www.yorkshow.org.uk n MEDIEVAL FALCONRY Rievaulx Abbey.

If you are expecting to see eggs at Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, this Easter, think again – because rather than fluffy little chicks, the site will be populated with some of nature’s finest flying hunters. Meet the costumed master falconers and see the birds up close in the medieval mews before they take to the skies. Call 0870 333 1183

7 APRIL n DANESMEAD SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOL REUNION The Winning Post, Bishopthorpe Road, 7.30pm. Social opportunity for all former pupils of the school which closed in 1985. Call Karen O'Donnell on 07971 635416 or email kaz61@hotmail.co.uk

n EASTER EGG HUNT Mansion House, St Helen’s Square. Follow the chocolate trail and find out more about this fascinating house and the Lord Mayors who have lived there. Call 552036

8 & 9 APRIL n LELLO & MONKEYS EASTER TRAIL Newby Hall and Gardens, Ripon HG4 5AE. Go hunting through the woodland walk, to find the hidden Easter eggs. Usual admission rates apply. For further details contact 01423 322583 (opt 3) n EASTER CRAFT & GIFT FESTIVAL Duncombe Park, Helmsley. Over 50 craft and gift stalls set throughout a beautiful house which is not normally open to the public. Call 01274 835588. n EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton, 10am-5pm. Come and join the Easter Bunny for seasonal fun and games. Call 489966. www.murtonpark.co.uk

11 & 12 APRIL n CREATE A CREATURE York Minster, 1pm and 2.30pm. Create your own mythical creatures in clay. Then at 4pm, head for the Children’s Chapel for an entertaining story of St George and the dragon! It’s just one of a whole host of family themed activities planned for the Easter holidays.

Visit www.wonders.yorkminster.org

11-13 APRIL n GO POTTY Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, Beningbrough, 1-3pm. Bring a pot, cup or even a welly and plant seeds using homemade compost, or make your own pot from newspaper and watch it grow. Call 472027

8 APRIL

n TENNIS TYKES EASTER CLASSES Roko Health Club, Stirling Road. The fun and educational tennis play and coaching programme for children aged between two and six years old.

Call 07843 342662.

n COMMUNITY HU CHANT The Garden Room, York Central Library, 12noon. A brief discussion on a spiritual topic follows the chant which aims to help you better understand your own personal growth. Call 01423 780002

n Free Valuation Day The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street. 11am – 3pm. Bring along your antiques, jewellery and general collectables for a free valuation by the asuction house experts.

n EASTER FAIR, RSPCA York Animal Home, Gillygate (YO31 7EQ), 11.30am-3pm. Features a raffle, home-made cakes, refreshments, books and trinkets. Come and meet the animals. Call 654949

10 APRIL n WILDFLOWER PLANTING Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, Beningbrough, 11am-3pm. Come and leave a lasting memory at Beningbrough by planting some wild flowers in the Orchard. Plants, bulbs, tools and equipment provided. Call 472027

12 April

13 APRIL n FUNDRAISING EVENING Tritons Fish Restaurant, Bilbrough Top, Tadcaster Road YO23 3PP. 5pm. In aid of the Thomas Cammack Appeal.

Live music and a delicious meal to benefit a little boy from Selby in need of life-saving treatment for neuroblastoma. Twenty per cent of every bill donated to Thomas' appeal. Please ring to book your table – 700189 Visit Thomas’ donation page for more information – http://www.bmycharity. com/ThomasCammackAppeal

10am - 5pm

99

events

n Helmsley Town Hall antique & collectors fair. Tel: 01937 582 803

14 APRIL n SEVENTH ANNUAL CHARITY BALL York Racecourse, 7pm. Hosted by the Georgina Grace Trust. Includes a delicious meal, live auction, charity casino, a Robbie Williams tribute act and more. The Georgina Grace Trust was launched in 2005, after Georgina Grace Thompson was born with CMV and had a stroke at birth, meaning that only 50% of her brain was left intact. Funds raised by the charity are donated to organisations that work with disabled children throughout Yorkshire and the Humber. Call 780880 n SCULPTURAL STITCHES Space 109, Walmgate, 10am-4pm. Workshop with Suzy Tibbets. Learn several stitching techniques. Design and make accessories. Call 612790 n Wetherby Town Hall antique & collectors fair. 9.30-4.30pm Tel: 01937 582 803

15 APRIL n GIANT CAR BOOT SALE Home Farm, Wigginton YO32 2RD, 7am-1pm. The classic car boot sale returns. Taking place every Sunday from now on at the same time and location. Call 768463. n TOUR OF THRUMPTON HALL AND

PAPPLEWICK PUMPING STATION (NOTTINGHAMSHIRE) call for time and location. Papplewick is Britain's best preserved working Victorian Water Pumping Station; Thumpton Hall is a private Jacobean gem, rarely open to the public. Run by Yorkwalk’s History & Heritage Tours. Call 622303

100

20 APRIL - 30 JUNE

21 APRIL

n A BRUSH WITH ADVENTURE Cafe 68, Gillygate. New paintings by Geoff Clifford and Granville Heptonstall. Call 627939.

n DRAWING WITH PAINT Space 109, Walmgate, 10am-4pm. Week one of Thomas Rimmington's three-week course. Explore line working from a model. Create a Grisaille painting and look at the importance of form and value.

Call 612790 or visit www.space109.org

20 APRIL n OASIS IN YORK Wigginton Recreation Hall, 2pm. Talk by Clive Dawson. Call 764688. n Helmsley Town Hall antique & collectors fair. Tel: 01937 582 803

n MAMMA MIA! TRIBUTE York Racecourse, 7pm. Movie and musical show tribute, featuring songs based on the music of ABBA. Call 638971 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

n SUPPER DANCE Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, 7.30pm. Features live music, supper, dessert and a grand hamper draw.

Call 01751 431522.

n Wetherby Town Hall antique & collectors fair. 9.30-4.30pm Tel: 01937

21-22 APRIL

22 APRIL

n HEALTH & HEALING FESTIVAL York Racecourse, 10am-5pm. Over 90 exhibition stands.

Includes mediums, jewellery, aura photography and a range of complementary therapists. A varied programme of talks will include 'Tarot for Everyone', 'Animal Healing & Communication' and 'Hypnosis for Weight Loss'. Email pat@healthhealingfestivals. co.uk or visit www.healthhealingfestivals.co.uk n DEN BUILDING Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, Beningbrough, 11am-5.30pm. Seize this rare opportunity to build seriously big dens with the help of the den team. Use your newfound techniques at home or elsewhere to continue the fun. Suitable for accompanied children over five years old. Call 472027 n THE GREAT ANTIQUES FAIR Wetherby Racecourse (LS22 5EJ), 8am–5pm on Saturday and 9am–5pm on Sunday. Antiques fair with excellent on-site catering and free parking.

Visit www.jaguarfairs.com

582 803 n WEDDING MARKET Mercure York Fairfield Manor. 10am-2pm. From cars to cakes and tiaras to bridal wear, Fairfield Manor's wedding market offers something for everyone. Over 25 local suppliers are taking part. Call 0844 8159038. n WEDDING FAIR Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. 11am – 3pm. A great chance to see this magnificent venue at its big day best. The Hall’s wedding experts and dedicated catering team will also be there to help you plan your big day, as well as a range of suppliers and services. Why not go along and be inspired?

25 APRIL n ROUGH-HEWN MATTER & THE ROMANTICS IN YORKSHIRE, Fairfax House, Castlegate, 7pm. Lecture. Prof David Hill follows in the footsteps of 18th century artists who were inspired by the northern landscape. Call 655543 or visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk

promising to be a great day out. Free entry. Call 07552 962407 or visit www.abbeyallevents.co.uk

n CURRY AND COMEDY EVENING York Racecourse, 7pm. Featuring top comedian Howard Read. Call 638971 or visit www.yorkracecourse. co.uk

3-7 MAY n THE HARROGATE ANTIQUE & FINE ART FAIR Hall M, Harrogate International Centre. 11am-9pm on Thursday, 11am-6pm Friday-Sun, 11am-5pm on Monday. Call 01823 323363 or visit www.harrogateantiquefair.com

n Helmsley Town Hall antique & collectors fair. Tel: 01937 582 803

28-29 APRIL

5 – 7 MAY

n FESTIVAL OF VINTAGE York Racecourse, 10am-5pm. Take a trip down Memory Lane with talks, films, live music, DJs, dancing and historical displays. Call 0113 3458699

n DALES FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK Leyburn. 10am – 5pm. From fresh produce to cookery demonstrations, exhibitions, tasting sessions plus a chance to get up close and personal with some of the region’s best producers, this three day is event is a must for foodies everywhere. Call 07909 586 358or visit www.dalesfestivaloffood.org

28 APRIL n THE BAEDEKER RAIDS Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, 1.30pm. 70th anniversary lecture featuring Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork and guest speaker. Call 608595. n CHARITY FUN EVENING Escrick & Deighton Club, Main Street, Escrick, 7pm arrival.

Black tie evening for York & District Animal Home.

Includes a charity auction, buffet, casino, disco and live entertainment with open bar. Call 728778. n CALLIGRAPHY TASTER SESSION The Quaker Meeting House, New Earswick (YO42 A4D), 10am. Offered by York Scribes. Call 758428. n COLOUR SKETCH Space 109, Walmgate, 10am-4pm. Week two of Thomas Rimmington's three-week course. Teaches how to simplify forms and the principals of colour mixing. Shows how to identify colour represented on the canvas. Call 612790 or visit www.space109.org n RNLI TABLE TOP SALE 18 The Village, Wigginton. 11am-2pm. Variety of gifts and objects available in support of the RNLI. Look out for

12 MAY

similar events taking place on the last Saturday of every month. Call 491133. n Wetherby Town Hall antique & collectors fair. 9.30-4.30pm Tel: 01937 582 803

29 APRIL n MIND/BODY & SPIRIT FAIR York Barbican Theatre. 10am-4pm. A huge variety of alternative healing therapies, massage, art, beliefs trade stalls, tarot and more. Free entry. For details contact Abbey All Events on 07552 962407 n BEAUTY & WEDDING EXHIBITION York Barbican Theatre, 10am-4pm. A collection of the finest professional wedding and beauty services,

n ROCK & ROLL NIGHT New Earswick & District Bowls Club, Huntington Road, YO23 9PX. Get your dancing shoes on for a night of good old rock & roll with J B Goode and DJ Johnny Whiteshoes. Huge dance floor, good parking and a late bar until midnight. Tickets £7 available from the venue or call 01904 750230.

15-21 MAY n 195TH SPRING EXHIBITION The Guildhall, St Helens Square, 9.30am-4.30pm (9.30am-2pm on last day). York Art Society presents its fantastic spring exhibition. Call 768250.

19 MAY n MASQUERADE MAY BALL York Racecourse. Raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Call 07534 852031

101

events

27 APRIL

events

Culture Column

A Good Deed

We caught up with Natalie McCaul, assistant curator of archaeology at The Yorkshire Museum, to find out more about the new 1212: The Making of the City exhibition which celebrates the 800th anniversary of York receiving its charter.

What’s the exhibition all about?

It started out as a something small to mark the York 800 celebrations, but it’s ended up exploding into a huge exhibition. There are old favourites on display like the Middleham Jewel, but also about 60 works of art from the Gallery. They show us 18th and 19th century perspectives of the medieval city, which is great. My favourite piece in the whole exhibition is probably a watercolour by Edward Rysdale, which was painted in the early 20th century and depicts the artist’s view of medieval York.

Apart from the art, there are some original manuscripts that we’ve loaned from the Merchant Adventurers Hall.

One tells us how much was spent on things like angel wings at the Mystery Plays, and what food and alcohol was bought for the afterparty – things that we can still relate to today.

How accessible is it?

It’s quite a grown-up theme, but we’ve designed it so that it’s easy to understand. We’ve got interactive elements, and modern items like fashion pieces and a short film that have been created especially by college students, so it’s not all objects in cases and pictures on walls. Children can create their own stained glass using the lightbox, too, and there’ll be lots of workshops throughout the summer.

What impact did the charter have on the city?

It wasn’t the first or last charter to be granted to York, but it allowed people to take more of a hand in their own affairs, so they were more prosperous – for example, they were able to collect their own taxes. How aware normal people would have been of it at the time is a good question, though.

It lay the groundwork for the modern city.

How did you get into the industry?

I opened a prospectus for university and Archaeology and Ancient History was there on the first page.

It sounds lazy, but I knew straight away that it was for me. It’s like Christmas every day – I still find things in the archive that I didn’t know we had, and the job is so varied.

One minute I’ll be filming something for a documentary, the next I’ll be in the archive lumping bits of stone about or talking to children. When we’ve got a deadline to meet it means lots of long days and working weekends, but the adrenaline keeps you going and it’s so satisfying in the end. I just love playing with old things! n For further information on the exhibition, visit www.yorkshiremuseum.org. uk

Direct from the West End

A new play from the original writers

Mon 16 Sat 21 Apr

Box Office 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

‘The audience loved it. A hit’ Daily Mail

Enjoy a delicious walk through York’s rich and colourful history of chocolate and all things sweet.

In Association with

Visit our website or call into Visit York Information Centre, 1 Museum Street to pick up your copy of the trail. www.visityork.org/chocolate

102

THE JENNA REID TRIO

Divine Inspiration Head to York Minster before 15th April for your chance to see The Stations of the Cross: The Captive Figure, Ghislane Howard’s acclaimed series of paintings that depict the path Christ took in his final days. The work will be set against 365 smaller panels, part of Ghislane’s 365 series, which focus on photos from the news and offer modern examples that feature similar themes to The Stations. Visitors can walk the Stations of the Cross as part of service each Friday throughout Lent from 11.30am. n For further information, visit www.yorksminster.org

Time to Brush Up! Are you an aspiring artist? Do you have a desire for display? The Easingwold Art Exhibition runs from the 18th-20th May, and is the perfect opportunity for York’s undiscovered painters and makers to showcase their creative constructions. Based at the Galtres Centre, the organising group is especially keen to support people who might not have considered exhibiting their work before, and they’re completely happy to guide you through the process step-by-step. They’ll even give you advice to ensure that your original work is presented in the best possible way. n To find out more, email Ali at ali.smethurst@gmail.com

A Different View Over 100 paintings, watercolours, ceramics and photographs of York that have been created over the past four centuries will be displayed at Fairfax House from 1st April-31st August. The works focus on various landmarks including the river, the medieval streets and stunning panoramic views of the city, featuring pieces by David Hockney and John Langton. Tours are available for between ten and 40 people from 5-9pm and after 3pm on Mondays, or the pieces can be viewed without a guide during the usual opening hours at Fairfax House. n For information, visit 655543 or email yorkcivictrust@btconnect.co.uk

28 March ANDY ABRAHAM, Grand Opera House, 7.30-9.45pm. A magical musical journey revisiting the very best of the swing era. All the legendary music from the world's greatest big band leaders. Visit www. historyofthebigbands.com

31 March YORK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 8pm. Featuring Elgar’s concert overture (Froissart) and a prelude to the last scene of Diarmid, Hamish MacCunn's grand opera. Also featuring Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Weber, and Glazunov’s Fifth symphony – sometimes known as The Heroic. Call 627900

LOVE AND MARRIAGE, Chapter House, York Minster, 8pm.

A concert by The Micklegate Singers, celebrating love in all its variety. A programme of 20th and 21st century music including Paul Mealor’s anthem for the Royal Wedding. The evening also features pieces by Swingle, Whitacre, Grainger and Buchenberg, along with folk tunes and Gregorian chants. Call 0844 9390015.

National Centre for Early Music.

7.30pm. Making her second headlining appearance at NCEM is one of the brightest young talents ever to grace the Scottish traditional music scene. A player and composer of huge ability and great charm, she is joined by her younger sister Bethany, another award-winning fiddler and pianist. The Edinburgh-based jazzinfluenced guitarist Kevin Mackenzie completes the trio. Call 658338

12 APRIL BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT, Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, 7.30pm. Features 2011 Keyboard Finalist, Jean Martyn. Call 448178

14 April AN EVENING OF BUBLE & SWING, Burn Hall Hotel, Tollerton, Huby. Enjoy an evening of Michael Buble and some swing classics performed by the fantastic Jonny Ross. Arrive and enjoy a 3 course meal, fantastic entertainment and dance the night away with the resident DJ. Call 01347 825 400.

21 April MAMMA MIA! TRIBUTE York Racecourse, 7pm. Movie and musical show tribute, featuring songs based on the music of ABBA. Call 638971 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

OPENS 31st March Kings Square, York

103

events

11 APRIL

events

Theatre York Theatre Royal THE AWKWARD SQUAD (10-13 APRIL) BAFTA-winning Emmerdale writer Karin Young’s play is a state-of-the-nation comedy, taking a sideways look at the challenges faced by modern women of all ages. The play tells the story of Lorna, who’s spent three decades working for everyone else through the miners’ strikes, community milk schemes and library closures and tomorrow she’s to be given an honorary PhD… but then her family arrives. To book: 623568

LILLIES ON THE LAND (24-28 APRIL) Directed by Sonia Ritter, this production celebrates an extraordinary episode in Britain’s history: the Women’s Land Army of World War II. Based on hundreds of letters from and interviews with

the original Land Girls along with songs from the period, Lilies on the Land is a revealing, funny, wonderfully moving and utterly captivating portrait of some of Britain’s pluckiest, unsung heroes.

To book: 623568

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE CAROUSEL (18-21 APRIL) Presented by the New Earswick Musical Society, this Rodgers & Hammerstein play was one of

Film guide Titanic 3D The iconic sink-or-swim sensation resurfaces for a double-dunking in three dimensions. Presumably back to mark a century since the original disaster, audiences are invited to re-visit the voyage and plunge back in to Jack Dawson’s dreamy-eyed gaze. Is the 3D necessary?

Probably not, but then that’s not really the point.

It’s more about colourful class divide, Irish jigging and belting out “My heart will go onnnn!” as our tears begin to form and flow. We love it, unfortunately.

Battleship Perhaps a case of the studios testing the waters, the UK will get to see this film over a month before it comes out in the states (11th April compared to 14th May). Should we be excited? Well, we’ll describe the movie as succinctly as possible and let you decide: Liam Neeson and Rihanna star in a science-fiction flick about a large boat defending the earth from aliens… and it’s all based on a board game. I think we’ve said enough.

The Avengers A mishmash of Marvel Comics’ superheroes selected for the silver screen, 104

the writers’ personal favourites. The production tells the story of a carnival barker who (against his will) falls in love with a factory girl. Set to feature scandals, brawls, and even an attempted robbery, Carousel is an emotional rollercoaster of love, friendship and heartbreak. Featuring classic songs ‘If I Loved You’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, audiences are in for a treat. To book: 623568

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

and Ed Helms (The Hangover), tells the tale of two down-and-out brothers. One is a 30 year old slacker who lives in his parents’ basement, and the other is dealing with a failing marriage and an increasingly bleak outlook on the world. Perhaps we’re biased, but we’re of the considered opinion that Jason Segel can do absolutely no wrong, ever, thus rendering all previews and critical conjecture completely redundant.

The Avengers features the crime-fighting ensemble of Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor and Captain America.

It’s bound to be big, explosive, and full of serioussounding men running around in tights (while trying to save the world… or something). We’re actually quite intrigued about this – sure, it’s a little ridiculous, but the studio’s most recent crop of caped-crusader-cinema has been rather good, so the jury’s out on this one.

Jeff, Who Lives at Home This comedy, starring Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall)

Mirror Mirror: The Untold Adventures of Snow White This modern retelling of Snow White stars Julia Roberts (as the evil, yet considerably-less-decrepitlooking-than-usual Queen) and Lily Collins (as the good and equally-lovely-looking Snow White).

While the film’s plot has yet to be fully released, we can take a slight gander that it’ll involve an assortment of poisoned apples and a septenary of dwarfs, though there’s no telling whether we’ll be seeing ‘Heigh-Ho’ back in the charts any time soon.

Probably not, though it’d be great on X-Factor.

*Listings correct at time of press.

YES, PRIME MINISTER (16-21 APRIL) The original writers of the classic BBC TV series have reunited for this anniversary production.

In a world of spin, BlackBerrys and ‘sexed up’ dossiers, the PM is staring disaster in the face.

The country is on the brink of financial meltdown and the Government’s only apparent salvation comes from a morally dubious deal with the Foreign Minister of Kumranistan. To book: 623568

H.M.S. PINAFORE REHEARSALS The Jorvik Gilbert and Sullivan Company are looking for cast members for their September production. There’s a no-audition policy for chorus roles, and everybody is invited to attend the first rehearsal at 7.30pm on 16th April at Huntington Methodist Church. Auditions for the principle cast take place on 2nd April – email director@jorvikgsc. org.uk to book a time, or visit www.jorvikgsc.org. uk for more information.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE SWAN LAKE (30 MARCH) One of the world’s best-known love stories is presented by the acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet Company. Featuring lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars and Tchailkovsky’s glorious music, this is an evening not to be missed.

Swan Lake captures, like no other, the full range of human emotions- from hope to despair, terror to tenderness, and melancholy to ecstasy.

To book: 0844 8713024 CHICAGO THE MUSICAL (16-21 APRIL) Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. To book: 0844 8713024

MY FIRST SLEEPING BEAUTY (28-29 APRIL) Presented by the English National Ballet in partnership with English National Ballet School. an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies, created especially for the whole family by choreographer Matthew Hart. Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous waltz-filled music includes the tune made famous as Once upon a Dream in Disney’s version.

0844 8713024

YORK BARBICAN THE WIZARD OF OZ (10-11 APRIL) The classic story gets a makeover in this all-new professional Easter pantomime production. Starring Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker), Bobby Davro as Scarecrow, CBeebies’ Sarah-Jane Honeywell and Eastenders star Aaron Sidwell (Steven Beale), plus a full supporting cast. Follow Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure suitable for all ages. Watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical Land of Oz. To book: 0844 8542757

Cliff Hanger

Don’t miss the Flying Ducks Youth Theatre’s fun and frivolous production of Summer Holiday.

The show follows four young mechanics on an adventure that takes them to Athens, during which they discover a stowaway singing sensation. The lead character was originally played by Cliff Richard in the 1963 film, and the show features several Cliff favourites including Bachelor Boy and Living Doll. The show will run from Thursday 29th March to Saturday 31st March at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. n For tickets, call 768963 or visit www.flyingducksyouththeatre.com

april

Barbican 7 The Osmonds Up

Close And Personal 17 McFly 19 Bombay Bicycle Club Pocklington Arts Centre 1 Studio Night 5 Mercury 12 Southern Tenant Folk Union 18 Zulu 29 Simone Felice Group Fibbers 6 Juan Zelada 7 Council House and Violent

8 9 11 12 13 14 19 20 21 23 25 27

Little Triggers Valient Thorr Michael Chapman Mick Taylor Clock Opera Fraser Jay Brannan The Jim Jones Revue The Sunshine Underground Hadouken!

Bow Wow Wow Letz Zep

The Duchess 3 Slow Club 5 DJ Yoda

6 7 8 11 12 13 14

15 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28

Chris Helme & Band Flipper The Monochrome Set Po-Girl Oli Brown Band Copasetics Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash Marion The Lemonheads Miss 600 The Janice Graham Band Paradise Lost Ian Prowse Marcus Bonfanti Tracer One Night Only

Basement 2 Jess Morgan 18 Fellaband 19 Sky Rocket Jack 25 Best of York Charity

Album Launch 28 Bassment

Stereo 1 The ABC Club 4 Failsafe 5 David R Black 11 Hemotad’s Disco 12 Lewis Floyd Henry 13 K.O.G 18 The Miserable Rich 19 Breed 77 20 Prowl 21 The Dead Lay Waiting 22 Blue Rose Code 25 Chris TT 27 The Hype Theory Black Swan Folk Club 5 Dan Walsh & Will Pound

(Black Swan Folk Club) 19 Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller Venue Contacts: Barbican: 0844 8542757.

Pocklington Arts Centre: 0175 9301547 The Duchess: 641413 Fibbers: 651250

The National Centre for Early Music There’s a great range of NCEM events taking place this month – highlights include awardwinnning fiddler Jenna Reid and folk act The Hut People, whose line-up includes Gary Hammond of The Beautiful South fame and Sam Pirt from The Pack. Visit www.ncem.co.uk 11 The Jenna Reid Trio 14 Double Duo 22 Jonathan Gee

& Larry Bartley 24 The Hut People

(Black Swan Folk Club) 27 Rika Zayasu Piano Recital

Basement: 612940 Stereo: 0121 2345678 Black Swan Folk Club: 679131 The National Centre For Early Music: 658338

105

advertisers

at a glance Listings highlighted? learn more about these advertisers on www.yourlocalweblink.co.uk Accountancy services Bishopwood Accountancy 400660 29 CC Accountancy 639754 28 D Inglis Accountancy 345103 28 Hare and co 692585 29 JMB Accounting Solutions 672199 28 Lorraine Hart 07968 474409 28 Aerials Aerial Services 819030 119 Aerial Services 819030 110 DBS Aerials 692266 109 ABC Aerials 784569 110 ADI Communication 07850 636902 110 Aerial man 07974 954846 110 Aerial Solutions 654144 109 BLTV 07977 044778 109 Castle Aerials 07711 222307 75 York Home Cinema 07870 606492 110 Attractions/events/shows Dean Court Hotel 625082 93 Farmers Cart 499183 94 Newgate Market 07887 754455 98 Yorkwalk 622303 101 Balloon Tree Farm Shop 01759 373023 101 Burn Hall Hotel 01347 825400 97 Castle Howard 01653 648333 93 Chocolate - York’s Sweet Story yorkssweetstory.com 14 Community HU Chant 01423 780002 101 F1 Racing 673555 21 Fairfax House 655543 103 Festival Of Vintage discovervintage.co.uk 99 Harrogate Antiques & Fine Art 01823 323363 103 Jorvik 543426 97 Mansion House 552036 102 National Centre for Early 658338 99 New Earswick Bowls Club 750230 101 New Earswick Musical Society 768182 98 Newby Hall 01423 322583 51 North Yorks Moors Railway 01751 472508 93 Quilt Museum & Gallery 613242 99 RSPCA Charity Fun Evening 728 778 99 Tennants 08431163344 103 The York Art Society 332872 93 Visit York 554437 102 Wigginton Car Boot 768463 102 York Cocoa House 675787 92 York Health & Healing Festival 01423 873259 100 York Model Railway Show 01653 604484 100 York Racecourse 638971 96 York Theatre Royal 623568 102 Yorkshire Craft Fairs 01274 835588 99 Yorkshire Museum Of Farming 489966 95 Bathroom/tiles/kitchens Dream Doors 622234 23 Easingwold Bathroom 01347 824777 19 Howarth Timber 629931 10 Janico 644074 69 York Bathrooms 794867 7 bedrooms Moonlight Bedrooms 01759 302388 15 blinds Blind Options 608666 66 Blinds By Mark Harrison 630449 73 Blinds Direct 701260 75 AA Blinds 819163 73 Blind Image 693069 66 Haxby Blinds 769277 75

106

Building Plans ADDS 762691 66 CA Architectural Services 07989 663243 73 Fluid Associates Architectural 310257 66 AP Design Services 678045 69 Drawing Services 07764 319697 66 Pinfold Building Consultancy 07584 903380 112 Robert Room Architectural 07703 185039 69 Building/property Maintenance Able Roofing (York) 07908 558954 111 HC Engineering 477623 112 MB Builders 337756 111 Mike Hare Joinery & Building 737352 112 MW Developments 07958 321014 112 Peter Wright Building Svs 07941 914434 111 RJ Hall Property Maintenance 07756 863285 11 Sanderson Builders 07859 882972 111 Acomb Builders 07989 116729 111 AT Property Services 414085 111 BJ Building Contractors 07950 061411 111 Bradshaws North Yorkshire Ltd 07970 643817 110 Building Services 07764 319697 112 Commercial Services 625751 110 Cottage Property Maintenance 07933 460184 112 Croften Interior Design 07775 862926 69 D&M Building & Paving 07817 380181 112 DE Leeper 07540 762427 75 Gregson Builders 07860 548516 110 Hire a Handyman 07870 660350 111 JCT Contractors 07872 932762 112 John B Coxon 07882 505403 110 Justin Higginson 790856 111 Keith Brown 07754 498673 111 Kenneth E Abbey Buliders 07904 013452 112 Loftspace 819081 73 Newspan 0800 5873423 111 Paul Simpson Property Repairs 01757 210533 112 RD Leeper Developments 07791 343879 112 SDT Builders 766236 111 Wallwood Construction 690400 69 Welbuild 07770 686 989 112 Business/Telephone Services Breathing Space HR 0113 3869270 25 Cartridge World 733999 28 Car Valeting Attention 2 Detail 07714 769981 39 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Hi-Tec 01759 371984 113 Abbey Carpet Cleaning 360174 114 Andy’s Carpet Cleaning 07805 129559 114 Future Carpet Cleaning 529529 113 Huntington Carpet 07817 726970 113 Ultra Clean 01759 371741 114 carpet fitting Ewen Carpets Fitted 07718 153433 73 Carpets/Flooring Carpets @ Home 448817 3 Dodds Flooring 07721 846599 71 Green Lane Carpets 799541 17 Style Flooring of York 289266 33 Charities Age Concern (Befriending) 627995 61 MS Society York Branch 758577 61 Relate 679831 61 Childrens Activities Bright World (Host Families) 01273 835745 54 Little Green Rascals 07939 591657 56 Tennis Tykes 07843 342662 53

York Montessori Nursery 490339 55 Babbling Babies 433619 52 Baby Sensory 07590 425310 31 Carol Saunders Swimming 01757 709703 57 Family Information Service 554628 55 Helen O Grady 332882 55 Little Fidgets 706565 57 Orchard Trees Day Nursery 449800 57 Reptile Roadshow 798963 53 Stagecoach Theatre Arts 672662 56 Yearsley Pool 552424 59 chimney sweep Dave The Sweep 07761 083072 114 cleaning/Ironing A&M Cleaning 07754 285742 1 No Dust R Us 07522 433573 113 Synergy Cleaning 0800 1522101 16 ADream Clean 0800 0561348 112 Dolly Char York 07929 452904 112 Dublcheck Cleaning 563670 113 knavesmire cleaning 07740 266502 113 Louise Taylor 339877 113 Lynda Starkey Cleaning 07778 862 368 114 Maid 2 Clean 0800 0439370 114 Merry Maids 489218 113 Pure Clean 07858 513754 113 Time For You 820905 113 Top 2 Bottom Cleaning 07849 518899 114 clubs/groups Songbox 634390 31 The Rowntree Society 543384 31 Computers/Web Design G-Tec-IT 07917 730249 27 G-Tec-IT 07917 730249 28 Aldwark Computers 654954 29 Cookie Graphic Design 07796 821063 11 Gemini PC Solutions 332432 28 We R Your IT 08000 470181 5 York PC Solutions 07729 291234 28 Curtains/Soft furnishings Blinds By Mark Harrison 630449 73 Carolines Curtains 332949 69 Christine Alker Curtains 339214 31 Cycling Cycle Heaven 636578 9 Cycle Street 427510 1 Damp Proofing Holland Damp Proofing 0808 155 2571 68 dance Classes Zoobin Kama Dance 07737 134821 31 Decorators Direct Decorators 07725 996768 114 Gary Roe Painter 07717 116489 114 Harrison & Hargreaves Shop 01653 692579 72 Richard Driscoll 332030 115 Decorators Alan Fawcett Painter 414875 114 Alan Kitson 07801 346218 114 Bright Interiors 07952 947536 114 C.K.W.Decorators 07803 936905 114 Gary Ambler 07762 551845 114 Gary Goscinski Decorators 07721 453463 114 Jeff Wright 703824 114 K Walton Painting 07535 004212 114 Quality Decorators 778466 115 Ray Webster Painting 07742 077743 115 RJH Decorating 07833 105296 115 Steves Decorating Services 07766 379736 114

Town & County Decorators 07854 141614 115 demolition Groundworks & Digger Hire 07702 126380 67 Dentists Acorn Dental 789876 47 Crystal Clear 642595 49 Domestic Appliance Repairs Blackwell & Denton 659066 69 Clyde Electrical 768698 115 DBS Service Centre 692266 73 education/tuition Spanish Talk 07800 634510 57 York St John University 876465 60 B Lambert Woodturning 348343 23 Computer Start 07944 717 019 5 Creating Space For You 0845 680 9825 31 Emma Cooper 07818 453198 31 Goodmans Piano Tuition 636340 57 Kumon Maths 01757 268114 57 Mark Legge - Primary tutor 07581 881 924 53 Queen Margarets School 728261 57 Simon A Lewis 07719 383013 59 York College 770200 60 York College 770200 7 Electrical goods Domestic Appliance 692275 30 Herbert Todd 628676 8 Electricians Ape Electrical 07766 837684 115 D Carrington Electrical Svs 07809 534791 115 Active Electrical Solutions 07999 357647 115 Court Electrical Services 07766 887179 115 Electric Blew 07980 054547 115 Electrical Connections 07724 177824 115 Judge Electrical Ltd 07919 033113 115 Martin Clancy 767480 115 Martin Starkey Electrical 750893 67 S Electrics 795205 115 SLC Electrical 07563 508784 115 Yorvik Electrical Services 422157 26 Estate/letting agents Opus Estate Agents 790070 70 City Lets 652729 67 Your Move Anscombs 621532 63 fascias/soffitts Heworth Guttering 411414 115 Polyplas 07966 373525 115 Mark Leslie Roofline 423300 115 Rawcliffe Guttering Solutions 07725 857621 115 Financial advisors Pen-Life Associates Ltd 661140 29 Food & Drink Beechwood Close Hotel 658378 92 Akash Tandoori 633550 92 Cedar Court Grand Hotel 380050 89 Il Treno 470221 90 Lady Anne Middletons Hotel 611570 91 Mariott Hotel 701000 18 Rose & Crown 01347 811333 91 Society Lounge & Bar York 635144 91 The Bay Tree Stillington 01347 811394 89 Thompson Fish Restaurant 468022 90 Tritons Fish & Chips 700189 92 Wilsons Of York 621835 91 Fostering Fostering 55533 53 Funeral Services JG Fielder & Sons 654460 61 Furniture Restoration Antique Restoration 400728 5 garage Doors Premier Garage Doors 07887 940084 116 Hobman Garage Doors 608951 69 SJL Garage Doors 416284 116

York Garage Door Centre 788822 gardening Acaster Forge 701513 Arborwise 07841 719672 Aztek Landscapes 07803 257347 C&C Contracting 448239 Country Gardens 07900 193657 Eco-drive Specialist Surfacing 07708 983919 Eden Landscapes 07737 825 621 Fencing, Paving & Decking 07813 752 954 Grumbleweed 750157 Rock n Stone York Ltd 608300 AJ lawn care 07584 199001 Andrew Kent 738646 Apex Shed & Fencing 491115 Ascot Fencing 337225 Barnitts 625601 Bartlett Tree Experts 01423 359090 Brighter Gardens 790112 Brunswick of York 701869 Bryan Dale Gardening 636746 Chris Rivers Gardens 07930 682975 Deans Garden Centre 400141 Eastfield Garden Centre 01262 676285 Eden Treescapes 07737 825621 Fineacre Landscaping Ltd 764720 Future Landscapes 07969 354674 Galtres Timber Co 01347 810001 Garden Doctors 703833 Garden Outlet 622901 Gardens Cared For 400753 Gooch Gardens 07547 766885 Helmsley Walled Garden 01439 771427 Horse Manure 4 Sale 01347 811202 Lewis Tree Surgery 0783 1692275 M&M Landscapes 07967 656142 Mick Lambert Landscaping 07702 126380 Mike Walmsley Landscapes 07904 002025 Mole Catching Service 700921 Newburgh Priory 01347 868372 Orchard Nurseries 421153 Paradise Gardens 692238 Pasema Paving 07903 592315 Pond Planet 01347 811897 Resindrives.co.uk 0800 0075733 RH Smith 782600 Rowan Tree Garden Design 411487 Ryedale Pro Wash 01944 711314 Sandalwood Gates 608542 Signature Landscaping 07771 543493 Silage Ground Wanted 764457 Simon Naylor Fencing 07807 088182 Skelton Garden Centre 470072 Spectacular Driveways 07737 190150 SRB Fencing 07841 187928 Top Soil 4 Sale 07702 126380 Trevor Smith Landscaping 489998 Waterdale Landscapes 07960 603025 York Get Growing 644300 York Sawmill 705198 Yorskapes 07795 097563 Your Local Gardening Service 07739 106655 gates/railings SR Fabrications 01405 763625 PVC UK 0800 0371947 Guttering Guttering Of York 07711 222307 Handypeople Able Handyman Services 07811 169368 DIY Guy 07946 296731 Green Handyman services 07540 981429 Handy Al 07958 571219 Handyman Services 410356 Home Maintenance 761479

POLITE COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Your Local Link Ltd retains the copyright of the design and advertisements contained within. Reproduction, copying, scanning or recording is, without exclusion, prohibited, unless express permission is given in writing by Your Local Link Ltd. Any unauthorised use of advertisements will automatically incur a charge of ÂŁ1,000 All information in this publication is correct at the time of going to print.

116 81 87 83 85 86 82 83 83 87 84 81 88 85 80 4 85 87 87 87 80 82 5 81 83 85 76 85 81 77 87 85 31 87 85 81 88 87 85 88 77 87 80 128 88 86 23 86 88 29 87 80 83 87 83 88 86 77 83 87 87

My Handyman 07774 2672000 116 Odd Job :The Handyman 01347 810997 116 Health & Beauty Angie Doig-Thorne 489142 42 Bannatynes Health Club 606100 32 Clifton Park Treatment 464550 46 Core Remedial Bodyworks 702773 41 Heavenly Nails & Beauty 07710 669945 46 Ludwicks 656506 45 Maureen Payne 797531 45 Rosemary Conley Diet 790922 44 Beautycare 769954 49 Counselling – Michael N 07776 252440 50 David Charles Trichology 07775567110 45 Femmes Fatales 655429 41 Fight Fit 449770 49 Footcare by Angie Render 01759 306374 49 Footcare Works 620120 47 Jane Tai 08000 831 681 43 Kuki Skin, Hair & Beauty 659007 41 Lisa Clifford 07795 634671 47 Mobile Cinderella Hair 07968 152 162 41 National Cosmetic Centre 628050 42 Northern College of Acupu 343305 49 Paulines Hair & Beauty 798522 50 Physio Function 0800 8600138 45 Raphael 07808 852 692 41 Refine and Rewind 07872 579224 40 Tattoo Studio 07544 862982 44 Yoga In York 654355 31 York Community Acupuncture 07951 777136 45 York Lazer Clinic 0800 0434357 48 York Teaching Hospitals 721893 43 Interior Design Emma Horrox Interiors 07899 754016 73 Ironing Creases Away Ironing 758482 114 The Ironing Company 796460 114 Joinery Lewis Carpentry 07565 890702 116 Wood `n All 07947 001520 116 York Door Services 07973 889232 117 Cass Joinery 07521 292926 117 Duncan Littlechild Joinery 07830 289107 117 Gary Craig Joinery 07734 113059 116 Jason Barker Joinery 07747 777148 117 Michael McFarland Joinery 07814 642667 116 MSB Joinery 07925 323536 117 Paul Meillam Joinery 07766 165116 116 Redberry Joinery 07501 144383 117 SM Maintenance 752969 117 locks/Security/Alarms GC Electronics 295032 117 Haxby Lock Attack 07718 521107 117 Access All Locks 410069 118 Afford a Lock 625635 117 Lockfix Security 623108 117 Loft conversions Yorkshire Loft Conversions 236333 75 Mobility/hearing/care Forward Mobility 769300 61 Minster Mobility 788592 61

88 84 115 116 116 114 116 116 116

The classified listings is a free service offered to you by Your Local Link. Although every effort is made to ensure your information is correct we cannot be held responsible for any errors.

Conditions of acceptance: All advertisements and editorial are subject to our standard terms and 107 conditions of acceptance which is available on request from Your Local Link Ltd.

MV Mobility 01937 558604 61 Sharing Care 555699 15 St Johns House 01423 330480 61 motor parts/services Birch Park Vehicle Test 627444 39 C&M Auto Services Ltd 796718 35 Leeman Road Auto Services 673500 39 U Pull It 0844 8751914 39 York Vehicle Test Centre 541888 35 Alexander Snee Vehicles 07880 558048 36 Automotive Solutions 792652 35 Central Body Repairs 791176 39 Chapmans of Norton 01653 691199 37 Cookes Car Sales 01653 699666 36 Copmanthorpe Motors 703467 37 Dave Woods Motorcycles 633000 21 HP Maintenance 792899 35 Ivinson Autos 767675 35 Manor Lane Cars 611802 37 North Yorkshire Motors 691078 39 Osbaldwick Motors 412417 35 Pristine Cars 01937 589099 39 Project Parts 789090 35 R Walker Cars 797720 39 Richard Hollings Auto Svs 793386 38 Station Garage York 411161 36 Technical Car Services 412742 38 Wigginton Car Repairs 750272 39 Wigginton Car Resprays 765948 38 Wrigglesworth & Son 634894 39 Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 672859 113 Kitchen Rescue Ltd 0800 6127252 114 Oven U 471517 114 Ultra Clean 01759 371741 114 Pest Control A&R Pest Control 07527 103970 88 Huntcatchkill 492535 77 Pet Care Dogwalksyorkshire.com Dogwalksyorkshire.com 79 4 Positive Paws 706882 78 4 Positive Paws 706882 31 Alisons Dog Grooming 422905 78 Foss Feeds 706376 84 German Shepard Training 703504 31 Horse For Sale 01347 811202 20 Minster Vets 643997 78 Paddock Available Wigginton 07525 824152 31 Perfect Paws Dog grooming 07877 962791 31 Pets Pantry 620527 79 Sweeney Dog Ltd 890666 78 Top Dog Grooming 07846 794257 78 photographers Outs Photography 07919 933701 57 Pink Lilly Photography 07722 819698 40 picture framing Steve Garnett 761624 24 Plastering A Crosier Bathroom Fitter 07855 970895 118 Colin Hardgrave 07881 733344 118 Ernie Jeffrey & Reese Plastering 639619 118 Gareth Sykes 07805 527128 118 J Barron Plastering 07941 711812 118 JD Plastering Services Ltd 07985 688147 118 Paul Bell Plastering 622316 118 Paul Hunt Plasterer 07949 660854 118 Paul Sellars Plastering 07789 677251 118 SM Bradley Plastering Services 07826 270335 118 Plumbing/heating 1A Rapid Response 295344 119 Colin Bell Plumbing 07885 514332 120 DJC Plumbing 07770 754215 120 GPE Services 07501 465392 120 Hurrells Plumbing & Heating 07712 107208 120 Liam Gray Plumbing 07837 271350 119 Skelton Plumbing Services 07766 625584 121

108

The Direct Boiler Co 295033 120 Yorkshire Central Plumbing 780780 119 AD Gas Safe Heating 07852 885288 120 All Cisterns Go 07946 346928 120 BPH Services 07973 542283 120 C Hudson Plumbing 07966 344950 120 Chris Murray Plumbing 07912 575963 118 E Martin & Sons 07966 486329 119 Gas Servicing 07793 355168 120 Gastech 07793 814172 120 Geoff Sloane Plumbing 07966 438722 120 Glen Plumbing & Electrics 424169 119 GW Plumbing 07525 858008 118 Haxby Plumbing and Heating 270308 119 Luke Mitchell Plumbing 07974 025903 118 Melbourne Heating York 07984 742264 121 Mermaid Plumbing 07970 200 035 119 Nunthorpe Services 07906 592872 120 Pipe Solutions Plumbing Svs 707484 120 Poppleton Plumbing & Heating 07903 979712 120 Radtek Heating 750302 3 S Williams Plumbing & Heating 07716 788680 121 Scurr Heating 07976 394117 121 Staywarm Heating 07823 443871 120 T Whitelam Plumbing 07729 980253 121 TJM Plumbing 07841 192272 106 Tom Plumb 07971 437359 121 TP Plumbing 761919 121 Whiterose Plumbing 07549 628691 119 pointing Grove Property Repairs 780910 112 printing/design Direct Workwear 782666 24 removals/Storage 1 Van 1 Man 785022 121 2 Anywhere 07952 843398 121 A2B 07772 568526 121 Andy Vans 422268 121 Dock’s removals 07579 009914 121 Mr Shifter 07710 450672 121 Ridings Removals 07854 747129 121 Wilkie & Hall 07771 501560 27 renewable energy Green Energy Projects 01347 833329 77 Janico 644074 77 Solar Fit PV 488081 2 Roofing Able Roofing (York) 07908 558954 123 Advanced Roofing 07867 774747 123 Elite Roofing 750166 123 Flat Roof Company 0800 212548 71 Flat Roof Company 0800 212548 123 Future Roofs 07773 388141 122 Haxby Roofline Company 07718 521107 121 Fibretech Ltd 07880 726122 122 J&P Construction 676697 123 LG Roofing 07887 560776 123 Mark Thorne Property 07880 726122 122 Mark Winters Lead Work 07976 845678 121 N Malarkey Roofing 07932 067701 121 Roofs Above 0800 0855 688 123 Shops/stores Supersave 625735 9 Whitby Oliver Furniture 652424 15 Blue Moon trading 624141 21 Direct Tile & Stone Importers 436080 23 Dock’s Trading Post 07579 009914 75 Paul Dawson (York) Ltd 654769 7 Rat Race Adventure Sports 07790 900354 13,124/5 Rydenor 476216 13 Time out 626949 9 York Community Furniture 426444 25 Skips/Waste Removal Acomb Waste Disposal 07724 441630 85 A-Z Waste 07802 434349 87 D Boswell 488632 77

Ebor Skip Hire 400997 87 Waste Disposal 07870 486408 83 Wrights of Crockey Hill 620626 83 Solicitors Ardent Law Ltd 782958 54 Richardson Gildener Solicitor 642727 58 Richardson Gildener Solicitor 642727 34 Richardson Gildener Solicitor 642727 22 Harland & Co Solicitors 655555 17 Harrowells 558600 11 Harrowells 558600 19 Hethertons Solicitors 528200 27 Sports/Clubs/Activities Alan Sparks Taekwondo School 796332 33 York Golf Range 499275 33 taxis/car hire Yorcab 646464 21 Tilers CM Tiling 07976 675527 107 Dockers Tiling Services 731638 73 Mr Multitrade 07946 378665 116 travel/holidays Allerdale Hotel 01803 292667 27 Hornsea Leisure Park 01964 535352 20 Quartz of York 07834 023134 31 Tyres E tyres 01904 360151 39 Venue Hire Haxby Memorial Hall 764358 24 Weddings Celebration Cakes 01937 831173 51 Merchant Adventurers 654818 50 Bedern Hall 653698 51 Burythorpe House 01653 658200 51 Fairfield Manor 670222 51 Fletchers Fabrics 692984 51 Holiday Inn 777515 51 Kate’s Flower’s 705495 51 Knavesmire Hotel 702941 51 Love Dub campers 737864 51 Mia Sposa 625552 51 Revive 430612 51 Sandburn Hall 469914 51 Sootys Cupcake 289603 91 Sutton Park 01347 810249 99 The Entertainment 07725 953187 51 York Register Office 654477 50 will Writing JMD Associates UK 799282 17 Window Cleaning Claires Window Cleaning 07717 756431 113 Window/Door Repairs Access All UPVC Repairs 410069 123 All Double Glazing Repairs 481148 118 DR Glazing 654274 123 Windows/Doors/Cons D.G.M.S Windows 479944 24 Eliments 08000 436005 6 PVC Window Doctor 07732 822525 123 Arrow Property Care 792731 123 Express Trade Windows York 310222 12 Newspan 0800 5873423 10 Quickslide Windows 07740 128 Roof Revive 492244 2 Secondary Glazing by D.G.M.S 479944 23 Square Deals Ltd 0800 7315435 3 TWS 0800 0280675 74 Window Solutions 07842 532133 75 York Millenium Window 691122 26 York Trade Windows 541919 13 worktops Dales of Thirsk Ltd 01845 522523 20 Work Top Man 07891 858873 72 workwear Direct Workwear 782666 111

AERIALs

trades&services

directory For more information on the trades and services directory please call Mim on: 01904 767881

Aerials

109

Installations & repairs, home cinema, HD, Freesat & Sky

Building & Property Maintenance 111 Roofing, Loft Conversions, Tiling, Extensions, Pointing

Cleaning

112

Decorators

114

Electricians

115

Fascias & Soffits

115

Ironing, Oven Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Chimney Sweep, Window Cleaning Interior & Exterior

Domestic Appliance repairs & Guttering

Garage Doors Handypeople Joinery

116 116 116

Loft Conversions, Sash Windows, Replacement Doors

Locks / Security 117 Plastering 118 Plumbing & Heating 118 Gas Servicing, Emergency Plumbers, Boilers

Removals & Storage 122 Roofing 122 Flat roofing

Windows & Doors

123

Double Glazing, repairs, conservatories

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

109

AERIALs / building & property maintenance

Aerials

110

Local businesses at your fingertips

building & property maintenance

FREE

ESTIM ATES

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

111

112

Local businesses at your fingertips

Building & property maintenance / cleaning

cleaning

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

113

cleaning

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

114

Local businesses at your fingertips

decorators / electricians / guttering

Electrical

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

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

115

garage doors / handypeople / joinery

No VAT

116

No VAT

Local businesses at your fingertips

joinery / locksmiths

CA

LL

24

h

O r UT

DL J

Are your double glazed door

locks safe?

Did you know it can takes 30 seconds to break into your normal lock?

If your uPVC door has been installed in the last 20 years it will be vunerable to attack.

PING, DRILLING AND PROTECT AGAINST SNAPPING, BUM YALE DIAMOND, WITH RS DOO PICKING . SECURE YOUR RE’ CYLINDER SECU AK BRITISH STANDARD LOCK A ‘BRE

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE DOUBLE GLAZING INDUSTRY

LOCAL, RELIABLE SERVICE GUARANTEED!

T: 01904 767638 M: 07718 521107

GC

Burgular Alarm

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

117

locksmiths / plumbing & heating

COMPLETE BATHROOM FITTING SERVICE (including tiling)

118

Local businesses at your fingertips

plumbing & heating

Liam Gray Plumbing Specialising in Bathrooms, Hot Water & Heating Systems, Maintenance and Emergency Repairs

• • • •

Showers Kitchen & Bathroom plumbing General maintenance & repairs Fully project managed jobs 24 hour call out - No call out charge Quality Workmanship Call Liam Gray 01904 345 288 / 07837 271 350 info@liamgrayplumbing.com www.liamgrayplumbing.com 64 Aldborough Way, Leeman Road, York YO26 4UX

    

P L U M B I N G

L T D

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

119

plumbing & heating

NEW SHOWROOM Now Open

Competitively Priced

6043

120

Local businesses at your fingertips

plumbing & heating / removals / roofing

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

121

roofing 122

Local businesses at your fingertips

rooding / windows, doors & conservatories

FLAT ROOF PROBLEM? then you need the most professional service to repair it

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! CALL FOR DETAILS!

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

123

124

125

Y H T A YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE

TEACHERS

126

Cleaning Staff ÂŁ7.19 per hour plus up to 41 days holiday per year (inc. bank holidays) We are looking for proactive, reliable people who can deliver a high standard of cleaning to join the Estates Team. You have the option to work all year round or during term time (38 weeks). Full training is provided. Two posts: 10 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 5pm-7pm or 6pm-8pm.

Closing date: 12 April 2012

For further details, including information on how to apply, please visit www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/vacancies Committed to equality of opportunity.

127

Looking for a career in care?

See fantastic opportunities from Riccall Carers on P61 & 127

128