Your Local Link Magazine August 2010

FR EE Delivered monthly to every home & business in York and the villages 88,167 letterboxes

n Issue 81 August 2010

Ahead of the rest The new-look

Yorkshire Museum is THE place to go for families this summer

Plus News, views, events and

hundreds

of local businesses!

Flying the flag for all that’s good about York – our city, our businesses, our people1

2

welcome...

We’re Off! And you thought the only time we left our desks was to go and buy more teabags...but even the workaholics here at Your Local Link couldn’t resist taking some time off to go along to the opening of the new-look Yorkshire Museum. As regular readers will know, we’ve been following the progress of the Museum over the past few months, and we can’t wait to see the finished result! All will be revealed when the Museum opens its doors on 1st August. You’ll find your exclusive Golden Ticket in our July and August editions. Don’t forget to cut yours out and take it along on the big day for your free VIP entry. We’ll see you there!

Handbags at Dawn, Dresses at Dusk Actually, the Your Local Link team has been out and about quite a bit recently, making the most of the glorious weather (until it turns into the usual summer downpour, at least!). What with the races, weddings and various other social engagements, our office is turning into a rather dubious shop/changing room. There are dresses hung up on bookcases and doors, hats perched precariously on teddy bears (don’t ask about the teddies) and a rather odd assortment of handbags. Every so often we have a bit of a fashion show as the girls try on an assortment of outfits for everyone to give their opinion. Even the fellas like to have their say – and they can be tougher than the ladies.

Gok Wan, eat your heart out! So if you ever need to borrow a hat or a handbag, you know where to come (no takers for the dubious pink cowboy hat yet, though...)

New faces Finally, we’d like to welcome Lisa, our new designer to the team. The day she arrived for her interview, we had a member of staff rushed to hospital, then she joined us on Deadline Day (a day which makes a mass outbreak of PMS look like The Sound of Music). So she’s seen us at our worst! Luckily ace baker Rachel had made some of her legendary cupcakes so she came back. Don’t worry, Lisa – things can only get better!

Call: Gini, Tracy, Mim, Karen, Emily, Kelly, Dawn, Richard or Terry on: 767881 Fax: 01904 764843 • Email: info@yourlocallink.co.uk Write: Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH Space booking, copy and cancellation deadline for the August edition is 13th August 2010 and 20th August 2010 for recruitment.

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

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EXCLUSIVE

Golden Ticket Your chance to see the new Yorkshire Museum for FREE on Saturday 31st July before it officially opens!

Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, York. In association with Your Local Link 3

INSIDE...

INSIDE THIS MONTH...

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Going for gold! – Your VIP invitation to the new look Yorkshire Museum

Competitions

6 – 7 WIN...WIN...WIN...

A family ticket for the Galtres Festival A VIP day out at the National Railway Museum A meal for two at the Tanglewood A pampering treat for two at Mila Spa

News & Views 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

A month in the life of the Lord Mayor Born to run – Why putting your best foot forward cause help your health Going on a cruise? Don’t set sail without our complete guide for first timers Male bonding – We meet the director of the Wind in the Willows Portrait of an Artist – Inside the wonderful world of rising star Mark Hearld Meet the Neighbour – The design who has created a museum out of a unique caravan Join the club! Find like-minded friends in our new groups and clubs section Counting the cost of university – how to budget for your children’s future

Schools 54

Pets 56 57

In Good Hands 33

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Charity Focus – Behind the doors of Haxby Memorial Hall How to find the right respite care

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59 60 63

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – How to choose the right ring How to have a child-friendly wedding

Health & Beauty 38 40 41 42

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Are we there yet? Travelling with children without tears How to beat the boredom this summer holiday!

Big ideas for small gardens The successful way to grow sunflowers Hot, hot, hot – help your garden survive the summer season Just for the kids – make gardening child’s play

Property & Interiors

Skin Deep – The inside story on psoriasis Beat the clock – Anti-ageing treatments that really work Sun protection – seeing the light From headaches to stress, how aromatherapy could help you

Families

Home Alone – Teach your dog to cope when you’re not there

Happy families – How cats and dogs can get along

Gardening

Weddings 36

Making the grade – post exam results options for teenagers

68 77

The great outdoors – decking, patios and outdoor furniture Creating more storage space

Food & Drink

82 - 87 Looking for somewhere new to eat? From curries to country pubs, fish and chips to farm shops, we’ve got your complete guide to York’s food and drink here!

Events

88 -97 From fairs to festivals, music to museums, you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to go with our great guide to attractions in York and the surrounding areas 102 Out of town, but still in reach – Take a trip out of town to find some hidden shopping gems

Travel

104 From packing to passports, don’t leave home without our top ten travel tips

Trades & Services

105 Your complete guide to local trades and services, plus our directory of useful phone numbers and contact details

Motors Brought to you by JJB Motors, specialist repairs and servicing for Audis and Alfa Romeos 126 Stay cool – The expert’s guide to air conditioning 128 Motoring news from our very own ‘Stig’!

Business

134 – 142 Good news from local businesses, advice and tips from the professionals - everything you need to know about business in York 139 Secrets of my Success – How Tom Pearcy put York on the Maze map!

Golden Ticket Day is an exclusive VIP preview of the stunning new museum.

Saturday 31st July 10am-5pm This Golden Ticket allows two adults and up to four children (under 16) free access to the Yorkshire Museum on Saturday 31st July. * No cash alternative. Only Golden Ticket holders will be allowed admission on that day but the ticket must be used then and is not valid on at any other time. The Museum will open to the public on Yorkshire Day -1st August 2010.

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Get cycling!

We look at a York organisation dedicated to getting us all on our bikes...

On the

move

York has gained a reputation as one of Britain’s foremost cities for cycling initiatives. And much of the city’s forwardthinking reputation is due to the work of one organisation – Get Cycling.

Get Cycling is a hugely successful Community Interest Company (CIC) – a new type of company introduced by the government in 2005, designed for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. It became a registered CIC in 2008 following a management buy-out.

“We simply felt that public-service events and programmes are better carried out by a company more clearly dedicated to environmental, community-enhancing and health-related outcomes,” says Chief Executive Jim McGurn, a former cycle magazine editor and the author of seven books on cycling.

Get Cycling's aim is simple: to promote cycling, in all its varieties, for leisure, transport, health, happiness and the environment. They work for local authorities, health promotion services, regeneration agencies, businesses, schools, universities and the leisure industry. Services they offer include fun events for children, workshops, bike loan programmes and cycling packages for colleges and universities.

Get Cycling are also the organisers of the annual York Festival of Cycling, on behalf of Cycling City York. Last year nearly 10,000 residents of York flocked to Rowntrees Park for the biggest try-out event the UK has ever seen. This

year’s event takes place on the 11th and 12th September, again in Rowntree Park. You’ll find more details in next month’s Your Local Link.

Get Cycling is run by enthusiastic, creative professionals with decades of high-level business experience. Their events and programmes have been delivered from the Highlands to Guernsey, from Cornwall to Northern Ireland.

With its 20 staff, rising to 30 each summer, Get Cycling is becoming a significant employer in the city. “We have grown well,” says Jim McGurn. “But we can see that our public sector work could suffer from budget cuts over the coming years. This is one reason why we are investing heavily in becoming a unique public access cycling centre for the city we live in. Working with Cycling City York we hope to make a big difference to levels of cycling in York , which is part of our remit as a registered community interest company.”

Get Cycling have some exciting new initiatives coming up – look out for more new in next month’s issue of Your Local Link. In the meantime, you can find out more about the organisation from their website – www.getcycling.org.uk.

Email admin@getcycling.org.uk, or call 636812.

Fletchers Fabrics is moving to larger premises on the Clifton Moor trading estate after trading in Acomb for more than 35 years. The well-established business offers a huge range of fashion fabrics as well as craft and basic fabrics. It also prides itself on having one of the largest ranges of bridal and evening wear fabrics in the North of England.

Specialising in haberdashery, trimmings and patterns, Fletchers Fabrics has more than 5,000 curtain and upholstery fabrics available from samples.

The new shop at 40/41 Auster Road is opening on Saturday, July 31. Closed on Sunday and Monday, the shop will be open between 10am and 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, and between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Saturday.

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WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

Win a family ticket to the Galtres Festival!

The 2010 Forest of Galtres Festival takes place near Crayke in the Hambleton Hills on the August Bank Holiday weekend – 28th/29th August. Tickets are now on sale from the official Festival website at www. galtresfestival.org.uk

Win a VIP day out at the National Railway Museum!

Jump on board and make the NRM your number one destination this summer. It’s brimming with traditional seaside fun including thrilling steam rides on the legendary City of Truro, giant games, 1930s costumes, a spectacular train sand sculpture, funfair and barbecue. You can enjoy brand new storytelling sessions about the magnificent Royal Trains and even hunt for clues on the sizzling summer trail!

On Yorkshire weekend (31st July – 1st August) you can catch an entertaining show by Punch and Judy in the South Yard and meet a pair of donkeys named Pedro and Bubbles, who have made a special trip to the Museum to celebrate!

To make your day extra special, we’re giving you the chance to win a fun-filled VIP family day out at the Museum during the summer holidays. The prize includes lunch in the restaurant for up to five people, one free guide book, rides on the Simulator, Miniature Railway and the NRM Road Train as well as a £15 voucher to spend in the Museum shop! To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this question:

Priced at just £30 for an adult weekend ticket, it's about half the price of other similar festivals and offers amazing value for money: more than 100 bands on four stages headlined by The Lightning Seeds and The Beat, more than 100 different types of real Yorkshire ales, lagers and ciders, loads of family fun, and a feast of fine local produce.

There are lots of ticket options available, including day tickets, family tickets, camping tickets and bus tickets. You can also buy Festival vouchers online before you arrive - all food and drink will use our voucher system this year, so you can save time on arrival getting your first pint if you come armed with vouchers. 1,000 tickets have also been reserved for local residents with a YO61 postcode half-price – they’ve nearly sold out so don’t hang about. Last year's festival sold out before the gates opened, and this year's is expected to do the same. But luckily those lovely people at the Festival have given us a family ticket worth £90 as a prize in our great competition. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the following question: Name two of the bands headlining the 2010 Galtres Festival.

Email your answers, marked ‘Local Link Ticket’, to hayley@galtresfestival.org.uk reach us by 7th August. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details.

Get pampered at

What is the name of the steam locomotive operating steam rides this summer?

Send your answer on a postcard marked ‘NRM Competition’ with your name, address, telephone number and email address to the address on page three, to reach us by 7th August.

Win a meal for two at the Tanglewood!

Have you visited the new look Tanglewood yet? The restaurant on the A64 Malton Road near York has been given some showbiz magic by its new owners, entertainment impresario Nick Thomas and his wife Sandra. Their theatrical influence is evident in the Tanglewood’s refurbishment; the walls and ceilings are covered in theatre memorabilia of stage and screen dating back to the 1950s.

But it’s the food that really takes centre stage. Diners can sit back and enjoy the finest in modern British cuisine from a menu featuring the freshest and wherever possible local produce, with everything from the parfait to the pie pastry, to the sauces and the salmon fishcakes all homemade on the premises.

The Tanglewood is sure to offer you something different to the usual eating experience and one that will find you wanting to go back for more again and again. And so you can try it for yourself, they’re offering a free meal for two (excluding drinks). To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, just answer the following question: On which road is the Tanglewood situated?

Send your answer on a postcard marked ‘Tanglewood competition’ to the address on page three, to reach us by 13th August. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details.

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See you there!

Have you paid a visit to Mila Spa yet? Since it opened in May, the Acomb spa has proved very popular with ladies looking for the ultimate pampering experience. The Spa offers all the luxury you’d expect from a top hotel spa, including a hairdressers, massaging pedicure spas, three beauty rooms, a dedicated St Tropez tanning room and a nail bar offering the latest hi-tech nail treatment Shellac, a polish which lasts two weeks without chipping or fading. There’s also a comfortable and relaxing Spa day room with a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

As well as individual services, Mila Spa has a variety of packages available, tailored to hen parties, mums-to-be or anyone looking for a pampering treat. They’re offering our lucky readers the chance to win a VIP spa treatment. You and a friend can enjoy any 30 minute body treatment, a one hour full body massage, 30 minute taster facial plus luxury manicure and pedicure. There’s also a light lunch and full use of the spa facilities, plus a free Dermalogica Face Mapping consultation. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, all you have to do is answer the following question: What hi-tech nail treatment does Mila Spa offer?

You’ll find Mila Spa at: 8a Acomb Court, Front Street, Acomb.

To book an appointment, call 790368. www.milaspa.co.uk, email info@milaspa.co.uk

Just send your answer on a postcard, marked ‘Mila Spa Competition’, to the address on page three, to reach us by 13th August.

Don’t forget to include your own name and phone number!

£1m jewellery sale

Cavendish Jewellers, of Stonegate, York, is holding a £1 million stock clearance sale between July 24th and August 1st.

The retailer says: “To make way for lots of fabulous new jewellery, we are giving massive genuine discounts on all our stock.”

Cavendish is offering 50% off hundreds of new, vintage and antique jewellery items and at least 25% off everything else.

With three generations involved, the family business offers more than 40 years of experience handling antique jewels in York.

Nothing sparkles like jewellery set with precious stones. Whether your preference is for beautiful Burmese rubies set in luxurious yellow gold, Columbian emeralds mounted in dazzling white gold, or stunning white diamonds complemented by lustrous platinum, Cavendish Jewellers has all you need.

Cavendish says: “Whether you choose to treat yourself, buy a gift or invest for the future, all our jewels are extremely desirable. Our buyers use their vast knowledge to acquire the most sought-after jewellery with intrinsic character and old-fashioned quality. We have carefully selected unique modern designs, precious Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian pieces from our regular worldwide buying trips.”

Cavendish has expert craftsmen on hand to discuss individual requirements, whether for cleaning, alteration or to repair a piece of jewellery. All repairs are carried out on the premises in its own workshop.

Buy & Part Exchange: Cavendish Jewellers are happy to make you an offer for any unwanted jewellery you may wish to sell, part exchange or upgrade. Gold bullion prices are now at an all-time high so if you have any broken jewellery pieces you may be surprised what they could be worth. Why not call in to see one of our buyers who will be happy to appraise your items and tell you what they are worth? Tel: 670006.

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The way I see it...

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

Date night

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You are invited to

I was asked to go on a date by a national newspaper.

Not that the national newspaper actually wanted me to go with them to the pictures, or anything like that – that would just be weird, wouldn’t it? No, they wanted my husband and I to go on a night out together for a feature they were putting together.

Apparently ‘married dating’ is all the rage, with couples planning ‘date nights’ in an effort to keep the romance alive in their relationship.

When I told my husband about it, he asked if he could choose who he went on the date with. Which probably tells you all you need to know about the romance in this particular relationship.

We actually thought we did go out together regularly. But apparently a trip to Sainsbury’s doesn’t actually count as a date. No, this had to be a proper date. Preferably one that didn’t involve a shopping trolley.

The first problem was deciding where to go. My husband came up with the idea of paintballing or go-karting. Presumably he was still hoping he’d get to go on this date with someone else – Jensen Button, probably.

We thought about a trip to the local comedy club, but on the night we chose to go they were featuring ‘An Evening of Uncomfortable Entertainment.’

This would pretty much describe any night out with my husband, but we decided to give it a miss anyway.

“I faced the idea of a night out with the same joy and anticipation that I used to look forward to a session of double hockey at school”

In the end we decided to go out for a meal. To a posh restaurant, too (which in our world means anywhere you don’t have to collect your own meal on a tray).

Which led us on to our next dilemma – when to go. Do you know how difficult it is to arrange a date? We’re a bit like those little men and women in weather houses; we live under the same roof, yet we hardly ever seem to be under it at the same time. And when we are in the house together, there’s either a whole load of household stuff to catch up on, or we’re both so shattered the last thing we want to do is get our gladrags on and head off for a night out. I remember in the old days I couldn’t wait for an excuse to get dressed up and go out – these days it’s all I can do to keep my eyes open after the News at Ten. So I faced the idea of a night out with the same joy and anticipation that I used to look forward to a session of double hockey at school. I even thought about faking a note from my mum so I could get out of it.

But in the end we went and do you know what? We actually enjoyed it. With work and children and everything else going on, it’s easy to let your social life slide. But it was well worth making the effort.

So would I do it again? Absolutely. As long as I’m home by the News at Ten...

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Golden Ticket Golden Ticket E EXCLUSIV

VIP preview

The Yorkshire Museum, which is undergoing a £2 million refurbishment, will be officially unveiled on Yorkshire Day - August 1st. However, the readers of Your Local Link can enjoy a sneak preview of the new-look museum.

York’s biggest and most popular magazine has teamed up with York Museums Trust to give our readers the opportunity to tour the refurbished museum the day before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

All you have to do to attend the VIP preview on Saturday, July 31st, is cut out the golden ticket on page three and take it to the landmark building in the Museum Gardens between 10am and 4.30pm.

There will be a strict admissions policy. “If you don’t have a golden ticket, you will not get in,” says Charlotte Dootson, the trust’s marketing manager.”

The golden ticket is only valid for July 31st – you cannot use it on any other day. It grants admission to two adults and up to four children (under 16).

The VIP ticket was featured in July’s magazine and, due to popular demand, we are publishing it again, this time in our August issue; so there is no excuse for our readers not to make the most of this unique opportunity to enjoy a gem of a day.

York’s first public

vegetable bed

Chloe Smee, chair of Edible York, says: “Edible York is delighted to have been offered this growing space by City of York Council.

Local residents and Edible York volunteers planted the bed and, with the help of staff from the council to water the bed, they will maintain and harvest the edible plants. We are transforming the space into a colourful, vibrant community resource.”

York has its first public vegetable bed - thanks to a green-fingered partnership between Edible York and City of York Council.

Community organisation Edible York has teamed up with the council to bring an under-used plot of land on Paragon Street back to life by planting a wide range of popular vegetables.

The bed is providing salad, kale, squash, courgettes, beans and fresh herbs.

Edible York has been founded to

create a network of community growing spaces across York. The edible bed on Paragon Street leads the way, demonstrating how edible growing can transform unused public land.

Russell Stone, the council’s head of Neighbourhood Pride Services, says: "The council is keen to promote sustainability and this is a great way to develop under-used pockets of land, while encouraging people to eat more fruit and vegetables.”

The creation of York’s first public edible bed has involved of a host of organisations including City of York Council (bed construction, soil and watering); York Rotters (compost); Yumi York (seedlings); Brunswick Organic Nurseries (seedlings); York in Transition; and members of the public (seedlings). The bed will be supported and maintained by Edible York volunteers and local residents. n To volunteer to steward an Edible York bed, or for more information, go to www. edibleyork.org.uk

Hats off

Choosing a hat for the races can be a big decision. But ladies going to the Ebor meeting at York Racecourse 17 20 August are being offered the chance to make their own hats with the help of a professional milliner. The York Marriott Hotel, sponsor of the Best Dressed Lady competition at the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, is hosting a special hat-making event on the Monday of festival week, 16th August.

In the morning, renowned milliner Yvette Jelfs will help women build their own fascinator. In the afternoon, she will help people dress their own race-day hats.

The prize for the Best Dressed Lady on Ladies Day at Ebor Festival is a trip to Dubai for the horseracing event, the Dubai World Cup, including air fares, transfers and accommodation at York Marriott’s sister hotel the Courtyard by Marriott, Green Community, Dubai. n For more information on the hatmaking courses, phone York Marriott on 770625.

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A month in the life of the

Lord Mayor

In May, Councillor Sue Galloway took oath to become the new Lord Mayor of York. She is the first person ever to have held the posts of Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress; she was her husband Steve’s consort when he was Lord Mayor in 1983.

But what does being the Lord Mayor mean? Your Local Link has been given exclusive access to the Mansion House to find out. We’ll be following Sue and the civic party as they go about their duties, and bringing you her personal account of the highs and lows of being York’s first citizen...

“It’s been a busy first few weeks as Lord Mayor. It’s interesting but it is hard work. It’s certainly not as easy as people might think!

“One of the main events I attended recently was the presentation of the new colours for the Yorkshire Regiment at the army barracks, which was absolutely amazing. We didn’t meet the Duke of York, but we met the Duke of Wellington, who is well into his 90s. He wasn’t going to come to York because he couldn’t face the dreadful journey by road, but Prince Andrew gave him a lift in his helicopter! How could anyone refuse an offer like that?

“You do get to meet some fascinating people in this job. Like Mixit Music, the group I met at the Monk Bar Hotel recently. They were a dance group with learning disabilities, and they gave an amazing break dance performance. They come from Durham, but they’re trying to get a group going in York. I hope they succeed – it’s very important that no one is excluded from society and nobody should be stopped from what they want to do.

“We also went to a garden party organised by the Carers’ Centre.

There I met an elderly lady who remembered me from when I was Lady Mayoress for my husband, back in 1983. One civic event we did at the time was to help deliver Meals on Wheels, and it turned out she was the Meals on Wheels organiser. She’s 81 now, but we both remembered the event well!

“I’ve also been involved in setting up my charities. It’s customary that each Lord Mayor chooses two charities each year to raise money for. I’ve chosen the British Heart Foundation and Our Celebration. I’ve always been a supporter of the British Heart Foundation – my father died very suddenly a number of years ago, so I’ve always been interested in their work. They have a lot of researchers at York University; they’re investing £750,000 into research for the University, which will be good for the city.

“Our Celebration is a local charity based in Clifton. They work with people who have mental health problems, trying to rehabilitate them into the community again. They’ve been going in York for 25 years, but a lot of people haven’t heard of them and they do an awful lot of good work.

“As far as fundraising goes, we’re planning a Valentines Ball, a curry evening, which is very popular and always gets sold out, and also a gourmet evening at York College in November. We’re also putting together a series of eight coloured cards of scenes of York, which are going to be available at the Visitor Information Centre and the Guildhall, with proceeds going to my charities.

You can find out more about my charities at their websites www.mycelebration.org.uk and www.bhf.org.uk.

Next month... We find out exactly what it’s like being a civic dignitary as our own Donna stands in as Lady Mayoress!

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RICHARD FOSTER reports on a pioneering York-based charity that’s gone countrywide

Fresh thinking

John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, officially launches the charity Acts 435

UK charity launch John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York has officially launched a national charity to help those who are going through tough times financially.

As exclusively reported in December’s issue of Your Local Link, the Acts 435 charity helps churches to make a practical difference in their local communities.

In the face of further government austerity measures, Dr Sentamu, speaking during the General Synod in York, said it was important for the Church to reach out to those in need.

The charity website, based at Bishopthorpe Palace, was run as a pilot scheme in York, Hull and Middlesbrough before its national launch.

Acts 435, named after a verse in the Bible, brings together those in need with people offering gifts of money.

‘Acts 435 is designed to help us fulfil Christ’s calling and give to those in need.’

Dr Sentamu, Patron of Acts 435, says: “Acts 435 is designed to help us fulfil Christ’s calling and give to those in need. I hope and pray that it will be a wonderful blessing to those on the receiving end of these gifts of love. May it also be a source of joy to the donors as they see the immediate impact of their generosity on those struggling to make ends meet.”

An applicant in need applies to a local church for help; an advocate at the church receives and verifies the request; the request for help is posted on the Acts 435 website, and donors can meet the need directly by making a payment via a secure system online.

Individual applicants must be personally known to the church where they are applying for help. To protect against fraud, Acts 435 requires proof of their identity.

You don’t have to be a Christian either to request help or to be a donor.

People can apply for help up to three times each calendar year, asking for up to £100 at any one time subject to a maximum of £300 per individual, per year.

Appeals on the website include one from a 63-year-old blind man in York who wants £100 for garden furniture, while a 20-year-old unemployed woman, also from York, needs £100 for food and electricity, after losing some cash.

Donors are not giving money to Acts 435 – rather they are giving money directly to the person in need. They choose who to give to, and all of it goes directly to that person. The running costs of the Acts 435 charity is funded by a private donor, and by GiftAid donations Acts 435 is inspired by the early church, as described in Acts 4:35. Early Christians shared their possessions, and passed money to the apostles to give to anyone in need. n For more details, go to the website www.acts435.co.uk

For the...

key stages in your life Much of our work involves helping people deal with key stages or events in their lives. This month we highlight some of the issues you need to think about in the context of retirement planning.

“The prospect of retirement presents an opportunity to spend your time as you choose but also the challenge of ensuring sufficient income and capital over what is, increasingly, a considerable period of time.”

Allan Dodds, Independent Financial Planner There are many who will gladly tell you “I don’t like pensions” based on their uncertainties surrounding pension schemes, retirement ages and press speculation over living costs in retirement. More positively, we see our role as helping you prepare for retirement on your terms. It means spending time thinking about your retirement aims and preferences and then putting in place the practical actions necessary to achieve these.

Often retirement goes hand-in-hand with wider changes of circumstances for you and your family. We are well placed to combine the legal and financial advice you will need at this important stage in life.

Visit www.harrowells.co.uk to view our innovative guides to different stages or events in life and to find out more about how we can help you deal with the choices they can present.

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 regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

11

Born

to run?

pumping action of your arms strengthens your upper body.

This month is the 10k Jane Tomlinson Run For All, when an estimated 4,000 people will be taking to the streets on August 1st. Some runners will be seasoned marathon veterans, others may be beginners. What they have in common is that they’ve discovered that running is not only a great way to raise funds for charity, it’s also a great way to keep fit.

Running makes you look and feel good, and you can do it anywhere, any time. Research has proved that regular runners have fewer disabilities, more active lifestyle and were half as likely to die early.

Running gobbles up calories – upwards of 500 an hour at six mph. It’s also one of the best all round toning workouts around. The basic running action strengthens the hamstrings (the back of the leg), the quadriceps (front of the thigh), the iliopsoas muscles in the hips and the gluteus maximum (your bottom), while the

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And it makes you feel good, too. Running triggers a rush of endorphins during a lengthy jogging session, otherwise known as ‘runner’s high’. Running also gives you a great sense of achievement.

So now we’ve proved running is good for you, how do you get started?

The kit Yes, you can start running in a pair of tatty jogging bottoms and an old T-shirt. But it pays to invest in the right gear...

Trainers. Don’t skimp on these – expect to pay at least £65 for a good pair. It’s worth going to a specialist shop as they will analyse your gait and foot motion to see what you need from your shoe. Always try on trainers with socks, and do it in the afternoon when your feet are at their most swollen. You generally need a size bigger than your shoe size.

Clothing. Invest in lightweight gear made from the latest sweat-wicking fabrics, which are designed to dispel heat and moisture.

Leggings, a long-sleeved top and a waterproof jacket are staples.

Socks. Decent quality socks will stop you getting plagued by blisters. Opt for seam-free socks made from sweat-wicking fabric.

Getting started

It takes a lot to put on your trainers and get yourself out and about. Start slowly, and aim for a combination of running and walking for about 15 – 20 minutes a session, gradually building up the running element. Try to vary the speed, terrain and distance as you get fitter. It will speed up improvement and help you getting bored – research has shown that running of grass or softer ground uses up 26% more energy than road running.

Perfect your style. A good running style allows your body to move efficiently across the ground.

Foot-slapping is a warning that you’re jarring your system with each stride. Practise running lighly and quietly, rolling forward from the balls of your feet. Don’t let your head nod about too much – the movement puts a tremendous load on your neck and spine. Focus your gaze about 20 metres ahead and bend your arms so they’re almost at a right angle. Don’t hold them too far in front of your torso as this simply wastes energy.

Picture shows (left to right): Dr Nick Rowe, Beverley Hunter & Gemma Alldred

Recognition for uni project A mental health project based at York St John University has been awarded funding to develop its provision as a social enterprise.

Building Bridges is a collaboration between York St John University and local mental health service providers. It offers theatre and other artsbased courses aimed at people who use mental health services.

The project has proved so successful that it has received a Higher Education Social Entrepreneurship Award from the charity UnLtd and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). It is hoped that the funding will help secure national recognition for the project and ensure its sustainability long term.

Beverley Hunter, General Manager for Forensic, Recovery and Specialist Services at North Yorkshire Community and Mental Health Services, says: “Our partnership with York St John has created fantastic opportunities for people who use our mental health services to have exposure to education that may not otherwise have been available. The feedback we have received from our service users and their families is overwhelming in support of this very exciting project.”

Power company helps elderly customers

Following the coldest winter in decades, gas customers in York on the Age UK Energy tariff, provided by E.ON, are set to receive cold weather payments totalling £24,579. Funded by E.ON, this sum is in addition to the Government’s cold weather payment.

Terry Cogan, of Age Concern York, says: “Our gas customers are guaranteed a Cold Weather Payment of £10 in addition to the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment, which rises to £20 for customers aged 80 or above. When the weather is exceptionally harsh, we offer additional Cold Weather Payment which is paid out to all our gas customers aged 60 and over for each day the temperature drops below freezing between December and the end of February.

“This winter was one of the worst in recent times with record amounts of snow and temperatures dropping below freezing for a substantial number of days. We are delighted to be able to offer, with E.ON, some direct help to our customers in York.”

This guaranteed payment, part of the Age UK Energy package, has been developed with E.ON, one of the UK’s leading electricity and gas companies.

Jim Macdonald, commercial director at E.ON Retail, says: “Every cold winter brings with it potential difficulties for older people, which is why we’re delighted to continue to fund Cold Weather Payments, in partnership with Age UK. It’s our hope that these extra funds, as well as our ongoing energy advice and support, will really make a difference to older people for the coming winter.” n To find out more Age Concern York products, including Cold Weather Payments, call Terry on 627995.

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Do you need a window? Some people find a cabin with a view less claustrophobic, but since you’re likely to be spending much of your time relaxing on deck, you may be better off saving your cash for excursions.

Be prepared It can take some time to be reunited with your luggage once you’re on board, so make sure you have a small bag packed with essentials to keep you going. It might help to pack a change of clothes just in case the worst happens and your luggage doesn’t set sail with you.

Booking ahead You’ll usually find a whole range of sightseeing excursions available.

While it’s easier and more convenient to buy these onboard, you may well find the same tours cheaper once you step ashore.

One thing you should book ahead are any sporting or health and beauty activities.

These get booked up quickly and you don’t want to miss out!

oiang Gon

cruise?

Cruising has become a popular holiday choice for all ages.

Eating onboard When you check in for your voyage, you’ll generally be assigned a seating time for dinner. This can be early (around 6pm), or late (8.30pm). Some cruise lines also offer open seating. Early seating is ideal for families and gives you the rest of the evening to yourself to enjoy the onboard entertainment, but it may mean you have to return early from a shore excursion. Late seating allows you to have plenty of time to get ready for dinner. However, if you don't finish dinner until after 10pm, you might either miss the show or part of the night life.

Some cruise lines also have ‘assigned seating’. This means you’ll be seated on the same table, often with several other people. This is fine if you’re You’re not alone. With many cruise lines now catering for young people and the gregarious type, or you’re travelling alone and want to make friends. If families, it’s become a popular holiday choice for all ages. you’d rather be alone, ask when you book about having a private table.

It’s easy to see why. Whether you’re looking for luxury or family fun, there’s What to wear Mainstream cruise lines tend to have more rules when it the perfect cruise for you. There’s plenty to see for sightseers, or you can comes to dressing, with at least one night when formal dress is required. laze all day on deck if that’s what you’d prefer.

Newer cruise lines have a more relaxed attitude, with ‘country club casual’ If you’re going on a cruise for the first time, there are some rules and tips that can make your trip a lot more enjoyable. Just follow our insider’s guide!

Select your cabin Generally, the cheapest cabins will be on the lower decks and/or at the front (bow) of the ship. They may not be such a bargain if you suffer from seasickness, or you’re woken at 5am by the ship’s winching mechanism as it comes in to dock! For a quieter, less rocky voyage, choose a cabin on the higher decks or towards the rear (aft).

every night. If you want to eat dinner in jeans, shorts, or very casual attire, several cruise lines also offer casual buffets for dinner.

Tipping Some cruise lines include tipping in the price of the cruise fare; others do not. If tips aren’t included, you’ll be offered guidelines on who to tip, and how much. This is usually calculated on a ‘per guest, per day’ basis, and can work out quite expensive. If you want to query this amount, talk to the ship’s purser.

York’s No1 INDEPENDENT CRUISE SPECIALIST

14

says: “My colleagues have done me proud, as have all the companies who donated all the materials, including the paint and the plants.”

Helen, who lives in Naburn, adds: “The wall is massive, measuring approximately 90 metres by 2.6 metres, so we had a lot to paint. We did it all in a day; it was hard work but well worth it. We think the children will love the two new murals.” n SNAPPY is now calling on a friendly plumber to fit an outside tap to make it easier to water all the thirsty potted plants. If you can help, call Anne Stamp, SNAPPY services manager, on 640562.

Brush up your charity work Volunteers stand in front to the marine life mural they created for SNAPPY in York.

Bank worker Helen Wigmore was determined to help SNAPPY after reading about the York special needs charity in the June issue of Your Local Link.

So she gathered together 17 volunteers from her place of work to revamp SNAPPY’S playground at Lowther Street, York. They re-

painted a large wall and created two murals: one with an outer space theme; the other featuring underwater creatures. They also enlarged the garden area by adding scores of potted plants.

Helen, a software manager from the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) in Leeds,

Donors who supported the SNAPPY project MKM Building Supplies in York supplied white masonry paint for the walls and wood for planters Stillingfleet Lodge Nurseries provided plants Brambledown, a civil, environmental and development contractor, donated a considerable number of plants Homebase in Hull provided plants, planters and paint Seagulls Reuse Ltd in Leeds supplied coloured paints BNY Mellon provided matched funding to buy other equipment and materials BNY Mellon staff who donated plants from their own gardens.

15

RICHARD FOSTER talks to co-director Katie Posner about York Theatre Royal’s big summer show for all the family

Male bonding Male companionship runs through ‘The Wind in the Willows’ like a river.

paraphernalia lying about the big house to jog their memories.

This sense of bon homie is one of the main themes of the must-see family show being presented by York Theatre Royal this summer.

Katie says: “It’s all about using the magic of theatre – with its space and lighting – to tell good stories. This involves the characters using the props to create Toad’s car, gipsy caravan and prison cell plus a rowing boat, train and even the river as well as the Wild Wood.”

Travel is another major theme of the classic story that appeals to both adults and children alike; various characters feel the pull of wanderlust and the need to explore space outside of their home region.

Toad’s pretentiousness and foolishness is also seen by some critics as a satirical swipe at Edwardian England’s rigid class system, while the beauty of the natural world is another dominant theme of ‘The Wind in the Willows’.

Katie Posner, who is co-directing the production with Damian Cruden, is fascinated by the relationship between the four central characters – Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger.

She says: “It’s important to establish this relationship, why they are friends and what they mean to each other.”

‘The Wind in the Willows’ is being staged as a memory play, charged with nostalgia as the protagonists recall events that took place years ago. Toad Hall, scene of the quartet’s famous victory over the creatures from the Wild Wood, is now derelict and full of clutter.

It is due to be sold at auction and becomes the scene of a reunion as Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger re-live their adventures, using the

16

Looking back in time highlights the camaraderie between the four main characters; there’s a hint of ‘The Last of the Summer Wine’.

“They are old friends; they have been together a long time. There is something beautiful about a male companionship that has stood the test of time,” says Katie.

Actors who can play music beautifully while portraying convincing characters add an extra dimension to a play

by a total of 32 children to conform to child employment regulations.

The cast also includes actor/musicians who portray creatures of the Wild Wood. The soundscape is created by an accordion, violin, clarinet and percussion.

Katie used theatrical improvisation techniques during rehearsals to encourage the children, as well as the adults, to move and think like animals.

“Actors who can play music beautifully while portraying convincing characters add an extra dimension to a play,” says Katie.

She says: “Body language is an important part of this production, including all the little animal mannerisms.”

Children are also being used to portray three weasels, two rabbits, two hedgehogs and an otter. The eight roles are being played

n The Wind in the Willows’, York Theatre Royal, 22 July – 21 August. Box office: 623568.

Katie Posner, who is co-directing ‘The Wind in the Willows’

Nicola Spence, Julie Lodrick and Danielle Walker Palmour (Clerk to Committee)

A passion for plants As a pupil at The Mount School in York 35 years ago, Nicola Spence was fascinated by science, particularly biology. Little did she ever imagine that years later her passion for plants would take her all over the world.

Nicola, now Chief Executive of Science City York, returned to The Mount as guest speaker at the school’s very first Foundation Meeting. She spoke about her love for the science and the importance of pursuing your passion.

Before her appointment as Chief Executive of Science City York, Nicola was Chief Scientist at the Food and Environment Research Agency in Sand Hutton. Her research career has taken her across the globe; from studying beans in Rwanda and Colombia to tomatoes in Greece and Spain and vegetables in Kenya. But it all came from that early schoolgirl interest in plants: “I just wanted to grow bigger and better cabbages!” she says.

Anti-litter volunteer

Retired chartered surveyor Keith Bradburn hates seeing litter blight the beauty of York.

He regularly undertakes his own anti-litter patrols... with the blessing of City of York Council which has supplied him with no less than three tools called Litterpickers.

Keith, aged 69, has been picking up litter free Keith Bradburn picks up litter at of charge in Bootham, Marygate, York. Picture: Richard Foster Marygate and the Museum Gardens for six years. He says: “If I’m walking into town I may as well be picking it up rather than looking at it.”

He moved to York seven years ago from Buckinghamshire. “York is a beautiful city. That’s why I moved here when I retired. I find it satisfying to do my bit to help keep the city looking good for both residents and visitors,” says Keith.

17

RICHARD FOSTER meets a York artist whose work is becoming highly collectable

Turning clutter into a

work of art

Mark Hearld’s flat in York is a work of art in its own right; it deserves to have a preservation order slapped on it as a microcosm of quintessentially English art.

The front room, with its large bay window, is a visual feast of objects, ranging from original works by Mark and his artistic friends to pieces that caught his eye in car boot sales and old curiosity shops.

The objects in the room have been arranged intuitively and playfully to create a miscellany that conjures up a sense of wonder and magic.

Every available bit of space is used to display an object – pieces of Victorian stained glass salvaged from a church in Northallerton are perched precariously on the top of a window, while a couple of corn dollies take pride of place above the mantelpiece.

Spread around the room are page proofs of a nature book that Mark is illustrating for Walker, which publishes children’s books.

It’s a major project; the artist/designer is illustrating 54 double page spreads for the book which is designed to help young children relate to the seasons of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. With text by Nicola Davies, it is due to be published in autumn next year.

Mark is also designing a range of merchandise for Tate Britain. The items include a limited edition print (all 75 copies signed by the artist); a cup, plate and bowl, a shopping bag, a silk scarf, a Christmas card and note paper.

Mark mainly works in mixed-media collage. He says: “I enjoy being visually creative with all materials by bringing disparate things together and finding associations between them – that’s a strength in my work.” live UK is looking for singers anted Sing Singers w to noon, every Friday 10am , t weekly sessions

to take part in eigh will be learning The Armed Man from 3rd September in York. They ioned by The Royal Armouries,

by Karl Jenkins, which was commiss ims of Kosovo. The choir will be in Leeds, and dedicated to the vict for Peace at York Minster on 29th s performing Karl’s celebrated Mas no auditions, minimum age 16 October. No experience is needed, years. Tel: 01609 780315.

On the right note

Are you looking for high quality guitar and/or bass tuition that delivers results? Then you need Cimbio!

Cimbio (pronounced chimbio) is a guitar system that aims to make you the best musician you can be, in an effective and enjoyable way. From absolute beginners to the highest possible standard, anyone can benefit from this modern, teacher-taught method.

Ivor Fox teaches the Cimbio method in York. He offers courses for beginners to master classes for more advanced students who want to polish up their technique. You can join a class (minimum age 10 years), or opt for one to one tuition if you’d prefer. n For more information, or to book your class, call Ivor: 652701.

18

Boxing clever

The Lord Mayor of York has asked for Your Local Link readers’ help to solve a civic puzzle – what’s the story behind the mysterious Mansion House box?

Mark Hearld is surrounded by artefacts in his York home. Picture: Richard Foster

‘The objects in the room have been arranged intuitively and playfully to create a miscellany that conjures up a sense of wonder and magic.

Mark was born in York in 1974 and studied illustration at Glasgow School of Art between 1994 and 1997 before gaining a masters degree in Natural History Illustration at the Royal College of Art.

Potterton bookshop in London and asked me to paint a mural in a children’s nursery as well as a cockerel and a hen on a Victorian bed board.

I had to work very fast on the set; the paint was barely dry before they started filming.”

His work, inspired by the floral and fauna of the English countryside, is both accessible and quirky. His work is popular with collectors after being featured in the movie Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang.

Mark feels both fortunate and privileged to turn his passion into a livelihood. “It’s a dream come true to be able to earn my living as an artist,” he says.

“The film designer came across my work in ‘World of Interiors’ magazine and at the

n For more details about Mark’s work, go to www.stjudes.co.uk

Staff discovered the box while looking for a suitable charity box for the new Lord Mayor, the Right Hon. Sue Galloway. No one knows where it came from, and they’re hoping you can come up with the answer.

“It seems to have been made from wood taken from the Minster during a fire,” says Sue Galloway. “It has two little crests, but they’re so worn you can hardly read them.

One says ‘A relic of York minster, 20th May 1840’ and the other says ‘Presented to the City of York, April 1950.’

“There must be some people around who still remember that? We would be interested to know some of the history because we don’t have anything in the house about it.” n If you have any idea of where the box might have come from or how it was used, drop us a line at the address on page three, or email editor@yourlocallink.co.uk

19

RICHARD FOSTER talks to a designer who has created a living museum out of a unique caravan

Resurrecting

a British

design classic The Berkeley Statesman two-storey caravan was built in the 1950s to alleviate Britain’s housing shortage.

It was designed as a fully-fitted family home, complete with roof-top sun deck, which could be towed by a car to any location. Post-war Britain required a mobile labour force and the idea was the worker could move from job to job with his family in tow.

Tim Mitchinson relaxes in the Berkeley Statesman caravan he has restored.

As a classic example of 1950s British design, it was a success. Sadly, it proved to be a commercial failure, which was hardly surprising when you consider a Berkeley Statesman would set you back £1,065 at a time when you could buy a terrace house for £200.

Record-breaker This put the caravan at the luxury end of the market, more suitable as a temporary Tim Mitchinson’s home for a movie actress on a film set Berkeley Statesman rather than an itinerant worker. was towed round the Goodwood motor circ Uses were found for the Berkeley uit Statesman. The US Air Force bought some in West Sussex, clocking an average speed of as married quarters at its Cold War bases in the UK, while a building firm used them 11mph for three laps – as temporary accommodation for families an unofficial track record for a two-storey carava while their post-war bomb damaged n! homes were being repaired.

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20

Now there is only one Berkeley Statesman two-storey caravan left and it belongs to Tim Mitchinson, aged 55, who lives in York. He came across it through the Historic Caravan Club when it was rotted through and on the verge of falling apart.

Tim’s restoration project was featured in a TV series about classic caravans and the film company helped to pay for the work, which took about 18 months of hard graft for Tim and a couple of mates.

Tim said: “The blueprints no longer exist, so we had to work out how Berkeley’s built the caravan as we went along. There was a lot of scratching of heads, but we got there in the end.”

‘The blueprints no longer exist, so we had to work out how Berkeley’s built the caravan as we went along.’

Tim has fitted out the caravan with items dating from the 1950s to create a living museum. They include a retractable wash basin from a first class sleeper compartment from British Rail and a toilet designed to function on a boat.

The kitchen has a 1950s fridge and the light fittings come from a Bedford coach of the post-war era. There is even a 1950s telephone, while his tea set is from Woolworth’s popular Homemaker range. Made by Ridgeway between 1957 and 1972, it was one of Britain’s most successful ceramic designs.

Tim knows his pottery; he trained as a ceramics designer at Cardiff College of Art and set up a company called Torpor Ware to make novelty teapots. He was born at Slingsby, near Castle Howard – the son of a sea captain who sailed oil tankers for BP. n Tim wants readers of Your Local Link to get in touch if they have any memories of a Berkeley Statesman two-storey caravan.

He can be contacted at protojtype@yahoo. co.uk

Purple power!

York Rotary is inviting schools and groups in the city to join them in their fight to eradicate polio, and help brighten up their community at the same time – by planting a crocus!

For the last 25 years, Rotary has been fighting to rid the world of polio – a terrible disease that can kill or severely disable children.

They are tantalisingly close to achieving their target. In 2009, Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates challenged Rotary to match fund

by June 2012 the $200 million he has already donated to the organisation. Almost a year on, they have so far managed to raise $125 million.

Which is why they need your help. This October, the biggest ever planting of bulbs across the UK will take place. The idea is that the purple crocuses (purple being the colour that’s dabbed on a child’s finger to denote they have been innoculated) will flower in time for Rotary Day on 23rd February 2011.

The humble little crocus symbolises a colourful splash of hope for a new beginning and renewed efforts – a reminder of how potent an impact many working together can create. n If you’d like to get involved, contact Frank Paterson at frankpaterson@talktalk.net

The caravan before restoration; the restored caravan on its way to Goodwood.

21

BOOK REVIEWS with York author donna hay

Book lovers online!

August is a bit of a slow month when it comes to publishing. The summer reads have already come out, and the big names are all saving their new releases for Christmas.

So rather than publish the usual reviews, we thought we’d share some of our favourite reading websites with you. Whether you’re a bookworm wanting to share your passion, or you’re looking for inspiration for your next read, you’ll find it online...

Abebooks.co.uk One of many online forums for book fans. But what makes this one special is the ‘Book Sleuth’ feature, where other readers can help you identify any book when all you remember is a little bit of the plot. No more racking your brains trying to remember an elusive title or author – genius!

Bookcrossing.com Did you know there are 184 books currently at large in the York area? They’re part of the Book Crossing initiative.

The idea is simple; readers leave books in designated public areas all over the country. People pick them up, read them – and then leave them for others to enjoy. Books are registered online, so you can have fun keeping track of where your book travels in the world! Booking Crossing also holds local monthly meetings where bookworms can get together.

Booktrust.com This very authoritative, comprehensive website from the Arts Council is a real treasure trove of book news, reviews, a calendar of literary events, fact sheets for writers, advice for book groups and much, much more.

Readinggroupguides.com One of the problems with reading groups is finding the right kind of books to read. This website will provide you with all the inspiration you need. It also includes well over a thousand ‘book guides’ which include discussion questions to get your group talking!

Whichbook.net If you’re ever stuck for a book to read, you’ll love this site. Just use the unique set of sliding scales to set your preferences – funny/serious, sex/no sex, short/long etc – and the site will come up with a list of recommendations that fit the bill.

You’ll never draw a blank in your local library again!

Gnooks.com Another great site for readers who’ve read everything by their favourite author and can’t wait for their next book to come out. Just type in the names of your three favourite authors and the site will come up with a new name for you to try. And they like a challenge; even when we typed in ‘Charles Dickens, Martina Cole and Jill Mansell’ they still managed to come up with a suitable author! Another great feature is the ‘map of literature’ – type in an author and up will come an automated map of writer’s names. The closer a name floats to your chosen author’s, the more like them they are. Brilliant fun!

Lovereading.com The classic website for all book lovers. It’s absolutely chock full of all things bookish, including ‘like for like’ recommendations, reviews by book expert Sarah Broadhurst and free opening extracts for you to enjoy. You can also sign up and receive their free monthly newsletter.

Authonomy.com A must for all budding writers. Upload your masterpiece for others to read and enjoy. They can vote and recommend your work – and since the site is run by Harper Collins, there’s also a chance your talent could be spotted! It’s also a great site for readers to spot the Next Big Thing.

22

Join the

club

e so many groups Here in York, we’re lucky to hav interests. Whether and clubs covering all kinds of d books, you’re you’re into boardgames or goo footie team, you’re a or looking for your family tree people locally. But ded min likeof ty bound to find plen where do you star t looking? , we’ll be featuring news Ever y month in Your Local Link ps in the city. If you’re of some of the clubs and grou more members, or in a club and you’re looking for share, why not get to you have some news you’d like at the address on us to write in touch with us? You can @yourlocallink.co.uk. page three, or email us at info sage ‘Club News’.

Don’t forget to mark your mes

Boardgames

galore There’s more to life than computer games, as York’s friendlies t boardgame club, Beyond Monopoly!, wants to prove. The club has literally hundreds of boardgames for you to discover, and the regulars are always happy to show people the ropes.

So even if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll soon be getting stuc k in! The club meets at the York Railway Institute on a Satu rday. The next meetings are on 7th and 21st August. Just turn up, or email bmyork@gmail.com for mor e information.

ton? A badminton club Anyone for badmin (aka Hall at Sandburn Hall

Sports meets at the four-court to 3.30pm. n each Friday from 2pm xto Fla at t) ran tau res Tykes nton club mi bad ial lcome. This is a soc All ages and abilities we yers. pla ed enc eri exp to m improvers with various levels fro ails. on 490440 for more det Call Stephen Marshall

What rot

! Do you want to learn new skills and help your local community? Are you intereste d in the environment and reducing waste? If so, York Rotters is looking for you!

If you join York Rotters, you’ll get free composting training, after which you’ll be able to help yourself and others in their garden. You’ll be promoting com posting at public events, as well as having fun and meeting peop le. No previous experience is required, just bags of enthusia sm. And if you prefer to stay out of the limelight, there are endl ess opportunities to become involved at their friendly office or in the Environment Centre garden. If you are interested or wou ld like to know more please call 412861 or email rotters@stnic ksfields.org.uk.

Explore

rbished Page turners Now the newly refumon thly evening

, the York Library Learning Centre is open d. The group meets on the nche relau been has p grou ing read members are welcome. last Monday of the month and new act Tricia Raxworthy, For further information please cont on 01904 552814, or email Reader Development Coordinator, just come along. tricia.raxworthy@york.gov.uk - or

FROM LEFT: Anna Clark, Simon Bird, Matt Hick, Louise McKenzie and Andy Gray prepare for the Jane Tomlinson 10k in York

Human train to run charity 10k Six staff members from the National Railway Museum (NRM) will be running York’s Jane Tomlinson 10k on 1 August, but to add to this challenge they will also be tied together and dressed up as the famous locomotive Flying Scotsman.

Louise McKenzie, of the NRM, says: “It’s a bit mad to dress up in a costume and be tied to six other people while trying to run 10k, but we wanted to make it a real challenge so that we raise as much money as we possibly can to restore Flying Scotsman. After starting our tied-together training we’re a bit worried we’ll live up to our team name ‘Chuffing Useless’ and trip over each other before we even pass the start line - here’s hoping we don’t!.”

The NRM bought Flying Scotsman for the nation in 2004, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund amongst other organisations and the generosity of the general public. Now the steam locomotive is undergoing a major overhaul so the national treasure can return to the mainline once again.

24 Hr Professional Service ALL TRADES

n To support ‘Chuffing Useless’ and donate to The Steam Our Scotsman appeal visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ chuffinguseless4472

23

Horoscopes for August 2010

by James Christie

ARIES A restless “glass half empty” month with a marked degree of dissatisfaction both on the work scene and at home. A lot of planning and plotting going on, but the good news is you’ll be in harmony with a partner who thinks and feels as you do. Just make sure that you do more than just talk.

TAURUS A stressful and suspenseful few weeks when things don’t happen quickly enough; quite a few critical financial pressures make you feel trapped and vulnerable. A busy month work-wise but every penny earned is spent before you get it. Emotional relationships offer some support and comfort but there will be times when this is not enough.

GEMINI Niggling health issues need to be addressed in the weeks ahead and you should pull back on some of your commitments. Travel aspects are quite favourable but not to the usual holiday hot spots. Emotional partnerships find a new dimension of harmony, based more on freedom and independence rather than blind faith and old tradition.

CANCER A broody month for many Cancerian females of a certain age and single Cancerian males have their own moods to contend with.

Energies lighten up around the 14th stimulated by an unexpected financial gain but a lack of honest communication in relationships will lead to some domestic friction (not helped by children) around the 26th.

LEO Older people, especially parents, want to remind you of how much you owe them. The trouble is you’ll feel that you’ve already discharged most of your duties and debts. Inevitably this will lead to tension and resentment within some families. Take care on the 16th and 26th not to say something you may later regret.

VIRGO Undercurrents of discord on the work scene, so apply some tact and diplomacy with colleagues, especially towards month’s end.

Relationships seem stable enough apart from a flash point around the 19th when a significant other seems determined to take you too much for granted. Romantic holidays are okay but family holidays are a bit fraught.

LIBRA Young lady Librans are the centre of romantic attention while more mature matrons are content to fan the flames of friendship. Male Librans are under some pressure to make tricky emotional decisions and will feel trapped by circumstance. August 22nd is a day when all Librans should be careful in their financial affairs.

SCORPIO While younger Scorpions will be concentrating on finances, for more mature members of the sign this is a highly charged romantic month with some watershed event taking place on the 12th/13th. A keen eye needs to be kept on cash flow and bank accounts; not the best of times to either lend or borrow.

SAGITTARIUS Quite a lot of change and transition subtly working through August alleviating tension in family and domestic affairs and creating some leisure time and breathing space. Travel aspects auger well between the 13th and 22nd but you might need to take a strong line with moody children. Teenagers will cause some specific concern.

CAPRICORN Not the best of months to act impulsively and not a good idea to seek change just for the sake of it. Yes, you may be bored and frustrated, especially by other people and their moods, but try to keep things in perspective and do not over-react. Have fun planning a holiday.

AQUARIUS A shift in cosmic energy influences your daily lifestyle and alters your view of the longer term future. A mood of optimism encourages you to think outside the box and this will bring immediate benefit to troubles or tense relationships. Brothers and/or sisters could cause problems. Stand firm and refuse to be bullied or bribed.

PISCES New domestic routines work in your favour and you’ll feel relaxed about some of your recently made decisions – knowing that they have been the right ones! Your social life should get a major boost this month and new friendships may well have unexpected romantic connotations.

The 15th and 25th look like being red letter days. n For private readings please phone 01937 831161 or 07884 107100 Email jcp@magepublishing.co.uk Web: www.magepublishing.co.uk

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Part of university life is learning to deal with money. Here are some financial facts that ever y student needs to know.

The main costs faced by fulltime students will be tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Costs will vary depending on where you study, so it’s worth doing some research on how much you’ll need to cover them - and on the help you’ll get through the Government’s student finance package. Check with your university or college for more advice on living costs.

Tuition fees If you’re a new student (or a continuing student who started your course in or after September 2006) the maximum tuition fees you’ll be charged are £3,290 for the 2010/11 academic year. For 2009/10, the maximum is £3,225.

Exactly what you’re charged

depends on the university or college you attend, your course, and where in the UK you study. Check your university or college prospectus to find out the fees for your course.

You can get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees. This is paid directly to your university or college. The amount you get does not depend on household income.

Living costs Your costs will be higher if you live away from home. Accommodation will be your biggest expense, but don’t forget about things like books, food, bills, and going out. It’s well worth taking the time to add up your expenses. Budgeting can help you plan your spending, so you won’t run out of cash half-way through term.

Help for full-time students If you’re studying full-time, the main sources of help are: • student loans and grants from the Government • bursaries from your university or college.

Student loans from the

How much will

cost? university the Special Support Grant instead of the Maintenance Grant.

Bursaries

Government All eligible students can get help with tuition fees and living costs through student loans. You’ll be able to take out two student loans per academic year: a Tuition Fee Loan - to cover your tuition fees in full; and a Maintenance Loan - to help with accommodation and other living costs (how much you get depends on your household income) Repaying student loans Student loans have to be paid back

- but you don’t have to start making repayments until you have left your course and are earning more than £15,000 a year. Once your earnings reach this threshold, you’ll pay back nine per cent of whatever you earn over £15,000.

Grants to help with living costs For 2010/11, about 40% of new students are expected to qualify for the full Maintenance Grant, with many more getting a partial grant.

Certain groups of students can get

Bursaries are an additional source of help from your university or college. If you're paying maximum tuition fees and getting the full Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant, you are entitled to at least a minimum bursary payment. Most universities will give you more than a minimum bursary.

And many universities also give bursaries to students receiving a partial Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant. Grants and bursaries don’t have to be repaid.

Extra help You may qualify for extra help on top of student loans, grants and bursaries if you’re disabled or you have a mental health condition or specific learning difficulty. And students with a child or an adult dependant may qualify for an additional grant or allowance. n For more details, go to www. direct.gov.uk

JESSICA GIBSON, who is at Newcastle University, recalls some financial lessons

Learning to budget

In all my 20 years, moving to university was the hardest, best and most exciting time of my life. With so many changes to my independence, it took a while to adjust. New city, new friends, new course and new finances.

Once the first installation of my student loan appeared on the ATM screen, pound signs flashed before my eyes, ‘I’m rich!’, I thought. My bank account had never looked so healthy.

In my first year I lived in student halls, which softened the blow of financial management a little. I stayed in catered halls, so weekday meals were included in my rent, as well as heating and electricity. After deducting the rent from my balance, I was able to calculate a weekly budget for the coming term. I slowly realised I wasn’t so flush, after considering all the extra essentials.

Second and third year is much more financially complex, as shared housing means separate bills for everything.

Luckily, my housemates and I set up a house account for financial security, which is something I would suggest to anyone house sharing. Managing my finances has been a real learning process, which has prepared me for the big wide world.

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Memory of mum inspires swimmer York fundraiser Matthew Wragg is preparing to swim one mile in the cold and rough water of Lake Windermere in memory of his mother, Barbara, who died of a heart attack earlier this year. Barbara was well known in Heworth and helped to run lots of groups, such as U3A (University of the 3rd Age) and the Fiddlesticks 2 Knitting Group.

Matthew, aged 38, says: “She was always helping others and would always put others before herself. I mentioned to her earlier this year that I was thinking about doing a charity swim. Only a week after I told her, she died; I felt I owed it to her to go through with my promise.”

Matthew, a manager with Network Rail in York, adds: “She was a diabetic, and both my Dad and me are too, so it seemed fitting that I raise money for Diabetes UK.” He has set himself a target of raising at least £1,000. Every pound he raises will be matched by Network Rail for the company’s charity of the year, Cancer Research UK n Matthew will be taking part in the British Gas Great North Swim on September 5; to sponsor him, go to www.justgiving.com/Mat-Wragg

Accolade for living history project

The Danelaw Dark Age Village at Murton Park, York has been awarded the prestigious Sanford Award for Heritage Education 2010. A citation within the judges’ report states: “The Danelaw Centre succeeds in bringing history to life providing children with a memorable and educational experience that will enrich their understanding of the past.”

Dave Thirlwall, Murton Park’s Living History Manager, was made a Fellow of the Historical Association for his “significant contribution to the promotion and knowledge of history”. Dave was nominated for the award without his knowledge by Dr Mike Tyler, a colleague.

Danelaw Dark Age Village is an educational environment that allows children to become Vikings or Saxons for a day. Costumes are provided and children carry out activities, including grinding wheat, weapons training (with blunt, dummy weapons), guard duty, pottery, field and house work.

Various visitors arrive to create role play scenarios and on a full day a banquet lunch is included. n For more details, go to www.murtonpark.co.uk

New council HQ approved City of York Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans for a new headquarters and customer centre at West Offices.

The application, which was submitted by York Investors LLP, was being considered by a Government minister to achieve Listed Building Consent following an objection from the Victorian Society.

If the scheme gets the go ahead, the council could move into its new offices at the end of 2012.

The move to new premises will support the council’s More For York programme of improvement and efficiency.

As part of the new move, the number of existing offices will be reduced from 16 to four. It will enable the council to run its services from more modern, effective and sustainable accommodation, bringing significant savings and improving customer services.

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Learning is fun The Walled Garden at Scampston, near Malton, hosts first-class courses and events, including guided walks with the head gardener, willow weaving, wire animals for your garden and felt hat craft days.

New this year is an extended range of painting and drawing days. Artist Anne Lang will be leading a day in September on traditional watercolour techniques and sketchbook studies.

Also in September Scampston’s ‘resident artist’ Kane Cunningham, will be leading a drawing and painting weekend.

Scampston’s Cascade Circuit walk is a magical lakeside walk which includes a children’s play area, complete with a living willow ‘wigloo’ and a wooden land-based canoe.

In Scampston Hall, children’s house tours will be available on Friday and Sunday afternoons during August. The tour is ideal for 5 to 12-year-olds and is followed by a ‘have-a-go’ craft session.

Established over 50 yrs

n Go to www.scampston.co.uk for details.

Hotel backs fundraising campaign A York hotel is hosting a gala ball to support a fundraising campaign being organised by a breast cancer patient.

Ramada Jarvis is also offering a package worth about £2,500 to the prize fund. It includes a wedding breakfast venue, a three-course dinner as wedding breakfast for up to 40 guests, and a honeymoon suite for the night of the wedding for the winning couple.

Angie Grinham, owner of The Cake Boutique (York), originally intended just to make a cake and raffle it in aid of a cancer charity to thank staff at York Hospital who helped her through her illness.

But her contacts in the wedding industry wanted to help too – with the result that she is now able to offer a prize consisting of a spectacular package of wedding services worth about £10,000.

The winning couple will receive almost everything they need for a fabulous wedding day, including a dress, menswear, a car, photography, flowers, a cake, stationery, favours, hair and beauty services, plus help from a wedding planner. The prize can be used by those celebrating civil and vow renewal ceremonies as well as weddings.

Tickets for the draw cost £5 and are on sale, with all proceeds going to the Macmillan breast cancer care nurses in York. They can be bought online at www.winayorkwedding.co.uk.

The winning ticket will be drawn on October 9, and the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in York is hosting a gala ball on October 16 where the winners will be given their prize.

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The Culture Column with RICHARD FOSTER

Wanted: singers

This month the York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre is working alongside the National Centre for Early Music to produce Coram Boy and, if you are a keen singer, there is a chance for you to get involved.

Originally produced at the National Theatre, Coram Boy transferred to Broadway and was nominated for both Olivier and Tony awards. Now York Theatre Royal will bring it back to the main stage with 35 enthusiastic cast members from its youth theatre plus a live choir.

Steve Bielby plays God as a 15th century master mason in ‘The Creation of the World to the Fifth Day’ while Charles Hunt plays the Devil in ‘The Prophetic Dream of Pilate’s Wife’. BELOW: Neil Tattersall plays Christ in ‘The Crucifixion’,

Two planks and a passion York’s Mystery Plays give ordinary people the chance to do something extraordinary.

I certainly saw some extraordinary things when I watched 12 different productions staged on wagons at the Eye of York.

The Castle Museum provided a magnificent backdrop as players of all ages, dressed in a variety of colourful costumes, took members of the audience on a cosmic journey from the Creation to the Last Judgement via the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The crucial role of Jesus was played by seven actors of all ages, shapes and sizes and this certainly helped me appreciate the humanity of such a compelling character. The 12 plays covered the rich tapestry of human life and involved more than 400 people, including actors, musicians and wagon crews.

‘The Creation of the World to the Fifth Day’, brought forth by the Guild of Building, featured an ingenious set that brought to the fore the inventiveness and creativity of volunteers operating on a shoestring budget. It’s amazing what you can do with two planks and a passion for outdoor theatre.

‘Massacre of the Innocents’, brought forth by St Peter’s School, featured inspired puppetry and avantegarde music while Pocklington School’s ‘The Last Judgement’ saw stilt-walkers portray diabolical fiends.

Since 1998 York Festival Trust, the charitable body run by York’s Guilds and Companies, has staged the

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Mystery Plays on wagons every four years. The people of York can look forward to the next production, due to be held in 2014, secure in the knowledge that such an important part of English heritage is in safe hands. n A professionally produced DVD of this year’s

production featuring all the plays, plus behind-thescenes bonus features, will be available in the early autumn. Those interested in buying it can register on the mailing list at www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk

Coram Boy is based on the true story of Captain Thomas Coram who, in 1739 set up the Foundling Hospital to look after deserted children. He would get the ‘great and the good’ of the day to raise money for the charity, including George Frederic Handel who performed his “Messiah” to raise money. The “Messiah” is still performed today to help the charity, now known as Coram, to raise money for disadvantaged children. The work will also feature in the York production.

York Theatre Royal is searching for 30 young people who have a passion for singing and are available to rehearse between the 21 to 25 August, with performances between 26 to 28 August. The cost of being involved for the whole period, including the professional training, is £80. n If you are between 12 and 25 and would like to find out more about performing in Coram Boy contact the National Centre for Early Music at education@ncem.co.uk

A tale of two cities

Art historians at the University of York will work with the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in a major research partnership.

The agreement will see staff from the V&A spending time in York presenting their research and collaborating on new projects with scholars in the Department of History of Art. University academics will also have the opportunity to work in the V&A’s research department and with the museum’s curators in London.

The partnership, which will begin at the start of the new academic year, will see the creation of an annual lecture and a symposium, each hosted alternately by the university and the V&A.

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In his sixth article about the £2 million revamp of the Yorkshire Museum, RICHARD FOSTER takes a whistle-stop tour of the history of York

House of treasures

The Yorkshire Museum – home to some of Britain’s greatest treasures – opens its doors this month after a £2 million pound refurbishment.

The city’s Roman heritage will be the central theme for the new-look museum, with major exhibitions also highlighting its strong medieval and natural history collections.

Objects on show will include the most complete Anglo Saxon helmet ever found in Britain, the exquisite Middleham Jewel, the most significant Viking Hoard to be found in 150 years and Britain’s most impressive Ichthyosaur.

Some of these treasures have returned from the British Museum where they have been on display, the first time the world class institution has dedicated a gallery to a regional museum.

In turn, objects belonging to the British Museum from the classical world will come to the Yorkshire Museum for the opening on August 1 (Yorkshire Day).

Andrew Morrison, head curator at the Yorkshire Museum, says: “This refurbishment will once again transform the Yorkshire Museum into one of the

country’s greatest museums. It is a beautiful building that is home to some of the most significant archaeological finds and scientific collections in Europe.

“This project was vital to restore the galleries to their former glory. In doing so, we believe we have created a museum that shows off its proud heritage while at the same time being a place that will inspire and delight the 21st century visitor.”

The project, which saw the museum close in November 2009, has seen many of the relatively modern interior walls removed to create a much more open and welcoming space.

“This refurbishment will once again transform the Yorkshire Museum into one of the country’s greatest museums.”

The visitor will first enter the main hall, to be greeted by the museum’s statue of Mars, the Roman God of War. It is the finest example of Romano British sculpture ever found. The hall will also contain a huge map of the Roman Empire and significant loans from the British Museum’s collections from the classical world.

While the Yorkshire Museum was closed for its £2 million refurbishment, its star objects went on display at the British Museum in London. It was the first time the world class institution had dedicated a gallery to a regional museum.

Now the objects have returned to York to take pride of place in the new-look museum. They include: The Gilling sword, pictured, first spotted by a nine-year-old boy playing in a stream, is one of the finest Anglian weapons to be found in England. Eagle-eyed Garry Fridd was later awarded a Blue Peter badge for his amazing discovery in April 1976. He was playing next to Gilling Beck, Gilling West, near Richmond, in North Yorkshire, when he noticed a piece of metal close to the stream’s edge. The twoedged iron sword he found dates from the 9th century.

The thousand-year-old Cawood sword is one of the best preserved Viking swords ever found. It was discovered in the River Ouse near Cawood and was hidden away in a private collection for 50 years, before being returned to Yorkshire in 2007.

The York Helmet, 700s. This is the most outstanding example of an Anglo-Saxon helmet.

It was uncovered after being buried for centuries when struck by the claw of a mechanical digger excavating Coppergate in York. On the crest of the helmet is a Latin inscription that includes the word ‘Oshere’, probably the name of the owner. Oshere was possibly a member of the Northumbrian royal family, the most powerful dynasty in the 700s.

Become a fan of the Yorkshire Museum on Facebook.

For more information visit www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

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Ormside bowl, 700s.

This bowl is one of the finest pieces of Anglian silversmithing found in England. The outside is covered in fabulous beasts nestling among a vine. It has a silver lining held in place by silver and glass studs. Made in York, it was probably seized by a Viking warrior as loot, and buried with him in Cumbria where it was found. The bowl was conserved by the British Museum in the 1950s.

Look out for the Welcome To Yorkshire advert on TV and explore York’s rich history by going to www.historyofyork.org.uk

Find out the

history of

your city! amazing museum full of real treasures.

If you want to find out about York’s stunning history – look no further.”

Dan’s dulcet tones can be heard in the museum’s 300-seat Tempest Anderson Hall where the audio-visual experience is screened. It has been filmed using the latest techniques to create an easy-to-understand guide to the main events that happened in York.

It takes the viewer deep into the history of the city, looking at the people, buildings and objetcs - from Roman legions to Terry’s chocolate.

The ten-minute show is repeated on a loop through the day so people can visit at any time and then explore the rest of the museum – before deciding where to head next.

A ten-minute cinematic spectacular covering 2,000 years of history in York opens at the Yorkshire Museum on August 1st, featuring the popular TV historian Dan Snow.

From Neolithic man to Roman Emperors, Viking kings to cathedrals and chocolate factories to railway stations - the history of this remarkable city is told using the latest audio-visual techniques.

‘It’s an amazing museum full of real treasures. If you want to find out about York’s stunning history – look no further.’

The entertaining show makes the Yorkshire Museum, which has undergone a £2 million refurbishment, the ideal first port of call for visitors to York. It will also appeal to residents who want to learn more about the city where they live.

Dan Snow, of BBC TV’s One Show, narrates the whistle-stop tour of York’s history. The fan of the Yorkshire Museum says: “It’s an

Amy Parkinson, one of the leaders of the project, says: “York is famous for its history and heritage, much of which has shaped and influenced the country we live in today. With so much to choose from, it is inevitable that bits get lost and some people don’t know where to start their visit.

The History of York experience is the ideal place to get a brief, but fascinating, insight into the city’s heritage. Viewers can then get out in the city and explore further.”

The film complements the website already created by York Museums Trust – www.historyofyork.org.uk The History of York show is just one part of the £2 million refurbishment of the museum. It will also feature new galleries dedicated to the Roman, Medieval and Natural history collections and the Learning Level – where people can delve deeper into the museum’s fabulous collections. n For more details go to: www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

FAMILY FUN: The Yorkshire Museum in York reopens on August 1 after a £2 million refit. It’s full of historical treasures, including this fossil of a dinosaur footprint.

Claim your VIP ticket for new-look museum Your Local Link has teamed up with York Museums Trust to give its readers the opportunity to have a sneak preview of the refurbished museum the day before the ribboncutting ceremony on August 1st. All you have to do to attend the VIP preview on Saturday, July 31st, is cut out the golden ticket on page three and take it to the landmark building in the Museum Gardens between 10am and 4.30pm. There will be a strict admissions policy. If you don’t have a golden ticket, you will not get in. The golden ticket is only valid for July 31st – you cannot use it on any other day.

It grants admission to two adults and up to four children (under EXCLUSIVE 16). The golden ticket published in last month’s Your chance to see the new Yorkshire Museum for FREE on Saturday 31st July before it officially opens! magazine is also valid.

Golden Ticket

Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, York. In association with Your Local Link

The new-look Yorkshire Museum is THE place to go for families this summer

For school holiday fun see p50 31

SPORTS REPORT with DAN TAIT

Get the lowdown on all the happenings in the city and elsewhere from our resident sports fan The World Cup has come and gone for another four years. The pinnacle of every footballer’s dreams should be laced with magical moments but South Africa 2010 displayed many annoying features. Annoying that I was one of the HD viewers who ITV decided to show a Hyundai advert during the England goal against USA (it was downhill from there), more so when Stevie Wonder could have spotted the ball going over the German goal line and when you’re feeling down there is nothing more comforting than suffering apparent tinnitus from the vuvuzelas, or to non-football fans “that annoying sound of bees”.

Further annoyances from the biggest tournament on earth featured James Corden’s blind optimism after every poor performance, Terry Venables World Cup song ‘If I can dream’, which only The Sun newspaper thought was any good, not to mention designing a ball that was more suited to the beach than a football field. You can now buy the official World Cup ball in all local sports retailers though it is likely to swerve out of your hands before you get it to the counter.

Wimbledon sprung some exciting moments this year with Andy Murray flying the British flag right through to the semi-final stage. I don’t think anyone will forget the longest match in history between John Isner and Nicholas Mahut, not least the BBC commentator Ronald Macintosh who was making his tennis commentary debut, and told to voice the minor match on court number 18.

In local sports news, things are gearing up to the end of the Rugby League season and the start of the new football season. York City Knights decided to terminate the contract of James Radcliffe in the hope of getting a play-off charging reaction. Time will tell if Director of Rugby Dave Woods is the man to do just that as he was immediately installed as Radcliffe’s replacement.

York City have kept the majority of last season’s squad intact with some timely additions. Much is expected of new signing, winger Peter Till, who has played his entire career in the football league, including some 30 appearances last season for League One Walsall. Till will look to make his competitive debut as York open their campaign at home against Kidderminster Harriers on August 14th.

Ardent city fans may have noticed the two tedious links at the World Cup. Firstly Leo Bertos, released by the club after a few games back in 2005, started all three of New Zealand’s unbeaten games in South Africa.

Perhaps even more surprising was Mark Sertori’s place on the England bench as one of three England masseurs. Sertori has come a long way since the city chant of “Sertori whoaaaa, Sertori whoaaaa, he came from Halifax now send the b*****d back”; a chant that is featured as one of his main career highlights on his Wikipedia page. Former manager Terry Dolan got slated when he claimed Sertori was the best finisher at the club but, with Emile Heskey part of the World Cup squad, he probably wasn’t the worst finisher of the England players in South Africa.

Anyone for hockey?

-based team who play hockey Nestle Ladies Hockey Club are a York l York & District Hockey League. on a Saturday afternoon in the loca y years and is made up of The club has been running for man ty of experience, skill and plen variety of characters who have ey field each week. They pride hock the to g brin laughter which they who enjoy playing hockey but who themselves on being a fun team, effort to win their matches. are always determined to give 100% ’ve produced some fantastic they – off Their determination has paid resulted in them winning the hockey over the years which has ey’re now looking to recruit new league on a number of occasions.Th /11 season. Fixtures commence in players for the forthcoming 2010 September. act Julie Moore on 626354, n For more information please cont rnatively visit the Nestle LHC alte email nestlelhc@hotmail.com or o.uk website – www.nestlelhc.c

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sports

Taste of adventure Make a splash this summer holiday at an adventure day organised by Wykeham Watersports.

Its taster days for eight to 16-yearolds are a great way to have a go at watersports and land-based outdoor adventure under expert instruction.

Watersports include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, bell-boating and raft-building. On dry land Wykeham does climbing, lowropes and team challenges. Activities will be selected according to weather conditions on the day.

Wykeham has arranged two summer promotions: • second person half-price when booking two places on youth adventure days • 25% discount on all sailing courses (use code ww23 when booking).

For more details, call 0845 4560164 or go to www.wykehamwatersports.co.uk

Bid to start Goalball club

York St John University wants to start a club to play a dynamic sport introduced in 1946 to help the rehabilitation of blinded war veterans.

Goalball is where two teams propel a ball across a marked rectangular court, each team attempting to roll it across the opponent's goal line while the other team attempts to prevent this from happening. The game is played with a bell ball made of hard rubber with holes in it, so players can hear the ball as it moves.

Coaching staff from YSJ Active and York St John Inclusive Activity Club provided support to visually impaired athletes at the 2010 Goalball World Championships as teams competed in preparation for the 2012 London Paralympics. York St John staff and students delivered taster sessions to schools at the event in Sheffield and then guided them to watch the competing athletes in action.

John Gray, co-ordinator at YSJ Active, says: “This was an amazing event to witness and I am excited that YSJ Active is able to offer these experiences to our students.” n YSJ Active plans to start a club for Goalball this autumn. If you would like to find out more, call YSJ Active on 876300. For more details on Goalball, go to www.worldgoalball2010.com

Site for new stadium named

Monks Cross has been named as the location for a 6,000 all-seater stadium for York’s football and rugb y league clubs. Members of City of York Council’s ruling executive have chosen the out-of-town site as its preferred base for York City FC and York City Knights.

If the recommendation is approved by the city council and funding and planning permission for the new stad ium is secured, it will mean the end of football at Bootham Crescent , which has been City’s home since 1932.

The Monks Cross option, which inclu des the Knights’ current Huntington Stadium and the Vang arde site previously earmarked as a data centre for banking giant HSB C, was selected ahead of sites at Bootham Crescent /Duncombe Barr acks; Mille Crux/Nestlé North; and Hull Road, next to the University of York’s Heslington East campus.

charity focus

RICHARD FOSTER looks at the past, present and future of a landmark building in Haxby

Serving the community After helping to see off the demolition proposal, the trio became involved in running the hall as trustees and fundraisers.

Trustees Joyce Widd, left, and Kay Maloney enjoy the garden at Haxby Memorial Hall.

Haxby Memorial Hall has served the community for more than 100 years.

The Victorian building started life as a school in 1876 before becoming a community hall after the pupils moved to Ralph Butterfield School in 1954.

Seven years ago there was a proposal to demolish the building and replace it with a steel and glass structure. Haxby residents Kay Maloney, Joyce Widd and Tina Hull were appalled. As part of their campaign to save the hall they delivered leaflets to every home in Haxby.

Since then the hall’s car park has been extended and a bramble wilderness behind the hall has been transformed into a beautiful garden. Kay says: “The garden has been transformed thanks to generous donations of plants and shrubs from private individuals.

Gardeners have worked hard to create a tranquil place in the heart of the busy village.”

The inside of the building has not been neglected where there is an ongoing maintenance programme. Joyce even got her sewing machine out to make curtains, with a 148-inch drop, for the hall. She says: “We love this hall. My son went to the playgroup here. It has served generations of

Haxby families.”

Haxby Memorial Hall has been home to a playgroup for more than 40 years. But this summer the playgroup moved to Headlands School which means the trustees who run the hall are on the lookout for new users.

The venue has two meeting rooms available for hire as well as a main hall equipped with a piano and stage. For more details, call the bookings secretary Amanda Nicholson on 764358.

The trustees are also looking for more volunteers to raise funds for

the hall and improve the venue.

Ideas under consideration include upgrading the kitchen and toilets.

Kay says: “No experience necessary, just someone with a little time and a wish to preserve and redevelop a building full of character and history for the good of the community.”

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, give Kay, a call on 768100 for an informal chat. If you have any ideas to raise funds, give Joyce, chairman of the fundraising committee, a call on 762968.

Forthcoming fundraising events 1 August: A Yorkshire Fun Day will be held in the garden of Haxby Memorial Hall from 1pm. Tea under the willow tree. Barbecue, bouncy castle, miniature steam railway, games and stalls and many more attractions. Live music provided by Generation Groove. Hall secretary Kay Maloney says: “It’s been our best year for really good raffle prizes with most of them providing a ‘Grand Day Out’ for a lot of lucky families.”

6 November: Haxby Memorial Hall will host a Wartime Singalong between 2pm and 4pm featuring guitarist Mick Hull and friends. From 7.30pm the hall will host a 1940s dance with a pieand-peas supper and bar.

4 & 5 December: There will be a Christmas Tree Festival at Haxby Memorial Hall between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and 11am and 4pm on the Sunday.

Santa will arrive at 1pm on both day

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In good hands In most jobs you get paid holidays - you should try to take some time off from caring too.

When you are taking care of somebody you also need to think about caring for yourself.

Depending on the type and intensity of care needed, your own health and well-being can be compromised by looking after someone else.

You can get some respite from your caring role in a number of different ways, says the Princess Royal Trust for Carers: 1. Residential respite: The person you care for goes away to be looked after by someone else for a while – residential or nursing care or on holiday.

2. Domiciliary care: Someone comes into your home and takes over care for a while (a few hours or sometimes overnight) so you can go out or have some time to yourself.

Who cares for

the carers?

3. You can sometimes get a break when the person you care for is involved in other activities – for instance at school, at a Day Centre.

Assessment of needs The first step is usually to approach the local authority (City of York Council, tel: 551550) to ask for an assessment for the person you care for – and for you as his/ her carer. The local authority social worker doing the assessments will consider the needs of the person you care for, and your needs as their carer, and consider what services they may be able to provide (bearing in mind local priorities and availability of services). They will also do a financial assessment under their Charging Policy which means

Eyecare in the comfort of your own chair If you are housebound or in care you are entitled to a free eye exam in your chair, not ours Please call us to arrange your NHS funded eye exam

19 Sagar Street, Castleford, WF10 1AG

01977 552361

castleford@rpcopt.co.uk 30 York Road, Acomb, York, YO24 4LZ

01904 784040

acomb@rpcopt.co.uk www.rperrott.co.uk

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that you (or – more usually – the person you care for) may be charged for the services according to means.

For example: David cares for his son Michael. The local authority

assessment identifies the need for Michael to spend some time with people his own age – and also for David to have some regular time off and a good night's sleep.

The Assessor recommends that

Michael should attend a Day Centre for three days a week and go to a residential unit four times a year.

Vouchers Instead of organising services directly, local authorities are now able to give people vouchers which they can redeem with local services they choose.

For example: Jean looks after her husband Geoff (who has dementia) 24 hours a day. They are allocated eight hours a week of respite care.

Instead of arranging this with Care Watch (a local agency), the Local Authority gives Jean vouchers for 32 hours a month of care which she can redeem flexibly with whatever agency she likes at whatever time is best for her.

Direct payments In this case, the local authority works out what services they think you may need and then, instead of arranging the services, gives you (or the person you care for) the money to buy the service directly from an appropriate agency or person. You could then use the money to employ somebody directly yourself if you wish.

For example: Sue looks after her mother Daisy and also has a parttime job. She can leave Daisy for a few hours on her own, but needs to arrange for someone to come in at lunch time. Sue also needs to have a complete break. After assessment Sue gets direct payments to enable them to buy in appropriate help. Sue is able to employ Jenny, her neighbour, for an hour a day to prepare lunch for Daisy. Jenny also agrees to move in to look after Daisy for two weeks. Sue uses the direct payments to pay Jenny. This works well for everyone, and particularly for Daisy who knows and trusts Jenny.

Useful organisations Some voluntary organisations also provide respite services. Crossroads Care Harrogate, Craven & York provides respite in the home, using trained staff. Many Crossroads schemes do not charge although there is often a waiting list for their services. For more details, go to www. crossroads.org.uk n York Carers' Centre, at 17 Priory Street, works in partnership with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers to help carers. For more details, call 715490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

Charity dad’s tutu pledge

As thousands of runners begin their preparations for the Great North Run, the Bamfords, of Haxby, are making it a family affair to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The Bamford family, of Haxby,

Mum, Catherine, is competing prepare for the Great North Run in the main event on September 19 while Holly, aged 11, is taking ‘The girls bullied their part in the junior run the day dad into wearing before. Meanwhile, dad, Jim will be accompanying Bethany, aged a tutu if we raised eight, in the mini run dressed in a more than £300.’ tutu!

“We all want to do our bit for CLDF,” says Catherine. “My friend, Fleur, has an eight-month-old little boy who has incurable liver disease and is awaiting a transplant. CLDF have been a massive support to Fleur at a very stressful time as they do for so many families up and down the country. This way we hope we can help little Owen and many others like him.

“The girls bullied their dad into wearing a tutu if we raised more than £300. We’ve pretty close to that already so now he’s promised us matching wings if we can raise more than £1,000. We think he’d make a wonderful hairy fairy and are now determined to reach that goal.”

Catherine Arkley, Chief Executive of CLDF, says: “It is initiatives such as this that provide us with 75% of our funding and it is particularly nice to see whole families getting involved, as CLDF is all about supporting families.”

You can help the Bamfords towards their target by visiting www. justgiving.com/teambamford n For more information on CLDF, visit www.childliverdisease.org

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Weddings

Diamonds

are a girl’s best friend Next to choosing the bridegroom, choosing a ring is one of the most important and longlasting decisions you’ll make about your wedding. You’ll be wearing your wedding and engagement ring for the rest of your life, so it pays to get it right.

But what should you look like when you’re picking a diamond?

Remember the 4 Cs: Colour/Carat/Cut/Clarity Carat: Carat Weight or how much the diamond weighs is one of the most significant factors in a diamond’s value.

Cut: Cutting is the transformation of a rough diamond into a faceted, polished and unique gem. Cutters look to maximise the natural proportions of a rough diamond.

The width and depth of the cut can also affect the sparkle; too shallow and the light will be lost out the bottom, too deep and it escapes out of the sides.

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Colour: Diamonds are not always white – they actually have the widest variety of colours of all gem materials. The closer a diamond is to being colourless, the more rare and valuable it is. Diamonds reflect light into a spectrum of colours, which are referred to as its ‘fire’; the fewer colours a diamond has the more 'fire' it emits.

White diamonds are reduced in value when more yellow hue is detectable, while intense pink or blue diamonds can be dramatically more valuable. Diamonds that are of the very highest purity are totally colourless, and appear a bright white. The majority of diamonds that are mined are in a range of white to pale yellow - this is known as the normal colour range, D being the purest through to Z. Clarity: Very few diamonds are completely clear as they often contain trace minerals known as inclusions. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is.

Certification: Certified diamonds have undergone an unbiased, professional examination. This means that they've been independently inspected in a laboratory and graded for various characteristics including carat weight, cut, colour and clarity.

Choose a ‘good’ diamond All EU countries have adopted a global certification system called the Kimberley Process to control all transactions in rough diamonds and ensure that their sale doesn’t fund any armed conflict or criminal enterprise.

If you’re in any doubt about the source of a diamond you’re buying, just ask - any reputable jeweller will be able to tell you how they guarantee that their diamonds are conflict-free.

There are two solutions to the problem of children at weddings - either don’t invite them or make sure you provide ways of keeping them comfortable and amused throughout the day. Here’s some child-friendly tips

How to have a child-friendly wedding placing a table at the back of the room will mean youngsters can get up and race around without disrupting other diners. The table can be laid with kid-friendly crockery and glassware rather than anything you don’t want broken. As a rule, children aren’t shy about being sat around a table with a bunch of kids they don’t know, and will probably have more fun this way than being on their best behaviour with the grown-ups!

It’s not just the children of invited guests that need careful attention during the wedding.

Many brides like to have young flower girls, ring-bearers or pages in the bridal procession – all of whom will need looking after during the service. Chief bridesmaids or best men should assign a bridesmaid or groomsman to each of the younger attendants. Introduce the child to their ‘buddy’ outside the church, and explain that in the event of a problem - if they need the toilet, or aren’t sure where to sit, for example they should go to that person.

Once the procession’s over, the

youngsters can be seated with their parents.

Parents with particularly young or boisterous offspring are best seated at the back of the church, so they can take the children outside if they start to get restless. It’s worth providing small distractions to while away the service. Hand-held games (preferably not beeping electronic ones), or small tubs of unwrapped sweets can keep the little ones amused.

Reception rules It’s a good idea to have a designated ‘children’s table’ at your reception. For starters,

Provide some activities for kids to do while they’re sat at the table waiting for speeches to be over. A box of toys under the table will placate very young children, while a jug of pens and pencils in the middle of the table, combined with a white paper tablecloth, can provide older kids with hours of fun. Encourage them to draw pictures of the day and sign them.

Entertainment Bouncy castles are a popular option at summer weddings for those with the space and budget to hire one. A magician, clown or children’s entertainer can provide youngsters with a very welcome distraction for a couple of hours.

Kids just want to have fun Bright Beginnings Crèches creates the perfect solution to childcare issues during your wedding or party.

A spokesman says: “We know how important your big day is, and we’re here to ensure that you don’t have to think about anything other than having a good time. Our child carers are thoroughly vetted and all hold a professional childcare qualification.

We offer a bespoke service for as long as you need us. Often, clients require a crèche during the pre-dinner drinks and the wedding breakfast to keep their little ones entertained as you’re catching up with friends and family, but just let us know what you need and we’ll happily accommodate you.

“With the children safely occupied, parents are much more able to relax and celebrate your special day with you. If your reception continues into the evening we can offer a babysitting service so that your guests can enjoy the party with complete piece of mind.” n For more details, call 01904 691698 or email info@bbchildcareuk.com

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health&beauty

Skin deep Psoriasis is not only distressing physically, it can be difficult to deal with psychologically, too; one in five people with psoriasis report being discriminated against in public places such as swimming pools.

We’ve been taking a look at the facts behind this worrying condition...

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells grow too quickly.

Faulty signals in the immune system cause new skin cells to form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells, so the cells pile up on the surface of the skin. Patches of psoriasis appear as raised red patches of skin, covered with silvery white scales which may bleed or itch. It’s most common on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.

Psoriasis can occur at any time, affecting everyone from children to the elderly. Although the condition is unsightly, it’s certainly not contagious. Nor can it be passed from one part of the body to another.

blood cell that fights unwanted invaders such as bacteria and viruses) mistakenly trigger a reaction in the skin cells. Unfortunately, triggers are not universal; what triggers psoriasis in one person may not cause psoriasis to develop in another.

How is it treated?

Psoriasis frequently occurs with a range of other health concerns including Crohn's disease, diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, depression and liver disease. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints.

The treatment depends on the type of psoriasis you have, and on its severity. Treatment could be in the form of lotions, tablets or injections to aid your immune system. Alternatively, your doctor may assign you a course of phototherapy, where your skin will be treated under UVA and UVB rays.

What causes it

Where to get help

Scientists are still studying what happens when psoriasis develops. It’s known that a person’s immune system and genes play key roles. In studying the immune system, scientists discovered that when a person has psoriasis, the T cells (a type of white

n For more information, contact The Psoriasis Association on 08456 760076 (calls charged at local rate) or 01604 251620, or email mail@psoriasis-association.org.uk

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On the run

If you’re heading along to the Jane Tomlinson York 10k Run on 1st August, look out for the team from Active Chiropractic.

The ten strong team will be hard to miss – especially as one of them will be dressed as a drum! The music-themed idea came as the team are raising money for Jessie’s Fund, a UK charity helping seriously ill and disabled children by using music for communication and therapy.

As well as taking part in the run, the Fulford-based Active Chiropractic team has been helping many would-be athletes with their preparations. “Increased training means an increased risk of twisting or jarring,” says a spokesman for Active Chiropractic. As well as traditional chiropractic techniques, chiropractor Dr Philip Baines uses the groundbreaking Graston Technique, which has been proven to improve mobility and flexibility for sports and other injuries. n For more information, contact Active Chiropractic on 654400.

Smiles better Matthew Houlton, of York’s Manor House Dental Practice, answers questions about simple cosmetic dentistry.

I don’t like to smile because my teeth are stained and my gums are red and swollen. What can I do about it?

Ludwiks has been a part of local life in Burton Stone Lane for nearly 60 years. “My father opened the barber’s in 1952, and I’ve been running it for around 30 years,” says owner John. He reckons the all boys together environment is very popular with customers. “We have a 32 inch TV screen so they can watch sports, and all the men’s papers available. We’re popular with younger men coming in for the latest cuts as well as our more established clientele.”

Now there’s something for the ladies, too, with a new salon opening at the front of Ludwiks’ premises. Shine is run by Kirsty and Natalie, two city centre stylists who have renamed and rebranded the salon, aiming it at a new, fashion-conscious clientele. “Our mission is to bring city centre salon service and quality, but to make it more affordable,” says Natalie. “We offer the full range of cuts, colours and hair-ups, with some city centre touches, such as a complimentary head and neck massage with every treatment.” n For more information on the new salon, call 656506 or log on to www.shinehairsalon.net.

GPs respond to health needs

“Your health is our business,” says Ebor Medical Services. A spokesman for the medical company in Upper Poppleton, York, adds: “We aim to offer you the highest standards of healthcare and, because all of our services are run by local GPs and healthcare professionals, we are ideally placed to be responsive to your needs.”

Ebor provides both NHS and private services. It runs a weekly allergy clinic, an acupuncture service, private counselling, cervical cancer vaccination and clinics for men’s health and women’s health. n For more details, call 721878. www.ebormedicalservices.com

A: Just improving your gum health can make a big difference to the appearance of your teeth. Tartar (or calculus) is a build-up of hard stained deposits that irritate the gums and make them puffy and red.

Having your dentist or hygienist remove this tartar can make your mouth look and feel better. This should be done prior to any cosmetic treatments. Levelling uneven gum lines using gum re-contouring techniques can also greatly improve your smile.

Q: I would like whiter teeth but I have heard that people often get sensitivity and I am worried that I could be damaging my teeth.

A: Before we get into the details of tooth-whitening, let’s take a minute to meet the enemy. What are tooth stains anyway? Staining food and drink – e.g. coffee, red wine, curry, cigarette smoke, etc – gradually form a layer on top of the enamel. Enamel is porous, which means the staining agents can work their way down into the teeth. This is where whitening treatments provided by a dentist come in. Basically, the whiteners use bleaching chemicals to get down into the tooth enamel and set off a chemical reaction that breaks apart the staining compounds. The agents used are much stronger than those available over the counter or used in whitening tooth paste.

Sometimes sensitivity can occur but it can be reduced or avoided by using a special tray design that only uses a minimal amount of the gel and has a special barrier added near the gum margin that seals the bleaching gel in. Any sensitivity is transitory so no damage is done to the teeth.

Dentists may administer in-office treatments or at-home treatments.

The latter is usually cheaper and the degree of whitening can be controlled by you. The treatment involves placing the gel into the trays and wearing them for 2-4 hours during the day, or while sleeping. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to achieve great results, but in difficult cases, trays may need to be worn for longer. The effects of tooth whitening last for about 5 years but it is possible to do top-up treatments periodically to boost the effect. If you are planning to have further cosmetic work in the future, such as white fillings or veneers, tooth whitening should be done first. This is because whitening does not change the colour of these materials.

Q: Are there any inexpensive techniques to improve the appearance of my teeth?

A: Although more complicated cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers and crowns, or orthodontics may be necessary, often a great cosmetic result may be achieved very easily using simple, inexpensive techniques. Levelling the tips of teeth that are uneven or re-shaping teeth that are not quite straight can create a more symmetrical and pleasing smile. Old fillings can begin to show as dark marks on photographs. Re-surfacing or replacing these fillings with new toothcoloured fillings, using techniques to blend them in properly, can make a dramatic difference to your smile.

It is also possible to add on tooth coloured filling material to even out the irregularities between the teeth, or even to completely disguise the shape of the tooth (a composite veneer) without having to prepare the teeth, unlike when preparing for porcelain crowns or veneers. It may also be used as an interim to see if you like the results prior to doing more involved dental procedures. n The Manor House Dental Practice combines a relaxed, friendly environment with the latest in dental technology. They offer a range of services, from the prevention and treatment of gum disease to smile makeovers and cosmetic procedures.

12 Boroughbridge Road, YO26 5RU, call 797434 www.manorhousedentalpractice.co.uk.

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Beat the cl ck!

It’s official – you are what you eat. Scientists have proved nutrition can be a powerful weapon in fighting off the effects of ageing. Stock up on these superfoods and you’ll soon be as young as you feel...

Olive oil Including olive oil in your diet can improve your memory and your heart. Oleocanthal, a compound in olive oil, has been found to slow down changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s.

The substance is already known to be an anti-inflammatory and is thought to protect against heart disease by raising levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol while lowering levels of damaging LDL cholesterol. Virgin oils have the highest concentration of Oleocanthal.

Vitamin D Falls and fractures could be a thing of the past if those aged 65 and over topped up on Vitamin D, according to new research at Harvard University.

The vitamin plays a key role in keeping bones and muscles strong. Vitamin D is found in eggs, oily fish and animal liver. It’s also made beneath the skin when it’s exposed to sunshine. Researchers recommend that people over 65 should take a 800 – 1000iu supplement daily to boost bone and muscle growth.

Oily fish Omega-3 fatty acids

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in fish oil have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack and to prevent furring up of the arteries. A recent medical study found that a 2g dose of fish oil given to elderly patients prevented a decline in heart function. It also plays a role in protecting against other age-related conditions such as joint pain, immunity and cognitive decline.

Fibre Dietary fibre encourages regular bowel movements and protects against problems such as diverticulitis, constipation and irritable bowel. Fibre will also help keep your cholesterol levels healthy and balances blood sugar, so it has a protective effect against heart disease and diabetes. Eating plenty of fibre can also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by 40%.

Meat According to research at the University of Texas, older people suffer from debilitating muscle loss not because of their age but because they eat too little protein.

Experts recommend you should eat 1 – 1.25g of protein for every

1kg you weight. Eat protein from a variety of sources, including meat, poultry, fish, pulses and eggs.

Garlic As age creeps up, infections can hit you harder. A recent study found that daily garlic supplements reduced the risk of catching a cold by more than half.

The active molecule allicin acts as a general antibiotic against a range of bacteria and viruses.

It has been found to combat gastrointestinal infections, too.

Chop it into raw pieces and add it to soups and salads for maximum benefit.

Fruit and leafy greens Your granny wasn’t joking when she told you carrots would help you see in the dark; fruit and veg such as leafy green vegetables, carrots, melons, tomatoes, red peppers, blueberries and aubergines all contain beneficial substances such as antioxidants, carotenoids and lutein. Eating three portions of fruit a day has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (a common sight deterioration problem) by

more than a third. Dark leafy greens such as spinach, chard, kale, broccoli and kale are rich sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are used by the retina at the back of the eye for clear vision.

Vitamin C supplements have also been found to reduce the risk of developing cataracts by 77%.

You can also stay young by...

Exercising 45 minutes of exercise three times a week or half an hour five times a week reduces your risk of coronary thrombosis, osteoporosis, arthritis and diabetes. It can also defend against certain types of cancers and could reduce the brain’s ageing process.

Looking good If you look good, you feel good. It’s as simple as that. Taking care of your appearance and having pride in yourself has been proven to have a hugely positive effect on your self esteem and attitude to life.

You don’t need to go under the knife – regular facials, manicures and trips to the hairdresser are all excellent mood-boosters.

Sun protection main cause of sunburn, DNA damage and the development of skin cancer.

We all know how important it is to protect yourself from the sun. But how do you tell your UVAs from your UVBs, and what is an SPF anyway?

Here’s how to find your way through the sun protection maze...

UVA rays penetrate deeply into the connective tissue. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in the skin, causing ageing.

Nearly all sunscreens provide some level of protection against UVB rays, though no product yet screens out all UVA rays.

SPF sunscreen numbers indicate sunburn protection from UVB rays only. For UVA and UVB protection, look out for avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide in the ingredients.

The letters SPF stand for Sun Protection Factor.

The SPF number relates directly to a specific amount of time a person has before they start to burn. The higher the number, the more protection it offers.

Experts say you should use a sunscreen with SPF 15 anytime you are going to be exposed to the sun for more than 10 minutes. Studies have shown that using SPF 15 everyday provides more protection than using a higher SPF intermittently.

Get it right

Pale skin should wear at least SPF30 every day, and SPF50 in strong sunshine. Fair skin can be sensitive to chemical-based sunscreens, so choose a formula containing zinc or titanium dioxide.

Black and Asian skin is unlikely to burn, but you’re still vulnerable to the sun’s ageing rays, so it’s important to wear an SPF of at least 15.

Medium skin tans eventually but is also prove to burning, Use SPF 15-20 daily, but no less than SPF25 on holiday.

UVA or UVB – or both?

Olive skin tans easily, but may still burn in intense sun. It’s vital to use an SPF on a daily basis – at least 15 day to day and 25 for holidays.

Neither UVA or UVB rays are visible, but both can separately cause damage to the skin.

UVB rays can cause cellular damage to the outer layers of the skin. They penetrate into the deepest cell layers of the epidermis and are the

It’s important to apply your sunscreen correctly. Most people only apply 25% to 50% of the recommended amount, so read directions carefully. Sunscreen needs time to penetrate the skin, so it’s essential to apply it at least half an hour before going out in the sun. Re-apply every two to four hours, and immediately after swimming.

If you want to keep yourself protected from the sun at all times, avoid being in direct sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, wear tight-weave clothing that covers your body, as well as a hat - and wear sunscreen!

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The sweet smell

of success Want to relax, re-energise, concentrate better and stress less? Then why not try aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an ancient remedy that was discovered by the Egyptians more than 3500 years ago. The concept combines the calming effects of massage with the rejuvenating properties of essential oils. Each essential oil used within aromatherapy has different properties which practitioners claim can cure psychological as well as physical ailments.

So how does it work? When applied to the body, essential oils penetrate the skin via the hair follicles and sweat glands, and are absorbed into the body fluids where the healing properties get to work. Also, when the oils are inhaled, the aroma sends a signal directly to the limbic system in the brain which is the centre of emotions and memory. This is why essential oils have such a powerful effect on our moods and general state of mind.

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Aromatherapy can be used for a whole variety of ailments. Calming oils such as chamomile and sandalwood, for instance, can be used to relax and relieve stress, while citrus oils such as lemon and mandarin can be used to increase your energy and boost your concentration. Lavender is also very good for relieving tensionrelated headaches. Other ailments that aromatherapy can help include insomnia, stress, PMS, muscular aches, infections and a low immune system.

Many essential oils are also superb skin care agents; lavender oil, for instance, can be used to rebalance oily skin as well as for its relaxing properties.

Whatever your problem, a trained practitioner can help.

Your treatment will start with a consultation to select the right blend of essential oils to help your particular problem. This will

be followed by a massage or a relaxing facial.

Aromatherapy oils can also be used at home; add a few drops of essential oil to your bath, or use in a special burner to fill your room with healing fragrance.

High speed

colour

Fancy getting a new look in your lunch hour? That’s the promise behind the amazing new hair colour range from Clynol. The super technology of Speed 10 works super fast, giving you long-lasting, head-turning colour in just ten minutes.

It’s already proving popular at the Revive salon in Heworth.

They transformed model Nikki’s hair from lifeless to lustrous in just ten minutes.

are stopping you making that colour appointment this is for you. You can have a colour, cut and blow dry in only an hour!” n For more information or to book your appointment, call Revive on 430612.

“At Revive we always like to be one step ahead and ensure our stylists are up to the minute with new ideas and developments, and with the launch of this product from Clynol is no exception,” they say. “Clynol Speed 10 fits effortlessly into busy lives and hectic schedules, so if work or childcare commitments

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The healing touch

Holistic Touch celebrates its sixth birthday this month. Since the Clarence Street clinic opened its doors back in 2004, therapist James McHugh says they’ve seen a change in their clientele.

“When we first launched, we were doing a lot more relaxation type therapies. Now it’s more about therapeutic deep tissue massage to relieve aches and pains or sports injuries. Generally we’re finding people are a lot more open about the idea of complementary therapies.”

Holistic Touch offers a wide range of therapeutic and relaxation therapies, including massage, reflexology, acupuncture and Reiki. They’ve also recently introduced Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi Massage, which has been practised for hundreds of years by Polynesian cultures. The techniques of this ancient form of massage differ from western massage through application of forearm movements and stretch techniques. This is a very powerful massage which lasts up to two hours and promises an experience like no other. n To book, call Holistic Touch on 677077.

Find your Niche

Have you been to Niche Hair on Fossgate yet? The salon was opened recently by highly experienced hair stylists and work colleagues Sue Lambert and Louisa Hay, who decided to start their own venture offering a bespoke, personal service. Niche plans to have three floors of ultimate pampering, including a unique loft space transformed into a haven of tranquility with beauty therapist Sarah Morrison offering top to toe treatments from Crystal Clear microdermabrasion to Nouveau lash extensions. Niche are official stockists of L’Oreal and Redken haircare, Susan Molyneux skincare, Jane Iredale make-up and Essie nail polishes.

Gift vouchers are available. n For your initial consultation, call 621199.

All new clients will receive a 10% discount on their first visit – just quote Your Local Link.

Good news from Mila Spa Do you have a gift voucher from The Beauty Spot? There have been a few customers left disappointed since the salon closed its doors recently. But the good

Swimming Lessons At Yearsley Swimming Pool and Energise Quality lessons for toddlers to adults Friendly, experienced and qualified staff Amateur Swimming Association approved programme Competitive prices Call today for more information 01904 552424 www.york.gov.uk/fit

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A

Spotlight on...

gym in your own home Everyone knows how important it is to keep fit and healthy. But with today's busy lifestyles, juggling work and family commitments, it’s often difficult to find time to visit the gym. Or it may be that the gym is just not your scene.

Now you can exercise at your own pace in the privacy of your home.

Hire Fitness offers a range of the five most popular types of aerobic exercise equipment: cross trainers, treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers and vibration plates. All their state of the art equipment is top quality and fully computerised. The only way it differs from the kind of equipment found in the gym is that it’s lighter to make it portable for home use.

They deliver the equipment to your home, install it and give you basic instruction on how to use and maintain the equipment safely. They also offer a free no obligation home demonstration if you are not sure which piece of equipment suits you best. There are no expensive joining fees and your minimum commitment is just four weeks. If you are serious about your fitness and sign up for a longer rental, they offer significant discounts along with equipment swaps so that you never get bored.

If after renting you decide to buy, they’ll give you 25% of your rentals back as a discount against the purchase price (terms and conditions apply). n For more information, contact Hire Fitness on 0845 6435105. news is, those nice people at Mila Spa in Acomb have offered to honour any Beauty Spot gift voucher for 25% of the voucher value. n To book your pampering session, give them a call on 790368.

Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa in Huntington is like no other spa you’ve ever visited. For one thing there’s the great location – the spa is set in a beautiful 1922 listed building full of original features, but with a twist of modern design.

Kuki offers everything you’d expect from a top quality spa, from pampering body treatments including luxury body wraps, exfoliation treatments, manicures and pedicures. There’s also a wide range of Dermalogica facials, plus their unique Face Mapping service, which provides a tailored analysis of your skin problems.

But it’s the extra treatments and services it offers that makes Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa so

special. There are non-surgical treatments including as Botox, microdermabrasion and dermal fillers; relaxing complementary therapies and massages. And, for those all-important finishing touches, Kuki also offers slimming treatments, teeth whitening and hair extensions – everything you need to keep you looking and feeling great, all under one roof!

For August, they’re offering 20% off IPL laser treatments. Or buy a course of 3 and get one free. n You’ll find Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa at Watermeadows, 367 Huntington Road, YO31 9HR. Tel 659007.

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Summer Reading Challenge takes off A small step for children, could lead to a giant leap towards them having a great time this summer, during this year’s cosmic travel themed Summer Challenge.

By popping into their local Explore centre or library, youngsters will have the chance to take part in The Space Hop reading challenge, where they’ll be able to take a giant leap to the final frontier - in space.

Family and

young people

Children of all ages can join in and read six books over the summer holidays. There will be plenty of incentives and prizes throughout the summer, and lots of ideas for good books to read and special activities.

“It’s really important that during the summer holidays children continue reading and using their creative imaginations,” says Sarah Garbacz, library service delivery manager at City of York Council. “So this year’s space themed Summer Challenge is a great way for youngsters to take part in a range of fun filled activities, whilst at the same time discovering the joy in reading for pleasure.”

Space Hop also has its own interactive website at www.spacehop.org.uk/ for web-based activities and any variety of books can count towards completing the challenge, including picture books, stories and audio books.

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charge for taking part. Most of the rides set off from different locations in York itself, but there are also a series of away days.

Family-friendly

bike rides Cycling City York has launched its new programme of guided cycle rides for July, August and September.

The rides are suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities, including families, and there is no

Paul Ramskill, of Cycling City York, says: “Some of the shorter rides take just 30 to 45 minutes to complete, so they’re even suitable for young children. There are intermediate rides for those who want to cycle a little further, as well as longer rides for more confident cyclists.

“People of all ages are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Taking part in a guided ride is the perfect way to boost your confidence by cycling as part of a group. It’s also an opportunity to get outdoors for some gentle exercise and meet other like-minded people. Many of our rides are ideal for families.” n For more details, call Paul on 553372, email paul.ramskill@york.gov.uk or go to www.york.gov.uk/cycling

“Are we there yet?”

Travelling with children can either be a nice experience or a nightmare.

We’ve got the tips you need to make the journey less stressful...

Car journeys Try to make the journey part of your holiday.

Plan lots of breaks, or stop halfway for a picnic so the kids can stretch their legs. Failing that, try to travel early in the morning or late at night while the kids are asleep.

Music and story CDs are a good way of keeping kids entertained (reading in the car might lead to car sickness). Another tip is to stock up on a small bag of cheap toys. Wrap them up and give out one every half an hour.

To save yourself constantly stretching over the back seat, invest in a pocketed seat cover so they can reach things themselves.

In-flight entertainment Choose scheduled flights whenever possible; there are shorter queues, kinder flight times, and less possibility of being delayed. If you must travel on a charter flight, it's worth paying for a premier service if available. This will secure guaranteed seating at the front of the plane and more space.

Pre-book a sky cot if available. If you've booked a cot you'll get a bulkhead seat. These provide space to park your sleeping baby between your feet and the bulkhead, as well as room for changing, plus a mini play-area out of the aisle. Otherwise, check in early or online to get a seat with more space.

If you're breastfeeding, try and time feeds to coincide with take-off or landing or both. It will help relieve the pain associated with ears popping. For older babies and toddlers, offer beakers of drink during take-off and landing.

Take tiny babies in a baby carrier around the airport – it really cuts down on the risk of losing a buggy on the plane, especially if you have stopovers or changes of plane.

Trauma-free train trips Do reserve seats if going by train - although you don't pay for small children, you may be able to book them seats for a nominal sum.

Choose a compartment that’s near the buffet, the disabled toilet and corridors where you can leave your buggy. Avoid the ‘quiet carriage’ if you don’t want any disapproving stares!

Online help If you are travelling with children, check out www.babygoes2.com.

It’s a great resource for parents, with all kinds of hints and tips for tiny travellers.

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Summer

holiday

If there’s one phrase that strikes terror into any parents’ heart, it’s “I’m bored.” Usually heard about two weeks into the start of the summer holidays. If you’ve already run out of inspiration for things to do with the kids, we’ve got some ideas that could kick start your imagination and make this the best – and busiest! – summer holiday ever!

Here in York, we’re lucky to have so many fantastic museums right on our doorstep. And many of them have brilliant family holiday activities going on.

Enjoy some summer holiday fun at the National Railway Museum, or head along to see the new-look Yorkshire Museum, which re-opens on 1st August.

You can even get a free VIP peak with our Golden Ticket promotion – see this issue for details.

Or why not get the family out and about and take a trip out to explore the local countryside? Many country homes and parks are hosting holiday-themed activities, from teddy bears picnics to treasure hunts, throughout the summer – you’ll find all the information you need in our Events Diary on page xx. Just pick a day and you’ll find a full list of what’s going on where!

If you really want to keep your kids busy, sign them up for one of the many holiday activity classes and summer schools available locally.

48

fun If there’s one phrase that strikes terror into any parents’ heart, it’s “I’m bored.”

Whether your child is a budding David Beckham or Cheryl Cole, you’ll find drama classes, sports courses and arts activities to keep them busy and interested.

The school holidays can be a really difficult time for working parents. How do you make sure the kids are well looked after while you’re busy? Luckily, more and more childcare providers in the city are offering out of school clubs for older children. They’ll be kept busy and cared for, giving you total peace of mind.

Look out for local schemes available in this month’s issue of Your Local Link. The City of York Council also has its own website, Shine, which is full of ideas for children of all ages, from music and drama workshops to summer volunteering opportunities. n Find details visit www.yor-ok.org.uk/shine

Art Attack!

Whether your child needs an outlet for their energy or a confidence boost, the Bluespoon Creative Arts Academy could be just what you’re looking for. The week-long course is jam-packed with games, activities, singing, dancing and drama. It provides an opportunity for students to discover and develop their creative abilities, increase their confidence, imagination and communication skills in a fun and interactive environment. Even better, every student is given the opportunity to perform in front of friends and family at the end of the week. The Bluespoon Creative Arts Academy runs from 9th – 13th August, 2 – 4pm. n For information or to book your place, call 079233 59470.

Turn the page

for more summer holiday fun ideas!

Creative kids If your kids love getting creative and your artistic side doesn’t go much further than Blue Peter style sticky-backed plastic, why not take them along to Dutch House, an exciting centre for art, design and nature in the village of Crayke? They’re offering a series of Summer Day Camps for children aged 5 – 12 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 29th July – 2nd September.

Each day promises an action-packed creative experience in an inspiring rural setting under the guidance of professional art tutors. There are a whole range of activities on offer, from pottery to hat or kite-making to creating their own sculptures. A delicious Dutch-style lunch is included.

There’s plenty for the adults, too; you can enjoy the work of local artists, explore the ecological sculpture garden, or enjoy Dutch and English treats in the tea shop. n To book your child’s place on the Summer Day Camp, call 01347 889431 or log on to www.dutchhouseyorkshire.com.

Wild about

Harry?

You’ve read the book and seen the film, now here’s your chance to ride the train!

West Coast Railways, operators of the Scarborough Spa Express provide the actual steam train and carriages for the ‘Hogwarts Express’, as seen in the Harry Potter Movies.

The Hogwarts Express (No 5972) will be the main locomotive used on the Scarborough Spa Express trip for the 2010 season.

Travel by steam in traditional carriages across Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside.

Leaving York in the morning collecting passengers on a circular route calling at Normanton, Wakefield Kirkgate, Wakefield Westgate, Woodlesford and Castleford arriving in York then on to Scarborough.

You may choose to spend the day in York or extend your journey to Scarborough, returning early evening.

The Scarborough Spa Express will be running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 20th July through to 2nd September, including Bank Holiday Monday. n So for a great family day out – without having to find your way to Platform 9 ¾ call 0845 128 8634 or 0845 128 4685, or log on to www.westcoastrailways.co.uk.

49

Holiday fun for kids If you’re looking for somewhere to send the kids during the summer, York Childcare’s holiday clubs offer an exciting variety of trips and activities.

At Kool kids Club in Clifton, there’s a sand pit, parachutes, Creeper Scooters & ‘Roll Arounds’. Day trips include cinema, bowling, Energise and Rawcliffe Country Park.

At Acomb Out of School Club there are new scooters, skateboards and rollerskates. There are various trips and outingsplanned, including Newby Hall and the National Railway Museum.

At Dunnington Children, trips include the National Playday event at Rowntree Park and a coach trip to Eureka. Activities include a hair, nails and make-up day, BBQ and water play days. n For more details please see www.yorkchildcare.co.uk

Good sports

If your kids have surplus energy to burn off this summer, why not sign them up for Total Sports Summer Holiday Activities at Manor CE and Huntington School?

Choose from Total Energy – arty, crafty, sporty activities all in one fun-filled day, or Total Soccer – skills, drills and match day thrills. You can opt for individual days or a whole week. OFSTED registered childcare provider Total Sports also offers extended days, ideal for working parents. n For more information or to book your place, call 08458 339442 or log on to www.totalsportslimited.co.uk

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Holiday fun at the Yorkshire Museum The new-look Yorkshire Museum, which has just undergone a £2 million revamp, is the family-friendly place to go in York this summer.

York residents, if they have a York Card, can enjoy the numerous attractions of the museum for free. However, if you don’t have a York Card, there’s no need to fret because the Yorkshire Museum’s pricing policy offers great value; admission is free for all children under the age of 16 if they are accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets cost £7 (£6 concessions).

The museum is hosting a host of summer activities, including drop-in and practical sessions for all the family: Week 1 (Aug 2 - 6): The Roman Army Stand to attention as a new Roman recruit as a Roman Centurion tells you his tales of Roman life and death.Week 2: (Aug 9 - 13): Mosaic Magic - Make a mini Roman mosaic to take home. Week 3: (Aug 13 - 20): Dynamic Dinosaurs Take a closer look at some real-life dinosaur footprints. Find out which dinosaur might have made them and work out how big and fast it was.

Week 4 (Aug 23 - 27): Funky Fossils Make your very own fossil cast.

Go wild in the Museum Gardens

Don’t miss Really Wild Wednesday, which takes place in the Museum Gardens between 11am and 3.30pm on August 18.

It’s an opportunity to Get Wild by taking part in a day of special events.

The free events are for all the family and include lots of hands-on and exciting archaeology and science activities to take part in.

Activities include: Cast a fossil and explore dinosaur footprints, hunt the mini-beast trail, fire a rocket, Explore Tudor cures and potions and make one of your own, make a mini Roman mosaic, make jewellery from old plastic milk bottles, pan for gold, learn how to do Chinese writing, bird watch in the Museum Gardens, try your hand at making a stone trough, making a cobble path and pointing a wall.

51

TWENTY-SOMETHING TIMES with BETHANY SISSONS

Going native!

This summer I’m going off on my travels and I’ll be keeping my entire life packed in a rucksack for one month. My friends and I have been planning this trip for ages so I can’t believe that the time to board the plane has finally come around!

Packing my backpack, ready to set off for South America, I’m panicking that I haven’t got everything I need. There’ll definitely be something essential that I forget. Travelling light is a problem for me. I usually take tons of stuff around with me – even my everyday handbag is bursting at the seams!

Travelling light However, when trying to be ruthless about what constitutes an ‘essential’, for example omitting make-up, my iPod and limiting myself to one book, my friend’s response was “how would you actually survive without make-up? You don’t want to look dead on the photos!” and then she quickly reminded me that I had a very, very long plane journey to contend with. So maybe I will have to sneak more than one novel into my backpack to pass the time and squeeze in a bit of bronzer and mascara too. But living without luxuries is actually something I’m quite excited about – I have to carry my bag 24/7 so it’s got to be light!

“Living without

I’ve wanted to go travelling for luxuries is actually ages but I’ve never had the chance to escape and get something I’m quite away. At university, I’ve met excited about” many people who have been to different countries around the world on gap years. So, as this summer is my last real summer holiday, I’m determined to make the most of it. It’s frightening to think that next year I will have finished university and won’t have the long summer break that I’m used to.

Viva Latina!

We’re going to explore Peru in South America. I’m so excited about trekking up Machu Picchu to see the Inca village, visiting the Amazon, seeing the Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca and I can’t wait to salsa in real Latin American clubs!

I expect that the Peruvian way of life will be very different to life in England; I don’t quite know what to expect but I hope that we will have an amazing time. Everything I read says that the buses are unreliable; life is slow and driving through the high Andes Mountains is a hair-raising ride. There are probably going to be some scary moments as well as exciting and happy times!

Speaking Spanish is not my forte but one of my friends can speak the language fluently so I will be relying on her. I can say the odd Spanish phrase but unfortunately, I don’t have the skills to hold a conversation. I think speaking, or trying to speak, the native language on holiday is a fun part of the trip. The language is the core of a country’s culture so it’s important to try to assimilate into it. Often local people want to practice their English though; being able to speak a worldwide language like English is brilliant but I do think that it makes us lazy sometimes.

So with my fellow travellers’ final call of “tickets, money, passport”, I’m on my way to hitting Latino fever! I’m hoping that this August will be one of the most fantastic months of my life but I can’t help feeling a little bit nervous. However, being a twenty-something is all about having adventures. Whether my map-reading skills are up to scratch and whether or not I will be able to cope with carrying a backpack, only a trip to Peru will tell!

52

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derson, the principals of Vickie Edwards and Christine Hen ncy, are both qualified Age the Bright Beginnings Childcare childcare experience. tical prac of lth professionals with a wea nal service, they’ll establish Offering a personal and professio you’re seeking childcare ther exactly what your needs are whe Services include the or. sect care or employment in the child ies, babysitters, supply staff, recruitment of full or part-time nann ners and crèche workers. parent helpers, maternity practitio rities will be to find the best As a parent, one of your main prio professionals of the highest care for your children, delivered by e Agency, based in York, quality. Bright Beginnings Childcar it suitably qualified and recru to can give you a helping hand ry or permanent basis. pora tem a on rs experienced child care agency. Parents complete There is no fee to register with the to register their vacancy form ion and submit an online applicat for them to interview suitable and then arrangements are made fully vetted by the agency who applicants. All candidates are care and work history checks. make qualification, reference, CRB www.bb-childcare.co.uk n For details, call 691698, go to or email info@bbchildcareuk.com

Education

&Schools Movie magic It was a case of first time lucky for the pupils of York High School when they entered the Yoscars recently.

The Yoscars (York Oscars) are open to budding young film-makers aged between three and 16 years of age from schools across the city. Each of the finalists submitted a short digital film or animation, which was assessed by a panel of independent judges before the winners were announced at a glitzy 'Oscar'-style event at York Racecourse.

The York High School team – Amy Barker and Annierose Fletcher – topped the Best Animation category with their movie Flab-a-gone, a light-hearted look at diet drinks and the claims they make. The judges were impressed with their effort, describing it as “Witty and fun with a lot of original artwork and animation.”

“This was the first time ever in the five-year history of the Yoscars that York High School had entered into the competition so it was fantastic that the pupils won the award for best animation,” says teacher Dan Tait.

“It was also the most entries and strongest competition that Yoscars had ever received from secondary schools which made it doubly pleasing and was just reward for the hours and hours of carefully planning and editing done by Amy and Annierose.”

On the right track

The entire class of 17 York College students who studied for a National Diploma in Sport and Exer cise Science have excelled themselves and achieved triple disti nction grades (equivalent to three As at A Level). They can now realise their personal dreams of qualifying for university places in subjects ranging from Sport to Business. Says course tutor Ada m Gledhill: “I am delighted for the students. They have all worked very hard to achieve their triple distinction goals and deserve the highest praise. Last year we had seventeen out of eighteen students achieving triple distinctions at this level, but this year we have actu ally hit the jackpot, with every single student attaining the high est grades. I could not have asked for a more dedicated and enthusia stic group of students, their efforts have really paid off. I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Learn woodworking skills

Master craftsman Bob Lambert, who is passionate about teaching woodworking skills, is holding an open day at his workshop on Saturday, August 14, between 10am and 5pm.

Bob says: “People can come and see me throughout the day and tell me what they would like to do with their woodworking .”

Courses at The Woodwork Room in August 5th 6-7th 9-13th 16th

Router Basics Two-day routing course Five-day cabinet making Woodworking basics (Full)

17th Jointing techniques (Full) 18th Router basics (Full) 23-26th Four-day furniture making 28th Spindle turning

n The Woodwork Room, York Riding School, Clifton Road Business Park, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH. For details, call 348343 or email bob.lambert@woodworkingacademy.co.uk.

53

A-level results arrive this month and they could decide the future of many students.

But what if the grades are worse – or better – than expected? Here are some options.

Making the grade

What should you do if you don’t get the grades required for your university course?

It’s worth checking if the institution is willing to confirm your place anyway, especially if you only just missed the grades.

You can use the ‘Track’ service at www.ucas. ac.uk to see whether your place is confirmed.

If you only narrowly missed the conditions of your offer, ring the university. Track allows you to check how your university applications are progressing. To access it, you’ll need your UCAS application number and a Track username and password. These will be the same username and password you used to apply to UCAS. If you are unsuccessful with your first choice offer, but meet the conditions for your second choice, you will be accepted there.

If you miss out on the requirements for both your offers, you’ll have another chance to get a place.

What are your options if you do better than expected?

If you not only meet all the conditions of your firm choice, but also exceed them (for example, by getting higher A-level grades than you need), you can use the new UCAS ‘Adjustment’ service, which gives you a

short time to search for other courses while holding on to your original, confirmed place.

Can you reject a firm offer of a place to take up an insurance offer?

As you originally made a commitment to your firm offer, you can’t simply decline your place at this stage. If your firm choice has already confirmed your place they will have informed your insurance choice - and your insurance choice may have offered your place to someone else.

Check that your insurance choice is willing to consider you through Clearing, then approach your firm choice and explain the situation. If your firm choice agrees to release you, then your insurance choice can make you an offer through Clearing. You can’t accept your insurance offer without being released by your firm offer.

What happens if you apply late or don’t get any offers?

If you apply late (in most cases after 30 June for courses starting in September) you’ll automatically be entered into Clearing, which runs from mid-July to mid-September. You can also use Clearing if you don’t receive any offers, or your offers have not been confirmed (for example, because you didn't get the required grades). Clearing is also an

ply...

e to ap t la o o t t o n It’s

If you’ve just left school and you’re thinking about your next step, there’s still time apply to York College.

With more than • 40 A Level courses • 80 Vocational courses • Specialist state of the art facilities We’re bound to have the courses to suit you For an application form call 01904 770400 or download one at www.yorkcollege.ac.uk

du5783

It’s time to choose. York College.

54

How do you get your AS/A-levels re-marked?

Discuss it with your teachers as soon as possible. The institution where you took the exam has to decide whether to apply for a remark on your behalf: you can’t apply directly to an awarding body.

option if you decide to turn down the offers you receive.

Can you accept more than one course through Clearing?

No. You can speak to as many universities and colleges as you want to during Clearing, but you can only accept one course. Before you do, make sure it’s the one you want.

Can you repeat your AS/A-levels to improve your marks?

Seek advice from your teachers at school first, and speak to your parents. You can also talk over your options with a Connexions adviser.

The next step is to contact the admissions tutors for the courses you are applying to. Remember that they may ask for higher grades than their standard offer on a re-sit, and may want all your grades to come from one sitting.

There are plenty of university and higher education options available - be sure to explore them all.

What are the options for taking a year out?

Before deciding to take a year out, be sure to check out your plans with the admissions tutor of your chosen course. If you decide to go ahead, options include doing voluntary work, working abroad and taking a course.

One-stop advice shop A good place to go for advice is the Connexions one-stop shop for teenagers at 29 Castlegate run by City of York Council which offers information, advice and guidance about appropriate courses and training opportunities.

Steve Flatley, assistant head of young people’s services, says: “Individuals aged between 16 and 19 have an entitlement to education, employment or training, but with choice comes complexity. It’s our job to help young people navigate their way through the range of options and choices to help them make the right decision. If they don’t make the right decision, they drop out, and we want to avoid that.”

Staff at Connexions work hard to help youngsters get it right first time and they encourage parents to support their children through process. n Connexions also helps youngsters, aged between 16 and 25, with advice on relationships, money, housing, volunteering and much more.

Tel: 555400 or go to www.29castlegate. org

Teaching Award

A University of York academic has won an award recognising excellence in teaching.

Annie Trapp, from the Department of Psychology, is to receive a £10,000 National Teaching Fellowship award from the Higher Education Academy.

She is Director of the Higher Education Academy Psychology Network, based at York, which works to support and to enhance the quality of teaching in the subject across all UK universities.

Annie has conducted extensive research into the way psychology is taught in higher education and has been the editor of the journal Psychology Learning and Teaching for the past ten years. She is a member of the International Conference of Psychology Education Committee and Chair of the European Psychology Learning and Teaching Association. Her work includes encouraging collaboration between psychology teachers which has seen the creation of the EUROPLAT network focusing on raising standards in learning and teaching and enhancing the employability of psychology graduates across Europe.

“I am very pleased to receive this award which will support work to spread effective practice in the way psychology is taught, in particular in encouraging more undergraduate courses to focus students’ understanding on the application of psychological knowledge to real world,” she says.

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55

Pets&Countryside Home alone?

You can’t always take your dog with you.

Whether have to leave them behind for a quick shopping trip or all day while you’re at work, you need to be sure they won’t wreck the house or make a nuisance of themselves with the neighbours while you’re gone.

Dogs often bark or chew the furniture due to boredom or separation anxiety. There are some simple ways you can help minimise the problems: •

•

•

Establish a routine for going out and leaving your pet behind. Have a plan and follow it each time you go out the door. Be confident and positive; if you’re anxious or upset about leaving, your dog will pick up on it. Start by leaving your pet for short amounts of time, then gradually increase it.

Don't let your dog have the run of the house, especially if he's a puppy. A bored dog is a destructive dog and he may harm himself by chewing or swallowing dangerous objects.

Keep your dog mentally stimulated.

‘Working’ breeds such as Border Collies, Retrievers, Rottweilers and German Shepherds are especially likely to become frustrated by lack of activity. Provide your dog with lots of stimulating toys – a Kong filled with dog treats that takes a bit more effort to puzzle out is ideal. Provide some comfort, too, such as a favourite blanket of an item of your clothing.

•

Give them some company. Leave the radio, TV or CD player on so they can hear people talking. Some owners tape their own voices and leave that playing all day.

•

If you’re regularly away for longer periods of time, consider getting someone in to play with him and take him for walks during the day. A neighbour or friend may be able to help, or you could hire a professional dog walker or pet sitter – look out for the ads in Your Local Link to find a good one.

56

Pets at home

Animals need routine; any disruption can unsettle your pet.

Rather than placing your pets in unfamiliar kennels, Sweeney Dog offer a professional pet feeding service while you are away from home.

A spokesman says: “You can relax whilst you are away – knowing your animals are being looked after. We will visit your house to feed, water, exercise and care for your pet (not just dogs). We will talk to them, play with them and generally make a fuss of them. For dogs, this can be combined with our daily dog walking service.”

The spokesman adds: “We will also collect the mail, water the plants, open and close curtains, turn lights on and off, feed the fish etc and walk the dog for you whilst you are away. Our services are often cheaper than boarding kennels and are tailored to suit your requirements. Your pet’s routine is followed – sleep in their usual bed, eat their usual food and drink from their usual bowl.”

For more details, call 890666 or go to www.sweeneydog.co.uk

New tricks?

Dog training is an important aspect of owning and raising a dog. But it’s not just about teaching your dog to follow complicated commands or perform tricks for your friends. A trained dog is a happy dog; training teaches your pooch where they stand in the family, which helps them feel more secure and less likely to behave badly. At the very least, being able to call your dog back to heel when they’re in danger will keep them safe, and make them a more pleasant companion. Training makes the bond between pet and owner even stronger.

And it’s never too early to start training. Ideally you should start taking your puppy along to socialisation classes as soon as possible so they can start getting used to being around other dogs. If they can start making friends early, they’re less likely to become aggressive as they get older.

SOS Dog Training have new training and puppy socialisation classes starting next month in Acomb.

Whether you want to teach your dog the basics of good behaviour, or you’re looking for something more advanced, they can help. All breeds are welcome. n To book your place, call 708761, 07720 052975 or 07714 503395.

Give us a home

All over the city there are cats and dogs looking for loving homes. Could you be the one to offer them the love they need?

Do cats and dogs mix?

A dog and cat can be best friends. There are many families who report that their dog and cat play with each other, take naps together and even offer each other food!

However, in the worst of cases, there is an all-out war. A dog, by nature and pure instinct, can see the cat as prey. This will trigger a battle that the dog has no control over and in worst cases will lead to the death of one of the animals.

So, do cats and dogs mix? The answer to this question is going to depend on the two individual animals.

It is wise to never get a new dog and a new cat at the same time. Not only would each animal need to get acclimated to their new home, they would need to figure out if the other is friend or foe; this is too much for a pet to handle.

Therefore, once you have a dog or a cat and that animal is a happy and content member of the family, you can then think about getting the other animal. Even if you have your eye on a certain dog or cat, it is strongly recommended to never purchase that animal until you test to see if they will mix well together.

Therefore, it is recommended to slowly introduce the dog to the cat.

Alisa Chagnon, a pets enthusiast, says: “It will be your job to sit back a bit because the answer as to how they will get along will be to what degree they notice each other.

“If they act as if the other is as interesting as a doorstop; you are in luck. They may ignore each other for now, but may become very good friends.

“However, if the dog stares at the cat, this is the first sign of trouble.

The more intense the stare of the dog, the more dangerous the situation can become. If the dog is looking at the cat and does not take his eyes off of her, he is deciding if she is prey or a threat.

“If the dog stands still while doing this, and stares without moving his body, he may strike. If he is completely silent, does not move and the stare is strong, you must remove the cat immediately. If the dog does have this reaction, it would take an enormous amount of training for the dog and feline to get along; and this can end badly while you are attempting a pairing. It would then be suggested that that particular dog is just not a ‘cat person’.”

GEORGE is wondering why he’s been overlooked for so long. All we can suggest is that as he’s getting a bit fed-up with the confines of his pen, so he sometimes gets a little over-excited when people meet him. It’s a great shame as he’s very a friendly, cuddly young man with lots of energy who really just needs to go home and stretch those big paws of his. George would make a great addition to an older family’s home.

SMOKEY is a gorgeous grey and white male who just happens to missing a front leg. But he’s determined not to let his disability hold him back. With a hearty hop forwards, and an equally worry-free roll onto his side, Smokey manages to overcome any obstacle life throws at him. Indeed, he managed it up onto his cabin shelf (where he resolutely remains) - putting paid to any potential concerns regarding his mobility! As for the lad himself, he’s an absolute gent! n If you’d like to offer either of these cats a loving home, please call York Cats Protection, 582 Huntington Road. Tel 760356.

NOAH, aged about two, came to the RSPCA home at Landing Lane, York, as a stray. The border collie-cross is very active and lively and would suit an experienced owner. Noah is not suitable for children under 10.

JAMIE, a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, also came to the RSPCA as a stray. He is very friendly, playful and active. Again, no children under the age of 10. n If you can offer any of these dogs a home, call the RSPCA on 654949.

TASMIN, the collie-whippet cross featured in last month’s issue of Your Local Link, has been homed. The RSPCA wishes to thank all those who showed an interest.

Marie Sandall, a kennel superviser at the RSPCA home in York, is appealing to readers of Your Local Link to look out for her 11-yearold black cat who went missing from her home in Lidgett Grove, Acomb, on June 22.

Marie says: “Tassel is very thin with a wonky ear from having water on the brain as a kitten.

She’s very timid and it’s completely out of character for her to go missing.” If you can help, give Marie a call on 07969 102577.

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Healthy soil means healthy plants York Rotters say composting is easy to do and your garden will benefit.

Using your own homemade compost will improve the structure of the soil and healthy soil means healthy plants, says the Community composting group

The group’s Project Officer Catherine Bamford says: “Composting is often seen as something that only the older generation with large gardens or allotments do. However, composting is for everyone, you don’t even need to have a garden –a backyard or balcony will do. Composting also saves you money as you won’t have to buy compost, leaving more money to spend on plants or seeds.”

Making your own compost is really easy. You just need to make sure you put a good variety of ‘ingredients’ into your compost bin. By adding cardboard, paper and twiggy waste to your fruit and vegetable peelings, you will get a good balance and free compost should be produced in 6 to 12 months. n If you want to know more about composting, including where to buy subsidised compost bins, call York Rotters on 412861 or email rotters@stnicksfields.org.uk

Plants at Poppleton

If you’re a keen gardener, you won’t want to miss the Poppleton Horticultural Show this month.

The show promises to be bigger and better than ever; as well as the vegetables, flowers and floral arrangements there will be a number of craft, bric-abrac and flower stalls, along with music on the green and teas supplied by the ARC. It’s all happening on Saturday 28th August – don’t miss it!

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Big ideas for small gardens

You don’t have to have rolling acres to create a stunning garden. Even the smallest balcony or backyard can look great if you follow some simple space-boosting tips...

• Less is definitely more in the small garden.

Think of a theme for the space to tie your garden look together. Develop a theme based on colour. Sticking to a palette of hot colours such as fiery reds, blazing oranges and sunny yellows will deliver high impact and an exciting, vibrant space. Pale pastel tones have the opposite effect and seem to recede into the distance, giving depth. Layered in complementary soft shades through furniture, planting and pots, they make a space seem wider and deeper.

• Pots look great in small gardens. Use matching pots in different sizes in the garden as a unifying feature. Wall-mounted pots, windowboxes and hanging baskets also provide extra planting opportunities if your borders at ground level are full.

• To give an illusion of space, blur your your fence line with climbers, particularly evergreens such as Trachelospermum jasminoides, which has long-lasting scented summer flowers.

• Garden mirrors will bounce reflections and light around and make the space feel bigger.

• Simplify your paving. Having fewer materials and doing away with contrasting edges, such as Victorian edging tiles or bricks, will make areas look less cluttered.

• Use your home decor as cues to your garden's design - this extends the smallest of gardens by providing visual links with the interior, drawing the eye in a continuous line.

• Even the shortest of paths can create the illusion of space, encouraging movement around and through your garden.

• Disguise shed or bin areas with screening.

If you have a shed, consider adding to your growing area by creating a living 'green' roof.

• Don't be tempted to plant in ones or twos groups of threes and fives will prevent your scheme looking cluttered and bitty.

• Only include plants that earn their keep.

Perennials that flower for long periods are a must. Repeat flowerers give good value, too.

• Vertical height will use your garden's volume.

Build a pergola for climbers to bring blooms and scent to eye and nose level. Trees lift the eye upwards, making the area seem bigger.

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Here comes the

s r e w o l f sun Sunflowers, being easy to grow, are one of the most popular summer flowers.

Not just being beautiful to look at, the sunflower is also useful; the seeds grown in the flower’s head are good bird seed, as well as being tasty for a hamster. The seeds are also used to produce cooking oil.

Sunflowers can be found in two varieties; the dwarf and the larger variety. The larger variety averages a height of 6-10ft in full sun. The dwarf variety (named Dwarf Sungold) is easier to manage and plants grow to an average height of 24 inches.

Growing sunflowers, in general is quite easy. They need little maintenance and when planted out in the Spring, will flower in the summer. ReTen tips for appearing year after year they growing bring great hues of yellow to a strong sunny garden.

Sowing the seeds Sunflower seeds can be picked up very reasonably at all garden centres. The dwarf variety seeds are much smaller, so you will probably get more for your money by buying these. If you’re buying the larger, more common variety, try your local pet store.

Many sell sunflower seeds in whatever weight you like.

Location Tall sunflowers need to be planted against a wall or fence post for support. Make sure you plant the seeds no less that 24 inches apart to avoid crowding.

If you’ve a spot in your garden where the sun covers it during the day, and then is shaded in the afternoon this would be perfect.

sunflowers:

1. Plenty of sun plus some shade.

2. Generous watering.

3. Planting out at the right time. Think about the weather, sunflowers don’t like the cold.

4. Plenty of space. Don’t crowd them. Each sunflower needs a lot of nutrients from the soil, planting several together will just mean each plant will get less nutrients.

5. Staking at the right time. Don’t let a sunflower struggle against the elements.

6. Good compost.

7. No interference. Once planted out, do not move them.

8. To keep them strong year afte r year continue this kind treatment while the plants are young every year.

In July to September your 9. Attention. Cut off dead leaves, flowers will be bright and and keep the area weed-free. strong. To keep them fresh, 10.

Do not use any pesticides, keep watering them every grass seed or other chemicals night. The air will be humid and near the growing sunflowers. the flower will need a drink!

Be generous with your water, but try not to drown the plants. If you have a watering can with a rose attachment, sprinkle some water on the actual flower head to get the water in all the right places.

To ensure your sunflowers keep returning stronger and stronger, they need a lot of sun, a lot of water, to be staked well and to be left to shine.

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

CLEMATIS

Clematis must surely be one of the best climbing plants anyone could wish to grow, there are numerous colours and shades which make these gorgeous climbers one of the most popular plants grown in Britain today. The word Clematis is derived from the Greek word ‘Klema’ which means branch or vine-like. First introduced to Britain in 1569 was Clematis viticella which was brought from Spain, over the ensuing years other species were brought from Europe where they were used in various hybridising programmes to produce new varieties. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the large flowered varieties which are so admired today were introduced from China and were hugely popular with Victorian gardeners. These beautiful climbing plants have showy, colourful flowers and are mainly found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Clematis are not just summer flowers, there are early flowering varieties, mid season and late flowering varieties, so you could have clematis flowering most of the year.

Clematis fall into three groups, which flower at different times and therefore require different pruning. Group 1 flower in early spring from buds produced on the previous seasons growth. Prune these back as soon as possible after bloom, around June/July, this allows time for new growth to produce flower buds for the next season.

Varieties of these include Montana, Alpina, evergreen Armandii and Macropetala.

Group 2 are large flowered and hybrid clematis which bloom in mid May to June on short stems from last seasons growth and often again in late summer on new growth. Prune in February or March by removing dead and weak stems then cut back the remaining stems to the topmost pair of large, plump green bud. Examples of group 2 clematis are ‘Nelly Moser’, ‘Niobe’ and ‘The President’.

Group 3 clematis flower on the last 2-3 foot of the current seasons growth. In February or March cut back to a height of about 2 to 3 feet or a good pair of strong green buds. Some examples are ‘Ernest Markham’, ‘Jackmanii’ and viticella varieties.

Clematis should be planted at least 12” (30cm) away from the wall or fence up which it will climb and the base of the plant should preferably be in the shade, however, if this is not possibly, apply a layer of gravel over the root zone.

If you’re short on space in the garden there are a few varieties of clematis that can be grown in pots such as ‘Nelly Moser’, ‘Jackmanii’ and ‘Vyvian Pennel’. The pot should be at least 18” (24cm) deep and 15” (37cm) wide and a layer of gravel placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage. There is now a wide range of new patio varieties available which are ideal for pots and containers.

All clematis need some form of support to make them climb, which can either be in the form of wooden or plastic trellis or a wire framework. If growing in pots a tripod of bamboo canes can be used. Clematis can also be trained to grow through trees and shrubs which gives added interest by flowering when the host plant is not.

As with most plants clematis can be suseptiable to problems, the major one of which is clematis wilt. The symptoms of this is a rapid collapse and browning of the leaves and stems. The problem is confined to the ariel parts only, allowing any buds below ground level to regrow but this can take several weeks. If this happens the affected parts of the plant should be pruned and destroyed and the soil around it to be treated, it takes around 6-8 weeks for recovery but generally the plant will grow back.

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

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Grow your own with Sandra Geere

Growing your own fruit and veg is rewarding, good for the planet – and your pocket. Here’s how…

I imagine few people grow garlic to deter local vampires today but no self-respecting cook would be without a year round supply of it. The culinary, antiseptic and immune boosting properties of garlic have been known about for centuries. It’s also a good companion plant for tomatoes and carrots, helping to deter aphids and carrot root fly.

There are ‘short storage’ varieties, good for about four months and ‘long storage’ for six to seven months. Buy certified virus free garlic bred to suit our cooler, wetter climate. Garlic requires a period of cold weather to initiate growth. Whilst it can be planted in spring and autumn, the best bulbs are produced from an autumn sowing JOBS FOR AUGUST and are ready for harvesting in June and July when the outer leaves have Cut down fruited wilted and turned yellow. Stored raspberry canes garlic has a stronger flavour but Sow salads for winter green garlic is much milder. ”Cristo’ is a very reliable variety with white Order garlic cloves and a very good flavour.

‘Elephant’ garlic produces enormous cloves which have a very mild flavour, delicious roasted or even eaten raw in sandwiches.

Garlic is easy to grow, even in containers. It’s shallow rooting and needs free-draining soil in a sunny position. Add sharp sand to heavy, clay soil. A mulch of garden compost will conserve moisture and a top dressing of wood ash is beneficial. Cloves at least half an inch across will produce the largest bulbs. Plant them with the base downwards, three inches deep, six inches between cloves and twelve inches between rows. Double these spacings when planting ‘Elephant’ garlic. Push the cloves into the soil with the tip flush with the soil’s surface to stop the birds pulling them out. If garlic tries to flower cut down the stem so energy goes in to the bulb, although one or two plants allowed to flower will delight the local bee population.

Garlic is usually pest and disease free and crop rotation helps.

Rust (orange blisters on leaves) or mould can occur during long, wet spells.

Yellow, wilted foliage and fluffy white growths on the bulb indicates white rot and these must be dug up and destroyed.

You must avoid growing onions and garlic there for eight years to eradicate all trace of the disease.

Harvest during a dry, sunny spell keeping the stalks intact.

When the bulbs are dry and papery store either plaited or in baskets in a cool, dry, airy place .

Should I be suspicious about the nocturnal lifestyle of some of my young neighbours? Better get my garlic order in now!

LOCAL SUPPLIERS Mr Thomas 01759 371549 Spent mushroom compost £11 for 5 bags delivered free n Sandra specialises in creating sustainable organic kitchen gardens in small spaces and can show you how to maximise your available space and grow crops all year round.

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

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How to help your garden survive the holiday season Annuals that were planted out recently should have their shoot tips pinched out to encourage them to bush out and flower a little later than usual.

It’s also a good idea to deadhead all plants that are repeat-flowering, including roses, before you depart. You can even remove about-to-open buds.

Any new perennials and shrubs should be given a good drench with water before you leave and you should check plant ties and supports.

To avoid the depressing sight of knee-high grass on your return from holiday, pay somebody to mow the lawn while you are away. Summer holidays are full of bored juveniles looking to earn a bit of spare cash.

Before you go away, move your pots and containers out of the sun and into the shade.

Outdoors, those that are movable should be grouped closely together on a double layer of capillary matting, which is available from garden centres.

Indoor plants, apart from cacti, should be taken off window sills and put out of the sun's glare in the bath or the kitchen sink – again on damp capillary matting.

If you can't arrange for anyone to do any watering for you, concentrate on growing plants that can cope with neglect; for example, thick-leafed succulents and phalaenopsis orchids rather than fussy streptocarpus or maidenhair ferns indoors; pelargoniums and spiky plants rather than pansies and petunias outdoors.

A good bit of forward planning would be to add moisture-retaining granules to the compost to help your garden plants cope while you are away on holiday next summer.

Gardening is good for you

According to experts, getting your hands dirty in the garden can boost your mood. Researchers from University College London found that 20 minutes of gardening every week can reduce feelings of stress, while scientists at Bristol University have found that the bacteria in soil can actually life our spirits. So don’t just sit there – get digging!

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Ask Chris...

Got a gardening problem?

Chris Brown from Brown’s Nurseries can help.

landscapes

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

alue DDED

I have what appears to be a white mealy wax on my cabbage and sprout plants. Can you tell me what it is, please?

This sounds like Cabbage Aphid. The grey aphids form dense colonies covered with a powdering of white mealy wax on the leaves of many types of brassicas, especially cabbages, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and swedes. Leaves are discoloured and distorted where aphids are feeding and severe infestations inhibit growth and may even kill young plants. Infestations build up from July onwards, usually reaching a peak in September and October. Limit the carry-over of eggs from one season to the next by pulling up old brassicas as soon as cropping is over and destroying them by burying or disposing of them as garden refuse.

If this can be done by mid-April, local sources of re-infestations should be reduced. All young plants should therefore be examined regularly from June until September and sprayed thoroughly with a suitable insecticide as soon as any Cabbage Aphids are seen.

I have been told I have Honey Fungus in my garden. What causes this disease and are there any plants that are resistant to it?

The fungus lives saprobically in dead tree stumps and spreads from there through the soil as bootlace-like masses of aggregated mycelium called rhizomorphs. The larger and closer the diseased stump, the more likely Honey Fungus is to infect neighbouring vigorous trees. Although rhizomorph growth is the most important means of spread to healthy trees, infection by root contact can also occur. The following plants should not be grown on a site that’s known to be contaminated: apple and ornamental malus species; birca; cedar; cotoneaster; cypress and false cypress; forsythia; pine privet; rhododendron, ribes, roses, thuja, walnut, willow and wisteria. The following, however, are probably resistant enough to make their planting on an infested site reasonably successful: ash; bamboo; beech; box; catalpa; cercis; chaenomeles; clematis; cotinus, Douglas fir; eleagnus; forthergilla; hawthorn; holly; ivy; kerria; larch; laurel; lime; mahonia; oak; photinia; pieris; pittosporum; silver firs, tamarisk and yew.

The top of the leaves of my camellia bush are covered with a sticky sooty mould. On the underside of the leaves there are yellow and brown blotches. What’s causing it?

It sounds like an attack of Scale Insects. They usually attack bay trees, camellias, citrus, hibiscus, hollies, ivies and many other plants.

The scales are elongated, oval and flat, up to 4mm long. Colour and shape vary but the outer edge of the scale is usually light brown with a darker centre. Scales are usually on the underside of the leaves, lying alongside veins. Females usually lay hundreds of eggs under wax scales. Young nymphs, known as crawlers, hatch some weeks or months later. All stages of the insect feed on sap and excrete honeydew, which makes plants sticky and encourages growth of sooty moulds on the top of the older leaves.

Chemical treatments are most effective when applied to kill young crawlers before they have settled and started to form their protective scales. They are easily killed by thorough application of non-persistent contact insecticides and a second application should be made two weeks later. The best way to remove the sooty mould is to wash the leaves with a weak solution of washing up liquid.

If you have a question for Chris write to him c/o Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, YO32 2LH Browns Nursery, Corban Lane, Wigginton, York YO32 2RD. Tel. 766266.

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planted. Get them kitted out in old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy, and let nature take its course.

Children love responsibility, so give them ownership of a small area. No more than two foot square is ideal for smaller children, so they can reach it from both sides. Another good idea is to turn an old wheelbarrow into a mini raised bed, which you can move around.

Give them their own set of miniature garden tools to help keep them interested.

Make gardening child’s play!

Getting your kids busy in the garden is not only healthy and rewarding, it may also save you a lot of backache when they get older and take over the chores! So how do you get them interested?

Give them their own set of miniature garden tools to help keep them interested. Child-sized buckets, spades, rakes, watering cans and wheelbarrows are all available.

The most important thing is to keep it fun. You don’t want your children to see gardening as a drudge. Stick to tasks and projects that engage them and fire their imagination.

Sowing and growing from seeds allows kids control of a whole little project and means they can see the effect of their attentions on a day-by-day, leaf-by-leaf basis. It can be immensely rewarding to grow something as impressive as a sunflower or a sweet pea from a seed. You can even get them to record their plants’ progress by measuring or drawing them at each stage of growth for instance. Stick with fast germinating, and quick flowering annuals for the most immediate results.

All children enjoy digging in and playing around with and in soil. Try to find an area that can be just for the kids or let them mess around in newly dug areas before they’re

Lack of outside space needn’t be an issue.

Kids love anything in miniature, so start with mustard on the windowsill – it’s so fast growing, it gives instant gratification.

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Flushed with success An innovative device, which can halve the amount of water used in toilet flushing, is being launched on the mass market after its Yorkshire inventor received support from CO2Sense Yorkshire.

Now is a good time to buy solar panels

“Saving the planet, but not costing the earth” is the mission statement of Project Solar, which offers high-quality solar technology at very affordable prices.

Owner James Chapman says: “We offer quality guaranteed systems at far less prices than the national companies. A typical solar hot water system from Project Solar would be approximately £4,000, that’s many thousands of pounds less than you would pay elsewhere. PV (electric) panels are some 20% cheaper than the standard market price.”

He adds: “We work with some of the best suppliers of solar systems in the UK together with experienced qualified solar installation companies. You are only a phone call away from good quality advice, products and service. The whole order is managed by Project Solar from start to finish, giving you total peace of mind.”

Mrs M, a happy customer from Nawton, says: "I would like to say how pleased we are with the solar water heating panels and what excellent value for money they are compared to every other company we checked out."

Now is good time to invest in solar. Customers with a PV electrical system are in line to benefit from between £1.000 to £1,800 a year – thanks to the feed-in tariff introduced in April.

The ‘renewable heating incentive’ due to start next April will benefit those who have a solar hot water system. They can look forward to a yearly payment of between £250 and £450, plus their savings on gas, for the next 20 years.

Customers who take advantage of Project Solar’s free, no-obligation home survey and presentation will be entered into a draw to win £1,000 towards the cost of their next winter holiday. n For more details, call 07958 178334.

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David Wilks, who has appeared on TV’s Dragon’s Den, has been awarded £25,000 by CO2Sense Yorkshire, a business support programme funded by Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.

The investment will help David to manufacture and develop his SaverSiphon device for distribution via a major DIY retailer.

The device has the potential to prevent billions of litres of clean water from being wasted. Toilets fitted with the Saver-Siphon only flush when the handle is held down – cutting water consumption by about half. For houses with water meters, the Saver-Siphon, which will retail for about £20, has the potential to cut household water bills by about 20% and save people about £67 a year.

David, a former science teacher from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, says: “Water is the most precious resource we have and water companies are the largest single users of energy. Toilet flushing accounts for more than one third of a household’s water use, so there is clearly massive potential to deliver major environmental benefits if we can find a way to reduce the amount of water we use when we flush.”

David’s device can be easily installed to a wide range of toilets, preventing the wasteful emptying of the full toilet cistern every time the user flushes.

Varyflush is aiming to sell 175,000 of the new-design SaverSiphon devices in the next three years. This would save 4.5 billion litres of water – enough to fill 18,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. n The Saver-Siphon is available to buy. For more details, call 01924 500 510, email info@interflush.co.uk or visit www. interflush.co.uk

Green energy drive Save it. That’s the message Chris Huhne, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, stressed when he visited Solarwall – an eco-friendly business based at Clifton, York.

The Liberal Democrat MP was on a fact-finding mission at Solarwall’s pioneering Energy Centre which acts as a shop window for the latest green technologies. He praised the company for teaching people about the benefits of tapping into renewable energy through the use of solar panels as well as air and ground-source heat pumps.

He told Your Local Link magazine: “We are determined to be the greenest government ever and it’s one of my jobs to ensure we deliver on that.”

He identified home insulation as the cheapest and most effective way of closing the gap between energy demand and supply.

“Saving energy is much cheaper than building new power stations,” he said. An effective way of doing this was to make the most of loft insulation and cavity wall installation.

‘We are determined to be the greenest government ever.’

Many York residents live in terraced homes that do not have cavity walls. However, said Mr Huhne, there was no need for them to miss out on the green revolution. “We can put in a second wall that has insulation in it,” he explained.

The United Kingdom’s use of energy was very inefficient when compared with other European countries. “We burn more energy than Sweden even though its average temperature is seven degrees below ours. We might as well be burning £50 notes outside our

Grant Henderson, Head of Renewables at Solarwall, explains solar panel technology to Energy Secretary Chris Huhne, left, at the Solarwall Energy Centre in York. Picture: Richard Foster

front door,” said Mr Huhne.

He said creating a first-class low carbon economy in Britain would generate a lot of jobs. He said there were great British success stories in the sector. For example, he had visited a company in Aberdeen that built oil rigs for the North Sea. It was using the same technology to build smaller rigs for the offshore wind turbine industry.

Energy centre success Sue Lamb, the managing director of Solarwall, said the Energy Centre had got off to a good start.

survey about the most effective way of utilising renewable energy technology in their own homes.

Phil Harwood, a surveyor with Solarwall, said: “Opening the Energy Centre was the best thing we have ever done. It opens up all different avenues for our customers. It’s much easier to explain how an air-source heat pump works when there is one already installed in front of you, which is what you have at the Energy Centre.” n For more information call 0500 127005 or visit www.solarwall.co.uk

It had attracted a lot of visitors many of whom had subsequently arranged for Solwall staff to visit their homes for a free, no-obligation

For tips on how to help you reduce food waste, save money and protect the environment see page 87

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property&interiors How to create decking Building a single level decking area is a project that can be completed in a weekend, according to the website www. gardenadvice.co.uk The key to constructing a good decking area is the frame. If the decking is being built on a patio it should be built of sawn treated timber 50mm by 100mm (approximately). Before building the frame you need to decide which way the final decking boards are going to run and build the main joists of the frame in the opposite direction at approximately 400mm centres.

The frame can either be built directly on to the patio or can be built using small brick pillars to increase the height. If the brick pillar method is used then you should use a pillar every 1.25 metres along every second joist.

In general the more the pillars the better as this will help stop the deck from having too much of a spring. Before building the frame

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it is a good idea to cover the base with a ground sheeting material to stop any weed growth once the decking is finished. Screwing the frame together is the best way to ensure you maintain the strength over a number of years.

Before you start to build the frame you should work out the finished level and build the decking so that the frame has a slight fall about 1 in 100, which means for every metre the frame travels the change in level, will be 1cm. The fall should be away from any buildings.

Once the basic frame has been constructed it should be strengthened with cross members to add additional strength.

The key is to keep the wood lengths as long as possible. When laying the surface you need to screw it to the frame. This is best achieved by marking out the lines you wish the screws to go and pre-drilling the holes, finally using

an electric screw driver to secure the decking boards. Nailing the boards to the frame is a waste of time because the boards will twist, pulling the nails out.

A good tip is to use a small spacing bar to make sure the space between each board is the same. This space should be between 2mm and 5mm. Once the decking is finished we normal

recommend not painting or treating decking after it has been built only creates additional work in the years to come. n If you are not a DIY enthusiast there are plenty of craftsmen advertising in Your Local Link who could build a patio/decking area in your garden.

One of the best things about designing a patio is that the outdoor space can be a reflection of your own personal taste, style and creativity.

Enjoying the great outdoors in your garden It is important to consider your own needs and living style when it comes to choosing patio/decking designs.

If you enjoy gardening, you may want to incorporate several large bucket or barrel type planters into your patio landscape. If you like to entertain out of doors, it could be a good idea to incorporate a barbeque pit or grill. It is important the patio design you choose is a reflection of your own personal taste and style.

Think of a patio as your own personal space, and use the patio designs you find in those magazines and books as a guide, while building on them to provide a truly unique and personal space.

There are many different ways to create a patio space, and many different ways to furnish it. From the type of patio stones and decking you choose, to the style of furniture and accessories, a patio truly can be a great space for yourself and your family.

The patio furniture and accessories you choose can be just as important as choosing the best patio designs. Selecting beautiful, sturdy and low-maintenance furniture will help you to enjoy your patio more, with less hassle and trouble. Having an outdoor living space is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comfort of your home.

Sitting pretty There’s nothing like a long summer evening spent relaxing in your garden.

If you’re still struggling with couple of ancient deckchairs, it’s time to invest in some stylish new garden furniture...

When choosing your garden furniture, there are some questions you need to keep in mind...

• How are you going to use your garden furniture? Do you need tables and chairs for mass entertaining, or a single lounger for quiet reflection?

• Will your outdoor furniture be close to the house or off in the distance? It’s a good idea to keep the architectural style of your home in mind for outdoor furniture that’s close to the house.

• Will you need to move your furniture around? Is so, you’ll need something more lightweight.

Make sure you measure the space you have before you go shopping – don’t forget to factor in the space needed to move chairs in and out from the table. Benches are a good choice for smaller gardens and patios, especially if you can tuck them right under the table.

When buying wooden furniture, choose FSC-certified timber, which is from sustainable forests (if it doesn’t say it on the label, don’t buy it).

Think where you’ll be storing your garden furniture over winter. If it’s staying outside, choose weatherproof materials like hardwood, synthetic rattan or acrylic. Many garden centres also sell special covers to protect furniture over the colder months. The same goes for shades and parasols; most manufacturers recommend putting them to bed over winter, so they need to fold up easily or ideally come with a cover.

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Property

with paula matthews Paula Matthews at Opus Estate Agents has been chatting to buyers and sellers all over York answering their concerns and queries.

Q. I put my property on the market about three weeks ago with an agent expecting to sell my house very quickly. They quoted me a lower fee and valued the property quite a bit higher than the other two agents. I decided to put the property on £20,000 less than their valuation and have not had a single enquiry about the property. I am very disappointed and feel I should have had at least a bit of interest. What do you think the problem is?

A. I think in today’s market conditions it would be wrong to let a buyer think that their property will sell immediately, although the right property at the right price will always sell. Have a word with your agent and voice your concerns about the lack of interest.

See if there is anything else that they can suggest that may help when marketing the property. Over-valuing and cheap fees will not help you achieve a sale. We are also into the holiday period which makes a difference and with an increase in the number of properties coming to the market and less people in a position to buy, it is not as simple as it sounds to achieve the sale that you want as quick as you’d like.

Q. I am in the process of buying a house and have a large deposit from the sale of my last house. I was offered a mortgage in principle and given the figures for the cost of the mortgage based on my deposit and affordability. The mortgage product has been taken off the market and I now have to source a different product. What do you suggest?

A. As I am not a mortgage advisor, this is a tricky one but unfortunately this does happen. Make sure you speak to an independent mortgage advisor. They will source you the best deal based on your deposit and affordability and get your purchase back on track as soon as they can.

Q. My agent is advising me to reduce my property as I am getting very little interest, although I have had a couple of offers that in my opinion were very low. Why should I reduce my price?

A. If your agent is advising a reduction, they will have given you the feedback that they have received from potential buyers.

This must be part of the reason for suggesting the reduction.

Take your agents’ advice and hopefully this will create more interest and a sale on your property.

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

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Village properties You can find out more about these and other village properties from YOUR MOVE ANSCOMBS in King’s Square, York on 01904 621532 or at www.your-move.co.uk

Dower Park, Escrick

£450,000

Durlston Drive, Strensall

£210,000

Ropers Court, Copmanthorpe

£249, 950

Old Mill View, Sheriff Hutton

£154,950 To view any of the above or for more information call 621532

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Acomb Wood Drive, Woodthorpe

£374,950

A superb 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom detached house backing onto woodland. Extensively refurbished by the current owners with newly fitted kitchen with granite worktops, utility room, bathroom, ensuite and cloakroom. Ground floor with 23ft lounge with a superb stone fireplace, kitchen, utility, dining room, cloaks/WC and integral double garage.

First floor - master bed with stunning ensuite bathroom, four further beds and house bathroom. The lawned rear garden is very private and ideal for a family.

Chapmans Court, Dringhouses

£325,000

£355,000

A beautifully presented 4 bedroom detached family house situated on an enviable corner plot with off road parking and attached garage. Ground floor has a spacious entrance hall, 20ft lounge, a dining room, 18ft conservatory, fitted kitchen and cloaks/ WC. First floor with a master bedroom and modern ensuite shower room, 3 further beds and a smart family bathroom/WC. Lovely lawned rear garden with decked seating area

The Avenue, Haxby

£280,000

A lovely 4 bedroom link detached family house with a private corner west facing rear garden. Ground floor has a lounge with patio doors onto the garden, a dining room, fitted kitchen, utility room and a cloaks/WC. First floor master bedroom with ensuite shower room, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom/WC. There is a lawned rear garden, blocked paved driveway and a garage. 2 miles south of York city centre.

A well presented and deceptively spacious 5 bedroom extended semi detached house tucked away with a fantastic larger than average garden 5 miles north of York city centre. Entrance hall, 18ft lounge, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and cloakroom/WC. First floor - master bedroom with ensuite shower room, 3 further bedrooms and white bathroom/WC. 2nd Floor - Loft bedroom 5. Outside - extensive lawned gardens, driveway and garage.

Manor Drive North, Acomb

Harcourt Street, Heworth

£235,000

A well presented traditional style 3 bedroom bay fronted semi detached house with a lovely landscaped rear garden. Ground floor has a lounge with French doors leading to a decked seating area, dining room with bay window and a modern fitted kitchen. First floor with 3 bedrooms and a stylish bathroom/WC with roll top bath. Off road parking with a garage to the side. 1.7 miles west of York city centre.

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St Nicholas Road, Copmanthorpe

£220,000

A beautifully presented 2 bedroom period end terrace house with a spacious feel throughout.

Ground floor with a through lounge and dining room with bay window to the front opening to the rear courtyard with a modern 25ft kitchen with utility area. First floor has a spacious master bedroom, second bedroom, modern bathroom/WC and a study. Rear courtyard with side access gate. 0.6 miles east of York city centre.

Riverside Close, Elvington

£215,000

Manor Park Road, Rawcliffe

£197,950

A well presented 3 bedroom modern link detached house with open views over fields to the rear as well as a great family kitchen/breakfast room. Ground floor also has a lounge opening onto the dining room and a cloakroom/WC. To the first floor are 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom/WC. There is a lawned rear garden and to the front a driveway providing off road parking and access to the integral garage. 7 miles SE of York city centre.

A beautifully presented 4 bedroom extended semi detached house occupying a prominent corner plot with off road parking and a garage. Ground floor has a lounge with bay window, a dining room onto the garden and a modern kitchen. First floor with 3 bedrooms and family bathroom/WC. Bedroom 4 in converted loft space. Decked and lawned rear garden, a side courtyard, garage and off road parking. 2.2 miles NW of York City centre.

Berkeley Terrace, Off Poppleton Road

Whitley Close, Clifton Moor

£185,000

A lovely 3 bedroom forecourted terrace well situated just off Poppleton Road with a feature bow window to the lounge. The ground floor also has a dining room with views along the rear courtyard, a modern fitted kitchen and smart bathroom/WC. To the first floor are three well proportioned bedrooms. Situated 1.4 miles west of York city centre in a pleasant residential side street with unrestricted on street parking.

Ratcliffe Street, Off Burton Stone Lane

£160,000

A fine example of a 2 bedroom forecourted period end terrace house with a wonderful modern kitchen as well as superb lounge and dining room to the ground floor. First floor has two bedrooms both with stripped wood floor boards and a stylish bathroom with roll top bath and separate shower cubicle. Lovely rear courtyard with vehicle access to off road parking all within 1 mile north of the city centre.

£180,000

An modern 3 bedroom semi detached house tucked away in a mews of three properties with a driveway providing off road parking to the side and a detached garage. Ground floor has a lounge with space for dining, kitchen with breakfast bar and cloakroom/WC. To the first floor are three bedrooms and smart bathroom/WC. To the rear is a lawned garden with raised decked seating area. 2.4 miles NW of York city centre.

Acomb Road, Acomb

£134,950

A fantastic 1 bedroom lower ground floor flat in a period conversion which is deceptively spacious throughout and has a rear courtyard and off road parking. The property comprises private entrance, spacious lounge, modern kitchen with access to the rear courtyard, dining room, sitting area, bathroom and bedroom with study/dressing area. 1.1 miles west of York city centre.

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More luxury, no extra cost...

The quality fixtures and fittings included in every one of our homes may cost you extra with another house builder.

e ang h c x * e tE Par ailabl av

Located in the Tadcaster Road area near the racecourse, this sought after development contains a stunning selection of high specification four, five and six bedroom homes. With a range of contemporary yet functional designs, every home is built to the highest specification featuring the finest appliances, fixtures and fittings, and is set within a generous plot many providing a picturesque woodland setting.

Prices start from as little as ÂŁ279,995 Revival, Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1QL. For more information call 01904 700 816 or 08454 707 123.

Sales Information Centre & Showhomes open 7 days a week, 10.30am - 5.30pm www.shepherdhomes.com ...your new home page *Offer subject to status, terms and conditions and availability on certain plots. This information is for guidance only and does not form part of any offer or contract and is subject to terms and conditions. Please consult our sales executive for specific details. Prices and information correct at time of going to press. Photography represents a typical Shepherd Home.

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Property of th e month

Keeping up appearances One key aspect to consider with extensions is how to stay in keeping with the existing style of your property. An unsightly or highly contrasting extension will not only upset the neighbours, it may also devalue your home.

£289,950

Calling all Dr Who fans! How would you like to take possession of your very own Tardis? Estate agents Opus may not be able to promise this Huntington Road property will take you into orbit, but if ever a house deserved the term ‘deceptively spacious’, this is it. From the outside, it looks like an average sized three bedroom semi. But step inside and you’ll be amazed at the amount of space you get for your money.

The property comprises an entrance hall, downstairs WC, super stylish kitchen, larger than average dining room, spacious 30 foot lounge and generous sized conservatory. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, with a master ensuite and a family bathroom.

Outside there’s a double drive to the front of the property providing ample off street parking and a path to the side leading to the pretty fully enclosed private rear garden.

It’s a hell of a lot of house, and it can all be yours for £289,500. n For more details or to arrange a viewing contact OPUS on 790070.

So how do you make sure your new extension doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb? There are several points to consider: Design The basic shape and size of the extension should be inkeeping with the original house, and the scale should not dominate the original building. Where a street or group of buildings has a well defined building line then this should be retained. It is good practice to set back side extensions at least 0.5m from the front of the building; don’t extend forward of the building.

Materials Materials used in the new design should match the existing building and blend with the neighbouring properties. Generally roofs that reflect the pitch and style of the existing roof are encouraged.

Flat roofs are not appropriate on most extensions.

Windows & Doors – Windows and doors give a building its character.

The design, style and positioning of new openings are important and should match the style and proportion of the existing house. The line of windowsills and lintels should be carried through to the extension.

Windows overlooking a neighbouring property should be avoided if possible; if they are essential then obscured glazing should be fitted.

Dormers Dormers in roofs should be of reasonable proportion; they shouldn’t dominate the existing roof or extend across more than one third of the roof span. Two smaller dormers will have a better appearance than a single large one. Materials used in the dormer should also match the original house. Dormer extensions should not be higher than the ridge of the original house. Dormers facing the front of a property towards a public highway or footpath are not generally encouraged unless they are kept small and in keeping with the style of the existing property. In most cases dormers should have pitched roofs and should match the style of the existing roof.

Avoid flat roof dormers.

Conservatories Conservatories should be sited to the side or rear of a dwelling. They should have pitched roofs where possible and constructed of materials that match those used in the dwelling.

Obscure glazing should be considered for windows that face neighbours’ property or gardens. Alternatively, solid sides to the conservatory can be used.

Garages Garages, whether free standing or attached to the original dwelling, should reflect the style and design of the existing property.

The same principles apply as in other extensions, particularly in terms of roofs. Consideration should be given to the type of doors to be used to ensure that when open they do not obstruct the public highway. There must be enough space on the driveway in front of the proposed garage for a car to be parked without any part of it overhanging the footpath or road.

Making your extension fit in with the surrounding area is where the skill of a designer comes in. Their expertise lies in finding solutions to ensure your new extension is in keeping with the rest of your home in terms of flow, lighting and design – and more importantly, that it doesn’t become a neighbourhood eyesore! n For more information and help on getting your new project started plus details of our full design and drawing service.

Call us at ADDS on 01904 762691 or visit our website www.addsyork.co.uk

Design | Plan | Build 75

Meet an

award-winning team The York branch is managed by Tracey Hegarty who has extensive knowledge of the local property market.

She says: “The market for residential lettings is very busy because people are finding is hard to get on the property ladder which means they are having to rent rather than buy a property.”

The buy-to-let market is particularly buoyant, says Tracey. She knows of one landlord who is buying four properties in York to let out to tenants.

Admiring the bus advert for Countrywide Residential Lettings are branch manager Tracey Hegarty, negotiator Natalie Snaith and area manager Richard Coxon. Picture: Richard Foster

Countrywide Residential Lettings is the country’s largest specialist lettings business.

landlords and tenants across the UK.

It offers a range of tailored rent and lettings services and property management expertise to

More than 2,000 applicants looking to rent or let a home, register with Countrywide each week.

bespoke design

In this year’s ESTAS awards, the largest and longest running award scheme in the estate agent industry, Countrywide was named ‘best large letting agent chain’.

manufacture

fitting

KITCHEN WORKT WORKTOPS K OPS KT 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 76

LT D

Tracey says she leads a growing team with a growing reputation for providing a first-class service to both landlords and tenants.

Her colleagues are negotiator Natalie Snaith, property manager Debbie Baxter, assistant property manager Wendy Bellamy, and Saturday negotiator Neil Haines. n Countrywide Residential Lettings, 37 Micklegate, York.

Tel: 652158

Decorative driveways Have you heard of StencilTech yet? If you haven’t, you soon will. It’s a brilliant new innovation in property maintenance, and we predict it’s going to be huge!

Stencil-Tech offers decorative driveways with a difference.

Designs are stencilled directly on to concrete using pigmented dyes, combining the looks and style of block paving with the ease and economy of concrete.

The colours won’t fade or chip, the finish is non-slip and with a wide range of shades and designs to choose from, your driveway can be absolutely unique.

The system has just been introduced into the region, and Stencil-Tech want you to be among the first to try it.

They’re offering reduced rates on potential show properties in the area. n If you’re interested, call 898858. For more information, visit www.stencil-tech.co.uk.

Creating more

space It’s well worth making every square inch count in your home.

If you’re creative and savvy, you can utilise a lot of unused space. Here’s how to create more storage space in a living room. Here are some tips: 1. Purchase multi functional pieces of furniture. Don’t use a traditional coffee table. Instead, use a trunk or an ottoman that can double as storage space, additional seating or a table. Do the same for side or end tables. Many furniture designers are aware of the need for more storage space; seating can be removed to reveal storage space for magazines, CDs, DVDs and even blankets.

2. If you have a bay window, have seating and storage constructed. Not only will it provide a lovely design element to your room, it will also give you storage space that is both discreet and accessible.

3. Think vertically. Build shelving on the walls to utilize the unused space. You can even have cabinetry built in to reach the ceiling for a total storage solution. So the wall doesn’t look too heavy, have some panels as open shelving and put doors on the rest.

4. Use your walls. Hang shelving behind the sofa and place your knick knacks there. It will provide a point of interest in the room but also give you space to display some possessions. Don’t just use a piece of wood and L-brackets. Find something decorative in the home store and hang that. Some hanging shelves are designed to look like a piece of artwork. Modern TV sets are flat enough to be mounted on a wall. This will enable you to use the cabinet for storage instead of putting your entertainment system on it.

Use a trunk or an ottoman instead of a coffee, it can double as storage space, 5. Hang shelving on the space above the door and windows to utilize unused space. You can put books and ornaments on the shelf.

6. De-clutter your space. No matter how much storage space you have, it will never be enough if you don’t get rid of things. There’s no need to hold on to your magazine subscriptions from ten years ago. If you live in a small space, you have to be vigilant about what you keep in your home. Every time you bring something in, something has to go out. This is the only way to control the clutter.

7. There are many decorative tricks you can utilize to create a roomier atmosphere in a small space. Keep your lighting soft, the furniture pieces low and your colour palette neutral.

uPVC DOO RS

£495 from O NLY

77

The

golden

age of radio Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said there was no "cast-iron commitment" to pinpointing a date for digital switchover, adding there would be no digital radio switchover "until digital coverage matches FM".

A provisional target date of 2015 had been identified by the outgoing Labour government, but Mr Vaizey said: "We will not switch over until the vast majority of listeners have voluntarily adopted digital radio over analogue."

This announcement has been welcomed by Matthew Todd, pictured, of Herbert Todd & Son, the electrical specialist that has been serving York for more than 70 years.

He says there has never been a better time to buy a radio. All the top manufacturers are producing a large variety of sets – designed to suit every need – at very competitive prices.

Digital radios that cost £100 a few years ago, now retail at around £35.

The manufacturers have still kept the faith with FM – producing sets that look as stylish as their digital counterparts.

A popular option amongst punters

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was to buy a radio that covered both FM and digital. Such sets provide all the radio stations you are ever going to want.

Mr Vaizey says manufacturers and broadcasters should work together to launch new stations, develop new functions and engage the public with "great content" to power the drive towards digital radio switchover.

Mr Vaizey said: "The furore and subsequent saving of 6 Music shows that the BBC is already building a fantastic portfolio of digital radio content, which has already established a passionate following, myself included. So we need more 6 Musics and not just from the BBC, but also from the commercial sector.

"But the BBC must not simply provide great digital content. It must also lead the way in the promotion of digital, across all its platforms, as a medium through which to access all radio."

The BBC Trust rejected the proposal to close 6 Music. n For all your electrical needs, go to Herbert Todd & Son at Percy’s Lane, York, and York Road, Acomb.

Tel: 628676.

Reasons to go digital when listening to the radio 1) Better sound quality – no hissing or crackling 2) More stations offering more choice by covering every genre of music 3) Digital radios are easier to tune; the names of the stations are displayed as you scroll through the dial.

4) Digital radios use an information bar to display what’s on and what’s about to come on 5) Thanks to a memory card, it’s possible to pause and rewind live radio, which is useful if your listening is interrupted by a phone call. If the memory card is large enough, you can use it to record your favourite programmes.

6) With digital radio, you can use an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) to plan your listening for the week.

Dam that flood

Inflatable bags from FloodSax are designed to keep floodwater out of your home, which makes them ideal for areas vulnerable to flash floods. They absorb water to act just like sandbags, but don’t have to be filled with heavy sand and are designed so they mould into doorways to keep floodwater out.

Simply immerse the FloodSax in water at the scene and their semi-porous inner liner has hundreds of absorbent crystals which retain the water against tremendous pressure.

The bags can be folded and take up a tiny amount of storage space compared to sandbags which are heavy, unwieldy and deteriorate if stored for a long time. FloodSax weigh hardly anything which makes them easier to handle than traditional sandbags.

FloodSax bags last for five years whilst stored and, once inflated at the scene, stay inflated for 6-8 weeks. They are also biodegradable, so can be disposed of in landfill sites. n These revolutionary bags, manufactured and tested in the UK, are being sold by Solarwall, Green Lane Trading Estate, Clifton, York. Tel: 690824

Appliance bargains on Clifton Moor We all love hunting for a bargain online. But the problem with buying goods on the internet is you can’t always see what you’re getting until it arrives.

Now a new business aims to offer the price benefits of online shopping with the personal service of buying in-store. The Domestic Appliance Warehouse on Clifton Moor is a real Aladdin’s Cave of bargains. It offers a wide range of white goods, from built-in and freestanding cookers to washing machines, tumble dryers and fridge freezers. Goods are either in perfect condition or ‘R grade’, which means they may have slight damage but are still in perfect working order.

And there are some great bargains to be had, with prices ranging from 10 – 30% cheaper than you’d find on the High Street. n You’ll find the Domestic Appliance Warehouse at 31 – 32 Auster Road, directly behind CK Buggies. Look out for it, and bag yourself a bargain. Cal xxx for more information.

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The Hot 100

The Lockwood Window Company has been awarded membership onto The Master Window & Conservatory Installers Association Top 100 List of Companies in the UK.

Calling all golf fans

How would you fancy living right next door to one of York’s best golf courses? Your Move Anscombs has a wonderful property that’s situated just yards from the 18th green of the York Golf Club – even closer to the course than the clubhouse! Dennington Barton in Strensall is the only home to have views over the course.

Even if you aren’t a golfing fan, you’re sure to be tempted by the glorious uninterrupted south facing views from the first floor windows across the immaculately manicured fairways.

This is the first time the property has come to the market as it’s been owned by the same family since it was built for them in 1954. It stands in wonderful gardens extending to ¾ acre with extensive lawns, mature trees and a large natural pond. Entry is via a gravel driveway which sweeps around the side of the property to a large double garage and main entrance.

The ground floor comprises a large entrance hall, central dining room, double aspect lounge, family room, double aspect kitchen/breakfast room, a utility room and cloakroom/WC. On the first floor there are five good sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. The three bedrooms at the front have fabulous views over the golf course.

Or, if you prefer, the accommodation could be rearranged to create the main living space on the first floor. n This gorgeous house is one of Your Move Anscombs’ Premier portfolio of properties, and can be yours for £750,000. To arrange a viewing, or for more information, call Your Move Anscombs on 621532.

FREE

All stock materials

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Lockwood’s inclusion on the list is no surprise; the company takes an innovative approach to its windows, doors and conservatories. This includes their unique coloured foiled PVC frames, which come in a variety of long-lasting shades.

“Unlike sprayed PVC, the finish won’t fade or chip,” says a spokesman for the company. “You can choose from a range of colours, including classic cream, grey or black. You can even opt to have both sides of the frame coloured, inside and out.”

They also have a range of composite doors, which are proving very popular.

“Because they look and fit exactly like wooden doors, they are ideal for older, more traditional homes,” says the spokesman. n Call The Lockwood Window Company, on 289048.

Measuring & fitting service

20% OFF

To join the list, a business must be nominated by another well-respected company or individual within the industry. They must then meet a strict list of criteria, including trading history, professionalism, technical expertise and customer service. They must also receive a recommendation from their local Trading Standards Office.

No:1

Choice for Blinds

Take the shepherd challenge New look interiors boasting Shepherd Homes’ latest outstanding specification are available in all four-, five- and six-bedroom properties at the homebuilder’s sought after Revival development on Tadcaster Road, York.

Shepherd Homes has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to locate and secure the very best suppliers to enable the company to provide homebuyers with luxury specification as standard. Including oak panelled doors, Bosch integrated appliances, Porcelanosa ceramic tiles, chrome switches and light sockets and recessed down lighters, the new specification sets a superb new standard.

ALSO

Shepherd Homes is so confident of its new specification being better than that of other homebuilders that is has created the ‘Shepherd Challenge’ website – www.shepherdchallenge.com <http://www. shepherdchallenge.com> – where the company invites people to print out a table enabling them to compare the standard specification on offer when they visit other builders’ developments.

With prices for a four-bedroom ‘Ripon’ house type at Revival starting at just £289,995, the build quality of each home combined with the outstanding level of specification now available make purchasing a property at the development a hugely attractive proposition.

Gizzy Murray, Shepherd Homes’ sales executive at Revival, said: “The quality of the new specification has to be seen to be believed. We have showhomes of a five-bedroom Epsom and a six-bedroom Strafford where people can get a close up look.

“Most importantly though, this luxury specification is as standard so homebuyers will not pay a penny more for what is listed within the new range. By taking the Shepherd Challenge, people can compare what we offer with the specification of other homebuilders and see what excellent style and value we provide.” n For further information about Revival, contact Gizzy on 01904 700816. The sales office at Revival is open seven days from 10.30am until 5.30pm. To find out more about Shepherd Homes visit www.shepherdhomes.com

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finefood&drink

Fancy some fish & chips?

Get fresh at the

TM

Balloon Tree

The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe at Gate Helmsley, provides summer holiday activities for adults and children alike. Pick your own strawberries and raspberries or select the homegrown summer vegetables in the shop. With a new tractor climbing frame-slide in the play area, the children can stay occupied while you relax in the cafe garden, with the specials board to tempt you. The Balloon Tree is proud of its BBQ featuring rare breed meats, fresh salads and homegrown new potatoes, dressings, chutneys and a wide range of homemade desserts to top it off. n Visit www.theballoontree.co.uk or call 01759 373023

Early bird deals Green Lane Fish Bar has been serving up quality fish and chips to the people of Acomb for more than 70 years. In fact it’s so popular some of their loyal customers have been coming in for their takeaway treat since before the War! More recently the business has been taken over by Stuart Brown and Lyn Barton, who have brought the traditional business bang up to date by investing in brand new high efficiency equipment to reduce waiting times. “It’s a case of ploughing our profits back into the business to improve the service to our customers,” says Stuart.

The equipment may be high tech and the service speedier, but when it comes to the food there’s still the good old-fashioned approach to quality and competitive prices. You can buy a generous portion of crispy fish and chips for just £4, as well as chicken, pies, sausages, scampi and fishcakes as well as many other things. There are also soft drinks, ice cream and their new range of ice cream milk shakes, which are proving incredibly popular with customers, especially the children. Spend over £8, and they’ll even throw in a free tub of ice cream worth £1.50.

They also have a wide variety of meal deals available catering for the younger generation.

They have also launched a loyalty card scheme which enables customers to have a meal on the house after ten purchases of at least £2.80. Which is great news if you’ve been buying your fish and chips there since Stuart and Lyn have taken over. n Barton’s Green Lane Fish Bar is open Monday to Friday 11.30am 1.30pm, Saturdays 11.30am – 2pm and 4.30pm - 9pm. Tel: 791164

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The White Swan Inn & Restaurant at Deighton, on the A19 between York and Selby, enjoys a fine reputation for its home-made food and fine cask ales. Take advantage of its early bird menu. n For details, call 728287.

A delicious pudding

for free

Buy a Sunday carvery at the Cock & Bottle, 61 Skeldergate, York, and mine host will throw in a free dessert – which is good news for all diners with a sweet tooth. The city centre hostelry, on the south bank of the Ouse, is known for its fine ales. What’s more, football fans can enjoy the latest Premiership action on the big screen while supping their pint. Tel: 654165

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

Buy one, get one free

15% discount The Akash Tandoori Restaurant & Takeaway has been serving diners authentic Bangladesh cuisine in York for 20 years. The North Street establishment, known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, is offering a 15% discount to readers of Your Local Link – just show the advert in this month’s magazine when ordering your meal. Tel: 633550.

Cheap as chips Triton’s Fish and Chips at Bilbrough Top Services (A64) are offering 10% off your entire bill if you present their advert in this month’s Your Local Link.

The three-course senior’s menu is available all day and there are activity sheets and crayons for the kids. There’s also free Wi-Fi for computer buffs. Tel: 700189.

Buy one meal and get one free on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the Jacobean Lodge Hotel Hotel, Plainville Lane, Wigginton, York. To take advantage of the BOGOF offer present the hotel’s advert in this month’s Your Local Link between 6pm and 9pm. To reserve a table, call 762749.

ose from more than 175 different k up Cho All shoo py stuff and olate bars, biscuits, sweets or goo

flavours of choc , will blend it into the perfect Shakeaholic, in Church Street, York rap your favourite chocolate bar milkshake. They say: “Watch us unw it a splash of milk, before blending and add it to our ice-cream with of one tried ve you' once us, t Trus . in our amazing Blendtec blenders te crea to eaholic and you'll be back our shakes you'll become a Shak octions .” your own weird and wonderful conc keaholic.com .sha n For more details, go to www

A smashing time

A piece of cake

If you fancy smashing a few plates and a spot of Greek dancing, Il Treno Restaurant at the Sidings Hotel, Shipton-byBeningbrough, is staging one of its popular Greek nights on Friday August 20th. You get free ouzo on arrival plus live music – all for £15 per person. Also, every Tuesday is a buffet night – it’s a case of all you can eat for only £6.95. And don’t forget the Treno traditional Sunday lunch for £7.95. Tel: 470221.

You are assured of a warm welcome at Ampleforth, which has been home to a Community of Benedictine monks since 1802. The monks tend the Abbey Orchard, which has more than 40 varieties of apples. Orchard produce includes the sought-after Ampleforth Abbey Cider and Cider Brandy, available in the Abbey Shop. The Tea Room provides nourishing refreshments.

Delicious cakes, sandwiches and light meals are made on-site using fresh, local ingredients; Fr Rainer’s cider apple cake is exceptional! Tel: 01439 766000.

&Chips

Fish

FREE

eam with Tub of ice crover orders £8.00

LOYA COLL LTY CARD ECTOR SY AVAIL STEM ABLE

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

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Pick Your Own Pick Your Own raspberries, peas and beans at the Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe, York, this month.

New this summer is the Quad Barrel Train that tours the farm, taking in all the animals. n Tel: 499183.

Good value grub and live music

Buy two meals for the price of one at the Cottage Inn, The Village, Haxby. The BOGOF offer applies between August 2nd and 7th from 6pm to 9pm. Its menu features locally-sourced food. There’s a large function room that makes the establishment an ideal place to celebrate weddings, Christenings, anniversaries and birthdays. The band Pepper Heart will be playing at the pub on August 6th so you can enjoy live music as well as grub that’s tasty as well as offering excellent value. n For more details, call 763949.

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A good place

to celebrate

The Pitchside Bar, formerly York City FC Social Club, is now under new management.

With a function room big enough for 100 people, plus an on-site catering service, it’s a good place to celebrate that special occasion.

It is open seven days a week, and beer drinkers will savour its prices. - the Pitchside Bar is selling bitter at £2.50 a pint, lager at £2.60 and guest ales at 2.60.

Spokesman Jason Bailey says: “There’s no room hire

charge and free parking. We have a meeting room facility and a function room for up to 100 people. Our on-site catering service can meet all requirements; we even offer a specialist cake-making service.

We also offer a disco and we are licensed until midnight. We are open seven days a week, including all day on Saturday and Sunday.”

n For more details, call Jason on 675055 or 07730 946 171.

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

eighttoeatat...

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

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sixtosavour...

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

Don’t waste food understanding that everybody can come back for more once they've cleared their plate. This is especially helpful for children, who rarely estimate how much they can eat at once. Any leftovers can be cooled, stored in the fridge and used another day.

stored between 1 and 5 Celsius for maximum freshness and longevity.

8.3 million tonnes of food is thrown away by households in the UK every year, according to the campaign group Love Food Hate Waste, which provides handy tips, advice and recipes for leftovers to help everyone waste less food.

Wasting food costs the average family with children £680 a year and has serious environmental implications too by producing methane gas at landfill sites, which contributes to global warming.

Love Food Hate Waste says: “If we all stop wasting food that could have been eaten, the CO2 impact would be the equivalent of taking 1 in 4 cars off the road.”

Follow these tips to help you reduce food waste, save money and protect the environment: 1. Write a list! Menu plan your meals for a week. Check the ingredients in your fridge and cupboards, then write a shopping list for just the extras you need.

2. Stick to the list! Take your list with you and stick to it when you're in the store. Don't be tempted by offers and don't shop when you're hungry — you'll come back with more than you need.

3. Keep a healthy fridge. Check that the seals on your fridge are good and check the fridge temperature too. Food needs to be

4. Don't throw it away! Fruit that is just going soft can be made into smoothies or fruit pies. Vegetables that are starting to wilt can be made into soup.

5. Use up your leftovers. Instead of scraping leftovers into the bin, why not use them for tomorrow's ingredients? For example, a bit of tuna could be added to pasta and made into a pasta bake.

6. Rotate. When you buy new food from the store, bring all the older items in your cupboards and fridge to the front. Put the new food towards the back and you run less risk of finding something mouldy in your food stores!

7. Serve small amounts. Serve small amounts of food with the

8. Buy what you need. Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of prepacked, then you can buy exactly the amount you need. Choose meats and cheese from a deli so that you can buy what you want.

9. Freeze! If you only eat a small amount of bread, then freeze it when you get home and take out a few slices a couple of hours before you need them. Likewise, batch cook foods so that you have meals ready for those evenings when you are too tired to cook.

10. Turn it into garden food. Some food waste is unavoidable, so why not set up a compost bin for fruit and vegetable peelings?

In a few months you will end up with rich, valuable compost for your plants. If you want to know more about composting, call York Rotters on 412861 or email rotters@ stnicksfields.org.uk n For more details, go to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

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A York farmer has created the world’s largest Spitfire to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

RAF veteran unveils

Spitfire

maze

Farmer Tom Pearcy has cut the shape of a giant Spitfire in his maize field near Elvington. Measuring more than 300 metres (1,000ft) in length the Spitfire is 30 times the size of the real thing and has been carved out of more than one million living maize plants. The design also features the words ‘Never Forget 1940-2010’ in 40ft high letters and a giant Union Flag.

‘The maze is a wonderful idea as a tribute to the aircrews.’

Battle of Britain veteran William (Terry) Clark, aged 91, was guest of honour at a ceremony to unveil the maze, getting a bird’s-eye view of the Spitfire design by flying over it in a helicopter .

He says: “I’ve flown in lots of different aeroplanes but, at the age of 91, this is the first time I’ve ever been up in a helicopter, so it’s a new experience for me. The maze is a wonderful idea as a tribute to the aircrews.”

During the Second World War, Flight Lieutenant Clark, of Wheldrake, served as an air gunner on Blenheim night fighters and as a navigator on Mosquitoes. He received the Distinguished Flying Medal, which he still wears with pride alongside five others, including the rare Battle of Britain medal and clasp.

York Maze, with 10km of pathways, is the largest maize maze in Europe. Tom’s previous maze designs have included an Astronaut, the Statue of Liberty and the Flying Scotsman.

Says Tom: “I’m delighted to be able to make my contribution to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and to pay tribute to the brave airmen who, in a unique battle for the skies, helped keep this country safe. It is also a tribute to all the other service personnel who have served our country and continue to do so today.”

Battle of Britain veteran Terry Clark, aged 91, stands beside a Spitfire with Group Captain Mike Longstaff at York Maze. Picture: Richard Foster

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Forces staff and their families are being offered discounted admission to York Maze this year, which is open every day until September 5th. n For more details, go to www.yorkmaze.co.uk.

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Jorvik Viking Centre, Coppergate.

The centre, after a £1 million refurbishment, aims to bring visitors closer to the origins of the Viking Age discovery in Coppergate. Tel: 615505.

Ghost trail: Traditional tales, Victorian

tragedies and accounts of modern day ghostly phenomena interweave to create a spinetingling experience – thanks to the Ghost Trail of York. The 70-minute tour starts from the West Doors of York Minster at 7.30pm each night, whatever the weather. Tel: 633276.

Family fun: Sutton Park at Sutton-on-theForest offers a grand day out for all the family.

The award-winning gardens are open daily between 11am and 5pm, while the Georgian house is open on Wednesdays and Sundays, plus all bank holidays, from 1.30pm to 5pm, with the last tour starting at 4pm. Attractions include woodland walks, tearooms, an adventure playground and falconry. Tel: 01347 810249.

Until 2 September Wild about Harry: Harry Potter’s very

own Hogwarts Express (No 5972) will be the main locomotive used on the Scarborough Spa Express trip for the 2010 season. Travel by steam in traditional carriages across Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside. The Scarborough Spa Express will be running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 20th July through to 2nd September, including Bank Holiday Monday.

Call 0845 128 8634 or 0845 128 4685, or log on to www.westcoastrailways.co.uk.

Steamy seaside: Get into the holiday

mood as York’s National Railway Museum takes you back to an era of travelling to the seaside by steam. Enjoy a steam ride hauled

by City of Truro, a locomotive well known for steaming passengers to the Cornish coast. You can also enjoy your picnic in South Yard as well as traditional seaside fun, miniature railway rides, funfair rides plus lively science shows and storytelling. Tel: 08448 153139.

Until 6 September Once Upon A Tide: This exhibition uses

the National Railway Museum’s poster collection to explore the Harwich-Hook ferry route.

Until 1 November Go west: This exhibition at the National

Railway Museum celebrates the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Great Western Railway.

Until 28 November Ouse cruise: YorkBoat runs daily daytime

dishes in the tearoom with a Roman theme and the chance to hear more about the famous Roman ghost sightings by joining the cellar tour.

Tel: 685560.

Family fun: English Heritage has organised

a series of family-friendly events to coincide with the school holiday at its sites in North Yorkshire. They include an interesting herb hunt at Rievaulx Abbey, a pirate academy at Whitby Abbey, a knight and princess school at Scarborough Castle and some gruesome activities at Clifford’s Tower in York. Tel: 0870 333 1181.

24 July – 6 September Amaize-ing: Easingwold Maize Maze is

open from 10.30am with last entry at 4.30pm.

Dexter Beef barbecues take place on Sundays and free attractions include a giant inflatable slide, go-karts, football, swingball, sandpit and an animal pen. Tel: 07974 090323.

25 July Ford rally: A car show, organised by the Ford

RS Owners Club (East Yorkshire), will be held at Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, between 10am and 4pm. Tel: 07517 700117.

27 July – 29 August Summer Art Exhibition: Harlow Carr Garden, Harrogate, is hosting its annual arts exhibition. Tel: 01423 565418

28 July It’s a Knockout: New Earswick & District

Indoor Bowls club will be hosting an It’s A Knockout-style tournament from 10.30am – 3pm. Featuring carpet bowls, new age kurling, boccia and pool, it is aimed at getting adults and children with physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties involved in fun activities.

Contact either Andy at the club on 750230 or Mark at Community Base on 552607 to book.

An Ideal Husband: Helmsley Castle.

Gates open 6.45pm; performance starts at 7.30pm. Heartbreak Theatre Company brings to life the classic Oscar Wilde comedy. Bring your chairs and picnic. Tel: 01439 770442.

The Secret Garden: Bring a picnic and

chairs to Fountains Abbey at 6.30pm for a stage adaptation of the classic children’s book. Call 0844 249 1895 for your tickets. Between noon and 4pm there will be a magical afternoon for kids: face-painting, games, story-telling, and a family trail all inspired by The Secret Garden.

29 July Let’s ramble: York Ramblers are holding a

29 July and 24 August Mosaicool: Children’s activity at Dutch

house Crayke, age 5-12. Using a range of fantastic colours, you can create your own spectacular mosaic tableau. Tel 01347 889431

29 July-15 August Falstaff drama: The York Shakespeare

Project is presenting Henry IV Parts One & Two at 7.15pm in St Martin-cum-Gregory, Micklegate, York. The plays feature Falstaff, one of the bard’s greatest creations. Box office: 623568.

30 July Scarborough Spectacular: Stars of

stand-up comedy are stopping off in Yorkshire en-route to the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Road to Edinburgh (The Big Comedy Campervan) features seven comedians who will be performing at Edinburgh this year. They include Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Reginald D Hunter, Phil Nichol, Jack Whitehall and Shappi Khorsandi. The night will be hosted by Yorkshire comedian Alun Cochrane. Call ticketline on 0844 888 9991 or book at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre ticket office, Burniston Road, Scarborough (10am-6pm).

Lunchtime concert: There will be a

recital of poetry alternating with piano music in the Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, at 12.30pm. Brinley Price reads his poems, and Myrna Michell plays Janacek’s ‘On an Overgrown Path’. Tel: 07931 775329.

city cruises from 10.30am, sailing every 30 minutes during the summer. Time Tour at 7.30pm and Floodlit Evening Cruise, at 9.15pm.

Both sailing from King’s Staith until 30th October, during weekends and school holidays.

Tel: 628324.

five-mile walk that starts at 7pm from the Great Lake car park at Castle Howard. Tel: 628134.

Let’s rock: Mike Byrne & The Sun Rockers will be playing at New Earswick & District Bowls Club, Huntington Road, Huntington. Tel: 750230.

24 July – 30 August Roman Summer: The Romans left Britain

Auctioneers is holding a free valuation event for antiques, jewellery and collectables at the Bar Convent, Blossom Street, York. Tel: 531661.

31 July Get Medieval: Join the costumed re-

29 & 30 July It’s A Monk’s Life: Join a family tour of

Clean machine: Living history in the

1,600 years ago this year. Treasurer’s House in York is marking the occasion with a Roman themed summer trail and activities for children, 11am-4.30pm (closed Fridays). There will be

Bring your heirlooms: Tennants

Fountains Abbey. Dress in monks’ robes and learn about their daily life. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm. Tel: 01765 608888.

enactors around their medieval encampment at Fountains Abbey, 10am – 5pm. Tel: 01765 608888.

Victorian laundry at Beningbrough Hall. From possers to mangles, learn all about the life of a laundry maid and her duties. First talk at noon.

Tel: 472027.

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GET YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM ON PAGE 3

31 July – 1 August Yorkshire Weekend:

Celebrate Yorkshire Day at the National Railway Museum. Donkeys Pedro and Bubbles are making a special trip to the NRM while Punch & Judy will be on hand to make the whole family giggle.

Swinging 1960s: Richmond Castle. From 11am. Enjoy the music, fashions, traditional games and take a close look at several vehicles from TV’s ‘Heartbeat’ compete with storytelling from a 1960s policeman.

Robin Hood Weekend:

Conisbrough Castle. From 11am, join BZ Entertainments’ interactive performance of ‘Robin Hood’. Great fun for children of all ages. Plus have-a -go archery.

Fighting knights:

Scarborough Castle. From 11am. See medieval knights fight each other.

1, 8, 15 & 22 August Band concerts: Brodsworth

Hall and Gardens, Doncaster, 3pm – 5pm. Enjoy the gardens to the sounds of brass.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Sale time: Giant car boot sale, Home Farm, Wigginton, York, 7am to 1pm. Toilets and refreshments. Tel: 768463.

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1 August Butterfly walk: Dr David

Chesmore will lead a butterfly walk at York Cemetery at 2pm. To book your ticket, call 610578.

Garden tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens at Beningbrough Hall, the National Trust property near York, between 2pm and 3pm. Then celebrate Yorkshire Day by having a pudding and curd tart in the restaurant which features portraits of great Yorkshiremen. Tel: 472027.

Yorkshire fun: Haxby

Memorial Hall is celebrating Yorkshire Day from 1pm. There will be tea under the willow tree, a barbecue, bouncy castle, miniature steam railway, games and stalls and many more attractions. Music provided by Generation Groove.

Tyke capers: The Yorkshire

Games, featuring Flat Cap Tossing and Yorkshire Pudding On A Spoon races, are being held at Fairburn Ings, near Ledston, Castleford, by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The charity has organised a family fun day between 11am and 3pm to celebrate Yorkshire Day.

New-look museum: The Yorkshire Museum, at the Museum Gardens in York, officially opens to the general public after a £2 million revamp.

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1 – 2 August Get Medieval: Join the costumed re-

4 August Beaten Metal: Children’s activity at Dutch

enactors around their 15th century encampment at Fountains Abbey, 10am – 5pm. Tel: 01765 608888.

house Crayke, age 5-12. Draw your favourite animal or object on a metal sheet and cut it and shape it. Then finish it with colourful spray paint. Tel 01347 889431

1- 31 August Abbey tours: Join a daily tour to discover

stories about Fountains Abbey and monks.

Meet at Porter’s Lodge, 11am, 1pm, 2pm or 3pm.

At 11.30am Mr Aislabie’s Garden Tour takes in the grand design of the Georgian landscape at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Meet at Porter’s Lodge. Tel: 01765 608888.

Holiday fun: Free trails and drop-in

activities for children in Swanley Grange, Fountains Abbey, 11am – 4pm. Tel: 01765 608888.

Living history: A wide range of Living

History activities are taking place every day throughout the summer holidays at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, York. Be taken through your paces (safely) with spear drill or take a guided tour of the Viking Village. Make a Roman pot or Viking bracelet.

Learn how to wattle and daub or watch a firemaking demo. Tel: 489966.

2 August Support group: Members of Parkinson’s

UK meet at the Community Centre, 26 Strensall Road, Huntington. Tel 0844 2253634.

Jazz Brunch: Have brunch on the terrace at Newby Hall, near Ripon, while listening to a live jazz quartet. Don’t forget the Contemporary Sculpture Park which is open until September 26.

Midsummer Night’s Dream: Mount Grace Priory. Gates open 6.45pm; performance starts at 7.30pm. Chapterhouse Theatre’s version of Shakespeare’s classic is a magical, enigmatic and hilarious comedy. Bring your chairs, picnics, wine and friends. To book tickets, call 01609 883494.

2 – 6 August On stage: Tread The Boards at Clifton Moor,

York, wants budding stars aged between six and 16 to produce a musical in one week. For more details, call Emma on 08458 124421.

3 August and 1 September Pottery: Children’s activity at Dutch house

Crayke, age 5-12. Under guidance from a professional potter you will work with real clay and create your very own Dalek, dog, dish or bowl. Clay models will be fired in a real oven. Tel 01347 889431

3 August Jazz supper: Andy Hillier Jazz Trio, Court Cafe, Dean Court Hotel, York, from 8pm. Tel: 625082.

3, 4 & 5 August Teddy Bears Picnic: Bring along your

favourite Teddy and enjoy craft-making, games and storytelling at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, York, from 10.30am to noon. Booking is recommended on 489966.

Café Philo: Come with a subject you would like to propose for discussion to the Pig & Pastry café in Bishopthorpe Road, York, from 7pm to 9pm. Admission is by ticket, which can only be obtained from the café. Early booking recommended.

Show time: Thornton-le-Dale Show,

between 9am and 8pm, will feature sheepdog, falconry, gun dog and mountain bike stunt displays as well as the traditional livestock classes. Free parking on the showfield. Tel: 01751 476500.

4, 11, 18 & 25 August Pilgrim’s progress: York Christian

Heritage Walk explores the lives of Christians whose faith and good works have had a lasting effect on the city. The 90-minute guided walk starts from the statue of Constantine at York Minster each Wednesday at 11.30am. Tel: 787976.

5 August Hats: Children’s activity at Dutch house

Crayke, age 5-12. Make your own funky, stylish hat from different materials. Tel 01347 889431

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Just for you: Quartz Travel is holding a

between noon and 3.30pm, for an afternoon of music, garden games and a delicious hog roast.

Tel: 624247.

coffee morning for solo travellers at its offices in Heworth Road, York, between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Quartz Travel founder Paul Smith says: “It’s a chance to meet friends old and new as you plan your dream holiday.” Tel: 411188.

Organ recital: Simon Lindley, York Minster.

Tel: 0844 939 0015.

7 & 8 August Windmill event: See how the restoration

Boredom Busting: Beach party, 11am - 4 pm, at Nostell Priory, near Wakefield. Tel: 01924 866831.

of Holgate Windmill is progressing between 11am and 4pm. For details, call Helen Hoult on 331402 or Bob Anderton on 795851.

5, 12, 19 & 26 August Science fun: Youngsters visiting The World

Abbey bees: Meet the experts to find out more about bees and beekeeping at Fountains Abbey, 10.30am – 4.30pm. Tel: 01765 608888.

of James Herriot in Thirsk can take part in four workshops exploring chemistry, biology and physics. They will learn how to undertake experiments and then present the results at a science fair, which runs from August 31 to September 3. The workshops, suitable for 8 to 12-year-olds, take place on Thursdays throughout August between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Tel: 01845 524234.

6 August Your turn: Jorvik Woodturning Group

meets at Earswick Village Hall, Earswick Chase, Earswick, York, at 7.30pm. Tel: 704092.

Time travel: Meet Lord Fairfax and his

daughter, Anne, along with their 18th century domestic staff, during a family day hosted by Fairfax House, York. Tel: 655543.

7 August Celebrity cooking: There is something

for everybody at Tockwith Show - 100s of animals and country displays; fruit, vegetables and flowers of the highest quality; and a superb Yorkshire food tent with celebrity chef demonstrations. Take part in the ‘Flat Cap Chucking Competition’ and enter your dog in

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7 & 21 August Beyond Monopoly: Railway Institute,

the hilarious ‘Dog Dash’. Tockwith is just off the B1224, York-Wetherby Road. For details, go to www.tockwithshow.org.uk call 07739 960 472.

Doll’s houses: Yorkshire Miniaturists

Association is holding a summer exhibition, from 10am to 3pm, at Haxby Memorial Hall to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK. There will be refreshments, a sales table and raffle for a doll’s house. On show will be doll’s houses, room settings, miniature shops, and many other treasures from members’ collections, some of whom will be selling handmade items. Vintage exhibits and refurbished dolls houses will also be represented. Details from Elizabeth Jackson on 795361.

Hog roast: Join the National Trust in the

walled garden at the Treasurer’s House in York,

Queen Street. 10am – 6pm. Join York’s friendliest boardgame club for a lively session. The club is for adults and families, so children from eight to 12 must be accompanied (the club is not suitable for children under eight). Your first session is free. Just turn up, or email bmyork@gmail.com

8 August Afternoon fun: A summer fair will be held in the grounds of Birchlands Care Home, Moor Lane, Haxby, between 1pm and 5pm.

Lazy Sunday: Garden event, 1 - 4pm, at

Nostell Priory, near Wakefield. Tel: 01924 866831

9- 13 August Family fun draw: Sketch a face to add to the York Minster map between 10an and 4pm.

All materials provided. Tel: 0844 939 0015.

10 August Modroc Sculpture: Children’s activity at

Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12. Be a sculpture for

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a day and create your very own sculpture with plaster, then finish it off painting it. Tel 01347 889431

Bistro tales: Storyteller Adrian Spendlow

hosts the Second Tuesday Poets’ Evening at the Dean Court Hotel, next to York Minster. Stories start at 7.30pm. Tel: 625082.

11 August Create a nature creature: Children’s

activity at Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12.

Starting with an adventurous search for natural materials which are then used to create your own designed animal. Tel 01347 889431

11 & 15 August Scarecrow fun: Make a scarecrow at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, York, between 11am and 3pm. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own accessories. Tel: 489966.

12 August Kites and treasure: Children’s activity

at Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12. Following an original classic design you can paint, colour and build your own kite. If weather permits you can even fly it! Or try out the Treasure Trail - work together, solve the mystery and find the hidden treasure. This is an exciting and adventurous hunt for children’s age 5-10. Tel 01347 889431

River walk: The River Foss Society is holding a Foss Walk from Marton Abbey to Yearsley.

Walkers meet at 9.45am where the road from Brandsby to Ampleforth crosses the road from Coulton to Yearsley, just east of Yearsley village (GR586745). Phone Bob Jowett on 764702 if you are coming.

Animal magic: Garden event, 11am - 4 pm, at Nostell Priory, near Wakefield. Tel: 01924 866831 13 August Open day: York Minister is holding its

annual stoneyard open day between 9am and 3pm. Tel: 0844 939 0015.

13 – 14 August Book sale: Join The Friends of the National

Railway Museum as they hold a second-hand book sale to raise money to restore Stirling Single’s tender to its former glory

14 August Morning coffee: The Tithe Barn, Church

Lane, Nether Poppleton, will be open for morning coffee and homemade biscuits, between 10am and noon, to raise funds for the historic building. There will be a secondhand book stall, bric-a-brac and a raffle.

Living history: See history come to life as Towton Battlefield Society’s Frei Compagnie re-enactors demonstrate 15th century costume, weapons, cookery, music and crafts at Barley Hall, York, between 10am and 4pm. For more details, call York Archaeological Trust on 615505.

Jazz on the Lawn: Tribute to Louis

Armstrong, 7.30pm, at Nostell Priory, near Wakefield. Booking essential on 01924 866831.

Organ recital: Francis Jackson, York Minster.

Tel: 0844 939 0015.

14 & 15 August Stone festival

apprentices. The festival, the first to be held at York Minster since the successful event in 2000 when the octagonal stone bench in Dean’s Park was created, will see up to 80 masons and carvers working on stones in the Minster School Grounds. There will be entertainment both days and members of the public will be able to watch the masons work. The carved stones will be auctioned off to the public on Sunday and all the proceeds will be divided between York Minster Fund and York Against Cancer. Tel: 0844 939 0015.

Steam rally: To celebrate its 21st

anniversary, the East Riding Engine Club has invited the Steam Car Club of Great Britain, which is also 21 this year, to join in the 21st Driffield Steam & Vintage Rally at Driffield Showground. This raises the prospect of more than ten steam cars being at the event, including a Doble Model E22 steam car previously owned by the reclusive American multi-millionaire Howard Hughes. Another car with an interesting history is the 1922 Stanley 740D which was involved in the 1929 ‘St Valentine’s Day Massacre’ in Chicago. This will be the car’s first UK public appearance.

The show features a Saturday evening road run into Driffield when the town centre roads will be closed to allow the steamers, vintage cars and tractors to put on a grand display. Last year the street collection raised a record £1,750 for Yorkshire Cancer Research and this year the Engine Club is hoping it will exceed £2,100. For more details, call 01377 254384 or go to www. driffieldvintagerally.co.uk

York Minster will hold a Stone Carving Festival (9am-5pm) for masons, carvers, sculptors and

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Wizard Weekend: Grab your cloaks and cauldrons as the National Railway Museum celebrates the return of Olton Hall, the locomotive seen in the Harry Potter films, and watch a flying owl display in the Great Hall. Tel: 0844 815 3139.

Reach for the sky: Rufforth Airfield, near

York, is hosting a Giant Model Airshow featuring 200mph jets, aircraft with wingspans of 25ft and First World War dogfights plus historic fullsize aircraft on display. Call 738694 to book your glider experience flight. Ticket hotline: 01490 413597.

Falconry & Hunting: Richmond Castle.

From 11am. Meet the hunting party, complete with costumed medieval falconers, Raphael Falconry, and the medieval folk of the York City Levy.

14, 28 & 31 August Sweetie tour: Hear the history of Terry’s

and Rowntree’s, visit choccy and sweetie shops and taste free samples - 10.30am and 2pm from Museum Gardens Gates. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

15 August Feminine side: Yvonne Spurr will lead an

event called The Female Influence at 2pm in York Cemetery. Tel: 610578.

17 August At Dutch House: Be a French

Impressionist – Frame a picture and paint what you see using various painting techniques. Or try your hand at soap carving, creating your own sculptures. Both courses are for 5 – 12 years. Tel 01347 889431

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17-21 August Book sale: St Helen’s Church, York, is hosting

a Feed The Minds book sale between 10am and 5pm featuring hundreds of titles at bargain prices. Tel: 704600.

18 August Nature reserve: The River Foss Society

has organised a visit to the Foss Islands Nature Reserve and the Hungate Riverside. Established by the society in conjunction with City of York Council, the reserve is not normally open to visitors. Meet environment consultant David Houldershaw and site manager Ian Shepherd at 2pm at the Hungate Marketing Suite, Peasholme Green, York. Call June Card on 766196 for more details.

Boxes and bird houses: Children’s

activities at Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12. Using the sunset as starting point in creating your own designed viewing box. Or paint, colour and build your own nest box and create an ideal habitat for breeding birds. Tel 01347 889431

19 August The Secret Garden: Mount Grace Priory.

Gates open 6.30pm; performance starts at 7.15pm. Frances Hodgson Burnett’s poignant tale of a headstrong girl discovering some lessons of life through stumbling on her uncle’s secret garden. Performed with panache and style by Heartbreak Theatre. To book tickets, call 01609 883494.

Pirates ahoy: Garden event, 11am - 4 pm, at Nostell Priory, near Wakefield. Tel: 01924 866831

21 August Proms spectacular: Enjoy an evening of

unrivalled entertainment. There will be a preconcert performance by the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers; a spectacular parachute drop over the arena by the RAF Falcons; stunning special effects; and more fireworks than ever before lighting up the skies over Castle Howard.

All this together with conductor Jae Alexander, The English National Orchestra; tenor Wynne Evans and soprano Janet Mooney performing a programme of popular classics, movie themes and all the traditional favourites associated with The Last Night of the Proms. Call 0845 296 0000 or buy online at www.maconcerts.co.uk

Charity gala: Somerset Nursing Home at

Wheldrake is hosting a gala evening from 5pm to raise money for the Help For Heroes military charity. There will be a buffet, bucks fizz, music and a raffle. To book your ticket, call 448313.

Coach trip: Visit to the private Melbourne

Hall and Ashby de la Zouche Castle. Pick-ups at Haxby, Wigginton, Clifton, Holgate, York, Tadcaster Road & Copmanthorpe. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Organ recital: David Pipe, York Minster. Tel: 0844 939 0015.

21 & 22 August Truckers’ delight: A battle of the monster

trucks will be staged at Driffield Showground during the Truckers Summer BBQ. Celebrity Ricky Whittle, of Hollyoaks and Strictly Come Dancing, will be “meeting and greeting” on the Saturday while Coronation Street’s Katherine Kelly will be doing the rounds of the Sunday. Gates open at 9am and there’s free parking. For more details, go to www.truckfest.co.uk

GET YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM ON PAGE 3

Medieval knights: Conisbrough Castle.

From 11am. See Escafeld re-enactors gather for courtly pursuits of singing and dancing, presentations of arming a knight and then witness a tournament of knights.

Arts & Crafts: St William’s College, behind

York Minster, is hosting an Arts & Craft Fair between 10am and 5pm.

21 – 28 August Art Exhibition: Artist Alan Denyer

hosts an exhibition of his recent works in oils, watercolour and pastels at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, 10am – 5pm. Tel: 01765 608888.

22 August Rural games: Have a go at traditional

games at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, York, between 10am and 5pm. Try your hand at tug-of-war, skittles, horseshoe quoits, hopscotch and skipping. Tel: 489966.

Butterfly walk: Dr David Chesmore will lead a butterfly walk at York Cemetery at 2pm. To book your ticket call 610578.

Graveyard tour: Visit the hidden city of the dead; descend to a secret crypt, sample Roman and medieval coffins and visit plague sites - 10.30am. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Richard III trail: Follow in the footsteps

of this much maligned monarch, still revered in York - 2.15pm from Museum Gardens Gates.

Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

23 August Kings Manor tour: Visit this former Royal palace and see parts not open to the public - 10.30am from Museum Gardens Gates. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Henry VIII trail: This obese monarch made a state visit to York in 1541 with his young queen, Catherine Howard. Follow in his footsteps - 2.15pm from Museum Gardens Gates. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

24 August Historic toilet tour: A unique saga of

convenience through the ages - 10.30am from Museum Gardens Gates. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Pub crawl: Visit some of York’s historic inns

and alehouses - 7.30pm from Museum Gardens Gates. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

GET YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM ON PAGE 3

25 August Mini garden and garden Art:

Children’s activity at Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12. Create your own designed mini sculpture garden. Tel 01347 889431

Sex & Suffrage: The Life and Times of Rosalind Howard, Radical Countess. Coinciding with the 2010 exhibition on Rosalind Howard at Castle Howard, this lecture will examine the public and private lives of Rosalind Howard, mother, political campaigner, controversialist, and famous for pouring the stately home’s wine cellar into the lake. Places must be pre-booked on 01653 648621.

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The rescuers: Firefighters will be

demonstrating car crash rescue techniques in Parliament Street, York, at 11am and 2pm.

Members of White Watch at York Fire Station will do the morning demonstration while the afternoon display will feature North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service’s UKRO team which competes against other rescue organisations in this country and overseas. There will be a live commentary as ‘casualties’ are freed from mangled vehicles. Firefighters will also be handing out safety leaflets.

Priest hole: Visit the hidden chapel and

priest hole at the Bar Convent - 10.30am from Museum Gardens Gates. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Hidden crypt: Visit some of York’s fine

Guildhalls, the Roman East Angle Turret and a hidden crypt - 2.15pm from Museum Gardens Gates. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

26 August Circus skills: Garden event, 11am - 4 pm, at

Nostell Priory, near Wakefield. Tel: 01924 866831

Paper Collages: Children’s activity at Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12. Make a collage of your face or body. Tel 01347 889431 26 - 28 August Musical drama: York Theatre Royal

Youth Theatre presents Coram Boy. Aaron, the abandoned heir to a great estate and his friend Toby, saved from an African slave ship, seek the parents who left them at The Coram Hospital for Deserted Children. Eighteenth century England closes around them as Handel’s Messiah sets the tone. Tel: 623568.

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27 August Proms-style concert: A musical evening

will be held in the grounds of Haxby Hall from 6.30pm. A spectacular concert of opera arias and duets, West End and Broadway hits, plus songs from all corners of the British Isles and a rock band. Bring your own chairs, picnics and drink. To book a pitch, call 768944.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic: Bring your Teddy

Bear for a picnic and story-telling at Swanley Grange, Fountains Abbey, at 2pm. Suitable for 4 – 9 year olds. Booking essential, call 01765 643166.

Club’s birthday: Hempland Kids Club is celebrating its 15th birthday with various activities including hip-hop dance, drumming, Indian cookery, arts & crafts, sports and day trips. The club, which meets at Burnholme Community College, Bad Bargain Lane, York, is open to primary school pupils (aged 5-11) between 8am and 6pm from July 21 to September 1. For more details, call Jo on 415946.

27-30 August Taste of Italy: Monks Cross retail park in

York is hosting an Italian market featuring food and crafts plus much more. Tel: 551355.

28 August Talent show: York’s Grand Opera House is

hosting the grand final of Community Idol, the talent show for youngsters organised by Keith Hall, a police community support officer. Curtain up: 7pm. All profits will go SNAPPY, the city’s special needs charity. Tel: 678700

Village show: Dunnington village show will take place between 1.30pm and 4pm in the Reading Room. Attractions include fresh produce, paintings and cooking. Entries are

now being taken at Newsagents Main Street, Dunnington.

Plants at Poppleton: The Poppleton

Horticultural Show, 1pm-4.30pm, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with vegetables, flowers and floral arrangements, as well as crafts, bric-a-brac, flower stalls and a saxophone band. It will take place on the village green, weather permitting.

Organ recital: Susan Landale, York Minster.

Tel: 0844 939 0015.

28 & 29 August Music & beer: About 100 bands will be

performing at the Forest of Galtres Festival in Crayke, 12 miles north of York. They will be headlined by The Lightning Seeds (Saturday) and The Beat (Sunday). The main Grand Old Duke’s stage programme will run from 11am to midnight, and the acoustic Oxman stage from 11.30am to 11pm. Other bands and musicians will be performing on the Little Top Stage and on the Firkin Stage in the beer tent. The Festival of Beers and Ciders will feature around 100 firkins of ale, cider, perry, stout, mild and lagerstyle beers from North Yorkshire breweries. The Festival of Fun, with its Wonderland theme, will offer plenty of activities for families. Web: www. galtresfestival.org.uk

28 - 30 August Pirate weekend: Whitby Abbey. From

11am. Watch a children’s musical adaptation of ‘Treasure Island’. See pirates armed with cutlasses and swords. Hear about pirate punishment. See a small pirate ship afloat on the pond and hear the noise of cannon and gunpowder in demonstrations of pirate firepower and the muskets of the militia.

GET YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM ON PAGE 3

Abbey & Studley Royal , 11am – 4pm. Tel: 01765 608888.

29 & 30 August Soldiers of the Roses: Richmond Castle.

From 11am. It is 1454 and the Hundred Years War with France has recently come to an inglorious end. As a result, the country is torn with civil strife and in the North of England two powerful families, the Percies and the Nevilles, vie for power.

Retail therapy: Yorkshire-based designers and artisans will be selling ceramics, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, paintings and fashions in the Stable Courtyard at Castle Howard. The market is open from 10am until 4pm.

Build a den: Make your own family den

with the materials provided at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, York, between 10am and 5pm. Tel: 489966.

Cowboys and Indians: Enjoy Wild Westthemed activities and events for all the family at Castle Howard. Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk for details.

Art show: The Tithe Barn at Nether Poppleton will host an art exhibition and sale between 10am and 6pm featuring original paintings by local artists. Tel: 481690.

29 August Cars and music: Brodsworth Hall and

Gardens, Doncaster, 3pm – 5pm. Classic and vintage cars return to the lawns of Brodsworth Hall, plus live brass band music.

Georgian Day: Step back in time and enjoy live performances of Regency music and dance in the Georgian Water Garden at Fountains

Crafty event: A summer craft festival will

be held at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, between 10am to 5pm. Free car parking. Tel: 01423 545377.

30 August

Hall tour: A day of activities at Fountains

Hall at Fountains Abbey, from 11am. The Elizabethan gardens and herb garden will be open with tours of the hall and refreshments available in the garden. Tel: 01765 608888.

31 August Music duo: Singer-songwriter Edwina

Hayes, plus guest Carissa Lee Broadwater, of Nashville, will be entertaining diners at the Court Bistro in the Dean Court Hotel, next to York Minster, from 8pm, while resident musician David Ward MacLean recovers from surgery. Tel: 625082.

GET YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM ON PAGE 3

Paper Mache creatures: Children’s activity at Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12. Create your favourite creature using papier mache.

Finish it with paint. Tel 01347 889431 2 September Masks: Children’s activity at Dutch house Crayke, age 5-12. Create a scary creepy funny smiley mask. Tel 01347 889431

11 & 12 September Pedal power: A Festival of Cycling,

organised by Cycling City York, will take place at Rowntree Park. Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 10,000 visitors and this year’s festival promises to be even bigger.

Attractions include bike try-out areas, where visitors can try a range of weird and wacky cycles; a pedal-powered Scalextric racing game; a BMX Jam; guided cycle rides; and a cycle stunt team performing awe-inspiring tricks.

An exhibitor village will feature information and retail stands and there will be Bike Doctor sessions, where visitors can take their bikes for a free maintenance check and basic repairs/ advice.

15 September Fashion show: A Get Ahead Hats fashion

show, which includes at three-course meal, is being held at Maxi’s Restaurant, Nether Poppleton, to raise funds for York Against Cancer.

Arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tel: 764466.

15-18 September Stage musical: The Mikado will be

performed in the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, by the Jorvik Gilbert and Sullivan Company.

Tel: 623568.

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Looking for ways to keep the kids happy during the summer holidays? Why not take them to the movies?

There are some great family films, plus a couple that are great for grown-ups, too!

Cats and Dogs 2 The long-awaited sequel to the 2001 hit movie, and the ageold battle between cats and dogs continues. But this time one crazed kitty has taken things a paw too far. Kitty Galore, formerly an agent for cat spy organisation MEOWS, has gone rogue and hatched a diabolical plan to not only bring her canine enemies to heel, but take down her former feline comrades. Faced with this unprecedented threat, cats and dogs will be forced to join forces for the first time in history in an unlikely alliance to save themselves -- and their humans.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice This Disney adventure tells the sale of Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage), a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Salt Angelina Jolie has cornered the market in tough action women, and she’s back on butt-kicking form as CIA officer, Evelyn Salt, whose loyalty is tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt’s efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: “Who is Salt?”

The Expendables He mumbled his way through more action movies than we’ve had popcorn, so it’s like a trip down Memory Lane to see Sylvester Stallone starring in a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Once the mission begins, Barney Ross (Stallone) and his men find themselves caught in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal. With their mission thwarted and an innocent life in danger, the men struggle with an even tougher challenge: one that threatens to destroy this band of brothers. Is Sly a bit past it? Judge for yourself.

The Runaways Twilight star Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star in this movie based on rock star Cherie Currie’s book Neon Angel. It follows five teenage girls who become The Runaways, the first all-girl rock band to break into the world of arena-filling hard rock acts.

Executive producer of the movie is celebrity rock chick Joan Jett, once a member of The Runaways herself (played in the movie by Kristen Stewart). It’s a tell-all tale of sex, drugs and rock and roll, but with a very moral message.

1 AUGUST

The Pepper Hearts, Victoria Vaults Penetrators, Roman Bath The Mothers, Turf Tavern

2 August

Polish Night, Victoria Vaults.

Mark Atkinson, Roman Bath Chris Johnson, The Maltings

3 August

Encouraging The Looney, Victoria Vaults Gypsy Bill & Del, Roman Bath Andy Hillier Jazz Trio, Dean Court Hotel Folk music, The Maltings

5 August

Folk Club Singers & Musicians Night, Black Swan Folk Club Open Mike Night, Victoria Vaults Madina Lake, The Duchess Breathing Space, Roman Bath Live Jazz, Old White Swan Blues, The Golden Ball

6 August

Blues Night with Dan Hudson, Victoria Vaults Hot Fuss, The Duchess Copowt, Roman Bath Trigger 66, O’Neill’s Ali On The Piano, Three Legged Mare Folk music, Tap & Spile

7 August

Nicola Fowler & Mark Bates, Victoria Vaults The ZZ Tops, The Duchess Steve Fulsham Band, Roman Bath f.e.a.r. Stone Roses Bar Ali On The Piano, The Sidings Hotel

8 August

10th Anniversary Music Festival, Pocklington Arts Centre Rock Train, Roman Bath Ian Chalk Jazz Quartet, Phoenix Inn

9 August

Polish Night, Victoria Vaults Miracles and Wonders, Roman Bath Chris Johnson, The Maltings

10 August

cinemas:

The Damned, The Duchess Folk music, The Maltings

Vue: 08712 240 240 www.myvue.co.uk City Screen: 0871 704 2054 www.picturehouses.co.uk Reel Cinema: 0870 801 0870 www.reelcinemas.co.uk 98

11 August

Sophie, Victoria Vaults

12 August

22 August

13 August

23 August

14 August

24 August

Eilidh Grant, Black Swan Folk Club Jules & The Gang, Victoria Vaults Best Served Cold, Roman Bath Live Jazz, Old White Swan

Blues Night, Victoria Vaults The Mojos, Roman Bath Flashback, O’Neill’s Ali On The Piano, Three Legged Mare Folk music, Tap & Spile

The Stringdazzlers, Victoria Vaults f.e.a.r. Stone Roses Bar Ali On The Piano, The Sidings Hotel

15 August

The Mothers, Victoria Vaults The Mambas, Roman Bath Ian Chalk Jazz Quartet, Phoenix Inn

16 August

Polish Night, Victoria Vaults Feeding Demons, Roman Bath Chris Johnson, The Maltings

17 August

Gypsy Bill & Del, Roman Bath Folk music, The Maltings

Afterglow, Victoria Vaults Left Hand Drive, Roman Bath Adam Dawson, Yorkshire Terrier Ian Chalk Jazz Quartet, Phoenix Inn

Polish Night, Victoria Vaults Chris Johnson, The Maltings Castles Made Of Sand, Roman Bath

Folk music, The Maltings

25 August

The Bose Higson Band, Victoria Vaults

26 August

Cloudstreet, Black Swan Folk Club Jules & The Gang, Victoria Vaults Live Jazz, Old White Swan Highway 49, Roman Bath Blues, Golden Ball

27 August

Blues Night with Joe Below, Victoria Vaults Blue Funk, Roman Bath The Mothers, O’Neill’s Ali On The Piano, Three Legged Mare Folk music, Tap & Spile

28 August

Bram Taylor, Black Swan Folk Club Open Mike Night, Victoria Vaults Live Jazz, Old White Swan Green Mac, Roman Bath Blues, Golden Ball

The Stringdazzlers, Victoria Vaults The Big Picture, Roman Bath f.e.a.r. Stone Roses Bar Ali On The Piano, The Sidings Hotel Community Idol, Grand Opera House

20 August

29 August

19 August

Blues Night with Stretch, Victoria Vaults Rubber Bullets, The Terrace Travellin Barras, Roman Bath Groove Corporation, O’Neill’s The Supermodels, The Ainsty Ali On The Piano, Three Legged Mare Folk music, Tap & Spile

21 August

Nicola Fowler & Mark Bates, Victoria Vaults Hammond All Star Band, The Duchess Graf Zepplin, Roman Bath f.e.a.r. Stone Roses Bar Ali On The Piano, The Sidings Hotel

The Pauper Kings, Victoria Vaults Skin The Lizard, Roman Bath The Blethermen, O’Neill’s Ian Chalk Jazz Quartet, Phoenix Inn

30 August

The Pepper Hearts, Victoria Vaults Jed Thomas, Roman Bath Chris Johnson, The Maltings

31 August

Irish Folk Night, Victoria Vaults Gypsy Bill & Del, Roman Bath Folk music, The Maltings Edwina Hayes, Dean Court Hotel

GET YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM ON PAGE 3

theatre The Wind in the Willows

Henry IV parts one and two

Have you heard of the York Shakespeare Project? They’re committed to performing all Shakespeare’s plays over the course of 20 years. So far they’ve produced 16 of the Bard’s works, and this summer they present Henry IV parts one and two. Telling the story of the young Henry V and his rise to the throne, the Henry IV plays provide some of Shakespeare's most affecting and well-crafted work, slipping easily between the history and king-making of the court and the jokes and bawdiness of England's seedy taverns. It all takes place in the atmospheric surroundings of The Church of St Martin-cum-Gregory, Micklegate, from 29th July to Sunday 15th August. n Book your ticket online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk, or call 623568.

If you go down to the York Theatre Royal from now until 21st August, you’re in for a big surprise. The theatre has been transformed into the great outdoors, as Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad have moved in for their extravagant summer production of The Wind in the Willows.

The foyer has become a grassy woodland, where nature loving theatregoers can enjoy a leisurely picnic on an indoor lawn. Then join Mole as he introduces you to his friends; amiable Ratty, wise Badger and of course, the infamous Mr Toad. Together they tell action-packed stories of boating on the river, adventuring in the Wild Wood, battling weasels at Toad Hall and a few mishaps with motor cars. n For tickets call 623568, or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

The Bluest Blue

There’s some real local talent on evidence this month, as York director Paul Osborne presents his new one act play, The Bluest Blue. The play, which originated as a short scene in a Script Factor event at York Theatre Royal last November, is a comic and compelling tale of loss and desire, stretching from the tourist traps of York to a Barnsley housing estate. A young bookseller is tackled by a predatory traffic warden, and a street cleaner sweeps up the pieces. But is the ticket-toting enforcer really who she says she is? The play is performed by York’s Old Bomb Theatre Company at Upstage Centre Youth Theatre at 41 Monkgate from 5 – 7th August. Paul Stonehouse will be directing a cast of three Alan Boorty, Tom Gladstone and Hannah Dee. n Tickets and times for the York performance are available from York Theatre Royal Box Office on 623568 and at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

The Mikado

Footloose

n Tickets are available from York Theatre Royal Box Office on 623568 and at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

n Don’t miss out – book your tickets at the Grand Opera House box office on 0844 8472322.

The Jorvik Gilbert and Sullivan Company, York’s only amateur theatre company solely dedicated to performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, are delighted to announce that their second fully-staged show will be The Mikado to be performed in The Joseph Rowntree Theatre on 15th-18th September. The Mikado will be directed by Samuel Valentine with Musical Director Matthew Collins.

Everybody get Footloose! York Stage Musicals are proud to announce their forthcoming show, which will be hitting the Grand Opera House from 6th – 11th September. Based on the iconic 1980s movie that launched the careers of Kevin Bacon and Sarah Jessica Parker, the show is now a stage musical phenomenon, featuring classic anthems such as Holding Out For A Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and, of course, Footloose.

GET YOUR VIP TICKET TO THE YORKSHIRE MUSEUM ON PAGE 3

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Outbutofstilltown in reach!

How to protect your home from the elements

Mending your fences

If you require high-quality protection for your building, get in touch with Heritage Coatings (North) Ltd.

M &M Shed & Fence Centre is worth contacting if you are in the market for a shed, summer house, play house or even a kennel for your pooch.

A company spokesman says: “All of our teams are Andura trained applicators (BAA certified) for your peace of mind.

We have a long list of services available to you including exterior house painting; wall coatings; and protection and decorating of building surfaces.

The company, in Main Street, Newsholme, East Yorkshire, also stocks a large range of fence panel designs. It also supplies decking as well as timber and concrete posts.

M & M will supply the product and its workers will also fit it if you don’t fancy the challenge of doing the job yourself. n For a free quote, call 01757 630700.

“The masonry coatings we use comprise of textured, smooth and clear coatings which are designed for their durability and long life protection. Working on any type of building; we are a flexible team who can work throughout Yorkshire, including York, and the whole of the North East.

“We also have experienced builders and renderers who can carry out external property renovations and repairs to very high standards.” n For more details, call 01423 799020 or 07931 506 419.

Blinds Up

Blinds add the perfect finishing touch to any room. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and contemporary or more traditional, Blinds Up has a stylish solution for you. They supply and fit a wide range of beautiful wooden and fabric blinds, from rollers or Romans to pleated blinds. Try wood venetians, which look perfect whatever your style of home, and are very practical, too. Blinds Up also have a selection of vertical

ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE

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blinds – perfect for patio doors – and velux blinds that are ideal for loft extensions. And if you think tailor-made blinds come with a high price tag, think again. Prices at Blinds Up are very reasonable, with three roller blinds costing from £119; conservatory blinds from £179 and three vertical blinds from £99. Blinds Up offers a free fitting and measuring service, as well as plenty of expert advice. n So for a no obligation quote, call Freephone 0800 121 6082 or 07526 333282.

Bespoke

joinery from

craftsmen Kirby Joinery, a member of the British Woodworking Federation, offers bespoke joinery from a fully equipped workshop in Boroughbridge.

The family-run business, which started 15 years ago, employs an experience team of time-served craftsmen who build joinery products to the highest possible standard, using traditional and modern techniques. It creates hand-made products to domestic, commercial and trade customers. This includes bespoke doors, windows, staircases, orangeries, conservatories, fitted kitchens, and free standing furniture.

A spokesman says: “We have an excellent reputation for quality of products and we pride ourselves in our after-sales service. We supply and install all our domestic products ourselves to ensure our high standard is maintained.”

One satisfied customer stated: “High quality product with experienced careful fitters and excellent aftercare.

We have had our windows and doors for two years and they look and fit brilliantly. No more draughts.” n Kirby Joinery Ltd, Units 2 & 3 Clay Pit Lane, off Bar Lane, Boroughbridge. Tel. 01423 324455.

A cut above

the rest Yorkshire Country Meats produces some of the freshest meat on the market and all of it is halal, which makes it acceptable to Muslims.

What is halal meat?

Halal is an Arabic word that means ‘permissible’. In terms of food, it means food that is permissible according to Islamic law. For a meat to be certified ‘halal’, it cannot be a forbidden cut (such as meat from hindquarters) or animal (such as pork.)

The abattoir, which employs about 25 people, slaughters about 1,200 sheep and cattle each day and sells its products to mainland Europe, including France, Belgium and Germany, as well as the United Kingdom.

The slaughter of a halal animal is called ‘zabihah’ and there are certain guidelines to follow:

Now the family firm is opening a shop next to the abattoir to sell its own lamb and beef products, including offal, direct to customers. By doing this, the company bypasses the middle man and is able to pass on the savings to the customer.

• The instrument must be very sharp to ensure humane slaughter. The animal must be slit at the throat.

It will be doing the necessary butchery on site at its own licensed cutting plant.

Shop manager Chris Haworth, who works with his parents and two brothers, says: “We’ll be selling the freshest meat in Yorkshire; the shop is less than 100 metres from the abattoir, so that’s zero food miles.”

He adds: “Customers want top quality meat products with full traceability and that’s what we provide. If customers want something we don’t stock, we’ll get it for them, using our extensive contacts in the meat trade.

“Being a halal abattoir, it makes sense for us not to slaughter pigs, which is regarded as a forbidden animal by Muslims. However, if our customers want pork, we can get it from elsewhere.”

• Allah’s (God’s) name must be pronounced during slaughter.

Chris is also planning to sell dairy products as well as fresh vegetables as the Yorkshire Country Meats shop builds up its customer base. The shop trades seven days a week.

The family firm decided to produce halal meat at its abattoir to get a foothold in the Muslim market and gain a competitive edge.

• The animal must not be unconscious • The animal must be hung upside down and allowed to bleed dry. Eating blood is not halal.

Chris says: “Our non-Muslim customers are happy to buy halal meat. All they want is a quality product; how the animal is slaughtered is not an issue for them.”

• These steps must be accomplished by a Muslim or the People of the Book (Christian or Jew.) Many observant Muslims find kosher meat acceptable.

n Yorkshire Country Meats, The Abattoir, Busby Stoop, Thirsk YO7 4EQ. Tel: 01845 587177.

Email: cjhaworth@hotmail.co.uk

• The animal must have been fed a natural diet that did not contain animal by-products.

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Room at the top The Loft Space Company can help you make the most of the space available in the roof-space of your home by transforming it into an easily accessible, dust-free area.

It has more than 2,000 happy customers in the area, including Mr Lax. Feeling more than a little cosy in his small bungalow near York, Mr Lax and his two teenage children needed more space. A company spokesman says: “We boarded the loft, installed Velux windows, insulation and plasterboard within the bungalow's roof space to create a fabulous, flexible and warm study area.” Mr Lax agrees: “Now everyone has more room to call home.”

The spokesman says: “Our beautifully crafted wooden loft stair ladders take just a few hours to fit and only seconds to open and unfold. Incredibly easy to use, quick and convenient, our loft stairs fold out of sight when not in use. Designed for comfort and safety, all our loft stairs have 10 cm (4 inch) wide treads and come with a manufacturer’s 10 year parts guarantee as standard.”

The Loft Space Company is offering a free handle, worth £35, on any loft ladder installation confirmed before August 31.

Whether you require a small or large area boarded, the company offers the most efficient and effective use of your available space and budget, with a high-quality finish.

The spokesman says: “We use robust 18mm (¾ inch) thick by 2.40 x 0.6m (8' x 2') tongue and groove chipboard laid on laths, to ensure your weight, and that of stored items, will be easily borne and distributed on a highly stable base above all wiring/pipe work, insulation and delicate ceiling fabric.”

Without proper insulation much of the valuable, expensive energy you use to heat your home will be lost through the roof.

The spokesman says: “Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years, and it will pay for itself over and over again in that time.”

Take advantage of a free on-site inspection with no-obligation quote by calling 0800 587 6662

Quality upholstery service Do you have a favourite armchair or three-piece suite that is showing signs of wear and tear?

If so, then contact top-notch upholsterer Abe Charles who specialises in giving quality furniture a new lease of life.

He served his apprenticeship with the highly-regarded Leeds company Bridgecraft and has

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been working as an upholsterer for 30 years. He has countless customers who can vouch for the quality of his work.

Abe says: “I will travel to your home with my pattern books.

You choose the fabric, we agree a price and then I arrange transport of your furniture to my workshop.

“A short time later – usually two-and-a-half weeks – you

will receive your completely re-upholstered furniture which will give you many more years of service. I offer a convenient, flexible and cost-effective service and can attend evening and weekend appointments.” n A & V Upholstery can also make bespoke furniture for those who want it. For more details, call Abe on either 01977 699222 or 07889 431691.

Rely on Draincare

Draincare is an independent local family run business you can trust to tackle any drainage problem. Established in 1997 with just one engineer, they’ve built their reputation as an honest, hard working business providing a first class service to all their customers throughout the region.

The security gate

specialists

Established in 1986, ASE Autogate are a family run company who specialize in the supply and installation of automatic gate systems, car parking barriers and rising security bollards.

All their systems are designed to the clients specifications and are tailor made to suite individual requirements.

They can install security gates in wrought iron or solid timber and gates can be either swing or sliding in operation.

The company has grown from a two man operation to currently being one of the largest installers of automatic gates in the UK All aspects of the installation are carried out by

their own engineers saving the customer the inconvenience of organizing the various trades required.

Working from their purpose built premises in Shipley, ASE Autogate cover the whole of the Yorkshire area and pride themselves on high quality installations with a professional and courteous service. n Head Office:– Bridge House, Dock Lane, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD18 1BU Tel Free phone – 0800 3286481, Office – 01274 585222, Fax – 01274 585444 Website: www.ase.uk.com Email – sales@aseautogate.co.uk

They pride themselves on their one to one service with the same engineer seeing the job through from start to finish. They listen to their customers, ensuring a fast, friendly and efficient service every time. Their attention to detail is renowned and their satisfied customers know who to call 24 hours a day every day of the year.

Draincare offers round-the-clock outstanding service at affordable fixed prices, with long term solutions and value for money when you need it most. With their expert knowledge of all drainage problems, large and small, they provide free estimates and advice for lasting results.

The first choice for domestic, commercial and industrial customers, their dedicated engineers provide the personal touch for all your drainage needs. Equipped with the latest drain and sewer cleaning systems, state of the art equipment for CCTV drain camera surveys for underground surveillance and ‘no dig’ technology for re-lining of drains. n For a fast, reliable and friendly response and a service you can trust, call Draincare on 01405 761664.

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Top ten

travel tips

If you want a hassle-free holiday, it pays to be organised. Here are some insider tips to make sure you never miss a flight or forget your passport...

1. Contact lens cases double up brilliantly as tiny containers for your toiletries. They’re clean, waterproof, and hold a squeeze of moisturiser, toothpaste or cleanser that’s just the right amount for a weekend away.

2. Budget airlines tend to have severe restrictions on the amount of baggage you can bring. Get around the restrictions by wearing a few extra layers when you check in; you can always take them off once you’re on the plane.

3. On average, airlines misplace one bag in every 100. If you’re travelling with someone else, pack half your belongings in each other’s suitcase – that way, if one bag goes missing, you’ll still have something to wear.

4. Next time you’re unpacking your suitcase, put all the things you’ll need next time you travel (passport, torch, alarm clock, travel-sized toiletries) into a shoebox. Keep it next to your suitcase, and it’ll all be ready and convenient for next time you travel.

5. Rather than carting a big pillow around the airport for an overnight flight, put a pillowcase

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in your hand luggage and once on board, ask the flight attendant for lots of mini airline pillows to stuff it with. It’s a lot more comfortable than trying to get to sleep on a munchkin sized pillows.

6. If you’re planning to shop till you drop while you’re away - or if you love to bring home lots of souvenirs – pack a thin holdall in your suitcase to bring your goodies home.

7. Put a fabric softener sheet in your suitcase when packing. It’ll absorb any dampness and keep your clothes smelling fresh. It’s especially handy if you’re cruising or travelling in a humid country.

8. Keep plastic shower caps from hotel bathrooms. They come in handy for putting on the bottom of dirty shoes before you stash them in your case.

9. Book the best seat on the plane without going first class.For comfort and a smooth ride, pick a seat over the wings. For a quiet journey, sit as far forward as possible, but avoid the galley and rest rooms. For leg room, try the first row or seats beside the emergency exits.

10. If your kids are always wandering off in crowded areas, give them a whistle to use in case they get lost. The sound might be annoying, but it can help you find them quickly in a crowd. Also, keep a good-sized photo of your children in your purse in case you need anyone’s help in locating them.

Any chance of an upgrade?

It’s possible to fly in style without paying through the nose. Free upgrades might be like gold dust, but there are some tips that can improve your chances...

Dress the part Make sure you look respectable. This doesn’t mean you have to turn up in a suit and tie, but a scruffy T-shirt, jeans or a tracksuit are unlikely to do you any favours.

Use special occasions to your advantage If you’re off on your honeymoon, or it’s a special birthday, casually drop this into the conversation at the check-in desk. Even if you don’t get an upgrade, you might still get a glass of champagne.

Join the club If you join a frequent flyer scheme and regularly collect points or airmiles, you’ll show how loyal you are to the airline. And this may mean you get rewarded with an upgrade. This is even more likely if you can get the top level of membership.

Check in at the right time If you’re checking in at the airport, leave it as late as possible. If you’re on a busy flight and there are no economy seats left, you may be lucky enough to be moved into business or first class. Alternatively, you may be asked to wait for a later flight and you’ll then be upgraded as compensation. But there’s also a risk you may be left with the worst seats on the flight!

Just ask! If all else fails, just ask for an upgrade. Don’t be demanding and don’t shout it out so that everyone else can hear. Airline staff get tired of people asking for upgrades, so don’t assume that just because you’ve asked, you’ll get what you want.

trades &services

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Families, childcare & libraries

Libraries Tel. 655631 or 552833 (24/7 renewal line) Mobile library Tel. 416429 Home Library Service Tel. 552800

Local libraries Explore: Acomb Library Learning Centre, Front Street, Acomb, York YO24 3BZ. Tel 552651. Email: acomb.library@york.gov.uk Explore York: Museum Street, York YO24 3BZ. Tel 552828.

Email: exploreyork@york.gov.uk Bishopthorpe library Main Street, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2RB. Tel 705386. Email: bishopthorpe.library@york.gov.uk Clifton library Rawcliffe Lane, Clifton, York YO30 5SJ. Tel 627464. Email: clifton.library@york.gov.uk Copmanthorpe library The Library, Village Centre, Main Street, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3SU. Tel 709457. Email: copmanthorpe.library@york.gov.uk

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Dringhouses library Tadcaster Road, Dringhouses, York YO24 1LR. Tel 706046. Email: dringhouses.library@york.gov.uk Dunnington library The Reading Room, Church Street, Dunnington, York YO19 5PW. Tel 488456. Email: dunnington.library@york.gov.uk Fulford library St Oswald’s CE School, Heslington Lane, Fulford, York YO10 4LX. Tel 555444. Email: fulford.library@york.gov.uk Haxby library Station Road, Haxby, York YO32 3LT. Tel 768811. Email: haxby.library@york.gov.uk Huntington library Garth Road, Huntington, York YO32 9QJ. Tel 768991. Email: huntington.library@york.gov.uk Poppleton library The Village, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6JT. Tel 794877. Email: poppleton.library@york.gov.uk Strensall library 19 The Village, Strensall, York YO32 5XS. Tel 490876. Email: strensall.library@york.gov.uk Tang Hall library, Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, York YO31 0PR. Tel 416429. Email: tanghall.library@york.gov.uk

York Family Information Service For advice on finding and paying for childcare, working in early years education and advice on aspects of parenting – 554628.

Or text ‘info’ to 07624 802244 and they’ll call you back

Children’s centres Hob Moor Children’s Centre Green Lane, Acomb YO24 4PS. Tel. 555066 Carr Children’s Centre Ostman Road, YO26 5QA. Tel. 555066 Westfield Children’s Centre Askham Lane, Acomb, YO24 3HP. Tel. 555066 Haxby Road Children’s Centre 154 Haxby Road, YO31 8JN. Tel. 552323

The Avenues Children’s Centre Sixth Avenue, YO31 0UT. Tel. 551250 Clifton Children’s Centre Kingsway North, Clifton, YO30 6JA. Tel. 552323 St Lawrence’s Children’s Centre Heslington Road, YO10 5BW. Tel. 551250 New Earswick Children’s Centre Hawthorn Terrace, New Earswick, YO32 4BY. Tel. 552323

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Crime York Police Station, Fulford Road.

Open every day from 8am - midnight For all enquiries, to contact an officer or police station, or to report an incident that does not require immediate attention, call the nonemergency number - 0845 60 60 24 7.

In an emergency situation, if there is a crime in progress or if there is a threat to life, dial 999.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, call the nonemergency number using the RNID Text Relay service, by dialling 18001 0845 60 60 24 7.

In an emergency, call 18000.

Safer Neighbourhoods Team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For information on crime prevention, Neighbourhood Watch and other local issues, call the non-emergency number or email SNTYork@northyorkshire.pnn. police.uk Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

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Emergency and Council Services Gas If you smell gas, Tel. 0800 111 999 Noise, smells, bonfires, fly-tipping etc. Tel: 551555 Dangerous buildings and structures Tel. 551553 Racial/religious harassment and discrimination Tel. 554141 Minicom: 554120 Sexual discrimination Tel. 0845 601 5901 Flooding and land drainage Tel. 551473 (9am-5pm); Out of hours Tel. 625751. Environment Agency: Tel. 0800 807060 Gritting (roads and paths) Tel. 551551 Neighbour problems Tel. 551200. Face to Face Neighbourhood Mediation, Tel. 553838. To report noisy or anti-social neighbours, Tel. 551555. Serious disputes Tel. 551204

York Customer Centre The York Customer Centre (YCC) offers access to information and advice on a wide range of City of York Council services. The office opening hours are Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm.

York Customer Centre/general enquiries Tel. 551550 Self-serve telephone payments Tel. 551557 York Pride Action Line Tel. 551551 Benefits service Tel. 552240 Council tax Tel. 551558 Planning and building control Tel. 551553 Email: YCC@york.gov.uk

ACB

Electrical

Installations

J.I.B Approved Electrician with 10 years experience

Commercial and domestic work carried out.

Fully Insured and Guaranteed.

Rewires, 17th edition consumer units, electric showers, outside power and lighting, emergency lighting, extra sockets etc.

No job too small.

For a free no obligation quote call Anthony on

t:01904 762048 m:07910625667 available weekdays, weekends and any time for emergency call outs.

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Waste disposal & recycling

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Household and garden waste collection – Tel. 551551 To report fly-tipping – Tel 551551 Recycling centres and disposal locations There are three sites for York residents to take rubbish for recycling or disposal: Hazel Court, Towthrope/Strensall and Beckfield Lane.

Opening hours: Hazel Court (April to September) Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 7pm, Sunday 8.30am to 4pm Towthorpe/Strensall (April to September) Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 7pm Beckfield Lane (April to September) Monday to Friday 5pm to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm Asbestos collection service – www.york.gov.uk/environment Commercial waste – Tel. 553270 or 553282 Hazardous and clinical waste – Tel. 551551

n Local Government Ombudsma 0614 Tel. 0300 061 ombudsman Ofcom – Telecommunications 3333 123 0300 or Tel. 020 7981 3040 63 Tel. 0845 055 0760 or 01925 5302 Ofgem – Energy ombudsman of call for consumer complaints Consumer Direct Your first por t Tel. 08454 04 05 06 551525 Food safety and standards Tel.

Wallwood

Complaints

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Health

NHS Direct 24 hour medical information. Also information on out of hours pharmacy opening. Freephone 0845 4647

Out of hours pharmacies Prescriptions can be dispensed from: Tesco, Clifton Moor Tel. 880449 Boots, Monks Cross Shopping Park Tel. 656360 Asda, Monks Cross Shopping Park Tel. 689410 Sainsbury’s, Monks Cross Shopping Park Tel. 613779 The Priory Pharmacy, Priory Medical Centre, YO24 3WX. Tel 721541 York NHS Walk-in centre, 31 Monkgate, YO31 7WA. Tel. 725401.

Offers a nurse-led service. Open seven days a week 8am – 6pm.

York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York Hospital, Wigginton Road, YO31 8HE. Main Switchboard - all departments: Tel. 631313

Out of hours GPs. Some GP surgeries provide an out-of-hours service, between 6.30pm and 8am on weekdays, and all weekend and on bank holidays. Your doctor’s surgery or receptionist can give you the contact details for this service. If your surgery doesn’t provide an out-of-hours service, contact the Primary Care Trust (PCT) for information.

North Yorkshire and York PCT – Tel. 01423 815150

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Blood donor sessions

(2pm-4pm and 5pm-7.30pm, unless otherwise stated)

4 August: Upper Poppleton Community Centre (1.30pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 5 August :Osbaldwick Primary School (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) 10 August: Acomb Parish Church Hall (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) 13 August: New Earswick Folk Hall (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.15pm) 19 August: Rawcliffe Pavilion (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm)

Access to Urgent Dental Care For out of hours advice and assistance please contact the NHS Direct Dental Helpline on 0845 600 3249.

Non-registered patients Tel. 725422.

Contact the service at 8.30am to obtain an appointment.

Sports and leisure centres Energise Tel. 552424 Yearsley Swimming Pool Tel. 552424 Tennis, bowling and football facilities Tel. 553385 Walking Tel. 553372 Coaching Tel. 553440 Sports clubs and organisations

BUSINESS CARDS FULL COLOUR FULL COLOUR SINGLE SIDE DOUBLE SIDE

250 £25 500 £45 1000 £65 2000 £95 5000 £195

£40 £55 £90 £155 £295

A5 FLYERS FULL COLOUR FULL COLOUR SINGLE SIDE DOUBLE SIDE

1000 2000 5000 10000

£105 £155 £183 £241

£225 £245 £315 £395

A4 FLYERS FULL COLOUR FULL COLOUR SINGLE SIDE DOUBLE SIDE

1000 2000 5000 10000

£178 £195 £265 £366

£246 £276 £358 £445

COMPLIMENT SLIPS FULL COLOUR

500 £105 2000 £150 1000 £115 5000 £195

LETTERHEADS FULL COLOUR

250 £65 2000 £185 500 £95 5000 £225 1000 £125

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Traffic & Transport Road and footpath problems To report any problems with roads or footpaths, including potholes, obstructions, damaged street furniture and dumped rubbish - Tel. 551551 Buses Bus timetables Bus Info Line Tel. 551400 or National Traveline Tel. 0871 200 22 33 Arriva: 0844 800 4411 Coastliner: 01653 392556 First: 0845 604 5460

Cars Parking Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tel. 551309 City Car Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tel. 0845 330 1234 for all enquiries Travel cards and tokens Transport for disabled people Tel. 551403 Dial and Ride Tel. 551441 York Wheels Tel. 630080 Trains National Rail Enquiries Tel. 08457 48 49 50

Travel cards and tokens Travel cards and concessions Tel. 551670 or 551403 National Transport Tokens Tel. 551434

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Learning and adult education Schools

Education Access Tel. 554248 School transport Tel. 554540 or 554543 School trips Tel. 554509 Home tuition Tel. 554252 Exclusion of pupils Tel. 554252 Truancy Tel. 622935 Ofsted reports Tel. 554239 Educational psychology Tel. 554303 Children with special educational needs Tel. 554302 Adult Education Tel. 554277 email adult.education@york.gov.uk Future ProspectsFor impartial learning and work advice centre 22-24 Swinegate, York, YO1 8AZ. Tel 0800 834 239

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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 28th & 29th August Antiques and Collectors Fair, Ripley Village Hall, 9am - 4.30pm.

Call 01423 889163 or 0776 5006996.

6th, 13th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, August.

Antiques and Collectors Fair, Helmsley Town Hall. 9.30am- 4.30pm 15th August, Thirsk and Sowerby Antique and Collectors Fair, Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall, Westgate, Thirsk. 9.30am- 3.45pm.

Tennants, The Auction Centre, Leyburn. Tel 01969 623780

14th July, Ryden Sale. (Part II of the extensive and valuable estate of the late Mr Frank Ryden) 21st August. Antique & Home Furnishing Sale inc. Toys, Models & Collectables. 9.30am 27th August, Antique & Home Furnishing Sale. 9.30am Boulton & Cooper Fine Art. Tel 01653 696151

4th August Malton Antiques Sale at Milton Rooms, Malton, YO17 7LX. Starts 10am 11th August General Sale at Central Salerooms, Pickering, YO18 7AE. Starts 10.30am.

25th AugustGeneral Sale at Central Salerooms, Pickering, YO18 7AE. Starts 10.30am.

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Help is at hand

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tended your garden lovingly all summer. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve planted up your tubs and hanging baskets, weeded your beds and kept your lawn in trim. But all your hard work and care will be for nothing if your tatty shed and broken fencing let you down.

Which is where Haxby Discount Fencing can help. The company formerly traded as Haxby Fencing. But last year they made the decision to cease trading over the harsh winter and invest heavily in new workshops and equipment enabling them to construct their own panelling at the fraction of the cost of buying it ready made from retailers.

The family-run Haxby Discount Fencing team includes a City & Guilds qualified builder, landscaper and fencer who has over 25 years experience, and an equally experienced carpenter who can make you anything from garden furniture to custom built gates and fencing. You design it and they can build it! n Haxby Discount fencing promises to beat any genuine quote. So from all your gardening needs, from fencing to fishponds, sheds to summerhouses, give them a call on 07801 440741.

The Plumbing & Heating Experts

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Double glazing from DGMS

What’s in a name? Not a lot, if you happen to be DGMS. The name stands for ‘Double Glazing Maintenance Services’, reflecting the way the business began. DGMS still offers a full repair service, but it now also supplies and installs uPVC windows, doors and conservatories.

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Their services and range of products may have changed over the years, but some things have stayed the same. Like their no-pressure, reliable and experienced service, their professional approach, eye for detail and competitive prices.

Their satisfied customers’ recommendations speak for themselves.

“It is refreshing to find a company such as you that prides itself in its service provision to its clients,” says Mr Orridge of York. “I would also like to comment on your very competitive price for such a quality product. Your installation team were timely, courteous, thorough and tidy, always leaving their work environments as they found them."

Mr Spaul agrees: "I would like to thank you and your team for your prompt attention in dealing with the replacement of my door and window,” he says. “I was very grateful for your help and advice and the speedy way in which the quote and survey were dealt with and the work carried out."

DGMS are based in Clifton, York but they carry out installations throughout the whole of North Yorkshire. They do not sub-contract; all their installers are employees. This ensures quality of workmanship and reliability. They provide a ten year guarantee on window and door frames, glass, and even moving parts (handles and hinges). n For more information, give DGMS a call on 479944.

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meet the

advertiser

Jonny Garnett & Lee

Feetenby Future Roof

Jonny Garnett and Lee Feetenby of Future Roof are a real pair of action men; when they’re not installing York’s finest flat roofs, you can usually find them sinking to new depths – underwater, that is!

They’re both fully trained divers, having taken up the sport six years ago.

“We were working together and we both happened to mention that we were interested in trying it, so we decided to give it a go,” says former bodybuilder Jonny.

Since then they’ve dived all over the world, including Cyprus and Egypt.

“But the most challenging place we’ve dived is off the coast of Britain,” says ex military man Lee. “One minute everything can be fine, the next you can lose all visibility.”

Two years ago Jonny and Lee put their skills to the test to raise money for a worthy cause. Along with another member of their dive club, they took on the perilous Three Lakes Challenge – diving the three highest altitude lakes in England, Scotland and Wales, all in 24 hours.

They were inspired to take on the challenge after Lee’s daughter was born 15 weeks premature. “We managed to raise £3000 for York Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, so it was well worth it,” says Lee. n You can call Future Roof on 777094.

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

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Ever wondered about the people behind the ads you see in Your Local Link?

We’ve been calling a few of them up for a chat to find out some fascinating facts...

Colin Skelton Skelton Plumbing Services Colin’s life sounds like something from a glitzy blockbuster novel. After leaving his native South Africa 14 years ago, he worked as a marine engineer on luxury super-yachts, travelling all over the world working for mega-wealthy clients.

H C L

It was while working in the Caribbean that he met his wife – “I was Chief Engineer on one boat, she was Captain of another” – and ended up living in York. “She’s local and wanted to settle back here, so we gave up a life on the ocean wave and I started up my business.”

Why plumbing? “I’d been a multi-skilled engineer and plumbing was something I was particularly interested in, so I decided to specialise.”

He now offers all kinds of plumbing services, including bathroom installation, maintenance and emergency repairs. “My business has been growing ever since I started, because I don’t compromise on customer care,” he says. “I go out of my way to make sure I give good service. It goes back to my days on the yachts; if someone is chartering a boat for $120,000 a week, they expect excellence, and that’s what I try to give my customers today.”

So does he ever regret giving up life on a luxury yacht for a plumbing business in York? “Not at all,” he says. “Life at sea was nice, but I have a young daughter now and I wouldn’t like to be away from her for weeks on end. Besides, I love being my own boss!” n Call Colin at Skelton Plumbing Services: 731398 / 07766 625584.

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Delivering the goods

The success of Your Local Link, York’s biggest and most popular magazine, is built on a solid foundation – namely its excellent distribution network.

Dean Butler, one of Your Local Link’s three founders, devised a way of making 88,000 deliveries within seven days each month to every address in York and its surrounding villages.

Dean used to be a taxi driver in York and also worked as a transport manager for a parcel delivery company. He used his local knowledge and logistical expertise to divide the York area into 140 delivery walks and recruited more than 80 people to do them, equipping them with bags and trolleys.

He was helped by Jon Kirkman who joined Your Local Link as distribution manager in November 2007.

Link Distribution started delivering in January 2008 and since then it has gone from strength to strength, diversifying into leaflets.

Neil Robertson, known as Ronnie, was recruited in July 2008 and Chris Durrant joined Link Distribution in March this year due to the increasing workload.

Dean believes the secret of the venture’s success is down to hard work and quality control. Your Local Link distributors are not kids on bikes; rather they are responsible adults who have the facilities to store up to 1,000 magazines. They are well paid to deliver Your Local Link and there are safeguards built into the distribution system to ensure each magazine is delivered.

Jon agrees, saying: “Link Distribution is a real team effort. Our army of distributors are really motivated and do a fantastic job.”

Link Distribution proved itself to be cost effective by securing the contract to deliver City of York Council’s bi-monthly newspaper and it now handles more than half-a-million items a month.

Leaflets are a growing part of Link Distribution’s business because it can target specific streets in York for clients at extremely competitive prices. It can also deliver leaflets to towns outside the magazine’s circulation area, including Selby, Malton, Thirsk and Wetherby.

And if a customer wants a leaflet delivered with a national newspaper such as The Times, Link Distribution can arrange it. n Call 767881 for more details.

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



  

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Better safe than sorry Gas Safe Anyone carrying out gas work must have a Gas Safe Register ID card. If not, they are breaking the law and putting you and your family at risk.

Gas safety is one of the most important factors in having a safe home and work place. The dangers that surround unsafe gas appliances are deadly serious. Poorly maintained, faulty or badly installed gas work leads to carbon monoxide poisoning, the effects of which can be fatal.

The Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the gas registration body in Great Britain on 1st April 2009. All gas engineers should be registered with Gas Safe Register by law to work with gas. Always check a gas engineer is on the register before employing them to carry out work for you. And when your engineer arrives on your doorstep, always ask to see their Gas Safe Register ID before letting them in. n For more information on the Gase Safe register, log on to www.gassaferegister.co.uk.

Glen The Plumber

Plumbing Services, Repairs, Breakdowns, Boiler Upgrades. Landlord Certs & Solar Hot Water Systems.Call Glen Langdon

T: 416 950 / M: 07743 344 727

C Hudson Plumbing & Heating

Professional Plumbing & Heating Service.

CRB checked with over 17 years experience. Friendly & Professional.

Call to discuss.

Tel: 01904 789 447

Plumb Tech

All Plumbing, Blocked Sinks/Toilets, Bathroom Installations. Central Heating.

T: 764 690 M: 07703 567 027

e: info@plumbtech@btinternet.com

Norton’s Heating

All aspects of Domestic Heating Installation. Boiler Upgrades & Maintenance. Gold Accredited Worcester Bosch Approved Installers.

Tel/Fax: 01904 411 040

e: info@nortonsheating.com

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Be NICEIC NICEIC has been assessing the technical competence of electricians for over 50 years. Their aim is to protect everyone who uses electricity from unsafe electrical installations anywhere by maintaining a register of qualified, competent electricians.

They look at a representative sample of the contractor’s work, their premises, documentation, equipment, and the competence of their key supervisory staff. Once contractors become registered with NICEIC, they are re-assessed on a regular basis to ensure high standards.

The benefits to you as a customer include an insurance backed warranty scheme; a guarantee of standards and an independent complaints procedure should anything go wrong. Contractors registered to NICEIC Building Regulations Schemes are also authorised to self-certify their work without hindrance from Local Authority Building Control. This saves you both time and money when undertaking work that requires notification under the Building Regulations.

Enrolment with NICEIC is voluntary, but electrical contractors who are conscientious about the service they offer would consider it a priority to enrol. n For more information, log on to www.niceic.com.

A J Harkus

1st choice Plumbing & Heating. 24hr Emergency. Reliable Plumbing, Heating Repairs, New Installations. Speedy Response, No Hidden Charges.

T: 674 746 / M: 07803 960 626

Colin Bell Plumbing & Heating For all your Plumbing & Heating work, done by fully qualified engineers.

Tel: 01904 637 217 / M: 07885 143 332 e: badger.bell@virgin.net

Heat Tech York

For all your plumbing & heating requirements. Central Heating Installation work. All aspects of plumbing including Bathroom installations.

Contact Stuart.

T: 340 537 / M: 07974 716 599

K W Gas Services

Gas fitting, plumbing & heating.

Installations, service & repair. Est. over 21 years. Free estimates.

Tel: 411 529 / 07598 119 133

Chris Myers Plumbers

Gas & Oil systems. Installation & Maintenance. Boiler replacements.

24hr Answer Service.

Tel: 400 532 / 07860 434 643

Gas Servicing by Gemma

Female engineer, 9 years experience.

Breakdown & repairs.

Discounts for OAP’s.

Tel: 07793 355 168 / 01653 619 128

Alpha Plumbing & Heating

Installations. Repairs. Servicing. Boilers & Bathrooms. Landlord Certificates.

Tel: 01904 422 385 / M: 07877 526 451 e: alpha1plumbing@gmail.com

GFP Home Heating Care Ltd

Call us for a free no Obligation quote.

Tel: 0800 0264 244 / 01723 377 777 www.gfphomeheatingcare.co.uk

Foss Controls by Mick Giles

Central Heating/Boilers. Gas Fires & Cookers. Installation, Repairs, Servicing.

T: 415 253 / M: 07941 114 788

Carl Potter Plumbing & Heating York

General plumbing & central heating work. No job too small.

Tel: 783 851 / M: 07734 871 932

PH Plumbing & Heating

All aspects of plumbing services. Boiler change, central heating. Flushing Systems. Free quotes.

Tel: 07976 406 388

J S Plumbing Ltd - Plumbing Contractor

Domestic Plumbing. Modular Buildings.

Bathroom Specialists. Contact Julian.

T: 07515 940 105

M B Taylor Plumbing & Heating All plumbing and heating work undertaken. Boiler replacements. Repair & service. Contact Mick.

T: 702 222 / M: 07889 038 766

George C Stone & Son

Plumbers & Heating Engineers. Full central heating, bathrooms & kitchens.

Free Estimates. Contact Jeff.

T: 659 476 / M: 07759 561 637

Harveys Plumbing & Heating Services

All heating & plumbing work undertaken.

Domestic and Commercial specialists.

Contact Darren.

Tel: 643 386 / M: 07983 483 085

E Martin & Son Plumbing & Heating

Highly professional, renowned and dedicated company. Providing wide range of plumbing, heating & gas services. Contact Steve.

Tel: 490 005 / 07966 486 329

Eden Heating & Plumbing

All heating & plumbing work undertaken.

Contact Bill.

T: 795 243 / M: 07725 226 987

K.W Grant Ltd

Sun Electrical York

High standard of both domestic and commercial installations. Fully insured with 2 year warranty provided.

T: 691 862

Ebor Electrical Services Ltd

All industrial, commercial and domestic work undertaken. Contact Ken.

T: 470 662 / M: 07850 431 021

JW Electrical

All electrical work undertaken. All work guaranteed. Contact John.

All Aspects of Electrical work undertaken. Full Re-wires to Small Repairs.

T: 07734 966 559

w: kwgrantltd.co.uk e: chris@kwgrantltd.co.uk

Friendly, reliable to all customers.

Providing any electrical services you require. Contact Dave.

T: 481 965 / M: 07774 714 546

D Carrington Electrical Services Ltd

P C Electrical York

T: 492 980 / M: 07809 534 791

Electrical Upgrades & Full or Part Wires.

Testing Inspection & Maintenance.

Domestic & Commercial. Contact Paul.

T: 692 818 / M: 07912 665 007

Anderson Electrical

All electrical work undertaken. Work guaranteed & insured. Contact James.

e: pcelectricalyork@btinternet.com

T: 709 772 / M: 07867 680 014

Judge Electrical Ltd

Paul Waddington Electrical Services

Rewire specialist. Domestic & Commercial. All work guaranteed.

T: 764845 / M: 07919 033 113

ACB Electrical Installations

Fully qualified electrician.

Approved domestic installer.

T: 769 738 / M: 07917 450 676

All commercial & domestic work undertaken. Fully insured and guaranteed. Call Anthony.

Tel: 762 048 / 07910 625 667

• Slating & tiling

• Rainwater goods • Lead, stainless steel, zinc

& copper • Residential, commercial & listed buildings

Ref 810 Tel: 01904 420022 E-mail: info@loweryroofing.co.uk Web: www.loweryroofing.co.uk

Repairs, replacements & new installations of stone, slate or clay tiles & rainwater goods on new or historic properties 125

Drive on home...

Sponsored by JJB Motors , Unit 1, The Raylor Centre, James Street, York, YO10 3DW Tel: 01904 426691

heat is on!

The

Summer’s here, which means your air conditioning is probably working overtime to help keep you cool. But unless your system has been regularly serviced, the chances are it’s not working to maximum efficiency.

Your air-con system loses as much as 15% of its coolant every year.

As the coolant level drops, the compressor has to work twice as hard, meaning it will wear out in half the time. And at around £1,000 a time, replacing air conditioning can be an expensive business.

“Regular servicing works out much cheaper,” says Johnny Barber of JJB Motors.

Keeping your air conditioning in top condition is better for your health, too. If you’ve ever noticed a strange smell coming off your system when you switch it on, the chances are there are micro-

126

organisms collecting on the evaporator behind the dashboard.

These then get blown around, resulting in sore throats and all kinds of other allergic reactions.

“We can put an antibacterial treatment through your air con system which will kill off any bugs,” says Johnny. “It’s quick, inexpensive and the car is ready for use very soon after treatment.”

The vast majority of modern cars sold in Europe now have pollen filters fitted as standard. These clean the air coming into your car, filtering out pollen and a variety of other environmental nasties, which means you don’t end up with lungfuls of microscopic debris from traffic fumes, which can trigger asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. However, for maximum efficiency they do need to be replaced regularly; every

10,000 miles if you generally drive in heavy traffic or built-up areas.

When it comes to servicing your air conditioning, it’s important to get the right person for the job. New DEFRA regulations stipulate that any person working on vehicle air conditioning systems must have an approved refrigerant handler qualification.

Johnny at JJB Motors warns against even qualified technicians who offer to do a speedy job on your aircon. “A cheap, quick job is unlikely to remove moisture, which can

damage your system. Our vacuum system removes all moisture and contaminants prior to re-gassing.

We also run ultra violet dye through your system, which will pinpoint any leaks that may have occurred. A proper service should take at least an hour.” n JJB Motors are able to service air conditioning systems, as well as diagnosing faults and carrying out essential repairs. For more information, call them on 426691.

Cool and the gang

NORTH

YORKSHIRE’S

COOLING &CLIMATE SPECIALISTS

Autocool Radiators is North Yorkshire’s largest specialist radiator supply and repair outlet for automotive, agricultural, commercial and industrial heat exchange systems. Specialising in cooling and climate technology, the company’s two branches in York and Scarborough are well equipped to supply new units, repair or recondition any type of heat exchanger for any type of vehicle, plant or other application. It trades in North Yorkshire and beyond, with a fast and efficient van delivery service.

Company owner Neil Kirby says: “Should you need a radiator, heater, oil cooler, intercooler or any air conditioning part, we promise to provide you with a quality service at the right price.

“We have equipped our works with all the necessary plant to cope with the most up-to-date aluminium radiator, and air-conditioning condensers and related products. But we can also repair or recondition the oldest of vintage radiators, or make one-off applications for racing or custom cars as well as motorcycles and off-road vehicles.

“We carry a range of fuel tanks and can also repair or make one-off tanks for a variety of uses, and can supply body panels. We are a DVLA registered number plate maker.

“Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff are able to offer advice on all our products. From the smallest heater to giant generator radiators, we can help. Both trade and private customers are welcome to call and speak to us at either branch to discuss their requirements.” n Autocool Radiators, Unit 36 Raylor Centre, James Street, York.

Tel: 438500. Also, 33 Durham Street, Scarborough.

Tel: 01723 362624. Email: autocool@btinternet.com

127

Our very own ‘Stig’ looks at the latest hot topics in the land of cars and petrol heads

‘Too much focus on speed’ Speed cameras are raking in tens of millions of pounds per year in fines, yet their effect in reducing accident rates is questionable. Statistics indicate that, during 20082009, speed camera fines exceeded £87 million, yet records indicate the rate of accident decline has slowed since their introduction in 1990.

In the 12 years prior to that, year-on-year accident numbers were declining at a higher rate. According to the Taxpayers’ Alliance and the Drivers’ Alliance, responsible for collecting and publishing the data, there could have been 1.5m fewer accidents between 1991 and 2007 had the trend of 1978-1990 continued.

Matthew Elliot, of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, says: “Motorists have long suspected that speed cameras are more about raising money than keeping roads safe. These findings show that the State has been squeezing a fortune out of people with these cameras.”

Cheap at half the price What do you buy the man who has

everything? How about a solid gold Bugatti? The 1/18 scale Bugatti Veyron is encrusted with diamonds, and exquisitely detailed, right down to the accelerator, pedals, gearshift and gauges. But with a price tag of £2 million, Peter Roberts, of the Drivers’ Alliance, called for a rethink of road safety, saying: “It is time to rethink road safety policy so that it has a broadened it’s almost twice the price of the real thing! focus not solely based on speed.”

Damien Hirst paint job Sir Elton John’s annual fundraising White Transport minister Phillip Hammond has promised that no more speed cameras would be funded by central Government; all new speed cameras must be paid for from local council funds, making them more difficult to justify.

Lee Harvey Oswald’s cab sold An Illinois museum has

snapped up an unusual piece of history – the Checker Marathon cab hailed by Lee Harvey Oswald after he assassinated President John F Kennedy in 1963. Apparently after fleeing the Texas School Book Depository, Oswald jumped on a bus which got stuck in traffic, so he was forced to hail the taxi. The cab, which had previously been owned by the Pate Museum of Transportation in Forth Worth, Texas, changed hands for £25,000.

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Tie and Tiara Ball is well known for its extravagance as well as the huge amounts of cash it raises for AIDS research. But even partygoers winced when an Audi A1 was recently sold at the celebrity auction for a staggering £350,000 – around £335,000 above the usual asking price. As you might expect this was no ordinary motor; it had undergone a new paint job by none other than artist Damien Hirst. What the resale value might be is anyone’s guess...

Healthy tyres Michelin has just produced a range of tyres

impregnated with sunflower oil. The Michelin Primacy MXM4 is claimed to increase grip and improve handling; it will stop 19ft shorter than its competitors, because oil maintains the rubber’s elasticity. What next, we wonder? Snow tyres from strawberry jam?

York Premier Hand Car Wash and Valeting Centre

Gleaming vehicles are driving off the garage forecourt at 39 The Green, Acomb - thanks to the hard-working staff of Wash & Go. The hand car wash and valeting centre, which is open seven days a week between 9am and 6pm, says it offers “the best value in York.

“We provide our customers the best valet at very competitive prices using the best products on the market.”

Their specialist services include a Mini Valet, which includes pre wash, traffic film remover, wheel wash, foam shampoo and sponge wash, super wax rinse, chamois leather dry, full interior vacuum of seats, carpet and boot area, rubber mats cleaned and windows cleaned inside and out.

All plastic, door arches and wheels are cleaned along with tyres being dressed. The service is finished off with the application of air freshener.

Wash & Go are currently offering a 15% discount on a Mini Valet especially for cab drivers. See their ad for more information. n If you need washing,waxing,vacuuming, mini valet or full valet you can count on Wash & Go to take care of all your vehicle requirements.

For more details, call 07834 554 355 or 07542 924 607.

WHEN YOU MENTION LOCAL LINK

129

On your bike 20 Toft Green York YO1 6JT

Tel: 637169 www.transitmotorcycles.co.uk

David Wood Motorcycles David Wood Motorcycles is known as the ‘biggest scooter dealer in York’. And if you’ve ever seen big Dave, you’ll understand why! The company, which has been located in Haleys Terrace for the past 11 years, specialises in the sale and repair of all kinds of new and used scooters up to 300cc, including Peugeot, Generic and SYM. From the smallest sports mopeds and commuter scooters to cruiser and maxi scooters, you’ll find everything you’re looking for – including a wealth of helpful advice and experience.

So why choose a scooter? The main reason is they’re so simple to maintain, and a doddle to drive. “Unlike motorcycles, modern scooters are fully automatic. They have built-in weather protection and they’re excellent in traffic,” says David Wood. n For more information on buying a scooter, call David on 289694

130

Deals on York Yamaha Centre has been in Heworth Village for 30 years. But the business has been going for much longer, ever since owner Cliff’s dad started up a motorbike shop on the site 45 years ago.

Since then the business has gone from strength to strength.

They are now one of York’s most established and respected centres for secondhand motorbike sales, repairs, servicing and testing.

And Cliff reckons there’s never been a better time to pick up a bargain. “In the current economic climate everyone’s looking to save money. All our bikes are thoroughly tested and top

wheels quality, so buying secondhand makes sound financial sense.” n You’ll find the Yamaha Motorcycle Centre at Heworth Village, YO31 1AP. Tel 424597.

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Easingwold Bathrooms 01347 824777 Edwards Brothers 794867 Howarth Timber 629931 Maddison Bathrooms 411110 Moonlight Bedrooms 01759 302388 R James Kitchens & Interiors 468100 Smith Brothers 415222 Southbank Kitchens 679666 Watermark 420340 bouncy castle hire Bouncing Around York 490769 Happy Clown Bouncy Castle 07757 168918 Building Plans ADDS 762691 AP Design Svs 678045 Architectural Services York 07841 039833 Arkon 07899 086598 Brookfield Associates 07961 166195 Drawing Services 07764 319697 Stuart Loxton 799961 Building/property Maintenance Acomb Builders 07989 116729 All Points 07752 538461 Almsford Building & roofing 795121 Alpine Developments 0800 0851045 AT Property Services 07876 308005 BJ Building contractors 07950 061411 Bradshaws North Yorks 07970 643817 BSH Home Improvements 07868 552871 Building Services 07764 319697 D&M Building 07817 380181 DC building 07870 953141 Harris Construction 414058 HCL 07737 028710 Hire-A-Handyman 07870 660350 Its Your Home 07834 382832 John B Coxon 07882 505403 Jorvik Building Svs 07870 595067 Justin Higginson 790856 Keith Brown 07754 498673 KHamilton plumb & handyman 07535 208015 Landlords maintenance man 07977 061288 Luke Mitchell & Craig Gallagher 07812 151541 M Bailey Builder 337756 Mark Thorne 489142 MW Developments 07958 321014 P Wright 07941 914434 Paul Simpson Property Repairs 07919 368867 S&P Building 07793 727484 Sanderson Builders 07859 882972 SDT Building & Roofing 766236 SM Maintenance 752969 Stockton Lane Property Co 425931 Tim Davis Builder 07543 832789 Wallwood Construction 690400 WMG Builders 07981 333654 Car Valeting Attention 2 Detail 07714 769981 Splash Car Valet 07990 547027 Wash & Go 07834 554355 care/mobility Cachet 0800 6785382 Forward Mobility 769300 Kettleys 0113 2503716 Minster Mobility 788592 MV Mobility 01977 681764 St Johns House 01423 330480 Surecare 520192 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Abbey Carpet Cleaning 07916 320521 Andy’s Carpet Cleaning 07805 129559 Future Carpet Cleaning 788050

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Holland Damp Proofing 0808 1552571 Decorators Alan Kitson Decorators 07801 346218 Bright Interiors 07952 947536 C McCleod Decorating 07789 816602 CKW Decorators 488859 Gary Ambler 07762 551845 Gary Roe Painting & Decorating 07717 116489 Jeff Wright 703824 JW Decorating Services 07817 641314 K Walton Painting & Decorating 07535 004212 Marks Decorating & Handyman 449869 NG Decorators 07790 015966 Quality Decorators 778466 Ray Webster Painting & Dec 07742 077743 RH Barker 07939 846641 Richard Driscoll 332030 RPS Decorating 07873 132540 SJB Painting & Decorating 07876 782020 West Decorators 07864 750754 Dentists Ainsty Dental 786196 Blossom St Dentures 653278 Crystal Clear 642595 Fresh Dental 623687 Design Agency United By Design 615050 Domestic Appliance Repairs Clyde Electrical 768698 drainage Commercial Services 625751 Draincare 0800 5423205 driving tuition

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Churchill Hotel 644456 Cock n Bottle 654165 Dean Court Hotel 625082 Deramore Arms 413433 Dixy Chicken 642738 Green Lane Fish Bar 791164 Home Farm Beningbrough 470562 Il Treno 470221 Istanbull Grill 646411 Jacobean Lodge 762749 Lady Anne Middleton 611570 Nags Head 422989 Oriental Pearl 07050 218788 Pitchside Bar 07730 946171 Pizza Choice 622022 Shakeaholic 638295 The Coach House 652780 The Farmers Cart 499183 The New Inn 01347 810393 The Red Lion 793957 The Ship Inn 703888 The White Swan 728287 Tritons 700189 Yorkshire Country Meats 01845 587177 Funeral Services J G Fielder & Son 654460 furniture Restoration Furnituretec 07887 553862 Garage Doors First Garage Doors 360146 Garage Door Repairs 416284 Haxby Garage Doors 07889 152242 Hobman Garage doors 608951 Premier Garage Doors 07887 940084 SJL Garage Doors 416284 Gardening A&M Groundworks 07718 921534 Acaster Forge 701513 Andrew Kent 738646 Apex Shed & Fencing 415735 Arborwise 07841 719672 Ascot Fencing 337225 Aztec Landscapes 07803 257347 Bradshaws 696960 Brighter Gardens 790112 Browns Nursery 766266 C & C Contracting 448239 David Waudby Fencing 670711 Deans Garden Centre 400141 Eden Landscapes 07737 825621 Future Landscapes 07969 354674 Garden Repair Services 07791 298242 Grumbleweed 750157 GW Garden Outdoor 07703 466133 Haxby Fencing 07801 440741 Horse Manure 4 sale 01347 811202 Lewis Tree Surgery 07831 692275 M&M Landscapes 07967 656142 M&M Shed & Fencing 01757 630700 Malcolm Collins Fencing 07719 537102 Mick Lambert Landscaping 07702 126380 Mike Walmsley Landscapes 700921 Mr Hedges 07825 518919 Nigel Long 07835 158601 Norwood Landscaping 01757 249200 Paradise gardens 07544 555450 Pascoe Tree & Gardens 07740 335975 PH Fabrications 07984 737084 PH Landscapes 632617 Plan It Earth 07884 138370 Premtech Drives 0800 7471466 R Farrow 07766 216778 R&S Landscaping 691123 Rachelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Services 07724 131107 Rock N Stone 07711 096243 Rowan Tree Garden Design 411487 Sandalwood Gates 608542 sharps Sheds 01759 305566 Signature landscapes 07771 543493 Spectacular Driveways 07737 190150 SRB Fencing 07841 187928 T & A Buildings & Groundworks 762878 T Smith 489998 The Cottage Gardener 07933 460184 Top Soil 4 Sale 07702 126380 Waterdale Landscapes 624072 York Sawmill 705198

85 82 86 86 83 87 84 86 84 82 85 86 87 83 85 84 85 85 85 87 3 101 33 79 119 113 121 78 118 81 58 63 63 62 58 60 59 59 60 63 58 65 61 64 61 65 61 61 63 63 58 60 65 63 59 63 58 62 62 61 64 65 133 65 61 64 65 58 58 58 63 59 61 58 60 60 64 65 60 62

Gas Safe Register AJ Harkus Plumbing 07803 960626 Alpha Plumbing 07877 526451 C Hudson Plumbing & Heating 789447 Carl Potter Plumbing 07734 871932 Chris Myers Plumbing 07860 434643 Colin Bell Plumbing & Heating 07885 514332 E Martin & Sons 07966 486329 Ebor Electrical Svs 07850 431021 Eden Heating & Plumbing 795243 Foss Controls 07941 114788 Gas Servicing 07793 355168 Gas Servicing 07793 355168 George C Stone & Son 07759 561637 GFP Home Heating Care 0800 0264244 Glen The Plumber 07743 344727 Harveys Plumbing Svs 07983 483085 Heattech York 07974 716599 JS plumbing Svs 07515 940105 JW Electrical 07734 966559 KW Gas Services 07598 119133 MB Taylor Plumbing & Heating 07889 038766 Nortons Heating 411040 PH Plumbing 07976 406388 Plumbtech 07703 567027 gates/railings ASE Autogate 0800 3286481 ES Engineering Solutions 07704 066396 SR Fabrications 438133 Guttering Ebor Plastics 07796 250269 Guttering Of York 07711 222307 Heworth Guttering 07957 901639 Mark Leslie Roofline 07754 205625 Handypeople

DIY Guy 07946 296731 Handy Al 07958 571219 Handyman Services 410356 Home Maintenance 761479 Lukafz Druzic 07704 995987 My Handyman 07774 2672000 health & Beauty 5 Senses Spa 623745 Active Care Chiropractic 07793 069832 Angie Doig Thorne 07919 577522 Ash 07508 019004 Beautycare 769954 Capricorn nails 413660 CYC Swimming 552424 Ebor Medical Services 721878 Hargrave Pharmacy 791502 Hire Fitness Yorkshire 0845 6435105 Holistic touch 677077 Jenny @ Tower court 692499 Kinesis Dance 07886 440154 KUKI 659007 Lesley@Innovations 798705 Manor House Dental 797434 Maureen Payne 709688 Mila Spa 790368 Physio Function 0800 8600138 revive 430612 Shine Hair 653311 Stacey Beavers Mobile Hair 07904 429627 Tan Truth 07773 4427071 Vibrant Body Health 07900 683528 Vida 799944 York Chiropractic Clinic 430300 Zoobin Karma Dance 07737 134821 Paulines Hair & Beauty 798522 Rosemary Conley 790922 Hi Fi & Audio Vickers Hi-Fi 691600 insulation Solarwall 0800 1380079 Ironing Creases Away Ironing 758482 Louise Taylor Ironing 07729 503211 The Ironing Co 796460 Jewellers Cavendish 670006 Joinery Abbey Joinery 07977 472233 Armstrong & Butler 785549 Domestic & Commercial joinery 07966 446769 J Myers Joinery 07877 756584 Kirby joinery 01423 324455

101 112 65 124 113 113 125 112 113 121 115 124 117

41 42 43 39 39 44 43 43 42 44 39 44 45 43 39 42 44 45 42 45 44 44 44 43 42 43 42 41 21 114 25 106 106 10 122 112 112 118 103

MSB Joinery 07958 508646 R Oxby Joinery 07742 116613 Redberry 07501 144383 Richard Poustie 636324 SH Joinery 07944 413842 York Door Services 07973 889232 Locks/Security/repairs Access All Locks 07796 266977 Afford a Lock 625635 Lockfix Security 623108 Neil Webster 07732 822525 loft conversions

Loft Space Company 0800 5876662 Mobile Homes Wandahomes 01430 424342 motor parts/services A Ivinson Autos 767675 Auto Cool Radiators 438500 Birch Park Vehicle test Centre 627444 C&M Auto Services 796718 Caboodle 788346 Chips Away 07900 804003 Chips Away 07810 243444 Copmanthorpe MOTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 700755 Cosmik Carwash 07543 650664 D&J Woodcock 430130 G Chapman 430576 Hammerton Specialist Services 01423 331170 Hometune 07802 722330 HP Maintenance 792899 Incartec 479907 JJB Motors 426691 Leeman Rd Autos 673500 North Eastern Tyre & Exhaust 692500 Project Parts 789090 R Walker Cars 797720 Take Away chips 07866 261097 Transit Motorcycles 637169 Wigginton Re-Sprays 765948 Wiggintoncar repairs 750272 York Vehicle Test Centre 541888 motorcycles B&S Motorcycles 622793 Dave Woods Motorcycles 636589 NICEIC register ACB Electrical 762048 Anderson Electrical 07867 680014 D Carrington Electrical 07809 534791 Judge Electrical 07919 033113 KW Grant 07774 714546 PC Electrical 07912 665007 Sun Electrical 691862 opticians

Ruth Perrott 784040 Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 672859 Ovenu 471517 Ultraclean 01759 371741 Pest Control GD Pest Control 01757 289466 Minster Pest control 07882 992544 Pet care 3 Acre Paddock 07525 824152 A Cut Above 07815 595213 Alisons Dog Grooming 422905 German Shepherd Training 703504 Leaping Lizards 783600 Safe Pet Pens 07895 954999 SOS Dog Training 708761 Sweeny Dog 890666 Top Dog Grooming 07846 794257 Picture Framing

Steve Garnett Picture Framing 761624 Plastering All Trades 07827 940012 Colin Hardgrave 07881 733344 Ernie Jeffrey Plastering 07889 113758 GW Plastering & Tiling 07813 965885 Jim Dale Plastering 07985 688147 M Simpson Plastering 332568 Oaktree Plastering contractors 07549 189942 P Bell Plastering 07904 203537 Richard Taylor Plastering 07940 504356 RS Restorations 07944 113145 S Byworth Plastering 410204 SM Plastering Svs 07826 270335

116 116 116 125 122 123 106 106 106 116 80 102 129 129 127 127 129 130 128 128 108 144 129 127 129 127 127 126

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34 105 106

64 111 124 56 56 56 27 56 56 5 56 25 123 111 112 113 115 115 117 118 118 118 118 119

Plumbing/heating 1a Rapid Response 708000 Acorn Plumbing 07718 958982 All Cisterns Go 425712 Alpha Plumbing 07877 526451 Aquatec Utilities 07977 133061 AVS Plumbing 07759 131106 B Goodway 07594 801571 BPH Services 07973 542283 C Hudson Plumbing & Heating 789447 Chris Murray 07912 575963 Chris Myers Plumbing 07860 434643 Clarkes Plumbing 07739 165681 Colin Bell Plumbing & Heating 07885 514332 Colin Henry Plumbing 07725 646647 D kaloczi 07778 631713 DJC Plumbing & Heating 07770 754215 E Martin & Sons 07966 486329 Energy Save 491055 Fisher Marshall 07886 649716 G.P.E Service 07711 162452 Gas Mark 1 07980 437960 George C Stone & Son 07759 561637 GFP Home Heating Care 0800 0264244 Glen Plumbing 424169 Glen Plumbing 424169 GPS York 07796 615494 GW Plumbing 07525 858008 HC Plumbing 477623 Huntington Gas Svs 07765 668493 Ian Taylor Plumbing 339877 JS plumbing Svs 07515 940105 Melbourne Heating 07984 742264 MT Plumbing & Heating 07947 194091 Nigel Parker Plumbing 07854 354544 Nunthorpe Plumbing 07906 592872 Paul Warriner 07900 923860 Pocklington Boiler Svs 01759 304789 Poppleton Plumbing & Heating 07903 979712 Rapid Response Plumbing 07948 051282 S Williams Plumbing & Heating 07716 788680 Skelton Plumbing Services 07766 625584 Sleepsafe Gas Services 07799 474565 Squire Developments 07967 971053 T Whitelam Plumbing 07729 980253 Tom Plumb 07971 437359 TP Plumbing 07709 711137 Yorkshire Central Plumbing 780780 pointing Heworth Pointing 07957 901639 Portable Appliance Testing ASF Portable Appliance Testing 07731 955682 printing Link Print 767881 property services Mill Garth Park 704135 recycling York Rotters 412861 Removals/Storage 1 van 1 man 0800 9550200 2 Anywhere 07952 843398 A2B 077725 68526 Andy Vans 422268 Big Green Van Man 07818 611481 Ridings Removals 07854 747129 Roofing Able Roofing 07908 558954 BMB Fibreglass Roofing 769762 Dave Trelfa Roofing 07710 818550 Elite Roofing 655066 Fibretech 489142 Flat Roof Co 0800 212 548 Flat Roof Co 0800 212 548 Future Roofs 07773 388141 Haxby Fibreglass Roofline Ltd 767638 Haxby Fibreglass Roofline Ltd 767638 Lowery Roofing 420022 Mark Winters Leadwork 07976 845678 Phil Summerbell Roofing 07919 021994 Roofs Above 08000 855688 Roofs Above 08000 855688 SSV Roofing 890278 Shops/stores Barnitts 625601 Fletchers Fabrics 793885 Supersave 625735 The Lighthouse 476223

116 120 112 123 108 109 109 110 109 110 109 110 109 111 111 112 113 118 119 120 121 120 109 120 124 121 125 119 115 115 121 117 117 117 118 117 120 116 116 118 118 118 116 119 119 119 117 114

113 12 67 105 105 105 105 105 105 110 110 112 119 118 75 118 111 115 112 125 107 117 108 122 100 16 21 27 14

The Yorkshire Bed Co 636754 York Against Cancer 764466 York Community furniture Store 426444 skips/waste removal

Acomb Waste Disposal 07724 441630 A-Z Waste 07802 434349 Boswell Skips 488632 Dennings 07774 180785 Ebor Skip Hire 731352 Wrights Of Crockey Hill 620626 Solar Heating Project Solar 07958 178334 Solarwall Renewables 0500 127005 Solicitors Daniels & Co 679990 Denison Till 0800 2797500 Harrowells 558600 Sports Centres CYC Cycling City york.gov.uk/cycling Energise 552424 Structural Engineer

Origin Structures 659642 Theatre Schools

Stagecoach Theatre Schools 672662 tilers Doug Taylor 07881 826331 Almurad 476333 travel/holidays Armchair Travel 766239 Auto Route Hire 701342 Quartz Of York 07834 023134 WA Shearings 621818 Upholstery A&V Upholstery 07889 431691 Weddings A Class Limousine 07990 850198 Bright Beginnings nanny Agancy 691698 Burn Hall Hotel 01347 825400 Catwalk Classics 01937 580644 Elegant creations 08448 159038 Smith Events 07813 620514 The Rain Florist 787279 York Register Office 654477 Window Cleaning Former Glory 07786 927592 Sparklean Windows 07884 138370 Windows/Doors/Conservatory Access All UPVC repairs 410069 Alliance Windows 481148 Alpine Conservatories 0800 085 1045 DGMS Windows 479944 J Luke Windows 07909 892466 Millenium Windows 691122 Newbegin Glazing 654381 Newspan 0800 5873423 Square Deals 0800 7315435 Steamed Up Double Glazing 07919 332183 The Lockwood Window Co. 289048 UPVC Window Doctor 07732 822525 Value Doors 07827 334009 Wigginton Windows 07919 913412 Window Solutions 07842 532133 York Trade Windows 541919 worktops GQ Creations 500204 Worktop Man 07891 858873 workwear Cee Jays 0800 1244133

8 96 24 62 60 67 58 58 62 66 20 120 11 50 48 79 51 113 2 104 104 104 14 103 37 36 37 37 36 36 37 36

106 120 18 77 76 25 79 23 69 107 116 116 26 110 105 117 78 119 18

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Business

Business is buoyant in York, despite what some people are saying. Here’s your chance to tell the city about your successes, talk about new products or services, offer tips and praise the people behind your business.

Contact Your Local Link – call (01904) 767881

n

NatWest is proud to support businesses in York and the surrounding villages For more information on how NatWest could help your business please contact: Geoff Schofield, Relationship Manager - York Business Centre • Tel: 07801 925494 • Email: geoff.schofield@natwest.com

Hotel sets

York ‘well placed’ to weather recession

green

City of York Council is reassuring business leaders that it is working to ensure the city benefits from changes to the regional economic development and regeneration framework. Key representatives from local authorities across the Yorkshire and Humber region have met to discuss how regional performance might be improved.

agenda

A York hotel has set its sights on gaining industry recognition for its commitment to the environment.

In a bid to win a Silver Green Tourism Award, the Best Western Monkbar Hotel has unveiled its Green Team, who are charged with securing this accolade.

The team, made up staff members from each of the hotel’s departments, is using the four Rs - Reduce, Re-use, Repair and Recycle - to help it achieve this, which in turn will make the Monkbar’s operation more efficient and drive down costs.

Monkbar Hotel Director June Nelsey says: “We are empowering members of staff to actively make ‘green’ decisions within their own departments. Our Green Team is passionate about helping us, guests and suppliers reduce our overall impact on the environment.

“We have already been awarded Bronze, but we know we can do better, hence this increased drive to reach Silver. Our ultimate goal is, naturally, Gold.

“Acting and working in a more environmentallyfriendly way makes good business sense as we are able to reduce our overheads.”

Measures include the cultivation of a herb garden and signing up with a bike shop to offer guests a two-wheeled option of touring the city.

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Members of the Green Team get to work at the Monkbar Hotel in York Other green polices introduced include encouraging guests to report dripping taps and switch off lights and TVs when not in use; asking suppliers to email invoices instead of printing and posting them; increasing the amount of waste the hotel recycles, and, where possible, sourcing more of its products locally and publicising its environmental policy on its website.

Kersten England, chief executive of City of York Council, says: “We welcome the invitation to form local enterprise partnerships focused on ‘real economic geographies’ and are committed to working with privatesector partners and the education sector in the city to maximise economic growth. There is already a well established economic partnership in York which includes strong business representation. It is committed to attracting further private sector investment to the city. The city already has a strong economic base and independent analysis suggests that our economy is in a good position to weather the recession. However, with a heavy reliance on public-sector jobs, we are not complacent and will continue to play a key role on the in wider arenas to secure funding for York and the surrounding area.”

INVESTMENTS Advice with Julie Wilson

Wealth warning

Professor Colin Mellors and Tracey Smith at York Science Park

Professor joins York Science Park board

Professor Colin Mellors, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Business and Community at the University of York, has been appointed to the board of York Science Park Ltd. He will be helping the university make the most of the business space that forms part of its Heslington East expansion.

Science Park General Manager Tracey Smith says: “As well as his academic credentials, Colin brings with him an outstanding track record in forging lasting relationships between the university and external local and regional partners. The Science Park is all about creating synergy between academia and business and so Colin’s expertise and experience will be invaluable.”

Colin says: “The Science Park is crucial in bringing together academic expertise with business, with lasting benefits to the university, the wider business community, the City of York, and, indeed, the economy of Yorkshire.”

Is everybody happy?

Effective customer care results in repeat custom and new customers. But how do you know you are delivering the service or product that your customers want?

One of the most often overlooked resources is the collection and effective use of Customer Feedback. Collecting feedback can confirm what a business is doing well and what isn’t working well enough so that changes can be made. Reviewing customer feedback and using it effectively will help improve the customer experience and increase profitability.

There are various ways of collecting feedback. The obvious one is talking to customers but this can be difficult when the business is busy and time is short. Also, people can be coy about giving truthful answers. Another way to collect feedback is to ask customers to complete a short feedback slip or questionnaire – but why would they, unless there is something in it for the customer?

So how can you make your feedback work? Customers are more likely to complete a short feedback slip if there is the chance of a reward – for example, a free monthly draw such as a free beauty treatment.

Once feedback is collected it is very important that it is used effectively.

Also, any changes made as a result of collecting customer feedback need to be monitored carefully and reviewed at regular time intervals. Any changes need to be taken onboard by all staff. This may be easier if a small number of staff are employed but it can be more difficult when there is a large number of staff, particularly if they work part-time hours or shift patterns.

Remember, on average, each unhappy customer will tell 10 people, who in turn will tell five others about their unhappy experience - can you afford not to review your customer feedback system? n For more information on effective customer feedback, log on to www.customerfeedbackservices.co.uk

You are an irrational bunch – you investing public.

You seem to go out of your way to destroy your long term wealth prospects. You hold money in accounts paying little or no interest. Even what little you get is often taxed when it shouldn’t be. You keep it there because it’s “safe”. Getting 1% a year net interest when inflation is at 3% sounds like a sure fire way of losing 2% a year to me. How safe is that? Even those of you that venture into investments looking for better returns often lose your nerve as markets fall. So you sell. And miss the recovery. You then wait “until things settle down”, buy at the top of the market, lose your nerve as markets fall. So you sell. And miss the recovery. You then wait… You get the picture!

So what causes this irrational behavior? Is it the exposure to the internet? The media? The financial press? Peer pressure? The bloke down the pub. The accountant? The golf/squash partner? The doom and gloom merchants? And I must admit there has been more than our fair share of those over the unprecedented financial crisis of the last couple of years.

One major cause of investors missing out is their futile attempts to “time” the markets. It can’t be done. Now I accept that it’s only natural to be concerned about short-term fluctuations in stock markets. But the only certainty is that there is no certainty as to how the markets will move. The sharpest falls and the largest gains are often concentrated into short periods of time. If you try to avoid the falls, you’re highly likely to miss the gains. If you had invested £100,000 in UK shares between 1992 and 2007, here’s how much they would be worth if you had stayed invested or unsuccessfully tried to time the markets: Stayed Invested £393,825

Missed 10 Missed 20 Missed 40 Best Days Best Days Best Days £261,157 £191,952

£127,010

A better plan would be to get your head around investments and savings. Investments – that is equity based/non cash investments – are for the long term. Savings are for the short term. Savings should be invested in non volatile, easily accessible accounts. The pay back for this non volatility and accessibility is little or no return. You’ll be lucky to get 2% or 3% on your savings in the current climate. That’s not going to make anybody rich. Investments, on the other hand, should be viewed as long term and non accessible. The payback for this volatility and inaccessibility is better returns than cash. Over the medium to longer term. And that is the key – medium to longer term.

It’s no use losing your nerve after a year of investment when you’ve seen your investment drop by 20% or worse. If you do, you ruin any chance of recovering it as the market recovers. Which it will.

So, if you accept this basic premise, what then? Where do you invest? What’s going to be the next “big thing”? Absolute Returns?

Asset allocation? Far East? Emerging Markets? Property? Exchange Traded Funds? Passive? Active? Sustainable Energy? Alternative Investments? Derivatives? Technology? (Again!) Not to mention which tax wrapper it should be in. ISA? Bond? Offshore? Onshore?

Collective? VCT? EIS? It’s devilishly complex. You could try to go it alone. Get yourself a pin and the financial pages and have a stab at it! Or you could get help from the professionals. The necessary steps are rather simple - (1) Assess your investment objectives (2) Assess your REAL attitude to risk (3) Assess your investment time frame (4) Assess your current and likely future tax status (5) Invest in a range of well-diversified, tax efficient investments (6) regularly review your financial affairs as circumstances change.

n Pen-Life Associates Ltd are Chartered Financial Planners, advising individuals and small businesses on all aspects of financial planning including residential and commercial mortgages, individual and business protection, pensions, retirement and later life/long term care planning, savings, investment and tax planning.

Pen-Life Associates Ltd, Chartered Financial Planners, Equinox House, Clifton Park, York YO30 5PA. Tel: 661140, email: office@pen-life.co.uk, www.pen-life.co.uk

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Non disclosure at your peril Openness lies at the heart of resolving money matters upon divorce. A husband and wife are required to provide full and frank disclosure of their respective financial positions and all material facts during the divorce process. This allows the lawyers to advise, (and the court to decide, if necessary) what would amount to a fair and reasonable settlement in their particular case.

In practice, this means that both parties must obtain and provide their lawyers with documentary evidence in relation to their income, assets and liabilities e.g. recent P60s, pay slips, business accounts, bank statements, property valuations, mortgage statements, credit card statements etc. These documents are then usually exchanged between the lawyers on the same date.

The duty to provide disclosure is an ongoing one and failure to co-operate can result in:• The non-disclosing party can be ordered by the court to provide specific disclosure or to attend a hearing, known as an “inspection appointment” to give material information.

• The court can require the non-disclosing party to pay some or all of the costs of the other party as it is likely to be regarded as litigation misconduct.

• The court can draw conclusions in the case which are adverse to the party refusing to disclose. Ultimately this may result in a final order being made by the court as to the finances which are less generous to the non-disclosing party than would otherwise be the case.

• If non-disclosure comes to light after a settlement is reached, in exceptional cases, the court may give permission for the case to be re-opened resulting in further and costly litigation.

For example, a wife, who subsequently learnt that her husband had obtained a new job with a significantly higher salary only 10 days after they had reached an agreement on money matters, lodged an appeal to set aside the settlement. It transpired that although the husband had not received an offer of employment at the date of the settlement, negotiations were in an advanced stage. The Court of Appeal found that the husband had suppressed relevant information, which if known to the wife, would have had a bearing on the settlement reached.

• The court has the power to send a non-disclosing party to prison.

A businessman who has failed to explain the disappearance of his £400 million fortune in a divorce case has recently been given one last chance to explain the decline of his fortunes to the court. If he fails to do so, the court has indicated that he will face prison.

The clear message is that you should seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity if considering divorce to avoid falling foul of the court. n If you require on any family law issue, consult Nina Banerjee at Denison Till, York on 01904 611411 or by email to nsb@denisontill.com . Nina is an Associate Solicitor and an accredited member of Resolution – First for Family Law. She is also a Collaborative lawyer. (www.yorkcfl.com).

An offer you can’t refuse?

Joining the Mafia can be good for business. And not just if you’re Don Corleone. That’s the message from online business networking group The Yorkshire Mafia. As the name suggests, the free-to-use LinkedIn group is dedicated to boosting businesses within the Yorkshire area.

“At The Yorkshire Mafia, we pride ourselves on ‘keeping it in the family’, i.e. encouraging trade with local businesses and making the most of the region’s resources,” says Geoff Shepherd, founder of the group.

But unlike many social networking groups, the Yorkshire Mafia has managed to break out of cyberspace and into the real world. Following a series of offline meetings, the group has announced the launch of its first ever networking and trade conference to showcase the cross-sector skills, expertise and success of Yorkshire businesses.

The Yorkshire Mafia Conference will include a full day of seminars, 78 exhibitors and over 1,000 attendees, comprising existing members – or ‘Mafiosi’ - and the wider business community alike. Attendees will get the opportunity to network and ultimately trade with each other.

Admission is free for all delegates.

“It’s a huge opportunity for existing members and newcomers to showcase their wares, ideas and wisdom,” says Geoff Shepherd. “We can’t wait to see the opportunities the event will offer.” n The event is taking place on 15th March 2011 at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. For queries relating to the conference and those wishing to book a stand, please contact Danny on 07904 873202 or email danny@theyorkshiremafia.com.

Sell Out at Spa It may be undergoing a major redevelopment project, but The Spa at Scarborough is still very much open for business, as a recent sell-out concert by The Proclaimers proved.

Fans from as far away as British Columbia in Canada and Stanford, Florida flocked to see the Scottish band perform.

“The Proclaimers are a perfect act for the smaller Spa Theatre and it was great to see it sold out,” says Jeremy Hertill, Executive Manager of The Spa. Work began earlier this year on a multimillion development project at The Spa. Improvements will include adaptations to the stage and auditorium seating in the Grand Hall to create a more flexible conference and entertainment venue, as well as new dressing rooms for up to 50 people, upgrading of the bar and restaurant area, a new reception area, new management offices, and better access for customers.

The Spa Complex is a conference and entertainments venue offering a full range of conference, hospitality and entertainment facilities.

This is complemented by a full in-house event management team and world class technical audio visual equipment and crew. n For more information, log on to www.scarboroughspa.co.uk.

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An eminent architect wants York to embark on a Renaissance that involves no private cars and 50,000 trees. RICHARD FOSTER reports

Banish the car and plant 50,000 trees Alan Simpson, a Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, has a vision for York. It involves planting 50,000 trees and banishing ‘the single private motor car’ from the historic city.

The eminent architect, teacher and writer outlined his vision during a keynote speech at the fourth annual York Design Awards ceremony.

Delivering his “city beautiful” vision depended on members of the business community working together with the local authority for the good of York, he told guests at York St John University.

He said: “That relationship is absolutely critical; it’s going to be the kernel of this city’s future.

Without those two parties working together, not much will happen.”

Prof Simpson, aged 60, said creating a more attractive York made economic sense because it would attract high-quality inward investment to the city. But that would only happen if the city “sorted out the access question”.

He said: “If ever there’s one city in England that needs to get rid of the single private motor car, it’s this one. No holds barred, just stop them. Do it for the whole city; don’t worry about where the traffic will go.”

For a city to be regarded as great, it needed a great river and a great street, according to Prof Simpson. York had been blessed with two rivers – the Ouse and the Foss – but it was lacking a stunning tree-lined boulevard.

Prof Simpson believed one could be created to link York Minster with the University of York, utilising existing carriageways. The boulevard

Professor of Architecture Alan Simpson and Janet Hopton, chairman of the York Design Awards, look at the entries. Picture: Richard Foster. Below: The winners of the York Deesign Awards. Picture: Tony Neal

could be extended to the railway station to open up the York Central site of derelict railway land for re-development.

He said York did not have enough trees; the city’s lack of tree coverage in its central area was unhealthy. The professor’s vision for a greener city involved planting 50,000 trees – that’s roughly one tree for each household in the city.

His “city beautiful” vision involved tree vistas connecting the city walls with the rivers and public parks. He said: “You couldn’t do a better thing in this city now than plant 50,000 trees.

There are roughly 50,000 households in this town; isn’t there a way to get each household to buy a tree?”

Prof Simpson is working with organisations such as Yorkshire Forward, City of York Council, York Civic Trust, York Economic Partnership and York Environment Partnership to discuss how the city should develop in the future. It’s been dubbed the York Renaissance Masterplan.

York Design Award 2010 Winners New Build Residential: Poppleton Gate House, Millgates, York New Build Non-residential: Joseph Rowntree School; St Leonard’s Hospice; and Berrick Saul Building, University of York.

Conservation/Re-use: 5, Driffield Terrace, York; Façade of 51 Bootham, Bootham School; The Dutch House, Ogleforth, York; and St Giles’s Church, Skelton.

Mixed Categories: St Olave’s School, York Lord Mayor’s Award: St Giles’s Church, Skelton.

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Employment Law with ingrams solicitors

Q. I am on maternity leave and have heard that my employer has started a redundancy procedure. Can they ask me to come in for a redundancy meeting?

Yes, they should offer you the option of attending work to discuss the redundancy situation. An employer must consult with all employees including those on maternity leave. If you have recently had your baby and you do not want to attend work, you could suggest to them to liaise by email or telephone (although face-to-face discussions are generally better). If they do not consult with someone on maternity leave it could be potentially discriminatory. If your employer does select you for redundancy the reason must have nothing to do with your pregnancy or maternity leave as this is discriminatory.

Q. My employer has written to me inviting me to attend an investigatory meeting for misconduct and I am accused of something I have not done. What should I do?

First, make sure that you take along a work colleague or trade union representative (if you are a union member). This person should take notes of what is said at the meeting. They can also make representations on your behalf. Before the meeting, you should prepare a statement outlining your version of events and, where possible, you should highlight in your statement where your employers are inaccurate or mistaken.

You should also think of some mitigating factors in case your employer concludes you should be dealt with under the disciplinary policy. If they do go down this route they should follow ACAS ‘s guidance on dealing with such situations.

Q. Can my employer prevent me from working for a competitor post employment?

The only method which enables an employer to have influence over employees when they have left their employment is incorporating restrictive covenants into the employment contract. In order for these to be enforceable they must be reasonable and go no further than necessary.

There must also be a legitimate business interest to protect.

Restrictive Covenants are most commonly found in the contracts of senior employees, and are unlikely to affect lower level employees who are not in possession of confidential and sensitive information about the business.

Q. My employer has just been taken over. What will happen to my job?

There are specific regulations in place to protect individuals in this situation. Under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE), the contracts of existing employees will automatically transfer to the new employer under the same terms and conditions. Your new employer is not able to make changes to your contract without your approval. If you are dismissed as a result of the transfer the dismissal will be automatically unfair and you will be able to make a claim to the Employment Tribunal. It should be noted however that this is a complex area and you should always seek specific advice. n The information above is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to be construed or interpreted as legal or other professional advice. If you require further advice, please do not hesitate to speak to Gillian Markland or Lorna Pratt at Ingrams Solicitors on 01482 358850.

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Rise in

manufacturing

exports

Manufacturing exports increased for the fourth consecutive quarter, according to the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey. The results, which are for the second quarter of 2010, boost hopes of an export-led recovery in the region.

The manufacturing sector witnessed a significant improvement in exports, reporting a 46% and 20% increase in overseas orders and overseas sales, respectively, from last quarter. These results show a dramatic yearon-year improvement. Manufacturing export orders rose 89% from the second quarter of 2009, and export sales rose by 81%. The service sector also displayed signs of improvements in exports. Overseas orders rose 5% and overseas sales increased 19%.

Results from the rest of the survey illustrate mixed business performance across Leeds, York and North Yorkshire, suggesting that economic recovery is still brittle. Both the service and manufacturing sector reported a fall in profit expectations, after three consecutive quarters of increase, and the service sector reported a slight fall in home orders. However, both the manufacturing and service sector reported increases in home sales of 16% and 10%, respectively.

Susie Cawood, head of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, says: “The favourable export environment seems to be encouraging more businesses to trade overseas and these latest results signal a manufacturing export-led recovery. However, the persisting trouble in the euro zone poses a threat to exporters. How the Coalition Government chooses to support exporting businesses will be test of its calibre.

Ministers need to develop a new vision for UK exports by reducing regulation and introducing tax incentives.

“Business success must sit at the heart of the Government’s policy. We are not out of the woods yet. Cutting the deficit is, rightly, a Government priority, but we also need a strategy for growth. Yorkshire cannot afford a fall back into recession and we will have to wait and see the impact of the emergency budget on business confidence.”

Work and the over 50s

The idea of continuing to work later in life has become a hot topic, following the Government’s plans to change the rules of retirement.

Now York College has become involved in a project which aims to help the over-50s make the most of their skills and experience.

The WorkAge Project promotes effective age management strategies to improve and prolong the working lives of older workers, and support employers to ensure that they attract and retain the skills, experience and knowledge of older employees in the labour market.

“Often people don’t realise the skills they possess,” says Sue NewtonBrown, Diversity Project Manager at York College. “The WorkAge project can help individuals aged 50 and over to make the most of their attributes and give them the confidence to apply their skills in employment, self-employment and volunteering activities.

“For example, many adults oversee projects in the home or take an active role in running clubs/societies in the local community. Both these activities involve skills that can be applied in the workplace.

The assessment workshops provide an opportunity for people to identify their skills and as a consequence help them to plan the rest of their working lives.” Jean Charlton, who works in a human resources department, has found the project very useful. She says: “WorkAge has enabled me to look back at the skills I have acquired in life and in my career and given me the time to think about where I take them in the future.” n To find out about the the WorkAge project, which is running until December 2011, call 01904 770234.

SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS >>

Tom Pearcy, of York Maze, gives his five top tips to RICHARD FOSTER

Going for

growth Ten years ago farmer Tom Pearcy moved back to the 400-acre family farm in York, having spent five years running a large estate in Suffolk.

With farming incomes were under pressure, Tom was looking for a way to ensure the continuing success of the business.

After seeing a “corn maze” on a trip to the USA he decided to give it a try in the UK. The maze was made from maize plants, a variety of sweetcorn used for cattle feed.

Tom felt that he had a field in the right location, on the edge of one of the most visited cities in the country, and that the ingredients were in place to make the business a success.

The maze season fits in perfectly with the school summer holidays, it is just tall enough to walk around by mid-July, and is ready for harvest by mid September.

Despite much ridicule from his neighbouring farmers and long discussions with the local planning authority, Tom opened the maze for the first time in 2002 for seven weeks, using a caravan as a ticket office and one employee selling the tickets. Tom was “amazed” when the maze attracted 9,000 visitors.

Over the following two summers Tom added other attractions, including a petting farm, tractor-and-trailer rides and refreshment kiosks.

The business was growing in popularity and demanding more and more time during a farmer’s busiest time of year. Visitor numbers were now at 25,000 over the seven weeks, which prompted Tom to get his neighbouring farmers to “contract farm” his land, allowing him time to concentrate on taking the maze business forward, helped by David Leon, of York consultancy firm Partners. The result of their work together was a doubling of visitor numbers for 2005.

The next big challenge was Tom receiving a notice to quit the site from his landlord to enable York University to expand. He responded by buying a nearby dairy farm and set about securing planning consent to open the maze there.

Tom had planned to open on the new site in summer 2007, and had moved most of the infrastructure. But some planning issues could not be resolved in time which meant he had to move everything back to the old site at the last minute. This was followed by a very wet summer and an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, which meant the closure of the petting farm. “2007 was a year to forget,” says Tom, who is married with two children.

Every little helps Best Western has announced “outstanding results” from its first joint promotion with the Tesco Clubcard.

Over the past year, Tesco Clubcard customers have booked £1.5 million worth of promotional hotel stays with the Yorkbased independent hotels consortium with 270 members in Britain – that’s 50% over the target set for the year.

Tom’s five top tips for success are: 1. Don’t be a sheep. You need to offer something that others do not. You need to be innovative, be different from the rest.

2. Don’t take life to seriously. You will face many problems, don’t take them personally! Enjoy the challenges and find a way to overcome them.

3. If you don’t try it, you will never know. Don’t be afraid to try something out. Business is all about risk taking, but make sure it is a calculated risk and you like the odds!

4. Know your business. The more information you have, the easier it is to spot problems and make decisions. We survey a large sample of our visitors to find out about their experience, and keep detailed financial breakdowns on all aspects of the site’s operations.

5. You can’t do it all yourself! It’s a classic entrepreneur’s mistake to try to hold on to their “baby” and not relinquish any control to others. Find the right people to help you with skills you do not have and it will drive the business forward. ,In 2008 the maze opened at its new home in Elvington Lane. The move to the old farmstead allowed the creation of toilets, a café and gift shop.

Huge play areas were installed and all the old favourite attractions were moved. The move to the new site cost more than £1 million.

The maze continues to grow and branch out. It hosts York’s largest bonfire and firework display on November 5th each year. York Maze now opens at Hallowe’en half term for 10 days of spooky fun for the kids and four nights of “hallowscream” terror for the brave among us. The maze is also licensed for civil ceremonies and hosts a small number of weddings each year.

Tom, aged 39, leases out buldings to a children’s nursery called ‘Little Green Rascals’. York Maze won the Large Visitor Attraction title in this year’s Visit York Awards.

The promotion saw a 25% increase in calls to Best Western's call centre at Clifton Moor and staffing was increased to handle the demand.

Keith Pope, director of Best Western GB, says: "This promotion has been a phenomenal success for Best Western and we're delighted that we've been such a popular choice in the mid-market hotel sector.

“It captured the British public's appetite for ‘staycations’ at the right time and has really added value to our member hotels, which

have used this promotion to fill bedrooms at quieter times.

“This is one of a range of offers our awardwinning marketing team has developed over the past year and has helped us ensure. That despite the worst recession in a long time, Best Western sales have remained strong."

Other big brand promotions developed by Best Western's marketing team over the past year include link-ups with Interflora, HSBC, MasterCard, Amex and Thorntons.

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BUSINESS LAW with CHARLES WALKER

Dividends If you hold shares in a company then you will probably be familiar with the concept of a dividend – the mechanism by which a company can pay out to its shareholders the profits that it has generated.

However the law relating to dividends is potentially complex and the fact that you may hold shares in a company does not necessarily mean that you will have an automatic right to receive a dividend.

Dividends should generally only be declared and paid from the net profits that a company has generated and, since a company’s net profits can only be definitively identified from its annual accounts, the prudent course for a company to adopt is that no decision should be made with regard to a dividend until its financial year has ended and its accountants have identified whether a net profit has been made.

It is possible for a company to declare interim dividends during the course of its financial year as ‘on account’ payments of its anticipated net profit for that year. However, care should be taken in such circumstances – if the company fails to make the anticipated profit then any dividends may have to be repaid.

Even where a net profit has been made, any decision to declare and pay a dividend is one that must be made by the board of directors of the company – rather than its shareholders. In making their decision the directors are under a legal duty to act in the best interests of the company – which will generally involve balancing the benefit of protecting the company’s financial security with the benefit of maintaining shareholder relations. However, it is certainly potentially arguable that it might never be in a company’s best interests for its profits to be paid out to it shareholders – on the basis that the company could put those profits to better use in paying down its borrowings, funding future expansion, or simply keeping them as a hedge against future contingencies.

If a dividend is declared by a company which has only one class of shares then the rule is that it must be paid out proportionally amongst all of the shareholders. However, where a company has more that one class of shares, different dividends can be declared for each class – or even for one class and not another.

As will be apparent from the above, it is quite possible a shareholding in a profitable company may not produce the expected entitlement to a regular share of those profits. This can be particularly the case where there is disagreement between the directors and the shareholders or where there is a majority shareholder who controls the board and has a different class of share from the other shareholders.

Although it may, in certain circumstances, be possible to bring a claim to challenge any unreasonable refusal to declare a dividend, these type of claims are notoriously complicated and therefore expensive to pursue.

The simpler solution is to be found in a subject that I have touched on in previous columns – namely to ensure that, before taking up a shareholding in a private company, you should insist on entering into a shareholders agreement with the other shareholders which clearly sets out your rights, and which includes a provision requiring all of the shareholders to co-operate in ensuring that the company pays a certain proportion of its annual profits as a dividend each year.

n Charles Walker can be contacted at

Walkers Solicitors, 20 Castlegate, York YO1 9RP, tel (01904) 633220 or email walkerlaw@btconnect.com

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Networking marketing – is it for you?

The traditional job no longer provides the long term security that it once did and people are now looking to take the future into their own hands.

However, starting up in your own can be risky. Another option is the network marketing business. This is a term that describes a marketing structure which is designed to create a marketing and sales force by compensating promoters of company products not only for sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of other promoters they introduce to the company.

It can offer financial freedom and if you keep your regular job and build your business part time, you can get better tax breaks than employees.

You should choose a long standing company with good credentials; one which has a unique consumable product, a great compensation plan and offers a personal development programme.

Kim Phillips is running her own successful business with a well established international network marketing company. “This business is very flexible; you work when you want and where you want,” says Kim. “It is easy to join, anyone can do it and it has massive potential. Our company offers training and support that are second to none and we have the gold standard in the Investors In People Award.” n For more details, contact Kim Phillips on 01904 898005 or request information at www.vision4living.co.uk

At your service

As many small business owners will know, running a successful business generally involves a great deal of paperwork. This can often take you away from doing what’s really important – building your business and making money.

This is where Cloud 9 Admin Virtual Assistant Services can help.

Whether it’s a one-off short project or a long-term working relationship you are looking for, Cloud 9 Admin is passionate about helping businesses flourish and fulfil their potential by delivering a high quality administration service, all from a remote location.

They work closely with you to get to know you and your business requirements and provide you with flexible support. And as you only pay for the hours you want to use them, it saves on expensive wages bills. n Contact Cloud 9 Admin for a chat with Nikki Thurston, who will be happy to discuss your administration requirements. Call 01904 763062 or 07790 005865, or email info@cloud9admin.co.uk

Educating

future designers

A York design agency is doing its best to encourage young people to enter the design industry by participating in a number of educational initiatives throughout North Yorkshire.

Over the last 12 months United By Design has been involved in a wide range of educational projects, working with organisations including St Peter’s School, York St John University and NYBEP, the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership.

Owen Turner, United By Design’s Creative Director, made a weekly commitment to spending time with those taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme at St Peter’s School in York. This scheme enables students to gain practical experience of business and enterprise through running their own company over the course of an academic year. Students at St Peter’s set up a business called NOX Apparel, which recycled unwanted clothes into items such as tote bags and mobile phone socks, winning three regional awards for their efforts. Owen has already signed up to advise next year’s young entrepreneurs.

students. To them it is not just another school activity, but something that is really valuable, because successful local businessmen and women like Owen are giving their support to it in a practical way.”

Owen says “Many young people have recently become much more aware of the importance of design and branding through television programmes, such as The History of Design and High Street Dreams, with the result that many of them are now considering graphic design as a career option. I’m really happy to do what I can to open their eyes to the opportunities available and hopefully encourage fresh, new talent into the design industry.”

Jon Whitehouse, Link Teacher at St Peter’s, says: “Owen has really connected with the students in this, his first year, as an adviser for the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

He has listened to and absorbed all the ideas generated by the students and enabled them to develop strategies for implementing them.

His regular support has added a degree of importance to the scheme in the eyes of the

Earlier this year United By Design became the first company to take part in York St John University’s Graduate Internship Programme, taking on design graduate Annabel Eager for a six-month placement. Annabel, who has since been employed full-time by United By Design, says: "Working at United By Design has been a wonderful experience. The company has given me a flying start to my career and has helped

On the

buses

Brand awareness is important for any business.

That’s why Countrywide Residential Lettings has gone ‘on the buses’ to highlight the work of its York branch.

The advert, known in the trade as a ‘mega rear’, covers the back of a York bus and features branch manager Tracey Hegarty and her colleague Natalie Snaith, who works as a negotiator.

The duo say it will take them a while to get used to

me to progress my graphic design skills as well my business sense. Annabel was a finalist in the Yorkshire Internship Awards 2010.

Owen participated in York St John University’s Acorns new business support programme two years ago, and returned to run a workshop for this year’s intake of Acorns on the importance of design and branding for businesses, both small and large.

Launched two year ago, United By Design has carried out design projects for major clients such as Hull University, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Lu Lin Teas. The agency has also helped the Mansion House in York to develop a new logo, website, brochure and corporate stationery.

Richard Pollitt, who manages The Mansion House, says: “Working with United by Design I have been impressed by their enthusiasm, creative flair and attention to detail; nothing was too much trouble. This has enabled the Mansion House to acquire a new and vibrant identity which is also respectful of its heritage and history.” n For details, visit www.ubdstudio.com

seeing their faces adorning the back of a bus, but they want to emphasise the personal service they offer to both landlords and tenants. “We deal with people, not buildings,” they say.

Countrywide area manager Richard Coxon, who supervises 13 branches including York, says it’s a big advert for a big message, namely that Countrywide won the ‘best large letting agent chain’ title in this year’s prestigious ESTAS awards. n Countrywide Residential Lettings, 37 Micklegate, York. Tel: 652158

Growth in identity protection helps CPP CPP, the York-based credit card protection company whose services include identity theft protection and mobile phone cover, said most of its revenue growth for the six months to the end of June had come from northern Europe.

This was driven by the growth of identity protection and the roll-out of new card protection variants. It said markets in India, Mexico and Turkey continued to grow.

Chief executive Eric Woolley says: "CPP continues to perform well and has made good strategic and operational progress in the first half of 2010."

CPP made its debut on the stock market earlier this year when founder Hamish Ogston partially sold up.

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