Your Local Link Magazine March 2012

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n Issue 102 march 2012

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the best of york

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While February had its share of chills, it’s looking like the Your Local Link snowmen are finally beginning to melt away. As March rolls around, our mittens are being bravely removed; scarves are loosened, the mornings seem to be a little brighter and our hot water bottles are temporarily cast aside. Is it too optimistic to hope for an early spring?

Almost certainly, yes. But who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky? Either way, we’re still not wearing that giant love heart woolly jumper that we opened on February 14th…

Speaking of Valentines, our hardworking Sue was

Yourlocallink York

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

cupcake designs, and why Gini has granted her wish for a kitten (he’s “That hasn’t compulsively written the words called Sammy), but we’re not sure stopped her HOLIDAY on everything her pen Tracy’s helicopter lessons ever making “burrrr” approaches. Then again, it could all panned out (though that hasn’t stopped her making “burrrr” sounds sounds while she just be a strange coincidence. while she runs around the office…).

It’s going to be fantastic March, runs around All eyes are now firmly set on especially with the launch of our first the office…”

Mother’s Day. Can the city’s mums ever short story competition – we’re can expect a little more than burnt sure you’ll have fun getting creative! toast and wilting flowers on March 18th? Once Regardless, enjoy what York has to offer, and don’t again, we might be a tad too optimistic for our own be too hard on your kids if they set fire to the good, but hopefully our kids will at least use a plate kitchen while preparing a four-course Mother’s Day this time when they give us breakfast in bed. dinner!

As always, we’ve been finding plenty of great ways to get distracted. Did you know that 2nd March is National Doodle Day (www.doodle.epilepsy.org. uk)? As a testament to our talents at procrastination, we’ve been analysing our scribbles with the website’s handy guide, and we’ve discovered some interesting results. Apparently our most simple doodles (such as suns and stars) reflect our feelings about what we value at the moment we were drawing. That might explain why Rachel’s desk is often covered with intricate sketches of

@locallinkyork

We’ve Got a Blog!

Mim would kill us if we put the photo of her wearing a bikini over her clothes when it was snowing outside. She looks dead daft.

Good job we didn’t then... However, it is on the new blog. Er, soz Mim. To see the pic, as well as sports thoughts from Dan and Rachel’s yummy cake recipes, visit blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

Space booking, copy, cancellation and editorial deadline for the April edition is 9th March 2012 and 16th March 2012 for recruitment.

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

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the best of york

welcome...

Get in touch... call: 01904 767881

contents

Here’s a round-up of what’s in Your Local Link this month...

A figure stepped out of a doorway in the Shambles...

Features: 12. The eternally lovely Elly Fiorentini chats to our Donna about the Pope, unpredictable guests and finding ‘ordinary’ people inspiring.

Cover story: 10. TELL US YOUR STORY.

14. Amateur dramatics. We have an amazing am-dram community in York, so Joe went to meet the characters behind the scenes.

Arm yourself with your best pen and enter our short story competition (you could see your story published!)

24. Donna Hay chats to Michael Constantine, the man behind Chocolate

Regulars: 16. The way I see it Our very own ‘grumpy’ woman Donna Hay goes cushion crazy.

18. Horoscopes with James Christie 20. Join the club: there’s plenty of local groups who are looking for new members. Get involved!

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– York’s Sweet Story. Plus, our Nicolette tries her hand at auditioning to be a chocolate tour leader (it got messy).

Panto? In April?

Well, The Barbican always likes to do things a bit differently, and the Wizard of Oz show looks like it will be a refreshing twist on the festive pantomime. Check out our theatre guide on pages 104-105 to find out more.

22/30. In the know we search the city for the need-to-know local info, so you don’t have to

34. The gadget guide: how a herd of cows tested a supposedly indestructible torch!

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

36-39. Motors: check out the new cars for sale, plus our very own Stig looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads.

28. Didn’t they do well! We love to celebrate local achievements 32. Sport Report with Dan Tait…

40-48. Health & Beauty The inside scoop on what’s hot and what’s not plus

the experts at Kuki answer your questions.

49. Weddings We’re here to help with the plans for your big day, with local specialists and the latest wedding fairs.

50-61. Your Family: If you want to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee we show you how to throw a royally good bash.

the best of york

Win WIn WIn 8. Points mean prizes, and so could entering our competitions. You could win tickets to the Ideal Home Show, a cut, blow dry and colour finish and a special Mothers’ Day treat. Win a children’s party at York City on P51. Get onto Facebook for your chance to win a £250 gardening voucher at Simply Wood – see P83.

Or, if you just want to get the old grey matter whirring, check out our beauty-themed wordsearch on P58.

NEW Culture Column Events and Days Out: 93-105. Your complete guide to what’s on in the month ahead. In our new Culture Column we interview Steve Pinder and take a closer look at some of the cultural offerings in and around York this month including York Open Studios.

Plus the usual theatre round-up, film listings and your essential gig guide.

62-77. Property & Interiors: Carole Carter from City Lets, who’ll be answering your letting and rental questions.

89-92. Food & Drink. Calling all bakers… the world of chocolate needs you! Plus, we review Beechwood Close Hotel.

78-79. Pets: Introducing our expert on pet problems, James from Pets Pantry

93-105. Events and Days Out:

80-88.Gardening: His ‘n’ Hers gardening gadget guide, plus our experts offer advice on how to make the most of your garden.

109-125. Trades & Services directory.

YORK 01904 295033

106-108. Classified directory 126-128. Jobs, jobs, jobs...

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your competitions... WIN... WIN... WIN...

A DESIGN FOR LIFE It’s been over a year since Keelie Marwood re-launched Life Hair Design - and with a brand new team in place, it’s clear that she’s not planning to cut corners (just hair!).

Located inside Bannatyne's Health Club in Nether Poppleton (you don’t need to be a member to enjoy the salon!), the company offers a huge range of services – including all the latest colouring treatments and remedies. Customers can also receive free consultations, ensuring that they always select the hair-beauty package which best suits their own personal needs. To help celebrate the new team, Life Hair Design are giving away a FREE cut, blow dry and colour finish to ONE lucky reader! To enter, all you need to do is answer one question: How much does Life Hair Design charge for a consultation?

Send your answers (along with your name and number) on a postcard marked ‘Life Hair Design Competition’ to the address listed on page 6. The competition ends on 16th March! T&Cs apply.

Win tickets to this year’s

Ideal Home Show!

Wonderful wallpaper and colourful cushions*, fab furniture and divine duvets will provide ample design direction at The Ideal Home Show – and we’ve got ten pairs of tickets to give away.

The much-loved home show will return to London’s Earls Court for its 104th year from 16th March-1st April. Flamboyant, frilly-sleeved interior designer Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen will be the new celebrity ambassador for the ideal Interiors section, while TV gardening royalty Alan Titchmarsh joins the Ideal Home Show family as ideal Gardens ambassador along with Lorraine Kelly, the new face of ideal Woman. Alongside the celeb stalking, you can browse 600 exhibitors, with existing show ambassadors including Gregg Wallace of ideal Food, Suzi Perry of ideal Gadgets and George Clarke of ideal Home Improvements.

There’ll be full scale showhomes to explore, expert advice, live cooking demonstrations, creative show gardens, and a pampering zone.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, answer the following question:

Who is the new celebrity ambassador for the ideal Interiors Section?

Send your answer on a postcard marked ‘Ideal Home’ to the address on page seven, to reach us by 12th March, don’t forget to include your name and contact number!

T&Cs: Offer is only open to UK residents. Complimentary tickets are valid for one day only, on any one day of the show between the 16th March – 1st April 2012 at London’s Earls Court. Tickets are non transferable. Complimentary tickets obtained through this offer may not be duplicated. All tickets will be scanned on entry to the show.

Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 85806763, or for further information about the show visit www. idealhomeshow.co.uk *Just remember, cushions aren’t for sitting on... (see page 16)

Fancy winning some more stuff?

Head to page 51 to win a kid’s party at York City and see page 81 for a gardening furniture competition from Simply Wood.

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your competitions

Win A Treat for Mothers’ Day! Here at Your Local Link we think mums are fab and definitely deserve a bit of TLC on Mothers’ Day. That’s why we’re giving away a fantastic package to treat your mum this Mothers’ Day, including tickets to see X Factor finalist Andy Abraham in concert at the Grand Opera House, as well as a massage and facial package courtesy of our friends at Kuki Hair and Beauty Spa! There’s also a runner up prize, of two tickets to see the Andy Abraham show.

Mum can choose to take three family members or friends for a night out at platinum-selling artist Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands show at 7.30pm on 28th March. The swing music by composers such as Glenn Miller, whose name became synonymous with the Big Band era; and songs originally played

by Woody Herman and Harry James, to name just a few. World-class soloists will make up Andy’s 13-piece backing band.

That’s the entertainment sorted – now for the pampering. Mum will be able to completely relax with a customized facial and a back, neck, foot, scalp and shoulder massage – which is worth £49 from the experts at Kuki Hair and Beauty Spa. Bliss!

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: Which famous composer and musician became synonymous with the big band era?

Send your answer on a postcard, plus your name, phone number and email address, to the address on page 6, to reach us by 16th March.First prize will be four tickets to the Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands plus beauty treatments at Kuki Hair and Beauty Spa. Runner up prize is two tickets to see Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands.

For details on Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands, visit www.atgtickets.com For details on Kuki Spa, visit www.kukispa.com

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

Computer set-up

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the best of york

See your name in print!

Calling all budding authors! How would you like to see your work published?

That’s the prize on offer in our great new short story competition.

We know there’s a lot of writing talent out there in York, and this month we’re launching a search to find our next bestseller! Over the next six months, we’re inviting you to send in your short stories. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts, and the best will be printed in an exclusive anthology and published online.

The winner will also win a special prize. Just think – you could join the ranks of published York authors, such as Matt Haig, John Baker, or our own Donna Hay! Your story can be funny, historic, romantic or even supernatural. All we ask is that it’s your own original work and has not been published elsewhere. And just to make it easy for you, we’re even giving you the first line…

The figure stepped out of a doorway in The Shambles That’s it. Where you go from there is up to your imagination! Because we’d like to get as many people involved as possible, as well as the adult (over 18) competition, there’ll also be special categories for the following age groups: 5 – 10 years; 11 – 15 years, and 16 – 18 years. So why not get your school involved and get writing?

IS0422_Rich.LocaLink/Straps/AW

The maximum word count for all stories is 1000 words, but it doesn’t have to be that long. If you can tell a great story in a couple of pithy paragraphs – go for it!

To give you inspiration, over the next six months we’ll be featuring tips on writing success from a range of guest authors.

You can find even more inspiration on our exclusive online writing course – check out blog.yourlocallink.co.uk Rules Stories must be no longer than 1000 words.

Your story must be your own original work.Stories must be previously unpublished, either in print or online. All stories must begin with the first line as stated. All entries must be accompanied by your name, age (if under 18), address and a contact email/ telephone number. Entries without this information can’t be included – sorry! PLEASE keep a copy of your entry; judges cannot be responsible for lost or missing entries, and no stories will be returned.

Authors must give permission for stories to be published for public distribution. There will be no payment for this. Send your entry to the address on page 5, or email it to info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Be sure to mark it ‘Short Story Competition’. Judges’ decision will be final.

20/7/11 11:49

n York’s full of great storytellers – turn to page 28 to hear about the real-life mystery of Florence Nightingale Shore...

Page 2

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To get you started, we asked York authors Jessica Hart and Matt Haig to give us their top tips on how to write a great story.

the best of york

Top Tips!

Jessica Hart 1. Start specific. Don’t get bogged down in a lot of backstory to set the scene: jump straight in and start at a point of crisis or change for your lead character.

2. Give your characters a real issue to tackle. Make the stakes big, so your readers will really care if your lead character succeeds or fails.

Jessica Hart.

Photo: Bailey-Cooper Photography

3. Show, don’t tell. Make your characters act and inter-act in a way that shows the reader what they are thinking and feeling. Dialogue needs to advance the plot or reveal character.

n Jessica will be running a one day course in writing romance at the University of York on 23rd June. For further information, visit www.york.ac.uk

Matt Haig 1. Write for yourself.

Don’t try and second-guess the type of book other people want you to write. Write the book you yourself would most want to read.

2. Concentrate on character.

If you can create believable characters you have won half the battle. Let plot stem from character and not the other way round.

Matt Haig

3. Be passionate. If you are feeling lacklustre about what you’re writing, look at why that may be.

You will know an idea gives you passion because it brings its own energy.

n Matt’s latest book, To Be A Cat, was released on 2nd February.

Visit www.amazon.co.uk

www.dreamdoors.co.uk 11

Behind the scenes...

Afternoon delight

Radio York presenter Elly Fiorentini is a well known voice in York.

We went to meet the woman behind the microphone There can’t be many people who can say the Pope has had a hand in their career decisions. But Radio York presenter Elly Fiorentini is one of them.

Elly originally intended to become a teacher, but one of the nuns at the Bar Covent suggested she should help organise press coverage during John Paul II’s visit in 1982. “His visit coincided with the start of the Falklands conflict, so it was an interesting time from a press point of view,” she says.

After failing the A levels she needed to become a teacher, Elly spent two years in London studying Business French and Spanish. She then returned to York, still with little idea of what she intended to do.

“I don’t know what made me turn up on the doorstep of Radio York and ask for a job, but I did,” she recalls. “Luckily they offered me a chance to use my shorthand and typing skills in their backroom.”

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Big step Now, 28 years later, Elly is one of the station’s most popular presenters, with York residents tuning in every afternoon between 3 - 5pm to listen to her familiar brand of news, talk and music.

But she might have stayed in the backroom if she hadn’t plucked up the courage to ask for a chance in front of the microphone. “Sport has always been my big passion, and so I asked the station’s controller if I could read the sports bulletin. It might not seem like much now but at the time it was an enormous step – women barely made it into broadcasting, let alone reporting on sports. But he just said ‘Why not?’”

“I remember coming back from my very first report and everyone in the newsroom giving me a round of applause. I thought, this is the start of my journey in journalism.”

Inspiring stories And it’s a journey that has taken her to some very interesting places and introduced her to some fascinating people.

She has been on board ships, taken to the skies in helicopters, met countless celebrities and rubbed shoulders with royalty.

But it’s the ‘ordinary’ people Elly finds most inspiring. “I’ve talked to people who have faced adversity with incredible courage and told their stories in the hope of making a difference to others. People like Marjorie Marks-Stuttle, whose daughter Caroline was murdered in Australia, or Mary Dunn, the widow of the train driver in the Great Heck rail disaster.”

Another couple Elly had the privilege of meeting was Jill and Philip Hatton, whose soldier son Matthew was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. “We were allowed to cover Matt’s funeral in York Minster. Seeing his coffin, draped in the Union flag with his hat on top was a moment I will never, ever forget. It had an impact on all of us. I remember going back to the station and finding our editor Sarah in tears. “ But presenting a live radio show does have plenty of lighter moments, too.

“When I was a reporter on Radio Humberside I used to get lost so often they had to get listeners to look out for

me!” she recalls. “And there was a time when I was doing an ‘eye in the sky’ report from a light aircraft during a visit by the Duke of York, when we circled so much I had to get the plane to land before I was sick.

“Of course everyone has times on air when they completely forget someone’s name, or what they’re supposed to say next,” she admits. “All you can do is laugh and admit your mistake.”

And sometimes it’s the guests that prove unpredictable. “I did a live interview with an actress who suddenly started telling a risqué story about an incident in a gents’ toilet where a man got glitter stuck in a sensitive part of his anatomy. I had a real panic, wondering where the story was going. But what can you do on live radio apart from smile and take a break for some music?”

Contrary to what you might believe, Elly isn’t just an afternoon person.

“From the moment I get up, I’m checking the radio, TV and news websites to find subjects for the show,” she says. “I get in to the studio at around 10am, and from then I’ll be recording interviews and lining people up for the show. Someone asked me the other day if my working day began at five to three. I wish!”

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Although York’s history is packed with drama, its contemporary theatre community is equally matched.

To find out more, we spoke to some of York’s most exciting theatre companies, hoping to understand a little bit of what drives them to keep creating brilliant performances year after year…

Take a trip a hundred years back to 1912 and imagine working in the Rowntree’s Chocolate Factory.

You’ve just finished a hard day’s work, you’re more than a little hungry and you’d definitely benefit from a lavender-scented bubble bath. Now, imagine that you’re given a choice: go home… or, spend your free evenings rehearsing plays in the factory canteen.

As mad as it sounds, that’s exactly how the Rowntree Players started (though

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back then they were called the Cocoa Works Dramatic Society) – and they’ve been going strong ever since!

MODERN DAY It’s not only the city’s actors who embody incredible commitment towards their craft; just look at the multitude of producers and directors, costume-makers and scriptwriters who give their time to the art. Case in point, Kate Bramley: the Artistic

Director for Badapple Theatre Company. Since the company started in 1998, she’s written nearly a dozen full-length plays for it to perform; we told her it sounded like quite an accomplishment, to which she modestly responded “I suppose it is when you say it like that!”

how it flows,” Kate tells us. “We’ll see whether we need to make it funnier or put more music in, and that goes through another re-writing process, which continues through rehearsals.

We’ll always do a little bit of editing almost right up to the first night!”

Writing isn’t always a straightforward process. “We’ll have a draft ready, and some of the actors will read it and see

So how exactly do people end up getting so involved in these projects?

Does it happen overnight?! We

TAKE PART

asked Carol Richardson, who’s been involved with the New Earswick Musical Society since 1990. “I found out that New Earswick was putting on my favourite musical, My Fair Lady.

I was really fortunate to audition for the main part, Eliza, and get it!” Ever since then she’s been hooked, and she’s even brought her daughter into the theatrical fold with her. “When my daughter was five, we did the Wizard of Oz, and I was the Wicked Witch. My character had to go into the caldron, and then out jumped the Little Witch – who was played by my daughter! So it’s a society where the whole family can get involved.”

tread the boards. (You don’t even need to be a chocolatier!). There are also loads of fantastic companies which we haven’t mentioned, and we’d definitely encourage you to check them all out.

Family definitely seems to play a leading role in getting people into theatre. “Back in 2004, I took my daughter along to auditions for the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime,” Caroline Heppell tells us (from the Rowntree Players). “Somehow, thanks to Director Martyn Hunter, I was cast in the chorus - and I’ve been involved with the Society ever since!” But it’s not always smooth sailing! “I was so nervous the first time I went on stage that my knees were literally knocking together!” says Caroline. “But it was an amazing experience!”

n York Musical Theatre Company call 704520 or visit www. yorkmusicaltheatrecompany.org.uk

We think it’s fair to say that York’s theatre scene isn’t going away anytime soon. So if you’re an aspiring actor (or a feasible thespian), you shouldn’t be afraid to pluck up your courage and

n York Stage Musicals call 0870 7705753 or visit www.yorkstagemusicals.co.uk n York Light Opera Society email: mail@yorklight.com or visit www.yorklight.com n Flying Ducks Youth Theatre call 761806 or visit www.flyingducksyouththeatre.com n Six Lips Theatre Company visit www.sixlips.co.uk

n York Settlement players e: yscp@berylnairn.plus.com or visit www.yorksettlementplayers. wordpress.com n York Shakespeare Project e: info@yorkshakespeareproject.org www.yorkshakespeareproject.org n Rowntree Players call 07816 935160 or visit www.rowntreeplayers.co.uk n New Earswick Musical Society visit newearswickmusicalsociety.co.uk n Badapple Theatre Company call 01423 339168 or visit www.badappletheatre.com

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THE WAY I SEE IT...

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

Soft Options

As you might have guessed, living with me is not exactly a picnic, and my husband is a very tolerant person.

Certainly when it comes to domestic matters, and more specifically, interior design.

He leaves all that stuff to me, which is frankly how it should be. Show me a man who knows what a mood board is, and I’ll show you a big girl’s blouse. Unless it happens to be George Clarke, and even he tends to get a bit too teary over a bi-fold door for my liking.

In my experience, women think about these matters more than men. We’ll scour Ideal Home looking for design trends, spend hours drooling over the Next Directory or browsing in home shops searching for those perfect finishing touches.

We’ll consult paint charts, wallpaper and fabric samples.

We’ll consider the amount of light a room

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gets, whether it’s north or south facing, not forgetting its proportions.

If I ask my husband what colour he thinks we should paint a room, he’ll always say blue. Every single time.

All change I used to think he came up with this conclusion after a great deal of internal analysis and careful consideration of all the options.

Until he admitted he actually said the first colour that came into his head just so I would leave him alone to get on with his life and not make him trawl around B&Q discussing the difference between a dusky pink and a dusty pink (oh, there is a difference. And if you have three days to spare, I’d be happy to explain it to you).

Anyway, he takes little interest in interior design. He’s learnt not to blink when he comes home to find I’ve repainted the kitchen lime green in his absence, or removed all the ornaments from the living room and replaced them with a variety of Buddha heads (I was going through a zen period and they were half price at Next). He didn’t even mind that, following his plea not to make our bedroom ‘too girly’, I decorated it with pink flowers (but it was dusty pink, which in my view is ok).

Follow Donna on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

But there is one thing he absolutely puts his foot down about, and that’s cushions. He hates them. Just their presence on the sofa winds him up.

Cushion crazy Why do men hate cushions so much? They seem pretty inoffensive to me. And as any good interior design magazine will tell you, they’re a great way of instantly updating any room. Certainly cheaper than buying a new sofa whenever you fancy a change, anyway. Although we have so many in our house (around 24 at the last count) that we could probably have bought a new sofa for the same price.

What bothers my husband is their sheer pointlessness. Take the cushions on our bed, for instance. Every morning we line them up on the pillows, only to throw them on the floor when we go to bed.

And then when he trips over them in the morning on his way to the wardrobe…oh dear.

At least he thought the cushions in the living room were more functional, until I caught him propping them against his bad back.

“Are you squashing my cushions?” I accused.

He looked puzzled. “Isn’t that what they’re for?”

As if. George Clarke might be a big girl’s blouse, but at least he’d know you don’t sit on a cushion…

Have people forgotten how to keep quiet? When I went to the pictures last week it was like a playground, full of kids shouting and climbing over the seats. The adults were just as bad, texting all the way through the film. Bring back the old fashioned usherettes to keep them in line!

I’m sick of people using their mobile phones in the supermarket. They forget where they are and block up the aisles. It’s mostly men calling their wives to make sure they’re buying the right thing.

Either use your own brain or take a shopping list!

PY, Holgate

CK, Bishopthorpe I had my card refused when I was shopping online the other day. I called my bank to report it and they said they’d put a stop on it because they’d noticed I’d ‘been using it a lot lately’. So now the bank gets to dictate my spending habits – great!

I want to say a big thankyou to the very kind lady in the co-op who gave me 60p for my shopping. I had gone out without enough money and to save me putting something back she paid the difference. Thankyou whoever you are!

New Tingdene Lodge 36’x20’ NOW ONLY £59,995

GT, Haxby

EP, Huntington

Now it’s your turn!

Is there something you’d like to rant or rave about?

Whether it’s buses or banks, or life in general, we want to hear about it.

Just write to the address on p5, or email

Donna@yourlocallink.co.uk

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Horoscopes March 2012

Starsign of the month...

Pisces

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

L to R: Bruce Willis, Barbie, Drew Barrymore, Justin Beiber

There is a long held tradition that Jesus of Nazareth was a Piscesian, and as such it is no surprise that Piscesians are seen as the healers of the zodiac… the quiet people who try to right wrongs, fight against injustice in all its myriad forms, who can function in the materialistic world but who can also rise above it in search of spiritual meaning and arcane knowledge.

While Piscesians can have a good laugh the same as anyone else, they are, at heart, thoughtful people who bring more than their fair share of care into this troubled world. As such, they are frequently misunderstood and are often taken advantage of. They will, unlike most of the rest of us, take a long overview of any given situation, weighing all the pros against the cons before making a decision. As far as 2012 is concerned, they’ve probably been doing this since 1st January and now as we roll into March they realise that there are some things they can’t do in the company of others, (because the “others” aren’t interested!) so they have a choice.

Either they do a few things on their own or they don’t do them at all. The former course of action should be the preferred option because it sets an example that the rest of us can follow.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

(21st March - 19th April)

(20th April - 20th May)

(21st May - 20th June)

(21st June - 22nd July)

A frustrating month! You’ve got some great ideas and lots of energy, but others hold you back through their lack of vision. You can go it alone – but it’s a lonely road. Better to wait and bide your time. Because family commitments make you feel very claustrophobic, you could end up doing something very impulsive.

All matters of communication are very important right now. Expect some long awaited good news and a major boost to your social life.

Nice romantic outlook if you can follow a partner’s lead. Finances are not strong, so avoid taking on new commitments and look for some new sources of income.

An excellent month for breaking free from old duties and routines!

Interesting travel aspects between the 4th and 14th and some great money vibes between the 25th and 30th. Romantic aspects are attractive, but only for the unattached – they are positively dangerous for everyone else, so if you’re going to play away, play a long way from home.

Cash aspects high on your agenda.

Major (and perhaps sudden) changes in your work routines.

Some legal aspects to be sorted out, and a time to let a few obsolete ideas fall by the wayside. Not exactly a nostalgic mood, but you’ll be looking into your history to find some guidance for your future.

(19th February - 20th March)

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

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A lucky month for Leos, and especially those in business for themselves. Encouraging cash aspects all round, especially between the 9th and 13th. A month of awards and rewards. Romantic outlook and personal popularity should be quite high, but don’t let all of this success go to your head.

VIRGO (24th August - 22nd September) There’s a lot going on around you that you can’t quite get a handle on. Be careful. Trust your instincts and intuition, and be on guard against some bad advice from a close friend or associate. A busy period at work and a good financial outlook, but keep an eye on your accounts.

LIBRA (23rd September - 22nd October) A sticky start to the month – everyone tells you about their problems but nobody listens to yours – but the mood changes dramatically around the 14th with the arrival of some very good news. Seeds now start growing strong shoots, trees bud with early fruit. Expect word of a pregnancy or birth.

SCORPIO (23rd October - 21st November) A bright, sexy, fun-filled time, but beware of some envy lurking in the shadows. Someone is waiting for you to trip up, so be sure you don’t give them the satisfaction!

There may be divisions of loyalties between a romantic interest and friends en masse, in which case forget the “friends” and follow your heart.

the best of york

LEO (23th July - 23rd August)

Sagittarius (22nd November - 21st December) You fit nicely into some new work routines and your self confidence gets a boost when you realise that you’re doing rather better than you thought you were. Cash aspects improving steadily; this will not make you complacent, but it will open a few doors that have been a long time closed.

CAPRICORN (22nd December - 19th January You need to open up your world to some new influences. Say yes to anything that’s on offer, and don’t be a shrinking violet. Journeys or travel plans should be relevant and there should be a number of opportunities to broaden your circle of friends and improve your social life.

aquarius (20th January - 18th February) On top of existing job commitments you’ll find yourself making time to learn a few new skills and techniques. This might not add much to your pay packet but it gives you another string to your bow. It’s a good month for leisure pursuits, but not a good month for taking on extra commitments unless you’re being paid to do so.

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Join

the

club

Keeping Mum

Football Crazy Is your daughter good enough to play for England’s women’s football team? Nurture her talen ts with free training sessions from FA qualified coaches for girls betw een the ages of five and 11, whe re she’ll not only develop new skill s but make friends and learn abou t teamwork. Sessions take place each Saturday from 9-10am on the field by the play area at Rawcliffe Park and Ride. n Feel free to turn up on the day, or for further information call Peter Renton on 678894 or Jo Sullivan on 07704 269202 .

a little help from my friends,” The Beatles once sang “I get by with with a hand it’s when you have do d coul you and if there’s ever a time s the their way around the place! Mum a little one crawling or toddling y rsda Thu y ever ts mee p, dler grou Word, a local mum and baby/tod ions sess The tre.

Cen ity mun Com ood from 12 noon until 2pm at Foxw t mee to e some mates and for you offer the chance for baby to mak of le coup a a cup of tea and some friendly faces and relax over .

Bliss biscuits. stheword1@ymail.com n For further information, mum

Bowling Over Go green! No, we’re not talking about being eco-friendly, but trying your hand at the thoroughly refined sport of lawn bowls.

The friendly folks at Wigginton Bowling Club, located behind the squash club, welcome both seasoned bowlers and beginners alike. They’ll even lend you a set of woods to see if you like the game before you sign up – and you can also enjoy a month’s free trial. The 2012 season runs from 14th April-15th September and a taster day on 22nd April from 2-5pm will let non-members have a go. n For details, call 760877 or email colin.ellis23@talktalk.n et

IS0422_Rich.LocaLink/Straps/AW

20/7/11 11:49

Express Yourself!

or daughter -up, or late-teenage, son Do you have a grown are invited to you s? Family carers like with learning disabilitie e session, led by Th p. ho rks ative writing wo take part in a taster cre chance to try your g tutor, will give you the an experienced writin ins, writing about g before the course beg hand at creative writin as a carer. The life pes and the reality of topics such as your ho blished – so who pu s rie sto up is to get the ultimate aim of the gro nt! The workshop n see your work in pri knows, you could eve m Street from use Resource on Museu takes place at Briar Ho .

2-5pm on 17th March Rogers on 764150, mation, call Pauline n For further infor holson on 07989 19 923725 or Pat Nic Linda Fletcher on 079 ail.co.uk tm ho ingexpressions@ 090289 or email car

Does your club or group need new members?

Or maybe you have some news you’d like to share.

If so, get in touch with us. Write to us at the address on page seven, or email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk.

Mark your message ‘Club News’.

Page 2

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

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Back to Nature Fancy getting your hands dirty?

If you’re the sort who feels an inner glow when you’ve banished the weeds from your garden or tidied leaves from the path, then head down to the next Friends of Chapmans Pond meeting on 8th March from 7pm at the Love to Eat Café on Moor Lane in Dringhouses . The group, who volunteer to keep the nature reserve well kept , will be preparing a management plan for the pond and doing som e work on the site. The pond has a wide range of coarse fish species stocked in its waters and one of the three fishing platforms is accessibl e for wheelchairs. n For further information, call Councillor Anna Semlyen on 654355 or email cllr.asemlyen @york.gov.uk.

Don’t Lose the Thread!

Whether you’re a novice with needlework or an expert at embroidery, there’s a group of friendly people who’d love to have you come along to their cross-stitching group in York. It takes place every Monday from 1.30-3pm at Burton Stone Community Centre (on Evelyn Crescent) and costs £1.50 per session. n For more information call Alfreda on 639105.

Mightier than the Sword!

If you’ve ever mar velled at med ieval manuscripts or been bowled over by the beauty of modern lette ring, get out your best pen and mark 17th March and 28th April in your diar y (in your very best handwriting of course). York Scrib es have been encouraging and supporting people with an inter est in calligraphy for over 20 year s, and the session will offer a chan ce for those completely new to the skill to have a go, with both mor ning and afternoon sessions avai lable. n To register and for further information, call Trish on 758428 or Margaret on 769435, or email Margaret@beeches13 . freeserve.co.uk

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Artful Employment

If you’re blind or visually impaired, there’s a fantastic new opportunity available to receive training for work. Funded by City of York Council, the Wilberforce Trust – York’s oldest charity – is launching a 12-week programme

designed to teach individuals to make and sell artwork to a high commercial standard.

Taking place between April and July, the programme imparts a strong range of practical art abilities but also teaches participants about event management, marketing and customer service. Throughout the tuition, a strong emphasis is placed on building employment confidence and enthusiasm; it’s expected that all of the course’s 24 participants will graduate the programme with a set of skills which are relevant to both volunteering and paid-work.

At the end of the course, an exhibition and auction of the artwork will be held on a boat on the River Ouse, during July’s Festival of the Rivers (as part of the York 800 celebrations).

The course is taught one half-day a week, and registration takes place on 5th March at the Wilberforce headquarters in Huntington. n For more information call 760037 or email r.lintott@wilberforcetrust.org.uk

A Grand Tour

Great Minds Ever uttered the immortal words “Well, if I was in charge, things would be much better”? Well, now’s your chance to put forward all of your great ideas that can make York a better place to live. The City of York Council, together with Science City York, has launched GeniUS!, a forum where residents, students, businesses and community groups can share their suggestions on four key issues that affect us: • How can underused council assets like equipment, property and land be put to good use?

• In what way can we help elderly and vulnerable people to stay in their own home rather than going to a care home?

• Can transport be used to improve environmental sustainability – for example, by installing special paving that converts our footsteps into electricity?

• And finally, how can the City of York Council work more effectively with small businesses? n Have you got any thoughts? If so, don’t keep them to yourself! Email genius@york.gov.uk or visit www.geniusyork.com

The write path

Kit Kats are great when you want to have a break, but what about when five minutes of enjoying a chocolate bar (or a matter of nano-seconds in our case) isn’t quite enough? Whether you need a limo to transport you on a night out to blow off some steam, or you fancy boarding the bus for a tour abroad, Wold Travel can make all the arrangements for you. They use top quality coaches from local operators, and if you’re travelling in a group then the staff will gladly organise a tailor-made holiday for you.

York Literature Festival will feature a range of novel events (hohoho) from 29th March-1st April, including a book signing from York’s very own Matt Haig. For Matt’s tips on writing, and to enter our short story writing competition, turn to page 10.

n For further details call 01759 380407 or visit www.woldtravel.co.uk Looking for a group to go with? Scan our Join the Club section on page 20 for local groups who are appealing for new members!

n For further information on the festival, visit www.yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk

We Are Here!

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THE KUBERNESIS PARTNERSHIP 14th March Keynote seminar: Understanding the Charities Act 2011, York Science Park.

9.45am-12.45pm.

Call 788885 www.kubernesis.co.uk/seminars

business diary

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 8th March Chamber Annual Dinner, York Racecourse. 7pm.

E: events@yourchamber.org.uk 14th March Chamber International: Russia Today Seminar, Princes Exchange, Leeds. 9.30am-1.15pm.

Call Joe Baker on 0845 0347200 FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES (YORK BRANCH) Meets on the third Monday of the month at the Riverside Farm in Skelton. Call Christine on 629777.

YORK PROFESSIONALS 29th February Bowling Social, Clifton Moor. 5.45pm.

7th March York Business Forum, York St John University. 4.30pm.

21st March Export & Internationalisation. www.york-professionals.co.uk NETWORK NORTH Breakfast meeting every Wednesday 7.30-9am at the The Beechwood Close Hotel.

E: steve@stevetwynham.com or visit www.networknorth.org.uk WIRE (WOMEN IN RURAL ENTERPRISE) YORK BRANCH Group meets first Tuesday of every month.

E: enquiries@yorkwirenetwork.co.uk WOMEN’S BUSINESS CLUBS 6th March Monthly meeting at The Grange Hotel. www.thewomensbusinessclubs.com

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Aero Bubbles and praised how green and minty it was on the inside and how very bubbly! How do they get those bubbles in? HOW?! I did use a few dirty tactics though, admonishing the judges from Fruit Polos (they’ll give you a headache, there’s too much sugar). The judges let me off with my poor effort, and so the final task began. For this, I had to describe a superpower that a chocolate bar of my choice could bestow on us, if chocolate bars were magical (aren’t they?). I revealed that if you eat three and a half Lion bars in the space of three minutes, over the following week you’ll actually turn into a lion and could take over the country by eating David Cameron. They laughed, but it’s true. Try it.** CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story all day, then probably* eat your own body weight in chocolate on a daily basis into the bargain. Yum.

B

eing a guest host at CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story sounds like my kind of job. Don’t worry boss, there’s no threat of me leaving Your Local Link. Although, if the lovely people at the attraction are reading this, I will happily come in whenever I have a day off and work for chocolate buttons. You basically wax lyrical about sweets and chocolate to visitors at

For the audition, I had to prepare a three-minute presentation on a childhood memory I had of sweets, so naturally I went down the route of yapping on about my odd eating habits. Specifically, how important it is to nibble the chocolate off a Crunchie bar before scoffing the honeycomb (my mum taught me to do this, by the way) and how the order in which you eat Skittles can show more about your

personality than a psychometric test.

I was genuinely horrified to learn that my best friend Harry eats the green ones last – actually saves them on purpose. How can we be compatible as friends? I digress....

The lovely judges sat patiently while I continued to waffle (pun intended) about my sister’s horror at my teaching her children how to dismantle Jaffa cakes for proper consumption, and even clapped at the end of my talk. First task: done.

Best of luck to all the proper people who auditioned, who will entertain and inform the visitors to CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story when it opens next month. I’m sure you’ll be better than me, at any rate – though that’s not necessarily much of a compliment... *I might be exaggerating there. **If you can eat three and a half Lion bars in three minutes without being sick I’ll personally buy you another three Lion bars.

Next, I had to choose a sweet and sell it to the judges. I selected a pack of

n For further information on CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story, call 0845 4989411 or visit www.yorkssweetstory.com

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The sweetest job in York? ASK THE EXPERT We sent Donna Hay to meet the man behind the chocolate!

Did you know that Japan has 45 different varieties of Kit Kat on sale, including Coca Cola and White Chocolate & Wasabi?

Or that the Yorkie was invented by a man called York?

When it comes to sweetie trivia, Michael Constantine is king. And so he should be. As the newly appointed general manager of York’s newest visitor attraction, Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story, he’s responsible for helping to tell the story of the city’s long association with the confectionery industry. And he’s become something of an expert since he took on the job in December. “It’s been a steep learning curve,” says Michael, who previously spent his career working in operations for English Heritage.

“But I’ve had some great help from all kinds of people, from Nestle’s product technology team, to Sophie Jewett at York Cocoa House and Cargill’s, who produce the raw materials that go into

chocolate. I’ve picked up all kinds of information as I’ve gone along.”

Work is now progressing to prepare the attraction for its grand opening in April. Visitors will be able to follow chocolate’s journey from the rainforests of Central America to the confectionery industry of York. Michael is currently in the process of hiring a team of ‘confectioneers’ to help tell the story. And of course, there’ll be lots of chocolate to try and buy, including some exotic flavours like Salt and Black Pepper and that Wasabi Kit Kat. “We’ve tasted everything, from rose flavoured chocolate to 100% cocoa solids, which were definitely an acquired taste!” says Michael. “I’ve discovered that saying you don’t like chocolate is like saying you don't like red wine – there are so many types to try, you’re bound to find one you love.”

And what’s his favourite? “It has to be a raisin and biscuit Yorkie!” he says.

15% OFF

Legal Fees until the end of May 2012

with sUZIE BOGLE MA, FCIPD, FCMI

New year, new job...

In the second part of our ‘New Year New Job’ series we look at how to approach an interview market from the candidate’s point of view. Here are some top tips to help you make the most of any interview.

Know what you want If you’re looking for a job, it’s equally important to know what you want as it is for an employer to know what they want. How many hours you are willing to work and on what rate of pay? Think about what you have done in the past and what has actually made you happy. Do you enjoy working in a team? Working in an office or outside? Do you prefer manual work or sitting in front of the computer? Knowing what you want to do is really important. It will narrow your focus and enable you to create applications or CVs that are specific to the jobs you are applying for.

Creating a CV Creating a CV is advertising! This piece of paper is your foot in the door. It is a sales document for you, describing you in your best light; showing the skills and experience and achievements you have to offer to a potential employer. Ensure you make your CV accurate and easy to read. Best of all, no gaps in timelines: if you have been out of work be honest and say so, giving reasons why – don’t just leave a hole. Create CVs and applications specific to the job you are applying for and make sure that you have read the job description and person specification, matching your skills and experience to them. Please remember to spell check! When I recruit, if there are lots of CVs with spelling or grammar mistakes they go to the bottom of the list.

Interviewing for candidates I have interviewed hundreds of times, and the one thing that really makes me mad is lack of preparation! Make sure that you have done your homework: look at the company’s website to understand what they do, read and re-read the job description or advert and give examples of when you have done similar tasks in the past. Look smart: you don’t necessarily need to go in a suit, it depends on the job, but you must make an effort – be clean and well presented. Make sure you remember what your application or CV said! Oh and be at least five minutes early for an interview so you can relax a bit.

Working with recruitment agencies Don’t expect the recruiter to do all the leg work. Make sure you review their job listings and tell the recruiter when a job is posted that you are interested in. They have hundreds of candidates; you need to make sure they remember you, so keep in touch. Listen to any advice they give you and to the feedback from interviews, then make sure you apply the advice.

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

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

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

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Can you help... local people, local causes Do you have time or money to spare to help one of these worthwhile causes?

Get Stuffed!

A Palette for York York’s streets and sights are full of colour and character, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and residents alike. Local artist Tony Brook has turned his love of the area into a career, creating beautiful ‘any occasion’ cards depicting his favourite sections of the city. The cards are created in ink and watercolour,

allowing anybody to take home a treasured memory of their favourite view. Tony’s interested in speaking to York businesses, and he’s happy to offer a great commission for retailers who wish to stock his cards. n For more information call 07851 980735 or visit www. tonybrookyorkartist.co.uk

It’s hard to imagine how anyone can top the scarecrow created by the Your Local Link team last year*, but the Haxby & Wigginton Scarecrow Festival will return to our streets once again from 5th-7th May. Funds raised from the event will be shared between Mercy Ships, which offers medical and practical support around the world, and a local charity or organisation, and the organisers would love Your Local Link readers to nominate worthy contenders. They’ll need to know why the money is needed and also see the organisation’s

annual accounts before they decide on who the lucky beneficiary will be.

The game is on to beat last year’s marvellous efforts, with £4,254.40 raised and innovative scarecrows including doppelgangers of The Clangers and a dragon. n For further details, call Dave Sleet on 761262 or write to him at 29 Old Orchard, Haxby, York, YO32 3DS. *We’re joking – though we did only have about an hour to make it, we’re still too ashamed to show the photo here after seeing last year’s (much, much better) scarecrows. Ahem…

Spinning a Yarn Knitting fanatics! The Galtres Forest Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution need you! The group is urgently appealing for knitting wool, patterns and buttons for clothing for babies and toddlers. If you have any knitting things going spare, or any garments that can be donated, please call Sue on 491133. The RNLI saves lives at sea and relies on 40,000 volunteers nationally to man lifeboats, guard beaches and fundraise. n For further information, visit www.rnli.org.uk

If you need help with volunteers or fund raising, write to the address on page five, or email info@yourlocallink.co.uk.

Mark your message ‘Can You Help?’

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A RUNNING CHANCE It might sound crazy but Lesley Hayward has made an epic commitment: to race 212 miles in 2012, and it’s all to raise money for the International Medical Corps charity. In March, Lesley will start by running a marathon in Rome, before heading back to England to take part in the Cotswold Super Sprint Triathlon.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge in June and the Coast to Coast Cycle race in August – we’re exhausted just thinking about it!

Lead the Way

For many people who are blind or visually-impaired, guide dogs aren’t just useful: they’re absolutely essential for an active and productive life.

To support York’s guide dogs, local businesses are being encouraged to place a collection box where customers can make donations. It only takes a minute or two, and it won’t affect your everyday routine.

Arrangements will then be made for the boxes to be emptied every few months, enabling the Guide Dogs Team to continue their important and life-changing work. n To find out more contact the Guide Dogs team on 0845 3717771 or email volunteer@ guidedogs.org.uk

n To sponsor Lesley and support the cause, visit www. uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ lesleyhaywar

Fun Fair The fantastic Copmanthorpe Street Fair will return once again in May, and local charities, craftspeople and organisations are invited to apply for a space. The 22nd annual fair will be held on 7th May on Low Green in the village from 12 noon until 4pm. Keep your eyes peeled in future issues of Your Local Link for further details! n If you fancy booking a stall, send your written application to Street Fair, 15A School Lane, Copmanthorpe, York, YO23 2SQ.

Ask the Expert...

investments advice with julie wilson

In which I have a pop at “which?”

I have a lot of respect for the consumer advice organisation “Which”.

They address consumer issues and independently review products and services and their guidance can take a lot of the donkey work out of researching these. For example, they are generally very supportive of the ISO 22222 standard – the Internationally recognised benchmark for the delivery of personal finance services, and they recommend that consumers needing advice should seek out advisers who meet this standard. Which is all good. But then they go and say something really stupid and it does make you wonder what goes on in these people’s heads. What I‘m referring to is their research relating to the cost of financial advice. In this piece of work Which? reveal “surprising” variances in the cost of financial advice. The article states that the cost of transferring a £10,600 stocks and shares ISA ranged from £106 to £2,500. Which on the face of it does look quite surprising. But there’s more to these costs than meets the eye. To me, it’s akin to saying that the commission a car salesman receives can vary from £500 to £50,000. Well of course it can if you’re comparing a Fiat Panda to a Ferrari Enzo! (OK, I admit I don’t know the first thing about cars – and I confess I had to look up the cars to use for these comparisons – but you get my drift?)

Commission only?

Historically, the cost of advice has been paid for by commission paid to the adviser by the product provider. So for example, if you were advised to put your £10,600 into an ISA with, say, Aviva, then Aviva would pay the adviser a commission – typically three per cent (or £318 for the amount in the example above.)

Higher qualifications The regulator of UK financial services – the Financial Services Authority (FSA) – thought that this commission method of payment could lead to “commission bias” and embarked on the “Retail Distribution Review”. In simple terms, from the end of this year, advisers will no longer be able to receive commission for advice on financial solutions, but rather will have to agree the fee with the consumer. And they will have to have much higher qualifications than is the case at present. In the words of the FSA – the expected outcome is “an industry that engages with consumers in a way that delivers more clarity on products and services” and “standards of professionalism that inspire consumer confidence and build trust”.

Now it’s fair to say that some advisers really don’t like the idea of having to change the way they are paid and having to get more qualifications. And it’s also fair to say that those advisers that don’t like the idea will probably not be in the profession after the end of this year. And that’s probably not such a bad thing if the advisers do not agree that the FSA outcomes are desirable. There is more than a little doubt as to whether the proposed changes will lead to the expected outcomes. The FSA have not got a particularly good record in understanding financial regulation – the Country was all but brought to its knees by failed regulation on their watch. The FSA’s report on their own failure pretty much says “it was all a bit too complicated for us.” Well that’s okay then?

n Pen-Life Chartered Financial Planners, Equinox House, Clifton Park, York YO30 5PA Tel: 01904 661140; Fax: 01904 466206; Email: Julie@pen-life.co.uk; www.pen-life.co.uk Julie Wilson is a Chartered Financial Planner and Director of Pen-Life Associates Ltd, Chartered Financial Planners, who help individuals and small businesses make the most from their money including advice on residential and commercial mortgages and equity release, individual and business protection, pensions and retirement planning, savings, investments, tax planning, Inheritance Tax and long term care.

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Didn’t they do well Want to shout about a recent success? Won an award, or raised funds for charity?

Let us know about it, and we’ll tell the rest of York!

Blooming Generous Each year, the team at Dean’s Garden Centre choose a worthy cause to raise cash for, and the latest charity to benefit is MIND’s York & District and Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale District branches. A whopping £16,443.70 has been raised by the customers and staff, which includes a £3000 donation from the business partners. How did they do it? With a series of events including a charity bike night, a brass band concert and a walking treasure hunt. The next charity to benefit from the efforts of the Dean’s team will be The Alzheimer’s Society, so look out in Your Local Link for fundraising events!

The Personal Touch Clare Hutchison knows all about recruitment - she’s been in the industry over 20 years, working with a wide range of international employment organisations. She also knows something very important: when it comes to finding a job, recruitment agencies should do a lot more than just accept a person’s CV; they need to consider the individual as a whole, meeting with them to explore future options within a safe and supportive environment. As the founder of One to One Recruitment, she’s interested in finding people long-lasting senior

careers within the commercial sector, and embraces a more consultative and specialist approach to job-seeking. Celebrating the first year of her businesses, Clare’s favourite memories so far all relate to times she’s given people the extra confidence they needed to pursue – and secure – the work she knew they deserved. So, what does the future hold for One to One Recruitment? A big celebratory meal with plenty of her loyal clients! n For more information call 769142 or visit www.one-to-one-recruitment.co.uk

n For further information, call 400141.

Sweet Success We like it when local people are recognised for their hard work and expertise, which is why we were so chuffed to hear that Mark Nelson, Director of York construction company MHDUK, is to be appointed President of the Yorkshire region of the National Federation of Builders.

The great news comes after MHDUK was chosen as the principal contractor and site manager of the new visitor attraction, CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story, which is set to open in the spring. Lots to celebrate, then!

Turn to page 24 for an interview with Michael Constantine, the man in charge at CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story.

Also, if you’re a baker extraordinaire, head to page 89…

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

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ASK THE EXPERT with simon crack

Satisfaction Guaranteed?

Lap of Luxury Fancy staying at one of the top 11 luxury hotels in the country? You won’t need to travel far. TripAdvisor named York’s very own Cedar Court Grand number 11 in its 2012 list of the UK’s luxury hotels, putting the venue in the company of world-famous places such as The Ritz, Claridge’s, The Langham and The Dorchester. Best of all, Cedar Court Grand has been placed above Gleneagles Hotel! The news comes after a successful year for the venue, as it became the first five-star hotel in the city last year. So why was it rated so highly? Friendly and slick staff, its ideal city centre location and superb attention to detail, as well as beautiful original features and a wonderful ambience. Bravo!

A Grim Tale York’s history is packed with strange stories and unsolved mysteries, making it fertile ground for local authors to explore and unravel. One such mystery is that of Florence Nightingale Shore – a dedicated nurse (and god-daughter of Florence Nightingale) who survived plenty of tribulations (including the First World War) only to be murdered on a British train in 1920. To this day, nobody knows who did it. As Florence attended Middlethorpe Hall, her roots are firmly planted in the local land; this has made her case all the more interesting for local author Rosemary Cook, who has just published a book about the incident titled The Nightingale Shore Murder. There are loads of interesting theories surrounding Florence’s death, ensuring that history and mystery buffs alike will be guaranteed to find it a fascinating read. The book is available now on www.amazon.co.uk.

Feeling inspired? Have a look at our storytelling competition on page 10...

This month we take a look at the issue of whether or not small business owners should guarantee their goods or services.

Q. I run a small business and customers often ask me if I can provide a guarantee for my work.

I am happy to do this because I am confident that my work is of good quality but what are the advantages and pitfalls of doing so?

You may wish to consider offering your customers a guarantee on the goods or services you supply. There is no legal obligation to do so but it can promote your business and give it a competitive edge in the market. It can also help establish you as being both reputable and reliable.

Guarantees come in all shapes and sizes but the most common kind is to offer to repair or make good a defect or replace products if a problem arises within a fixed period.

Always remember that if you offer a guarantee it will create a legally-binding contract between you and your customer.

Isn’t this dangerous territory then?

Potentially yes so you should consider very carefully exactly what you are prepared to offer before giving any guarantee.

While you can restrict your business’s liability, any restrictions have to be reasonable. Unfair terms can be unenforceable.

A badly-worded guarantee could mean your business fails to fulfil its obligations and the customer may be able to claim money from you. They may also complain to Trading Standards or the Office of Fair Trading which could seriously damage your reputation.

If you are considering offering a guarantee to your customers I strongly advise taking some preliminary legal advice. For a fixed fee we can draft a simple and effective guarantee agreement which will add value to your services without causing problems at a later date.

Ok. I am interested in offering a guarantee but isn’t there a standard form of guarantee I can use?

There is no standard form of a guarantee but there are some essential points to cover. It can be all too easy to offer a guarantee and forget to include essential terms or include terms that are not relevant to your business. Taking some initial legal advice is a wise precaution.

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

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

Tel: 528200 email: bsu@hethertons.co.uk, www.hethertons.co.uk Tudor Court, Opus Avenue, York Business Park, York, Yo26 6Rs. 29

International Excitement L

ooking out the window and dreaming of a luscious holiday is a long-favoured pastime here at Your Local Link, and we’re confident that we’re not entirely alone. A holiday away invigorates the senses; it gives you a chance to relax, allows you to take in new sights and is a fantastic way to get reacquainted with the people most special to you. You might not know this, but York contains a perfect partnership of companies which work tirelessly with one another to ensure that these terrific trips are possible - those companies are Travel 2, Quartz Travel and ATP (Australian Pacific Touring). A market leader for tailor-made holidays and with over 30 years of experience, Travel 2 is the gold-standard for international adventure (and it’s fully bonded with the Association of British Travel Agents for guaranteed peace of mind). Combine this with Quartz Travel, the York agency we often single out due to their dedicated customer service and you know that you’re dealing with two true masters of holidaymaking. So that makes it all-

the-more exciting that both agencies are so passionate about ATP, and we think that means it merits a much closer look.

Offering Escorted Tours since 1927, the ATP is currently celebrating its 85th birthday, and it wouldn’t have come this far if it didn’t cater to a huge range of different budgets and lifestyles; this includes two levels of touring in Canada and Australia, along with three levels of touring in New Zealand. The company is also serious about its all-inclusive pricing policy, which covers sightseeing, meals, and even tipping in certain destinations!

All escorted tours feature a dedicated tour director who works closely with experienced local guides, ensuring that every client has the richest source of knowledge available at all times. There are plenty of inspiring tours available, but the one which jumped out for us was the New Zealand Discoverer; the experience is packed with awe-inspiring views from around the South Island (which is sometimes referred to as the most

beautiful scenery in the world), and you’ll have ample opportunity to sample the region’s modern cuisine and internationally-famous wine. It doesn’t stop there – in Rotorua you’ll have the chance to experience an authentic Maori feast of fresh meats and island vegetables, all wrapped and cooked underground in traditional hangi style. We’ve suddenly stopped looking out our office window: now

we’re heading towards the door!

To experience all this yourself, or to choose from a huge selection of other opportunities, just contact Quartz Travel and mention Australian Pacific Touring. You won’t be disappointed! n Call 411188 or visit Quartz Travel at 81 Heworth Road, York.

the travel agent’s tour operator

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Happy Birthday!

Back when Make Your Mark set up their rubber stamp business, Keira Knightley was just being born. A huge congratulations from us at Your Local Link to the team, who will be celebrating a whopping 27 years in business from 24th30th March. The shop will be marking the date with plenty of discounts and special offers on their products, which are ideal for kids, craft-lovers, teachers and businesses alike. Choose from the huge range on offer – which includes subjects as diverse as animals, transport, Celtic symbols and fairies – or have a bespoke rubber stamp created from your very own artwork, in any shape or size that your heart desires! The store can also offer ink pads and daters. n For further information, visit www.makeyourmarkstamps.co.uk

RAIL LINE ON-LINE After February’s edition of Your Local Link, you’re probably already familiar with the Minsters Rail Campaign: a project to help reopen a railway line between York and Beverley. Since we last spoke about the campaign, things have been going great; they’ve already found a new sponsor and acquired plenty of additional members. But most exciting of all: they’ve launched a new website, allowing everybody to keep track of the project and discover how they can lend a hand. To explore the site, simply visit www.minstersrail.net

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Local

Follow DAN on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

Sport report who’s the boss?

What a difference a day makes; one morning Harry Redknapp is potentially facing jail, the next he wakes up a nailed-on certainty to become the next England manager.

Some will argue over which is the bigger punishment but such is the inevitability of his appointment it seemed a waste of time to hear a radio discussion of how Alan Shearer is a good outside bet at 33/1 based on his coaching qualifications. I never buy the argument when someone says that because they have completed all of their coaching badges they can now do the job. Chris Brass could have had more badges than

with DAN TAIT

John Wayne but it wouldn’t have stopped York City winning just 14 games in his disastrous reign as manager. You wouldn’t take Lance Armstrong’s seven Tour de France wins away from him just because he hadn’t passed his cycling proficiency nor question Rebecca Adlington’s Olympics credentials should she not be sporting a 20m swimming badge.

city limits At the time of writing the football season is reaching that point where many games have succumbed to the big freeze and are in need of being rearranged. With York City on the cusp of league and cup (well Trophy) success there lies the danger of a fixture backlog. To counter this, manager Gary Mills has boosted his squad with four new arrivals: defenders Chris Doig and Ben Gibson, as well as wingers Erik Tonne and Ben Swallow; all with contracts running until the end of the season.

Everyone will be hoping they can all

help the Minster Men push towards promotion with March home games coming against Hayes (3rd March), Tamworth (6th March), Southport (24th March) before a crunch televised away clash with old foes Luton Town (30th March).

winning streak When the games have beaten the weather, York City have continued

to prove difficult to beat. Even 2-0 down at Darlington, City bounced back with two goals in a minute to draw level with our financially stricken rivals. Even with a seasons best attendance of over 6000 in a stadium holding 25,000 it is easy to see the irony in the ground name of the ‘Echo’ Arena. In a day supposedly where two sets of fans ‘united’ for football, Darlington’s Chav Choir

BANISH THOSE BIKESHED BLUES AT YORK’S BRAND NEW BIKE SHOWROOM The Bike Workshop:

• Brand new workshop with York’s best facilities • Totally unique Courtesy bike system – test ride some of our best machines • York’s ONLY Cytech Level 3 bike mechanic – the highest qualification available • UK’s only Calfee Sizer Cycle – get sized for your perfect frame

• Felt Bikes Aero Range in stock • Bikes for Road, Tri, Mountain, Sportsters, Time Trial, Cyclocross • Parts and accessories galore – Super B Tools, Aerozyne Parts, Park Tool, Tumble and Fall • Huge range of Premium Clothing and accessories including Castelli, Endura, Scott, Poc and Altura

Why Rat Race:

• Free Parking • Free Tea/ Coffee In-store • Generous finance packages • York’s ONLY Scott Pro Shop • Loads of other gear from run, bike, • York’s ONLY Ibis dealer with tri and mountain frames in stock – beat the waiting lists • Lapierre Zesty in stock – the web’s most searched-for Mountain Bike • Ridley Bikes in stock

The Bike Showroom:

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www.RatRace.com - 01904 409401 32

were so euphoric when they went two goals up that they seemed to forget that many of us travelled to contribute towards their ambitious survival. Looking back though it was worth seeing one hooded youth celebrate so much that he got himself tangled up in the security netting.

He seemed to throw his Burberry cap down in disgust when Ashley Chambers curled in the equaliser.

On the box In other local news York City Knights are only just beginning their campaign, ten years after forming from the ashes of York Wasps. Player boss Chris Thorman will be aiming to prove the bookmakers wrong who have them as rank outsiders for Championship success. The only chance to see them in action at Huntington Stadium in March is on Sunday 18th when they take on local rivals Halifax. I recently met Chris when he didn’t realise that the Halifax game was the only fixture scheduled at home for this month; in response he reminded me of the old cliché that he takes it “one game at a time” so he has quickly has got into manager mode. More of this event will be featured shortly in my sports blog on the website. Hopefully his experience from playing in the

Super League, out in Australia and for England will rub off on his side as they bid to do much better than last season’s disappointing campaign.

Local sports news This month’s local sports feature is on Heworth Junior Football Club who compete in the York Mitchell League.

The Under 9’s are coached by Paul Fawcett and have made a fabulous start to their first competitive season, after previously being involved in friendly format, winning both of their opening fixtures to top the table.

Heworth are sponsored by Fossgate Indian Restaurant ‘Mumbai Lounge’ whose owner, Rakib, has generously held end of season presentations at the restaurant as well as provided the players with a banquet, converting some non-eaters of the cuisine.

On the pitch in the 2011/12 season, including the friendly fixtures, the A team have scored 82 goals with just 12 against whereas the B team have smashed 108 goals conceding 19.

The team are certainly going places yet are interested in recruiting more players to maintain their success.

Players are needed particularly in the Under 7s and 8s age groups. Anyone interested should contact Nigel Kemp on 07816 660677.

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

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the

guide

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

iPHONE APPS Quick scan.

Scan any barcode and it’ll tell you where to find it cheapest. Fab! British red cross.

Download an entire guide for emergency medical situations.

Headspace.

Escape the hectic world with these delightful meditation tools.

Sleepmaster.

A range of rainy sounds to induce sleepy heads.

Ted. watch a wide range of fascinating talks and scientific demonstrations.

GAMETEL

CASH STASH Available from www.iwantoneofthose.com If you’re prone to losing your wallet or winding up in the middle of nowhere with barely a penny to your name, this little just-in-case keychain could be a lifesaver. Just roll your banknote up and screw it inside the discreet compartment, and then let yourself forget about it until you absolutely, definitely really need it.

Gadget rating: 4/10

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MAGIC WAND TV REMOTE CONTROL Available from www.iwantoneofthose.com Find yourself pottering about in front of the TV? You will soon, if you get your hands on this gorgeous magical machine. You can set it to recognise a range of different motions, and it can control anything which has an infrared sensor built in. We’re aware that this is incredibly gimmicky and ridiculous, but you know what? We want it. Gadget rating: 8/10

Available from www.gametel.co.uk Love gaming on your iPhone, iPad or Android, but not wild about tapping on the tiny screen and fumbling over the little buttons? Well, you’re not alone. We at Your Local Link are naturally a little clumsy and awkward at the best of times, so when it comes to portable gaming we haven’t got a chance. Gametel is designed to change all that; it’s essentially a game controller which plugs into your device’s. HDMI connection, making it easier to play games and immerse yourself in the experience. We like it, even if it makes you look about 11 years old.

Gadget rating: 7/10

it does; after trying it in the office for several weeks, we definitely feel a little calmer… well, as calm as it’s possible to feel in the Your Local Link headquarters, anyway.

INDESTRUCTIBLE TORCH (by varta) Available from www.built-to-survive.com

VALKEE BRIGHT LIGHT HEADSET Available from www.valkee.com To combat the effects of anxiety and winter blues (known as Seasonal Affective Disorder in serious cases), Finnish company Valkee have developed a slightly unconventional product; it resembles an MP3 player, except the earphones contain miniature bright lights. Once inserted (for 12 minutes a day), the product is meant to stimulate light-sensitive areas of the brain and foster a sense of wellbeing. It requires less time than a traditional light-box, and is meant to be more time-effective.

So, does it work? Actually we think

This isn’t just a torch. And it isn’t just a strong torch, either. This is a torch which can survive being dropped off a building onto a cement floor, can withstand being run over by a fire engine, and – in the case of Your Local Link director Gini – can put up with being trampled by a stampede of cows. One thing’s for sure: this torch won’t break, so it does exactly what it says on the box. We’re in the process of commissioning the International Space Station to hurl it into the sun, but we’re pretty sure it’ll just come back unscratched.

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Drive on home...

Get Mobile

Electric Dreams Project Parts is already a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of car parts, accessories and servicing products, with a variety of weird and wonderful tools and parts available – and if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, then owner Mark Deighton can usually get it for you within an hour. Now, after over a decade of helping York’s motors run smoothly, the shop is branching into the electric scooter market with the EcoScoot. The bike can either be pedalled or operated from the handle bar throttle, and current legislation means that the scooter is classed as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle in the UK, so anyone over the age of 14 can ride it. It takes just 15 minutes to charge the battery up to 90%, and the

bike doesn’t need to be fully charged to work, making it ideal to get around the city as it covers around 25 miles per charge. In addition, parents can rest safe in the knowledge that teenage riders won’t be breaking any speeding limits, as it is restricted to an average speed of 15 miles per hour. There’s even cruise control, E-ABS brakes and a handy lockage storage compartment under the seat and in the front column, as well as a system alarm for security. Project Parts are hoping to broaden the range of electric scooters on offer at the store in the coming months, so watch this space! n For details visit www.projectparts.co.uk

Which would you rather – sit in a tyre depot waiting for your tyres to be changed, or have someone come to your home to fit them for you? Well, a home visit is bound to cost more, right? Wrong. E Tyres in York offer a mobile fitting service for tyres and batteries throughout York, and because they don’t have any overheads their savings are transferred on to you. There’s no catch – price quotes are all inclusive for fitting, valves, disposing of the old tyres and VAT. You can even order online, or give them a call if you prefer. They cover a massive area, including Market Weighton, Tadcaster, Aberford, Garforth and Selby – but if you want to check whether they’ll come out to your area, just give Geoff a ring on 01759 319399. n For further information, call freephone 0800 0289000 or call the York branch on 360151, or visit www.etyres.co.uk

£15

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your motors

Hell for Leather The Shangri-Las fell for the ‘Leader of the Pack’ in 1964, and not much has changed since then. Here at Your Local Link we reckon motorbikes will always be synonymous with sex appeal, so boost yours with the new models on offer at Transit Motorcycles. The shop has served York’s motorbike-mad contingent for over 30 years, offering a wide variety of new and high quality used bikes.

And, new for 2012, Aprilla 50 and 125CC scooters and bikes are now available at the store. If it’s a Vespa or Piaggio scooter you’re after there’s no better place to go in the city – they’re the official dealer of these suppliers for York. If you need advice, the team are more than happy to share their expert knowledge with new and experienced drivers and recommend the most appropriate bike for you. All together now: vroom, vroom... n For details call 637169 or visit www.transitmotorcycles.co.uk

Technically Speaking

Independent, authorised Bosch car service and repair centre Technical Car Services is the home of multiaward-winning Roy Lumley. Roy, who is a Registered Incorporated Engineer, Member of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and an Advanced Automotive Engineer, most recently took the prize for the UK’s Top Technician, a competition which was run by the IMI. Roy’s passion for cars and expertise in advances in technology has seen his company thrive since it was established in 1983, and the services provided are comprehensive, offering air conditioning, MOT checks, wheel alignment and help with clutch, brake and tyre problems. There is an extensive array of diagnostic and testing equipment at the garage for Porsche, Audi, Citroen, Toyota, Vauxhall and a host of other makes, and since the Office of Fair Trading announced that car owners no longer have to have to visit a franchise dealer to get their motor serviced, Technical Car Services is an ideal choice. In addition, Roy treats customers’ cars as he would his own, so you can be sure that your vehicle is in safe, capable hands. n For details call 412742 or visit www.tcs.boschauto.co.uk

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Our very own ‘Stig’ looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads INTO THE FOLD We’ve all been there: you spy the perfect parking place, except your car is just a little bit too big. Frustrating, right? Well if you’ve ever wished you could trim off those extra inches to fit into a tight spot, you’ll be happy to hear that a folding car is about to hit the market.

Currently at the prototype stage, the bubble-car (named Hiriko) was created with the help of a Basque company, the Spanish Government and America’s renowned MIT Media Lab. We’re sure it’ll fit right in…

EPIC FAIL Did it take you a few tries to pass your theory test? Felt

embarrassed about it? It could be worse: one 28 year old man from Leicester has taken the hour-long test on 92 occasions - and failed every single time. After a Freedom of Information request, the Driving Standards Agency released the details (though not the man’s name), which shows the would-be motorist has paid £2,852 simply on test fees alone. Maybe better to invest in a bus pass?

Park life

Ever heard a joke about a woman who’s terrible at parking?

Odds are you have, but it turns out that the world’s females will be having the last laugh after all. A new study has confirmed that not only are women no worse at parking, the fairer sex are actually quite a bit better at it! The study (billed as the most comprehensive parking study ever performed) was conducted by analysing 2,500 drivers in 700 different UK car parks.

Raising fines

If you’ve ever been stuck with a speeding or parking fine, odds are you didn’t enjoy it much. So it’s not surprising that plenty of motorists have been thrown into frenzy after the government revealed plans to raise fines by nearly 70%, in order to fund additional support for victims of crime. Some drivers are called it a new ‘tax’, while others are saying it’s a good incentive not to break the law; what do you think?

Birch Park Vehicle Test Centre

FREE

Courtesy Car Subject to T&C’s

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your motors

AUTO AUTOMOBILE Engineers have been hoping to create a self-driving car for quite a few years, but it’s looking set to finally be a reality. Google have racked up thousands of miles with their latest model; the car uses a radar-like system (mounted on its roof) to detect traffic, pedestrians and unexpected obstacles which pop up around the road. And here’s the best part: when they become mainstream, it’s likely that traffic jams and road accidents will become a thing of the past.

SQUEEZEY DOES IT Taking the term ‘boys’ toys’ to its only logical conclusion, ‘Squash My Car’ lets anybody with an iPhone or iPad transform their car into a bite-sized compact – and the results can be great fun to share.

The program first asks you to take a picture of your ride and select where its tyres are; using this information, it will then digitally transform it into the shape of a toy-racer, and give you the chance to quickly post the pic on your Facebook profile. It’ll definitely give you a new perspective on your wellloved machine.

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HOT DIY Pampering After the battering your skin has taken in winter, it’s time to invest in scrubs, moisturisers and clay masks to nourish that outer layer of yours so it’s ready to glow. Strapped for cash, but still requiring the spa experience?

Fill a large bowl with hot water, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil and sling a tea towel over your head.

Instant facial. Need to get rid of rough bits? Mix baby oil with sugar,

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rub it all over, rinse off in the shower and pat dry. Add another layer of oil for luck. Hey presto! Smooth as the proverbial baby’s bottom.

Citrus Colours Oranges and lemons, sang the bells of St Clements... and so do we. Embrace the impending British Summer (British Summer Time officially begins on 21st March!

Huzzah! All hail!) with zesty limes, oranges and yellows. No need to fret if you’re a wallflower as key accessories can be employed to

adopt the trend: create contrast by teaming a mid-grey dress with an orange clutch.

Retro Hair Retro was massive in 2011, and 2012 is set to run with the trend once more. Choose your favourite decade and get online – there are plenty of how-to videos on Youtube that can lead you and your hair to the perfect sixties chignon, twenties wave or forties roll. What a hair-raising idea! Sorry...

Metallic Make-up Add some shimmer and spangle to smokey eyes. Dramatic eye make-up appeared all over the spring/summer catwalks, and we think it’s a fabulous change from the usual everybodyquick-wear-something-pastel panic that usually grips the nation when spring arrives.

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

Florals This is such a versatile trend to wear, and can be adapted to reflect your taste. Go bold with large, multicoloured prints or keep it subtle in monochrome. The types of print that you can select from are as numerous variations of flowers, so select from romantic designs or opt for a modern, abstract print.

NOT dyeing to be Grey Though Marina off of Marina and the Diamonds and Kelly Osbourne think it’s, like, totally rad, we’re not sure we agree. Surely your earlymid twenties is the time to celebrate the fact you haven’t gone the way of Long John Silver yet? Going grey gracefully is cool, and silver sirens look fantastic, but young whippersnappers pretending to be grey? Nah.

Pyjamas as Eveningwear Maybe a trip to the corner shop in your jimjams and slippers is okay, but going out on the town? In a pair of pyjamas? In a non-ironical sense? Fair enough if it’s fancy dress, but we don’t understand why pyjamas have been gracing the catwalks recently. It just looks like you forgot to get ready.

Sheer Sleeves This look is so 1990. In

a terrible way. Just like we ditched tiedye and Vanilla Ice, the sheer sleeve is a trend that should be left firmly in the sin bin. However, just as Mr Ice manages to cling onto the sides of our consciousness, we feel that the sheer sleeve will most probably return yet again, and again. The perennial fashion faux pas.

Wedges We’re not on about the potato kind, which are more than welcome to jump on our plate.

Wedged shoes, specifically the ones that seem to be made out of cork, are oh so 1990 (see Sheer Sleeves for another fashion disaster from the same decade). When wearing wedges at the office, several of the staff have been unable to resist the urge to gouge bits out of the heel with a pen.

Then when we go to stand up, we find we have very little shoe to speak of. A trip to A&E waiting to happen.

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

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Feel Fab!

Analyse This Have you ever wondered why you do certain things? Why is it that you react to situations in that particular way of yours? Michael Nokes might have the answer. He’s a York-based counsellor who can help you to learn more about yourself through a variety of methods including hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic insights.

Michael says that using counselling to learn more about yourself is becoming ever more popular: “About 20% of people who go to see counsellors haven’t got problems, they just want to know more about themselves,” he explains. Michael is fully qualified and can also help with phobias and major life changes, and is able to travel to meet you at a venue of your choice if necessary.

Get ready to feel fabulous! There’s never been a better time to kick start your weight loss now that the Rosemary Conley new Fat Attack Booster Diet is available in York. The plan begins with a Kick Start Booster Diet and is followed by a stage where you’re allowed high-fat treats, so you reap weight loss rewards quickly and you’re only on a strict diet for a short time, making it easily achievable. The F.A.B Diet offers plenty of variety and don’t fear, you’re still allowed carbohydrates and desserts!

Helen, now in her 12th year as a Rosemary Conley leader in York, offers a wealth of experience in helping people to achieve their target weight and is incredibly supportive. The F.A.B. Diet, combined with the Rosemary Conley exercise classes and support of fellow members, will give you all you need to help you to make 2012 the year you feel fab!

n For further information, call 674879 or visit www.yorkcounsellors.co.uk

Blood donor

sessions 7th MARCH

York, Priory Street Centre 10am-12pm & 1-3.45pm

21st MARCH

New Earswick, The Folk Hall 10am-12pm & 1-3.45pm

n For more details, call 0300 123 2323.

n For further information, call 790922.

As far as we’re concerned here at Your Local Link, you’re never too old to get the princess pampering treatment!

With parties available for both little and big princesses, the ladies at Just Nails can make you feel like fairytale royalty.

Sweets and fizzy drinks along with a manicure, polish and nail art are on offer for little ones, while Minx parties are the perfect way to celebrate a hen do or Mothers’ Day. If you just fancy a bit of time to yourself, there are a whole host of relaxing, affordable yet luxurious treatments to choose from too. Now we just need a crown... n Call Just Nails on 767839 or 07701 045646.

FOR ALL AGES

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

Manicured nails are simply heavenly, and now there is no end of choice in how you choose to adorn your talons. One of the hottest new trends is Shellac, a gel which when applied lasts for around two weeks on fingernails – though some of the Your Local Link girls report it lasting as long as six weeks on their toes. Our favourite style is the Rock Chick – it comes in a range of beautiful, jewel-like colours and has a super sparkly finish. At the moment, Marcelle from Heavenly Nails & Beauty is offering her Shellac treatment for £25 on both fingers and toes – rock on!

If facials are more your thing, then the luxury facial from Heavenly Nails & Beauty might be ideal. It promises to intensively detox and recharge your skin with a deep cleanse, steam scrub, massage and mask, followed by toning and moisturising – all for £25. A 60-minute full body massage is currently £25 and can be tailored to target any problem areas you wish, while the Massage Trio deal lasts 90 minutes and includes a full body, scalp and facial massage for £35. We love Marcelle’s monthly visits to the Your Local Link office, and can’t recommend her highly enough! n For further information, call Marcelle on 07710 669945.

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

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

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007 www.kukispa.com Mother’s Day is coming soon and it’s always difficult to come up with ideas on how to make your Mum feel special. A beauty treatment can be just the ticket! Pamper your mum and she’ll be pleased with her pressie – I’m here to offer top tips on the best treatments to get.

Q. Every year I buy my Mum flowers for Mother’s Day so this year I wanted to get her something different. What can you suggest?

In today’s economy not everybody has spare cash to treat themselves to something nice. So what better way to make your mum feel good (without breaking the bank) treating her to something she really deserves? Make her feel really special with a little bit of pampering like a manicure or a massage.

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

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

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Q. My mum suffers really dry skin – can you suggest something to use?

The cheapest option is to invest in a body brush. Just before you have a bath or a shower carry out the body brushing with firm strokes, always directing the strokes towards the heart. This sloughs off dead skin cells and improves circulation, hence also helping to reduce cellulite and water retention. Also, purchasing a good body scrub, such as Dermalogica exfoliating salts, really helps to aid removal of dead skin cells it’s also very

healing. Finishing with Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream will leave the skin feeling wonderfully smooth yet not greasy.

Q. I would like to treat my mum to a manicure but her nails are very brittle and dry. Can she still have a treatment?

This is the best time for your mum to have a treatment as there are so many wonderful products out there. I recommend Nail Tek, as this is a wonderful professional treatment which repairs damaged nails including either dry and brittle natural nails or damaged acrylic nails.

Q.

I would like to spend time with my mum on Mother’s Day, what do you suggest we could do?

Why not treat yourself and your mum to a wonderful relaxing treatment together? You can receive a back, neck and shoulder massage at a very good price. Check for the current promotions.

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

Musical Motion Fancy getting fit and feisty? Want to throw some moves and learn some grooves? Emily, a graduate in Contemporary Dance and Performance Art, is on a mission to get York’s residents moving – and she’s got the right music to match! She’s opening new Zumba classes at the Upstage Centre in Monkgate, and she’s calling out for men and women who’d like to express themselves, lose weight, and have fun in the name of fitness. Classes take place in the evenings, and the first session is free! n For more information call Emily on 07821 902702 or visit www.emergedance.co.uk

Reach Your Peak You’ve got to hand it to the security team at York Hospital. They’re about to tackle the three-peaks challenge – not once, but twice. As a ‘warm-up’, the four will climb the Yorkshire three-peaks and aim to complete the 25-mile route in under 12 hours on 24th March. Then, on 13th April, the team aim to finish the national three-peaks challenge in under 24 hours. That’ll include Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdonia. Are they mad? Maybe, but they’re caring too –money raised will go towards funding a new garden and courtyard area at the York Cancer Care Centre that will provide a relaxing environment for anyone affected by cancer. n To sponsor the team, call 721737 or visit www.justgiving.com/ challenges4cancer and follow the team’s progress on Facebook by joining the ‘challenges for cancer’ group

The BIG STRETCH

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

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What a Racket!

Game, set and match to City of York Council’s Energise sport and leisure facility, which is now serving up a new range of cardio tennis classes that cater for any ability or age. The sessions are ideal for those of us who have decided that 2012 is the year to banish the bulge, as they are designed to burn more calories than an ordinary singles game – up 500 calories per hour, in fact! No previous tennis experience is necessary, and the classes focus on fun. For the mini-Murrays out there, junior coaching sessions will develop skills in a fun, friendly environment and are suitable for children of all abilities. Classes are delivered by qualified instructors and take place on

Saturday mornings – junior classes for seven – ten year olds run from 9-10am, classes for the under-sevens are from 10-11am and adult cardio tennis sessions run from 11am-12 noon. n For further information, call Matt Ward on 07882 267971 or email info@icanplaytennis.net

Quit It On 14th March, the No Smoking Day charity will appeal for smokers to extinguish their last cigarette. Aside from the health benefits, you can save up to £189 after just one month off the cigs – that’s enough for Premiership football tickets or a shopping spree! There’s plenty of ways to quit, including drug treatments and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and hypnotherapy (check the classified section of Your Local Link for some great local providers). If you miss the feel of a cigarette in your fingers why not switch to electronic cigarettes from York’s own E-Smoke Reviews. They look and taste like cigarettes, but are much healthier! n For information on electronic cigarettes, visit www.e-smokereviews.com or for support from the No Smoking Day charity, visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk

Cutting Edge Business

When the Queen visits York this April, she won’t be the only one celebrating her Diamond year; Ludwik’s Men’s Hairdressing has been going strong since 1952, and the family-run business is taking a moment to look back and reflect on six fantastic decades.

The man who started it all was Ludwik Drewniak, who left Poland at 14 and fought with the Polish Paras in World War II. After opening his shop, he went on to represent Great Britain on a national scale when he joined the National British Hairdressing Team. His

son John joined him in the barbershop when he was 15, and 30 years later he now runs the business. Following in his father’s footsteps, John continues to innovate; the shop has an updated, contemporary appearance and even features a flat screen TV for extra comfort! The shop has strong links with the community, cutting the hair of families who have enjoyed frequenting the business over the decades. n Call 656506 or visit Ludwik’s on 175 Burton Stone Lane.

MAXINE FLYNN & A SSOCIATES

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

Revive Yourself!

Here at Your Local Link, we love a good pampering; nothing makes us feel better than a dedicated beautician offering fantastic advice backed up by years of experience. That’s probably why we’ve gone a little crazy about Revive Hair Design (in Heworth Village), and why we think you should too. Opening in 2008, the business has gone all-out to create a calming and contemporary environment for its clients, featuring the latest in hair-care technology. The company’s excited to offer customers hair removal using Pulsar: the world’s leading IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) system, which is clinically proven to provide long lasting results while being virtually pain-free. Revive also has a special offer available: book two Pulsar treatments and receive 20% off the price of the lesser one. Sounds good to us! n Call 430612 or visit www.revivehairdesign.co.uk

An Innovative Addition Lisa Godson has been cutting hair for the last 20 years, and during that time she’s had more than a few adventures; she’s taught the craft of hairdressing to new stylists, managed three different fantastic studios (most recently Frizz Hair Salon) and even found the time to start a family! But, after having her second child, she’s decided to wind down her own business and join a familiar team instead - and that team is none other than Innovations Hair & Beauty (at 16a Boroughbridge Road), run by Lisa’s long-time friend Jess Morgan! While Lisa’s enthusiastic about her new venture, she’s also eager for her loyal clients to know where she’s gone; after all, they’ve helped make her career as successful as it is! Lisa’s especially talented when it comes to colouring and preparing hair for weddings and special occasions – give her or one of Innovations’ other fantastic stylists a try, you won’t be disappointed! n To book an appointment call 798705.

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

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&

Preened Pampered

Every bride-to-be wants to look her best and feel gorgeous on her big day, so booking those beauty treatments is a must.

Alqvimia, the new beauty therapy suite in Clifton, will preen and pamper you with 100% natural products until your heart’s content, and there’s a 30% discount on all treatments until 31st March so brides can look fabulous without blowing their budget – just quote LL01. Select from a comprehensive range of lush options, including massages, waxes, tints, manicures and pedicures. The Anti-Stress Muscle Melt will relieve the stresses of wedding planning, and the Body Tox is designed to banish extra inches – ideal for getting into that dress! Of course, your bridesmaids will want to get in on this too, so why not book in for a day of treatments and relax together while Asha, who runs the business, pampers you all in turn? n For details call Asha on 673050 or visit www.wix.com/katrinaljones/alqvimia

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You are cordially invited to join us at this two day Designer Wedding Show with over 70 superb exhibitors and venues in two ‘Your Marquees’ with Hollywood Glamour & Quintessen-tially British themes. A Design Quarter showcasing four weddings in their very own seasonal theme is housed in the ruins of Newburgh Priory, styled by some of the North’s top wedding designers. Relax in the Cocktail Bar or Papakata Cafe and have fun on the casino whilst enjoying our live entertain-ment and Limelight Catwalk Shows. The Adventure Zone will keep everyone happy, including the boys with quad biking and archery in the stunning grounds.

We guarantee this will be one of the finest Wedding Shows you have ever attended in

the North of England or beyond. n For more information visit www.theweddingaffair.co.uk

Bucks Fizz, Anyone?

Need inspiration for your big day? Head down to Burn Hall’s wedding fayre for ideas aplenty on 4th March from 11am-3pm.

There’ll be lots of reliable suppliers to speak to and the sales team at Burn Hall will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. You can even sample canapés and quaff a glass of bucks fizz – well, you’ve got to practise your blushing-bride-drinkinga-glass-of-bubbly look, haven’t you?

Alternatively, if you’re the chief bridesmaid looking for the perfect hen night, there’s a great event happening at Burn Hall on 9th March, too. Take That fans can enjoy an authentic performance from tribute band Re-Take That, as well as a three course meal. We’re ‘Sure’ it’ll make for a night she’ll ‘Never Forget’. Ahem… n For details call 01347 825400 or email enquiries@burn-hall.co.uk

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

Fairfield Manor’s Wedding Market will provide lots of ideas on the latest wedding trends on 22nd April from 10am-2pm, with offerings from local suppliers ranging from cars and cakes to tiaras and bridalwear. The mother of the bride will inevitably need some pampering and a big thank you too, so it might be a good idea to book in for the Mother’s Day lunch on 18th March from 12.30-3pm and treat her to a delicious meal – the beautiful Georgian manor house will provide an ideal backdrop to show your appreciation! n For further information, call 0844 8159038.

Medieval Romance The Hospitium, the beautiful 14th century building in Museum Gardens, is a wonderful backdrop for a wedding – and the spring wedding fair on 11th March will allow you to explore the venue while picking up ideas from local suppliers.

The event will run from 11am-4pm. Meanwhile, the Wedding Ball on 27th April lets married couples don their finery once more and relive their wedding day, with a three course meal and entertainment on offer. n For further information, visit www.yorkvenues.org.uk

‘A Wedding for All Seasons’

Designer Wedding Show

0843 289 8504

A Fair Idea

www.theweddingaffa www.theweddingaffair ir.co.uk ir.co.uk

Register Online www.theweddingaffair.co.uk /registration.html £5.00 Admission or £15.00 VIP

Photo courtesy of Jim Poyner Photography

Your Personal Invitation...

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th March 2012 - 11.00am to 4.00pm Over 70 fabulous Exhibitors, Seasonal Design Quarter Limelight Catwalk Shows, Wedding Boutique, School & Beauty Room. Grooms Adventure Zone inc Quad Biking & Archery, Cocktail Bar, Fun Casino, Entertainment & Papakata Cafe. Bridal Competitions & Gift Bags!

BRING THIS ADVERT TO THE SHOW TO ADMIT ONE PERSON FOR FREE

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

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A Decade of Decibels For many people, music isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life, and one which is closely tied to their social lives and professional ambitions. Access to Music, based in the Jam Factory (on Eldon Street) is gearing up to celebrate its tenth anniversary, and has put together a jam-packed programme of events to mark the exciting occasion.

To get started, there’s going to be a special acoustic showcase on Vixen FM from one of the programme’s bands, All About Eve – listen to it during The Foxes Den with Tim and Eve. After that, there’s going to be a showcase evening (20th March) for all the school’s liaisons and careers staff, giving the organisation a chance to thank everybody who has supported the programme throughout its activities. And finally, there’s going to be an Open Evening on 21st March, which will give prospective students a chance to meet the programme’s organisers and find out more about the opportunities within Access To Music. n For more information call 0800 281842 or visit www.accesstomusic.co.uk

One Giant Leap Dancers love to move: they glide, they spin and sometimes they even summersault. So perhaps it shouldn’t be too surprising to discover that Lisa Marie’s School of Dance has embraced the philosophy of physical movement by moving to fabulous new location, The Hive within the Manor Church of England School. Students will still be able to enjoy the school’s fantastic tuition, having an opportunity to take classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Street Jazz, Gymnastics, Singing, Drama and more. Any age is welcome, and we’re sure you’ll find your dancing shoes in no time! n Call 683335. www.lisamarieschool.co.uk

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Strength to Strength York St John University is a fantastic place for athletes with a wide range of needs to receive tailored support. The university’s Inclusive Activity Club (known as YSJIAC) is building on its multisports and goalball sessions by launching a new initiative: YSJ Strength, which specifically supports the training and conditioning of athletes who are physically disabled. The university’s Sports Hall will also be hosting a new Thursday

fitness class for people with mental illnesses, known as the Wellbeing Circuits Classes, which is the latest product of City of York Council’s HEAL (Health, Exercise, Activity and Lifestyle) programme.

n For more information about YSJ Strength call 876466, and for more information about the Wellbeing Circuits Classes call 553377.

your family

Ask the ExpertS...

Family Law

wi t h n iCK I M I TC H E L L & Mark Hepworth

When they won’t pay EYE ON THE BALL! Every parent wants their child to develop confidence, socialise and get a healthy amount of exercise; but where do you start? To answer that question, Caroline Buncall created Tennis Tykes, and the fun tennis programme has already helped hundreds of young children between the ages of two and six achieve their sporting best. Tennis Tykes gives children the opportunity to learn valuable coordination skills, supporting them while they develop their agility and motor control. The programme has already been running for over a year, and is about to launch new classes at Roko Fitness Centre. To claim a free taster session, or to enquire about its Easter holiday classes, call Caroline on 07843 342662, email caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk or log on to www.tennistykes.co.uk

Don’t Knock It! It’s more important than ever for young people to feel empowered, inspired and optimistic about their future. Door 84, a community youth club on Lowther Street in York, is excited to be celebrating its first birthday. In the last 12 months, the club has organised projects in DJ skills, animation, cooking, sports, graphic design, dance, drama and countless other activities. To mark the anniversary, the club has planned a week-long programme of special events: there’s a Zumbathon on 18th March, free regular activity sessions between 19th-21st March, and a fantastic community party on 25th March. If you’re between the ages of eight and 17, we can guarantee the club will have something for you! n For information about Door 84 and its projects, call 623177.

There is much truth in the old adage that you cannot get blood out of a stone – and let me say straight away that there is no point in spending time, money and emotional energy in trying to do so. However, where someone has money but chooses to be downright awkward and not to pay, the law can come to your aid….

Family Finances In a family context, in most cases where couples have separated they are able to resolve their financial differences by agreement which is then incorporated in a ‘Consent Order’. After such an order has been made, those concerned proceed to implement it and all is well.

But sometimes, as we all know, couples are unable to reach agreement and a judge is brought in to tell them what to do. What happens if one party then decides that he or she is not going to do what the judge has said – for example, that the jointly owned family home is to be sold or transferred into the sole name of the other party? Ownership of a property cannot be altered unless both owners sign the necessary transfer documents so, on the face of it, a refusal to sign will scupper the purpose of the judge’s order.

Thankfully, such cases are rare but when they do occur, help is at hand in the guise of Section 39 of the Senior Courts Act. This section provides that where someone refuses to sign any “conveyance, contract or other document” a judge, or any person nominated by the judge, can sign instead of the property owner. In addition, it is likely that when making such an order, the judge will impose a costs penalty against the ‘guilty’ party.

Shock Tactics Another occasional problem occurs when a disgruntled divorcee takes exception to being ordered to pay a former spouse a lump sum, arguing that he (usually) is not going to give away money that was earned a result of his hard work.

Again, there is a handy remedy available, this time in the form of a Third Party Debt Order, formerly known as a Garnishee Order - not to be confused with something that might give added spice to your Indian takeaway!

What this order does is to require someone (usually a bank) who holds money on behalf of the reluctant payer, to pay the appropriate amount to the spouse who is entitled to it under the order. The beauty of such an order is that, in the first instance, the court effectively freezes the bank account without prior notice being given to the account holder, which as you can imagine causes a bit of a shock and soon brings any awkward customer into line.

n For legal advice on this or any aspect of family law, contact Mark Hepworth or Nicki Mitchell at Denison Till solicitors on 01904 611411 mgbh@denisontill.com or ncm@denisontill.com

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THE BEST OF

And what better way to enjoy the occasion than with a street party? But if you and your neighbours are planning a right royal knees up, you’re going to need to get a move on; City of York Council requires 12 week notice if your road needs to be closed. So get your application in soon!

York’s gearing up for a truly historic year. Not only are we celebrating 800 years since the city created its own Charter, but we’ve also got the Olympic torch passing through and a special visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

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Other than that, there are a few other rules you’ll need to know.

Street parties are technically for the street’s residents only, and invitations must be limited to ensure that the event is clearly considered to be a private party! As long as you’re not selling anything, it’s unlikely that you’ll need any special licence for the party.

You’re also allowed to play music, as long as it’s not a main part of the event.

For details about requirements call City of York Council’s Event and Festivals office on 554253.

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! Want to organise your own street party? Follow our ten-step guide.

1) Organise a meeting with everyone in your street. This will give you a chance to talk about ideas and see whether people are interested in getting involved.

2) Call City of York Council’s Highways office (551368) to talk about closing the road. And while you’re at it, call the Council’s Event and Festivals office (554253) about your plans – they always have great advice!

3) Assign jobs to everybody to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Try to share the more difficult jobs out evenly, to ensure that everybody does a fair share.

4) Decide on any activities.

This could be anything from a footie tournament to your very own Great British Bake-off!

5) Plan how much food you’ll need, and figure out where the tables and chairs will come from.

6) Get the kids to make bunting 7) Send out invitations, and be sure to remind people not to park in the street.

8) Put up road closure signs 9) Have fun!

10) Don’t forget to clean up afterwards!

your family

EXPERT TUITION

The Mount School, York Sundays (4pm-6pm) (4pm-6pm) Sundays

Developing Minds

No two days are the same at The Mount Pre-School. Staff focus on creating an environment where children can have fun, be creative, grow in confidence and develop their potential! Honing these key skills gives children a solid basis to start on when they begin primary school, ensuring that they are both keen and able to learn. The adventure playground and woodland area, which houses a teepee, outdoor kitchen and classroom, provide great opportunities for active learning and there’s plenty of chance for expression through art, dance and music. Each individual child’s needs are catered for so that everyone can reach their full potential in a calm, happy environment, ready to start primary school. n For further information, visit www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

Room to Grow After-school clubs can be a godsend to busy parents and are fantastic for children to learn and play with their friends – and now even more clubs will be available at Orchard Trees Day Nursery thanks to an extension of the premises. The new room offers a vibrant space for breakfast, after-school and school holiday clubs for nearby schools. It sounds like fun too – a recent activity focussed on Chinese New Year and kids tried to eat lunch using chopsticks and made a dragon. We’d like to say we’re too grown up for that sort of thing at Your Local Link, but we’re big kids really…. n For details call 449800 or visit www.orchardtreesdaynursery.co.uk

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WIN a

Football themed

Birthday Party!

Is your nipper York City Football Club’s number one fan?

Here’s the ideal prize for any young follower of the beautiful game. One lucky reader will win a football crazy birthday party for their child worth £135, featuring a 30-minute tour of Bootham Crescent, an hour of footie fun with a York City coach and 30-minutes in the family room. To top it all off, partygoers will each receive a goody bag with a York City match ticket and birthday boy/ girl will get an autographed York City football. Score!

To be in with a chance of winning, circle all five differences in these images and tell us why you’d like to win a York City party:

Send this form to the address on page six. Include the name of the parent/guardian, the name of the child, the child’s date of birth and a phone number and address where we can contact you. Entries must reach us by 16th March Best of luck!

Parties are held from Monday to Friday between 4.30pm to 6.30pm or 5pm to 7pm. Maximum of 16 children and cater for both boys and girls between the ages of five and 12.

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your family

Be a Governor!

Have you got life experience, enthusiasm and a committed attitude? Would you like the opportunity to help oversee a local school and ensure that it continues to run properly and efficiently? City of York Council is looking to for new governors to work alongside the city’s head teachers to help make important decisions to support the school with its activities. Governors don’t need to be parents, and almost anybody over the age of 18 is eligible to become one. n For more information, call the Governors Support and Development Service on 554210, or visit www.york.gov.uk

A Little Extra Support You’ll know from February’s edition of Your Local Link that we believe tutoring is an incredibly powerful tool for developing a young person’s ability, confidence and interest in their subject. One company which embraces this view fully is Kip McGrath, a tutoring centre based in Wetherby, and it offers a wide range of services designed to strengthen a student’s knowledge within a fun and supportive atmosphere. While the organisation can benefit students from between four and 16 years of age, it’s particularly interested helping young people work towards their GCSE qualifications in English, Maths and Science. Once parents contact the centre, the student will be invited to a free assessment, enabling the family to work with the organisation to identify areas of weakness and develop a programme which suits the young person’s specific needs. n For details call 01937 844737 or visit www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

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your family

Super Skilled People across York that are looking for employment can benefit from a revamped job search service at York College. The college has worked in conjunction with the Jobcentre Plus to develop a package of training programmes that meet the needs of local people who are looking for work.

Want to move into a different sector? The scheme features re-training programmes to enable you to gain the skills necessary to switch jobs, and apprenticeships can enable you to train while you earn.

Louise Lawrence-Crockford, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at the college, says that there are a range of funding options that can make job opportunities a reality: “Anyone wanting to acquire skills for specific jobs should contact us. It is crucial that people are given the right advice and support to reenter the job market, and we hope those affected by unemployment will grasp this opportunity to focus on their future employability and contact the college for help."

The college pre-employment and skills development programme is free to the unemployed, with tailored courses also on offer. Look out for further courses in April. n For details call Wendy in the York College Job Shop on 770445.

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We Love To Boogie

Word Search E S N A E L C L Y E Y N H Y M S K I N K C A J S S T A B P A

In association with:

O K K S U I H I C T U I T A N Y I A I C I R R W A A L E R I T M L A T U U W A G E S C E C I H F G T B T W X H B X L H U

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

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

This month’s puzzle has a Beauty theme!

E Y R S H A I R S T Y L E T R K G I E N M S C T S H S N A E X O A A A H A Q T E L D O M B M N C S E D K K F C J P T O W Q H I L S K I B E X A L E R U C N L M O A V N M U Z N E A V C A Z R E Z M P G A P U G U T C V R P A M P E R D B H P V B G B P L H S T C E L L H W U L AROMATHERAPY

NAILS

MANICURE

Send your completed puzzle to ‘March Puzzle Competition’ to Oaktree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, York YO32 2LH. To reach us by no later than Friday 16th March. The first correct entry picked out of the hat will win the flowers!

BEAUTY

PAMPER

MINX

CLEANSE

RELAX

OIL

HAIRSTYLE

SHELLAC

SCRUB

MAKEUP

SKIN

TAN

MASK

THREADING

WAX

n Dutch Nurseries, 5 Wyre Court, Haxby.

Tel. 01904 768439.

MASSAGE

TONE

MOISTURISE

FACIAL

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Learn some new dance moves for free at a taster session for Dawn Oscroft Dance Studio on 10th March from 12 noon-2pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall. The school is launching in York after over two decades in Rotherham, and will offer drama, singing and dance tuition including ballet, tap and zumba. n Feel free to turn up on the day, or call 07778 678604 or visit www.dawnoscroftdancestudio. com

AN APPEAL FOR THOMAS There are times in life when you encounter somebody with enormous strength; but it’s even more remarkable when you learn that someone like this is only four years old. In January 2011, just before his third birthday, Thomas was diagnosed with a form of cancer: Stage Four High Risk Neuroblastoma.

Despite the treatments he has undergone since then, he has now developed a small tumour within his brain. While there’s a treatment which can save his life, it’s only available in New York and costs £500,000. His family and friends are now appealing for York’s residents and businesses to do everything they can to support the fundraising effort. n To make a donation visit http://www.bmycharity.com/ ThomasCammackAppeal

your family

On Yer Bike!

Want a wheely good way to keep in shape and do a good deed at the same time? Saddle up for the York 100 bike ride and raise money for children’s charity Action Medical Research, which helps to fund research into conditions that affect little ones. The event will set off from the University of York on 19th August and participants can sign up now to secure their place. Choose from a 100-mile route or the shorter 100km option – but both are designed to be challenging, so better get the bike out of the shed in preparation sharpish! n For further information, visit www.action.org.uk/york100

A Stride in Your Step If you’re looking to get a little healthier this March, you might be overwhelmed with choice. You could hit the gym, go for a swim, or diet yourself thin - but which one’s best? You might not have considered it, but fast-paced walking can be a brilliant exercise solution; it helps to improve your fitness and stamina, but can also lower your blood pressure and reduce your stress levels. City of York Council already has a selection of free walking groups (such as Nordic Walks and Dog Walks), but it’s ready to announce its newest addition: Fitness Health Walks! The walks take place every Saturday at 10am, starting outside Rawcliffe Bar country park office, and are a great way to meet new people while you improve your general health. n For more information call 553377 or email fiona.barker@york.gov.uk

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VIP Treatment We’re blessed here in York to be offered theatrical delights all year round, and thanks to a dedicated audio description team at the York Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House, visually impaired people (or VIPs, as they are affectionately known to the team) can follow the action onstage as closely as those with 20-20 vision. The group is made up of volunteers who offer a running commentary about what’s happening onstage through a headset. No need to worry about missing the dialogue though – the sounds from the stage also come through the headphones, and the volunteers work hard to ensure that they don’t interrupt speech or flow of the production. For really extra special treatment, Torch Tours take place before the performance begins and offer the chance for VIPs to go back stage and get a closer look at the scenery and stage furniture.

Ted Kendall, who manages the team, says: “We love the work that we do and if we can add to the enjoyment of our VIPs, then it is all very worthwhile. Visually impaired people who may be put off theatre visits as they think that they can’t enjoy all it has to offer should give the audio description service a try.”

Eye Care Do you have problems with your eyesight? You don’t have to cope alone.

The Eye Clinic Information and Support Service offers free, confidential, nonmedical support for anyone who is concerned about their eyesight and needs advice on remaining independent and understanding what help is available.

Alternatively, if you are worried or upset and just need a chat, Vanessa Camp who runs the clinic is more than happy to talk through your concerns and help to put your mind at ease. Vanessa is available

If you’d like to use the audio description service, let the box office know when you book your seats and a volunteer will meet you on your arrival. The box office can offer dates and times of the productions that are audio described.

from 9am-4.30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Waiting Area A, York Hospital Eye Clinic Outpatients Department. Appointments aren’t necessary but can be booked in if you prefer.

n For details call York Theatre Royal on 01904 623568 or the Grand Opera House on 0844 847 2322.

INTO THE INTERNET

n For further information, call 636269, email enquiries@ybpss.org or visit www.ybpss.org

The internet has hundreds of uses. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, but it can also be a convenient tool for shopping and finding fantastic deals. If you want to get online and discover how the internet can benefit your life, you’re invited to attend Starter Sessions at Haxby Library. An Online Basics class is also available. n For more information call 552660.

Part Time Theatre School Dance, Act and Sing

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your family

Golden Years Retirement is the time when you can really enjoy life, as you can take time out to do exactly what you want. It can also be a time when you might need the reassurance that support is there if you need it. Hartrigg Oaks retirement village embodies both of these principles, allowing residents to enjoy the spacious bungalows, extensive amenities and activities and live life to the full independently, while being able to relax in the knowledge that care is on hand.

The waiting lists are open during March, so now is the time to get in touch. n For further information, call 752219, email marketing@jrht.org. uk or visit www.jrht.org.uk

Taxis You Can Trust Taxis are often a convenient and sometimes essential way for people to get out and about, so an honest, trustworthy service is usually at the top of the list of priorities when selecting which firm to use. YORCAB has recently launched and is on a mission to make people feel safe in their taxis: all drivers are fully police checked and licensed through the City of York Council, meaning that you can rest assured that you’ll be driven to your destination securely, and at a fair price.

YORCAB aims to be friendly and reliable, whatever the weather conditions and their motto is ‘Why pay more when you travel door to door’. n For further information, call YORCAB 646464.

CareQuality Commission Winner 2008 Best Care Employer

Rated as Excellent

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PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

£180,000

PROPERTY WITH POTENTIAL!.

Tadcaster Road, York £399,950 Enjoy far reaching views across York Racecourse and the Knavesmire, this beautifully presented four bedroom apartment is arranged over the first and second floors of this wonderful converted period property. There is spacious dual aspect lounge/dining room as well as the large dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room which are perfect for relaxing and entertaining. There are also two double bedrooms on this floor as well as a modern four piece bathroom/WC. On the second floor is a master bedroom with a modern ensuite shower room/WC as well as a walk-in storage cupboard with lights. There are communal gardens to the front and rear as well as allocated car parking spaces and visitors parking.

Opus Estate Agents are excited to present for sale this 3 storey 4 bedroom TERRACE property which is in need of modernisation. If you are looking for a PROJECT, this is an opportunity to transform an IMPOSING PERIOD property into a FABULOUS HOME. The accommodation comprises: Entrance Hall. 2 Reception Rooms. Kitchen. 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom and separate WC. Outside there is a forecourt to the front whilst to the rear is a walled courtyard with brick built outhouse and potential for off street parking. An early viewing is recommended as the property is PRICED FOR A QUICK SALE and we are sure there will be a great deal of interest in this property. n For more details or to arrange a viewing contact OPUS on 790070 www.opusmove.co.uk.

£795 per month

Principal Rise, Dringhouses £290,000 A beautifully presented 3 bedroom town house. The accommodation comprises on the ground floor an entrance hallway, a shower room/WC, utility room and a family room. On the first floor there is a spacious lounge, cloakroom/WC, storage cupboard and a modern fitted kitchen/dining room with French doors opening onto a Juliet balcony. To the second floor there is a master bedroom with a modern ensuite shower room/WC as well as 2 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside there is an open plan lawn to the front with a block paved driveway leading to the integral garage.

For more details or to arrange a viewing call

01904 621532 62

A newly renovated and refurbished to a high specification 2 bedroom duplex unfurnished apartment with allocated off street parking situated in this prestigious location on the main Tadcaster Road, close by to excellent local amenities and attractions. Accommodation comprises of: Entrance hallway with storage, Beautiful staircase leading to first floor, Modern compact kitchen with integrated appliances, Good sized light and airy lounge, 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, Modern shower room.

Allocated off street parking For details call 01904 652729 / 655454 or visit www.cityletsyork.co.uk

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YOUR PROPERTY with PAULA MATTHEWS

On the move...

Paula Matthews at Opus Estate Agents has been chatting to buyers and sellers all over York answering their concerns and queries Q.I am a first time buyer and am excited and apprehensive to be on the verge of buying my first home. I have decided I would like to buy a leasehold flat as I have a busy job which does not allow me much time outside of work. I need a home that will not need a lot of maintenance. What are the main questions I need to ask about a lease before going ahead with an offer?

A. The main issue is how long the lease for the flat is for, obviously the longer the lease is the better. You also need to know about any other costs involved, the maintenance and the management’s fees that you will incur on an annual basis.

Q. I am currently living in a three bedroom terrace property which has a small bathroom. The bathroom has a bath with an electric shower over it. If I remove the bath and replace with a shower cubicle will this damage the resale value of the house when I want to sell it?

A. I would not really recommend this as only having a shower may narrow down future potential buyers. A large number of people expect a house to have a bath. The buyers looking at purchasing a three bedroom terrace will probably be young professionals who do not have lot of spare time and are looking at

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low maintenance homes in a good area. They will probably then go onto starting a family and they would expect this type of property to have a bath.

Q.How do you get an estate agent to just send you properties that match your requirements and not just anything and everything in your price bracket that they have on their books? Surely this is a waste of our time and their time.

A. An excellent way to make sure the estate agents recognise that you are a serious buyer and what your specific requirements are is to call up the agents and explain your position or visit the office of the agent. Make sure whoever you speak to remembers you as a hot buyer and remember something about them. It may be that they responded to your enquiry within a very short space of time or that they offered you something extra such as getting you quotes for a solicitor which sometimes is the last thing a buyer gets round to putting in place when looking to buy a house. Make sure you give a clear breakdown of what you are looking for, your maximum price and the timescales you are working towards. Most agents are working to targets and your purchase of a property may mean that they hit that target for the month.

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

your home

ASK THE EXPERT WITH CAROLE CARTER

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

More Than a Spot of Paint!

Not many decorating merchants can say that they’ve been going strong for nearly 100 years, but that’s part of what makes Harrison & Hargreaves so unique. Established in 1916, the company has a renowned reputation for delivering quality decorating supplies (such as paints, tools, wall-coverings and more) at competitive prices. Jump forward to March 2012, and the business continues its renovations; except this time, it’s online! Their website, UK Decorating Supplies, offers customers all the information they need to make the perfect purchase; that’s true whether they’re commercial clients or specialist supply seekers. As a special bonus, in March everything online will be 20% off with this special code: YD0312. n Visit www.ukdecoratingsupplies.com or call 01653 692579.

Bright Sparks Cooker conked out? Dishwasher died? Vacuum got no va-va-voom? Fear not, the solution may be much cheaper than you think. Blackwell & Denton can save you hundreds of pounds by repairing your household appliances and giving them a new lease of life. It’s good for the environment too – there’s already enough electrical waste each year in the UK to fill Wembley Stadium five times!

Blackwell & Denton also have loads of spare parts on offer if you’d rather do the job yourself. n For further information, call 659066.

I am thinking of renting out my house as I am moving abroad. What do I need to do with my tenant’s deposit?

If you are moving abroad I would strongly recommend using an ARLA licensed agency (Association of Residential Letting Agents) to manage the property in your absence. A licensed ARLA agent is qualified and has the knowledge and expertise to deal with what is probably your biggest asset while you are away. Under the Tenancy Deposit Protection legislation, your agent should register the tenant’s deposit and hold it for the duration of the tenancy.

At the end of the tenancy, if there is no dispute, the agency would keep any amounts agreed as deductions where expenditure has been incurred on behalf of the landlord, or repay the whole of the balance of the deposit according to the conditions of the tenancy agreement with the landlord and the tenant. Payment of the deposit will be made within ten working days of written consent from both parties.

For further details visit www.thedisputeservice.co.uk Is an inventory necessary when I rent out my property?

Absolutely! It reduces the risk of any dispute about damages to the property or the contents between the landlord and the tenant at the end of the tenancy, and is therefore vital evidence in the event of a dispute.

In addition, it might be worth considering using a qualified independent inventory clerk. This will assure that you will: •

Minimise costly disputes by having comprehensive and reliable property inventory reports

•

Be confident that the legal implications are adhered to

•

Avoid unnecessary costs by having a professionally completed inventory containing all necessary detail

•

Protect your investment by properly documenting any wear and tear

•

Have confidence that both you and your tenants are protected legally and you are abiding by the necessary regulations

•

Use experienced, professional independent clerks that abide by the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) code of practice

•

Be assured that all AIIC members are fully covered by both professional indemnity and public liability insurance

What kind of fees do a letting agency charge?

Is it worth it or should I go it alone?

Fees can vary from one agency to another, and will depend on the size of the agency. However, knowledge and expertise are key, so it’s definitely worth considering using a licensed ARLA agent. ARLA agents are qualified and trained, and can provide advice on the current state of the market which can prove extremely useful. Apart from that, ARLA agents are required to abide by a code of practice which can offer peace of mind, so you can enjoy your new life abroad safe in the knowledge that your assets are being well cared for.

Carole Carter is co-founder of independent lettings agency City Lets and Yorkshire’s representative for the Association of Residential Letting Agents. City Lets offers a residential letting & management service, short term lets and serviced accommodation.

Tel: 652729 email: info@cityletsyork.co.uk web www.cityletsyork.co.uk 8 Fossbridge House, Walmgate, York, YO1 9SY.

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

CAFÉ CURTAINS Think of them as a low-cut springtime dress for your windows… or maybe don’t, because that’s a little strange.

Still, these curtains achieve the rare double-C: cute AND cool. Pop them up and watch the sunlight flow playfully in.

ELECTRIC CANDLES We know what you’re thinking – you saw these in the nineties and they looked a little naff, right? Well we thought so too, at least until we tried some of the more recent, improved models; featuring a realistic and charming flicker of light, these wax wonders can give any room a serious dollop of romance.

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SEE-THROUGH TOASTERS ACACIA WOOD BOWLS Who says everything you own needs to be cutting-edge and infinitely minimalist? These bowls may be simple, but they’re beautiful.

Place a selection of fruit inside and position it somewhere to catch a little light. You won’t regret it.

After adopting this marvellous machine, torched-toast will truly be a thing of the past. While expensive versions of this have been around for a while, there’s recently been a flood of cheaper models which work perfectly well in their own right.

BEAUTIFUL BOOKENDS Books are brill at creating a warm, homely feeling; so why not capitalise on this bibliographic benevolence by selecting some charming bookends?

You can get them in lots of funky and colourful styles – we’ve even found some which look like cupcakes!

your home

NOT

FAKE SCENTS

THEMED ROOMS These feel like a great idea when you’re out shopping and see a model showroom full of Union Jack bedroom ensembles and nautically-styled kitchen suites, but trust us: it gets old quickly.

Plus, these styles can be tricky to maintain, and may actually hamper your creativity in the long run.

UNCOMFORTABLE FURNITURE You spy an attractive-looking sofa in a friend’s living room and sit-down, expecting to be treated with a relaxing and indulgent recline; but no! It’s firm, lumpy and even a little itchy. No person should have to suffer such a fate, so ensure you don’t opt for trendiness over comfort when you go furniture shopping.

While there may be exceptions, it’s a general rule that most smells-ina-can aren’t pleasing to the nose, regardless of whether they’re inspired by Japanese Zen gardens or obscure sections of the Amazonian forest. Stick to fresh flowers, quality incense (usually brown not black) and occasionally a little potpourri dotted about.

ELECTRIC CORKSCREWS Wine is worth fighting for – and that includes using your strength and determination to initially uncork the bottle. Electric corkscrews ruin all the fun, and seem more than a little gimmicky; why not avoid these expensive silvery toys and just buy more wine instead?

B I S H O P G AT E a n t i q u e s

Loft Conversions

Extensions and kitchens Also Sound Proofing. Roofing. Commercial Work Tel: 01904 690400 www.wallwood.co.uk

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Heart of Glass TWS is a leading installer of upvc windows, double glazing, conservatories, doors, fascias, soffits and guttering and replacement flat roof systems. They offer some advice on how to save money on your heating bills.

Cosy Conservatory A poorly-insulated conservatory that is too hot in summer or too cold in winter can be a nightmare. TWS have the solution for existing or new conservatories with the thermally-efficient Guardian Conservatory Roof which has a U-Value of 0.16. A U-Value measures how well a wall, roof or window keeps heat inside the building. Anything below two is classed as good, so this roof is a super-efficient way to keep your heating bills down, plus it’s available in a choice of colours and finishes.

The Guardian Conservatory Roof allows you to have an extension to your living space that you can use comfortably all year round. The tiles and cappings are streamlined and unobtrusive, so it looks good too. Not relying on bulky portal frames, concrete or brick columns, its lightweight facet provides for more options in relation to window and door selection.

There are also a range of contemporary and traditional finishes internally, including a plaster finish or timber/ PVCu cladding. Finally, concealed lighting will add a fantastic finishing touch.

Stay Secure Making eco-friendly improvements around the rest of your home can make a huge dent in your heating bills, so replacing old windows is a wise investment.

You’ll want to make sure that the work is done well

There were changes made to the building regulations on 1st October 2010 which allows anyone to put a solid roof on a conservatory as long as they meet the following criteria: • They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area

by a reliable supplier, and TWS offer peace of mind by providing products from market leaders including Rockdoor, Eurocell, Saint Gobain and Solarframe, as well as a service that’s second to none. You couldn’t be in better hands!

All work is covered by a comprehensive ten year insurance-backed guarantee, offering you genuine protection. TWS have also been awarded the government endorsed standards TRUSTMARK, and are BSI-registered, carrying the BS8213-4:2007 Kitemark for installation. Not all companies carry this, but the standards that TWS work to far exceed this requirement, so you can rest assured that their quality of installation is top notch.

n For further information, call 0800 0280675 or visit http://www.twsleeds.co.uk/

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Did you know that you can now replace a conservatory roof with a solid roof without having to apply for building regulations?

• The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows • There should be an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls • Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements

your home

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

• Pull bananas apart before displaying them in your fruit bowl. If you leave them connected at the stem, they'll ripen faster and go brown quicker.

• If you seal an envelope and realise you've forgotten to include something inside, just place it in the freezer for an hour or two and voila, the envelope will unseal without a trace!

• Pour a bottle of cheap cola down your toilet and leave over night – in the morning your loo will be sparkling • Don't you just hate that residue that’s left from that sticky label you tore off? Simply rub a vodka-soaked cloth on the area and watch your item’s shiny surface restore before your eyes.

• Looking to make your spag bol cheaper and healthier? Add porridge oats to your mince: this makes your meat go further. The oats soak up all the juices and flavourings, so it's tasty too.

• Don’t buy expensive antibacterial sprays to rid your chopping board of germs either. A little bit of bleach and hot soapy washing-up liquid is just as effective.

fRee

• A pumice stone is a great alternative to limescale remover. It won’t scratch enamel as it is softer than the surface you are using it on but harder than the limescale. It’s effective and also environmentally friendly.

Follow RACHEL on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

Measuring & fitting service

20% off All stock materials

no:1

Choice for Blinds

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Keep up to date on the latest design trends and property news

Above Average York is officially outperforming the national average for house prices according to an analysis by Assetz House Price Watch Index. The average house price in the UK is currently £195,196, whereas

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the average for York came in at £213,957 in the past year. In fact, that figure isn’t far off the national average when it hit its peak at £215,089 in October 2007. So, do we win a prize?

Drip, Drip, Drop...

Eco Police

Switzerland, the land of indecision, has come up with a beauty of an idea. Horizontal showering, a bit like a bath but, well, a shower, is now (thank goodness) a possibility thanks to bathroom appliances manufacturer Dornbracht. To join the trend, you simply lie on a bit of stone then ‘relax’ as jets of water cascade over you from above. Just like pigs should refrain from looking up at the sky when it rains due to problems with drowning, we think you’re supposed to lie facing down. Which beggars the question, how on earth do you wash yourself? We are baffled. If you know how it works, please, let us know.

If you’re planning on getting that conservatory you’ve been dreaming of for years, get your green-thinking cap on. The government is planning on introducing energy efficient standards as part of its Green Deal scheme, which aims to cut carbon emissions on all new homes by up to 26% by 2016.

Under the proposed standards, householders could be required to make any new extensions eco-friendly from October of this year. The good news is that loans are offered for green renovations such as loft insulation, so the work can be done with no cost up front. n For further information visit www.decc. gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/ green_deal

your home

Oven, the fridge will instruct the oven to switch itself on to the appropriate temperature when you send a recipe through. If you ask us, we like our appliances just the way they are, where they are much less likely to take over the world. Have the people at LG never seen The Matrix?!

Building Blocks

Be Our Guest Have you ever wished that your kitchen appliances would come to life à la Beauty and the Beast and clean your clothes, wash the pots and serve up a delicious meal ready for you coming in from work? Well, that dream may come true sooner than you think. LG has launched its Smart Manager Fridge, which tells you when your food is about to go off, allows you to shop online via its in-built screen and suggests diet plans.

You can even use your smartphone to interact with your fridge on the go, and, provided you have a LG Smart

Ever thought that designing and building your own home is only a pastime for the filthy rich? Think again. In 2011 13,000 Britons got the blueprints ready and started the task of creating the home of their dreams, meaning that they made up the biggest group of housebuilders in the nation. They might have the right idea, as a survey by Halifax has found that owning your own home is on average £100 cheaper per month than renting. In Yorkshire, buying costs roughly £462 per month, whereas renting sets you back £488 on average. Nationally, renting was 29% cheaper than buying in 2008, but now buying is 16% cheaper than renting.

Never a better time to start planning your ideal pad!

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Your Move: It’s Moved!

If you’ve ever moved house, you’ll know that a dedicated and helpful estate agency is an absolute lifesaver. They help you to consider your options, stay with you while you house-hunt, and answer all those tricky – and unexpected – questions which always seem to pop up along the way. For all this and more, you really can’t go wrong with Your Move Anscombs; run

by Scott Anscomb (who has over 25 years of experience) the locally owned business is open seven-days-a-week and is always on hand to give extensive local knowledge - of course they offer FREE marketing appraisal of your home! The company has recently undergone an exciting move of

its own - it’s still on King's Square in brand new premises on the Colliergate side opposite York’s historic Shambles. Why not stop in and say hello? (You might find they can really take you places…!) n For more information call 621532 or visit www.your-move.co.uk

Tip-Top Service mouldy ceilings. Quality workmanship is worth its weight in gold, so you should always use a roofline company which gives you assurance and peace of mind.

You can’t go wrong with Polyplas, the family-run business which is about to celebrate its 18th birthday; it wouldn’t have come this far if it wasn’t a name you could trust, complying with all building and safety regulations to ensure a fantastic final installation for every single client.

When it comes to roofing, you need to feel safe and secure in your home, knowing that you’ll stay protected from damp and

bespoke design

n For more information call 782300 or visit www.polyplasroofline.co.uk

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

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LT D

No Drawback!

A well-dressed window is an attractive window; it draws attention to the view and creates a calming, homely atmosphere. If you fancy learning some new skills and creating a window dressing of your own, John Hall Designs is offering you a unique opportunity: a one-day course designed to teach everything you need to know.

But it’s not just curtains! He offers tuition in Roman blinds and cushions, along with soft and hard pelmets - we’re sure there’s something for everyone! John Hall Designs has more than enough experience to be a brilliant source of instruction; the company has been going for 22 years, and has built up a solid reputation for trustworthy advice and quality products.

The dates for the April courses are as follows: 5th Curtains (basics) 19th Roman blinds 10th Roman blinds 21st Curtains (basics) 12th Curtains (basics) 24th Roman blinds 17th Cushions

All courses are from 10am-5pm and additional dates can be arranged around the client. n For more information or to book a place on one of the courses, call 631660 or visit www.johnhalldesigns.co.uk

your home

Oh, Carole!

We’d like to wish a warm welcome to Carole Carter, who joins our family of columnists this month. Carole is Yorkshire’s representative for the Association of Residential Letting Agents, so you can be sure that she’ll be providing us with tip top advice. Carole’s experiences have been varied, having set up her first agency at the tender age of 19 and spending 15 years in prison (we hasten to add that this was in a teaching capacity, not in a stripy suit) before founding independent lettings agency City Lets with Co-director Cathryn Houghton in 2003. Welcome aboard, Carole! Find her lovely, shiny new column in the Property section.

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1990

n Call City Lets on 652729 or visit www.cityletsyork.co.uk

Family-Friendly Furnishings Aesthetically-pleasing decor that’s designed to be child-friendly is always a welcome addition to the home in our book, and happily York-based Blinds Direct is the first in the UK to make vertical blinds with ultrasonically welded weights in the bottom pocket. The blind can be opened with a wand control, meaning there are no chains for kinds to get tangled up in. The family-run business that was established in 1995, also offers personalised customer service that includes free home visits and fittings. The range, which also features awnings, venetian blinds and woodweaves, comes in a variety of pretty, chic colours and finishes, ensuring that the window is an attractive focal point. There are also new fabrics on offer that eliminate the spread of MRSA, perfect for doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, dentists and care homes. n For details call 701260 or visit www.blindsdirectyork.co.uk

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Share Your Seeds!

Let The Sunshine In Eco-friendly investments are great for the planet, but they can also be fantastic for our pockets – and now’s a brilliant time to go solar. The Feedin Tariff initiative that the government introduced in April 2010 gives you money back for any electricity generated from your solar panels, so not only do you save money on energy bills by creating your own, but you can earn cash to pay other bills, too.

However, from 31st March, your house must have a minimum energy efficiency level of D to qualify for the tariff. Don’t panic! If you get your solar panels sorted before the end of the month you’ll qualify without needing to worry about making the rest of your home environmentallyfriendly before you can start reaping the benefits.

A wise investment, if you ask us! Just make sure you choose a company that is certified under the government’s Microgeneration Certification

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Scheme, which sets standards for installers and products to meet. This is vital if you want to be accepted on the government’s Feed-in tariff scheme. Luckily for you we’ve found two fantastic MCS-accredited local suppliers for you!

Green Energy Projects Local company Green Energy Projects offer a free, no obligation survey and quotation and use the most efficient panels available, so you’ve nothing to lose. n For further information, call 0800 6440045 or visit www.greenenergyprojects.co.uk Solarwall Solarwall can offer advice on how to save on energy bills and what the Feedin tariff is all about through free seminars held at their energy centre showroom. n For further information, call 0800 1380079 or visit www.solarwall.co.uk

We at Your Local Link are all for getting together as a community, and now the good people at Creating Cooperative Community have set up a way for Haxby and Wigginton residents to unite.

The initiative has been launched to encourage neighbours to share seeds, plants and produce such as jams and pickles and the group also gets together on fruit picking missions. Creating Cooperative Community was first launched in 2009, and has recruited lots of followers since then. We think it’s a grand idea that will save lots of lovely stuff from going to waste – good for the environment, and our pockets! The next sharing event takes place 3rd March at Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church Hall, where you can share seeds and plants. n For further information, call 760659

Skip the Work Now’s about the time that you really should get out into the garden and tidy the place up. Though, after you’ve collected dozens of bags of dead leaves, branches and grass, we don’t blame you if you don’t have the energy to take it all to the tip. That’s where Boswell Skips come in. The helpful team will gladly bring a skip to you, then – and this is the best bit – fill it up on your behalf! The company is York’s largest independent waste transfer station, and they sort through all customers’ rubbish to ensure that it’s disposed of in the most environmentally-friendly way possible: up to 96% of it is reused or recycled. Skips can be delivered the same day that you order them and the team offer free advice on how to get rid of waste in the most environmentally-friendly way. n Call 488632 or 07801 300880.

your environment

Dig It! Feeling stuck in the mud? Composting ecowarriors York Rotters are on the lookout for new members to join their group. The club has accepted the challenge of providing members of the public with compost advice, but even if you’re not especially green-fingered there are plenty of roles to fill. These include office work, organising events and competitions and even transporting equipment and carrying out surveys. The opportunity is especially good for people who would like to develop their communication skills and learn new practical skills as part of a friendly team – or even if you’d just like to make some new friends and have fun! There’s a free lunch on 17th March from 12 noon1pm at York Environment Centre on Rawdon Avenue if you’d like to find out more. n For further information, call Catherine on 412861 or email rotters@stnicksfields.org.uk

Solar Panels Solar Panels

STILL a great STILL a great investment! investment!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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your pet

PET TALK in association with MINSTER VETS

Got a problem with your pet?

Tracey Pulleyn of Minster Vets has the answer! puppy is still making the noise.

Instead, stand still, ignore them and wait patiently, avoiding eye contact.

Only then proceed with the walk when they are quiet.

I would recommend reading The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey, which is a really good book on puppy training and behaviour.

Q. Is it dangerous for a chinchilla to eat wood? Ours eats and chews all of his toys that we buy.

Q. How do you stop a puppy from barking and yapping?

It is natural for some dogs, particularly the smaller breeds, to bark when excited. Never reward this behaviour by giving the dog your attention, for example by talking to your puppy, shouting or touching them. If you encourage this behaviour when your dog is a puppy then it is likely to only get

worse as they get older. Instead, look at the situation that prompted the barking and try to work out a way to reward your puppy only when they are quiet.

Say, for example, that your puppy barks with excitement if they think that they are going out for a walk.

Make sure you don’t reward this behaviour by continuing with the preparations for a walk while your

When choosing wood for your chinchilla, care is required. Any wood collected to use for chewing should be absolutely pesticide-free, and not treated, glued or painted.

Q. What is the life expectancy of a budgie?

The life expectancy of a budgie is usually from ten -12 years of age if treated correctly. Normally though most birds live for only between five and ten years.

It is not possible for you to determine the age of a budgie from their external appearance, as one at ten years of age can look just as good as one aged five.

However, do long as all their nutritional and habitual requirements are fulfilled then your budgie should have a long and happy life.

Collected wood should also be soaked in hot water, and then dried.

You can also purchase chew sticks commercially such as rabbit apple sticks, and safe toys from reputable pet stores.

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

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ASK THE EXPERT WITH JAMES NIXON OF PETS PANTRY

All over the city there are animals looking for homes.

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

HARRY Gentle boy Harry found himself in our care after his keepers were unfortunately left facing eviction. A quiet boy at present, with worried eyes and an endearingly steadfast refusal to remove himself from bed, Harry would be ideally suited to a quieter home environment.

TUMBLES Young, lively and characterful, there’s plenty to enjoy about the lad. There is however also a propensity towards ‘cheekiness’, which appears to rear its head on sporadic, often unexpected, occasions. We end with a plea, to not judge Tumbles before you meet him. n If you’re interested in finding out more about these adorable moggies, or any of the cats at York Cats Protection, call 760356.

Abby and Amelia are five-month-old Salukis who were born at the centre after their pregnant mother was brought in. They have been constantly overlooked for reasons we cannot explain, they are a very sweet pair of girls who would make lovely pets if only someone would give them a chance. It’s very sad that they have never actually had their very own home and family to settle in and be happy with. We really would love for these two gorgeous girls to find a place to call home - they do not have to be re-homed together. n If you could give any of these dogs a home Call: 01904 654 949 or visit RSPCA, Landing Lane, York

your pet

Give us a home...

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

Does your dog have any of the following problems?

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

3 Hyperactive behaviour 3 Insatiable appetite 3 Itchy Anal Glands

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

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

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

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

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

How can you make your dog healthier and happier?

Feed him on a good quality food on advice from the trained staff at Pets Pantry The Super Premium Food we recommend this month is Applaws • Contains 75% real chicken meat making it very palatable • No Cereals or Glutens, so reduced scratching and body or breath odours • Egg and vegetable making a very balanced diet and keeps your dog fuller for longer • Smaller, more solid faeces demonstrate a higher absorption into his body and reduce anal gland problems.

• Trial Price of £4.99 for 2Kg and £34.99 for 12.5Kg • Cost per day as low as 40p for a medium sized dog!!!

Pets Pantry ALDI

to To Hunting ne Jockey La

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

your garden

Ask Amanda...

Got a gardening problem?

Amanda from skelton garden centre can help

Q.

and inside Hosta leaves. Dispose of them by taking them away to a piece of waste land, a hedgerow or field or destroy them in hot water or strong salt solution.

How do I get rid of slugs?

It is impossible to eradicate slugs completely therefore it is a matter of minimising the damage they cause. With non-chemical control you have the following options‘Nemaslug’ is a biological control in the form of a microscopic nematode or eelworm that is watered into the soil. The nematodes enter the slug’s body and cause a fatal disease. This does not have any adverse effect on any other animal.

This treatment is available by mail order from biological control companies and is best done when it is warmer, during spring to late autumn.

Secondly, start your vegetable seedlings off in pots and transplant only well grown, sturdy plantlets and protect them with plastic bottle top cloches. Place traps,

For a chemical control scatter metaldehyde slug pellets thinly around vulnerable plants such as seedlings and young plants.

A word of warning – slug pellets can be toxic to wildlife, pets and children if eaten so please be sensible in using them.

Q.

How can I prepare my soil for planting?

either plastic or hollowed-out orange/grapefruit skins filled with beer and sunk into the soil. Check regularly. Frogs, birds, toads and hedgehogs will eat slugs so leave them out in the middle of the lawn.

Use copper tape around pots or matting impregnated with copper

salts or with gel repellents that create barriers around the plants.

Some people have success with spreading out crushed egg shells.

If you are not too squeamish get out on mild damp evenings with a torch and hand pick them off the ground, around vulnerable shrubs

The more soil preparation you do the better your plants and vegetables will be in the long run.

Firstly, remove all weeds especially perennial ones such as nettle, couch grass, dandelion, bind weed, thistle and ground elder.

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

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your garden

Improve your soil as you go by digging in lots of wellrotten horse manure

Remove the tap root, rhizome and broken fibrous roots. Remove any large stones or builders’ debris.

Next to do is the digging. This is the hard bit with plenty of energy and elbow grease required. The main aim of digging is to fluff up solid lumps of soil that have been compressed by heavy rain and people walking on it. Fluffed soil contains air that plant roots require, drains more easily and allows the roots to grow easier through the soil. If you are starting afresh it is better to dig and add compost or organic matter in the autumn but doesn’t worry if you missed out.

The recent frosts we have had will have a fantastic digging action on soil and help it to break down more easily, so get digging as soon as the soil has thawed out.

Improve your soil as you go by digging in lots of well-rotten,

bulky organic matter such as horse manure or compost; about half a wheelbarrow load to a square metre and add a handful of fertiliser such as fish and bone to a square metre. When you are happy you have aerated the soil enough and the soil crumbles easily, then you are ready to plant.

Q.

Why do my lavender bushes keep dying off? Is it because of clayish soil?

Lavender is an easy to grow evergreen shrub that is drought tolerant and enjoys a sunny spot.

However, the soil must be free draining and on heavier soils like clay, lavender can be short-lived, becoming woody at the base. To prolong the life of your lavender on heavier soil add organic matter and gravel to improve the drainage and plant on a mound.

call pvc-uk today on

Freephone 0800 0371947 01262605690 / 07831 584119

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your garden

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

Dean’s Garden centre

Pretty Periwinkles!

Use periwinkle for erosion control on slopes or as a groundcover in large areas – it grows too fast for small spaces. Still, you’ll have to pinch it back to keep it in bounds. Periwinkle does great in the dappled shade under a specimen tree. Periwinkle grows in a somewhat loose and open habit and is not quite as competitive against weeds as some groundcovers.

Periwinkle is a beautiful shrub, and well worth a place in your garden. Here, the team at Dean’s explain how best to care for the plant.

What is Periwinkle?

Periwinkle is a fast growing shrub, good for groundcover with evergreen foliage and pretty blue flowers. The arching stems of Periwinkle can reach about 12 inches (30 cm) in height, but they soon fall over and spread indefinitely, rooting at the nodes as they cover the ground with shiny dark green foliage.

The leaves are in pairs opposite each other along the stems; they are 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long and oval or heart shaped. The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils on ascending stems. They are blue-violet, funnel shaped with five petals and about 2 inches (5 cm) across. Periwinkle flowers profusely all spring and sporadically throughout the summer.

How should I care for my plant?

Periwinkle thrives in almost any soil, quickly forming a medium textured evergreen groundcover. Spaced on 18-inch centers, periwinkle should provide completed coverage in one year unless the site is very dry.

Light: Full sun to partial shade. Sunnier positions

Latin name: Vinca Major/Vinca Minor Common Name: Periwinkle

On the plus side, you can grow spring flowering bulbs like daffodils and snowdrops, right under the periwinkle foliage. Periwinkle is also a great plant for hanging containers or window boxes.

result in more flowers and shadier positions result in more ground covering foliage. Use the related Vinca minor for mostly shady positions.

Moisture: Periwinkle tolerates dry soils but grows best in rich, moist soils. In full sun or in very loose soils it will need more frequent watering.

Hardiness: Very hardy throughout the UK. Propagation: Start new periwinkles from cuttings or by just severing off a piece of shoot that has already rooted.

How can I use Periwinkle?

Varieties There are about a dozen species of Vinca; Vinca Major and Vinca Minor are the most commonly cultivated. Common periwinkle (Vinca minor) is similar but has smaller leaves that are less than 2 inches (5 cm) long and smaller flowers that are 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less across. It is more cold hardy and more tolerant of shade. Common periwinkle is neater and has a finer texture than its big leaved cousin, and it tends to cover the ground more thoroughly. The cultivar ‘Alba’ has white flowers.

There are several cultivars selected for their variegated foliage.

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

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your garden

WIN A

£250

voucher!

Wood You Believe It

At Your Local Link, we love to get something for free. That’s why we love the deal that’s on offer from Simply Wood: simply ‘like’ their Facebook page for the chance to win a £250 voucher to spend in-store or online. Better get tapping that keyboard sharpish, as once the page gets 2000 ‘likes’ then the guys at Simply Wood will draw a winner. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Simply Wood offers excellent quality garden furniture that is built to last and to survive all types of weather – perfect when you’re living in unpredictable Britain!

Both classic and contemporary styles are available, including adorable love seats, picnic tables and luxurious hammocks. The arches are perfect as a base for ivy or roses, meaning that they grow and adapt with your garden year on year.

There’s plenty to go at if you’re a bird lover too – accessories for our feathered friends include bird boxes, tables, and feeders. The team can also offer expert advice on caring for your furniture to keep it in top notch condition. n To see what you could spend your winnings on, visit www. wooden-garden-furniture.com Good luck! Visit www.facebook.com/ simplywood1

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your garden

gardening Keep up to date with all the green fingered gossip!

YOUR LOCAL LINK LOVES Watch out for this work-saving gadget when it comes out in the spring. This autonomous mower will cut your grass for you – and a specialist can even come over and set it up, so all you need to do is enjoy a cup of tea and watch it do all the work.

Sounds like our kind of gardening.

John Deere RRP £2050 www.deere.co.uk

Clearing the Way

Exotic Paradise The annual orchid weekend will return to make Burton Agnes Orchid a riot of colour from 3rd4th March between 11am-4pm. Featuring expert talks, slide shows and specialist advice on growing and caring for orchids, the event will also see the Elizabethan Great Hall filled with flowers and visitors can purchase plants and other products from the

show. The show comes at an ideal time – it’s perhaps the last chance this season to see the snowdrops opening in the nearby woodland. The courtyard café will also serve home-cooked meals and treats and seasonal produce is available in the onsite shop.

When it comes to a beautiful local space, it’s important for everybody to have an opportunity to enjoy it fully. Friends of Chapman’s Pond in Dringhouses (off Moor Lane) share this philosophy, and to that end it’s interested in building a brand-new all-abilities pathway, following a mown route around the nature reserve’s wooded area. The group is eager to hear quotes from third parties that are interested in taking on the project, and look forward to watching the development unfold. If you’re interested in supporting the initiative, you should get in touch; a little fresh air never hurt anyone!

n For further information, call 01262 490324 n For more information call 654355 HELMSLEY WALLED or visit www.burtonagnes.com or emailGARDEN cllr.asemlyen@york.gov.uk

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

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

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Helmsley Walled Garden already offers inspiration aplenty for keen gardeners, and now the shop has been extended to include an all-embracing range of supplies so that you can recreate the splendour of Helmsley on a smaller scale at home. Opening on 1st March, the store will offer a wide variety of seeds, fertilisers, weed killers and tools, as well as a huge range of compost and plants. The experts at Helmsley Walled Garden must know a thing or two about longevity too – the garden dates all the way back to 1759! In addition, when you purchase anything from the new shop or take a walk around the garden you know that the cash is going to a good cause, as the team aim to help disadvantaged people within the community through horticultural therapy, education and employment. Double the reason to give the new shop a try. n Call 01439 771427 or visit www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk.

Fair’s Fair...

C&C tracting Con

your garden

Horticultural Haven

TREE SPECIALIST • STUMP REMOVAL LOGS • FENCING & HEDGING • FREE QUOTES INSURED & HIGHLY TRAINED STAFF ALL WORK TO BS3998

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Make your weekend a greenfingered one and get inspired with a duo of plant fairs from 24th-25th March. Poppleton Railway Nursery will put on its Spring Plant Sale and Open Day from 10am-3pm on 24th, offering a glimpse into the last surviving railway nursery in the UK as well as spring bulbs, pansies, shrubs, bird boxes and kindling.

The centre still provides plants for several stations along the York to Harrogate and Settle to Carlisle lines, and even has a mini railway of its own that is used for transporting plants around the site. Free guided tours are available on request. n For details call 797623 or visit www.poppletonrailwaynursery.co.uk Meanwhile, for a touch of culture alongside the horticulture, head down to Kelk Garden Club’s Spring Plant Fair, where the Driffield Art Club will be holding their Spring Exhibition and specialist nurseries will also display their produce. The fair will run from 9.30am-4pm at The Showground in Driffield, and refreshments will be available. n For further information, call 01262 488350.

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your garden

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

Leeks...

Back in the early days at Horticulture College a group of students were asked during a lecture why leeks were one of the most popular vegetables grown in this country.

There were a few quizzical looks around the room until one bright spark piped up: “they make great soup”.

Although, in my opinion they were not wrong, it was not quite the answer the tutor was looking for!

Leeks are an extremely hardy and reliable crop that can be harvested almost all year round and are relatively easy to grow. They happily stand in the ground until you are ready to use them. Leeks are available during the winter months when fresh vegetables are in short supply and indeed they are an extremely versatile vegetable in the kitchen. With so many endorsements, it makes sense to give them a go.

Sowing Leeks require a long growing season so it pays to get started early in the year. If you want an extended leek season you will need to grow two or three different varieties. Early cultivars can be sown indoors from February, but during March midseason leeks can be sown thinly into a prepared seedbed outdoors and a further sowing of a late, hardy variety can

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be done in April, which will stand well through winter.

Thin out the seedlings as necessary allowing the strongest to grow on. When the seedlings reach 15-20cm tall they can be transplanted into their final growing position.

Planting out Choose an open sunny site as they will be still growing during the winter months, ideally with other alliums in the crop rotation. They also require a rich moisture retentive soil so add some well rotted manure or compost. To plant: set up your garden line and, using a dibber, make individual holes 15cm deep and approximately 20cm apart. Drop a leek plant into each hole, trimming the roots if necessary. The plants will settle at a lower level than they were previously grown, which will produce a longer length of blanched stem. Refill the holes by flooding with water, but do not replace the soil around the plant.

Leeks will bolt if they dry out so water young plants regularly. Keep plants weed free and apply a liquid feed every couple of weeks during the summer.

To achieve longer blanched stems, earth up the stems later in the year or place a section of pipe around each plant to exclude the light.

JOBS FOR March 3 Chit seed potatoes 3 Direct sow broad beans or into 9cm

pots to plant out later 3 Sow carrots, parsnips and beetroot

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

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

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your garden

Fancy growing your own veg?

York Rotters have free courses to show you how it’s done

Grow Your Greens Growing your own vegetables provides you with delicious, cheap food, great exercise and a fantastic sense of pride. What better way to celebrate Animal Aid’s National Veggie Month than by starting your own patch in your garden?

York Rotters have free courses to show you how it’s done, taking place on 6th March from 7.30pm at Priory Street Centre and 13th March from 7.30pm at Tang Hall Library. There are also communal plant beds at the Barbican and Peasholme Green, which have been set up by Edible York. The food crops are available for the public to help themselves to, and if you’d like to become a volunteer you can pitch in when it suits you. n For further information on the courses, call 411821; to find out more about Edible York email alexbell030780@yahoo.co.uk

Talking Horticulture Tending to Wentworth Castle Gardens in Stainborough must be no mean feat, so Askham Bryan College Gardening Club have asked Michael Kempler, Estate Manager of Wentworth Castle Garden Trust, to give members a flavour on how it’s done. Michael will be giving an illustrated talk entitled ‘The History and Renovation of a Great Estate’ on 13th March from 7.30pm at Askham Bryan College. Not a member? Don’t worry – visitors just have to pay £5 on the door and new members are always welcome. n For further information, call David Whiteman on 707208 or Peter Powell on 795059.

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

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your garden

Dig in to the latest gardening tools and accessories to ensure that you’re garden looks blooming lovely this spring.

Weed Killer £8.99

Chainsaw Sharpener

No need to worry about harming your plants with this weed killer – it’s in gel form, so can be applied directly and accurately.

Roundup www.amazon.co.uk

pink string £12.99

Keep your blades sharp with minimal effort with this chainsaw sharpener.

Oregon www.powersharp.co.uk

Herb Markers

BBQ Multi Tool When the sun comes out to play, throw a garden party and make use of this bit of kit which features a bottle opener, corkscrew, pair of tongs, spatula, fork and space for a lighter.

Drinkstuff www.drinkstuff. com

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These pretty vintage-style markers will transport your beds back to the 1950s. Dotcomgiftshop. www.dotcomgiftshop.com

LAZY SUSAN TABLE Share nibbles and burgers from the barbie on this rotating lazy susan table set. From £1,099.95 Lazy Susan Furniture www.lazysusanfurniture.co.uk

Watering Can £16.99 Even if your garden is bare of floral adornment, this watering can will add a touch of blossomy beauty.

Treat Her www.treather.com

We love ‘Norman’, the ball of string.

We won’t say what we think he looks like. Ahem... Girlie Gardening www.girliegardening.com

£12.99 for a set of four

TEA LIGHT HOLDERS Transform your garden into a twinkly paradise with these pretty glass tea light holders.

The Contemporary Home www.tch.net

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Rise to the occasion

If you’re the type of person that likes to mix things up, sprinkle shiny sugar and always stay on the cutting-edge of edible economics, CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story has a yummy proposal for you. The upcoming chocolate attraction wants to celebrate the craft and creation of local cookies and cakes by sampling a wide selection of York’s treats - and afterwards, it wants to feature its favourite recipes in its new café’s menu when it opens in the spring! The attraction has set up a special tasting panel to select the most scrumptious submissions, and it’s calling for all of the city’s seasoned and amateur bakers alike to showcase their skills and make something marvellous for it to sample. The attraction is especially interested in recipes which are unique, inventive or full of familial flair - so whether you’re a star with sponge or an angel with icing, we’re sure you’ll have something fantastic to offer! To make matters even better, the café plans to source as many of the ingredients as possible from suppliers in York, so lots of lovely local businesses will benefit too – something we love at Your Local Link. n For further information or to arrange a submission, email lmckenzie@yorkssweetstory.com or call 0845 4989411.

Market days

9-11th March York’s Fair Trade Fayre returns with a fantastic selection of stalls celebrating the finest in fairly-traded food and products.

Featuring plenty of organic and eco-friendly gift ideas.

17th March The York Auction Centre holds its monthly Farmer’s Market, featuring plenty of high quality local produce.

30th March The Parliament Street Farmers’ Market sells a range of cheeses, meats, chutneys, baked goods, fruit and vegetables direct from the producer. The event takes place on the last Friday of every month. n For more details about the city centre events go to www. york.gov.uk/markets

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HHHH

Your Local Link sent Chris Court from The Direct Boiler Company and his wife Janette to try the carvery at Beechwood Close Hotel.

The staff were very pleasant, and endeavoured to help in whatever way they could throughout our meal.

There were a selection of starters on offer with the carvery, so I chose the coarse duck liver pate which came served with toasted bread and a lovely, fresh salad, while Janette opted for the leek and potato soup with hot bread. She assured me this was the best leek and potato soup she’s ever had – and after I tasted it, I had to agree with her!

Mouth-watering Main

Warm Welcome The staff at Beechwood Close Hotel offered us a warm welcome when we arrived to try the Sunday carvery, and we promptly chose a lemonade and diet coke from the bar while we waited to be seated. The

surroundings are homely and cosy, ideal for a relaxing Sunday lunch.

Flying Start Despite the restaurant being full to the brim with diners, we were well attended to and soon seated.

We were quickly ready for our main course, which we enjoyed with a small glass of red wine. We were able to sample both the beef and the pork, with generous helpings of each offered, and we noticed that there were vegetarian options available too. The amount of trimmings was

tremendous – the homemade Yorkshire puddings, mash and roast potatoes all went down a treat. We particularly enjoyed the leeks, which were served in a cheese sauce, and the stuffing balls and swede mash were also delightful. In addition, the vegetables were incredibly full of flavour. Sadly, we were too full to try any of the desserts, but they certainly looked scrumptious!

Guilty Pleasures We’ve already decided to revisit Beechwood Close Hotel. It’s clearly a very popular venue and the food was so good, we felt guilty getting it for free! I’d also recommend the carvery option as a fantastic hangover cure. We can’t wait to try the other food on offer at Beechwood Close Hotel. n For further information, call 647124 or visit www.beechwood-close.co.uk

£15.00

Per Person

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Take Your Mama Out! Thinking of sharing some fabulous food with your maternal matriarch this Mother’s Day? Follow our suggestions for some special, scrumptious service on 18th March…

NEXT MONTH! What better ay to celebrate easter than to cook a scrumptious roast dinner? We ask our talented readers for tips on how to cook an unbeatable roast dinner and you helpfully responded with tried and tested advice. Our mouths are watering...

Lady Anne Middleton’s. Opening in 1973, this gorgeously secluded hotel is tucked inside a picturesque English courtyard garden and offers a delectable Sunday lunch service. It’s tranquil, elegant, and won’t break the bank; a relaxed afternoon here could quickly secure your place as her favourite child (probably!). Skeldergate, 611570.

THE BAY TREE COUNTRY PUB & RESTAURANT For proper pub grub, The Bay Tree Country Pub & Restaurant in Stillington offers a modern twist on traditional fare. Get brownie points with the four course Mothers’ Day menu which features a wide variety of starters, main courses and desserts followed by homemade chocolates. Main Street, 01347 811394 Beechwood Close Hotel Suave, sophisticated and inspirationally Italian: Beechwood Close Hotel fuses familiar favourites (pizza, pasta) with a selection of other speciality dishes designed to engineer an enigmatic experience. Vegetarians take note: you’re especially well catered for, although the blissfully-stocked bar should delight mum regardless. Shipton Road, 658378.

Kilby's Restaurant at Fairfield Manor Hotel This is more than just a room with a (beautiful) view; Kilby’s takes full advantage of its luscious green garden, using it to grow ingredients and herbs which get popped right back into the menu. There’s an international theme amongst its magnificent mains, ensuring that mother dearest will be spoilt for choice.

Shipton Road, 08448 159038.

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yorkonafork

THE

Cafe and Catering

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EVENTS KEY:

n DAYS OUT & ATTRACTIONS n CONCERTS n FAIRS & markets

n WALKS & TOURS n LOCAL & COMMUNITY EVENTS

This March, York is absolutely bursting with life. Not only is the city hosting some of the country’s finest concerts and most vibrant market days, but it’s also celebrating its creative side with York Open Studios; a unique chance to take in the work of the area’s most visionary and inspiring artists. It doesn’t stop there though: throw in some fantastic Mother’s Day specials, a load of great local festivals, and all the amazing regular attractions which secure York’s position as one of the most engaging places to live and visit. Go explore! n Newgate Market 9am – 4pm (4.30pm Sat and Sun). York boasts the brightest and possibly best daily open market in the North.

Newgate market has 110 stalls offering something for everyone every day including a wide variety of goods, fruit and vegetables, as well as a good selection of fresh fish and meat. n YORK DUNGEONS. 2000 years of York’s darkest and most gory history, 11 shows with 7 actor led shows makes the York Dungeon attraction an educationally chilling experience and a great day out for all the family. Call 632 599.

EVERY NIGHT n GHOST TRAIL OF YORK, West Doors haunted cities in the world. No need to book, just of York Minster. 7.30pm. Dare you cross the turn up. Call 01904 633276. centuries and discover York’s spine-chilling history?

From tragic plague victims to murdered orphans n YORK HORROR TOUR, outside the and the plumber who spotted an entire Roman Golden Fleece, 6.45pm. Witness the darkness legion marching through a basement, you’ll find out 1 behind 7246.12 LWV Best Pages 197x126mm Ad_Layout 14/02/2012 11:03 Pagethat 1 seem so safe by the the street corners how York earned its reputation as one of the most light of day on this blood curdling 85 minute tour

that takes in some of the city’s most gruesome sites. Call 622622.

EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY n CONSERVATION TOUR, Nostell Priory & Parkland (Wakefield), every Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm. Your chance to find out what we do at Nostell during this winter. Join members of the house staff for a closer look at putting the house to bed and making sure Nostell is ready for the new season. Call 01924 866831.

11 FEBruary – 13 MAY n FEAR AND FASCINATION: Art from the dawn of railways, National Railway Museum. An intriguing exhibition of some early prints, cartoons, drawings and paintings. Historic images of Britain’s railways capture the mood of a nation conflicted about the new technology. Visit www.nrm.org.uk/

THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE www.lightwatervalley.co.uk

Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3HT. Tel: 0871 720 0011* *Calls are charged at 10 pence per minute from a BT landline, calls from other networks and mobiles will be considerably more.

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Save over 30% with this voucher.

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Valid until 11.11.12. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. No photocopies allowed. BP01

£16.00 per person

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BEGINNING OF MARCH

3-4 MARCH

n LAUNCH OF YORK STORIES. Part of the York 800 celebrations. York residents are invited to write a personal story about an experience they’ve had within York’s history, and the 800 favourites will be placed into a time capsule for prosperity. Email york800@york.gov.uk visit www.yorkfestivals.com

n BEADWORK FAIR Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Show Grounds, North Yorkshire, 10am-4pm. The Beadwork Fair will display wares from a vast array of craft suppliers. Call 0173 7841080.

1 MARCH n OPEN EVENING, Askham Bryan College, 5.30-7pm. Learn more about studying at Askham Bryan College. No need to register, just drop in to find out more about the range of courses on offer.

Call 772211 or visit www.askham-bryan.ac.uk n CRAFT AND CHAT Quilt Museum and Gallery, St Anthony’s Hall, Peasholme Green, 10am-12noon. Opportunity to finish off that uncompleted project, share ideas, and have a good natter with old friends (or make new ones). Call 613242 or visit www.quiltmuseum.org.uk

2 MARCH n AN EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP New Earswick & District Indoor Bowls Club, Huntington Road, 7pm. Discover your future with an evening of psychic entertainment from Sue Warren. Call 750230.

3 MARCH - 31 OCTOBER n VISITING EXHIBITION Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, 11am-3.30pm. National Portrait Gallery portraits of landscape designers along with beautiful National Trust photographs of some of their gardens. Call 472027.

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n ANNUAL ORCHID WEEKEND Burton Agnes Hall, 11am-4pm. A beautiful collection of orchids and their vibrant colours. Call 01262 490324 or visit www.burtonagnes.com.

3-10 MARCH n INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK Marking 15 years of York celebrating International Women’s Day (on 8th March), the week-long programme features over 70 events intended to celebrate and empower women throughout York and beyond. See some highlights of the week on page 103, or visit www.yorkwomen.org.uk

3 MARCH n SIMON TURNER (CELLO) & RICHARD CASEY (PIANO) Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, 7.30pm. Programme celebrating the music of Philip Glass, David Lumsdaine and David Power. Featuring Elliott Carter’s Sonata for Cello & Piano and the first performance of Anthony Gilbert’s Rapprochement, a Late Music commission. Pre-concert talk by Anthony Gilbert at 6.45pm. Call 426372 or visit www.latemusic.org n INFORMATION MORNING Askham Bryan College, 10am-1pm. Students and parents have an opportunity to meet staff, explore facilities and find out more about courses. Call 772236 or email mary.hair@askham-bryan.ac.uk

n LATE MUSIC CONCERT SERIES Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, 7.30pm.

Showcasing versions of music written by living composers, including Philip Glass, David Lumsdaine and Anthony Gilbert. Visit www.latemusic.org n TAKE THAT2 York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road. Girls’ night with entertainment from Take That2. Evening includes a three course meal, disco and late bar. Call 638971.

4 MARCH n FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AUDITIONS Grand Opera House, 9am. For ages 10-21.

Looking for singers, dancers and actors to take part in the two week project. Includes working with a professional director and choreographer. Stage Experience runs from Friday 20 July to Saturday 4 August, culminating in 4 public performances.

Technical applicants also sought (must be 16+). Call 678704 or visit www.yorkstageexperience.co.uk n THE VIRTUOSIC HARPIST Helmsley Arts Centre, 3pm. Keziah Thomas showcases works

by Britten, Piazzolla and Parish-Alvars to show how the harp can be exciting and dynamic. Call 01429 771700 or visit www.helmsleyarts.co.uk n WEDDING FAIR Cedar Court Grand Hotel, 11am-4pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet wedding advisors and a variety of specialists, as well as to view the stunning Wedding Breakfast Suite and beautiful Civil Ceremony Room. Also, a chance to save with special promotions! Call 380033. n DISCOVER VINTAGE: YORK York Barbican, 11am-4pm. Over 60 exhibitors of vintage items. Includes entertainment and workshops. Call 0113 3458699.

n WEDDING FAiR Burn Hall Hotel, Tollerton Road, Huby. Complimentary canapés and a glass of sparkling wine will be offered alongside the chance to see the venue set for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast, and a host of local suppliers will be on hand. Call 01347 825400.

5-11 MARCH n A TO Z OF TIBET Unitarian Chapel, St. Saviourgate, 10am-4pm. Art & Photo Exhibition.

Photos show the many different aspects of Tibetan culture and give an insight into the lives of the Tibetan people. Call Dee Boyle on 0776 1762967.

6 MARCH n TALK: MY GALLANT HUSSAR Heworth Without Community Centre, 10.30am. Event held by Heworth Retired Men’s Forum. Later at 2pm John Maw will be conducting members on a Heritage Trail of York St. John University. Call 423277 or 330334. n INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, 8pm. Impossible to categorize as a player, Adrian Legg incorporates virtually every genre on his guitar in a virtuosic instrumental style with effects. Call 658338 or visit www.ncem.co.uk n MORRIS AT MOUNT GRACE Mount Grace Priory, Saddle Bridge, Northallerton, 11.30am-1pm and 2-3.30pm. Members only event. Curators have transformed two of the ground floor rooms of the mansion back to their arts and crafts glory. Call 0870 3331183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

7 MARCH n RIVER FOSS SOCIETY NEW MEMBERS MEETING Huntington Community Centre, 7.30pm. An opportunity to meet other members and learn more about the River Foss Society and its activities. No need to book. Call 766196 n University Choir and Northern Sinfonia York Minster, 7.30pm. The University of York Choir continues its association with the Northern Sinfonia and welcomes the leader and principal viola of the orchestra as soloists. Performance features Haydn’s

‘Te Deum’ and ‘Harmoniemesse’, along with Mozart’s ‘ Sinfonia Concertante in E flat K.364’. Call 322439 or visit www.york.ac.uk/concerts/ n KRIS DREVER & EAMONN COYNE The National Centre for Early Music, 7.30pm.

A collaboration between the singer and guitarist in award-winning folk band Lau and the dynamic banjo player from Salsa Celtica. Call 658338 or visit www.ncem.co.uk

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n YORK DOES VINTAGE Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate, 10.30am-5pm.

Features a huge selection of vintage clothing, along with a tearoom, live music and more. Call 0782 4559272 or email nowandthenevents@gmail.com n YORKWALK: LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL AND MUSEUM enquire for pick-up points, 8am. Visit the Anglican Cathedral for a guided tour and then have the opportunity to visit the new Visitor Centre, which tells the story of the Cathedral and has a changing series of exhibitions.

After lunch visit the new Liverpool Museum. Call 656244 or visit www.yorkwalk.co.uk

11 MARCH 9-11 MARCH

10 MARCH

n FAIR TRADE FAYRE. York’s Fair Trade Fayre returns with a fantastic selection of stalls celebrating the finest in fairly-traded food and products.

Featuring plenty of organic and eco-friendly gift ideas. Call 551355.

n LESLEY SHAW: FASHION ILLUSTRATION & LIFE DRAWING

9 MARCH n RE-TAKE THAT EVENING Burn Hall Hotel, Tollerton Road, Huby, 7pm. Re-Take That will perform their authentic tribute act, with a three-course meal also provided and a DJ also entertaining. Call 01347 825400. n CHARITY FLUTE RECITAL Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, St. Andrewgate, 7.30-9.30pm.

Featuring original pieces performed by A Garland of Flutes. All proceeds donated to Jessie’s Fund.

Tickets available from www.garlandofflutes.info

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Space 109, Walmgate, 10am-4pm. For new and experienced artists. An opportunity to develop life drawing skills in a friendly and supportive workshop, with the guidance of a professional figurative artist.

Call 612790 or visit www.space109.org n CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR The Guildhall, 10am-4pm. A unqiue shopping experience showcasing many items not available on the high street. Free admission. n THE THREE SCORE AND TEN BALL The Parsonage Hotel & Spa, 7pm. The Parsonage’s ‘70th Day of Year Black Tie Dinner Dance’. Includes a five-course meal, entertainment from a live band and dancing past midnight. Call 728111.

n AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE BIG BAND. Helmsley Arts Centre, 3pm. Performance in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice. Call 01439 771700 or visit www.helmsleyarts.co.uk n LAMBING DAY Askham Bryan College, 10am-4pm. Meet the lambs with their mums and maybe even see a lamb being born. Take a look around the working farm and watch the cows being milked. Call 772277, visit www.askham-bryan.ac.uk n COMMUNITY HU CHANT The Garden Room, York Central Library, 12noon. A community session intending for participants to connect to the divine through a series of HU chants, thought of as love songs to God. All welcome. Call 01423 780002 or annettebacklar@yahoo.co.uk

12-18 MARCH n YORK CLIMATE WEEK A city-wide effort to encourage reductions in carbon emissions. A range of events including organised walks, money saving

advice on going green and even an eco-friendly Newgate market. For a full list of events and times call 551666 or visit www.york.gov.uk.

12 MARCH n OPEN CABINETS Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, 11am-3pm. Ever wondered what lies behind the doors of some of the Treasurer’s House furniture? Here’s your chance to see. Call 624247 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

13 MARCH n MICHAEL KLEMPERER: THE HISTORY

AND RENOVATION OF A GREAT ESTATE The Conference Hall, Askham Bryan College, 7.30pm. Michael is the Estate Manager of Wentworth Castle Heritage Trust in Barnsley.

Organised by the Askham Bryan College Gardening Club. Free admission. Call 707208 or 795059. n YORK ANGLO-SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY MEETING Norwegian Study Centre, Quantum House, York Science Park, 7.30pm.

Talk by David Corry ‘Samso—Denmark’s energy exporting island’ followed by informal discussion.

14–17 MARCH n DANCE EXPRESS Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, 7.15pm. Evelyn Witcombe School of Dance presents Dance Express, a spectacular display of a range of dance genres. Call 623568.

16 MARCH n BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY OF YORK Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall at the University of York, 8pm. Pianist Andrew Zolinsky will offer a

spot of culture, playing pieces by Barber, Schubert, Rachmaninoff and Ravel. Call 322439. n AGE UK: INTRO TO SERVICES AVAILABLE Wigginton Recreation Hall, 2pm.

Speakers Lis Damage and Kelvin Warlow. Call Chris Phipps on 764688. n COLD WAR BUNKER TOUR York Cold War Bunker, Monument Close, 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm. Members only event. A staff led tour steeped in secrecy, collusion and Cold War politics. See the original artefacts used during the Cold War and hear about the part the bunker played on the world stage. Call 646940 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk n DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF WHARRAM PERCY Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Members only event. A guided walk of the best known deserted medieval village in the whole of Europe.

Discover a new understanding of Wharram as secrets are revealed. Call 0870 3331183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

17-18 MARCH n Ripley Antique Fair Ripley Village Hall, Harrogate, 9am-4pm. Quality fair; includes decorative antiques, pottery, porcelain, glass, paintings, prints, metalware, jewellery, treen, silver, books, tools and linen. Includes home made refreshments. Call 01423 889163. n RUFFORTH VILLAGE HISTORY WEEKEND Rufforth Methodist Church, 10am4pm. Topics will include the Lady benefactors of Rufforth, and some of the older houses in the village. Call 738708

17 MARCH n Yorkshire Craft Fairs St Williams College. Large exhibition of craftwork with opportunities to buy. Call 01274 835588 or visit www.yorkshirefairs.co.uk. n SEWING MACHINE BASICS Quilt Museum and Gallery (Education room), St Anthony’s Hall, Peasholme Green, classes run 10am-4pm. A two hour session for the absolute beginner. You’ll learn how to thread a machine, sew basic stitches and create your own piece of patchwork quilting to take home. Call 613242 n ‘BRUCH: VIOLIN CONCERTO NO.1’

AND ‘BRAHMS: A GERMAN REQUIEM’ York Minster, 7.30pm. Evening of music by the York Musical Society Chorus & Orchestra. Tickets: 0844 9390015 or www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org. n RSPCA FUN QUIZ The Railway Institute, 7.30pm. Teams of four, £8 per person which includes a hot supper. Bar available. Tickets from Institute, RSPCA Shop in Gillygate, Animal Home Landing Lane. Call 653766. n NCT YORK BUMP & BABY FAIR Joseph Rowntree School, New Earswick, 1-4pm. Event for new and expectant parents. Features information stands, trading stalls and refreshments. Call 0844 2436337 or visit http://www.yorknct.org.uk/ n GABY LEES: AN INTRODUCTION TO BOLDER WATERCOLOURS Space 109, Walmgate, 10am-4pm. Create brighter, bigger expressive paintings with this traditional medium.

Call 612790 or visit www.space109.org

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n IRISH EVENING Space 109, Walmgate, 7.30-10.30pm. Featuring singer/songwriter and harper Sarah Dean and multi-instrumentalist Brian Stafford. Exploring melodies both new and old. Call 612790 or visit www.space109.org

bucks fizz and a chocolate treat. Call 624247 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

n TASTER CALLIGRAPHY SESSION The Quaker Meeting House, New Earswick. Offered by York Scribes. Pre-booking required. Call 758428.

19 MARCH

n RATPACK “SWING WITH THE STARS” DINNER York Racecourse, 7-11.55pm. A threecourse meal and a varied selection of live swing tribute bands. Call 638971. n SARAH DEAN & BRIAN STAFFORD Space 109, Walmgate, 8pm. Singer songwriter and harper Sarah Dean with multi-instrumentalist Brian Stafford, playing evocative Irish Uillean Pipes and Low Whistles. Call 612790, visit www.space109.org

18 MARCH n MOTHERS DAY LUNCH Mercure York Fairfield Manor, 12.30-2pm. Two courses available within Fairfield Manor’s beautiful dining area.

Call 0844 8159038.

n MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH York Racecourse, 12noon-3.30pm. A three-course carvery lunch.

Includes entertainment for children. Call 638971

n BROTHER ANTHONY TOUR Rievaulx Abbey, Rievaulx, Nr Helmsley, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Explore the history of one of Yorkshire’s finest Cistercian Abbeys. Uncover the secrets of monastic life with this witty and educational tour. Call 0870 3331183, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

20 MARCH n HELMSLEY ARCHAEOLOGY STORE TOUR Helmsley Castle, Castlegate, 11am12.30pm and 2-3.30pm. Members only event.

View the archaeology collection from English Heritage properties with expert conservators and curators. Call 01439 770442 or visit www.englishheritage.org.uk n YORK GLAZIERS STUDIO TOUR AND LUNCH Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, 11am.

n A MUDDY HISTORY OF BRITAIN Helmsley Arts Centre, 3pm. An Afternoon with the Muddy Archaeologist Gillian Hovell. Explore Yorkshire’s history up to the 19th century and take the chance to handle historical items.

Call 01439 771700, visit www.helmsleyarts.co.uk

See the great East Window of York Minster up close at Bedern Glaziers Studio. The tour organised by the York Glaziers Trust will be led by a conservation expert and followed by a two course lunch with wine at Treasurer’s House. Call 624247 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

n MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST CLUB Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, 11am. The perfect treat for mum - a four course breakfast with the Sunday papers in the historic surrounds of Treasurer’s House tearoom. Includes a glass of

n TALK: LEEDS – THE STORY OF A GREAT CITY Heworth Without Community Centre, 10.30am. Event held by Heworth Retired Men’s Forum. Call 423277 or 330334.

21 MARCH n WALK FROM SHERIFF HUTTON TO FARLINGTON starting at Blacksmith’s Arms car park in Farlington, 10am. Organised by the River Foss Society. Please contact first to confirm. Call Bob Jowett on 764702.

22 MARCH n YORK HAEMATOLOGY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Cancer Care Centre, York Hospital, 6pm. A group to provide support and information to all blood cancer sufferers (leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma), along with their families, carers and friends. All welcome. Call 631313.

23-25 & 31 MARCH – 1 APRIL n YORK OPEN STUDIOS multiple locations, 6-9pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturdays, and 11am-5pm on Sundays. Representing some of the best artists and makers living or working within a ten-mile radius of the city, York Open Studios selects applicants to provide an opportunity for the public to visit artists’ studios and exhibitions.

It’s an opportunity to discover local talent on your doorstep, and there’s even an interactive map on the website to help guide you. Highlights include Karen Mabon’s unusual jewellery and Jane Blackman’s nature-inspired ceramics. Call 704485 or visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk

23 MARCH n GET THE BLESSING The National Centre for Early Music, 7.30pm. Winners of the BBC Jazz Award 2008 for their debut album ‘All Is Yes,’ the band features bassist Jim Barr and drummer Clive Deamer from trip-hop group Portishead among

EXcluSIvE rEadEr oFFEr! BESt avaIlaBlE SEatS JuSt £15*

‘pure stage magic’ sunday Telegraph

Monday 19 - Saturday 24 March

BoX oFFIcE 0844 871 3024 www.atgtickets.com/york *Best available seats Mon-thurs only £15 if booked by 10th March. Quote ‘offer’. t&c apply.

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Box Office Tel: 0844 871 3024 www.atgtickets.com/york Or visit our friendly Box Office on Clifford Street in person

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others. Call 658338 or visit www.ncem.co.uk n EDDY BRIMSON York Racecourse, 7pm.

Comedy Night at York Racecourse. Eat, drink and laugh at four comedy acts. Call 638971 or visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

24-25 MARCH n LIGHTWATER VALLEY THEME PARK WEEKEND OPENING. Explore the swashbuckling world of new attraction Skeleton Cove, before venturing into the mysterious subterranean world of Raptor Attack’s abandoned mineshaft and shooting the raging water of the Wild River Rapids. There’s 40 rides and attractions to choose from, including The Ultimate, Europe’s largest roller coaster. Call 0871 7200011 or visit www.lightwatervalley.co.uk n HELMSLEY JAZZ’N’SWING WEEKEND Helmsley Arts Centre. Featuring some of the UK’s best jazz performers. Call 01439 771700 n A Wedding For All Seasons Newburgh Priory, Coxwold, 11am-4pm. A fabulous new two-day designer show, being held at the stunning Newburgh Priory - it promises to be the launch of a different concept in wedding fairs. The show will allow brides and grooms from all over the country the opportunity to see ideas brought to life right in front of their eyes, featuring high quality innovative suppliers who can help them create their dream wedding with design and inspiration. Call 01347 868372 or visit www. newburghpriory.co.uk

A New Exhibition coming soon www.digyork.com

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24 MARCH

names and hear the tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire’s plans for 2012. Call 0113 3223500 or visit www.industry.yorkshire.com

n RICHMOND CASTLE TOUR Riverside Road, Richmond, 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm.

Members only event. Hear who lived at the Castle, and their stories, together with the history of its creation and use throughout the ages, from medieval stronghold to 20th Century prison. Call 01748 822493 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

n ANDY ABRAHAM Grand Opera House, 7.30-9.45pm. A magical musical journey revisiting the very best of the swing era – and you could win tickets! Head to page XX for details on how to enter our competition. All the legendary music from the world’s greatest big band leaders, plus Andy’s dulcet tones! Visit www.historyofthebigbands.com

n Toccata Ladies Choir, St Olave’s Church, Marygate. A programme featuring traditional folk songs and excerpts from West Side Story, along with other music from a wide range of genres. Free admission. Call 0150 6811398.

n TASTER DAY Askham Bryan College. For students who are currently in Years 10 or 11 at school. An opportunity to spend the afternoon trying some activities in a range of subjects. Call 772236 or email mary.hair@askham-bryan.ac.uk

n TABLE TOP SALE WI Hall, Station Road, Copmanthorpe, 10am-4pm. n MATT HODGKINSON: CLAY PORTRAIT SCULPTING Space 109, Walmgate, 10am-4pm. Create a life sized head from a life model with a Minster Stonemason.

Learn classical measuring and sculpting methods from a master craftsman. Call 612790

25 MARCH

29 MARCH

27 MARCH

n SEWERBY HALL WEDDING FAYRE Sewerby Hall, Bridlington, 11am-3pm. Featuring photographers, transport, bridal wear, groom’s outfits, entertainment and much more. Call 01262 670082, visit www.sewerbyhallweddingfayre.co.uk

n ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT The National Centre for Early Music, 6.30pm. The Orchestra and students from the University of York join forces for the celebratory final concert of the OAE’s flagship Anthem tour. Call 658338, visit www.ncem.co.uk

26 MARCH

28 MARCH

n ALY BAIN & PHIL CUNNINGHAM The National Centre for Early Music, 7.30pm. Scottish traditional musicians and winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Call 658338, visit www.ncem.co.uk

n Y12 INSPIRING YORKSHIRE York Barbican, 10am-2pm. Part of the York 800 celebrations. Opportunity to network with some of the industry’s leading and most influential

n OPEN EVENINg Askham Bryan College, 5.30-7pm. Learn more about studying at Askham Bryan College. No need to register, just drop in to find out more about the range of courses on offer.

Call 772211 or visit www.askham-bryan.ac.uk

30 MARCH n ACOUSTIC NIGHT Space 109, Walmgate, 7.30-10.30pm. Three talented artists sing their own songs in a beautiful candlelit gallery setting.

Bring own drinks and sit at cafe tables or lounge.

Vegetarian food is served in the break. Call 612790

31 MARCH - 1 JANUARY 2013 n LOOKING BACK AT HUNGATE JORVIK Viking Centre, Coppergate, 10am-5pm.

New exhibition. From Roman grave goods and Viking craftsmanship through to medieval life and Victorian industry, this innovative new exhibition

THE MICKLEGATE SINGERS

“Love & Marriage”

Saturday 31st March at 8pm

Chapter House of York Minster.

Tickets: £10 or £6 (con) on the door or in advance from Minster Box Office. email: boxoffice@yorkminster.org Tel: 0844 939 0015

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31 MARCH - 15 APRIL n DIG: ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR! DIG, St Saviour’s Church, 10.30am-4pm. Enjoy the new Looking Back at Hungate exhibition, and have a go at some traditional Victorian fairground games. Join the games-master and take the coconut shy challenge for your chance to win a prize. Call 615505 or visit www.digyork.com n EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Piglets Adventure Farm Park, The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Moor Lane, 10am-5.30pm. Features The Great Easter Egg Hunt, a huge straw maze, the Chicken Run Giant Slide and an egg painting competition. The event’s other highlights include lamb feeding, baby chick stroking, hook-a-duckling and Bunny’s BBQ. Regular activities (trailer rides, go-carts and more) continue to run. Call 499183 or visit www.thefarmerscart.co.uk

31 MARCH – 15 APRIL n COMMUNAL ART PROJECT National Railway Museum. Create a huge version of one of the museum’s art gallery lithographs, using potato prints and other fun tools. You can also enjoy the Easter egg hunt. Call 0844 8153139 or visit www. nrm.org.uk n EASTER CELEBRATIONS AND TRAIL Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, 12noon-4pm.

Challenging trails, games, face painting, eggy artrageous and egg and spoon racing in the annual

Easter celebrations. Includes Cadbury Egg Head prize. Call 472027.

31 MARCH n YORK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 8pm.

Featuring Elgar’s concert overture (Froissart) and a prelude to the last scene of Diarmid, Hamish MacCunn’s grand opera. Also featuring Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Weber, and Glazunov’s Fifth symphony – sometimes known as ‘The Heroic’. Call 627900 or visit www. yso.org.uk. n LOVE AND MARRIAGE Chapter House, York Minster, 8pm. A concert by The Micklegate Singers, celebrating love in all its variety. A programme of 20th and 21st century music including Paul Mealor’s anthem for the Royal Wedding. The evening also features pieces by Swingle, Whitacre, Grainger and Buchenberg, along with folk tunes and Gregorian chants. Call 0844 9390015. n CHARITY FAYRE Haxby Memorial Hall, 10am-2pm. Free entrance. Any charities interested in taking part should book a place. Call 764404.

7 - 9 APRIL n YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW York Racecourse, 10am. Over 100 stands including trade displays and specialist societies, as well as around 40 working layouts. The venue is fully accessible for less able visitors and there is also a catering service featuring hot and cold refreshments, and a fully licensed bar. Visit www. yorkshow.org.uk

14 APRIL n SEVENTH ANNUAL CHARITY BALl York Racecourse, 7pm. Hosted by the Georgina Grace Trust. Includes a delicious meal, live auction, charity casino, a Robbie Williams tribute act and more. The Georgina Grace Trust was launched in 2005, after Georgina Grace Thompson was born with CMV and had a stroke at birth, meaning that only 50% of her brain was left intact. Funds raised by the charity are donated to organisations that work with disabled children throughout Yorkshire and the Humber. Call 780880

22 APRIL n THE WEDDING MARKET Mercure York Fairfield Manor, 10am-2pm. From cars to cakes and tiaras to bridal wear, Fairfield Manor’s wedding market offers something for everyone. Over 25 local suppliers are taking part. Call 0844 8159038.

29 APRIL n MIND/BODY & SPIRIT EXHIBITION FAIR York Barbican Centre, 10am-4pm. A huge variety of alternative healing therapies, massage, art, beliefs trade stalls, tarot and more. Free entry. For details contact Abbey All Events on 07552 962407 or visit www.abbeyallevents.co.uk n BEAUTY & WEDDING EXHIBITION York Barbican Centre, 10am-4pm. A collection of the finest professional wedding and beauty services, promising to be a great day out. Free entry. For details contact Abbey All Events on 07552 962407 or visit www.abbeyallevents.co.uk

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at DIG uses artefacts to tell the story of a changing city landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this collection of archaeological treasures, that are displayed together for the first time.

Call 543400 or visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

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Culture Column

Welcome to our brand new culture column!

This is the place where we’ll tell you about interesting exhibitions, inspiring concerts and other classy, cultured events.

To kick us off, we chatted with Diary of Anne Frank Director Stephen Pinder, checked out local artists and heard about the latest concerts from Late Music.

Family at war

Steven Pinder. He plays Hans Van Daan, the business partner of Anne’s father Otto, whose family shared the secret annexe with the Franks in Otto’s offices. “Some aspects of it are so incredible, it’s hard to remember sometimes that the Franks and the Van Daans were real people, and these events really happened to them.”

He admits it’s a great responsibility to play a real person. “The character of Van Daan has been adapted somewhat for the stage. He’s a far more ebullient character than he appears in the diary, as is his wife. They’re always fighting with each other one minute and loving each other the next.”

She might not have lived to see her 16th birthday, but Anne Frank’s name has become known all over the world. Her diary, telling the story of the two years she and her Jewish family hid from the Nazis during the occupation of Amsterdam, has sold more than 600 million copies all over the world.

Now her poignant story has been brought to life at the York Theatre Royal.

“It’s a story with enduring appeal,” says actor

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Grim though their story may be, there are moments of humour in the play, too. “It isn’t just the story of persecution. It’s also the story of a family, with all their relationships and domestic dramas.”

Steven is no stranger to domestic dramas. He’s probably best known for his role as Max Farnham in the Channel 4 soap Brookside. “I left Brookside ten years ago, but I suppose after 12 years as Max I’ll always been associated with it!” he says.

Art York Open Studios will see artists, craftspeople and designers show off their works at spaces across the city between 23rd-25th March then 31st March-1st April. There’s a free event guide and an interactive Google map on the York Open Studios website to help you in your search for the studio spaces.

We’re looking forward to going in search of bright and colourful illustrations from Emily Sutton and decorative stoneware by Chiu-I Wu. n For further information, email info@ yorkopenstudios.co.uk, call 706123 or visit www. yorkopenstudios.co.uk

n For details, visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk

Music The Unitarian Chapel on St Saviourgate will provide the backdrop to the Late Music Concert Series, which will only showcase the works of living composers who range from Judith Weir to Pink Floyd. The season opens on 3rd March at 7.30pm with a performance of music by Philip Glass, David Lumsdaine and Anthony Gilbert. n For further information, visit www.latemusic.org

3-10 March is International Women’s Week in York, and it features a large roster of events to celebrate and empower women throughout the community. Here are a few highlights to look forward to…

7.30pm. Cookery demonstration. Enjoy a raspberry and winter spiced Eton Mess. Call 789380.

9 MARCH CIRCLE DANCE YORK Priory St. Centre, 1.305pm. Opportuinity for women to try different dance styles. There will be dance performances and tasters in Egyptian, Circle Salsa and Circle Dance as well as live music from The York duo, Purple Delta. Call 672168

10 MARCH 6-10 MARCH TILLING Friends of Saint Nicholas Field, 7.30pm (with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday). Six Lips Theatre presents their fifth show in their ‘six shows in six months’ programme. Following the journey of a mother, neighbour, babysitter, bank, damp shoulder and grieving widow, whose only true companions in her life are her plants. All-female cast. Call 623568

7– 17 MARCH MISS YESTERDAY York Theatre Royal Studio, 7.45pm (with a 2pm matinee Saturdays). Life in your teens, as Tammy discovers, can be unfair and even cruel. School is a disaster and at home she can do nothing right. Then something really terrible happens. When she gets the chance to undo the tragedy, she grabs the opportunity.

But is it possible to change the world around you without changing yourself? Call 623568

MARCH 7 TEA ON THE GREEN Tea On The Green Cafe,

DANCE YOUR INNER FIRE Heworth Church Hall, Melrosegate, 1.30-5pm. Is there an inner ‘Gypsy’ in you, just waiting for the chance to express itself? An invitation to dress up in anything that sparkles or jingles and enjoy the sensual and expressive Gypsy/Roma Eastern European dance style. Call Karen on 788058 REDBOX IMPACT Find Your Voice with Red Box Impact, a workshop focusing on developing confidence and essential skills to speak with confidence using the RED BOX technique. Involves interaction and participation, but aimed at those that might find this difficult, so they can build their confidence in a positive environment. 10am – 1pm at the Poppleton Centre, Upper Poppleton. Call 07722 663559 or email info@ redboximpact.co.uk. Booking is essential IS GARDENING A DELIGHT? Brunswick Organic Nursery, Bishopthorpe, 10am-1pm. Does digging do your back in - does barrowing give you a pain in the neck? This popular Alexander Technique gardening course is there to help. Learn to maintain energy and use muscles and joints without strain. Call Mary on 414793.

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

s let Pig Park n e m Far be op rom f l l y i a w yd h r arc eve 1st M Nov 3 4th 2 to 201

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

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

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

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events

York Art Gallery is currently hosting more than 100 works by ceramic artist Gordon Baldwin, who has been creating sculptures in clay for the past five decades. So, apart from getting to see a huge range of pieces by the artist, you’ll also be able to chart the change in sculptural trends from the sixties up to the present day – a bit like a potted history, if you will... As well as the sculptures, there’ll be a range of drawings, collages and photographs. The exhibition is on until 10th June.

International womens week

York Theatre Royal’s

34th pantomime Tickets go on sale 1st March. n To book: 01904 623568

York Theatre Royal

a shy, reclusive girl and her larger than life out of control mother Mari. At night, when her father’s ghost visits, Little Voice sings the songs of the great divas such as Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Bassey. One evening she is overheard by one of her mother’s abhorrent boyfriends, the dead-end talent scout Ray Say, who recognizes her innate talent and realizes this is his last big chance for the glittering prizes. An evening full of laughs and tears,

by Jim Cartwright. To book: 07927 026071

The Diary of Anne Frank (17th February – 3rd March) Set 1942-1944, Anne Frank’s world-famous diary charts two years of her life whilst hidden from the German Nazis (with her Jewish family in a secret annex in Amsterdam). Within the book, Anne documented her hopes, experiences and frustrations as she remained in confinement.

Anne’s wry observations of herself and her companions have been dramatised in this stunning play, evoking all the original sentiments of a young girl’s dramatic and heart-breaking diary. To book: 623568 THE SOUND OF MUSIC (6-17 MARCH) An enduring classic, this Rodgers & Hammerstein play is presented by York Light Opera. Widowed Captain Von Trapp employs a young nun Maria as a governess to his seven rowdy children, who have already seen off a host of other nannies. Through her love and the power of music she bonds with the children, while also falling in love with their father. To book: 623568 BED (22ND FEBRUARY – 3RD MARCH) An extraordinary play about sleep, insomnia and growing old by Jim Cartwright. Eight elderly

CAROUSEL (18-21ST APRIL) This Rodgers & Hammerstein musical about a carnival barker who (against his will) falls in love with a factory girl is set to delight audiences both young and old. To book: 623568 characters relive their lives and evoke their dreams. Old Bomb, the theatre company behind recent productions of Pinteresque, Cigarettes and Chocolate and Waiting for Godot, brings you another intimate and atmospheric show, complete with an originally composed score and a very large bed. To book: 623568

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE LITTLE VOICE (7TH-10TH MARCH) This dynamic and engaging play tells the story of

Film guide

GRAND OPERA HOUSE STOMP (19-24th MARCH) The British theatrical sensation celebrates 20 years of bringing foot stamping, finger drumming and adrenalin rushing joy to audiences across the globe. Chance to see why this breath-taking show continues to thrill audiences worldwide. With a universal language of rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance, eight performers use everything from Zippo lighters and plastic bags to bin lids and even

Vue: 08712 240 240 www.myvue.co.uk City Screen: 0871 902 5726 www.picturehouses.co.uk/york Reel Cinema: 0870 801 0870 www.reelcinemas.co.uk

The Woman in Black

One For the Money.

Not content with conquering the world of witches and wands, former boy-wizard Daniel Radcliffe returns to the silver screen to confront yet another supernatural adversary: ghosts. Based on the novel (and subsequent play of the same name), audiences can expect a chilly atmosphere with occasional jolts of shocked surprise (among them being Radcliffe’s fashionable new goatee). Fans of spooky Victoriana probably won’t be disappointed, though it remains to be seen how Radcliff’s familiar face fares in his first post-Potter picture.

Perhaps the definition of ‘unlikely comedy’ (or more accurately ‘this-doesn’t-really-make-sensebut-who-really-cares-anyway-comedy’), this film tells the story of Stephanie Plum: a down-on-herluck woman who opts for the only job available – bounty hunting. While this is strange enough, things really start to get complicated when she begins chasing a former cop who’s wanted for murder – but here’s the kicker… (wait for it) … she used to date him in high school. Oo er! more jokes, but they’d probably be in paw taste.

Red Dog

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

When it comes to movie-goers’ tastes, films about dogs usually sit (…now stay…) in the love-it-orhate-it category. This Australian picture is actually a little less far-fetched (see what we did there?) than other K9 flicks you might know, partly because it’s all based on a true story. After his owner seemingly vanishes, the eponymous Red Dog begins to travel all over the country to track him down. In the process he begins to inspire an entire town, eventually becoming a local celebrity. We’d make 104

A group of British retirees head to India with hopes of spending their later years in the newly “refurbished” Marigold Hotel. Although things don’t go as planned – and are far less luxurious than advertised – the adventure eventually transforms everybody involved. Featuring Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and York’s own Judi Dench, the film sounds surprisingly similar to some of our own staff’s holiday experiences (well, the first half of it at least…).

Safe House This is essentially a film about a safe house. Except that the house isn’t particularly safe, as it gets blown up. Fortunately there’s another safe house, but that’s rather far away. And worse, there’s a whole load of unsafe things between the first house and the second. It’s quite a problem, but one we’re confident Ryan Reynolds (playing a CIA operative) can handle. Also starring Denzel Washington (as one of the characters who makes matters even less safe, on top of everything else).

*Listings correct at time of press.

events

Theatre

the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosively feelgood rhythm. To book: 0844 8713024 SWAN LAKE (30th MARCH) The acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet Company presents one of the best known love stories: Swan Lake. With lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, this is an evening not to be missed. Swan Lake captures, like no other, the full range of human emotions; from hope to despair, terror to tenderness, and melancholy to ecstasy.

To book: 0844 8713024 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AUDITIONS (4TH MARCH) For ages 10-21. Interested in taking part in a musical during the summer holidays? The Grand Opera House is looking for singers, dancers and actors to take part in this exciting two week project, working with a professional director and choreographer. Stage Experience runs from Friday 20 July to Saturday 4 August, culminating in 4 public performances. Technical applicants (sound, lighting, set, costume, etc.) are also sought. Call 678704 SLEEPING BEAUTY (14 DECEMBER 2012 – 6 JANUARY 2013) New Pantomime Productions return to the Grand Opera House York for the 14th year running this Christmas, with their family pantomime Sleeping Beauty. To book: 0844 871 3024 ALSO ON AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE LA BOHEME (1ST MARCH) COPPELIA AND RED HOT SHOES (2-3RD MARCH) PAM AYRES (7TH MARCH) SARAH MILLICAN (8TH MARCH) HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES (9TH MARCH) BALLETBOYZ (10TH MARCH) DOUG STANHOPE (11TH MARCH) LIVEWIRE AC/DC (31ST MARCH)

Barbican 1 Matt Cardle 2 Rebecca Ferguson 10 Very Best of the Black Dyke Band 16 Hats Off to Led Zeppelin 18 The Bootleg Beatles 23 Nanci Griffith 24 Noah and the Whale Pocklington Arts Centre 1 The Hampsters 2 Ellen & The Escapades 8 Lloyd Cole 18 Russel Kane 27 Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal 31 - Sean Taylor

YORK BARBICAN THE WIZARD OF OZ (10-11TH APRIL) All-new professional Easter pantomime version of the classic story. Starring Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker), Bobby Davro as Scarecrow, CBeebies’ Sarah-Jane Honeywell and EastEnders star Aaron Sidwell (Steven Beale), plus a full supporting cast.

Follow Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure suitable for all ages.

Watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical Land of Oz. To book: 0844 854 2757

HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE DEADLY DEEDS AND TERRIBLE TALES! (16-17TH MARCH) Are you brave enough to put yourself into the monkey’s paw? Edgar Allen-Poe’s classic ghost

The Duchess 1 The Eden House 3 Puressence 4 The South 6 Portico Quartet 9 Novana (Nirvana tribute) 10 David McAlmont 12 Chimaira 13 Roddy Woomble & Pelico 14 The Magic Band 16 Shot Down Stay Down 17 Nazareth 18 Savage Messiah 19 Pop Will Eat Itself 21 The Popes 23 An Audience with

Mr. Nice 24 The Hootchy

Kootchy Roadshow 26 The Rifles 27 Liz Green 29 Bowling For Soup 30 Touchstone

Fibbers 1 The Real People 2 Zico Chain 3 Girlschool 5 King Charles 6 The Apples 7 Graeme Clark

(Wet Wet Wet) 8 Gretchem Peters 9 Mad Dog McRea 10 Inme 13 Rise To Remain 14 Yashin 15 Limehouse Lizzy 16 Jake Morley 19 Ian Siegal Band 20 Matt Andersen 22 Bullets and Octane 24 Achtung Baby 27 Wet Nuns 29 Black Lit City

story The Tell-Tale Heart is the centre piece for this terrifying evening of ghost stories which will include a new version of the classic W W Jacobs short story The Monkey’s Paw as well as a new and original work written for the youth theatre by local acclaimed writer Kit Park. Call 01439 771700 or visit www.helmsleyarts.co.uk TABLE NO.9. (28-31st MARCH) Two friends meet up after losing touch for thirty years. The audience meets them in full flow of their renewed friendship. They share a cafe with two young women, who pity them. The older ones envy the younger pair. What they don’t realise is that actually they may be more similar than they first thought. The two friends also end up envying each other, proving that we never really know what goes on behind closed doors. Call 01439 771700 or visit www.helmsleyarts.co.uk ALSO ON AT THE

basement 3 Kal Lavelle, Ryan Keen

& Antonio Lulic 4 Tony Law 11 Steve Hughes 16 We Could Be Astronauts 18 Chris Ramsey 25 Andy Zaltzman 29 Ian McMillan and

Andrew McMillan 30 Halloe Away Stereo 11 Veronica Falls 14 The Milk 15 Middleman 16 Road To Horizon 24 Anti-Nowhere League 27 Elvis Jackson

The National Centre for Early Music NCEM will host a range of exciting events this month, including a collaboration between acclaimed songwriter Kris Drever and guitarist Eamonn Coyne, and lively Handel marches and fanfares from The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Visit www.ncem.co.uk 7 Kris Drever

& Eamonn Coyne 23 Get The Blessing 26 Aly Bain & Phil

Cunningham 27 Orchestra of the Age of

Enlightenment

Venue Contacts: Barbican: 0844 8542757.

Pocklington Arts Centre: 0175 9301547 The Duchess: 641413 Fibbers: 651250

Basement: 612940 Stereo: 0121 2345678 Black Swan Folk Club: 679131 The National Centre For Early Music: 658338

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791176 07810 243 444 01653 699666 750070 470990 792899 767675 693101 691078 412417 01937 589099 789090 797720 793386 412742 637169

39 37 39 35 39 35 35 38 35 38 37 37 37 37 37 35

U Pull It

0844 8751914

Wigginton Car Repairs 750272 Wigginton car resprays 765948 Oven Cleaning Cookerburra

672859

Kitchen Rescue Ltd 0800 6127252 Ultra Clean 01759 371741 Pest Control a&r pest control 07527 103970 Pet Care 4 Positive Paws 706882 A Cut Above Dog Grooming 422629 Alisons Dog Grooming 422905 Kute k9s & Kats 07851 240108 Malton Equine Laundry Ltd 01653 699899 Minster Vets 643997 Paragon Pet Portraits 07747 812770 Perfect Paws Dog grooming 07877 962791 Pets Pantry 620527 Springer Spaniels 4 sale 01347 810420 Sweeney Dog Ltd 890666 Sweeney Dog Ltd 890666 Sweeney Dog Ltd 890666 Top Dog Grooming 07846 794257 Tracy Outram 07525 824152 photographers Outs Photography 07919 933701 picture framing Steve Garnett 761624 Plastering A Crosier Bathroom Fitter 07855 970895 Colin Hardgrave 07881 733344 Ernie Jeffrey & Reese Plastering 639619 J Barron Plastering 07941 711812 JD Plastering Services LtdF 07985 688147 Paul Bell Plastering 622316 paul hunt plasterer 07949 660854 paul sellars plastering 07789 677251 SM Bradley Plastering Services 07826 270335 Plumbing/heating

36

37 38 114

114 113 21 79 78 78 78 78 78 78 79 79 13 79 78 127 78 78

07973 542283

120

C Hudson Plumbing & Heating 07966 344950

120

Chris Murray Plumbing

07912 575963

120

Colin Bell Plumbing & heating 07885 514332 DJC Plumbing 07770 754215

121 121

DRS Installations Foss Controls Gas Servicing Gastech Geoff Sloane Glen Plumbing & Electrics GPE Services GW Plumbing Haxby Plumbing and heating Hurrells Plumbing & heating

07866 387846 07941 114 788 07793 355168 07793 814172 07966 438722 424169 07501 465392 07525 858008 270308 07712 107208

120 120 121 121 121 67 121 119 121 121

Liam Gray Plumbing

07837 271350

120

Luke Mitchell Plumbing 07974 025903 Melbourne Heating York 07984 742264 Mermaid Plumbing 07970 200 035 Nunthorpe Services 07906 592872 Pipe solutions Plumbing Svs 707484 Poppleton Plumbing & Heating 07903 979712 Radtek Heating 750302 S Williams Plumbing & Heating 07716 788680 Scurr Heating 07976 394117 Skelton Plumbing Services 07766 625584 Sleepsafe Gas Services 07799 474565 Staywarm Heating 07823 443871 T P Plumbing 761919 T Whitelam 07729 980253

119 121 121 121 121 121 3 121 121 121 121 121 121 121

The Direct Boiler Co

295033

The Gas Showroom York Tom Plumb

692060 07971 437359

27 121

Yorkshire Central Plumbing

780780

120

pointing All Points 07752 538461 Grove Property Repairs 780910 printing/design direct Workwear 782666 Vital Signs 07583 182081 Property Services Simon Chadwick 780080 York St John University 876465 recycling CYC Waste Strategy 553292 Removals/Storage 1 Van 1 Man 785022 2 Anywhere 07952 843398 A2B 07772 568526 Andy Vans 422268 dixons man and van 07710 446753 Dock’s removals 07579 009914 Mr Shifter 07710 450672 Ridings Removals 07854 747129 Riverside Removals 07979 523076 Wilkie & Hall 07771 501560 renewable energy green energy projects ltd 01347 833329 Natural Electric Solar Panels 4 U

07836 558087 01423 322915

Solarwall 0500 125005 Roofing

7

111 112 113 106 69 22 28 122 122 122 122 122 122 122 122 122 9 77 76 77

77

2

Able Roofing (York) advanced roofing

07908 558954 07867 774747

122 122

7

Almsford Building and Roofing 795121 Bradleys Roofline 07517 109508

122 122

Ebor Roofing and Plastics Elite Roofing

07581 332457 750166

124 122

Fibretech Ltd

07880 726122

123

119 119 119 119 119 119 119 119 119

1A Rapid Response

295344

120

AD Gas Safe All Cisterns Go

07852 885288 07946 346928

120 120

108

BPH Services

Flat Roof Company

0800 212548 73 & 124

Future roofs

07773 388141

123

Haxby Roofline Company Ltd 07718 521107

123

J & P Construction 676697 L and R Roofing 07854 309212 N. Malarkey Roofing 07932 067701 roofs above 0800 0855 688 Shops/stores Barnitts 625601 Bishopgate Antiques 623893

122 124 122 122 14-15 69

Blue Moon trading Bluebells Of York Bring Buy and Sell co.uk Corkys Dock’s Trading Post Herbert Todd Paul Dawson (York) Ltd Rat Race Adventure Sports Rubber Stamps Ltd Ruth Perrott Rydenor

624141 23 289795 13 620648 17 & 23 625075 55 07579 009914 69 628676 24 07801 537 412 3 07790 900354 32 637355 21 784040 5 476216 17

Supersave

625735

23

The Corner Stitch 620034 22 Time out 626949 29 Walker and Preston Jewellers 670600 4 York Community Furniture 426444 18 Skips/Waste Removal A - Z Waste Acomb Waste Disposal

07802 434349 07724 441630

77 85

D Boswell 488632 81 & 87 Dixons waste disposal 07710 446753 88 Ebor Skip Hire 400997 85 Waste Disposal 07870 486408 88 Wrights of Crockey Hill 620626 88 Solicitors Ardent Law Ltd Denison Till Solicitors

782958 0800 2797500

Harland & Co Solicitors Harrowells Hethertons Solicitors

655555 558600 528200

25 11 & 19 29

Richardson Gildener Solicitors 642727

10/20/56

taxis/car hire Yorcab 646464 Tilers

CM Tiling 07976 675527 Mr Multitrade 07946 378665 travel/holidays Allerdale Hotel 01803 292667 hornsea Leisure Park 01964 535352 Quartz Travel 411188 Sunley Woods Caravans 07706 287837 Tyres E tyres 01904 360151 Venue Hire Clements Hall 466086 Haxby memorial Hall 764358 Weddings

Celebration Cakes

52 51

15 71 117 13 17 30 35 35 31 15

01937 831173

48

Coach House Hotel 652780 The Hospitium 687687 Wedding Affair 0843 2898504 York Register Office 654477 will Writing

JMD Associates UK 799282 Window Cleaning Claires Window Cleaning 07717 756431 Window/Door Repairs Access All UPVC Repairs 410069 DR Glazing 654274 Afford a Lock 625635 Arrow Property Care 792731

48 49 49 48

D.G.M.S Windows Eliments

31 115

124 124 124 124

479944 08000 436005

33 6

Express Trade Windows York 310222 Newspan 0800 5873423

8 19

PVC Window Doctor 07732 822525 Secondary Glazing by D.G.M.S 479944

124 33

Square Deals Ltd 0800 7315435 TWS 0800 0280675 Window Solutions 07842 532133 York Millenium Window 691122 York Trade Windows 541919 worktops Dales of Thirsk Ltd 01845 522523 Work Top Man 07891 858873 direct Workwear 782666

3 70 124 18 31 74 69 7

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Aerials

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Installations & repairs, home cinema, HD, Freesat & Sky

Building & Property Maintenance 111 Roofing, Loft Conversions, Tiling, Extensions, Pointing

Garage Doors Handypeople Joinery

Loft Conversions, Sash Windows, Replacement Doors

117 117 118

Locks / Security 118 Plastering 119 Plumbing & Heating 119

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113

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115

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116

Removals & Storage 122 Roofing 122

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117

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Ironing, Oven Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Chimney Sweep, Window Cleaning Interior & Exterior

Domestic Appliance repairs & Guttering

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124

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Cleaning Services

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113

cleaning

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114

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cleaning / ironing

Cleaning / decorators

decorators

Gary Roe

Painting & Decorating all aspects of decorating Interior & Exterior No job too small Free quotes & advice given All insurance work undertaken

call today on

01904 612419 or 07717 116489 decorators

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115

decorators / electricians

decorators

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Electrical

116

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fascias & soffits

fascias & soffits / handypeople / garage doors

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 garage doors

handypeople

No VAT

No VAT

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117

joinery

handypeople / joinery / locks

handypeople

joinery

DL J locks All types of work undertaken from doors to windows, fascias, loft conversions, extensions, kitchen and bedroom reďŹ ts, all work considered, no job too small call for a free competitive quote Telephone Matt on 07925323536 01904 780463

118

Local businesses at your fingertips

locks

plastering

locks / plastering / plumbing & heating

Lock fIx SecuRIty

plastering

n Give them a call or call into the shop at 69 Walmgate, Y01 9TZ, 01904 623108 www.lockďŹ x.uk.com Shop open Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 2.30pm plastering

plumbing

plumbing

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COMPLETE BATHROOM FITTING SERVICE (including tiling)

119

plumbing & heating

plumbing

Liam Gray Plumbing Specialising in Bathrooms, Hot Water & Heating Systems, Maintenance and Emergency Repairs

• • • •

Showers Kitchen & Bathroom plumbing General maintenance & repairs Fully project managed jobs 24 hour call out - No call out charge Quality Workmanship Call Liam Gray 01904 345 288 / 07837 271 350 info@liamgrayplumbing.com www.liamgrayplumbing.com 64 Aldborough Way, Leeman Road, York YO26 4UX

    

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P L U M B I N G

120

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122

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WINDOW Solutions

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124

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We are the leading supply teaching agency in North Yorkshire.

Now recruiting high quality teachers and teaching assistants.

• Local York branch • Excellent rates • Immediate work • Established 10 years • Primary and Secondary work available • Permanent placements

Call:01904 500595

or apply online at: www.principalteachers.co.uk

Y H T A YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE

TEACHERS

125

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127

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