Your Local Link Magazine March 2011

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n Issue 88 March 2011

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

It’s all yours!

From comedy to crafts...

Mozart to Motown...

Family fun to fab food...

You’ll find it all here!

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

Cycle for 10 mins and win! www.yorkcyclechallenge.org.uk

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Win a

make over

Well we thought it was all getting a bit quiet...

Just when everyone thought we’d got this magazine production malarkey sussed, the bosses go and take on another one. For reasons known only to themselves, ’the directors’ have said yes to a new publication in East Yorkshire.

Frankly, we haven’t seen this much panic since we discovered the last custard cream had gone from the biscuit tin. Dean went into meltdown and wore out three calculators trying to figure out all the accounts stuff. Gini shut herself in her office (well, we say ‘office’ – it’s actually a corner of the room bordered by coffee cups, old copies of Farmer’s Weekly and a Donny Osmond poster) and Tracy decided to work from home (although we suspect the odd spot of riding and dog walking to be honest). Meanwhile Sarah, our ever cheerful Sales Manager, went round telling everyone “It’s do-able, all do-able,” then went out for milk and

wasn’t seen till dinnertime. A couple of salespeople (who shall remain nameless) hit the bottle – it looked like Lucozade but we suspect with added gin – and Design bolted the studio door. But then again, they always do. Although we thought the gun turrets were a bit OTT...

But in spite of all the tears and tantrums, our incredible team did it, and the new publication for East Yorkshire is now launched. So if you know anyone who wants to expand their business into that area, give us a call. In the meantime, you’ll be pleased to hear that our very own Your Local Link continues to go from strength to strength, while its sister publication What’s On is still a must-have for the city’s visitors and residents.

We’re just hoping the success doesn’t go to the management’s head. Gini’s already giving those old copies of Farmer’s Weekly a few thoughtful looks...

the best of york

Welcome...

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6 30 32 40 44 46 48 57 58 73 78 90 112 118

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

Follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/yourlocallinkmagazine Advertising: Gini, Tracy, Sarah, Mim, Emily, Kelly, Richard, Zoe & Lee Accounts: Helen & Robin Distribution: Dean, Jon, Ronnie & Chris Design: Rachel, Lisa & Jerry Editorial: Donna & Richard Space booking, copy and cancellation deadline for the April edition is 11th March 2011 and 18th March 2011 for recruitment.

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

Call: 01904 767881

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

The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH

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the best of york

your competitions

Win tickets to see

Crazy For You An example of work by Rowan Tree Garden Design

Win a Rowan tree Our friends at Rowan Tree Garden Design are offering our readers the opportunity to win a beautiful Rowan tree – perfect for any size garden.

Not only that, but they will deliver the sapling, worth between £35 and £45, to the lucky winner and plant it for them.

The hardy deciduous tree, which produces berries in autumn, is also known as a Mountain Ash. Rowan Tree Garden Design is a family-run business based in Heworth, York, with more than 17 years experience.

Sam and Jennifer North and their team of skilled landscapers undergo all aspects of design, landscaping, paving and hard landscaping, including driveways, brick/ stone walling, planting, decking, fencing, water features and outdoor lighting.

Rowan Tree also offers garden maintenance service. “Now is a good time to get your paving done,” says Jennifer. n For details about the company, go to www.rowantreegardens.co.uk To enter the competition, simply answer the question ‘What is the other common name for a Rowan Tree?’.

Send your answer on a postcard to Rowan Tree Competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday 25th March. Please include your name, address and phone number.

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Our friends at York Light Opera are giving our readers the chance to see their lavish production of Crazy For You for free.

They are offering four pairs of dress circle tickets to see the feel-good musical at York Theatre Royal on Tuesday 8th March, at 7.30pm.

This high-energy comedy features mistaken identities, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers plus music and lyrics

by George and Ira Gershwin.

Bobby Child, a banker, is banished from New York by his father to a family-owned ranch where, it is hoped, he will mend his ways. Stage-struck Bobby travels west to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre, where he falls for Polly Baker. But if he forecloses he will lose Polly, so he convinces her to put on a show to save the theatre. The score includes I Got Rhythm, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Someone To Watch Over Me. To enter the competition, simply answer the following question: What are the Christian names of the Gershwin brothers?

Send your answer on a postcard to York Light Opera Competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Monday 7th March.

Please include your name, address and phone number. Remember, you’ll have to be quick.

the best of york

Win a free makeover!

How would you like to look – and feel – like a celeb for a day?

That’s the promise from Shine Studios in Fossgate. They’re offering an exclusive competition to win a fantastic free makeover, especially for readers of Your Local Link.

At the studios, you’ll have your hair and make-up done and receive advice on achieving your dream look from Shine’s hair and make-up team while you relax with champagne. You’ll then have a fun session with a professional photographer, and just hours later you can choose from a selection of ultra flattering prints. It’s the perfect treat for everyone, from hard-working mums (or dads!) to teens. n Winning your free makeover couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do is text ‘make me shine’ plus your full name and phone number to 07989097466. Texts are charged at your standard rate.

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the best of york

The way i see it

Computer Virus The ups and downs of life as seen by our very own Grumpy (very) Old (almost) Woman I’m finding this month’s column difficult to write since I’m in the grip of gallstones.

At least, I think it’s gallstones. It could just as easily be lactose intolerance, Crohn’s Disease, Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or a hernia. Or it might just be the speed I ate my cheese sandwich at lunchtime.

Although the last one can’t be right, because it doesn’t appear on the list of symptoms that crop up when you put ‘unexplained abdominal pain’ into Google.

To be honest, it’s more likely I’m suffering from a disease that’s spreading across the world faster than a computer virus – cyberchondria.

Worrying symptoms Ever heard of it? Symptoms include having NetDoctor or WebMD on your favourites website lists; being overly familiar with the symptoms of a brain tumour and having a medical vocabulary that would put a Casualty scriptwriter to shame.

And if you’ve ever found yourself in your GP’s waiting room clutching reams of computer printouts, the chances are you’ve got it bad.

And I’m not the only one who suffers from it.

According to research by the Maudsley Hospital in London, GPs spend the equivalent of one day a week reassuring patients who turn up convinced they’re suffering from everything from Turner Syndrome to a Transient Ischaemic Attack. (You see? The fact I even know those three words is worrying in itself).

“A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, so they say” One of the reasons why the flu vaccine became as hard to get as a Take That ticket over the winter was because we’d all scared ourselves senseless on the NHS Direct website, and convinced ourselves the end was nigh. I would have been queuing up for a jab myself if a) further internet research hadn’t revealed that the jabs brought on incontinence/premature senility/a nasty rash, and b) I wasn’t already on the verge of total organ failure.

Blissful ignorance A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, so they say. And in the case of cyberchondria, they could be right. Time was when we lived in blissful ignorance about our health. We got an ache or a pain, we went to the doctor and they sorted it out. We didn’t have time to plough through medical encyclopaedias. We left all that to the experts.

Medical knowledge Now it’s a different story. These days we have a wealth of medical knowledge available at the touch of a button. Which can be good if it helps you make informed choices about your health and your treatment. But not so good if it makes you wake up in the middle of the night, convinced you have MS when really you’ve just slept on your own arm.

And let’s be honest, we don’t trust our doctors as much as we used to. And even if we do, we’re only likely to get five minutes max to tell them our symptoms. So is it any wonder we turn to the internet for a second opinion? Those medical websites may be alarming, but at least they don’t check their watch while you’re still listing your symptoms.

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the best of york

Help keep our city pretty!

What’s your favourite view of York? That’s the question York Civic Trust is asking – and they want our readers to help.

The trust is putting together a database of images that will be used by planners and developers to assess the likely impact of future developments. The aim is to protect some of the city’s best-loved views.

But it isn’t just iconic sights like The Minster that need to be protected. York Civic Trust wants to safeguard all kinds of other unique features, from specific buildings to quirky medieval streets and snickleways.

“There are so many wonderful views of York and I am sure everyone has a favourite,” says Peter Brown, Director of York Civic Trust. “We hope the public will work with us and send us either their own photographs or images of paintings, prints and drawings. It is the plan to create an extensive collection which will not only be a reference point for planning decisions but also a useful resource for everyone to access.” n More information is available at www.yorkcivictrust.co.uk/viewsofyork along with an application form for people to download and complete when submitting their images.

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BOOK REVIEWS Let’s hear it for the girls! with York author

donna hay

It seems like only last month we were reviewing the eleventh No 1 Ladies Detective Agency novel. In fact, come to think of it, it was only last month.

Alexander McCall Smith novels must be like buses – you wait forever for one, then two come along at once. But who cares? We love Mma Ramotswe and her sidekick Grace Makutsi.

In The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party, the pair help a pregnant bride-to-be whose fiancé has done a runner; deal with a case of cattle poisoning, and get to grips with the terrible possibility that Grace’s 97% result on the Botswana Secretarial College exam may have been a mistake.

Modern piracy is the hot topic for Those In Peril, the latest rollercoaster novel by Wilbur Smith. Hazel Bannock is the heir to the Bannock Oil Corp, one of the world’s major oil producers. While cruising in the Indian Ocean, Hazel’s private yacht is hijacked by African pirates, and her teenage daughter, Cayla, is kidnapped.

When Hazel is given evidence of the horrific torture which Cayla is being subjected to, she calls on security expert Hector Cross to help her rescue her daughter. But it means the pair taking the law into their own hands...

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Ever had a wedding anniversary go disastrously wrong? Then spare a thought for Detective Lindsay Boxer.

Her anniversary celebrations are interrupted when she is called to investigate a horrendous crime: a badly injured teenage girl is left for dead, and her newborn baby is nowhere to be found.

So begins 10th Anniversary by James Patterson. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she also finds herself in conflict with her best friend Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano over the case of a woman accused of murdering her husband.

When it comes to strong women battling against the odds, Lesley Pearse is the undisputed Queen of the genre. And who latest novel, Belle, is a classic. Fifteen year old Belle has lived in a brothel in turn of the century London all her life. But her innocence is shattered when she witnesses the murder of one of the girls.

Snatched from the streets by the killer, she is sold into prostitution in Paris. Can she make it back to her family and friends and find her chance at true happiness?

Danielle Steele is another author who specialises in strong, sparky heroines, usually in glamorous locations. But there’s nothing glamorous about the star of her latest book, 44 Charles Street.

Everything is falling to pieces for Francesca Thayer. Her business is struggling, and her beautiful old house is in need of total restoration. When her lawyer boyfriend moves out, she’s forced to take in lodgers to help make ends meet. But her accidental tenants, each with their own story to tell, soon open the door to a whole new life for Francesca.

To the Moon and Back is the gorgeously indulgent, funny and touching new novel from bestselling author Jill Mansell.

When Ellie Kendall tragically loses her husband she feels her life is over. But eventually she’s ready for a new start -- at work, that is. She doesn’t need a man when she has a secret nightly visitor to keep her company... Moving to North London, Ellie meets neighbour Roo, a woman with a secret. Can the girls sort out their lives? Guilt may be a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

York panto named York Theatre Royal’s next pantomime will be called ‘The York Family Robinson’. With Berwick Kaler at the helm for his 33rd York panto, it will take to the stage from 15th December to 4th February.

At the time of going to press there was no sign of a plot, but Berwick assures us one will arrive ten minutes before opening night!

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 1st March at 9am at the theatre’s box office, so start queuing now!

Learn woodworking skills Master craftsman Bob Lambert is passionate about teaching woodworking skills.

He is holding an open day at his workshop on Saturday 12th March, between 10am and 4pm, as well as 12 courses this month.

Bob Lambert’s March courses 1 Router for beginners (Full) 19 Woodturning basics 2 & 3 Router course (Full) 22 Router for beginners 5 Woodturning basics 23 & 24 Router course 8 & 9 Router course 26 Router basics 16 Woodturning for beginners 28 Woodturning for beginners 17 & 18 Woodturning course 30 & 31 Woodturning course n The Woodwork Room, York Riding School, Clifton Road Business Park, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH. For more details, call 348343 or email bob.lambert@woodworkingacademy.co.uk

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A month in the life of the

Lord Mayor

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

“One of the most interesting events last month was our visit to Wheldrake Ings to mark World Wetlands Day. The conservation team had been nursing a mute swan back to health and during our visit we released it back on to the Ings. The Sheriff, Richard Watson, also had a nice surprise when we unveiled a hide that had been named after him. He has done a lot of work with the Countryside Trust so ‘Watson View’ was a fitting tribute.

their needs change. I’ve already had a sneak preview and it looks wonderful.

Treasure Hunt success

“We also have some charity events coming up. This includes a ‘Beatlemania’ event at Huntington Working Men’s Club on 12th March, featuring top tribute band Pepper Hearts. On 31st, there will be an Antiques Roadshow at The Guildhall, where two experts from Tennants Auctioneers will be offering valuations.

Looking ahead, we are holding another of our everpopular Gurkha Curry Evenings on 8th April. Tickets sell out fast, so book early! Call the Civic office on 551011.

“The treasure hunt we held during the Residents’ Festival proved popular and raised £150 for the British Heart Foundation and Our Celebration. We are going to be offering the set of clues – plus the answers, of course! – to any organisation who wants them for a team building exercise, or to add extra interest to a visit to the city. The cost will be £25, with a proportion of sales going to the Association of Voluntary Guides, who came up with treasure hunt.

Coming up this month “Coming up, this month I will be going along to the official opening of Auden House, the city’s first ‘extra care’ apartments. Each apartment has been designed to be wheelchair friendly and enable residents to receive increasing levels of care as they grow older and

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“On 27th March at 4pm we will also be holding a Civic Service in The Minster. The Lord Mayor traditionally has a civic service in their parish church which is open to councillors. But I asked The Minster if I could have a service there and invite civic heads from other areas.

Charity events

“Another big event is the Royal Wedding. We’re inviting people to celebrate in style by watching the wedding on a big screen in the Mansion House. There will also be the chance to win a chauffeur driven champagne trip in a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. We’re still finalising all the details, so watch this space for more news!”

A moose in the house Members of Flying Ducks Youth Theatre are looking for a moose or stag’s head for the bar scenes in their forthcoming show Curtains The Musical.

Stephen Outhwaite says: “We try to make our scenery as authentic as possible and this type of prop would greatly improve the overall look of the set. If anyone is prepared to lend the company this item, it would be very much appreciated.” n If you can help, call Stephen on 761806.

The show will run from Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th April at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York. Tickets can be booked by calling Michael on 768963.

Beware of

scams

Scams often come as a phone call, email or a letter from someone you have never heard of and who offers scant details about themselves, warns City of York Council.

Fresh thinking

They are likely to have: elaborate marketing materials; extravagant promises; instructions to make a decision straight away; and requests for details of bank accounts and passwords.

Our readers are urged to collecting any potential scam mailings and forward them to City of York CouncilTrading Standards, 9 St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7ET. Anyone who suspects a scam, should call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/reportscam

Join the street fair Charities, craftsmen and organisations are being invited to apply for a pitch at the 21st annual Copmanthorpe Street Fair.

The popular event, organised by St Giles parish church, takes place on the May Day Bank Holiday (May 2nd) between noon and 4pm.

For the...

key stages in your life

n For a booking form, write to Street Fair, 15A School Lane, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 2SQ.

Adult education Residents can still sign up for Adult Education courses. City of York Council is inviting residents to enrol for courses that start in March. For more details, call 552806 or email adult.education@york.gov.uk

Much of our work involves helping people deal with key stages or events in their lives. Draw on our considerable experience to help you deal with the choices that life can present.

“Our aim is always to turn our legal expertise into something of practical value to you” Elspeth Harrow, Partner Why not visit www.harrowells.co.uk where we've summarised some of the issues you need to consider at different stages in life - and given a flavour of how we can help.

• • • • •

First time home buyers Partners & children Building up wealth Second marriages Helping adult children

T:

• • • • •

Helping elderly parents Retirement Business succession Care arrangements Passing on wealth

01904 558600

E: advice@harrowells.co.uk www.harrowells.co.uk Business advice I Personal advice I Disputes & claims I Property Harrowells LLP is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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CHARITY CHAMPIONS

Karen, who is profoundly deaf and had not worked for 19 years, had her life turned around when Shaw Trust helped her to get a job with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as a data processor.

Before the employment charity intervened, Karen, of York, had only been able to find short-term contracts, and was desperate to find something more permanent.

“I owe Shaw Trust a huge thank-you for changing my life. I know I would not be in work now without their help,” says Karen, who is one of three profoundly deaf people Shaw Trust has supported into jobs with the MoD. “I’m happy, confident and enjoy being out of the house and socialising with my colleagues. I’ve been put forward every year by my manager for a bonus because of the standard of my work and also been encouraged to

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go for promotion,” adds Karen, who still has the support of the trust if she needs it.

Initial support for Karen and her employers included funding for an interpreter, a fire alarm pager system which ensures safety for deaf employees, plus ongoing training to achieve the IT qualifications she needs.

MoD spokesperson Alison Watson says: “Karen is an excellent member of staff. She works really hard and takes pride in the quality of her work.”

Sally Burton, chief executive of Shaw Trust, says: “Work is an important part of people’s lives and everyone has the right to work. We know that constructive and meaningful employment can help disabled and disadvantaged people to achieve their full potential and live more independent lives.

“The delivery of our services under Work Choice will provide a framework for employers and, most importantly, make employment a reality for our clients.” n People who would like to move from incapacity and sickness benefits into work or employers who would like to offer work experience placements or jobs can

call Shaw Trust FREE on 0300 30 33 1111 or look up www.shaw-trust.org.uk/york Do you know a person or organisation who deserves to be a Charity Champion?

Write and let us know!

Help us build our new club!

Wigginton Bowling Club has been going for over 25 years now. During that time, they’ve spent a considerable amount of time and money improving the green and surrounding area, and were awarded a Commendation of Merit from Bowls England for coming 7th in their Club of the Year Awards. The only thing letting them down is their pavilion. For the past 20 years their home has been a 15m x 4m Portakabin with no changing rooms or disabled facilities.

They would love a new home. Plans for a new 21m x 7m brick built pavilion have received approval from City of York Council. The new building will have full changing rooms, toilets, disabled facilities, kitchen and a function area which will comfortably seat 80 people – double the capacity of their current clubhouse. The new pavilion would also be available for use by the wider village community for social functions.

Now all they need are the funds to pay for it. They’re looking for local businesses or individuals to help raise the estimated £100,000 needed to make their dream of a new pavilion come true. n Can you help? If you’d like to support this very worthy cause, please contact 760877

Looking after disabled people Lives Unlimited is a community group who believe that disabled people should have control over their own lives. One way to do this is for disabled and older people to have a personal budget so they can employ their own staff or personal assistants (PAs).

One member of Lives Unlimited employs a team of PAs to enable him to live independently in his own house. Another young man employs a PA to support him in his job at a hotel. A young woman employs PAs to help with domestic chores and social activities.

‘Dream PAs: How to find one, how to be one’ is a free training event for PAs and disabled or older people who want to find out what having a PA is all about. n The event is on Saturday 19th March, 9.30am to 3.30pm, at York’s National Railway Museum. To book your place, email livesunlimited@hotmail.co.uk or call 330606.

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Horoscopes

March 2011 ARIES (21st March - 19th April) In the age old battle of the sexes men look likely to win the next round – so ladies beware and avoid conflict! A good month for exercising your leadership skills and for pushing hard towards long term career ambitions.

TAURUS (20th April - 20th May) As one cause of stress evaporates another moves in to take its place, but nevertheless this is a good time for relationships and for working together in partnerships. All educational aspects are well starred and there are no problems that cannot be solved by drawing on your past experience.

GEMINI

(21st May - 20th June) New cars for some, important journeys for others. Some financial improvement on the job scene falls into place during the first fortnight with interesting travel opportunities between the14th and the 21st. This is a month of finding fresh confidence to push forwards with new ideas.

CANCER

(21st June - 22nd July) A domestic month with the accent on family affairs – especially the welfare of children. Having said that, some good career opportunities around the 14th 15th and 16th with a holiday break around the 19th or 20th.

Lady Cancerians come under pressure from heavy propositions during the last week.

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

LEO (23th July - 22nd August) A messy month with a number of conflicting loyalties, both at work and within relationships.

Ladies should weather the storm but gentlemen are likely to make a right hash of things. Watch your words, for a word spoken in jest may be taken literally and seriously by a third party, with significant consequences.

SAGITTARIUS

VIRGO (24th August - 22nd September)

CAPRICORN (22nd December - 19th January) A very productive time as you move into a period of enhanced clarity and stability. A partner will be working hard to please and there will be some fiscal improvement on or around the 27th. You may find yourself reviewing some recently made decisions and feeling pretty pleased with yourself.

Bad memories from the past must not be allowed to spoil the pleasures of the present so push onwards and upwards and have faith in your own future. Family and friends are behind you all the way, and one member of the opposite sex will be working overtime to please and impress.

(22nd November - 21st December) Avoid unnecessary journeys, especially on the 9th, 19th and 29th. Between the 8th and the 17th you will make a major decision that you’ve been putting off for fear that it won’t be popular – which it won’t be! Significant changes to domestic routines during the fourth week.

LIBRA (23rd September - 22nd October) A month full of surprises when very little will go as planned. Lots of opportunities for fresh starts in complicated relationships but to find a perfect pathway you will need to make compromises. Lucky break on the job scene around the 14th.

AQUARIUS (20th January - 18th February)

SCORPIO (23rd October - 21st November)

(19th February - 20th March)

A month in two halves! The first couple of weeks sees you surging ahead and making a number of gains; a small ambition will be achieved and another, far greater one, comes one step closer. The second two weeks, however, could bring health problems.

A short cut to a career gain will put more money in your pocket, so don’t be afraid of taking a few risks at this time. A younger member of the family enjoys great success and generates a great feeling of pride.

PISCES

What is imaginary and what is real? This month is a time of changing circumstances and you will be challenged to find an answer to this question!

A social event on the 10th could give you a sore head and this is a month to cut down on alcoholic and gastronomic extravagances.

Sign up for scarecrow festival Get your creative head on, a la TV’s Worzel Gummidge, and come up with a scarecrow fit to grace the 5th Haxby & Wigginton Scarecrow Festival which takes place between April 30th and May 2nd to raise funds for orphans in Cape Town, South Africa, and local projects. The deadline for entries is April 3rd. n For more details, call Dave Sleet on haxbyscarecrows@ hotmail.com or 761262 or complete the form at www. haxbyandwiggintonmethodistchurch.org.uk/scarecrow.php David would appreciate any local voluntary organisations wanting to apply for funds to submit their request to him at 29 Old Orchard, Haxby YO32 3DS by March 31st.

Information fair for senior citizens Older Citizens Advocacy York wants to highlight the services available to senior citizens. It is holding an information fair at Clements Hall, Clementhorpe, York, on Thursday, March 31st, between 10am and noon. Roisheen Childs, coordinator of Older Citizens Advocacy York, says: “Exhibitors include energyefficiency advice, York leisure department, Home Instead, Healing Clinic, Age UK, plus many more.” For more details, call Roisheen on 676200.

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RSS YEBA ES USIN IN

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Clubhouse dream nears reality for football club Not a ball had been kicked or a goal scored, when the celebrations began for one junior football club in York last autumn after it was announced they were to receive a huge funding injection of £375,000 towards their new community sports pavilion.

Four months into the project and excitement is building for everyone connected to Poppleton Tigers as the club’s new headquarters begin to take shape on Millfield Lane. The clubhouse is set to open in time for the start of next season when Tigers’ 320 registered players - including teams from ages 5 to 16 for boys and girls - will move in.

The Football Foundation – a sports charity funded by the Premier League, the Football Association and the DCMS – contributed £225,000, boosted

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by an additional FA grant of £150,000 as part of their capital allocation within the Whole Sports Plan agreed with Sport England.

Club secretary Val Duggan said: “We have lived and breathed this project for the last three years so to see it taking shape is fantastic, for the club and the local community.

“We are indebted to a small band of people, as well as the Football Foundation, the North Riding County FA, City of York Council, Poppleton Community Trust, Nether Poppleton & Upper Poppleton Parish Councils, and for significant support and advice from local architect Paul Butler and JM Butler Builders Ltd.”

What is the Football Foundation?

• It is the nation’s largest sports charity • It is funded directly by the Premier League, the FA and the Government via Sport England • Launched in July 2000, it has so far supported 8000 community sports projects worth £930million • 180 projects have been supported across North Riding, worth £15million • 189 York Minsters - the equivalent height if all Football Foundation funded goalposts were stacked on top of each other

What a result...

Poppleton Tigers JFC, Poppleton Girls and Poppleton Ladies previously used temporary buildings for their changing facilities but will instead have four state-of-the-art changing rooms, with meeting and training facilities, officials’ changing rooms, a kitchen and toilets.

“Poppleton Tigers are a good example of what can be achieved.”

Over the last two years the club have raised £95,000 towards the new facilities, but still need to find around £40,000, to cover an unexpected VAT bill and towards furnishing the new facilities, which will give a massive shot in the arm for local grassroots sport in York.

Gary Limbert, City of York Council Football Facilities Project Officer, revealed: “It will offer a new resource for the benefit of the whole community. The City of York Football Facilities Development Plan is now complete and I would encourage clubs to come forward and develop their projects.

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“Poppleton Tigers are a good example of what can be achieved.”

Other proposals are in the pipeline with Hamilton Panthers, based on the Little Knavesmire, in consultation with local residents, York City Council and the Football Foundation.

It all adds up to a brighter future for York’s grassroots sports scene – which can only be good for the city’s youngsters and the nation’s footballers of the future.

19

Join

the

club

Wanted: boardgame venue

Members of the friendly boardgam e club Beyond Monopoly! are looking for a good public venue in York city centre where they can meet to play games. n If you have any suggestions , email bmyork@gmail.com Beyond Monopoly! meets at the Railway Institute, Queen Street, York.

This month’s meetings take plac e on Wednesday, March 2, betw een 5pm and 10pm, and on Saturday s, March 5th & 19th, between 10am and 6pm.

ue players g a le y b g u r Wanted: are looking y league team

gb on k under-14 ru e players train New Earswic Year Nine. Th ol ho sc m, at in s 5p er 7.1 ay d pl an e or for m tween 5.45pm k.

Thursdays, be , New Earswic Tuesdays and te Rose Avenue hi W , ub Cl L AR k New Earswic wickrl.co.uk ww.newears tails, go to w de e or m r n Fo

Does your club or group need new members?

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

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

Mark your message ‘Club News’.

20

Wanted: lady songsters

rehearsing for its next concert The York Priory Choir, which is sopranos and altos - but would in May, wants to recruit second choral singing. Concerts welcome all women who enjoy the money raised goes to are given throughout the year and e at St Thomas’s Church, plac take ls arsa various charities. Rehe , from 7pm to 9pm.

Lowther Street, York, on Tuesdays come and sing. n There is no audition - simply 738122 on nda Bre For more details, call

Wanted: darts players Dunnington Sports Club is recruiting players for a new darts team which will be entered into the York Phoenix Monday night darts league. Nick Roberts, sports club manager, says: “The summer season starts in April, but we plan to have a get-together of the team one Monday in March.” n So if you are a keen darts player or just want to give it a go, call Nick on 481039, or 0790 567 7559, or Carl 0795 195 2621.

Play table tennis

Dunnington Sports Clu b plays host to table ten nis players of mixed abilities, from beginn ers to more accompli shed players, and we all new players. The gro lcomes ups meet every Tuesd ay from 7.30—10pm and Thursdays, from 9.30am to 12 noon. n For more details, call Keith on 07770 874996.

Basketball players wanted York Vikings Basketball Club have three boys’ junior teams competing in the English Basketball National league and they are also competing in local leagues with a junior girls’ team, senior women’s and men’s teams. They are still keen to encourage new players in all age groups from the York area. n For more details, call club treasurer Jeremy Hall on 0609 777961 or go to www.yorkvikings.org.uk

The sound of music

City of York Pipe Band is looking for new members, to learn how to play pipes or drums. All equipment is provided with a view to you playing out with the band at engagements and competitions. Free tuition is offered to Under 18s, but it’s never too late to learn! The club also welcomes returning players. n They’re a friendly band that meets every Wednesday at Huntington Memorial Hall, Strensall Road.Call 01904 622275

A decade of York art

York Open Studios is celebrating its tenth anniversary by holding their annual open studios event over two weekends, instead of the usual one.

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

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

York Open Studios combines discovering creative talent with wandering round the medieval city in search of art studios. With more than 100 artists taking part, visitors will need to plan their route carefully with the help of the events free guide/map and website www.yorkopenstudios.

York Open Studios 2011 Opening times: 1st-3rd April and 8th-10th April.

Friday, 6pm-9pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm.

A Taster Exhibition will be held at Grays Court from March 1st to April 15th, open daily 10am - 6pm, free entry. Contact the organisers for a free map: tel 706123, email info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk or download from www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk co.uk. Most of the studios can be reached on foot.

A programme of talks, workshops and events will offer a fascinating insight into York’s creative community.

21

Meet your neighbour

Welcome to

‘Marco Towers’ Former York City striker Marco Gabbiadini, aged 43, has switched from scoring goals to serving guests at his luxury bed-and-breakfast establishment.

The much-travelled striker played professional football for 20 years, scoring 226 goals in nearly 700 appearances with York City, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Panionios (Greece), Darlington, Northampton and Hartlepool. He also represented England at Under 21 and 'B' Level.

Towards the end of his football career, Marco, encouraged by his wife, Deborah, got into the B&B business, buying Bishop’s, in Holgate Road, York, in 2003.

“We run a five-star establishment, offering our guests a friendly, personal service and using fresh, top-quality

22

Yorkshire produce. As a businessman, I think it’s important to support the local economy by using local suppliers whenever possible, as long as the price is right!”

Away from the five-star guest house, he works three days a week as

Family rivals The Gabbiadini family owns another B&B in York, run by Marco’s brother, Ricardo, who was also a professional footballer, and their parents!

head of sport and public relations for Inspire2Independence, a welfareto-work company based at Nether Poppleton, York.

“We help people get back to work by using football as a motivational tool,” says Marco, who also co-presents Total Sport on BBC Radio Newcastle with Simon Pryde and John Anderson.

Marco and Deborah have three

He adds: “Football has been good to me. I played for 20 years, scored a lot of goals and avoided serious injury.

The longest spell I had out injured was six weeks. Okay, I didn’t earn the big money that footballers earn now – if I did I wouldn’t be doing three jobs now! But I’ve met a lot of great characters and scoring in front of 30,000 people at Roker Park, hearing

‘I didn’t earn the big money that footballers earn now – if I did I wouldn’t be doing three jobs now.’ daughters and a 17-year-old son, Jules, who is a football apprentice with Hull City.

Marco is a qualified UEFA coach and has not ruled out returning to professional football – although he’s well aware of the pitfalls.

He says: “Being a football manager is a very precarious profession. I have a friend who’s been sacked three times in the last four years. I’ve decided to put my family first, but part of me would like to have a go at being a manager.”

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Since hanging up his football boots, Marco has become an enthusiastic horseman, along with his daughters who belong to the Pony Club. “I like just hacking out; it’s a great way to relax” he says.

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portrait of a LOCAL artist their personality – although he mainly works from photographs.

He pays particular attention to the eyes of his subjects. “If you catch the life in their eyes it shouts out ‘I am that person’. Get the eyes right and the rest of the portrait falls into place,” says Peter, a father-of-three who is a member of York Art Society.

‘Get the eyes right and the rest of the portrait falls into place’ He works in Conte Pencil on a specially prepared board which, when finished, is varnished and framed in the form of an oil painting. Archival quality colours, which don’t fade, are used to ensure the permanence of the finished work.

Peter Barber works on the portrait of a woman he spotted in a café in Marseilles, France.

Peter Barber has, in a small way, had a big impact on the Yorkshire landscape.

Working as a chartered engineer for the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), he was involved in the projects to build the huge coal-fired power stations at Ferrybridge and Drax. Their giant chimneys and cooling towers can be seen from York.

Nowadays Peter, aged 72, of Copmanthorpe, concentrates on much smaller projects; he is a portrait artist who paints people and animals.

He studied art at school and although he

24

maintained this interest throughout his career as a civil engineer, it was not until retirement in 2000 that he had the time to fully follow his ambition to become an artist.

Portraiture had always enthralled him, especially the work of the masters such as Rembrandt. He is a strong believer that a good portrait is first of all one in which one will immediately recognise the subject. That is not to say that there may well be some artistic interpretation to reflect the character of whoever is being painted. Peter likes to meet the people he paints in order to get an idea of

He was inspired to work with coloured pencils after seeing an exhibition of portraits by David Hockney, the world famous Yorkshire artist, at the Royal Academy in London. The technique he uses to apply the colours to board is of his own devising. “I don’t know of any other artist who does it the way I do,” says Peter, who also makes the frames for his pictures in his garden shed. n York Art Society is holding its 193rd exhibition at the Guildhall, St Helen’s Square, York, between March 15th and 21st. Come on down and get up close to the pictures of Peter and his fellow artists.

Quick repairs for mobile phones FoneFix, which has been repairing mobile phones for more than 10 years, is the only Nokia and Samsung accredited service centre in York. The walk-in repair centre offers free warranty repairs covering all manufacturing faults on Nokia and Samsung phones.

Spokesman Ian Dawson says: “As an accredited service centre you can be confident that we will provide the very best care for your phone. For example, we use genuine Nokia and Samsung parts.”

All out-of-warranty repairs come with 90-day repair cover.

This is available for Apple, Motorola and Sony Ericsson phones as well as Nokia and Samsung handsets.

Ian adds: “Repairs, which are carried out on site by qualified technicians, are usually turned around within 48 hours.” n FoneFix Ltd, 15 Foss Islands Road, York. Tel: 0845 358 9999

Wind farm seminar “Wind power has been the world’s fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years and this trend is set to continue,” says Renewable UK – the voice of wind and marine energy.

York law firm Denison Till, which has developed legal expertise in the renewable energy sector, has joined forces with project consultants Arup to deliver a wind farm seminar, which will take place at York’s National Railway Museum on Thursday, March 3rd, between 2pm and 5pm.

Denison Till says: “This seminar is not-to-be missed by anyone involved in providing goods and services and structuring deals in the wind energy sector. It is designed to help you avoid the costly legal and commercial pitfalls associated with wind farms.”

The seminar will cover feasibility, planning, funding, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance. n Book online at www.denisontill.com or call Gareth Hevey or Julian Still on 611411 for more details.

Vote for Yorkshire Museum The thousands of Your Local Link readers who showed their passion for the Yorkshire Museum by taking part in last year’s Golden Ticket Day are now being urged to vote for the popular York attraction.

It is one of ten contenders for the prestigious 'Museum of the Year' award, sponsored by the Art Fund.

York residents are being urged to vote online at www.artfundprize.org. uk for the Yorkshire Museum – and tell the judges why it should win the £100,000 prize.

The winner will be selected by an independent panel of judges, chaired by TV presenter and former Tory MP Michael Portillo.

The York entry is up against the British Museum, London; the Hertford Museum; Leighton House, London; Mostyn, Llandudno; People's History Museum, Manchester; Polar Museum, Cambridge; Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway; Roman Baths Museum, Bath; and V&A, London.

Millfield Industrial Estate Wheldrake, York.YO19 6NA 5 minutes away from York Designer Outlet

Voting for the list of ten closes on May 3 at 5pm; a short-list of four museums will be announced on May 19 and the winner on June 15.

25

YOUR

Local Culture

BY Richard foster

Mystery Man

Actor Liam Evans-Ford has been tasked with getting as many people as possible involved in the York Mystery Plays, which are returning to the Museum Gardens for the first time in 24 years.

The 2012 Mystery Plays, involving more than 2,000 volunteers, are expected to attract at least 30,000 people to a temporary theatre in the gardens.

York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust have appointed Liam as community producer to recruit and co-ordinate the volunteers. He is working closely with community groups as well as engaging with individuals to develop a strong team of both on-stage and off-stage volunteers.

Liam trained as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, enjoying a successful career working in the West End, with the Royal Shakespeare Company and at many regional theatres, including York. Indeed, he has fond memories of York, having proposed to his wife in the city.

Liam will be working on ‘Two Planks and a Passion’ which will be at York Theatre Royal in July. This co-production with Riding Lights Theatre Company, which also involves a community cast and crew, tells the story of the York Guilds performing the Mystery Plays to Richard II. n If you fancy getting involved in either ‘Two Planks and a Passion’ or York Mystery Plays, contact Liam at York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7H or email mysteryplays2012@ yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

26

Railway Children steam into Canada York Theatre Royal’s production of The Railway Children will be staged in Toronto, Canada, this summer. Since its first summer run in 2008 at York’s National Railway Museum (NRM), the stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classical novel has been a huge hit.

The production is now transferring to Toronto’s Railway Heritage Museum, where a 1,000 seat theatre will be built. Damian Cruden, artistic director of the Theatre Royal, will fly out to Toronto to direct the show with a Canadian cast.

Liz Wilson, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, says: “This is a huge achievement for York Theatre Royal and something for everyone who has worked on the project to feel immensely proud.”

Laura Turner, curator of art, and Janet Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust, stroll past David Hockney’s biggest painting at York Art Gallery.

Hockney’s surprise visit David Hockney dropped in unannounced at York Art Gallery as staff were preparing to display his monumental painting of an East Yorkshire coppice.

They were still sorting out the lighting for the picture when the world famous artist, who lives in Bridlington, turned up, catching everyone by surprise.

‘Bigger Trees Near Warter’ was painted by Hockney on 50 individual canvases in the open air. In 2008, he donated it to the Tate Gallery in London and it is now being used to launch a compelling programme of exhibitions and events.

‘Art in Yorkshire’ will see works by iconic artists such as Damien Hirst, Henry Moore and Dame Barbara Hepworth, as well as Hockney, featured in exhibitions taking place in 19 galleries across the county.

The strength of Yorkshire’s art collections are being highlighted alongside significant loans from Tate’s Collection.

Yorkshireman Hockney is proud of Bigger Trees Near Warter’, saying: “I thought if I'm going to give something to the Tate I want to give them something really good. I thought this was a good painting because it's of England.” n Hockney’s masterpiece is on display in York until June 12th

27

Local

Sport report

with DAN TAIT

Even better in HD

If I had a pound for every time Sky suggested things were bigger, better and clearer in high definition, I would be an extremely rich man.

Perhaps not as rich as the reported £1.7m yearly salary Andy Gray coined in for giving his ego-inflated opinion but how I would have paid good money to see the Sky board meeting to inform Mr Gray and sexist assistant Richard Keys of their misdemeanours in glorious HD. Imagine commenting on how well you could see the colour red (the sharpness really captures the embarrassment). Richard Keys apologised via future employees, Talksport, though I still think Loose Women may have been a more appropriate setting to air his views.

I still think Loose Women may have been a more appropriate setting to air his views.

Sky, now without Gray and Keys, were at the forefront of the transfer window countdown, even giving you the seconds left when we were in mid-January and regularly giving breaking news like Andy Webster signing for Hearts on a free transfer; which is as relevant to me as their daily Surf Report, which I have seen every morning at 6:50 since mid November. I guess you can’t blame them but York City’s January captures of Liam Darville and Scott Kerr was missing from their deadline day coverage.

28

Living on a prayer On the pitch York City continue to have a resurgent run, especially at home including a massive 4-1 home thumping over then leaders Wimbledon in early February. Most games have been comfortable and the biggest panic came when the Tannoy announcer revealed that a car was blocking an entrance to the Methodist church. One of the people I sit with had just been telling me that this was the first game he had drove to after passing his driving test the previous week – he had found a really good parking spot just outside the Methodist church...

PA is very important at football matches in the modern era. York City’s chief announcer Robert Havercroft plays his part in setting the tone, whether it’s stating that the mascot is “all the way from Heworth”, to reading out the full-time

score despite you being there watching the match. Another important role is declaring the goals scorers. Many times last season we heard the “angel of the north, Richard Brodie”, now “his boots were made for scoring, Michael Rankine” but nothing beats my all-time favourite of “he’s lean, he’s mean, he’s a goal machine, Lee Nogan” after slotting in his second goal of the season in late April.

Marching on March will be a busy month for York sport with York City scheduled to play at home five times including what now is a grudge match against Luton Town, on Friday 11th, and a live billing on the premier sports channel. In Rugby League, the Knights have two home games at Huntington Stadium; taking on Sheffield Eagles on Thursday, 17th and then a rematch with Barrow Raiders on Sunday 27th.

Gift Ideas Play Goalball Goalball is a Paralympic sport designed for people with a visual impairment where two teams of blindfolded players attempt to score in the opposition’s goal by tracking the path of a ball, filled with bells, by sound alone.

The perfect surprise gift for Mum.

A Goalball club, open to anyone aged 12 and over, meets every Saturday, from 12.15pm to 1.30pm, at the Foss Sports Hall at York St John University. n Call Rob Tyas on 553440 or email rob.tyas@york.gov.uk

Wanted: football volunteers Poppleton Tigers, a junior football club, are appealling for both funds and volunteers to keep the club running. Like all local amateur clubs, they are run by volunteers who give up their own time to help the local community.

York businesses have been invited to sponsor the club’s new community sports pavilion, or a room in it, for as little as £1,000. Individuals can get involved thanks to a ‘buy a brick’ scheme at £50 a brick. Future fundraising events include a Race Night (5th March) and the Poppleton Beer Festival (29th/30th April) both of which will be held at The Poppleton Centre. You can donate to the club by visiting www.easyfundraising.org.uk/poppletonfc n If you want to get involved with the club as a volunteer, call Carol Newman 07703 104692 or Val Duggan 07717 483685.

Poppleton Tigers are a subsidiary of the Poppleton Community Trust (registered charity No. 523984).

YORKSHIRE’S PERSONAL INJURY SPECIALIST

We deal with Accidents at work Accidents in shops Slips trips and falls Road traffic accidents

Spend time in our professional studio with a special Mothers Day price of £40 for a session including an 8"x6" photograph.

Alternatively, buy a voucher to give to Mum. n Call Varney Photographers 01904 797359, www.varney.info 24 York Rd, Acomb, York.

Capture the unique imprint of your child’s fingerprint in a piece of bespoke silver jewellery made by Debra who runs her business from a village in East Yorkshire.

On receipt of payment for your order you will receive a moulding kit via Royal Mail for you to return. Once Debra has received your impression she will make your piece of jewellery. The usual delivery time is two weeks. n For details, call 01759 368593 or go to www.hannaholiviajewellery.co.uk

Little Impressions Beautifully handcrafted casts in range of styles; preserving a detailed image of your child's hands and feet forever.

From babies to adults, individuals or family sets there are options to suit every combination.

Bespoke commissions welcome. www.little-impressions.com n For a stunning gift for Mothers Day contact Debi on 01904 349352 or 07506 470502 or e-mail debb@little-impressions.com

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Something special?

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Who says ethical fashion can't be cutting edge, bang on trend and uber cool? onfriday produce unique, handmade bags for both men and women from some of the very best ethical fashion designers. Their amazing collection will take your breath away! n Log on to www.onfriday.co.uk

29

your wedding

East meets

West

Claire and Ali Akhtar got married at the Hospitium last November. This is their story...

“Our wedding was always in our minds going to be one big party, with a little bit of Punjabi and Yorkshire tradition thrown in for good measure,” says Claire.

“We had originally planned our wedding at another venue in York, but due to unforeseen circumstances at the venue it was cancelled and we started again from scratch. Dad went to visit the Hospitium three months before we actually saw it. He told us how beautiful it was and just to go ahead and book it. It was the best advice ever!

“I looked as far as India and Singapore for a dress that was East meets West. In a moment of inspiration I Googled ‘east fusion wedding dress’ and found my dream dress! It was really a summer cut but I had a veil made which I ended up wrapping around my shoulders to keep warm on the day. It looked so

‘ethnic’ that I kept it wrapped like that.

“Ali and I opted to have chillies included in our floral arrangements for a bit of fun; they looked brilliant, really different. The main flowers were roses and I had five thistles in my bouquet for family who couldn’t be with us in person on the day.

“For dinner we opted for Pakistani style curry or Whitby fish pie. The caterers really couldn’t have done more; we had wanted too much food, and we got it!

“And as for the Hospitium...I love you, Jenn! From advice on make-up artists and music, she couldn’t do enough to help me – she even made me feel better about the rain! We loved our Big Fat Punjabi/ Yorkshire wedding!”

Ask Emily...

Need help with a wedding dilemma?

Q.

I’m planning my wedding for next year, but my fiancé just doesn’t seem interested. Whenever I ask him for his opinion, he just says, “Whatever you like”. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t want to get married.

A. Don’t take his lack of interest the wrong way; most men find it hard to get too excited about colour schemes and table decorations!

In his mind it’s also probably still a long way off – you may find he takes more of an interest as the wedding gets closer. In the meantime, you could try finding out whether there’s aspect of the wedding that does interest him and encourage him to get involved with that. For instance, you might find he’s more enthusiastic about photography or choosing the entertainment than he is about designing invitations.

Q. Can you suggest a suitable venue for a very small wedding? My partner and I have both been married before and we only want a small wedding – around four or six people. Any ideas?

A.York Register Office offers a choice of two settings – the spacious reception room that seats 50 people or the intimate and less formal

n Send us your wedding story!

If you’ve had an unusual or interesting wedding you’d like to tell us about, write to us at the address on page five, or email info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Don’t forget to include a photo of you and your other half! You could find yourself starring in Your Local Link!

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

Registrar’s office which accommodates up to eight people. Call 01904 654477 to find out more. As for the reception, why not take your pick from one of the many fantastic restaurants we have in the city?

Check the ‘York on a Fork’ pages of Your Local Link and choose your favourite!

Q. Is a three year old too young to be a flower girl? My best friend is my bridesmaid and I’d love her daughter to be involved, too. What do you think?

A. There’s no age limit – it really depends on the child. Some kids are mature enough to cope with the day at three years old, while others get bored too easily. It might help that your friend is going to be involved in the wedding party too, so she can hold her hand as you walk up the aisle and during the ceremony. But make sure you have other bridesmaids who can support you on the day; you don’t want your only bridesmaid running around after her little girl while you’re left high and dry!

n If you have a wedding problem you’d like answered, write to Emily at the address on page three, or email info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Mark your message ‘Ask Emily’ 30

your wedding

Something special Looking for something to make your big day truly different? Head along to The Hospitium Wedding Fair on Sunday 10th April, and let your imagination take flight. From the weird to the wonderful, there’ll be a whole cast of wedding suppliers, all hand-picked by The Hospitium to guarantee their excellent quality of service. Some of the more unusual suppliers include a vintage china hire company, an old-fashioned ice cream van serving delicious gourmet treats, horse drawn carriages and even personalised love stories! The wedding fair will also feature the more traditional side of wedding planning, from formal florists to photographers. The team from York Venues will also be on hand to show you around the fairytale venue and answer all your wedding questions. So, whether you’ve just got a few details to finalise, or are starting to plan your wedding from scratch, pop along and have a sneaky peek at how your dream day could be!

Girls just want to have fun!

Our in-house wedding expert Emily’s had to put her knowledge to the test organising her friend’s surprise hen party. Here are some of her tips...

“When it comes to creating the perfect hen party, it all comes down to the personality of your bride. If she’s an adrenaline junkie, then high octane stuff like quad biking, assault courses, paintballing or zorbing could be fun. If she’s more the chilled out glamour girl type, go for something like cocktail making, spa treatments, burlesque classes, or a day at the races etc. All the bridesmaids had to do some brainstorming about what our friend would like – it’s really important to put your own likes and dislikes aside!

“The next thing is to decide on a budget. Setting up a dedicated credit card for expenses is a good idea. We’ve also set up a separate email account so all the bridesmaids can access it and email the potential hens.

“One final tip is to give yourself plenty of time to organise the party. These things always take a lot longer than you think!”

31

health & beauty for you

Charity dance marathon York Theatre Royal wants you to put on your dancing shoes to support a £50,000 appeal to install a lift at the De Grey Rooms.

A dance-a-thon is being held in the venue’s restored ballroom on April 3rd, between 10am and 8.30pm.

Organiser Polly Ingham says: “We need around 1,000 volunteers to sign up and be sponsored for either one 1½ hour dance session or for the whole 10½ hours.

The people will change, but the dancing will never stop.

Whatever your age, whatever your talent, this is a great opportunity to have a go at dancing through the decades and support the charity Access For All.” There will be ceilidh dancing, spicy salsa and Latin American, jazz, ballroom, rock‘n’roll, hip hop and disco.

Each session will be professionally instructed and prizes will be awarded throughout the day. n To book your place, go to www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or call 623568.

Healing hands You keep your car in good shape with a regular MOT, so why not treat your body with the same care and attention? That’s the advice of York Remedial Therapies in Fulford. As well as offering remedial massage to treat a range of specific problems, such as headaches, bad backs, chronic tension and sports injuries, therapist James also recommends having a check-up two to four times a year to keep you in tip top condition and stop problems before they become serious. He can also advise on lifestyle changes and suggest effective follow-up treatment if necessary. n For more information, call 07707 379990 or log on to www.yorkremedialtherapies.co.uk.

32

From left, Danni, Leela, Kelly, Jill, Charlotte and Liz, of VIDA Hairdressing, York.

VIDA proms packages You’ll want to look your best for your school’s proms and now’s the time to make your appointments. Our friends at VIDA Hairdressing, in Boroughbridge Road, York, are offering a Spectacular Proms Package. For a nifty fifty quid you can get a full body spray tan, a full set of acrylic nails and a party hair-do.

And there’s no need for the lads to miss out on some quality Proms pampering. For £20 you can get a stylish hair cut and a fully body spray tan. n Book now on 799944 to avoid disappointment.

Prom night pretty Every girl wants to look her best on Prom Night. And right now Revive Hair Design & Beauty in Heworth has some great offers that even Saturday girl wages can stretch to. How about an A-lister hair-up for £26, or a full body spray tan for £15 to show off that gorgeous dress? Prom make-up is also available. Book your appointment by calling 430612.

health & beauty for you

Let’s Talk About... with Jane Tai

How to

Lose Weight

The daffodils are emerging, spring is on its way. With spring, thoughts turn to losing weight. Most people try to lose weight by dieting, and buying a costly gym membership, intending to go 3 times week to burn off those excess calories. It sounds very sensible and positive. Why then do so many people fail to lose weight or lose it only to put it all back on again later?

The 2 Biggest Weight Loss Mistakes

New treatment offer Do you suffer from migraines, anxiety, arthritis or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Or perhaps you’re looking for relief from the troubling symptoms of the menopause? Then you’ll be interested in a trial being offered by the Northern College of Acupuncture.

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

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

This offer is open to the first ten people signing up for each condition.

Treatment must begin before 1st May and patients must complete the course of treatments. n If you’re interested in the offer or you’d like more information, call the clinic on 343305 or visit www.chinese-medicine.co.uk

Weigh in, work out,

Weighweigh in, work out, less!

went from weighSarah less! size 16 to size 10!

Sarah went from size 16 to size 10!

WEDNESDAY MONDAY St.Aelred’s Community Centre Melodies Park Country Club MONDAY Wigginton Road, Wigginton, 216 Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, WEDNESDAY Park 2RJ Country Club St.Aelred’s Centre Melodies York, YO32 York, YO31 Community 0PN Wigginton 216 Fifth Avenue, 10:00 - Road, 11:30Wigginton, am 09:30 - 11:00 amTang Hall, York, YO31 0PN

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Then when you stop dieting, your body triggers a massive calorie collecting mechanism. It’s like the Biblical Egyptians storing grain in good harvests against the next famine. Your body does the same. Once it has experienced even semistarvation (i.e. a diet), it sets about preparing reserves for future “famines”. This mechanism lasts for about three months after the end of your diet! During this period your body is programmed to eat up to EIGHT times as much it did before the diet! Eight times!!….To protect against the next diet. No wonder you put on all the weight you lost and more!

2. Committing to the Gym It is true that if you want to lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you are now. You know you have to exercise to lose weight. What you may not know, is that it doesn’t mean going to the gym three times a week. If you set yourself an exercise programme that you don’t want to do, don’t enjoy or that is hard to fit around work and family, you might force yourself to do it for a while, but then you’ll give up, feel guilty, eat to drown your guilt and you’re back to putting on weight!

Top Tips For Losing Weight: 1. Make a list of small, manageable, life-style changes to gradually cut out unhealthy foods and snacks, changes that fit your lifestyle and are easy to maintain for the rest of your life. Introduce just one or two a week.

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2. To burn more calories you’ve got to move more and have fun! It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you enjoy it and move more than you do now. Focus on finding ways to move more. If you enjoy it, you’ll want to do it.

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1. Dieting Diets cut calories to below daily needs, so of course, you lose weight….you’re starving your body. To the human body starvation means death, so it has all sorts of safety devices to stop you starving. When you restrict calories, your “counterstarvation” mechanism kicks in. It slows your metabolism, reducing how fast you burn calories and lowering your energy so you do less; and it triggers a “fat finding mission” to squeeze every drop of fat out of your food and stores it on you to build up reserves and protect against starvation. Dieting triggers your body to hold onto fat.

worth

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

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

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Shine

health & beauty for you

Time to

Every woman (and man) deserves to look and feel good sometimes.

That’s the philosophy at Shine Studios in Fossgate.

They offer a pampering makeover package designed to make you look and feel sensational.

At the studios, you’ll have your hair and make-up done by professional stylists while you relax with champagne before your photo session. You can then choose from a selection of flattering prints. It’s ideal for everyone, from ladies who want to look ten years younger to teenagers and new mums in need of a confidence boost.

We sent 14 year old Dani Butler and her friend Freya along for the Shine experience.

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“The hair and make-up crew made us feel very welcome and at ease,” says Dani. “They asked us what colours we preferred and also what we were comfortable with wearing. After relaxing and being pampered, we headed for the photo shoot.

really made us laugh. We enjoyed our session and were well chuffed with the results.”

“The photographer was awesome, and very good at easing our nerves. He demonstrated the poses and

n For more information, call Shine Studios on 655300.

health & beauty for you

Fitness programme makes a splash City of York Council’s Energise is launching the new Amateur Swimming Association’s British Gas Swimfit programme - a gym-style initiative for the pool.

It has been developed by swimming experts at the association for people who would love to use swimming to tone up, get fit or stay healthy but don’t really know what to do once in the pool.

Staff at the Energise leisure centre in Acomb are providing laminated session cards and equipment on the poolside, so when swimmers turn up to an open swim session they can chose a card that best fits their swimming goal, whether it is health, shape and tone, or fitness and competition. After they have completed a card they can easily move on to the next stage of the programme. n The swimming pool timetable can be found at www.energiseyork.com or by calling 552424.

Real results at Future Beauty Ever wished you could just start again with your skin? Well, you can. Skin resurfacing, as the name suggests, gently removes the skin’s outer layers, revealing healthy new skin with no downtime. Resurfacing can even skin tone, stimulate collagen production, hydrate the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, unblock pores and generally leave your skin looking younger, smoother and brighter.

It’s even suitable for people with sensitive skin due to the variety of different resurfacers on offer. The big beauty buzz word at the minute is Stem Cells and Future Beauty is pleased to be able to offer a Glycolic Acid resurfacer with Stem Cells. As well as resurfacing the skin, it also has antioxidant and cell preservation benefits, increases cell turnover and results in higher production of collagen and elastin. It’s just one of the treatments on offer at Future Beauty in Rawcliffe.

They’re also offering a Free Skin Preparation Kit worth £150 when you book a course of skin resurfacers. n So if you’re looking for a salon that delivers real results, contact Future Beauty on 07525 627358.

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health & beauty for you

Give generously at Kuki!

Sweet

dreams

March is National Bed Month, which highlights the importance of getting a good night’s rest. If you are having sleep problems, whether you are not able to fall asleep, wake up too often or don't feel well-rested when you wake up in the morning, then try the following tips:

cycling, etc.) in late afternoon seems to promote more restful sleep.

1. Never oversleep: Don’t oversleep because of a poor night's sleep. Get up at about the same time every day, especially on the morning after you've lost sleep.

5. Set a bedtime schedule: Try to go to bed at about the same time every night. Be regular. Go to bed later when you are having trouble sleeping. If you're only getting five hours of sleep a night during your insomnia period, don't go to bed until just five hours before your wake-up time. For instance, if you've been waking up at 7am, don't go to bed until 2am. Make the time you spend in bed sleep time.

2. Set your body clock: Light helps restart your body clock to its active daytime phase. So when you get up get some sunlight or turn on all the lights in your room.

3. Exercise: Keep physically active. This is especially important the day after a bad night's sleep. When you sleep less, you should be more active during the day.

Strenuous exercise (brisk walking, swimming, jogging,

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4. Don’t nap: Do not take any naps the day after you've lost sleep. When you feel sleepy, get up and do something, walk, make the bed, or do your errands.

n If you need a new bed or bedding, check out the appropriate adverts in Your Local Link.

There is just no stopping Kuki Spa! They’re taking part in a wing walk on 3rd July in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. In order to raise money for the event the Spa is holding an open night on 4th April, with all proceeds from the night going to charity. It costs just a £5 entrance fee for a fantastic night out, so see www.kukispa.com for details. They’re also running a ‘Double your Money’ competition online – for the highest bidder they will double the money for treatments.

For example if you bid £500, they will give you £1,000 of treatments, and it all goes to charity! If you’d like to make a donation then please log onto www.justgiving.com/Kuki-Giving/.

Mother’s Day is fast approaching so start thinking about the lovely presents to buy for your Mum. Kuki Spa has some fabulous offers available, including a great Mother’s Day De-Stress Package for £59. Not forgetting there is a massive 15% off all anti-wrinkle injectables with their resident Aesthetic Nurse Practioner, Catherine Lightfoot. So why not get involved in this amazing offer and support Lisa’s chosen charity, help to raise money and enjoy treatments at York’s amazing Spa.

health & beauty for you

From left, beautician Sam with senior stylists Laura and Sue at The Salon.

30% off hair cuts Laura, a talented stylist, has joined The Salon, in Copmanthorpe, from a city centre salon.

She says: “Why pay town prices when you can have the same experience for half the price?”

To celebrate Laura’s arrival and her skill as a creative and inspirational hair stylist, The Salon has come up with a special offer that lasts until the end of March.

Laura has 30% off all her prices:

Full head highlights with cut and style now £49 Ladies’ cut and style now £17.50 Men’s cut and style now £7

The Salon also offers a full range of treatments from its dedicated beauty area, including Minx and Shellac nails, spray tans, waxing, manicures, pedicures and facials. “There are always special offers on our beauty treatments,” says Sam, a beautician and nail technician. The Salon, which prides itself on its friendly welcome to ladies, gents and children, has free parking. n The Salon Hair & Beauty, The Shopping Centre, Copmanthorpe YO23 3GG. Tel: 701499. www.thesalonyork.co.uk

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Mind over matter?

Wednesday 9th March is No Smoking Day, when it’s estimated one in six smokers will try to quit.

For many, hypnotherapy is the answer. But does it really work and if so – how?

We’ve been talking to a couple of ex-smokers about their experiences explained that I wasn’t addicted, but I was caught in the grip of a bad habit that I needed to break.

“I had one session with her, and after an hour I walked out a non-smoker. I got into my car, and my cigarettes and lighter were there on the seat, but it didn’t occur to me to smoke.”

When Sharon Badby found herself driving three miles to buy cigarettes at midnight, she realised something had to be done.

“I’d been a smoker for 30 years and I was literally trapped,” she recalls.

“I smoked 40 a day. If I woke up in the morning I couldn’t get out of bed without a cigarette. Even when I nursed someone with lung cancer, I still couldn’t wait to light up.”

In desperation she went to see hypnotherapist Jane Tai. “She

David Rowley treated himself to a holiday in Kenya last November – paid for by the money he’d saved by giving up smoking.

“I’d been a smoker on and off for 20 years,” he says. “I moved from cigarettes to cigars in the belief that it didn’t really count. But when you’re on 15 a day it definitely does count!”

That was six years ago, and Sharon Having made the decision to give hasn’t smoked since. “I had one up, he made an appointment to see brief craving after about two weeks, hypnotherapist Angie Doig-Thorne. but another short session with Jane “Angie and I chatted about why I sorted that out. Now when I look at wanted to give up, and she helped other people smoking I can’t believe me visualise the I used to do it. I whole process look better, feel Is hypnotherapy of not smoking. better and I’ve for you?

I didn’t go into saved so much Hypnotherapy works by a deep sleep – I money. I estimate inducing a state of relaxation was aware of that in the six and ‘hyper-suggestibility’. In everything that years I’ve given this state, your mind is open to was going on. I up smoking I must positive and healing suggestions. came out of the have saved about Hypnotherapy will only help if session with no £35,000 – that’s you want it to; you will have desire to smoke. the deposit on a to supply the willpower if you house!” really want to kick the habit.

“I had a brief second session with Angie where she put a trigger in my mind so that if I ever felt stressed and in need of a cigar I could use it to alleviate that feeling.”

Eighteen months later, David still hasn’t had any desire to smoke.

His hypnotherapy session has also improved his golf game! “I’ve always felt nervous before playing, but by using the trigger Angie gave me I can go into a state of calm.”

n For more information log onto www.nosmokingday.org.uk or call 0800 169 0 169

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Swimming lessons City of York Council’s Energise and Yearsley Pools are running more low-cost swimming courses for York adults.

The new courses, which start the week commencing March 14th, will run for six weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes.

They are designed for those who want to improve their technique and become fitter through swimming, as well as people who can’t swim. Participants may be regular swimmers, adults who have not been to a pool for a while or non-swimmers.

The courses will take place at various times during the day, evenings and at weekends and will cater for groups of differing ability. They include: beginners (including women only courses); welcome back to the pool sessions; front crawl; and fitness training (one hour class each week). n To book a place, contact the swimming pools on 552424 or email yearsley.pool@york.gov.uk or energise@york.gov.uk

Blood donor sessions 2 March 8 March 9 March 11 March 14 March 22 March 24 March 24 March 29 March

Riley Smith Hall, Tadcaster (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) Acomb Parish Church Hall (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) Merchant Taylors’ Hall, York (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.15pm) Wigginton Recreation Centre (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.15pm) York Priory Street Centre (10am-noon, 1pm-3.45pm) Rawcliffe Pavilion (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.15pm) Merchant Taylors’ Hall, York (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.15pm) Riley Smith Hall, Tadcaster (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) The Reading Rooms, Dunnington (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.15pm)

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your family

Too shy?

All kids can be shy when it comes to new situations.

But if your child has a real problem with shyness, here are some ways to help overcome it Encourage them to get involved with group activities, such as sports and drama clubs. But...

Don’t force them into situation they don’t feel happy with – you could make the problem worse.

Patience is the key.

Do help your child identify talents and hobbies that make them feel special. Being good at something builds their confidence and self-esteem.

Try to avoid too many solo activities.

Do’s and don’ts Do try to find out what causes their shyness. Is it making new friends, going to parties, or standing up in class? If you know what’s difficult for them, you can help overcome their specific problem.

Don’t automatically assume they have a problem. Some children are just naturally cautious, and like to size up a situation before they jump in.

Your own worries about their shyness can make your child more anxious and insecure.

Do help them get involved. Shyness in children increases with age, so the earlier they start mixing with others and picking up social skills, the better.

Don’t compare your child to others. And beware of labelling your child ‘shy’ in front of them.

Research has shown that children will often grow to fit a label.

Do set a good example. Children learn by watching the people around them, so try to be confident in social situations.

Don’t rush to make them feel better. It’s natural to want to comfort your child when they’re upset.

But children are more likely to overcome their natural shyness if they’re taught to cope with small upsets. The more attention you pay to your child’s shyness, the more likely they are to continue behaving in that way.

Lost for words?

Do you struggle to speak at times?

Stumble when having to say certain sounds?

Feel embarrassed, angry and helpless because you can’t say what you want to say when you want to say it?

That’s what life with a stammer can be like.

Colin Firth’s portrayal of King George VI in The King’s Speech has prompted much publicity about life with a stammer and the important role that speech therapy can play. Now, a York based Speech and Language Therapy Practice, Glossa, is trying to offer much needed support to adults who stammer by establishing a new therapy group.

Lucy Lowson, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for Glossa, wants to hear from adults who stammer and who might be interested in attending a stammering therapy group.

If you want to find out more about the group please contact Lucy on 01904 758598, 07764 999873 or email contact@therapyfor.co.uk.

Glossa can also provide support for many other communication and swallowing disorders.

Please visit their website for further details www.therapyfor.co.uk or contact Lucy directly for a confidential discussion.

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Do encourage them to find their own solutions.

Rather than going overboard on the sympathy, try to encourage them to sort out their own problems, and praise their efforts to cope.

Don’t make them feel it’s wrong to feel the way they do. Teach them to accept their emotions as natural, and to know that in time they can learn the skills to cope.

Tips for teens

Don’t let your shyness control you. Learn to deal with it and don’t allow it to stop you getting involved in something you enjoy.

Believe that everyone feels the same. No one is super confident all the time. It’s just that some people are better at hiding it.

Practise social skills with those you know well.

Work on starting a conversation, keeping one going, telling funny stories or jokes.

Perform activities that give you confidence.

Participating in activities that boost your selfconfidence can give you just the push you need to meet your shyness head on.

your family

Model

parties 'Get Animated' parties offer something for everyone - just use your imagination, create a claymate and animate.

To enjoy the party you don't have to have any experience or be particularly creative as the animator will help you and your guests make clay models, sets and then, through the use of professional digital hardware, bring your model to life.

The host will receive a copy of their film within seven working days. Invitations and party bags for children are included in the price. n The parties, which usually last two hours, fit any occasion, whether you are eight or 80. For more details, call Garfield on 07816 272744 or email parties@get-animated.co.uk

Out-of-school clubs Young children with disabilities in York are getting the chance to attend an outof-school club of their choice- thanks to national funding.

City of York Council has secured £2,600 from the Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare to help parents and their children access childcare.

There are 52 out-of-school clubs in York, and the funding will enable children with a wide range of disabilities to attend a free taster session at the club of their choice. n For details, call York Family Information Service on 554628

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your family

10 tips for

choosing a

nursery Choosing the right day nursery for your child is a big decision.

Here are ten points every parent should consider...

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Check the nursery is registered with Ofsted. The certificate should be displayed prominently with the nursery’s insurance certificate.

First impressions count. Are you and your child made welcome? Do the staff seem calm and friendly?

Watch the children at play. Are they happy and occupied? Children need a good variety of activities, from quiet times to messy, creative play and lively outdoor fun. Are they encouraged to join in?

Take a look at the outside play area.

Is it safe, clean and welcoming?

All children need individual attention, especially babies and toddlers.

Will your child have a key worker? Will they set aside time to talk to you about your child?

6.

Are the staff properly qualified?

Half the staff must hold relevant childcare qualifications such as NVQ Childcare Level 2 or equivalent. One staff member should have a First Aid certificate and all the supervisors must have an NVQ Childcare Level 3 or equivalent.

What sort of meals are provided?

7.

Are special diets catered for?

8. Ask about staff turnover. Some young children find frequent changes of carer upsetting.

9. What’s included in the cost and what will you have to supply separately?

Ask about standard nursery procedures 10. such as potty training, emergency procedures and discipline.

“Start looking early.

Nurseries in many areas are fully booked months in advance so you may have to put your child’s name down even before he is born to be sure of a place when you need” Lauren, Acomb “Nobody knows more about the childcare facilities in your area than local mums. Talk to as many as possible. You’ll discover things that no one else will tell you” Sue, Strensall

York Family Information Service has information on all aspects of childcare in the city.

Call them on 554444 or text ‘info’ to 07624 802244 and they will call you back. Or log on to www.york-ok.org.uk

Have fun with

science The York Festival of Science and Technology is one of the best ways to experiment with the science that matters.

There’s no need for lab coats or text books because science comes out of the classroom and pops up in all sorts of unexpected places across the city.

Highlights The festival, held between 11 and 20 March to coincide with National Science and Engineering Week, features exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, live performance and a host of hands-on activities.

The festival programme, put together by Science City York and local partners, includes workshops for schools, events focused on an adult audience and family activities.

n For more details, go to www.scy.co.uk/yfst 42

10 March

include:

Public lecture: Dr Roddy Vann will deliver this year’s Archbishop Holgate’s Annual Science Lecture on ‘The Science of Fusion’ at York University’s National Science Learning Centre between 7pm and 9pm.

11 March Mending Broken Hearts: The British Heart Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching its Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.

Visit the exhibition at York Explore between

your family

Children’s book borrowing has risen by 60% since York’s new look central library opened its doors eight months ago. The refurbished library re-opened in May 2010 as an Explore Centre, after undergoing a transformation to transport it into a 21st century service, with well-designed flexible spaces and a full and exciting programme of learning.

“The York Explore Children’s Library is an encouraging, vibrant and exciting place for youngsters,” says Fiona Williams, head of Libraries and Heritage at City of York Council. “The figures really speak for themselves and show the potential that the Explore Centre can achieve.”

Make a will, help a charity There’s never been a better time to make a Will. Not only will you be safeguarding your loved ones’ future, you could also be helping your favourite charity too.

During March, several national charities are coming together to pay for a limited number of Wills to be written free of charge by local solicitors.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage those aged 55 and over to have their Will written and consider leaving a gift to one or more of the Free Wills Month charities rather than cash donations (although there is no obligation to do so).

The campaign is open to anyone aged 55+ (in the case of couple making mirror Wills it is sufficient if one has reached 55). n To find out more, look out for the advertisement in this month’s issue or log on to www.freewillsmonth.org.uk before 31st March.

behind everyday living at York’s National Railway Museum between 10am and 4pm.

15 March Technology tournament: York’s three rotary clubs, backed by the University of York, is staging the 2011 Rotary Technology Tournament at the National Railway Museum. Over the last six years, nearly 1,000 youngsters from 17 schools in the York area have competed in the fun-filled tournament where teams are set engineering challenges such as building rockets.

9am and 5pm. The charity says: “Once your heart muscle is damaged by a heart attack, it can never fully recover. But there is hope. We need to spend £50 million to fund groundbreaking research that could begin to literally 'mend broken hearts' in as little as ten years time.”

Green Energy Challenge: Year Eight pupils from local schools present their projects to judges at the National Railway Museum in York. Open to the public for observation.

TV presenters: Ortis Deley and Pollyanna Woodward, of TV’s The Gadget Show, will describe the wonders of technology at York University’s Ron Cooke Hub Lecture Theatre

between 7.30pm and 9pm.

11 & 12 March Solar Spark: Uncover the solar-powered future in a marquee at St Sampson’s Square, York.

11, 12 & 14 March Bootham School Observatory: Observe the moon through the four-inch refracting telescope made for Bootham School by Thomas Cooke, of York, in 1852. Booking essential, email: davidrobinson61@btinternet.com

12 March Family day: Get your whole family involved with more than 20 workshops looking at the science

19 March Solar spark: Uncover the solar-powered future in the atrium at the Ron Cooke Hub, York University.

19 & 20 March 1,000mph car: Explore the world of the fast and glamorous at the National Railway Museum in York where visitors can get up close to the BLOODHOUND Super Sonic Car. This amazing pencil-shaped vehicle has been designed to break the land speed record by reaching 1,000mph (that’s 4½ football pitches per second) later on in the year.

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your education

Off-campus

courses

York University is offering free higher education courses to students on their doorsteps.

The Centre for Lifelong Learning has launched two courses at Westfield Primary School, in Acomb, and at Burton Stone Community Centre, allowing local people to study at university level without the need to visit the university’s campus.

Open days for

The Mount & Tregelles

Students at Westfield are exploring what it means to live in modern Britain through the course ‘You and Your Society’ while learners at Burton Stone are studying creative writing.

The Mount, York, offers a wealth of opportunities to all its pupils. But don’t take our word for it – come and see for yourself by attending the school’s open afternoon on Wednesday, March 16, at 1.30pm.

Set in 16 acres near the city centre, The Mount promotes the highest standards of education for girls aged 11 to 18.

The Quaker ethos and caring family atmosphere can be seen in everyday life at The Mount. The school, in Dalton Terrace, offers impressive facilities to live and work in plus a wide range of sports activities, music disciplines and artistic media.

Many of the students have not been in a classroom for many years.

Mandy McVeighty, of Chapelfields, is studying on both courses. open afternoon takes place on Thursday, March 17, at 1.30pm

Tregelles, the co-educational junior school for children aged three to 11 years, is in the same grounds and shares many of The Mount’s excellent facilities.

A spokesman says: “Children can start in our nursery from three years upwards with flexible sessions. We take even the smallest children to our Forest School in the school grounds where, through free play and structured activities, they begin to unlock their potential through learning to be adventurous, inquisitive and proud of success.”

Academically, Tregelles enjoys a renowned reputation for both the quality and commitment of its teaching staff. Its

n For more details, call 667500 or go to www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

THE MOUNT AND TREGELLES

INDEPENDENT GIRLS BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL 11–18 YEARS, CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL 3 –11 YEARS

YOUR CHILD IS UNIQUE WE ARE HERE TO UNLOCK THEIR POTENTIAL

OPEN AFTERNOONS THE MOUNT – WEDNESDAY 16TH MARCH AT 1.30PM TREGELLES – THURSDAY 17TH MARCH AT 1.30PM For further information please contact Julia Hampshire on 01904 667529 or registrar@mountschoolyork.co.uk The Mount School, Dalton Terrace, York, YO24 4DD

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She says: “I wanted to improve my confidence, to get used to being with other people and to try and get some up-to-date qualifications.”

The centre will be offering further courses at Westfield Primary School and Haxby Road Primary School after Easter. Call 328473 for more details.

your education

Young people learn skills City of York Council is inviting young people to boost their chances of finding work or training by joining a skills and advice programme.

The Crossroads Project offers people aged 16 to 25 years who are unemployed or not in education, opportunities to get work experience. It also provides free training, help with applying for jobs, and confidential advice on issues such as drugs, housing and health.

Chelsea Bass, aged 17, of Clifton, York, has learned practical skills through the scheme, including first-aid and cooking as well as job-hunting tips. She also enjoyed doing volunteering work at St Nicholas Fields and found the health and hygiene course useful.

She says: “I found school difficult but the Crossroads Project has done me a lot of good. I’d love to be a youth worker or get a job in childcare.” n For more details about the Crossroads project, call Laura Walton on 552441.

Borneo expedition

FRee Creche Available

Joseph Rowntree School in York has embarked on a fundraising campaign to enable about 60 pupils to take part in an expedition to Borneo in the summer of 2012.

The youngsters will live as part of an island community, working on various conservation and social projects designed to improve the lives of the islanders. Other work will include forest regeneration projects along the Kinabatangan River, marine conservation plus reef and lagoon clean-ups.

The students are aiming to raise £3,450 each to fund the expedition. They are doing fundraising activities, such as bagging up shopping for Tesco customers, as well as appealing for donations. n For more details, call the school on 552100 or email joseph.rowntree@york.gov.uk

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

YORK FULFORD

kumon.co.uk

Every child can shine

STUDY CENTRE For more information contact Jenny Scanlon 01757 268114

Contact your local Instructor today.

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your pet

Diary of a puppy Connie may look cute, but the little pup has a very big future ahead of her. She’s been selected to train as a Hearing Dog for Deaf People. But before Connie can begin her official training, she’s spending her first year with socialiser Sheila Pilliner and her family in Copmanthorpe, learning the basics of good behaviour.

It’s certainly been an eventful few weeks for little Connie, as she had her first kennel break.

“This is when she goes to stay at the Hearing Dogs centre for a week to see how she gets on in kennels prior to starting her training,” says Sheila. “She meets other dogs, gets used to being away from me and being handled by a variety of other people. She also gets to know another puppy who will be her kennel mate while she’s training at the centre. They took her out for walks in unfamiliar areas, and introduced her to all kinds of different situations. I’m pleased to say she coped really well and everyone at the centre fell in love with her!

“While at the centre she also had a ‘spa day’ – she had a full bath and her first proper trim, plus her nails clipped and her ears plucked. I’ve never clipped her myself, so it was good that

she took the clippers and powerful hairdryer in her stride. She came back looking like a real little Bichon Frise!”

Medical drama But sadly, Connie’s had more than her fair share of drama, too. Recently Sheila has noticed a problem with the pup’s left hind leg. A full vet check during her kennel break confirmed her worst fears – slipping patellas.

“It’s a fairly common problem among little dogs,” says Sheila. “The groove between two bones where the knee sits is too shallow, so the kneecap is loose. Apparently Connie’s were so bad the vet could pop them out easily. I had a feeling that she had one slipping patella, but it was a shock that both legs were affected.”

York dog food retailer offers

money-back guarantee

A York retailer has teamed up with one of Europe’s biggest pet food manufacturers to offer a high-quality dog food at affordable prices that will keep your pet healthy.

Phil Turton, of Hilbra Pet Foods, says: “I have been looking for a premium brand dog food that I would be happy to feed my own dogs. I have been introduced to one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of quality dog food.

They have invested millions of pounds in the latest plant and machinery to produce a high-quality dog food. They use only the best ingredients to create a great tasting food that dogs will love.

“Having tried the food on my dogs, I am happy to be able to recommend to you a range of my own-label foods that I am sure your dog will love, just as much as mine do.

“We promise that if, for whatever reason, your dog isn’t suited to our food, we will fully refund you.”

Hilbra can deliver direct to you four varieties.

They are: Lamb & Rice; Salmon & Potato; Chicken & Rice; and Senior Light.

The food, which aids good digestion and keeps joints supple, is ideal for fussy eaters and dogs with sensitive skin. It is non-allergy producing, wheat gluten free, grain free and has no artificial colours. n Hilbra Pet Foods, 10 Hilbra Avenue, Haxby, York. Tel: 0791 333 2111.

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So just four days after returning from the kennel, Connie had to undergo an operation on one of her legs. “It was such a shame. She looked so pretty after her bath and trim, and when she came back from the vets her back leg was shaved bare. She looked more like a little Lowchen (lion dog) than a Bichon!

“She’s recuperating now, before she has to have the other leg done in a few weeks time. The good news is, she should make a full recovery and it won’t affect her future as a Hearing Dog.” n Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are always looking for socialisers to look after puppies until they begin training. If you have plenty of time and commitment to give, call 01759 322299.

home

your pet

Give us a

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

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

Tortoiseshell CRACKER is a gentle old girl who’s looking for a quiet, warm corner in a home she can call her very own. She was left to fend for herself for six months in the bitter outdoors. Having endured the cold for about as long as she can stand, Cracker certainly relishes her home comforts. Now all she needs is a loving owner to share them with.

ELLIE is a fun and lively young cat who is getting rather bored being stuck in a dull adoption centre. She enjoys nothing more than being the centre of attention, relishing in any fuss that may be heading her way. Ellie can be a bit of a ‘naughty tortie’ at times, but she also has a lot of love to give. n If you’d like to offer either of these cats a loving home, call York Cats Protection on 760356.

SAM a three-year-old boxer, is bursting with energy.

His vitality means he will make a wonderful pet for an experienced owner. Our friends at the RSPCA home in Landing Lane, York, believe he’s a bit too boisterous for young children – but would be fine with teenagers.

EVIE, a four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, finds it difficult to get along with other dogs. But she’s very friendly and would make an ideal family pet. n If you can offer any of these dogs a home, call the RSPCA on 654949.

BILLY the four-year-old lurcher featured in last month’s magazine, has been found a new home. The RSPCA would like to thank our readers for their interest.

47

your garden

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

Choisya Introduced from Mexico in the early 1800s, and named after the Swiss botanist Jaques Denis Choisy, this aromatic, evergreen shrub is popular with gardeners thanks to its highly fragrant and abundant flowers.

More commonly known as ‘Mexican Orange Blossom’ or ‘Mock Orange’ due to the resemblance of the flowers to that of the normal orange plant both in shape and scent.

As the name suggests the plant is native to southern North America from Arizona and south through to Mexico.

Great aroma Choisya produces leathery, glossy green foliage and star shaped white flowers from late spring to summer. The foliage, when crushed, gives off a distinctive aroma to that of Basil. They are an easy to grow, low maintenance shrub making them ideal for both the novice and experienced gardener.

Some popular varieties of Choisya are

C. ternata which produces yellow-green, glossy leaves and a profusion of white flowers in April. If you want to give a splash of intense colour to your garden, C. ternata ‘Sundance’ has bright yellow foliage which will stand out in any garden to give a dramatic, colourful statement with showy white flowers from around May to June. Choisya dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ produces narrow, glossy light green foliage with pink flower buds that open to white in the spring.

be grown in containers and moved under cover in the winter months for protection.

Hardy and versatile

Plant anytime

These shrubs generally prefer sun or part shade in well drained soils and can reach heights of anywhere between 1m (3ft 3") to 3m (9ft 9") dependent on the variety. They produce a rounded habit and are very hardy. In the right conditions Choisya can reach their full size, but elsewhere they will benefit if sheltered from cold winds as this can damage the foliage and restrict the growth of the plant. They can also

Choisya can be planted at any time of the year but they are normally at their best in early spring. Dig a hole as deep as the container the plant is in and twice the width and plant in firmly adding a handful of bonemeal to the compost as you fill it in. Once planted, water the plant thoroughly.

Choisya do not require a lot of pruning but to encourage a second flush of flowers in the autumn, deadhead flowers as soon as they start to drop their petals and cut back around half of the stems by about 12" once the flowers have faded. If you have any frost damaged stems these can be pruned back to where there is new growth but should only be done in the spring time.

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

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your garden

Grand Designs Looking for some inspiration for your garden this spring?

Take a trip around some of our grandest gardens.

You might not be able to stretch to a wildflower meadow or an 18th century water garden, but you could still pick up some good ideas – and have a great day out, too!

Beningbrough Hall Working walled garden supplying produce for the Walled Garden Restaurant, plus wilderness play area for the kids. n Call 01904 472027 for opening times and more information.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal A huge estate of beauty, contrasts and surprises, including one of England’s most spectacular water gardens.

Explore over 800 acres of naturally beautiful countryside. n www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

Nunnington Hall The sheltered walled garden, with spring-flowering organic meadows, orchards and flamboyant peacocks, complements this beautiful Yorkshire house, nestling on the quiet banks of the River Rye. n Call 01439 748283

Rievaulx Terrace Stroll through woods, then out on to the terrace, with its stunning views down over the Cistercian ruin of Rievaulx Abbey. In spring the bank between the temples is awash with wild flowers. n Call 01439 798340

Nostell Priory and Parkland Visitors can explore the large park with a range of walks and views.

Gardens include lakeside walks, a newly planted orchard, vegetable beds and an adventure playground. n Call 01924 863892

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your garden

GARDEN STYLE

Super sheds!

From a humble potting shed to a home office, a sanctuary to somewhere to stick the lawnmower, we love our sheds.

Here’s how to choose the right one for you...

option. They need a solid and level base to sit on

What will you use it for?

If it’s just for storage, you can get away with something small and simple. If you’re planning to use it for propagating plants, you’ll need a decent sized window to let in lots of light and heat, with storage and work surfaces inside. If you’re in and out of your shed in all weathers, you’ll need more hard surfacing around it.

Should you choose wood, metal or plastic?

Wooden sheds blend into most gardens better than sheds made of other materials. They’re likely to be the cheapest option but, with a bit of care, they last for many years. Keep them raised off the ground to prevent damp and rot taking hold.

Metal sheds require very little maintenance. They might not have the good looks of a wooden shed, but they tend to be more secure – an important consideration if you plan to store expensive equipment such as bikes.

Plastic sheds are the ultimate in low maintenance – they won’t rot or rust, and need no painting. The bad news is they’re usually the most expensive

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because the structure is generally not as rigid.

Where should you put it?

If you’re planning to use the shed as a workshop, think about the problem of getting power to the shed to allow you to use power tools or lighting.

Avoid placing a shed underneath large trees, as they can unsettle the shed with large roots. You can disguise your shed by painting it a dark colour or covering it with low-maintenance plants such as sedum or turf. This benefits wildlife and keeps sheds cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Safer Sheds • Protect your shed door with a heavy duty padlock. A hasp and staple bolted to the door and frame will provide extra strength.

• Smear glue over the screws in the door hinges to prevent them being removed.

• Opening shed windows should be fitted with internal locks. Permanent windows can be fitted with bars or grilles.

What style is best?

Apex sheds have a roof made of two sloping sections which meet at a high point in the middle Pent roofs are made of a single flat section which either slopes from front to back or from one side to the other to allow rain water to drain off.

What size do you need?

If you’re only planning it to store a few tools, a 6 x 4ft shed should be enough. Otherwise go for the biggest size your garden and pocket can stretch to.

The roof ridge of your shed should be high enough to allow you to stand up comfortably.

your garden

Visit a farm shop

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

Brunswick, the special needs charity, grows a wide range of seasonal organic vegetables and fruit - winning awards for its produce in the National Organic Food Awards.

The produce from the organic nursery at Appleton Road, Bishopthorpe, is sold in the charity’s farm shop which is open between 10am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and between 10am and 1pm on Saturdays.

The nursery also grows a wide range of plants in pots, including bedding plants, cottage garden perennials, herbs and vegetables. Many of these are raised from seed and all are grown in peat free organic compost.

Brunswick workers also go out in a pick-up truck to undertake gardening work throughout the York area. Many jobs are private houses; others include offices, a churchyard and a housing association. n Brunswick is keen to recruit volunteers; if you are interested in helping out, give the charity a call on 701869.

Plant Sale and Open Day Poppleton Community Railway Nursery are a group of volunteers who are on a mission to bring the old British Rail Plant Nursery back to life. To help raise funds for the repairs and running costs, they’re holding a Plant Sale and Open Day on Saturday 26th March from 10am – 3pm. There’ll be winter bedding, bulbs and shrubs on sale, as well as refreshments, a book stall and tombola. You’ll also have the chance to look around the site and find out more about the group’s work.

You’ll find the nursery next to Poppleton Railway Station, so why not go along, pick up a garden bargain and support a very worthy cause too?

TO SHERIFF HUTTON NELSONS PARKS

CEMETERY NEW LANE SHIP INN THE VILLAGE - STRENSALL

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your garden

Ask Chris...

Got a gardening problem?

Chris Brown from Brown’s Nurseries can help Q. I have a long wrought iron fence which I would like to cover with a red rose. Can you recommend one, please?

A. You can’t beat Dublin Bay for its wonderful flowers covering walls and trellis. It’s one of my all time favourites and it’s been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit – one of the highest accolades the RHS can give. It has strong stems that carry an abundance of dark green leaves and fragrant double flowers in rich crimson that will bloom all through summer. Like most roses it is tolerant of a range of soil types, although it prefers a heavy clay or loamy soil to light sandy ground.

Dead head regularly, cutting two leaves below the old flower head. Apply a rose fertiliser containing trace elements in spring and surface mulch with well-rotted farmyard manure.

Q. I have seen a shrub in a garden with unusual twisted stems and catkins.

Could you tell me what it is, please?

A. This plant is called Corylus Avellana Contorta or Corkscrew Hazel. It likes fertile well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. I would include Corylus Contorta in lots of planting plans because it looks interesting in winter with

its bare stems that twist in every direction. In early spring bright yellow catkins appear ahead of the mid-green leaves which turn pale yellow in autumn. Corylus Contorta is grafted on to Corylus Avellana rootstock so if it suckers they must be removed as it will grow faster and take over the original plant. Another hazel I wouldn’t be without is Corylus Maxima Purpurea, a big shrub with rounded deep purple leaves.

Q.

I have an Acer in my garden and some of the branches have died. Also there are lots of pale pink sports on its branches.

Can you tell me what the problem is, please?

A. This sounds like Coral Spot. It’s a very common fungus that occurs mainly as a saprobe on dead branches but also as a parasite causing dieback on many woody plants including Acers, Apples, Beech, Cercis, Currants, Elms, Hornbeam, Magnolias and Pyracanthus. The symptoms are masses of pinhead sized salmon spots that occur at all times of the year on dead and dying twigs and branches. Large branches may wilt in summer if they are affected near the base. The fungus probably infects living tissues directly but commonly invades through dead

parts or pruning cuts, especially in early spring.

Because it is so commonly present on dead wood rigorous hygiene is important. Never leave dead branches when pruning. Diseased soft fruit branches are best uprooted entirely and burned. Valuable ornamentals should be pruned free of affected wood to at least six inches beyond the visible symptoms.

Q. When can I prune my raspberry canes?

A. Raspberries produce numerous canes which grow directly from a mass of fibrous roots just below soil level. For the best crops, old canes should be cut out after fruiting and replaced by the strongest of the new ones. There are two distinct types of raspberry: summer and autumn fruiting. Cultivation is identical, except for pruning. The canes of summer fruiting cultivars grow one year and crop the next, after which they are removed at ground level. Autumn fruiting cultivars with a longer cropping season are treated like herbaceous plants; the whole plant is cut back to the ground in late winter, then the canes grow and fruit in the same season.

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

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your garden

Time to swap seeds Do you want to swap some surplus seeds or find seeds of produce you have not tried to grow before?

If so, then make your way to the CCC (Creating Cooperating Community) sharing event at Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church on Saturday, March 5th, from 10.45am to 11.45am.

You can also get involved in a venture to pick excess fruit in the autumn. There are people who are unable to pick the fruit off their own trees, there are others who have too many apples or pears, and many residents know of trees or bushes in public places which produce fruit that can be used for jams, puddings, cakes, pickles or dessert.

Everyone is invited to bring seeds and listen to David Broughton, of Abundance York, talk about the need to identify people who need help with their fruit this autumn and for volunteers to do some picking. n For details about the event call Stephen on 765651; volunteers who wish to be involved in fruit picking can call Tim on 760659.

Garden tour tips An illustrated talk entitled ‘Touring The Gardens of Britain’ will be given by Sarah Hopps, a tour guide, writer, broadcaster, lecturer and gardener at Askham Bryan College Gardening Club on Tuesday, March 15. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in the college’s conference hall. n For more details, call David Whiteman on 707208.

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your garden

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

Growing vegetables

in a container

You can grow just about any vegetables in a container and whether you have a garden or not it’s a great way for the complete novice to begin.

You can plant them up with vegetables, herbs, fruit and a few companion plants to aid pollination and deter harmful pests.

Plant with a theme e.g. Italian or colours like purple. Containers, the bigger the better, can be arranged to create attractive displays but choose them with care. Container grown crops can dry out quickly so line frost free terracotta ones with plastic and add water retaining crystals. Plastic pots retain the moisture and are less heavy when filled with compost.

Hanging baskets can be lined with a soft cocoa matting liner with holes made in it (or use an old woollen jumper) as you can plant through the sides too. Do ensure that all hanging baskets are very securely fixed to walls etc.

Take a look around a large garden centre to familiarise yourself with these products.

Before filling the pot place a piece of fine wire mesh or the mesh bag from kiwis or oranges.

This will stop vine weevils (a pest that eats roots) from getting into the pot. Next place a

layer of crocs at the base of the pots (broken pieces of plant pot or polystyrene) to improve drainage. If you don’t have home-made compost buy bags of peat free multi purpose compost and mix with vermiculite to aerate the soil. This will have sufficient nutrients for six weeks growing for short lived crops. After this they will require regular feeding. When filling containers ensure that there is sufficient space at the top to place a layer of mulch (to retain moisture) or slug repellant (crushed sea shells) and allow for watering, without the soil being lost over the sides. Use three bamboo canes, secured at the top to support beans and place a plant at the base of each cane or sow two seeds and remove the weakest seedling.

Early salad potatoes can be grown in pots or perforated plastic sacks.

Fill one third of the container with compost.

Place two, equally spaced chitted seed potatoes on the surface and cover with a few inches of soil. As the green shoots appear keep covering them with more compost to within an inch or two from the top. Don’t forget to water them. If you have never grown vegetables before then you are in for a treat this year!

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

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PLANTING SUGGESTIONS Hanging - cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley, nasturtiums Mixed lettuces, strawberries, calendula Dwarf French beans, aubergines, beetroot Courgettes, shallots, sweetcorn JOBS FOR MARCH 3 Harvest chard and brassicas 3 Sow peas and salads under cloches LOCAL SUPPLIERS Mr Thomas 01759371549 £11 for 5 bags delivered n Sandra specialises in creating sustainable organic kitchen gardens in small spaces and can show you how to grow crops all year round.

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

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

C 57, M 77, Y 100, K 15 R 119, G 76, B 46

C 8, M 10, Y 10, K 0 R 216, G 192, B 17

your garden

Sign up for St. Nicks gardening courses York Environment Centre is hosting a course that demonstrates how permaculture design can be used to create gardens, allotments, community spaces to provide a yield of food, herbs and medicinal plants.

These systems, which require minimal labour to establish and maintain, also provide a space for wildlife and beneficial insects.

The course is led by Chris Chidlow who has designed many edible gardens, including the Lolliplot, a communal garden for local charity Lollipop, which provides activities for children with hearing loss. The lolliplot was a derelict allotment plot and is now a highly productive edible garden giving yields of fruit, vegetables, herbs and salad.

Chris says: “We will carry out a soil sampling practical and an observation exercise. This course will demonstrate a range of techniques and strategies which can be used to convert overgrown areas into productive ecological gardens.�

The permaculture course takes place between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, March 12th. York Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, is also hosting a fourweek organic gardening course on March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th between 7.15 and 9.30pm.

The course will be run by Jane Thurlow and Tony Chalcraft, founders of York Organic Gardeners Association, who have been self-sufficient in growing their own fruit and vegetables for more than 25 years on allotments and in their large garden in Acomb. n For more details on both courses, call 411821 or go to www.stnicksfields.org.uk

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your garden

A gardener’s

best friend?

We all know what a great job worms do in the garden. But did you know they can also help recycle your garden waste? Worm composting – or vermiculture, to give it its posh name – is a great way of turning vegetable scraps and other organic waste into super nutrient-packed compost How to make your wormery: -

Making a wormery You’ll need: 3 An old plastic bin 3 Plastic tap (available from most hardware stores) 3 Gravel or coarse sand 3 Small pieces of wood 3 Bedding material, such as shredded newspaper, straw or an old gro-bag 3 Worms! The most common type of worm in a wormery is the Tigerworm also known as Brandling or Redworm. You can get them from an established wormery, or buy them online.

You’ll need 100 – 400, depending on the size of your container

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• Drill breathing holes in the lid of the bin, and make a hole for the tap between 5 and 10cm from the bottom • Fill the bottom of the bin with 8 – 10cm of gravel or coarse sand • Lay wooden sticks on top of the sand or gravel to help drainage • Add a 5 – 10cm layer of dampened, shredded newspaper, straw or the contents of an old gro-bag. Dig a small hollow in the bedding material and place the worms inside

Feeding your worms Worms love: 3 Coffee grounds and tea bags 3 Fruit 3 Veg peelings 3 Cereal 3 Bread 3 Annual weeds (not seed heads), 3 Green leaves

Worms don’t like: 3 Meat & fish 3 Cheese 3 Rice or pasta 3 Cooked potatoes, 3 Grass in any quantity, 3 Diseased plant material 3 Weed seeds

Bury small batches of food scraps in the bedding, around the bin.

This way the waste is covered up and less likely to attract flies. The more finely the food is chopped, the easier it is for the worms to get through it. Layer sheets of wet newspaper over the shredded newspaper to keep light out and moisture in.

Replace the lid and leave undisturbed for at least two weeks for the worms to settle. Only add more food when you can see that the worms have finished the last lot, otherwise the food will rot, make the wormery smell and could kill the worms.

Eight UK colleges, including Askham Bryan, York, have been invited to take part in a new competition designed to inspire urban gardeners.

Diarmuid Gavin, pictured, garden designer and TV presenter, and garden expert David Domoney have launched the Ideal Home Show ‘Young Gardeners of the Year’ competition, in association with the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.

The competition, to be unveiled at the show that takes place between March 11th and 27th, highlights the best examples of sustainable practice in British garden design.

The students from Askham Bryan College, along with their fellow competitors, have to create a garden from a reclaimed urban area to inspire city dwellers to get growing.

Each college will have one week to build and plant their garden outside Earls Court, London, ready for the show’s opening day on the March 11, when the gardens will be judged by a panel of experts.

Solar energy incentive Homeowners are being encouraged to ‘GoSolar’ to cut energy bills and profit from a Government incentive that could provide more than £1,000 a year tax free additional income.

GoSolar is the latest initiative from Community Energy Solutions, which allows homeowners to access UK-produced solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at competitive prices while enjoying tax free and index linked financial benefits.

The Government introduced the Feed in Tariff (FiT) scheme last year to encourage more people to generate their own renewable electricity and more than 21,000 installations have been registered on the scheme to date.

Under FiT the householder earns 41.3p for each unit of electricity that their PV system generates and an additional 3p for each unit that is exported to the grid. n Call 08444 999944 or visit www.go-solar.org.uk

your environment

Inspire urban gardeners

SAVE ENERGY, SAVE MONEY with graNT henderson Solarwall Ltd

The clean, green cash back scheme and how it can work for you.

Not many people understand or even know about the Feed in Tariff (clean green cash back scheme); the government’s incentive for electricity generating technologies. Find out more about how it could work for you here…

The Feed in Tariff has been available throughout England & Wales for almost a year now and many have already benefited from this fantastic cash back scheme. But still it is shrouded in misconceptions about what the actual payment is; hopefully the below information will help to answer any questions you may have: So how does the Feed in Tariff work?

Anyone who chooses to install an electricity generating technology will be eligible for the cash back scheme. Technologies that qualify are Solar electricity (PV), Wind turbines & Hydroelectricity. You will be paid in three ways for the electricity you produce: Generation: a set rate paid by your energy supplier for each unit (or kWh) of electricity you generate, this payment will be paid for 20 years or 25 for solar electricity (PV) Export: you will receive a further 3p/kWh from your energy supplier for each unit you export back to the electricity grid.

Electricity Bill savings: anything you generate and use yourself will be free so you will be making savings on your electricity bills, because generating electricity to power your appliances means you don’t have to buy as much electricity from your energy supplier So for an example of what you could earn, here are details of a 2.4 kW peak system fitted to a south facing elevation: Estimated Install Cost £11,000 Generation: (2080 kWh x 41.3) paid by your utility company = £859.04 Export: sold back to the grid at the agreed utility rate of 3p per kWh = £31.20 Electricity Bill Saving: (1040 kWh x 12.96*) = £134.79 Total saving= £1025.03 for 25 years Giving you a annual rate of return of 9.7%! *estimated annual utility company charge for electric

Most electricity generating technologies are easy to install, especially solar electricity (PV) which can be used in most domestic situations as long as the panels are in sunlight. Make sure that your installer is MCS accredited (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) to enable you to claim the Feed in Tariff and shop around for quotes as there is a wide variance in price and actual quality of the products. Check your installer offers a guarantee; the better solar electricity (PV) kits for example carry output guarantees for performance. Also check after care service too – your payment is guaranteed for 25 years but only if it is working. Make sure the company you use has a proven track record and offer some kind of service package to ensure you get the best payment from the Feed in Tariff. n For more information check out the Energy Saving Trust or

contact Solarwall Ltd at the Energy Centre, 0500 127 005 to find out how the Feed in Tariff can work for you!

Green Lane Trading Estate, Clifton, York, YO30 5PY. 57

Get ready for

digital

TV

If your existing television only receives the five basic channels – BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – then it’s probably an old analogue set that needs to be either replaced or converted with a digital box.

The five analogue TV channels are being switched off permanently and the Freeview digital service boosted to reach virtually all households.

York is covered by the Emley Moor transmitter. The first phase of its switchover to digital happens on September 7th when the transmitter ‘s BBC2 analogue signal is switched off; the remaining four analogue channels will be switched off on September 21st.

The message from York electrical specialist Herbert Todd & Son is to prepare to go digital now – rather than wait until you have lost BBC2.

Matthew Todd says: “All our shop staff have undergone training about the switchover from Digital UK so they can advise customers about the best option for them. It’s a good time to upgrade your old analogue TV for a digital one that offers a better quality picture and sound.”

For more details about the switchover, go to digitaluk.co.uk

n Herbert Todd & Son has been serving the people of York since 1936. It has shops in Percy’s Lane and York Road, Acomb. Tel: 628676.

FRee

Measuring & fitting service

20% OFF All stock materials

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No:1

Choice for Blinds

your home

The 2010 winners, award ceremony at De Grey Court, York St John University, York

Design Awards build on success with new sponsor The York Design Awards go into a fifth year stronger than ever, after a new sponsor agreed backing up to 2013.

Local developer S Harrison, one of the firms behind the ongoing £32 million West Office headquarters for City of York Council, has teamed up with a new chair of the judging panel to highlight all that’s good in the city's built environment.

The new sponsor’s chairman, Martyn Harrison, said : "It is vital that we preserve the fine architecture of the city and add to it with new buildings that respect York's rich architectural heritage. The York Design Awards play a key role in maintaining the quality of our built environment and we are delighted to support them."

Launched in 2007, the awards celebrate York's best-designed new buildings, spaces and conservation projects. The independent judging panel will be chaired by leading UK architect Robert Adam.

The awards are open to all developments within the City of York Council boundary completed between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2010.

Building owners, developers, architects and builders should submit their entries before the end of March. n Entry forms are available at www.york-design-awards.co.uk

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Shades of

grey

GET THE LOOK

Boutique Bedroom Fancy giving your boudoir a swanky hotel bedroom feel?

Check out our top tips • Use a very high headboard as a focal point, which gives the bed the greatest importance in the room. Choose sleek leather for a contemporary look, or a luxurious padded fabric for extra opulence.

• Chuck out your cheap prickly sheets and faded duvet covers and splurge on some high quality bedlinen. White bedding is luxurious and looks expensive, especially with a white comforter across the bottom of the bed.

• Cushions are key. Choose cushions that echo colours from your headboard, in a variety of colours and textures. No scattering, either – for a true boutique look, arrange them sitting upright in a neat line out from the pillows.

• Install dedicated reading lights and a central lighting system that is clicked off from the bed – bedside lights are always separate from the main circuit. Most of the time you just want table lamps that softly light the room, so dimmer switches are a nice touch.

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• Layer up. A double layer of curtains looks twice as nice in the bedroom. One layer can be much lighter than the other and the two can be either tone or contrast in colours or textures.

• Declutter. It goes without saying that a boutique bedroom should be clutter-free. Sleek fitted wardrobes from floor to ceiling will hide a multitude of sins.

• Install additional plug sockets if necessary. Trailing wires and extensions leads will ruin your luxurious, minimalist look.

Black and white has been big on the catwalk for months, and now the monochrome look has found its way into our homes, too. But it doesn’t have to be cool and minimalist; the latest spring trend is for shades of silver and grey, from delicate dove to dramatic graphite, in a range of gorgeously opulent designs and fabrics. The new collection from Designers Guild, for instance, includes Sofienberg, overblown grey roses on a light, airy white background. It would look great teamed with plain silver grey or white. Or create a feature wall using Linnaeus wall covering – stripes of topiary trees in graphite, oyster, platinum or the very adventurous noir. n You can see the new Designers Guild collection – as well as a wide range of other designer fabrics – at Garnetts, 5a The Crescent (just off Blossom Street). Call 627064 for more information.

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your home

Eliments showroom revamped Investing in replacement windows or doors or even a new conservatory or orangery, requires careful consideration.

That’s why Eliments, based at Bell Farm, Riccall Road, Escrick, has undertaken a major refurbishment of its showroom.

The impressive site has examples of full-size, fully-functional conservatories, as well as numerous doors and windows, all in a variety of styles and finishes.

It also displays under-floor heating as well as the latest energy-efficient electric heaters.

A lot of information is now available at a customer’s fingertips, with ‘voice boxes’ that describe the particular conservatory you are standing in and touchscreens that show pictures of Eliments products gracing the homes of satisfied customers. Sensor switches operate the lights and fans as you enter each conservatory.

Being a manufacturer, Eliments sells top-quality bespoke products at very competitive prices. The company offers double glazing with ‘Warm Edge’ technology, uPVC windows with an 'A' energy rating and the latest high-security uPVC doors. It also supplies and installs fascias, soffits, guttering and other roofline products.

01904 234 543 infoyork@britisheco.com

www.britisheco.com

n The Eliments showroom is open seven days a week.

For more details, call 01757 249950.

Calling all landlords Niall McTurk, chair of York Residential Landlords’ Association, will be the guest speaker at a seminar for residential landlords and managing agents at the city’s Monkbar Hotel, between 9am and noon, on Wednesday, March 23. Denison Till lawyers will offer advice on the legal solutions available when tenancy problems arise. Book your place online at www.denisontill.com

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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. Do you think house prices have stabilised?

A. Yes I do think that house prices do seem to have stabilised. York has always been a hotspot so it will never be hit as hard as some areas. The key at the moment is that buyers want to feel that they are getting real value for money. If an agent and a seller are realistic with an asking price, a property should sell fairly quickly. It is still a very price sensitive market but properties priced correctly will sell. A buyer will not pay more than a property is worth and they are doing lots of research before they buy.

Q. How can a buyer be fairly represented by an Estate Agent, who is working on behalf of a seller and been paid by the seller to achieve the highest price for the property?

A. It is in the best interest of both parties to reach a price that is agreeable to the seller and the buyer; the last thing a seller wants is a sale to fall through part way because the Estate Agent has pushed the buyer too much. So you need have no fear that the agent won’t be working just as hard for you as they are for the seller.

Q.

I have seen a house that I would really like to buy in a very desirable part of York but I have a property to sell. There is no mortgage outstanding on my house and the property I am interested in has a number of offers on it. Do you think there is a way round buying the other house without selling my own as I really would like to secure this property? My house is in a great location and should sell fairly easily.

A. You are in a fairly good position with no mortgage outstanding on your present property; you may be able to finance a purchase by taking out a mortgage on the other property whilst you sell your house. The agent who you are hoping to buy through will have connections with independent financial advisors, who may be able to come up with a solution. Bear in mind that the market is difficult so although your house is also in a good location it may take longer to sell. Really think about the present market conditions and make allowances for this. If you do decide to buy before you sell, make sure that you put your house on at a good price so you get interest and you do not have to finance for too long. This is not ideal as you do not know what you will get for your property until you secure a sale on it.

But if you can buy the house you want and are confident after speaking to an advisor that you can afford to make the purchase then it may be an option to consider.

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

James Street Morrisons

Lawrence Street

Layerthorpe

watermark

Foss Islands Road

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your home

your home

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your home

Property of the month

White House Garth, Bubwith This is a most attractive architect designed four bedroom detached house situated within a small cul-de-sac development just off the main street of this popular village to the south of york. Of interest to the most discerning buyer, the property features a stunning interior that briefly comprises an entrance porch, entrance hall, lounge with period style fireplace and open grate, separate dining room, a modern fitted breakfast kitchen with appliances and granite worktops, utility room. To the first floor are four bedrooms (master with en-suite) and a family bathroom. Outside there are gardens to the front and rear and an integral double garage.

4 Bed detached, Breakfast kitchen, Master ensuite, Integral double garage, South facing garden, Utility roomÂ

Tel: 01904 621026 www.huntersnet.co.uk

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St Johns Place, Penleys Grove Street A selection of newly constructed townhouses superbly situated just a short walk from Monkgate and York's historic city walls. The four and five bedroom townhouses have been sympathetically designed with traditional features such as timber sash windows, slate roofs and attractive brickwork in keeping with the neighbouring period homes. Internally they feature living accommodation on the ground floor with a bay window to the lounge and a fabulous open plan kitchen/dining room with integrated appliances, solid wood work surfaces and dual French doors opening to the rear garden. The bedrooms are all on the first and second floors with ensuite and family bathrooms with contemporary fittings. Externally they enjoy enclosed courtyard gardens and a single detached garage. This is a great opportunity to secure a new home ready for immediate occupation.

For more details or to arrange a viewing call

01904 621532

your home

Property of the month

Fancy escaping to the country? Then why not take a look at this house in the pretty village of Huby? Our friends at Opus Estate Agents are very excited about The Croft, and after seeing it we can see why. The four bedroom detached house has recently undergone an extensive programme of refurbishment, giving it a real wow factor. There’s plenty of room for family life, with a lounge, spacious conservatory and stunning breakfast kitchen/family room with handmade bespoke pine units and solid oak worktops. There’s also a very useful inner hall/study area, perfect for some peace and quiet. Upstairs you’ll find four bedrooms (one ensuite) and a family bathroom. The property is set in a substantial plot with open views to the rear and ample off street parking at the front. The perfect family home in a stunning village setting – what more could you want? n For more details or to arrange a viewing contact OPUS on 790070.

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TOP TIP: You can buy special moisture-resistant laminate for use in bathrooms

Hardwood

Solid wood floors have been around for centuries.

They’re naturally beautiful and last a lifetime if they’re fitted correctly.

Hardwood suits almost any style of home, from traditional to sleek and contemporary. It’s easy to clean and won’t collect dust like carpet.

Best for: Almost any room in the house. Consult a professional if you’re looking to fit a hardwood floor in a bathroom, though, as moisture could be a problem.

Ceramic Ceramic tiles are

Choosing the right floor for your home is a big investment. It needs to be practical, look good and fit in with the mood of your home. A pale cream carpet may look elegant for five minutes, but might not be such a good idea if you regularly have an army of kids and pets trampling over it!

We’re been looking at some of the options available, and whether they’ll work for you.

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hugely versatile, easily maintained and very durable (as long as you don’t drop a ton weight on them!). They come in a huge variety of colours, sizes, shapes and styles, so you’re sure to find something to suit your home. Choose a thick, hard-wearing tile with an anti-slip finish for flooring.

Best for: Their hard wearing, easy clean finish makes them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. They’re likely to be too cold and noisy for living rooms or bedrooms.

Carpet With carpet, you really do get what you pay for, so go for the best you can afford for heavy traffic areas like the living room, hall and stairs. Look for a stain resistant finish to repel dirt and keep your carpet looking good. Choose a medium or darker colour, or a texture will also help disguise everyday marks and

stains. Don’t skimp on underlay, as this can affect the life expectancy of your carpet.

Best for: Living rooms, halls, stairs and bedrooms. Not very hygienic in kitchens and bathrooms

Laminate

Laminate flooring is virtually resistant to burns, scratches and chipping. It’s available in a variety of finishes, from hardwood to slate and marble, which also makes it extremely verrsatile. Laminate flooring is an interlocking system of boards that that sit on top of the existing sub-floor. You can lay it fairly simply yourself, although for maximum wear and the best finish it’s best to have it fitted by a professional.

Best for: Its indestructible nature makes it great for high traffic areas such as halls, kitchens and living rooms.

Vinyl Vinyl floors are very easy to install, simple to clean and affordable.

It comes in a wide range of finishes and effects, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your dream floor. There are felt backed and vinyl backed varieties; felt backed tends to stay in place longer, but is harder to remove. Vinyl is not ideal for very bumpy floor surfaces as the bumps may wear through in time.

Best for: Vinyl flooring is excellent in bathrooms and kitchens. Opt for a mildew-resistant backing for bathrooms.

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Home Sweet Home with Anne Leggett

of Homemakers Home Design Consultants.

Anne Leggett of Homemakers Home Design Cosultants specialises in the design of functional rooms – kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and home offices – as well as general interior decor and home styling. Her aim is to produce a room scheme that works well from a practical point of view as well as being attractive and affordable.

Shandy Hall wrapped up York-based renewable energy experts Solarwall have helped to make a historic building more environmentally friendly.

Shandy Hall, in Coxwold, near York, is the historic home of Laurence Sterne, author of the novel ‘Tristram Shandy’. The grade I listed building was constructed in the 15th century and became the home of the author in 1760.

Solarwall installed insulation in the roof spaces of the property, which is now a popular visitor attraction and exhibition venue. The Laurence Sterne Trust, custodians of the building, are hoping to cut the hall’s rising heating bills and reduce the museum’s carbon footprint.

Elinor Camille-Wood, Shandy Hall’s Collections Officer, says: “We are very grateful to the Sustainable Museums Project for grant-aid and also to Solarwall for their friendly and efficient service.”

Solarwall Director Sue Lamb says: “It’s wonderful to be asked to help improve one the region’s most historically significant and beautiful visitor attractions.

I’ve always loved Tristram Shandy and to insulate the house where much of it was written is a fantastic honour. It is my hope that other historic homes and attractions will soon realise the economical and ecological benefits of insulating their properties.” n Solarwall, Green Lane Trading Estate, Clifton, York.

Tel: 0500 127005

Now she’s offering her extensive design expertise to readers of Your Local Link. She’ll be taking you through the basics of good design and offering tips on refurbishing whatever your budget.

Kitchens

Q. I want to redesign my kitchen – where do I start?

A. First you’ll need to decide what style you want. Do you fancy traditional farmhouse, contemporary or high tech? Bear in mind the style of your property – an antique farmhouse style is unlikely to look good in a city apartment.

Whatever the style there are basic rules that must be adhered to. All kitchens must be safe and functional. The sink, fridge and cooker/ hob must be in easy reach of each other, preferably in a small triangle.

The fridge must not be next to the cooker as the heat generated by the cooker will affect the performance of the fridge. There must be also be useable worktop space next to both the oven and hob so that hot cooking utensils can easily be put down when removed from the heat source.

Q. I’m on a tight budget – any ideas for cutting the cost?

A. There are ways to make your kitchen affordable. Always use the largest units to fill the space, do not put in two units when one can do the same job. Half the size does not mean half the price . Keep your kitchen simple. Lots of extras, such as pull-out pantries, pan drawers and carousels will add a massive amount to your final bill.

Gadgets are a luxury – don’t be tempted by the salesman to put in something you are unlikely to use.

If your kitchen just looking tatty but the carcasses themselves are sound and the layout works well, then just give it a makeover.

It’s amazing what new doors and a new worktop can do for your kitchen. Finish it off with a new tiled splash back and a coat of paint, and you can renew your kitchen for half the price.

Q. Can I save money on appliances?

A. Cookers, hobs, extractors and fridges/freezers come at all prices but those prices reflect the kudos of the manufacturer and their marketing budget. Look hard at own brands and builders’ packs – they are frequently made by the same manufacturers.

Decide on your budget first and then look at products to fit. That doesn’t always mean buying the cheapest; by all means splash out on a fantastic appliance like a range cooker (if you can afford it, of course), if its function makes your life better and it is going to get a lot of use.

A good independent designer will take all these things into account and make your kitchen dream come true. ‘

Next month: Bathrooms n If you have a home design question, contact Anne c/o the address on page three. Or email your question to info@homemakers-design-consulatants.co.uk.

Mark your question ‘Homemakers’.

Log on to her websitewww.homemakers-design-consultants.co.uk or call 01904 443344 07895 654773.

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York’s is the second fastest growing city in the UK, according to an independent report. The Cities Outlook for 2011, produced by the Centre for Cities, ranks the economic performance of cities across the UK. York is also in the top five cities based on the percentage of residents with high-level qualifications and is in the top 20 cities in terms of the percentage of the working age population in employment.

We asked three people why York means business:

Scott Anscomb Managing Director, Your Move Anscombs As a local business owner I can recommend first hand that York is a great place to do business for a number of reasons. Living in York and the surrounding villages offers a fabulous lifestyle, particularly for families, so chances are you will live close to your work with a shorter commute than you would have in other parts of the UK. This is maybe why so many companies see York as a great place to locate their businesses as their employees are more likely to accept the change with enthusiasm. Of course, it could also be the superb road and rail links, brilliant schooling, highlyregarded university and a worldwide reputation as a must-see tourist destination.

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Tom Pearcy owner of York Maze As a visitor attraction operator in York I can appreciate what a great place it is to do business in. Not only is there a strong influx of visitors from overseas, we are also a hub for visitors from our own nation, and our own region. York is well located to draw from a huge population, being within an hour’s drive of Leeds, Hull, Bradford and Doncaster. York is seen as the centre of the greatest county in England, its rich heritage makes it a desirable place to visit, live and work in. The attractions industry

has fostered the UK’s best ‘theme’ companies. The strength and depth of local businesses has created an affluent local population which, when allied to the huge visiting population, makes York an ‘amazing’ place to do business in.

Professor David Fleming Vice Chancellor of York St John University York is a fantastic city to work and live, therefore it is not surprising it has an excellent position within the UK economy. We work closely with business and have a strong track

record of retaining graduates within the region. As a member of Science City York, we are proud to belong to a partnership approach to stimulating business and inward investment. York St John Business School, set up less than three years ago, has flourished.

One of the most exciting areas of growth for the business school has been within enterprise support in the city. More than 120 people attended its enterprise day, which demonstrates the appetite in the area for building successful and innovative new businesses.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

the

Verdict VVVVV

bay tree

Having heard on the farming grapevine that a local Stillington farmer had taken over The Bay Tree pub in his own village, we sent our very own farmer to try the menu on offer...

“When we found out the new landlord was an Aberdeen Angus breeder like ourselves we had to go. There is something very special about pure Angus beef – not the cross Angus that you usually find in supermarkets but proper, full Angus meat. Having his own cold store to hang meat for much longer than is normally viable makes such a difference too.

“We had eaten at the Bay Tree several times before, with varying results, so with a bit of trepidation headed out to this pretty village north of York. The interior was mainly unchanged with a pretty, cosy but refreshingly modern look in the bar and restaurant but notably fresher and with such a warm welcome from staff that we felt like regulars immediately.

“We chose to eat in the very comfortable bar by a real fire with drinks delivered swiftly to our table. As steak was what we had come for we duly ordered a fillet and sirloin. Both came with proper chips, grilled flat mushroom and tomato and salad garnish that was meant to be eaten, not just an afterthought. Ordered separately were a béarnaise sauce for the fillet and onion rings for the sirloin. Both came exactly as ordered and were truly as billed.

Tenderness and taste were the best we had had for – well, except for our own – ever. And the taste was not in the seasoning usually added but in the meat itself. If you have not experienced pure Angus beef, well hung and cooked to perfection, then this will be a treat. The chips

were homemade and proper, the onion rings also, the sauce a perfect addition and even the garnishes had substance and purpose.

“A traditional dessert of bread and butter pudding was light, perfectly cooked and a classic end to a superb meal. We will no doubt return as the home reared lamb and pork, fish from the coast and local chicken all looked as good. And with the gracious service, attention to detail and well thought out menu this will fast become a favourite haunt of those looking for quality in pub food.” n The Bay Tree, Main Street, Stillington.

YO61 1JU www.baytreestillington.com.

Tel: 01347 811394. Closed Monday, open for lunch & dinner Tues – Sun.

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March is

Veggie Month!

Like most people, we’ll never give up the burgers or bacon sandwiches. But there’s a lot to be said for cutting back on meat occasionally. Eating less meat and more grains, beans, fruit and veggies means you’ll consume fewer calories, less saturated fat and cholesterol, and higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

And that adds up to a lot of health benefits.

Meat-free tips Try a new recipe every week.

Borrow a book from the library, or search on the internet for veggie recipes Try a meat substitute.

If you swap your usual mince for Quorn in your spag bol, you probably won’t even notice the difference.

Include pulses, beans, grains and nuts to make sure you get enough protein

The good news is you don’t have to give up meat completely to enjoy the same health benefits; swapping to a meat-free day just once or twice a week can have positive benefits.

Explore other foods.

You’ll find plenty of veggie options on the menu at your local Chinese or Indian. York also has plenty of excellent vegetarian restaurants – look out for advertisements in Your Local Link!

Spring Events

Chef’s special recipe The spice is right at the Indian Garden – a new restaurant that has opened in the picturesque market town of Easingwold, near York.

A spokesman says: “We specialise in Balti dishes and highly recommend that you try this traditional curry served with a plain pilao rice and naan bread. Balti is cooked in a special wok with spicy onions, green peppers, thick curry sauce and our chef’s own special recipe of fresh spices and herbs with a dash of Indian pickle.”

The restaurant, which is open between 5.30pm and midnight, also offers a takeaway service with free delivery within a three-mile radius on orders over £15; or customers can claim a 10% discount on collection. n The Indian Garden, Windross House, Market Place, Easingwold YO61 3AG. Tel: 01347 821900

10% kids’ party discount Il Treno Restaurant, near Skelton, is offering readers of Your Local Link a 10% discount if they book a children’s party. You can hire a railway carriage where the kids can be fed and watered while watching the trains go by – pizza and pasta is a speciality. If you want a children’s entertainer, such as a happy clown or a magical conjurer, our friends at Il Treno can arrange that as well. n Tel: 470221.

Spring Events

To book please contact the York Racecourse Hospitality Team

T: 01904 638971

E: events@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk W: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk Advance tickets only - The nature of a comedy evening means it is best enjoyed without children, so please no under 16s. The fully licensed bar means that 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.

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york on a fork

YOUR Favourite recipes

Cheap&cheerful!

Lynn Williams’ Scouse recipe last month brought back memories for fellow Liverpudlian Sylvia Dunn of Copmanthorpe. So much so that she was inspired to send us her own family recipe!

Says Sylvia, “’Pork & Bean Bake’ is really a mish mash of ingredients which I created when my late son, who was then about eight years old, brought three friends home and said he had invited them for tea! All I had in the fridge were four sausages so to make them go further I invented my Pork & Bean Bake!”

Off to market 28 February - 13 March York Festival of Fairtrade, Parliament Street. Experience an amazing variety of fair trade goods, including food and drink, handicrafts, clothing, bags and fashion accessories.

Pork & Bean Bake We’ve kept the amounts and cooking times vague so you can stretch it to suit your family and your tastes – have fun experimenting!

Ingredients n Large onion, diced n Pepper – any colour – sliced n Mushrooms – as many or as few as you like – sliced n Any meat can be used, from leftover Sunday joints to sausages or thick cut bacon – it’s worth experimenting! n Large tin baked beans n Stock cube (optional) Method: Fry onions and pepper until soft. Add mushrooms and stir until cooked. Dice meat or cut sausages or bacon into bite-sized pieces, then add to the

mixture. Add baked beans and stock cube. Put mixture into an ovenproof dish and then put into the oven – 200 degrees/gas mark 6 until cooked through. You can add some grated cheese to the top for extra flavour.

Alternatively, heat through in a pan.

Serve with: Pasta, rice, chips, jacket potato and/or salad.

TELL US YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPE If you have a family favourite, send it to us (we’d love to hear any stories that go with it, too). Send it to: Monthly Recipe, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, York YO32 2LH, or email info@yourlocallink. co.uk

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25th March Enjoy the best of Yorkshire’s local produce at the Farmer’s Market in Newgate Market. From fresh veg to locally sourced meat and the best of British baking, you’ll find it all here!

19th March Local meat, veg, Yorkshire cheeses, homemade soups and fruit wine are just some of the tempting treats on offer at the Farmers’ Market at York Auction Centre, Murton.

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Tell us why your Mum is so special Is your Mum one in a million? Find out by entering our fun competition to celebrate Mother’s Day, which takes place on Sunday 3rd April.

Our friends at the Cottage Inn, The Village, Haxby, York, are offering a fantastic prize. One lucky Mum will be wined and dined for free to make her special day extra special.

They will arrange for a taxi to take her to the popular pub on Mother’s Day and present her with a bouquet of flowers and a free bottle of wine for the table.

To have a chance of winning this memorable prize, describe in no more than 100 words why your Mum deserves such VIP treatment.

The Cottage Inn is serving three-course meals between noon and 6pm on Mother’s Day. A children’s menu is available. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Send your competition entry on a postcard to Mother’s Day Competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday 25th March. Please include your name and contact details

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Frying tonight!

Get out the frying pan, it’s Pancake Day on 8th March.

But how do you eat yours? It’s a question that’s caused more arguments in the office than who used the last teabag.

Opinions are truly divided. Gini, Donna and Emily came out firmly in favour of the traditional lemon and sugar topping – “Simple, just like me,” said Emily (no comment). A surprise favourite was golden syrup and lemon juice – Kelly, Robin, Sarah, Jon are all fans (although Kelly did say ‘Or mushrooms’, which is a bit mysterious). Dean prefers plain treacle, while Richard, Rachel and Liz our American work experience girl go for maple syrup.

There were a few exotic choices, too. Mim likes her pancakes covered in chocolate and bananas, while Helen prefers the savoury option of cheese and ham. Zoe’s another savoury fan – she likes hers with feta cheese and spinach.

Lee recommends a Crepe Suzette – a flambéed

Ingredients 3100g plain flour 3 250ml milk (or half and half milk and water) 3 1 egg 3 Pinch salt

creation with orange, caramel and cointreau sauce. But then he is a former chef...

Whatever you stick on yours, here’s a foolproof recipe for you. Enjoy!

Method: Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the egg and half the milk. Combine to get rid of any lumps, then add the rest of the milk and beat until smooth.

Set aside for 15 – 30 minutes.

Brush pan with oil and heat. Pour in enough pancake mixture to cover the bottom of the pan (swirl it around to ensure a thin coating).

Cook until the bottom is set, then flip it over (or toss, if you’re feeling brave!) and cook the other side.

Serve immediately, or keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. They can also be frozen (separated with greaseproof paper).

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york on a fork

yorkonafork

events

Do just a few minutes more phys

Visit the website for fitness prizes, promotio become more active. www.justafewminu Ghost Trail of York, West Doors of York Minster. 7.30pm every night. Dare you cross the centuries and discover York’s spine-chilling history?

Then join an Equity-qualified guide for this awardwinning tour – now in its 18th hugely successful year. Call 633276.

Jorvik Viking Centre, Coppergate.

Board a state of the art time capsule and take a trip back in time to meet the neighbours in the Viking age city of York. Come face to face with the old-Norse speaking citizens, see inside their houses and backyards, experience a blast of smoke from blacksmith’s furnace and enjoy the smell of homecooked stew inside the home of the local amber worker. With high-tech audio and video displays from the five-year dig, it’s a must for budding bonehunters of all ages. You could even stop for a chat with a real life Viking! For information call 615 505

28 February - 13 March York Festival of Fairtrade, Parliament Street. Experience an amazing variety of fair trade goods, including food and drink, handicrafts, clothing, bags and fashion accessories. From traditional Inca crafts to Himalayan clothing, you’ll find it all at the market – and a fair trade guarantees a fair price for the producer.

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Until 4 March

Until 3 April

Art Exhibition, York Minster. Abstract

Photography exhibition, Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley. The first venue in the North to show the Terry O’ Neill Photography Award exhibition. The award, founded in 2007, is open to young photographers across a wide spectrum of genres including fine art, documentary and landscape photography. Call 01439 748283.

expressionist paintings by Cotswold-based artist Alison Thistlethwaite. The collection, called ‘In the Presence’, is made up of about 40 works inspired by worship and prayer.

For a healthier, happier you visit www.justafewminutesmore.com

events

Do just a few minutes more physical activity every day.

Visit the website for fitness prizes, promotions and loads of local ideas to become more active. www.justafewminutesmore.com Until 2 May Quilt Art, Quilt Museum & Gallery, Peasholme Green. Quilt Art, an international group of 20 textile artists, celebrates its 25th anniversary with an exhibition that demonstrates its diversity of inspiration, artistic and technical skills.

Until 12 June Bigger Trees Near Warter, York Art Gallery. The largest painting David Hockney has ever created is on show in York Art Gallery. The work, measuring 12m by 4.5m, is made up of 50 smaller canvasses of a landscape near the East Yorkshire village of Warter.

1 – 12 March

York Open Studios. To celebrate, the event will be double the size and held over two weekends, on 1st-3rd April and 8th-10th April. A grand total of 119 local artists will be opening their doors to the general public, selling and discussing their work.

This includes more than 40 new faces, showing a variety of art from paintings and prints to ceramics, sculpture and jewellery. There will also be a host of other talks and events happening across the city. To introduce the 2011 participants and for a preview of what can be seen over the Open Studios weekends visit the taster exhibition at Gray’s Court.

2 – 6 March; 9 – 11 March The Procession to Calvary by Pieter Breughel, Nostell Priory. 1pm – 4.30pm (last admission). Come and take a look at the wonderful painting by the Dutch artist, saved for Yorkshire by the National Trust. It will be on display in Nostell Priory’s Breakfast Room.

Call Chris Blackburn on 01924 866832 for more information.

Crazy For You, York Theatre Royal. York Light Opera presents this high-energy comedy featuring mistaken identities, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music including I Got Rhythm, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Someone To Watch Over Me. Call the box office on 623568.

2 March

1 March – 15 April

St Matthew Passion, Sir Jack Lyons

Open Studios Exhibition, Grays Court.

10am – 6pm. 2011 is the tenth anniversary of the

Concert Hall, University of York. 7pm. Two of the foremost interpreters of Bach, and particularly of the roles in the Passion settings, join the University

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of York Chamber Choir and Baroque Ensemble for a performance of what is arguably one of the greatest pieces of music of all times. Call 432439.

Stephenson’s Rocket Talk, National Railway Museum. 7pm. Join engineer Richard Gibbon for a talk about his latest book on Stephenson’s masterpiece, Rocket. To book your free place, call 685724.

Beyond Monopoly, Railway Institute, Queen Street. 5 – 10pm. York’s friendly boardgame club for adults and families. There are hundreds of great boardgames to choose from, and beginners are always welcome. Email: bmyork@ gmail.com Open Event, York College. 6 – 8.30pm. York College is hosting an open evening for prospective A-level and vocational students. The college at Sim Balk Lane offers more than 40 A-levels and 80 vocational programmes. Call 770400.

Café Scientifique talk, York City Screen. 7.30pm. Dr Liam Herringshaw will give a talk entitled ‘Miners, Gardeners, Engineers: How Burrowing Creatures Changed the World’. To book your free ticket, call 0871 704 2054.

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events

3 March Orchard planting, St Lawrence’s School, Heslington Road. 3.15pm. Contact Laura Potts for more details on laurapotts@phonecoop.coop

4 March Comedy night, York Racecourse. Doors open 7pm. Quirky comedian Tony Simpson is your host for this evening of top class comedy, featuring two of the country’s fastest rising stars.

Steve Harris has been voted Northwest Comedian of the Year; the BBC has described him as ‘Quite simply fantastically funny’.’ Ashley Frieze has been performing on the UK comedy circuit since 2003.

His guitar-based act is particularly unique since he can’t actually play! Tickets are £16, including food. Looking ahead to the coming months, the racecourse is also offering Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday packages. Call 638971.

Jorvik Woodturning Group, Earswick Village Hall, Earswick Chase, Earswick. 7.30pm.

Mark Raby will give a talk entitled ‘Finishing & Polishing’. The spring competition will be ‘A Bowl’.

Call 704092.

5 March An audience with Kate Atkinson, Explore York Library Learning Centre. 7pm. To celebrate World Book Night, the popular York author will be discussing her work. Tickets from Explore York on 552828

Giant Jumble Sale, Wheldrake Village Hall.

2 – 3.30pm. Fundraising event in aid of Wheldrake Pre-School Playgroup . Come along, have a rummage and pick up a bargain!

York Ramblers Walk, Easingwold Market Place. 1pm. Five mile ramble starting at the marketplace. Turn up on the day or for more details contact Chris (preferably by text) on 07881597934

Fashion Fair, Park Inn Hotel, North Street.

10am – 5pm. SOUK is a collection of sustainable fashion, independent fashion labels, vintage fashion, designer makers, artists, jewellers and entrepreneurs, creating a memorable shopping experience. There’s also a chance to make a corsage brooch in a free workshop.

Barn Dance, Holgate Methodist Church.

Beyond Monopoly, the Railway Institute, Queen Street. 10am – 6pm. Friendly boardgame club. Email: bmyork@gmail.com

5-6, 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27 March Winter Abbey Tours, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. 1.30pm. Join a tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks. Call 01765 608888 for more information

8 March

7 – 10pm. Dance to the Bad Bargain Band. Supper included. Suitable for old and young alike. Tickets available from Jackie Rodaway 798437 or Janet Strodder on 793566.

Yorkshire Film Archive, Tempest Anderson Hall, Museum Gardens. 7.30pm. Your chance to take a look back in Yorkshire’s history with a selection of short films from the Archive. For more details, call 656713.

Seed swap, Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church. 10.45 – 11.45am. Swap surplus seeds and plan a new venture - picking excess fruit in the autumn with Abundance York. For more details, call Stephen Spain on 765651.

Wigginton Recreation Hall. 7.30pm. Demonstration entitled ‘Quintessential English’ by Sue Spencer. Tel: 765676.

HIC! The Entire History Of Wine, Helmsley Arts Centre. 7.30pm. HIC! is an hilarious romp through history, literature, and wine. The evening includes a Call My Bluff-style wine tasting by Peter Fawcett, of York wine merchants Field & Fawcett. Tel: 01439 771700.

5 & 12 March Lino cutting, Yorkshire Museum. 10am – 4pm. Artist Kirstie Briggs Bateman, inspired by the medieval tiles and glass, will teach lino cutting and printing techniques. Call 650333 to book .

5 & 19 March

Haxby & Wigginton Flower Club,

Heslington Flower Lovers’ Guild, Heslington Village Hall. 7.30pm. For more details, call Lilian on 653267 or Kathleen on 631982.

8 & 12 March Women in York History Walk, Museum Gardens Gates. 10.30am. As part of international Women’s Week, a walk for all highlighting the contribution of women to York’s heritage. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Literary Women in York Walk, Museum Gardens Gates. 2pm. A new walk highlighting women’s contribution to literature in and inspired by York. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

SHIPWRE C K S Crown copyright, photo taken by Wessex Archaeology

New Exhibition at

SHIPWRECKS 12th March to September 2011

This exciting new exhibition at DIG explores the underwater world of marine archaeology and examines how shipwrecks are discovered, recovered and preserved for future generations.

St Saviourgate | York | www.digyork.co.uk 80

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10 & 24 March York Speakers Club, the Railway Institute, Queen Street. 7.30pm. Call 416308

11 March Women’s Hafla/dance party, Priory St. Centre. Doors open 7pm – 7.30pm. There will be dance performances and tasters in Egyptian, Zumba and Circle Dance as well as a bazaar of secondhand dancing clothes, jewellery and scarves. The York duo, Purple Delta, will provide live music and there will be the opportunity to try Indian Head massage. It promises to be a fun evening and a great way to raise funds for the Community Circle Dance Association in York, which runs dance projects in the local community. For more information contact Susan on 672168

12 March – September Shipwrecks, DIG, St Saviourgate. We all know DIG is a great place for getting your hands dirty. With no less than three discovery rooms, would-be archaeologists can explore a variety of techniques for uncovering the past. But now budding bone hunters can delve even deeper with their new exhibition. Shipwrecks explores the underwater world of marine archaeology and examines how shipwrecks are discovered, recovered and preserved for future generations.

For a closer look at the mysterious world of undersea exploration, don’t miss this brilliant exhibition. Find out more from www.digyork.co.uk.

12 March Spooksfest Dinner and Talk, Treasurer’s House. Gates open 5.30pm, dinner

served 7pm. Treasurer’s House has a reputation as the city’s most haunted building – how many other houses can boast their very own Roman legion in the basement? Now here’s your chance to find out more. Spend the evening in York’s most haunted house with Dr Ciaran O Keeffe - leading parapsychologist known from his work with TV’s Most Haunted. Dr O’ Keeffe will be delivering a one hour talk followed by a three course dinner.

Booking essential on 624247

The Songs of Michael Bublé, Joseph Rowntree theatre, Haxby Road. 7.30pm. Craig Turnbull and The Bridge Rats Big band will perform Michael Bublé’s greatest hits to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care. There will also be support from special guests the Kate Peters Septet. For tickets, call York Theatre Royal on 623568.

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Dance Your Inner Fire Workshop, Heworth Church Hall. 1.30 – 5pm. Is there an inner ‘Gypsy’ in you, just waiting for the chance to express itself? The ‘Dance Your Inner Fire’ workshop could be just what you need! With an invitation to dress up in anything that sparkles or jingles, dancing in the sensual and expressive Gypsy/ Roma Eastern European dance style will raise the temperature, and give expression to that fire within!

For more information contact Karen on 788058

Barn dance, Poppleton Community Centre.

7.30 - 11.30pm. A ceilidh to raise money for the Great Wall Of China Breast Cancer Campaign Walk in April, which is being done by hypnotherapist Maureen Payne. She is taking the place of a friend who has had to pull out of the charity trek. Tickets available from Poppleton Post Office.

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

Outdoor footwear recommended. Call 01765 608888 for more information Foss Walk, Coxwold Village Hall. 10am. Walk from Easingwold to Coxwold. Options - whole walk 6.2 miles, morning only 4 miles or afternoon only 2.2 miles. Bring a packed lunch or eat at The Balmoral pub. Call Bob Jowett in advance on 764702 if you are coming.

13 March Car Boot Sale, Haxby Memorial Hall.

9am – 1pm. Proceeds go directly to the upkeep of this Victorian Hall, that receives no external funding. Stall holders set up 8am. 20p entrance price, pitches for sellers are £7 inside, £6 outside to sellers. Ring Brenda on 764404 to book.

Discovery day, National Railway Museum.

Get your whole family involved with more than 20 workshops to mark Science Week, which runs from 13th – 20th March. Call 0844 815 3139

Jewish Heritage Trail, Museum Gardens gates. 10.30am. A walk recalling the Jewish contribution to York’s history, visiting sites connected with medieval and modern Jews. Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Music Night, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road. 7.30pm. An evening of music and song with musical director Don Pears. Proceeds will go towards the enhancement of the theatre. For tickets, call 639117.

14 – 26 March Takeover Festival, York Theatre Royal.

More than just a theatre festival, this is a two week celebration of live performance by both the country’s brightest new talent and established groups, including stunning classic theatre like Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa and Belt Up Theatre’s adaptation of The Beggar’s Opera as well as Dance (Verve 2011) and Comedy (Fitzrovia Radio Hour, Comedy Night!). www.takeoverfestival.co.uk.

15 March York Art Society Exhibition, The Guildhall. 9.30am – 4.30pm (15th – 20th); 9.30am – 2pm (21st). York Art Society is a group

of enthusiastic local artists who meet monthly, either for lectures, demonstrations or teaching workshops, as well as arranging painting holidays and visits to places of artistic interest. You can see the work produced by this talented group at their 193rd Spring Exhibition this month. Lots of paintings, pictures and greetings cards will be available for sale, and there will also be the chance to win an original quality painting. Call 332872 or visit www.yorkartsociety.com.

Askham Bryan College Gardening Club, Askham Bryan College Conference Hall.

7.30pm. Illustrated talk, ‘Touring The Gardens of Britain’, by writer/broadcaster Sarah Hopps.

Call 707208.

Win tickets to see

Curtains the Musical Members of Flying Ducks Youth Theatre are proud to present Curtains The Musical. The fantastic Broadway show was written by Kander and Ebb, whose credits include Cabaret and Chicago.

Flying Ducks is presenting the UK youth premiere of this intriguing romantic comedy and murder mystery set in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1959. A cast member from the new musical ‘Robbin’ Hood’, collapses after the final curtain of the opening night, later to be pronounced dead. The question Lt. Frank Cioffi, of the Boston Police Department, needs to answer is whodunit?

The show will run from 14th to 16th April at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road. Curtain up: 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets may be obtained from Michael Whyte on 768963, or visit www.flyingducksyouththeatre.com for further details.

For the chance to win four tickets to the Thursday evening performance of Curtains The Musical on 14th April, please answer the following question: The writers of Curtains The Musical have also been credited with which other two well known musicals. What are they?

Send your answer on a postcard to Flying Ducks Youth Theatre Competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday 25th March. Please include your name, address and phone number.

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16 March

19 March

York Anglo-Scandinavian Society,

Choccy and Sweetie Tour, Museum

Norwegian Study Centre, Harald Fairhair’s Building, University of York. 7.30pm. ‘Monsters, Maidenkings and more’ – a Medieval Icelandic adventure sagas with Alaric Hall.

Gardens Gates. 10.30am and 2pm. A delicious tour – hear the history of Terry’s and Rowntree, visit choccy and sweetie shops and taste free samples!

Call Yorkwalk on 622303.

Medical lecture, Pocklington Arts Centre.

Western Front Association, Holgate

7.30pm. Dr Rob Newton, of York University, will give a lecture entitled ‘Infections and cancer - a brief history’. Call 656713.

Block, York St John University. 2.30pm. John Lee will talk about the American army to members of the Yorkshire Branch. Call 01484 531412.

Geology walk, Yorkshire Museum. 10.30am

Sing-a-long-a-Pirates of Penzance,

– 12.30pm; 2 – 4pm. Join the Yorkshire Museum’s geology curator on a guided walk for a surprising look at what York’s buildings are made from. Call 650333 to book your place.

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road. 7.30pm.

Jorvik Gilbert & Sullivan Company present this semi-staged production, with narration. Audience participation is encouraged. Song sheets will be provided, but if you have your own score you’re welcome to bring it along. Tickets are available from York Theatre Royal Box office on 623568

17 March Kill For A Seat Comedy Club, Helmsley Arts Centre. 8pm Featuring Phil Kay and Seymour Mace. Tel: 01439 771700.

18 March British Music Society Concert, Sir Jack Lyons Hall, York University. 8pm. Musicians including the Carducci String Quartet and Katona Twins (guitar duo) will be presenting music from Vivaldi, Shubert and Shostakovich, among many others. Buy tickets at the door or log on to www. bms-york.org.uk U3A Meeting, Wigginton Recreation Hall.

2.00pm. Talk on ‘The Hungate Dig’ by Pete Connelly.

Record Breakers, National Railway Museum. Get up close to the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car, an amazing pencil-shaped vehicle has been designed to break the land speed record by reaching 1,000mph later on in the year. For more details, call 0844 815 3139

20 March Lawrence of Arabia, REEL Cinema, Blossom Street. 2.15pm. A rare screening of David Lean’s 1962 Oscar winning film to raise money for UK Charity Medical Aid For Palestinians. Money raised will help fund urgently needed medical facilities for the treatment of burn victims in Gaza and the West Bank. Tickets can be booked in advance at the cinema or by calling 01509 221155 (key in 13, York site).

The Martinu String Quartet, Helmsley Arts Centre. 7.30pm. The quartet performs works by Mozart, Martinu and Dvorak.

Tel: 01439 771700.

York Ramblers Walk, Colton Church.

1pm. Five mile ramble - turn up on the day or for more details contact Chris (preferably by text) on 07881597934 or visit www.yorkramblers.org.uk

22 March York Philosophical Society Lecture, Tempest Anderson Hall, Museum

19 & 20 March Local History Weekend, Rufforth

Gardens, 7.30pm. Professor Gary Green, of York Neuroimaging Centre, will give a lecture entitled ‘Reading the brain: When did you have that thought?’ For details, call 656713.

Methodist Church. 10.30am – 4pm. Maps, photos, artefacts and information to interest all ages, plus information on researching your family history.

There will be a service on Sunday from 11am.

23 March

Spring Craft Festival, St William’s

Ebor Lecture, York Minster. 7pm. Former

College. Looking for something truly special? You’ll find a whole host of hand-made crafts at Yorkshire Craft Fairs’ Spring Festival. www.yorkshirefairs.co.uk

Bishop of Oxford Richard Harries will present a talk entitled ‘Just War against Terror?’ Book your free ticket by phone on 876474

REACH OUT

Live on stage, the music of the...

Sat 26 March ~ 7.30pm

0844 847 2322

Facebook.com/ MagicofMotown

www.grandoperahouseyor k.org.uk

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events

24 March Piano Concert, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate. 7.30pm. Emre Sen, international prize-winning concert pianist from Turkey, returns by popular acclaim to perform works by Liszt, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Bach. Entry is free but there will be a retiring collection.

25 March ‘Escape from Tibet’’, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate. 7.30pm. In 1995, acclaimed documentary maker Nick Gray made a memorable film about the harrowing journey of two young boys escaping Chinese repression in Tibet. Nick will be paying a visit to York to introduce his award winning documentary, answer questions, and talk about his return visit to Tibet in 2010. Call: 07761 762 967.

Meet The Author, Bar Convent, Blossom Street. 7.30pm. Celebrated author Adania Shibli will be discussing her novel Touch which depicts the life of a girl in Palestine in the early 1980s. Tickets on the door or in advance from Fairer World, Gillygate. For details, email jkdono@tiscali.co.uk

26 March ‘Now and Then’ Concert, Chapter House, York Minster. 8pm. The Micklegate Singers are an amateur choir in York, made up of around 30–40 mixed voices. They perform at least three concerts a year at venues in or around York. This month they present ‘Now and Then’, a candlelit concert of meditational music in which early Tudor masterpieces are set beside later and more recent interpretations, including little-known choral works

by Rossini and the cellist Pablo Casals, all set in the atmospheric surroundings of the York Minster Chapter House. To book call 557208.

Rigoletto, The Guildhall. 7.30pm.

Rigoletto is considered by opera buffs to be the first of Verdi’s operatic masterpieces. Now The De Costa Academy of Singing presents Michael De Costa in the title role the court jester with a malicious tongue – and a secret to hide. This concert version will be sung in English with a full supporting cast, accompanied by Matthew Collins. The event is held in support of St Leonards Hospice. Call 610341 to book your ticket.

Magic of Motown, Grand Opera House.

7.30pm. Get ready for the smash hit concert show from the States. Magic of Motown authentically recreates the harmonies, slick moves, stylish looks and legendary musicianship that were the making of Motown. Featuring a super-talented cast, fresh from sell-out shows in London’s O2, performing hits from The Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, Lionel Richie and scores more. Sixteen dazzling costume changes, 36 golden hits, a brilliant live band captures that original Detroit sound, celebrating 50 years of number one hits. The Magic of Motown: signed, sealed, delivered, it’s yours! Call: 0844 847 2322

Fun with Fur ’n’ Feathers, Yorkshire Museum. 10am -3pm. Take inspiration from the collections at the Yorkshire Museum and use mixed media to create effective fur and feather textures in your artworks, with Laraine Simpson. Call 554277

Sales&Auctions

York Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York. 8pm. Featuring Copland’s An Outdoor Overture, Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue, the Karelia Suite by Sibelius and Dvorák’s Symphony no.8. Tel: 627900.

26 and 27 March York Health & Healing Festival, York Racecourse. Now in its fourth year, the Health & Healing Festival has become a must for anyone who is interested in holistic living. You’ll find a wide variety of complementary therapies and healing products to try, plus lots of fascinating demonstrations, talks and workshops. There are gemstones, jewellery, aromatherapy oils, essences, books, crafts, gifts, music as well as psychic readers, artists, mediums and counsellors; musical performers and dancers, celebrity authors and speakers to inspire you. Making a special appearance this year are leading psychic Heidi Sawyer and healer Dr David Hamilton. For more information call 01423 873259.

Antiques and Collectors Fair, Ripley Village Hall. 9am – 4.30pm. Call 01423 889163 or 0776 5006996

27 March Preserving Workshop, Love to Eat, 52 – 54 Moor Lane, Dringhouses. 12.30 – 2.30pm.

York’s newest foodie emporium is presenting a brilliant Preserving Workshop. Learn how to make your own edible gifts with this season’s best produce. Hot drinks and tasters will be provided, and you’ll also decorate your own present to take

Sports Fixtures FOOTBALL

25th March.

Antiques and Collectors Fair, Helmsley Town Hall. 9.30am- 4.30pm

York City FC (Blue Square Premier)

5th/12th/19th/26th March.

Antiques and Collectors Fair, Wetherby Town Hall. 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Sat 5th (A) Barrow Sat 12th (H) Luton Town

26th and 27th March. Antiques and Collectors Fair, Ripley Village Hall. 9am – 4.30pm. Call 01423 889163 or 0776 5006996

Sat 19th (A) Cambridge United Sat 26th (H) Histon

Tennants, The Auction Centre, Leyburn.

Tel 01969 623780

Tue 29th (H) Eastbourne

4th March. Militaria & Ethnographica. Starts 10.30am

RUGBY

5th March. Antique & Home Furnishings Sale. 9.30am 12th March. Antique & Home Furnishings Sale. 9.30am 24th – 26th March. Spring Catalogue Sale. Starts 10am.

Horse racing

Boulton & Cooper Fine Art. Tel 01653 696151

(Jumps unless stated)

30th March. Antique Sale, York Auction Centre, Murton, YO19 5GF. Starts 10am.

Fri 4th

Doncaster

Sat 5th

Doncaster

Wed 9th

Catterick

Wed 30th

Catterick (Flat)

Bonhams 0113 234 5755 Specialists from Bonhams will be out and about in the city this month offering free verbal auction valuations. To arrange your appointment, call Alison Hayes on 0113 234 5755 or email alison.hayes@bonham.com

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York City Knights (Co-operative Championship) Sun 13th (A) Hunslet Hawks Thurs 17th (H) Sheffield Eagles Sun 27th (H) Barrow Raiders

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Spring Fair, Haxby Memorial Hall. 10am – 12.30pm. Bring the little ones to join in the popular Easter Egg Hunt in the tranquil Willow Garden at the back of the hall. If they are lucky they may even catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny!

Proceeds of the event go towards the funding of the hall to provide a facility for local residents.

30 March St Peter’s Concert, York Minster.

7.30pm.By kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of York Minster, the Symphony Orchestra, Choirs and Choral Society of St Peter’s School present a concert in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Music includes Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 in B Minor ‘Unfinished’ and works by Haydn and Mozart. Soloists are Wendy Goodson, Judith Cunnold, Christopher O’Gorman and Christopher Gulley, with conductors Paul Miles Kingston and Christopher Blood. Call 0844 939 0015 to book your ticket.

12 – 16 April The Slipper and the Rose, York Theatre Royal. York Musical Theatre Company presents this enchanting, musical version of the classic fairytale. Full of songs, dancing and beautiful costumes, it’s the perfect trip to the theatre for all the family. To book your ticket call 623568.

19 – 23 April Footfalls, Bar Lane Studios, near Micklegate Bar. 7pm every evening; 2pm matinee on Saturday.

Six Lips Theatre presents one of Samuel Beckett¹s most famous works. Book your ticket call 635563.

Rumer, Grand Opera House. 7.30pm.

Following a string of sell-out shows, singer Rumer takes her first UK headline tour. Call the box office on 0844 847 2322.

3 April Mothers Day Morning, Nostell Priory.

10.30am. Bring mum for a special morning at Nostell. It starts with a cooked breakfast in the tearooms. Then you will set off for a two hour tour of the gardens, led by Head Gardener, Paul. This will be followed by afternoon tea in the tearooms.

For more information, call 01924 863892.

5 April

30 April

Cinderella, Grand Opera House. 7.30pm.

The Healing Spirit Fayre,

Vienna Festival Ballet presents the classic rags to riches tale, with music by Rossini and choreography

by Sheila Styles. To book call 0844 847 2322.

River Foss Society AGM, Strensall and Towthorpe Village Hall. 7pm. Speaker Adrian Lovett will talk on ‘Travelling the Canals by HorseDrawn Barge’.

Calling all women!

There are more than 40 events to enjoy, from politics to poetry, laughter workshops to literary walks. Try a complementary therapy taster session, or join one of the many discussion groups happening all over the city.

We all know the stories of the men of the Bible, but what about the women? Find out more at this drop-in café event on 12th March at Trinity Church, 43 Monkgate from 10am – 12 noon. Enjoy tea, coffee and light refreshments and listen to monologues from some of the female characters in the Bible. . n Call Ed on 08447 043586

It’s time to celebrate

York International Women’s Week, which runs from

For more information visit www.yorkwomen.org.uk Easter Women

New Earswick Folk Hall. 10am – 4pm. A must for anyone interested in matters of the mind, body and spirit. You’ll find a whole host of stalls on display, along with talks and demonstrations on everything from palmistry to past life regression. Mediums, clairvoyants, and tarot readers will be offering workshops and readings. Try a complementary therapy, browse the new age stalls or treat yourself to some crystals, CDs, books or hand-crafted jewellery. www.healingspiritconnection.co.cc.

5–12th March

Love To Laugh

Dance events

Hypnotherapist Terry Anne delivers one of her ever-popular laughter workshops on 10th March at Love To Eat, 52-54 Moor Lane, Dringhouses from 7 – 8.30pm.

Learn the benefits of laughter and how to live life in the Laugh Lane! n Call Louise at Love to Eat on 778880 or Terry Anne on 750880 to book.

Fancy trying your hand at Egyptian, Zumba or Circle dancing? Then head along to the Women’s Hafla/ dance party on 11th March at the Priory St. Centre, 7pm for 7:30pm. n Call Susan on 672168.

Pilates with Louise

Pilates is for everyone from 8 to 80 plus, whatever your level of fitness (or lack of it!). It tones and strengthens muscles, increases flexibility and improves posture.

Try it for yourself at Fulford Social Hall, School Lane on 7th and 10th March from 1.45 – 2.45pm. n The class is free but please book in advance by calling Louise on 01937 831781 or 07773 794301.

Express your inner ‘Gypsy’ at a ‘Dance Your Inner Fire’ workshop on 12th March at Heworth Church Hall from 1.30 - 5pm. n Call Karen on 788058

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9 April

away. Why not make your own unique Mother’s Day gift or even better, treat your Mum to an early Mother’s Day present and take her with you! Tickets are £20. To book, call Louise at Love To Eat on 778880 or pop in store for tickets and more info or contact Claire from Grace on 07928122079.

events

YOUR Night LIFE

Theatre

Horrible Histories (1 - 5 March) It's time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows at York’s Grand Opera House are guaranteed to thrill you and your children.

The Awful Egyptians: From the fascinating pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt.

The Ruthless Romans: From the evil emperors to the gruesome gladiators, find out why there's no place like Rome! Experience the terrible tactics of the Roman army. n Box office: 0844 847 2322.

Crazy For You (1-12 March) This high-energy comedy features mistaken identities, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music. Bobby Child, a banker, is banished from New York by his father to a familyowned ranch where, it is hoped, he will mend his ways and become a more responsible person.

The plot involves mix-ups and misunderstandings, disguises and improbable appearances but, eventually, everything is happily resolved. The score includes I Got Rhythm, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Someone To Watch Over Me.

Members of York Light Opera are presenting Crazy For You at York Theatre Royal with music and lyrics

by George & Ira Gershwin. n Box office: 623568.

Pinter’s Greatest Hits (2-4 March) 1812 Theatre Company presents some of the playwright’s shorter works at Helmsley Arts Centre at 7.30pm. They include ‘A Kind of Alaska’ in which a middle-aged woman named Deborah, who has been in a comatose state for 30 years as a result of contracting sleeping sickness, awakes with a mind still that of a 16-year-old, and ‘Voices’ - a radio play from 1982. n Tel: 01439 771700.

Be My Baby (3-5 March)

Ghosts (2-12 March) York Settlement Community Players are presenting Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama at the Studio, York Theatre Royal. Mrs Alving is preparing for the opening of an orphanage in memory of her late husband. When her son, Osvald, returns to the family home to celebrate the heroic memory of his dead father, she is forced to reveal the ghosts of the past she is desperate to forget. n Box office: 623568.

Film guide

CINEMAS: 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 Adjustment Bureau

have an affair. It might sound like a dream come true, but he soon discovers he’s been out of the dating game for too long. And things get even more out of control when his wife starts engaging in extramarital activities as well.

Matt Damon stars as David Norris, an ambitious politician whose life is changed when he falls in love with beautiful ballerina Elise (Emily Blunt). But the pair are kept apart by the agents of Fate itself, who will do everything in their power to prevent David and Elise from being together. Can they fight Fate..?

The Company Men Ben Affleck stars as Bobby Walker, a corporate employee who, after being downsized out of a job, is offered work by his blue collar brotherin-law (Kevin Costner). Can his self esteem survive the loss of his six figure salary lifestyle? A real tale for our times.

The Tempest If you’re a Shakespeare purist, you may not like this latest movie version. Central character Prospero has become Prospera, the Duchess of Milan who is dispossessed by her scheming brother and banished to a remote island with her daughter. Helen Mirren stars as the woman

86

Northern England 1964. Four unwed pregnant tearaways are brought together at St Saviours, a church-run home. Over two months, we share their fears, hopes and aspirations in their unforeseen and unforgettable circumstances.

Surrounded by the music of the Dixie Cups, the Shangri-La’s and the Ronettes, this play couples tragedy with humour, resulting in an unforgettable evening of drama. It’s staged by the Rowntree Players at Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

Haxby Road, York. n Box office: 07927 026071.

scorned who unleashes hell on those around her, while Russell Brand steals the show as drunken jester Trincolo.

Ironclad Based on a legendary story, Ironclad tells the tale of the 13th century siege of Rochester Castle, when a Templar knight and his motley crew of warriors held out for months against the tyrannical forces of King John.

Hall Pass Owen Wilson stars as a married man who is given permission by his wife to take a week off their marriage and

Patagonia Chart-topping Welsh singer Duffy makes her film acting debut playing seductive student Sissy, who livens up the holiday of an Argentinian man reluctantly chaperoning an elderly relative on a trip to Wales. In a parallel romance, Matthew Rhys plays a tour guide who strikes up a flirtation with Gwen, a Welsh woman touring Patagonia with her husband.

Rango A chameleon that aspires to be a swashbuckling hero finds himself in a Western town plagued by bandits and is forced to literally play the role in order to protect it. What will they think of next?

Computer animated comedy featuring the voices of Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Bill Nighy, Ray Winstone and Alfred Molina.

For a healthier, happier you visit www.justafewminutesmore.com

ballet of weighty elegance and adorable humour. n Box office: 0844 847 2322.

Pretending To Be Me (10 March) This dramatised compilation by Sir Tom Courtenay from the letters, articles and poems of Philip Larkin, the famous poet and Hull University librarian, takes place at Helmsley Arts Centre at 7.30pm. n Tel: 01439 771700.

Curtains The Musical (14-16 April) Members of Flying Ducks Youth

Patience (12 March) Members of Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society present their semi-staged version of G&S's sixth collaboration at Helmsley Arts Centre at 7.30pm. n Tel: 01439 771700.

York Theatre Royal’s TakeOver Festival (14-26 March) During this festival the theatre is run by volunteers under the age of 26. Operation Greenfield, by Little Bulb, follows four teenagers as they prepare for a talent competition. Fitzrovia Radio Hour, by Seabright Productions and Fitzrovia Productions, recreates the spirit of 1940s radio plays. Another Someone, by Rash Dash, looks at young people living in a world where ordinary isn’t good enough.

Sarah Kane’s shocking play 4:48 Psychosis will be performed by local young actors and directed by TakeOver’s co-artistic director Rhiannon Jackson.

Festival favourite Belt Up Theatre is returning to produce a version of The Beggars Opera, featuring thieves, lechery and villainy. n For more details about the shows, go to www.takeover.co.uk. For tickets, call 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

1 March The Naked & Famous, Fibbers // Miniature Dinosaurs, Stereo

2 March Die So Fluid, Stereo // Wild Palms, Fibbers

3 March Ben Ottewell, Duchess // Black Spiders, Fibbers // John Kirkpatrick, Black Swan Folk Club // Untold, The Duchess

4 March Dinosaur Pile-Up, Duchess // Flood Of Red, Fibbers

The Late Sleepers (24-26 March) 1812 Youth Theatre Company presents this musical romp through the world of the Undead at Helmsley Arts Centre at 7.30pm. n Tel: 01439 771700.

Cinderella (5 April) Vienna Festival Ballet’s version of this famous fairytale has all the familiar ingredients: a downtrodden young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince.

Music from some of Rossini’s most famous operas, adds to the magic. n Box office: 0844 847 2322.

The Big Ballet (12 April) York’s Grand Opera House stages The Big Ballet featuring 16 dancers, each weighing 16-stone, who proudly present their voluptuous yet surprisingly sinuous and flexible figures in a comedy

Invitation, City Screen

8 March The Queers, Fibbers // Dan Michaelson, City Screen

9 March

7 March

12 March

Barbara Dickson, Grand Opera House //Open

Boomtown Rats, Fibbers // With One Last Breath, The Duchess // Keith

Footfalls (19-23 April) Six Lips Theatre is a fresh, dynamic drama company formed by three students from York St John University. Their first full-scale production is a reimagining of Samuel Beckett’s classic play Footfalls.

Six Lips are performing the short play alongside a devised piece of their own, Sequel. at Bar Lane Studios Basement, near Micklegate Bar, York. n Tel: 635563.

Grand Opera House: 0844 847 2322

Stereo: 0121 234 5678

Black Swan Folk: Club: 679131

James, City Screen // The Songs of Michael Buble, Rowntree Theatre

13 March James Owen Fender, Stereo

The Ian Siegal Band, Fibbers

Twin Lizzy, The Duchess // Dave McPherson, York City Screen

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage. Released to celebrate its 40th anniversary, York Stage Musicals performs the show at York’s Grand Opera House. n Box office: 0870 770 5741.

City Screen: 0871 902 5726

10 March

11 March

Jesus Christ Superstar (15-23 April) This was the first musical by

Fibbers: 651250

14 March

Singers & Musicians Night, Black Swan Folk Club // Dead Rock West, City Screen

Theatre are presenting the UK youth premiere of Curtains The Musical. The Broadway show was written by Kander and Ebb, whose credits include Cabaret and Chicago.The romantic comedy and murder mystery is set in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1959. The show is being staged at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road. n Tickets may be obtained from 768963.

The Duchess: 641413

The Fureys & Davey Arthur, Grand Opera House // Athens, Stereo

Joe Brown, Grand Opera House // The Coal Porters, Pocklington Arts Centre // D:Ream, The Duchess // The Hamsters, Fibbers

5 March

events

YOUR Night LIFE

Chapman Family, Fibbers

15 March 16 March Zodiac Mindwarp, The Duchess // The Heartbreaks, Fibbers

17 March Sam Carter, Black Swan Folk Club // Escort Nights, Stereo

18 March Random Hand, Fibbers

19 March The Men They Couldn’t

Hang, The Duchess // The Primitives, Fibbers // Shadows Lie Within, Stereo

20 March Bootleg Beatles, Grand Opera House // Lau, The Duchess // Bloodwrath, Stereo

// Neville Staple, The Duchess

28 March Arthur Rigby & the Baskervylles, Stereo

29 March RSJ, Stereo

30 March

The Karma Heart, Stereo // Brian Peters, Black Swan Folk Club // Scanners, The Duchess

Rumer, Grand Opera House // Miriam Roycroft & Anne-Marie Hastings, Pocklington Arts Centre // Roddy Woomble, The Duchess // Rocketsmith, York City Screen // Courtney Pine, York Theatre Royal

25 March

31 March

ABBA Forever, Grand Opera House // Letz Zep, Fibbers

Julie Felix, Black Swan Folk Club

23 March TV Smith & The Valentines, The Duchess

24 March

*Listings correct at time of press.

26 March The Magic of Motown, Grand Opera House

For a healthier, happier you visit www.justafewminutesmore.com

87

Advertisers Announcement

Sarah Burt, Richardson Gildener Solicitors

Not every parent automatically acquires parental rights and whilst parents may know they have parental responsibility not many parents understand what rights it carries.

Who has it? All mothers have parental responsibility for their child. The natural father has parental responsibility if he has been or is married to the child’s mother who has parental responsibility. The natural father also has parental responsibility if after the 1st December 2003 he registers the birth jointly with the mother.

reports and attend parents evenings, and decide which religion your child will follow.

What is Parental Responsibility? Parental responsibility gives a person (i.e. the mother or father) the right to make decisions about a child’s upbringing and responsibility for the child’s welfare, those with parental responsibility are treated as the child’s legal parents and have equal responsibilities and a legal say in decisions affecting their lives.

A Parental Responsibility Agreement can be drawn up by a solicitor if the mother agrees to sign it. In the event that the mother does not agree to sign the agreement, the father can make an application to court. The child’s welfare is paramount and the court will consider all the circumstances including the commitment the father has shown to the child, the attachment between them and the reasons for the application. Parental responsibility will also be granted by the court to the father if a residence order is obtained.

On a practical level having parental responsibility allows you to contact the child’s GP to obtain or discuss medical treatment, allows you to play an active role in choosing a school for the child, allows access to school

How can a father acquire parental responsibility?

An unmarried father can acquire parental responsibility by marrying the mother of the child or by drawing up a Parental Responsibility Agreement with her.

Does a father still have to contribute financially to a child’s upbringing if he doesn’t have parental responsibility?

Yes, whether or not a father has parental responsibility he is still under an obligation to support his child financially.

Can a parent lose parental responsibility?

A mother or father will lose parental responsibility if the child is adopted. An unmarried father’s parental responsibility can be ended by a court, however the child’s welfare will be the court’s paramount consideration in making its decision. A parent will lose parental responsibility when a child reaches the age of 18 years old.

What rights does parental responsibility give me, if the other parent does something in which I disagree? Where for example a parent has changed a child’s name without consulting you, you can make an application to court for a specific issue order to change the child’s name back and the issue will be dealt with at court. The court will consider the child’s welfare as paramount when dealing with the application.

n For further advice on parental responsibility and any other child issues, please contact Sarah Burt at Richardson Gildener Solicitors on 01904 642727.

88

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Need more

space?

Out of Town But not out of reach!

Beat mould misery If you want to save yourself from the hassle of condensation and mould, but want the solution to be cost effective, EnviroVent is the answer.

EnviroVent can provide a lifetime cure to the problem and they’re so confident they can help you, they even offer a money back guarantee!

Remember the misery of condensation and mould last winter? The time it took to clean? The money spent redecorating? The puddles of water and the musty smell throughout the house?

They’re the experts in solving these problems and have been doing so in homes for over 20 years. So why not call now for your free home-check, before it’s too late?

The Loft Space Company can help you make the most of your home’s roof space by transforming it into an easily accessible, dust-free area from only £395.

A company spokesman says: “Our beautifullycrafted wooden loft stair ladders are designed for comfort and safety; they take just a few hours to fit and come with a manufacturer’s 10-year parts guarantee. They are incredibly easy to use, quick and convenient, folding out of sight when not in use. “We provide a full range of boarding services, including bespoke eave-to-eave boarding. Regardless of the area, we’ll offer you the most efficient and effective use of your available space and budget, with a high-quality finish. “We can also help maximize the energy efficiency of your home, reducing the loss of valuable energy through the roof with various insulation products.” n Call 0800 5876662 for a free, no-obligation quote

n Contact EnviroVent on 0845 2727807.

Renewable energy incentive Call today to find out how the Government ‘feed-in-tariffs’ can give you great savings and a guaranteed tax free and inflation linked income for up to 25 years.

British Eco Ltd was established in 2002 and is a National MCS Accredited Renewable Energy installer. n Its Yorkshire office is based near York. Tel: 01904 234543.

For a healthier, happier you visit www.justafewminutesmore.com

89

AERIALS

AERIALS

trades&services

directory aerials> > > > > > > > > > > > 90 building / property maint / tiling> 91 cleaning / ironing> > > > > > 94 decorators > > > > > > > > > 96 electricians > > > > > > > > > 97 fascias / soffits guttering> > 98

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Building

handypeople> > > > > > > > > 99 joinery> > > > > > > > > > >

100

locks, security & alarms > 101 plastering> > > > > > > > >

101

Plumbing & Heating > > > >

101

removals> > > > > > > > > >

105

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105

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108

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112

BUILDING/Tiling

& Property maintenance

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91

building

TOP TIPS

Cavity wall insulation Did you know that around a third of all the heat lost in an un-insulated home is through the walls? Insulating cavity walls reduces heat loss and can save you about £110 a year on your fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust. n If your home was built from 1920 onwards, the chances are that its external walls are made of two layers with a small gap or ‘cavity’ between them. This means they are ‘cavity walls’. n Insulating your cavity walls means filling that gap. n A well insulated house keeps warmth exactly where you need it indoors. So, insulating your cavity walls will help you to heat your home more efficiently. Using less energy reduces carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), one of the biggest causes of climate change. You will also save money on your bills too. n Cavity wall insulation can also help to reduce condensation inside the house if it is a problem on external walls.

Check out the insulation adverts in Your Local Link.

FRee

eSTIM ATeS

Need a builder?

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

      



  

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COMPANY PROFILE

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Building

H C L

93

building / CLEANING

TOP TIPS

The grass is always

greener

How do you get the best from your lawn?

We asked Andy Davis from GreenThumb for some expert tips... n Don’t cut grass too short. Adjust the blades to ensure that the finished grass height is at least 3cm in normal conditions and 4–5cm in hot, dry conditions. n Cut little and often and never let the grass grow too long. As a general rule cut once or twice a week during spring and summer but be cautious during very hot, dry periods. n Blades should be kept sharp, straight and clean. Blades in a poor condition can lead to shredding, which may cause a browning appearance or lead to the onset of lawn diseases. n To encourage the grass blades to stand upright, alternate the direction you cut the lawn, for example up and down one week and side to side the next.

CLEANING

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cleaning

n If you have a roller on your mower and you’d like to create beautiful stripes, apply a fine spray of water on the lawn following the first cut then raise the height of the mower and mow again. n If you water the lawn during hot, dry weather, you will make best use of limited supplies by starting before the soil dries out and giving each area a good 20 – 30 minute soaking twice a week. The best time to water is at sunrise or in the late afternoon/evening. Remember to keep the grass cut at a high level to help to retain moisture in the soil.

GreenThumb is on a mission to ensure North Yorkshire has the finest lawns in the country. Every year Andy and his team successfully treat thousands of lawns for common problems such as moss, leatherjackets and fungal infections. Their four annual treatments also help keep lawns looking lush throughout the year. n For a free lawn analysis and no obligation quote, call Andy on 01423 359 048.

Reliable cleaners fully insure d and vetted

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95

CLEANING / DECORATORS

TOP TIPS

Upgrade your fuse box Your fuse box is designed to prevent fires and electrocution.

Older fuse boxes use a piece of fuse wire between two blades that needs replacing each time there is a short circuit.

Need a CLEANER? Use a Local one -

use a

one!

DECORATORS

A new modern fuse box greatly decreases the risk of fire in the house due to its ability to detect wiring faults and disconnect the electricity before any heat builds up.

It incorporates a Residual Current Device (RCD) that trips when a circuit overloads, protecting the wiring from burning out and your family from nasty electrical shocks.

In the event of an electrical wiring fault the circuit-breakers will trip, whereas in the old type of fuse box there is the potential that the electricity supply would stay connected until a fire occurs.

The built-in circuit-breakers will trip within 40 millionths of a second if you accidentally touch any live cables; this will save your life. n If

you want to upgrade your fuse box, check out the adverts for electricians in Your Local Link

SJB

Painting & Decorating

Gary Roe

Painting & Decorating all aspects of decorating Interior & Exterior No job too small Free quotes & advice given All insurance work undertaken

call today on

01904 612419 or 07717 116489

96

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TOP TIPS DECORATORS / electricians

ELECTRICIANS

Gas Safe Register Gas safety is one of the most important factors in having a safe home and work place.

Sponsored by:

HC ELECTRICAL Tel: 01904 477623

The dangers that surround unsafe gas appliances are deadly serious.

Poorly maintained, faulty or badly installed gas work leads to carbon monoxide poisoning, the effects of which can be fatal.

The Gas Safe register is here to make sure you don’t fall into the trap of paying for illegal gas work with your health, and possibly your life.

Always ask to see your gas engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card to make sure they are safe and legal.

Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the gas registration body in Great Britain and Isle of Man on 1st April 2009.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) carried out a review of gas safety in 2006 which, after consultation with the gas industry, engineers and the public, led to the decision to change to a new gas registration scheme.

For more details, call the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500.

n

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97

ELECTRICIANS/FASCIAS & SOFFITS

Top tips

Gutter care It is important to keep your gutters clean of falling debris.

Leaves, acorns, twigs, pine cones and other debris will build up over time. Eventually the debris will form dams inside the gutter which will prevent rainwater from draining through to the downspout. With nowhere else to go, it will pool up and spring leaks at the seams.

Twice a year you should climb a ladder and clean them out. By keeping the gutters clean, they will serve their vital purpose, which is to channel rainwater away from the building.

Make sure gutters are properly pitched so water runs downhill and does not pool up and ensure the elbow joints and other seams are in good order. Also, repaint galvanized steel gutters twice per decade. n Gutter maintenance requires just the occasional weekend job, but it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. If you need professional help, check out the appropriate adverts in Your Local Link.

FASCIAS/ SOFFITS & GUTTERING

Need an electrician?

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FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING

POLYPLAS FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING

We Are 100% Roofline!

York’s Longest Established Fascia & Soffit Replacement Company

Find us at www.polyplas.net E: info@polyplas.net

Tel: 01904 782300

98

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Top tips GARAGE DOORS / HANDY PEOPLE

HANDY PEOPLE

Re-pointing Often when you observe brickwork you will notice that the cement from between the bricks has started to fall out from the joints As cement ages, it often becomes more porous. Water is absorbed by the cement and when the temperature outside is low enough, the water freezes making it expand. This then forces the cement out of the joints, leaving gaps between the bricks.

It is important to repair the damaged pointing (cement between the bricks) as soon as possible, either by repairing just the pointing that has fallen out (patch re-pointing) or by removing all the old cement on a large area and re-pointing the whole area. Patch re-pointing is fine, but if the amount of damage is large it is best to do a full grind out and re-point, preferably before the onset of winter. n Care must be taken when re-pointing, as there are many hazards - including working at heights and using power tools. It may be a job for the professionals; check out the appropriate adverts in Your Local Link.

GARAGE DOORS

No VAT

No VAT

Need a GARAGE DOOR? Find one in

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99

JOINERY

TOP TIPS

JOINERY

Looking after your garden pond The biggest enemies of your pond and its inhabitants are algae in summer, fallen leaves in autumn and ice in winter. To discourage algal growth, remove anything shading the water, especially overgrown water lilies. Treat the water with a proprietary algicide.

In hot weather, top the pond up occasionally to replace water lost by evaporation. If you have a fountain or waterfall, run it at intervals to help aerate the pond.

Net the pond in autumn to prevent leaves drifting into the water and decomposing, thereby reducing the oxygen level. Regularly clear the netting of leaves.

Stir the pond during freezing weather so that the de-oxygenated water is constantly brought into contact with the air.

Fish will lie happily dormant in near-freezing temperatures, but breaking the ice by force may stun and injure them – so don’t do it. n For further advice, check out the appropriate adverts in Your Local Link.

DL J Need a JOINER? Use a Local one -

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100

one!

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Many people can create an excellent additional room to their property with a well designed loft conversion.

LOCKS & SECURITY / plastering

TOP TIPS Room at the top

PLASTERING

Figures suggest an average loft conversion costs about one-third of the price of moving to a property with an extra room.

There are two basic types of loft conversion. The first is a Dormer conversion, which is a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window. The second is known as a Velux conversion, which utilises a window that is almost flush with the roof.

If the loft is to become habitable accommodation, such as a bedroom or study, you will need to comply with the building regulations, and you may need planning permission. For full details, contact the planning department of City of York Council.. n A top-notch loft conversion will add significant value to your home. It’s a job for the professionals, so check out the loft conversion specialists who advertise in Your Local Link.

LOCKS/SECURITY

Need a PLASTERER Use a Local one -

use a

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one!

101

plumbing

MEET THE ADVERTISER

PLUMBING/ HEATING

Charity challenge York mum Julie Hudson is in training for two charity challenges.

One is the Three Peaks Challenge in the Yorkshire Dales for Macmillan Cancer Support; the other is York’s Jane Tomlinson 10k run for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at York Hospital.

Julie, who runs C Hudson Plumbing & Heating with her husband Craig, is a keen supporter of the baby unit. In April 1997, her twin sons were born prematurely at York Hospital. Jake, who was transferred to Leeds, survived only 18 days; his brother, Ryan, is now a healthy 13-year-old.

    

Julie, who has three younger children, says: “With increased funding, the SCBU will be able to keep more ‘York babies’ in York; keeping families close together, making a difficult time more bearable.”

She is doing the York 10k on Sunday 31st July, with her sister, Katie Smith, a nurse. They want to raise at least £1,000 for SCBU. They are doing the Three Peaks Challenge on 9th July. To make a donation, call 789447 or go to www.justgiving.com/Katie-Smith84

The Plumbing & Heating Experts

102

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plumbing

MEET THE ADVERTISER

Garden business blooms Jonathan Latham was walking home from a Christmas party at about 2am when he was attacked by two men near Bettys Tearooms in York.

He suffered a severe head injury in the unprovoked attack and was signed off work from Aviva for 14 months. During his convalescence, he shadowed a groundsman at York Railway Institute, helping him to look after the cricket square in Holgate.

Jonathan did the job on his own for the 2010 season, earning a prize from the York Vale League for the quality of his work. He recalls: “On occasion I spent my lunch break from Aviva cutting or watering the pitch.�

Joanthan has left Aviva to set up AJ Lawn Care. The company offers a comprehensive garden maintenance service, including grass cutting, hedge trimming, pressure washing and the care of fences and garden furniture. He has joined the Institute of Groundsmanship and is studying for a diploma in horticulture at Askham Bryan College.

Call Jonathan on: 07584 199001 or email info@ajlawncare.co.uk

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

103

plumbing

COMPANY PROFILE

CARL POTTeR PLUMBING & HEATING General Plumbing Work, central Heating, Installation, Upgrades & Repairs

Also complete bathroom installations

T: 783851 M: 07734 871932

104

what a result...

I have been in business for over 20 years and I can honsestly say that the advertising I do with Your Local Link is the best for generating responses compared to all other local advertising I do.

I am very impressed with the service and level of business it generates for me.

David, Green Lane Carpets Tel: 799541

Hi Mim, many thanks for altering my advertising copy for me last month. Since you changed it for me I have noticed an increase in quotes coming through, 4 calls in a few days has generated over ÂŁ2000 worth of quotes and work, I am very happy with the service you offer, keep up the good work!

Derek, York Ceramic Services Tel: 491151

Local businesses at your fingertips

COMPANY PROFILE removals / roofing

REMOVALS

ROOFING Sponsored by: MARK WINTERS LEADWORK & ROOFING

Tel: 612169 / 07976 845678

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

105

roofing

TOP TIPS

The benefits of fibreglass roofing When you’re planning to renew your garage or porch roof with glass reinforced plastic (GRP), it’s good to know that the strength and performance of GRP proves itself in other demanding environments, whatever the weather, not least in the form of the GRP lifeboats operated by the RNLI. What’s good enough in Force Ten off the Yorkshire coast should be good enough for the flat roof of a domestic garage in York.

In the UK, GRP has been used as a roofing technology for 50 years. In particular, developments in technology over the last 30 years have seen the evolution of high-performance resins designed for flat roofing. They do not give off environmentally harmful substances, nor do they create any other toxic by-products Its tough surface means it cannot be cut with a knife, which is an excellent security feature.

GRP has a good environmental profile, with much less energy being used in its manufacture compared with other roofing materials.

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Local businesses at your fingertips

roofing

GRP roofs are completely cold-applied and the installation does not require gas-powered burners or torches.

The long lifespan of GRP (a minimum of 30 years, as verified by the Building Research Establishment) outperforms other flat roofing systems.

Proven performance, excellent value for money, long-life and versatility (textured, coloured and ‘green’ environmental finishes are all possible) make GRP flat roof technology the smart choice for anyone who wants to ‘fit and forget’ their roofing or add to the kerb appeal of a property before selling it. n Don’t forget to check out the adverts of roofers in Your Local Link.

what a result...

Advertising in Your Local Link has done very well for me, getting my business in the public eye. The magazine must be well read because it’s attracted a lot of good students to my courses.”

Bob Lambert, The Woodwork Room, Tel: 348343 Your Local Link Publication is where I get all my business from, I am very happy with the work I am getting even though we are in a recession, well done local link girls (and boys) Richard, RS Electrical Tel: 425483

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

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WINDOWS / worktops

WINDOWS / DOORS CONSERVATORIES Now offering energy rated windows

WORKTOPS

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Wiltshire Farm Foods 01423 339666 27 motor parts/services A Ivinson Autos 767675 114 Auto Cosmetics of York 01347 811100 113 Auto Services 780093 113 Automotive Solutions 792652 113 B & S Motor Cycles 622793 116 Birch Park Vehicle Test Ctr 627444 8 BL systems 07960 839482 117 C & M Auto Services Ltd 796718 113 Central Body Repairs 791176 114 Chips away 07810 243444 116 D & J Woodcock 430130 128 Dave Woods Motorcycles 633000 113 Dead or Alive Motorcycles 07966 417182 113 Hammerton Specialist Svs 01423 331170 114 Hometune 07802 722330 113 HP Maintenance 792899 116 Incartec Ltd 479907 113 JB Auto Cosmetics 693101 116 JJB Motors 01904 426691 112 North Eastern Tyres 692500 117 R Walker Cars 797720 116 SG Petch 466600 115 Take Away Chips 07866 261097 116 Transit Motorcycles 637169 17 U Pull It 0844 8751914 114 Wigginton Car Repairs 750272 117 York Suzuki Centre 625404 yorvac 07545 382286 114 opticians Halls Opticians 479555 35 oven Cleaning Cookerburra 672859 95 Oven U 471517 95 Pet Care 4 Positive Paws 706882 47 A Cut Above Dog Grooming 422629 47 Alisons Dog Grooming 422905 47 Dirty Dogs 07891 671950 47 Hilbra Pet Foods 07913 332111 46 Kute k9s & Kats 07851 240108 47 Leaping Lizards 422588 47 Malton Equine Laundry Ltd 01653 699899 47 Minster Vets 643997 46 Paddock Available Wigginton 07525 824152 47 Pets Pantry 620527 47 Precious Pets 07565 758214 47 SOS Dog Training 708761 47 Sweeney Dog Ltd 890666 46 Top Dog 07846 794257 47 photographers Varney & Son Photographers 01904 797359 25 Varney & Son Photographers 01904 797359 29 picture framing Steve Garnett 761624 11 Plastering A B Plastering 07702 265476 101 Atkinsons Plastering 07816 268264 101 Colin Hardgrave 07881 733344 101 Ernie Jeffrey Plastering 639619 101 GW Plastering & Tiling 07813 965885 101 M Simpson Plastering 332568 101 Oak Tree Plastering 07579 189942 101 Paul Bell Plastering 07904 203537 101 Paul Sellars Plastering 07789 677251 101 SM Bradley Plastering Services 07826 270335 101 Williams & Son 07879 071943 101 plumbing/heating 1A Rapid Response 708000 102 All Cisterns Go 07946 346928 104 Alpha Plumbing & Heating 422385 105 Aquatec Utilities Ltd 07977 133061 104 BPH Services 07973 542283 104 C Hudson Plumbing 789447 102 Carl Potter Plumbing 07734871932 104 Chris Murray Plumbing 07912 575963 104 Clarkes Plumbing 07739 165681 104 Colin Bell Plumbing 07885 514332 104

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104 103 103 103 103 103 102 102 104 104 104 93 104 103 104 103 103 104 103 104 104 103 102 103 102 102 92 126 125 127 125 127 126 126 9 128 125 125 125 127 124 127 125 126 125 126 125 127 125 126 124 127 127 124 126 128 117 126 56 105 105 105 105 105 105 61 57 57 72 107 107 107

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Drive on home...

Sponsored by JJB Motors , Unit 1, The Raylor Centre, James Street, York, YO10 3DW Tel: 01904 426691

March is MOT time!

If you bought a new car in March 2008, it will be due for its first MOT this month.

Like making sure the wheels come off when you need them to. “Sometimes after your car has been serviced you’ll find you can’t get the wheels off because the bolts have been tightened with an impact gun,” says Johnny. “We tighten them by hand using the correct setting torque wrench, so there are no nasty surprises when you next try to change a wheel.

All vehicles three years or older have to have an annual test to ensure they meet the minimum safety level required by law. Without a current MOT certificate, you won’t be able to drive your vehicle lawfully or renew your road fund licence.

And there’s no getting away with it; recent computerisation of the MOT testing system means police and mobile camera units can now check remotely to see if your vehicle has a current MOT. The penalty for not having an up to date certificate could be a fine. So obviously it’s cheaper – and safer – to make sure yours is up to date.

But it isn’t just about avoiding a penalty. Your car is a major investment, and it pays to take care of it with prompt, thorough routine maintenance and servicing. Not only will it keep you on the road, it may also save you a hefty repair bill later on.

“Some people make the mistake of thinking that just because they don’t drive many miles their car won’t need servicing so often,” says Johnny Barber of JJB Motors. “But in fact your car can wear out even if it isn’t regularly on the road. Oil deteriorates within 12 months, and rubber cam belts dry out

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and perish over time. Tyres also have a limited shelf life. Your vehicle can show signs of wear even if you don’t drive it often.”

“We’ll also check the bonnet catches. If they’re not oiled and maintained the safety catch can seize, causing the bonnet to spring open while you’re driving.”

The team at JJB Motors go above and beyond the usual service. “We check everything from brakes to suspension, lights and bodywork,” says Johnny. “We use Shell oils, top of the range diagnostic equipment and original, quality parts. We also provide a detailed report, including full body and tyre check.”

JJB offers more for your money. “We will always call with a detailed estimate on parts and labour before we do any work,” says Johnny. “Our customers deserve to know what they’re paying for and how much. We also have an open door policy – when we replace a part we will keep the old one for the customer to inspect if required. And we guarantee our work for extra peace of mind.”

JJB Motors pay attention to details which other garages may overlook, but which could save you a great deal of time and trouble.

n For more information on JJB Motors’ servicing, MOTs and maintenance, contact them on 426691.

your motors

Why it pays to buy a Kia car You couldn't put your money in a safer place than a Kia Picanto or Rio, according to Parker’s 2010 Cost of Motoring survey – which is good news for York Kia dealer SG Petch.

Yaser Shabsogh, sales director at Kia Motors UK Ltd, says: “Sales have been strong for both cars in 2010 with Picanto finding 16,541 new homes. In the current climate people are watching their pennies, so finding a car that holds its value is top of the list and Picanto and Rio fit the bill perfectly.”

Parker’s, the online car guide, rated the Kia Picanto top of the list for the lowest depreciation in the first year of ownership with the Kia Rio placed second, losing £1,247 and £1,642 in the first year.

Motorcycles - Quads

£26 M.O.T.

With strong pricing, high levels of specification and an industry leading seven year fully transferable warranty, sales of both cars have exceeded expectations in 2010.

Kieren Puffet, editor at Parkers, says: “A car with low depreciation is great news for its owners especially in these tough economic times. The Kia Picanto and Rio have performed brilliantly thanks to low purchase prices and losing the least amount of money over a year.” n Call SG Petch at Jockey Lane, Monks Cross, York, on 466600.

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your motors

Follow these tips and you are more likely to drive away a bargain from a car auction rather than an old banger Do your homework: Visit at least once before making a bid. You’ll learn the way the auction functions, from registering, getting your catalogue and see how the quickly the bidding takes place.

Pick your auction: The best cars and the biggest choice go through the big auction companies. The smaller independents often concentrate on the cheaper end of the market.

Choose your time: Half-term weeks, evenings and Saturdays are busy with private buyers, who will force up the prices. Weekdays are better. November and December are prime times to buy because dealers are buying less stock.

the auctioneer’s eye by holding up your catalogue for your first bid. Then all you need to do is give him a nod when he looks to you for another bid.

Decide on the car: Be sure that the model of car you buy is one that really suits. Don’t be seduced by some tempting cars not on your list.

Stick to your budget: Be prepared to come back another day rather than bidding more than the car is worth or you can afford.

Check the car over: A visual check is all you’ll get. Look for bodywork damage and accident damage. Panels that don’t quite line up and paint on the rubber bits is a sure sign of a hard life. Stand by the car as the driver starts it up, listen for alarming rattles and look for puffs of black smoke.

The buyer’s premium: The auctioneer may charge you a buyer’s premium of as much as 3% of the hammer price. It covers a warranty that the car is legitimate, i.e. not stolen, under finance or repaired after a serious accident. After you have settled up you can take the car away immediately.

Remember, there’s no comeback: No guarantee, no room for complaint if things don’t work, no money back. Well, hardly any. The best you can hope for is an hour to complain after the sale is closed.

Look like a dealer: You definitely don’t want to look like a punter as dealers may take you on for their idea of a bit of fun.

Stand in the trough: Keep out of the stand seats – only private buyers go there. Catch

Local car auctions: York Motor Auction, York Livestock Centre, Murton, York - 01904 489731

Copart UK Ltd, The Airfield, Pocklington Industrial Estate, Pocklington - 0844 875 1916

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www.yorvac.com

We come to your Home or Work

07545 382286

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your motors

Drive Talkin’

Our very own ‘Stig’ looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads Parents 'spy' on teenage drivers

James Perham, aims to persuade the Government to limit High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, popular on premium and luxury cars, and DRLs.

An American company has developed a two-way camera designed to record the antics of teenage drivers at the wheel.

He says: “HIDs are up to three times brighter than a standard halogen headlight and cause severe distraction to a driver approaching them.”

One lens is pointed at the driver while the other looks out of the windscreen to capture action on the road.

DriveCam, the San Diego firm that makes the camera, says it documents the ten seconds before and after an irregular movement made by the driver. The device also has a microphone to record the sound inside the car.

The technology has proved such big hit in the US that an insurance company - American Family Insurance - is giving the cameras away to its policy holders so parents can keep track of their teenage children who have recently started driving. A similar scheme could be introduced in the UK. American Family Insurance says: "The Teen Safe Driver Program reduces

Big Brother is watching you risky driver behaviour by 70% according to an independent review by the University of Iowa."

Footage is sent to analysts who watch the tapes and give feedback to the families. Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about the recordings.

£1,500 toy car Renowned die-cast model maker Maisto has made the ultimate toy car. The 1:18 scale Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will set you back £1,500.

Unveiled at the Olympia Toy Fair

in London, only 250 examples will be made, with models on sale at Harrods and Hamleys. Each car has more than 7,800 Swarovski crystals decorating the bodywork.

Campaign against bright lights A London taxi driver has started a campaign to stop modern headlamps and daytime running lights (DRL) dazzling oncoming drivers. Known as 'Lightmare', it is backed by the Driving Instructors Association.

The campaign, set up by cabbie

The Government has introduced a new generation of average speed camera that can track motorists across entire road networks.

Existing average speed cameras only monitor a car’s speed between fixed points on the road, but the new models are capable of consistently tracking a vehicle.

The first versions went live on the A13 between south-east Essex and East London.

RoadPilot, which sells speed camera detection devices, says this could be the start of an average speed monitoring system that spans the UK.

BEFORE

AFTER

B &S

MOTORCYCLES

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If you’ve ever had to fill out an insurance claim form after an accident, you’ll know they’re no laughing matter. But these real life insurance form howlers might make you smile!

“The man was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.”

“I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.”

“The car in front hit the pedestrian but he got up so I hit him again.”

“The gentleman behind me struck me on the backside. He then went to rest in a bush with just his rear end showing.”

“A van backed through my windscreen into my wife’s face.”

“I saw a slow moving, sad faced old gentleman as he bounced off the roof of my car.”

“Coming home I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don’t have.”

“The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention.”

“I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat found that I had a fractured skull.

“I started to slow down but the traffic was more stationary than I thought.”

“I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.”

“I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed over the embankment.”

“The accident was caused by me waving to the man I hit last week.”

FREE Pre-MOT with Every Service

“To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front I struck a pedestrian.”

“My car was legally parked as it backed into another vehicle.”

your motors

You couldn’t make it up...

Safe Motoring with

NORTH EASTERN TYRE & AUTOCARE

Richard Loft Store Manager

A timely reminder for 08 Registrations from your platinum car care centre.

I am delighted to announce that your local North Eastern Tyre & Autocare has just been awarded Pirelli Performance Centre of the Year.

The PPC awards were set up by internationally renowned tyre manufacturer, Pirelli, to create a network of dealers with superior technical ability and excellent customer service standards, originally intended for owners of prestige and high performance cars.

The NETA store on Clifton Moor had already been awarded Platinum standard for this year but went on to be voted the best centre nationally, which is a significant achievement. The awards are granted following visits from mystery shoppers who experience what it’s like to be a real customer.

Our Platinum standard was earned through demanding technical audits that Pirelli carry out twice a year. Confirming that when you bring your car to us, you are in safe hands!

On that note I’d like to remind anyone who has a car with an 08 registration plate that your first MOT is due this month.

Whilst this may not be the happiest of anniversaries, we’ll try to make it as pain free as possible for you. Our VOSA approved MOT technician can carry out an MOT while you wait in our comfortable reception area. With free wifi and a decent cup of coffee, you can catch up with the news headlines on the TV or check your e-mails.

“If you have to have an MOT, you may as well enjoy platinum service to go along with it!”

Alternatively we could loan you a courtesy car to keep your day moving or pick you up and drop you off in the local area, to make having an MOT as convenient as possible.

With MOT’s priced at £35 and an MOT combined with Service from just £69.95 we could make sure you’re legal and put a stamp in your service book, without breaking the bank.

If you have trouble remembering dates, log onto our website www.nete.co.uk where we offer a free reminder service for MOT, car tax and servicing. All you need to do is tell us when they are due and we’ll send you an e-mail in advance to remind you.

If you have to have an MOT, you may as well enjoy platinum service to go along with it!

Don’t forget, for a free tyre safety check or any general advice about the maintenance of your vehicle just call in anytime.

Call: 01904 692500 www.nete.co.uk

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your business

Business your

Business is buoyant in York, despite what some people are saying. Here’s your chance to tell the city about your successes, talk about new products or services, offer tips and praise the people behind your business. Call Your Local Link (01904) 767881

n

New home for

enterprise centre An enterprise centre which is helping create the next generation of successful young entrepreneurs has moved to a new base at the University of York.

The Centre for Excellence in the Teaching and Learning of Enterprise (CETLE) now resides at the Ron Cooke Hub building which is part of the £750 million university campus expansion at Heslington East.

CETLE was established as a White Rose initiative between the universities of York, Sheffield and Leeds in 2005. York hosts a micro-incubator where students can start their own businesses.

CETLE provides small grants to promising business concepts and, thanks to its support, a number of former York students have gone on to run their own successful ventures.

CETLE, previously based in Vanbrugh College, also supports academic staff in teaching enterprise-

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related curriculum in their areas.

The Creative Technologies Centre, a new initiative designed to provide training in new technologies, shares the space with CETLE. CETLE acts as sponsor and base for York

Entrepreneurs, a student-led enterprise club. With about 1,400 members, it is the university’s largest society on campus and won the 2009 International Enterprise Educators Award for student-led initiatives.

Ask the Expert...

A York accountancy firm is entering a new era. Previously known as Hare Edson, the company is now trading as Hare & Co, headed by chartered tax advisor Linda Hare, who is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

She says: “As an independent business ourselves, we recognise that no two customers are the same.

Every organisation has its own goals, its own systems and its own team of people. That’s why we believe that customising our business to fit your needs is the key to a successful future for all.”

Hare & Co’s portfolio of clients a range of sectors, including professional services, hospitality, agriculture, IT, construction, engineering, retail and wholesale distribution as well as the media industry. n For more details, call 692585.

Doing business with Uncle Sam Science City York is leading a workshop focusing on the opportunities for business in the USA. Hear the experiences of organisations operating in the USA and receive expert advice from the Greater Richmond Partnership and UKTI. The workshop takes place at the Ron Cooke Hub, York University, on Monday, March 7, 8am -11.45am. n To register your place, email carl.wolf@scy.co.uk

Family Law

with ni C K I M I TC H E L L

Home alone is there a right or wrong?

The recent news that a mother was cautioned by the police after leaving her three year old in the care of his 14 year old brother has caused quite a stir. How many parents have left their children with a 14 year old babysitter without a second thought? How many more have been happy to send their teenagers out to babysit, pleased that they are learning to act responsibly and earn a little pocket money?

Legal age Family lawyers are often asked at what age it is legal to leave a child alone. The answer is far from clear. It is an offence under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 to neglect a child under the age of 16. But does going out for a pint of milk constitute neglect?

The woman in this case accepted a police caution and so the courts did not have the opportunity to make a judgement. As is often the case, little detail was reported about the circumstances and so it is impossible to take an informed view.

Parental responsibility It may however come as a surprise to many that it is not unusual for the law to be vague when it comes to caring for children. When parents separate they often look for rules about “custody” and “access”. In fact those words have not been part of the English family law vocabulary for over 20 years. The Children Act 1989 introduced the terms “residence” (where a child lives) and “contact” (how much time they spend with a parent who is not their main carer). Perhaps more importantly the Act created the concept of “parental responsibility”, the idea that parents (with some, now limited, exceptions) retain responsibility for their children, however much or little time they spend with them.

Childrens rights The Children Act also signalled a sea change in the way courts approach what happens to children when their parents separate.

Increasingly, contact has come to be seen as the right of the child, not the parent. And the responsibility to find the right arrangement for a particular child is firmly placed on the shoulders of the parents, not the court. This is known as the ‘non-intervention principle”. It must be right that in most cases it is the parents who are best placed to decide what is best for their children. Mediation can provide a useful way of helping couples to make those decisions.

If parents really cannot decide with which of them a child should live and how much time that child should spend with the other, then the court will ultimately make that judgement. There are however no hard and fast rules. The law sets out a set of factors, known as the “welfare checklist” which must be taken into account and gives the judge the discretion to decide what is in that child’s best interests – usually after a great deal of time, money and emotional energy has been spent by all concerned.

So perhaps the law is vague for a reason – to leave children’s interests with the people best placed to serve them – their parents.

n For legal advice on this or any aspect of family law, contact Nicki Mitchell at Denison Till Solicitors on 01904 611411 (ncm@denisontill.com).

Nicki is a Specialist Family Solicitor and an accredited member of Resolution – First for Family Law. She is also a Collaborative Lawyer.

See www.yorkcfl.com for further information

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your business

New name new era

your business

SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS We shine the spotlight on Kevin Hollinrake, managing director of Hunters, the York-based estate agents

The

personal

touch

Kevin Hollinrake’s office will be well known to every shopper in York city centre – he presides over the busy York HQ of Hunters, the estate agents, where, on a busy day in the city, a wide cross-section of York’s residents can be seen, perusing the offerings in the window.

The office, in Colliergate, is a symbol of Kevin’s success. He founded Hunters in York in April 1992, and is proud to still run the chain out of the city, despite its successful expansion across the region, into Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield as well as in towns across North Yorkshire.

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Although he has been a successful estate agent for 25 years, he has also found the time to be heavily involved in local politics, which he combines with a passion for cricket and rugby.

Selling property is what really drives him though, and it is clear that he has a very particular vision of what a successful estate agency should be.

He has been instrumental in building up Hunters’ ‘personal agent’ model, where enthusiastic businesspeople can work for him, from home, under the Hunters brand.

Kevin’s five tips for business success 1. “Originality is the fine art of remembering what you hear but forgetting where you heard it” (Laurence Peter).

Trying to be totally original is very expensive and unlikely to succeed.

Most of the top brands and businesses in the world are copied ideas – McDonalds, Facebook, Google. Study a good business, ideally work within that business/ industry for a period of time and find out how it works and what it could do better. Then do it yourself, but do it better.

2. “The eagle that hunts two rabbits goes hungry” (American Indian proverb).

Focus on the business you have chosen then work exceptionally hard at it. Don’t get distracted by other ideas and for at least two years you should have no time for holidays, sick days and weekends.

You will be working twice as hard as you did before for half the money.

3. “Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great” (Mark Twain) If you want to make lots of money

you will need good people to help you. They are out there, work hard to find them and to keep them. Understand also that people are unmanageable – read Michael Gerber’s E-Myth and systemise your business.

4. “When giving advice, seek to help not to please” (Solon).

When managing people or suppliers you must not compromise on the standards you have set. You are not there to be liked; you just need to be fair and honest. The people managers I respect most are Alan Sugar and Gordon Ramsay – they swear too much but they tell it like it is.

Gordon Ramsay wouldn’t let a sub-standard plate of food leave his kitchen and neither should you.

5. “Whether you think you can or think you can't — you are right.” (Henry Ford) Be positive, believe in yourself.

Things will not go according to plan but keep going and never sacrifice your principles. You have to pick yourself up constantly but you will make it if you keep the end in mind.

Business Diary...

WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) York Branch meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month.

Visit www.wireuk.org or email at yorkwire@hotmail.co.uk.

Council, who will provide a perspective from the public sector and, in particular, the implications for the council. Call 0113 247 0000 or 01904 567 838.

Federation of Small Businesses York Branch meet on the third Monday of each month.

Call 629777.

15th March Chamber Networking Breakfast, Lady Anne Middleton’s Hotel. 7.30 – 9am.

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce 2nd March Chamber Business Lunch, Best Western Monkbar Hotel. 12 noon – 2pm.

York Women In Business 1st March Networking Event, Bootham Recital Room. 12.15pm.

Two-course buffet with musical interlude. To book email mail@ yorkwomeninbusiness.co.uk.

8th March Chamber Business Forum. 4.30 – 6.30pm Businesses are being invited to get involved with the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) bid at this upcoming Business Forum. The event will feature a presentation from Kersten England, Chief Executive of City Of York

30th March Chamber Annual Dinner, NRM. 7pm - midnight

York Professionals Call 01904 435363 for details of forthcoming meetings n If you have a business networking event coming up, email details to info@yourlocallink.co.uk

your business

SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS

Ask the Expert...

investments advice with julie wilson

Chart Toppers Is it just me or is everything getting more complicated? Technology is advancing faster than you can say ‘iPad’, and with it comes all the latest gobble-de-speak. It’s the same with the investment world; I recently attended a masterclass on modern investment strategies where the terminology - Traded Autocalls, Leveraged Turbos, Accelerated Warrants – sounded more like garage-speak than investment jargon.

So as I ‘look under the bonnet’, so to speak, at these new investment kids on the block, let me tell you about my approach to investment.

Call me old-fashioned but I have some rather simple principles when it comes to investing: • Savings are short term, Investments are long term • Investing is NOT speculating • Risk and Return are related • Diversification is essential • Portfolio structure impacts on performance • Costs and taxes matter • Discipline is key • You can’t predict the future You often hear the phrase ‘cash is king’ – and indeed cash is one of the few investments where the capital value doesn’t appear to fluctuate. And I say it “doesn’t appear” to fluctuate because in real terms it can and indeed does. And the current climate – low interest rates and rising inflation – is one of the worst environments there is.

Put simply, if you are getting 1% per annum interest on your savings (and believe me, many of you will be) and inflation is running at over 3%, your money is losing 2% a year of its spending power.

Asset Class Tapestry I have a chart which ranks the returns from 15 different types of investment and sectors (such as property, gilts, cash etc) over the last 10 years. Cash has NEVER been king. Not once. Commodities have been ‘king’ twice, Emerging Markets four times, gilts once, High Yielding bonds twice and Europe once. The best yearly return is more than 160% (Emerging Markets, 2010), the worst – 34% (Japan 2010). Each investment/sector on my chart is colour coded – property is blue, cash is black, gilts are gold (well, they would be, wouldn’t they?) etc.

Such is the randomness of how each investment ranks that we refer to the chart as the ‘Asset Class Tapestry’. Certainly, I have never been able to see any discernible pattern to it. What it does show is that one type of investment never offers better returns than another on a consistent basis, hence one of my basic principles – ‘diversification is essential’.

If you would like a free copy of the ‘Asset Class Tapestry’ please call, email or write to the address below and we’ll be happy to send you one

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

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your business

TV success The Write Stuff for local writer

Fancy yourself as a bestselling author? Follow our tips to getting published

• Find yourself an agent. It really is only way to get your work seen by the right people.

Check the Writers and Artist Yearbook for agents who publish your kind of book.

• Once you’ve drawn up a shortlist of agents, check their requirements. Most prefer three chapters and a synopsis, plus a covering letter. Your chapters should be printed double spaced, on one side of the paper only, with each page numbered. Never ever staple pages together.

• Your covering letter is your selling tool, so make it good. Mention any previous publishing successes you’ve had, even if it’s only a short story in the parish magazine.

• If the agent asks for three chapters, they mean the first three, not your favourite chapters picked at random. If you feel your opening chapters aren’t strong enough, rewrite them until they are.

• Be patient. It may take weeks or months to get a response.

Pestering every week is guaranteed to get your work sent straight back.

• Self publishing is one thing, but avoid vanity publishers who offer to publish your book in return for a fat fee. n The Festival of Writing (25th – 27th March) at York University is your chance to meet authors, agents and editors and learn more about the craft of writing.

Call 0845 459 9560 or email info@festivalofwriting.com to book your place.

Children at a school in Clifton were VIP guests at a very special TV premiere recently. The pupils from Burton Green were given a sneak preview of The Spartical Mysteries, a new children’s TV series currently showing on Monday’s CBBC. It was penned by award-winning scriptwriter Alison Hume, a parent governor at the school.

“A week earlier we held a preview for 250 people at BAFTA in London, and it wasn’t nearly as nerve-racking as this!” she admits. “Children can be your biggest fans or your harshest critics, and if they don’t like something you soon know about it! Luckily they all seemed to enjoy the show.”

It’s hardly surprising, since pupils at the school helped Alison with her story about a world where a scientific experiment goes wrong and causes all the adults to

disappear, leaving children in charge.

“I came up with the original story and then did some workshops with Year 6 children to develop some of the ideas,” says mum-of-three Alison.

The former journalist retrained as a scriptwriter 12 years ago, doing a Masters at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Since then she has contributed to series such as The Vice and New Tricks. Her series for children, Summerhill, went on to win a Children’s BAFTA in 2008.

Now she’s keeping her fingers crossed that The Spartical Mysteries goes on to a second series. But despite her success, Alison admits making a career as scriptwriter can be a struggle. “It’s incredibly competitive, and having the ability is only half the story. Meeting the right people and getting your foot in the door is just as important.”

Vive la difference The diversity of York’s businesses is contributing to the city’s success, according to the head of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Susie Cawood was commenting on a recent independent report that ranked York as the second fastest growing city in the UK. The Cities Outlook for 2011, produced by the Centre for Cities, ranks the economic performance of cities across the UK. “The diversity of the York economy and calibre of its businesses has positioned the city well and York is one of the UK¹s most stable and robust cities in a

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beautiful location with a first class quality of life,” says Susie. “York is home to a diverse range of fantastic businesses that have come out of recession stronger than ever and new businesses have started up. Sectors such as bio-science and tourism continue to grow and the financial and business services sector has seen a 52% increase in jobs over the last ten years.

“The chamber continues to work to give our members the support they need to do business in York and ensure the voice of York business is listened to at a national level.”

your business

Centre

The

Need offce space for your business?

Hosting an event?

The newly refurbished Global Centre provides a fantastic venue to host all kinds of events, large and small, from meetings and training seminars to large conferences, award presentations and social gatherings.

Also at the Global Centre are a range of permanent and temporary offce spaces, with fantastic facilities, available now at affordable prices.

Seminar rooms Auditoriums Meeting rooms Café Lounge

Sports Hall

Dance Studio

Extensive outdoor space Wi-Fi

Businesses already located at The Global Centre Synergy Language Services Ltd is a translation agency established in York in March 2009. The company has quickly gained an excellent reputation for its superb customer service and ability to provide quality translations on time and on budget in over 40 languages.

From personal documentation to creative marketing material, legal documents and medical reports to technical manuals and nancial brochures, they cover a wide spectrum of subject areas across all industry sectors. Their small team of experienced project managers is committed to delivering the right translation solution to suit their clients’ speciic language needs.

To discuss your translation requirements, please contact us on 0845 527 2294 email: sales@synergylanguageservices.com or visit www.synergylanguageservices.com SecuriCare is a York based Company and has been established since 1995. We are a National Provider of Training Services. Specialising in training in the prevention and management of challenging behaviour, (an area in which we still excel), our programmes and awards now include: Connict Prevention & Management; Physical Interventions; Stress Management; Dealing with abusive phone calls; First Aid; Qualiied Trainer Awards; Assessor Qualiications. SecuriCare is accredited by several Awarding bodies including: Edexcel; Institute of Connict Management (ICM); British healthca staff; Institute of Learning Disabilities (Bild). Our clients include; NHS staff, healthcare security staff and door supervisors; Government Departments; Airline Companies; Local Authorities. We also provide On-Line training options.

For more information: E: trainers@securicare.com T: 01904 492 442 www.securicare.com First Aid Training and First Aid Supplies in York 1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work Course only £69.00 + VAT per person 3 Day First Aid at Work Course only £194.00 + VAT per person First class quality training at unbeatable prices, you will not be disappointed with our service from start to nish.

In house courses also available – please contact us for details.

Save money on your First Aid supplies and buy from a local company visit www..rst-rescue.co.uk for our full range of products!

Book online now at – www..rst-rescue.co.uk/training-courses Or call 0870 850 1186

To book a viewing or to nd out more - contact us on: The Global Centre, Low Poppleton Lane, York, YO26 6BB

business@globalyork.com 01904 792525 123

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FR

n A-Z Edition / January 2011

You need it?

We’ve got it inside!

YOUR COMplEtE annUal gUIDE!

lOCal SERvICES, tRaDES, BUSInESSES & MORE

88,167 magazines delivered monthly

to every home & business in York and

A-Z 2011.indd 1

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15/12/2010 18:17

Yes?

Your Local Link wants you!

what a result...

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BRIGHT AS A… CUSTOMER SALES ADVISORS £13,065 + £1K FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PACKAGE (PRO RATA) + FANTASTIC BONUS SCHEME – YORK We won’t try and dress it up, if you’re looking to shine here, you need to be as bright as a button.

Especially if you want the chance to earn uncapped commission every month. Handling a high volume of calls and turning a good percentage into sales, there’ll be as many dead ends as there are good leads. What’s more, you’ll have a script to read through word for word, so no experience is needed. But while you’ve got the can-do attitude to hit all your sales targets, you’ll also have a flair for delivering outstanding customer service.

Made of the right stuff?

Visit www.cppjobs.co.uk or call 0808 100 2509 or text CPP to 88802 quoting ref: CPPY97 CPP are committed to Treating Customers Fairly

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your jobs

Recruitment

Y H T A YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE

TEACHERS

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Recruitment

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your jobs

Recruitment

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