Your Local Link Magazine April 2013

.co.uk

www.

Issue 114 APRIL 2013

Art uncovered We go

behind the scenes at York’s biggest art event: York Open Studios.

Secret

galleries

Did you know that York Hospital is home to a new exhibition?

Follow our trail to find out more about the city’s hidden art.

Shakespeare Get involved Take a look at our new section, packed with local events and causes.

Get stuck in!

We’re pretty sure you’ve never seen Shakespeare quite like this before.

We chat to the lovely Matt Rippy, part of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, about inflatable boobs and snubbering cankerblossom.

We’re delivered to all 88,852 properties in and around York, with hundreds of the best local businesses inside!

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the best of york

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take the tube Have you seen us on Youtube yet?

Believe us, it’s worth a look – if for nothing but a laugh. Howard’s science experiment using Mentos and diet cola is captured on there, as well as Nic’s rather hilarious attempt at doing her hair (she was testing a curling wand – see the Beauty and Fashion Hotlist for a less silly review). We’ve also got the footage from an early April Fools’ Day prank that the creative team played on the sales office – it basically involves Howard, a bucket and some fake snow (which we’re still clearing off the drive). Take a look at the locallinkyork channel by pressing the button on our homepage – visit www.yourlocallink. co.uk

been busy making ourselves look beautiful for our new tradition, Formal Fridays. Most offices dress casually on Fridays, but as Gini’s lucky if we change out of our pyjamas for work we decided to make it our mission to go smart at least once a week. That is, it was a tradition for a fortnight until Howard ruined everything by forgetting to wear his Cumberland. Oh, sorry – we mean cummerbund. Whatever – it’s a funny belt thing that blokes wear with suits apparently. We’ll never know, because Howard forgot and wore his tank top instead. We’ve now cancelled Formal Fridays so if you visit the office and we’re all wearing onesies don’t be surprised. Well done, Howard. Well done.

suit up Apart from making daft videos, we’ve

You’ve got a friend Another craze in the office or rather,

the best of york

welcome... something that has divided the workforce, is our Claire’s newfound obsession with Fisherman’s Friends.

She declares that they are a cure for all ailments – colds, coughs, even cravings – but in the words of Krystal, they are “the devil’s work”. Claire was forced to swallow her pride when one went down the wrong way as she took a drink. Helen had to perform the

Advertising: Gini, Tracy, Sarah, Mim, Kelly, Avril, Gary, Sue, Matt, Cassie & Krystal

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

more fool you...

We couldn’t let April Fools’ Day pass without tricking you – look out for silly stories in the mag…

Yourlocallink York

Accounts: Helen & Claire Distribution: Dean, Jon, Gary Design: Rachel, Dave & Jerry Editorial: Nicolette, Howard & Donna

Get in touch... call: 01904 767881

Heimlich manoeuvre, but surprisingly Claire stands by her new wonderdrug and will offer a mint to anyone who stands by her desk for longer than five seconds.

@locallinkyork

Publishers: Tracy Outram and Gini Guttery

Space booking, copy, cancellation and editorial deadline for the May edition is 12th April and 19th April for recruitment.

Professional Tuition

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features:

Cover story:

18-19. Get involved.

Check out our new section, full of local events and causes that you can get stuck into.

24-25. York Open Studios

26-27. Hidden art.

York Art Studios inspired us to look further into York’s art scene, and we found that there’s much more to it than you might imagine. This month, your mission is to follow Your Local Link’s hidden art trail.

We chat to Anne Hutchison, the woman behind York Open Studios, and take a look behind the scenes to find out more about the project that put York on the artistic map.

90-91. Matt Rippy interview.

We did say last month that Jimmy Osmond is probably the nicest bloke in the world, but this guy is a serious contender for the crown.

Meet Matt Rippy, one quarter of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, who will bring their own brand of comic theatre to York this month.

106. Eggs-traordinary.

Make this Easter one to remember with our guide to fun traditions – some of which we’re pretty sure you won’t have heard of. Egg jarping, anyone?

Regulars: 8-9. Competitions. Win: a ten day belly busting detox programme from Herbal Life;

14-15. Horoscopes.

30-31. Business Buzz.

38-49. Health & Beauty.

16-17. Join the Club.

10-11. Hotlist.

20-21. Puzzles.

50-51. Weddings. You’ll fall head over heels in love with our Wedding Wishlist…

12-13. The way I see it. Donna reckons that noisy children and mocha-choca-lattes don’t mix.

22-23. Didn’t they do well.

32-33. Local Sport Report. We like Dan Tait – he reports on the sport and makes it funny (and helps us to understand it).

34-35. Gadget Guide.

54-61. Your Family. Howard is preparing to give birth. Well, his wife is.

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26-29. Culture Column.

36-37. Motors.

52-53. Your Pet.

the best of york

events: 92-101 Events hotlist. The crème de la crème of what’s on this month.

102-103 Theatre, gigs and films.

104-105 Days out. York and the surrounding areas are filled with a huge range of fantastic attractions – plan your next day out here.

Do you like discounts?

Have you signed up to our free email voucher service yet? Why not?

Just email info@yourlocallink.co.uk with your name, or visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

find us online

Whether you fancy finding out what’s on, need a local tradesperson or supplier, or want to read the latest news stories, our website has it all.

Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

62-73. Property & Interiors.

110-123. Trades & Services directory.

74-83. Gardening. Feathers fly in this month’s Gardening Guide.

124-127. Jobs, jobs, jobs…

84-87. Food & Drink.

90-107. Events & Days Out. 108-109. Classified – at a glance.

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Empire

building Was your New Year resolution to shift a few pounds and improve your health? Well, three months in, how’s it going? If right now you are shaking your head and making excuses, covertly reaching for that second slice of cake, then this is the competition for you. Thanks to Herbalife, the detoxing weightless wonder product, you have the chance of winning a ten day belly busting detox programme. Find out more about the products at www.h-life.co.uk The prize consists of shakes and tablets, designed to help you lose weight and flush out toxins. For a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer this easy-peasy question: How many days does the programme last?

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Herbalife Competition’ to the address on page five, or via email to info@yourlocallink.co.uk The competition ends on 30th April, so don’t delay. Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

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This is the greatest competition we have ever run – at least that’s what Howard thinks. You see, Howard, like many of us, spent the vast majority of his childhood (and some part of his adulthood) playing with Lego. It’s no surprise then that he’s cock-a-hoop to hear that Minifigs and Bricks, a new Lego shop, has opened in Cliftongate Business Centre, Wigginton Road. The brainchild of Dave Kirkham, Minifigs and Bricks specialises in selling the little Lego men on their own as well as full sets (both new and vintage) and Lego bricks sold by weight. Visit www.minifigsandbricks.co.uk To celebrate the launch of the shop, and to

pander to children aged from seven to 77, they are giving away a special Batman Lego set, complete with batwing vehicle and Joker minifigure. All you have to do is answer this easy-peasy question: What is the name of the owner of Minifigs and Bricks?

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Minifigs Competition’ to the address on page five, or via email to info@yourlocallink.co.uk The competition ends on 30th April, so don’t delay. Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

your competitions

Have you heard

the latest?

We report on what’s happening around York – and we’ve got BBC news stories, too.

Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk/news

Another suitcase…

Looking to quickly forget the overindulgence of Easter and the potential embarrassments of April Fool’s Day? A musical should help, so get down to The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, from 16th-20th April. Pick Me Up Theatre are bringing Evita, the story of Argentine political leader Eva Peron, to York for the first time. Through classic songs like ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,’ the show features her early life and rise to power, charity work and eventual death from cancer at the age of 33. Call 623568.

it

We have three pairs of tickets for the performance on Tuesday 16th April, and all you have to do for a chance of winning a pair is answer this question:

aceWhich it country was Eva Peron from?

ce itit ace

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Evita Competition’ to the address on page five, or via email to info@ yourlocallink.co.uk The competition ends on 8th April, so don’t delay. Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

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APRIL HOTLIST.... What to do in April Get out No, we’re not being rude. The days are getting longer, and as we’re writing this the sun is actually shining.

Much as we love slouching on the settee, the sun has given us the get up and go to, well, get up and go. There’s so much to see and do here in York that there’s bound to be something to entertain you – make the most of the daylight and explore the city, whether it’s by starting a new hobby, heading to one of the fantastic events with the family or, like us, by going for a run. Check our Join the Club and Events sections for some ideas to get you started, and look out for the free cycle map leaflet from the City of York Council delivered with this mag.

OPEN UP

rite art event, Everyone’s favou udios, York Open St our Behind is back. Head to ure to the Scenes feat find out more.

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Fool around What’s the best prank you’ve played for April Fools’ Day? You may remember we revealed our extremely childish (and rather disgusting) side last year when we gave a thumbs up to the classic cling film over the loo gag – yes, we know it’s gross, but it’s just too funny.

However, we reckon even that doesn’t come close to the hilarity of and sheer effort put into the following tricks.

• Back in 1957, Panorama (yep, the serious news show) broadcast a ‘report’ on an especially fruitful spaghetti harvest, which was accompanied by footage of a Swiss family picking spaghetti from trees. Loads of people then phoned in to find out how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. The

BBC’s response? “ Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”

• You wouldn’t believe that you could transform a black and white TV set into a colour version simply by putting a nylon stocking over the screen, but thousands of Swedish people did in 1962 when the only station’s technical expert appeared on the news to demonstrate how to do it.

• Long before the horsemeat scandal, in 1998 Burger King announced they were launching a left handed version of the Whopper burger. It had the same ingredients, but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees. Unbelievably, thousands of Americans requested one.

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It’s finally here. It seems like aeons ago that we were pondering which toppings to put on our pancakes (well, more like how many we could fit in our tummies without popping a button on our jeans), and the following 40 days of Lent almost killed us. Not all of us gave something up, but we all found it very difficult to walk past the chocolate eggs in the shop – which seemed to take up an entire aisle. We can’t wait to be in chocolate heaven, but that isn’t all there is to look forward to this Easter. Check out our events section for what’s on, and head to our events section for some ideas on what to do with the kids.

See the stars It’s National Astronomy Day on 20th April, and we can’t think of any better reason to get down to York Observatory. There are open days on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11.30am-2.30pm and entry is free. As it’s based in the Museum Gardens, you can nip into the Yorkshire Museum while you’re there to see the fantastic new Capital of the North exhibition – and you don’t have to spend a penny! If you want to get into astronomy, take a look at the Hotlist in our November 2012 issue for some tips to get you started. n Call

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Family friendly?

I went out for a coffee with my daughter last week. We went to a busy city centre café, where we sat next to a couple of mums who were out with their school age children.

We would have stood more chance of enjoying a quiet coffee in a pavement café in Kabul. While the mums chatted, their bored kids ran riot. They played chase among the chairs, elbowing other customers. They chanted at the tops of their voices.

They did gymnastics on the seats.

One of them performed a reverse dismount and ended up with her hair dangling in my skinny latte.

Love is blind Their mothers, all the while, were deaf to their children’s antics. Only when one of them tripped up a waitress carrying a tray of food did they react. And that was to scold the poor waitress

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for nearly damaging her precious baby with a flying panini.

Why don’t people control their children in public any more? I’m not saying children should be seen and not heard, and I’m glad so many places are family friendly these days – it makes a change from when my daughter was small, and taking her to a pub meant sitting in a grim ‘family area’, usually two feet of space next to the pool table.

But it’s all gone too far. Kids will be kids, but their parents don’t seem to put the brakes on in any way shape or form.

In-flight entertainment It’s the same with public transport.

Doesn’t your heart sink when you get on a long haul flight and find you’ve got a kid in front of you?

If they’re not experimenting endlessly with their reclining seat, they’re watching you over to top of it. Smile at

But God forbid you should say anything. If you do, the parents look at you as if you’re the Child Catcher out of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. How dare you interfere with their child’s inalienable right to free expression through the medium of jumping on bus seats and throwing food? What are you, some kind of child-hating Stalinist?

As a matter of fact, I like children.

What I dislike are parents who are too scared to teach their children to respect other people, in case they somehow stunt their emotional growth. And I’m talking to you, man in Starbucks who read The Guardian while his daughter did handstands in my snack.

And by the way, you owe me a muffin.

Follow Donna on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

According to

the best of york

them in the first 60 seconds, and you spend the next seven hours and 59 minutes trying not to make eye contact. Meanwhile, their parents have settled into the in-flight movie, relaxed in the knowledge that some random stranger is keeping their little one entertained. Never mind that the random stranger is entertaining thoughts about feeding their kid down that super sucky toilet.

Donna...

There’s no better barometer on what’s hot and what’s not than our Donna. Here, she shares her thoughts on what’s in or out in her own unique style!

Hot… MY BOOK I know it’s cheeky, but can I just drop in a quick plug? The Nightingale Sisters

by Donna Douglas should be appearing in bookshops and supermarkets from the end of this month. It tells the story of nurses in a 1930s London hospital, and if you like Call The Midwife, you should love it. There, plug over. Thanks for listening!

Not… wheelie suitcases Wheelie suitcases. Yes, I know they’re useful, but do you have to carry them at full stretch, ensuring everyone trips over them? It’s the really tiny ones that get on my nerves. For heaven’s sake, it’s smaller than your handbag. Why don’t you just carry the damn thing?

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the best of york

Horoscopes April 2013

Starsign of the month...

Aries (21st March - 19th April)

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

L to R: Alan Sugar, Vicoria Beckham, Graham Norton, Elle MacPherson

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

Although sometimes they can be very impulsive, Arians are usually very good at making quick decisions. They tend to see things in black and white – sometimes in red, but never in grey – and they tend to act accordingly, cleaning up any mess they might leave some time after the event. However, over the last few seasons this tendency seems to have deserted you as you have vacillated from one idea to another without making any definite commitment. Nevertheless, there are a few changes in the wind now brought about by your lack of action, and because of that the process of change is gradual and subtle rather than being in your face. While life carries on in your daily routines, mid and long term targets undergo some degree of metamorphosis, and looking ahead five years you’ll see yourself in a very different place than you might have imagined a year or so ago. In the short term, Arian ladies will be on the receiving end of love tokens and lots of other attention. Gentlemen, on the other hand, seem to be on the giving end, which guarantees they’ll get noticed.

Visit our website for extended readings... www.yourlocallink.co.uk

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

(20th April - 20th May)

(21st May - 20th June)

(21st June - 22nd July)

(23rd July - 23rd August)

Spring may be in the air but it’s not in your heart as you deal with a host of routine practical matters.

There’s some extra money around but it’s got to be used to settle old bills and accounts. Relationships are possibly a little strained at times as priorities and agendas differ.

Not your brightest month, especially if there are some delays to plans and you’re not feeling 100% fit. Be patient and create some new schedules and deadlines that give you more breathing space. There will be a great deal of support from lovers or partners, who clearly have your best interests at heart.

If an offer or an opportunity seems too good to be true, then it probably is, and care should be taken before acting on impulse and intuition alone. Weighing up all the pros and cons serves you better. A younger member of your family causes a consistent degree of distraction.

In affairs of the heart Leo pussycats should get to swallow a lot of cream and this should be a very happy and successful month.

Niggles in other areas of your life can be put on hold for a while as you enjoy a few hedonistic delights. You’ll not be sorry!

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Libra (23rd September - 22nd October) There’s no shortage of help and support on offer from a variety of sources, and maybe from one person in particular with a romantic agenda. The romantic outlook is very favourable, but there will be interference in your affairs by someone who thinks they know what’s best for you.

Scorpio (23rd October - 21st November) A lot of old restrictions start falling by the wayside, giving you more time and greater opportunity to do more of what you want to do.

Faced with this challenge you need to be bold and brave, and while Scorpio males will meet with some success, Scorpio females meet with a whole lot more.

Sagittarius (22nd November - 21st December) No major dramas or catastrophes, and this should be a steady period in which you get to grip with regular routines. There’s possibly a

Capricorn (22nd December - 19th January) An extremely optimistic period where careers and finances are concerned and a number of things fall into place, giving you good cause to feel that your luck is changing for the better. Your new found confidence will push you into tackling an emotional situation that’s been unresolved for far too long.

the latest?

We report on what’s happening around York – and we’ve got BBC news stories, too.

Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk/news

Aquarius (20th January - 18th February) Good results where any tests or examinations are concerned, which should give a clear indication that your own judgement is better than advice from third parties. Trouble is, those third parties are going to get the hump when you choose to ignore their advice.

Pisces (19th February - 20th March) As you look back over the last eight or nine months you will recognise that you have come a long way in a short time. Investments, both the financial and the emotional, now start paying dividends. There is likely to be some friction in parent/ child relationships.

watermark

James Street Morrisons

Lawrence Street

Relationships enter a very warm and secure period, and there are some very exciting plans being made for your future. Some very special anniversaries are coming up (11th and 29th April), and one or two wild parties are in the wind.

Have you heard

Layerthorpe

(24th August - 22nd September)

mood of anti-climax when you look back over the first quarter of the year, but maybe that’s no bad thing if it gets your head off the block.

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VIRGO

Foss Islands Road

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Looking for new friends and interests? Try this lot...

Join

the

club

Anyone for tennis?

As the weather continues to imp rove and the first matches of Wimbledon approach, are there any little ball boys or ball girls in your midst? If there are, and they ’re aching to get out onto the courts to serve a few vollies, pack them off to Heworth. Heworth Tennis Club on East Parade hold junior tennis coaching sessions on Fridays from 4-8pm. All ages and abilities are welcome, from complete beginners to teenage improvers. There’s no a need to be a member and all equi pment is provided.

Sound like game, set and match. n Visit www.heworthtennisclu b.co.uk

Art attack Whether you’re an old-school Van Gogh or more of a down-with-the-kids Banksy, Micklegate Artists are looking for you. The group are seeking amateur artists to bring their creative talents to life-drawing classes. The sessions take place every Wednesday morning from 10am12.30pm at Guppy’s Enterprise Club on Nunnery Lane. There’s no need to pay for classes in advance; just turn up on the day with your wallet and a passion for painting. n Call 769617.

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You’re hired!

Branch, Parkinson’s UK York The friendly folk at the son’s and kin Par h wit ple peo local who offer support to ies, are ivit as organising social act their families, as well y need the w, No . ers t for new memb always on the lookou at it wh e hav you do – nt retireme a new secretary due to ry eve month on the first Monday of takes? The group meet cy finding fan Shipton Road. If you at the sports centre on display, art the to up, pop along out more about the gro elves, at ms the ers mb me by group exhibiting works done ut the abo uire on 13th April. To enq York Explore Librar y Beauty and alth 594. Head to our He secretary role, call 639 for ing do are up ut what the gro section to find out abo s Week.

Parkinson’s Awarenes

Welcome to Bollydrake

Nothing gets the heart pumping quite like dancing. It’s a great way to keep fit, a lot of fun and, if you get involved with this group, a chance to train with Boll ywood dance teacher Zoobin Surty. It seems that the glamour of Bollywood has landed in Wheldrake and in no time at all the residents will be dancing in the streets and bursting into Hind i song. If you fancy it, and want to be involved in a special perform ance this summer, give the dance group a bell. They will mee t ever y Tuesday evening in the village from 16th April and are look ing for new and enthusiastic members. n Call 449302.

More clubs! Did you know that there are even more clubs on our website?

From music to sport, floristry to children’s clubs, there’s something for everyone. Browse at your leisure at www.yourlocallink.co.uk/local!/clubsand-societies then head to the homepage to catch up on the latest news and events, and check the local businesses directory to find any tradespeople or services you might need. n Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

the best of york

They’d like to teach York to sing Ladies, do you fancy some free singing tuition? You’re in luck. The folks at Main Street Sound Ladies Chorus are offering four weeks of free teaching to willing women who can hold a note. The group meet on Mondays at 7.30pm at Acomb Baptist Church. n Feel free to just drop by, or give Pam a call on 07833 697662.

Six appeal Boy or girl, bowler or batter – Green Hammerton Cricket Club is looking for you. This small village cricket club has two teams; the first XI in Division Three and the second XI in Division Six, both of which welcome new lads and lasses to sponsor, support and most importantly, play! Club members are proud to show off their shiny new pavilion and score box, and would love new players to take part in the Wetherby Saturday leagues. If you fancy meeting a friendly bunch for quiz nights, bingo nights, pig racing and maybe even a bit of cricket, come along to the net sessions at Lordswood Cricket School in Tadcaster, on Wednesday evenings between 7-8pm. n Call 07595 872156.

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the best of york

NEW! GET INVOLVED

Back to

school Our own columnists Hethertons Solicitors have joined a group of intrepid local businesses that have teamed up to raise funds for charity.

The collective, which includes Ashton Estate Agents, Yorvik Homes and Intandem Communications, will tackle the Three Peaks Yorkshire Challenge next month, followed by a charity summer ball on 8th June, to help the Build Africa’s ‘Build a School’ programme. n You can get involved too – visit www.intandemcommunications.co.uk/build-africa-york

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Hole in one

Be a star

It’s the month for spring-cleaning, so what better time is there to polish off those golf clubs gathering cobwebs in the back of your shed? For the sixth year running, The Lord Mayor’s Charity Golf Day is taking place on 26th April at Pike Hills Golf Club. Teams of four are welcome to enter the Stableford Competition, playing for the coveted Lord Mayor’s Trophy. Entry is just £20 per player, which includes not only a round of golf but also a hot drink and a bacon butty!

Tee-off times are from 8am to 2pm and all proceeds go towards the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities: the Special Olympics; and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. n Call 551011.

The National Railway Museum is hosting a charity ball to raise funds for The STAR Appeal, which is aiming to raise £300,000 to refurbish York Hospital’s Stroke Rehabilitation unit.

The evening will take place on 15th June from 6.30pm with a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal. The theme of the ball will be ‘sparkle’, so bring your sequins and be dazzled by the evening’s entertainment, from a raffle, auction and casino to live music and local magician. Tables of ten can be booked at a reduced price, so round up your friends for a night of goodwill and sparkle. n Call 721737 or email lucy.lowthian@york.nhs.uk.

All I need is a brain…

Despite our best efforts* here at Your Local Link, our scarecrow had no chance of being outstanding in his field at 2011’s Scarecrow Festival. This year however, the folks at Haxby and Wigginton Methodist Church are asking for your contribution to the festival, which takes place at the church between 4th and 6th May. All proceeds from the festival will be shared between local community organisations and the Phambili Project, which works with poor communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Make sure you register your scarecrow before the closing date on 21st April to have your handiwork on show at one of the trails in Wigginton or Haxby. n Call 769232 or email haxbyscarecrows@hotmail.com. *which were pretty poor, to be honest…

the best of york

Think you’re fit?

If you were going to run a marathon, where would you prefer to do it? This year’s York Marathon will probably be going by your house, so you’ll be able to pop in for a cuppa half way round. One place where it would be tricky to do is the Sahara, but the searing heat of the African desert is just the place a York-based farming boss is planning to run. Barney Kay, regional director of the National Farmers Union, has signed up for the gruelling Marathon des Sables: a six day, six marathon test of endurance, which will see the 39 year old run 155 miles across the desert. Barney is raising funds for Africa, a charity that works to tackle hunger in eastern Africa. n Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BarneyKay

Well-heeled Kick off your shoes and put your feet up…well actually, kick ‘em off and keep ‘em off please, as The Living Room is asking people to donate their old pavement-pounders to charity. The restaurant has launched The Heel Appeal in aid of S.N.A.P.P.Y.S. York, a charity that provides social and recreational opportunities for young people with special needs in the York area. All types and condition of shoe are welcome, as they will be recycled to raise cash for the charity. There’s no better excuse to give your wardrobe a good old clear out – pop in to The Living Room at Merchant Exchange on Bridge Street and sling out those old cowboy boots for good. n Call 0117 973 9019.

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the best of york

WORDSEARCH

In association with:

5 Wyre Court, Haxby. Tel. 01904 768439.

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BUNNY

EASTER

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Easter isn’t just about stuffing your face full of chocolate until you’re fit to burst; it’s also about a new spring bloom. To bag yourself a bouquet of fresh spring flowers, courtesy of Dutch Nurseries in Haxby, find all 12 of our Easter-themed words this month.

Send your completed puzzle to ‘April Puzzle Competition’, Oaktree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, York YO32 2LH, to reach us no later than 30th April.

The first correct entry to be picked out of the hat will win the flowers.

the best of york

SUDOKU

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Fill the empty squares with numbers between one and nine.

The number can appear once on each row, once on each column and once in each region.

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the best of york

Sowing the seed The team at Dean’s Garden Centre have earned themselves another pat on the back after nominating York Against Cancer as their Charity of the Year 2013.

The staff nominate a local charity each year to focus their fundraising efforts on, and organise a variety of events and activities open to the public. This year, fundraising events will include a bike night in June, a 10K run in August and a brass band concert in September.

Customers are also being encouraged to go along to the ‘Strawberry event’ during the Wimbledon season, and can donate to the collecting tins in store. The centre has raised a staggering £146,000 for local charities in 12 years of fundraising and the staff are proud to be supporting another community cause this year.

Smashing!

Huge congratulations go to Yorlab trainee glassblower Eloise Alsop has won the AD Wood Cup, awarded by the British Society of Glassblowers. Eloise showed off her glassblowing skills by creating a McLeod Gauge, which caught the society’s attention at its Annual Symposium. Eloise, who has worked at the York-based laboratory equipment suppliers for two years, is thrilled at her achievement.

“To be acknowledged by experienced glassblowers who truly recognise the level of work I have produced is a great confidence boost,” says Eloise. The lab’s head glassblower

n Check out their column in our Gardening section!

R-e-s-p-e-c-t…

Local songstress Sally Mills has joined forces with three friends to become ‘Girls With Soul’, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. The girls recently put on a show in the form of a Motown night at York City Football Club, which helped to raise £538 for the York branch of the charity. The evening saw 60 guests dance the night away to a repertoire of Motown classics, donating generously to the charity raffle, which was supported by prize donations from many local businesses. Prizes ranged from wine and chocolates to designer jewellery and footballs signed by York City players. “The raffle was so popular, we had to pop out during the evening to buy more tickets!” says Sally. The evening was such a success that the group is planning to hold another event in the summer to further support the cause. Watch this space…

Tony Mercer was also commended with a David Flack Memorial Trophy, thanks to his artistic efforts in creating a glass steam train.

Managing Director of YorLab Alex Davis is proud of his team’s efforts. “I congratulate both Eloise and Tony on their achievements,” says Tony. “This creativity is an important part of helping the scientific industry to design and develop glassware to suit their individual requirements.” And to think, we thought glassblowing was making tunes with your beer bottle…

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20/7/11 11:49

Page 2

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22

the best of york

Pumping iron

Local charity-supporter Paul Collier is doing his bit for a good cause once again after being crowned top fundraiser in 2012 by Newcastle Racing and Events. Paul took part in last year’s Newcastle Stampede and managed to raise over £900 for the British Heart Foundation’s Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. After losing a close friend to a heart attack in 2007, Paul took part in the cross-country challenge, which combines a 10K run with assault-course style obstacles. “There’s a fantastic atmosphere as you’re going around – it’s a great event, which is why I’m doing it again this year!” says Paul. In the last three years the event has raised over £75,000 for the charity. British Heart Foundation Event Organiser Carl Jones says that he’s really pleased that Paul is taking part again. “His fundraising last year was exceptional and we’re already putting that money to good use,” says Carl. Visit www.bhf.org.uk/Newcastle

Sustainable Solarwall

Gold stars are in order for Solarwall, who have made the Sustainable City Awards shortlist for tackling climate change. The awards, which are run by the City of London Corporation, recognise and reward organisations which make the effort to reduce their impact on climate change. The company will join the ranks of BT and Sky if they come up trumps at the awards. Visit www.solarwall.co.uk

Course

Date

First Aid at Work (3 day) First Aid at Work Requal (2 day)

15, 16, 17/04/13, 10am-4.30pm

Emergency First Aid at Work (1 day)

26/03/13 & 27/04/13

18, 19/04/13, 10am-4.30pm

Sports First Aid

12/03/13, 16/03/13 & 17/04/13

Paediatric (Ofsted syllabus) First Aid

6-7/04/13, 22, 23, 24, 25/04/13

Save a life (CPR + Defib)

26/03/13 & 07/04/13

Advanced First Aid

14/04/13

23

the best of york

Hannah Ostapjuk, New to York Open Studios.

An oil painting by Susan Dennis.

Co-founder and now chairperson of York Open Studios, Anne Hutchison, chats to Your Local Link about the work that goes on behind the canvas to make the festival a success.

want more?

Head to our Culture Column to discover York’s hidden art galleries…

Framing a

masterpiece

Between 12th-14th and 20th-21st April, art lovers across York will flock to the streets to follow their own York Open Studios trail, discovering a wealth of fantastic works right on their doorstep. With the 13th event taking place this year the festival has become a staple in York’s calendar, and it seems that it’s really made its mark on the city.

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Artist Anne Hutchison, the woman behind it all, says that when she first arrived in the city York was doing a good job of hiding its artistic talent.

“When I moved here from London in 1998 I was surprised at the lack of an art scene,” says Anne. “The few galleries we did have displayed very few works by local artists, and a lot of the art

made in York was kept behind closed doors. Now it’s much more vibrant.”

we had 19 people exhibiting, which was great. It proved really popular.”

Open up

That popularity went from strength to strength, with the organising committee doubling the length of the festival to satisfy demand. With such a successful project, there’s a lot of work that goes on to keep things ticking over. “Lots of people pitch in,” says Anne. “Artists can

Anne had heard of Open Studios, an art festival concept that started in Cambridge in the 1960s. She and cofounder Gail Fox went about gathering troops. “We managed to get funding from the Arts Council, and the first year

Picture perfect One of the biggest jobs for the organisers is deciding which artists will exhibit their work. Anyone can apply, but there’s a rigorous selection process to get through before you’re given the go-ahead. “Having a selection process can be a little controversial as art is a subjective thing,” says Anne. “We don’t have a set limit on the amount of artists who can exhibit, but as the project is run by volunteers we can’t allow it to run into the hundreds, so we need a way to decide,” she explains.

So, what makes a winning piece? “We like to display a strong range of media at the event – we get a lot of painters, so we try to balance that out with something different,” says Anne. “Also, there are sometimes trends or styles that artists follow, which means the panel can feel as though they’re seeing the same things repeatedly, so anything original is fantastic.”

the best of york

even be involved in envelope stuffing!”

And there’s no rest for the wicked, either – as soon as one event has finished, the committee start working on the next one. “The preparation is huge, but things can still go wrong at the last minute – we’ve had artists pull out, or we’ve had to find a venue with barely any time to spare,” says Anne. “It can be manic, but it’s always all right on the night, touch wood!”

It seems that the work involved in creating an excellent piece of art is worth it, as Anne says York Open Studios is a great springboard. “The public can buy pieces of art, but perhaps the most exciting opportunities come from the visits from galleries, which often lead to commissions,” says Anne.

Different (brush) strokes Fancy having a go? Anne thinks that if you’re determined, then you’re half way there. “I think you need the right characteristics – tenacity, for example – and to be prepared to put in the work,” says Anne. “It’s 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. Lots of people who exhibit with us haven’t been through the usual degree route and have come to art late, so there are many different ways into it,” she says.

So, having lived and breathed the event for a year before it actually happens, does Anne enjoy it? “Oh yes!” she says.

“There’s a real festival feel to it, and when you see someone really enjoying their own trail it makes it all worthwhile.

There’s always something unexpected that will surprise even me.” n Download the York Open Studios directory on the website or email info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk to request one, and plan your trail.

Visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk

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the best of york

light, which makes each picture incredibly vivid.

Check us out, sounding like we know loads about art… n Visit www.thenormanreagallery.co.uk

Want to know a secret?

York Open Studios is a fantastic way to highlight artistic talent here in York, but there’s much more art on display in places you’d never have guessed. Welcome to Your Local Link’s hidden art trail…

York Hospital, Wigginton Road: Trips to the hospital aren’t just for poorly people any more. A new exhibition with seaside-themed works on loan from Staithes Gallery will be on display until May. The works, which will hang in hospital corridors, depict the coastal village of Staithes in North Yorkshire and are available for purchase. n Email al@staithesgallery.co.uk

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University of York, Heslington: Students are a good barometer of what’s up and coming, so we reckon the new exhibition at the University of York will be pretty cutting edge.

Opening on 29th April, an exhibition of works

by Harvey Taylor at the university’s Norman Rea Gallery will display large scale portraits that depict members of the artist’s family. The works are incredibly detailed; we particularly like his use of

VJ’s Art Bar, Finkle Street: In 1997, Victoria, co-owner of VJ’s Art Bar and graduate of Glasgow School of Art, put some of her own work on the walls of the bar. This created a lot of interest, so Victoria and co-owner Jenny decided to display a variety of art – and a cultural hub was born. This month, local artist Lee Boxal, originally a joiner by trade and a self-taught artist, will display his art – for a sneak preview of his work, visit www. ipsofactoarts.co.uk. In July, the bar will exhibit insect art to coincide with the Royal Entomological Societies Insect Festival, and there’ll be an insect tasting event at VJ’s too. Any artists interested in exhibiting at the bar should call 541771. n Visit www.vjsartbar.co.uk City Screen, Coney Street: Not only an excellent place to see independent cinema, City Screen is a champion of both local and national art.

This month, four artists will exhibit their works at the galleries in the cinema. In the bar space, Claire Hind and Gary Winters will display their work, which is based on the dreams of the people of York, until 15th April. In the upstairs corridor space Yorkbased artist Joy Simpson, who uses colour and form to describe emotion, will exhibit until 14th April.

She’ll be followed by Mike Barfield, whose cartoon ‘Apparently…’ has featured in Private Eye for 17 years, from 15th April. n Visit www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/York_ Picturehouse

the best of york

Wall art Everyone knows about the Bile Beans sign on Lord Mayor’s Walk – the city loves it so much that there was a successful campaign recently to have it repainted, and we even put it in the Property Hotlist last month. But have you seen the other, not quite so well loved, remnants of the past on the side of buildings? One old advert on a building off Heslington Road reads ‘John Smith’s Magnet Ales’, and another on Navigation Road advertises ‘Lances’, though we’re at a loss as to what that is for. Do you know anything about these signs, or know of any we haven’t spotted?

We’d love to know more – get in touch using the contact details on page five.

Art on tour It might be worth a trip to the seaside to see the latest exhibition at Scarborough Art Gallery. Halfway to Paradise: The Birth of British Rock features photographs of legends such as The Beatles, Shirley Bassey and Frank Sinatra from a collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The exhibition will run until 16th June. n Visit www.scarboroughartgallery. co.uk or call 01723 374753.

Pickled pink Damien Hirst might be best known for pickling a cow and a shark, but it seems that for his first ever exhibition in York, his tastes have become a little more domestic.

My Gran Likes Them, the touring display of the controversial artist’s latest work, will be taking up residence in the York St Mary’s exhibition space in Coppergate from the end of April. Featuring jars of pickled onions, gherkins and eggs, the work was described by Hirst as, “the contents of my shopping basket one day in Tesco.

I was off to see my gran.” But fans of his more challenging pieces can rest easy, as Hirst explained that, “I put a doll’s head in one of the jars. Looks well weird.” n Find out more about the exhibition at www.yourlocalink.co.uk/???????

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the best of york

Man, oh Manny Attention ivory-tinkling fans!

Born in the Philippines, but raised and trained right here in Yorkshire, Emanuel Vass is a vibrant pianist whose repertoire effortlessly mixes the classical with the modern. On 4th May, at 7.30pm, Emanuel will perform a recital entitled ‘From Bach to Bond’ at the St. Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel as part of his national tour and debut CD

release. Joining Emanuel on the night will be Acomb born and raised soprano singer Catherine Schofield, and all proceeds will be going to local charity York Against Cancer. n Book your tickets for what is sure to be an incredible performance, by calling 07738 430082.

Fancy treading the boards? If you’ve recently caught the acting bug – or would like to get infected – here’s your chance to audition for the next big York Theatre Royal production.

From the people who brought you last year’s spectacular Mystery Plays comes Blood and Chocolate, a story inspired by the owners and workers of the chocolate factories during the First World War. The performances, which will take place throughout October,

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will be staged outside on the streets and in the alleyways of the city itself.

Jointly produced by Pilot Theatre and Slung Low, two of the UK's leading multi-platform Theatre Companies, the theatrical spectacle will feature a cast of 200!

But it isn’t just the local luvvies who are getting the chance to be involved, as Blood and Chocolate will also need a team of costume makers, stage managers, prop and set designers as well as front of house and stewarding staff.

They even need singers for the choir.

Auditions are taking place at the Theatre Royal on 11th, 14th, 27th, 28th and 30th April, so if you are interested in being involved, book your slot now.

Call 635755.

the best of york

Your art fix, sorted If the temporary closure of York City Art Gallery has left your eyes hungry for something unique and engaging, you’re in luck. Until 28th April a very special exhibition will be held in St Mary’s, Coppergate, displaying a selection of the finalists from the Aesthetica Art Prize. On show will be varied and fascinating works by artists from across the globe, including photographs, sculptures, paintings and performance pieces. The show promises to highlight the very best in contemporary art and brings the work of emerging artists to a wider audience. The winner of the £1000 prize will be announced at the beginning of the exhibition, which is open to public completely free of charge. n Visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/artprize

Don’t cry for us…

The dramatic story of Eva Peron, the legendary Argentinian made famous by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic musical, is coming to York for the first time. Pick Me Up Theatre will be leaving another suitcase in another hall of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre during the run of Evita, from 16th-20th April.

The story follows the life of Argentine political leader Eva Peron, the wife of President Juan Peron. Robert Readman will be directing this time round, with the young cast of the youth theatre company belting out the songs we all know and love. n Call 623568.

FREE ESTIMATES & FREE DELIVERY Plus FITTING SERVICE

29

BUSINESS BUZZ

businessdiary FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES (YORK BRANCH) Meet on the third Monday of the month at Riverside Farm in Skelton, York YO30 1XJ. Call 629777.

BSYNY Events for new businesses running throughout the month at York Eco Business Centre.

Visit www.bsyny.co.uk

York business networking 9th and 23rd April from 8-10am at Fulford Golf Club.

Visit www.4networking.biz

BUSINESS LUNCH IN YORK, 3rd April, 12-2pm. Hilton Hotel.

Network north Every Wednesday from 7.30-9.30am at Hotel Du Vin, The Mount.

Visit www.networknorth.org.uk

York Chamber Events

PURE NETWORKING IN YORK, 12th April, 7.30-9am. Grange Hotel & Restaurant, Clifton.

CONSTRUCTION LUNCH IN YORK, 18th April, 12-2pm. Burn Hall Hotel.

Women’s business zone Every first Tuesday evening of the month from 7-9pm and every third Thursday morning from 11am to 1pm at Holiday Inn, Tadcaster Road.

Visit www.womensbusinesszone.co.uk

n If you have a business networking event coming up, please email info@yourlocallink.co.uk.

30

A note for your business birthday diaries: Direct Tile Importers are this month celebrating a whopping 25 years of successful business (see their piece in the property section) and we would like to wish them the very best for the next half century. If you’re business is about to celebrate a bon anniversaire, get in touch and find yourself featured in these pages. n Email info@yourlocallink.co.uk

For more business news visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

Armageddon USB Hub. Having a stressful day at work? Is the only logical answer to your troubles to destroy the world? Well now you can, with the Armageddon USB Hub. Four handy USB ports are cunningly concealed behind this console of switches and knobs, complete with ‘Big Red Button’. Give it a press and the doomsday device will end the world. Or, rather, make a funny sound. Still, we can dream. Hello Mr Bond, I’ve been expecting you… n £39.99 Available from www.shinyshack.com

How many candles?

If we were to say to you ‘java’ and ‘flash’ and you instantly think of drinking coffee and stripping off, the chances are you might not be totally au fait with the ways of the World Wide Web. That’s okay, we know some people who are. The Cybermill, the creative digital agency based in York, can offer you a full range of services to suit your on-line needs. They build can a website from scratch, design logos and graphics, and then professionally manage it. From search engine optimisation to training, support and e-commerce solutions, The Cybermill is your one-stop… erm… mill for everything web. n Visit www.cybermill.co.uk

Deborah Jacobs joins Pen-Life from Lloyds TSB, York Welcome Deborah!

Another

Deborah Jacobs, personal financial adviser at Lloyds TSB in York for more than 20 years, is joining Pen-Life as senior independent financial adviser, bringing with her a wealth of experience. During her time at Lloyds, she looked after clients from across the region.

“Although Deborah now lives in York, she hails from just down the road in Thirsk,” says Julie Wilson from Pen-Life. “Another straight talking Yorkshire lass – just what we need!” Julie adds that Deborah enjoys travelling, theatre and keeping fit. “Not because she’s a complete health freak, but to counteract her love of chocolate and eating out with friends!” laughs Julie. “We’re delighted that Deborah has agreed to join us, and she can’t wait to start helping her clients reach their financial goals.” See Julie’s straight talking financial advice column opposite.

straight talking

Yorkshire lass – just what we need!

n Visit www.pen-life.co.uk

Pen-Life have a few DVDs of the Healthy, Wealthy & Wise seminar presentation, covering the topics outlined in Julie’s column, to give away...

If you weren’t able to attend in person and would like a copy, call O330 100 1743, fax 466206, email helen@pen-life.co.uk, or write to Equinox House, Clifton Park, York YO30 5PA.

FREE

31

Local

Follow DAN on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

Sport report We don’t know that much about sport – the closest we get to exercise is the daily boxing over the biscuit tin at elevenses – but luckily we know a bloke who does. He tells us about the hottest news in the world of sport in words we can understand, and makes it funny too!

Thank you, Dan Tait – here is his column… all change Since my last column, things have certainly been changing at York City. After two and a half years in charge, including promotion and FA trophy-winning success, manager Gary Mills’ reign ended following a turbulent run of results. It was deemed that the club’s league status is of paramount importance after eight battling years trying to get back in. The board acted fast, bringing in former Premier League and international manager Nigel Worthington, leading to some comic tweets such as his new nickname being “Worthers… that’s original!” (That was the most amusing thing I heard all week until my wife told me that 1990s pop band 5ive had reformed…with only four members.) Nigel Worthington will be hoping York City can go a long way to securing their Football League status in critical backto-back home games against fellow relegation rivals Plymouth (1st April) and Accrington Stanley (6th April).

York City host their final home game of the season against Southend on 20th April before the finale away at Dagenham and Redbridge on 27th April.

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in the scrum In Rugby League, York City Knights have begun their new campaign with a more positive feel than the previous Championship season, with an impressive 48-6 win over Workington Town in early March. Barring a run in the Challenge Cup, the Knights’ only scheduled April home game is against Dewsbury Rams on 14th April, where they will be hoping to build on their steady start to the new league season.

with DAN TAIT

something’s afoot You could have forgiven Sir Alex Ferguson for thinking April Fools’ Day had come early when Nani was sent off for an apparent high tackle against Real Madrid in the recent Champions League game. One Manchester United supporter got so irate that he rang 999 to inform the police of a “crime” taking place at Old Trafford. The fan was extremely lucky to get off without a caution; the same could not be said of Nani, but I thought the most controversial part of the night was when Ryan Giggs called the ref a “cheat”. Pot and kettle certainly sprung to mind – it was even more ironic than Roy Keane summarising on ITV that it was a bad tackle. In fact, I thought at one point his staunch disagreement with Gareth Southgate over the decision was going to lead to a fight between the two pundits.

Not that we would have seen it, as ITV only cover about 30 seconds before they go to an advert. So, it was a disappointing end for Manchester United on the night that Welsh wing wizard Giggs reached his 1000th appearance, but the people calling him a “fantastic human being” in the buildup were surely joking?

on the box April also sees local boxer Harry Matthews make his comeback in an English Masters Title fight in Grays, Essex, against local favourite Lee Markham on 5th April. Matthews is at a pivotal point in his career; having gone the distance with Chris Eubank Jr. in his last fight some 11 months ago, he now really needs to get his arm raised at the end of this one after title defeats to Nick Blackwell, Rocky Chakir and Andrew Lowe. Matthews has gone back to work with his old trainer Glenn Banks who he worked with when he notched up straight victories in his first nine pro fights. As a boxing fan, I recently watched a build-up to another fight where a boxer said of his opponent “He knows his way around the ring and how to punch.” Surely this is the minimum you would expect of an opponent when signing up to boxing? Think that guy had a few too many to the head…

That’s cricket I am writing this column as England have just secured an unlikely draw in the First International Test against New Zealand; given the surroundings you would have thought it was played at Stamford Bridge, not an International Arena. Closer to home, Yorkshire get their new season up and running (weather permitting), when they take on Sussex at Headingley on 10th April.

Yorkshire are now operating in the top flight following last season’s promotion to Division One, but will have to compete without loyal veteran batsman Anthony McGrath, who has had to retire due to a long-standing thumb injury.

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the

guide

Gadgets are the future, and what is more futuristic than getting technology to do all the hard work for you? We take a look at some fancy kit that will drag your home into the 21st century.

Speaker Blanket: If you’re running out into the wild at the first sign of the approaching summer, then consider this – are your friends boring? If they are, and you need a distraction while out enjoying the three days of sun we’ll get this year, be sure to purchase the Speaker Blanket. As the name cleverly alludes, this is an outdoor picnic blanket with built-in speakers. Simply plug in your phone or mp3 player and enjoy the calming tones of Justin Bieber, One Direction and (insert name of current rubbish band here), instead of the dull drones of your friends and relatives.

The ants will thank you.

MaKey MaKey. What? We know, weird name – but incredibly fun gadget. This is a circuitry kit that allows you to make computer controllers out of just about any material that conducts electricity.

MaKey MaKey can be plugged into playdough, fruit – even pencil drawings – and use the objects as buttons. If you’re feeling adventurous, the kit can even be attached to buckets of water, giving you the wettest game of Super Mario Bros. ever! Great for gamers who love to experiment and those who just fancy being a bit silly. Now press that banana. Quick! n £39.99 Available from www.firebox.com Gadget rating 9/10.

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n £34.99 Available from www.iwantoneofthose.com Gadget rating 8/10.

Remote Control Cushion. If the Speaker Blanket has got you thinking about other soft furnishings that can double as gadgets – we’ve beaten you to it. This soft and comfortable cushion features an infra-red LED and lots of useful buttons to control your TV, DVD player and satellite box.

It includes codes for over 500 different makes of living room gadgets so you’ll be sure have everything under control with one soft and plush erm… cushion. You’ll never lose the remote again, because it will probably be under you. Just make sure you don’t accidentally eject the DVD with your bum. n £19.99 Available from www.menkind.co.uk Gadget rating 7/10.

Smartphone APPS 4 Pics 1 Word.

The puzzle game where four pictures all have something in common.

Guess the word and earn points.

Zeebox. This app enhances your TV watching. Check out what everyone else is planning to watch or see what celebrities are viewing right now.

World Lens.

Instantly translate printed words from one language to another with your built-in video camera, in real time!

Endless Alphabet.

Set the stage for educational success with this delightful reading app for children. Kids will have a blast learning their ABCs. 24me. The next generation personal assistant. It tells you want you need to do and when. Alerts remind you to pay bills, see friends and breathe.

Probably.

your motors

April Fool

Special Insta-Snow Powder.

Now that spring has sprung and winter is just one distant, snow-logged memory, what would be the best trick to play on a gullible chum? How about a single dollop of snow on their car roof in the morning, even while the sun beats down? Such a prank is possible with Insta-Snow Powder. By utilising the same substance used in nappies (no, not poo), a little tub of this magical stuff can produce a whole bucket load of convincing frosty white stuff. n Check out the fun we had with it in video at www.yourlocallink.co.uk £8.99 Available from Amazon. Gadget rating 7/10.

Exploding Chewing Gum. If pretend snow doesn’t cut it with your fooling plans this April Fools, why not take a trip down to Festival of Fun, joke and trick emporium, on Goodramgate. We opted for the classic trick of exploding chewing gum. Your friends will think you’re being very generous as you offer them a stick of gum, but lo! the gum doth verily explode; a crack and wisp of smoke sending direct a chill of fright unto ye chum. Ha ha ha, ye shall utter, most devilishly. n £2.50 Available from Festival of Fun, Goodramgate. Gadget rating 8/10.

004 RC 0912 24/07/2012 17:11 Page 4

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35

your motors

We have all the latest news from things that go vroom, plus a new car maintenance tip section!

The clean, green

driving

dream Beneficial driving Take off your stove pipe hat granddad, the days of dirty petrol powered cars are over. Inspired by iTravel’s Switched On, an electric and hybrid vehicle event at the Designer Outlet on 10th April, we take a look at the advantages of this ecological way of getting about.

to power the engine, and give about 100-300 miles on a single charge. Hybrid cars have a battery and petrol engine that kicks in once the battery is flat. Rangeextender Electric cars have a battery and a small petrol powered motor to help charge the battery for longer journeys.

Clever engineering

n Find out more about eco-driving and the Switched On event, which will feature opportunities to get hands on with the latest car technology, at www.itravelyork.info

There are three kind of electrical car engines, all of which help to both save the environment and you some dosh.

Battery Electric cars have a large battery

36

3 Cheaper to run. Electricity is far less expensive than petrol and is available straight from home.

3 Zero emissions. Electric cars have no exhaust as no polluting gases are produced.

This is better for the environment and drastically reduces the owner’s carbon footprint.

3 No need to dash home.

There are plenty of places in York to charge an electric car, from Waitrose to the Marriot Hotel.

The fix-it men If your urge for a proper spring clean has gone beyond your home and into making sure your car is in tip top condition, give these chaps a bell. Birch Park Garage Solutions on Huntington Road are already well known for their MOT service, but now thanks to the popular demand of their many happy customers, they also offer repairs. The garage in the Birch Park Industrial Estate has not only been decked-out with new equipment and ramps, but they’ve also taken on two experienced mechanics to help cope with demand. Their prices are based on your individual needs so a bespoke and high quality service is always guaranteed. GIve them a call and make your car the happiest little brum in York. n Call 629449.

your motors

CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Keep it

clean

Washing the car might not be top of anyone’s ideal way to spend a Sunday morning, but regular cleaning helps maintain paintwork and causes serious neighbour envy...

• Start by giving your car a thorough hosing down to get rid of excess dirt. Don’t forget to blast the built-up mud and grime in the wheel arches, grilles, and under the sills.

• Now wash your car. Use specialist car shampoo, not washing up liquid, as this may be too abrasive. Wash the areas under the bumper line and wheels last.

Use a dustpan brush dipped in the bucket to remove any brake dust from around the wheels, then rinse off. Be gentle with rusty patches, as flakes of rust may embed in your sponge and scratch your paintwork.

• Once you’ve finished cleaning, refill your bucket with clean cold water and sponge again, working from the top down. Wipe down with a rubber blade or squeegee to avoid dirty water marks.

• Don't go and spend a fortune on glass cleaners when a bottle of malt vinegar will do the job just as well. Just scrunch up a newspaper page, pour a dab of vinegar on it and scrub the window until the smears have gone, leaving spotless glass.

eXpect eXcellence

FREE

Courtesy Car Subject to T&C’s

37

Need to banish that blemish?

Having hair

hysterics?

Don’t fret. Whatever your beauty question, we’re here to help.

Q.

Is it possible to get rid of cellulite?

It seems that it depends on your genetics as to whether you can get rid of cellulite altogether, but there are ways to improve the appearance of the dimples. You probably know what we’re going to say next: it’s down to diet and exercise. Drink plenty of water, reduce your salt intake, and try to do a mixture of cardio and strength training exercise. There are treatments that can help with the appearance too – call one of the therapists in this section for advice on what can work for you.

Q.

I suffer from blushing when I’m nervous – how can I combat this?

Try using a green based concealer or primer underneath a good foundation to counteract the redness. Don’t worry, you won’t look like the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz – just test out how much concealer you need to put on for your skin tone and make sure that you blend properly.

Dress to impress in an outfit that you feel comfortable in and that makes you feel confident, then you’ll be less likely to blush. Above all, relax and try to have a good time!

Q.

I’ve heard that using a rubber band is bad for your hair, is this true?

Yes, it is! Bobbles use rubber too, but it’s covered in something smoother like cotton that won’t snag or tear your hair. Don’t use rubber bands unless you’re going for the dragged-through-a-hedge-backwards look.

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Body Contouring Treatments

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T: treatments After 8 01904 659 007 / www.kukispa www.pollogen.com

.com Open: Mon 9am-7pm / Tues tightening 9am-5pm / Wed 9am-8.30pm / Fri Tummy skin 9am-6pm DE Tervuren 34 Bte. 44, B-1040 Brussels, EC Representative: Obelis S.A., AV. Dvora Ancona, Courtesy: / Italy Sat 8.30am-4pm / Sun 10am-4pm +32(0)2-732-6003, GSM: +32-545-4660, Belgium. Tel: +32(0)2-732-5954, Fax:

Milan, Kuki Hair and Beauty Spa, Water Meadows,mail@obelis.net 367 Huntington Road, The marks and logos apollo, regen, 2009 Pollogen Ltd. All rights reserved. of Pollogen Ltd. TriPollar is a York YO31 9HR ©TopJen, TriPollar and Pollogen are all trademarks Pollogen Ltd. of

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Q.

I love having my nails done, but should I give them a few polish-free days in between manicures?

It’s a good idea to let your nails breathe for a few days, yes. Your nails can absorb water during a manicure, and if polish is painted over the nail before it has dried out, then you can get a fungal infection – not a good look. Plus, if polish is left on too long the chemicals can slightly erode the top layer of the nail, again allowing a way in for water.

Just a few days is enough time for your nails to dry out properly.

Q.

What does a facial involve?

A good beauty therapist will start off with a consultation to determine what sort of diet and lifestyle you have and find out about any of your skin concerns, as this can all affect your skin. Then, the therapist will thoroughly cleanse, and choose some products to use based on your skin type. Sometimes steam is used to help extract whiteheads and blackheads, then your therapist will exfoliate your skin. This is followed by a facial massage and a mask. Then comes the application of toner, serums and moisturiser, and your therapist will recommend products based on your personal skin type.

Got a question you’d like our beauty team to answer?

Email info@yourlocallink.co.uk or drop us a message on Facebook: visit www.facebook.com/yourlocal.link.

Due to customer requests Kuki are really pleased to announce dates for two fabulous Product Launch Events. The purpose of these evenings are for customers’ (new and old alike) to have the opportunity to meet with Kuki consultants and industry experts to discuss any personal beauty concerns or questions. Demonstrations will allow you to see the products being used, see the results and difference they make, you may even get chance to try them yourself.

These are free, informal evenings which are intended for informative purposes and hopefully a little bit of fun too. And of course, the Kuki team can’t run an evening without refreshments, goodies bags (for the first 50 attendees) and enter a prize draw to win a fantastic spa treatment…so come along and meet the team!

New Products New! Biolage Advanced Fiberstrong range for weak, fragile hair to be launched in April! The new advanced formulas include Intra-cylane + and Bamboo extract designed to reinforce hair.

Matrix will be demonstrating the massive difference this product will make to the quality of your hair in just one treatment at our event in April.

Awards for the Biolage Exquisite Oil Range…Biolage ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment has recently won the Good Housekeeping seal and the Biolage ExquisiteOil range won “Favorite New Shampoo and Conditioner” and ColorSync as “Favorite Brunette Color” at the 2013 Stylist Choice Awards chosen by the professionals!

The multi-usage Biolage Exquisite Oil range which is enriched with Moringa Oil and helps to replenish and protect hair from dulling impurities, providing intense softness without build-up and with natural looking shine. For more information and prices please call Kuki.

It’s time to redefine your shine!

Product Launch Demonstration Evenings

Thursday 4th April from 6pm – 8 pm: Biolage Haircare therapies including the launch of the NEW Fiberstrong available April!

Biolage is a range of high performance products that harnesses the power of nature in a unique therapeutic approach. Demonstrations on the evening including a treatment for thinning hair that you will be able to see (& feel) a massive difference in one treatment!

Go www.matrixhaircare.co.uk for details of the products

Wednesday 24th April from 6pm – 8pm: NEW to Kuki Spa the Mii makeup by Gerrard International known for their Jessica nails.

Introducing new products on the evening.

Easy to choose, easy to use and easy to understand; Mii gives you the confidence to create a look that is uniquely, completely, unmistakably you.

Launched only 2 years ago the brand has gone from strength to strength and hitting the press headlines on a regular basis in womans magazines like Red and Bella and if with celebs like Kimberly Walsh recommending Mii Moisturising Lip Lover in Tease then so do we…

Find further details of the products on www.miicosmetics.com For the latest news on products, events, offers and competitions like us on facebook / kukispa

Spa Pamper Package Indulge yourself or a loved one and melt away with our delicious chocolate package

39

nail it:

Nails have gone through quite a transformation recently, with nail caviar, crackle effects and matt finishes all big news in the past few months – and it doesn’t look like our talons are going to be hidden away any time soon. New nail trends include magnetic reptile designs, leather-like finishes and even one that will make your nails look like speckled eggs.

ÂŁ16.99, New Look, Parliament Street.

go nude: tooth fairy:

No t...

Whether it’s a diamond on your incisor or a solid gold molar, tooth jewellery is just wrong. The only reaction you’ll get is disgust because people think you haven’t brushed your teeth; or disgust because you’ve spent so much on something that you’ll probably end shine on: up swallowing. Unless you’re Blokes, shine looks a gangster or a pirate, good on some things – hair, in which case you for instance, and shoes – but not on probably won’t suits. We thought that the last shiny suit care what we went to Bad Clothes Heaven in the late 1990s, think. but they seem to have made a miraculous recovery

from extinction – one was even spotted at The Brits (Mr Sheeran, we’re looking at you). This is not a style choice that we want to see resurrected, guys.

Nude heels were all the rage at the Oscars, and we reckon they’re the perfect shoe for spring. They make your legs look slimmer and go with pretty much anything – plus they can transform an outfit from drab to fab in an instant. Go all out with a pair Get of skyscrapers or opt for a pair of smart shorty: kitten heel brogues. If you’re feeling Along with the plinky really daring, choose a pair with plonky sounds of the Monty studs on – then if you ever Python’s Flying Circus tune that have a bad hair day you herald the return of ice cream vans, the can be sure everyone first spotting of shorts means that summer is will be looking definitely on its way.

It might be a tad too chilly to at your feet bare our legs completely, but that’s what tights are for! anyway.

Plus, there are more styles of shorts to choose from than types of biccie in our Bert the Biscuit Barrel, so there’s bound to be one to suit you.

Denture wearers -RVHSK 'RXJODV Clinical Dental Technician

Show your smile, not your dentures!

0DQ\ SHRSOH ÂżQG WKH\ QHHG GHQWXUHV DV WKH\ JR WKURXJK OLIH DQG PRVW RI XV KDYH SUREDEO\ PHW VRPHRQH ZKRVH IDOVH WHHWK GLGQÂśW ÂżW YHU\ ZHOO 7KH\ PD\ KDYH GLIÂżFXOW\ HDWLQJ DQG WKHLU ZKROH DSSHDUDQFH PD\ EH DIIHFWHG ZLWK VDJJLQJ IDFLDO PXVFOHV WKDW PDNH WKHP ORRN ROGHU 'HQWXUH H[SHUW -RVHSK 'RXJODV EHOLHYHV WKHUH LV D EHWWHU ZD\ DQG WKDW ZHDULQJ GHQWXUHV VKRXOGQÂśW KDYH WR EH DQ DZNZDUG H[SHULHQFH Clinical Dental Technician Joseph creates dentures using next generation denture materials with the design LQĂ€XHQFHG E\ D SDWLHQWÂśV DJH SHUVRQDOLW\ DQG JHQGHU an innovative approach called Denture GenicsÂŽ. He offers complete denture wearers a dual effect that

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toni & guy reverse conical wand: We absolutely fell in love with this wonder wand! It heats up quickly, and is really easy to use – even our Nic can handle it (check out her rather hilarious video review on YouTube – click on the YouTube button at www. yourlocallink.co.uk. Whether you want full on curls or just a few waves it can create a winning style in minutes, with the reverse conical style meaning that you can have tight curls at the top and loose curls at the bottom. Make sure you wear the protective glove provided, though; if you touch it while hot it’s going to really hurt, as it heats up to 200˚C. n RRP £30 http://store.toniandguy.com

jane iredale in touch cream blush: We love the Clarity shade of this blusher – an uber pretty candy pink – but more than that we love the fact that it smells of chocolate. Why would you want your make up to smell like chocolate, you might ask? Well, because this product can be used as a lip tint as well as a blush – and, well, we think our cheeks smelling like chocolate is cool. The texture is wonderfully creamy, and it can be worn both under and over foundation depending on how bright you want the colour to be. n £19.95 Visit www.janeiredale.co.uk or call local stockist Annette on 655995.

For more product reviews, visit blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

41

Game, set and match

snore bore April brings with it National Stop Snoring week. If you or your bedtime buddy suffers from throat thunder, heed our helpful hints and the nights will pass smoothly and silently.

• Snoring affects smokers and drinkers more than any other group, so quit smoking altogether and consume alcohol no later than four hours before bedtime.

• Sleep on your side. Laying on our backs causes the muscles in the throat to constrict, increasing the chance of snoring. A side-slumber can really help.

• More pillows. Raising your head will help keep your airways open and reduce

42

the vibrations that occur while breathing, which causes snoring.

• Slim down. Snoring plagues overweight people, so losing a few pounds will relieve pressure on your throat and tongue and drastically help cut down snoring. Not only will your partner thank you for a good night’s sleep, but the health benefits to you will certainly help you sleep soundly. n Visit www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Snoring

If you have an energetic wee sprog whose interests go beyond painting a few eggs this Easter, read on. The folk at Tennis Tykes, the fun and educational tennis play and coaching programme for children, are offering some alternative Easter-themed fun. Complete with seasonal games and activities, the special classes for two to four year olds are being held at The Poppleton Centre, Upper Poppleton, (2nd-3rd April, 9.15-10am) and Roko Health Club, Clifton Moor, (10th April 10-11.30am). n To book your little ballboy or girl’s place, and for details of the regular classes for older children, call 07843 342662.

A life in balance York Hospital isn’t just a place that reacts to disaster – they are actively working to prevent it as well. One such way that they are helping to keep us safe and healthy is the range of free classes that are now being offered to older people to help reduce the risk of falls and increase balance, stability and confidence. The exercises help promote independence as well as offering a social outlet. Run by Angie Hampton, Falls Practitioner and Postural Stability Instructor, the classes are held at Energise, Acomb and Alex Lyon House, Tang Hall, on Mondays and Marjorie Waite Court, Clifton on Fridays. n Call Angie, on 07944 689942.

Stress

less

beautybarone

If the thought of April Fool pranks is causing you to worry, chill out – April is also Stress Awareness Month and we’re here to help.

• Cut the caffeine. Drinking lots of tea and coffee stimulates your body’s adrenaline, a stress hormone. It might give you a boost for a few minutes, but will leave you feeling more irate.

• Council pop. Drink plenty of water as a stressed body will be screaming for it. Water helps you extract energy from food and so will help you cope with the busy times.

• Slow the chow. Rushing your lunch might leave you with more time, but your stomach will hate it. Speed eating causes bloating and indigestion and will leave you feeling rubbish.

• Bath time. Taking a long, relaxing bath will really help, especially if you add a few drops of a calming essential oil such as lavender or rose.

n Find out more at www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression

Perm in a can Yep, you heard it here first. No longer do you have to trek all the way to the salon for a perm – thanks to science, it is now available in a can. Permacan, by hair product company iOcus, incudes a ground-breaking chemical formula that, when applied via spray, leaves your luscious locks permanently curled to a professional standard. We loved it so much we reviewed it! n Visit www.youlocallink.co.uk/info

43

All change How much do you know about Parkinson’s disease? Did you know that Parkinson’s Awareness Week is taking place from 15th-21st April? The Parkinson’s UK York Branch, who provide support and social opportunities for local people with Parkinson’s, are hoping for local support on 13th April when they will be holding a collection in the city centre to raise funds for research into finding a cure. If you pass someone with a bucket, throw in a few coppers – it could make more of a difference than you realise.

Head to the Join the Club section to find out more about a vacant secretary role at the group. n Call 639594.

An affair to remember

NEW AUTUMN/WINTER FOOTWEAR RANGE NOW IN STOCK! OPEN

Tue to Sat 10am to 5pm

on the wall…

…you can be the fairest of them all after a visit to the city’s newest salon. The team of experienced Style Directors at Mirror Mirror, located on Grape Lane, can offer professional • We offer other advicefoothealth on the best style to make you the and applewellness of everyone’s eye.

As well as providing options. blow dry styling, cutting and colouring, the experts offer luxurious relaxation and pamper

packages in gorgeous surroundings. To celebrate their grand opening, the team are offering £5 off your first visit; and a full head of highlights, cut and blow dry for just £60 with new Style Director Leanne. Appointments aren’t always necessary, so if you’re passing by pop in to meet the team, who’ll be only too happy to help. n Call 289252.

FULL PHYSIOTHERAPY NEW AUTUMN/WINTER SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE FOOTWEAR RANGE NOW IN STOCK!

The healthiest OPEN

Tue to Sat 10am to 5pm

shoes you’ll ever wear 21 Nunnery Lane, York, YO23 1AB. Tel 01904 620120 • We offer other foothealth and wellness options.

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The healthiest

shoes you’ll ever wear 21 Nunnery Lane, York, YO23 1AB. Tel 01904 620120

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OPEN

Tue to Sat 10am to 5pm

44

If you’re struggling to lose that extra bit of weight that has clung to your tummy since Boxing Day, here’s a suggestion: have an affair. According to a recent survey carried out by a dating website, engaging in extra-marital naughtiness can help with weight loss. Of course we’d never encourage such behaviour, but it seems that unhappy marriages can lead to comfort eating and inactivity for both sexes. Having a new person shower you with compliments and cheeky affection is a great psychological boost and can help improve self-esteem. We think we’d rather just hit the gym to be honest…

See a penny purse

The In A Nutshell collection from Cloth Ears includes a delightful range of accessories that feature well known sayings, such as ‘See a penny, pick it up, then all day you’ll have good luck’, with clever illustrations. A must for the wordsmith in your life (hint to anyone reading: Nic loves this very much.) n Cloth Ears £19.99 www.cloth-ears.co.uk

At last, equality!

Guys, here’s something for you to use the next time women complain that men can’t multitask – it seems that they can’t either. The Human Zoo, a new BBC Radio Four programme starting this month, will reveal that neither sex is very good at doing more than one thing at once. Apparently humans are capable of combining two practiced tasks, such as driving and talking, but when anything non-routine is attempted, multitasking goes straight out of the window. A task as simple as walking becomes tricky if an individual is asked a difficult question, causing a completely different part of the brain to kick in, leaving the other struggling. So chaps, the next time a girl moans that you’re useless, stick this under their nose. Just pull over first.

45

fresh

offers

The lovely ladies at Fresh Hair and Beauty Studio have moved! The talented team have changed premises and are located in the Web Adventure Park.

To celebrate, they’re offering some fantastic special deals exclusively to readers of Your Local Link!

First up, young ladies who will be attending their prom will want to get dolled up for occasion, and the staff at Fresh have got just the package. For £60, prom goers can have their hair put up, enjoy a spray tan and have a shellac manicure. If that doesn’t make you the belle of the ball, what will?

That’s not the only great offer. If you, like us, have been meaning to book yourself in for a massage to ease away those aches and pains, then you’re in

46

luck. Fresh are offering lower prices on two of their luxurious massages: their full body massage has been reduced from £38 to £25; and their Indian head massages now cost just £15, down from £28. n To get these deals, you must mention Your Local Link when booking. Call 691522.

Fresh

Hair & Beauty

theweb ADVENTURE PARK

Wired Cafe FREE Car Parking

HOW TO FIND US:

Creepy Crawlies

The best chest As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the bra, it’s shocking to find out that a lot of us are making daily boobs. According to a major bra manufacturer, four in five women are wearing the wrong size bra, leading to tragic bra mishaps such as having four bumps and poor support. Apparently the most common ‘faux bra’ is caused when the underwires sit on the breasts themselves, and not on the ribcage.

Wearing the wrong bra can not only be uncomfortable, but also be bad for our backs. Want a proper fitting bra? Get down to Leia on Spurriergate and they’ll lend all the support they can. n Call 612489.

And into the lotus position…

Do you ever get aches and pains in your lower back? Have you ever tried Yoga? The exercise is a fantastic way to increase flexibility and strength and relieve pain, and Anna Semlyen, the author of Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs, will lead a six week course especially for lower back pain, starting on 16th April, from 7.15-8.30pm. Sessions will mostly take place at the Friends Meeting House in the city centre, and private lessons are available too. n Visit www.yogainyork.co.uk or call 07891 989310.

A friend indeed The winter has ended and the season of colds is finally at an end. WRONG! Spring is actually one of the worst times of year for catching the common cold, as the virus is more active at this time of year. In a recent survey carried out by Fisherman’s Friend, the makers of the menthol sweeties, it has been revealed that where the cold virus is concerned, old wives’ tales still prevail. Apparently taking lots of vitamin C and sweating it out – as our grans would have advised – does nothing to battle the virus. Waiting it out and keeping our hands nice and clean are pretty much the only things we can do. Thanks for that, Fisherman’s Friend.

By the way, our accounts queen Claire swears by you. She’s certain you can cure anything. (Seriously, see our intro...)

47

20 and counting…

Bang on

trend We love the 1960s in this office, so we’ve fallen head over heels for the new ‘Hair Heroes’ trend collection from the innovative team at Bang Hair. Featuring bowl cuts, pixie crops and a rather extreme take on the iconic box bob, the styles are straight from the world of pop art. Director Jonathan Cotton says the box bob style shown inthe picture is not a style that people would walk down the street with, but shows the creativity of the team. “We could definitely filter the style down to a very wearable and bang-on-trend version for our clientele," says Jonathan.

Congratulations are due to the team, too –

they’re regional finalists at the L'Oréal Colour Trophy Awards with Ladies and Men's looks, and Stylist Craig Sidebottom has also been awarded a place on the prestigious L'Oréal I.D. Artist team. We hope the awards go off with a bang! Ahem, sorry…

Do you think you have what it takes to join the team at Bang?

You’re in luck – they’re recruiting. Head to our recruitment pages for details.

Blood donor sessions

48

n For more details call 0300 1232323.

11th April Dunnington, The Reading Rooms 2-3.45pm & 4.45-7pm.

2nd April Fulford, St. Oswalds Church 2-4pm & 5-7pm.

15th April Best Western Monk Bar Hotel 2-4pm & 5-7pm.

5th April Osbaldwick, Osbaldwick Primary School 2-4pm & 5-7pm.

16th April Acomb, Parish Church Hall 2-4pm & 5-7.30pm.

The people of York are quite frankly, and in our humble opinion, downright sexy. Historians state that York’s status as a gorgeous city began 20 years ago, which coincidentally is when the Rosemary Conley team started offering diet and fitness classes. They’ve been advertising with us since we started almost ten years ago, and Helen, the local group coordinator, welcomes you to join them in celebrating two decades of weight loss success!

There are classes all across York, from Wigginton to Tang Hall, and through a combination of exercise, healthy recipes and lots of fun and support from friends, your clothes will start to feel pretty baggy. Join now and you’ll even receive a free welcome pack and get moving to KardyO-Fun, the exciting new exercise style run exclusively at Rosemary Conley classes. n Call Helen on 790922.

Free wheeling Now that spring is well and truly here, there’s no excuse – it’s time to get on yer bike. There’s no need to follow the same old tired journey though, thanks to a free cycle map by iTravel York. Explore a different side of York and get fit at the same time, without spending a penny! Look out for your free copy of the Cycle Route Map, which will be delivered with this magazine.

Not all shoes are made for

walking.

At £28 per thousand for our distribution services you might as well save your shoe leather and get us to deliver your leaflets for you.

You can rest assured that we’ll get your flyers out on time and ensure that the relevant areas are targeted for you – and we can even throw in the design of your flyer if required.

Call 767881 to speak to a lovely salesperson who can give you a quote.

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The perfect day Searching for inspiration for your big day? Mark 28th April in your diary, because you need to get yourself to The Wedding Affair at Swinton Park, from 12 noon-4pm. At this free event you’ll find 50 exhibitors showcasing a huge range of luxury suppliers, VIP gift bags and competitions – basically, everything you’ll need for a gorgeous wedding. Phew, now you can stop scouring the internet at work. n Visit www.theweddingaffair.co.uk or call 0843 289 8504.

sential We round up the es are a must wedding fayres that groom-to-be. for every bride- and

To boldly go… A marriage is quite an adventure. There are ups and downs, challenges and tribulations – not to mention the danger of losing all your merchant ships to a storm. Okay, so that one was specifically a worry for the Merchant Adventurers, the medieval moguls who built their guild hall on Piccadilly. The Merchant Adventurers Hall makes a truly unique and romantic setting for large or small wedding parties, and was one of the first private venues to be licensed for civil ceremonies in York. Practice walking down the aisle at their Wedding Fair on 24th March between 11am and 3pm. n Call 654818.

Hidden gem If your tastes are a little more subtle, and you and your wife/hubby-to-be fancy something secluded, head to Bedern Hall.

Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Goodramgate, Bedern Hall was originally a part of the Minster’s College of the Vicars Choral but now makes a stunning backdrop for your nuptials. Renovated in more recent years, the hall combines the best of the old and the new.

Find out for yourself the pleasures that await within this beautiful building by visiting their wedding fair on 14th April. Meet the friendly team, sample the food and enjoy a glass of bubbles. n Call 653698.

Very hospitable How you do fancy getting married in a true relic of York’s fascinating past?

Originally the hospital of the now ruined St Mary’s Abbey in the Museum Gardens, the Hospitium offers an incredible venue in a spectacular setting.

Your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception can all be accommodated in the same gorgeous converted 14th century building. Get along to the wedding fair on 21st April to see the venue, browse the stalls, chat to the experts and pick up ideas! n Call 687671.

If music be the food of love… get married in a musical place.

The National Centre for Early Music might be best known for staging some of the most beautiful, haunting, exciting and unusual of musical performances, but did you know you can also hold your wedding reception there? Only a stone’s throw from the Registry Office and dozens of local churches and hotels, The NCEM is a pitch-perfect venue for your special day. n Call 632220.

Special Setting Great city centre location.

Stunning courtyard garden. Civil license, Only one wedding a day, Incredible all inclusive packages starting from £2999.

Hire, buy, design in every colour & style imaginable Over 4,500 in stock

♥ GET AHEAD HATS ♥ Tel 01904 738656 www.getaheadhats.co.uk

♥ BEST WESTERN MONKBAR HOTEL ♥ Call Liz on 01904 469922 www.monkbarhotel.co.uk/weddings

Happy Campers A family run business in York.

We specialise in chauffeur driven classic VW vehicles.

♥ LOVEDUBS ♥ Tel Zoe & Simon 01904 737864 www.lovedubs.co.uk

Venue Styling

♥ AMBIENCE VENUE STYLING ♥ Tel 08000 439160 • 07908 130508

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Perfect wedding bouquets & flowers Introducing Bouquets See us at the Bedern Hall Wedding Fair in York City on Sunday 14th April 11am - 3pm

01904 768439 www.dutchnurseries.co.uk

unique Setting Your Wedding, Your Way Let us plan a day that is uniquely yours. Packages from £999. ♥ HOLIDAY INN, YORK ♥ 01904 777582

Perfect Day

Over 200 colour choices in organza or taffeta, with a wealth of experience.New shop opening soon

FLORISTS, HAXBY, YORK

Stunning oak framed Function Hall overlooking golf course & lakes.

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

The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall provides a truly unique setting for your wedding.

This medieval guildhall is over 650 years old.

Our Wedding Fair is on Sunday 24th March 11am-3pm

♥ MERCHANT ADVENTURERS’ HALL ♥ 01904 654818

Yorkshire’s finest wedding website, specialising in organising exclusive bridal fairs in historical and stunning venues in Yorkshire

www.theweddingaffair.co.uk 0843 289 8504

Love is in the air…

Weddings – to everyone but the bride and groom they’re just one big kneesup aren’t they? But if you’re a bridezilla there can be loads to organise, which is why Mila Brides have stepped up to help you take the stress out of your big day. They’re offering all blushing brides the chance to take part in their ‘Golden Ticket’ competition. By placing an order with them, you will be given a golden ticket and entered into a prize draw to win your entire order for absolutely zilch. What’s more, Mila Brides’ on-site spa is also taking part in the competition – when you book an appointment before Easter weekend, you’ll receive a voucher which will automatically enter you into a prize draw for a free spa day for two when you redeem it! We can’t think of a better excuse for a pampering session… n Call 333444.

Birdcage centrepiece

We think this cage, available in either ivory or gold, would lend an air of chic to any wedding table. £34.99 Confetti www.confetti.co.uk

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your pets

PET TALK in association with MINSTER VETS

Q. My older dog is starting to have

Q. My cat won’t drink water out of her bowl, but will drink out of

problems with his teeth, is dried food or wet food better for him?

the tap and dirty puddles. Should I be worried? How can I tempt her to drink out of her bowl?

I would firstly advise that you contact your vets for an appointment. If your pet already has dental disease, a loose tooth or other issue with his mouth then dry food especially could cause more problems, so until he has been seen by a vet I would suggest wet food would be preferable.

It is not uncommon for cats not to drink out of bowls provided by their owner and to prefer to drink out of puddles, taps, and sometimes bathwater. This is not a cause for concern.

Additionally, some cats fed on wet foods will gain a percentage of water from their diet.

In general, dental disease can lead to other complications so if any pet has bad breath or you can see tartar (a hard brown substance) on the teeth I would advise you contact your vets for an examination and discussion about whether any dental treatment is required.

If, however, your pet has no dental complications, I would highly recommend a dry diet for your pet as the food is less likely to stick to the tooth. Standard dry foods do not hugely reduce dental disease, but there are also specific foods on the veterinary market that are produced in a way to allow the tooth to penetrate the biscuit, which in turn cleans the tooth of plaque (the softer coating on the tooth which predisposes it to tartar). These foods are often prescribed by vets.

There are ways to encourage cats to drink from bowls. Firstly, cats don’t tend to like drinking out of bowls that are too small, as their whiskers touch the sides of the bowl. Try offering water in a larger, shallow receptacle, such as a saucer. Some cats prefer a narrower receptacle so their whiskers are held against the sides, i.e a tumbler or a mug.

There are also cat water fountains available, that pump water through a filter and dispense it in a waterfall or over a dome for the cat to lap from.

Lastly, many cats may not like to drink from water bowls near their food. Cats are descended from desert dwelling species and naturally food which has been hunted would not be near their water source. Ideally, keep food and water a distance apart.

Q. My dog has Westie skin, and gets scabby and smelly. What can I do to stop it?

I would recommend an appointment with a vet to examine your dog to properly diagnose their skin complaint, as many Westies suffer with skin disease which you will need veterinary help to manage. Frequent prescription shampoos are recommended by the vet, alongside other treatments. The use of non-veterinary shampoos would not be recommended unless advised by your vet in case they cause irritation or further discomfort.

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

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your pets

Give us a

home...

Have a home? These cutie-pies need one.

Mariah Beautiful Mariah looks like more of a tiger than a moggy with her distinctive markings, but she is no diva! This cuddly little kitty is looking for an owner to curl up with and have her locks groomed.

Hamish Handsome Hamish can be a little shy around new people, but will happily have a cuddle when he gets to know you. He is looking for a quiet family with older children where he can get used to his new surroundings. n If you’re interested in finding out more about these adorable moggies, or any of the cats at York Cats Protection, call 760356.

Tia Tia is a kind and sweet-natured Staffy x American Bulldog. She is deaf and so will need a patient owner who can give her some basic training. Her playful nature would make her perfect for homes with children over 13.

Amos Amos came to the RSPCA having been abandoned and needed lots of TLC to bring him back to health. Ideally Amos would love to live as the only pet in a home with fencing over five feet high where he can be a loyal companion. n If you could give any of these dogs a home call: 01904 654 949 or visit RSPCA, Landing Lane, York

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Howard Mosley-Chalk is a father and husband. But more importantly he is a man.

As a boy he assumed he would grow up to be omnipotent. But at 31 he finds himself writing for Your Local Link. These are his (un)manly words.

Preg prep...

This month has been mostly one of preparation. My wife is now eight months pregnant, and boy can you tell. My desire not to have a black eye dictates that I must be careful how I word this, but that meteorite that hit Russia was originally drawn to the planet by my wife’s gravitational pull. Black eye on the way.

We’ve been attempting to get the house set for the arrival of my son and heir, but seeing how we’re old hands at this baby lark, there hasn’t been much to do. This is why I’ve mostly been building dens with my toddler daughter. I justified the den building to my wife by pointing out that if she attracts any more asteroids one might hit and destroy the house and we’d have to sleep outside.

In a den made of umbrellas and tea towels.

All set This time round we’re both far more comfortable with the idea of having a wee sprog in our midst, leading to a laid back atmosphere at casa de Mosley-Chalk – which is where the birth itself will happen.

While my wife has been preparing with hypnobirthing practices and breathing techniques, I have been conjuring an

54

ingenious method of filling and draining the birthing pool that will be installed in the spare bedroom. It involves hosepipes and a lot of luck.

I still

giggle when I watch birthing videos.

Two year old Ava is getting set as well. For the eventuality that the baby comes while Ava is awake, we have been watching birthing videos on YouTube so she knows what to expect when mama’s tummy bump turns into a person. She knows more about birth than I do and seems to be taking it all in her (albeit tiny) stride. I still giggle when I watch birthing videos, so Ava assumes the whole thing will be one big laugh-fest.

Convenience is key Having a home birth is new ground for us, as Ava made her debut at York Hospital. I quite enjoyed that particular experience, mainly because of the little shop they have there. Being able to buy an over-priced can of Red Bull during the labour was a real comfort to me, and so to make this birth just as good, I’m going to ask the bloke from the shop on the corner to stand in the hallway with sweets and fizzy drinks.

But, by the time you read these hallowed words, the chances are that the baby has been born and I am languishing on paternity leave. Anyone who has ever had to deal with new-born baby poo should now wish me luck.

Imagine if the whole thing was a joke and I’m not even married. I just fancied a couple of weeks off. Ha.

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

your family

And another thing…

F-F-F-Formal Fridays!

You bunch of scruffy sods. Look at yourself – wearing trainers to the office? I must admit, my own style could best be described as ‘Incompetent Geography Teacher’, so I decided to instigate Formal Fridays. A reaction to ‘dressdown Fridays’, our special day is designed to get us smartened up, wearing suits and ball gowns and referring to each other by our titles. Mine is Viscount, but that’s a story for another day. We’ve had two Formal Fridays so far and I have, unfortunately, missed both. The first one I was off and the second I plain forgot – leaving my cummerbund and bow tie at home hanging on the bannister. But it’s a good idea. Try it yourself at work.

Playground, revisited Tiggy Scarecrow: Nominate someone to be ‘on’.

This person is imbued with the magical ability to transform other players into scarecrows by tigging (or, depending on where you’re from, tagging) them. Once a scarecrow, the player must stand still with their arms outstretched, until a free player passes under their arms, thus releasing them from the magical bond. The game continues until all the players have been transformed, therefore no one else is available to free the scarecrows. This can sometimes take ages.

t: 01904 642666 & 01904 490339

www.yorkmontessori.com

Places available to book for parties, groups and clubs.

Under 16’s swim for £1 with a valid YorkCard or Yozone Card.

For further details contact 01904 552424 | www.yearsleypool.co.uk

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

55

Clifford won’t mind

Fondly

remembered Be sure to head to your local library, leapfrog over the librarians, and get straight to the kids section on 2nd April in honour of International Children’s Book Day. The general consensus here at the Your Local Link office is that our favourite children’s author was Roald Dahl with many of us citing books such as The BFG, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and The Twits as our faves. Designer Rachel really liked him, mainly because they shared the same initials. Bless her.

What about you? After a quick mention on our Facebook page Olivia Walker

pages

mentioned her love of the Winnie the Pooh books and Lesley Green voted for anything by Enid Blyton, particularly The Faraway Tree, which is also popular with our Sales Queen Sarah. Sam Massey fondly recalls The Very Hungry Caterpillar – a current favourite with Howard’s daughter Ava. Whatever you loved to read while wee, get down to your library on the 2nd April, rediscover your favourites and take a trip down memory lane. n Find your nearest library at www.york. gov.uk/libraries

Motorists should be happy at the news that one of York’s busiest car parks is being extended. You’ll know that one of the best and most convenient places to park is Castle car park, off Tower Street. City of York Council has recently approved plans to enlarge the car park by undermining Clifford’s Tower and removing the earth of the iconic hill. Apparently the tower itself will remain in place, being supported by iron pylons which cars will be able to park beneath. But the historical significance of the mound is not being overlooked, as one of the pylons will be moulded to resemble William the Conqueror, complete with outstretched arm directing visitors to the pay and display machine. n Find out more at www.yourlocallink.co.uk/info

New home, same service It’s comforting to know that there are great services available to our children – and the rest of us – in the city. One such resource, that for years has provided us with all the help and information we could ever need, is moving. York Family Information Service is, along with a great many council services, moving to the new offices on Station Rise. The good news is that they’ll still be supporting children, young people, parents and carers, as well as anyone who looks after or works with children and young people. n Call 554444.

Appointment Appointmenttimes times totosuit suityou you convenient convenientlocation location Appointment Appointment times times Free Appointment times Freeparking parking to suittoyou suit youto suit you Family FamilyLaw Law convenient convenient location location location convenient Personal Injury Personal Injury Free parking Free parking Free parking Medical MedicalNegligence Negligence Family Family Law Law Family Law First Firstappointment appointmentFREE FREEofofcharge, charge, Personal Personal Injury Injury fixed fee and No Win No Fee Available* fixed fee and No Win No Fee Available* Personal Injury Medical Medical Negligence Negligence 4 Maple House, Wykeham Road, Maple House, Wykeham Road, Medical4 Negligence

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YO26 6QW fixed fee and No Win No Fee Available* Telephone: 4 Maple 4 Maple House,House, Wykeham Wykeham Road, Road, Telephone:01904 01904782958 782958 4 Maple Wykeham Road, Northminster Northminster Business Business Park,House, York, Park, York, Email: enquiries@ardentlaw.co.uk Email: enquiries@ardentlaw.co.uk YO26 6QW YO26 6QW www.ardentlaw.co.uk Northminster Business Park, York, www.ardentlaw.co.uk Telephone: Telephone: 01904 01904 782958782958 YO26 6QW Email: Email: enquiries@ardentlaw.co.uk enquiries@ardentlaw.co.uk Telephone: 01904 782958

Email: enquiries@ardentlaw.co.uk www.ardentlaw.co.uk www.ardentlaw.co.uk

www.ardentlaw.co.uk

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Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

your family

Think pink – the Domestic Divas shall banish your grime.

Bunch of divas Contemplating a spring clean but worried about the outcome since last year’s debacle that resulted in three broken lampshades, two scratched mahogany tables and a kitten in the vacuum cleaner? Best leave it to the professionals, eh?

Domestic Divas is a family run, York-based cleaning company with a small team of happy, enthusiastic hygiene goddesses. Hire their expert touch for a weekly, fortnightly or monthly clean, or get them in to tackle big jobs, like if the kids smear chocolate all over your brand new white carpet. Book them today, and in no time you’ll be crying: “Go Team Diva!” Call 653711.

Speaking of which…

If you thought getting into a debate with a teenage girl would be a walk in the park, think again. The students of The Mount School, the all-girl educational mecca, are pretty apt when it comes to speaking their minds. The school recently won the York Area round of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition, in which young people speak on subjects publicly. Several of the girls walked away with awards and commendations, including Lily Howell and Alice Grierson, who was declared the Best Chairperson. This all follows recent successes at the International Schools' Model United Nations Conference, where Alice was also recognised as a Highly Commended Delegate. We say we should all be nice to Alice, as clearly she will one day be Empress of Earth. n Call 667529.

EXPERT TUITION

Swimming Lessons

Beginners/Improvers/ Advanced/Adults/ Parent, Baby & Toddler

Private Tuition Available Held at Queen Margaret’s School , Escrick

11 Day Christmas Cracker Course

15th, 16th, 22nd 23rd, 29th and 30th December, 2nd – 6th January

Held at The Mount School, York Spring Term Commencing 12th January - 23rd March

Tel: 01757 709703│07793 370782 info@carolsaundersswimschool.co.uk www.carolsaundersswimschool.co.uk

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

57

We’re cramming…

Running

rings

Trust us – we know what’s right. So when one of our gracious number recommends something, every loyal citizen of York should take note. Dearest Miriam, sales exec extraordinaire, is throwing her weight behind something that several generations of her family enjoy on a weekly basis – and she’s pulling no punches. The York Community Spirit Boxing Club was originally set up as an after-school programme to help budding young boxers get fit and build confidence. They have since gone

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from strength to strength, and thanks to a team of dedicated and highly trained volunteers, they now boast hundreds of members, aged from four to 58, who enjoy a range of fun activities.

Thanks to being awarded a grant of £50,000 the club members now have their own gym at the Railway Institute, complete with permanent ring and punch bags. n If you fancy stepping through the ropes, visit www.communityspiritboxingclub.btck.co.uk

…we hope you like cramming too – because it’s that time of year again. Children across the land are nervously awaiting the start of exam season. But revising for SATs and GCSEs shouldn’t be a hassle, not when York boasts our own revision experts in the form of the Kip McGrath Education Centre in Acomb. Since opening in September, the centre has already helped hundreds of children cram for vital exams and tests by offering support, finding gaps in knowledge and building students’ confidence. If you or your children want a boost with revision, here are some tips from the Kip McGrath Centre to help you get the most out of a cram session: • Make sure to revise in a quiet room, sat at a table and away from the usual distractions.

• Use appropriate revision materials. Schools often provide revision guides and practice tests but you can buy them from good bookshop.

• Start revising now, even if the exams are months away, and revise in short sessions but often. Try a few 20 minute sessions every day. n To book your place at the centre, or to find out more about the useful services they offer, call 797947.

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

Pupils at Kirk Hammerton Primary will be getting top marks thanks to the opening of a new reading room. Yorkshire author and poet Andy Seed welcomed the children to the new room, which had been a closely guarded secret since the start of the year.

The room is part of a series of improvements that have been made to the school over the past 18 months, including laptops and a wireless network, and pupils are overjoyed at the changes. Year 2 pupil Charlotte Burnett-Fisher says, “I love the new reading room because it’s cosy and colourful. n Join a school assembly to see for yourself. Call 01423 330460.

your family

Beaming bookworms

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to improve your child’s skills, develop their confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

York, Fulford Study Centre Jenny Scanlon 01757 268114

Improve your child’s study skills kumon.co.uk

Calling at London, Peterborough, York…

Haxby?

We might be a bit biased, what with our office being located in Haxby, but here at Your Local Link we’re all jumping for joy at the news that plans to reopen a railway station in Haxby have moved to the next phase. City of York Council are now making a bid to Network Rail for the proposed £6.5 million required for the new station, which Haxby has been lacking since the closure of the original in 1930. If the bid is successful, it would mean that Haxby residents could travel into the centre of York in just a few minutes. But the truly great news is that Howard wouldn’t have to catch the bus any more. Bye Nic, see you later!

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

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Military precision You’ll remember the call for singers to join the newly-formed York Military Wives Choir in our February issue. Well, it seems to have worked – the choir is now 25 members strong – but as they’re totally self-sufficient, they now need help from local businesses in order to continue as a choir. Whether you can offer sponsorship, donations or gifts of prizes for fundraising events, the group would love to hear from you! The group are also looking for new recruits to bolster their ranks. Singers do not necessarily need to be married to a soldier, but they do need some sort of military connection. n Call Sarah Saunders on 490133.

Bin there, done the gardening

Help at hand You may have heard that the government is planning to withdraw legal aid for most family law cases at private law solicitors from this month onwards. However, this doesn’t mean that legal advice need be unaffordable. York Family Mediation offer impartial mediation and an alternative to the court process which is less costly and more stress-free. The staff strive to empower people who are going through

60

separation or divorce to make informed decisions for the future, and as the organisation is not-for-profit, you know that they really do have your best interests at heart. They also offer a Contact Centre for non-residential parents to meet their children in a safe setting, and a Separated Parenting Information Programme. n Visit www.yorkfms.co.uk or call 646068.

This is the story of Bob (and bins). Bob loves many things; model trains, tea and most of all, his garden. He has just spent the last month tidying up after winter and preparing his yard for the growing season. The grass has been cut, the trees have been pruned and the rotting carrots, that were previously the noses of melted snowman, have been picked up.

Bob’s green garden waste bin is filled to the brim. Fortunately the collection of such bins is returning to the regular fortnightly pattern from 1st April, so Bob can crack on and sort out the overgrown rockery. His wife has been nagging for weeks. n If you would like a calendar of your bin collection dates, visit www.york.gov.uk

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

We all love Copmanthorpe Carnival. Now in its sixth decade, the event features a huge range of entertainment from live music to fairground stalls – but in order for it to run, the organisers need help from local superstars who can give up a little of their free time. n Email sarah@copmanthorpe.org.uk or call 07733 547789.

Back in boots

your family

Copmanthorpe Carnival needs you!

w w.jwmyers.co.uk jwmyers@hotmail.co.uk

Ah, those glory days on the school playing fields, jumpers for goal posts and a ball salvaged from a skip outside the posh school. Football was simpler back then and grass stained knees were a sign of determination and courage. What happened? If you long to return to the game but worry that your fitness and skill levels would get you laughed off the pitch, fear not. The council, in partnership with York City Football Club, have arranged special footie sessions for men from 10th April at York Sports Village. If you fancy getting back into the beautiful game, hurry, because places are limited. n Call 553377.

Keep this to yourself The position of goal keeper in a football match is often overlooked – that is until a spectacular save or tragic miss occurs. One man who thinks it is the most important member of the team is Andy Phillips, ex-Hull City keeper and owner of the Andy Phillips Goalkeeping School. He is looking for budding keepers to join his new six week programme. Not only will the hands-on apprentice receive the very finest in keeper training, drawn from Andy’s many years of stopping balls go in nets, but they will also get a free pair of gloves. n Get a grip, give Andy a call on 07867 545483.

Individually designed memorials Individually designed memorials Letter cutters Individually designed memorials Additional Letter inscriptions cutters Letter cutters Renovations and cleaning Additional inscriptions Grave care packages available Additional Renovationsinscriptions and cleaning Competitive prices Renovations and cleaning Grave care packages available Free quotations Grave care packages available Competitive prices Free brochure on request

Competitive prices Free quotations FreeFree brochure on request quotations Free brochure on request

01904 448201 www.jwmyers.co.uk 01904 448201 jwmyers@hotmail.co.uk

www.jwmyers.co.uk 01904 448201 jwmyers@hotmail.co.uk www.jwmyers.co.uk

jwmyers@hotmail.co.uk

Not all boots are made for

walking.

Individually designed memorials Letter cutters Additional inscriptions Renovations and cleaning At £28 per thousand for our distribution Grave careservices packages available you might as well save your shoe leather and get us to deliver your leaflets for you.

Competitive prices You can rest assured that we’ll get your flyers out on time and ensure that the relevant areas Free quotations are targeted for you – and we can even throw in the design of your flyer if required.

Free brochure on request Call 767881 to speak to a lovely salesperson who can give you a quote.

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

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FREE 30 Minute Consultation

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The Lowdown Step away from the fluffy cushions…

Have your own French revolution with our pick of divine Parisian-themed décor and accessories.

Property Insider The latest stories from the world of property and interiors – would you live in a house made entirely of wood (we’re talking the food as well as the table)?

A dummies’ guide to…

Our tech expert Matt Todd explains how dishwashers work. < We adore the luxurious range of bathroom suites at Watermark – find out about their revamped showroom inside.

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PROPERTY

what’s hot

and what’s not

We’ve got the lowdown on what the well-dressed home is wearing...

Hot...

Handmade quilts: Continuing with the homemade theme, we think no bedding or throw can look better than a quilt that you’ve made yourself. Yes, they may take ages to make, but they will match your taste perfectly and have personal touches. Start yours now so you’ll have one to snuggle up with in the autumn. trend rebound... lobby phones: Lots of trends end up returning, but some are better than others – and we’re totally in love with art deco lobby phones. They instantly add a touch of 1930s glamour to your living room, and the range of pretty colours gives them a modern twist. Our Rach has got this gorgeous chrome one in her hallway.

Similar phones are available from www.amazon.co.uk and www.redcandy.co.uk

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jam jar vases:

We’ve got a rule in our office – if Rach gives a trend the go ahead, then it’s a goer. We’re particularly excited about her latest favourite hot home item, because it’s both pretty and easy on the pocket. All you need to do is eat some jam (we recommend Rach’s scones to go with it) then clean the jar out and tie some ribbon around it. cut glass: There you have it – a gorgeous homemade vase!

Our Nic’s nana used to have a cabinet to keep her glassware in, alongside the many plates commemorating every time the royal family sneezed since 1952. The plates aren’t back in, but the cut glass sherry decanters that she kept in there have most definitely come back into fashion. You don’t need a cabinet to keep them in, though – stick your on the coffee table or – even better – on an old fashioned kitchen dresser.

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your home

spring clean: Remember Kevin McCloud’s wise words, from our extended online interview in November?

“Cleaning your windows doubles the amount of light in a room, and really freshens it up.

It's like redecorating but with less effort!”

Embrace the spring clean, people. You’ll be surprised at how much more brightly your bulbs glow, and how sparkly your taps are, after a good going over. If you can’t be bothered to do it yourself, get the professionals in – the lovely folk at professional carpet and upholstery cleaners Smart Dry will be happy to help. n Visit www.smart-dry.co.uk or call 769327

Not... tassled tiebacks: We’re a bit baffled as to why curtains have to be tied back anyway – they’re not going anywhere – but tiebacks with tassles are a definite no-no. Tassles on dresses make you look like you’re in the Great Gatsby; tassles on curtain ties make you look like your nana. fluffy cushions: Last time we checked we weren’t in the 1990s. We’re still spotting them about though – the ‘kitsch’ fluffy cushions that show off your ‘quirky’ side.

Cushions aren’t supposed to have hair. If you want to cuddle up to something furry, get a pet. There are some lovely dogs and cats in our Pets section who need a home, and who will look much better on your settee…

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65

Transform your home into a French château with these pretty Parisian-themed pieces.

Going underground We reckon this Paris Metro wall sticker is a stylish alternative to the usual icon of the Eiffel Tower. It’s available in a wide range of colours too.

Shades of Paris We can’t think of a better way to dress our lightbulbs. £39.99 Barnitts, Colliergate www.barnitts.co.uk

£28.91 K&L Wall Art www.wall-art.com

Take a tourthe iconic

lamp has This innovative base. Oui, oui. as l Tour d’Eiffe its tesco.com £35 Tesco www.

French fancies Filling this patisserie stand is as good a reason as any to get creative in the kitchen (or to call our cake queen Rach and ask her to make something for you…) £29.95 Dotcomgiftshop www.dotcomgiftshop.com

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your home

These looking glasses are the ultimate in chic.

Skinflint Blowout

Blowout: The detail on this fine piece is trés divine. £340 The French Bedroom Company www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk Budget: This gorgeous mirror is available in quaint cream or dramatic black. £44.99 Argos www.argos.co.uk Skinflint: Make like Belle from Beauty and the Beast with this handheld mirror. Note – cannot do magic like the one in the film. £2.95 Dotcomgiftshop www.dotcomgiftshop.com

Budget

Ooh, la la, chocolát…

Serve some bon bons in this gorgeous dish and your coffee table will instantly look 100% more French (and prettier). £10 The Flax and Twine, The Shambles www.theflaxandtwine.co.uk

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Keep up to date on the latest design trends & property news Wooden heart We love a nice bit of wooden furniture, but one sculptor has taken things to extremes in their Italian holiday home. Livio De Marchi (or should we call him Gepetto) has transformed his house into a forest’s nightmare. Everything, down to the teddy bears, books and even bread rolls, have been carved out of wood. There are also wooden coats, wooden napkins and wooden cutlery. We reckon he’s setting it all up to be some sort of Pinocchio-themed attraction.

No place like home King of the castle How many times have you moved house?

It seems that as a nation us Brits move fairly often, though we don’t seem to get very far. We’ll change our place of abode eight times in our life, on average, though we’re likely to end up only 63 miles from where we were born. Only one in five of us get further than 200 miles away from our birthplace. We’re pretty pleased with that, though – who wants to leave Britain’s best county anyway?

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A man’s home is his castle, or so the saying goes. One man has taken it a little too literally, though, secretly building an actual castle behind haystacks on his farm. Robert Fidler from Surrey has been ordered to demolish the building, which features ramparts and a cannon, after losing a planning permission battle with the local council.

luxury The last word in

If you want to add a touch of luxury to your home, then the prestigious Farrow & Ball is the ideal brand for wallpaper and paint.

Luckily for us Yorkies, Style Flooring in Heworth stock all 132 colours of tester pots from the brand, and will celebrate the arrival of four fantastic new wallpapers with an open day on 27th April from 10am-3pm. There’ll be a representative from Farrow & Ball who can give advice on any décor projects you’re working on, as well as goodie bags, refreshments, discounts and a competition to win some Farrow & Ball wallpaper. Watch out for details of the exclusive Farrow & Ball colour talk evening, taking place in September, too. We love the new wallpapers – they embrace animal prints and geometric designs and use real Farrow & Ball paints, with five different colour schemes available for each design.

Luxury in a roll! n Call 289266.

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your home

She bakes, she makes, she decorates…frankly there’s nothing our very own Rachel doesn’t know.

Every month she’ll be passing on some of her favourite money and time saving tips… k Make a brew Bring your wooden furniture back to life by putting the kettle on. Dip two tea bags in hot water for ten minutes, allow to cool and dampen a clean cloth with the bags – rubbing the tea-stained cloth over the wood will bring out its natural colours. k Close shave For silky smooth legs, apply hair conditioner to them instead of soap before shaving. Just apply, shave and rinse for goddess-like pins. k Fight fire with fire If you find your hands stained by oil-based paint, coat them in vegetable oil. Then rinse off with soap and warm water and voila!

Clean mitts.

k Holy smoke To get rid of any smoky smells that have invaded your home, fill a few bowls with white vinegar and distribute around the house. The vinegar will absorb the odours, restoring your castle back to its original freshness. k Tough as old boots Help your leather shoes brave the rain. Spray a little WD40 onto a soft, clean cloth. Buff it over clean shoes to make them waterproof and extra shiny.

Follow RACHEL on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

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A direct sale

Dummies’ guide to:

A quarter of a century is a long time. In 25 years you can achieve a lot of special things, including building a tiling empire.

That’s exactly what Direct Tile Importers have done, and now they want to celebrate with you. A local independent trader, Direct Tile Importers buy straight from the manufacturers, so can pass the savings onto you. Because they’ve been successfully providing York with the very best quality tiles for 25 years, their customers will, from 25th March until Easter Monday, enjoy 25% off their purchases of stocked items. If that isn’t reason enough to get down to the showroom on Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, then maybe the free chocolate eggs will be. n Call 690774.

dishwashers

Electrical expert Matt Todd makes it easy to understand the latest technology.

I was interested to read a Bloomberg article recently that highlighted just how backward we Britons are in certain areas of appliance ownership compared to our European and US counterparts.

Dishwashers made for the most stark results, with just 40% of UK homes enjoying the ease of use of these once luxury appliances compared to 77% of German and 78% of US homes. It was also noted that the north of England is lagging behind the south – the main reasons cited by the study were lack of space in the average UK home and a resistance to change.

Make savings So why should we change? What’s wrong with a bit of elbow grease?

Well, even for those who enjoy enough spare time to be able to wash the dishes by hand, there are

huge savings to be made by using a dishwasher. For example, class leading machines now use only six litres of water, which is about one eighth the amount used by hand washing; for households on a water meter that will soon add up to substantial savings. Modern dishwashers also use a fraction of the energy they used to, with consumption figures as low as 0.92kWh for a standard 50°C Eco cycle – nearly 30% down on a model produced 15 years ago.

Size doesn’t matter There are solutions for even the smallest kitchen. Bosch are still the market leaders in this market segment and they now produce slim-line and counter top models to compliment the full size versions.

‘A’ energy ratings are now standard across the whole range, from the

Mark our words smaller machines which handle six place settings up to the largest at 14 places, and dishwashers have never been quieter or better value for money.

So, come on Yorkshire, let’s show the Germans we’re not as backward as the survey might suggest – let’s unchain ourselves from the sink and let a dishwasher take the strain!

n For advice on all things electrical, visit www.htodd.co.uk.

Seen the picture on the front cover of this section? Pretty impressive, eh? It’s an example of the kind of work completed

by Watermark, the independent plumbing merchant on Hallfield Road, Layerthorpe.

Watermark are very excited to announce that their York Showroom has had five new displays fitted, including a Keuco Reflex fitted furniture display. If you are looking for a truly jaw-dropping bathroom, then drop in – the friendly staff are always keen to reveal the latest styles.

Exploit the freedom offered by a wide range of surfaces and product variations and create the bathroom you actually want to have. n Call 420340.

WINDOWS A-RATED AS STANDARD ON RESIDENTIAL WINDOWS

ALL HARDWARE USED IS POLICE WE APPROVED ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CARDS

Unit 1, Bridlington Business Park, Bessingby Industrial Estate

Tel: 01904 409992 or 01262 608000 www.ellanorwindows.com | info@ellanorwindows.com

Want to be

this happy?

You will be, when you head to the events section of our website.

Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk/events

70

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your home

Meet the advertiser

We chat to Steve from Plastifit Tell us about your business.

My business is in fitting fascias, soffits and guttering. We’ve been going about as long as Your Local Link Magazine has, and we’ve advertised since the magazine started. Mim has looked after me throughout – she’s cheeky, but she takes good care of me! We have a good laugh together.

How did you get started?

I was working for local companies and doing contract work, and I decided to set up on my own. Nine years later, I’m still here!

What has been your biggest business achievement so far and why?

The fact that I’m still going strong in the recession.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

My hair really is grey… Also I give the Local Linkers a gift of wine at Christmas, but Mim doesn’t share it around the office like she’s supposed to!

What would your last meal on earth be?

Chicken Tikka Masala.

If you won the lottery what would you spend the money on?

It’d be one massive Indian meal. If I won millions, well I’d just have lots of them!

Who is your hero and why?

My dad – that’s got to get me some brownie points hasn’t it? Seriously though, he was always a hard worker and he taught me a good work ethic – and how to save money by being tight!

Tell us a joke.

I don’t know any clean ones!

Where do you gain most of your business?

Through Your Local Link.

n Call 653796 or 07900 686488.

prospect design out.indd 1

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06/03/2013 11:00

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Transform your conservatory with a Guardian Roof The Guardian Warm Roof System is the biggest revelation to hit the home improvement market in the last ten years. You can now change your old conservatory roof for a new Guardian Roof and effectively turn your old conservatory into a new extension that can be used all year round.

The complete changeover takes around three to four days with very minimal disruption to your household.

The Roof System is designed to replace the existing glass or polycarbonate roof of a conservatory while retaining the original windows, doors, frames and walls. At the same time providing substantial energy cost savings.

Fully tested and approved to all thermal and structural standards, the Guardian system is a high performance insulated roof system comprising of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, two layers of rigid insulation board, internal insulated plasterboard, exterior grade plywood, vapour membrane and a choice of external tile finishes.

• High performance insulated warm roof conversion system • Lightweight aluminium frame • Provides energy cost savings • Reduces rain noise and glare • LABC Registered (minimise building control checks & approval process) • Reduced fuel bills for the life of the roof • Thermal, structural and condensation risk tested • A wide range of roof colours and finishes • Comfortable ambient temperature all year • Fast installation utilising existing walls, windows and doors • Fully guaranteed All you need to know The Guardian Conversion System has been designed to provide a high performance thermal and structural solution with zero condensation risk over the life of the roof.

3to4days

Guardian roof conversion would be exempt if it was at ground level, does not exceed 30m2 floor area, be thermally separated from the building it is attached to, have an independent heating system from the main building and have glazing that meets Part N in the critical zones.

However, Building Control approval should always be sought. But, with Guardian systems being LABC certified, this process should proceed without complication. The Guardian Warm Roof Conversion System is fully compliant for use in a conventional situation such as an extension and has been fully approved by LABC for use as a full replacement conservatory roof.

With Building Control approval, Guardian high performance insulated roof conversions may allow the removal of the wall between the house and the conservatory, offering the flexibility to extend and enlarge an existing kitchen, living room or bedroom. Please TWS free on 0800 0280675 for more details.

Watch our complete Guardian Roof installation video online at TWS TV...

Each of these elements has been fully tested and approved by independent industry experts to evaluate thermal performance, structural performance, condensation risk and quantify energy savings.

The Guardian roof best practice approach has enabled the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) to certify the Guardian Roof System as a LABC Registered System. In some cases the

Transform your conservatory into a comfortable, all year round living space with a Guardian Roof

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your home

C A The window stars If you’re in a mood to make some improvements to your home, look to Orion.

No, not the star constellation (that’s a bit too far), we mean Orion Windows & Conservatories on Audax Road, Clifton Moor. They have recently revamped their huge showroom and boast a massive range of double glazed windows and doors, as well as eight fully furnished conservatories to explore. The new showroom gives customers the opportunity to fully experience and visualise exactly what they require before talking to a member of the friendly team.

Orion provides everything you’ll ever need to make your home a warmer, happier place. n Call 0808 1599716.

Power to you Nobody likes getting a bill from their energy supplier, but hopefully thanks to a new scheme, that all important number on the bill will be a little smaller. City of York Council has teamed up with Community Energy Direct, a new energy co-operative, to start a new innovative scheme to help residents save money on their bills by taking part in an assisted collective energy provider switch.

Basically a group of people get together and switch to one provider in one go, therefore guaranteeing the best possible price for all. Dave Merrett, Councillor for Transport, Planning and Sustainability, thinks the scheme is a great way to save money on increasing fuel costs. “Most people are not aware of the financial savings they could make through switching suppliers. On average households can save up to £115 per year.” n Visit www.communityenergy.info

Building & Drawing Services All works undertaken from concept to completion

Planning Approval Drawings Planning Application Submission Cost effective solutions Domestic Extension & Room Design Building Regulations Loft Conversion Daylight & Sunlight Assessments Project Budgeting We have provided a quality service for over 20 years all works come with client recommendations contact us for free advice

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guide

gardening

Show our feathered friends some love this spring with these gorgeous bird-themed garden accessories.

The Tweetest Thing Lovebirds can celebrate all things tweet with this chalkboard – ideal for any self respecting shed. £27, Delightful Living, www.delightfulliving.co.uk

In the

bird house We love the sketchy design on this bird box.

£20 Who’s It For? www.whositfor.co.uk

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well fed...

Make sure your birds are the coolest (and fullest) in town with this ultra modern feeder. £33.60, Red Candy www.redcandy.co.uk

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

your garden

A bird in

the hand…

Get your plants in on the action with a pretty pot. £8.50 Fairwind www.fairwindonline.com

Delivery Service Available

e bath tim to keep

This bird bath will help providing feathers fluff-free while also – and ter a source of clean, fresh wa larly ticu par it’s frost resistant, so will be beneficial in winter. itts.co.uk Barnitts, £11.19 www.barn

Hoot, hoot This wind chime may not be terribly wise, but it is pretty and it sounds nice. £1Poundland www.poundland.com

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75

Nature watch

gardening

Take a walk on the wild side! Fancy catching a glimpse of a water vole or kingfisher? Get yourself down to the York Environment Centre on 20th April for 10.15am to enjoy a walk through the reserve with the St Nicks Wildwatchers. Afterwards, relax with a cuppa and some biccies at the centre.

Visit www.stnicksfields.org.uk

Sure as eggs is eggs

Ever fancied keeping your own chickens? Now you can learn how. Head to Stillingfleet Lodge Garden on 6th-7th April, from 9.30am-12 noon to take part in a hands-on course that will teach you all you need to know about taking care of poultry, including how to position your poultry house correctly, poultry house maintenance and feeding. n Visit www.stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk or call 728506.

Questions, questions…

Blooming marvellous

Is your shrub looking a bit sad? Are you baffled as to what to grow in that dark corner in your garden? If you have any burning gardening queries, get yourself to Copmanthorpe WI Hall on 24th April from 7-10pm for Gardening Question Time. There’ll be three experts on hand to answer your questions – including Roger Burnett, Chelsea Flower Show and Britain in Bloom judge – as well as a raffle and supper. n Call 707177.

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Speaking of Britain in Bloom, we’re hoping that Roger Burnett will like what he sees when he visits for Gardening Question Time, as York is set to represent Yorkshire for this year’s Britain in Bloom competition for the second time in three years. Our city won the gold medal in the regional Yorkshire in Bloom competition last year, and will go under the microscope once again from 29th July – 9th August. Judges will look at floral and horticultural practices, environmental efforts and how communities participate to make York and the surrounding areas greener. We’ll face competition from Stockton-on-Tees, London Borough of Richmond and Norwich. Better get pruning the hedge, then.

One step closer Last month the green-fingered folks at Incredible Edible Walls held a meeting where members of the public could meet the organisers of the project, who hope to install specially designed panels on the walls on the outside of El Piano in The Quarter to allow crops to grow for public consumption. Now, your comments will be included in the planning application, which will go forward to the City of York Council this month. n Visit www.incredible-edible-walls.com

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your garden

10 YEAR

GUARANTEE

See which of these you can spot this month…

Bluebells. These gorgeous flowers – AKA Hyacinthoides non-scripta – will carpet woodland around now, and are usually at their best in late April and early May. They are also often used in herbaceous borders – just make sure you don’t dig up the bulbs of the wild variety, as you can face a fine of up to £5000 per bulb. You can collect small amounts of seed to use in your own garden, though, but not for commercial use.

Hedgehogs. Mrs Tiggywinkle is most likely to come out to play between April and October.

You’re most likely to see them at night, as they spend their days sheltering in a nest, so watch out for them when you’re mowing the lawn. If you put food out, they will sometimes venture closer to the house. And here’s something that you probably didn’t know yesterday – they can swim!

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77

make everything in your garden lovely with dean’s garden centre

FOCUS ON:

Summer

bedding plants The botanical boffins at Dean’s Garden Centre give us the low-down.

Choosing plants for summer can be a quite a challenging task for any gardener, particularly trying to get the right mix of colour, as well as fitting in that new and exciting plant that you’ve never grown before.

Then there’s the usual difficult decision: formal or informal planting. Whichever one you choose, you cannot beat the versatility of the bedding plant. With almost every colour and flower shape available, the question is not which one to use, but how many varieties to use and in which combination to use them.

Formal or informal?

It’s up to you whether you decide on a formal display, with blocks of colour and uniform straight lines, or the informal jungle, a total mismatch of plants that are high in colour, with hidden treasures waiting to be found. When using bedding you don’t need a huge amount of room – you can create a fantastic display in an area of just 0.9metres by 1.2 metres (or 3ft by

4ft in old money). Use some old favourites like busy lizzies, begonias and geraniums, but remember the key to a good display is height. In a formal setting, why not have a nice obelisk in the centre with some sweet peas tangling their way up to the top, or the brilliant climbing Lady Boothby fuchsia?

Create some height Height in the informal style is down to feature plants, like red canna lilies under planted with lemon yellow bidens, or the odd sunflower towering over the back of the border. One of the best sunflowers is the sunflower claret, with its chocolate brown head under planted with a vibrant pink or white cosmos.

Alternatively, opt for African marigolds, which will stand guard over a well-kept neat border, sporting impressive yellow, white or red hats. For an informal jungle, nasturtiums are ideal. Their bright peppery tasting edible blooms are also perfect for dressing up summer salads.

Fragrance is also not hard to come by in the bedding range; why not plant a tub of ten week stocks or nicotiana and place it on the patio to give a nice sweet smell whilst enjoying the evening sun? Also, no garden would be complete without a hanging basket or two with trailing surfinias and millionbells mingling with lobelia, creating a waterfall of colour.

Art attack For a bit of fun, why not create your own bit of art in your back garden by recreating an ocean sunset, using different shades of lobelia for the sea and orange or yellow marigolds for the sun? Get the kids involved too by creating a simple smiley face using a circle of yellow marigolds for the face and dark leafed begonias for the eyes, nose and mouth. Anything is possible with bedding plants!

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

Astek Garden design & build

Creating your dream garden

Bespoke, hand drawn designs.

Classic and Contemporary gardens. Paving and Stone Walling, Brickwork, Terracing, Planting Schemes, Complex and Challenging spaces, Pergola’s and Summerhouses.

Entertainment areas, Driveways, Raised beds, Low maintenance ideas, Lighting, Irrigation, Lawns.

Garden design & build

T. 01904 627764 M. 07803 257347 www.astekyork.co.uk

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your garden

open

gardens Spring is officially upon us! The National Gardens Scheme features hundreds of beautiful open spaces, which are open to the public to raise money for charity.

Here’s a round up of your local open gardens in April.

Ellerker House, Everingham, York, YO42 4JA. Five-acre garden boasting spring bulbs, mature trees and a formal lawn and extensive grass area on sandy soil. Features a woodland walkway around the lake with seating areas. Open 7th April 12 noon-5pm.

Vicarage House, Kirkby Wharfe, nr Tadcaster, LS24 9DE. Hidden away one-acre country garden surrounded by mature trees. Features colour-themed, extensive herbaceous borders and raised beds, with a newly installed ‘jewel bed’ including vegetable plots. Open 21st April 1-5pm.

Shandy Hall Gardens, Coxwold, York, YO61 4AD. Features two walled gardens and an acre of rare perennials planted with tulips and roses in low-walled beds. The wild flowers attract a large variety of wildlife.

Open 26th April 6.30-8.30pm.

Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington, York YO42 2QF. This nine-acre garden features two lakes which house hardy water lilies, plus a rockery, secret garden, natural shrubbery, formal beds and a Victorian garden.

Open 27th April 10am-5.30pm.

3 Pilmoor Cottages, Pilmoor, YO61 2QQ. New two-acre garden surrounding C19 cottages. Features informal style spring bulbs, ponds and rockery, plus a clock-golf putting green and miniature railway around the garden. Open 28th April 11am-5pm.

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

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

Going potty

You may not have the time or the energy to commit to an allotment, but you can still experience the joys of home grown fruit and veg using pots and containers.

What to grow?

Potatoes, courgettes, climbing beans, carrots, spinach, beetroot, squash, herbs and salads will all grow well in pots. Tomatoes and pumpkins also do well, but must have a sheltered and warm, sunny aspect. You can also get small fruit trees bred especially to grow in containers, and pots planted up with strawberries make an interesting feature.

When choosing seeds or plants, select early or dwarf varieties that will mature quicker and therefore be more suitable for container gardening. Runner bean ‘hestia’ and tomato ‘tumbling Tom’ have been bred specifically for tubs and hanging baskets, and will make good use of a sunny wall. Courgette ‘parthenon’ is an early, self fertile variety, so is ideal for pot culture. Look out for plants with unusual characteristics such as climbing French bean ‘blauhilde’ which has purple pods that will add interest and colour.

Top Tip: Use the flowers of herbs in salads to add colour and interest. The leaves and flowers of nasturtiums also look and taste great.

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Which container?

Plastic containers will hold in moisture better than terracotta, and therefore require less watering, but don’t look as nice. Place these towards the back of a group of pots or trailing plants such as squash. Long shallow containers are ideal for holding grow-bags and look great planted up with salad leaves and annual herbs. Hungry crops like potatoes and squash will require larger pots, but the one thing they should all have is sufficient drainage holes. Once you have selected your pots, fill with good quality organic compost. Fill the pots to a level lower than the rim to allow for watering and place them in the sunniest location.

Maintenance There should be enough nutrients to last for the first four to six weeks, but you will need to feed your plants on a regular basis. The most convenient way to get nutrients where they are needed is a liquid feed mixed with water, applied every week while the plants are growing. A seaweed-based feed is the best choice, particularly for fruiting plants like squash, tomatoes and beans which love the added potash. Don’t allow the compost to dry out as it will shrink away from the edges of the pots and allow water to run off. Pick regularly to encourage the plants to keep producing and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

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

beans under cover 3 Sow broad beans direct into

growing position 3 Sow brassicas in nursery rows

or cell trays under cover 3 Sow root crops direct into

growing position

Local Suppliers: The Brunswick Shop, Appleton Road, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2RF

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

Visit the online shop www.brunswickyork.org.uk

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your garden

Kid’s Patch

Gardening isn’t just for boring adults growing dull flowers – there are plenty of fun things to do with plants, including… cress heads!

What you need: One foot end from a pair of tights, a cup, cress seeds, compost, rubber bands, PVA glue and bits and bobs to make a funny face.

How to: First put the foot end of the tights into the cup, overlapping the top.

Pour in about two teaspoons of cress seeds then fill the tights with compost almost to the top. Remove the tights from the cup and tie the open end with a knot. Turn it over so the cress seeds are at the top.

Squeeze out a bubble of compost to make a nose. Use a rubber band to hold it in place. Then you can decorate the rest of the face, but remember to leave the top empty for the cress hair to grow.

Place your new pal on a saucer, water him and stand him on a windowsill.

Once the cress starts to grow cut a cross shape in the top of the tights to let it through. When he needs a haircut, trim the cress and enjoy it in a sandwich.

Want to know more about a local business? Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

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Ask Chris...

Got a gardening question?

Our resident green-fingered guru CHRIS BROWN can help Q. I have a camelia in my garden, and on the top of some leaves there is a black sooty mould which is getting worse – what is it?

The sooty mould is caused by colonies of scale insect nymphs: mature females infest leaves and stems, feed on sap and most species excrete honeydew which makes plants sticky and encourages growth of sooty moulds. The extent of this contamination often seems out of all proportion to the number of scale insects present. Just a few nymphs on the underside of the upper leaves can cause extensive fouling of the outer foliage.

Treating the problem is fairly straightforward.

Scale insects are relatively immobile pests, and are normally found on the under side of the leaves on the veins. A systemic insecticide should be used to kill maturing females, two sprays should be used a fortnight apart. There is also a biological control parasitic wasp called metaphycus helvolus which can be used in summer in greenhouses.

Q. I have a forsythia in my garden and it has grown to about eight feet – when can I prune it?

Forsythias are deciduous medium size shrubs grown for their bright yellow flowers. Prune in mid-spring after flowering, allow young plants to develop with minimal pruning for the first three years after planting. Thereafter on an annual basis, thin out crowded shoots from the centre of the shrub, cutting back a proportion of the oldest flowered wood to vigorous shoots. In addition, remove one or two old main stems at the base. Old and neglected plants can be renovated by hard pruning staged over two years.

Q. I have patches of a white woolly substance attached to branches of my apple tree. Can you tell me what this is please?

These are colonies of a small brown aphid covered by conspicuous tufts of white woolly wax, and the problem is called woolly aphid. It infests stems, branches and sometimes roots of apple trees, ornamental crab apples, cotoneasters, and pyracanthas. Infested plants develop irregular swellings on twigs and branches and these may later crack open and provide a feeding point for the aphid, which later may cause canker and dieback. Localised infestations on trunks and branches can be dealt with by applying a spray strength solution of insecticide with a brush, but if infestations are more extensive the affected plants should be sprayed thoroughly after flowering with a systemic insecticide.

If you have a question for Chris from Brown’s Nurseries, please email info@yourlocallink.co.uk

Growers and suppliers of everything for your perfect garden

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your garden

Turn your garden into a

landscape

Are you sick of looking out of the window and seeing a grey and gloomy garden? If you are, worry no more, as some friends of ours can help. Trevor Smith Landscapes in Holtby are hosting an open day from 10.30am-2.30pm on 6th April, allowing you to meet the expert team and see what they can do for you. They will be showcasing the new StableDRIVE, a ground stabilisation product which gives the flexibility to choose the colour of your gravel as well as providing an excellent drainage solution. Also, you can find out about artificial grass from Lawns For Lifestyles and the latest from Apex Fencing. Take a peek at the show garden and be filled with inspiration. n Call 489998.

Wild thing If trimming the shrubs in your back yard sometimes feels as challenging as taming the Amazonian jungle, then you need to head to the Askham Bryan College Gardening Club on 16th April from 7.30pm, taking place at the college’s conference hall. Alison Pringle, York Museum Gardens Manager, will present an illustrated talk on the challenges of gardening on a ten acre site that lies in the heart of the city, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, contains multiple listed building and regularly floods. Your garden looks easy peasy now, doesn’t it? New members are always welcome. n Call 707208.

The Family ree

Garden and Tree Services We specialise in all aspects of garden maintenance, hard and soft landscaping Hedge trimming, tree pruning, tree felling and removal, fences erected and repaired Driveways, patios and footpaths power washed Gravel laid for paths, patios and driveways etc We are licensed with NYCC Full liability insurance upto £2,000,000 Fully chainsaw certified Chipper and operator hire LL NO JOB TOO LARGE OR SMA

Call William for a free quote anytime

01347 810706 / 07810 452933 thefamilytree@hotmail.co.uk

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Easter Bunny It’s that time of year again – since we’ve not quite perfected the art of making chocolate eggs, here’s a delicious hot cross bun recipe.

1. Boil the milk and remove from the heat,

Market Days

28th-30th March. A Crafty York – Easter Fayre. This market will give visitors the opportunity to get involved in the arts and crafts taking place, as well as viewing other works of art. The fayre will also host York Chocolate Festival, showcasing some of York’s finest artisan chocolate products.

26th April. Parliament Street Farmers’ Market.

Taking place on the last Friday of every month, this market showcases local produce made within 40 miles of York city centre.

Newgate Market. Boasting 110 stalls, Newgate Market has something for everyone. The market offers food and drink, potters, designers, clothing, handbags, mobile phones and much more. Open weekdays 9am-4pm, and 9am-4.30pm Saturday and Sunday. n All dates correct at time of going to press.

For more information visit www.york.gov.uk/markets

add the butter and cool. Place flour, salt, sugar and yeast into a bowl. Add the milk and butter mixture, then the egg. Mix and make a dough with your hands.

2. Knead the dough by folding over and

over in a floured surface for five minutes until smooth and elastic. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with oiled cling film and leave to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.

3. Add the sultanas, mixed peel, orange

zest, apple and cinnamon and knead into the dough. Leave to rise for one hour, covered by some well-oiled cling film.

4. Divide into 15 smooth balls on a floured

surface. Space generously apart on baking trays. Cover with more oiled cling film for one hour.

5. Heat oven to 220˚C. Mix flour with five

tbsp water to make the cross paste. Draw on with a piping bag. Bake for 20 mins on the middle shelf.

Family Run Special Children’s Meal £4.95

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Ingredients: 3 300ml milk + extra 2 tbsp 3 50g butter 3 500g bread flour 3 1 tsp salt 3 75g caster sugar 3 1 tbsp sunflower oil 3 1 egg, beaten 3 7g yeast 3 75g sultanas

6. Heat apricot jam and smooth over the top.

3 50g mixed peel 3 1 orange zest 3 1 peeled, chopped apple 3 1 tsp cinnamon 3 75g plain flour plus extra for dusting (for the cross) 3 3 tbsp apricot jam (for the glaze)

A taste of the sub-continent Relaxed and elegant surroundings aren’t always easy to find in the heart of a bustling city, but that’s exactly what you can expect at Akash Tandoori Restaurant on North Street. Indian cuisine doesn’t come much better or more authentic than that which is served up by the talented and experienced chefs of Akash. For 30 years they have been offering delicious Indian fare, and whether you fancy a mild korma or a fiery vindaloo, you’re sure to enjoy a spectacular traditional menu of the finest quality. They offer takeaway too for a taste of India at home. n Call 633550.

Haxby just got better Despite both hailing from beautiful Doncaster, Nicolette says dinner while Howard insists on calling it lunch. The proper name for the mid-afternoon meal has been hotly debated in the Your Local Link office for months now.

But one thing is certain – whatever we call it, we’re getting down to the new No. 50 Café in The Village, Haxby. Enjoy freshly prepared soups, quiches, sandwiches, cakes and scones made with high quality ingredients at an affordable price in lovely surroundings. The staff are nice too – so nice in fact, they brought us all some free coffee the other day. So whether they’re eating in or taking away, the dear residents of Haxby are guaranteed a refreshing and satisfying lunch. Yes, we said lunch. Ha ha! Guess who wrote this.

Traditional sunday lunch served 12-6pm 1 course £8.95 2 course £12.95 3 course £15.95

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announced that they intend to keep Betty’s open but with a few notable changes. Gone will be the table service, to be replaced with a single counter as in other McDonald restaurants. Afternoon Tea is to be replaced with ‘McTea’, where smaller bite-sized versions of their food – including ‘Mini Macs’ and ‘16th Pounders’ – are served on silver platters, alongside 30-ounce cups of Earl Grey, to be drank though a straw. Keen to acknowledge the Yorkshire origins of Betty’s, McDonald’s have also announced their children’s meal will be rebranded the ‘‘Appy Meal’.

York residents have been reacting vocally to news that fast food chain McDonalds have bought the famous Betty’s Tearoom on Davygate. The hamburger giants have

n Find out more at www.yourlocallink.co.uk/info

Your own private

Head Quarters

If you were staying in a hotel in the centre of York, you’d probably want one with a pretty good view. Views don’t come much better than those afforded by the Dean Court Hotel on Duncombe Place, sitting as it does in the majestic shadow of the Minster. But while you’re there you probably won’t spend too much time looking out of the window.

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The first Sunday of every month sees the hotel host Afternoon Tea – With Strings Attached. Fortunately the strings in question are on the guitar of Andrew Clegg, and while enjoying the finest Yorkshire finger fare you can sit back and let Andrew’s music round the weekend off nicely. n Call 625082.

We all love dinner out at a swish restaurant – the fine service, the sumptuous food, the gorgeous surroundings… the bloke at the next table chewing loudly and burping? What? Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre famously said that “Hell is other people”, and during an expensive meal, he may have been right. Find your own private dining experience at the HQ Restaurant of the Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa on Station Rise. The beautifully-appointed room enables you to dine in luxury and privacy. The talented Head Chef will create a tailor-made menu just for you, while the experienced Sommelier will match wines to your menu choices, creating the perfect bespoke dining experience. n Call 380038.

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

Ings Lane, Nether Poppleton, York. YO26 6RA

Tel: 01904 783898 Fax: 01904 783818 www.maxi-s.co.uk Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

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events

Matt left, shows his feminine side with other members of the wider Reduced Shakespeare Company cast.

The Rippy

Shake

Forget what you think you know about Shakespeare. Matt Rippy is one quarter of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, a group of madcap comic actors who condense all 37 of the Bard’s plays into 97 minutes.

He reveals all about balloon boobs, vomiting on audiences and his love of York.

For people who haven’t seen the play, how would you describe it?

Some people wonder if we do a lot of improvisation – I’d love to lie and say that we do, but it’s actually all scripted.

However, because of the nature of the show we use the audience a lot, so it’s never the same two nights in a row.

It’s a bit like stand up in that respect.

We drag the groundlings up on stage a lot – we realised recently that over the 8,000 shows that we’ve performed, we’ve brought 24,000 audience members on stage.

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Why do you use the audience so much?

We love to include the audience – it keeps it fresh. Plus, we include all 37 of the Shakespearean plays, as well as the sonnets, so we need a little help!

If you happen to be sitting near the aisle or on the front row, then you’re fair game. Actually, don’t tell people that – then everyone will want seats on the upper mezzanine in the middle.

We do help people out, by giving them a wig or instructing them how best to scream as Ophelia. We like to take people who don’t see it coming, rather than the people who stick their hands in the air asking to be picked – they’re the ones to avoid!

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

events

Is the show suitable for nonShakespeare fans?

Which of your characters is your favourite?

I think it’s suitable for both Shakespeare fans and non-fans. We’ve used humour on two levels, like Shakespeare did.

The upper class in his time would laugh at the satire, while the groundlings enjoyed the bawdiness. In our show, the scholars can chuckle knowingly while the rest of us can laugh at the inflated balloon boobs.

I play all of the women, basically because the other guys made me.

One of my personal favourites is Juliet, because, well, bless. Poor, sweet, foolish Juliet. Most people just break up with their first love, y’know? My other favourite is Ophelia. She’s really high maintenance. The poor girls just get themselves into such a tizzy that they end up ready to vomit, so the heart of my female performance is deciding at what point I ought to vomit on the audience. It’s a guttural response.

I think that Shakespeare gets a bad rap.

People think that he speaks with some kind of complicated mystical syntax, but that’s just not true – he was just messing around. He just made up a lot of words, even more than George Bush did. You can just imagine him sitting there thinking “Right, I want to call someone stupid. ‘You’re dumb’ – wait, that’s too boring. I know, I’ll write ‘You are a snubbering cankerblossom beast!’

Have you ever performed to an audience who were expecting serious Shakespeare and just didn’t get it?

Yes! Sometimes you can see from their faces that they’re expecting a serious version of Shakespeare’s entire collection – though how they can expect 37 plays in 97 minutes to be serious I have no idea. You can tell that they’re wondering what’s going on at first, but by the end they’re the ones who are laughing and shouting the loudest. We do get hecklers – it’s just like back in the old days when Shakespeare was here. At the interval the audience tend to have a drink and loosen up, and they come back in and it’s like the atmosphere of a footy match. It’s really fun for us. We think of the audience as another member of the company – they’re vital. We have tried doing the show without an audience but it just didn’t work.

Have you visited York before?

I can’t wait to get back to York, I love it there! I first visited with the RSC when we toured in 1995, and I returned last summer when we toured with The Complete World of Sport show.

It was fantastic, because we got here just after the Queen’s jubilee and there were the remains of street parties everywhere. The Queen really was awesome last summer wasn’t she?

Starting the summer with her jubilee, and ending it by jumping out of a helicopter with James Bond for the Olympics opening ceremony. Last time I was here, I only had one afternoon to explore the city, so I walked half of the castle walls and then headed to Barley Hall to see the period exhibition there. It was amazing – there were all these costumes from Downton Abbey. I know you’re probably not supposed to touch, but I did. I couldn’t resist! Hopefully this time around I’ll have more time to explore, as now we have four cast members rather than three. We ended up with an extra person because we had two great guys audition, and we wanted to hire them both. Two of us have learned two sets of characters, and we’ll be working on a rotating basis, so I might get a whole day off…

n The show runs from 5th-6th April at York Theatre Royal.

Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or call 623568.

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events

hotlist

Whether you want to hunt for eggs, meet the Easter Bunny or do something completely different, we’ve got it covered.

EVERY DAY

EVERY MONDAY

NEWGATE MARKET, 9am – 4pm (4.30pm Sat and Sun).

110 stalls including a wide variety of goods, fruit and vegetables, as well as a good selection of fresh fish and meat. Call 07887 754455.

SELBY MARKET. The whole family will find something within the beautiful market town. The Selby Farmers Market is also held on the first Wednesday of every month.

Call 07808 768186.

YORKWALK, from Museum Gardens Gates, daily at 10.30am and 2.15pm (weekends only during January). Entertaining historical walks. www.yorkwalk.co.uk TOY STORIES, York Castle Museum, 9.30am-5pm.

Visitors will rediscover bikes, bath toys, computer games and beautiful hand-made dolls that are among the toys on show from the last 150 years. Visit www. yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

CAPITAL OF THE NORTH, Yorkshire Museum, 9.30am-5pm.

Featuring some of the most prestigious medieval objects ever found in Britain, this exhibition tells how York once ruled the north. Visit www.yorkshiremuseum. org.uk

EVERY SUNDAY FROM 31ST MARCH GIANT CAR BOOT SALE, Home Farm, Wigginton, 7am-1pm. A massive car boot sale offering all sorts of new and used items.

Call 768463.

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EVERY THURSDAY & SUNDAY MUSKET AND MUSLIN HISTORICAL WALKS, Clifford’s Tower, 7.30pm.

Re-live the epic siege of York by the Roundheads during the English Civil War. Call 07914 300512.

EVERY NIGHT GHOST TRAIL OF YORK, West Doors of York Minster, 7.30am. Dare you cross the centuries and discover York’s spine-chilling history? Visit www.ghosttrail.co.uk or call 633276.

1ST + 3RD SATURDAY (10AM), 2ND + 4TH FRIDAY (5PM) OF EACH MONTH BEYOND MONOPOLY, Railway Institute. Beyond Monopoly is York’s friendliest board game club for adults wanting to play modern board games. Visit www. bmyork.wordpress.com

MARCH

UNTIL 3RD NOVEMBER BENINGBROUGH AT WAR, Beningbrough Hall.

A major new exhibition remembers some of the tales and histories of the men and women who stayed at Beningbrough during the Second World War. This new project for Beningbrough will uncover histories, but also provide a new schools programme, family workshops, events and opportunities to get involved.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/beningbrough

UNTIL 6TH MAY A FIRST BOOK OF NATURE, Yorkshire Museum. This exhibition features illustrations by York artist Mark Hearld from the book, A First Book of Nature, on display in The Learning Level. The display will be complemented with taxidermy from the Yorkshire Museum’s collection and a variety of illustrations.

Call 687687.

22ND – 23RD THE GREAT YORKSHIRE MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, 9.30am-4.30pm.

Whether you’re looking at upgrading or trading in your current motorhome or caravan this show will provide a huge range of both new and pre-owned models.

Visit www.great yorkshiremotorhomeshow .co.uk 22ND COMEDY NIGHT, York Racecourse, 7.30pm.

The evening’s line-up includes Markus Birdman, Mickey Sharma and Sy Thomas. Join them for a great night out with curry and comedy. The bar stays open until 11pm so eat, drink and laugh at the fantastic acts.

Call 638971.

23RD – 24TH ROBOTS LIVE, National Railway Museum, 10am-6pm.

Celebrate National Science and Engineering week with a weekend of action-packed science events.

Visit www.nrm.org.uk 23RD HALF PRICE COMPOST BINS, York Environment Centre, St Nicholas Fields. Free compost is great for your garden. Bins are on sale for just £15 for a 330 litre compost bin.

Call 412861.

23RD THE ART OF WINTER, The Rogues Atelier, Fossgate, 12noon5pm. People recovering from mental health illnesses have been brought together to learn skills such as drawing, painting and print making.

Call 07541 070785.

23RD MEDIEVAL SCIENCE, DIG, 1.304.30pm. A chance for visitors to DIG to speak to a medieval scholar, whose ideas on medicine, magic and the cosmos will enlighten and surprise you! A National Science and Engineering Week event. Visit www. digyork.com 24TH SPRING WEDDING FAIR, The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate, 11am-3pm. Join them at the stunning hall for a wedding fair and be inspired for your special day with a variety of wedding experts.

Call 654818.

24TH UK BOWLS CHALLENGE GRAND FINAL, New Earswick Bowls Club. A chance for spectators to watch top bowlers in action. World number one bowler Greg will be appearing in a tournament that will help inspire a new generation of bowlers.

Call 750230.

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events

events 19 Apr - 11 May Box Office 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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

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events 24TH THE WEDDING AFFAIR, Newburgh Priory, 12-4pm. A luxury wedding fair with over 40 exhibitors, VIP gift bags and competitions for budding brides to be. www.theweddingaffair.co.uk

24TH PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION, St Helen’s Square, 10am. York Minster’s Festival of the Passions continues with the Palm Sunday Procession through the city, heralding the arrival of Holy Week, and celebrating York Minster’s 1000 year-old musical tradition. Visit www. yorkminster.org 26TH EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK COURSE, Ambulance Station, Little Hallfield Lane. Let Yormed Ambulance Service teach you the essential first aid knowledge. Call 819018.

27TH HERITAGE OF CATHOLIC YORK, The Bar Convent, 7pm. A talk by John Rayne-Davis about his recently published book.

Call 643238.

28TH TERRYS REUNION, South Bank Social Club.

Everybody who has ever worked at Terrys is welcome to attend to meet up with old friends and former work colleagues. Call 656523.

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28TH INTRODUCTION TO CHOCOLATE MAKING, York Cocoa House, 11.30am-1.30pm.

Learn how to make your own chocolate! Visit www. yorkcocoahouse.co.uk 29TH MARCH – 14TH APRIL EASTER ANTICS, York’s Chocolate Story. Take part in egg decorating classes and see giant Easter eggs being made by hand by skilled Chocolatiers. Visit www. yorkschocolatestory.com

29TH MARCH – 14TH APRIL EASTER FUN, York Castle Museum, 9.30am5.30pm. The Studios at York Castle Museum are interactive spaces where visitors can get closer to some of the museum’s fantastic objects. Discover your sweet tooth in the Kitchen Studio, explore optical and moving toys in the Collection Studio and peep into a child’s wartime suitcase in the Military Studio.

Call 687687.

29TH MARCH – 14TH APRIL RAILWAY DETECTIVES, National Railway Museum, 10am6pm. Get hands-on with activities and learn all about railway crime past and present on the warehouse tour. Visit www.nrm.org.uk

29TH MARCH-14TH APRIL EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA, Piglets Adventure Farm Park, The Farmer’s Park, 10am-5.30pm.

Piglets Farm Park will open for the 2013 season with the annual Easter Egg-stravaganza running throughout the Easter holidays! Hunt down all the Easter chicks hidden in the fields and receive an egg for each one. The Farmer’s Farm Shop and Cafe will be open as usual and will provide much needed sustenance after the Easter egg hunt. Call 499700.

28TH MARCH – 1ST APRIL YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, across the city. The York Chocolate Festival programme is full of chocolate dinners, workshops, tastings, lectures and Easter Egg hunts, as well as demonstrations from the region’s premier chocolatiers. Visiting the UK’s capital of chocolate will provide an indulgent schedule perfect for any chocolate lover. Visit www. yorkchocolatefestival.co.uk 29TH MARCH 1ST APRIL EASTER WEEKEND FUN, Castle Howard, 10am. Castle Howard’s popular Easter fair returns with vintage rides, sweet stall, face painters and Molly the Rabbit is back with an enchanting woodland Easter trail. Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk

29TH MARCH – 1ST APRIL EASTER WEEKEND FUN, Newby Hall, Ripon, 11am-5pm. As the stately home and gardens opens up once more since the winter, visitors can enjoy Easter fun and games as well as a spring plant fair on Sunday and Monday. Visit www.newbyhallandgardens. com 29TH MARCH – 1ST APRIL OPEN DAYS, Holgate Windmill, 11am4pm. Visit the historic and recently restored windmill on the Easter weekend. There is plenty of free parking along Acomb Road just below the snicket leading up to the mill take the number one bus from town. www. holgatewindmill.org 29TH GRAND REOPENING, Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park. The museum reopens after the winter break and returns with an exciting new exhibition ‘Feeding the Nation: A Celebration of the Women’s Land Army’. Visit www.murtonpark.co.uk FROM 29TH THE NEW DUNGEON, York Dungeon. After being closed for several months due to flooding, the Dungeon is back – complete with a makeover, new costumes, sets and scripts. The ultimate thrillfilled journey through York’s murky past with 11 shows and 70 minutes of laughter, screaming, theatre, history and special effects. It is the black comedy of attractions; dark, ironic and very funny.

Visit www.thedungeons.com/ york 30TH-31ST RIPLEY ANTIQUE FAIR, Ripley Village Hall, 9am-4pm. A quality fair with decorative antiques, pottery, porcelain, glass, paintings and much more. Call 01423 899163.

30TH MARCH – 1ST APRIL YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW, York Racecourse, 10am5pm. 120 stalls as well as demonstrations by modelling experts and lots of refreshments to enjoy.

Call 01469 531954 30TH THE LORD MAYOR’S EASTER EGG HUNT, Starting from Jorvik, 10am-1pm. Collect your treasure sheet from the Viking Centre and set out on a on a city-wide quest for chocolate. Solve the puzzles to visit six locations around York with a treat at each stop.

Call 543400.

31ST MARCH – 1ST APRIL EASTER COURTYARD CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKETS, Castle Howard, 10am-4pm. Browse over 30 stalls selling a unique range of handmade crafts and local produce. Visit www. castlehoward.co.uk

31ST MARCH-1ST APRIL EASTER EGG TRAIL, The Balloon Tree Farmshop, 9.30am-4.30pm.

Children can learn about the various fruit and vegetables grown onsite as they take a walk around the farm, following the ‘wabbit’ and answering the clues as they go. Visit www.theballoontree.co.uk

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

events

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

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events

31ST EASTER FAIR, RSPCA Animal Home, Landing Lane, 11am-3.30pm.

Meet the animals and enjoy stalls, a raffle, home-made cakes, refreshments and books. Call 654949.

31ST CHILDRENS TREASURE HUNT, Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, 11am-3pm. Enjoy a treasure hunt around the gardens of the stately home, as well as a bouncy castle and a barbeque.

Call 01347 810249.

31ST PLAGUE, POVERTY & PRAYER, Barley Hall.

The exhibition explores everyday life for the citizens of York from the Norman invasion to Tudor times, by examining unique archaeological evidence from the period. Visitors will explore interactive displays, new research, and recently excavated skeletal material to find out some of the gruesome details about illnesses and diseases from the period. Visit www. barleyhall.co.uk

1ST KIDDIES FUN DAY, Beechwood Close Hotel, 12noon-6pm. Enjoy an Easter Egg-stravagannza for the whole family including a bouncy castle, games and an Easter egg hunt. Call 658378.

1ST EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA, Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, 10am-5pm. Prepare for a day of egg-cellent family fun as you hop-to some seasonal activities. Call 489966.

2ND-14TH EASTER HOLIDAY EGGCITEMENT, Beningbrough Hall, 11am5.30pm. Make your own egg Olympian then enter the garden arena for the adventure play trail challenge.

There is also play equipment for all the family available.

Call 472027.

2ND EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY, New Earswick Bowls Club, 10.30am, 1.30pm & 6.30pm. In conjunction with City of York Council the club will be providing free fun taster sessions to encourage families to take up a sport they can all play and enjoy together.

Call 750230

APRIL

1ST-14TH EASTER HOLIDAY FUN FOR FAMILIES, York Minster, 10am-5.30pm. Get a free discovery backpack and use downloadable trails to explore with your family and visit the Storychest in the new St Nicholas Children’s Chapel.

Visit www.yorkminster.org

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2ND CONNOISSEUR CLUB, York’s Chocolate Story, 7pm. Go on a chocolate journey that will take your tastebuds round the world, sampling fine chocolates from across the globe along the way. Led by Head Chocolatier Andrew Thwaite. To book, call 0845 4989411.

2ND HOW THE MINSTER WAS BUILT, departing Museum Gardens Gates, 10.30am. A fascinating tour

by Yorkwalk around the great church to see how it was built by the medieval master masons, with a glimpse of the modern stoneyard.

Call 622303.

3RD+17TH COMEDY OPEN MIC, The Gillygate, 8.30pm. York’s only open mic night dedicated to standup comedy returns to The Gillygate. Go along and see some quality new acts, or even give it a go yourself! Visit www.cscddc.blogspot.com

4TH KNOCK KNOCK COMEDY, The Post Office Club, Marygate, 7.30pm. Sarah Pascoe headlines, hot off her turn on BBC One’s Live at The Apollo. She’ll be supported by other hilarious acts including Richard Massara.

Visit www.facebook.com/ KnockKnockComedyPresents 4TH COME DRINK AND BE MERRY! Middlethorpe hall, 5pm. Peter Brown MBE, director of York Civic Trust, will present a lecture entitled Country House Consumption from 1690 to 1840, after which there will be beer tasting presented by Jim Helsby from York Beer and Wine Shop.

Call 07974 079735.

4TH-5TH THE UGLY DUCKLING, York Central Library, 2.30-3.15pm. Enjoy Le Petit Artiste’s unique retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s famous tale. Also 9th April at Acomb Library.

Call 552828.

4TH SUPPORT MEETING, Huntington Working Mens Club, 7pm. A meeting of the York Haematology Support Group for people dealing with blood cancers, their families, friends and carers.

The guest speaker is Julie Russell from York Against Cancer. Call 330705.

6TH APRIL–30TH MAY MAKING WAVES, Kentmere House Gallery.

An exhibition featuring mixed-media paintings by John Thornton, a York-born artist.

Most of his work is inspired by the North Yorkshire coast with occasional forays to Cornwall, where he once lived.

Call 656507

6TH LATE MUSIC, St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, 7.30pm. Robert Rice, a baritone, will perform alongside William Vann on the piano. Visit www. latemusic.org 6TH IT’S IN THE BAG GIFT FAIR, The Guildhall, 10am-4pm. Expect an excellent range of gifts, crafts, and homeware all under one roof. Call 07889 899958.

6TH CHOCCY AND SWEETIE TOUR, departing from Museum Gardens Gates, 2pm. A delicious tour from Yorkwalk. Hear the history of Terrys and Rowntrees, visit chocolate and sweet shops and taste free samples. Call 622303.

7TH PLANT FAIR, Newburgh Priory, 11am4pm. Some of the north’s most passionate and prominent nurseries and plant growers provide rare, unusual, good quality and reasonably priced plants.

Call 01347 868372.

9TH-13TH THE WIZARD OF OZ, Driffield School Hall, 7.30pm. Driffield Musical Theatre presents the ever popular show which sees Dorothy transported to the magical land of Oz. It’ll be fun for the whole family.

Call 01377 270458.

10TH ACHAEOLOGICAL WALK AROUND STRENSALL, The Ship Inn, Strensall, 10am. Join the River Foss Society on this intriguing walk around the village, led by Tony Berry and Chris Dunn. Call 764702.

10TH SWITCHED ON, Designer Outlet, 10.30am4pm. Explore electric cars and other sustainable vehicles at this free family friendly event. There will be lots of prizes and competitions for budding eco-warriors, as well as a chance to test drive a Twizy electric car. Visit www. itravelyork.info 12TH-14TH VARIATIONS, Cemetery Chapel, Cemetery Road, Fri 6-9pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Ebor Ruggers present an exhibition and sale of reworked textiles.

Visit www.eborruggers.com

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events 12TH, 13TH, 14TH + 20TH & 21ST APRIL YORK OPEN STUDIOS, across York. Meet more than 60 artists and makers and view their work throughout interesting location across the city. Enjoy free entry to all the exhibitions and a chance to chat to the people behind the art. A wide variety of artists are taking part, both crafters and designers, working across a range of disciplines.

For full listings visit www. yorkopenstudios.co.uk 13TH AUCTION OF PROMISES, St Edward the Confessor’s Community Hall, Tadcaster Road, 7.30pm. Raising funds for major refurbishments to the hall. Promises and goods will be auctioned and light refreshments will be available.

Call 709111.

13TH FAMILY HISTORY FAIR, Manor School, Nether Poppleton, 10am-4pm. The City of York and District Family History Society present a day of books, postcards and maps as well as expert help and advice freely given for budding genealogists. Call 783628.

14TH WEDDING FAIR, Bedern Hall, 11am-3pm. Join them for the hall’s first ever wedding fair and be entered for a chance of winning it as your own wedding venue.

Call 653698.

17TH OPEN MEETING, Strensall and Towthorpe Village Hall, 7pm. Tanya Ayre will speak on ‘Managing the Fylingdales Moor’, at the River Foss Society annual general meeting.

Call 764702.

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17TH EBOR LECTURE, York Minster, 7pm. A lecture

by Professor Keith Ward of the University of Oxford.

The title is ‘The Rise of New Atheism’. Booking is required. Call 876474.

18TH ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY GARDEN TOUR AND LUNCHEON, Middlethorpe Hall, 10.30am3pm. An opportunity to tour Middlethorpe’s awardwinning gardens with the Head Gardener for the past 30 years, David Barker.

Call 07974 079735.

18TH GALA CONCERT, St Mary’s Church, Haxby, 7.30pm. The St Petersburg Hermitage Ensemble will perform a special concert of sacred and traditional Russian music. Call 765167.

18TH FREE VALUATION EVENT, Talbot Hotel, Malton, 11am-3pm. Take along your antiques, jewellery and general collectables and get them valued by the experts. Go along on the day and why not have afternoon tea as well?

Call 01969 623780.

19TH GLOBAL POVERTY PROJECT, Wigginton Recreation Hall, 2pm.

Haxby and Wigginton U3A present a talk by Ms Emily Graham about a vision of a world without poverty. Email bjackson27@talktalk.net

19TH ALED JONES, York Minster, 7.30pm. Loved by the nation originally for his pure treble voice Aled recently celebrated over 25 years as a household name and his career is going from strength to strength.

The Minster will serve as a wonderful place to hear the singer’s legendary voice.

Call 0844 9390011.

19TH SCANDALOUS AFFAIRS MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT AND DINNER, Middlethorpe Hall, 7pm. Guests are invited to bring with them their oldest, most obscure kitchen object or farm implement, and Mr Nowalls has accepted the challenge of identifying them all!

Call 07974 079735.

20TH-21ST YORK HEALTH AND HEALING FESTIVAL, York Racecourse, 10am-5pm. Relax and enjoy healing therapies, nutrition products, psychic mediums and live music and performances. Competitions and prizes will also be available. Call 01423 873259.

20TH-21ST THE GREAT ANTIQUES FAIR, Wetherby Racecourse, 8am5pm (9am-5pm Sun). This great fair is set in the fabulous Bramham Hall Exhibition Centre and Millennium Grandstand with numerous outside pitches. Visit www. jaguarfairs.com 20TH-21ST CHOCOLATE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION AND TASTING, Goddard’s, Tadcaster Road, 2-3.30pm.

Join York’s Chocolate Story’s team of Chocolatiers as they demonstrate some of the techniques used in the chocolate industry in the beautiful surroundings of the Terry family home. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ goddards 20TH A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES MUSICAL TRIBUTE, York Racecourse, 7.30pm. The perfect night out for movie buffs and fans of some of the greatest musical movies of all time.

Enjoy their musical tribute to the films Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever and Grease.

Call 620911.

20TH YORKWALK COACH TRIP. Join Yorkwalk on a trip to see the AngloSaxon hoard of treasures at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke on Trent.

Enjoy a presentation by the curator before moving on to the Gladstone Pottery Museum. For details of bookings, pick-up points and costs, call 622303.

21ST VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT DAY, North York Moors Railway, Pickering, 10am. This year the NYMR need volunteers with the vast multitude of skills required to run a heritage railway in the current environment.

Call 01751 472508.

21ST OPEN DAY, Blacktoft Sands, near Goole, 10am4pm. See some spectacular wildlife with the RSPB at the start of the Humber estuary.

A great chance to see some amazing birds.

Call 01405 704665.

21ST WEDDING FAIR, The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, 11am-3pm. A great chance to meet a host of suppliers who can help make your special day that little bit more special. Call 687671.

21ST ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS FAIR, Ripley Village Hall, 9.30am-4pm.

The fair has a very good mix of Antiques and Collectables and there is bound to be something for everyone.

Call 01423 899163.

21ST FLOWER POWER SPRING PLANT FAIR, Sutton Park, Sutton-onForest, 11am-4pm. This delightful house and garden have proved to be immensely popular both with gardeners and plant specialists alike.

Call 01347 810249.

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events

27TH CHARITY BALL, Royal York Hotel. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner, casino, drinks reception and live entertainment from Paula Rendall as Dame Shirley Bassey – all in aid of the worthwhile charity.

Call 780880.

22ND CLASSICO LATINO, National Centre for Early Music, 7.30pm.

Classico Latino blends the breadth and variety of Latin American music with the beauty and warmth of the classical idiom, performing with verve and virtuosity and creating a sound with extraordinary appeal to people from all cultural backgrounds. Call 658338.

26TH COMEDY NIGHT, York Racecourse. This evening’s line-up features Tim Clark, Neil Macfarlane, Chris Norton Walker and MC Kevin Shepherd. Not only that, but a curry buffet supper awaits you, plus a bar full of your favourite drinks.

Call 638971.

27TH-28TH APRIL RIPLEY ANTIQUE FAIR, Ripley Village Hall, 9am-4pm.

A quality fair with decorative antiques, pottery, porcelain, glass, paintings and much more. Call 01423 899163.

27TH-28TH FESTIVAL OF VINTAGE, York Racecourse.

Music and dance, fashion and style – from the chic 1930s to the swinging 1960s.

Enjoy some great food and shopping as well and, if you come in costume, be in for a chance of winning a cash prize. Call 0113 3458699.

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27TH MAUSOLEUM TOUR, Castle Howard.

Part of the Castle Howard Revealed series of tours, this walk will visit the mausoleum, the most mysterious and imposing building in the Castle Howard landscape.

Generations of the Howard family are buried in the vaults beneath the spectacular chapel. Call 01653 648621.

27TH HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR, York Central Library, 10am. Dr Neil Moran will conduct a historical tour around the city, on behalf of the River Foss Society. Call 764702.

28TH THE WEDDING AFFAIR, Swinton Park, 12noon-4pm. A luxury wedding fair with 50 exhibitors, VIP gift bags and lots of competitions for brides and grooms. www. theweddingaffair.co.uk 27TH BOY BAND LEGENDS, York Racecourse, 7.30pm. A night sure to have you hitting the dance floor, with our live professional singers and dancers performing hits from some of the greatest boy bands of all time, including New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, Five, Take That, Westlife, East 17, JLS, the Wanted, and One Direction. Call 620911.

MAY 1ST ROMANY WOOD UNICEF CONCERT, York Minster, 7.30pm. A performance of the children’s musical before a short poetry reading and then the project launch by Archbishop Sentamu. Visit www. yorkminster.org

27TH LEARN TO MEDITATE, York Explore Library, Museum St, 10am1pm. Basic meditation techniques will be explained on this simple, practical course. Ideal for those wishing to start a regular meditation practice or to refresh and strengthen their meditations.

Call 01759 304832.

2ND KNOCK KNOCK COMEDY, The Post Office Club, Marygate, 7.30pm. Andrew Ryan headlines, supported by other hilarious acts including Simon D Heaven. Visit www.facebook.com/ KnockKnockComedyPresents

27TH FARROW AND BALL OPEN DAY, Style Flooring of York, Heworth, 10am-3pm. Meet experts from the luxury paint company and enter a prize draw. Goody bags for the first 50 customers. Call 289266.

3RD-12TH SPRING STEAM GALA, North York Moors Railway, Pickering.

Their 40th anniversary celebrations will feature demonstration goods trains, Grosmont to Goathland Local Trains and lots more.

Visit the railway during this ten day event and take part in a celebration of locomotives that have contributed to the history of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Visit www.nymr.co.uk

3RD-6TH HARROGATE ANTIQUE AND FINE ART FAIR, Harrogate International Centre. Explore the range of antique furniture, porcelain, silver and paintings. There will be something to interest everyone. Visit www. harrogateantiquefair.com 5TH YO1 FESTIVAL, The Knavesmire. Radio 1 favourites Rudimental will headline the five stage event, with scrumptious food, a micro ale festival, street theatre and children’s entertainment sure to make it a fun day out for all the family.

Plus, York Does Vintage will lend an air of elegance to proceedings!

Visit www.yo1events.co.uk 4TH-6TH DALES FESTIVAL OF FOOD AND DRINK, Leyburn, Wensleydale (DL8 5SG), 10am-5pm. Discover new and interesting traders to delight your taste buds. The popular beer tent is run by Daleside Brewery who will be producing a special Festival Ale for the event.

Call 07909 586358.

4TH LATE MUSIC, St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, 7.30pm. Rosalind Ventris and Lara Dodds-Eden perform.

Visit www.latemusic.org 5TH ROGATION SUNDAY, St Mary’s Church, Haxby, 3pm. Join in a short rogation walk in Haxby with stops at significant village features for hymns, readings and prayers. A special service in the church will take place at 4pm. Call 765167.

6TH DRIFFIELD VINTAGE FAIR AND FUN DAY, Driffield Showground.

Prepare to enjoy vintage clothing, memorabilia, classic cars and motorcycles, as well as a vintage tea room, dog show and fitness and dance displays. Call 07950 255577.

6TH MAY DAY FAIR, Low Green, Copmanthorpe, 12noon. A wide variety of stalls, rides, refreshments and music. Email copstreetf@ aol.com 8TH COURTYARD CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKETS, Castle Howard, 10am-4pm. Browse over 30 stalls selling a unique range of handmade crafts and local produce in the stunning stately home grounds. Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk 11TH YORK GLUTENFREE FAYRE, The Bar Convent. Visit this massive gluten-free event in the wonderful surroundings of the convent. Exhibition spaces are still available.

Call 464907.

12TH THE WEDDING AFFAIR, The Royal York Hotel, 12noon-4pm. A luxury wedding fair with 40 exhibitors, displaying the finest wedding fare. Visit www.theweddingaffair.co.uk

12TH CLASSIC CAR RALLY, Burton Agnes Hall, 11am5pm. The Cambridge-Oxford Owners’ Club will be showcasing vintage, classic and thoroughbred vehicles in the grounds of the spectacular stately home.

During the event, visitors are also invited to enjoy the beautiful spring flowering walled garden, and the glorious Elizabethan Hall will be open to explore. Call 01262 490324.

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YORK 20 & 21 April 2013 10.00am to 5.00pm each day

York Racecourse Knavesmire Stand YO23 1EX 95 Exhibition Stands including: ✿ Therapy Sessions ✿ Psychic Mediums & Artists ✿ Retail Therapy, Gifts, Books, CDs ✿ Health & Nutrition Products ✿ Live Music & Dance performances ✿ Inspiring talks & Demonstrations including Live demo of “Walking on broken glass”

Guest Speaker ✿ Sandy Newbigging – Author & Creator of the Mind Detox Method

FREE PRIZE DRAWS & lots more ...

Adults: £4.50 Conces sions: £3.50

✿ Refre shments ✿ Disab led Acc ess ✿ Free P arking

For further information see

www.healthhealingfestivals.co.uk or Tel: 01423 873259

H&H 2013 York 8pp A5.indd 1

8 - YORK HEALTH & HEALING

22/02/2013 15:35

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Theatre Royal

Panto Tickets 2013/14

now on

sale!

No they’re not! Yes they are!

Buy your tickets for Aladdin and the Twankeys, written by and starring Berwick Kaler, from the Box Office now. Call 623568

Theatre

Theatre Royal To book: 623568.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) – Revised (5th-6th April)

Auditions are taking place throughout April.

Find out more in the Culture Column, or call 635755.

Evita (16th-20th April) Pick Me Up Theatre present the York Premiere of the classic musical Evita. The story follows the life of Argentine political leader Eva Peron, the second wife of Argentinian president Juan Peron, her early life and rise to power, charity work and eventual death from cancer at the age of 33.

Read our interview at the beginning of the events section!

GUYS AND DOLLS (24th-27th April)

The Reduced Shakespeare Company present the original play that launched a thousand reductions, and was also the longest running comedy in London’s West End! All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes, now revised for 2013.

iShandy (11th April – 11th May) Very loosely based on the novel by Laurence Sterne, the new play sees members of a teachers’ Book Club meet to discuss the latest ambitious read in their season of Yorkshire classics, the insurmountable Tristram Shandy. However, this is no ordinary cosy night in with a good book as the evening takes some extraordinary twists and turns.

Angels & Insects 11th April – 4th May) An Amazonian explorer and entomologist, returning home shipwrecked and penniless to Victorian England, is taken in by a wealthy aristocrat.

Whilst employed to catalogue his benefactor’s collection of insects, he falls in love with the beautiful and mysterious daughter of the household.

New Earswick Musical Society presents the popular tale of Nathan Detroit on the tough streets of 1930s New York. Hear the classic songs such as Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat. To book: 0844 8700877

The Mousetrap (6th-11th May)

TIP TOP DANCE (9th-11th May)

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst.

Who can it be?

A lively show featuring different forms of dance, from tap to modern and ballet to Irish. The performance will be staged by pupils of the Evelyn Witcomb School of Dance. The dancers are aged between four and 70 and promise a memorable evening!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (13th-18th May) Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they had ever dreamed of.

Grand Opera House To book: 0844 8713024.

New Jersey Nights (2nd-4th May) Featuring four great singers, perfect harmonies, stylised costumes, a rocking live band and amazing dancers, Jersey Nights delivers all of the Four Seasons hits.

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND (14th-18th May) Based on the 1961 film Whistle Down the Wind with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The plot follows the lives of three Lancashire farm children who discover a fugitive hiding in their barn.

Joseph Rowntree Theatre To book: 623568.

TRIAL BY JURY (6th April)

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Blood and Chocolate, the Theatre Royal’s next big community show, needs you!

Jorvik Gilbert & Sullivan present the classic show, along with a selection of Gilbert & Sullivan favourites. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ME AND MY GIRL (9th-13th April) This lively and fun rags-to-riches tale from York Musical Theatre Company tells the tale of cheeky and loveable cockney Bill Snibson as he discovers he’s the heir to an earldom.

York Barbican Rapunzel (7th-8th April) Join Rapunzel and her prince in this wonderful, all new, professional production of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy-tale; starring a host of famous TV stars, a full supporting cast and an amazing live band!

Call 0844 8542757.

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Basement: 612940 Black Swan Folk Club: 679131 The National Centre For Early Music: 658338

Barbican: 0844 8542757.

Pocklington Arts Centre: 0175 9301547 The Duchess: 641413 Fibbers: 651250 BARBICAN 4 Micky Flanagan 12 Mick Hucknall 13 Grimethorpe Colliery Band 23 Michael Ball 27 The Rat Pack Live BASEMENT 1 Please Please You Presents Conquering Animal Sound 5 Club Blimp 6 Coquette 7 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club 8 Please Please You Presents Dolfish 12 Mark Wynn 13 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club 20 Hyena Saturday Night Lounge 23 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club 24 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club

26 Please Please You Present Alessi’s Ark 27 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club 28 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club 29 Please Please You Presents Sweet Baboo 30 Dr Sketchy’s - Anti Art School BLACK SWAN FOLK CLUB 4 Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby 11 Singers & Musicians Night 18 Pete Morton & Roger Wilson 25 Tim Edey FIBBERS 5 Bob Log & Scott H Biram 6 … And The Hangnails 7 Muffinz Power Quartet 8 Page 44

10 Skid Row 11 Tracer 12 The Glass Caves 13 Missing Andy 16 Pere Ubu 17 Kate Nash 19 Drowning Pool 20 Stonewater 25 Little Comets 26 Cash 27 The Floyd Effect 28 Hope & Social NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC 5-6 The Sixteen and Harry Christophers 6 Quay Voices in York 12-13 The Sixteen and Harry Christophers

Film guide

Oblivion. Tom Cruise is 51 – we’ll just let that sink in for a moment. It seems that age is no barrier for the short Scientologist, as he’s at it again, being a bally action hero in the far flung future. This time round Tom is a sci-fi repairman, scuttling around a barren Earth – which has been deserted in the wake of an alien attack, 60 years previously. Tom flies around destroyed landscapes and buildings, fixing drones and generally looking cool. But one day he rescues a young girl, whose spaceship has crash landed, and things start to turn really sour…

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All Things to All Men. If tough, gritty, British crime capers are thing, you’ll love this. Toby Stephens plays a professional thief who is hired to pull off a massive heist in the capital and finds himself at odds with squintyeyed cop Rufus Sewell. Adding to the young thief’s problems is Corso, a dangerous crime-lord played by Irish actor Gabriel Byrne, who piles on the pressure in this stylish thriller. We can’t be sure, but we’re pretty certain at some point someone will be called a “mug” in a biting cockney accent.

12 The Outside Track 16 Johanna Juhola 19 The Sixteen and Harry Christophers 20 Come and Play: The Gamelan 22 Classico Latino 25 Tom McRae 26 Moishe’s Bagel 27 NCEM Composers Award 2013

17 Martyn Joseph 18 David Knopfler 20 Spiers & Boden 21 King Charles 22 Gaz Coombes 23 Paul Rose 26 Deborah Bonham 27 Paul Brady 28 Martin Stephenson POCKLINGTON ARTS CENTRE 4 Chris Ramsey 5 From The Jam – Acoustic 6 Ruby Turner 13 Edwyn Collins 25 Patrick Monahan 29 Royal Opera House Live: Nabucco

THE DUCHESS 4 Al Lewis 6 Blackbeards Tea Party 8 Peatbog Faeries 10 Fossil Collective 12 Smoove & Turrell 13 Peace 15 BoxSmash 16 Ryan Keen

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

Iron Man 3. There’s a superhero film out most months, and April is no exception. This is the third instalment in the Iron Man franchise, which has seen billionaire playboy Tony Stark (Robert Downy Jr.) don a super-suit of mechanised madness and do battle with bad ‘uns. Also starring Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley, this second sequel forces Stark to go on a journey of revenge after the life he knows is shattered by a malignant enemy.

We’ve interviewed Ben Kingsley’s son, which means – albeit indirectly – that we’ve basically hugged and high-fived Iron Man. We rock.

A Late Quartet. On the eve

Quartet features some fantastic acting from some heavy-weight performers and a wealth of wonderful music.

The Look of Love. A host of top British talent make up the cast for this biopic about the life of Paul Raymond, the controversial entrepreneur who became Britain’s richest man. Steve Coogan takes the main role, sharing the screen with Anna Friel, Stephen Fry, Matt Lucas and many other famous faces. The film tells the story of the man who began a media empire by publishing… ahem… cheeky magazines. This should be a funny, if a little risqué, tale of jealousy, greed and third pages.

of a world renowned string quartet’s 25th anniversary season, their cellist (played by Christopher Walken) is diagnosed with the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. When he announces he wishes to make the upcoming season his last, his three colleagues (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mark Ivanir and Catherine Keener) find themselves at a crossroad. A Late

BARNITTS The home & garden store. est 1896 | 24-26 colliergate, york | Tel: 01904 625601

Saturday 27 April 2013 Royal York Hotel In aid of

BARNITTS The home & garden store. est 1896 | 24-26 colliergate, york | Tel: 01904 625601

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events

The Balloon Tree Farmshop, Gate Helmsley. The award winning farmshop and cafe have been growing soft fruit and vegetables for over 20 years. Pick your own or buy ready picked. 01759 373023.

PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM PARK, The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Grange, 10am-5pm. Animal petting, crazy farm golf, obstacle course, ride-on tractor rides, pedal go-carts and much more. www.thefarmerscart.co.uk 499183.

QUILT MUSEUM AND GALLERY, Peasholme Green. Britain’s first museum dedicated to quilt making and textile arts. www.quiltmuseum.org.uk 613242.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS BY BIKE. Explore York by bike, with all equipment provided. www.scootcyclingholidays. co.uk 720003.

Days Out and attract ions Fancy a day out in York or further afield?

These attractions are very attractive.

YORK AND SURROUNDING AREAS

CLIFFORD’S TOWER, Eye of York, Open daily, 10am-6pm. Set in the heart of York, this imposing tower is almost all that remains of York Castle, which was originally built by William the Conqueror. 646940.

DOG WALKS, throughout Yorkshire.

Your guide to dog-friendly walking in the Yorkshire countryside. www.dogwalksyorkshire.com Edge Events Function Rooms, Wentworth College, The University of York. Open to members of the public looking to book a private party venue to celebrate that special event without breaking the bank. Call 323012.

F1 Racing, JMD Raceway, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross. Racing and go-kart hire throughout the day – perfect for old and young speedsters. 673555.

FAIRFAX HOUSE, Castlegate. Unlock the splendour of the finest Georgian town house in England. www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk 655543.

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The York Cocoa House, Blake Street. Chocolate workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities. www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM, Leeman Road, 10am-6pm daily. This free family attraction is the biggest railway museum in the world.

Lots to see and do. www.nrm.org.uk THE BAR CONVENT, Blossom Street.

England’s oldest convent, founded in 1686,w now a museum. www.bar-convent.org.uk 643238.

YORK CASTLE MUSEUM, Eye of York. One of Britain’s leading museums, it shows how people used to live by recreating rooms, shops, streets – and even prison cells. www. yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk 687687.

BARLEY HALL, 2 Coffee Yard, off Stonegate.

A stunning medieval house. www.barleyhall.org.uk 610275.

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, Beningbrough.

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, Beningbrough. A spectacular stately home, with fun for the whole family. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbroughhall.472027.

TREASURER’S HOUSE, Minster Yard. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this historic house before you relax in the tearooms. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 624247.

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM AND GARDENS. Museum Street. The ten-acre botanical Museum Gardens, GODDARD’S, Tadcaster Road. Visit the around the Yorkshire Museum. www. former home of Noel Goddard Terry, of yorkshiremuseum.org.uk 687687. the famous York chocolate-making firm, YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM, Elvington.

Terry’s of York. www.nationaltrust.org.

The largest independent air museum uk/goddards in Britain and is also the location of HOLGATE WINDMILL, Windmill Rise, Holgate. Open some weekends to visitors. www.holgatewindmill.org JORVIK, Coppergate. Experience life in Viking York as you meet the inhabitants on your journey through reconstructed Viking streets inspired by the famous dig of the 1970s. www.jorvik-viking-centre. co.uk 543403.

MERCHANT ADVENTURERS’ HALL, Fossgate. Set in beautiful gardens in the centre of historic York, the hall is a fully functioning museum, wedding and hospitality venue. www.theyorkcompany.co.uk 654818.

MURTON PARK, Murton. A thriving 16 acre site with events and activities throughout the year. www.murtonpark.co.uk 489966.

NEWGATE MARKET. Everything you could every possibly need – all at incredible bargain prices.

07887 754455.

The Allied Air Forces Memorial. www. yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk 608595.

YORK COLD WAR BUNKER. Acomb Road. Enter the blast-proof doors and investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage. 646940.

YORK DUNGEONS, Clifford Street.

Reopening at Easter with fantastically frightening new sets and attractions. www.the-dungeons.co.uk/york 632599.

YORKWALK, Museum Garden Gates, Museum Street. A wide range of tours with several taking place every day.

Special autumn walks now available. www.yorkwalk.co.uk 622303. york MANSION HOUSE, St Helen’s Square. Regular house tours lasting around an hour run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm between March and Christmas. www.mansionhouseyork.com 552036.

YORK MINSTER. Deangate Learn about the Minster’s Eight Wonders and discover what makes the iconic structure so magnificent. wonders. yorkminster.org 0844 9390015.

YORK’S CHOCOLATE STORY, King’s Square. See chocolate come to life and hear generations of chocolate secrets. www.yorkschocolatestory.com 08454 989411.

YORK RACECOURSE, Knavesmire Road. More than just a racecourse, they also host regular music and comedy nights. www.yorkracecourse.co.uk 620911.

YORK CITY SIGHTSEEING, Exhibition Square. Enjoy a live guided Heritage Tour, Family Fun and Multilingual Tours and travel on Terrible Tales – the grisly stories of York.

634296.

YORK BOAT, Lendal Bridge Landing, throughout the day. An entertaining and informative river cruise. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink from the bar and rest your feet. www.yorkboat.co.uk YORK GLIDING CENTRE, The Aerodrome, Rufforth. Learn how to fly, or book a special glider ride gift for a friend of family member. Call 738694.

EVERY NIGHT GHOST TRAIL OF YORK, West Doors of York Minster. Dare you cross the centuries and discover York’s spinechilling history? 633276.

YORK TERROR TRAIL, Starts at The Golden Fleece Inn. A tour of the historical horrors of York’s 1900 year history, told by an array of colourful characters. www.yorkterrortrail.co.uk

EVERY SUNDAY GIANT CAR BOOT SALE, Wigginton.

Established for 22 years. 768463.

EVERY MONDAY SELBY MARKET, Selby town centre.

Bargains galore at the well-established market. 07808 768186.

HELMSLEY BYLAND ABBEY, Coxwold. Byland Abbey is the perfect place to stop if you’re walking or cycling in the North York Moors National Park. www.englishheritage.org.uk 01347 868614.

DALBY FOREST DRIVE AND VISITOR CENTRE, Low Dalby.

Activities and events running throughout the year. www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest DUNCOMBE PARK, Helmsley. The spectacular gardens are open to visitors, as is the surrounding parkland. www. duncombepark.com 01439 772625.

NUNNINGTON HALL, Helmsley.

Picturesque Yorkshire manor house with organic garden and exciting exhibitions. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01439 748283.

RIEVAULX ABBEY, Helmsley. Learn about the monks in medieval times and how they devoted their lives to spiritual matters. www.english-heritage.org.uk 01439 798228.

BARNITTS The home & garden store. est 1896 | 24-26 colliergate, york | Tel: 01904 625601

THE TIME MACHINE, Beech Avenue, Harrogate. The largest and best indoor play and party centre in Harrogate. www.childrenstimemachine.co.uk 01423 816111.

RIPON CAMP HILL, Kirklington, Bedale. The north’s leading and award winning Corporate Event and Outdoor Adventure destination. www.camphill. co.uk 01845 567788.

YORKSHIRE DALES BOLTON CASTLE, Leyburn.

One of the country’s best preserved medieval castles. www.boltoncastle.co.uk 01969 623981.

BEECH END INTERACTIVE MODEL VILLAGE. Commercial Square, Leyburn. Unique amongst model villages, it combines fascinating visual detail with interactive fun.

01969 625400.

FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL, Ripon. Every day there are tours and demonstrations of what life was like in the medieval abbey. www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 01765 608888.

SCARBOROUGH BETTON FARM VISITOR CENTRE, East Ayton. A thriving little farm and working community dedicated to your pleasure and interest. www.bettonfarm.co.uk 01723 863143.

PEASHOLM PARK, North Bay, Scarborough. Take a boat trip around the beautiful surroundings of Peasholm Park. www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com 01723 383636.

English garden. www.falconrycentre. co.uk 01845 587522.

MALTON CASTLE HOWARD. The magnificent house and gardens at Castle Howard contain many surprises. Enjoy tours on a variety of subjects, including architecture and restoration. www.castlehoward. co.uk 01653 648444.

SCARBOROUGH CASTLE, Castle Road. With over 2,500 years of turbulent history behind it, Scarborough Castle is a great day out. www.englishheritage.org.uk 01723 372451.

THIRSK MONK PARK FARM VISITOR CENTRE, Bagby, Thirsk. A varied collection of both outdoor and indoor Feeding Areas where you can see lots of animals. www.monkpark.co.uk 01845 597730.

THE WORLD OF JAMES HERRIOT, Kirkgate. Step back in time and experience the life of James Herriot. www.worldofjamesherriot.org 01845 524234.

THE BIRD OF PREY CENTRE, Sion Hall Hill, Kirby Wiske. Eagles, falcons, hawks and owls will swoop and dive around you as you sit in a beautiful

THE YORKSHIRE LAW AND ORDER MUSEUMS, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon. The story of the Liberty Courthouse, Prison and Victorian Workhouse. www. riponmuseums.co.uk 01765 690799.

ROBIN HOOD’S BAY, Near Whitby.

There is much more to Robin Hood’s Bay than initially meets the eye. www. robin-hoods-bay.co.uk 01947 880021.

THE DRACULA EXPERIENCE, 9 Marine Parade, Whitby. A unique tour through the Dracula story and the connection to Whitby. www.draculaexperience.co.uk 01723 501016.

SCARBOROUGH ART GALLERY, The Crescent, Scarborough. An exciting mixture of treasures including paintings and exhibitions. www.scarboroughartgallery.co.uk 01723 374753.

THE ROTUNDA MUSEUM, Vernon Road, Scarborough. Dinosaurs in Yorkshire? Get hands on and learn geology skills. www.rotundamuseum.org. uk 01723 374839.

NEWBY HALL, Ripon. An enchanting woodland walk and a miniature railway, and the exciting adventure gardens. www.newbyhall.com 0845 4504068.

WHITBY

SCARBOROUGH SEA LIFE CENTRE, Scalby Mills Road. All kinds of sealife from the curious and the rescued to the rare and the enigmatic.

01723 376125.

STAINTONDALE SHIRE HORSE FARM VISITOR CENTRE, Staintondale. The farm is set in 40 acres of idyllic coastline and is enjoyed by people of all ages. www.shirehorsefarm. co.uk 01723 870458.

LIGHTWATER VALLEY, North Stainley. Escape to Lightwater Valley and discover the excitement of a day bursting with thrills. www. lightwatervalley.co.uk 0870 458 0040.

EDEN CAMP, Malton. One of the largest and most comprehensive museums covering British military and social history. www.edencamp.co.uk 01653 697777.

FLAMINGOLAND, Kirby Misperton, Malton. Enjoy a day out at the theme park and animal sanctuary. www.flamingoland.co.uk 0870 7528000.

HARROGATE RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR, Crag Lane, Harrogate. A garden dominated by water, stone and woodland. www.rhs.org.uk 01423 565418.

RIPLEY CASTLE, Harrogate. A fascinating and entertaining day out in a beautiful location with memorable surroundings. www.ripleycastle.co.uk 01423 770152.

ROYAL PUMP ROOM MUSEUM, Crown Place, Harrogate. Relax whilst exploring Harrogate’s spa history on the site of Europe’s strongest sulphur well. www.harrogate.gov.uk 01423 556188.

WHITBY ABBEY. Abbey Lane. Set on a headland high over the popular seaside town, Whitby Abbey is the perfect choice for a great value day trip. www.english-heritage.org.uk 01947 603568.

PICKERING NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY, Pickering Station. The steam train takes the tourists on a journey from Pickering to Grosmont. www. northyorkshiremoorsrailway.com 01751 472508.

NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK. Superb natural history and a variety of unique places to visit. www. northyorkmoors.org.uk 01439 770657.

RYEDALE FOLK MUSEUM, Hutton le Hole. A beautiful open-air museum and a wonderful place to visit. www.ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk 01751 417 367.

PICKERING CASTLE. Castlegate.

Discover how this splendid 13th century castle was used throughout the centuries.www.english-heritage.org.uk 01751 474989.

THE FORBIDDEN CORNER, The Tupgill Park Estate, Coverdale.

The Forbidden Corner is full of strange things. www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk 01969 640638.

THORP PERROW ARBORETUM, Bedale. 100 acres of beautiful woodland walks, trails and glades to explore. www. thorpperrow.com 01677 425323.

SKIPTON SKIPTON CASTLE. High Street. Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. www. skiptoncastle.co.uk 01756 792442.

FILEY CRESCENT GARDENS, The Crescent, Filey. Stroll through the Crescent Gardens as you take in the stunning views across the bay. 01723 383636.

GLEN GARDENS, West Avenue, Filey.

These fantastic gardens offer the perfect retreat for family picnics. www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com 01723 383636.

THE MEMORIAL GARDENS, Murray Street, Filey. These gardens are in an ideal location to relax with lunch as you watch the world go by. www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com 01723 383636.

HULL THE DEEP, Hull. This award-winning visitor attraction is home to over 3,500 fish including spectacular sharks and rays. www.thedeep.co.uk BLACKTOFT SANDS, near Goole.

Spectacular wildlife at the start of the Humber estuary. 01405 704665.

FURTHER AFIELD DIGGERLAND, Castleford. Diggerland allows both adults and children to go crazy with mechanised madness.

0871 2277007.

BARNITTS The home & garden store. est 1896 | 24-26 colliergate, york | Tel: 01904 625601

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g Eg

-straordinary Two weeks off school, a lot of chocolate and a battered pair of bunny ears. How can Easter be even better this year? We’ve had some ideas…

Not only rabbits hop

Painting eggs might be a traditional activity, symbolising rebirth and fertility, but what to do with them when you’re finished? Sure, you can give one to Aunt Audrey as a gift, but wouldn’t you rather have some fun instead? Egg rolling is an activity where competitors chuck their brightly decorated eggs along the ground, with the winner being the one whose egg rolls the farthest without cracking.

Or how about a bit of jarping? What, you’ve never heard of it? Egg jarping is essentially conkers with eggs!

Players tap their eggs together, with the surviving egg jarper moving onto the next round. It’s messier than conkers, but definitely worth a play.

The Hop-Egg, an Easter tradition introduced by the Saxons in the fifth century, is a merry dance set amongst dozens of eggs laid upon the floor. The object is to dance over the eggs without breaking any, and is probably best practiced outside. In the middle ages the Hop-Egg would be danced by couples who, if managing it without any eggy splats, would be betrothed to be married. How about a bit of Gangnam Style on the patio over a dozen fresh eggs?

Now that’s one we’d like to see on YouTube.

The Hunt for Red Egg-tober Planning an Easter egg hunt but wanting to put a fresh spin on it? Wait until after dark, arm the kiddies with torches and let them loose about the house and garden. Scrambling around in the dark will add an exciting edge to the traditional hunt, especially if you get creative with where you hide the eggs. How about a series of clues to lead the intrepid explorers to their bounty or even a treasure map? If you have children of different ages and searching abilities, you could set each child on a separate hunt, with colourcoded eggs for each of them. That way the toddlers won’t be beaten to the prizes by the older kids.

easter Weekend FUn Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2013

Traditional Easter Fair | Themed Woodland Trail | ‘Meet’ Molly the Rabbit | Face Painting | ‘Lamb National’ Sheep Racing | Sheepdog Displays | Children’s Illustrated Trail Booklet | Adventure Playground All activities included in the admission price. Open daily from 10am. www.castlehoward.co.uk Telephone 01653 648333 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

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Listings highlighted? view these advertisers online at www.yourlocallink.co.uk Accountancy services Hare & Co 31 McGlincheys Chartered Accountants 30 Aerials ADI Communication 111 Aerial Man 110 Aerial Services 110 BLTV 110 DBS Aerials 110 ABC Aerials 111 Aerial Solutions 110 Insight Aerials 111 York Home Cinema 110 Attractions/events/ shows Farmers Cart 91 ITravel York 95 Newgate Market 101 Barley Hall 95 Burton Agness 97 Evelyn Witcombe School of Dance 97 Evita 95 Family History Fair 97 Georgina Grace Trust 103 Grand Opera House 93 Grand Opera House 101 Grand Opera House 99 Harrogate Antiques & Fine Art Fair 93 National Centre for Early Music 93 New Earswick Bowls Club 97 New Earswick Musical Society 97 North Yorks Moors Railway 99 Sutton Park 97 Tennants 91 Wigginton Car Boot 95 YO1 Festival 101 YO1 Festival 103 York Health & Healing Festival 99 York Minster 4 York Museums Trust 1 York Open Studios 91 York Racecourse 97 York Theatre Royal 91 Yorkshire Craft Fairs 101 Yorkshire Museum Of Farming 93 Yorkwalk 91 Bathroom/tiles/ kitchens BMS Kitchens 63 Direct Tile & Stone Importers 11 Richard James Hand Made Kitchens & Interiors 4 Watermark 15 York Kitchens 6 Buywell Interiors Ltd 64 Dream Doors 9 Howarth Timber 29 White Rose Interiors 67 York Bathrooms 7 Bedrooms Moonlight Bedrooms 25 Blinds AA Blinds 71

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Style Flooring of York 17 Charities Age Concern (Befriending) 61 MS Society York Branch 61 York Family Mediation Service 61 Parkinsons UK 61 Childrens Activities Bright World (Host Families) 55 CYC Family Information Service 56 Henrietta Rabbit 5 Little Green Rascals 60 Tennis Tykes 57 York Montessori Nursery 55 Carol Saunders Swim School 57 City of York Council (Libraries) 54 Paddles and Giggles 59 PCSD 55 Stagecoach Theatre Arts School 59 Yearsley Pool 55 Chimney Sweeps Dave The Sweep 114 Cleaning/Ironing A&M Cleaning 113 Dolly Char 113 ADream Clean 113 Claires Cleaning Services 113 Julies Cleaning 114 Live Your Ideal Life 114 Lynda Starkey Cleaning 114 Maid 2 Clean 114 Top 2 Bottom Cleaning 114 Clubs/groups Connections Introductions 32 Main Street Sound 27 Computers/Web Design The Cybermill 21 Aldwark Computers 31 Critical It 30 G Tec 7 GF Computer Services 31 We R Your IT 5 York PC Solutions 31 Concrete suppliers A1 Concrete Harrogate 24 Curtains/Soft furnishings Blinds & Curtains By Mark Harrison 73 Carolines Curtains 69 Christine Alker Curtains & Blinds 18 Cycling I Travel York 1 Peter Coombes Cycles 20 Get Cycling 8 Dance Classes Zumba Fitness with Jane Bailey 45 Decorators Alan Kitson 115 Gary Goscinski Decorators 115 Gary Roe Painter & Decorator 115 JW Decorating 115 Mr & Mrs Painting & Decorating 115

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Rock n Stone York Ltd 76 Rowan Tree Garden Design 76 Signature Landscaping 29 The Family Tree 83 Yorskapes 83 Your Local Gardening Service 77 AJ Lawn Care 76 Andrew Kent 81 Ascot Fencing 75 BATA Country Store 52 Browns Nursery 82 Bryan Dale Gardening and Landscaping 79 Castle’s Garden Care 78 CYC Waste Strategy 74 David Smith Garden Centre 81 Foss Feeds 75 Future Landscapes 77 Future Power Washing 78 Gooch Gardens 82 Horse Manure 4 Sale 83 Howarth Timber 26 Lawns for Lifestyles 80 Lewis Tree Surgery 81 Mick Lambert Landscaping 75 Newburgh Priory 79 Paradise Gardens 79 Paradise Gardens 77 RH Smith 83 Sandalwood Gates 75 SRB Fencing 77 T & T Fencing and decking 83 Top Soil 4 Sale 83 Trevor Smith Landscaping 77 Waterdale Landscapes 78 Wykeham Mature Plants 79 York Get Growing 75 York Sawmill 83 Gates/railings PVC UK 17 PVC UK 80 SR Fabrications 75 Guttering Rawcliffe Guttering Solutions 117 Heworth Guttering 116 Handypeople Able Handyman Services 117 Can-Be-Asked 117 DIY Guy 117 Handy Al 117 Colin Goodyear 117 Handyman Services 117 Hire a Handyman 112 Home Maintenance 117 House & Garden Handyman 117 Minster Property Maintenance 117 My Handyman (Ian Parkyn) 117 Health & Beauty Bannatynes Health Club 46 Beauty Bar One 43 Beautycare 42 Crystal Clear 42 Crystal Clear York 48-49 Footcare Works 44 Freestyle Hair Salon 44 Kuki Hair And Beauty Spa York 39 Ludwicks 47 Physio Function 45 Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs 47 Angie Doig-Thorne 38 Bespoke Dentures 43 Changing Faces Dentist 40 FACE etc 41 Fern Osteopathic 49

Fit Feet (York) 41 Liberty Hair and Beauty 45 Lisa Clifford 45 Little Green Bee 44 Live Your Ideal Life 15 Madhyaamaka Centre 42 Mirror / Mirror Hair Salon 45 Nails By Alex 47 Nails of Beauty by Janice 42 Paulines Hair & Beauty 41 Yoga In York 42 York Yoga Studio 2 Ironing Creases Away Ironing Services 114 Louise Taylor 114 The Ironing Company 114 Joinery Cass Joinery 118 JDS Joinery and Property Services 118 Michael Mcfarland Joinery 118 Paul Bartnett Joinery 118 Wood `n All 118 Armstrong Joinery 118 Carl Winn Joinery 118 G Tasker Joinery 4 John Lee Joinery 118 Lewis Joinery 118 MSB Joinery 118 Paul Meillam Joinery 118 Phoenix Joinery 118 SM Maintenance 118 York Door Services 118 Locks/Security/ Alarms Access All Locks 119 Afford a Lock 119 All Locksmith Repairs 119 Keep Safe Window & Door Repairs 118 Lockfix Security 119 Loft conversions Yorkshire loft Conversions 69 Mobility/hearing/ care Bayliss Mobility 61 Forward Mobility 61 Home Instead Senior Care 127 MV Mobility 61 St Johns House 61 Motor parts/ services Atlas Auto Services 35 Dead or Alive Motorcycles 34 Hometune 35 Ivinson Autos 34 Leeman Road Auto Services 35 Quattro Autocare 34 U Pull It 35 What Tyres 35 York Vehicle Test Centre 37 Abbott Welding Supplies 37 Auto Services 37 Automotive Solutions 34 Birch Park Vehicle Test Centre 34 Central Body Repairs 35 Dave Woods Motorcycles 37 HP Maintenance 35 JJB Motors 35 Maltings Off Road 36 North Yorkshire Motors 34 Osbaldwick Motors 37 Paint X 37 The MOT Shop 37 Wigginton Car Repairs 35 Wills & Ellis 36

Optomerist Ruth Perrott 57 Oven Cleaning Ultra Clean 114 Cookerburra 114 Kitchen Rescue Ltd 114 Pest Control Huntcatchkill 77 Pet Care 4 Positive Paws 53 Alisons Dog Grooming 52 BATA Country Store 26 Battle Flatts Veterinary Group 53 Kute k9s & Kats 52 Minster Vets 52 PetStay 53 Priority Pets 53 Sweeney Dog Ltd 53 Top Dog Grooming 53 Phone repairs Ipod Repair Team 20 Picture framing Steve Garnett 18 Plastering Colin Hardgrave 119 Paul Bell Plastering 119 Atkinsons Plastering 119 Ernie Jeffrey & Reese Plastering 119 Paul Hunt Plasterer 119 Paul Sellars Plastering 119 Will Neary Plastering 119 Plumbing/heating 1A Rapid Response 119 Biogreen Solutions Ltd 119 Colin Bell Plumbing & heating ltd 121 DJC Plumbing 121 George C Stone Plumbing & Heating 121 Glen Plumbing & Electrics 119 Hurrells Plumbing & heating 121 Joe Dallin Gas Fitting & Central Heating 120 Radtek Heating 3 S Williams Plumbing & Heating 121 Scurr Heating 121 The Direct Boiler Co 7 Websters Plumbing Services 121 Yorkshire Central Plumbing 120 All Cisterns Go 120 BPH Services 120 David Kaloczi Plumbing 120 Gas Servicing 121 GPE Services 121 GW Plumbing 120 Haxby Plumbing and heating 119 JDP Plumbing 121 Ken Hamilton Plumber and Tiler 121 Luke Mitchell Plumbing 120 Nunthorpe Services 120 Pipe solutions Plumbing Svs 121 Poppleton Plumbing & Heating 121 Skelton Plumbing Services 121 T Whitelam Plumbing & Heating 121 Tom Plumb 121 TP Plumbing 121 Pointing All Points 112 Grove Property Repairs 112 Printing/design Calicocow 59

Link Print 30 Print Solutions 25 Recycling York Recycling 82 Removals/Storage A2B 121 2 Anywhere 121 A1 Vans 121 CDG Removals & Clearance 121 Mr Shifter 122 Ridings Removals 122 Renewable energy Peak Power systems 68 Roofing Advanced Roofing 122 Elite Roofing 122 Flat Roof Company 69 Flat Roof Company 122 J Foster & Son Building/ Roofing/Joinery 122 John Pletts Roofing 122 N Malarkey Roofing 122 Roofs Above 122 York Fibreglass Roofs 123 Able Roofing (York) 122 Future roofs 123 Ian Young Roofing 122 Mark Winters Lead Work 122 Neil Innes Roofing 122 Shops/stores Barnitts 88-89 Bishopgate Antiques 15 Blue Moon trading 23 Crispians 28 Kingstown Associates Limited 28 Macdonalds 83 Mini Figures & Bricks 60 Paul Dawson (York) Ltd 3 Records & CD’s Wanted 97 Supersave 20 The Corner Stitch 25 Time Out 9 York Golf Range 32 Skips/Waste Removal A - Z Waste 83 Acomb Waste Disposal 78 D Boswell 82 Ebor Skip Hire 83 Waste Disposal 79 Solicitors Ardent Law Ltd 56 Hethertons Solicitors 33 Richardson Gildener Solicitors 14, 22, 62 Harland & Co Solicitors 13 Harrowells 11, 19 Sports/Clubs/ Activities Alan Sparks Taekwondo School 32 Heworth Golf Club 33

Taxis/car hire Yorcab 23 Tilers CM Tiling 71 Dockers Tiling Services 109 Doug Taylor 73 KLF Tiling 71 Mr Multitrade 117 York Ceramic Tiling Services 21 Travel/holidays Hornsea Leisure Park 21 Allerdale Hotel 27 Venue for hire Haxby Memorial Hall 17 Weddings Merchant Adventurers 50 Ambience Hire 50 Dutch Nursery Haxby 50, 51 Get Ahead Hats 50 Glamour Wedding Stationary 51 Lovedubs 50 Holiday Inn 50 MonkBar Hotel 50 National Centre for Early Music 51 Sandburn Hall 50 The Hospitium 51 Wedding Affair 50 Will Writing JMD Associates UK 25 Window Cleaning AC Cleaners 109 Windows/Doors/ ConsERVATORIES D.G.M.S Windows 124 DR Glazing 124 Access All UPVC Repairs 124 All Double Glazing Repairs 124 Crystal Clear Home Improvements 15 D.G.M.S Windows 18 Eliments 10 Mark Two Windows 124 Orion Windows 13 PVC Window Doctor 124 Quickslide Windows 128 TWS 72 York Millenium Window Centre 23 York Trade Windows 9 Darren Mark Gray Upvc Windows 118 Ellanor Windows 70 Newspan 19 Square Deals Ltd 3 SWC Factory Outlet 70 Window Solutions 124 Yorkshire Windows 73 Worktops/kitchens Dales of Thirsk Ltd 63 Work Top Man 67

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      

Building & property maintenance / cleaners





  

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

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Cleaning / decorators

ESTATE AGENTS

l

CHARTERED SURVEYORS

l

VALUERS

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners

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Local businesses at your fingertips

Painting & Decorating all aspects of decorating Interior & Exterior No job too small Free quotes & advice given All insurance work undertaken

call today on

01904 612419 or 07717 116489

decorators / electricians

Gary Roe

MR & MRS

PAINTING & DECORATING

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

115

electricians / fascias & soffits / guttering

Electrical

FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING

POLYPLAS FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING

We Are 100% Roofline!

York’s Longest Established Fascia & Soffit Replacement Company

Find us at www.polyplas.net E: info@polyplas.net

Tel: 01904 782300 116

Local businesses at your fingertips

Garage Doors Door Automation Side Doors Entrance Doors Awnings

RReeppaaiirr SSppeecciiaalliisstt

HUR RY...

Upto

2255% % O OFFFF**

The list price of a new Garage Door.

or Upto

££220000**

Massive Sale *Either offer is subject to the size of the door ordered, you choose?

C Caasshhbbaacckk......

On your old Garage Door, when you order a new one.

Offer valid until end of March 2013.

01904 788822

Showroom: York Business Park, Unit 3, Opus Ave, Nether Poppleton York, YO26 6BL

www.yorkgaragedoors.co.uk

No VAT

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

guttering / garage doors / handypeople

    

No VAT

117

joinery / locksmiths

“Unlike other Repairers we do not sell Windows & Doors”

Unit G2, Alanbrooke Industrial Park, Station Road, Topcliffe. YO7 3SE

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Local businesses at your fingertips

locksmiths / plastering / plumbing & heating

SOLUTIONS

RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIALISTS

    

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

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plumbing & heating

Free / 7 Year Guarantee

Free / 7 Year Guarantee ...with a fitted Worcester Boiler

• Your local, fully qualified and experienced plumber • Full Central Heating • Bathrooms - designed and installed • Repairs and emergency call-outs

...withFREE a fitted Worcester Boiler ADVICE AND QUOTATIONS

SUPPLIED AND FITTED FROM:

£1300 £1300 £50

209036

209036

COMMERCIAL OR DOMESTIC

• Your local, fully qualified and experienced plumber • Full Central Heating

SUPPLIED AND • Bathrooms - designed and installed • Repairs and emergency call-outs FROM: FITTED FROM:SERVICED FREE ADVICE AND QUOTATIONS COMMERCIAL OR DOMESTIC PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICED FROM: T: 01904

NUNTHORPE Services DOMESTIC / COMMERCIAL

NUNTHORPE 639272 M: 07783 819585 Services

£50 E-mail: info@nunthorpeservices.co.uk

ACCREDITED INSTALLER

DOMESTIC / COMMERCIAL

www.nunthorpeservices.co.uk PLUMBING & HEATING

T: 01904 639272 M: 07783 819585 E-mail: info@nunthorpeservices.co.uk

P L U M B I N G

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ACCREDITED INSTALLER

www.nunthorpeservices.co.uk

L T D

Local businesses at your fingertips

plumbing & heating / removals

NEW SHOWROOM Now Open

6043

A1 Vans

Est 1997

D.I.Y Removal?

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

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removals / roofing

NEIL INNES Roofing Neil Innes Contractor

ROOFING

CONTRACTOR Fibreglass Flat roofing Tiling • Slates Soffits • Fascia Boards Building & Joinery Leadwork Roof lights • Guttering

Tel: 01904 783007 Mob: 07984 382595 122

Not all boots are made for

walking.

At £28 per thousand for our distribution services you might as well save your shoe leather and get us to deliver your leaflets for you.

You can rest assured that we’ll get your flyers out on time and ensure that the relevant areas are targeted for you – and we can even throw in the design of your flyer if required.

Call 767881 to speak to a lovely salesperson who can give you a quote.

Local businesses at your fingertips

roofing

New year, new roof?

Speak to Jonny & Lee to arrange a free survey and find out why we’re Yorkshire’s No.1 flat roofing company.

• Fibreglass roofing specialists • Expert friendly advice • Free survey • 25 year guarantee • Commercial and domestic

Scan this

www.futureroof.co.uk

01904 777094 APPROVED INSTALLERS

To advertise in the next edition please call us on 01904 767881

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windows, doors & conservatories

MEET THE ADVERTISER

We get to know Anita, one half of the husband and wife super team behind Smart-Dry Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Describe yourself in three words.

We’re quiet, honest and reliable.

If you won the lottery what would you spend the money on?

On our family and friends. And maybe an extension to the house.

Oh, and travelling. And a new car!

Tell us about your business.

What do you do?

We have an innovative approach to carpet cleaning which cuts down on drying times to an astonishing one to two hours, and extends the life of your carpet.

What inspired you to start the business?

After 20 years in the industry with a national carpet cleaning franchise we really wanted to work for ourselves.

WINDOW Solutions

We should be friends, then.

What’s your favourite place in York and why?

We love the National Railway Museum. My dad was a train driver and my husband has an avid interest in the railways.

What do you do in your spare time? Any special interests or hobbies?

We both play Badminton and compete in the York league a few times each week.

So if our carpets need a clean..?

Call 233844.

Not all shoes are made for

walking.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! CALL FOR DETAILS!

At £28 per thousand for our distribution services you might as well save your shoe leather and get us to deliver your leaflets for you.

You can rest assured that we’ll get your flyers out on time and ensure that the relevant areas are targeted for you – and we can even throw in the design of your flyer if required.

Call 767881 to speak to a lovely salesperson who can give you a quote.

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Local businesses at your fingertips

Recruitment...

CO-ORDINATOR We are looking for a qualified female counsellor to become the Co-ordinator of this busy voluntary counselling service. The role will include co-ordination of the counselling service, management of our volunteer staff, fund raising and liaison.

Applicants should have a counselling qualification and management experience.

Salary circa £22k pro-rata (15 hours a week) initially for 18 months.

To apply and for further details, view our “Join Us” page at www.yorkwomenscounsellingservice.org.uk or email us for an application at: ywcs1958@aol.com CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 26 APRIL 2013

THE

what’s on bestPAGES 125

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SALES TRAINEE

THE

what’s on bestPAGES

registered by the CQC

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Many more jobs

inside

OFFICIALLY THE UK’s No1 MANUFACTURER

HOTLINE 76 88 28

57 THE VILLAGE, HAXBY, YORK, YO32 2JE order online: www.pizzaboxyork.co.uk Open 7 days a week. Monday to Saturday: 4.30pm till 11pm Sunday: 5pm - 10.30pm 128