Your Local Link Magazine December 2012 by Your Local Link Ltd

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Little Stars .co.uk Issue 111 DECember 2012

xmas special See inside for our special pull-out, bursting with fun children’s activities.

Archbishop John Sentamu delivers his special Christmas message exclusively to readers of Your Local Link.

men in tights Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes, it is… As it’s panto season, we chat to York’s very own dame Berwick Kaler, as well as Joe Swash, Syd Little and local lass Claire Horsley. Save an eXTRa 15% off bikeS and Running kiT unTil 24Th decembeR USE COdE LINK15 AT ChECKOUT

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When are we gonna be famous? Here at the office we’re getting into the Christmas spirit (despite the fact we’re writing this in November – we like to get started early). The tree has been decked, the Christmas CD has been playing on repeat and Gini has been passing the Celebrations tin around every five minutes, but even when Dickie rushes into the office shouting “IIIT’S CHRIIIIIISTMAAAAAS!” every morning, there’s still been something missing. Why? No-one has asked us to switch on any Christmas lights. ANYWHERE. You see, we’ve started to be recognised about town, and you could say it’s gone to our heads. It all started when our Tracy was

doing a spot of shopping at a local supermarket and a couple of joiners started following her. She drove back to the office and she saw them walking through the door, saying that they followed her back because they wanted to advertise with us. Then, Claire came into the office mortified after visiting a car showroom and literally having a red carpet laid out for her – that evening, her face only got redder when a group of children argued in stage whispers about whether it was ‘her from Local Link’ at the local Chinese takeaway. Our Rach has been stopped in the street with queries on how to make the perfect Christmas cake, and Mim was reprimanded by a lady at her local newsagents for the naughty tricks she’s

been playing in the office. She wagged her finger and everything. Floor, swallow us up now. Not everyone is embarrassed about it, though – Howard was thrilled when a lady in his local Spar rushed out of the back room after spotting him on the CCTV to tell him that she loved his column. He’s now carrying an autograph book around with him everywhere. We were all in danger of becoming the type to yell “Sweetie, where’s my mocha-choca-double-shot-caramellatte?” at the next trip to the greasy spoon if we weren’t careful. However, we were soon brought back down to earth when we visited York

Advertising: Gini, Tracy, Sarah, Mim, Kelly, Richard, Avril, Gary & Sue

Hospital to speak to the lovely staff at the Children’s Ward and Special Care Baby Unit, who helped to put our charity supplement together. When we saw how hard the staff work and how passionate they are about what they do, and the bravery of the children who they’re treating, we were truly humbled. So, we may not be switching on any Christmas lights, but we’re still very excited for Christmas – and incredibly grateful that we get to make this magazine every month. Thank you for making that possible. Anyway, let’s get on with the Christmas pudding fest!

Happy Christmas everyone!

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

Yourlocallink York

@locallinkyork

Publishers: Tracy Outram and Gini Guttery

Space booking, copy, cancellation and editorial deadline for the January edition is 10th December 2012 and 17th December 2012 for recruitment.

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contents

Features: 22. Archbishop’s message. Once again, John Sentamu has kindly written a special, Christmas message especially for readers of Your Local Link.

26. Cryptic Christmas. Do you know what tinsel used to be made out of? Find out here…

52. Can you help? There are a few local charities and groups who need your help more than ever in the run up to Christmas. Can you lend a hand?

Pull Out. Little Stars special. Take a look

Cover story:

24 Berwick Kaler interview. The dame chats to us about anarchy, Robin Hood and his passion for panto.

Regulars:

at our annual pull out feature on the wonderful work done by York Hospital’s Children’s Ward and Special Care Baby Unit, and discover some great activities to keep all the family entertained too.

10-11. Hotlist This’ll warm your cockles – what’s hot in December.

18-19. Didn’t they do well! The people of York have surpassed themselves once again.

12-13. The way I see it Donna warns against the perils of Monopoly.

28-29. Business Buzz. The latest business news, plus the ever popular Execu-toy.

14-15. Horoscopes James Christie predicts your month ahead.

30-31. Local Sport Report We like Dan Tait – he reports on the sport and makes it funny (and helps us to understand it).

in your life, plus we test some very clever socks and gloves.

50-51. Your Pet Got a problem with your pooch, or want to adopt a new best friend? We can help.

york | against | can ce york | against | can 34-35. Motors Drive safely, people – check out our Drive Talkin’ winter special. 36-49 Health & Beauty Tis the season to be pampered – and we’ve got just the thing. Check our special festive Beauty and Fashion Hotlist to make sure you’re not breaking any style rules at the office Christmas bash this year.

52-60. Your Family Howard got all high and mighty about Santa, so we made him wear a Father Christmas costume. That’ll teach him. reg. no. 1130

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16-17. Join the club No matter what your interest, there’s something to grab you in our Join the Club section.

32-33. Gadget Guide A round up of the best stocking fillers for the gadget lovers

61-75. Property & Interiors Give your home a festive feel that’s bang on trend, plus all the latest property news.

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Join our club! 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

Win WIn WIn 8-9. Competitions You could get the chance to win a meal for two cooked in your own home, tickets to the Cinderella panto at the Joesph Rowntree Theatre and a gorgeous piece of jewellery – but you have to be in it to win it!

20. Culture column. Fancy doing something a bit different this month? Check out our round up of cultural goings on – it might surprise you… 76-83.Gardening We help you to choose your perfect Christmas tree, plus tips and tricks from our resident green-fingered gurus on keeping your garden ticking over this month. 84-87. Food & Drink Our Tracy tests the fare at The Grange, plus the latest food industry news.

that picks out the highlights for you and a user-friendly layout. 108. Trades & Services directory 111. Classified – at a glance 128. Jobs, jobs, jobs…

88-110. Events & Days Out Check out our events section – complete with Hotlist

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Bling Dong Merrily on high! How do you fancy a posh bit of bling for Christmas, without having to seduce an aging millionaire or don a black catsuit and burgle a palace? Simply enter our competition for a chance of winning this beautiful piece of jewellery from Sence, all thanks to Kenzi – York’s newest independent womenswear boutique on Goodramgate.

A multi labelled independent fashion boutique, Kenzi specialise in selling designer brands that are difficult to get hold of, from top designers both in the UK and abroad. All of their exclusive range is brand new to York, with many available outside of King’s Road, London for the very first time. Find out more by calling 849010. For a chance of winning the necklace all you have to do answer this simple question: Who is the necklace designed by? Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘kenzi competition’ to the address on page five, or via email to info@yourlocallink.co.uk. The competition ends on 4th January, so don’t delay. Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

They’re behind you! (the tickets...)

Hold on to your seats as the Stoneybroke Express steams into York with some very important passengers on board. Prince Charming, Dandini, Baron Hardup and the beautiful Cinderella are all set to dazzle audiences at The Joseph Rowntree Theatre this month. The Pssst! Rowntree Players celebrate their centenary year with a raucous, riotous Check out our and downright ridiculous pantomime that promises to be their very best interview with yet. Between the 8th and 15th December prepare to have your senses Claire Horsley, who walloped by this lively retelling of Cinderella. is playing Prince The great news is that we have a VIP experience for a family of four Charming, in the to give away. On 8th December, the family will enjoy a pre-panto events section! meal at Frankie and Benny’s with characters from the show, then get complimentary ice creams and a programme and the chance to meet some of the cast. For a chance of winning all you have to do is answer this easy peasy question: What is the name of the prince appearing in Cinderella? Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Rowntree Players competition’ to the address on page five, or via email to info@yourlocallink.co.uk The competition ends on 3rd December, so don’t delay. Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

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your competitions

Learning made easy at home Email, Google, Skype & more! Computer set-up

Come dine with her There’s nothing more romantic than a swish dinner out in a fancy restaurant – except perhaps for one in the comfort of your own home. Angela CampbellSouter, The Private Hire Cook, offers a flexible bespoke service, drawing upon her 25 years of experience in the catering industry and cooking for you in your own home for a special occasion. She can lend her expertise to parties, lunches and romantic dinners – giving you the opportunity to relax and simply enjoy your time. With your first order, you also receive 15% off. Call 07957 091427. But if you’d like to experience Angela’s fine fare for free, enter our competition. She’s offering a two-course dinner for between two and four people, right in your home with all food provided. The only thing you’ll need is the wine! For a chance of winning answer this question: How long as Angela been in the catering industry? Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Cook competition’ to the address on page five, or via email to info@yourlocallink.co.uk. The competition ends on 4th January, so don’t delay. Terms and conditions apply. Good luck!

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DECEMBER HOTLIST.... December is the month to.... Post your

Christmas cards

Ah, the Christmas card list. Like Santa, we make a note of who is naughty or nice throughout the year, and decide whether or not they deserve to be struck off the hallowed list of card recipients. It’s a powerful tool. Sending Christmas cards is a tradition that

live in york

we’re big fans of here at Your Local Link, so we thought it would be a good idea to remind you of the last posting dates if you want the grown-ups who have been good this year to get their greetings before they’re tucking into their turkey. For second class letters, post by no later than 18th December, and for first class post by 20th December. If you’re sending by special delivery, though, you can leave it until 22nd December. Don’t forget, if you’re sending cards overseas the dates are much earlier – check www.postoffice.co.uk/ mailing-dates-times for details. Oh, and if you, like us, are looking for a worthy charity to get your cards from this year, head to our special children’s supplement – there’s information there on some gorgeous cards that have been created by local school children to raise funds for York Hospital.

We knew it. York has been named the best place to live in the UK! In a survey conducted by Bing, the internet search provider, our city topped the poll for being the most beautiful city in the country with 17% of the votes. It’s no news to us – and Councillor James Alexander agrees. “It isn’t hard to see why York has come top. All you have to do is take a walk around this stunning city and to see why it’s such a great place to visit, live, work and invest.” Well said James.

Stay safe

Enjoy the festivities this month, but make sure that you’re not over the limit if you’re driving to and from parties. Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t actually a foolproof way of staying under the limit, and how much you can drink before you go over depends on a number of factors including weight, metabolism and even stress levels. Small amounts of alcohol can have an effect on your driving capabilities, so the best idea is to avoid it altogether if you’re driving. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk

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Get a letter from Santa Never mind sending cards – what we all really love best is receiving them. And what’s even better than that is getting a letter from Santa himself! Yep kids, no matter how old you get, you’re never too old to look forward to correspondence from the big man. We’ve heard that parents can request a letter from Kris Kringle with the help from the good people at the NSPCC, who have direct contact with Santa’s elves. Santa takes great care to ensure that each letter is personal to the child who’s receiving it, and the letters are delivered by Rudolph, so you can be sure that they’ll get to their destination quickly. If you request a letter you can even win a trip to Lapland, and your donation will help to protect vulnerable children. n Visit christmas.nspcc.org.uk/santa

Give to charity December has to be one of the most expensive months of the year, so lots of us can’t find the cash to donate anything to charity – but that’s not the only way that we can help. Lots of local organisations are desperate for help from volunteers at this time of year, and it won’t cost you a thing. Head to our Can You Help Christmas Special in the Family section to find a wide variety of worthy local causes who need a helping hand.

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THE WAY I SEE IT...

The winner takes it all Especially when that game happens to be Monopoly. That is truly Satan’s own boardgame. I wouldn't be at all surprised if, somewhere down in the fiery pits of hell, Beelzebub is right now telling his minions that they owe him a tenner for landing on Old Kent Road.

There are some things you do on Christmas Day that you would never dream of doing the rest of the year. These include eating Brussels sprouts, drinking heinous drinks (Snowball, anyone?) and playing board games. There comes a point in every Christmas Day, usually just after the Queen’s Speech and before Dr Who, when someone suggests getting the games out. After a few sherries, you somehow get the idea that it will be like a Marks & Spencer’s ad, with the whole family sitting around in their festive jumpers, Bing Crosby playing in the background, laughing and bonding together over a jolly game of Trivial Pursuit or Pictionary. Harmony? But it seldom works out like that. For a start, the kids are appalled at being dragged away from their brand new games consoles to do something as primitive as throwing dice – to the average child, playing a real life board game is like you deciding to spit roast

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if, somewhere down in the fiery pits of hell, Beelzebub is right now telling his minions that they owe him a tenner for landing on Old Kent Road the Christmas turkey over an open fire. The grown-ups, meanwhile, are all squiffy, suffering from indigestion and harbouring a seething resentment that they didn't get the Michael

Buble CD they specifically asked for. Adding a board game into that mix is likely to create as much harmony as playing catch with an unpinned hand grenade.

We have no less than four versions of the game at home, including a Coronation Street edition and, for some bizarre reason, the Northampton version. But whether you’re stuck in Pall Mall, the Rovers or Newlands Shopping Centre in Kettering, the misery is just the same. What is it about that game that brings out the worst in everyone? The most kind-hearted souls suddenly turn into mean-spirited, demanding people hell bent on world domination. And that’s just choosing who gets the top hat. Personal It’s even worse once you start playing the wretched game. I’m telling you,

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And somewhere along the line you forget it’s all just a game with pretend money, and it becomes personal. Monopoly does that to people. A friend of mine swears her divorce was precipitated by her husband’s unyielding attitude to the rent owed on his overpriced hotel chain. You’d never get people splitting up because someone did a rubbish doodle on Pictionary, would you? So take my advice. If you want a peaceful, harmonious Christmas, leave the Monopoly in the loft and stick to the heinous drinks instead.

the best of york

you really don’t know someone until they get their hands on Park Lane and Mayfair. They get a greedy gleam in their eye every time you turn the corner, count the dots on your dice roll faster than Carol Vorderman, and have their hands held out for cash before you’ve even had a chance to pick up your Scotty dog. Or worse, they suggest A Deal, and you end up giving in because you’ve had too many heinous drinks and you’ve got one eye on the Strictly Christmas special (which you’d frankly rather be watching anyway). The next thing you know, they own the whole board and you’re languishing in jail.

According to

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!

What’s hot: Christmas (of course). Yes, it’s over-commercialised, over-hyped, expensive and a complete waste of time. But so what? It’s also a good excuse to eat and drink too much and spend all day in your PJs. Although to be fair, that’s pretty much what I do every day... What’s Not: The end of the world. According to the Mayan calendar, the world is due to end on 21st December. Which is basically my excuse for leaving my Christmas shopping so late. So if it’s 22nd December and you’re reading this – the good news is the Mayans were wrong, and the bad news is you don’t have a present. Sorry.

Follow Donna on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

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Horoscopes December 2012 Starsign of the month... Sagittarius

(22nd November - 21st December)

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

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

It’s kind of a bitter sweet period this month – the bitter coming from some introspective feelings of nostalgia, the sweet coming from being the centre of attention with your popularity at an all time high. Sagittarian birthday parties should go with a swing and there should be more than one very important reunion on the horizon. There may be a few twinges of concern regarding how someone else is spending their money, but on the condition that it is their money, best keep silent and let tact be the better part of valour. You should now be on the receiving end of some reward connected to past sacrifices, some of them stretching back over any number of years. It’s not a time to gloat or to feel smug, but you should have every reason to feel well satisfied. The Christmas season looks like being a jolly, if somewhat traditional, affair, and possibly just that little bit extra expensive if you’re going to splash out on a major purchase. Maybe not mink coats or Mercedes, but there might be room for Skodas and new Jimmy Choo shoes.

L to R: Judi Dench, Jay Z, Miley Cyrus, Steven Spielberg

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

CAPRICORN

aquarius

PISCES

ARIES

(22nd December - 19th January

(20th January - 18th February)

(19th February - 20th March)

(21st March - 19th April)

Not exactly a time for walking on egg shells, but you’d be well advised to think about what you’re going to say before you say it. A notable change in a partner or lover’s spirits around the 16th creates a brighter and more affable ambience and you can unwind and relax a bit.

Pretty good money month, although you’ll be clocking up the hours to make it so. It is also a warm and rather wonderful time for affairs of the heart and the whole family vibe, and as you look around you toward the end of another year, you should feel well satisfied.

Another year bites the dust and along with its passing go all sorts of negative thoughts and restrictions. Enjoy the feeling of being a free spirit and allow yourself a few of life’s little luxuries. Rather than making hard plans, allow yourself a little flexibility to be more spontaneous.

A period of profound domestic security with families pulling together towards commons goals. Strong travel aspects around 1st Dec, and 29th-30th. Mid-winter reunions bring the chance of romance and overall, this is a brilliant period for finding strength within existing partnerships.

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Page 2

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TAURUS (20th April - 20th May) A rather frustrating mid-winter as plans have to be compromised to please other people. Work routines are very low key at a time when you’d like to be a lot busier and more productive. Be pro-active, and see if there’s anything to be caught in a last cast of the net.

GEMINI (21st May - 20th June) Quite a brisk month, even though some of you work at creating work for work’s own sake. Reassuring money vibes, with some deep thought given to major domestic changes in 2013 or 2014. Some of you will be thinking about movement overseas.

CANCER (21st June - 22nd July) Prodigal children return to the fold giving you good cause to feel pleased and satisfied with current domestic arrangements. Some legal dealings to be sorted out, either by you or someone very close to you. Some emotional disruption is likely to be caused by a male partner’s stubborn intransigence – maybe between 10th-12th.

LEO (23rd July - 23rd August)

safe and by the book. Also, be a little on guard against people who want to do you favours: there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

VIRGO (24th August - 22nd September) There could be the birth of a child somewhere close to you – or just the birth of a few new good ideas that, with some application and diligence, bring notable reward in the New Year. The romantic overview for the next 12 months is very exciting.

Libra (23rd September - 22nd October) The more you chase after something, the more elusive it is likely to become – so, pull back and relax, and allow whatever it is you’re longing for to come to you. If it does come it is truly yours, and if it doesn’t, it was never destined to be yours in the first place.

Scorpio (23rd October - 21st November) There is some well deserved reward in the wind for past hard work and effort. Now is the time for people to settle their debts with you and to return favours, and maybe also make good on a few promises, both personal and professional.

Not a good time to be hasty or impulsive – weigh up all pros and cons before making any important decisions, and when in doubt, stick to familiar territory and play things

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Join

the

club

Coming in, loud and clear

The internet might be useful or answ ering the question ‘What else have I seen him in?’, but do you ever long for simpler times – time s without social media, emails and texting? Not so long ago all you needed was a radio transmitter and a humorous call sign. Fortunately those days haven’t ended, all than ks to York Amateur Radio Club. They meet ever y Thursday at 8pm at The Social Club, Bishopthorpe, and are currently looking for new mem bers. If you are interested in radio communication and would like to meet like-minded people, drop in and receive instruction before obtaining your own license. So get thinking of a call sign now. We’r e going with ‘Linky-pinky’. n Call 330502.

Cock-a-hoop

e halcyon days of spinning a ring Remember hula-hooping? Ah, thos a simpler time, wasn’t it? Well, of plastic around your waist… it was simpler than hooping. Hooping it still is – because there’s nothing members that are interested Classes In York are looking for new improves flexibility, core ping Hoo fun. in keeping fit and having e burning calories. The class strength and tones muscles whil hooping all the way around instructor, Sarah Greenslade, is even Day on 12th December. p the city walls, as part of World Hoo , if you fancy getting involved n They meet twice a week, so 631468. give them ‘a ring’. Call 07857

Compose yourself

instrument but tired of Are you a dab hand with a musical The Last Post sound so much constantly playing solo? Wouldn’t ing you up? You should join an better with a string section back like. The All Seasons Orchestra is we orchestra – here are a couple r expert musicians can help looking for wannabe maestros. Thei ve always wanted to play. n Call guide you through the music you’ 07811 772332. orchestra? They are part of The Or how about The York Cobweb a multi-award winning regional Cobweb Orchestra organisation, looking for new members. network of musicians, and they’re ing an orchestra instrument to play g, alon Absolutely anyone can go orchestra.org.uk any level. n Visit www.cobweb

Girls on pitch Girls, salvation is at hand! Drop the Barbies, tear off the netball bibs and get involved in a sport you’re dying to try. Fulford Falco ns Under 15s Girls Football Team are having an amazing season so far thanks to the top female play ers they’ve attracted in the past. If you think you’re a dab, erm… foot with a ball then get in touch with them – they’re eager to bols ter their ranks with fresh new talent. n They train ever y Friday even ing in preparation for a match the following Saturday , so if you’re looking to make friends, have fun and a kick a ball really hard into the back of a net, email billclayton1@tal ktalk.net

Does your club or group need new members?

Or maybe you have some news you’d like to share. If so, get in touch with us. Write to us at the address on page seven, or email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Mark your message ‘Club News’.

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Soldiering on

te, the Soldier On Project aims to Set up and managed by Sue Whi rvice men and women and their provide help and support to ex-se ; ng to civilian life and finding work families. They help with readjusti to re the can. Sue was inspired and provide help and advice whe ently seeking charitable status, curr is h whic start the co-operative, red from post-traumatic stress. after her own veteran husband suffe experiences, Soldier On, sold ly’s The book she wrote about her fami d the co-operative. foun to eeds well, with Sue using the proc members, so if you would n They are now looking for new 399186. like to be involved call 07946

Ahoy, sailors The RNLI is a charity operating a 24 hour search and rescue service around the coast of the UK and Ireland. Their tireless good work saves countless lives throughout the year, but now they need your help. Don’t worry, you won’t be expected to jump in a dingy and zoom five miles out from Flamborough Head. That’s because they need volunteers to help with fundraising projects. They are looking for friendly and welcoming people who enjoy being part of a team and working within their local community. n Call 07500 60822.

Snow joke

oach, my lords. The loyal city Hark, the coldness doth verily appr before it’s too late. Our ices… of York requires your gallant serv are calling upon steadfast ncil, Cou York of generous masters, City in an honourable salute and citizens to raise their snow shovels of Jack Frost. Basically, they’re declare war upon the icy tendrils to help clear away snow in ens looking for volunteer Snow Ward er. If you’re interested, you’ll be case levels get too high this wint ility coat and gloves and given provided with a shovel, high visib r allegiance, call 551841. safety training. n To pledge you

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Sore feet, warm heart

Baby, you’re a

million dollars Fresh from the gruelling Dragon Boat battles fought on the River Ouse, The York Rotary Club met at The Mansion House to reveal a startling piece of news. Since the Dragon Boat Challenge started in 2003, the gallant paddlers have raised the equivalent of more than one million dollars. This year’s champions, Todd’s Torpedoes of Herbert Todd & Sons, who were also victors of the first ever race in 2003, helped to raise a fantastic sum of £60,000 for local charities. That pushed the total amount from ten years of boat racing to £677,000 – more than one million dollars!

In a ceremony in which he handed out the welldeserved trophies and accolades, Lord Mayor of York, Keith Hyman said, “It’s wonderful to know that so many local charities have benefited by so much over the last ten years. Well done to you all and I hope the event will continue and grow.” Our very own columnist Matt Todd, pictured with the Lord Mayor and Rotary President Darrell Hind, says it wasn’t all plain sailing. “Funny thing is, we’d had a few drinks the night before. When we first got in the boat it capsized! Fortunately the freezing river sobered us up!” n Visit www.yorkrotary.co.uk

If Christmas shopping has left your soles a little raw this month, spare a thought for this gallant chap. 70 year old Andy Peddle is currently trekking across the UK – completely on foot – to raise money for The Salvation Army. He is attempting to raise £100,000 for their work with homeless people and to help victims of human trafficking. After starting in May in the Shetland Islands, Andy is walking to 130 Salvation Army Churches, Lifehouses, charity shops and every league football club throughout the country. We think he deserves a massive pat on his back, if only we could catch him. n Fortunately we can show our appreciation by generously donating at www. salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/walk

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incorporating Hileys of Thirsk and Easingwold

Fresh thinking Royal praise indeed

The Duke of York has been at it again, going around the city and rewarding those who truly deserve it. The Duke of York Community Initiative Award was set up by Prince Andrew in 1998 to encourage the development of community spirit. The latest recipient of the prestigious reward is the Oaken Grove Community Centre in Haxby who provide social, leisure and educational facilities, for people of all ages. Although The Duke himself was unable to attend the award ceremony, Pat Wilford, chair of trustees, was overjoyed. “Being awarded by the Duke is a fantastic achievement and a real honour. We are very proud of the work we do and this award is a marvellous seal of approval.” n Find out more about the centre by calling 760727.

Excellent care Congratulations are due to the staff of York Hospital after successfully taking part in the National Cancer Patient Experience survey. A total of 160 hospital trusts took part in the national survey, with York finishing in the top 20% of hospitals. According to the results of the survey, which was completed by patients receiving cancer treatment and care, around 91% of patients rated their care as either excellent or very good. Libby McManus, Chief Nurse at York Hospital, said, “The survey helps us understand what matters to our patients and respond accordingly. We want everyone who accesses our services to have a high quality, positive experience.”

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Early bird…

End of Life on earth No, don’t worry; we’re not all doomed – although you are apparently living in a Lost City. That’s according to Ghanaian rapper Kwasi Danquah III, aka Tinchy Stryder. His Lost Cities Tour is marching into York on 5th December, with a must-see gig at Fibbers. Having worked with the likes of Dizzee Rascal and Pixie Lott, Mr Stryder not only performs but also produces, and his latest album End of Life on Earth is certain to be a modern classic. What are we like, eh? First Charlotte Church, now Tinchy Stryder. It’s like Las Vegas round here. n Call 651250.

Everyone’s lips might be carrying a Christmas carol or two this month, but if you’re tired of painful renditions of Come all ye faithful and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, salvation is near. December welcomes The York Early Music Christmas Festival, and between 6th and 15th (with a special Young Artists Showcase on 1st) music connoisseurs can sit back and enjoy some

classically alternative festive cheer. Highlights of the festival, which takes place at venues across the city, include performances by Ex Cathedra, Koshka, University of York Chamber Choir and Chalemie’s performance of Mr Fezziwig's Ball, complete with readings from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Find out more at www.ncem.co.uk

City of Angels The highlight of the run-up to Christmas for many people, The Festival of Angels returns to York this month, from 15th-16th. This year promises to be as magical as any other, with a weekend winter wonderland planned for The Quarter (Swinegate, Back Swinegate and Grape Lane). There will be the ever popular ice sculptures, as well as stalls, street entertainment, all the food and drink your tummy could ever hope for, and a good old sprinkling of snow (from a machine). Santa will be making an appearance and on Sunday the Parade of Angels will be led by the beautiful Golden Angel. Just don’t lick any of the ice sculptures – you’ll be stuck for hours. Find out more at www.yorkfestivals.com

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Sounds good

Don’t leave it to random groups of strangers to give you your carol dose this Christmas – trust the professionals. Instead of waiting expectantly for a knock at the door and three rushed verses of We Wish You A Merry Christmas, get yourself down to The Barbican on 16th December at 2pm. The York Community Carol Concert is celebrating its 55th anniversary and doing so in style. Sit back and let festive cheer wash over you, courtesy of the York Railway Institute Band, the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, St Olave’s Church Choir and St Barnabas Primary School Choir – as well as many others. n Call 0844 8542757.

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Visit while you can: While the rest of us are gearing up for Christmas, the staff of York Art Gallery are winding down. At the end of December the gallery, which houses some of York’s most precious works of art, will close for a two-year refurbishment. The plans are to reopen at Easter in 2015 with a much bigger and improved gallery, including an extension to the Museum Gardens at the rear. Although some exhibitions will continue at St. Mary’s Coppergate site, many of the works will go on tour around the Yorkshire region. n Further details of the project are available from www.yorkartgallery.org.uk

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The Story of the

Shepherds “Last Christmas the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast presenter Chris Evans featured the website www. christmasnearyou.com on his show after complaining that he had missed a local carol service. The mention resulted in almost 2,000 visits to the website in the following 24 hours – what an amazing response! If you haven’t arranged to see a nativity play or sing in a carol service this year, then do visit www.christmasnearyou. com today and find a church near you. There are hundreds of services happening across York and we would love to see you. The story of Christmas is for everybody. God’s good news is not for the chosen few – all are invited and all are welcome. I know that most of us can recite the nativity story; it’s part of our earliest childhood memories. Perhaps like

A Christmas message from Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York.

me, you have a favourite Christmas carol that allows you to come closer to God.

The story of Christmas is for everybody. For me, advent is a time of patience, it’s about waiting and there is a great sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. It’s longing for God to reach out for each and every one of us and the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, born amongst us. Luke’s story tells us: The shepherds went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;

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and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them (Luke 2:16-18). The shepherds did not hang about to wait for the next donkey to take them to the manger. They didn’t dawdle. No, having heard the good news from the angel praising God, they came! They saw! They told! This is exactly what we should do today. Remember the message of love, joy and hope at Christmas is for everyone and God wants you to be a part of the celebration too. Christmas is a time to share the good news with others. A time for carols and conversations, for prayers and parties. Hallelujah – Christ the Saviour is born.” What is an Archbishop? The position of Archbishop of York is a high-ranking role within the Church of England, second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is the bishop of the Diocese of York and of the Province of York, which covers the northern part of England as well as the Isle of Man. The archbishop is a member of the House of Lords, and is referred to as the Primate of England. His throne is in York

John Sentamu – Biography • Born in 1949 near Kampala, Uganda. • Fled Uganda in 1974 after being imprisoned by Idi Amin. • Studied theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge. • Became 97th Archbishop of York on 30th November 2005. • Spent a week camped in the Minster protesting conflict in the Middle East. • Cut up his dog collar on live TV in 2007, protesting against Robert Mugabe. • He has previously been the proud holder of a York City season ticket. Minster and his official residence is Bishopthorpe Palace, two miles down the River Ouse. Find out more about John Sentamu, the role of the Archbishop and the work done at Bishopthorpe Palace, by visiting www.archbishopofyork.org

It,s all about you. . .

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A Great

Dame York’s favourite dame, Berwick Kaler, chats to Your Local Link about elephants, Robin Hood and the art of panto. When we meet Berwick, he’s still in the middle of writing this year’s script – the 31st script he’s written for a York panto. “Over the years the audience here have dictated to all of us what’s acceptable and what’s not, what they find funny and what they don’t, and staying in the same place makes all the difference. I go on there and say ‘it’s the same rubbish as last year, why don’t you spend your money on something else?’”

The art of pantomime Of course, it isn’t the same rubbish every year – Berwick writes each panto fresh, so that the audience can enjoy new jokes. He’s a great believer in making the panto have a local feel, too. “Good old Yorkshire folk aren’t going to spend their money unless they’re entertained, so the panto has to be different,” he says. “I can’t tell you why they come en mass – people who come to the

panto know who I am, and the panto has a national reputation, but I’m not a star name. We fill this theatre purely on the art of pantomime – it’s got all the ingredients of what people used to give them in the old days. I don’t mean the 1960s shows that nearly killed pantomime with all the stars of yesterday whose career was on the

Pssst! Check out our extended interview with Berwick online: www.yourlocallink.co.uk

IS0422_Rich.LocaLink/Straps/AW

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decline, but the pantos of the 1900s that they used to do at Drury Lane.” Berwick says that’s what they try to recreate – except at Drury Lane it wouldn’t be odd to see 12 elephants cross the stage. “I’m sorry but we can’t afford that!” Berwick laughs, “but we can give the audience a dog on a stick or something! You’ve got to use your imagination. Yes, the script can be complicated, but the art is to tell a joke so that a child in the audience doesn’t turn to mum or dad and say ‘what does that mean?’ or if there’s something that they really won’t understand, that the next gag is visual. I know it’s a cliché, but no-one is bored. If you’re bored in one of our pantomimes you don’t have a sense of humour.”

and the other is an out of work pole dancer on benefits. It’s a bit different from what you’d expect. It’s a bit anarchic.”

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

Berwick adds that Robin Hood is the only English pantomime story, which is one of the reasons why he was attracted to it. “A few years ago we premiered Dick Turpin – I was baffled as to why no-one had done it before, as he died here and he’s buried up the road!” adds Berwick. “You’ve always got to think, right, we’ve got a national reputation, but essentially we’re a little local pantomime group who think they’re the Palladium, and you have to keep it local too. Pantomime is the last bastion of local community theatre, and you’ve got to treat it like that. We have visitors from all over the world, and the country, and it is accessible to all, but I’ll go to my grave saying it’s a little local pantomime.”

“It’s a bit anarchic.”

Anarchy in the UK

So what’s this year’s panto about? “It’s the same as last year but with a n Robin Hood and his Merry Mam different title,” Berwick jokes. “Not runs at York Theatre Royal from really, it’s Robin Hood mixed with 13th December – 2nd February. Visit Babes in the Woods. The story www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or call revolves about protecting these two 623568. children from the evil Sherriff. The n Check out our interviews with some dame, Hattie Hood, has two sons fellow panto performers in our events – one is Robin, who she thinks is an section – including Joe Swash, Syd accountant who’s doing really well COY Local Bike Ad 2012 (new URL)_Layout 1 Claire 05/10/2012 15:12 Page 1 Little and local lass Horsley. for himself asLink he has hisLights own forest,

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Cryptic Christmas Fascinate your family while you’re tucking into your turkey this year with these little-known facts about the festive period.

The real St Nick

Santa is often referred to as St Nicholas, who was born in the third century in what is now the southern coast of Turkey. His parents died when he was young, and Nick decided to sell all of his possessions and help those in need. He was known as a protector of children, and a gift giver, and some people think that he started the tradition of hanging stockings out. St Nicholas is said to have saved the three daughters of a poor man, who needed dowries to prevent them from being sold into slavery, by throwing three bags of gold, or gold balls, into the open window of his house. The bags are said to have landed in stockings and shoes that were drying in front of the fire. This started a tradition where children would hang stockings in front of the fire before bed in the hopes of receiving a gift, and some say giving oranges represents the gold balls that St Nick left. Now, the only question that remains is whether Santa IS in fact St Nicholas, or whether he just learned all his tricks from him…

FastFacts The first Christmas card was produced in London in 1843 by John Callcott Horsley – who had helped to introduce the penny post a few years earlier. Evergreen trees might symbolise Christmas now, but they were once used by the ancient Egyptians, Hebrews and Chinese to represent eternal life, as were wreaths and garlands. Tinsel originated in Germany in the 1600s, when it used to be made from real silver that was cut into thin strips. Christmas Day hasn’t always been on 25th December. Pope Julius I declared that it would be on this day in the fourth century, which might have something to do with Saturnalia, a Roman festival that was held around this time of year. Plum pudding’s association with Christmas is no accident. In Medieval times the Catholic church apparently issued a decree that said the “pudding should be made on the 25th Sunday after Trinity, be prepared with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and the 12 apostles, and every family member should stir it in turn from east to west to honor the Magi and their supposed journey in that direction.” Sounds complicated.

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Coca Cola didn’t turn Santa red… Lots of people believe that Santa’s suit is only shown as being red because of the Coca Cola company’s marketing campaign in the 1930s. In fact, Santa was drawn in a red suit, complete with fur lining, belt buckle and stocking hat, by an artist called Thomas Nast about 40 years previous to that. However, Coca Cola did make this red suit more popular – before their advertising campaign, Santa’s outfit was drawn in lots of different ways, with his suit sometimes being tan or green in colour. In reality, most people have never seen Santa face-to-face, and even if they have it’s likely that Santa takes on a disguise when he meets non-magical people, so we’ll probably never know exactly what he looks like.

Box clever:

What is figgy pudding, exactly?

Boxing Day might be the time of year most people head out to the sales, but in days gone by it was a tradition for servants to visit their families the day after Christmas Day. Employers would often give boxes containing gifts such as food and bonuses to their workers, hence the name given to the day.

‘We all want some figgy pudding, so bring it out here,’ we warble when we’re carol singing, but most of us don’t know what it is. Apparently, it’s a bit like a white Christmas pudding, and unsurprisingly it contains figs. It can be baked, boiled, fried or steamed in the oven. We’re not really sure we do want any, now.

Est:1936

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BUSINESS BUZZ In the captain’s chair

Driving business York's motor dealers have received a major boost after Autohorn, a local rental company, invested a whopping £7 million to buy 600 new vehicles. Since starting 17 years ago with a fleet of just six cars, Autohorn now employs 81 people and has three bases in the city. The company supplies hundreds of lease cars to major corporations and local authorities and operates a hugely successful

franchise for Europcar from York Railway Station. The purchase is part of an overall £20m investment in new rental cars and vans – 80 per cent of which is to be spent with York dealers. n More information on the Autohorn Group can be found at www.autohornfleetservices.co.uk

EXECUTOY My Cuppa Tea Mug. Tired of your colleagues never quite getting your brew right? Simply point to which of the colours printed on the inside of the mug best matches your ideal cuppa and there’s no way they can fail. If they do, SACK ‘EM! Here’s your Christmas bonus… it’s your P45. n £8.49 Available from www.iwantoneofthose.com

Congratulations to Len Cruddas, who has recently been appointed to the role of Chief Executive of the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce on a permanent basis. Len has lots of senior management experience in both the public and private sectors; he began in the sport and leisure management sector but more recently he has worked on economic development and regeneration. He has been acting as interim Chief Executive since March, following the resignation of Gary Williamson. In a message posted on the Chamber website, Len announced his appointment and revealed he was looking forward to the challenges of a difficult time for businesses. “We currently run over 100 events each year across Leeds, York and North Yorkshire, and I’ll make sure that I attend as many of these as I can.” n Visit www.yourchamber.org.uk

Get branded this Christmas We’ve all received rubbish gifts from work at this time of year – from bottles of whiskey that will never be drunk, to socks with reindeers on them. Employers, why not kill two birds with one festive stone and get your staff gifts they could actually use, branded with your company logo? At this time of year they could all do with something to warm up them on the cold winter mornings. Branded hand warmers are the answer, not only getting the workforce set for work, but also showing off your logo to everyone at the bus stop. Plus, if you get a bulk order you’ll be able to give any leftover away as freebies for customers and clients. That’s another bird dead. Don’t forget that things you normally get for the office, such as stationery and USB flash drives, can also be branded.

businessdiary Federation of Small Businesses (YORK BRANCH) Meet on the third Monday of the month at the Riverside Farm in Skelton, York YO30 1XJ. Call 629777. YORK BUSINESS NETWORKING 4th and 18th December from 8-10am at Fulford Golf Club. Visit www.4networking.biz NETWORK NORTH Every Wednesday from 7.30-9.30am at Hotel Du Vin, The Mount. Visit www.networknorth.org.uk WIRE (WOMEN IN RURAL ENTERPRISE) YORK BRANCH 4th December at Oaken Grove Community Centre, Haxby. Email enquiries@yorkwirenetwork.co.uk BSYNY Events for new businesses running throughout the month at York Eco Business Centre. Visit www.bsyny. co.uk COFFEE WITH SOUL 11th December 10.30am-12noon, Rowntree Park Reading Cafe and 18th December at 7.30-9.30pm at York Yoga Studio, Acomb Road. 0800 0831681.

YORK CHAMBER EVENTS To book visit www.yourchamber.org.uk Professional and practical telephone skills, 6th December, 9am-4.30pm. IT Centre, York Science Park. LinkedIn – The complete business workshop, 7th December, 9am-4.30pm. IT Centre, York Science Park. Advanced Communication Workshop, 10th December, 9am12.30pm. IT Centre, York Science Park. York Property Forum, 11th December, 5-7pm. The Royal York Hotel. Pure Networking in York, 13th December, 7.30- 9am. York College, Sim Balk Lane. How to provide excellent customer service, 18th December, 9am-12.30pm. IT Centre, York Science Park. n If you have a business networking event coming up, please email info@yourlocallink.co.uk. For more business news visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk

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Sport report

with DAN TAIT

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 so we don’t get distracted by a bit of fluff while we’re reading it. Thank you, Dan Tait – here is his column… Another year comes to a close, and what a phenomenal one 2012 has been for sport. Everyone of course will remember the Olympic Games but for the people of York it will be the Wembley double that is forever associated with this year. Rumours have come out recently that York City may not move into the new ground until at least 2015; it already seems like it’s been a longer wait than a Guns and Roses album. Some cynics reckon we will be back in the non-league by then. That is highly unlikely, certainly for this season, yet the football league adventure continues to be a mixed bag with the club having a much better away record than those games played at Bootham Crescent. However, they still sit only a few points off the play off places.

being labelled the Maggie Thatcher of football management as she didn’t like strikers either. York’s December fixtures see them take on Bristol Rovers on 15th before another home fixture a week later when the league leaders Gillingham come to Bootham Crescent, which might prove to be something of a Christmas cracker.

Caught on camera

formation station Some supporters have recently criticised Gary Mills for persisting with his preferred 4-3-3 formation,

the formation that effectively took the club up into the football league. It could be worse; Scotland’s now ex manager, Craig Levein’s preferred formation was 4-6-0 which led to him

Football seems to have taken a bit of a beating recently with racism rearing its ugly head once more. We also had the Leeds ‘supporter’ on pitch at Sheffield Wednesday where he cowardly pushed over keeper Chris Kirkland before running back into the crowd, getting pats on the back like some local hero. He was of course widely condemned in the aftermath and then the following week arrested

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on ‘suspicion’ of assault. Suspicion? Sky had about 15 camera angles of it, so it didn’t exactly need Columbo. Hopefully 2013 will see headlines being written for more things that happen on the pitch, and sport in general getting in the papers for the right reasons. Maybe this will be the year that Andy Murray wins Wimbledon. Some people even booed poor Andy at the recent ATP event in London. Surely after winning a Grand Slam and Olympic Gold he is allowed an off day? In boxing David Haye will be hoping he finally gets the nod to face Vitali Klitschko. It will certainly ensure a better legacy than fighting bugs in the jungle, though I am not sure sparring with Helen Flannigan and eating certain parts of a kangeroo’s anatomy is the most ideal preparation to face a man who hasn’t lost for over ten years.

Local sport There seems to be a buzz around York boxing at the minute with Henry Wharton’s new gym and the success of the Jorvik Boxing Club. One person who continues to work in the background is Graham Fearn, one of only two professional boxers from the city still fighting on a regular basis. Recently I went to see his progress as an away fighter on the road when he took on home favourite Adam

Kettleborough in Newark. After being jeered upon entering the arena, Fearn had to contend with a very game opponent in Kettleborough, whose busy style took the opening round. Fearn then tested his resolve with some impressive combinations of his own, especially when tying his opponent up against the ropes. Both fighters were seemingly happy to go toe to toe and this open, entertaining bout looked like it could have been curtailed early when an unfortunate clash of heads left a nasty cut above Fearn’s eye during the third round. The bell signalled time for trainer Glen Banks and his team to fix the damage, allowing for Fearn to continue. The clash seemed to take the momentum from the New Earswick fighter, which Kettleborough took advantage of by nicking the next two rounds. By the sixth and final round Fearn came out all guns blazing, throwing caution to the wind, putting Kettleborough under significant pressure and unloading with many scoring punches. The bell sounded for the final time with the Newark boxer having his hand raised by the referee but it was well noted by all those in attendance that it had been an entertaining bout by two boxers who gave their all. Fearn, approaching his 38th birthday, continues his road trip.

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the

guide

Smartphone APPS

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

Local Gadgets for local people... Attacknids. Why should the kids have all the fun this Christmas? Isn’t it time you treated yourself – and what’s more of a treat than a radio controlled robotic spider with a foam disk launcher? Nothing, that’s what. These clever robos can easily manoeuvre across all surfaces and have special armour plating that blasts off when hit by an enemy’s missiles. The remote control can also connect to up to 40 of these things, making it possible to lead your own arachnid army! No home (or office) will be complete without one of these little chaps crawling about and terrorising the dog. n £69.99 Available from Toys-R-Us Gadget rating 9/10

Check out these festively fun fancies, available right here in York. Tux. Every dreamt of populating your home with penguin pals at Christmas? That dream, dear friends, can now be a reality, thanks to Tux. These flat-packed plywood penguins are easy to assemble and can stand about generally being hilarious. You’ll feel like David Attenborough with them on your windowsill. n £4 (large) £10 (pack of 12 small) Available from Snowhome, Gillygate. Call 671155. Ultimate Geek Pen. If you’re hot from seeing the new James Bond film, you’ll leap at this pocket-sized powerhouse of gadgetry. It’s a pen AND it’s a stylus for smart phones and tablets. Twist the top and ZAM, it’s a laser pointer! Fiddle with the dangly arm and WHAM, it’s a flash light and UV torch! Throw it really hard and KAPOW, it becomes a deadly weapon! (not recommended). n £9.99 Available from Give The Dog A Bone, Fossgate. Call 610771.

Stay. A travel app that creates bespoke city guides that can be downloaded and saved to your phone before you travel, so there’s no need for roaming charges. TacheLapse. Chaps, if you’re growing a moustache or beard, use the app to take a photo a day with the images being mashed together into a 30-second time-lapse video. Indulge Me. A perfect Christmas app, Indulge Me allows the creation of detailed wish-lists, with information like bar codes, shop locations and pictures. SeriesGuide. Keep track of all your favourite TV shows and when they’re shown. Never miss another episode and make a note of what you’ve already seen. Cut the Rope. Collect gold stars, discover hidden prizes and unlock exciting new levels in this addictively fun, award-winning, physics-based game.

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Smart Gloves. By ‘eck, its bitter out. Better wrap up your hands in nice warm gloves. But oh no, you’ve got a really important text to send and you can’t use your touchscreen phone while wearing gloves. So you take them off… and end up with frostbite! Thanks to Smart Gloves, that’s a winter worry of the past, as these clever little mitts have a special conductive fabric woven into the finger tips, allowing you to tap away without having to take your gloves off. Text sent, hands warm, job done. n £4.99 Available from www.paramountzone.com Gadget Rating 10/10

Stocking Fillers Incredisocks. Quite frankly the best socks every created. They help combat foot odour, increase blood flow and help regulate your foot’s temperature. £12.95 www.incrediweardirect. co.uk CLICLOC Watches. These fun and funky time pieces have swappable covers and straps allowing total customisation. Smaller versions are available for the kiddies too. £45 www.clicloc.com Strawz. Turn drinking into an art form with this crazy straw kit. Create endless combinations of super straws with bends and turns. £6.99 www.themonsterfactory.com

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YouVue Lens. Clip this onto your smartphone and boost the camera’s abilities. Comes with a wide angle lens for landscapes and a macro lens for close up shots. £19.99 www.iwantoneofthose.com

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Check out our special guide to looking after your car in the icy weather.

What is it the Scouts say? Brrr, it’s Baltic out there already. Better get set for a harsh winter, particularly if you’re planning on driving anywhere. The best way to be prepared for driving in cold or snowy conditions is to keep an emergency kit in your boot. The essentials to include are: Fuel. A must have if making a long journey. Canisters for extra petrol are available from petrol stations. Water. A few small bottles of water, stored inside the car, not the boot (where they might freeze) will help if you’re stranded.

Shovel. A folding shovel packs away neatly and is essential for getting you out of thick snow. Blankets. If stranded, you might have to wait a while for recovery. Keep warm and wrapped up. Food. You can go a long time without food, but let’s face it, a few chocolate bars will keep spirits (and energy) up in the chill if you have to wait to be rescued. Torch. Good for signalling in the AWAY dark, a wind-up torch is perfect as you’ll never have to worry about batteries going flat. York energy specialists Solarwall sell a range of wind up torches – and they’re giving

GIVE

ten away to lucky readers of Your Local Link from 4th December! Just head to the Energy Centre on Green Lane Trading Estate at Clifton with your copy of the magazine and show it to the lovely staff to be in with a chance of getting your torch. Remember, though – it’s the first ten readers to pop along who are in with a chance, and the giveaway doesn’t begin until 4th December. Good luck! Solarwall offer a huge range of energy efficient products, and the friendly staff are only too happy to share advice – and as they’ve got 34 years of experience in the industry, they’ve plenty of advice to share! n Visit www.theenergycentreyork.co.uk or call 0800 1380079

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your motors

Check, check, check: Our cars can go through a lot during the cold weather, as we rely on them more and more to get us safely around. It can be a total disaster to have a breakdown in snowy condition; but by following this advice you’re little brum should keep on purring happily until spring: Keep your anti-freeze, water and washing fluid levels topped up, with spare bottles of all three in the boot. It also helps to buy new wipers at the start of winter, as they can get some hammering from snow, grit and mud. It’s very important to check your tyre treads, as those can be your last defence against a crash. Booking a check-up service with your garage is also a great idea, as they can also check your brakes, battery and spark plugs. A bit of cash spent now could save you a lot later – maybe even your life.

You must be skidding As the roads ice up the risk of skidding increases drastically. The most effective way to avoid skidding is to drive cautiously and carefully, never accelerating or breaking too suddenly. But what should you do if you start to lose control of your car? Our instincts might tell us to slam on the breaks and steer in the opposite direction, but this is wrong. Rear-wheel drive cars are prone to realwheel skids, whereas front-wheel drive cars are prone to front-wheel skids. In both cases when you feel the vehicle begin to skid, release the accelerator and turn into the direction the skid is taking you. Once you get grip apply the throttle and correct your course. If you’re not sure whether your car is a rearwheel drive or front-wheel drive, check your manual. 004 RC 0912 24/07/2012 17:11 Page 4

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Whether it’s about false lashes or foundation we can help! Christmas is almost upon us, and we’ve all got beauty dilemmas that need to be solved! Fret not - the experts at Kuki are here to help. Q. How can I have a fake tan and not look orange? There are lots of different types of tans on the market but the most natural looking is Fantasy Tan. This is made from natural cane sugar and not a colorant, so you will be given a healthy looking tan rather than a false colour. There are also many different shades available to suit your skin tone.

Q. Whenever I have my nails done, I smudge them – what do you suggest? Minx, Shellac or Geleration are all revolutionary treatments that can last for weeks. A foil sheet is applied with heat to adhere to the nails in less than an hour. Minx comes in a huge range of designs, so you are bound to find something to match your outfit. Or, choose shellac or gelaration if you want a colour polish. It looks like a normal nail polish but lasts much longer, so you can walk out of the salon and not worry about smudging your nails!

Q. I have really dry lips, how can I sort this out before my Christmas party? Dry lips are very common at this time of year so you have to learn to protect yourself and keep your body well hydrated. To look further into

the problem, you can ask your beauty specialist to use a skin scanner, that scans the skin under a special light and shows a true picture. I also recommended Dermalogica Multivitamin Lip & Eye, which is wonderful for fine lines around the lips.

Q. How can I really stand out this party season and look different to my normal look? Whenever we have our Christmas party I always have my hair styled professionally, either curled or styled up in a modern design. I also like to have a spray tan and I add shimmer to it to give it a really sparkly effect.

Q. I am really stuck in a rut with my makeup routine, how can I change? A great idea would be to book a session with a personalise image and style consultant. They can discuss your lifestyle, clothes, make-up and shopping habits and from this they can advise you on the best colours and shades for you and give you a new make-up routine. Your consultant can also give you a colour swatch so that when you leave the salon you know exactly what colours to look for in clothes and make-up.

n For personal and professional advice contact the team at KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA on 01904 659007. Or visit our website www. kukispa.com or email mail@kukispa.com If you have a beauty question, write to us at the address on page five, or email info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Don’t forget to mark your question ‘Q & A’.

In association with kuki hair & beauty spa 367 Huntington Road, York. Tel: 01904 659007 www.kukispa.com

HAIR AND BEAUTY SPA YORK

KUKI

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT

THE VIP CLIENT CARD WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Unlimited use of the spa & garden 10% off all food and free drinks 10% off all appointments for one year

OFFER

VIP Card £150

Limited Period Only

normally £250*

*Cards are valid for 1 year from purchase

Kuki also specialises in... • Spa day packages inc. lunch • Hair studio inc. extensions/wefts • Line Fillers, Anti-wrinkle treatments • Semi permanent make-up

• Caci/microdermabrasion • Group parties • Permanent hair reduction • Teeth whitening

• All massage • Wedding/party packages • Nail bar inc. acrylics • Alternative therapies

• Mens Treatments • Spa VIP area • Body treatments & wraps

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE • BOOK ONLINE

T: 01904 659 007 / www.kukispa.com

Open: Mon 9am-7pm / Tues 9am-5pm / Wed 9am-8.30pm / Thurs 9am-8.30pm / Fri 9am-6pm / Sat 8.30am-4pm / Sun 10am-4pm

Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa, Water Meadows, 367 Huntington Road, York YO31 9HR On-site car park available 36

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

kuki news Kuki Spa have some amazing offers available to Your Local Link readers this month, including 25% off styling with the two new staff members, various party packages and annual VIP cards for £150 instead of £250. This pass offers unlimited access to the spa area, ten percent off all hair and beauty treatments and free drinks and garden access for the year. If you’d like to visit the VIP area, call the reservations team who will happily give you a tour. The team have also recently obtained a wide selection of Christmas gift sets and specifically designed gift vouchers, so there’s plenty to choose from for your loved ones – even the men in your life, who could enjoy a cut throat shave, a deep tissue massage or a spa pass. After a long wait, the long awaited Calendar Girl-style Kuki Spa Calendars are available to purchase for £5 from Kuki Spa and a range of retailers. The brave team bared all to raise money for York Against Cancer – take a peek at www. kukispa.com.

Competition This month Kuki would like to give away a VIP spa pass for two people. Whether it’s a romantic occasion or a special afternoon with a friend, it's the perfect treat! n Please answer the following question: How many days a week is Kuki Spa open? Please send your answer via email to mail@kukispa.com.

HAIR AND BEAUTY SPA

KUKI YORK

CHRISTMAS OFFER PARTY OFFER 2

PARTY OFFER 1

Swarovski Sparkle Nails 30 minute Glitzy Manicure Party Minx hands & feet 30 minute Glitzy Pedicure Party Shellac hands & feet Hair up Revitalising conditioning treatment, Party makeover massage inc. cut & blow dry Shimmer spray tan 'Wow' hair up! Trendy strip lashes & eyebrow Shape

Any 2 for £80

Any 2 for £40 Kuki also specialises in...

• Spa day packages inc. lunch • Hair studio inc. extensions/wefts • Line Fillers, Anti-wrinkle treatments • Semi permanent make-up • Mens Treatments

• Caci/microdermabrasion • Group parties • Permanent hair reduction • Teeth whitening • Spa VIP area

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

•

• All massage • Wedding/party packages • Nail bar inc. acrylics • Alternative therapies • Body treatments & wraps

BOOK ONLINE

T: 01904 659 007 / www.kukispa.com Open: Mon 9am-7pm / Tues 9am-5pm / Wed 9am-8.30pm / Thurs 9am-8.30pm / Fri 9am-6pm Sat 8.30am-4pm / Sun 10am-4pm Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa, Water Meadows, 367 Huntington Road, York YO31 9HR On-site car park available

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

if you’d rather adopt the trend in a more noticeable way then opt for a glittery liner or a metallic gold shadow for the eyes, or a shimmering red lippy for a jewel-like pout. Sparkle, baby!

This glam bag from Accessorize is the perfect addition to any festive outfit. £35, www.uk.accessorize.com

Hot...

Tinseltown Everyone loves a bit of bling, and frankly if you can’t get glittered up at Christmas, when can you? We reckon the best way to take on the trend is to keep your outfit plain – a little black dress is perfect, or even a festive red or green works well as long as the style is simple – and go all out to make your accessories and make-up sparkle. If you want to keep the look subtle and sophisticated, go for a shimmery black shadow to create a smoky eye, or

Amazing grace There aren’t many opportunities to do a fancy up-do with our hair – in our office the best you’re likely to get is a hastily thrown up bun that’s ‘meant’ to look messy. But at Christmas, it’s tradition to go to the hairdressers and get your tresses made to look extra special for that all-important party. An up-do can really transform your whole look and make any Cinderella fit to go to the ball – no-one will ever know that most days you barely manage to drag a brush through your barnet. Instant class achieved. Santa baby Just to warn you, at some point at your office Christmas party, a santa hat is going to end up slammed on your head. It might mess up your hair, but just go with it. It is Christmas, after all. We advise you start practising your ‘ho ho ho’s now.

Not...

Baby, it’s cold outside People, it’s December. That means it’s cold. Why, then, are you intent on giving yourselves frostbite by venturing out without a coat or tights when it’s minus 40 outside (well, it feels like it is, anyway)? Yes, that mini-dress is gorgeous, but isn’t it more suited for your summer holidays? If it’s vital that you wear something tiny, make sure you layer up with a pretty shrug and woolly tights – get some glittery ones to add a bit of kitsch to your outfit – and for crying out loud, take a coat. Most bars and clubs have a cloakroom for a reason – please use them. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth What is it about the festive season that makes everyone think it’s a good idea to go skating? On ice skates it’s a great idea, but ice and stilettos are a definite recipe for disaster. There’s some kind of magic that takes place at Christmas that makes girls who wear flat shoes all year round decide that now is the time to don a pair of spiky seven inchers. Now is not the time, girlies – go for a kitten heel and your feet will thank you, as well as the limbs you might have broken otherwise.

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

Sparkly Special If ever there’s a time to go glam, it’s the festive season – and these products can certainly add a touch of glitz. Natio Mineral Sparkle Dust Eye Shadow Compact This cute compact is perfect for achieving both a subtle everyday look or a more extravagant evening style. There’s a gorgeous range of shades, comprising pink, aubergine, copper (our personal favourite) and white, so there’s a colour to suit loads of different outfit combos. The texture is smooth and glides on easily, and gives a lovely even coverage that glittery shadows often lack. It’s got great staying power too, so it doesn’t end up all over your outfit instead of where it’s supposed to be. n £7.20. Debenhams, www.debenhams.com Sparkle in Paris Lip Gloss Our Claire was a big fan of this lip gloss. “The applicator for the gloss is not a brush or a pad but a little wibbly plastic thingy,” she explains – and no, we don’t know the word for it either, but it’s fab. “The applicator is very flexible, and moved over my lips smoothly. The gloss is not claggy, and has a really nice smooth consistency – it doesn’t feel bitty on your lips like some glittery glosses do. It also has a nice fruity smell to it.” Claire says that the gloss is a definite must have for the party season. “It will be a staple in my party bag!” n £4.95, Oriflame, www.oriflamestore.co.uk

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

Festive first aid! Christmas – a time of joy and goodwill, not to mention headaches, hangovers and a bad case of post turkey indigestion. If you don’t want to get caught out, now’s the time to stock up your Christmas first aid kit...

Burns and scalds: Did you know that 36% of people forget to put on oven gloves before getting the turkey out of the oven? That’s what a pre-dinner sherry does for you. If you burn yourself, cool the affected area with cool or lukewarm water for at least ten minutes, then treat with antiseptic cream such as Acriflex. Colds and flu: Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids (champagne doesn't count). A cold remedy such as Lemsip or Beechams can relieve symptoms, but don't take these with any other paracetamol-based medications. Pains and sprains: Put your back out during an over-competitive bout of Twister? Make sure your first aid kit includes a muscle rub. Ibuprofen can also help reduce inflammation. Headaches:Whether it’s festive stress or the after-effects of too many eggnogs, headaches are a hazard at Christmas. Keep some paracetamol handy just in case, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep, too. Indigestion and upset stomachs: Can you believe, one in eight people admit that they overindulge so much at Christmas that they are physically sick? Rennies can help with indigestion. In case of full blown food poisoning, keep some Dioralyte sachets handy too.

Partypolitics It’s office party time again. Whether it’s a lunch with the boss or an after hours free for all, if you don’t want to find your P45 under the Christmas tree this year, there are some rules you should follow... If you think you’re the life and soul of the party – you’re probably not. Those people who seem so riveted by your hilarious account of that mix-up with the stationery order are actually thinking about stabbing themselves in the eye with a cocktail stick to make you stop. This is not the time for a full and frank evaluation of your working relationship. Yes, you and the boss are getting on famously. But trust us, throwing your arm around him/ her and saying, “Be honest – you’re a bit of a git, aren't you?” is a bad career move. The same goes for anyone else you work with. Remember, tonight’s harmless fun is tomorrow’s disciplinary hearing. Don’t assume everyone is as drunk as you are. They’re not. In fact, they’re more likely to be secretly logging your every word and dance move to be repeated in excruciating detail on Monday morning. Which brings us on to our final warning... Beware the hidden camera. You can guarantee someone, somewhere will have their phone out capturing the moment. If you don’t want your Gangnam Style moves going viral on YouTube, stick to soft drinks.

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

Bear, sore head... If you’re planning on indulging yourself with a one or two Sherries at the Christmas party, we’re sure these helpful hints on how to combat a hangover will be very welcome.

• Don’t drink. Call us dull, but the best way to avoid a hangover is by not drinking – volunteer to be the designated driver. You won’t regret it. • Milk thistle. A small dose of the herb prior to and after the consumption of alcohol helps regenerate liver cells which speeds up recovery. • A fry-up. Food and water will help to replenish lost fluids, especially if you pop a few eggs in the pan – eggs contain cholesterol and protein. Your liver will thank you.

Why? Oh God, why? We’ll tell you. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect by causing increased urine production and the fluids in your brain to be less plentiful, creating a delicate, painful sensation.

• The sun. A healthy dose of Vitamin D (as well as oxygen from being outside) will help your body recover. It’s one reason many people report not feeling hungover while on holiday. Reader tips – how do you fight it? Our loyal Facebook followers were keen to offer some suggestions. Corny Sangster suggests more beer – “Hair of the dog, so to speak,” while Olli Bishop enjoys an eight pack of Fab ice lollies and “a pot of Lavazza coffee” and Ben Whitaker glugs “strawberry milkshake and the left over pizza or kebab”. Oh, you lot… Follow us on Twitter (@LocalLinkYork) and Facebook (Yourlocallink York) to get your opinions heard!

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

Hog our blog See that weird barcode thing? No, it’s not a magic eye picture – take your face away from the magazine. The weird barcode thing is one way to visit the fancy Your Local Link blog site. There, we test beauty products and all manner of fun and pretty things we get sent – as well as post sporty Dan’s online column, and the extended horoscopes from our own James Christie. We also review the fantastic events we go to, so you can decide whether that play is worth going to see before you shell out your cash. Point your smartphone at the QR code (the weird barcode thing) and be magically transported there via digital cleverness. n Alternatively, visit blog.yourlocallink.co.uk on your computer.

Blood donor sessions 3rd December Wigginton, Recreation Centre 2-4pm & 5-7pm. 13th December The Reading Rooms, Dunnington 2-3.45pm & 4.45-7pm. 17th December National Centre for Early Music 2-4pm & 5-7pm. 26th December St Oswald’s Church, Fulford 10am-1pm. 27th December Best Western Monk Bar Hotel 11am-1pm & 2-4pm. 28th December Osbaldwick Primary School 11am-1pm & 2-4pm. n For more details call 0300 1232323.

Spend Christmas in

What plays on your mind at this time of year? Stockings over the fireplace? Snow on rooftops? Smiling children on Christmas morning? No, of course not – you’re solely occupied by what to wear to the Christmas party. Worry not, as we know someone who can help. Give Marcelle of Heavenly Nails and Beauty a call, as she can give you everything you need to look remarkable during all those festive functions – and better still, you won’t have to break into the Christmas present fund. If you’re concerned that your nails just won’t make the grade while clutching that champagne flute, Marcelle offers acrylic

nail enhancements for only £20. And if you’re going to be flashing that diamond ring that your boyfriend/husband/fiancé has bought you for Christmas, you’ll definitely need her Shellac colour finger and toenail treatment; a pinch at £25. For that full lavish look, and to leave those mouths a-gaping over Christmas lunch, you should book yourself in for a complete manicure and pedicure, which Marcelle can now offer for £30. A bastion of beauty, Heavenly Nails is your one stop festive shop for waxing, facials, spray tans and much more. n Visit www.heavenlynailsandbeauty.co.uk

MAXINE FLYNN & A SSOCIATES

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

The Follicle Fab Four

Great names in the hair world have joined together in the fight against hair loss.

Making the sh potato... perfect Ma On Twitter, dad says Fl @ orences ditions to ad the perfect , butter am re “c mash are of nutmeg.” and a grating

Brothers Gary and Ben Auker founded the successful York Laser Clinic two years ago. This year, they both decided to take the clinic to a higher level by inviting father and son David and Ross Charles to join them. Trichologist David Charles has 40 years in the hair industry. After training in Paris with Doctor Gerard Choquet, he was invited to join the most elite team of Microscopists in dermo-trichology. Meanwhile, son Ross is owner of Ross Charles Hairdressing in York. Well known for his creative work, after treatment he is able to cut and style hair to get the best out of the results. “A good hair cut is like icing on the cake,” says Ross. Combined, the team have many years of experience and understanding of different causes of hair loss; they work together using their skills to assess a bespoke course of treatment for hair loss sufferers. This means that sufferers now have a far better chance of saving or growing new hair because of the options offered to them as individuals. The results can be remarkable. After a free consultation, they offer a choice of payment methods, making hair loss therapy affordable. n Call 07775 567110 Address: Ross Charles, 82 Gillygate, York.

INTERNATIONAL ladies hair stylist

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

Inspiring Stuff Setting up your own business can be a stressful and trying time, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be that way. Jane Tai, of Inspired Enterprise, spoke to us about her own amazing journey to happiness and freedom, and how she can help other business owners to feel happier too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I help people,â&#x20AC;? explains Jane, describing what she does. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I work with small business owners who want to do business in a different way.â&#x20AC;? The business mentor says she deals with people who are looking to do business in a positive, passionate manner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They care about people and want their customers to feel valued.â&#x20AC;? And there are lots of businesses out there that manage that very successfully. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing what they love as the main focus,â&#x20AC;? she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where success comes and money can be made. I call it doing business with soul.â&#x20AC;?

High-flyer Jane has a strong corporate background. After graduating from Oxford University she became a lawyer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not because she wanted to, but because she felt it was expected of her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt like I had to do what made me money, not what made me happy. I was young and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t question it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trust my own instincts.â&#x20AC;? After working for years in London and Hong Kong

and setting up a successful legal business, Jane realised she needed to trust her gut and get out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I teach people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; trust your instincts. We live in such a rushed society, where everyone hurries to the next thing to do. I say take time out for yourself. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in moments like those that true inspiration happens and you see the leap forwards you need to take.

Ancient inspiration As part of her new-found life philosophy, Jane travelled to Africa to spend time with the bushmen of the Kalahari. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their society is 70,000 years old and they are still going. I wanted to know what enabled them to survive for so long. I learnt that their priorities are giving and caring. They discuss everything thoroughly until everyone is happy. Harmony is the key for them, and I took a lot from that knowledge and applied it to my way of teaching.â&#x20AC;? So what is a typical consultation with Jane like? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I work either one-to-one or with small groups. I

teach a combination of practical tips for starting or running a business combined with the spiritual side that prepares you to succeed. Very simply I encourage people to get out of their heads and listen to their instincts. Our brain processes billions of pieces of information every second, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only mentally aware of a few of them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the rest you feel in your gut. Learn to trust what your gut is telling you and take time out for yourself. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be a far happier person.â&#x20AC;? n Inspired Enterprise can tailor their packages to suit you and your businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. Find out more about Jane and what she does at www.inspiredenterprise.co.uk

Denture wearers -RVHSK 'RXJODV Clinical Dental Technician

Show your smile, not your dentures!

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Free mini consultations

Call 01904 623 687 Changing FacesÂŽ York, Fresh Dental Smile Clinic, Manor House, Manor Lane, Rawcliffe, York YO30 5XY

www.changingfacesdentures.co.uk

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Joseph Douglas, Clinical Dental Technician, GDC No. 131030 Jenny Kabir, Dentist, GDC No. 79194

IN York ASSOCIATION WITH 44Manor House 197x216 Advertorial.indd 1 KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007 08/10/2012

13:51

Be aware Did you know that 1st December marks the 24th annual World AIDS Day? Set up in 1988, the first ever global health day promotes awareness of the illness and raises money for the National AIDS Trust, and you can take part. The organisers are appealing for people across the world to wear a red ribbon in support of World AIDS Day and to ‘Act Aware’ by finding out about the true facts about the illness, and how to stay safe, on the NAT website. It has lots of useful information that’s easy to understand, so it’s a great tool to use with teenagers who are ready to have ‘the talk’. n Visit www.hivaware.org.uk.

Time to shine Fancy giving your business a boost? Talk to us – we can help. If you’d like to be featured in our January issue (the ones people will be flipping through to decide where to spend the money they got from Auntie Pauline) just give us a call. Our sales team are mostly harmless, grounded individuals who would love to help your business. An advert, a beautifully written piece of editorial (ahem) or a question and answer feature – you could have it all. Make 2013 a winner before it even starts. n Call 767881. Introducing

Beauty

Fillers Wrinkle Reduction Treatments Professional Tooth Whitening

Beauty Treatments including Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion Facials Manicures and Pedicures

Dr Apostolos Gerasimidis (M) DMD Plovdiv 1999 GDC number 119419 General dentist.

“I’m an absolute fan of the Microdermabrasion treatments with Nikoleta” -Dr Andrea Ubhi

Nikoleta Giannakopoulou Beauty Therapist

Call now on 01904 422918 Clock House Dental 95 Heworth Village, York, YO31 1AN

40% off your first beauty treatment until end December 2012

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

Putting your foot in it Not just useful ways to keep your shoes warm and smelling strange, your feet are actually a masterpiece of engineering and evolution. Chinese reflexology and foot massage is a wonderful way to relax, feel refreshed and tackle some common ailments. Using Chinese massage techniques (or ‘Tuina’), the experts at Touch Tuina Treatment Centre on St. Saviour’s Place will stimulate the healthy functions of all your major organs and boost your immune system. Plus, if you book four full treatments you’ll get your fifth completely free! They also offer a special pick-me-up for weary shoppers during the busy Christmas build-up, with £10 off a 30 minute foot treatment. n Visit www.touchtuina.com or call 07958 213955.

2013: the year you

stress less

The New Year in the Your Local Link office is often started with the best of intentions – to lose weight, stop smoking, sleep better… but what about resolving to stress less? It’s a possibility with the course on offer at York School of Philosophy. The ten week course teaches us how to deal with stress more effectively, demonstrating techniques that can help to calm an overactive mind, deal with stress and emotions and overcome limiting habits and thoughts. The course will also explore practices to help improve concentration, work more efficiently and enjoy stronger relationships with the people around you. The course is open to everyone and begins on 22nd January at St Bede’s Pastoral Centre near Micklegate Bar from 7.15-9.30pm. n Call 643586 or visit www.philosophyinpractice.co.uk

Pssst!

Check out our competitions section for a great prize from Kenzi!

Designer December Sometimes for that all-important Christmas party, only a designer dress will do. So it’s a good job that new independent boutique, Kenzi, have opened their doors at Wealden Hall on Goodramgate. The retailer specialises in exclusive designer brands, stocking many pieces and labels that are notoriously hard to lay your hands on. Pieces are handpicked for design and

quality and are stocked in limited numbers, so if you’re looking for something exclusive, this is the place to go. If you’re worried about snooty assistants, then don’t be – the team are known for their friendliness and are more than happy to help you pick out a piece that’s perfect for you. n Email liz@kenziuk.com or call 849010.

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Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes office parties, festive fanfare and seasonal socials a-plenty. And with the arrival of the party season comes the ever recurrent hair and makeup dilemmas that we are often posed with at this time of year. Expert hairdressers and beauty specialists Revive Hair Design on Heworth Village are again bracing themselves for a busy time with party hair and makeup, so if you fancy a bit of added sparkle while dolled up in your festive finery this Christmas then get your appointment booked now!

Northern College of Acupuncture

n Whether you’re after a show stopping style for the evening or a complete colour change, give their fantastic team a call on 430612.

Going ‘round in circles If you’ve ever had the urge to grab the hands of the people standing around you and whirl them into a frenzy of circular dancing, you’re not alone. There is in fact a whole group of like-minded enthusiasts, who regularly meet to dance the traditional dances of the Balkans, right here in York. Circle Dance in York dance for fun, for fitness and for fulfilment, promoting the celebration of traditional dances that aim to bring the community together. As a group, Circle Dance in York organise dances in historically significant and unusual locations and in the past have danced all over York and the UK. Right now they are very keen for new members to swell their ranks, so if you fancy being taken for a spin, put your best foot forward. n Visit www.circledanceinyork.co.uk and call 788058.

Blusher..

It’s easy to go overboard with make up at Christmas, but too much blusher can look less than flattering. “Measure two finger widths away from your nose, and start your blush line there, and make sure you only apply it on the apples of your cheeks for a natural glow,” says Willow Nutherford Share your tips over Facebook and Twitter (@LocalLinkYork / www.facebook.com/ yourlocal.link

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WORDSEARCH

In association with:

5 Wyre Court, Haxby. Tel. 01904 768439.

Nothing will tie all those Christmas decorations together quite like a stunning bouquet of flowers. Dasher

Comet

Rudolph

Dancer

Cupid

Santa

Prancer

Donner

sleigh

Vixen

Blitzen

elves

Fortunately that’s’ just what’s up for grabs, courtesy of Dutch Nurseries in Haxby, if you complete our wintery wordsearch. To win, find all the words in the list below and send your completed puzzle to ‘December Puzzle Competition’ to Oaktree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, York YO32 2LH, to reach us no later than 28th December. The first correct entry to be picked out of the hat will win the flowers.

Select Beauty Salon

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Fabulously festive

York Against Cancer, the local charity that aims to help provide care for the residents of York who have cancer, have opened their Christmas shop. The shop on Blake Street will offer fabulous cards and gifts from 10am-4pm, Monday to Saturday, and 100% of the profits will go to York Against Cancer. The shop at 31 North Moor Road in Huntington will also be open every Saturday until Christmas, from 10am-3pm. n Visit www.yorkagainstcancer.org.uk or call 764466.

Showing support Coping with the miracle of a new baby can be scary to say the least, and for some mums childbirth can lead to postnatal depression, or PND. It’s more common than you might think – up to 20% of mums, and even some dads, are affected by the illness, and it can strike whether you’re expecting your first child or your fifth. But if you’re trying to cope with the symptoms alone, you don’t need to. My Time is a new group that offers support to families affected by PND, and is run by mums for mums. The group meets on a monthly basis, and there’s lots of space for children to play while mums can chat or even try their hand at crafts. There’s no need to be anxious that you’ll be judged, either – everyone at the group has experienced PND and the group fosters a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. n If you’d like to attend, or would just like some confidential support, email MyTimeYork@Gmail.com

Fake Tan

good look. ge palms are not a ? Let’s face it – oran tan mitt goes awry do when the fake But what can you e answer. Lola Clarke has th ur te and rub it into yo as hp ot to g on ed us “Get some whitenin be n ca it – t the orange tin of rid t ge to s lm pa s like knees too.” other problem area itter er Facebook and Tw Share your tips ov local.link ur /yo om k.c / www.faceboo (@LocalLinkYork

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your pets

PET TALK in association with MINSTER VETS

Q. My West Highland white terrier is about nine

Q. My six year old female budgie is underweight. She has trill as well as treat

months old. He was hit by a car a few weeks ago, and the vet said he was fine but ever since he’s been terrified of me. He urinates in the house and shakes, and won’t let anyone touch his face. What can I do?

bars and millet on a daily basis. What can I do to build her up?

This behaviour may take a while to reverse, as it has been quite a traumatic time for your dog. I would also advise that you ask your vet to refer you to a canine behaviourist as they can work with you on a one to one basis to ensure that the anxiety it corrected.

Have your budgie examined by a vet to ensure that there isn’t an underlying reason for her weight loss. If you can, weigh her on a daily basis to record how dramatic the weight loss is, then when you start adding a new food you can tell if it is having an effect. Ensure that nothing has changed with her routine as this can cause stress and deprivation of sleep. She should have at least 12-14 hours of sleep daily. Trill can cause birds to be ‘seed junkies’ as they then like to be selective over which seeds they eat, so I would advise you to try to move her onto a pelleted diet. This way she is less likely to be selective. This would have to be done very slowly over a period of weeks. Continue to offer fruit and vegetables, and try sprouting pulses, chick peas and beans.

Q. My cat is approaching ten years of age; do I need to change anything with her lifestyle?

In the meantime you need to not react to this behaviour. Try to ignore it, don’t shout at him or make a fuss as this is more likely to encourage the urination more. Reward him when he isn’t shaking and ignore him when he is. This method can also be used for letting you touch his face. Ensure that he is calm and offer him a treat. You will have to start just by running your hand on his body, then over the course of a few weeks make your way nearer to the face. Do this on his own terms to avoid making the situation worse.

It is worth taking her to the vets for a check-up; at this examination the vet will check her joints for signs of arthritis. They may also request that a small drop of blood is taken to check that her internal organs are working properly. Cats are very resilient and hide pain well. Arthritis can be very painful and will make her reluctant to jump walls or onto window ledges. The vet may wish to prescribe a form of pain relief that will ease the discomfort. It is also recommended that you change her diet to one that is more suited to a senior cat. If you do this though please change the diet over a seven day period as a severe change can cause stomach upsets.

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.

Ernie. Ernie is a lovely male staffy, and is good with other dogs. Once Ernie knows you he is such a friendly sweet lad. He needs a home with either no children or with children over 16. Ben. He is an extremely friendly lad who still needs some basic training. He needs an experienced owner to keep him safe and bring out his full potential. He’ll make a fantastic pet. n If you could give any of these dogs a home call: 01904 654 949 or visit RSPCA, Landing Lane, York Tom and Co. Tom, his brother and sister were found scurrying around alone. They are a little shy of new people at first, but once they have been given some fuss they’ll be friends for life. Milo and Doodles. Born to a stray who sadly died, these two need someone to take on the role of mum or dad. It would be great to see them settled in with their new family before it gets too cold! n If you’re interested in finding out more about these adorable moggies, or any of the cats at York Cats Protection, call 760356.

Neutering offer! If your cat is over four months old, and you’re on means tested benefits or a student, or you have a low income, you may be able to have your cat neutered for as little as £5 at your local vet. n Call York Cats Protection on 703086 or 607909.

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. . . p l e H u Can Yo

at Christmas?

There’s more to give at Christmas than just presents and cards. Have you ever considered giving some of your time? Here are some local charities who need help over the holidays. The Jack Raine Foundation. This York charity teaches disengaged and hard to reach kids during the day, covering GSCE courses and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. In the afternoon and evening they also open as a community centre with a kid’s film night once a week and a gym, teaching boxing, martial arts, life skills, and self-defence classes. You can help raise their profile by volunteering your time, getting involved and helping some great children. Email russ.jackrainefoundation@gmail.com

Jessie’s Fund. Established in 1995, the charity was named for Jessica George who died in 1994 of a brain tumour. They have the aim of helping seriously ill and disabled children in all areas of the UK through the therapeutic use of music. Music can provide a powerful and profound way in which children who have difficulty communicating can express themselves and connect with the world around them. If you can spare some time to help, get in touch! Visit www.jessiesfund.org.uk

York Blind and Partially Sighted Society. A thriving, independent local charity, working to help people with sight problems to be independent. They are always looking for new volunteers to bolster their dedicated ranks. People who donate their time are involved in home visits, help to fundraise and collect donated items, support the charity’s many activities and serve on the Board of Trustees. Visit www.ybpss.org

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your family

St Leonards Hospice. Since 1985 the hospice has cared for people with life-threatening illnesses. They are funded almost entirely by the generosity of the public and never charge patients and their families for the vital care they provide. Doctors and nurses work with a team of other professionals and are supported by an army of volunteers who help in many ways. From gardening to chatting with the residents over a coffee, there will always be need for your help. Visit www.stleonardshospice.org.uk

Safe and Sound Homes. SASH provide homeless or at-risk young people with exactly what they need most – a bed for the night. The simplest way to volunteer for SASH is to make your home available to host a vulnerable young person. Giving a young homeless person a safe place to stay for a short time can really help them find their footing, buying valuable time while more permanent accommodation is arranged. Visit www.sash-uk.org.uk

These groups need a helping hand too… Mental Health Research Advisory Group. They help to develop new research and to improve existing research projects related to psychological therapies for common mental health problems. Members of the group provide feedback on research ideas and review research proposals and documentation. If you’re interested in joining the group you are welcome to attend an informal meeting at the University on 5th December at 12pm. Call 321651. Tang Hall Local History Group. The friendly group are currently gathering memories and photographs for their next display, to be shown in the New Year. They want to hear about your memories of shops and shopping in the York. If you remember shopping at Leak and Thorpes, Renders, Burdekins, Hardings or any other old York shop, they would love to hear from you. Call 345942.

Magical

Ballet Classes

Donya Keys ARAD CBTS RAD RTS

tel: 0755 735 5562 principle@enpointeyork.co.uk www.enpointeyork.co.uk Classes from £3 / Girls & Boys / From Ages 1yr+ / Venues in York

EXPERT TUITION

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

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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 either a rock star or that bloke in posh toilets that offers you mints, but at 31 he finds himself writing for Your Local Link. These are his (un)manly words.

The Santa claws are out Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Le Pere Noel – whatever you call him, there’s no doubt that he exists. He lives in Lapland, not the North Pole, has 3.6 billion Facebook friends and likes to tweet pictures of the reindeer wearing funny hats. Now hand the magazine back to mummy or daddy and they will give you a sweetie. Have the kids gone? Good. Just us grown-ups. Right… Santa – are you as sick of him as I am? Seriously, who the hell does he think he is? You slave all year to save enough cash to buy the latest piece of plastic rubbish – the one that a TV commercial has convinced the kids they need to continue breathing – and he gets all the credit. Your children ask you “do you think Santa will be able to get what I want?” and “do you think he’ll be able to get down the chimney with it?” You

smile, nod. “Of course he will,” you say, while remembering how you managed to tear the last Furby in Toys-R-Us from the frail hands of an old woman, then smuggle it into the house and hide it in the airing cupboard (for Santa to collect later, obviously).

All this to come Fortunately my daughter is only two, so the thought of a chubby bearded man that creeps down a chimney we don’t have would terrify her, presents or not. She’s already got one chubby bearded man who brings her stuff, so anyone else would just confuse her. But those hardworking parents with older tots: ask yourselves – if that chunky chap is getting all the glory, why do we let him? Imagine a world where kids truly believed that their Christmas hoard came from

mum and dad – a world where it was your face emblazoned on cards and sweets and in shop windows. Ah, the songs, with all references to Santa removed. There’d be joyful renditions of I Saw Mommy Kissing Daddy, and Here Comes Daddy, Right Down Daddy Lane! But then I suppose Santa does make it magical for children and, in times of crisis, he acts as scapegoat in case you buy the wrong present. “Oh dear, Santa must have got confused. He’s very busy you know.” Right, we’ll let him stay then. After

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You’re welcome To answer some of those awkward questions the kids might fire at you, Santa’s top PR elf very kindly forwarded me the following helpful information: Q. We don’t have a chimney. A. Santa teleports from the roof. He invented teleportation back in the 60s. Star Trek nicked the idea from him. Q. How does he know what I want? I didn’t write him a letter. A. He can read minds and taught Derren Brown all his knows. Q. How can reindeers fly? A. Because Santa has all the correct licences and he filed a flight plan with air traffic control. Q. How does he get around the entire world in one night? A. He freezes time, obviously. Stephen Hawking says so and are you really going to question him?

your family

all, I’m guessing none of us have the time to whiz around the entire globe delivering presents in one night. I’ve got stuff to do.

Playground, revisited # 3 – Capture Santa’s hat A Christmassy twist on the old favourite, Capture the Flag. Form two teams, each team possessing half of the playing arena. Bases are identified within each half, where a Santa hat is placed. Each team must attempt to capture the opposition’s hat and wear it on their head while running back to their own base. If tagged by an opponent, the player must retreat to ‘jail’, an area away from the playing field, and remain there for the count of 20 before re-joining the game. Be careful when trying to snatch the hat from a girl’s head – girls have long hair and do not react kindly to having it yanked.

Speaking of education, don’t forget York College’s open morning on 8th December from 10am-12 noon to find out about a wide range of courses. Teach the other attendees how to play Capture Santa’s Hat while you’re at it. Visit www.yorkcollege.ac.uk, or call 770239.

t: 01904 642666 & 01904 490339

www.yorkmontessori.com

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Toast of Christmas past Believe what you like, but we all know that Christmas was invented by Charles Dickens. When we imagine the perfect chocolate box Christmas, we see snow lined streets with gas

lampposts, top hat wearing carols singers and children pushing hoops with sticks. Therefore the perfect carol performance has to be at York’s own glimpse into the past, Kirkgate, The Castle Museum’s recreated Victorian street. Singing in the evocative setting will be the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and the Kirkgate Singers, belting out your favourite traditional carols for the 51st year running. Performances take place between 11th and 15th December, at 7.30pm. n Booking is essential so call 687687.

Don’t be left stranded!

We’re all dreaming of a sunny beach in the office here at the moment. Mind you, the mere thought of trawling through endless websites to find a cheap flight to jet away on the holiday of our dreams is enough to put us off looking for a deal – but did you know that despite all your efforts, you might not be ATOL protected at the end of it all? Kris Roberts from Quartz Travel explains: “New ATOL regulations came into force in April, but not everyone is aware that they aren’t automatically protected if they book their holiday themselves. Holidaymakers could end up having to pay for new flights if something goes wrong with the one they’ve

booked, or even worse, stranded with nowhere to stay overnight.” Kris says that insurers are likely to decline any claims if your holiday isn’t ATOL protected, too. Luckily Quartz have an ATOL licence and can offer protection on everything they sell; whether it’s a package holiday, flights or a cruise, they’ll do everything in their power to get you home, and make sure that you’re okay while you’re out there. The staff at the independent York-based agents are available to help 24 hours a day, so you won’t be left stranded. Plus, you won’t have to do any internet trawling. n Visit www.quartz-travel.co.uk or call 411188.

Bringing together eminent academics, high-profile speakers, students and the local community for a series of free lectures and events.

Gimme gimme

gimme You know the feeling. Every time a toy ad comes on the TV the kids want it. That’s pester power for you. So how do you avoid it? First of all, don’t feel guilty for not having a bottomless purse. You don't have to buy your kids everything they want. That must-have toy will be forgotten a lot quicker than your credit card bill. If your children are small, explain that Father Christmas has a budget for every boy and girl. It will make them think about what each they’re getting for their money. It’s a mathematical fact of life that as children get older, their toys get more expensive. If your teenager is hankering after a pricey gift, maybe you could club together with other relatives to buy it? Avoiding pester power can be more difficult when you’re a single parent. Try to agree tactics with your ex and stick to them so you don’t undermine each other. Even if you have to say no, try to show your child you understand how they feel. Remember how it felt to be the only one in a group of friends without the latest gadget? Try not to be flippant with their feelings.

Christmas Carol Family Service

We have a selection of exciting and inspirational speakers (including Howard Webb and Shami Chakrabarti) and University celebrations for you to enjoy. The next lectures in the series are:

Thursday 6 December 2012 - York St John University, 6.30pm Mark Arnall, Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist to Kimi Raikkonen F1 Driver with Lotus

Thursday 13 December 2012, 7.30pm at York Minster

Thursday 31 January 2013 - York St John University, 6.30pm Professor Michael Fielding, Emeritus Professor of Education, Institute of Education, University of London

Everyone is welcome to come along to this fun and celebratory event for all the family, delivered by Revd Lukas Njenga and with music by York St John students and the University’s Director of Music Ralph Bateman.

For full list of free events and lectures and to book your ticket visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/goyork

For full details and booking information for all our Go York events please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/events or E: events@yorksj.ac.uk

Free events and lectures

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your family

Introducing...

KidsLink Children’s Club Breakfast, Afterschool and Holiday Club Catering for school children from reception upwards in an accessible and secured premises

STARTING 3rd SEPTEMBER Opportunities for educative yet fun activities for different ages and individual needs. All staff are CRB checked, qualified and friendly.

www.thekidslink.com KidsLink Children’s Club The Old School Business Centre Low Poppleton Lane, York, YO26 6AZ

07846 206 601

Open 45 weeks a year Ample parking Ofsted Registration No. EY445715.

Opens: 7.30am Closes: 6.15pm

Escape to the island

A charity exclusive to York, The Island helps at-risk children and young people between the ages of eight and 13 during times of their lives that could be fraught with difficulty. The Island introduces these young people to volunteer mentors with whom they develop supportive, ongoing relationships, allowing them ‘islands of space and time’ to increase their confidence and self-esteem. It’s clearly working, as not only has The Island just celebrated their fifth birthday, they have also won Best Community Project at the York Community Pride Awards 2012 – so congratulations are due! Find out more about the charity, as well as a list of their upcoming events, at www.theislandn1york.org.uk

Everything’s going swimmingly After the widespread flooding this autumn, it might be good idea to get the kids some swimming lessons, just in case we get another deluge of rain. But proper lessons can be so expensive, can’t they? Not anymore, thanks to New Earswick Swimming Club. They offer a great value swim scheme, with lessons from as little as £1.75 for children over four years old. Founded in 1967, the club offers recreational swimming sessions for all ages at New Earswick Pool, having a lot of fun along the way. n If you fancy a dip visit www.newearswicksc.co.uk

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Man’s best fr iend

Shop safely Christmas shopping online is easy and convenient – if you avoid the pitfalls. Here’s how... • Beware risky websites. Warning signs include poor design, an odd looking web address or pop-up windows that won’t close. Enable phishing protection in your browser to be on the safe side. • Shop on secure websites only. Look for ‘https’ rather than just ‘http’ in the address bar, or a padlock symbol in the bottom right corner. • Update your computer's anti-virus software; you can come across some nasty viruses when surfing online. • Beware of shopping from your mobile phone. The anti-virus software might not be up to it, and shortened URLs can trick you into visiting harmful sites. • Public Wi-Fi access can leave your personal information accessible to hackers. Avoid entering passwords and credit card numbers in public hotspots, and always shut down your browser afterwards. • Pay with a credit rather than a debit card. You can get your cash back if you do fall foul of a fraudster. • Pick a ‘strong’ password – if it’s easy for you to guess, then it’ll be easy for a scammer, too. Never use the same password for all your accounts.

Owning a pet can be a much-needed lifeline for an older person. But what happens when they become ill, or have to go into hospital? Now RSPCA York has joined forces with Age UK to set up Keep Your Pet, which offers care for animals when their owners are unable. They need volunteers of all ages to provide the service throughout the York and Selby area. n Call 634061.

Can you help? The Cinnamon Trust, a national charity formed to support the elderly and terminally ill and their pets, need volunteers in the Sutton on the Forest area who can offer much needed walks for two lovely 11-year-old female Labradors. n Call Sally on 01736 758707 or email volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk.

After the Queen’s speech… Love Christmas movies, but hate all that warm-hearted rubbish? Check out these alternative festive films. Batman Returns (1992). This dark, Tim-Burton-in-hisprime, super-hero film is set to the backdrop of a Christmassy Gotham City. Die Hard (1988). Bare-footed and in a dirty vest, Bruce Willis shoots his way through Christmas Eve in the quintessential 80s action romp. Trading Places (1983). Two millionaire brothers placing a one dollar bet to completely switch the lives of two strangers, Dan Ackroyd and Eddie Murphy, at Christmas? Yes please.

Bad Santa (2003). Billy BobThornton dons a Santa outfit and works the Christmas period at stores and shops. Awww. But he does it to rob them all blind. Oh Billy… Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). No, nothing to do with Christmas but this has been on the telly nearly every year since it was made.

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

your family

The Lion, the Witch and The Rock Church We step through the wardrobe and explore the Narnia Christmas Grotto at The Rock Church. Usually found in shopping centres, Christmas grottos can have a reputation for being hastily thrown together and not very festive. That isn’t the case at The Rock Church, as their legendary Narnia Grotto is back! Prepare to take a wander through the magical land of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, complete with live actors and a life-sized lion! What started in the old Woolworths store on Coney Street has now grown to be one of the highlights of the run-up to Christmas for children and grown-ups alike. Maggie Fairmond, who dreamt up the whole thing, gave us a brief runthrough of what intrepid explorers can expect this year. “We chose a Narnia theme because of the story’s connections with Christianity, and because it offers an exciting chance to explore. First people enter an ordinary looking room with a wardrobe in the corner. After walking into the wardrobe and passing by the dozen or so fur coats hanging inside, visitors will step into the snow-covered forest where Lucy and Aslan the Lion are having a cup of tea. From there they move on to meet the White Witch and her pet polar bear. The witch is actually very nice and hands out jelly babies to the children.” There will also be the chance to meet Santa, who this year is enjoying the spring-time inside the grotto. “Santa will be in short sleeves and relaxing in his tent on a warm day. Children will be able to chat to him and also receive a very special present. We like to give out good ones – usually worth the cost of your ticket!” n Narnia will be open, at The Rock Church on Priory Street, on the 1st-2nd, 15th-16th and 22nd-23rd December, 10am-4pm. Booking is recommended by calling 659475.

Autumn Open Mornings Sixth Form Open Morning Saturday 6th October - 10.30am Friday 28th September - 10.30am Saturday 10th November - 10.30am For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Jackie Hallewell on 01904 720072 or email admissions@queenmargarets.com

www.queenmargarets.com

An independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18 Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

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Ask the guru: Our secret weapon Paula answers your property questions in her ever popular column.

December 2012

The (Christmas)

Lowdown We know what’s hot and what’s not in the world of interiors – and that goes for Christmas too. Ditch the ready made trees, people.

Property Insider We bring you the latest and most bizarre stories. Would you call your landlord to find the best recipe for spaghetti?

electric dreams Matt Todd rounds up the latest Christmas gadgets for your home

Lay the table.. We show you how to create the perfect table setting for a fabulously festive Christmas spread – no matter what your budget.

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Table talk

Dinner is the main event on Christmas day. And we’ve got some good ideas to make your festive table look good enough to eat… Scrooge

budget

blow it

stay traditional Traditional red and gold is warm, inviting and always a winner. Dean’s Garden Centre in Stockton on the Forest has a wide range of coordinating table linens and accessories by top textile designer Peggy Wilkins. The collection includes table cloths, napkins, napkin rings, table runners, table mats, wine glass ‘shoes’, bread baskets and bread roll holders. They also stock other bits and pieces, including novelty wine bottle jackets, wine bottle stops, place name holders and chocolate novelties. So you can buy your whole Christmas look under one roof. How convenient is that? All you need to add is the turkey… n Call Deans Garden Centre on 400141

It’s a cracker! Scrooge More bang for your buck – 12 Holly & Berry Christmas crackers for just £3.97 from Tesco Budget Holly and robins are so last season – this year the well-dressed Christmas table is wearing woodgrain Christmas crackers. 12 for £12, from Next. Blow it You’d have to be crackers to

buy these Harrods crackers. They’re individually handcrafted and filled with gifts including a leather coin wallet and matching pen, an Italian silk scarf, silver plated stationery set and Swarovski crystalline pen. Each cracker also contains handmade bespoke headgear (that’s a hat to you and me). And the price? £1299 for six. And no, we didn’t forget the decimal point. Visit www. harrods.com.

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Top tips for Christmas tables Stick to a theme. Whether you opt for glitzy gold, elegant white and silver, homespun Scandi-chic or even go way out with some funky jewel colours, the key is to choose one colour palette and make sure everything matches. Start with a simple white cloth, and build up from there. Add colour with a festive table runner, place mats, napkins and crackers. Inexpensive charger plates add a touch of glam to basic white china – choose them to co-ordinate with your scheme. Candles always look fab on a festive table. Try dotting pretty tealights down the centre (be sure to keep them out of kids’ reach, though!). For a chic centrepiece, criss cross the top of a shallow bowl with sticky tape. Trim the stems off roses (red or white look best) and stick them in the gaps until the top of the bowl is completely covered. Another alternative is to fill a glass bowl with cheap miniature baubles or glittery stars. For a traditional look, mix springs of holly, ivy and other greenery in a low vase or a group of small plant pots. Create unique place settings, spray pine cones gold, silver or white and stick a small name card in each one. Or write each guest’s name on a holly leaf with gold or silver pen, punch a hole in it and fasten it around a napkin with colourful ribbon.

Stunning runners Scrooge Perfect for a Scandinavian theme, this tree embroidered runner is a snip at just £7.99 from Sainsbury’s

budget

Budget Seriously, what’s not to love about a table runner that lights up? And this is only £9.95, too. Think of what you’ll save on candles…From www.glow.co.uk Blow it Say it with sequins…This posh embellished table runner comes in luxurious red or purple. £25 from Marks and Spencer.

blow it

Scrooge

Senior Citizen Discount

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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: Heirloom Christmas decorations Invest in a couple of special meaningful treasures you can use year after year. English silversmiths Braybrook & Britten have created limited edition hallmarked sterling silver Christmas tree decorations, some incorporating real gems. But if your budget won’t stretch to silver, these vintage style decorations from Noa Noa are a snip at £12 each. Scandi chic Take a style tip from the big man himself (Santa that is, not baby Jesus), and team bright red with crisp white for a touch of Nordic style that works well in any interior scheme. The

key is to keep it folksy, with fairisle designs, wooden or hand painted decorations in bright fun shapes like stockings and snowflakes, reindeer and rocking horses. Or get the kids making some mini gingerbread men to hang on the tree with red gingham ribbon. Father C will feel right at home... Lighting up time Why keep your Christmas decorations to yourself? Invest in some bright and beautiful outside lights and treat your street to some festive fun! Be sure you choose lights that are designed for use outside – Barnitt’s have a wide selection to choose from. If you’re worried about the leccy bill, opt for some solar powered lights. Dream theme Do your Christmas decorations consist of a mismatched collection of tatty baubles that have seen better days? Now’s the time to treat yourself to a stylish set of new decorations. The best dressed festive homes stick to one colour

theme: whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, sophisticated silver or traditional red and gold, it’s all about creating a winter wonderland. Our favourite festive shopping mecca has to be Barnitt’s. The grand opening of their Christmas department is an event we look forward to almost as much as the Big Day itself! It’s treasure trove of tree decorations, wreaths and festive lights, so you can make your home look fab inside and out! For a really eye-catching look that’s bang on trend this festive season, look out for vibrant, jewel colours like teal, fuschia, lime and purple – the clashier the better. Understated it definitely isn’t!

free

Measuring & fitting service

20% off All stock materials

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no:1

Choice for Blinds

your home

. NOT:

Instant Christmas trees. No time to decorate your own Christmas tree? Never fear, just buy one from your local DIY superstore, all ready lit and hung with a selection of baubles. Just stick it up in the corner and that’s Christmas sorted. Brilliant idea, right? Wrong! Not only is it as depressing as a frozen Christmas dinner for one, it’s also extremely naff. Come on, people, it’s Christmas. If you can’t spare half an hour to deck your tree, then you don't deserve one. So there.

time. But so were fondue sets and On The Buses, and that doesn't make them good. Tinsel was, and always will be, Satan’s own Christmas decoration. So leave it in the loft and invest in some colourful bead strings instead – they look good and you won’t still be vacuuming bits of them up by Easter. Christmas crackers. Don’t get us wrong, we love a cracker. No festive table is complete without them. But can we have some more imaginative gifts, please? There are only so many money clips and miniature perfume atomisers anyone can take.

Tinsel. Yes, it was popular once upon a

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Keep up to date on the latest design trends & property news Crime at Christmas Christmas is a time for joy, goodwill – and burglaries. According to a report from the Halifax, the longer nights and the promise of rich pickings under the Christmas tree means an average of 9000 home thefts take place over the winter months. If you don’t want to be a sad festive statistic, take precautions. Fit an alarm system, outdoor lighting, and extra door and window locks if you need them. Even a simple timer for your lights can help. n For more crime prevention advice, contact www.saferyork.org.uk.

Back to basics

Want to improve the value of your home? Forget about the state of the art kitchen or built-in sound system, and sort out your damp patch instead. A survey carried out by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) found that more than half of us would rather see a well maintained home with sound brickwork, guttering, good insulation and a non-leaky roof than any fancy frills. “After years when many homeowners seemed to value style over substance it is likely that the ‘bling’ days of spending on highly visible home ‘improvements’ like state of the art kitchens and bathrooms are behind us,” says SPAB’s director, Matthew Slocombe. Time to cancel that whirlpool bath with built-in videophone, then.

Ask a silly question… If you were looking for a recipe for spaghetti or someone to collect your prescription from the GP, you probably wouldn’t think of calling your landlord. But these are among the top ten bizarre requests made by tenants to Oxfordshire-based lettings agency Finders Keepers. Others included a demand for a reduction in rent from a couple because they were going on holiday; an urgent plea from someone who had forgotten their PIN number, and a request from a tenant to cut up the curtains and make them into a dress. Possibly the most cheeky request was from a young man who called the agents to ask them to rush round and switch off his computer because his girlfriend was on his way round and he didn’t want her to see he’d been on a dating website!

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edients for Secret ingr Cake... Christmas suggests Teresa Lever r, whereas coco powde John Gledhill recommends cer. Marks & Spen .. Oh, John .

Happy ever after

Why buy a house? While the rest of us might think of our property as an investment, according to a recent survey by the Yorkshire Building Society, most first time buyers are led more by their heart than hard cash. A whopping 85% of first timers said their main reason for buying their own home was to have a place to settle down with their loved one. Only 49% hoped to make a profit out of it. But with first time buyers taking an average of eight years to save for a deposit, let’s hope the spark hasn’t gone before they’ve managed to make their first mortgage payment.

Fuel fears People in Britain are more worried about rising fuel bills than they are about their own families. So says a recent survey by financial giant Zurich, which looked into what gives us sleepless nights. They found that 45% of us are kept awake by the thought of bills, while only 36% fretted over family issues. Work related stress accounted for only 26% of lost sleep. Pity the poor soul who worries about all three…

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YOUR PROPERTY with PAULA MATTHEWS

On the move...

Paula Matthews at Opus Estate Agents has been chatting to buyers and sellers all over York answering their concerns and queries Q. I am very unhappy with the estate agent I am using and have a contract with them but have given them notice. Can they claim fees if someone they introduced puts in an offer, even though I did not know they had previously viewed my property? A. Your agent should be keeping you informed of all viewings that are taking place. It will be on their system that this person has viewed through them and yes the agent can claim their fee as they will have introduced the buyer, even if you are no longer marketing through them.

Q. How do I value my house?

I want to work out how much equity I have in my house without going to the trouble of getting estate agents out as I have no intention of putting my house on the market. A. Valuing property is not an exact science; but led by the local market. There is no science to a valuation and once you understand how an estate agent values your home you will be able to see how straightforward it is to work out the value of your home. In real terms what they do is find out how much similar properties in the area have recently sold for. This is not the

same as the price that the properties are on the market for. They do this by looking through websites, some of which you can also access, or by phoning local estate agents which you could also do. Not much science to it really. Nothing that keeping a close eye on the local market and seeing how much other properties are selling for wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you. However if you want to take some equity out of your house you will need to have the house valued by professionals.

Q. Why can you get such different values for the same property? A. Estate agents are more likely to price on customer expectations and have a tendency to use comparables of properties that are on the market, as well as sold prices. Valuers use comparable sales, which have actually completed. Agents will tend to be optimistic with a valuation, whereas a valuer is working for the mortgage companies and are protecting the interests of their clients.

Q. When is the best time of year to sell a property? A. There are busier and quieter times of the year for house selling. December is generally quieter as everyone builds up to Christmas and

then the market tends to pick up in the new year. Equally, August tends to be quiet, as lots of people are on holiday. However, in these more uncertain times, if you want to sell I personally recommend that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait. Despite what you endlessly read, the truth is nobody has any idea what is actually going to happen over the next few months. If now is the right time in your life to sell, get on with it as soon as possible.

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

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Cleaning up

Look around your house/office – is it really ready for Christmas? Let’s face it, the last thing you want for the guests at your party, or indeed your auntie and uncle during Christmas lunch, is to be shuffling around in all your mess, worried about catching typhoid. You need a spring clean and pronto! Call Mop & Bucket today. Their team of expert cleaners will be ‘round in a flash (with some Flash) and give your home or workplace the cleaning of its life. Set up by a mother-daughter team Mop & Bucket offer a complete service. Whether you need a one-off scrub-down, a weekly, monthly or bi-annual visit, they’ve got the know-how to tackle any kind of grime and dirt. CRB checked and flexible, they cater to York and the surrounding areas. What’s more, if you book their services in December (for a Chrimbo-clean) or January (for a New Year-neatening) you’ll receive a ten per cent discount by mentioning you saw them in these hallowed pages. n Call 491814.

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CONSUMER CHAMPION

Inspector Gadget Matt Todd gives us the lowdown on what’s hot in the world of technology this festive season.

for her: you would be hard pushed to beat an eReader. Everyone has heard of Kindle, whose product is widely available and cheap, however you are tied in to their content and that can be expensive. Open source products are available for a bit more money and will allow you access to a much wider choice of material. Prices start at just over £100, and you can store thousands of books on one eReader, making room in your handbag or suitcase for other essentials!

Cosy home As the temperature plummets a lot of us think about how to make it easier and cheaper to heat our homes. It goes without saying that a well-insulated home is a far better place to be when winter comes, but some homes are harder to wrap up than others. If you live in a solid brick terrace house, or an ex-council house, it may be difficult and costly to insulate and expensive to heat. Fortunately City of York Council has secured government funding for a scheme to trial solid wall insulation in the city, which adds a special insulative layer to the outside of your home. Anyone interested in being part of the trial can contact the Yorkshire Energy Partnership to arrange for their home to be considered. n Call 554406.

There’s only one thing that’s certain at Christmas; that it’s not a good time to be a turkey! But which presents are going to be a guaranteed hit? for him: there’s a huge choice without breaking the bank. Digital radios start from just £34.99 with handheld versions for sports fanatics at £69.99. If he’s more oldschool then how about taking those old LPs and digitising them – a turntable with USB connections could be just the job! For the techie there is a wealth of options with tablet computers like the Sony Xperia S from £329 and wireless music systems like the SONOS Play 3 from £259. The last option now comes with a free bridge to connect to your router, which is normally £39, and six months free Napster subscription.

for everyone: For many of us, it’s also a time to treat ourselves or our family to something new. My kids are totally amazed with 3D TV and I’m sure any parent arriving home with a shiny new TV would be guaranteed a warm welcome. Money can’t always buy happiness, but it can buy you at least a few moments peace over the festive period as the youngsters become engrossed in one of the fantastic 3D movies available… Bizarrely one of our biggest sellers so far this Christmas has been a meerkat torch (with realistic meerkat call!), yours for just £2! Whatever you do, enjoy an electric Christmas; just don’t forget the batteries! n For advice on all things electrical, visit www.htodd.co.uk

Est:1936

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Est:1936

your home

She bakes, she makes, she decorates... frankly there’s nothing our very own domestic goddess Rachel doesn’t know. Every month she’ll be passing on some of her favourite money and time saving tips... k Eggs need to be at room temperature for baking. If your eggs have been in the fridge, just pop them into a bowl and cover them with hot water. After a few minutes, they’ll be ready to use as normal. k Does your fridge smell of onions? Just place a saucer containing a few tablespoons of ground coffee inside. Keep the fridge door closed for as long as possible – 24 hours is best - then dicard the coffee. A jar of cheap coffee is great to keep in the fridge to use as a deodoriser. k If chewing gum gets stuck to your carpet, spray it liberally with hairspray to harden it, then scrape it off with a knife.

k It’s easy to knock off chalk or dried flaky paint from your children’s prized artwork, especially if it’s hung somewhere that people will brush past it often, like the fridge. Don’t panic – a light coating of hairspray will keep it looking fabulous. k Food containers can often smell less than fresh after a few uses, even after they’ve been washed. Stuff them with a balled up piece of newspaper, then seal them and leave them to deodorize overnight. Give them a quick wash, and hey presto! Fresh as a daisy. Follow RACHEL on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

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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.

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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Choo choo, grew grew Poppleton Community Railway Nursery is Britain's last surviving Railway Nursery. Unique in having a narrow gauge railway to move their plants around the site, they are having a few open days in December. On 1st, 8th and 15th of the month visitors are welcome to buy their Christmas wreaths and bedding plants. Call 797623.

Summer in a pot Are your house plants already missing the sunny beams of summer? Are the long nights making Harry Houseplant sad? Stick him in one of the GreenLanterns by NuDe. This pretty plant pot features a curving row of LED lights that emit a warming glow over dear Harry, keeping him happy throughout the year. n Visit www.nudelab.it

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Calling all rose growers!

gardening

1 in 5 people think Granny Smith is a well known type of potato

Know your onions?

Do you know where parsnips come from? Apparently one in three people don’t. A recent survey from the Potato Council revealed that a third of us have no idea where our fruit and veg come from, beyond the supermarket shelves. Common misconceptions include thinking that parsnips grow on trees and tomatoes are dug up out of the ground. A fifth also think Granny Smith is a well known type of potato, while another 20% have never heard of a King Edward or a Maris Piper. The survey also found that one in 20 adults are completely embarrassed by their lack of knowledge and a quarter said they regularly came unstuck when kids asked where certain foods came from.

The newly formed British Isles Rose Society (BIRS) is calling on rose fans to join their club and exhibit at their new show, set to be held at Lincoln Show Ground on 28th-30th June. Whether you’re an expert or a novice (or ‘tomorrow’s champions’, as they’re calling them), they’re keen to hear from you. Email davidewilce@yahoo.com for more details about the society and its show.

Herringfleet Beauty, anyone? Here’s a quick question for you. What are Gamlingay Codlin, Corpusty Bright and Old Blake? Are they a) past winners of the Grand National, b) characters from The Hobbit or c) types of old English apple? The answer really should be b, but it’s actually c. And now the charity Plant Heritage is calling on gardeners to support our forgotten species of apple, or risk losing them altogether. Apparently supermarket growers won’t plant old English types, as their lower yields mean they’re not commercially viable. So it’s up to smaller gardeners to keep the likes of Wendling Mill and Winter Queening alive. n To find out more, go to nccpg.com.

It’s not what you say... Want to make your plants grow faster? Introduce them to Cheryl Cole. So says Essex nurseryman Chris Bonnet, who spent the entire summer researching which regional accents plants respond best to. He and his team took ten groups of 100 bedding plants, and treated them each to a daily dose of a particular accent. They discovered that plants exposed to Cheryl Cole, Ant & Dec and Geordie Shore DVDs shot up, while those listening to the Manchester accent struggled for survival.

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Feed the birds

Don’t let wildlife go hungry this winter. That’s the plea from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. They reckon that the cold wet spring and summer may have led to a shortage of the late ripening berries, fruits and nuts that birds depend on when the weather turns chilly. “It’s been a difficult year for wildlife,” says RSPB wildlife advisor Ben Andrew. “Our Make Nature Count survey highlighted that birds were struggling to find enough natural food sources for themselves and their chicks.” You can help by putting out fatballs and bird seed. Also, don’t cut back on berry bearing hedgerows, and leave fallen fruits on the ground for species like blackbirds. n Go to rspb.org.uk/nfw for more tips.

Not your average pot plant... Next time you’re tempted by an unusual looking shrub, spare a thought for the anonymous elderly couple in Bedford, who bought a green shrub from a flea market thinking it would fill a nice bare spot in their garden. The keen gardeners were surprised to say the least when their back garden was raided by the local police, who revealed that their carefully nurtured mystery plant was in fact the biggest cannabis plant they had ever seen. It’s understood that they are not bringing any charges.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!

Potted or cut? Go for a potted tree if you want an ecofriendly option, as the tree can be replanted after Christmas is over.

If you’d like a fragrant Christmassy smell in your house this year, you need a real Christmas tree to stuff your presents under. Here’s our guide to the different types available, where to buy ‘em, and how to care for them.

Treat your

tree

Although it’s a great feeling to throw out that rubbish fake Christmas tree, real ones have a tendency to dry out and loose needles. Here are some tips on keeping your tree tree-mendous. Clean it. Once home, take your tree into the garden and blast it with the hose. This will remove any loose needles, dirt, and creepy-crawlies that may have hitched a ride. Chop it. Saw a two-inch thick disc off the base of the tree, removing the layer of sap that gathers there. This helps the tree to absorb water. Feed it. Place the tree in a stand with a water reservoir. Your tree could drink up

christmas trees at foss feeds

to a gallon of water a day, so keep it topped up. Love it. Place it somewhere away from draughts and radiators and use lights that don’t give off a lot of heat. Remember to keep it clear of naked flames and candles – even well-watered trees can be a fire hazard. Plant it. If you choose a potted tree, care for it by watering the root ball at its base as soon as you get it home, then leaving it to drain for a day before wrapping it in plastic. Then, store the tree in an unheated, sheltered area until you bring it into the house – you shouldn’t have the tree in a heated house for any longer than ten days. If they’re in for longer, they’ll become accustomed to the warmth and will be damaged when they are eventually planted outside. When you’re ready to plant your tree, find an area sheltered from wind, but that still has lots of sunlight. Serenade it. Sing Christmas carols to your tree. Festive cheers actually helps the trees keep their needles. If there are lots of needles on the floor, the tree must be sad. Quick, sing to it! “Away in a manger…!”* *so Howard says, anyway...

Which tree is As easy as two, tree best for me? one, Once you’ve chosen the type Norway Spruce. The most popular Christmas tree in the country, the smell and shape will transport you back to Christmases past. This tree does have a tendency to drop its needles, but by following our care guide you should be able to slow this process down.

of tree you’d like, you’ll need to buy one. Here are some local sellers who’ll be able to get you the tree of your dreams.* Wigginton Lodge Christmas Trees. Wigginton Lodge, Wigginton Road. Call 07957 220837.

Omorica Spruce. Similar to the Norway, this hardy tree has darker needles and a slightly narrower base. Pretty handy if space is an issue; after all, that LED giant Santa takes up a lot of the living room.

Garrowby Estate. Bugthorpe, York. Call 01759 368669.

Nordman Fir. Sick of unpleasant surprises that keep jabbing you in the toes? You need a non-drop tree that retains those annoying needles. The Nordman is just the ticket here; it’s nice and soft and has a wide conical shape.

Oaktree Nursery. Boroughbridge Road, Poppleton. Call 788080.

Scots Pine. Just like a Scotsman holding tightly onto his haggis on Burn’s Night, the Scots Pine will retain its needles better than any other tree, and it has a lovely pine smell as well. Blue Spruce. If you fancy something a bit different, this tree has a distinctive silvery-blue colour.

Christmas at Dalby Forest Real Christmas trees on sale st 1 – 20th DECEMBER 10am - 4pm Visit Father Christmas th th th th 8 - 9 & 15 - 16 December

Wreath Making 1 nd and 2 December TREETOPS RESTAURANT Serving Christmas Dinners at weekends Horse & Carriage rides at weekends For Further Information Telephone 01751 460295

Foss Feeds. Foss Farm, Acaster Malbis. Call 706376. Trevor Smith Landscapes. Weirpond Nurseries, Holtby. Call 489998.

Orchard Nursery. 48 Hopgrove Lane South, York. Call 233965. Deans Garden Centre. Stockton Lane, Stockton on the Forest, York. Call 400141 The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Grange. Call 499183. *Alternatively, grab a saw and we’ll meet you in the woods. (Yes, you guessed it – Howard again…)

Jack Sheldon says clearing up pine needles doesn’t have to mean hours of hovering: “Make a loop of parcel tape, with the sticky side out, and use it to pull up the needles from any grooves in your floor.”

IN THE GARDEN

Branch out...

Make sure everything in the garden’s lovely with the team at Stems and bark have an important role to play in the garden during the winter months, not just to add colour but to also provide architectural structure and interest to the garden. Making shapes Some of the best plants for this architectural effect are the ones which have contorted branches. Corylus avellana contorta (also known as Contorted Hazel or Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick) is probably the best example of this with its bizarre, curly, contorted stems and also has the useful feature of producing colourful catkins very early in the season. It is quite vigorous and requires a reasonable amount of space. Small packages If space is limited then Robinia ‘Lace Lady’ has a similar growth habit, but is much slower growing making it ideal for containers. Smaller still is Prunus incise ‘Kojo No Mai’ with its zigzag branches and pale pink flowers which are produced in early spring. A real oddity is Salix sachalinensis sekka (Dragon Willow) which has mahogany coloured branches that are strangely flattened and twisted

and often fan-shaped, making it a favourite for flower arrangers. Splash of colour For winter stem colour and where space allows, some willows are unbeatable. Salix alba britzensis has vibrant red stems while Salix alba vitellena has golden yellow and Salix daphnoides have beautiful deep purple stems. Salix matsudana tortuosa as the name suggests have twisted/contorted branches that are gold in colour, but as with most willows all of the above are extremely vigorous and the roots can cause problems for buildings and underground services. The extreme vigour can be turned to the garden’s advantage; hard pruning in early spring encourages new growth up to 1.8m (6ft) per year with much more vibrant colour to the bark. They are ideal to grow in damp or wet areas. Where space is limited Cornus (Dogwood) make a good alternative to willow. Cornus alba siberica have excellent bright red stems and Cornus alba elegantissima have dark red stems with green and cream variegated foliage. Cornus alba kesselringii have a very deep purple, almost black stem or for a

brighter look the greenish-yellow stems of Cornus stolonifera flavrimea. These to should be pruned hard in the spring to encourage new, colourful growth and many of these forms also have the added bonus of excellent autumn coloured foliage. To obtain the best effect, plant in an area that allows winter sunlight to shine through the stems to illuminate the bright colours. Trees For trees with interesting textured or coloured bark that really come into their own in the winter, include Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) which has a cinnamon coloured paper-like peeling bark, Acer capillipes or davidii (Snake Bark Maple) with striated green and cream bark, Betula jacquemontii (Himalayan Birch) with its bright white peeling bark or Prunus serrula tibetica (Tibetan Cherry) with its shiny mahogany peeling bark.

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

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your garden

The growhow Calling all green-fingered enthusiasts! Askham Bryan College Gardening Club are at it again, giving out the top secret insider knowledge about horticulture. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a garden good enough for the Chelsea Flower Show, then take heed – the club will be meet on 11th December for a very special illustrated talk. Entitled Burnby Hall Gardens, History and Development, the talk will be given by Ian Murphy, the garden curator. The garden is situated in Pocklington and is home to the National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies. The talk starts at 7.30pm and is held in The Conference Hall, Askham Bryan College. n Call 707208.

Oh, grow on… Despite freezing temperatures and a cold, hard earth, York Get Growing are still dishing out the horticultural tips like Santa hands out presents. Although not much might be growing in your garden, there’s still plenty to do to keep those fingers green. Pruning your fruit trees is one such wintery task that needs tackling, and Get Growing’s half day course should teach you all you need to know. Taking place in Bishopthorpe, the course runs from 10am-12.30pm on either 5th December or 16th February. Just like all their other classes the morning session is free, and anyone is welcome along. n Call 644300.

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your garden

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

Season’s Greetings

Continue winter digging, but avoid working in very wet 2012 is most likely to be one of the most memorable weather as this will harm the structure of the soil. Set years for a variety of reasons. The York City fans yourself achievable targets and aim to dig small amounts that made the journey to Wembley on those two consecutive weekends in May were rewarded with two more often. It’s much kinder to your muscles! Use the quieter time to spring clean the plot. Getting rid of fine performances, the latter one of which secured our debris will not only improve the visual appearance of passage back into the football league. This was closely the plot, but will also reduce slug and snail populations followed by the queen’s diamond jubilee, and a hugely that hibernate overwinter. Edge successful Olympic games which along the sides of grass paths using a made us all proud to be British Feed the birds! lawn edger, and be sure to use a line again. However, for us gardeners They will re-pay you in spring by to get those edges nice and straight. it will be remembered for the rain controlling caterpillar and aphid and arguably the worst growing year Deck the halls numbers. The Brunswick Shop for decades. The medal winners It’s nearly Christmas! Brunswick has some great bird feeding here were definitely slugs, weeds horticulture groups are busy ideas that would make excellent and grass that seemed to constantly making holly wreaths, potting up stocking fillers! need mowing. hyacinth bowls and making festive

Top Tip:

Think ahead Looking forward to next year there’s still work to be done to prepare for the year ahead. December is the ideal time to prune apple and pear trees as they are now at their dormant stage. Check stakes and ties on established trees as these can soon become too tight, causing damage to the tree. Stakes should be nice and firm in the soil if they are to support a fruit heavy tree properly, so replace if necessary and make sure that the stake cannot rub against the trunk, as this can then become an entry point for disease.

decorations. Craft groups have been busy designing and making Christmas cards and wrapping paper. The Brunswick Shop has a great selection of gifts for gardeners and a collection of organic and vegan-friendly bath and body treats from The Celtic Herbal Company. Our shop staff are busy packing hampers with produce from local suppliers and we are also offering a pre-order and collection service for our organic vegetable and dairy products. Pay us a visit and bag some great gifts and at the same time support local producers and a super little charity.

JOBS FOR DECEMber 3 Prune apple and pear trees 3 Check stakes and ties on

established fruit trees 3 Begin forcing early varieties of

rhubarb 3 Harvest leeks when needed 3 Start digging up Jerusalem artichokes 3 Check stored veg for signs of rot

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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Dreaming of a

green Christmas? Christmas doesn't have to cost the earth. Check out our eco-friendly tips...

Trees: You can't beat the real thing; according to the Carbon Trust, fake trees create around 12 times more CO2 than real. For an even more eco-friendly option, ‘rent’ a rooted tree, which is replanted after Christmas. To find out more, contact Farmer’s Cart on 499183 Decorations: Upcycled decorations are all the rage – check out www. ellieellie.co.uk for witty recycled baubles (see pic). Or try making your own edible tree decorations – visit www.makingyourown.co.uk for inspiration. Go for LED Christmas lights; they use less electricity and burn out less frequently than the standard type. Food & Drink: Avoid a last-minute dash to the supermarket and pick up fresh produce from your local farmer’s market instead. Or have an organic veg box delivered to your door. We all buy and cook way too much at Christmas, so make sure you use up all your leftovers. See www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for recipe ideas. Cards: Choose recycled cards picked up from a charity, or make your own from recycled paper. After Christmas, either take them to one of the card recycling schemes run by the Woodland Trust, or cut them up to make bargain gift tags for next year.

Appleton Road, Bishopthorpe York YO23 2RF tel 01904 701869

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Dancing

Queen On the 8th December diners at the National Railway Museum are in for a treat. As part of the Come Dancing Christmas event, Lilia Kopylova and her husband Darren Bennett will be performing in Station Hall. “There are a lot of big trains in there,” laughs Russian-born Lilia, “I’m just hoping we have a proper floor to dance on, rather than the track!” As well as showing off their award-winning moves, the couple will be holding a mini dance workshop, with audience participation, and a question and answer session. Getting strict Lilia and Darren, who have now been married for 15 years, do a great deal these days since finishing on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. “We’re very busy,” says Lilia. “We run dance classes and schools for people of all ages, as well as taking part in competitions as a couple and judging shows.” And they do it all together. “We’ve been together for 15 years. Working with my husband isn’t strange, it’s very nice. In face it’s strange to do things without him.”

Lilia enjoyed an incredible six series on Strictly, during which she won in 2005 with dancing partner Darren Gough. “It was an amazing time – very demanding, but lots of fun.” Would she go back if they asked her? “I’ll never say never. TV works so quickly these days; it’s all last minute with people asking if we can come in a week before filming – usually we’re just too busy.” From Russia, with love Lilia did her basic training in Moscow, where she was born in 1978. “I started off with ice skating and it wasn’t until I moved to Britain that I concentrated on dancing. I consider myself British now, but I’ve noticed that across the world dancers are united by their love of dance, no matter what their nationality is.” “Recently, thanks to shows like Strictly and Dancing On Ice, there has been lots of interest in ballroom dancing,” Lilia adds. “It’s also nice to see men involved and that attitudes are changing – dancing is no longer a girly thing but something men can get

involved in as well. I truly believe ballroom dancing is fresh and appealing. After all, everyone loves to dance!” And is Lilia excited to visit York? “Oh yes, definitely. We’ve been here several times and I love it! Unfortunately this performance at the NRM will be a brief visit. That’s a shame because York is beautiful – it’s like a fairy tale.” n Come Dancing Christmas takes place at the National Railway Museum on 8th December. To book call 686223.

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Shop local this Christmas One of the great things about the festive period is the sense of community, which is why we think it’s a great idea to ditch the supermarket and source everything we need for the perfect Christmas dinner locally. These fabulous farm shops are ideal. Balloon Tree The award winning Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe has a wide selection of good value home grown and locally sourced produce, including turkeys, all under one roof. That isn’t all, though – there are also plenty of gift ideas, hampers, trees, decorations, wreaths and cakes – and you can enter a prize draw in the shop for the chance to win a turkey or goose, and a luxury gift hamper. n Christmas orders need to be placed by Dec 16th in the shop or over the phone on 01759 373023, or visit www.theballoontree.co.uk. Farmer’s Cart There’s plenty on offer at Farmer’s Cart, too, from the free range turkeys that have been lovingly reared by Geoff, to the fantastic Scottish Christmas trees. If you’ve got a friend who’s into food, then the hamper service can provide an ideal gift: you can select from a range of ready made hampers or create your own. Meanwhile, if you’ve got little ones, there will be sleigh rides with Santa every weekend in December. Children will travel through the enchanted forest to enjoy gingerbread decorating, ride-on mini tractors and, for the well-behaved ones, a gift from the big man himself, while parents can enjoy a mince pie and a mulled drink. n Visit www.thefarmerscart.co.uk or call 499183.

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Food review: The Grange Hotel Our Tracy sampled the fine fare of The Grange Hotel in Clifton. Here’s a spoiler – she liked it.

Market Days

29th NOVEMBER-2nd DECEMBER. St. Nicholas Fayre. One of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK, dozens of unique stallholders will flock to York over the four-day event. 8th-23rd DECEMBER. York Festive Fayre. This event brings a sweep of Christmas traditions with music and decorated wooden huts. You are sure to find that extra special Christmas gift. 15th-16th DECEMBER. A true winter festival, transforming York’s streets into a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, al fresco dining, street entertainment and guaranteed ‘snow’ showers. NEWGATE MARKET. Proudly boasting 110 stalls Newgate Market offers fresh fish, fruit and vegetables in Europe’s largest single pedestrianised area. Open every day 9am-4 pm, 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday. n All dates correct at time of going to press. For more information visit www.york.gov.uk/markets

Situated close to the city centre in a stunning Regency townhouse, The Grange Hotel is one of York’s top hotels, so it was with excited anticipation that my partner and I paid them a visit. It was my first visit to the hotel, which is an eclectic mix of traditional elegance and contemporary chic, and we both relaxed in the bar area with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc each. The wine was so fine we ordered a bottle for the table. After studying the menu we were led by the welcoming staff to the beautiful Ivy Brasserie. I chose a particular favourite of mine to start – dressed Whitby crab (£8.95), while my partner opted for the hand dived scallops. I found the crab tasty and delicate, and after I’d pinched one the scallops I found those to be delicious too. For the main course we opted to share Cote De Boeuf (£38.95), which is rib of beef on the bone, served with the fluffiest onion rings ever, gorgeous

flat baked mushrooms and three times cooked salted chips. The beef was tender, tasty and served in manageable strips with a beautiful peppercorn sauce. For dessert I chose an orange tarte with passion fruit sorbet, which was zesty and tangy, and ideal for my preference for sour tastes. My partner chose the white chocolate sponge cake, which was eagerly received and apparently: “The correct way to finish off a fabulous meal.” The Grange Hotel is renowned for its traditional British food with modern influences, which is all skilfully cooked using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The choice of elegantly furnished dining areas with fine Juliet balcony windows, period pieces of furniture and comfy sofas combine to make for a fabulous dining experience. n Visit www.grangehotel.co.uk or call 644744.

It’s Christmas! If you liked our review of Beechwood Close last month, you’ll be pleased to know that the restaurant is now taking bookings for Christmas. n Visit www.beechwood-close.co.uk or call 658378.

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STAY FESTIVE.

Make sure you enjoy a cracking Christmas Day Lunch or celebrate the New Year in style with Holiday Inn York. Enjoy Christmas Lunch for £60.00 per adult and £30.00 per child or come along to our New Year's Eve Gala night for £65.00 per adult. Holiday Inn York To book call 0871 942 9085 or visit www.hiyorkhotel.co.uk

STAY YOU.®

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e c n a l g a at

events

events:

Church, 2pm and Holy Trinity Church, Stockton, 7pm. 400182

29th NOVEMBER ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CHRISTMAS BUFFET, Friends Meeting House, Friargate, 2pm. 541392 YORKSHIRE CRAFT FAIRS, St William’s College. Until 2nd December. 01274 835588 ST NICHOLAS’ FAIR BREAKFAST CLUB, Treasurer’s House, 11am. 624247.

30th NOVEMBER QUIZ NIGHT, The Cottage Inn, Haxby, 8pm. 765049.

1st DECEMBER A CHOCOLATE COVERED CHRISTMAS, York’s Chocolate Story. Until 31st. Chocolate-making demonstrations. 0845 4989411 INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASE, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 7pm. 658338 SANTA’S STEAM ADVENTURE, National Railway Museum. Until 31st. 08448 153139

Looking for a fun day out this month? Here you’ll find out about everything happening in and around our fair city, with the best events featured in our Hotlist. NOVEMBER BEST IN SHOW, Kentmere House Gallery. Until 6th January. 656507.

23rd NOVEMBER CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York. www.bms-york.org.uk

24th NOVEMBER THE ICE FACTOR, Designer Outlet, 9.30am9.15pm. Until 6th January 2013. www.theicefactor. co.uk CHARITY SOUL NIGHT, Temple Hall, York St John University. In aid of the Normandy War Veterans. www.yksoul.com MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT, Lady Anne Middleton’s Hotel. 611570 AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS, Castle Howard. Also 25th

November, 1st-2nd, 8th9th, 15th-16th December. 01653 648333 CHRISTMAS FAIR, Hilton Hotel, Tower Street, 10am4pm. 721737 POTS IN POPPLETON, Tithe Barn, 10am-5pm. Until 25th. 797631 CHRISTMAS MARKET, Fountains Abbey, 10am3pm. 01765 608888 Grand Christmas Fayre, Archbishop of York’s CE Junior School, 10am-12noon. 706272 ADVENT FAIR, York Steiner School, 10am-3pm. 654983 WINTER WONDERLAND, The Farm Shop, Wigginton Road, 10am-4pm (weekends), 1-6pm (weekdays). Also 25th and 1st-2nd, 8th-24th December. 766822.

25th NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKETS, Castle Howard, 10am-4pm. Until 27th. Also 2nd, 4th, 9th and 10th December. 01653 648333 196TH AUTUMN YORK ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. Until 30th. www.yorkartsociety. com

26th NOVEMBER ST NICHOLAS FAYRE, across York. Until 2nd December. www. yorkfestivals.com A MANSION HOUSE CHRISTMAS, The Mansion House, 10am-4pm. Until 28th.552036

28th NOVEMBER BETHANY PROJECT AFRICAN EXPERIENCE, Dunnington Methodist

Christmas Tree Festival, Huntington Methodist Church, Strensall Road. Until 2nd. 768904 SANTA SPECIALS, Yorkshire Museum of Farming, 10am-3pm. Also 2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd and 23rd. 489966 CHRISTMAS CONCERT, Stockton-on-the-Forest Village Hall, 7pm. 491604 CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR, The Brunswick Shop, 11am-4pm. 701869

A TALE OF TWO CITIES! DICKENSIAN YORK, The Mansion House, 10am4pm. 328473. CHRISTMAS AT PIGLETS, The Farmer’s Cart, 10am-5.30pm. Also 2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd-24th. 499138.

2nd DECEMBER YORK DOLLS HOUSE AND MINIATURES FAIR, York Racecourse, 10.30am4pm. 01778 391123 CHRISTMAS LUNCH, Treasurers House. Until 21st. 624247 CHRISTMAS CRAFTS, Castlegate House (opposite Fairfax House), 9.30am4pm. Also 15th and 16th. 656622 CHRISTMAS FAIR, York RSPCA Animal Home, 11am-3.30pm. 654949.

6th DECEMBER YORK EARLY MUSIC CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, National Centre for Early Music. Until 15th. 658338 York’s Festive Fayre, across York. Until 23rd. www.yorkfestivals.com York Haematology Support Group, Heworth Golf Club, 7pm. 330705 TWILIGHT EVENING, Burton Agnes Hall, 5-9pm. 01262 490324 ALL SEASONS EVENTS, The Guildhall, St Helens Square, 10am-4pm. Until 8th. 07838 420209 SPECIAL SHOPPING EVENING, York’s Chocolate Story. 0845 4989411.

MOVIE BUFFS COLLECTORS FAIR, The Royal York Hotel, 10.30am4pm. 07812 859205.

LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate, 5pm-9pm. Also 13th and 20th. 0113 2240949.

3rd DECEMBER

7th DECEMBER

WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOPS, Beningbrough Hall, 10am3pm. Also 4th, 5th 10th and 11th. 472027

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS, Castle Howard, 7pm. Also 14th. 01653 648333

4th DECEMBER Christmas Coffee Morning, Fothergill Homes, Avenue Road. 622710 DING DONG MERRILY, National Centre for Early Music, 7.30pm. 658338

5th DECEMBER UNIVERSITY CHOIR AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, University of York Central Hall, 7.30pm. 322446

CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT, York Minster, 7pm. Also 14th. 0844 939 0015 CHRISTMAS CONCERT, The Bar Convent, 7.30pm. 643238

8th DECEMBER AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS, Burton Agnes Hall, 10am. Also 15th. 01262 490324 HOW TO DECORATE YOUR HOME AT CHRISTMAS TIME, Burton Agnes Hall, throughout the day. 01262 490324

LONDON SHOPPING TRAIN, York Against Cancer. 764466 SANTA SPECIALS 2012, North York Moors Railway, Pickering Station. Also 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd December. 01751 472508 Fusion, The Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane, 7.30pm. 07852 899869 MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS, Barley Hall, 11am-4pm. Also 9th, 15th and 22nd. 610275. SANTA IN THE MILL, Holgate Windmill, 2-4pm. Also 2nd, 8th and 9th. 799295.

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

events

NARNIA CHRISTMAS GROTTO, The Rock Church, Priory Street, 10am-4pm. Also 9th, 15th-16th, 22nd and 23rd. 659475 QUIZ NIGHT, York Sport Club, Shipton Road. 764466 1ST HEWORTH SCOUT GROUP CHRISTMAS FAYRE, The Scout Hut, Little Bad Bargain Lane, 11am-3pm. daveclayton@ ntlworld.com CHRISTMAS FANTASIA, Haxby Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. judy.laken@virgin. net HANDEL’S MESSIAH, York Minster, 7.30pm. 0844 9390011. CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING, CONNAUGHT COURT, 10am12noon. 626238 CHRISTMAS FAIR, Dunnington School, 11am1.30pm. 552910 Community’s suggestions for Acomb, Acomb Parish Church Hall. 2-4pm. Call 551834 LIGHT A LIGHT CAROL SERVICE, York Hospital Chapel, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. 764466

COME DANCING CHRISTMAS, The National Railway Museum. 686223 YORK COLLEGE OPEN DAY, York College, 10am12noon. 770200

9th DECEMBER CAROLS FROM YORK MINSTER, York Minster, 7-8.15pm. 634906 YORK - THE CHOCOLATE CITY, The Mansion House, 11am-1pm. www. yorkthechocolatecity. eventbrite.com

12th DECEMBER ANNUAL CHRISTMAS QUIZ, The Bar Convent, 7pm. 643238

13th DECEMBER CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE YEARS, Burton Agnes Hall, 2pm. 01262 490324 YORK ST JOHN CHRISTMAS CAROL FAMILY SERVICE, York Minster, 7.30pm. www. yorksj.ac.uk/events

14th DECEMBER CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 8pm. www.bms-york. org.uk

15th DECEMBER

21st DECEMBER

FESTIVAL OF ANGELS, The Quarter. Until 16th. www.yorkfestivals.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL & OTHER STORIES, Wigginton Recreation Hall, 2pm. 763324.

FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOP: CREATE A CHRISTINGLE, York Minster, 10am. 0844 9390011 CHRISTMAS CONCERT, Wigginton Recreation Hall, 7.30pm. 490440

30th DECEMBER STEAM SPECIAL PICKERING TO WHITBY, York Against Cancer. 764466

31st DECEMBER

MUSIC AND CAKES, Vision Express, Parliament Street, 10am-4pm. Also 22nd. 541104

DANCING ON THE GREEN, New Earswick Bowls Club. 750230

CHRISTMAS STORIES WITH SANTA, RHS Harlow Carr, 10am-3pm. 0113 2240949.

ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR, York Racecourse, 10am-4pm. 07817 724904.

16th DECEMBER

5th JANUARY

THE YORK COMMUNITY CAROL CONCERT, The Barbican, 2.30pm. 0844 8542757

THE YORK BOOK FAIR, York Racecourse, 10am4.30pm. 794711.

19th DECEMBER THE FRIENDS OF THE BAR CONVENT CHIRSTIMAS CAROL CONCERT, The Bar Convent, 7.30pm. 643238.

20th DECEMBER CHILDREN’S STORYTIME, RHS Harlow Carr, 11am-12noon. 0113 2240949.

1st JANUARY

7th JANUARY NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBY, New Earswick Bowls Club, 10am-2pm. 750230.

11th JANUARY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 8pm. www.bms-york. org.uk

OUTWARD DOWNES, Lockton, North York Moors. Until 13th. www. outwarddownes.co.uk

19th JANUARY HUGE – THE ULTIMATE PARTY BAND, The Grand Opera House, 7.30pm. 0844 8472322.

26th JANUARY THE GREAT ANTIQUES FAIR, Wetherby Racecourse. Until 27th. www.jaguarfairs.com

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

27th JANUARY PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY, St. Bede’s Pastoral Centre, 7.15pm. 643586.

9th FEBRUARY ANTON AND ERIN GO TO HOLLYWOOD, The York Barbican, 3pm and 7.30pm. 0844 8542757.

23rd FEBRUARY A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES, York Racecourse. 638971.

events

Turn on the

charm

We grabbed Claire Horsley, who’s playing Prince Charming in Cinderella with Rowntree Players, for a chinwag.

Claire Horsley must be good, as she was headhunted by Rowntree Players. “I got asked to audition for principal girl in Robinson Crusoe one year, and I never left,” She explains. Now, the entertainer has been involved with Rowntree Players for around eight years, and juggles working on the committee and performing with teaching Drama and Art at Barlby High School. “This is my first year back in panto after a three year break where I was assistant director and choreographer, but I’ve taken a step back from that this year and got back onstage as I missed it desperately!” Claire explains. “There’s nothing like being onstage.” Claire says that working with the children “I prefer playing at school has had helped rehearsals to become more tranquil. “Since I’ve principal boy to been teaching my friends in the cast principal girl – at Rowntree have told me that I’ve they’re generally really calmed down when leading not as wussy!” choreography – apparently I used to be a bit like Hitler!” She must be a popular teacher though, as about 50 of Claire’s pupils will be going to see the show this year. “I love my job – I get to do drama all day!” Claire enthuses. “However, I haven’t really worked out how I’m going to get through performance week yet. I’ll be at school too, so I’m probably going to run on adrenaline!” Claire’s version of Prince Charming is apparently more Shrek 2 than Disney. “He really loves himself!” she laughs. “I prefer playing principal boy to principal girl – they’re generally not as wussy as the girls! Cinderella cries a lot, but with Charming he’s quite pompous, so I’ve really tried to go over the top with the posh attitude.” If you’re heading to see the panto this year, don’t go too far during the interval – you might just see a familiar face. “Sometimes we’ll go out into the audience during the interval and it’s fantastic to see the faces on the little children who really believe that you’re that person that you’re playing. You have to maintain that character.” n Cinderella runs from 8th-15th December at Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Visit www.jrtheatre.co.uk or call 658197. 90

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

events

Swash-buckling fun! We catch up with King of the Jungle Joe Swash, star of The Barbican’s Cinderella. Not content with winning I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, ex-Eastender Joe Swash has now set his sights on conquering the York panto scene. “I love doing pantomime,” he says, “it feels like a bit of light relief. You spend all year working hard, it’s nice to mess about a bit!” Not a newbie Although Cinderella will be his first time performing in York, Joe is fast becoming a pro at board-treading. “This will be my fourth panto. It’s great to actually see the kids in the audience and see their reactions – you can’t beat that. And I really like my outfit,” he says, tugging on his golden tunic, “I think I might keep it after the show and go out for a night in York wearing it. Don’t think anyone will notice – not in York.” Has he ever been to York in the past? “I’ve been once before, years ago. I was staying at the hotel opposite Clifford’s Tower and one night I decided to slide down the hill on my bum. Didn’t realise it was an important castle thing!” Growing up As opening night approaches, how is he preparing for the role? “I’m not really, there’s no method acting involved. It’ll just be me – it’s more fun that way. Hopefully people will enjoy that. I just hope I get my lines right.” And for the future? “After the panto I’m hoping to do a travel and adventure show for Sky. Now that I’m 30 I’m wanting do try something with more of a challenge. There’s lots to look forward to.” n Cinderella is at The Barbican from 21st until 30th December. For tickets call 0844 8542757.

Little, by Little

No small matter, we grab Sleepy Beauty star Syd Little for a chin wag. “I hope it won’t be snowing,” says the comedian, “last time I was in York for panto I got stuck in the snow!” The Blackpool born funny man started playing in pubs and clubs in the 60s before meeting Eddie Large, when, together, they formed Little and Large. “He’d just look at me on stage and say things to the audience like ‘if he stuck out his tongue, he’d look like a zip!’” The Little King So what is Syd’s role in Sleeping Beauty? “I’m playing King Egbert the Umpteenth. I think he’s Sleeping Beauty’s father… although I’m not sure. I’ve not seen the script yet!” But Syd clearly loves pantomime and this year will be his ninth without comedy partner Eddie Large. “Panto is great - you’re not yourself and it allows you to let go a bit. It’s just like the things I did with Eddie on TV, although to be honest, I’ve always loved the music more. I tell people that Eddie stopped me becoming a pop star,” he jokes. Wet feet Check out our extended Sleeping Beauty is Syd’s third York panto – interview with Syd online: why does he keep coming back? “I absolutely www.yourlocallink.co.uk love York,” he enthuses, “and we came to the National Railway Museum lots when my son was growing up. Since doing panto in York I’ve made some great memories. For instance, I remember sitting in Plonkers with Lisa Riley when we both thought our feet were getting cold, and looked down to see that the pub was flooding – so we just popped up our feet on chairs and carried on drinking! Hey, I hope the theatre doesn’t flood during this show!” n See Syd in Sleeping Beauty at The Grand Opera House from 14th December. To book call 0844 8472322.

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

hotlist

Here are the very best, the cream of the crop, the most fun, the most exciting things to see and do this month. Try and do them all, go on - we dare you. FAMILY Days Out NOVEMBER UNTIL APRIL 2013 CHOCOLATE SUNDAYS, York’s Chocolate Story, every Sunday, 10am-6pm. Bring your York Card along to enjoy a whopping third off ticket prices! If you’ve not yet been, this is a wonderful opportunity to play tourist for the day and see what a tasty attraction there is right on your doorstep. Sundays will now forever be known as ‘stuff your face with choccy day’. Call 0845 4989411. UNTIL 20th JANUARY 2013 Whatever the Weather, National Railway Museum, 10am-6pm. An art exhibition examining how railway companies encouraged people to travel ‘whatever the weather’ through striking objects and posters. Visit www.nrm.org.uk/artgallery or call 08448 153139. 24th November-6th January 2013 THE ICE FACTOR, Designer Outlet, 9.30am9.15pm. The outdoor ice rink is returning to The Designer Outlet until the New Year, and promises to be once again one of the best chilly days out you can have. Visit www.theicefactor.co.uk 92

24th-25th, 1st-2nd, 8th-24th WINTER WONDERLAND, The Farm Shop, Wigginton Road, 10am-4pm (weekends), 1-6pm (weekdays). Take a trip to this magical winter wonderland and pay a visit to the Elves. They’ll show you the way to see the reindeer, along the path through the grotto and finally to see Santa himself. Spend some time with the big man before choosing your own gift to take home. Call 766822. 24th-25th November, 1st-2nd, 8th9th and 15th-16th December An Audience with Father Christmas, Castle Howard. There is no better way to capture the excitement of this special time of year for little ones than by meeting Father Christmas. You can join him at the fireside for festive stories, singing and magic tricks. Dressed for the festive period, castle Howard has to be one of the most beautiful places to while away those cosy winter afternoons. Call 01653 648333. 26th-28th A Mansion House Christmas, The Mansion House, 10am-4pm. The Mansion House will be open throughout the St Nicolas Fayre weekend for visitors to enjoy the building dressed for Christmas. Call 552036.

29th St Nicholas’ Fair Breakfast Club, Treasurer’s House, 11am. Get set for Christmas shopping in York’s St Nicholas Fair by starting off with a festive-themed four-course breakfast with the papers in the historic surrounds of the Treasurer’s House tea-room. Call 624247.

DECEMBER 1st-31st A CHOCOLATE COVERED CHRISTMAS, York’s Chocolate Story. Tis the season for over indulgence at York’s Chocolate Story! Get in the festive spirit with a real nostalgic taste of Christmas. Learn how to make eggnog, winter spice, plum pudding and pine needle flavoured chocolate during tantalising chocolate-making demonstrations from Head Chocolatier, Andrew Thwaite. Open until 7pm every Thursday until 20th December. Visit www. yorkschocolatestory.com or call 0845 4989411. 1st-31st Santa’s Steam Adventure, National Railway Museum. Everything is ready for Christmas but Santa has lost his presents! Help track them down at the North Yorkshire Pole. Before the magical steam journey is over, kiddies will meet Santa Claus himself and receive a special present to take home. Call 08448 153139.

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

SANTA SPECIALS You’re invited to the Elves’ Christmas party! Be prepared...

Adults £6 Children £8

Some of this event is outdoors so please wear sensible clothing and footwear!

Join Bauble for a guided tour around Santa’s Village and a train ride to meet the Big Man himself. Children receive an early Christmas Present, adults a glass of sherry and a mince pie!

Santa Specials in conjunction with

Derwent Valley Light Railway The Yorkshire Museum of Farming reserves the right to, where necessary, alter or cancel any of the above events.

www.murtonpark.co.uk www.murtonpark.co.uk

ce with Fa n e t di

hristmas rC he

ireside A AF u

Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton, York, YO19 5UF 01904 489966

From 10 am — last admission strictly 3pm Sat 1st & Sun 2nd Sat 8th & Sun 9th Sat 15th & Sun 16th Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd December 2012

Experience the

From the elegant decorations and music in the House, to festive food, gifts and audiences with Father Christmas, there is something for everyone this Christmas at Castle Howard.

www.castlehoward.co.uk 01653 648333 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

Magic of Christmas 24 November to 16 December 2012

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

events

1st-2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd24th CHRISTMAS AT PIGLETS, The Farmer’s Cart, 10am-5.30pm. This year Santa’s elves have added a lot more festive indoor fun for you. There will be lots of things to see and do, including a snowball splat, mini tractor rides, gingerbread decorating, a refreshments kiosk and an indoor sandpit. Also, get a chance to meet Santa himself in his special grotto, ride in his sleigh and collect a little gift – if you’ve been good. Parents can also enjoy a mince pie and glass of mulled drink. Remember also to get your Christmas trees, free-range turkeys and jam-packed hampers. Call 499138. 1st-2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd23rd SANTA SPECIALS, Yorkshire Museum of Farming, 10am-3pm. Enjoy a magical and festive guided tour around Santa’s village, who has, just for Christmas, relocated to just outside of York. Let the chief elf, Bauble, show you around. After that, jump on board and enjoy a train ride to meet the big fellow himself. There’s a present for every child who has been well behaved this year and a glass of sherry and mince pie for every adult. Call 489966. 1st, 9th, 15th and 22nd MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS, Barley Hall, 11am-4pm. A unique festive experience exploring the history behind some of the most popular of Christmas traditions. The hidden-gem of a medieval hall will be decorated splendidly for the season, and a cosy tavern will be serving steaming mugs of mulled wine along with real ales and juices by candlelight. Children can meet Father Christmas and get a lovely gift to put under the tree. A truly magical Christmas experience for the whole family! Call 610275. 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th SANTA IN THE MILL, Holgate Windmill, 2-4pm. Go along and receive an early Christmas present, and for adults, a hot or cold drink and a mince pie. Call 799295. 2nd-21st Christmas Lunch, Treasurers House. Enjoy a Christmas lunch served in the festive setting of the historic tearoom. Start with a glass of mulled wine, choose from our varied menu for your three course meal and finish with homemade sweet treats served with tea or coffee. Call 624247. 3rd, 4th, 5th 10th and 11th Wreathmaking workshops, Beningbrough Hall, 10am-3pm. Join one of their popular workshops, with full tuition and materials, to make your own wreath from scratch. Once finished reward all your hard work with a traditional Christmas twocourse lunch with all the festive trimmings. Booking essential. Call 472027. 6th TWILIGHT EVENING, Burton Agnes Hall, 5-9pm. Join them for an evening of carols, mulled wine and mince pies in the courtyard. Call 01262 490324. 6th SPECIAL SHOPPING EVENING, York’s Chocolate Story. A special shopping evening providing visitors with mulled wine, mini mince pies and chocolate tasting, as well as an exclusive ten per cent off when £30 is spent in store. Call 0845 4989411. 94

8th + 15th An Audience with Father Christmas, Burton Agnes Hall, 10am. Join Father Christmas by the fireside for songs and storytelling and chat to the man himself. Advance booking required. Call 01262 490324. 8th-9th, 15th-16th and 22nd-23rd NARNIA CHRISTMAS GROTTO, The Rock Church, Priory Street, 10am-4pm. This Christmas, why not take your family on an enchanted journey through the wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia? Meet Aslan the lion, Lucy, The White Witch and of course… Santa! If you’ve been good you can also collect an early Christmas gift to pop under your tree. A highlight of the festive calendar in York. Call 659475. 15th Christmas Stories with Santa, RHS Harlow Carr, 10am-3pm. For something that bit extra special why not book onto one of the Christmas Stories with Santa. Get comfy and listen to Santa tell you all about his adventures from the North Pole. All children will receive an early Christmas gift for good behaviour. Booking essential. Call 0113 2240949. 20th Children’s Storytime, RHS Harlow Carr, 11am-12noon. Go and join a storytelling session at Harlow Carr, where tales about great garden adventures and little garden creatures will be told. Each session will be followed by a short walk or song. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. Call 0113 2240949.

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

DECEMBER 1st- 2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th, 22nd and 23rd Santa Specials 2012, North York Moors Railway, Pickering Station. Embark on this magical adventure to meet Santa in his grotto on-board the train. What better way to start the festive season? Call 01751 472508.

JANUARY 11th-13th Outward Downes, Lockton, North York Moors. Activities of strength, stamina, speed and skill with a sociable after event party with eating, drinking and games. 36 hours of fun for energetic people who don’t take life too seriously. Visit www.outwarddownes.co.uk

Community and charity Events NOVEMBER UNTIL 6th JANUARY BEST IN SHOW, Kentmere House Gallery. In partnership with Age UK and the RSPCA, this exhibition is a celebration of animals and birds in art. Call 656507. 24th MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT, Lady Anne Middleton’s Hotel. Join in with the fun and find the murderer. A delicious three course buffet will be included in the ticket cost. Call 611570.

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

events

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

events

Fairs & Markets EVERY DAY 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. EVERY MONDAY 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.

NOVEMBER 24th-25th Pots in Poppleton, Tithe Barn, 10am-5pm. A unique opportunity to see and buy original ceramic art from talented potters. Call 797631. 24th Christmas Fair, Hilton Hotel, Tower Street, 10am-4pm. There will be a vast range of stalls including handmade cards and gifts, jewellery, paintings and prints, glass art, hand crafted bears, face painting, massage and reflexology. Call 721737. 24th Christmas Market, Fountains Abbey, 10am-3pm. Get into the festive spirit with a visit to the Christmas market. Buy tasty seasonal food from local suppliers, fresh Christmas trees in pots, decorations, and Christmas gifts for all the family. Call 01765 608888.

25th-30th 196th Autumn York Art Society Exhibition, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, 12noon-4.15pm Sun, 9.30am-4.15pm Mon-Thur, 9.30am-2.30pm Fri. A chance to see the collected works of local artists in stunning surroundings. Visit www.yorkartsociety.com 29th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CHRISTMAS BUFFET, Friends Meeting House, Friargate, 2pm. The York Osteoporosis Support Group get together to look back at a great year of charitable deeds. Call 541392. 30th QUIZ NIGHT, The Cottage Inn, Haxby, 8pm. Join Polly Anna’s Nursery for a special quiz in aid of Help for Heroes and Martin House Hospice. Call 765049.

DECEMBER 1st London Shopping Train, York Against Cancer. A pre-Christmas treat with family or friends! Catch a show, take in the sights or shop for Christmas gifts – the choice is yours with this London special. Call 764466. 2nd PRINCESS & PRINCE CHRISTMAS BALL, Askham Bryan College, 1-5pm. A fantastic show with Princess Peppa Pig, Bopping with the Beast, Singing Santa and Yorkshire’s renowned children’s entertainer the Magic Hatter. Call 772277. 4th CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING, Fothergill Homes, Avenue Road. A great chance to meet the residents, have a look around the home and enjoy a chin-wag and cuppa. Call 622710. 96

8th YORK COLLEGE OPEN DAY, York College, 10am-12noon. An open day that is dedicated to students wishing to study A Levels, vocational courses or work related studies such as apprenticeships. At every event they have all the usual opportunities to find out about the courses they offer, meet tutors and students and see the college. They will also be offering advice on how to apply. As always, there’s no need to book, just turn up. Call 770200. 12th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS QUIZ, The Bar Convent, 7pm. Your ticket includes a pie and pea supper and entry to the quiz. Get a team together (maximum of six members) and enjoy an evening trying questions. Call 643238. 15th & 22nd MUSIC AND CAKES, Vision Express, Parliament Street, 10am-4pm. Join them for musical entertainment and some lovely cakes. A talented busker will be on hand playing requests while all the money raised will go to CHECT (Children’s hospital Eye Cancer Trust). Call 541104. 30th Steam SPECIAL, York Against Cancer. Put a bit of winter sparkle between Christmas and New Year and join them for their final Silver Celebration Event! Book your seat on the Steam Train Special from Pickering to Whitby. Call 764466.

JANUARY 7th NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBY, New Earswick Bowls Club, 10am-2pm. Go along and try out bowls, completely for free. Call 750230.

24th Advent Fair, York Steiner School, 10am-3pm. Enjoy a host of seasonal activities including a magical grotto, a ‘children only’ secret shop and craft and book stalls. Call 654983. 25th-27th Nov, 2nd-4th, 9th-10th Dec Christmas Craft & Produce Markets, Castle Howard, 10am-4pm. Over 20 stalls selling a mix of handmade crafts and delicious local produce. Shop for perfect Christmas gifts and treats from the wide selection of delicious food and beautiful crafts – all in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Howard. Call 01653 648333. 29th November-2nd December St Nicholas Fayre, across York. The most popular of all York’s Christmas markets, offering everything from gifts and crafts to the best of local produce at this traditional festive weekend. Visit www.yorkfestivals.com 29th NOVEMBER-2nd DECEMBER YORKSHIRE CRAFT FAIRS, St William’s College. As part of the St Nicholas Fayre, delve into local craft splendour. Call 01274 835588.

DECEMBER 1st CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR, The Brunswick Shop, 11am-4pm. Handcrafted gifts and novelties, as well as organic vegetables and Fairtrade groceries. Call 701869. 2nd, 15th and 16th CHRISTMAS FAIR Castlegate House, opposite Fairfax House. 9.30am3.30pm. A wonderful opportunity to pick up some unique, hand-made gifts just before Christmas. Also a chance to meet St Nicholas himself. Call 656622.

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

events

Join us for our Carol Service in York Minster For an evening of traditional carols and music 7-8.15 pm Sunday 9 December For further details contact: 01904 634906 julie.lee@alzheimers.org.uk

alzheimers.org.uk

Untitled-2 1

Ice sculptures

13/11/2012 15:35:15

in York

15 & 16 December Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Minster Quarter

A true Christmas festival transforming Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique streets into a winter wonderland of ice sculptures, stalls and street entertainment. This magical and free event runs from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

www.yorkfestivals.com (01904) 550099 BARNITTS The home & garden store. est 1896 | 24-26 colliergate, york | Tel: 01904 625601

2nd York Dolls House and Miniatures Fair, York Racecourse, 10.30am4pm. Quality exhibitors with three floors filled with beautiful hand-crafted products. Over 80% of the items on sale are handmade. Call 01778 391123. 2nd Christmas Fair, York RSPCA Animal Home, 11am-3.30pm. A fantastic fair with books, mince pies, raffles, Christmas cards and much more. Call 654949. 2nd Movie Buffs Collectors Fair, The Royal York Hotel, 10.30am-4pm. Enthusiasts of film and TV are in for a treat this year as two very special guests will be visiting to meet fans and sign autographs; Jeremy Bulloch who played Boba Fett in Star Wars and Shane Rimmer, the voice of Scott Tracey from the classic TV show Thunderbirds. Along with all the magic comes a selection of specialist hand-picked dealers who sell TV, film and sci-fi memorabilia. Call 07812 859205. 6th-23rd York’s Festive Fayre Across York. The fayre brings with it a sweep of Christmas traditions, decked out in seasonal wooden huts, with gentle festive music to enjoy as you shop. Visit www.yorkfestivals.com 6th, 13th, 20th Late night Christmas shopping, RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate, 5pm9pm. Find inspirational, last-minute Christmas gifts in the shop and plant centre. With an extensive range of books, plants and unusual giftware, you’ll be able to find perfect presents for the whole family. Bettys Café & Tea Rooms will also be open, so you can warm up with a hot drink or tasty treat. Call 0113 2240949. 6th-8th ALL SEASONS EVENTS, The Guildhall, St Helens Square, 10am-4pm. Get festive cheers in abundance at this three-day craft and gift fair in beautiful surroundings. Call 07838 420209. 8th Christmas Fair, Dunnington School, 11am-1.30pm. Enjoy Santa in his grotto, stalls, games and refreshments. There’ll be fun for all of the family. Call 552910. 8th 1st Heworth Scout Group Christmas Fayre, The Scout Hut, Little Bad Bargain Lane, 11am-3pm. All are welcome for

mulled wine, mince pies, stalls and crafts. Email daveclayton@ntlworld.com 15th-16th Festival of Angels, The Quarter. A magical weekend of ice sculptures and outdoor entertainment with a sprinkling of snow guaranteed. The Quarter’s Festival of Angels is a true winter festival, transforming Grape Lane, Swinegate and Back Swinegate into a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, al fresco dining, street entertainment and guaranteed ‘snow’ showers. A real highlight of the run up to Christmas – just be sure not to lick the ice sculptures. You’ll be stuck for hours while they melt. Visit www. yorkfestivals.com

JANUARY 1st ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR, York Racecourse, 10am-4pm. Hundreds of antiques and collectables to set any bargain hunter’s eyes a-bulging. Celebrate the New Year at this undercover fair for all the family. Call 07817 724904. 5th THE YORK BOOK FAIR, York Racecourse, 10am-4.30pm. Over 100 leading booksellers will be offering antiquarian and second hand books, ephemera, maps and prints. A free shuttle bus will be running between the racecourse and the railway station. Call 794711. 18th-19th STAMP AND COIN FAIR, York Racecourse, 11am-6pm (Sat), 10am-4pm (Sun). The largest stamp and coin fair outside of London, there will be more than 90 stamp stalls and many coin dealers. Visit www.stampshows.net 26th-27th THE GREAT ANTIQUES FAIR, Wetherby Racecourse. This great fair is set in the fabulous Bramham Hall Exhibition Centre and Millenium Grandstand with numerous outside pitches. Visit www.jaguarfairs.com

Concerts NOVEMBER 23rd Chamber Music Concert, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York. BMS York host a night of music including Richard Saxel and Angus Meryon. Visit www.bms-york.org.uk

DECEMBER 1st International Young Artists Showcase, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 7pm. The showcase features talented young ensembles such as Les Ombres, Borromini Quartet and Den Haag Piano Quintet. Call 658338. 1st CHRISTMAS CONCERT, Stockton-on-theForest Village Hall, 7pm. The students of Margaret Berg perform in this end of term festive spectacular. Call 491604. 1st Fusion, The Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane, 7.30pm. A highly original 90 minute show featuring six musicians playing a range of instruments. Sounds and songs from many different cultures, including a taste of jazz, folk, flamenco, Africa and the east. Call 07852 899869.

for Early Music, 7.30pm. Join the York Musical Theatre Company for an evening of carols, readings and festive cheer. Call 658338. 5th UNIVERSITY CHOIR AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, University of York Central Hall, 7.30pm. Join the choir for an evening of classic symphonies. Call 322446. 6th-15th York Early Music Christmas Festival, National Centre for Early Music. The annual festive festival of traditional and unusual early music. Performers include Ex Cathedra, Chalemie, Joglaresa and the University of York Chamber Choir. Visit www.ncem.co.uk/xmas or call 658338. 7th + 14th Christmas Carol Concert, York Minster, 7pm. The most popular concert of the year! Featuring the York Minster Choir and accompanied by the Yorkshire Volunteers Band. Concert goers are invited to join in some of the carols, and to sit back and enjoy others performed by the professional musicians. There will also be special guest readers, including TV’s John Craven and novelist Kate Fenton. Call 0844 9390015. 7th + 14th Christmas Party Nights, Castle Howard, 7pm. Meet your friends by the Great Hall Christmas tree for champagne and canapés and celebrate Christmas in style. You will then be welcome to enjoy a candle-lit tour of the decorated South Front rooms, before being seated in the elegant Long Gallery to enjoy some truly delicious home-cooked Christmas fare. Call 01653 648333. 7th Christmas concert, The Bar Convent, 7.30pm. The Stamford Bridge Singers return to the Bar Convent for a celebration of Advent and Christmas. Call 643238. 8th Christmas Fantasia, Haxby Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. Haxby Singers present a concert including seasonal music and readings. Tickets available on the door. Email judy.laken@virgin.net

4th DING DONG MERRILY, National Centre 98

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

8th Handel’s Messiah, York Minster, 7.30pm. York Musical Society’s performance of Handel’s Messiah is always a very popular event at York Minster. A must attend concert for all music lovers at Christmas time. Soloists will join the chorus and orchestra for the performance of this magnificent piece are Lucy Hall, Julia Riley, Jason Darnell and James Oldfield. Call 0844 939 0011. 8th Light a Light Carol Service, York Hospital Chapel, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Enjoy this festive get-together and help bless the tree and lights in the hospital foyer. Call 764466. 8th Come Dancing Christmas, The National Railway Museum. The evening’s entertainment features Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova – the most successful professional dancers from the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. For one night only, the internationally award-winning couple will entertain guests with four breathtaking dances performed in between a three-course dinner service. Audience interaction and a question and answer session with the dancers will also be part of the night. Call 686223. 9th Carols from York Minster, York Minster, 7-8.15pm. Join The Alzheimer’s Society for what promises to be a heart-warming mix of traditional carols, musical items and guest contributors. Call 634906. 13th York St John Christmas Carol Family Service, York Minster, 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to go along to this fun and celebratory event for all the family, with music by York St John students. Visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/events 14th CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 8pm. BMS York presents the Fejes String Quartet in a concert of Glazunov, Bartok and Beethoven. Visit www. bms-york.org.uk 15th CHRISTMAS CONCERT, Wigginton Recreation Hall, 7.30pm. Join The Foresters Folk Group for an evening of folk, country, humour, monologues and even popular music. Audience participation is always welcome. Call 490440. 16th The York Community Carol Concert, The Barbican, 2.30pm. York’s longest running and most popular carol concert celebrates its 55th anniversary. Come along and join in singing all your favourite carols. Call 0844 8542757. 100

19th THE FRIENDS OF THE BAR CONVENT CHRSTIMAS CAROL CONCERT, The Bar Convent, 7.30pm. The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir bring in some Christmas cheer. Tickets include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Call 643238. 31st DANCING ON THE GREEN, New Earswick Bowls Club. Celebrate New Year with the Steve Cassidy Band and local DJ Johnny Whiteshoes. Call 750230.

JANUARY 11th CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, 8pm. BMS York presents Souza Winds in a concert of Holst, Ligeti, Francaix, Mozart and Nielsen. Visit www. bms-york.org.uk 19th HUGE – The Ultimate Party Band, The Grand Opera House, 7.30pm. Big Ian and the boys return with their infectious brand of Hammond heavy brassiness and ludicrous audience participation. Featuring a four piece horn section, Huge provide the perfect family night out playing the music of Michael Buble, Adele, The Who, Queen, Take That, Madness, Stevie Wonder and James Brown, as well as Northern Soul and Motown classics. A riotous night out! Call 0844 8472322.

FEBRUARY 9th Anton and Erin Go to Hollywood, The York Barbican, 3pm and 7.30pm. Anton du Beke and Erin Boag return with a sensational new show. The UK’s favourite dance duo pays tribute to the Golden Years of film musicals. Sassy tunes, sensational choreography and sparkling costumes conjure up all the fizz and razzmatazz of glamorous Hollywood. Presented by Anton and Erin with their trademark charm, wit and ballroom magic; the pair will be joined by singer Lance Ellington, superb guest dancers and a 25-piece live orchestra. Call 0844 8542757. 23rd A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES, York Racecourse. A night of music from Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Includes a three course carvery. Call 638971.

WORKSHOPS & TALKS DECEMBER 1st A Tale of Two Cities! Dickensian York, The Mansion House, 10am-4pm. Gillian Waters gives a fascinating talk on Charles Dickens and how his many visits to York inspired some of his greatest works. To book, call 328473. 8th How to decorate your Home at Christmas Time, Burton Agnes Hall, throughout the day. Jayne Holland, an expert in interior decoration, will host free daytime demonstrations in the home and garden shop. Call 01262 490324. 9th York – the Chocolate City, The Mansion House, 11am-1pm. Join them for a journey through York’s story as it developed from a medieval trading city to become the home to the world’s most famous chocolate bars. To book, visit www.yorkthechocolatecity.eventbrite.com 13th Celebrating Christmas through the years, Burton Agnes Hall, 2pm. An insightful and fascinating talk about the history of Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall. Call 01262 490324. 15th Family craft workshop: Create a Christingle, York Minster, 10am. Loved by children and adults alike, Christingles are full of symbolism and are usually prepared to take part in a special candlelit service. Join them to make your Christingle in preparation for the family service on 16th December, or simply to take home and enjoy! Call 0844 9390011. 21st A Christmas Carol & Other Stories, Wiggington Recreation Hall, 2pm. A talk given by the York Dickens Fellowship, plus community singing from the ranks of their U3A group. Call 763324.

JANUARY 27th PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY, St. Bede’s Pastoral Centre, 7.15pm. A ten week course on how to deal with stress and emotions, and explore practices that can improves your concentration. To book your place call 643586.

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Saturday 23rd February

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES A night of music from Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever & Grease 3 Course Carvery £24.95 • Arrive from 7pm • Late Bar • Disco until 1am Contact the York Racecourse Hospitality Team

T: 01904 638971

E: events@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk W: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk Advanced Booking Only

• Fri 23rd & Sat 24th November: TAKE THAT2 • Throughout December: live solo tributes Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Kylie and Lady Gaga Book early to avoid disappointment T: 01904 638971

E: events@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk W: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk Parties of all sizes welcome * Private rooms available

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd December

Join Santa and his special helpers for some festive fun this Christmas by embarking on a magical adventure. Ticket includes return travel, a present for each child, scrumptious mince pies, warming hot drinks, juice for the children and a complimentary alcoholic tipple for the adults. Buy your tickets online now www.nymr.co.uk, call 01751 472 508, follow us on Twitter @NYMR or Facebook @North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE

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Special Local Link Offer: 30% Discount on tickets with promotional code: PB30Link

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1LIVE EVENING... MUSIC FROM 1 EVENING... 2 BUBLE" WAYS 1 EVENING... "EVERYTHING 22+ DISCO WAYS &IT TO ENJOY WAYS 4 COURSE DINNER TO IT TO ENJOY ENJOY IT £64.95

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3 COURSE BUFFET LIVEGALA MUSIC FROM & DISCO LIVE MUSIC FROM "EVERYTHING BUBLE" LIVE MUSIC FROM £44.95 "EVERYTHING BUBLE" + DISCO "EVERYTHING BUBLE"& + DISCO & Arrive from 7pm • Bar until 1am • Carriages at 1.30am 4 COURSE DINNER + DISCO & 4 COURSE DINNER £64.95 4 COURSE DINNER £64.95 Contact the York Racecourse Hospitality Team £64.95

LIVE LIVE MUSIC FROM MUSIC FROM LIVE MUSIC FROM "EVERYTHING BUBLE" T: 01904 638971 3 COURSE GALA BUFFET ERYTHING BUBLE" "EVERYTHING BUBLE" 3 COURSE GALA BUFFET + DISCO & DISCO 3 COURSE GALA & BUFFET BARNITTS The home & garden store. est 1896 | 24-26 colliergate, york | Tel: 01904 625601 & DISCO + DISCO &

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E: events@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk W: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk Advanced Booking Only

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CALLING ALL YORK RESIDENTS! CHOCOLATE SUNDAYS 1/3 off admission to

Christmas Craft & Local Produce Markets Sunday 25 November to Tuesday 27 November 2012 Sunday 2 December to Tuesday 4 December 2012 Sunday 9 December and Monday 10 December 2012

On presentation of your York Card every Sunday 18 November 2012 28 April 2013* *One York Card per ticket required

King’s Square, York YO1 7LD Tel: 0845 4989411 ww.yorkschocolatestory.com Open 10am - 6pm daily (last tour 5pm)

Soak up the festive atmosphere in the Courtyard | Browse over 30 stalls of Yorkshire crafts and produce | Visit the Farm Shop, Garden Centre, Gift Shops and Cafés | Open daily from 10am | Free admission and parking

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA www.castlehoward.co.uk

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NEWGATE MARKET. Everything you could ever possibly need – all at incredible bargain prices. 07887 754455. 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.

Days Out and attract ions Fancy a day out in York or further afield? These attractions are very attractive.

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.

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

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

SIGHTSEEING TOURS BY BIKE. Explore York by bike, with all equipment provided. www.scootcyclingholidays. co.uk 720003. TREASURER’S HOUSE, Minster Yard. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this historic house before you relax in the tearooms. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 624247. The York Cocoa House, Blake Street. Chocolate workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities. www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk

YORK AND SURROUNDING AREAS BARLEY HALL, 2 Coffee Yard, off Stonegate. A stunning medieval house. www.barleyhall.org.uk 610275.

THE BAR CONVENT, Blossom Street. England’s oldest convent, founded in 1686. now a museum. www.bar-convent.org.uk 643238.

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, Beningbrough.Open weekends throughout December to enjoy a special Christmas experience. Carols by the tree, the grotto and a chance to see Santa. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/beningbrough-hall.472027.

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.

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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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.

YORK’S CHOCOLATE STORY, King’s Square. See chocolate come to life and hear generations of chocolate secrets. www.yorkschocolatestory.com 08454 989411.

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.

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

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.

YORK MINSTER. Deangate Learn about the Minster’s Eight Wonders and discover what makes the iconic structure so magnificent. 0844 9390015.

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. Travel back to the 15th century and join the crowds gathered to witness the careless executioner. Will you be next to lose your head? 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 English garden. www.falconrycentre. co.uk 01845 587522.

PEASHOLM PARK, North Bay, Scarborough. Take a boat trip around the beautiful surroundings of Peasholm Park. www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com 01723 383636. 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. 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. SCARBOROUGH ART GALLERY, The Crescent, Scarborough. An exciting mixture of treasures including paintings and exhibitions. www.scarboroughartgallery.co.uk 01723 374753. 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. THE ROTUNDA MUSEUM, Vernon Road, Scarborough. Dinosaurs in Yorkshire? Get hands on and learn geology skills. www.rotundamuseum.org. uk 01723 374839.

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

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. NEWBY HALL, Ripon. An enchanting woodland walk and a miniature railway, and the exciting adventure gardens. www.newbyhall.com 0845 4504068. 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.

WHITBY 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.

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. 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.

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. 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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Check out our interview with Dame Berwick Kaler in our Behind the Scenes feature!

Theatre

Theatre Royal ROBIN HOOD & HIS MERRY MAM! (13 December 2012 – 2 February 2013) The much lauded York Theatre Royal annual panto is back, being another unique spectacle of amazing sets, incredible costumes, and magical lighting, music and choreography…and all done in the best possible panto taste! King Richard the Lionheart is away fighting in the Crusades, whilst here at home Robin Hood has the task of saving the rightful heirs to the throne from the evil Prince John and Sheriff Hutton of Nottingham! He also has to cope with the arrival of his mother who thinks he’s an accountant and brings with her a recipe for slapstick, mayhem and zany antics. To book: 623568.

York Barbican Cinderella (21-30 December) Poor Cinderella is doomed to live un-happily ever after with her two horrible ugly sisters. But with the help of her friend Buttons and a magical Fairy Godmother she manages to make all her dreams come true! Watch with amazement as her pumpkin and white mice are transformed into a beautiful coach and horses in this true rags-to-riches story. Featuring Strictly star Dani Harmer as Cinderella, Joe Tracini from Hollyoaks as Buttons and King of the Jungle Joe Swash as Dandini and packed with great songs, amazing dance routines, Shetland ponies and plenty of laughter, this is a tremendous treat for all the family you won’t want to miss! To book: 0844 8542757.

Joseph Rowntree Theatre CINDERELLA (8-15 December) Hold on to your seats as the Stoneybroke Express steams into town with some very important passengers on board. Prince Charming and his faithful man-servant Dandini, back from their foreign travels, are now in the serious business of finding with the prince a beautiful princess to share the throne. Baron Hardup is

returning from Spain with his ready-made family and is keen to get back to Frownton Abbey to see his beautiful daughter Cinderella. This is the centenary production by The Rowntree Players. To book: 07927 026071.

Grand Opera House Sleeping Beauty (14 December 2012 – 6 January 2013) Everyone knows that teenagers love a good liein, but the Princess Aurora takes beauty sleep to a whole new level. Cursed by the evil fairy, she is doomed to slumber forever more unless she can be woken by true love’s kiss. The pantomime returns with a song in its heart, a joke on its lips and a sprinkle of fairy dust up its sleeve. Syd Little will be among the famous faces bringing the classic tale alive this Christmas. To book: 0844 8713024. BOOKING NOW! Don’t miss out on these fantastic shows – tickets are selling fast, so get yours now... Dolly Parton: 9 to 5 The Musical (4th-9th Feb) Goodnight Mister Tom (26th Feb-2nd Mar)

41 Monkgate THE MAGIC HATTER’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER (14-16 December) Join The Magic Hatter in his festive family magic show for ages three to 103. A seasonal extravaganza exploding with magic, comedy, illusions and surprises. Bigger and better than ever, this year's show will feature lots of brand new festive magic (plus a few old favourites) and of course a special guest appearance from Frostbite the Penguin... a cool character all the way from the North Pole! To book: 0845 4752124.

Although most of us have some point experienced the full-on force of a pantomime, there are still some amongst us that will see their first panto this year. For them, and as a refresher for the rest of us, here’s some advice on etiquette...

Know your lines. You might not be in the cast, but as a member of the audience you’ll be expected to join in. For example, should anyone on stage say “Oh yes he is,” it’s very important you disagree, with a rousing “Oh no he isn’t!” Don’t worry, everyone around you will join in. Expect also to shout “He’s behind you!” There’s usually someone behind everyone.

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Know your genders. That strapping young lad marching around on stage, slapping his thigh and standing with fists on hips… it’s a girl. The ‘principal boy’ (Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Robin Hood) is usually played by a woman, while that tall chunky old woman in the outrageous dress… bloke. Know you narrative (or don’t bother). Your ticket might say Cinderella, along with the programme and the posters, but don’t expect the show to stick to the traditional story too much. What’s that, Rolf Harris popping up to sing Two Little Boys in the middle of Peter

Pan? Oh hello, Louie Spence dancing around at the end of Jack and the Beanstalk? Yes, all possible. Dodge the wagon wheels. Now, health and safety dictates that the performers aren’t allowed to throw things into the audience any more, so cast members will take buckets of goodies to hand out. That doesn’t stop Berwick Kaler though, so beware of flying chocolatebased treats if you’re heading to the Theatre Royal.

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

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Barbican: 0844 8542757. Pocklington Arts Centre: 0175 9301547 The Duchess: 641413 Fibbers: 651250

BARBICAN 12 Stand Up York 14 Kate Rusby at Christmas 16 The York Community Carol Concert

7 Hope & Social 8 Cancer Bats 9 Beans On Toast 10 Saint Etienne 13 UK Subs 14 The Complete Stone Roses 15 A Joker’s Rage 21 Toby Jepson 22 Morderstein 23 Little Triggers 28 Lost Trends 29 Stonewater

POCKLINGTON ARTS CENTRE 11 Steve Harley 13 The Nutcracker – Royal Opera House Live FIBBERS 1 UK Foo Fighters 2 Me Vs Hero 4 All The Young 5 Tinchy Stryder 6 Dan Bird & Homemade Sin

THE DUCHESS 1 Ben Marwood 2 Matthews Southern Comfort 3 Scroobius Pip

6 Gentleman’s Dub Club 7 Admiral Fallow 8 From The Jam 12 Skindred 13 Panda Cubs 14 Dreadzone 15 Rockette 22 The Fear 28 Aynt Skynyrd 30 The Craig Charles Xmas Funk & Soul Show

9 The Wave Pictures 10 Simian Ghost 14 Kate Peters Septet 15 Hyena Saturday Night Lounge 17 Poetry Evening 18 Magpie 19 A Night of Magic 22 Hyena Saturday Night Lounge 28 The Blueprints EP Launch

BASEMENT 1 Coquette 2 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club 7 The Golden Era Cabaret 8 Hyena Saturday Night Lounge

STEREO 1 Freakin with Acid House Gentlemen’s Club 2 Blitz Kids 9 TRC 11 Copasetics

Film guide

The Oranges. Hugh Laurie – a difficult one to take. Either you see him as House, the witty American doctor who makes having a limp cool – or as Bertie Wooster, a posh English buffoon from the 1920s. Opinion is divided here in the office, but that 108

BLACK SWAN FOLK CLUB 6 Anthony John Clarke 13 Hannah James & Sam Sweeney 20 Folk Club Christmas Party NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC 1 International Young Artists Showcase 2 Liane Carroll 4 Ding Dong Merrily 6-15 York Early Music Christmas Festival 18 A Victorian Christmas 20 The York Waits

Vue: 08712 240 240 www.myvue.co.uk City Screen: 0871 902 5726 www.picturehouses.co.uk/york Reel Cinema: 0870 801 0870 www.reelcinemas.co.uk

The Odd Life of Timothy Green. A childless couple (played by Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for a baby. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears. One of only a few family films out this Christmas, this promises to be a heart-warming frolic for all ages.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. It’s not since 2003 that we’ve had a Christmas trip to Middle Earth, but thanks to Peter Jackson we’re returning for this Lord of the Rings prequel. Set 60 years before the events in The Fellowship of the Ring, The Hobbit tells the story of how Bilbo Baggins met Gandalf the wizard and had an… erm… unexpected journey. With some dwarves. Reprising roles from the original trilogy are Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and Andy Serkis, with The Office’s Martin Freeman taking up the role of Bilbo. It’s been a while in the making, with many people ear-marked as director prior to Jackson taking the reins, but we are very excited indeed.

Basement: 612940 Stereo: 0121 2345678 Black Swan Folk Club: 679131 The National Centre For Early Music: 658338

The Man with the Iron Fists. Eli ‘mates with Quentin doesn’t stop his roller coaster career landing him lead roles, such as in The Oranges. Hugh plays a suburban father who falls for the daughter of a family friend, making life rather awkward for himself in this comedy drama. No matter what accent he adopts, Laurie is always joyfully watchable so we’re all interested to see how this pans out. However, there’s no Jeeves in this unfortunately.

names include big hitters like Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson and Tom Waites. This comedy crime drama sees a struggling screenwriter inadvertently become entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster’s beloved shih tzu, giving the film its tagline – ‘They won’t take any shih tzu.’

Seven Psychopaths. You

The Odd Life of Timothy Green. If you think this month’s

always know a film will do well when the names of all the cast appear above the film’s title. The seven

new film releases are lacking in Christmas spirit, then you will at least be warmed by the premise of

Tarantino’ Roth directs this violent martial arts spectacular, starring many faces from Tarantino’s films. While on the hunt for a fabled treasure of gold, a band of warriors, assassins (including Lucy Liu and Pam Grier), and a rogue British soldier (Russell Crowe) descend upon a village in feudal China, where a humble blacksmith looks to defend himself and his fellow villagers. If the action-packed trailer (in which a severed and bloody eye is flung toward camera) is anything to go by, this should be a cockle-warming festive romp. Merry Christmas.

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Dunnington

YORK

Askham Askham Bryan Richard

Bilbrough

Heslington

Fulford

Middlethorpe

Bishopthorpe

Copmanthorpe Acaster Malbis

Your Local Link offers: 3 Your advert delivered into 88,167 letterboxes, by Link Distribution 3 Your advert amongst useful information, local businesses and informative features. 3 Your advert in a publication with high retention value, unrivalled circulation in York and unbeatable reliability

Naburn

Elvington

Crockey Hill

Wheldrake Deighton

3 Your advert delivered to all Socio-Demographic Groups (A, B,C1’s D and E) 3 Your advertising message delivered to your local area at a fraction of the cost of other media 3 1 year track record of delivering response generating advertising with hundreds of local customer testimonials. 3 Free advert design service.

Deadline & Delivery Schedule 2013 January February March April May June July August September October November December

York and surrounding villages

Warthill

New Earswick

Dodsworth Av. Heworth Bootham Monkgate Tang Hall Poppleton Rd The Groves Exhibition Sq. Layerthorpe Beckfield Ln Foss Islands Osbaldwick Holgate Piccadilly The Mount Chapelfields Clementhorpe Acomb Fishergate Scarcroft Southbank Foxwood

Dringhouses

Angram

Stockton on the Forest

Clifton Moor

Nether Poppleton

Upper Poppleton

Earswick

Skelton

Overton

Frequency: Monthly Circulation: 88,167 Targeting: EVERY letterbox in

Advertising 7 Dec 11 Jan 8 Feb 8 Mar 12 Apr 10 May 7 Jun 12 Jul 9 Aug 6 Sep 11 Oct 8 Nov

Job Advertising 14 Dec 18 Jan 15 Feb 15 Mar 19 Apr 17 May 14 Jun 19 Jul 16 Aug 13 Sep 18 Oct 15 Nov

Delivery from 20 Dec 24 Jan 21 Feb 21 Mar 25 Apr 23 May 20 Jun 25 Jul 22 Aug 19 Sep 24 Oct 21 Nov

Size Local Link... Starter 1/16 1/12 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/3 (P) 1/3 (L) 1/2 (P) 1/2 (L) Full

York City Centre, Haxby, Wigginton, Strensall, Clifton Moor, Rawcliffe, Nether Poppleton, Upper Poppleton, Clifton, Dunnington, Stockton on Forest, Earswick, New Earswick, Heworth, Skelton, Shipton by Beningbrough, Murton, Holtby, Warthill, Overton, Knapton, Bellfarm, Dodsworth Avenue, The Groves, Layerthorpe, Monkgate, Exhibition Square, Piccadilly, Foss Islands, Bootham. Acomb, Fulford, Copmanthorpe, Bishopthorpe, Osbaldwick, Heslington, Foxwood, Askham Bryan, Askham Richard, Acaster Malbis, Naburn, Dringhouses, Bilbrough, Middlethorpe, Crockey Hill, Rufforth, Poppleton Road, Beckfield Lane, Holgate, The Mount, Southbank, Fishergate, Tang Hall, Chapelfields, Angram, Scarcroft, Clementhorpe, Elvington, Wheldrake.

Rate £58 £95 £125 £160 £220 £275 £365 £365 £460 £460 £POA

Dimensions w h 47mm 30mm 47mm 62mm 47mm 94mm 97mm 62mm 97mm 94mm 97mm 126mm 97mm 189mm 197mm 94mm 97mm 286mm 197mm 126mm 197mm 286mm

Recruitment Advertising - £15 sc cm Column widths: 1 column: 47mm 2 column: 97mm 3 column: 147mm 4 column: 197mm Special positions (where available) Front £600 97mm 80mm Inside Front, Outside Back, P3, 5, 7, 9 +20% On our website – www.yourlocallink.co.uk A Full years advertising (including your own page designed and hosted) For just £95!

* Prices inclusive of full colour and design service. Minimum booking two months, special positions +20%. Prices shown exclude VAT

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Situations vacant...

Childminding is a rewarding and valuable career. Visit our newly updated childminding pages to find out more about: • What is a childminder? Download a job description, read a day in the life of a childminder. • How to set up your own childminding business; use our tools and knowledge to help to assess your business viability. • What is involved in becoming a childminder; What does it cost, what training is required and what support is available. • Still interested? Book yourself onto one of our childminder information evenings online.

Where does York need childminders? York has a good number of childminders already. However we know that we need more childminders in Bishopthorpe, Dringhouses, Woodthorpe, and Southbank. We also need childminders who may be available to work evenings or weekends.

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WINDOWS DIRECT

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...We’re york born and read...by every home and business in york and surrounding villages... that’s over 88,000 magazines printed and delivered every month 128