Your Local Link Magazine May 2012 by Your Local Link Ltd

MORE PROPERTY INSIDE

n Issue 104 May 2012

POSH PEOPLE! Interviews with a knight AND an MBE.

DIG DEEP Behind the scenes at the new DIG Exhibition.

SUGAR RUSH Say hello to the CEO of Chocolate.

Plus all of the usual stuff you love us for!

the best of york

Two great GET ‘A’ RATED reasons for Argon Gas filled 2 choosing 1 SAVE UP TO windows OFF Square Deals 20% when you mention this

(As seen on TV)

for your windows, doors and conservatories! Come and see the

advertisement!

Call

FREE on 0800 7315435 now for a free quote

We fit Yale

Bi-fold Sliding Panoramic Doors and the superb www.square-deals.com Livin room Orangery in our new showroom in York.

Free Design & Quotation Service PVCu, Aluminium & Timber Various colours available 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Professional, Clean & Tidy Installations Our Own Fitters - No Sub-Contractors FREE No Obligation Quotations Sash Windows and Secondary Glazing Fensa Registered Window Installations Local Company - Highly Recommended

39 Boroughbridge Road, York YO26 5SQ. Between The Ainsty Pub and Fire Station.

☎ 01904 795225

The world’s favourite lock

Square deals Ltd Windows Doors Conservatories

HAS FINALLY ARRIVED In general, we need warmth for more days of the year than we don’t. For instance, our average heating period starts around 1st October and runs to about 30th April. That’s a whopping 220 days a year that your heating is being used. So being prepared could save you money! However this year you could be better prepared than ever because this year you can choose to heat your home, office, extension or conservatory with an incredible new form of heating direct from Germany. This could be the answer to help you beat the constant energy price rises. Here In the UK more and more of our customers are choosing to heat their homes with this very special form of electric heating in preference to gas, oil, LPG solid fuel or any other form of conventional central heating or night storage.

All you need is a standard Electricity supply and NO special night time tariff. As you can see from the picture the heating just looks like a normal radiator, but that’s were the similarity ends. These are very, very different! Put simply, the tired old ways of heating your home aren’t your only choice anymore. Now you can choose to heat your home with this incredibly economical German heating, which provides individual 24 hr control over every single room

without the need for a central control or space to site a boiler. Installation takes minutes and is completely clean, no danger of leakage,

the best of york

Here’s why now is the very best time to give serious Consideration to your heating no frozen pipes, no holes through walls no floorboards up and no tradesmen trundling around the house wielding spanners, hammers, wrenches and dirty work boots. This versatile German heating just plugs in and that’s it, job done! You can even do just one room or the whole house. This heating is really NEW in the UK but getting more and more popular all the time. Yet in Germany and many European countries it has been a mainstream form of heating for a very long time. Electricity finally has the answer! Power, economy, versatility. Discover for yourself this incredible heating system – get your FREE info pack right away by calling Darran at Radtek Heating 01904 – 750302 or mobile 07725 432242 Ask about our special summer deals on storage heater replacement.

the best of york

welcome... Mirror Mirror... Lunch breaks at the Your Local Link office have been pretty eventful this month – Rachel’s skirt almost caused a car crash, Kelly got attacked by copulating pigeons and Lisa got chased up a tree by a rabid squirrel.* Still, the sun came out to play (for a bit, anyway) and we even got to sport our sunglasses for five whole minutes. We discovered, too, that Tracy is something of a mechanic – check out our blog (blog.yourlocallink.co.uk) to see how she ingeniously used a bathroom mirror on Helen’s scooter when her wing mirror was knocked off. Have you used a bathroom mirror in a more innovative way? Let us know on our Facebook wall – we’re intrigued.

Party Time Our domestic goddess Rachel and beauty extraordinaire Vicky both had milestone birthdays this month, so we celebrated with a party fit for

Get in touch... call: 01904 767881

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

a group of slightly hyperactive children, which of course is exactly what we are. Gini made a delicious lasagne, Rachel brought in one of her famous cakes, and everything was looking like it might be civilised until Kelly saved the day with a game of spoons. If you don’t know how it works, check out our Facebook page for the video, and to see Vicky showing the rest of the team up with her excellent demonstration of just how to play pin the tail on the donkey. Rachel was thrilled with her pass the parcel game too, but as she only had to pass the parcel to herself she got a bit dizzy after a while.

Jubilee Jury We’re very excited about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next month, and are busily stocking up on bunting and Union Jack teapots, doing our exercises to keep our pinkies perky and arguing over how to make the perfect cup of tea – should the milk go in

first, or the water? Cast your vote by commenting on our Facebook wall, please – we need to settle this before it becomes a war.

Have a fab month!

*Only one of those statements isn’t true...

Advertising: Gini, Tracy, Sarah, Mim, Kelly, Richard, Avril, Vicky, Gary & Sue Accounts: Helen & Claire Distribution: Dean, Jon, Ronnie Design: Rachel, Lisa & Jerry Editorial: Donna, Joe & Nicolette

Yourlocallink York

@locallinkyork

Publishers: Tracy Outram and Gini Guttery

Space booking, copy, cancellation and editorial deadline for the June edition is 11th May 2012 and 28th May 2012 for recruitment.

contents

Cover story: Features: 12-13. Words in Motion We got rather giddy about getting the opportunity to chat to former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion about his appearance at the York Theatre Royal’s Takeover Festival and his new book, Silver – a sequel to the classic, Treasure Island.

Regulars: 14. The way I see it Our very own ‘grumpy’ woman Donna Hay gets confused by weird diets. 16. Horoscopes with James Christie. 18. Join the club No matter what your interest, there’ll be a group in York looking for new members that covers it.

10-11. Juliana Delaney interview. The CEO of York’s newest attraction, Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story, spills the (cocoa) beans on how fun is the name of the game in her office and there’s no chance of her dieting any time soon...

24. Can you help? Worthy local causes need a hand. 26. Didn’t they do well! Congratulations are due for York’s success stories.

20-23. Hotlist – the definitive guide to what’s sizzling in May. 28-29. We took a behind-the-scenes look at the new Looking Back at Huntgate exhibition at DIG, the culmination of five years of excavation.

office parties from now on.

your big day.

38-39. Motors Our very own Stig looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads.

50-59. Your Family We give you the lowdown on fostering, Adult Learners’ Week and the Youth Football Festiva.

30. Local sport report Dan Tait checks out a new local boxing club.

40-48. Health & Beauty The inside scoop on what’s hot and what’s not, plus the experts at Kuki answer your questions.

32. The gadget guide LED sound sensitive ice buckets might be essential for all our

48-49. Weddings Take a look at our wedding section for help with planning

60-61. Your Pet These dogs and cats need a new home – can you help? 62-75. Property & Interiors Is our Property of the Month your new home?

the best of york

Win WIn WIn

8. From page 8. Grab yourself tickets to Railfest, a glamorous wedding photography package from Outs Photography and sumptuous spa treatments from Kuki Hair and Beauty Spa. Plus, to win tickets to a Late Music concert and Six Lips’ latest production, The Government Inspector, head to the page 107. 102. Culture Column. Linda Wormald is a woman on a mission – as if having her art bought by none other than Prince Charles isn’t enough, the painter is cutting out the middle man and exhibiting her work without the backing of a gallery. We spoke to her to find out why. 105. Delma Tomlin interview. As well as receiving an MBE, Delma has achieved rather a lot in her time, not least being the launch of the National Centre for Early Music. We went for a chat to discover how Early Music is like archaeology and who to look out for at the upcoming Early Music Festival. Plus, Paula from Opus Estate Agents and Carole from City Lets offer advice. 76-77. Eco Free compost! Plus, we introduce our new columnist, Herbert Todd – the consumer champion. 78-87. Gardening No need to leave the house with our indoor gardening guide, plus tips from our experts.

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

88-91. Food & Drink It’s all about asparagus this month – check out our yummy recipe... 92-105. Events and Days Out 107 Classified - at a glance 110 Trades & Services directory. 125 Jobs, jobs, jobs... check out the latest local vacancies.

Wait,

there’s more...

win tickets to the Late Music Festival in the events section and our colour analysis comp on P46!!

Win A Family Day Out When it comes to your special day, only the best will do. And that’s especially true when it comes to photography. You want images that will capture the mood and the memory of your wedding forever. Outs Photography is your one-stop shop for all kinds of wedding photography. Whether your day is big or small, you’re looking for polished portraits or something more fun and informal, the Outs team will work closely with you to make your wedding day dreams come true. To celebrate York 800 (which marks 800 years since York became a selfgoverning city), Outs Photography has teamed up with Your Local Link to award one lucky reader a free Wedding Photography Package. Worth around £500, the package includes photography before, during and after the ceremony, ensuring that the happy couple have plenty of beautiful photographs to treasure for years to come. Outs Photography is also offering a special 50% off discount to the runner-up.

to Railfest!

York’s National Railway Museum is a great place to visit at any time of the year. But it’s an absolute must from 2nd – 10th June, when the NRM plays host to Britain’s biggest ever gathering of railway record-breakers – Railfest! It’s a great chance to get up close to over 50 of the fastest, strongest, smallest and newest locomotives in the world, all in an incredible space the size of 11 football pitches!. You can climb in the drivers’ cabs, enjoy special photo events and vehicle demonstrations, listen to live music or join in with some traintastic kids’ activities!

To enter the competition, all you need to do is answer the following question:

To celebrate the launch of Railfest, The National Railway Museum has got together with Your Local Link to give away a family ticket (for two adults and two children) to experience the event on 2nd June. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the following question:

In what year did York become a self-governing city?

What is the opening date for Railfest?

Send your answer (along with your name and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Outs Photography Competition’ to the address on page five. The competition ends 17th May, so don’t delay! For more information, email info@outsphotography.co.uk

Send your answer (along with your name and a daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Railfest Competition’ to the address on page five. The competition ends 17th May, so don’t delay! T&Cs apply, call 08708 704840 for details.

your competitions

Win a

super spa package from Kuki!

When you’re rushing around working, shopping and catching up on all those jobs that need doing around the house, it doesn't leave much time for yourself. So we were delighted to hear that our favourite beauty emporium, Kuki Spa at 367 Huntington Road, is now open on a Sunday from 10am – 4pm!

It’s supposed to be the day of rest, and what better way to relax than by putting your feet up and being pampered with a whole range of hair and beauty treatments, from cuts and colours to facials, waxing, tanning, massage, manicures, hypnotherapy and much more. To celebrate Kuki Spa is offering one lucky reader a wonderful Sunday Spa Package consisting of a de-stress back, neck and shoulder massage, an Indian head massage, blow dry and lunch! To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the following question: What hours does Kuki Spa open on Sunday? Send your answer (along with your name and a daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Kuki Spa Competition’ to the address on page five. The competition ends 17th May, so don’t delay! For more information visit www.kukispa.com or call 659007.

There’s never a dull moment in Juliana Delaney’s working life. In the space of one meeting, she can be discussing everything from lambing in Kent to abseiling off a 170m tower on the south coast. Juliana is Chief Executive of Continuum, the hugely successful York-based company behind some of the country’s top visitor attractions. These include Kent Life, Oxford Castle, The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and the eerie Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. But her current obsession is chocolate, since Continuum recently opened their latest attraction,

Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story, in King’s Square. ‘Our office is full of the stuff,’ she says. ‘There’s absolutely no chance of being on a diet at the moment.’ But it’s been worth all those extra calories. The attraction has proved a huge success with visitors since it opened for business on 31st March. “People are queuing to get in,’ says Juliana. ‘Everyone seems to love the

chocolate tasting best – visitors make a rush straight for it. You have to tell them to take their time, that the chocolate is not going anywhere!’ There’s certainly plenty to enjoy, from chocolate’s beginnings in the South American rainforests to a virtual chocolate factory, and a truly magical trip through York’s chocolate

history which has to be seen to be believed. There’s also a look at the people who made York the chocolate capital

Is York’s Sweet Story worth a visit? We asked a few visitors what they thought of it. “It was really good: the staff were so pleasant. The guide who took us round was really entertaining, and it was educational, too. The children were engrossed in it. It was great, because there was no one rushing us around” MB, Acomb

“It’s a great place for chocoholics to visit. I got a real insight into the history of chocolate, and the tasting bit was quite good as well! The best bit was when this door spun round and a big bowl of Quality Street came out, it felt like Christmas!” RW, Clifton Moor

“The café was brilliant. They have a fantastic all chocolate breakfast, which consists of brioche and a hot chocolate, as well as dipping chocolate – delicious! I also liked the Sweetie Heaven; it was like a trip down memory lane.” DT, Strensall

of the country, including Juliana’s personal favourite, marketing man Mr York. ‘His ideas helped Rowntree become a global brand. I also think he looks a lot like George Clooney, but no one seems to agree!’ It isn't just York’s confectionery industry that has conquered the world. Continuum is also a worldwide success story. But not many people in York realise they’ve been doing business in the city for almost 30 years. In fact it was in York that Continuum, or Heritage Projects, as the company was originally known, changed the face of visitor attractions forever when it opened the ground-breaking Jorvik Viking Centre. ‘Before then, the industry was dominated by museums where visitors weren’t necessarily welcomed or encouraged,’ Juliana recalls. ‘We brought a modern concept and dynamic marketing to the business. We were inspired by places like Disney, where people are welcomed as guests, and theme parks which proved visitors can be engaged as well as taught. And just to bring the story full circle, we pitched the original idea for Jorvik on the top floor of York House, which is now the home of Chocolate – York’s Sweet Story!’

a number of global projects, ranging from setting up exhibitions in Malta and Belgium to advising the Abu Dhabi royal family on a pearl fishing museum! Then four years ago, the company restructured to concentrate on creating its own visitor attractions in this country. Ever since then, the Continuum team have had their eye on creating an attraction in their home city. ‘It was the obvious place,’ Juliana admits. ‘We knew we wanted to tell the story of York’s confectionery industry but we also wanted to get it right. This is our home city and we wanted an attraction to reflect that.’ Continuum is currently working on a number of other projects, including an attraction in London, and a project associated with a very high value brand in Lancashire. So how do they come up with the ideas? ‘When it comes to choosing a new project, our criteria are simple,’ says Juliana. ‘It has to be a good story, and it has to be relevant to that location.’ It also has to have a feel-good factor. ‘Just because it’s a serious subject doesn't mean you can’t have fun with it,’ says Juliana. ‘Our company motto is “Have fun, make money”. Never the other way round.’

As well as running Jorvik for 20 years, the company were also involved in

Words In Motion

The TakeOver festival, beginning 21st May at York Theatre Royal, puts young people in charge of the theatre’s programming and management. One of the highlights of the festival is an appearance by former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion on 30th May. JOE BURNHAM met up with him for a chat about his new book, Silver, and his writing career. You can read the full interview exclusively on our website (www.Yourlocallink.co.uk), but here are some of the highlights... Your book, Silver, is a sequel to Treasure Island. How did you approach writing the follow-up to such a classic?

Silver is set 40 years after the original and has lots of new characters, but it’s good to see Long John Silver is still there.

I was well aware as I set off into it that it was the kind of thing that might get me into trouble if I didn’t do it right. I think that the reason that the road to hell is strewn with bad sequels and prequels is because people make, what seems to me, a very unwise move to take on the original at its own game. A much more liberating thing to do is to hit the original story at an odd angle and / or move it on a good deal.

I thought we had to meet him. I mean I partly thought we had to and I partly couldn’t resist it. But of course he’s now a kind of vastly old man, a kind of cobweb of a person, and although he is feeble in all kinds of obvious physical ways I thought it would be right to allow the readers to think that he was still full of menace and really rather creepy.

I’ve heard you have a very rigid routine when it comes to writing, waking up at 6am every day. Would you recommend that? Well, I would in the sense that it suits me personally. But actually, the recommendation that I most happily make is to find out what rhythm suits you. Some people work really well at night; I don’t personally because I’m tired, probably because I get up so early! But I also want to watch the telly, talk to my wife and feed the cat – all that kind of thing. Some people work well in the afternoon, but frankly I might as well be asleep at that time; the afternoon is often my sort of downtime. But I’m pretty wide awake in the early morning, and I’ve been getting up early for such a long time now – I simply don’t notice it. My alarm goes, I get up, and half an hour later I’m at work. That’s wonderful for me. The Takeover Festival is all about young people. What advice would you give to young writers? I think the really important thing is to setup – or join – small groups of like-minded people. I’ve noticed in my teaching how much benefit that has for students; I mean, I sit in my workshops and tell them what I possibly can about their work, but I have no doubt at all that they get just as much

(and possibly more) benefit from the conversations they have with one another. So join a writers’ group, and just arrange to meet once a fortnight and so on, and circulate your work amongst yourselves. Are you looking forward to seeing York? Have you been here before? Yes, I’ve often been to York, and I absolutely love it; God’s own city. I have some good friends who live there, so it’s a real treat to come back. I mean, who couldn’t like it? It’s so beautiful. n To find out more about TakeOver festival, or to buy tickets for any of its shows, visit www.takeoverfestival.co.uk

Calling all writers There’s still time to enter our short story competition. We’re looking for up to 1000 words, with the opening line ‘The figure stepped out of a doorway in The Shambles’. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts, and the winners will be published in a special anthology. Send your entry to the address on page five, or email it to info@yourlocallink.co.uk to reach us by 7th September. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details. See our website for a full list of the rules.

THE WAY I SEE IT... The ups and downs of life as seen by our very own (very) Grumpy, (almost) Old Woman

Follow Donna on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk I heard a depressing statistic the other day. Apparently, a woman’s metabolism slows down steadily after the age of 40. But after the age of 45, her appetite increases by – get this – 67%. So we get the urge to stuff our faces with pies just as we become less able to burn off those extra calories. Proof, if it were needed, that Mother Nature has a sick sense of humour.

the Caveman Diet (always assuming you can find woolly mammoth in Asda). If you’re tough enough, you can even try the Israeli Army Diet, which consists of nothing but apples for two days, then cheese for two days, then chicken for two days and salad for two days. By which time presumably you’re ready to storm the barricades of your nearest Subway.

Weight loss has been on my mind quite a bit since I discovered my holiday clothes had mysteriously shrunk in the loft. I can only assume it must be something to do with the cold draughts up there.

And the trouble is, they all seem to contradict each other. The Dukan diet says you shouldn’t have carbs; the Prasouda Diet says you shouldn’t have much else but carbs. And according to the Zone Diet, you can have anything you like as long as you eat each meal on separate plates by the light of a full moon when there’s no ‘R’ in the month.

Dukan or Caveman? Better lose some weight, I said to myself. And as we all know, that means going on a diet. Do you know how difficult dieting is? I don’t mean walking past Thomas’s without a Chelsea bun finding its way into your bag, which is tricky enough. No, it’s just so scientific these days. Back in the day, it was all down to calorie counting.

IS0422_Rich.LocaLink/Straps/AW

I remember when Audrey Eyton’s F-Plan Diet came out, we all thought it was some kind of weird hoodoo. But now there’s the Dukan diet, the Zone diet, the South Beach diet and the Cabbage Soup diet. You can count calories, carbs, points or GI numbers. You can follow Edenic Diet, which is based on the kind of foods Adam and Eve might have eaten in the Garden of Eden (presumably not a lot of apples, then), or

20/7/11 11:49

I think the reason these diets work at all is because they’re so complicated. While you’re searching desperately through the Dukan diet book, trying to work out if kale is a forbidden food, there’s no time to stuff your face, is there? I think I’ll just stick to the old tried and trusted method of eating less. Or possibly going shopping for some bigger clothes. I might even call into Thomas’s for a Chelsea bun on the way home…

Page 2

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

Do you have a moan you’d like to share? Or maybe you’d like to thank someone in our pages? If so, email donna@yourlocallink.co.uk or write to us on page five. Mark your message ‘Have Your Say’. “Why do we have to listen to schoolkids playing music on their mobile phones on the bus? The driver should ban them – or hand out earplugs with the bus tickets!” RJ, Holgate “My new online bank account has just asked for my mother’s maiden name – and then rejected it because it’s less than eight letters! What am I supposed to do, have myself adopted?” PF, Dringhouses

“It makes me laugh to see what people have left on supermarket shelves, presumably swopped for another item. The other day I spotted a packet of nappies abandoned among the wines and spirits. Must be a parent on the edge!” FW, Huntington

Rydenor Paint & Woodfinishes

“I’d like to thank the man who chased after me to give me back a tenner I’d left in the cash machine at York station. I didn’t have much in my account at the time so I really appreciated his honesty!” NH, Haxby

THE SHOP FOR ALL CYCLISTS ELECTRIC ASSIST

CARRIER CYCLES

MOUNTAIN BIKES

...like this Wisper folder

...like this Montego Barrow

...like this Merida Juliet Call in at Hospital Fields Road for a wide choice of quality cycles to meet your every need.

FAST BIKES ...like this Merida Ride 77

CITY BIKES ...like this Legend from Holland

Get Cycling CiC, 22 Hospital Fields Road, York, YO10 4DZ //Between Millenium Bridge and Fulford Road// Open: 8.30 to 6.00 Mon to Sat, 10.00 to 4.00 Sundays T. 01904 636812 E. admin@getcycling.org.uk www.getcyclingyork.org.uk We accept the Cycle To Work scheme or the York Credit Union We are a registered Community Interest Company 15

Horoscopes May 2012

Starsign of the month... Taurus (20th April - 20th May)

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

Taureans have the reputation of behaving like a bull in a china shop. This is somewhat undeserved, but it is true that the bulls can be one of the most impatient signs of the Zodiac. If they want it, they want it now and not at some unspecified time further down the line. On the plus side, they make excellent homemakers and tend to be fiercely loyal in committed relationships, but they are also dreamers and romantics and tend to see things (and other people) in very idealistic terms. They will scream treason and betrayal if someone lets them down by not measuring up to their expectations. Taureans of both sexes are terrible when it comes to multi-tasking, but to their credit, they do have focus and determination in pursuit of their goals. This latter tendency pays handsome dividends in May. Travel aspects very strong around 6th and 12th and then again on 19th, 20th and 21st. Business and pleasure mix well, and this is a time for reaching out and broadening your horizons. Keep cash flow under control and watch your waistline.

L to R: George Clooney, Megan Fox, Queen Elizabeth II, Barbra Streisand

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO (23th July - 23rd August)

VIRGO

(21st May - 20th June)

(21st June - 22nd July)

(24th August - 22nd September)

Not always easy to define your goals and targets this month so you just muddle along making the best of things. The energy shifts on 18th and 19th, lightening your mood and challenging you to take risks. Risks taken in affairs of the heart serve you well, but you need to be canny with finances and hedge your bets.

A partner may be letting you have everything your own way, but I suspect that they’re just biding their time before presenting you with the bill for your choices and decisions. There certainly seems to be a power play going on within relationships at this time, and you need to consider whether or not the potential gain is worth the effort.

Before embarking on new romantic adventures, vulnerable Leos of both sexes need to remember the pain inflicted by lost loves in the past and learn from old mistakes. Providing you can avoid making the same mistakes twice May could be a very sexy month with some special connections made on 12th and 19th.

IS0422_Rich.LocaLink/Straps/AW

20/7/11 11:49

Page 2

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

Strong travel aspects around 20th and 21st bring you into contact with new and interesting people who may have an influential role to play in your professional future. Some long-term business plans and strategies will be under discussion, and this could be a month of cutting and pruning some of your commitments.

(23rd September - 22nd October) Good financial outlook for the whole of the month and you should go from strength to strength. If there is some extra cash in the kitty, use it to pay off credit cards and other old debts. Unexpected invitations will lead to new romantic possibilities and May’s a good month for holding hands in the moonlight.

SCORPIO (23rd October - 21st November) A tough month, with your progress impeded by other people’s unwillingness to embrace some of the changes you’re looking to make in your life at this time. At the end of the day, you’ll not be held back, and will end up doing your own thing with or without somebody else’s help and co-operation.

Sagittarius (22nd November - 21st December) You may have to shout to get your voice heard, but once you’ve got someone else’s attention you can afford to speak in more dulcet tones to get your message across. Work routines could be frustrating and boring at this time, but at least finances are reasonably stable with some improvements on the way.

CAPRICORN (22nd December - 19th January Bright social aspects on 6th with some nice travel vibes around 12th and 19th. A very tight grip is required where money is

concerned, especially as May is a high cash flow month. There may be some health concerns for a third party which might cause some worry and anxiety.

the best of york

LIBRA

aquarius (20th January - 18th February) Pleasant romantic outlook with the removal of some niggling problem in a long standing relationship. Relationships need to be given some quality time, and therefore please try not to get involved with other people’s emotional problems. This would be a distraction you can ill-afford at this time. Parents get great pleasure from their childrens achievements.

PISCES (19th February - 20th March) Time to let go and walk away from a few things that have been holding you back. Have faith in your intuition and do not be afraid to embrace the natural process of change. This is especially true if other people are not clear in what they’re saying and if there are things happening around you that you don’t fully understand.

ARIES (21st March - 19th April) Arians, especially male Arians may need to take a firm line with partners when it comes to making some domestic decisions. Ladies should back off and avoid conflict situations. To give ground now on minor issues enables you to have your own way a wee bit later on.

Join

the

club

Get your kicks here!

local friendly karate club and is Haxby Shotokan Karate Club is a to train with. Whether you’re a on the look out for new members everyone is welcome. The club complete beginner or a black belt, with a proud 30 year history. is a traditional Shotokan karate club n Hall, The Village, Haxby on eatio Recr n The club trains at Wigginto from 7pm – 9pm. Monday and Thursday evenings bykarate.co.uk. Alternatively n Find out more at www.hax te.co.uk, call Ian on 07909 kara xby you can email info@ha the training sessions. The 991541 or pop along to one of r session for women on 13th club is offering a free one hou Beauty section for further May – check out our Health and information.

Band Together Do you like blowing your own trum pet? Then the York Concert Band would love to hear from you! It’s looking for new members to join its lively ensemble (which currently stands at over 40 members), and it’s particularly inter ested in hearing from anyone who plays brass (particularly the trumpet), bassoon, bass clarinet, timpani or percussion. The grou p covers a huge variety of music, including pop, classical and show tunes, and it performs around eight concerts a year. Ever yone’s welcome and there’s no need to audition. Rehearsals take place on Mondays from 7.30-9.30pm. n For more information call Jim Wall on 629065.

On your wavelength?

ng new members to its The York Radio Club is welcomi al Club on Thursdays at 8pm. Soci orpe meetings in the Bishopth o transceiver, and you can even You’ll learn how to operate a radi its independently. The club offers take tests to allow you transmit dees atten new ing; train after used own equipment which can be dly atmosphere. can always expect a warm and frien e information. n Call Tony on 330502 for mor

Scouting for everyone Are you a young person looking for some adventure? Interested in giving your child a chance to learn useful skills and make new friends? The 1st Heworth Scout Group has plenty of places for new recruits, with four scouting groups available for between the ages of six and 18. It’s especially eager to find members for its two newest sections: Beavers (for ages six to eight, led by Cleo Duke) and Explorers (for ages 14-18, led by David Clayton). n Call David Clayton on 07952217402 or Cleo Duke on 431512 for more information, or visit www.1st-heworth.org.uk.

Roll on by! Fancy trying your hand at bowls? The Poppleton Bowls Club on Main Street in Upper Poppleton is a great place to enjoy the game, and it’s always interested in attracting new members. If you’ve never played before or you’re just a little rusty, the club offers free coaching sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6.30-8pm, starting on 1st May. n For more information call Dennis on 794686, or just stop by and say hello!

Beat it! Like drumming, but fancy somethin g a little different? Take a look at Kaminari, York’s only Japanese-style taiko drumming group. It’s offering sess ions for complete beginners, helping you master this tradition al art in a fun and lively environment. Combining elements of rhythm and martial arts, Kaminari is taught orally so you don’t need to read music. You’ll also have the chance to play at festivals and charity events, guaranteeing a memorable expe rience for all. n For more information ema il Mar y on mar y_murata@hotmail.co.uk or call 470507

Community Pride!

ing success! Help York Lions to become a roar one branch of a worldwide just is The volunteer group in York s of local communities while network that aims to meet the need to is simply “We serve”, and the having fun along the way. The mot – by assisting disabled people, s volunteers do so in a range of way ital equipment. It’s not all hosp g idin mentoring pupils and prov e Lions reward themselves (and quit about good deeds though – the are s Lion York the ily events. Luck rightly too!) with regular social moment, so now’s the time to grab the at bers mem new g uitin recr thwhile and fun social club! wor truly the opportunity to join a e@talktalk.net n Call 490410 or email pete.jess

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’.

MAY Hotlist May is the month to...

A spin-off of the wonderful York Food Festival, the York Asparagus Festival on 26th-27th May will celebrate excellent locally-grown asparagus, which we can get in abundance at the moment from local farm shops. There’s a demonstration area offering hourly presentations – you can even discover how to make asparagus sushi – a cafe featuring scrumptious dishes, and both champagne and real ale bars depending on what your tipple of choice is. There’s plenty of delicious treats on the market, too – select from smokehouse delicacies, local meats, cheese, beer, cakes and, of course, asparagus. Feeling inspired? Check out our Food and Drink section for a yummy recipe featuring... you guessed it. n For further information, visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com

& Sell Be serious – when are you ever going to use that wetsuit? We’ve all got cupboards full of odds and ends that haven’t seen the light of day for years – and now we can sell them online at the shiny, improved, free Search and Sell facility at www.yourlocallink.co.uk! It’s

easy to use (hey, even we can work it) and will both free up your storage space and make you a bob or two. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure – so it’s worth checking it out to see if you can bag yourself a bargain.

Don’t miss your chance to see the spectacular production of the York Mystery Plays – tickets are flying from the box office already, so get yours now. The epic story tells the tale of God, the origins of man and woman, the fight between good and evil and the resurrection of Christ, all told in the language of medieval Yorkshire. A 1400-seat covered theatre is going to be set up especially in the Abbey at the Museum Gardens, and over 1000 people from the community will help to bring the story to life – so you’re bound to know someone involved! A professional touch will be added by York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust as well as York’s own fabulous writer Mike Kenny, who has worked to make the production accessible to all. n For further information, call 715450 or visit www.yorkmysteryplays-2012.com

Scoff Doughnuts Well, it is for charity after all... National Doughnut Week runs from 12th-19th May and raises money for The Children’s Trust. Bakeries across the UK will donate funds raised from doughnut sales to the charity, which provides care, therapy and educational opportunities to children with complex health needs. Over £735,000 has been raised during the past 20 years, and the national target this year is £30,000. More than enough reason for us, thanks. n For further information on the scheme, visit www.nationaldoughnutweek.org

Go On Tour The annual Science and Innovation Grand Tour will launch on 30th May, and we’re eager to discover more fascinating stories about how York’s residents of old helped to shape the scientific world. Up to 70 huge images and messages that celebrate York’s contributions to science and innovation will be plastered across the city, with QR codes on each picture to allow you to find out more simply by scanning the image with your smartphone. You can follow the excursion with an app, print the guide or design your own tour, and the tour will run until 31st August. n For further information, visit yorkgrandtour.co.uk

May Hotlist May is the month to... Reach for the Stars Professor Brian Cox has a lot to answer for. Thanks to the likes of the BBC’s Stargazing Live, now we all want to know our Mars from our Uranus. There’s a chance to get to grips with some heavenly bodies and learn a lot more about star gazing at a special 40th Anniversary Event being held by York Astronomical Society on 4th and 5th May. Talk to the experts, find out how to get started and maybe even take a look around their observatory! Visit www.yorkastro. co.uk for more details. Or why not pay a visit to the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire? The Observatory in Museum Gardens is open every Saturday and every second Tuesday in the morning from 11.30am – 2.30pm.

Go Digging The five-year dig at Huntgate has been the biggest the city has ever seen, and now DIG is exhibiting the most fantastic finds for you to see. Ranging from Roman times up to the 1930s, the exhibition is interactive and great for getting kids interested in history – there’s a replica of a skeleton alongside the real thing that you can touch, and films showing the discoveries being made on the dig. Check out our behind the scenes peek on page 28!

Use Your York Card Do you have a York Card? If you don’t – get one. You can get into loads of local attractions for free, and all you need to do is pay £2 to transform your library card into a York Card. It’s fantastic during the Residents’ Festival, but there are events going on all year round where you can take advantage of free or reduced entry. From 7th10th and on 12th May between 11am-4.30pm, Treasurer’s House

will be offering free entry to York residents who’ve got a York Card, and Fairfax House will be opening their doors for free to York Card holders between 10am-5pm on 5th and 12.30-4pm on 6th May. n For further information, call 655543 for Fairfax House, and 624247 for Treasurer’s House, or contact your nearest library for more information on York Cards.

Author Susanna Gregory will kick off the York City Read with a free recital of this year’s chosen book, Mystery in the Minster, a thrilling crime novel set in 1358, on 25th July at 7pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre. Then, on 26th July at 1pm, Susanna will discuss her writing career, and what inspired the book at a buffet lunch at the Minster. n For further details, email sarah.garbacz@york.gov.uk

Galtres Festival has everything you need for a fantastic, festival-fuelled weekend, and you can get a six per cent discount again this year when you quote Locallink767 – that’s £3 off a day ticket, £5.40 off a weekend ticket and £15 off a family weekend ticket! Bargain! There’s over 100 types of beer and cider, scrumptious local food, comedy, theatre, child-friendly workshops and, of course, amazing music. The line-up this year is looking phenomenal, with Chris Helme, The Buzzcocks and Adam Ant all set to wow the crowds, and plenty of emerging local talent thrown in for good measure. There’s music to suit every taste too, as the genres vary from pop to ska, acoustic, jazz and blues. You can even learn how to drum and watch a jousting tournament, though probably not at the same time. n For details visit www.galtresfestival.org.uk

business diary FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES (YORK BRANCH) The third Monday of the month at the Riverside Farm in Skelton. Call Christine for time on 629777 YORK BUSINESS NETWORKING 8th & 22nd of May from 8-10am at The Toby Carvery, Hopgrove. Visit www.4networking.biz NETWORK YORK INTERCHANGE Takes place 10th May from 7.459.15am at the Holiday Inn on Tadcaster Road. Call 07803 616878 NETWORK NORTH Every Wednesday from 7.30-9am at The Beechwood Close Hotel. Visit www.networknorth.org.uk WIRE (WOMEN IN RURAL ENTERPRISE) YORK BRANCH Meets first Tuesday of every month at The Cottage Inn, Haxby. Email enquiries@yorkwirenetwork.co.uk WOMEN’S BUSINESS CLUBS 1st May from 9.30-11am at Middlethorpe Hall & Spa Call 01903 201100

YORK ST JOHN BUSINESS SCHOOL ANNUAL LECTURE ‘The Villainy of Leadership and a Route to Salvation’. 15th May from 11am at Dianne Willcocks Lecture Theatre, De Grey Court, York St John University. To book: http:// ysjbusinesslecture.eventbrite.co.uk YORK CHAMBER EVENTS visit www.yourchamber.org.uk to book: Construction lunch: 9th May, 12noon-2pm at the Hilton Hotel. Includes a two-course lunch. Pure networking: 22nd May from 7.30-9am at The Grange Hotel. Techmesh Cloud Computing: Working Towards 2015: IT Event. 9th May, 5.30-8.30pm at the Hilton Hotel. Here to help – meet your relationship manager: 10th May, 4-5.30pm at Park Central, York Science Park. Business lunch: 17th May 12noon2pm at Merchant Taylors. Chamber road show: 23rd May, 4.30-6pm at Talbot Hotel, Malton.

n If you have a business networking event coming up, please email details to info@yourlocallink.co.uk For more business news check out our new section on www.yourlocallink.co.uk

Can you help... local people, local causes

Not Quite a Walk in the Park!

We know people like to do difficult things in the name of charity, but the PLOD midnight challenge (taking place from July 6th) is sure to test the toughest of fundraisers. Raising money for the children’s charity Action Medical Research, the overnight endurance event requires participants to trek through a 40-mile stretch of the Yorkshire Wolds, relying on their headtorches and navigation ability to get them through. If that wasn’t hard enough, teams will be set various challenges throughout the course, all designed to their test strategy and intelligence. Not for the fainthearted, but definitely for those who are eager to test themselves for a fantastic cause. n Visit www.plod.org.uk/chalkland to sign up or sponsor.

Nutty Newlyweds Most people would prefer a sandy paradise for their honeymoon, but not Helen Woolough and Neil Melville. Following their upcoming nuptials on 14th July, the duo are set to take part in the Mongol Rally – a 14,000km fundraising trip setting off from London which will see them drive across cities, deserts and mountain ranges to Ulaanbataar in Mongolia in a 1108cc Fiat Panda. Not

only that, they must complete the journey in less than six weeks and raise £2000, which will go to children’s charities UNICEF and the Lotus Children’s Centre in Mongolia. Plenty of local businesses are showing support by sponsoring flights, visas and fuel, but the couple need your help too. To donate, visit theuncertaintyprinciple. co.uk or facebook.com/ Uncertainty.Principle.2012

Pulling Together If you’re the type to stand your ground and club together with friends, you’ll probably like the sound of this challenge! The Dunnington Playing Fields Fayre, taking place on the 21st of July, is looking for teams to enter its famous Tug of War competition. For a good cause, teams of eight will be pitted against one another - and only the strongest will rise victorious. n If you’re interested you can download an application form on www.dpff.org.uk or call Jenny Lewis on 07890 230778.

Show the way Crohn’s and Colitis UK are looking for volunteer stewards for their York Walk on 13th May. n For more information, visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/walks

Saddle Up! After almost a decade, charity fundraising team SORTED4Charity are back with a bang and another madcap scheme. Back in 2003 the lads cycled from coast to coast in rain, sleet and freezing cold weather in aid of Cancer Research and the Anthony Nolan Trust, raising over £12,000. The team has grown, and this month will tackle an astonishing 1234-mile tour of Britain in just ten days in a bid to raise £25,000. We’re willing to bet they’ll need a cushion by the end of it – that’s over 120 miles every day! n For further information, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/sorted4charity, email Kevin@sorted4charity.co.uk or call 07739 709112.

Fight goes on Regular readers will already have heard us talk about Thomas Cammack, an incredibly brave four year old boy who suffered from Stage Four High Risk Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer. Sadly Thomas recently lost his life, but the mission to raise money for his appeal still goes on. n For further information or to donate, visit www.bmycharity.com/ThomasCammackAppeal

Monkey Business Start stocking up on bananas now – York will play host to the first ever charity BIG Gorilla Fun Run on 23rd September. The Knavesmire Racecourse will be overrun by our hairier cousins as hundreds don gorilla suits to walk, jog or run the five kilometre course. Funds raised will be shared between children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and STEPteam UK, which teaches youngsters about business, as well as other local charities and community groups. Companies are encouraged to enter as teams, and individual runners are welcome to take part, too. You even get to keep your monkey suit. n For further information, email Haxby’s own BIG Sports Group at info@biggorillarun.co.uk or register online at www.biggorillarun.co.uk

ASK THE EXPERT with simon crack

To lease or not to lease Q. I have a lease of a small shop. My business has been struggling and I want to get out of the lease. A lease is basically a contract between you and your landlord that he will permit you to occupy the premises for a given period of time in return for which you must comply with certain obligations, such as to pay rent and keep the property repaired. The problem is, that just as the landlord is obliged to allow you to occupy the premises for a set period of time, you must also take the premises for that time and comply with all of the lease obligations. Q. So what are my options? If the lease has a break clause written in, you may be able to terminate the lease by giving the landlord formal written notice. Normally the conditions required to satisfy a break clause are strict and must be followed precisely otherwise the break notice will be invalid. One of the common conditions is that you have complied fully with the terms of the lease up to the date the lease is to terminate. If there is no break clause, you could try to pass on the lease to someone else – this is known as ‘assignment’. This will usually require the landlords prior consent and you need to be aware that you will remain personally liable under the terms of the lease should the new tenant default in any way. As a last resort you could try and negotiate a ‘surrender’ of the lease with the landlord. The landlord will usually require a oneoff payment to agree to a surrender but this payment will usually be less than the total rent remaining to be paid on the lease, so can be a more economic way to proceed provided the remaining time left to run on the lease is not too long. Q. What do you advise I should do next? The most important thing to do if your business is struggling is to talk to your landlord. Make him aware of your situation and the difficulties that you are having. Landlords are more inclined to be sympathetic if tenants are up front with them rather than letting things get worse before the problems come to light. The landlord may agree to a temporary rent reduction or even in some cases a ‘rent holiday’ for an agreed period while you get back on your feet. He may agree to you finding an alternative tenant who would be willing to enter into a new lease, enabling your own lease to be surrendered. It is in the interests of the landlord to have a successful business trading from his premises as this will mean that the rent continues to be paid. You may be surprised how helpful your landlord is.

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

Tel: 528200 email: bsu@hethertons.co.uk, www.hethertons.co.uk Tudor Court, Opus Avenue, York Business Park, York, Yo26 6Rs. 25

Didn’t they do well Want to shout about a recent success? Won an award, or raised funds for charity? Let us know about it, and we’ll tell the rest of York!

You’re hired! Teenager Crispin Cousins is on the fast track to success after landing a prestigious apprenticeship with one of the world’s leading companies. The 15 year old beat off stiff competition from more than 3000 applicants to earn one of only 60 apprenticeships on the renowned Rolls Royce Apprentice Scheme. He had to undergo a rigorous selection process, including three interviews, several academic tests and even an exam testing his knowledge of jet engines! “I’ve always been interested in engineering,” says Crispin, who began his career by taking up a place on the Young Apprenticeship Engineering programme at York College alongside his GCSEs at Fulford School. “I am very excited to be offered this fantastic opportunity. I understand that there will be plenty of chances to progress within the company as I learn more and more.” n If you’d like to know more about apprenticeships at York College, visit www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships.

Half a Century of Song Fifty years is a long time to be singing – you’d end up with a bit of a sore throat, for one thing – but The Haxby Singers have chalked up their half century this year. To mark the occasion, the group’s Spring concert (taking place 19th May in the Haxby Memorial Hall at 7.30pm) will feature songs from their very first performance, which took place all the way back in 1962. The show will also see the world premiere of ‘Together, Forever in Song’, a piece specially written for the choir`s anniversary. New members are always welcome, too; the group puts on two concerts a year, and performs a mixture of show tunes, old favourites and contemporary hits. n If you’re interested in getting involved, call Lynn on 769838 or Margret on 761618.

Courting Success Let’s be honest, it’s not often that you get something for nothing in this day and age. But the York Law School’s free-advice clinic has recently received a commendation for being the Best New Student Pro Bono Activity at the Attorney-General’s national Pro Bono Awards, held at the House of Lords in London. Since opening in January 2011, it’s estimated that the clinic has saved clients over £120,000 in fees and recovered finances. n Call 325819 or email law-clinic@york.ac.uk

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

Traffic Lights

B1363

Domestic Appliance Warehouse Auster Road Aud

ax R oad

Tesco YEAR PARTS & LABOUR GUARANTEE

YEAR LABOUR +5 YEARS PARTS

YEAR WARRANTY

A1237

Kettlestring Lane

Clifton Moorgate

Bumper Castle

Ask the Expert... When it comes to shopping for gifts for that hard-to-buy-for friend, we always head for Give The Dog A Bone. The brilliant shop on Fossgate is a goldmine for the kind of quirky bits and pieces you don’t really need but absolutely want anyway, plus a host of gadgets you wonder how you ever lived without (Bagpuss microwaveable heat bag, anyone?). So we weren’t at all surprised to hear that the shop has been nominated in the North and North East category for The Greats Awards 2012, celebrating the best gift retailers throughout the UK. The ceremony takes place in London this month, so we’re all rooting for Give The Dog A Bone to bring home the gold! n Call the shop on 610771 or visit www.givethedogabone.co.uk

Lucky Day Friday the 13th is usually considered unlucky. But not for James Richardson. Because Friday 13th April was the day he finally reached his charity fundraising target! In honour of York 800, James set himself the aim of raising £800 for two local charities, York Against Cancer and York Lollipop, which supports young people with hearing loss. He did it by running over 25 miles in three

FREE

ESTIMATES

separate events, finishing with a half-marathon from the Market Place in Easingwold to Clifton Moor in York. James has now increased his target to £900, and is hoping to make it into four figures. He deserves your support, so visit his fundraising page – www.justgiving.com/jamesrichardson4 - to find out how you can donate.

investments advice with julie wilson

Government target pensioners with Granny Tax You can’t have failed to notice the headlines screaming out about the “Granny Tax” following the Budget. But what does it all mean? Everyone gets a personal allowance – how much you can earn without paying tax. Those over the age of 65 currently get a higher allowance, and the government’s plan is that everyone will gradually get the same (higher) allowance regardless of age. If you currently get age allowance, nothing changes. If you turn 65 after 5th April 2013, you effectively lose the higher allowance. So those reaching 65 after 5th April 2013 will get a bit less income. However, there are far more serious pitfalls you may not even be aware of which can affect your income for the rest of your life – or even beyond. We need to cut through the hype and remind people that there are simple actions which can increase income, or reduce tax, or both. Do you know that you can shop around to get the best income from your pension when you retire? Or that if you smoke or have any health issues you could get an even higher income? 60% of people could get better pensions than the ones they accept from their pension provider, and we’re not talking peanuts here. Some get as much as 40% more. So, let’s say Aviva are offering you £5,000 a year – you could get £7,000. Yet, most people don’t bother and simply accept whatever their pension provider offers. Bonkers!

Do you know that you can shop around to get the best income from your pension when you retire?

We know some of the reasons people don’t make smart decisions about this. The letters pension providers send out near your chosen retirement date often border on harassment – repeatedly demanding a decision on which option you wish to take. Too many people simply tick a box on the form to get it over with. Often, the letters don’t even cover all the options available, possible benefits for spouses or dependants – which means that when you die, your pension dies with you. The only beneficiary then is the pension provider! We see very few clients who have their affairs arranged in such a way that they get maximum income and minimum tax, and there are some very straightforward ways to put that right. What you need is straight talking financial advice, which is what you get from Pen-Life – as you would expect from a Yorkshire company! Just taking half an hour to chat with us could get you a higher income for life, or at least an understanding of all the options available for you and your family. Best of all, it will cost you Yorkshire’s best price – NOWT – to find out.

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

Which area of York has been a dumping ground, the setting of sabotage for two rival companies in the 19th century and a Roman cemetery? That might sound like the start of a joke (a bad one, granted) but the answer is Huntgate – the latest area of the city to be excavated on a large scale. The biggest archaeological dig in the city centre, it’s taken five years and thousands of pairs of hands to complete. Now, the finds are exhibited in a hands-on display at DIG. Community Spirit The core team of 15 archaeologists made some spectacular finds thanks to help from York’s residents, who flocked to the site to get involved. “We had people from all walks of life helping out, including school children, retirees, working people and kids from the City of York Council’s youth offending centre,” says Pete Connoley, who managed the excavation. “It was great, because people could contribute to the dig but get something out of it too – a lovely gold coin, the only one which was found during the whole dig, was discovered by a community archaeologist. They were pretty pleased!” Pete says that the excavation was

a once in a generation, perhaps even a lifetime, opportunity for an archaeologist. “It’s been amazing. We got to dig out everything from the Roman times right through to the 1930s, which doesn’t really happen any more.”

Soap Drama The history of Hungate would make a fantastic soap series – there’s drama, tragedy, fashion and romance aplenty uncovered by the objects. Christine McDonnell, the head of the curatorial team, says that Hungate’s fortunes have gone up and down throughout the centuries. The area transformed from a prestigious Roman cemetery to a medieval dumping ground, before

becoming affluent in the 17th century when some grand houses were built, and then turning into an industrial hotspot in the Victorian age. “The stuff we’ve found tells us the story of real people, like the unmarried Roman girl who was buried with beautiful jet jewellery to protect her in the afterlife

because she didn’t have a husband, and the two rival gas companies in the 19th century who used to sabotage one another’s sites during the night. It’s fabulous, because archaeology is all about people and what they leave behind: what they would eat, what they looked like, and what diseases

Hungate: Continued they suffered from, as well as fashion. The Viking antler combs we found would have been white and decorated with a silver sulphide when they were used – quite 1960s actually!”

Waste Not Want Not Recycling is all around us now, but our predecessors seem to have made a better job of it than we do. “Roman glass is as tough as old boots – it was being recycled until the medieval period, when the residents of York seem to have run out and had to make their own,” explains Christine. “We’ve also found an archer’s wrist guard that was made out of a pointy shoe and a Viking age house was built using the wood from a boat. We also keep finding bits of the Minster in garden walls and parish churches.”

Christine says that the story of Hungate is continuing to develop with the tales told by the volunteers who helped onsite. “Quite a number of people who came to our open days grew up and spent part of their lives in the Hungate area. One lady lived in the Woolpack pub, which is now a dentist’s surgery. She told us that when the workers came out from the mill the sound of the clogs on the cobbles made a huge din and was almost musical. We also met a guy in his eighties who remembers the night soil men who would come to take away the contents of your loo. Apparently one night soil worker used to eat sandwiches while working and never had a day’s illness in his life, but I think he was just lucky!” n For further information, visit www. digyork.com.

Did we mention we sell bikes? Welcome to York’s brand new Performance Bike Store at Clifton Moor Present this ad and get a £50 goody bag when you spend £50 in-store until the end of April PLUS get a FREE bike fitting worth £45 when you buy any bike until the end of April

YORK PERFORMANCE STORE, OFF AMY JOHNSON WAY, CLIFTON MOOR, YORK, YO30 4WU www.RatRace.com - 01904 409401

Local

Follow DAN on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

Sport report Channel Hopping I recently had to get my football fix in a hotel bar to catch the last 20 minutes of the Chelsea Champions League quarter-final second leg against Benfica. I paid £14 for two drinks (the bar man wearing a stripy top and a mask) and although my loyalties firmly lie with a well known Blue Square Premier team I was hoping for a Chelsea win to keep at least some English interest in football’s biggest tournament. After a close call Chelsea prevailed and just as I was indulging in the mass of blue flags waving frantically, boom! The channel was changed by the waitress. If channel changing was a sport she did it in a world record 0.1 seconds after the full-time whistle. And for what? The BBC news, and to find out the answer to the world’s most important question… “have them b****y pandas got it on yet?”

Third Time Lucky? No such problems with anti-football waitresses down at Bootham Crescent where at the time of writing York

uk energy

with DAN TAIT

competition that involves just two teams (it is painful seeing the Scottish Premier League trophy being carved with the winners names each year...). However, this year one man decided to lead a protest, which tellingly only he was involved with, and swam across to gain publicity. At first I thought it may have been David Walliams trying to get some more sponsorship money for Sport Relief but instead it was a deluded madman who was lucky he escaped injury. It beggars belief why someone would do that, but he isn’t the first and I’m sure he won’t be last. City have at least one definite date in May: the 12th, where they take on Newport County at Wembley Stadium. It will be the Minstermen’s third appearance in three years, though will be hoping its third time lucky after two previous defeats. Much more important is if they return to Wembley just eight days later for the play-off final, where hopefully York City can regain their football league

status after a huge eight years in the conference. Can Gary Mills be the man to lead us back to the promised land? I will be running a blog for the FA Trophy Final appearance.

Making Waves Amazingly one of the bigger news stories recently has been the eventful Oxbridge boat race. I have never really been one to get excited by a

Soggy Sports The cricket season has now got back up and running. For a predominantly English summer sport it appears to start earlier and earlier each year, which seems backwards for a game that seems to panic at a little speckle of rain. Having said that, it’s not just cricket that seems to forget about the English weather; Gary Barlow has been ruining/singing (delete as

of Jorvik Boxing Club. The club is ABA affiliated and has sessions going on seven days a week. Starting from scratch was never going to be easy, and Jorvik Boxing Club takes on boxers who are putting the gloves on for the first time. When I visited the Friday night squad session, ex-professional boxer Matthew Doyle, who had many of his fights covered by Your Local Link, also dropped in to pass on his knowledge to the youngsters.

appropriate) “Here Comes the Sun” since March.

In the Ring Gary Kelly grew up idolising Bruce Lee which influenced him to become a kickboxer, until a broken leg in his teens led him to focus more on his upper body and become a boxer. Even after the end of his boxing career he’s given up his own time as a coach at York Boxing Club, but decided a year ago to go it alone and start his own group. After finding a venue in the shape of a science lab at the old Manor School site, and enlisting the help of Ashley Martin who he had previously trained, the result was the creation

Jorvik Boxing Club have come a long way in a year, with members ranging in age from 11 to 32. Gary and Ashley hope that the members of the club will continue to do the club proud and make it a real local success story. Gary is open to more youngsters getting involved and benefiting from the all the skills and discipline that boxing has to offer. Anyone interested should contact him on garykelly@jorvikboxingclub. com

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

the

guide

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

iPHONE APPS Smartphone apps are useful for more than just beating your mates on Draw Something, you know. They can actually improve your health, too. Here are some of our favourite health-related apps DIABETES MANAGER Diabetes sufferers can check their blood sugar levels with this brand new gizmo. Buy the hi-tech iBGStar glucose monitor from Boots, attach it to your iPhone, then use the Diabetes Manager app to store, track and analyse medical data. Could be a lifesaver FITBIT Accurately counts calories (but only if you’re honest about that third muffin).

ROKU Wireless connectivity is often offered as standard on new televisions and gaming devices, which means that anything calling itself a specific internet TV needs to be particularly special. Roku claims to deliver over 100 channels of entertainment, though in reality most of these need to be purchased individually; by default you’re not given much more than a few popular iPlayer services and Netflix. Technically speaking though, Roku offers brilliantly sharp picture and sound, so even without many channels it’s still a reliable and useful product. Gadget rating: 7/10 www.roku.com

LED SOUND SENSITIVE ICE BUCKET We’ve all been there: the music is pumping, the guests are jumping and the Bollinger is cooling in the corner. But, on noticing the champagne, you realise something is disastrously wrong: the ice bucket doesn’t seem to be enjoying the party. To remedy this common concern, the LED Sound Sensitive Ice Bucket flashes bright lights in time to the music, thus getting its groove on. It gives a whole new meaning to the word cool… Gadget rating: 6/10 I Want One Of Those www. iwoot.com

WEBMD Features a symptom checker for quickly assessing medical problems . Not recommended for hypochondriacs… VITADOCK Checks your temperature quickly and precisely. Requires an extra attachment, but totally worth it for the cool factor. WELL BEING SELFREFLEXOLOGY Let Anna Walsh help you unwind, destress, and gain more energy with reflexology.

IHEAL How do you make something sound interesting and contemporary? Stick an ‘i’ in front of it, apparently. Following on from iPad, iPhone and all those other i-gizmos comes the iHeal from Homedics. It promises to speed the time it takes to mend muscle injuries by using electro-magnetic field waves to boost blood flow (or iFlow, as us trendy types will be calling it before long). We experimented on Mim after she strained her leg at the gym (that’s what she told us, anyway – we reckon she actually fell over on her way to the fridge). She reckoned it worked ok, but she could probably live without it. A bit like a few of those other i-gadgets we could name... Gadget rating: 5/10 Amazon www.amazon.com

AUDEO PFE 132 EARPHONES Truthfully we’ve never warmed to earphones; they’re fidgety, break quickly and you’re hard pressed to get a good sound out of them. The Audeo model includes a wide range of changeable earpieces which can be fitted to the device, ensuring that the earphones always fit snugly. The sound isolation is truly impressive, too; even without playing any music, the outside world is pretty much muted. The sound is crystal clear, the bass is reliable and they look wonderfully stylish– we’re officially converted! Gadget rating: 9/10 Audeo World ww.audeoworld.com

BAYAN AUDIO 3 iPod docking speakers are notorious for being flashy, expensive and generally having the same sound quality as a badly tuned wireless. But the Bayan Audio 3 is different. It’s reassuringly heavy, supplies powerful bass, and sharp sound. If you regularly play music through your iPod, you’ll love it. Let’s just hope your neighbours feel the same… Gadget rating: 9/10 www.bayanaudio.com

Word Search H L

K P M A R G A R E T A G E

W M P H S C W R T Y R A M E

E N E

M U O M E O G L C I

L O G O

C V

E A

B C Y

I I

N E G A O R

E N M V

L K

I W N N O R D A W K R O Y

E A

W K T A N A L

H E N M C F D N N R

E M

L M A I

E O A E T A G E N O T S I

M H M V

A A M C W G A E

E W S

A T A

E O T S G F

C W A L T L

S O M G O T

R A L G W A T

T T D N T A E

R R E

T L

E W R

L O C O H C O P

G S G F

E C E I

S H L

E D A R Y N T

C R R N M L C C A E D E

M E N G N C L

E R O O C N O

A W E T A

U R N P A D H M E G E A G D R O

H A

F O R T H T C O N E E W T A R K

P M A W H O P M A G A T E G M O A T D

O A H A

S C P

K C

P A G O V

S O O A P

T O O A D D R K G B N S

N R E N D N C P G W H B O S

S O R R T E M

U E G C A T T R A T C F

L N S

L T Y

S G E G S

Aldwark

Market

S W K T M R

Bootham

Micklegate

E R G A T E

Castlegate

Minster

E R A E H G G V

E D M A T T E O

N G L U R N H E O A C S D R

E T A G M A R D O O G E U S C Y

S G P

H A T L

L O S

R B A E

E C T N E

Y T O L B K

A V

In association with: How would you like to win some fabulous flowers, courtesy of Dutch Nurseries in Haxby? Every month they’ll be giving a gorgeous hand-tied bouquet to the winner of our wordsearch. To celebrate National Walking Month this May, we’re highlighting some of our favourite streets and strolls throughout the city!

Simply find the following words hidden in the grid to the left. They can be left, right, horizontal or even backwards!

Send your completed puzzle along with your contact details to ‘May Puzzle Competition’ to Oaktree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, York YO32 2LH. To reach us by no later than Friday18th May. The first correct entry picked out of the hat will win the flowers!

n Dutch Nurseries, 5 Wyre Court, Haxby. Tel. 01904 768439.

Cat trail

Navigation

Chocolate Walk

Nordic Walking

Clarence

Ogleforth

Clifford’s Tower

Ousegate

Coney

Pavement

Coppergate

Peasholme

Cordwainer

Piccadilly

Duncomb

Riverside

Fossgate

Rosemary

Ghost Trail

Rougier

Gillygate

Shambles

Goodramgate

St Andrewgate

Hope

Stonebow

Leeman

Stonegate

Lendal

Walmgate

Living Streets

Whip-Ma-Whop-

Long Close

Ma-Gate

Margaret

York Walk

your motors

Mark Your Unfortunately crime can happen even in a city as safe as ours. And recently York has seen a rise the theft of catalytic converters - the emission control device which is vital for converting your car’s exhaust emissions into less harmful substances. To prevent this, Safer York Partnership (in association with City of York Council Trading Standards and North Yorkshire Police) is launching Operation Bonafide: a scheme offering free catalytic converter security marking for York residents and businesses. The scheme is working with a number of local garages to provide the service. Anyone who’s interested in having their catalytic converter security marked should contact one of the following:

• North Eastern Tyres & Autocare, Clifton Moor. Tel. 692500 (Cars only) • Glen Garage, Heworth. Tel. 425000 (Cars and vans) • A.G. Motors, , Crockey Hill. Tel. 625890 (Cars and vans) • Barker’s Garage, Huntington. Tel. 760020 (Cars and vans) • Huntington Garage, Huntington. Tel. 768808 (Cars only) • Halfords, Foss Islands Road. (Cars only) • Drydals Garage, Hospital Fields Road. Tel. 633809 (Cars only)

Vote for Brookshaw! Congratulations to Brookshaw Motors in Clifton Moor! They’ve been voted one of the top five most trusted garages in Yorkshire, and the top 100 in the UK – and they’re still in the running to become the UK’s favourite garage. The scheme is run by Motor Codes, the government-backed, self-regulatory body for the motor industry. To become Garage of the Year, contenders must first be nominated, then receive enough votes to get through to the next round. Finally, a panel of expert judges will choose the winner. Joe Brookshaw has over 35 years of experience in the motor trade, and we think it’s high time his excellence was recognised! n Call Joe on 235241, or to vote visit www.motorcodes.co.uk

Our very own ‘Stig’ looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads

Clever Crossing A bright new traffic light system alters how long it remains on red for depending on how many pedestrians are waiting to cross and what the traffic levels are like. We hope it will signal the end of waiting at a red light when there are no pedestrians or other cars in sight, and it will also allow a longer time for people to cross if needed, which will be excellent for disabled and elderly people. It’s not arrived in York yet, but has been installed at crossings in London and is expected to be rolled out to as many as 50 other local authorities by the end of the year.

Why So Serious? We always knew that Batman was a complex character, but we never expected this. Montgomery County police released a statement saying he was stopped for having no tags on

£15

Ruffling Feathers

his Batmobile. So, that’s a lesson to all you superheroes out there – the law will catch up with you if you don’t display your registration plates appropriately, even if you are going out of your way to protect the city from evil super villains.

Steer clear of peacocks. The feathered fiends have been responsible for four of the 12 oddest car insurance claims made during the past two years, published by Admiral. One bird spotted a reflection of itself in a car’s paintwork and attacked, and another vehicle was damaged when a gang of peacocks on the run beat it up. That’s not all though – other unusual insurance claims include a driver that was distracted by a camel and elephant at the side of the road, and a pile up was caused by a spider dangling from a rearview mirror. Though we kind of understand the last one.

your motors

Parking U Turn We can’t keep up. Though we reported in the March issue that women are officially the better at parking of the two genders, it appears that now it’s men who win at manoeuvring their vehicles into a space. According to the Driving Standards Agency, in 2011 almost 57,000 women failed their driving test due to a “serious and dangerous fault” while attempting to reverse park, compared with 31,000 men. Maybe women get better after a bit of practice... either way, we think these statistics are starting to get a bit silly.

Ghost Driver Anyone else ever pretended that their car was actually Kit from Knight Rider while travelling to work? No? Well, we still think the new driverless car that scientists at Oxford University are working on is pretty cool. It doesn’t quite resemble Kit, though – it’s a modified BAE Wildcat military jeep – and it doesn’t talk, but it has been programmed with a three dimensional map that it can drive itself around using cameras and lasers – and it can even sense other vehicles on the road and avoid them if necessary. If the thought makes you feel a bit wobbly, don’t worry – just avoid any cars that have a red numberplate (that are reserved for driverless vehicles) and you’ll be fine.

Flying Without Wings If driverless cars aren’t enough for you, how about one that flies? Dutch inventors have created just that. Granted, it looks more like a helicopter crossed with a trike, but it’s still pretty ace. The vehicle can fly for up to 315 miles at speeds of up to 110mph, and the rotor on top handily packs away while driving. Goodbye traffic jams! All we need now is a private pilot’s licence, which requires around 20-30 hours of flying lessons, and the commute to work will be much more speedy.

Birch Park Vehicle Test Centre

FREE

Courtesy Car Subject to T&C’s

What’s hot and what’s not in the world of beauty and fashion? We’ve got the inside scoop!! Hot... Pearly Queen Caviar is the dish of choice for posh people, but we can’t think of any better use for it than wearing it on our nails. The Caviar Manicure from Ciate comes in the form of a nail polish bottle that contains lots of tiny, coloured beads which can be dropped onto wet nails for a 3D effect. It’s available in a range of colours – black, mother of pearl and rainbow – and comes with a pot of nail varnish that complements whichever option you’ve chosen. Pearl-fect! Kits are available for £18 from www.ciate.co.uk, but as we’re an impatient bunch we’re going to have a go with some hundreds and thousands and a bottle of tippex to see if it has the same effect...

Paisley Crazy In case you hadn’t noticed, the 1970s are coming back with a bang – check out our Property Hotlist for tips on how to introduce the trend into your home too – and paisley is most definitely the print of choice for May. Go for monochrome for understated chic, or bag two trends with one piece and choose neon brights. Backless Beauties If you’re the type who can wear Sitting Down Shoes (see our last issue) while on a marathon shopping spree then you qualify for this trend. Only the most seasoned of shoe wearers need apply – mules can be tricky to walk in, but they look oh-so-chic... If you’re not so hot at walking in backless shoes, then simply adopt them as your new Sitting Down Shoes. All together now, let’s practise our mantra: “Fetch me a cuppa, daaahling.

Our Domestic Diva Rachel tried out a couple of beauty products – here’s how she got on...

Green People Self Tan Lotion This lotion has a floral smell and a lovely thick, creamy consistency like a moisturiser. It was easy to apply, absorbed well and wasn’t greasy or sticky. I applied the lotion before bed – it took between ten and 15 minutes to dry fully and I woke the next morning to find a lovely golden brown colour. It wasn’t too dark, which is just how I like it. The only negative aspect I found with this product is it doesn’t contain a colour guide, so it’s a bit hard to see where you have applied it to. £17.95 Green People www.greenpeople.co.uk

HAIR AND BEAUTY SPA YORK

KUKI £100 OFF FULL SET KUKI KUKI

HAIR AND BEAUTY SPA YORK HAIR AND BEAUTY SPA YORK

RACOON HAIR EXTENSIONS £100 OFF FULL £100 OFF FULL SETSET

Full range of products RACOON HAIR EXTENSIONS RACOON HAIR EXTENSIONS Full range of products Experienced, professional team Experienced, professional team Full range of products Ideal for your wedding oryour a glam look! Ideal for wedding or a glam look! Experienced, team in... Kuki also specialisesprofessional in... Kuki also specialises • Spa day packages inc. lunch • Semi permanent make-up • Permanent hair reduction • Wedding/party packages your wedding or a glam •look! •Ideal Hair studiofor inc. extensions/wefts • Caci/microdermabrasion Teeth whitening • Nail bar inc. acrylics • Spa day packages inc. lunch • Semi permanent make-up • Hair studio inc. extensions/wefts • Caci/microdermabrasion • Line Fillers/Radiesse Treatment • Group parties • Mens Treatments

• Permanent hair reduction • Teeth whitening • All massage

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

• All massage • Line Fillers/Radiesse Treatment • Group parties GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE • BOOK ONLINE • Alternative therapies specialises in... •Kuki Mensalso Treatments T: 01904 659 007 / www.kukispa.com • Spa day packages inc. lunchGIFTOpen: AVAILABLE ONLINE • BOOK • Permanent reduction •VOUCHERS Semi permanent make-up • Wedding/party Mon 9am-7pm / Tues 9am-5pm / Wed 9am-8.30pm / Thurshair 9am-8.30pm / Fri 9am-6pm / Sat 8.30am-4pm / packages Sun 10am-4pm Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa, Water Meadows, 367 Huntington Road, York YO31 9HR • Hair studio inc. extensions/wefts • Caci/microdermabrasion • Teeth whitening • Nail bar inc. acrylics On-site car park available T: 01904 659 • All massage • Group parties007 / www.kukispa.com • Line Fillers/Radiesse Treatment • Alternative therapies Open: Mon 9am-7pm • Mens Treatments/ Tues 9am-5pm / Wed 9am-8.30pm / Thurs 9am-8.30pm / Fri 9am-6pm / Sat 8.30am-4pm / Sun 10am-4pm Kuki Hair GIFT & Beauty Spa, Water Meadows, 367 Huntington York YO31 9HR VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ONLINE • BOOK Road,

On-site car park available

T: 01904 659 007 / www.kukispa.com

Mon 9am-7pm / Tues 9am-5pm Wed 9am-8.30pm Thurs367 9am-8.30pm / Fri 9am-6pm Sat 8.30am-4pm Sun 10am-4pm ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI /HAIR & BEAUTY /SPA. HUNTINGTON ROAD, /YORK TEL: 01904 /659007 38Open: IN

Grease Isn’t The Word Remember black greasy eyeshadow that was in a few months ago? Thankfully it didn’t last long. Grease on eyes isn’t a good idea – it makes you look like you forgot to wash after tending to the oil in your car, and if any manages to find its way into your eyes you’ll have a blinking (sorry) annoying day. It just looks gross, to be honest.

Let’s Talk About... with Jane Tai

10 Top Tips to get Slim, Fit and Healthy for Summer I’ve helped hundreds of people stop the misery of yo-yo dieting and lose weight easily, naturally and permanently. The most important thing I’ve noticed is that all of my clients were locked into habits which were keeping them fat. When we changed the habits, the weight melted off like wax off a candle.

We think this dress from H&M £14.99, is a cheerful and pretty way to experiment with the paisley trend.

Not...

Mullet Madness We’re afraid to say that a few mullets seem to have survived the great cull of the nineties, and the craze is tentatively making a comeback. Do we really need to explain why mullets need to stay away? We will however, miss pronouncing the plural as moolay, with a silent T as if it’s French. It’s the only way we can talk about it without being reduced to tears.

Tease Me This powder, designed to give your hair volume, is easy to apply and small enough to pop in your bag. It gave my hair a lift without damaging it – like backcombing but without the split ends! With it being a white powder I was concerned that it would look like I had dandruff, but it became invisible when applied. The only down point was that it made my hair a bit sticky, but I think I used too much – a little goes a very long way!

Your mind is like a computer. Neural connections are installed in your mind like computer programmes on a laptop. These connections create your habits. Most were installed when you were very young….like: “Eat everything on your plate, there are starving children in Africa.” And it’s true, there are, but eating everything on your plate didn’t help them and it doesn’t help you if you’re already full.

£14.50 Nicky Clarke www.nickyclarke.com

2. Eat what you want, when you want (yes, really!) But…

If you want to lose weight, you have to change the old bad habits into new, healthy habits. It isn’t quite as easy as that, as I’m sure you know. But making the decision to change them is the first step. By making the decision I mean really committing to making the change and doing whatever you need to do, getting whatever help you need to get, in order to reprogramme your mind with new habits. After analysing my clients habits, I can reveal the 10 habits with the biggest impact: 1. Never go another diet again

3. Eat only when you are physiologically hungry and your body needs food 4. Eat slowly and savour your food 5. Stop eating when you are full 6. Keep your mind focussed on how you want to look and feel – get a very clear image of you at your ideal weight 7. Move more – you don’t have to go to the gym 3 times a week to burn calories, you just have to be more active 8. Get interested in healthy nutrition 9. Deal with emotional issues 10. Drink more water

Overweight? Stressed? Lack Confidence? Feeling Stuck in some part of your life? Jane Tai (GHR Registered) – Oxford Graduate & Master Practitioner of Hypnotherapy & NLP uses techniques she developed as a lawyer solving the problems of multi-national companies to help you change your life.“My mission is to help people who are stuck in some area of their life to break out of old patterns and habits, get unstuck fast and discover the secrets to stop the struggle with life and thrive. If you want to change your habits, transform your life, be radiantly happy, full of energy and enthusiasm then call me now on FREEPHONE 0800 083 1681 and get ready to re-programme your mind to re-create your life.”

Call : Jane Tai (GHR Registered) FREEPHONE 0800 083 1681 www.mindworkssolutions.co.uk Follow me at www.janetai.co.uk

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

Walk This Way

There’s no cheaper or easier way to burn off those extra calories than walking. Since May is National Walking Month, we’ve decided it’s the perfect time to add walking to our (barely there...) fitness regime – check out our guide! Walking and Talking City of York Council has set up group walking sessions for those who want to make a social call while getting fitter. A team of trained leaders are taking people for walks at 11 locations around the city. Details can be found at www. york.gov.uk/healthwalks Trailing York’s Lucky Cats Ever seen any of cat statues dotted around York? Did you know there are 17 of them? York Glass has devised a Cat Trail for visitors to spot each of the felines perched on various buildings. n Get the leaflet from their shop on The Shambles or go to www.yorkluckycats.co.uk/york-cat-trail.html

The Chocoholics’ Walk If there’s a way to combine chocolate with walking then that makes it all the more sweeter – excuse the pun. This trail will take you to places in the city which are associated with chocolate. Okay, you won’t get to eat chocolate at all points on the trail but that’s probably for the best. n Download the leaflet from www.visityork.org/chocolate

Step back in time Of course, in York you can always bet on getting a history lesson out of any activity – walking included. Hidden York is a three mile walk approved by the AA which takes you to visit many historical hotspots in York – which, obviously, there are loads of. n To get a map of the route and information about the locations visit www.theaa.com/walks/hidden-york-421242

MONDAY St.Aelred’s Community Centre, 216 Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, York, YO31 0PN 09:30 - 11:00 am (Slim & Aerobatone) St.Lawrence Primary School Heslington Road, York, YO10 5BW 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Slim & Aerobatone) 7:30 - 9:00 pm Featuring KARDY-O-FUN from 30/04/12! TUESDAY Huntington & District W M C, 1 North Moor Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9QS 09:15 - 10:45 am (Slim & Aerobatone)

Walk with Britain And if you do any of these trails, then why not log your steps for the Great British Walking Challenge? Living Streets want to see how many steps people across the country can take collectively this May. n To sign up, go on www.livingstreets.org.uk/our-projects/ national_walking_month

Poles Apart Ever fancied becoming a Nordic Walking leader? The City of York Council’s Sport and Active Leisure team are

TUESDAY Canon Lee Secondary School, Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton (Without), York, YO30 6ZS 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Slim & Aerobics) 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Slim & Aerobatone) WEDNESDAY Melodies Park Country Club, Wigginton Road, Wigginton, York, YO32 2RJ 10:00 - 11:30 am (Slim & Aerobatone) Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Road, New Earswick, York, YO32 4BZ 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Slim & Aerobatone) 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Slim & Latin Fitness)

Call Helen on 01904 790922 email: helen.howard-mawer@rosemaryconley.com SUPERB VALUE!

Diet advice AnD exercise at ALL classes

appealing for volunteers to complete a one-day training course on 24th May, then lead a one-hour walk once a week. The course will not only teach you how to walk... erm... Nordically (which involves using special poles to enhance your usual walking style and improve your posture) but also teach you first aid skills and give you a recognised qualification. n For further information, call Sarah Prescott on 553377, email sarah.prescott@york.gov.uk or visit www.york.gov. uk/healthwalks

THURSDAY Huntington & District W M C 1 North Moor Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9QS 09:30 - 11:00 am Featuring KARDY-O-FUN from 03/05/12! Canon Lee Secondary School Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton (Without), York, YO30 6ZS 6:00 - 7:30 pm Featuring KARDY-O-FUN from 03/05/12!

COMING SOON

“You will love our newstyle classes inspired by exercise supremo, Kardy Laguda.” Rosemary Conley

COMING SOON!

FREE Membership & Diet Pack worth £35!* *When you pre pay for 1 class or pay £23 monthly. New members only. Valid until 03/05/12. Class Fee £5.95. Bring voucher to claim offer.

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

The first steps to confidence You can do anything if you set your mind to it. That’s business coach and motivational expert Lisa Clifford’s philosophy. And just to prove it, she wants you to walk barefoot across hot coals! Lisa reckons firewalking teaches you self-belief, determination and how to overcome your fears – exactly the kind of qualities you need to succeed in business. She’s now offering participants a rare chance to learn how to successfully walk across the coals, an experience which is said to be truly life-changing. The walk takes place on 31st May at Middlethorpe Hall. n For more information call Lisa Clifford on 07795 634671 or email lisa@lisaclifford.co.uk.

Fancy self defence? Learning basic self defence can increase your confidence as well as keeping you fit. To teach the basics, Haxby Shotokan Karate Club is offering women a free one-hour ‘Introduction to Self-Defence’ session on 13th May. Taking place at Wigginton Recreation Hall, The Village, Haxby, the session is open to women of all fitness levels, ages and mobility. Kids are welcome too, as a free children’s martial arts session (for aged five and over) takes place at the same time. n For more information call Ian on 0790 999 1541, visit www.haxbykarate.co.uk or email info@haxbykarate.co.uk

Blood donor sessions 8th & 22nd MAY Acomb Parish Church Hall 2 - 4pm & 5 - 7.30pm

28th MAY Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre 2 - 4pm & 5 - 7.30pm

10th MAY Ebor Stand (The Racecourse) 2 - 4pm & 5 - 7pm

30th MAY National Centre for Early Music 2 - 4pm & 5 - 7pm

14th MAY New Earswick (The Folk Hall) 2 - 4pm & 5 - 7pm

n All dates correct at time of going to press. For more details call 0300 123 2323

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

Whether it’s about false lashes or foundation we can help! IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR & BEAUTY SPA 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007 www.kukispa.com Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa are here to help with all your questions and answers on achieving that look without breaking the bank.

This month they discuss HAIR EXTENSIONS...

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’.

What can I achieve from hair extensions? Hair extensions are a quick way to add colour, length or volume to your hair.

Do they ruin your hair? No, but ensure you go to a professional salon that use good extensions to ensure that they are applied correctly.

How are they applied? Racoon hair extensions are applied by either a bonding method or by a weft. Bonding is a system using bee wax and weft is a strip applied to your own hair. Racoon bonds are translucent and approximately the size of a grain of rice and cannot be seen when your hair is styled.

How long do hair extensions last? They last a maximum of three months, and after that the hair extensions should be taken out professionally using a bond remover. We recommend that clients come back every six to eight weeks and have a rotation, in which we take a section of the hair extension out and re-apply it. This stops extensions growing out and helps prevent bonds matting.

Does it hurt? No, extensions shouldn’t cause any discomfort if they are looked after properly. You need to use correct products on them and regularly brush your hair and separate bonds daily so they don’t become tangled. If correctly cared for, they can last for months. How do I know if I’m suitable for hair extensions? At Kuki Spa we offer a free consultation in which we will fill out a consultation form and check your hair is strong enough for the extensions and your natural hair length should be at least three inches long.

Can I colour my hair with hair extensions in? It is highly recommended not to use any kind of home colorant on hair extensions. This can cause the extension to come out, become dry or reduce in quality. However, if you wanted to colour your hair a stylist would be able to use a suitable colour and apply the colour so that it doesn’t affect the hair extensions or bonds.

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

Celebrating Success

Exciting news for all of you who have busy lives, need more flexibility and deserve more pampering time (and who doesn’t want more pampering time?) as the girls at Kuki Spa are now there to treat you every day of the week! It’s a double celebration as the team also recently enjoyed great success at The York Racecourse Wedding Fair, with their hair and beauty skills being featured by models on the catwalk. To see the pics, head to their Facebook page (search kukispa). As if all that wasn’t enough, the girls now have a glamour spot on Minster FM and will be telling listeners all about the latest hot products – and there’ll be an offer on one of the products each month on the Minster FM website, so be sure to tune in! To celebrate all the recent success, the team are offering Matrix hair kits at the bargain offer of £15. Plus, if you spend over £50 on hair products you’ll receive a free bottle of Yves Saint Laurent Aftershave or Perfume. What a treat! n The team is expanding, too – for more information on working with the lovely team, email contact mail@kukispa.com

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

Heavenly Help Summer’s coming, and it’s time to get your Minx on! We’ve been hooked ever since mobile beauty therapist Marcelle from Heavenly Nails & Beauty Race offer! introduced us to these fab chipA full set of resistant nails. They look amazing Creative Acrylic and last for ages, which means nails £20 you can have a perfect pedicure all summer long. Plus they come in a whole range of gorgeous designs, from wild animal prints to eye-popping metallics. Helen in Accounts is especially fond of Hippy Chick, a very pretty retro flower power design straight out of the 60s! As well as Minx Nails, Marcelle is also offering a Race Season Special of £20 for a full set of Creative Acrylic nails. Or, if you’re interested in getting your toes into tip-top condition too, why not go for a chip-resistant Shellac toes and nails duo for just £25 (perfect for holidays). Or for the ultimate in summer glam, get your tootsies sparkling with Shellac Rockstar toes (another of Helen’s favourites, by the way. Quite honestly, that girl’s feet are a work of art…) n To find out more, or to make an appointment, call Marcelle from Heavenly Nails & Beauty on 077106 69945 or 491196.

Smile please Did you know that May is National Smile Month? But if you’re one of the many people with badly fitting dentures, the chances are you won’t have much to smile about. Not only are unsuitable dentures uncomfortable to wear, they also make it difficult to eat. And since they can cause the facial muscles to sag, they can also be very ageing – not a good look at all! Clinical Dental Technician Joseph Douglas at Changing Faces Denture Clinic, believes that comfortable, well-fitting dentures are a must for everyone. He uses an innovative approach called Denture Genics, which means he makes dentures to fit each client’s age, personality and gender. Using Denture Genics helps to restore

the smile and correct the proportions of the client’s face – this adds volume, allowing the wearer to achieve a more natural and youthful look. Joseph treats all clients directly, and he takes pride in helping them to develop self-assurance and newfound confidence after every treatment.

We’re very excited to announce that Your Local Link has teamed up with Changing Faces Denture Clinic to offer a special competition in next month’s issue. We’re keeping our lips sealed for now, but we promise it’s not something you’ll want to miss!

n To find out more about its fantastic service (and for a free 45 minute consultation), call Changing Faces Denture Clinic on 623687.

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

The Right Direction Do you need a Nudge? Perhaps there are emotional obstacles that are preventing you living your life to the full? Maybe you feel stuck in a rut but you don’t know how to get out? Nudge, based in Micklegate, can help you. They are Chartered Psychologists with over 10 years of experience, who specialise in helping people improve their emotional wellbeing and lead fuller, happier lives. Using a variety of psychological tools, they can help you achieve emotional balance, unlock your potential and strengthen your mental resilience to cope with life’s ups and downs. And couldn’t we all do with that? Just to prove that anyone can benefit from their services, they offer a free, no-obligation consultation. n To find out more, visit Nudge on 25 Micklegate, York, or call 652200.

Riding High They say you never forget how to ride a bike – but what about how to make sure you get a good quality bike, or what to look for in a tandem? Jim McGurn and Mick Allan from Get Cycling in York have put together a pretty useful, and rather comprehensive, book on all things bike-related just for that purpose – and it’s suitable for cyclists of all levels of experience. The book has already gone global and is being published into several languages, with an accompanying website offering fresh articles on a regular basis.

n For further information, visit www.cyclorama.net

Manage Your Mane Receding hairlines, bald patches and thinning hair can be stopped in their tracks with a new technology available at York Laser Clinic. Low-level laser light therapy stimulates follicles that have begun to shrink and encourages them to repair themselves and grow hair again to their best potential. Hair loss is usually stopped or slowed down, with the degeneration often reversed so that the follicles produce thicker, stronger hair. So, a solution that doesn’t involve surgery, and you can have a free one to one consultation – sounds good to us! There’s an open event on 29th April from 10am-4pm at the clinic, with free advice and discounts on treatments available. n For further information, call 520115 or visit www.yorklaserclinic.co.uk

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

Colour Queen Fancy getting a bold colour on your locks? Or did you try to become a blonde bombshell and end up looking more like an oompa loompa? Fear not – Toyah at Edward Charles Hair Design on Walmgate is colour specialist and can transform your hair from frightening to fabulous. She’s also excellent at advising on adventurous colour choices, as well as more subtle, natural shades, so you’re hair is in safe hands! The staff at the salon, who have trained with Vidal Sassoon, Wella and GHD, have won awards for their cuts at both regional and national level, too, so you’re sure to emerge with a fantastic cut to compliment your new shade. Consultations are free, and the staff are determined to get your hair just right and will endeavour to ensure your needs are met. The salon also offers the KeraStraight smoothing system, a state-ofthe-art straightening technique which can keep your hair poker straight for up to three months. n For more information, call 659639.

Win a free

colour analysis!

Pain isn’t something people should tolerate, and the expert team at Core Chiropractic York are dedicated to getting each of their clients rid of it. They know that every client has unique goals (whether it’s to walk comfortably or compete in a marathon!), so treatment is carefully tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and personal background. Located in David Lloyd York, the team is fully qualified and experienced is treating a wide range of problems – these range from back and neck pains to sports injuries and reoccurring migraines.

Do you have a cupboard full of clothes and not a thing to wear? Join the club! But now thankfully Carole Green is here to end all our wardrobe woes. As a House of Colour consultant, she offers a whole range of services, from advice on dressing for your shape and colouring to wardrobe de-cluttering. She’ll even take you shopping to make sure you don't come home with any expensive mistakes! And when you add up how much the average woman spends on clothes she never wears, we reckon it’s a very worthwhile investment!

n To speak to the team or make an appointment, call 078432 09094 or visit www.corechiropractic.co.uk

To prove what a big difference it makes, she’s offering a free Colour Analysis Class (worth £99)

They’ve got your back!

to one of our lucky readers. During the one day workshop, you’ll find out which colours suit you (and which don’t!), plus you’ll be given your own leather colour wallet and personalised workbook. Lunch and refreshments are included. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question: What do you take away at the end of a Colour Analysis Class?

Send your answer (along with your name and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘House of Colour Competition’ to the address on page five. The competition ends 17th May, so don’t delay! To contact Carole Green or to make an appointment call 07798 534723 or email carole.green@houseofcolour.co.uk

OFFER PRICE £20 Usually £40

Valid before: 31st May 2012

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

One Vision Vision Express, located on Parliament Street, has become a familiar presence within our city. It’s recently undergone a grand redevelopment - and now it’s eager to exhibit its refreshed refurbishments to all its current and future customers. But it’s not just the building which has a cutting-edge attitude: Vision Express prides itself on offering the most advanced equipment available, and has over 100 different ways to accurately test and assess your unique eye-care needs. Famous for pioneering the ‘one hour service’, Vision Express continues to attract customers seeking excellent service and expert efficiency. To celebrate, there are some fantastic in-store offers – first off: two pairs of selected designer specs are just £99, and there’s a free sight test when you spend £99 or more. But it’s not just glasses that the team can help with, though – eye tests, which you should have at least every two years, can detect conditions such as dry eye syndrome, diabetes and high blood pressure, so it’s a good idea to keep regular appointments. We think these are clearly great deals (see what we did there?).

MAXINE FLYNN & A SSOCIATES

The

ParsonageCount

Visit Vision Express on Parliament Street, visit www.visionexpress.com or call 541104.

presents the

Cloist

Bicycle Race There’s still time to sign up to the York Cycle Challenge, which is open to everyone who lives or works in the city and runs from 14th May-5th June. The aim of the game is to get as many colleagues from your workplace cycling as possible, and there are prizes up for grabs including a hot air balloon ride, spa day, Giant bike and weekend away at the Best Western Grasmere Red Lion Hotel in the Lake District. Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry, you can hire one for free, and journeys as short as ten minutes qualify – you just need to record your time on the York Cycle Challenge website. Aviva, Nestle and the University of York are all taking part, so if you’d like to join them (or beat them!) visit www.yorkcyclechallenge.org.uk

he arrrrivedlu uxuTr y ive ! xOur hehbe best i d! O pye h asst in n pen nians fi fin nal ally ing g 2 ly 26 6 M M a ay y

Spa an

Parsonage Country House Hotel ParsonageRelax Country House Hotel in your very own count

The The

presentsthe the presents

enjoy a perfect blend of class with a twist of sophistication.

Cloisters Cloisters

* Spa Club Spaand andHealtH HealtH Club*

Relax in your very own country house retreat and

Relax in your very own country house retreat and enjoy a perfect blend of classic style combined enjoy a perfect blend of classic style combined with a twist of sophistication. with a twist of sophistication.

Cloisters Spa and Health Club includes 16 metre Cloisters Spaaand Health Club % discOunT % T swimming pool, jaccuzzi, state of the art gymnasium, 20tre n u O th c wi ts is en d Cloisters Spa and Health Club includes a 16 metre m swimming jaccuzzi, state off all at aromatherapy and salt pool, rooms, and offers TSpa ntssauna, un withsteam, is 0a e swimming 10 t tr pool, jaccuzzi, state of the art gymnasium, tm 20thotr%effeafidtm rsllcO e ith a w the best in luxury holistic treatments by Elemis skin ents off all Day Vouchers sauna, steam, aromatherapy a sauna, and salt rooms, and offers asteam, aromatherapy a 100 prt Sprange. care S 0 fo 0 1 ed t as rs ch fi s pu r the the fiea the best in luxury the holistic treatments by Elemis skin s 00 erch 5.ch best in luxury ou Membership available.holistic trea s Day V£1 errange. care rVouch fo y ed a as D ch For more details call pu care range. £15.00 eachchased for 01904 728111 Membership available. u

p £15.00 each

www. parsonagehotel.co.uk For more details call

01904 728111

The Parsonage Country House Hotel Escrick, York YO19 6LF

www. parsonagehotel.co.uk *Minimum age for entry is 16 years. The Parsonage Country House Hotel Escrick, York YO19 6LF *Minimum age for entry is 16 years.

Mem For m

019

www

The Pa Escric

*Minim

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

Stunning Setting

Bend & Mend! It’s estimated that four out of five adults will experience back pain at some time in their lives. While for some it may be an isolated episode, for others it’s a daily torment. And as any chronic back pain sufferer will tell you, nothing seems to help. Until now. New research from the University of York has revealed that regular yoga sessions really help chronic lower back pain and improve quality of life. The study showed

that back pain sufferers found yoga more helpful than conventional treatments, and were able to tackle everyday tasks more easily if they practised yoga regularly. Anna Semlyen, from Yoga in York, runs special courses in yoga for lower back classes. n If you’re interested in finding out more, call Anna on 654355 or visit www.yogainyork.co.uk

NHS walk-in centre has moved to the NHS Walk-in Move Monkgate’s re. to become part of the urgent care cent emergency department at York Hospital and k, provides care for minor illnesses The new section, open seven days a wee able to fully focus on the most serious now nt injuries, with the emergency departme building continue to operate as normal. cases. Other services in the Monkgate

Blackwood Hall, situated in a secluded location between York and Selby, is a traditional Victorian residence situated in 14 acres of beautiful grounds and woodland – the perfect backdrop for those wedding photos! You can use the elegant function room or even set up a marquee in the grounds.

There’s also ample free parking for wedding guests. You can find out more about what Blackwood Hall has to offer at its Wedding Open Day on 19th May from 11am – 4pm.

n Call 07734 787831 or email bnb@blackwoodhallyork.co.uk

Celebrating women Do you know a very special local lady? As part of the York 800 celebrations, Andrea Denniss of Pink Lily Photography is putting together a series of photographs, Great Women of York, to honour the women who work tirelessly to make this city a fantastic place to live. If you know of someone who deserves to be nominated, whether for improving other peoples’ lives, being a fantastic neighbour or getting things done in your local community, she would love to hear their story. Who knows, they could end up being part of this unique historic project! n If you’re interested in learning more or making a nomination, visit www.greatyorkwomen.pinklilyphotography.co.uk

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

Moments to Remember Looking for a very special venue for your wedding or other family celebration? Then look no further than The Old Lodge Hotel in Malton. It’s a magnificent Tudor mansion set in beautifully maintained grounds, which makes a fabulous and picturesque backdrop to any special occasion. And you don’t have to be a lord of the manor to afford it, either – at the moment, they’re offering a wedding package for 50 guests for just £2012! It’s great for a family get-together, too – try their Great Yorkshire Sunday lunch. On 12th May, The Old Lodge is holding a Gourmet Evening with live piano music. n Call 01653 690570, or visit www.theoldlodgemalton.co.uk

Designer Mum-in-Law You’ve got your wedding dress and bridesmaids’ outfits sorted – now make sure that when you get your photos done, mum’s looking great too. Simply Devine in Tadcaster are now stocking gorgeous Jaego mother-of-the-bride/groom outfits, with various styles of dresses and jackets on offer in a range of different colours and lengths. Are the pieces in store not quite what you’re after? No problem – you can pick the colours and style you like and get the outfit custom made. The hat shop turned fashion boutique is run by mother and daughter partnership Joy Devine and Liz Devine-Wright. And as well as their new Jaego range they sell handbags, jewellery, gifts and cards and, of course, hats for the occasion. n Call 01937 836068 or visit www.simplydevine.co.uk

The Old

Lodge Hotel Malton

The perfect base from which to explore the North Yorkshire Moors, East Coast and Yorkshire, plus the many other attractions of the surrounding area. ■ Open all day for good coffee, tea (and home made clotted cream scones!) ■ Fantastic Restaurant, plus a great selection of bar snacks ■ Gorgeous bedrooms, many with four poster beds ■ Four tourist office stars ■ Great Yorkshire Sunday Lunch served 12 noon to 9pm

see our website for further details and offers. The Old Lodge, Old Maltongate, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7EG IN ASSOCIATION WITH KUKI HAIR 570 & BEAUTY SPA. 367 HUNTINGTON ROAD, YORK TEL: 01904 659007 Telephone: 01653 690

Time for something new? From mums who are looking to retrain when their children reach school age to full-time workers who fancy a change of direction, Pitman Training is the ideal choice. The centre offers flexible courses that can fit around the school run or your work life, with experienced advisors on hand to help so that you get genuinely useful knowledge. There’s a range of levels to the courses, too, with seminars for people who want to just dip their toe into the field, right up to diplomas, which demonstrate to employers that you’re competent. From web design to Sage training and secretarial courses, there’s plenty to choose from. n For further information, visit www.pitman-training.com

A fair deal for deaf people Visiting the doctor or the dentist is something we all take for granted. But for a deaf person, it can be nearly impossible. How do you pick up the phone and make an appointment when you can’t hear the person on the other end? How can you hear your name being called in the waiting room, or read the doctor’s lips when they’re looking down at their notes? This year’s Deaf Awareness Week (7th to 13th May) aims to highlight these problems and advise healthcare professionals on how they can make provision for deaf people. There’s no need to let the fear of sky-high tuition fees stop you in your tracks to gaining a degree. York College offers a whole host of degree courses at a significantly lower price compared to university, with high quality learning and plenty of tutor contact hours provided. Options range from a BSc in Environment, Economics and Ecology to a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and a Foundation Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development. Access courses can help to prepare you for studying a degree, with subjects as diverse as business and midwifery. There’s lots

of professional courses too such as Accounting or Strategic Management and Leadership that could prove really useful if you’re looking for work, or alternatively the pottery classes and computer sessions are great for a bit of fun. Interested? Head over to the Higher Education and Adult Open Evening at York College on 16th May from 6-8pm. n For further information, visit www.yorkcollege.ac.uk

do you want to host an international student for bright world guardianships?

‘This is a great job and has provided our family with a valuable extra income as well as being lots of fun and a cultural experience for us all.’ Bright World Guardianships Ltd takes care of international children studying at UK boarding schools in the York area. We are looking for families to host our students for some weekends and half terms.

For more information please contact: Lindsay Tribe, Host Family Recruitment Manager lindsay@brightworld.co.uk or call 01273 835745 50

They would love to get in contact with deaf people who have faced these kind of barriers. If you can help, please email stories@hearingloss.org.uk. n If you’re interested in running a fundraising event during Deaf Awareness week, or finding out more about what’s going on in York, visit www. actionhearingloss.org.uk.

your family

Breathe easy 1st May is World Asthma Day. According to the charity Asthma UK, one in 11 children has the condition. And with a child admitted to hospital every 17 minutes due to an asthma attack, it’s important to make sure you know how to spot the warning signs. These include: • Recurrent attacks of difficult, wheezy breathing. • Coughs that seem to drag on for weeks, or come back frequently. • Trouble sleeping due to breathing difficulties. Symptoms may get worse after exercise, or when there are pets around If you’re at all worried, see your GP. The good news is, some children with asthma find their symptoms become milder or disappear completely by the time they’re adults. But it’s important to get treatment so you and your child can learn to manage their symptoms as early as possible. n Asthma UK has lots of useful resources for parents, as well as a lively discussion forum. For more information, visit www.asthma.org.uk.

Run of the Mill Thanks to some rather skilled volunteers, York Castle Museum’s magnificent Raindale Mill is back up and running again after a decade of disuse, and organisers are appealing for more willing folk to help to run it. When it opens to the public, visitors will be able to see the Victorian waterwheel and machinery in action and the Museum is hoping to get enough recruits so that it can run daily. There’s plenty more volunteering opportunities at the Museum, too – the Kitchen, Military and Costume Studios all need a helping hand, as does York Observatory. n For further information, visit www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk and click on the Get Involved button.

3D Design Crafts Applied Science Art and Design Accounting Beauty Therapy Bricklaying Photography Construction and the Built Environment Business Administration Apprenticeship Childcare Hospitality Hairdressing Print Based Media Customer Service Dance Decorative Occupations Electrical Engineering and Technology Manufacturing VOCATIONAL Engineering Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Event Management Fashion and Clothing PROGRAMMES Food and Beverage Service Graphic Design Health and Social Care Vehicle Maintenance International Travel and Tourism IT Networking and System Support Software Development Engineering Acting Plumbing Production Arts Retail Financial Services Sport Stonemasonry Trowel Occupations Uniformed Public Services Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Wood Occupations 3D Design Crafts Applied Science Art and Design Accounting Beauty Therapy Bricklaying Photography Construction and the Built Environment Business Administration Apprenticeship Childcare Hospitality Hairdressing Print Based Media Customer Service Dance Decorative Occupations Electrical Engineering and Technology Manufacturing Engineering Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Event Management Fashion

We’re big in

If you’re about to leave school it’s still not too late to apply for a place at the region’s biggest provider of job-related courses. For full course details, or if you need help with your application, call us on 01904 770239 or go to www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/application-information

ILL

ST and Clothing Food and Beverage Service Graphic Design Health s ’ t I and Social Care Vehicle Maintenance International Travel and late o o t Tourism IT Networking and System Support Software Development ot Engineering Acting Plumbing Production Arts Retail Financial n ply! p a Services Sport Stonemasonry Trowel Occupations Uniformed to du6712e Public Services Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Wood Occupations 51

New born? No worry! Until recently, every new baby had to be individually registered with a wide range of government departments – a job which could be quite time-consuming for parents, especially with a new arrival to look after! Fortunately City of York Council has taken pity on overworked parents by streamlining the process. Their new Tell Us Once service automatically notifies every required department once the council has been informed. The service started in April, and it’s now in full swing. City of York Council plans to extend the Tell Us Once service to other areas, which is great news for busy people!

More Than a Home Could you offer a secure, happy home to a child in need? Throughout York there are children of all ages looking for foster care. It could be short term, for instance while their mum or dad is in hospital, or for a longer period. Contrary to what you might think, foster carers can be any age, married or single, and from any kind of background. You’re never alone, either – full training is given, and foster families are offered lots of ongoing support once they start looking after a child. Fostering Fortnight, 14-27th May, is a great opportunity to find out more about the benefits fostering can bring. n For more information, call City of York Council’s Family Placement Team on 555310, or visit www.york.gov.uk/health/Fostering_ adoption/Fostering/

If you’re a working parent with kids, the chances are you’ll already know about York Childcare. The company has been providing high quality childcare and out of school club provision for many years. In light of its brilliant service, York Childcare recently received a grant from Awards for All, allowing it to expand its Scarcroft Green Nursery on Nunthorpe Road. The nursery has converted its former offices into a space suitable for use as a pre-school room,

which means there’s more space than ever for it to provide both part- and full-time care. York Childcare also has locations in Rawcliffe Lane and Hamilton Drive, along with plenty of after-school clubs throughout the area. n For more information, give them a call on 409763 or visit www.yorkchildcare.co.uk

your family

Could do better? We all want our children to do well in school, but even the most enthusiastic students can do with a little extra support now and then. First Class Learning has developed a nationally-renowned reputation for helping students achieve brilliant results throughout the country, and now their newest centre is opening right here in York. Run by Kerry Shelley, a qualified teacher and Reading Recovery specialist, the centre has places available for students of all ages and abilities up to KS4. Each new student will receive an initial diagnostic session, helping to assess their current level and develop a personalised learning programme. All work materials follow the National Curriculum, and Kerry’s positive that the sessions can build students’ confidence as well as improving their academic performance. n To find out more, call Kerry Shelley on 399810 or visit www.firstclasslearning. co.uk

Seeing is Believing

Having an eye test can be a scary experience for a child, as our Avril discovered. Her three year old grandson Tyler was so frightened by his examination that he was refusing to go back, even though his

mum suspected that his prescription wasn’t quite right. To help, they took Tyler to Ruth Perrott, a community optometrist based in Acomb, and he had an absolutely fantastic time. Ruth used a combination of games and play to test Tyler’s eyesight, setting him at ease and helping him to feel safe throughout the entire process. After the tests, Ruth helped Tyler pick out a great pair of glasses from her extensive children’s range, and now we think you’ll agree that he looks spec-tacular! n To find out more about Ruth Perrott, or to make an appointment, call 784040 or visit www.rperrott. co.uk

Express yourself

It’s never too late to learn

• City of York Council produces Whether you’re looking to retrain for a new a fantastic adult education guide called career, brush up on old skills to improve your Learning for Life, compiling the main local job prospects or you just fancy taking up a new organisations which offer part-time classes. hobby, there are plenty of places to learn in To find out more call 0800 834239. York. With Adult Learners Week happening from 12th – 18th May, we’ve been taking a look • York’s libraries teach general at some of the opportunities on offer... computer use and online skills, but also offer craft workshops, reading groups and lessons • York College has a massive choice to help you trace your family tree. Visit of programmes for adult learners, www.york.gov.uk/leisure/Libraries/whatson/ including classes in business, child studies, construction, education, art and design, • Independent classes and beauty, hospitality, IT and languages. tutors can be a fantastic way for Call 770400 or visit www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/ busy adults to learn new skills. While we • York St John University offers more than just degree courses. There's always new classes coming up for adults, the university offers programmes related to counselling, learning support and working with young people. Call 624624 or visit www.yorksj.ac.uk

feature plenty of these in Your Local Link, we’d definitely recommend Christopher Goodman for piano lessons (call 636340), Anna Martinez-Armitage for Spanish tutoring (call 07800 634510) and Bob Lambert for Woodwork lessons (call 348343).

Caring for a loved one with a learning disability can be frustrating, stressful and intensely rewarding, sometimes all in the same day. It can also be a very isolating experience. Now local support group Caring Expressions has launched a fortnightly creative writing group to help family carers get their voices heard. With the help of a tutor, carers can document the reality of their home lives, with the goal of publishing a book of their experiences. But if words aren’t your thing, Caring Expressions is also running a fortnightly craft group for learning disability family carers, helping members to compile a cherished life-story book using scrap-booking techniques. The creative writing group meets on 3rd May, and the craft group on 10th May at the Healing Clinic on Museum Street. n Call Pauline Rogers on 764150 for more information.

It’s all kicking off… Calling all junior footie teams! Have you signed up for the Youth Football Gala yet? The annual event, organised by York-based Hamilton Panthers FC, is always a big occasion, attracting more than 40 teams from as far afield as Scotland. But this year’s gala is being held in association with the city’s York 800 celebrations, so they want it to be even bigger and better than ever! Participating clubs play structured competition for under7s, under-8s, under-9s and under-10s, while families, spectators and the general public can enjoy a host of other fun events in a fantastic location next to York Racecourse. Even if you’re not a footie fan, it’s going to be a fun family day out! n If you or your company are interested in sponsorship opportunities, or having a stall or event at the York800 Youth Football Gala, please contact sallypsanderson@ yahoo.co.uk, or visit www.hamiltonpanthersfc.co.uk

your family

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... Use cat litter to clean up oil or paint spills. A 10-pound sack of litter will absorb more than a gallon of liquid, so it´s great value for money too! You can also use it for cleaning up an egg that hits the floor -a little scoop will do it. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with them. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. Whenever I purchase a box of Brillo Pads, I take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves - it´s much more economical, and it a box lasts twice as long! For a spot of ink on your sofa, use a little hairspray or milk to remove the stain. Milk is also a rather effective way to combat stains on white shirts, so try that first before you shell out on dry cleaning or stain-removing products. If you have dirty marks on white shirt cuffs and collars, just wet a bar of soap and run it across them before loading them into the machine - it´ll help them to gleam once more!

If your fridge smells of onions, place a saucer containing a few tablespoons of ground coffee inside. Keep the fridge door closed for as long as possible – 24 hours if you can – then throw away the coffee. Keep a pack of cheap coffee in the fridge to serve as a deodoriser. To remove pet hair from upholstery, put on a rubber glove – ideally with a raised grip – run it under the tap, then shake off any excess moisture. Run your fingers over the pet hair in short scraping strokes. Follow RACHEL on blog.yourlocallink.co.uk

St Peter’s School, York

St Olave’s & Clifton Pre-preparatory Co-ed Day and Boarding 3 -18 ‘Academically excellent’

Have you discovered York St John?

Come along to one of our open days on: • 2 July • 18 August • 8 September Visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

Open

St Olave’s School Morning - Saturday 5 May

Clifton Pre-Prep • St Olave’s • St Peter’s Registered Charity Number: 1141329

Advertisers Announcement

I want to Separate from my Partner - what can I do? Should you decide to separate from your partner/ spouse, you will need to agree how you intend to divide the finances of the marriage/relationship. In the event that you are married you may not be in a position to obtain a divorce for up to two years unless you are able to rely on the grounds of ‘adultery’ or ‘unreasonable behaviour’. Unmarried couples can of course formalise their agreement, so that if any property is sold or a lump sum is paid to the other party this is recorded in a formal Separation Agreement. Many separating couples believe that if their separation is amicable that they do not need a Separation Agreement. However nobody can predict the future and a friendly relationship may turn sour if circumstances change e.g. where one of the parties meets a new partner.

What is a Separation Agreement? A Separation Agreement, otherwise known as a Deed of Separation deals with the financial settlement agreed between both unmarried and married couples. Why would I need one? The Separation Agreement allows couples to conclude their finances at the time they agree to separate. The document will record how the finances are to be distributed and in many cases the preparation of an Agreement can save substantial costs and possibly court proceedings in the future. What is in included in a Separation Agreement? A Separation Agreement can cover anything that is relevant to the separating couple. The main issues usually covered are: • How the couple will split money, property, possessions, debts and any other assets they may have acquired; • Who children will reside with and contact arrangements. • Maintenance for children and spouses;

Family Law Drop in Clinic every Thursday (by appointments only) When preparing a Separation Agreement each party must produce full and frank financial disclosure. This usually includes: the last 12 months bank statements; last 3 months wage slips; P60; details of all assets and liabilities and pension values. Is the Agreement legally binding? The Agreement is not a legally binding contract but the document can be called upon in evidence and used as a persuasive tool in any future dispute. The Courts encourage parties to avoid court action where ever possible and if a Separation Agreement has been properly drafted, signed, and has attached to it full and frank financial disclosure, there is no reason why the Agreement should not be adhered to especially if the parties have been separated for some time. Nevertheless the Courts may exercise their discretion to determine what is fair in all of the circumstances, regardless of what is set out in the Agreement. I offer a Fixed Fee service and can prepare a Separation Agreement from as little as £490 plus VAT. I also offer a FREE 30 minute consultation and would be happy to meet with you to discuss your various options.

• Any other issues that affect the parties.

n Should you require further information, please email me at sarahb@richardsonlaw.co.uk or alternatively contact me on 01904 642727 or to make an appointment for a FREE 30 minute consultation.

your family

A Rich Education

When it comes to selecting a school for your child, every parent knows it’s vital to find one that provides a well-rounded education in a safe and nurturing environment. At St Olave’s Prep School that’s certainly the case – children from between the ages of eight and 13 are helped to settle into the excellent academic lessons with a large range of musical, creative, sporting and artistic opportunities. As it shares a site with St Peter’s School, which offers education for 13-18 year olds, St Olave’s the ideal place to prepare children for the next step in their academic career, providing comfortable and familiar surroundings. Meanwhile Clifton Pre-prep, also on the same site, provides education for children as young as three. n To find out more telephone Clare Murgatroyd on 527391.

Great getaways Wouldn’t it be lovely to own your very own holiday home, somewhere to escape to with family or friends whenever the fancy took you? Well, now you can. Hornsea Leisure Park is offering an indulgent selection of new and pre-owned Holiday Homes on the beautiful east coast. Set in acres of parkland with pristine landscaped gardens, the homes offer the peace and tranquillity you need for a perfect getaway break, but with the amenities and attractions of the thriving market town of Hornsea all within easy walking distance. Plus Hornsea Leisure Park also has a full 12 month season, so you can enjoy your holiday home all year round! You can explore Hornsea Leisure Park for yourself at their Open Event over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, from 9am – 6pm. n To find out more visit www.hornsealeisurepark.co.uk or call 01964 535352

HIGHER EDUCATION

Who offers a range of courses from computing to pottery, to accounting, to teacher training? York College Learn for leisure, return to learning or enhance your job prospects with a professional course. Find a course at York College which will take you further.

Come to the Higher Education and Adult open event at York College

Where can you find fully accredited local

Find us at www.yorkcollege.ac.uk or call 01904 770200

on Wednesday 16th May 6.00pm – 8.00pm

university level courses at significantly lower price compared to University, with high quality learning and more tutor contact hours? York College

Our courses include

BA (Hons) 3D Contemporary Crafts BA (Hons) Graphic Design BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (Extended Degree) Many more Access to Higher Education courses Find us at www.yorkcollege.ac.uk or call 01904 770200

du6722

It’s easy to misunderstand dementia, especially if somebody you love is experiencing the condition. This year, Dementia Awareness Week (20-26th May) has the theme ‘Remember the Person’, and it’s interested in letting people know five key facts about dementia: 1) It’s not a natural part of growing old 2) It’s caused by diseases in the brain. One of these is Alzheimer’s 3) It’s not just about losing your memory 4) It’s possible to live well with it. 5) There’s more to a person than the dementia The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is funding a yearlong project to make York a better place to live for people with dementia. The Dementia without Walls project is asking people with dementia, and those who help to support them, to think about what most helps people with the condition live life to the full within York. n For more information call 633599.

If you’re looking for extra support for your loved ones, consider Prestige Nursing and Care (a family business with over 60 years of experience). Caring for people in the comfort and security of their own homes, Prestige Nursing offers a wide selection of homecare services; from simple one-hour phone calls to 24 hour around-the-clock care. Prestige Nursing is also recruiting extra staff and investing in new training. n Whether you’re interested in finding out more about their services or joining their growing team, visit www.prestige-nursing.co.uk or call 466666.

Take part! Home Instead (a Senior Care Home in Clifton Moor) is launching a ‘Baking Memories’ event on 21st May for adults with dementia and their families. It takes place from 10.30am-12.30pm at the Cooking Rooms in Clifton Moor, York. Call 690884 or email york@homeinstead. co.uk to book your place.

Harrowell’s Solicitors is sponsoring the Alzheimer’s Society’s Vintage Tea Party on 23rd May, from 10am4pm in Parliament Street, York. As well as tea and cakes, there’ll be old-time music and entertainment, plus fabulous vintage stalls with unique clothing, accessories and homewares. Call 633599 for details.

your family

Strong Support If you’ve recently discovered that you have osteoporosis or you have a friend who has been diagnosed with the condition and you’d like some advice, you’re not alone. York Osteoporosis Support Group meet regularly to offer support, and plenty of valuable information is available on the national charity’s website. There’s also a helpline staffed by eight nurses who can answer medical queries on weekdays between 9am-5pm. The group hold events every couple of months with a range of speakers, and the next event will see Sue Lister give a talk at The Friends Meeting House, Friargate from 2pm on 31st May. For further information, visit www.nos.org.uk or call 541392. n Call 0845 450 0230 or 01761 472721, or email nurses@nos.org.uk.

Remember this? Do you remember the Baedecker Raid? On 28th April 1942, the city was subjected to fierce bombing by the German Luftwaffe in what was to become known as the York Blitz. To mark the 70th anniversary of the event, City of York Council is looking for people who witnessed it to tell their story. York Stories will collect the accounts and preserve them in a special social media archive as part of the York 800 project. They will then become the inspiration for an original piece of artwork by Kane Cunningham. Residents can tell their York Blitz stories in any number of ways; through words, music, audio recording, video, poetry, performance or letters. Every contribution is welcome! n If you’d like to get involved, or you’d just like more information, email york800@york.gov.uk or call 552005

Prestige Nursing Care

www.prestige-nursing.co.uk

registered by the CQC

your pet

PET TALK in association with MINSTER VETS

Got a problem with your pet? Tracey Pulleyn of Minster Vets has the answer! Q. Should my chickens have

Q. My cat has

annual injections?

developed an infection and we were advised to feed him rice and fish or chicken instead of usual cat food to settle his tummy. As soon as we tried to reintroduce cat food, his problem returned. How can we ensure he gets all of his nutrients without upsetting his stomach?

Hens do not require annual injections like dogs and cats do, however they do require regular worming. Ideally they should be wormed every three months to keep internal parasites under control. There are two options: you can put the wormer into their drinking water, or mix it into their feed.

Q. I keep finding ticks on my dog. Is there a way of preventing them and how can I get rid of them safely? Ticks love warm, humid weather and are most prolific around rivers and boggy areas. There is a wide variety of treatment available. We would advise products prescribed by a vet because the ingredients are stronger and they will be more effective for longer. Some treatments work when the tick attaches itself to the animal’s body, enabling it to suck the blood and ingest the insecticide. Others work with a repelling action. Never pull the tick out unless you have been shown how, and have purchased a tick remover. It is very easy to pull the tick and leave the mouthparts attached, which will allow for infection to get into the bite and can cause the animal a lot of discomfort.

Animals have a very sensitive digestive tract. I would advise owners never to suddenly change their pets food overnight as it can cause severe tummy upsets. Cats do have very specific nutrition requirements which means that home-prepared foods are not often recommended. For your cat I would advise that you gradually, over a seven day period, introduce his previous food back into his diet. By this I mean mix a small portion of his normal feed in with the rice and fish diet. Do this bit by bit and gradually reduce the rice and fish and increase his normal food. Your cat may prefer this in separate bowls. Gradually changing foods in this manner is less likely to shock the intestines.

the food. In this case it may be best to feed a home-prepared diet, or special types of cat food can be purchased to help deal with sensitivity problems. Your local veterinary practice would be able to suggest diets you could try.

If the problem continues then he may genuinely have some sort of sensitivity to something in

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

If you love dogs, walking and Yorkshire...

www.dogwalksyorkshire.com has lots of dog-friendly walks, pubs, cafés and places to stay.

dogwalks yorkshire.com dogwalks

yorkshire.com

ASK THE EXPERT WITH JAMES NIXON OF PETS PANTRY

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

BANDIT is a thoroughly handsome chap, who ended up at York Cats Protection because he wasn’t getting on with his former owner’s other cat. He’s looking forward to finding a new home where he can be the centre of his loving family’s attention! JOJO turned up on a stranger’s doorstep, made herself at home and promptly gave birth to two kittens! After such an exciting few months this friendly young girl is now more than ready for a simpler life, hopefully consisting of lots of fuss and a few sunny spots in which to nap! n If you’re interested in finding out more about these adorable moggies, or any of the cats at York Cats Protection, call 760356. BRUCE, a black and white Staffy cross, is three or four years old. He’s had a hard life and deserves a chance to know what it's like to live as a normal, loved pet. He needs lots of affection and attention in a new home without very young children. JACK is a four year old neutered male Dalmation. He's a very shy lad so a quiet home without children is a must. He's good with most other dogs, and once he knows that you're not going to hurt him he's a very friendly guy. n If you could give any of these dogs a home call: 01904 654 949 or visit RSPCA, Landing Lane, York

your pet

Give us a home...

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

Does your dog have any of the following problems? 3 Loose or wet faeces 3 Itchy skin or paws 3 Smelly breath or body

3 Hyperactive behaviour 3 Insatiable appetite 3 Itchy Anal Glands

These problems are often caused by feeding the leading brands of dog foods bought from the supermarket because of the following reasons: 1) They contain no genuine meat. Generally the ingredients will state that they contain between four and eight per cent meat and animal derivatives. This can often mean that indigestible feathers or other parts of the carcass are used. 2) They contain a high percentage of cereals and glutens. A dog’s body can only absorb about 30% of the cereals it eats, hence so much coming out the other end as waste. These also cause issues with scratching and smells as his body can’t break down these unusual carbohydrates. 3) High levels of colourings, sugars and salts are put in to make the food tastier for them, but these can worsen his behaviour. Just imagine how a child might behave if you fed them on sweets and fizzy pop all day. The high levels of sugars can also cause a build up of tartar and plaque on his teeth.

How can you make your dog healthier and happier? Feed him on a good quality food on advice from experts. The food we recommend this month is Royal Canin • Royal Canin is the most palitable food on the market due to the chicken liver coating on every biscuit. • Very high absorbancy into the dog or cat resulting in very small and hard faeces. • Human grade ingredients in all food. • Breed Specific dog and cat foods including Labrador, Yorkshire Terrier, Persian and Main Coon. • Even biscuit shape designed for best results. • Excellent for sensitive stomachs

Pets Pantry ALDI

to To Hunting ne Jockey La

New Lane

ASDA Monks Cross

Halifax Bank

Call 01904 620527

or visit www.petspantryyork.co.uk Jockey Lane York YO32 9NE 61

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Newly decorated 2 double bedroom terrace property in the Fishergate area very handy for York city centre and the Millenium bridge. Superb local amenities and easy walking distance to town. The property is part furnished and has a lovely walk through lounge diner with separate kitchen. The kitchen has a built in oven and hob, fridge freezer and washer dryer and also the gas central heating boiler. To the first floor are a good sized modern bathroom with separate shower and bath and two double bedrooms. To the rear of the property is a pleasant south facing rear courtyard with fish pond and storage. Plentiful parking is available to the front of the property and does not require a permit. Pets by arrangement only. Tel: 07973 863130 Rental price is £750 per month.

IDEAL FIRST TIME BUY! Opus Estate Agents are delighted to present for sale this 3 Bedroom semi detached house set within this convenient residential location. The accommodation briefly comprises: Lounge, Kitchen, Dining Room, 3 Bedrooms and Bathroom . To the front and rear of the property there are lawned gardens. The house is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac location and in our opinion will suit a variety of purchasers. n For more details or to arrange a viewing contact OPUS on 790070 www.opusmove.co.uk.

Heath Ride, Strensall £435,000 The layout of this handsome double fronted detached property is simply superb for the needs of the modern family. This family home has an open plan kitchen and dining room which leads onto the south facing rear garden. In addition there are three separate reception rooms; a formal lounge, a family room and a study. There is also a utility room which provides a separate entrance for convenient everyday access into the house from the driveway, as well as a cloakroom/WC. The first floor provides four double bedrooms including a generous sized master bedroom with ensuite shower room/WC and a second guest bedroom with a modern ensuite shower room/WC. There is also a family bathroom/WC. The large loft space has been skilfully converted to provide two further double bedrooms and plenty of accessible storage. Outside, the property has a driveway with off street parking in front of a detached double garage. There is a well laid out south facing rear garden with a partly open aspect to the rear towards the heath.

For more details or to arrange a viewing call

01904 621532 62

OXTOBY COURT 2 bed Apartment, £625 Per Month A modern and spacious 2 bedroom apartment with a delightful courtyard located in a secure development situated in the heart of the city centre and within walking distance to the train station. To the rear of the development there is a secure private gate which allows access to the banks of the river Ouse. Accommodation comprises of: Spacious light and airy open plan lounge/ kitchen and dining area. Compact double bedroom with fitted wardrobe, Single bedroom/study, Shower room, Delightful courtyard with access to riverside, Bike store, No parking, however parking can be arranged at an additional cost in a nearby car park For details call 01904 652729 / 655454 or visit www.cityletsyork.co.uk

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. My house has been on the market for four months with no interest whatsoever, no viewings or calls from the agent to advise if there is anything we can do. I am not happy with their service to say the least, but I have signed a contract for six months. Would it be possible to change my agent and is it common practice to be tied in for as long as this? A. If you speak to them and tell them how unhappy you are with the service, they may let you switch or at least let you go with another agent in a dual agency agreement. It’s not a good sign that your agent felt they had to tie you in for so long. At OPUS we are confident we provide a first class service, so it is not necessary to tie our sellers into long contracts.

I am desperate to sell my house after being on the market for a number of months. I am thinking about switching agents and have had two recent valuations. One of the agents says they think the price of the property is right, they also say that they can guarantee us a sale at this price within 12 weeks. If they do not achieve a sale they will give us cash back. This sounds

a bit too good to be true – is it? A. It certainly does sound too good to be true. My advice would be to check the small print on the contract. I would think that it would be difficult to guarantee a sale of any property. Remember , there is no such thing as a free lunch, so read your contract carefully. If there is genuine cash back after 12 weeks then you have nothing to lose.

Q. We are in a position where we are in negative equity on our home. What advice can you give us? A. Although this is not a great position to be in, this is only really a problem if you need or have to move or you find yourself in a position that you need to remortgage and the amount owed on the house is more than the current value of the house. Otherwise the best thing you can do is to stick with it until the market recovers. In the meantime, you could also look to see if there is anything that you can do to add value to your property.

Q. Out of the few people I have had to view my property I have had a couple of offers that in my opinion were very low.

My agent is advising me to reduce the price of my property to generate more interest. Why should I reduce my price if I have had offers? A. The offers must not be coming in anywhere near your asking price otherwise your agent would have negotiated a sale. If your agent is advising the reduction, they will have received and given you feedback from potential buyers. Take your agents’ advice and hopefully this will create more interest and lead to a sale of your property.

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

making the move work for you

your home

ASK THE EXPERT WITH CAROLE CARTER

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

Good wood If you’re planning a building project, it pays to get some good advice. And Howarth Timber has 170 years of expertise to call on! Starting from a one-man enterprise in 1840, the business now employs over 1,000 specialists who are all experts in their field. You know you’re getting the very best, too; with Howarth Timber’s Chain of Custody certification, it’s able to guarantee compliance with all government specifications for obtaining timber from legal and well-managed sources. It’s bustling showroom on Leeman Road has a vast range of timber for all needs, cutting and milling facilities, plus a brick-matching service and a treatment area. And as you’d expect, there’s also plenty of expert advice on hand to guide you. If you need any more reason to visit, it’s currently offering 50% off all sale ranges in their spring and summertime promotions. This offers ends on 2nd July, so if you’re planning a DIY project, now’s the time to call in! n Call 629931 or visit www.howarth-timber.co.uk

Twice as nice! Rob Hall, from RJ Hall Property Maintenance Services, knows a thing or two about straightening out a house; he’s the man to have around if you’re looking for roofing, joinery, gardening and much more. Recently he’s joined forces with trusted builder Colin Riley to provide his clients with extra construction services, ensuring that one phone number is all you need! n To contact Rob call 07756 863285

I believe my tenants are keeping pets, even though this isn’t allowed in the contract. I suspect that they relocate the pets during each quarterly inspection. Can I prove this? You will find this very difficult to prove because you have to provide a tenant with at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the property which gives them enough time to get rid of any evidence of an animal living in the property. Although having an animal without prior permission may breach the contract, the Office of Fair Trading “Guidance on Unfair Tenancy Terms” states that blanket bans on pets are unfair – it could be a gold fish, for example. However, pets which could potentially cause damage or nuisance can reasonably be prohibited. Obviously you don’t want to lose a good tenant or start an expensive eviction process due to a pet, unless the situation warrants it. If you decide to accept the animal you must protect your investment. You have several options: Sign an addendum pet agreement or a new tenancy agreement incorporating a pet clause, perhaps at an increased rental. This should make it absolutely clear that the tenant accepts full responsibility for any damage caused by the pet/s. Increase the deposit, making sure you have a good inventory with photographs and speak to your insurance company about damage to landlord’s contents and the additional risks. Should I always be concerned if a potential tenant wants to only pay in cash, or are there sometimes legitimate reasons for this? You should if possible avoid accepting payments in cash and should insist that the money is paid from the tenant’s own bank account, though some common sense may need to be applied here. For example, it may be acceptable for a spouse or parent to pay. However, you have to be aware of the anti-money laundering regulations whenever you handle large amounts of cash. The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Money Laundering Regulations place an obligation on all of us to take steps to avoid becoming unwitting accessories to acts of money laundering. Money laundering is the act of disguising the source of money which is the proceeds of criminal activity by putting to legitimate use, so if a criminal uses money acquired from, say, selling stolen goods, to pay you the rent then he may be money laundering. If you accept the money then you have assisted him and depending on what steps you have taken to validate the tenant you may have some culpability. The law does not expect us to be detectives but it does expect that we should take reasonable precautions. If, looking at the tenant’s monthly salary, it does not appear that he should be able to afford to pay the rent then ask yourself where the money is coming from. At the other end of the scale, if the tenant appears quite affluent and your property is at the bottom end of the market, ask yourself why they have chosen to rent it. You should ask to see identification documents from your tenant. You should ask for a passport, photocard driver’s licence, national identity card or armed forces ID card and also some proof of their address such as a council tax bill, utility bill or bank statement. You should take copies of these documents and retain them.

Carole Carter is co-founder of independent lettings agency City Lets and Yorkshire’s representative for the Association of Residential Letting Agents. City Lets offers a residential letting & management service, short term lets and serviced accommodation. Tel: 652729 email: info@cityletsyork.co.uk web www.cityletsyork.co.uk 8 Fossbridge House, Walmgate, York, YO1 9SY. Safe in the knowledge that your assets are being well cared for.

What’s hot &what’s not We’ve got the lowdown on what the well dressed home is wearing HOT... Seventies Swing There’s no doubt that the 1970s are coming back in a big way both in the home and on the catwalks, but we think this look is best done with a modern twist so that your home looks more Daddy Cool than Faddy Fool. Pick out one colour (orange is usually best) and team it with muted pastels rather than brown to keep the look fresh. For an easy way to experiment with the trend, select a great quality retro accessory like this Scandiphone from Shiny Shack, which we think looks wonderfully modern and retro at the same time.

Lace Up Lace has always been elegant in clothing, but when hanging net curtains we feel a bit like our nana. Luckily lace can be done in the home without looking naff, particularly if you adopt a monochrome or bright, acidic colour scheme that contrasts nicely against the cute-ness of the lace. Either go bold with cut-out effect wallpaper or use accessories like cushions or vases to create the look in a more subtle way. Queen of Hearts Thought that Alice in Wonderland would go away after the buzz of the film died down? You thought wrong – the craze is set to continue in the home interiors world this year, and we think it’s kitsch enough to be cute without being sickly sweet. Go mad with oversized mirrors or simply get out your best teapots and display them on your dining table – we reckon the one opposite from The Contemporary Home would be ideal. This look would team well with a modernised lace effect or the woodland trend.

Au Naturel Tying in perfectly with the Alice in Wonderland theme, forest fashion is set to be huge in the home in 2012. Bring the outside in with woodlandinspired accessories set against earthy browns and greens and choose cushions adorned with foxes and squirrels. We particularly love this branch coat hanger from Snow Home on Gillygate, but beware – unless you want to invoke the 1970s in a very, very bad way then don’t put it anywhere in the region of something orange. See our guidelines opposite on how to make your seventies tribute swinging rather than minging.

Barking Mad Jarvis Cocker might have warmly remembered Debbie’s house having woodchip on the wall in Disco 2000, but that’s where this trend should stay – as a fond(ish) memory of the 1990s. It remains an effective way to cover uneven walls, but, well, we think we prefer uneven walls to this stuff. Walls that have a few lumps and bumps show off a house’s character and history, and who wants to live in a box that looks like everyone else’s anyway? Embrace your walls’ individuality, grab the Polyfilla for any really horrendous bits and rip off that woodchip! Empty Nest Who actually uses all of the pieces in a nest of tables? They appear to be really practical when you get them, but inevitably you end up using only one of them while the other two hide underneath, never to see the light of day. Our advice? Don’t bother. Just buy one decent table and make the most of it. It’s very rare, in our experience anyway, that you need a teeny weeny table – unless you’d like to encourage borrowers to take up

your home

NOT...

residence under the airing cupboard. Doing the Turpentine Tango Decorating prep is easy peasy: all you need to do is get into your old paint-splattered gear, haul all of the furniture out of the room, arrange the dustsheets on the floor, fetch the ladders, have a fight with the lid of your paint tin, find the paint brushes, soak the paint brushes in turps as they’re still covered in paint from last time, arrange the dust sheets again because the ladder has dislodged them away from the skirting board, wait for the brushes to dry... and realise that there isn’t enough time left in the day to actually do any painting. On second thoughts, maybe next time we’ll just get someone else to do it.

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1990

your home

Moving On Up! In these tough times, it’s always great to hear about businesses expanding and doing well. So we were delighted to hear that the Domestic Appliance Warehouse has moved to bigger premises at 26-28 Auster Road, Clifton Moor. It’s hardly surprising business is booming, since it’s a fantastic place to find great deals on all kinds of brand new appliances, from cookers and dishwashers to washing machines and dryers. There’s also a wide range of American and retro style fridge freezers. As well as saving yourself some cash, you’ll also get expert advice and a fantastic next-day delivery service. So if you’re looking for a great deal on domestic appliances, call 692275 or visit www.domesticappliancewarehouse.co.uk

Green and keen After 53 years, you’d think a company would get a bit set in its ways. But not demolition experts D. Boswell & Sons. They’re taking their business right into the 21st century with an environmentally-friendly plastic recycling service for their clients. They recycle an enormous range of household plastics (including children’s toys, garden furniture and UPVC doors), sorting everything out by hand as it’s removed. Best of all, the company believes that recycling should always be kept as local and efficient as possible, reducing carbon emissions by favouring community services. But it’s not just recycling which sets D. Boswell & Sons apart. They also offer a unique service for their disabled clients, providing two helpful employees to clear and remove the customer’s clutter. For more information, call 488632 or visit www.boswell-demolitionyork.com

Keep up to date on the latest design trends and property news Home Security Tips • uPVC doors need to have an anti-snap cylinder lock fitted. Thieves can snap the traditional cylinders that are fitted to many doors, enabling them to open them easily.

Nosy Neighbours Community watch schemes are a fantastic way to both protect your home and bond with your neighbours. York Community Watch serve over 1300 schemes across the city, providing advice on security and safety to their members and letting them know about current campaigns that are being run by the police and trading standards. York Community Watch

aren’t restricted to homes, though – they also run schemes for farms, shops and pubs.

Thom Wiseman, Secretary of York Community Watch, is here to offer Your Local Link readers with some tips on keeping your home safe – watch out over the next few issues for more advice!

Would you like to make your area a Neighbourhood Watch zone? Call York Community Watch on 669072 or visit www.saferyork.org.uk – they’ll be able to tell you give you all the information you’ll need!

• Cycle Anchor Points need to be used for storing your bike in a shed or garage, as most cycle thefts occur from a home. • Mark your property and register items on the www. immobilise.com website so that if items are lost or stolen the police can return them to you easily, nationwide. • Fit key operated locks to all opening windows. • When going on holiday, arrange for a friend or trusted neighbour to remove your post from sight and empty your bins.

DIY Disasters Next time you reach for the hammer or set of ladders, stop! According to RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), DIY accidents account for 220,000 injuries every year – and those are just the ones that have to go to hospital. Tools and machinery are the worst offenders at 87,000 accidents, and surprisingly wood and chipboard cause 29,400 mishaps – we reckon it must cause mega splinters or be smashed over the head in a cartoon comedy style. We thought we’d be safe with glue, but even that causes 3,100 accidents annually. With the clumsiness of most of us in the office, we’re going to steer well clear of the toolbox for a while...

Eco-Home The government is set to launch a new energy certificate to help property buyers to clearly see

your home

information about the energy usage of the home they’re about to purchase and how it impacts on the environment. Buyers will also be able to see whether any suggested improvements can be funded through the Green Deal, and compare their home with others around the country. n For further information on the Green Deal, visit www.decc.gov.uk

Millionaire’s Row When your mortgage or rent bill comes out of your bank account, just remember – it could be worse. The residents of Cornwall Terrace in Regent’s Park, London, have to contend with paying to live in the most expensive terrace in the world – prices start at £30 million. It looks gorgeous, but we think we’ll stay put for now...

York Rocks We think a lot of Ideal Home at Your Local Link, so we’re thrilled to learn that York has made its top 30 places to live in the UK. You won’t be surprised to hear that the medieval architecture, great schools, low unemployment rates and our world-class university are all praised, as well as our shops, bars and cafes. We already know this, of course, but it’s always nice when someone else offers a compliment, don’t you think?

Senior Citizen Discount

Want to save money on your heating bills? TWS, a leading installer of upvc windows, double glazing, conservatories, doors, fascias, soffits and guttering and replacement flat roof systems, offers some advice.

It’s estimated that up to 20% of heat lost from a home escapes through the windows. Even if you have double glazing fitted, it may not be as energy efficient as the more modern systems. As well as reducing your energy bills, efficient double glazing also keeps your home warmer and quieter. Window Energy Ratings (WER) are a guide to the energy performance of your windows. Ratings go from A-G, with A being the best. TWS offer peace of mind by providing products from market leaders including Eurocell and Solarframe, which have ratings of A or A+. The service they offer is second to none, and all work is covered by a comprehensive ten year insurance-backed guarantee, offering you genuine protection. TWS have also been awarded the government endorsed standards TRUSTMARK, and are BSIregistered, carrying the BS8213-4:2007 Kitemark for installation. Not all companies carry this, but the standards that TWS work to far exceed this requirement, so you can rest assured that their quality of installation is top notch.

Cosy Conservatory A poorly-insulated conservatory that is too hot in summer or too cold in winter is something many

of us struggle with. But did you know you can now replace a conservatory roof with a solid roof without having to apply for building regulations? As of October 2010 you can replace your conservatory roof as long as: • It is built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area • The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows • There should be an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls • Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements TWS have the solution for existing or new conservatories with the thermally-efficient Guardian Conservatory Roof which has a U-Value of 0.16. A U-Value measures how well a wall, roof or window keeps heat inside the building. Anything below two is classed as good, so this roof is a super-efficient way to keep your heating bills down, plus it¹s available in a choice of colours and finishes.

The Guardian Conservatory Roof allows you to have an extension to your living space that you can use comfortably all year round. The tiles and cappings are streamlined and unobtrusive, so it looks good too. Since it doesn’t rely on bulky portal frames, concrete or brick columns, its lightweight facet means there’s a wide range of options or window and door selection. There are also a range of contemporary and traditional finishes internally, including a plaster finish or timber/PVCu cladding to fit in with your existing decor. Concealed lighting can also be used to add a fantastic finishing touch.

your home

Like No Other After plunging into the technical world with our new website, we like to think that we’ve become rather au fait with web wizardry. So, we reckon we’re more than qualified to say how fantastic Unique Lettings’ new website is. It’s easy to use and looks great, with plenty of useful information on their stunning properties. Alongside the detailed information on their houses, there’s information for landlords too, so if you’re considering letting out your property you can find out just what your options are. n To have a look, visit www.uniquelettings.net

Straight Service Paul Edwards of Arrow Property Care (formally Arrow Home Care), knows what it is to be a reliable tradesman. He understands his customers don’t want to be pressured into buying anything they don’t really need, and he knows that they appreciate expert advice provided by a real professional. Because of these values, Paul has quickly established his company as the first choice for anybody interested in having new UPVC windows installed, or having their pre-existing fixtures repaired. He also does great work on conservatories, doors and guttering. Paul’s happy to offer a five percent discount on all jobs over £100 (before VAT), and he’ll increase that margin for any jobs over £1000. He also has special reductions for any customers with a ‘Give Back Works’ loyalty card. n Give him a call on 792731 or 07581 006900.

free

Measuring & fitting service

20% off All stock materials

no:1

Choice for Blinds

Consumer Champion Meet our newest columnist, and brand watchdog, Matthew Todd from electrical appliances provider Herbert Todd & Son. He’s on hand to let you in on the best kept trade secrets and save you a fortune! Is there any such thing as a brand you can trust? Why would you trust one brand and not another? Brand loyalty is something that all manufacturers, and retailers for that matter, aspire to – but do we sometimes fall into the trap of brand complacency? A good example of this is the long since dissolved manufacturer Bush. A very well-known brand in the UK, and once upon a time a manufacturer of some note, you may well be forgiven for thinking that by buying Bush, as your parents may have done, you are buying right. How would you know that the name Bush, along with Alba, was bought by the Home Retail Group (Argos) and is now just a label they can attach to a product sourced from anywhere in the world? Not without spending a few hours trawling the internet. Bush are not the only brand to be used in this way; Goodmans are another prime example. Comet bought the rights to badge their imported TVs with the Goodmans badge, so you really have no idea what you are actually buying. The same goes with Grundig, which was originally a quality German manufacturer established in 1945. It was then sold several times before becoming part of the Turkish (I’m not making this bit up!) Koc Holding Group, which is now merged with Arcelik, who are also known as Beko. So what’s the answer? Don’t just research products, also look at the manufacturers of those products. Ask if they are still manufacturing the products themselves, and if they have a service force or, failing that, a service network set up in the

Get growing!

UK. What is their track record like on customer service and satisfaction? Of course you could just go down to your local independent dealer who will have done all this work for you and ask their opinion; but that just my opinion! n To contact Matthew, pop in to Herbert Todd & Son on Percy’s Lane, call 628676 or visit www.htodd.co.uk

n Call 644300 for more information.

C A

Have you ever fancied growing your own produce? Home grown veg is not only cheaper and tastier than the supermarket stuff, there’s also the show-off value of telling people you’ve grown it yourself. But where do you start? The York Get Growing Project is holding a special Saturday workshop on 12th May from 10am to 12noon at Brunswick Nursery in Bishopthorpe which aims to teach you all you need to know to get growing. And if you’re already a keen grower, you might want to go along to a special evening workshop on 11th June from 7-9pm, where you can get some tips on controlling common gardening pests and diseases the organic way.

your environment

Get Wise & Fertilise Planning some grand gardening this summer? If you’re looking for compost, you’re in luck! City of York Council and Yorwaste have teamed up to offer residents free compost throughout the spring and summer. To take advantage, just go along to the Yorwaste Harewood Whin site (on Tinker Lane, off Wetherby Road) equipped with your own shovel and bags. It all takes place on 6th May from 9.30am-2pm. n For more information visit www.york.gov.uk/waste

smarten Up and Stay Warm When it comes to saving money – and the planet – we all know you can’t beat good home insulation. But how well insulated is your home? You might think you’ve got it covered, but you could be saving even more money every year. Now’s the time to find out, as UK Energy Store is offering free home surveys to help you get the best from your home. They reckon that by making just a few small changes, customers can sometimes save over 30% on their bills. We don’t know about you, but that sounds good to us! n To find out more, give them a call on 01132 397011 or

visit www.ukenergystore.com

Solar Panels Solar Panels

STILL a great STILL a great investment! investment!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

your garden

Ask Amanda...

Got a gardening problem? Amanda from skelton garden centre can help

Q. Which low maintenance plants look good all year round? Ideal low maintenance plants are ones that look good over as long a period as possible without being fussed over too much. There are three groups to consider: Shrubs. There are many varieties of evergreen or deciduous shrubs. Small evergreens such a euonymus’ Silver Queen’, hebes, lavender, and mahonia are all simple to grow. Consider ground cover roses such as the Flower Carpet range which have good resistance to mildew and black spot and a very long flowering time. Perennials and grasses. Smother weeds with ground cover perennials such as nepeta, alchemilla, aubrietia, pulmonaria, and heathers. Grasses go well with shrubs and conifers; they add colour and movement and don’t

need staking, tying up or pruning – they only need cutting down once a year. Conifers. Choose conifers for minimum maintenance. A selection of small and ground covering varieties can bring a colour scheme of gold, green, bronze and blue and can add strong definition and shape to the garden.

When is a good time to plant an acer and what conditions do they like? Acers are looking fabulous at the moment with their spring foliage breaking through. Now’s a great time to choose and plant an acer as they will settle in well as the weather gets warmer. Acers are hardy but don’t like cold winds, so choose a sheltered spot. They grow equally well in a large container or in the garden. Use ericaceous compost and fertilise minimally. Place your acer in dappled shade

away from the fierce midsummer sun, as this can cause leaf scorch or ragged leaves. Occasionally acers can have a black fly infestation shortly after the leaves have come out in the spring. If this is left unchecked it can seriously damage the leaves, so be alert, check regularly and spray with Rose Clear or Bug Clear.

Q. Which plants are good for attracting bees? There are lots of flowers and shrubs that attract bees. Here are a few perennials – cosmos, forgetme-not, hollyhock, wallflowers, aubrietia, catmint, helenium, hellebores, anemone, aster, pulmonaria, poppy and scabious. Apple and fruit bushes are good

as is broom, box, dogwood, cotoneaster, hawthorne, heather, lavender, raspberry, rose, potentilla and buddleia. Consider wild flowers too – there are some good seed mixes which you can sow around your established plants and grow herbs and vegetable such as broad beans, brassicas (which can be left to flower), runner beans, rosemary, mint and sage.

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

your garden

landscapes

Perfect Ponds...

Graham from Pond Planet is back to offer top tips on making the most of your pond and looking after the fish who call it home. Last month was difficult for our wildlife, as the weather started off nice and warm but then turned cold. This sort of weather doesn’t do our fish any good because they don’t like fluctuations in temperatures. Feeding is still up and down, so don’t feed your fish too much until the weather breaks – which might not be until after this month. When the weather does get better, keep an eye on your fish and check that they are swimming and acting as normal, as the recent fluctuations in temperatures can make them break out in parasites. You can’t see these parasites with the naked eye, but you will find your fish will appear lethargic and docile. If this happens you can treat your pond with a proprietary anti-parasite treatment or you could phone your local aquatic centre and make an appointment to take one of your fish to them so that they can check it under the microscope to find out exactly what is wrong. However, don’t panic as this may not happen to you! n For advice, call Pond Planet on 01347 811897.

DIVINE DESIGN Patios & Paving Driveways & Brickwork Decking, Pergolas & Fencing Turfing & Planting / Design Ponds & Water Features Garden Maintenance tel: 01904 211021

mob: 07737 825621 www.weareedenlandscapes.co.uk

We’re Back In Bloom!

your garden

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

Dean’s Garden centre

Pretty Petunias Petunias are one of the most colourful and popular bedding plants, and are ideal for bedding, pots and hanging baskets. They have wide trumpet shaped flowers and branching hairy foliage. They are prolific bloomers from early summer to the first frosts, although some forms require deadheading to keep them going. Most varieties will bloom throughout the summer. You can now find petunias in just about every colour and with growing habits that mound in borders or trail down pots and hanging baskets

has germinated, move them from the warm area and let them grow on in the cooler temperatures before pricking out into larger pots or trays.

Starting from Seed

Petunias do best in full sun, but can handle partial shade, especially in hotter areas. They will tolerate a range of soil but don’t like to be dry for long periods. They do not like their roots in wet soil for a long time, either.

Petunias are very slow to grow from seed. If starting from seed, begin at least ten to 12 weeks before the planting out date (mid-May to mid-June in Yorkshire). Petunia seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover the seed. Sprinkle it on top of the soil and pat lightly, for good contact. They also prefer warmer temperatures for germination. Start the seeds in a propagator once the seed

When planting, pinch the seedling back to encourage more branching and a fuller plant. How far back to pinch depends on the plant. If it is a short, stocky seedling, just pinch an inch or less. If the seedling has become gangly, you can pinch back by half.

How to care for petunias

Even the newer varieties that say they don’t require deadheading will benefit from a pinching or shearing mid-season. When the branches start to get long and you can see where all the previous flowers were along the stem, it’s time to cut them back and

refresh the plant. Feed your petunias weekly with a potash-rich fertilizer such as tomato food: feeding will give your petunias the energy to stay in bloom. However, be careful with water and make sure the soil is well drained. Too much water will cause the plants to become ‘leggy’, with lots of stem and few flowers.

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

your garden

Flourishing Fair The Gardeners’ Fair at Burton Agnes Hall is an absolute must for all green fingered types. It’s a summer celebration of gardening, with stalls, talks in the marquee and a whole host of other gardening goodies. You can even have your horticultural woes sorted at the plant surgeries with Burton Agnes Hall’s expert team (including Head Gardener Jeremy Palmer, winner of the 2005 HHA Christie’s Garden of the Year award). So get along to Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield, on 26th and 27th May from 11am – 5pm. n For more information call 01262 490324 or visit www.burtonagnes.com

Tree, Hedge & Shrub Care since 1907 Pruning . Planting . Removal Stump Grinding . Disease & Insect Control

Call 01904 784 956 or 07808 915 872

york@bartlettuk.com / www.bartlett.com FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION

There’s nothing like a hanging basket or two to add a splash of summer colour to your garden. But if you’ve ever tried to create one yourself, you’ll know there’s an art to getting it right. Luckily the experts at Poppleton Community Railway Nursery are running a series of Basket Day workshops to show how it’s done. Choose your favourite plants and they’ll help you create your own design to take home and hang with pride! The workshops take place on 28th April, 5th, 12th and 19th May, and throughout June. n To book a place, call 797623 or 07800 501382.

Lo o

gardening

at wh

we found ....

Keep up to date with all the green fingered gossip!

Hasta La Vista, Weeds

Ladybird Love

We’re thrilled to hear about Resindrive. co.uk’s spring offer, which promises to banish weeds from our driveways and garden paths for good! The company, who have just moved to bigger premises and now have a new outside showroom, are offering a free path or patio with every drive this spring across the UK. Their resin drives are much more resistant to weeds than tarmac and are up to ten times more eco-friendly than concrete. The resin remains puddle free too, and there’s a range of gorgeous colour choices to select from.

Snow Joke

Now don’t get us wrong, we love snowdrops, but we wouldn’t pay £725 Spring has brought plenty of insects out of aphids and help crops to grow. One story for one. That’s the price one bulb of hiding, which got us pondering why we says that a group of farmers in medieval Galanthus woronowii (AKA the ‘Elizabeth think some of our1many-legged-friends are times apparently prayed to ‘Our Lady’ te-bg-L-OPEN.pdf Thursday09/000002/2012 16:05 2012-DD-A5-Ad-White-bg-L-OPEN.pdf 1 Thursday09/000002/2012 16:05 -DD-A5-Ad-White-bg-L-OPEN.pdf 1 Thursday09/000002/2012 16:05 Harrison’ snowdrop) went for at auction welcome to pop in and say hello, while when their crops were failing, shortly after recently, more than doubling the previous others send us screaming and cursing which thousands of ladybirds swarmed world record – last year, a bulb of onto the nearest chair. We all seem to in to save the day – hence the name. It’s Galanthus ‘Green Tear’ was sold for £360. love ladybirds, so did a bit of research. also thought that you can tell your fortune n For further information, visit the new Apparently, the ‘Elizabeth Harrison’ has a Apparently the little Coccenellids (as by counting1 their spots, and you can also 16:05 2012-DD-A5-Ad-White-bg-L-OPEN.pdf Thursday09/000002/2012 showroom at Unit 1, South Bradford particularly appealing yellow hue. We think they’re also known) have been thought of discover where your true love lives if you Trading Estate, Brighouse Road, Low Moor, we’ll wait until they come down in1price 2012-DD-A5-Ad-White-bg-L-OPEN.pdf Thursday09/000002/2012 16:05 as a good luck omen for centuries, which know the right rhyme. We think they’re Bradford, BD12 0NQ, call 0800 007 5733 a bit... is probably because they eat pests such as pretty, and that’s good enough for us. or visit www.resindrives.co.uk

2012-DD-A5-Ad-White-bg-L-OPEN.pdf

Thursday09/000002/2012

2012-DD-A5-Ad-White-bg-L-OPEN.pdf

16:05

Thursday09/000002/2012

16:05

014

01423 359 048 Freephone: 0800 0111 222

0142301423 359 048 01423 359 048359 04 Freephone: 0800 0111 222

01423 359 048

01423 359 048 Freephone: 0800 0111 222

Freephone: 0800 Freephone: 0111 222 0800 0111 2

Freephone: 0800 0111 222 Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818

Fear not – your plants need not perish in the hosepipe ban. Water storing gels can save 90% of the water that’s wasted by running out of the bottom of the pot or by evaporation, meaning that you need only water your plants once a week. You just need to mix the gel into the compost, and it will supply a constant stream of water to the plant. Dean’s Garden Centre stocks the award-winning Hozelock water storing gel, which can be used in hanging baskets, borders, pots and indoor plants and is priced at £5.99.

your garden

Beat the Drought

n For further information, call 400141 or visit www. deansgardencentre.co.uk

Calling all Greenfingered Gurus! The team at Poppleton Community Railway Nursery, the only remaining railway nursery left in the UK, are appealing for volunteers to help the centre to grow. It was built in 1940 to grow vegetables for railway hotels and refreshment rooms and after the war used to grow plants for stations, special events and landscaping schemes, in the north east of England. Now it’s being restored by a group of volunteers who are dedicated to bringing the nursery back to full use so that the local community can enjoy this treasure. Whatever you’re good at, there’s sure to be a job for you – help is needed with horticulture, restoring buildings and extending the railway, landscaping and sales. n For further information, email pcrn.info@yahoo.co.uk or josullivanjones@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.poppletonrailwaynursery.co.uk

Hands-on at Harlow Set on Crag Lane in Harrogate, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is always a beautiful sight. This month there’s plenty going on: 9th May: Propagation Workshop. Find out which plants can be propagated by softwood and hardwood cuttings, division, root cuttings and seed sowing, and when and how to do this successfully. 11th May: Willow Spheres. Get guidance through the overweaving process in order to make a natural willow sphere, for decorating your home or garden.

12th May: Summer Hanging Basket Workshop. Create a basket to take home. You’ll be guided through all the basics of good design, planting and maintenance. 18th May: Garden History – The Eclectic Victorian garden. Find out about the design elements and diversity of Victorian gardens. Featuring glasshouses, stripy lawns, bedding out schemes and even garden gnomes. n For more information call 08452 658070 or visit www.rhs.org.uk

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

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…

Ne’er Cast a Clout ‘til May be Out May is a fun packed month at Brunswick when seed sowing and planting out are both in full swing. An enormous amount of germinated seedlings are pricked out and potted on, and the glasshouses and polytunnels are full to bursting with an array of tender veg plants, bedding plants and herbaceous perennials. Towards the end of this month summer crops that have been grown on with frost protection can be brought outside and planted in their final growing positions. It’s important at this time to keep an eye on the night time temperatures, as a late frost at this stage can cause devastating results on tender crops. Beans, courgettes, tomatoes and sweetcorn can be badly affected by a late May frost and chances are you will have to start all over again, which will set you back and add cost. Runner Beans Now is the ideal time to sow some runner beans. This attractive climber, when grown up a support constructed of hazel, willow or bamboo poles, will add height and interest to even the smallest garden. They can be grown in containers and the variety ‘Hestia’ will even grow in a hanging basket.

Runner beans are a half-hardy annual, and therefore should not be planted or appear above ground before the threat of late frost has passed. This fast growing crop loves moisture but also requires good drainage, so prepare the ground thoroughly by digging over and incorporating some well rotted garden compost. Prior to sowing, construct a support of either a double row of canes tied at the top or, if space is limited, a wigwam of three to four canes spaced 25cm (10in) apart. Sow two seeds 5cm (2in) deep per cane and remove the weaker seedling after germination. For an early start, sow seeds in pots in April or early May until ready to plant out later. Sow one seed per 8cm pot using organic multi-purpose or vegetable compost. Once germinated, grow on in well ventilated conditions and plant outside once the threat of frost has passed. This is a very productive crop, but you will need to pick them regularly to avoid the ‘string’ effect and to encourage the plants to keep producing. They do freeze well and if you reach the point of runner bean overload a few bags in the freezer will be a welcome addition in the depths of winter.

JOBS FOR MAY 3 Harden off pot grown crops

and plant out 3 Sow tender crops like courgettes, marrows, beans and sweetcorn 3 Hoe off germinating weed seedlings

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

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

NEW SERVICE!

Call PVC-UK Today on

Freephone 0800 0371947 01262605690 / 07831 584119

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

your garden

Now celebrating its 85th year, the National Gardens Scheme opens hundreds of beautiful spaces to the public, raising money for some fantastic charities in the process. We’ve picked out the best local open gardens for May. REWELA COTTAGE, Skewsby, York, YO61 4SG. An ornamental garden designed by the current owner, featuring unusual trees, shrubs, and architectural plants. Visitors can also explore its pond, pergola, natural stone sunken garden, breeze house and its raised vegetable garden. Open 6th May, 12noon-5pm. STILLINGFLEET LODGE, Stewart Lane, Stillingfleet, Yorkshire, YO19 6HP. This interesting space is subdivided into several smaller gardens, with each one based on a colour theme and an emphasis on the use of foliage plants. Also includes a wild flower garden, a natural pond and 55 yard double herbaceous borders. Open 13th May, 1-5pm. VICARAGE HOUSE, Kirkby Wharfe, nr Tadcaster, Yorkshire, LS24 9DE. A secluded, one acre country garden surrounded by mature trees. Features a colour-themed border, extensive herbaceous borders and raised beds. A new 'jewel bed', a productive vegetable plot, an asparagus bed and a vine shaded terrace are also on show. Open 20th May, 1-5pm. WHIXLEY GARDENS, York, YO26 8AR. A varied mixture of gardens, spread throughout the village. An opportunity to explore spaces at Cobble Cottage, Ash Tree House and The Old Vicarage. Open 23rd and 27th May, 11am-5pm.

HELMSLEY WALLED GARDEN

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

Five acres of stunning walled garden Pizza Choice | Delivery Service | Fantastic offers available | Tel: 622022 or 631818 Award winning Vinehouse Café

your garden

Interested in more inspirational garden ideas?

Who says you have to go outside to enjoy gardening? With these amazing indoor garden accessories you can enjoy the great outdoors without setting foot out of your back door!

CROSS YOUR FINGERS Need a little luck in your living room? This pocket pouch includes all the soil and seeds you need to start growing your own clover. £6.77 The Pocket Garden from www. amazon.co.uk

Be sure to visit Skelton Garden Centre (Shipton Road, Skelton YO30 1XW and Dean’s Garden Centre (Stockton Lane, Stockton on the Forest YO32 9UE)

SAY BYE FLY Take care of air-bound annoyances the natural way with this home-grown Venus Fly Trap. Perfect for keeping kitchens fly-free, and it’s a fab conversation starter. £2.99 Venus Fly Trap www.giftedoriginals.co.uk

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

BUBBLES OF BEAUTY

CAN-DO ATTITUDE

This gorgeous, easy-to-maintain orb brings an air of tranquillity to any room it’s placed inside.

This attractive lidded bucket lets you compost in style, featuring an airtight seal to stop any unpleasant odours from escaping.

£44.99 Deluxe Tilly Garden Eco Orb www.gardenbeet.com

£18 Kitchen Compost Bucket from www.garden-gear.co.uk

CONTAIN YOURSELF

A TWIST OF MIST

“I grew them myself, you know…” Show off your homegrown herbs with this cheerful little jar.

Say hooray for spray, with this beautiful watering ornament (available in silver or gold).

£2.25 Herb Storage Jar www.urban-allotments.com

£11.99 Haws 300ml Mist Sprayer www.gardengiftsdirect.co.uk

Call Stephen Dunning on

Tel: 07737 190150

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

Cooking up a treat! If there’s anything we love better than a nice cup of coffee, it’s a nice cup of coffee with a big slice of home-made cake. So we were just a little bit excited when we heard about the delicious range of freshly-baked treats on offer at Heworth Coffee House. With a selection of hot and cold lunchtime snacks, including Fairtrade edibles wherever possible, it’s the perfect place to meet friends for a natter. This offer can’t be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions.

Market Days

11th-13th May Made in Cumbria. Dedicated to showcasing all the great products from Cumbria, including food, drink and crafts. 19th May The York Auction Centre’s Farmers’ Market. A monthly event, featuring plenty of high quality value produce. 25th May Parliament Street Farmers’ Market. One of York’s most popular trading events, featuring a range of cheeses, meats, chutneys, baked goods, fruit and vegetables direct from the producer. The event takes place on the last Friday of every month. 26th-27th May York Asparagus Festival. A weekend taster market of real Yorkshire food and drink. Celebrating the best of Yorkshire’s great meat, game, fruit, vegetables, beer, cheese and more. n All dates correct at time of going to press. For more information visit www.york.gov.uk/markets

n The Heworth Coffee House is open 9am-4pm MondayFriday, 9am-1pm on Saturday, and can be found at 1 East Parade, York – opposite London’s newsagents. And there’s even more reason to visit in May; just mention Your Local Link to the café this month, and you’ll get 10% taken off your final bill!

It’s all about asparagus this month, with York hosting its very own Asparagus Festival on 26th27th May in the city centre. And once you’ve picked up some tips and recipes, head down to the Balloon Tree Farmshop on Stamford Bridge Road in Gate Helmsley, where they’re having a bit of an asparagus event of their own. Due to the recent warm weather (remember that? It happened just before the snow), the farm has had its earliest asparagus crop on record. Which

means you can go on enjoying it for even longer! Why not pick up a bunch or two and check out of delicious risotto recipe on the page opposite. The Balloon Tree Farmshop also has a brilliant range of other home-grown produce, rare breed meats, homemade award-winning cakes, chutneys and much more. n Visit www.theballoontree.co.uk or call 01759 373023 for more information.

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

Absolutely

asparagus!

There can’t be many vegetables that can claim their very own festival, but apparently asparagus is one of them. Yes, York’s Asparagus Festival is happening in Parliament Street on 26th and 27th May. There’ll be all kinds of asparagusrelated things to see, do and taste, from cookery demonstrations to a market and a special festival café serving up – guess what? If you’re still not too sure about asparagus,

here’s a fab risotto recipe that might just turn you into a fan…

1. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and lightly fry a chopped shallot and a chopped garlic clove until soft but not coloured. 2. Add 200g/7oz of risotto rice and fry for one minute, stirring often, until wholly coated in the oil. 3. Add 250ml/9fl of dry white wine and simmer until it’s absorbed by the rice. 4. Add 500ml/18fl of hot vegetable stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring between each addition to allow the liquid to be completely absorbed, until the rice is cooked and all the stock has been absorbed. This may take a while, so be patient! 5. Add four asparagus spears (blanched and chopped), 25g/1oz of unsalted butter and 75g/2¾oz of grated parmesan. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well. Serve with (you guessed it!) asparagus on the side. Serves two. n Thinking of giving this recipe a try? We’d love to see pictures! Post them on our Facebook page (Yourlocallink York). It could make you famous…!

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

HHHH Your Local Link sent Lisa Carlyle from Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa to experience service at the Steer Inn Steak House on Hull Road. We immediately knew we were in for a treat when we saw the outside of the Steer Inn. It was beautiful! Its white walls were decorated by colourful hanging plants, setting the perfect atmosphere for a traditionally English lunchtime treat. We were immediately greeted by the friendly staff - they quickly made us feel at home by offering ice-cold lemonade, and while sipping we had a little chat about what dishes we could look forward to. I was told about the 78oz ‘T-Bone challenge’, but something told me I wouldn’t be able to finish even half of it! Taking Seats After our drinks, we were shown to our table. The restaurant area had a natural warmth and charm, and our leather seats were so comfortable we wanted to take them back with us! For a starter, we both chose the Cream and Garlic Mushrooms. Served with a satisfyingly crunchy roll, it was delicious! The garlic was clear and defined, but certainly not overpowering – I want to try making it myself, but I’m worried I’d just be disappointed in comparison! We also ordered a cheeky bottle of white: Les Cailloux Blanc, which complemented the flavourful mushrooms perfectly! Meaty Mains While there was a great selection of main courses (including traditional Italian lasagne, potted steak and ale pie, and lamb shank) we’d heard from friends

that the succulent, slowroast baby back ribs were an absolute must have – and after trying them, I can’t disagree! My mouth watered the second it was served; it’s a whole rack of ribs, served in a Jack Daniels and barbeque marinade. My friend tackled a T-Bone steak, which was deliciously tender and tasty. After toasting our good fortunes, we tucked in good and proper – truth be told, everything quickly became a blur as we got started! The dishes also came with scrumptious potatoes and vegetables, which were a fantastic compliment to the meal. We were both defeated two thirds of the way through our main course, though we tried desperately to finish!

Happy Memories After finishing our main course, we got into conversation with some of the inn’s waiters. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that all the restaurant’s food is sourced locally, coming entirely from farms within the East Riding area of Yorkshire. This is probably why everything tasted so fresh, and it was brilliant to know we were supporting local farmers while having a brilliant meal at the same time. We’d be quick to recommend the Steer Inn Steak House to all our friends, and we’ve already made plans to return later next month! n For further information call 01759 380600 or visit www.thesteerinn.co.uk

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

EVENTS KEY: n WALKS & TOURS n LOCAL & COMMUNITY EVENTS

n DAYS OUT & ATTRACTIONS n CONCERTS n FAIRS & markets

Whether you’re into fine art and antiques or you’re a scarecrow connoisseur, May is full of events to suit every taste. We’re already blushing in anticipation of the Haxby and Wigginton Scarecrow Festival. It’s been two years since our appalling attempt at making a person out of straw, but the memory still smarts... To take our mind off it, we’re getting excited about the Science & Innovation Grand Tour, which will see our city emblazoned with fascinating facts and thought provoking pictures. EVERY DAY n NEWGATE MARKET 9am – 4pm (4.30pm Sat and Sun). York boasts the brightest and possibly best daily open market in the North. Newgate market has 110 stalls offering something for everyone every day including a wide variety of goods, fruit and vegetables, as well as a good selection of fresh fish and meat. n YORK DUNGEONS, 12 Clifford Street. See the Dungeons’ latest show, ‘Execution: Traitors of York’. Travel back to the 15th century and join the crowds gathered to witness the careless executioner as he shares the gory tales of York’s Micklegate Bar. But watch out… there is a traitor amongst you. Will you be next to lose your head? Call 632599. n YORKWALK, Museum Garden Gates, Museum Street. A wide range of tours, including Essential York, Snickleways, Secret York and Roman York, with several taking place every day. Call

622303 or visit www.yorkwalk.co.uk for full times and details. n YORK MINSTER , 7am-6.30pm. Learn about the Minster’s 8 Wonders, a new project launched earlier this year, helping visitors to discover what makes the iconic structure so magnificent. Call 0844 939 0011 or visit www.wonders.yorkminster. org n CHOCOLATE: YORK’S SWEET STORY, King’s Square, York, 10am. A journey through the wonderful sweets and treats which have emerged from our great city. See chocolate come to life, hear generations of chocolate secrets, explore from bean to bar and taste your way through York’s confectionery history. Call 08454 989411. n DOG WALKS, throughout Yorkshire. Dog Walks Yorkshire provides maps and information for a wide range of dog walks within the area’s beautiful scenery. Visit www.dogwalksyorkshire.com

EVERY NIGHT n GHOST TRAIL OF YORK, West Doors of York Minster. 7.30pm. Dare you cross the centuries and discover York’s spine-chilling history? From tragic plague victims to murdered orphans and the plumber who spotted an entire Roman legion marching through a basement, you’ll find out how York earned its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the world. No need to book, just turn up. Call 633276.

EVERY SUNDAY n GIANT CAR BOOT SALE, Home Farm (opposite Wigginton Village), Wigginton, 7am1pm. Established for 22 years. Includes toilets and refreshments. Call 768463.

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

EVERY MONDAY n 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.

27 APRIL - 1 JUNE n Lunchtime Organ Promenades, York Minster, 1.15pm. The Minster’s organist will be entertaining with some surprising popular tunes.

28-29 APRIL n Scarborough Festival of Speed, Oliver’s Mount Race Circuit, Scarborough. Features the car and bike hill climb. Call 01723 373000 or visit www.auto66.com

3-7 MAY n THE HARROGATE ANTIQUE & FINE ART FAIR, Hall M, Harrogate International Centre. 11am-9pm on Thursday, 11am-6pm Friday-Sun, 11am-5pm on Monday. The Harrogate Antique and Fine Art Fair is a local Fair for internationally-minded people, encompassing a huge variety of periods, trends and styles. Harrogate is a centre of excellence for antiques in the North of England and, enhanced by its unique and elegant beauty, it is a natural setting for one of the most prestigious events of Antiques and Fine Art to be found outside London . Call 01823 323363 or visit www.harrogateantiquefair.com

4-7 & 11-13 MAY n SPRING STEAM GALA, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, call for time and exact location. Start the season with two exciting weekends of steam locomotive fun. The 2012 Spring Steam Gala

will see visiting engines Britannia and Bittern running along the 24 mile stretch of line from Pickering to Whitby calling at all stations in between. Sir Nigel Gresley, the fastest recorded steam engine on the mail line after World War II will be making a comeback after 12 months off the rails, as well as engine 75029 which will be making its first gala debut after a two year overhaul. Demonstration goods trains will also be running as well as a Pie and Peas Pullman on 7th May. On 6th and 13th May, the NYMR will be running steam engines along the mainline on the Esk Valley Line to Battersby. Call 01751 472508.

5 MAY n KIDZ KLUB TEA PARTY, The Belfrey, 52 Stonegate, York, 10.30am-4pm. Fundraising event. Features tombola, bric a brac, a used book stall, and a craft stall among others. Also includes a bouncy castle and face painting for the kids.

5-7 MAY n NEWTON ON OUSE ART EXHIBITION, Village Hall, Newton On Ouse, 2-4.30pm on Saturday and 10.30am-4.30pm on Sunday and Monday. The 48th edition of the exhibition features a huge collection of local talent and the opportunity to purchase many of the paintings on show. Call 01347 848553. n PREPARING FOR ROYALTY, Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, 12noon-5pm. Meet the household and servants of Brodsworth as they prepare the master and mistress for this royal occasion. From fashion, to etiquette, food and drink and a healthy mix of gossip, intrigue and chatter – it’s all going on below stairs! Visit www.englishheritage.org.uk

n REOPENING OF CASTLE MILLS LOCK Castle Mills Lock, call for time. In conjunction with the River Foss Society and Inland Waterways Association. Call June Card on 766196.

n DALES FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK, Leyburn. 10am – 5pm. From fresh produce to cookery demonstrations, exhibitions, tasting sessions plus a chance to get up close and personal with some of the region’s best producers, this three day event is a must for foodies everywhere. Call 07909 586358 or visit www.dalesfestivaloffood.org

5-6 MAY

n HAXBY & WIGGINTON METHODIST

n YORK RESIDENTS’ FREE WEEKEND Fairfax House, 10am-5pm on Saturday and 12.304pm on Sunday. York residents are invited to visit Fairfax House free of charge. Call 655543.

5-6, 12-13 AND 19-20 MAY n HOLGATE WINDMILL OPEN WEEKENDS, Holgate Windmill (YO26 4TX), 11am-4pm. Built in 1770 and grinding corn right up to 1933, this is a great chance to learn about local history. Call Brian on 799295.

CHURCH SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2012, Haxby Methodist Church, 10am-4.30pm. Features scarecrow trails throughout Haxby and Wigginton. Includes refreshments, face painting and the announcement of the winning entrants. Call 761262 or email haxbyscarecrows@hotmail.com n SCARECROW TRAIL , St Nicholas Church, Dunnington, 10am-4pm on Saturday and Monday, 11am-4pm on Sunday. Trail guides are available from the Tower Room of the church. Call 488331.

NOW OPEN 92

n MEET THE EXECUTIONER Conisbrough Castle, 11am-4.30pm. Meet Gilbert Savage, medieval executioner, fearsome and imposing with his heavy axe and block. Hear his grisly tales of crimes and punishment - medieval style. Visit www. english-heritage.org.uk n NOSTALGIA WEEKEND Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, 11am-5pm. Travel and entertainment through the ages, from vintage vehicles to Morris dancing, plus traditional games around the- garden. Visitors can also enjoy the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Artrageous!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; family workshops from 1-3pm. Call 472027.

5-8 MAY n HORNSEA LEISURE PARK OPEN WEEKEND, Cliff Road, Hornsea. Set in acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, this is a great chance to view the beautiful holiday homes available for sale. Call 01964 535352 or visit www. hornsealeisurepark.co.uk

6 MAY n COMMUNITY HU CHANT, The Garden Room, York Central Library, 12noon. A brief discussion on a spiritual topic follows the chant which aims to help you better understand your own personal growth. All Welcome. For more information call Annette Backlar on 01423 780002, or email annettebacklar@yahoo.co.uk

n MONTHLY GREYHOUND WALK Fulford Arms, 121 Fulford Road, 10am. A great chance for all greyhound, lurcher, whippet, saluki and other sighthound owners to meet and socialise. Call 07974 757927 or visit www.yorkgreyhoundandlurcherwalks.co.uk

7-8 MAY n YORKSHIRE CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKET, Stable Courtyard, Castle Howard, 10am-4pm. Shop for delicious food and beautiful crafts all sourced or produced in Yorkshire, and in many cases locally to the Castle Howard Estate. Includes free admission and parking. Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 648333.

events

7 MAY

n OPEN CABINET DAY Treasurer’s House, 11am-4.30pm. A chance to see what what lies behind the doors of some of the most interesting and valuable pieces of historic furniture. Call 624247

n STREET FAIR Low Green in Copmanthorpe, 12noon-4pm. The 22nd annual Copmanthorpe Street Fair is set to feature crafts, charity stalls, games, rides, refreshments and music. To be opened by Claire Frisby, the daytime news and current affairs presenter for BBC North. Free entry and fun for all the family. Call 709392.

10 MAY n AN EVENING OF MUSIC Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, 7:30pm. Featuring Brett Wales, internationally renowned keyboard player. Call 448178

7-10 & 12 MAY n Residents’ Free Week, Treasurer’s House, 11am-4.30pm. York residents can enjoy free entry to the house on production of a valid York Card. Call 624247 or email treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

12-13 MAY n GEOFFREY’S JAMBOREE WEEKEND Castle Howard, 9am-5.30pm. Meet Geoffrey the Lion, Castle Howard’s children’s mascot who will be making a visit to launch his new Illustrated House Trail, and showcase the fun-filled activities always available for children at Castle Howard. Featuring a riddle trail, adventure playground, land-train rides and boat tips on the Great Lake. All activities and attractions are included in the admission ticket. Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 648333.

8 AND 22 MAY n GARDEN TOUR Burton Agnes Hall, 1.30pm. The afternoons provide an opportunity for garden enthusiasts to bring their notepads, cameras and questions to enjoy a guided tour of the Elizabethan stately home’s award winning gardens with Head Gardener Jeremy Palmer. Call 01262 490324.

8 MAY n YORK RAMBLERS EVENING WALK: BULMER 7pm. All walks roughly five miles long and suitable for all. Call 628134.

9 MAY - 20 JUNE n NEW ART CLASS Folk Hall, New Earswick, 2-4pm. Run by Art for All tutor Shirley Davis Dew. For beginners and improvers. Call 07968 744703, or visit www.artistsdavisdew.co.uk

9 MAY n BEHIND THE SCENES Burton Agnes Hall, 2pm. The Cunliffe-Lister family have welcomed visitors into their Elizabethan home, Burton Agnes Hall, for many years. Now, they invite you to go behind the scenes to explore more than four hundred years of history. Call 01262 490324. n YORK ROTTERS FREE TRAINING SESSION Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, York, 7-9pm. An evening to show how easy it is to make your own compost. Learn composting basics as well as how to compost cooked food; it’s easier than you think! Call Catherine on 412861

n BUSHCRAFT FOR BEGINNERS Dalby Forest, Lower Dalby, Pickering, 9am. Learn how to survive in the wild. Build and stay in your very own woodland shelter. Booking essential. Call Mark Barker on 01751 417123.

12 MAY n IAN CAMERON: BOOK-BINDING FOR BEGINNERS 107-109 Walmgate, York, 10-4pm. Learn several simple techniques and make five books. Call 612790 or visit www.space109.org

Cycle for 10 minutes to win! York Cycle Challenge 14 May - 5 June 2012 A fun competition to encourage more people to discover cycling.

WIN PRIZES - Giant bike, hot air balloon ride, spa day, Lake District break and more!

FREE entry • FREE bike hire • FREE events www.yorkcyclechallenge.org.uk

n PLANTFEST 2012 Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, 10am-4pm. Free entry. Get hints and tips from the experts, learn how to make the perfect flower arrangement and visit the spring plant sale. Includes children’s crafts and activies. Call 772277

you thinking about joining in the fun and getting back on yours? The York Cycle Challenge is back for a second year – it’s a free competition to remind people working and living in York of the freedom and fun you experience riding a bike. The Challenge is a chance for you and your workmates to get on your bikes and have some fun competing against other workplaces within the heart of York. If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry, you can borrow one from the event or have yours fixed up for free. Visit www.yorkcyclechallenge.org.uk for more information. A fun competition to encourage more people to discover cycling. Win prizes, including a giant bike, a hot air balloon ride, a spa day, a Lake District break and more. Visit www. yorkcyclechallenge.org.uk for information.

n SPRING FAIR York Steiner School, Danesmead, Fulford Cross, York. Featuring fabulous food, puppet shows, storytelling, craft stalls (and children’s craft activities), maypole dancing, music and a Spring Grotto. Call 654983 or visit www. yorksteinerschool.org n DANCING ON THE GREEN New Earswick & District Bowls Club, Huntington Road, Huntington, 7.30pm. Join J B Goode and DJ Johnny Whiteshoes, for an evening of great music and fun dancing. Call 750230.

14 MAY - 2 JUNE

13 MAY n SPRING PLANT FAIR Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, 10am–4pm. Harrogate Flower Show Director Martin Fish is the guest Speaker, supported by Newby’s Head Gardener Mark Jackson, followed by a Gardeners Question Time session. Plants and accessories will also be on sale, and there will be a Jazz Band and refeshements. Visit www.newbyhall.com or call 01423 322583 (opt 3). n CROHN’S AND COLITIS UK YORK WALK, Hospitium, Museum Gardens, 12noon. Charity walk to support both organisations, helping people with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Includes entertainment and sporting challenges. Visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/walks

n FREE INTRODUCTORY SELFDEFENCE CLASS FOR LADIES, Wigginton Recreation Hall, Haxby, 10-11am and 1-2pm. Presented by Haxby Shotokan Karate Club. Also features a free kids’ karate class. Call Ian on 07909 991541 or visit www.haxbykarate.co.uk n CLASSIC CAR RALLY, Burton Agnes Hall, 11am-5pm. Presented by the Cambridge-Oxford Owners’ Club. A magnificent collection of classic and vintage cars in the beautiful surroundings of Elizabethan stately home’s grounds. Call 01262 490324 or visit www.burtonagnes.com

14 MAY - 5 JUNE

n CREATE12 SHOWCASE, York St John and select venues across York. The talent of graduating Faculty of Arts’ students will be on display as part of the annual Create festival. Events and exhibitions are free and open to the public. Full programme details available at www.yorksj.ac.uk/create

14-20 MAY n SUMMER TIME TREATS IN ONE TWELFTH SCALE Luxury Ice Cream Company, 20 Back Swinegate, 10am-6pm. Yorkshire Miniaturists will put on a display depicting items on the theme of ice cream, cupcakes, al fresco coffee drinking and much more. The event will collect for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity. Visit www.liccyork.com

n YORK CYCLE CHALLENGE. Have you spotted more bikes around York recently? Are

PlantFest 2012 Saturday 12 May 10am – 4pm • FREE ENTRY Consult our Tree & Plant Doctors on all your horticultural issues. Get hints and tips from the experts, learn how to make the perfect flower arrangement and visit the spring plant sale. We also have children’s crafts, games and activities including tree climbing and face painting! Askham Bryan, York, YO23 3FR T: 01904 772277 E: enquiries@askham-bryan.ac.uk www.askham-bryan.ac.uk

events

15-21 MAY

19-20 MAY

n 195TH SPRING EXHIBITION The Guildhall, St Helens Square, 9.30am-4.30pm (9.30am-2pm on last day). York Art Society presents its fantastic spring exhibition. The Society’s aim is to encourage the practice and understanding of the visual arts in York and its neighbourhood; it now has around 200 members. The society regularly organises lectures, demonstrations, teaching and self-help workshops. Call 768250.

n MALTON FOOD LOVERS FESTIVAL, Malton Market Place, 9am-4pm. Set to feature over 100 eminent food stallholders, with a spotlight on quality regional specialties and local seasonal produce. Visit www.maltonfoodfestival.co.uk or call 01653 692849.

16 MAY n CIRCULAR WALK FROM MILL GREEN Crayke. Call for information. Event by the River Foss Society. Includes a visit to Pond Head Reservoir. Call June Card on 766196

17 MAY n YORK RAMBLERS EVENING WALK: CAWOOD 7pm. All walks roughly five miles long and suitable for all. Call 628134.

18-19 MAY n MUSEUMS AT NIGHT: BRODSWORTH HALL BY CANDLELIGHT, Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, 6.30-9.30pm. Visit the magnificent time-capsule of Brodsworth Hall at twilight in conjunction with Museums at Night 2012, for a unique view of the hall. Evoking a theatrical atmosphere as the rooms are lit by chandeliers and ‘candlelight’. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

18 MAY n MEET THE BUTLER, Wigginton Recreation Hall (YO32 2DB), 2pm. Talk by Chris Cade. Call 764688.

n PLANT FAIR, Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, 11am-5pm. Take a bit of Beningbrough home. Come and buy plants propagated from the estate by the team of garden volunteers. Call 472027. n FRIENDS OF FERGUSON VINTAGE RALLY, Yorkshire Museum of Farming, 10am5pm. Features hundreds of agricultural exhibits and trade stalls, while the museum and other attractions remain open. Includes vintage tractors, stationary engines, cars and motor bikes. Features a bar on the Friday and Saturday nights, plus entertainment. All Welcome. Call 489966 or visit www. yorkshiremuseumoffarming.co.uk

19 MAY n MASQUERADE MAY BALL, York Racecourse. Raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Call 07534 852031 or email fjp85@hotmail. com for more information. n WEDDING OPEN DAY, Blackwood Hall, Skipwith Common, 11am-4pm. The mansion is a traditional Victorian residence, situated in beautiful 14 acre grounds. Exclusive venue for all functions, live music events and weddings. The day includes complimentary nibbles, bucks fizz and bubbly. Call 07734 787831 or email bnb@ blackwoodhallyork.co.uk

n COFFEE MORNING, Haxby Memorial Hall, 10am. Held by Haxby and Wigginton U3A. Call 764688. n HAXBY SINGERS SPRING CONCERT, Haxby Memorial Hall, 7.30pm. Special 50th anniversary concert. Featuring songs performed at the group’s first ever show, and the premiere of a new piece specially written for the occasion. Call Lynn on 769838

22 MAY n GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY, Hartrigg Oaks, New Earswick, 12noon-2pm. Inaugural meeting of a national network for older women. As well as meeting like-minded people and making new friends, the aim is to counter stereotypes of older women. This meeting will involve planning a programme of activities for the coming season. Call Rosemary Thornton on 796536 for full details.

23 MAY n ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY’S VINTAGE TEA PARTY, Parliament Street, York, 10am4pm. Includes tea, cakes, old style musicians, entertainment, fabulous vintage stalls with unique clothing, accessories, homewares and other vintage inspired items. Call 633599. n CONSERVATION IN ACTION: CURTAINS, Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, 11am-5pm. Ever wondered how the hall cleans and maintains centuries old furniture and houses? Learn from the experts who care for the collection. Call 472027.

24 MAY

26-27 MAY

n YORK RAMBLERS EVENING WALK: NETHER POPPLETON, 7pm. All walks roughly five miles long and suitable for all. Call 628134.

n THE MEDIEVAL YEAR: SPRING AND SUMMER, Rievaulx Abbey, 11am-5pm. Meet the medieval townsfolk of the York City Levy as they show you some of the tasks, customs and celebrations of the medieval year. Visit www. english-heritage.org.uk

26-31 MAY & 2-3 JUNE n HALF TERM CHILREN’S TRAILS, Treasurer’s House, 11am-4.30pm. Children of all ages can explore the Treasurer’s House by following one of the terrific trails. Call 624247 or email treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

n YORK ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL, throughout York. Find details in our May Hotlist or visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com n YORKSHIRE ANTIQUES AND ART FAIR, Yorkshire Event Centre (halls 1 and 2), The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, 10am-5pm. Up to 350 stands. One of the widest

selections of antiques, art, collectables, vintage and retro in the North of England. Call 01274 588505 or visit www.antiquesfair.com

26 MAY n GLASS PAINTING WORKSHOP, St Martin-cum-Gregory, Micklegate, 10.30am4.30pm. In this one-day workshop you will be introduced to basic techniques of painting on glass, as used by artists from the medieval period to the present day. With expert tuition you will practice using different brushes to produce different effects, and by the end of the day you will produce a painted piece to be fired. Call 611687 or email info@stainedglasscentre.org.uk

COMMUNITY HU CHANT & discussion

Experience your own connection with the divine presence within ALL WELCOME The Garden Room,York Central Library 12.00noon Sunday 6th May Annette Backlar: 01423 780002

n THE WEDDING AFFAIR , Sutton Park, Sutton On The Forest, 12noon-4pm. Sutton Park was built in the eighteenth century by Philip Harland. The House is a fine example of early Georgian architecture, overlooking beautiful parkland. It’s filled with a rich collection of treasures, all put together with great style and often filled with flowers from the garden, and is the perfect place to hold your wedding ceremony. The Wedding Fair will take place in a marquee on the lawn, provided by Your Marquee, one of York’s newest and finest marquee companies. Housing over 30 fabulous local exhibitors, this Fair will provide Brides and Grooms with the chance to seek advice, ideas and be entertained for the afternoon. Call 01347 810249 or visit www.statelyhome.co.uk

28 MAY n ANTIQUE FAIR, York Racecourse, 7am. Room for 100s of stalls. Call 01429 881917 or visit www.yorkantiquefairs.com

29 MAY n YORK RAMBLERS EVENING WALK: TERRINGTON, 7pm. All walks roughly five miles long and suitable for all. Call 628134. n HELMSLEY ARCHAEOLOGY STORE TOUR, Helmsley Castle, 11am and 2pm. Free guided tour lead by English Heritage Collections Curators. View the archaeology collection from English Heritage properties and find out the amazing stories behind it. Call 01439 770173 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

30 MAY - 31 AUG

30 MAY

n YORK SCIENCE & INNOVATION GRAND TOUR York has made huge contributions across all areas of science and innovation - from astronomy and the science of flight to geology and, more recently, biology and information technology. Enjoy up to 70 largescale, science and innovation themed, images and messages in prime locations throughout the city. Visit www.yorkgrandtour.co.uk

n LECTURE: ARCANA FAIRFAXIANA, Fairfax House, 7pm. Compiled and used by the Fairfax family across two centuries, the book offers a curious mixture of guidance for the housewife running her household from the Elizabethan to the Georgian periods, including instructions for preparing both medical remedies and food recipes. Call 655543.

✂

Enjoy fun days out for all the family with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway £5 off a family, £2.50 off a concession, or £2.50 off an adult day rover/return ticket, between Pickering and Whitby or Pickering and Grosmont.

✂

Terms and conditions: 1. This offer is only valid on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and entitles the bearer to £5 off a Family, £2.50 adult or concession Day Rover/return ticket only. 2. Not valid on special event or gala days or in conjunction with, group or educational visits, guided tours, annual membership, any other day rover return or single tickets, any other discount or special offer. 3. Offer valid until 30/06/12. 4. This voucher has a cash value of GBP 0.001. It must not be sold or re-sold. It is not transferable or assignable. 5. This voucher must be surrendered at the booking office only and allows only one discount voucher per household. Damaged or photocopied vouchers will not be accepted, the promoter accepts no liability for lost or stolen vouchers. Not redeemable for cash. Valid for up to 6 people (family ticket 2 adults and 4 children).

✂

events

27 MAY

✂

Visit www.nymr.co.uk or call 01751 472508, follow us on Twitter @NYMR or Facebook @North Yorkshire Moors Railway

n FUND-RACING, F1 Racing, JMD Raceway, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, 7pm. On the last Thursday of every month F1 Racing will host a Daytona 120 (2 hours) to help raise money for the charity York Against Cancer. Teams will have to complete as many laps as possible within the allotted time, performing driver changes at regular intervals. The top eight teams from the ten events held between February - November will be placed into a Grand Final battle in December to become Silver Circuit Champions 2012. Anyone may enter a team. Teams must consist of between four - six drivers. Call 673555 or visit www.karting.uk.com

2-10 JUNE n RAILFEST 2012, National Railway Museum, 10am-6pm. Book your ticket now for Britain’s biggest ever gathering of rail record breakers. Get up close to more than 50 of the fastest, strongest, smallest and newest locos across a mind-blowing space the size of 11 football pitches. Climb in the drivers’ cabs, stand on the footplates, and ride with locos big and small. Plus, live theatre performances, a rail-themed area for under six year olds, vehicle demonstrations, trade stands, special photo events and rarely seen railway giants like snow ploughs and a sail-powered railway vehicle. Call 08448 153139 or visit www.nrm.org.uk/railfest2012

celebrate the first Buskival, to commemorate York 800 – the year-round celebrations commemorating the 800th anniversary of the city being granted a Royal Charter. Visit www.yorkfestivals.com

events

31 MAY

2 JUNE n JUBILEE WEEKEND BOP REUNION, Folk Hall, New Earswick, 2-4pm. Featuring Northern Soul, Disco, RnB. Call 769621 or email thefolkhall@tiscali.co.uk n INSIDEOUT, Askham Bryan College, 11.30am. Featuring music from the past, present and future; the one-day festival will be held in a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. Headliners include Young Knives and a DJ performance by Craig Charles. The day also includes free children’s inflatables and face painting. York Does Vintage will be hosting a gorgeous vintage event for all ages within InsideOut; expect style, beauty, dancing, music, and vintage inspired workshops. The Best of British tent will have a fine selection of locally sourced real ales, and the Jubilee Tea tent offers a sumptuous selection of tea and cakes. The event also features some of the city’s leading art collectives. Visit www.yo1events.co.uk

3 JUNE n OPENING: FROM HAMLET

2-3 JUNE

TO HOLLYWOOD - A ROYAL CELEBRATION, Barley Hall, Stonegate,

n BUSKIVAL The streets of York city centre will be alive with entertainment as buskers from far and wide perform for your delight. From the weird to the wonderful, York has them all and the streets will be packed with performers over the two days to

10am. Barley Hall’s stunning exhibition of historic costumes from the movies reopens with this glittering new makeover, marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Firm favourites worn by Elizabeth Taylor and by Colin Firth as the ever-

popular Mr Darcy will be joined by costumes worn by a range of on-screen royals, all telling intriguing stories linked to the royal family. New costumes will include those worn by Keira Knightly and Ralph Fiennes in The Duchess, Rhys Ifans in Anonymous and Kathy Bates as Queen Victoria in Around the World in 80 Days. Also on display is the costume worn by Johnny Depp in From Hell, the story of Jack the Ripper (who some say was a member of the Queen’s family), and four costumes from The King’s Speech, including that worn by the young Elizabeth II. Call 615505

2-5 JUNE n BANK HOLIDAY FUN: ANIMAL ANTICS, Castle Howard, 9am-5.30pm. Discover a world of animals at Castle Howard, with dog shows, birds of prey, creepy crawlies, furry friends and more. All activities and attractions are included in admission ticket and free to Castle Howard Annual Pass holders. Visit www. castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 648333.

9 JUNE n TAKE THAT... AND PARTY, York Racecourse, 7pm. Tribute act featuring a three-course carvery. Includes disco and late bar. Call 638971.

Yorkshire Antiques And Art Fair At The

Yorkshire Event Centre The Great Yorkshire Showground

Harrogate HG2 8QZ

26th & 27th May 10am to 5pm each day

Up to 350 Stands Admission £5 Ample Free Parking Probably the widest selection of antiques, art, collectables, curios, vintage & retro in the north of England.

Bowman Antiques Fairs Telephone 01274 588505 Web: www.antiquesfairs.com

Film guide

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

American Pie: Reunion Can you believe it’s 14 years since the first American Pie movie hit our screens? Even if you missed the first three films, you must have heard what they’re about. And if you haven’t...well, let’s just say if you’re expecting a movie about pastry chefs, then you’re likely to be disappointed (and possibly a bit startled). The Great British Bake-off it definitely isn’t. The old gang may look a little older, but the off-colour humour and cringe-inducing japes are just as juvenile. The Lucky One The following statement should reliably tell you whether you’ll love or hate this movie: Zac Efron wears a military uniform. Still with us? Efron, the former all-singing all-dancing boy wonder from High School Musical fame, plays U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (again, still with us?) who undergoes three tours of duty in Iraq, crediting success to his lucky keepsake: a photograph he found of a woman he’s never even met.

Men In Black 3 It’s time to admit it: nobody

Moonrise Kingdom The 60s theme

saves the world quite like Will Smith. Aliens? Check. Government conspiracies? Check. Giant, animatronic tarantulas operated by a diabolical Texans bent on overthrowing the President? You guessed it. So perhaps it’s no surprise that MIB 3 gives him a time machine; after all, he’s obviously made the present world too darn safe. Witness the king of catchphrase as he struts around 1969, looking to take down his newest intergalactic foe (known as Boris).

continues with this star-studded coming-of-age drama, starring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Bill Murray. But the big stars are overshadowed by the film’s two young protagonists, who fall in love and attempt to run away together, creating havoc in the rival factions of their sleepy New England town. We think it sounds like great fun, and really – with those names attached – how much can go wrong?

directed by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s in it, you already know this is not going to be a feelgood romcom. This quirky gothic comedy tells the story of Barnabas, an 18th century vampire who’s accidentally awoken in the 1970s, discovering that his dysfunctional descendants have inhabited his former mansion. If you’ve never seen Johnny Depp wear white face powder and play an eccentric outcast, here’s a (not exactly rare) chance. Regardless, it still looks quite fun.

10AM 30PM ‘TIL 5. DAY Y EVER

2012 SEASON: 31ST MARCH – 4TH NOVEMBER ADVENTURE FARM PARK PRICES: DAY TICKET

MEMBERSHIP

WEEKENDS, TERM TIME SCHOOL AND OFFER (Mon to BANK HOLIDAYS Fri term time)

Adult Child Concession Family

£5.75 £6.75 £4.75 £23

1’s der Un FREE go

£2.50 £4 £2 £12

Child: 1 – 16 years old Concession: Senior Citizen, Disabled, Disabled Carer Family: 2 adults and 2 children (or 1 adult and 3 children)

Adult Child Family

PRICE FOR YEAR*

7 MONTHLY PAYMENTS**

£35 £40 £150

£5 £5.70 £21.50

*Annual membership runs for 365 days from the day of joining. **Monthly direct debit payments are only taken in the 7 months that the park is open. Terms and conditions apply

PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM PARK AT THE FARMER’S CART TOWTHORPE GRANGE, TOWTHORPE MOOR LANE, YORK, YO32 9ST TELEPHONE 01904 499700

100

*Listings correct at time of press.

Dark Shadows If we tell you this movie is

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

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

May Barbican 3 10cc 12 York Guildhall Orchestra 21 Brit Floyd POCKLINGTON ARTS CENTRE 3 Fairport Convention 13 The Unthanks 19 Karine Polwart 22 Elkie Brooks FIBBERS 3 The Petty Heartbreakers 4 Dub Pistols 5 Matt Schofield 8 The Lovely Eggs 9 Curved Air 10 Franc Cinelli 11 Too Rex

12 13 14 18 19 21 24 26 27 28 29

Ozric Tentacles brokeNCYDE Bob Log III Jake Morley The Marzec Group Brother & Bones Girls With Guitars Cryptic Age Dick Valentine (Electric Six) Viking Skull Johnny Dowd

THE DUCHESS 2 Richmond Fontaine 4 Playing The Pilot 5 Blackbeard’s Tea Party 6 Stackridge 7 Glasvegas 8 Admiral Fallow

9 11 12 13 15 16 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30

Maximo Park Morpheus Rising Sultans Of Ping Albert Hammond Boddika General Fiasco It Bites The Fear Kate McGill Gemma Hayes Lucy Rose Focus Justin Sullivan & Dean White (New Model Army) The Moons Tragedy; All Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees Aliases Tristan Mackay

BASEMENT 5 Three Sheets T’Wind 8 Supporting Rwanda 11 Jay Foreman 12 ODi 17 The Blueprints

24 31 23 24 27 30

STEREO 1 Polar 2 Sky Rocket Jack 4 Bangarang 6 Jim Lockey 10 Ahab 13 Polly And The Billets Doux 15 Mojo Fury 16 Foreign Office 21 The Xcerts 22 Jonquil

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC 5 Biber, Schmelzer and Telemann, Buxtehude, Purcell 7 Lunasa 9 Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams (Black Swan Folk Club) 13 Martin Taylor and Alan Barnes 19 A Young Person’s Guide to the Brass Band 20 Kate Williams and Bobby Wellins

BLACK SWAN FOLK CLUB 3 Andy Irvine 17 Chris Sherburn & Denny Bartley

Bill Adair Al Parrish Dirty Goods Broken Hands Fei Comodo Deaf Club

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 May 2012

Geoffrey’s Jamboree – Children’s Fun Weekend Come along and meet our children’s mascot, Geoffrey the Lion and let him introduce you to his new Children’s Trail. The fun continues with face painters, storytellers and a brass band. Open daily from 10am.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

www.castlehoward.co.uk 101

events

Culture Column

All Things Bright and Beautiful

World-reknowned, local artist Linda Wormald is a favourite of Prince Charles and has exhibited her work plenty of times. However, the next display will be different – she’s offering a way to get a worldclass piece of art direct from the artist. We found out more... If you adore great art but can’t afford the prices in galleries, you’re in luck. York’s own Linda Wormald, who has exhibited a solo exhibition for HRH the Prince of Wales, no less, is cutting out the middle man to offer her pieces direct to you – with prices ranging from £65-£750.

Going it Alone Over 45 years of painting, 25 of those full-time, Linda has enjoyed great success and exhibited in galleries across the UK, but this year she made the decision to fund an exhibition of her work herself.

102

“There’s little control over how you hang your paintings when you hand your work over to a gallery, but the main concern for me is a financial one. I make my living from my art, so when galleries charge 50-60% commission it makes a big dent in my earnings. This way I can use the space provided to create a really lovely exhibition and I’ll get to keep most of what I make, while transferring some of the savings onto the buyer.” The ‘Ignite the Colour’ exhibition will be held at Main Street Meeting Rooms in Heslington – the very

same venue where Linda had a stall at a craft fair 30 years ago – and it’s set to feature her signature landscapes, seascapes and floral pieces alongside wooden brooches and stationery. Linda says that it’s been a long road to get to her first self-funded exhibition, and her style has evolved massively: from fine line drawings to working with silk, ink and wax; but she’s happiest with the contemporary, bright work she does now. It’s been a huge journey

for someone with no formal art training. “I think I’m the most creative I’ve ever been in now that I’m in my sixties. The impulse to draw is so strong – I feel like I’ve found my niche.”

events

Inspired Talent Most York residents are thrilled to be lucky enough to live here, but Linda Wormald has the city to thank for her career. The Manchester-born artist moved to York at the age of five, and was instantly filled with inspiration. “In Manchester, we had to travel for miles to see grass, but when we moved to Osbaldwick there was a beautiful field of poppies at the back of the house. I was so moved by it that I asked my dad for some pencils and paper, even though everything was still packed up, so that I could draw what I saw. I don’t think I would have been as inspired to move into art if I hadn’t moved to York.” Though she sold her first piece of art at the tender age of 20, it took another 18 years before Linda was able to work as an artist full-time. In the meantime, her jobs were varied – she began her working career as a nurse, measured inside legs for years and had a brief ( and, Linda admits, unsuccessful) stint as a beauty consultant: “I was rubbish – I’d put eyeshadow on a lady, then stand back to look at it as if it was a sketch. My boss used to say to me ‘Linda, you’re not doing a painting!’” After years of success, will Linda be ready to hang up her paintbrush any

Rising Curtains for Rising Talent

time soon? Not likely. “I’ve never given up on my art. It’s got me through lots of things in my life, and I’m sure it will get me through a lot more.” n Linda’s exhibition will run on 12th13th May at the Main Street Meeting Rooms in Heslington, with a preview on 11th May. For further information, visit www.lindawormald.com

It’s truly an opportunity like no other. On 21st May: York Theatre Royal, one of our city’s most dynamic and exciting performance venues, is handing over the reigns to an enthusiastic group of under-26 year olds for its third annual TakeOver festival. The new team will be responsible for running everything: the programming of the shows, the choice of events and even the management backstage. The event always brings a diverse range of ideas to the theatre, and it’s a fantastic chance for some of our area’s most talented young people to shadow permanent staff and learn all the ropes. TakeOver 2012’s programme is aimed at all ages, embracing the level of diversity which has made the festival so successful. This year, audiences can enjoy theatre, comedy, music, dance, workshops, and Q&A sessions (including a special evening on 30th May with Sir Andrew Motion, the former Poet Laureate, reading from his eagerly-awaited sequel to Treasure Island, Silver). n For more information and festival listings call 623568 or visit www.takeoverfestival.co.uk

Exciting Changes The refurbishment of York Art Gallery, set to be completed in Easter 2015, has been given a helping hand thanks to a £3.5 million grant from the Arts Council. The revamp will mean 60% more space, allowing the gallery to host bigger and better exhibitions, and a ‘secret gallery’ on the first floor will be transformed into the Centre for British Studio Ceramics, showcasing works from the world’s biggest collection of modern ceramics. Alongside the exhibition space, there will be better visitor facilities including a new shop and cafe, and improved learning spaces.

103

the best of york

Music Maestro! The York Early Music Festival has been running since 1977, and this year it looks set to be bigger than ever. The event is huge in the Early Music calendar, especially seeing as York is home to the National Centre for Early Music. Nicolette Haresign spoke to Director Delma Tomlin, about what’s in store… Delma Tomlin, the brains behind the York Early Music Festival, has led a varied and fascinating career that has seen her receive both an MBE and a Doctorate from the University of York. She describes herself as a bit of a changeling: despite growing up in a household where the most musical sound was her dad’s whistling, she went on to study singing at Trinity College in London and worked in various musical venues before becoming Director of the National Centre for Early Music. “In primary school I was always in the front row of every choir, and I had a really inspirational music teacher so I think that’s where my passion stems from,” explains Delma. She maintains that she won’t be entering X Factor any time soon: “I’ve not got what it takes to make it. You have to know these things,” she laughs. Living the Dream Delma’s ultimate dream of opening the National Centre for Early Music was achieved in 2000, after two years of fundraising (£2

104

million was needed for the project) and another year working on the restoration of the 12th century church. The centre is educational, working with a range of children in workshop-based learning, and there are professional performances all year round. The centre looks great now, but why go into all that effort? “Early Music is from the medieval period presented in the sort of building that the composer might recognise, and using the instruments that they might have used, so this place was ideal,” explains Delma. Early Music seems to be about much more than just the notes, too, or even the performance – Delma’s able to tell me about the social history and politics that surrounds Early Music, and it seems that it looking at one piece can tell you a lot about the time in which it was written. “It’s a bit like music archaeology – you discover things that might have been buried for a long time and find a new way to present it to a new audience.”

The National Centre for Early Music has a fantastic selection of shows this month. These include:

12 MAY. OCTANDRE PLAY MUSIC FROM FINLAND AND THE UK, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, 7.30pm.

9 MAY - BOO HEWERDINE & BROOKS WILLIAMS (7.30pm)

13 MAY. STYLISH JAZZ WITH THE ROLLER TRIO, York Boat on the Ouse, 8pm.

12 MAY - MARTIN TAYLOR & ALAN BARNES (7.30pm) 20 MAY - KATE WILLIAMS & BOBBY WELLINS (4pm)

Global Stage Delma’s hoping that this year’s line-up will get the people of York as excited about Early Music as she is. The festival, which first launched in 1977, attracts performers from across the globe and this year’s event includes musicians from Brazil, Sweden, Ecuador and Israel, and it’s hardly surprising that visitors travel from all over the UK to enjoy performances. There’s a fabulous array of performers who are often nothing like you’d expect – Red Priest, who will be performing at the Beverley festival, are a Baroque quartet whose members’ attire

features a bright red mullet and a PVC catsuit. There’s also the chance to experience a late night walkabout performance in the Minster by I Fagiolini, where 40 musicians will perform in the centre. “You can stroll about during the piece and could even get close enough to go up and poke them in the face, though we’d prefer it if you didn’t...” laughs Delma. n The National Centre for Early Music has professional concerts all year round, and the York Early Music Festival runs from 6th-14th July. For further information, visit www.ncem. co.uk

11 MAY. DAVE SMYTH SEXTET & JULIAN ARGÜELLES SAXOPHONE (7pm) Within St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate. Call 658338 or visit www.ncem.co.uk 5 MAY LIGETI STRING QUARTET, York’s St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, 7.30pm. Presented by York Late Music Concerts. Visit www.latemusic.org 9-13 MAY SPRING FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSIC. Five days of exciting new music presented by York Concerts. Visit www.yorkspringfestival.co.uk or call 322439 for details. 10 MAY. VOCAL TRIO: JUICE, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, 7pm. Recorder quintet Consortium5. 11 MAY. MUSICAL COMEDY WITH JAY FOREMAN, City Screen Basement, 8pm.

12 MAY YORK GUILDHALL ORCHESTRA, York Barbican, 7.30pm. Featuring soloist Sarah Beth Briggs, and classics from Mozart to Mahler. Call 08448 542757 or visit www.yorkguildhallorchestra.com 31 MAY JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE, Malton Priory Church, Old Malton, 7.30pm. The Stamford Bridge Singers join forces with the Chanticleer Singers to create a wealth of sound in music. Visit www.stamfordbridgesingers.btck.co.uk 2 JUNE RIKA ZAYASU, York’s St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, 7.30pm. Presented by York Late Music Concerts. Visit www.latemusic.org 16 JUNE MUSIC TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE, York Minster, 7.30pm. York Musical Society Chorus & Orchestra presents this stirring evening performance. Featuring Jane Wright (oboe) and conducted by David Pipe. Call 0844 9390015 or visit www.boxoffice.yorkminsteer.org

105

the best of york

MAY CONCERTS

events

Theatre

YORK THEATRE ROYAL THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT (16-19 MAY) A celebration of musical theatre. Includes music from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago, Mamma Mia and more. Presented by the York Musical Theatre Company. To book: 623568 Also On: Blue/Orange (26th April - 19th May) Camille OSullivan (9th May) Birmingham Royal Ballet (11th-12th May) Henry Iv (15th-18th May) Takeover Festival 2012 (21st May - 10th June) See the culture column for more details and check out our interview with Sir Andrew Motion on P12.

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE BAZAAR AND RUMMAGE (14th-16th JUNE) Presented by the Rowntree Players and written by Sue Townsend (creator of Adrian Mole). Set in a church hall in Acton, London, this is a touching comedy about three housebound agoraphobic women who attempt to overcome their disorder (as part of a self-help group) by bravely staging a bazaar and rummage sale. To book: 07927 026071

ROWNTREE PARK

GRAND OPERA HOUSE BRASSED OFF (16th-19th MAY) Presented by York Stage Musicals, and adapted for the stage by Paul Allen from Mark Herman’s film. Rousing comedy-drama. It’s 1992 and Grimley Colliery is set to close. It means 1200 job losses, a dying town and the loss of its brass band. But under the leadership of Danny, coughing with coal-dusted

lungs, the band is somehow transformed into British champions with local lass Gloria whipping up the money needed to get them to the Albert Hall. To book: 08448 713024 ALSO ON: Cirque du Ciel’s Shanghi (2nd-3rd May), Paul Merton: Out of My Head (4th May), Jimeoin (5th May), Steel Magnolias (7th-12th May), Stewart Francis (25th May), Simon Amstell (31st May)

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (25th-27th MAY & 30th MAY – 5th JUNE) An outdoor production of one of Shakespeare’s most uproarious comedies, presented by the York Shakespeare Project. The strait-laced town of Windsor is about to be turned upside down, after being invaded by a carnival of outlandish characters. The town’s inhabitants must learn to loosen up - whether they like it or not. Featuring live folk music. To book: 623568

WIN WIN WIN... Win theatre tickets! Six Lips Theatre has earned a reputation for innovative, exciting and entertaining theatre, and its latest production, The Government Inspector, is no exception. Nikolai Gogol’s classic comedy of errors tells the story of a remote Russian town which receives news of a visit from a government inspector. While the local officials are panicking about the imminent arrival, a well-dressed rogue arrives in town – and finds himself receiving an unexpectedly warm welcome… The production runs from 11-13th and 18-20th May at the Friargate Theatre. We have three pairs of tickets for the play’s opening weekend! To win a pair, all you need to do is answer the following question: In which country is The Government Inspector set?

UPSTAGE CENTRE YOUTH THEATRE

MULTIPLE VENUES

GOING GREY (2nd-5th MAY)

Late Music Concerts celebrate the work of living composers who contribute to today’s contemporary classical music world. In the stunning setting of the St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, award-winning performers from all over the world delight audiences, with informal pre-concert talks and feedback forms allowing the audience to shape future programming ideas. Composer Philip Glass, who Presented by Badapple Theatre. It’s has produced operas and symphonies and has collaborated with artists as diverse the 1960s and every village in England as Woody Allen and David Bowie, will feature at this season’s concerts! has a band determined to hit the To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see a concert of your big time. This tale follows Eddie, a choice in May, answer the following question: hard-working milkman, inspired by the cream of the pop charts and tired Philip Glass collaborated with David Bowie – true or false? of the milk-float of ordinary life, ever Mark your entry ‘Late Music competition’ or further information on the Late Music concerts, visit www.latemusic.org dreaming of stardom and success. n Send your answers (along with your full name and daytime contact number) on a To book, call 01423 339168

Presented by the Drip Drop Theatre Company. Recently 40 and widowed, Helen wants nothing more than to run her café and adjust to a quiet life on her own. But with one sister hell-bent on finding her a new man, another bombarding her with yoga and astrology, a trio of waitresses whose main concern is a gorgeous customer and a man half her age about to declare his undying love, Helen’s coffee cup is in danger of overflowing. To book: 623568 106

Eddie & The Gold Tops (13th May - Skipsea Village Hall, 27th May - Spotlight Theatre (Bridlington), 14th June Weaverthorpe Village Hall)

Mark your entry ‘Six Lips Theatre Competition’ You can also book tickets by calling 613000.

Win tickets to a Late Music Concert!

postcard to the address on page five. But hurry – the competitions close on 8th May.

advertisers

at a glance Listings highlighted? learn more about these advertisers on www.yourlocallink.co.uk Accountancy services D Inglis Accountancy 345103 23 JMB Accounting Solutions 672199 Rowley Ward 628663 23 Bishopwood Accountancy 400660 23 Hare and co 692585 23 Aerials Aerial Services 819030 110 DBS Aerials 692266 110 ABC Aerials 784569 111 ABC Digital Aerials 07715 903953 111 ADI Communication 07850 636902 110 Aerial Man 07974 954846 110 Aerial Services Yorkshire 678823 111 Aerial Solutions 654144 110 BLTV 07977 044778 111 Castle Aerials 07711 222307 110 Minster Aerials 768900 110 Wall of Sound 704107 111 York Home Cinema 07870 606492 111 Attractions/events/shows Farmers Cart 499183 100 Antique Retro and Collectors 01429 881917 93 Askham Bryan College Ltd 772277 95 Balloon Tree Farm Shop 01759 373023 102 Barley Hall 543426 95 Beningbrough Hall 472006 100 Bowman Antiques Fairs 01274 588505 99 Burn Hall Hotel 01347 825400 104 Castle Howard 01653 648333 101 Chocolate - Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Story yorkssweetstory.com 92 Community HU Chant 01423 780002 97 Evening with Peter Wall 01226387641 103 F1 Racing 673555 24 Growing Old Disgracefully 796536 95 Haxby Shotokan Karate Club 0790 999 1541 95 National Centre for Early 658338 99 New Earswick Bowls Club 750230 103 New Earswick Folk Hall 769621 96 Newby Hall 01423 322583 North Yorks Moors Railway 01751 472508 98 Psychic Fayre 659979 102 Rowntree Players 07927 026071 97 Six Lips Theatre 635563 93 TakeOver Festival 658162 103 The Stained Glass Centre 611687 99 The York Art Society 332872 103 Thirsk Picnic in the Park 079711 77050 104 Wigginton car boot 768463 99 YO1 Events 07940 777 833 98 York Concerts 322439 103 York Cycle Challenge 07717 678549 94 York Guildhall Orchestra 0844 9390015 99 York Musical Theatre Co 612961 96 York Racecourse 638971 97 York Shakespeare Project 623568 103 York Stage Musicals 623568 102 York Steiner School 654983 93 Yorkshire Museum Of Farming 489966 93 bathroom/tiles/kitchens BMS Kitchens 01430 872714 72 Direct Tile & Stone Importers 436080 19 Dream Doors 622234 17 Easingwold Bathroom 01347 824777 18 North East Water Softeners 07553 369495 70 York Bathrooms and Kitchens 794867 7 bedrooms Moonlight Bedrooms 01759 302388 9

blinds AA Blinds 819163 71 Blind Options 608666 76 Blinds By Mark Harrison 630449 75 Blinds Direct 701260 69 Blind Image 693069 75 Haxby Blinds 769277 76 Building Plans ADDS 762691 70 CA Architectural Services 07989 663243 76 Fluid Associates Architectural 310257 76 A P Design Services 678045 76 Drawing Services 07764 319697 71 Pinfold Building Consultancy 07584 903380 77 Robert Room Architectural 07703 185039 73 Building/property Maintenance Able Roofing (York) 07908 558954 122 All Trades Network 07725 574860 112 HC Engineering 477623 113 Loftspace 819081 32 MB Builders 337756 113 Mike Hare Joinery & Building 737352 110 MW Developments 07958 321014 113 Peter Wright Building Svs 07941 914434 111 RJ Hall Property Maintenance 07756 863285 18 Sanderson Builders 07859 882972 111 Acomb Builders 07989 116729 112 Bradshaws North Yorkshire Ltd 07970 643817 112 Building Services 07764 319697 112 Commercial Services 625751 111 Cottage Property Maintenance 07933 460184 112 D&M Building & Paving 07817 380181 112 Hire a Handyman 07870 660350 112 In House Developments 701117 113 In House Developments 701117 71 Island build 07747 878887 112 John B Coxon 07882 505403 112 Justin Higginson 790856 112 Keith Brown 07754 498673 112 PD Plastics 438799 113 RD Leeper Developments 07791 343879 113 SDT builders 766236 111 Steve Brigham Specialist Painter 07917 467833 115 Wallwood Construction 690400 69 Welbuild 07770 686 989 113 WMG Builders 07981 333654 113 Business/Telephone Services PJBS 07980 295 498 25 Cartridge World 733999 22 Car Valeting Attention 2 Detail 07714 769981 33 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Future Carpet Cleaning 529529 113 Hi-Tec 01759 371984 113 Abbey Carpet Cleaning 360174 115 Peter Hopwood 07769 896902 93 Tim Stockdale 413612 114 Huntington Carpet & Uphol 07817 726970 114 Ultra Clean 01759 371741 114 carpet fitting Ewen Carpets Fitted 07718 153433 69 Carpets/Flooring Tim Stockdale 413612 76 Calverts Carpets 788222 11 Carpets @ Home 448817 3 Green Lane Carpets 799541 19 Charities MS Society York Branch 758577 59 Ocay 676200 59 Parkinsons UK 758355

Relate 679831 51 Childrens Activities Bright World (Host Families) 01273 835745 50 Henrietta Rabbit 0333 0004567 5 Tennis Tykes 07843 342662 57 Andrew Crockett 07926 172939 57 Babbling Babies 433619 52 Carol Saunders Swimming 01757 709703 57 CYC Family Information 554628 54 Reptile Roadshow 798963 51 York Childcare Ltd 654140 51 York Montessori Nursery 490339 55 Yorkshire Martial Arts Academy 780570 57 chimney sweep Dave The Sweep 07761 083072 114 cleaning/Ironing A & M Cleaning 07754 285742 114 Domestic Divas 07754 549801 114 ADream Clean 0800 0561348 114 Claires Cleaning Services 07717 756431 114 Dolly Char York 07929 452904 113 knavesmire cleaning 07740 266502 114 Lynda Starkey Cleaning 07778 862 368 114 Maid 2 Clean 0800 0439370 114 Merry Maids (Yorklean Ltd) 489218 114 Time For You 820905 113 Top 2 Bottom Cleaning 07849 518899 114 Computers/Web Design G-Tec-IT 07917 730249 115 G-Tec-IT 07917 730249 23 The Cybermill 0845 259 0253 31 Aldwark Computers 654954 23 Cookie Graphic Design 07796 821063 10 Gemini PC Solutions 332432 23 We R Your IT 08000 470181 5 York PC Solutions 07729 291234 23 Curtains/Soft furnishings Blinds By Mark Harrison 630449 75 Carolines Curtains 332949 73 Christine Alker Curtains 339214 7 Curtains Up 627239 19 cycling Get Cycling 636812 15 Cycle Street 427510 31 Damp Proofing Holland Damp Proofing 0808 155 2571 68 dance Classes Zumba Classes 07821 902702 45 Decorators APB Painting & Decorating 785935 115 Direct Decorators 07725 996768 115 Gary Roe Painter & Decor 07717 116489 115 Harrison & Hargreaves shop 01653 692579 70 Richard Driscoll 332030 115 Steves Decorating Services 07766 379736 115 Alan Fawcett Painter 414875 115 Alan Kitson 07801 346218 115 Andy Powell Painting 705082 73 Bright Interiors 07952 947536 115 CKW Decorators 07803 936905 115 Gary Ambler 07762 551845 115 Gary Goscinski Decorators 07721 453463 115 Jeff Wright 703824 115 K Walton Painting & Decor 07535 004212 115 Marks Decorating & Handy 07966 790819 115 Quality Decorators 778466 115 Ray Webster Painting 07742 077743 115 RJH Decorating 07833 105296 115 Town & County Decorators 07854 141614 115

107

Dentists Acorn Dental 789876 47 Crystal Clear 642595 41 Apple Denture Clinic 01226 734800 1 Denture Care 626629 3 Domestic Appliance Repairs Blackwell & Denton 659066 69 Clyde Electrical - Eric Clyde 768698 116 DBS Service Centre 692266 73 Driveways Resindrives.co.uk 0800 0075733 128 Spectacular Driveways 07737 190150 87 education/tuition Spanish Talk 07800 634510 51 B Lambert Woodturning 348343 21 Computer Start 07944 717 019 7 Drawing & Painting Master 07789 277382 7 Drawing Classes 07724 157438 10 First Class Learning 399 810 52 Goodmans Piano Tuition 636340 57 Kumon Maths 01757 268114 52 Pitman Training 624260 41 St Peters School 527404 55 York College 770200 51 York College 770200 57 Electrical goods Domestic Appliance Ware 692275 26 York Home Cinema 07870 606492 28 Electricians D Carrington Electrical Svs 07809 534791 116 Judge Electrical Ltd 07919 033113 115 Active Electrical Solutions 07999 357647 116 Court Electrical Services 07766 887179 116 D&S Electrical Services 07980 947171 116 Electric Blew 07980 054547 116 Herbert Todd 628676 116 In House Developments 701117 116 Martin Clancy 767480 116 Nigel Wilson Domestic 07985 393647 116 S Electrics 795205 116 SLC electrical 07563 508784 116 Energy Efficiency UK Energy Store 0113 239 7011 30 Estate/letting agents Opus Estate Agents 790070 66 City Lets 652729 67 Your Move Anscombs 621532 63-65 fascias/soffitts Polyplas 782300 116 Mark Leslie Roofline 423300 116 Plasti-Fit 07765 142505 116 Rawcliffe Guttering Solutions 07725 857621 116 Financial advisors Pen-Life Associates Ltd 661140 27 fireplaces/multi fuel stoves The Gas Showroom York 692060 18 Food & Drink Beechwood Close Hotel 658378 91 Dean Court Hotel 625082 90 Akash Tandoori 633550 91 Boss Hog Roast 07930 847553 90 Cedar Court Grand Hotel 380050 89 Chapman Butchers 655382 88 Heworth Coffee House 07825 163324 90 Il Treno/sidings 470221 88 Lady Anne Middletons Hotel 611570 90 Pizza Choice 622022 The Bay Tree Stillington 01347 811394 89 The Jefferson Arms 448316 91 The Steer Inn 01759 380600 90 Fostering Fostering 55533 29 Funeral Services JG Fielder & Sons 654460 59 Garage Doors Premier Garage Doors 07887 940084 117 Haxby Garage Doors 07889 152242 117 Hobman Garage Doors 608951 73

108

SJL Garage Doors 416284 York Garage Door Centre 788822 gates/railings SR Fabrications 01405 763625 PVC UK 0800 037 1947 Gardening Acaster Forge 701513 Arborwise 07841 719672 Aztek Landscapes 07803 257347 Barnitts 625601 C&C Contracting 448239 Country Gardens 07900 193657 Eden Landscapes 07737 825 621 Fencing, Paving & Decking 07813 752 954 Grumbleweed 750157 M&M Landscapes 07967 656142 Mick Lambert Landscaping 07702 126380 Rock n Stone York Ltd 608300 Andrew Kent 738646 Apex Shed & Fencing 491115 Ascot Fencing 337225 Bartlett Tree Experts 01423 359090 Brighter Gardens 790112 Brunswick of York 701869 Chris Rivers Gardens 07930 682975 David Smith Garden Centre 01759 388863 Deans Garden Centre 400141 Fineacre Landscaping Ltd 764720 Foss Feeds 706376 Future Landscapes 07969 354674 Galtres Timber Co 01347 810001 Garden Outlet 622901 Gardens Cared For 400753 Gooch Gardens 07547 766885 Greenthumb 01423 359048 Helmsley Walled Garden 01439 771427 Horse Manure 4 Sale 01347 811202 Howarth Timber 629931 In House Developments 701117 Island gardens 07747 878887 Lewis Tree Surgery 0783 1692275 Mike Walmsley Landscapes 07904 002025 Mole Catching Service 700921 Nigel Scaife Garden 612439 Orchard Nurseries 421153 Paradise Gardens 692238 Paradise Gardens 692238 Park Nurseries 01423 865182 Pasema Paving 07903 592315 Pond Planet 01347 811897 Portal Fencing 07958 181642 R H Smith 782600 Rowan Tree Garden Design 411487 Sandalwood Gates 608542 Shines Above 793244 Signature Landscaping 07771 543493 Simon Naylor Fencing 07807 088182 Skelton Garden Centre 470072 SRB Fencing 07841 187928 The Family Tree 07810 452933 Top Soil 4 Sale 07702 126380 Trevor Smith Landscaping 489998 Waterdale Landscapes 07960 603025 York Sawmill 705198 Yorskapes 07795 097563 gas servicing Gas Care North 07866 326101 Graphic Design Lucy Hirst Freelance Graphic 077125 68493 Guttering Heworth Guttering 411414 Guttering Of York 07711 222307 Gutterwise 233886 Handypeople Able Handyman Services 07811 169368 DIY Guy 07946 296731 Green Handyman services 07540 981429 Handy Al 07958 571219

117 117 83 84 85 83 85 4 87 83 79 83 83 81 85 86 83 81 83 81 83 85 83 77 80 85 85 83 20 81 79 83 82 85 81 78 82 79 87 79 82 83 79 86 81 79 81 80 82 87 86 86 84 87 82 78 78 79 83 87 87 79 83 120 31 116 116 31 117 117 115 117

Handyman Services 410356 117 Home Maintenance 761479 117 My Handyman (Ian Parkyn) 07774 2672000 117 Health & Beauty Angie Doig-Thorne 489142 42 Clifton Park Treatment 464550 44 Core Remedial Bodyworks 702773 43 Heavenly Nails & Beauty 07710 669945 44 Maureen Payne 797531 41 Rosemary Conley Diet 790922 40 3D Hair & Beauty 623166 47 5 Senses Spa 623745 43 Beautycare 769954 41 Claire Henson 0113 21082408 41 Core Chiropractor York 07843 209094 46 Edward Charles 659639 47 Footcare Works 620120 46 Future Beauty 07525 627358 42 Hire Fitness Yorkshire 0845 6435105 39 Jane Tai 08000 831 681 39 Kuki Skin, Hair & Beauty 659007 38 Kuki Skin, Hair & Beauty 659007 39 Lisa Clifford 07795 634671 43 Nudge 890297 45 Paulines Hair & Beauty 798522 41 Physio Function 0800 8600138 41 Portfolio Studios 652522 2 Renes Revellers 470292 41 Ruth Perrott 784040 53 Tattoo Studio 07544 862982 43 The Parsonage Hotel 728111 47 Vision Express UK Ltd 541104 48 Way Of Life 07816 145673 45 Wendy Smith Mobile Haird 07941 625551 45 York Pole Dance Academy 07821 298932 45 Ironing Creases Away Ironing Services 758482 114 Joinery Lewis Carpentry 07565 890702 117 Cass Joinery 07521 292926 118 Gary Craig Joinery 07734 113059 118 Michael Mcfarland Joinery 07814 642667 117 MSB Joinery 07925 323536 118 Paul Meillam Joinery 07766 165116 117 S M Maintenance 752969 118 Wood `n All 07947 001520 117 York Door Services 07973 889232 118 locks/Security/Alarms GC Electronics 295032 118 Haxby Lock Attack 07718 521107 118 Access All Locks 410069 117 Afford a Lock 625635 118 Lockfix Security 623108 118 Loft conversions Yorkshire loft conversions 236333 69 Mobility/hearing/care Bluebird Care 691992 58 Home Instead Senior Care 690884 126 Home Instead Senior Care 690884 59 Prestige Nursing 466666 59 Riccall Carers 720700 58 Riccall Carers 720700 58 Forward Mobility 769300 59 Harrowells 558600 58 Meadowbeck Care Home 01904 424244 58 Minster Mobility 788592 59 MV Mobility 01937 558604 58 St Johns House 01677 427220 59 Stamford Bridge Beaumont 01759 371418 58 motor parts/services Leeman Road Auto Services 673500 37 Atlas Auto Services 848008 36 Birch Park Vehicle Test 627444 37 C&M Auto Services Ltd 796718 33 Hometune 07802 722330 37 U Pull It 0844 8751914 36 Alexander Snee Vehicles 07880 558048 34 Auto House 400363 32 Automotive Solutions 792652 33

Barkers Garage 760020 36 Brackenhill Garage 235657 35 Brookshaw motors 07712 800013 35 Central Body Repairs 791176 37 Chapmans of Norton 01653 691199 34 copmanthorpe Motors 703467 35 Dave Woods Motorcycles 633000 37 HP Maintenance 792899 37 Ivinson Autos 767675 33 North Yorkshire Motors 691078 37 Osbaldwick Motors 412417 37 Pristine Cars 01937 589099 32 Project Parts 789090 33 R Walker Cars 797720 32 Transit Motorcycles 637169 33 Wigginton Car Repairs 750272 32 Wigginton car resprays 765948 37 Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 672859 114 Kitchen Rescue Ltd 0800 6127252 114 Ultra Clean 01759 371741 114 Pest Control Huntcatchkill 492535 79 Pet Care Dogwalksyorkshire.com Dogwalksyorkshire.com 60 A Cut Above Dog Grooming 422629 60 Alisons Dog Grooming 422905 60 Malton Equine Laundry Ltd 01653 699899 61 Minster Vets 643997 61 Paddock Available Wigginton 07525 824152 Perfect Paws Dog grooming 07877 962791 60 Pets Pantry 620527 61 Sweeney Dog Ltd 890666 60 Top Dog Grooming 07846 794257 61 picture framing Steve Garnett 761624 7 Plastering Paul Bell Plastering 622316 119 A Crosier Bathroom Fitter 07855 970895 119 Atkinsons Plastering 07816 268264 119 Colin Hardgrave 07881 733344 119 Ernie Jeffrey & Reese Plastering 639619 119 Paul Hunt Plasterer 07949 660854 119 Paul Sellars Plastering 07789 677251 119 SM Bradley Plastering Services 07826 270335 119 Plumbing/heating 1A Rapid Response 295344 119 C Hudson Plumbing 07966 344950 120 Colin Bell Plumbing 07885 514332 120 DJC Plumbing 07770 754215 120 GPE Services 07501 465392 121 Hurrells Plumbing & heating 07712 107208 121 Liam Gray Plumbing 07837 271350 120 Skelton Plumbing Services 07766 625584 121 The Direct Boiler Co 295033 7 All Cisterns Go 07946 346928 119 BPH Services 07973 542283 120 Chris Murray Plumbing 07912 575963 119 DRS Installations 07866 387846 120 Foss Controls 07941 114 788 120 Gas Servicing 07793 355168 121 Gastech 07793 814172 120 Geoff Sloane Plumbing 07966 438722 121 Glen Plumbing & Electrics 424169 119 GW Plumbing 07525 858008 119 Haxby Plumbing and heating 270308 121 Luke Mitchell Plumbing 07974 025903 121 ME Electrical Plumbing Heating 07774 800806 120 Melbourne Heating York 07984 742264 121 Mermaid Plumbing 07970 200 035 121 Nunthorpe Services 07906 592872 121 Pipe Solutions Plumbing Svs 707484 121

Poppleton Plumbing & Heating 07903 979712 121 R.P.H Plumbing 07504 032370 121 Radtek Heating 750302 3 S Williams Plumbing & Heating 07716 788680 121 Scurr Heating 07976 394117 121 Sleepsafe Gas Services 07799 474565 121 T P Plumbing 761919 121 T Whitelam Plumbing 07729 980253 122 Tom Plumb 07971 437359 121 Walker Plumbing 07808 914448 121 Websters` Plumbing Services 07704 858 144 122 Yorkshire Central Plumbing 780780 120 pointing All Points 07752 538461 112 Grove Property Repairs 780910 113 Property Services Flats to Lets 416229 73 Fothergill Homes 622710 69 York St John University 876465 55 Removals/Storage 1 Van 1 Man 785022 122 2 Anywhere 07952 843398 122 A2B 07772 568526 122 Hughes Removals 0800 435449 27 Mr Shifter 07710 450672 122 Ridings Removals 07854 747129 122 Wilkie & Hall 07771 501560 19 renewable energy Green Energy Projects 01347 833329 77 Roofing Able Roofing (York) 07908 558954 112 Advanced Roofing 07867 774747 123 Elite Roofing 750166 123 Flat Roof Company 0800 212548 75 Flat Roof Company 0800 212548 124 Future roofs 07773 388141 122 Haxby Roofline Company 07718 521107 123 Roofs Above 0800 0855 688 123 Almsford Building and Roofing 795121 122 Dodds Flat Roofing 500232 67 Fibretech Ltd 07880 726122 124 Ian Young Roofing 07906 590626 122 J&P Construction 676697 124 Mark Thorne Property 07880 726122 124 Mark Winters Lead Work 07976 845678 123 N Malarkey Roofing 07932 067701 122 Prestige Roofing 07771 269739 124 SD Roofing 07889 652091 124 Shops/stores Antique Restoration 400728 10 Supersave 625735 21 Bishopgate Antiques 623893 77 Blue Moon trading 624141 21 Cycle Heaven 636578 13 Fantasy World 621328 5 Herbert Todd 628676 6 Paul Dawson (York) Ltd 654769 3 Rat Race Adventure Sports 07790 900354 29 Rydenor 476216 15 Time Out 626949 21 Whitby Oliver Furniture Ltd 652424 13 Wiltshire Farm Foods 01423 339666 53 York Community Furniture 426444 28 York Golf Range 499275 8 Skips/Waste Removal A - Z Waste 07802 434349 77 Acomb Waste Disposal 07724 441630 87 D Boswell 488632 77 D Boswell 488632 33 Ebor Skip Hire 400997 85 Waste Disposal 07870 486408 78 Wrights of Crockey Hill 620626 87

POLITE COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Your Local Link Ltd retains the copyright of the design and advertisements contained within. Reproduction, copying, scanning or recording is, without exclusion, prohibited, unless express permission is given in writing by Your Local Link Ltd. Any unauthorised use of advertisements will automatically incur a charge of ÂŁ1,000 All information in this publication is correct at the time of going to print.

york waste 07763 630343 87 Solicitors Ardent Law Ltd 782958 50 Richardson Gildener 642727 16 Richardson Gildener 642727 14 Richardson Gildener 642727 56 Harland & Co Solicitors 655555 23 Harrowells 558600 17 Harrowells 558600 11 Hethertons Solicitors 528200 25 Style & Fashion House Of Colour 698177 1 Tilers CM Tiling 07976 675527 109 Dockers Tiling Services 731638 77 Doug Taylor 07881 826331 77 G T Ceramic Tiling 07947 506477 77 Mr Multitrade 07946 378665 117 SVS Tiling 01757 210151 73 travel/holidays Peter Hopwood (Travel) 07769 896902 114 Allerdale Hotel 01803 292667 15 hornsea Leisure Park 01964 535352 31 hornsea Leisure Park 01964 535352 55 Tyres E tyres 01904 360151 33 Venue Hire Haxby memorial Hall 764358 25 weddings Celebration Cakes 01937 831173 49 Blackwood Hall 07734 787831 49 Mia Sposa 625552 49 Simply Devine 01937 836068 49 The Old Lodge 01653 690570 49 Wedding Affair 0843 2898504 105 York Register Office 654477 49 will Writing JMD Associates UK 799282 23 Window Cleaning Claires Window Cleaning 07717 756431 114 Window/Door Repairs PVC Window Doctor 07732 822525 124 D.G.M.S Windows 479944 21 Eliments 08000 436005 12 Value Doors (York) 07943 867835 22 York Millenium Window 691122 8 Access All UPVC Repairs 410069 124 All Double Glazing Repairs 481148 118 DR Glazing 654274 124 Arrow Property Care 792731 122 Crystal Clear Home 720611 71 Newspan 0800 5873423 9 Quickslide Windows 653885 128 Square Deals Ltd 0800 7315435 2 TWS 0800 0280675 74 Window Solutions 07842 532133 122 York Trade Windows 541919 9 worktops Dales of Thirsk Ltd 01845 522523 72 Work Top Man 07891 858873 73

The classified listings is a free service offered to you by Your Local Link. Although every effort is made to ensure your information is correct we cannot be held responsible for any errors. Conditions of acceptance: All advertisements and editorial are subject to our standard terms and 109 conditions of acceptance which is available on request from Your Local Link Ltd.

aerials

trades&services