Your Local Link Magazine September 2011 by Your Local Link Ltd

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Welcome... It’s been like party central here at Your Local Link team this month. First of all, Kelly celebrated reaching the big 3-0. Just a small celebration, you understand; Kelly’s an understated kind of girl and not one to go over the top (yeah, right. She spent the best part of a week Googling exotic entertainers. And some of the guests at her party haven’t been seen since).

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Then, a couple of weeks ago, Tracy and Sarah braved the journey to Scarborough for our former colleague Shereen’s hen night. No ‘L’ plates or fairy wings for classy bird Shereen; she opted for a medieval theme. Yes, we thought it was a tad unusual, too; you don’t often see gangs of girls stumbling out of Revolution wearing wimples, do you? Anyway, due to timing problems, our dynamic duo ended up having to catch the train to Scarborough wearing their fancy dress costumes. They arrived

looking like a pair of extras from Spamalot, only to find Shereen had used the term ‘medieval’ very loosely in her own choice of costume. Now we’re no experts on the middle ages, but we’re pretty sure none of Chaucer’s pilgrims made the trip to Canterbury wearing a low cut pink minidress. This month also saw the birthdays of Jerry and Lee. Jerry tried to keep his quiet, but keeping a secret in this place is like trying to run a slimming club session in a cake shop. Lee very generously celebrated his own birthday by making his infamous Millionaires Shortbread and a very delicious Baileys and Butterscotch cheesecake. A bit more Baileys than Butterscotch, though, judging from the way Gini was weaving around the office... Claire has a celebration of her own this month, as her little girl Brooke goes to school for the first time.

Advertising: Gini, Tracy, Sarah, Mim, Emily, Kelly, Richard, Zoe, Lee & Avril Accounts: Helen & Claire Distribution: Dean, Jon, Ronnie Design: Rachel, Lisa & Jerry Editorial: Donna & Richard Publishers: Tracy Outram and Gini Guttery

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And she’s not the only one; this month hundreds of mums and dads around York will be waving their little ones off to school for the first time. See our Families section for tips on how to help them (and you!) cope. It’s not just Brooke going off to school; over the summer we’ve had some editorial help from local teacher Paul (you can see his piece on York’s food heroes in this month’s mag). What with Kelly’s exotic birthday entertainment and Sarah and Tracy’s wimples, his essay on ‘What I did on my holidays’ should be very entertaining...

Call: 01904 767881

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

Space booking, copy, cancellation and editorial deadline for the October edition is 9th September 2011 and 16th September 2011 for recruitment.

your competitions

Win family ticket to see

Win a hot-air balloon flight Zero Waste is offering our readers the chance to win a hot-air balloon flight over York to promote its new website. Check it out before you chuck it out; go to www.zerowasteyork.wordpress.com The website is packed full of ideas on how to keep York empty of rubbish. You can visit the site for tips on how to minimise the waste you produce. Besides the warm feeling you’ll get from doing your bit for the environment, you and a friend can win a hot-air balloon ride over York. To win this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer the following question: How many tonnes of waste are sent to landfill every year in North Yorkshire? (Clue – check out the home page of their website) Send your answer on a postcard to Zero Waste Competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday, September 23. Please include your name, address and phone number.

The Jungle Book

See Mowgli the man-cub, Baloo the bear, and Shere Khan the tiger, live on stage.

Book he has directed the bear, tiger and monkey characters.

Our friends at York’s Grand Opera House are offering our readers the opportunity to win a family ticket to see The Jungle Book on Tuesday, October 4, at 7pm plus a goody bag and a hard back copy of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale.

To win this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer the following question: Who created the animal movements in The Jungle Book?

The Jungle Book, made memorable by the 1960s Walt Disney film, is a magnificent adventure complete with new songs and magical fun for the whole family.

Send your answer on a postcard to The Jungle Book Competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday, September 23. Please include your name, address and phone number.

Top animal expert Peter Elliot, who choreographed the animal movements in the play, created and played the apes in hit films, including ‘Greystoke’, ‘Gorillas In The Mist’ and ‘Congo’. For The Jungle

n The Jungle Book, Grand Opera House, York, October 4 to October 8. Box office: 0844 847 2322.

the best of york

your competitions

Win a free photo-shoot worth £120 Pesphotography does weddings, events, sports (including equine action), family and pet portraits, product launches, landscapes, portfolios and website updates.

The digital photography specialist has a portable professional strobe flash and modelling studio with various backdrop styles for home, garden or office and event shoots. Its high-spec Nikon camera, with a large array of lenses, can cope with all situations and its digital darkroom makes the most of the acclaimed Adobe software. This means high quality professional photographs can be taken in the comfort of your own home or at the company’s fully-equipped office studio. For your chance to win a free photo-shoot worth £120 and a free 12” x 16” mounted print, simply answer this question: What make of camera does pesphotography use? Send your answer on a postcard to pesphotography competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday, September 23. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address to qualify for a 30% off voucher for a photo-shoot.

The way i see it

Tweet Tweet The ups and downs of life as seen by our very own Grumpy (very) Old (almost) Woman I’ve made a lot of new celebrity friends recently. I’ve chatted to Lord Sugar about the new woman on Dragon’s Den (scary!), sympathised with Jake Humphrey over the BBC’s reduced Formula One coverage, and even offered advice to Richard Madeley on what to do about his infected finger. I know Davina McCall is on holiday, that Kate Silverton’s just come back from holiday, and that Phillip Schofield recently spent some time trying to land a virtual space shuttle. How do I know all this? I’ve just joined Twitter. Up to this point, I’ve never been a big fan of social media. I’ve never felt the urge to sign up to Facebook (mainly because I can’t keep up with my real life friends, let alone my virtual ones, and also I don’t think the world would really be interested in hearing that I’m about to eat a bacon sandwich). But then Rachel our Studio Manager joined Twitter, so I decided to take the plunge and join too.

Earth-shattering The first tweet was a bit nerve racking. What do you say to the world in 140 characters or less? What earth shattering piece of wisdom should you impart to the universe? But then I realised that only Rachel was actually listening to me so I put something random about having to wait for the Number 1 bus (my favourite ranting topic,

next to the difficulties of internet shopping when Verisign refuses to acknowledge the password they gave you ten minutes earlier no, don’t get me started).

“I don’t think the world would really be interested in hearing that I’m about to eat a bacon sandwich” For a while it was a bit tedious, as we were the only ones following each other. What made it even more pointless was the fact that we sit about three feet apart. We went through a bizarre stage of tweeting each other, then turning round in our seats to tell each other we’d tweeted, whereupon the other person would have to log on to their account to see what we’d said. And since most of the time we’d already told each other what we wanted to say, it was all a bit redundant really.

Celebrities But then we discovered celebrities. They’re all out there, tweeting away as pointlessly as we were about their day. Rachel and I started

the travel agent’s tour operator

stalking celebs on a large scale. We tracked Peter Andre, Cheryl Cole and Jonathan Ross. I followed Donny Osmond (and not for the first time – all I can say is, thank God they didn’t have restraining orders in the 70s). We even launched a competition to see who could get a famous person to follow them instead. I won this, although quite what Michael McIntyre makes of my rants about the Number 1 bus I have no idea. At any rate, it was a powerful feeling to know what Jimmy Carr was having for his tea, or what time Richard Madeley went to bed. “Stephen Fry’s in the checkout at Waitrose,” I told my husband. “So?” he said. “So...it’s interesting.” “Is it? Let’s face it, it’s hardly interesting when we’re in Waitrose, let alone a minor celeb.” He had a point. I really didn’t need to know what Justin Bieber and Britney Spears were up to every minute of the day. Any more than the world needed to know I’d waited ten minutes longer than usual for the Number 1 bus. So I’ve been scaling back my Twitter activities ever since, although you can still find me @ donnahay1 if you’re interested. We could always swap bus stories...

Learn vital skills to clinch that job Pitman Training in York offers a large range of courses designed to give you the skills needed to get that job, return to work, or gain promotion. It adds value to its courses – thanks to its links with York's top recruitment agencies. A spokesman says: “We have our finger on York's business pulse. When you are ready, we can introduce you to our recruitment partners. We can advise on your CV, talk you through the work areas best suited to your skills, and much more.” The company offers self-paced training at its best. You follow the audio while using your workbook at the PC and Pitman provides skilled people to help you should you need it. Pitman Training began with Pitman Shorthand in the 1870s when Sir Isaac set up a number of training centres. He would have been proud of today's Pitman, helping people to get the skills demanded by today's employers. n Call 624260 for a free taster session.

Totally Surfing Around York Where can you go surfing? Soon the answer will be every library in York. Instead of closing any libraries, the council’s opening up all sorts of possibilities: customers can relax with free Wi-Fi in a trendy café or borrow books quickly with automated self-checkout. The visionary revamping plan to transform all 14 libraries across the city to “Explore Centres” has been rolling along nicely and is set to celebrate completion by mid-autumn. Counsellor Sonja Crisp said: “Libraries are in the heart of our communities and play an integral part in helping residents to communicate, discover and learn new or old things and connect with friends.” To allow for improvements some libraries will close briefly over the next two months. n For details of closures please visit www.york.gov.uk/libraries.

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

Horoscopes September 2011

ARIES (21st March - 19th April)

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

LEO (23th July - 23rd August) Chasing the dream is great but running after the illusion is stupid – so make sure you know which is which! In all things domestic, if other people are arguing, steer well clear and let them get on with it. Trust your own judgement and follow your own lead. Make the most of a romantic opportunity on the 11th.

SAGITTARIUS

TAURUS (20th April - 20th May) You need to find some new solutions to old problems and a member of the opposite sex will be very useful in helping you achieve this goal. Finances fluid but improving providing you don’t succumb to the temptation of impulse buys, just to boost your ego.

VIRGO (24th August - 22nd September)

CAPRICORN (22nd December - 19th January) A tough month made more difficult by other people’s lack of understanding. Without losing your temper you need to be more open with you innermost thoughts and desires… and understand that other people have needs that do not always coincide with your own priorities.

GEMINI

(21st May - 20th June) Even the best laid plans can sometimes go wrong so be flexible with your plans and don’t be afraid to change schedules. An older person’s health will cause some concern. There’s a feeling of unity and pulling together in relationships which should make life easier. Romance quite vibrant for the unattached.

LIBRA (23rd September - 22nd October) You feel the need to be free, but find it hard to break with tradition. The kind of freedom you’re looking for is something money can’t buy, so you must employ different rules and tactics. A member of the opposite sex represents temptation.

AQUARIUS (20th January - 18th February)

CANCER

SCORPIO (23rd October - 21st November)

PISCES (19th February - 20th March)

Not a good month for burning boats or blowing up bridges. Make sure you’ve got an escape route and a plan “B”. Someone will be trying to blame you for their mistakes. Don’t accept this. Fight back and make it perfectly clear that if someone’s kicked over the bucket you’re not going to carry the can.

When is a friendship more than a friendship and when does an affair become a serious relationship? An exciting month as you find the answers to these critical questions. A sexy month then? Oh yes, absolutely – but also a very serious one in which some very important issues are discussed and decided upon.

Busy time with clubs, committees and all sporting and social interests. Legal aspects may take up your time, especially on the 8th, 10th and 18th. This is definitely a month for fighting for your rights and there should be some interesting links and possibly some conflict with people born under the star sign of Leo.

(21st June - 22nd July) Journeys and reunions auger well for new business initiatives and lead to greater fiscal solvency. Children cause problems through their stubbornness and determination to do things their own way. If they’re under 16, you’ve still got a chance to exert some influence.

However difficult, you need to be patient, find the middle ground and make compromises. Small sacrifices made now lead to major gains and victories a little later on. This is applicable across the board – finances, ambitions, relationships. Travel aspects look interesting.

OUR OPENING HOURS

(22nd November - 21st December) You may have to bite your lip and get a better grip on your emotions this month, especially in the face of unexpected changes to domestic schedules and travel plans needing to be altered. Quite a lot of pressure on the work front and probably some very unfair criticism.

You’re looking at making some big decisions and because they will have far reaching consequences, don’t rush into making them but take your time and weigh up all the pros and cons. Put off making major purchases and avoid all aspects of gambling.

Shop clocks up successful first year

Time Out has been repairing clocks of all shapes and sizes in its first year of trading – thanks to Your Local Link. The shop has been offering a free estimate on watch and clock repairs to customers that produce the Time Out advert published in York’s biggest magazine. Owner Shazad says: “We’ve had a fantastic response for clock repairs from our Your Local Link adverts. We’ve had some stunning antique clocks brought in, ranging in size from small carriage clocks to long case grandfather clocks. “It’s very satisfying to return a clock that we’ve restored. As well as repairing the mechanism, we use a cabinet-maker to restore the casings.” Time Out also sells designer watches for men, women and children, stocking popular brands such as Storm, Casio, Skagen and Timex. The shop, opposite Barnitts in Colliergate, York, is open between 10am and 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 11.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays. Tel: 626949.

BOOK REVIEWS Mystery & History Lee Child recently won a Crime Writers Award for his creation, the enigmatic wanderer Jack Reacher. In his latest novel, The Affair, Child turns back the clock to 1997. Reacher, still a major in the military police, is sent undercover to investigate the murder of a Mississippi woman. He ends up uncovering a host of secrets that make him question his whole career. Could this be his last case in uniform? Janet Evanovich built her career on the antics of wise-cracking New Jersey heroine Stephanie Plum (by the way, when is that movie version of One For The Money coming out?). Now, in Wicked Appetite, she takes a big jump on to the Twilight bandwagon with her brand new heroine, Elizabeth Tucker. The unlucky in love bakery worker just happens to be descended from witches. Which comes in handy when not one but two rather gorgeous men show up on her doorstep. Wulf wants her supernatural abilities, and Diesel wants to stop him. Can Lizzy stay ahead of them both?

Bernard Cornwell made his name as the master of historical fiction with his iconic Sharpe series. Now, in Death of Kings, he presents the story of King Alfred and the making of a nation. As the ninth century wanes, King Alfred is dying and his passing threatens the island of Britain to renewed warfare. Alfred wants his son, Edward, to succeed him but there are other Saxon claimants to the throne as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north. It’s a dramatic story of the power of tribal commitment and the terrible difficulties of divided loyalties. From acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Chadwick comes another historical masterpiece, To Defy A King. It’s a story of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel. The privileged daughter of one of the most powerful men in England, Mahelt Marshal’s life changes dramatically when her father is suspected of treachery by King John. The winner of the RNA Historical Novel Award 2011, To Defy A King is historical fiction at its finest.

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OUR CHOICE Got an all-time favourite book? Why not tell us about it? Email info@yourlocallink. co.uk or write to us at the address on page 5. Mark your messages ‘Favourite book’. This month it’s the choice of our Studio Manager Rachel: “I love The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella. They are the perfect holiday read, funny and not too demanding. And the heroine, Becky, is just like me!”

Quality Antique Furniture & Decorative Items Very Large Showrooms We Buy As Well As Sell Also Antique Furniture Open 7 Days Restoration Antique Furniture, Bays and Cabinets to Let

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Labyrinth author Kate Mosse returns to explore the incredible history, legends and hidden secrets of Carcassone and the Languedoc in her new novel, Citadel. Set during World War II in the far south of France, Citadel tells the daring and courageous story of the French resistance, of lives risked for beliefs and of astonishing secrets buried in time.

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with York author

Dancing... with baldric

Morris dancers will be gathering in York this month to celebrate traditional dance. It started life as a 40th birthday bash for Morris dancer Paul Sanderson in 1985. About seven Morris sides came to York for a weekend of dancing and drinking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after all it was a birthday bash! The first official festival took place a year later in 1986 and has taken place in York every year since. It has attracted sides specialising in the different styles of dance: the stick and hanky Morris of the Cotswolds; the large clog-stepping sides of the North West; the intricate weaving Yorkshire Longsword; the country-dance like East Anglian Molly; the bizarre costumes and disguises of Welsh border Morris; and the swift interlacing of Northumbrian Rapper Sword. York Festival of Traditional Dance (3 & 4 Sept) The Saturday begins at 10.30am with a dance procession from the Guildhall to Parliament Street, before the teams separate to dance at different city centre locations before a final grand show in front of dignitaries at St Sampsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square at 3.30pm. The dancing continues on Sunday, from 11am to 1pm, before the dancers disperse.

Hip, hip hooray!

York grandfather Bryan Shearsmith, aged 70, has osteoarthritis in his hip and hands, yet he is determined not to allow the medical condition to hamper him.

The keen sportsman, who attended St Peter’s School, York, has played more than 1,000 games of rugby and competed as a sprinter in the World Veterans Athletics Championships, winning a gold medal in the 4x400m relay in 1999, and silver medals in the 4 x 100m sprints relay in 1997 and 1999. Bryan first noticed something was wrong with his joints in 2005; many years of athletics and a long competitive rugby career had taken their toll on his body. Bryan continued to compete in athletic events to win medals for each of his two grandchildren, Josh and Rebecca, which he has had specially engraved for them. It was not until 2007 that the pain in his joints became bad enough for him to seek medical advice. His doctor diagnosed osteoarthritis and referred him to a specialist. In 2009, within four weeks of a hip replacement operation, Bryan started training for the 2011 British Masters Indoor Championships in London. He won a silver medal in the 200m sprint which he engraved and dedicated to Sophie, his third grandchild. He followed that success by winning two silver

medals, for the 100m and 200m sprints, in the British Masters Athletic Federation championships at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium in June. Bryan, a part-time housing surveyor, refuses to let osteoarthritis pain blight his life. Before his hip replacement, he used sports massage and had physiotherapy to help keep his joints moving. He has also used ultrasound to ease the pain. He is still a keen runner and on days when his osteoarthritis pain becomes more acute, especially in his hands, he takes over-the-counter medication to manage it. Bryan says: “As soon as I realised that osteoarthritis and the pain it was causing me was hampering my life, I knew that I had to talk to my doctor. I’m extremely glad that I did – the treatment I received has allowed me to manage my osteoarthritis and the pain it causes me, and helped me to get on with my life. I’m still able to work, take part in hobbies like running, and I’m an active grandparent to my three grandchildren.”

Go to your GP Some people with osteoarthritis are reluctant to visit their doctor as they think there are no other options to help them control their pain. Or they simply don’t want to make a fuss. But the message from Arthritis Care, the charity that brought the mobile Osteoarthritis Pain Information Point to York, is simple – go to your GP.

Bryan Shearsmith practises his sprint starts at Huntington Stadium, York

York to host national championship York City Scout Trust will be hosting next year’s National Scout Car Races. The invitation came after Dringhouses Scout Group won nine trophies at this year’s event, held in Blackpool, to add to the 11 they won in Manchester last year. The national championship consists of sprint races followed by a Grand Prix when the competitors, driving pedal cars, have to do as many laps as possible in 30 minutes. Dringhouses fielded a team of 13 boys and girls in Blackpool. Now, with other Scout groups in York, they are preparing to host next year’s event at Rufforth Airfield on July 7th. Dringhouses Scout leader Steven Popple says: “It will cost about £5,000 to stage the event, which is expected to attract more than 400 competitors. We are seeking sponsorship to help us meet the costs.” n If you can help, email stevenpopple@gmail.com

Museum’s spectacular find A gold ring with a huge sapphire has been purchased by the Yorkshire Museum in York for £35,000. It is the second known use of a sapphire in jewellery found in the country, the first being a fifth century Roman example. The ring, which could date from the seventh century, was found by Michael Greenhorn, of York & District Metal Detecting Club, in April 2009 and was declared treasure. Natalie McCaul, the museum’s assistant curator of archaeology, says: “This is a spectacular find. But what is most intriguing for us is nothing like this has ever been found before in this country, which makes it incredibly difficult to date.” The Yorkshire Museum has raised £35,000 to buy the ring and put it on display. It received £10,000 grants from the Art Fund, the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Headley Trust plus £1,000 from the York Philosophical Society.

the best of york

Enter the Boning up Dragon’s Den on York’s Roman history The skeletons were uncovered by archaeologists at Driffield Terrace, York, between 2004 and 2005. Eighty burials were excavated at the site, which was part of a cemetery on the outskirts of the Roman town of Eboracum. New evidence last summer highlighted unusual marks on the skeletons, including possible ‘bite marks’ from large carnivorous animals, suggesting the skeletons could be the remains of gladiators who lived and fought in Eboracum. Opinion remains divided, and research has continued into the origins of the Driffield Terrace skeletons. The latest research by Malin Holst and Anwen Caffell, of York Osteoarchaeology Ltd, reviews the injuries, illnesses and ages of selected skeletons.

The people of York can get up close to six skeletons that could be the remains of Roman gladiators. York Archaeological Trust is inviting people to see the skeletons for themselves and have their say in the ‘Were they gladiators?’ debate. The trust has transformed a former shop in York city centre into an exhibition space to showcase the skeletons and other burial objects alongside the latest research findings. The premises at 10 Coppergate will host the display until October 30th.

Sarah Maltby, the trust’s Director of Attractions, says: “Further analysis on the Driffield Terrace skeletons is telling us more about their lives - and their deaths. Arguments continue as to whether they were trained fighters, soldiers who died in battle, whether they were executed or whether the unusual aspects of their burial reflect a group with unusual religious views. “We wanted to offer people the chance to come and see the skeletons for themselves, to review the findings of this latest research and to draw their own conclusions.” Ticket holders to the Jorvik Viking Centre, Barley Hall and DIG! can see the gladiator exhibition for free; otherwise, admission charges apply.

Are you an entrepreneur looking for private equity funding? Yorkshire Association of Business Angels is holding a Dragon’s Den-style Investment Forum on 20th September from 5.45 – 10pm. Up to ten entrepreneurs will be invited to introduce their business proposal to an audience of business angel members, associate members and intermediaries from the professional community. The evening will begin with refreshments and networking followed by welcome speeches by YABA Director, Andrew Burton, and the meeting sponsor Irwin Mitchell. Each of the ten selected companies seeking finance will present their proposal and will be given the opportunity to exhibit their company services/products during the networking and buffet. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.yaba.org. uk/events/investment-forums/91/ investment-forum-20-09-2010.

the best of york

Laser therapy for hair loss Hair loss and hair thinning is a distressing condition that can affect women as well as men. But now there is an answer, right on our doorstep. The York Laser Clinic in Nether Poppleton uses breakthrough hair loss therapy which not only stops hair loss, but may be able to reverse its course. This is how it works: lasers stimulate cellular metabolism while dramatically increasing circulation. Clinical studies have proven a 54% increase in circulation. Increased cellular metabolism and circulation is necessary to heal or restore damaged hair follicle cells. The clinic exclusively uses some of the world’s finest laser systems, from Luminary Industries, which are designed to provide you with safe and powerful treatments available. The clinic says it’s the only non drug/medication approved treatment for hair growth. Best of all, it’s pain-free, surgery-free and has no side effects. The results speak for themselves. The technique offers proven hair growth of 19 new terminal hairs per square cm; a 25% increase in volume (thickness) from improved hair shaft quality, and a 78% increase in hair tensile strength. York Laser Clinic also offers a short, intensive course for anyone wishing to improve hair strength, quality, thickness and the overall condition of their hair. n To arrange a free, no obligation consultation and hair check, call York Laser Clinic on 520115. Visit www.yorklaserclinic.co.uk.

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Sign up for music lessons After illustrating a number of books, including ‘The Mice of Nibbling Village’ and ‘Mouse Mischief’ by Margaret Greaves and Rumer Godden’s ‘Mouse Time’, Jane stepped out of the limelight to spend more time with her family. Last year though, while sorting her drawings, she thought about exhibiting them and approached the National Trust who invited her to be artist-inresidence at Nunnington Hall. Her work, both old and new, is now on display there until September 18th. ‘The Mice of Nibbling Village’, which has been reprinted to coincide with the exhibition, can be purchased at National Trust shops and book signings have been planned at Nunnington Hall, Beningbrough Hall, near York, and the Treasurer’s House in York.

Princess Diana Nunnington Hall, the National Trust property near York, is relaunching the career of one of Princess Diana’s favourite illustrators. Jane Pinkney, famous for her mouse illustrations, was once described in the 1980s by the national press as the next Beatrix Potter.

Jane Pinkney’s most famous client was Princess Diana, who fell in love with an illustration for ‘Mouse Mischief’. “I was selling my book at Burghley Horse Trails,” says Jane. “Princess Diana came to my stall. She was very taken with a print from the book. I offered it to her as a gift but she insisted on paying for it and had to borrow £5 from her security guard as she wasn’t carrying money. I still have the £5 note.”

n For more details, call 01439 748283 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A not-for-profit organisation has been launched to fill the gap created by cuts to music lessons in York schools. York Music Service Ltd has signed up 12 tutors that used to work for City of York Council. It has already attracted more than 100 pupils, aged between eight and 18, who will have music lessons during the normal school day, playing instruments either individually or in groups. It is also offering adults the chance to perform music during evening sessions at Canon Lee School, a specialist arts college at Rawcliffe Drive, York. York Music Service Ltd was set up by co-directors Derek Warley and Alison Goffin. They say: “We want to provide the chance for anyone, of any age, to learn to play a musical instrument, or to improve their existing skills, and to make music with others. “We want everyone to be able to experience the benefits of playing a musical instrument. These include social skills, concentration, self-discipline, self-esteem and creativity. We also want them to have fun.” If you are interested in signing up for music lessons, or want to give your children the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument, go to www.yorkmusicservice. co.uk

Charity champions Remember last month we told you about Todd’s Torpedos coming out top in the recent Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge? Well, we’ve since heard of another team that deserves a mention, too. Noah’s Roahs, representing local construction company Yorkon Ltd, scooped the event’s special prize for raising the most money for charity. The team handed over a record-breaking cheque for £4,600 to York Rotary. Noah’s Roahs raised the money for the ICU unit at York Hospital and Meningitis UK after a colleague died from the disease several years ago. As well as putting up a great fight in the Dragon Boat races, the Yorkon heroes raised money with a secondhand book sale, a tuck shop, raffles, a barbeque, with food donated from Tesco’s, and even a retirement party!

Boost for archives project Plans to make York’s world-class city archives more accessible have attracted £107,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The ‘Gateway to History’ project will transform the first floor of York Explore Library Learning Centre into a purpose-built home for the city’s archives and local history collection. The decision is also a boost to York’s plans to mark its 800th anniversary as a selfgoverning city in 2012. The lottery grant will pay for the detailed planning work required by the HLF before it decides in March 2012 whether or not to award the £1.2 million required to make the project a reality. City of York Council is arranging workshops to enable residents to tell the project team how they would like the new archive to work for them. You can also email your comments to gatewaytohistory@york.gov.uk

Join

the

club

You might get a kick out of this

York’s oldest and friendliest Judo Club is looking to welcome new members to its Saturday training sessions. Based in Dringhouses, on Old Priory Judo club runs dedicated classes for Juniors (5 - 18 yrs) Saturdays at 9.30am, and Adult and Junior classes on Saturdays from 1230pm. All ability levels are welcome to come and train. 4224 n For more information, contact Josh or Maria on 0750547 or email oldprioryjudoclub@gmail.com

Baton twirling York First Majorettes are looking to expand the size of their team after moving into larger premises. Girls aged five and upwards are welcome to join, and will learn pom-poms and dance, baton twirling, mace work and marching. The troupe meets at Poppleton Road Memorial Hall, Oak Street, off Poppleton Road, Holgate, York, every Monday, between 5pm and 7pm, from September 5. n For details, call Paula on 785505 or go to www.yorkfirst.co.nr

Make new friends Ladies, are you looking for a way to socialise and make new friends? Then join the Townswomen’s Guild. There are four Guilds in York: Acomb, Central York, Dringhouses and Fulford. They all offer a friendly welcome and support good causes. They have monthly afternoon meetings where there is usually a speaker, outings and quizzes. n For details, call Jo on 798694 or email js5645@yahoo.co.uk

Map and compass Orienteering is a great sport for all ages. Eborienteers, York’s orienteering club, wants to intro duce more people to the sport. Members meet on Mondays, 6pm to 7.15pm, at Acomb Primary School, Holgate, York YO24 4ES, to improve their orienteering skills and fitness as well as take part in races in nearby West Park and Hob Moor. n For more details, go to http ://eborienteers.org.uk

Brushstrokes New members are welcome to join a small, friendly, mixed and collaborative group of deve loping watercolour painters. Evening sessions, run on Mondays from 7.15pm to 9.30pm, and normally start with a short video tutorial. There are occasional visiting tutors. Meetings are held in Dunnington. The next meeting is on September 5th. n For details, contact Steve, syet ha08@mac.com (Tel: 706715) or Keith, keith.rowlin g@virgin.net (Tel: 488900).

Come and dance

dancing team The Minster Mixed (male and female) Morris - no experience necessary bers mem new Strays are seeking practice season. They - to join them at the start of the new rnton-le-Clay, north of meet on Monday evenings in Tho ing a free “taster” session hold ’re York, just off the A64. They ers and musicians are danc New 5. er on Monday, Septemb always welcome. 57 or 415443 n For more details call York 4141

Does your club or group need new members? Or maybe you have some news you’d like to share. If so, get in touch with us. Write to us at the address of page five, or email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk. Mark your message ‘Club News’.

Have a go at brass band music

Do you fancy having a go at blow

ing your own trumpet?

If so, then make your way to Clem ents Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York , on Saturday, October 1, for a begi nners band recruitment drive and concert. The free-of-charge even t, which starts at 5pm, is being held by York RI Golden Rail Band to promote its newly-formed beginner s band. The have-a-go session is aime d at anyone of any skill level or age to try out a brass instrument. n For more details, call Nich olas Eastwood on 07774 030502 .

oup Arthritis support gr

g at York Explore (the port Group is meetin to A new Arthritis Care Sup ber 24, from 10.30am y) on Saturday, Septem a guest to former Central Librar en list es, enc eri h arthritis, share exp noon. Meet others wit et monthly. pa. This group will me cup a e speaker and hav ie on 629747 n For details, call Jul

Sing movie songs After an extraordinar y performance at York’s Grand Opera House, Prima Vocal Ensemble is now ope n to new members. Be part of their next show, ‘Saturday Night Fever - York’s Celebration of Film Music’ at York’s Rowntree Thea tre on November 26. Ever yone welcome; no auditions required . Evening and lunchtime rehearsa ls available. n For more details, visit www .pri

mavocalensemble.co.uk

Wanted: photographers

New Earswick Camera Club, founded in 1949, is looking for new members who want to improve their photography. The club meets each Thursday, at 7.30pm, in the Quaker Meeting Rooms from midSeptember to the end of April. The venue is located behind New Earswick Folk Hall’s car park. n For details, call club secretary Peter Thompson on 424104.

ASK THE EXPERT

with sUZIE BOGLE MA, FCIPD, FCMI

I overheard my employees talking about an advert they’d seen on TV. It was for a payday loan company. I am worried that my employees might think that this is a good idea for them - I know that the interest rates on these loans are over 4000% APR. As an employer is there anything I can do to help? Yes, you can help them. As an employer you have the facility to enable payday loan from your own payroll. How it works is a cash advance is set up from you as the employer based on the fact that your employee will be working for you up until the usual payday. You can either recover the money in that payroll run or you can arrange with the employee to set out a number of interest-free repayments. To protect yourself and your company’s money it is important to put the arrangement in writing with the employee. Make sure that all your employees know that you are not just going to give this to everyone who asks - you are going to carefully consider that employee’s individual and work circumstances before agreeing to the arrangement. The risk is that the employee leaves before they pay back all the money. If your Employee Handbook and policies are written well you will be able to reclaim any outstanding money in the final payment and if this does not cover it, proceed to recover the debt from the ex-employee. One of my employees has come to me and told me that another of my employees has said some nasty things about them on Facebook and arranged a night out with everyone else in the team and didn’t invite them. As the employer, what is my responsibility for handling a situation like this? I’m sorry that this had happened to one of your employees. Cyber bullying and breakdowns of work relationships like this can be very harmful to the individual and damage motivation in teams. Firstly, I would ask your employee for copies of all the relevant posts in Facebook and any other e-mails that he considers to be abusive. It is important that he names those offending so that you can properly investigate the situation. You will need to fully investigate with all the named employees - if additional evidence is required from other employees’ Facebook accounts, you should ask for these as well. What is considered to be harassment under the Equality Act 2010 can be generally described as activity which has the purpose or effect of violating another person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person. It may also be necessary to suspend the employee(s) responsible for the activity during the course of the investigation. Your employees may say that the posts were written out of work time and had nothing to do with work. However, this would be a shaky defence, if it becomes clear that the event was only employees whether the posts were made in work time or not should be considered irrelevant. Your company could be held liable for these employees actions. It would be sensible to obtain specialist advice to ensure that you proceed correctly and take action which is appropriate to the circumstances. How can you prevent this happening in the future? It’ll be important to clearly define to your employees what is appropriate behaviour in “cyberspace”, particularly what posted on social media sites either about other employees or the company itself.

£15

These answers are general in nature and are not intended to substitute for specific expert advice.

Suzie Bogle MA, FCIPD, FCMI Managing Consultant of Breathing Space providing practical and effective HR support and consultancy for small and medium sized businesses in Yorkshire. If your business needs help with staffing or HR, we are here to help. Email suzie.bogle@breathingspacehr.co.uk or call 0113 386 9270 21

Ahh, autumn. The leaves are falling. The kids are studying. And just about everyone ought to be eating. September is certainly a time to relish living in York, glorious York. Yes, our city has become synonymous with fine, homemade food. Whether you are a talented chef or just someone gifted with a great appetite, if you live in York you’ve got a lot on your plate this month. Feeding Frenzy For starters, The Food and Drink Festival’s back on, which over ten days (16th-25th September) pays tribute to our heroic local and regional food producers. Expect a nationwide flock of up to 150,000 culinary enthusiasts, wine sippers and treat seekers. They come not only to feast on all the edible delights

featured in multiple markets, but also to learn the tricks of the taste trade with upwards of eighty cooking demonstrations, numerous nutrition tutorials and “hands-on” cuisine creation classes (even some catering to children).

all year round. Some of our local establishments are always hungry to provide edible perfection. Here are a few reliable eateries which take pride when you tuck in—and they all have fulfilling stories of how they’ve evolved over the years.

There is also the excitement of where you’re being served: enjoy the special ambience of various style restaurants or even experience personalised hospitality in people’s homes with “Dine at My Table” (without that voiceover guy making cheeky comments). Our Local Heroes, My How They’ve Grown So what happens after September, when the Festival plates are packed away? Luckily, high quality, home grown food can be found in York

From Sowers to Shop Owners The Farmer’s Cart, York It’s not easy to find an exceptional meal for two, but a much taller order to combine quality cuisine with entertaining the kids for a day. Look no further than The Farmer’s Cart, which has developed from a small agricultural enterprise into a total family attraction: a mecca for great grub, animals, trains and tractors. Up until 2002, Geoff and Margaret Sykes had dedicated their lives to the

land—152 acres to be exact—but trying times created a need for a new venture. Thus, their farm shop and café was born. Since then, it’s really blossomed. They’ve extended their space and won numerous food awards. What was once a place of peaceful pig farming is often now an exuberant world of touring students. Then there’s such special occasions as Halloween, when amongst the usual furry friends, shaking ghosts and cackling witches make it their

stomping ground. Such a fairytale success story: filled with fun and great food—from bouncy slides to choice bacon.

ASK THE EXPERT with simon crack

Early Challenges

From Landowner to Landlord The Bay Tree, Stillington Have you ever wondered where your next meal is coming from? There’s no need to worry if you are sitting in the welcoming surroundings of the Bay Tree. Owner John Sparrow is proud to tell you. His business has certainly grown since he took over his family’s farm. He now owns 320 acres, almost four times the amount of land as he did when he finished college, and he tends a total of 1250. Then his expansion went from the land to something great indoors. He bought the Bay Tree pub/restaurant and has since transformed it into a rare (or well-done, if you like) treat. So whether you order free-range chicken, dry-cured gammon, or an awe-inspiring Aberdeen Angus steak, you can always expect it delivered with a lot of love, very full and fresh from the farm.

From Megastores to Breadmaker Food for Thought Bakery and Delicatessen, The Village, Haxby If you’ve never given much thought to what type of bread you butter, this

place could make you change your tune. These days it’s not the norm that baking a loaf is treated like making a work of art. But here is Food for Thought. A bakery and delicatessen that’s the confection of one former music store manager’s fantasy: to create a business akin to a bread studio. Once upon a time, Phil Clayton’s vocation was to move music for Virgin Megastores. Travelling across the country, he was repeatedly unimpressed with what bread was on offer. So he decided to bake his own. With his soaring standards for only the loveliest loaves (without the usual additives) he’s methodically raised the bar for what bread and other baked goods can be. Perhaps his proudest moment has been winning a contract to supply the farm shop at Castle Howard. But wherever you taste Phil’s bread it may take you back in time—to the gorgeous floury food you got when you were a kid. Thank goodness he left the music behind.

Setting up your own business throws up daily challenges. There can be many pitfalls for the unwary but most of these can be avoided by adopting a sensible approach backed up by good, professional advice.

Q. I’m about to open an account with a new supplier and they have given me their terms of business which they say are ‘standard’. They seem decent people and I haven’t got much time so I’m just going to sign them. Does that sound ok? Be very careful. Supplier’s terms of business can vary significantly. Never just sign such paperwork unless you are absolutely confident that it contains nothing that could come back to bite you in the future if things go wrong. The content of this sort of paperwork can often seem quite daunting and intimidating and sometimes is written in what appears to be fluent ‘legalese’. Try not to be put off - read it through properly. Don’t feel pressurised into signing up as soon as you are handed it. It is far more prudent to take it away with you and look at it in your own time. With the best will in the world, things can sometimes go wrong in business. It is often at that point that people have their first proper read through their supplier’s agreement and get a nasty shock. Bear in mind that the law does not give the same level of legal protection to businesses as it does to consumers. Some of these problems can be avoided by making sure that you fully understand what you are signing up for and, if necessary, negotiating better or amended terms. It’s important to read the whole document as it is likely that all of it will have some relevance. Having said that, particular points to note include terms of payment, the circumstances in which the supplier could refuse to continue to supply you and/or could seek to recover the products from you, interest charged on late payments and ultimate liability for payment. In other words, if you are trading as a limited company are you providing a personal guarantee?

Q. I’ve read the agreement and I don’t understand some of it and am not happy with other parts. The suppliers say that their terms are ‘non-negotiable’. I haven’t really got time to argue about this - shall I just press on? Hang on! Are the terms that you’re not happy with really nonnegotiable? In business practice, most things can be negotiated. Ask if you can speak to someone in authority at the suppliers and set out the issues in a clear and straightforward way. Ultimately, you are their potential customer and they want your business. If they are dismissive of your concerns or are not prepared to explain their terms, are they really people who you want to do business with anyway? If the relationship with the potential supplier is particularly important or the agreement terms seem quite complicated or potentially onerous consider asking a solicitor to look it over for you and offer some advice.

Simon Crack is a partner at York-based law firm Hethertons. Hethertons, based at Rougier Street, provides the full range of legal services to businesses and individuals in the York area.

7-9 Rougier Street, York, YO1 6HZ. Tel: 01904 625 327 www.hethertons.co.uk; email: bsu@hethertons.co.uk 23

SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS

Dawn Hunter may have MS, but her sheer determination is an inspiration to us all. We met the woman who refuses to let disability get her down “I got out of bed and slowly slid to the floor,” she says. “I couldn't walk or move my legs.” Her GP sent her to the hospital for steroids. “By the time I reached A & E I was staggering around as if I was drunk. I remember being laid on the bed and the doctor took a pen and scraped it up the ball of my foot. I didn't feel a thing. I knew from the way they all looked at each other that it was bad news.”

Dawn Hunter has always been ambitious. As a teacher, her aim was to become a deputy head by the time she was thirty. After spotting an opportunity in the world of educational recruitment, she worked with FTSE 100 company Capita in

London before returning home to York to launch her own business as an HR consultant. But life as she knew it came to an end in 2004 when she woke up with pins and needles in her legs.

It took 11 months for Dawn to learn to walk again. “The doctors suspected a condition called Transverse Myelitis, and told me if I didn’t have another attack in a year I would be in the clear. I started to pull myself round, went back to work part time and landed a big contract with Nestle. But eleven months after that first attack, I was back in hospital paralysed again.”

It turned out Dawn was suffering from relapsing and remitting Multiple Sclerosis, a particularly cruel form of the illness which causes sufferers to become ill and then partially recover, only to strike again weeks, months or years later. Over the next three years, she became ill three more times, and each time she had to begin the long, difficult process of learning to walk all over again. “At one point I lost the use of my arms and the side of my face as well as being unable to walk.”

“I spent what should have been our wedding day paralysed in bed, wearing my wedding shoes!”

Business Diary...

Federation of Small Businesses York Branch meets on the third Monday of each month. n Call Christine on 629777.

York Professionals For information on forthcoming events, visit www.yorkprofessionals.co.uk/events/

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce 7 September Business Lunch with David d’Souza of CPP, Quarks Restuarant, Siwards Way, University of York. 12 noon – 2pm.

WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) York Branch meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month. Visit www.wireuk.org or email at yorkwire@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

13 September Pure Networking, Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthorpe Road YO23 2GB. 7.30 – 9am. 20 September The Chamber at York Food festival, Grazing Cafe, Parliament Street. 6 – 8pm. 27 September York Property Forum, The Royal York Hotel, Station Road YO24 1AA. 5 – 7pm. 29 September Ladies Lunch, Burn Hall Hotel, Tollerton Road YO61 1JB. 12 noon – 2pm. n Call 567838 for information 24

Determined

Women’s Business Clubs 6th September York Premier Club, The Grange Hotel, Clifton. 10am – 12noon. Visit www. thewomensbusinessclubs.com/ york-premier-club.html n If you have a business networking event coming up, email details to info@yourlocallink.co.uk

But Dawn was determined that MS wasn’t going to defeat her. Before her illness, she became a Slimming World consultant, running two groups of her own in York and helping out with several others. “It was very important to me to be successful in whatever I did, even if it was on a smaller scale,” she says. “I won two gold awards and was ranked 16th out of more than 5,000 groups in the country. Even when I was ill, I still tried to keep my groups going with the help of other consultants. Half the nurses in the hospital were members, so they would pop up to see me!”

Indomitable spirit She also retrained as a business coach. “I had to think about what I was going to do if only my brain worked and my body didn’t. I enjoyed motivating people to achieve success, and I thought with telephone coaching I could wear a headset and no one would need to know that I was in bed or had five carers coming in every day. I was just so desperate to continue being useful and achieving something in my life.” But fate had a final cruel twist in store for her. In September 2008, four weeks before she was due to get married, Dawn became ill again. “We didn’t get married in Las Vegas or honeymoon in Hawaii as we’d planned. I spent what should have

been our wedding day paralysed in bed, wearing my wedding shoes!” Dawn has been confined to a wheelchair ever since. But still her indomitable spirit refuses to allow her to give up. Earlier this year, she became an independent Stampin’ Up demonstrator, selling high quality papercraft products and holding craft parties and classes in her own home. “I love it,” she says. “It brings together all my business and teaching skills, and it’s wonderful to see people creating beautiful things and having a great time.” Now she is keen to help other people start their own Stampin’ Up business. “Whether someone is looking for a small business to run from home, or they want to build it up into something bigger, I would love to be able to help and encourage them,” she says. “I have come to terms with the fact that I’ll never make it to the top, but I can still achieve success on my own terms.” n If you’d like Dawn to host a Stampin’ Up party for you in her home, you’d like to come to one of her classes or you’re interested in starting up your own business, visit www.theluxuryinkpad.co.uk

Ask the Expert...

investments advice with julie wilson

Swings and Roundabouts Unless you live on a different planet to the rest of us, you can’t have failed to have noticed the financial hysteria hitting the headlines over the last few weeks. The Euro debt, the States losing their AAA credit rating, billions wiped off pension funds, billions wiped off your investments, chances of a double dip recession, global meltdown. Hang on a minute. Global meltdown? In 1987 world markets fell 30% overnight. That’s global meltdown. Yet at that time, the smart investors were buying as much stock as they could get their hands on. Crazy? Not really. Within 18 months they had a 50% profit. There’s no denying it’s quite a scary time for investors. But not as scary as the headlines would have you believe. In fact I think it’s those headlines which cause part of the problem. Most retail investors are easily spooked. And some have simply had enough of the roller coaster and bail out – usually at exactly the wrong time. Investor fears are completely understandable. And markets have certainly been volatile for many a year. Markets don’t like uncertainty. And these are very uncertain times. Yet you have to put your money somewhere. So where? Cash? You can’t lose money in savings accounts can you? Well actually you can. The spending power of £10,000 invested 5 years ago in the average savings account is only £9,481 today after taking into account basic rate tax and inflation. A basic rate taxpayer needs a savings rate of almost 6% to get a “real return”. Almost 8% if you’re a higher rate tax payer. Let’s look at property then. Okay, then let’s not. That “safe as houses” phrase has lost some of it’s sparkle of late, and it’s not the most tax efficient of investments for many people. What else could we invest in? Gold? I’ve never understood the fascination with gold as an investment. It doesn’t produce any income, and historically it hasn’t even produced a decent return. If you had invested a pound in gold in 1801 it would be have been worth 87p in 1998 in real terms (that’s taking account of inflation). Whereas a pound invested in shares in that same year would be worth half a million pounds. What about bonds? Now I could go on (as you know!) about “bonds” because they mean different things, but in this context I mean fixed interest investments. Government Stock, Gilts, Loan Notes. Well, they do produce income and are seen as safer than shares. But they’re not. (Remember Polly Peck Convertibles? Of course you do!) And they don’t even produce that good a return. Remember our 1801 pound? Had you invested you pound in bonds, you’d have a thousand pounds. Good compared to your 78p from gold. Bad compared to your half a million pounds from shares. So what’s the upshot of all these ramblings? Well, I’m a firm believer in “asset allocation” which really means “don’t put all your eggs on one basket”. And take a longer term view. If you’ve got enough eggs and enough time, you’ll be fine!

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

Local

Sport report that joining Liverpool in 2008 was fulfilling a “life-long dream”. The guy must dream relentlessly, which makes me wonder if he wakes up in a cold sweat after a nightmare where he signs for Wigginton Grasshoppers.

Football September marks the end of the much-criticised transfer window and the hysteria that goes with it. After completing his move to David Beckham’s American side LA Galaxy, Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane said: “I have always wanted to play in the MLS and it’s a dream come true”. Nice comments that the fans will love, but this is the same man who, in February 2010, said upon joining Celtic on loan “I am a Celtic fan, so it’s a dream come true” and

Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue had to get over jet-lag after signing for Turkish giants Galatasary. Keen to finalise the move, Emmanuel flew to Istanbul to agree personal terms, only for the officials from Galatasary to be touching down at London’s Heathrow at the same time. No such transfer problems for York City after Gary Mills got his targets in early and, after countless pre-season friendlies, the Minstermen finally kicked off their Conference campaign with backto-back wins. New £60,000 striker Jason Walker has already become something of a fans’ favourite after three goals in the first two games against Ebbsfleet and Barrow. The optimism and belief for this campaign is unlike any other I have witnessed in years at York City. Despite them being like the Andy Murray of non-league football,

you can’t help think that this could finally be the year… where he finally wins a Grand Slam! Hopefully, after the September home games against Bath, Darlington and Luton, supporters will still maintain high hopes that this season will end in promotion.

Cricket Such has been the relegation slog at Yorkshire County Cricket Club this season that, during a recent game against Sussex, the highlights on day one included seagulls being chased off the wicket, as well as the Tannoy announcements. One stated there was an “important message for Joe Bloggs, please come to the reception area immediately… and make sure you bring your house keys”. Another was to thank the 4,000-strong Scarborough crowd who generously donated to the Gerard Brophy Benefit Fund a massive £7. Who said Yorkshire people were tight? He didn’t comment on whether they would pay him up front or in installments.

with DAN TAIT

Rugby League Another side battling at the wrong end of the table are York City Knights who may have to go right down to the wire to secure their Championship status. The last remaining fixture is at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, on Sunday, September 4th, where they take on the Eagles against whom they suffered defeat at Huntington Stadium earlier in the season.

Boxing September also sees three of York’s pro boxers in action. Graham Fearn fights an opponent 16 years his junior at Doncaster Dome as part of a Sky show on September 3rd where he will look to use his experience to secure victory. Lee Stewart, at the start of his career in the pro ranks, travels to Barnsley where he will face Robin Deakin on Friday, September 23rd. A day later Harry Matthews will look to bounce back from defeat when appearing at Elland Road in Leeds.

Ainsty Dental Practice

The complete night-out Bar Salvation and Club Salvation are two separate venues on opposite sides of Rougier Street, York, and together they aim to deliver a complete night-out. Bar Salvation, which opens every night except Monday, has a resident DJ playing the music loud to create a terrific atmosphere. With its tempting drink offers, it’s a great place to start or finish the night. The bar is hosting an ‘S Factor’ karaoke competition on Wednesday nights for 10 weeks from September with some great prizes for the winners, including the chance to record their own track in a professional studio. The bar has lots of booth seating, which is ideal for early in the evening, two floors, three bars, dance floor and a smoking terrace. It’s a fun place to be and busy most nights of the week. Meanwhile, Club Salvation, which opens from 10.30pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, also hosts student nights for both York University and York St John on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively. The club has two rooms, two dance floors, two DJs and the best atmosphere in the city. The club, a major attraction for hen parties, is also offering excellent deals to Salvation members (see this month’s advert for details). Owner Russ Brown says: “We’re a York company, we care about the city and the people in it and we aim to deliver a complete night-out with Bar and Club Salvation.

Drive on home... Sponsored by: ivinson autos Tel: 01904 76 76 75

Garage goes extra mile for customers

Ivinson Autos has invested tens of thousands of pounds in diagnostic computers for Ford, Vauxhall, Citroen or Peugeot cars. This means the York company can carry out main dealer level diagnostics at extremely competitive rates. So, if you drive a Ford, Vauxhall, Citroen or Peugeot, there’s an alternative to paying main dealer prices if your vehicle needs servicing and repairing.

quote are £7 to £8 cheaper per tyre than other suppliers.”

It’s a false economy not to keep your car’s airconditioning system in tip-top condition, according to Mark. That’s why Ivinson Autos is a top-notch air-conditioning service and repair centre.

Mark Ivinson set up the business four years ago as a sole trader. He now employs two qualified mechanics, plus an apprentice, after expanding into a second garage at Roland Court, York.

He says: “Your vehicle’s air-conditioning system can lose as much as 15% of its coolant each year, which means that a three-year-old vehicle may have lost up to half its coolant. This will seriously impact the system’s performance and damage the components involved.

Although he specialises in looking after Ford, Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot cars, Mark and his hard-working team are happy to service and repair all makes and models.

“It is important that you have the air-conditioning system serviced regularly to reduce any wear and tear on components and help you avoid potentially large repair bills.”

They also offer a vehicle transport and recovery service and provide courtesy cars to customers whose vehicles are off the road.

Mark adds: “Regular servicing will ensure that the system is full of coolant, that there are no leaks, that the pressure is correct and the pipes, hoses and seals are in full working order.”

They also sell new tyres at very competitive prices. Mark says: “I believe we are the cheapest in York for tyres. Customers tell me the prices we

When it comes to MOTs and servicing, Mark, who has been a motor mechanic for 20 years, says:

“Our expert garage team will take great care of your vehicle at all times. Our customers appreciate the high levels of personal service we provide. They also appreciate the fact that we offer a customer courtesy car and a collection and delivery service.” n Ivinson Autos, Roland Court, York YO32 9PW. Open: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm. Tel: 767675 or 077 477 00047.

your motors

Pedpit Ltd is the new kid on the block as far as York scooter dealers go. It is a new breed of motorcycle shop aimed at the teenage market. It specialises in the sales and service of quality new scooters, mopeds and accessories. Owner Darren Crake says: “We encourage our customers to spend as much time as they feel comfortable in choosing what could be their very first big investment. “We have a comfy lounge area to chill out with a drink or snack while you use our free Wi-Fi or our CBT simulator. Our new prices start from under £1,000 with full parts and labour warranty.” Pedpit Ltd works with schools and local authorities to promote road safety and improve bike handling skills. n Pedpit Ltd, Unit 8, Rose Avenue, York Business Park, Nether Poppleton YO26 6RR. Tel: 799966. Email: info@pedpit.com

What’s hot... was built for the 1939-40 New York World Fair by General Motors and Rohm & Haas, the chemical company that developed Plexiglass. BANG TIDY: One of the UK's biggest used car sellers is reporting a rise in demand for old bangers. Auto Trader says demand for cars worth less than £1,000 is outstripping supply. More motorists are willing to drive about in old cars to keep costs down, which means that the value of some old cars - the sort that would have been scrapped under the scrappage scheme - is actually rising. The Vauxhall Corsa tops the list of in-demand budget cars, followed closely by the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus and Renault Clio.

What’s hot:

The Range Rover Evoque has been named Car of the Year by 'Auto Express'. The smallest ever Range Rover also won the Best Compact SUV award. The Evoque goes on sale in September, with a starting price of £27,995. Land Rover's factories in Halewood and Solihull are working flat out to meet demand – about 20,000 orders for the car have already been taken.

We don’t repair so you know it’s fair

Cars Motor Homes Vans

The Ford Fiesta is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The supermini has been in the bestseller charts since it was introduced in 1976, with six generations and 15 million sales. Fiestas are rolling off production lines in Germany, Spain, China, Thailand and Mexico. A unique Pontiac with bodywork created entirely from see-through Plexiglass has sold at an American auction for £189,300. The Ghost Car

And what’s not hot: The 4x4 sector is suffering the summertime blues. Used car values are still struggling, whether it be an Audi Q5, BMW X5, Mercedes ML or a Porsche Cayenne. Cabriolets and roadsters have had a torrid season. Values are falling and, with the season 'to buy' now over, it could also be a tough autumn.

your motors

Top quality work at bodyshop If your car has been damaged in a shunt it does not have to be repaired at the body shop stipulated by your insurance company - the work can be done elsewhere. So says Phil Lyon, of Wigginton Resprays, who has 33 years’ experience as a body repair specialist. Phil and his fully-trained colleague Danny Lowther, do a lot of insurance work. “Our quotes are very competitive so, at the end of the day, insurance companies and motorists are getting a good deal,” says Phil. Wigginton Resprays, which has been trading 25 years, does body repairs for cars, vans, motor-homes and caravans. It provides a courtesy car to customers. Their motto is “a job worth doing is worth doing well”. No job is too small and their work ranges from repairing small dints to complete reprays, utilising the workshop’s low-bake oven. They are open Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4.30pm, and Saturdays by appointment. n Wigginton Resprays, Windmill House Industrial Estate, Sutton Road, Wigginton, York YO32 2RA. Tel: 765948

BMW specialist moves to larger workshop Atlas Auto Services, which has been trading 10 years, is moving from Sheriff Hutton to a larger workshop at Monks Cross, York. The BMW specialist offers value for money and friendly customer service by carrying out vehicle repairs, MOT preparation and servicing. In addition to providing regular garage services, the company sources BMW new and used parts at affordable prices. Owner Andy Parker says: “Although we can work on all makes of car, 90% of our work is done on BMWs.” n Atlas Auto Services, Fastener House, 8 Julia Avenue, Monks Cross, York YO32 9JR. Tel: 01904 848008.

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Our very own ‘Stig’ looks at hot topics in the land of petrol heads £10,000 car wash For £10,000, Monza Ultimate Detailing & Protection, based in Dubai, will give your vehicle a week-long 'car spa' that uses the latest in 'nanotechnology'. Staff, trained for six months in car pampering, use microscopes to ensure all dirt is removed - even the grime not visible to the naked eye. They are not allowed to touch vehicles with their bare hands; instead they use a combination of water treatment and pressure to clean the motors. They'll also scrub leather upholstery three times before leaving it to breathe for a day and then rub it down with natural oils. The service is only available to top-of-therange luxury cars such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Aston Martins. A budget version, costing a mere £6,000, is available to owners of more modest cars, like BMWs or Mercedes.

Average driver speeds 18,000 times The average driver breaks the speed limit an incredible 18,000 times in their lifetime, according to research.

The study, carried out by Gocompare.com, looked at 2,000 drivers and averaged out their activity over a driving lifetime of 61.5 years. We'll have 81 near misses and we'll each be involved in up to 35 minor accidents. We'll be stuck in traffic for a total of 22 days, and listen to more than a year's worth of radio - 376 days. The average driver will check their phone for texts 1,292 times, and make 2,337 phone calls in a lifetime behind the wheel.

Green car grant stalling? Only 215 electric cars were bought under a Government scheme to encourage the take-up of green vehicles in its second three months of operation. This compares to 465 in the first three months. Under the Plug-In Car Grant scheme individuals and businesses have been able to apply for discounts of up to £5,000 on the purchase of cars producing 75 gCO2/km or less. Taking into account all 680 cars purchased under the programme, there are fewer than 2,500 electric cars registered in the UK out of

a car fleet of 28 million. Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, says: “The figures show the mountain we have to climb if the national car fleet of 28 million vehicles is to turn truly green. Even with the grants, electric cars are still much more expensive than similar-sized petrol and diesel models.” Amongst the vehicles eligible for purchase under the scheme are the Nissan Leaf (£25,990 after the grant) and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (£23,990 after the grant).

CD players axed Ford has announced that it will drop CD players from its cars because of slumping CD sales and the rise of digital media. The motor giant, which sees the CD going the same way as the cassette, is hastening a move to digital systems in all its cars. The Ford Focus is no longer available with a CD changer and all models come with a USB port, Bluetooth and a DAB digital radio. In 2012 Ford will release Ford SYNC in the Focus, which will allow drivers to play music stored in an online 'Cloud' in their cars.

health beauty &

Lesley

@innovations

Here’s the Rub... Picture a pure white, warm muslin cloth packed with 20 therapeutic herbs softly rolling in a circular motion across your sore muscles. As your pores open, new life breathes into your body and enriches your spirit. Does this rub you the right way? Holistic Touch has been up to such soothing business for seven years. Now if you try a new treatment at the York Therapy Centre, you might feel like you’ve died and gone to Thailand. It’s called the Thai Herbal Compress Massage and it’s a lovely way to de-stress and alleviate fatigue. “It’s similar to our popular hot stone massage with its warmth, but the steamed cloth can contour to muscles,” owner James McHugh explained. “And you get benefits from each herb, such as turmeric to treat the skin, plai for pain relief and camphor to reduce inflammation.” Even if you can’t define or even pronounce all of the herbs (trust us - they’re good for you!) why not treat yourself and try a touch of Thai Massage? Or enjoy 10% off any of the lovely treatments at Holistic Touch with the voucher in their ad.

Making a splash ‘Willing & Able’ is a swimming session for disabled people, their carers and those receiving treatment for a long-term illness, such as cancer patients. It takes place at Tadcaster swimming pool each Wednesday between 7.30pm and 9pm. Able-bodied members of the family are also welcome. n For more details, call Natalia at the pool on 01937 833001

We a Welco re min NEW g PaTiE NTS

migraine We all suffer from headaches from time to time. But as the 15% of sufferers in the UK will tell you, a migraine is much more than just a headache.

How to treat your migraine • Act quickly. If you tackle a migraine within an hour of it starting, you have a 90% chance of getting rid of it. Wait two hours and your chance of recovery falls to 15%! • Rest in a quiet, darkened room and apply a cold compress, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel. • Over the counter medicines can help if they’re taken in time. Try soluble tablets, which are

absorbed more quickly. But beware taking too much for too long, or you may make the problem worse! • Triptans are available on prescription from your GP. These stop the effects of serotonin, but they’re not suitable for everyone – your GP will be able to advise. • Stress and anxiety make migraines worse, so try to relax. Yoga, meditation and controlled breathing can help, as can hypnotherapy, reflexology, acupuncture and massage. • Drink lots of water and eat regularly. Dehydration and low blood sugar levels can make a migraine worse. Most people learn to manage migraines themselves. But you should see your GP if your migraines become more frequent or get worse, or last longer than 72 hours. Also, see your doctor if you’re 50 and you’ve never had a migraine before, or you have visual disturbances lasting more than an hour.

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boot camp Body Fix Fitness Ltd runs boot camps at Poppleton and the Raylor Centre in York where scores of people have lost weight and improved their fitness.

You can usually tell a migraine from the severe throbbing pain at the front or one side of the head. You may also feel sick, be sensitive to light, suffer visual disturbance, numbness in your limbs, slurred speech or poor concentration. These symptoms can last anything from four to 72 hours. No one really knows why migraines happen, but it’s thought they may be caused by low levels of a chemical called serotonin, which cause changes to the blood vessels in the brain. Common triggers include stress; changes in sleep patterns; poor posture or tension in your neck or shoulders; loud noise or bright lights; certain foods or drink or skipping meals. Hormones may also play a part (some women find their migraines get worse around the time of their period).

Get fit and lose weight at

Managing director Mark Tipping puts their success down to an easy-tofollow nutrition plan, an excellent support structure and the latest metabolic acceleration workouts. He launched the company after identifying a growing number of people that were looking for a personal trainer level of service, but without the personal training price tag. Mark, a qualified trainer, says: “All ages can benefit from our boot camps – from teenagers to pensioners – because they are designed to offer group personal training.” n To book your place on the next boot camp, call David Best (Poppleton) on 07736 459465 or Richard Hine (Raylor Centre) on 07736 459155. Visit: www.bodyfixbootcamp.com

Revive Yourself! How’s your skin looking now summer’s over? Is it all golden and glowing with health? Or maybe, like the rest of us, it could do with a little post-holiday TLC? Either way, head off to Revive in Heworth on 15th September. They’re holding an Open Day focusing on skincare after the summer. A specialist from top skincare brand Dermalogica will be there to offer skin analysis. There will also be demonstrations and lots of tips on looking great. Other members of the Revive team will be there to advise on other hair and beauty problems too. Tickets are £5, which is redeemable against any hair or beauty treatments, or Dermalogica or Tigi products. You will also be entered into a prize draw to win a makeover worth £110! By the way, it’s Revive’s third birthday this month, so don’t forget to wish them a happy birthday while you’re there! Tickets are available from Revive Hair Design at 3a Heworth Village. n Call 430612 for more information.

Top to Toe treats Top to Toe Hair & Beauty in Dunnington have a great treat in store for you throughout September. For just £40, you can have a relaxing hot stone back massage, 25 minute Microdermabrasion Facial (just the thing to get rid of the last of that dingy tan and leave your skin all fresh and zingy). Plus they’ll throw in a free toner with all highlights and lowlights. They’re also offering half price on their new range of Mary Cohr facials (saving you around £25). Bargain! Book your appointment today by calling 01904 481378. n You’ll find Top to Toe at 2 Church Street, Dunnington YO19 5PW.

Fit fabulous!

The swimsuit season may be almost over, but that’s no excuse to let your fitness regime slide. Don’t forget, those Christmas party dresses are just around the corner! And as well as helping you stay in shape, making exercise part of your daily routine can also improve your mood, stamina and quality of life. Can’t be bad, can it?

Best foot forward

York Community Fitness at Monk’s Cross has a whole range of fabulous fitness facilities available, including a fully equipped gym, swimming pool and a variety of classes, from Aquafit to Zumba! The great friendly atmosphere means you’ll have fun as well as getting fit!

Headache? Suffering from stress or digestive problems? Whether you have a bad back or blocked sinuses, the answer could lie at your feet. That’s the theory behind reflexology. It’s more than just a foot massage; it’s based on the principle that various reflex points or zones on the feet affect and are affected by different parts and organs of the body. By applying firm but gentle pressure to the right zones, it’s possible to clear blockages in the body, improve circulation, reduce stress levels, improve sleep, increase energy and promote self healing.

Right now, they’re offering your first month half price, so what better time to join up? n Call 642162 to find out more, or visit www.gll.org.

Do you want to be the proud owner of a wonderful new body? Then why not try the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club? Helen Howard-Mawer runs Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs throughout the York area. In her ten years as franchisee she has seen many successful slimmers lose up to four dresses sizes!

weight,” says Helen. “The atmosphere in class is friendly, fun and the expert diet advice coupled with a safe exercise session really works.”

“I believe that the support and encouragement members receive in class plays a vital role towards their success in reaching their target

n For more information, call Helen on 790922.

To save you pounds as well as losing them, Helen has some great offers available to new members, including a Diet Pack worth £35. Bring along the voucher in Your Local Link to take advantage of this great offer!

It sounds unlikely, but a good reflexologist can usually tell where clients have a problem just by massaging their feet. The treatment usually lasts up to an hour, but expect the first session to take longer as the therapist will need to take a full medical history. Areas corresponding to parts of the body which are out of balance may feel tender when massaged, although it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. In fact, most people who’ve had the treatment say it’s sheer bliss! Whether you have a health problem or you’re just looking for a fab, relaxing treat for your feet, book yourself a reflexology session today!

The revolutionary

way to lose weight

Three weeks before her 21st birthday, Emma opened up her first hairdressing salon. “The initial lease was for 21 years and at the time I couldn’t imagine ever being in business that long!” she says. But this month Hairport in Dringhouses celebrates its 20th birthday. Now Emma would like to thank all the loyal customers who have helped make her business such a success. “Over the years they have become more like friends,” she says. “I even have customers who come in twice a week just for a blow dry and a chat!” So what’s the secret of her success? “We have a nice salon, where customers can be sure of a warm welcome and not have to pay town prices.” Her staff are also important. “I really wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for all my staff old and new,” she says. “I would really like to thank them for all their help and support over the last 20 years!” n You’ll find Hairport at 1 Wains Grove. Call 01904 709806

Speaking up for health York has been awarded the prestigious ‘HealthWatch Pathfinder’ status by the Department of Health after a successful bid by City of York Council and York Local Involvement Network (York LINk). By October 2012, local branches of HealthWatch will operate across the country, speaking up for people who use health and social care services and providing them with information, support and advice. n For more details about HealthWatch, call York LINk on 621631.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Whether it’s about fitness or foundation we can help! Q. How can I make my holiday tan last longer now the summer’s over?

A. The secret is to keep your skin well moisturised, so apply loads of body lotion after your bath or shower. You’ll also need to exfoliate with a scrub to stop the dreaded patchy effect once your tan starts to fade. Sadly all good things must come to an end, and your tan will disappear eventually. But don’t forget, you can always fake it! Spray tans can give you a natural golden glow long after the summer’s over. Lots of salons and spas in York have bargain offers on tanning – look out for the ads in Your Local Link!

Q. I’m getting married this winter and I’m wondering what to do about my nails. My colour theme is deep pinks and berries but I’m not sure whether to wear a deep colour on my nails or go for something more natural. I’m also a bit self conscious about my nails because they’re not in very good condition. Any advice?

A. Your hands will be centre stage at your wedding, so you really need your nails to look their best. If you’re not getting wed until the winter, you still have time to start a regime of regular fortnightly manicures to start getting your hands and nails in good shape. In between manicures, apply a good moisturiser such

as Solar Oil to your cuticles every night to keep them supple and moisturised. But if your nails still aren’t up to scratch, don’t panic; you can get plenty of last minute fixes, such as gels and acrylics, to make your hands look fab on your big day. As to which shade to choose, that’s really a matter of personal choice. If you love colour, then a deep berry shade would be perfect. But most brides tend to prefer something more natural, such as a sheer rose or a classy French manicure.

Q. I’ve noticed small patches of red spidery veins appearing on my cheeks. What are they, and how to I get rid of them?

A. They sound like broken capillaries. These can be caused by extremes in temperature (eg having your central heating turned up too high, or going out in cold weather), by over-indulging on the alcohol, or it may be the skincare products you’re using are too aggressive for your skin. Changing your skincare may help, but there are two permanent methods of getting rid of red spider veins – Sclerotherapy, where the doctor injects an irritant directly into the offending vein, which cause its wall to collapse and the vein to disappear, or the newer laser treatment. Face Etc offers IPL treatment for thread vein removal – call them on 675222.

n If you have a health or 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’.

Let’s Talk About... with Jane Tai

How you can’t help smoking, putting on weight or having other health issues unless you do one critical thing

Imagine having a beauty salon in your own home. Your very own therapist giving you a luxury facial, waxing treatment, manicure or massage without you ever having to leave the house. No more smudging your nails or rubbing off your tan on the bus home – it’s the kind of pampering only A-listers can afford, right? Wrong! Beauty therapist and master nail technician Marcelle, of Heavenly Nails & Beauty, offers salon treatments in the comfort of your own home. It’s the last word in luxury – convenient, hassle-free and saves you time, too! As well as offering a range of manicures (including hand-painted nail art), Minx Nails, pedicures, waxing, spray tans, facials and massage, Marcelle is the only therapist in York to offer Mabel Plus, fast, pain free face and body contouring. The Mabel Plus machine uses heat to stimulate collagen production in the skin, tightening and lifting skin, banishing fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing out cellulite. She has also recently started offering Shellac, a gel nail polish which promises to last at least two weeks with no chipping or fading! Or for the ultimate girls’ night in, Heavenly Nails & Beauty also offers pamper parties for kids or grown-ups. Get together with your friends and choose from a wide range of treatments, including mini manicures, eyebrow waxing and neck and shoulder massage while you enjoy a glass of wine and a good natter. Or why not go for the ever-popular Minx Party, where you can all get your Minx on together for a bargain price – the more the merrier! n For more details call Marcelle on: 07710 669945.

The other day I got a call from a client who came from France to see me. It was 10 weeks since she stopped smoking with me and she wanted to tell me how great she was feeling and that she was “thrilled to bits” with the results. She told me that she felt stronger and happier in herself and finished by saying: “You’re doing life-changing work there, Jane, you really are. Keep it up!” It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you have had such a positive impact on someone’s life, maybe even saved their life! And I get calls and cards like this all the time. Why? Because the more I research health, habits and healing, the more I know that what goes on in your unconscious mind is the key to it all. Have you tried so hard to stop smoking, lose weight, overcome depression or deal with other issues, that you seem to have tried everything: willpower, patches, gums, every diet under the sun, group sessions, counselling, even drugs, and nothing works, or if it does, it doesn’t last? That is because these things only deal with the symptoms, not the cause. So what is the cause of your health issue or habit? Dr Bruce Lipton, of Stanford University Medical School, believes that a whopping 95% of all health issues are linked to physiological stress. Now this isn’t what we think of as stress from our current life circumstances. Physiological stress is an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Research from The Institute of HeartMath in California shows that if you remove the physiological stress in the body, then almost anything can heal. Physiological stress turns off the body’s healing and immune systems. When they are turned back on the health issues can heal. So the only way to deal with the health problems caused by this stress, or imbalance, is to deal with the cause of the imbalance itself. The cause of the imbalance is not what is going on externally in your environment, as most people think, but what’s going on in your unconscious mind the subconscious habits, fears and responses that develop through your past and current life experiences. Because these are what determine the way your body functions: which hormones are released, your blood pressure, cellular oxygen uptake and so on. You can know this is true because you can feel your heart race when you are frightened, or the adrenaline rush before an exciting event. Everything that ever happens to you is stored in your memories and these memories determine how your body functions and how you behave, but more than 90% of it is unconscious…you can’t remember it. It’s like an iceberg….what you can remember is just the tip. The critical thing you must do to permanently change, is “unwire” the memories that are causing the problem. The catch is that they are at the bottom of the iceberg you don’t know what they are. You know that if you start to think about painful memories, you feel bad. The same thing happens with the unconscious ones. Something triggers the memory, you don’t even know it’s happening. You just find yourself feeling bad or behaving in ways you don’t want, like smoking or over-eating. Your unconscious memory is being reactivated, your internal programming is kicking in causing physiological stress and pre-programmed behaviour. You really don’t stand a chance! I have learnt how to find and neutralise the problem memories…all whilst you are comfortably dozing so that you don’t have to relive them. My client was right…it is literally life-changing work. Missed a column? You can catch up at www.janemtai@googlemail.com Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? Unhappy? Overweight? Or Lacking Confidence? Do you need to Stop Smoking now? Or Make other Changes in your life? At MINDWORKS SOLUTIONS I use a unique blend of solution focussed therapy combined with NLP and Hypnotherapy so you can use your Mind to Work for, not against, you. You have the ability to Heal your Life and find the Solutions to your problems. I can show you how.

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

You know what we love about working here? Apart from Emily’s singing, Lee’s millionaire’s shortbread and the friendly banter that goes on every time someone uses the last of the milk? It’s the fact that once a month the lovely Marcelle from Heavenly Nails & Beauty comes to visit us, bringing her mobile massage table and her box of beauty magic. For one blissful day, she sets up shop in the distribution department (we send the boys off to the do their paper round while she’s here) and we take it in turns to enjoy a few muchneeded pampering treats. So we’d just like to say thank you, Marcelle – you make it all worthwhile! If you’d like to experience some at-home pampering, give Marcelle a call on 07710 669945.

Blood donor

Well, she did it! We’ve been telling you for weeks about Lisa Carlyle’s plan to ‘wing walk’ in aid of Alzheimers Society. A few weeks back, Lisa braved the elements to be tied to the top of an aeroplane whizzing through the skies. She managed to raise £1500 for this worthwhile cause – if you’d like to see her in action, visit www. kukispa.com/charity. Back by popular demand, Kuki Spa are offering their very own signature 'De-stress package' again. It's a great time to relax and pamper yourself and have some you time without breaking the bank. We have double and triple rooms so you can enjoy the experience with your family or friends. Why not have lunch after and really make a day of it? n For more information call Kuki Spa on 659007.

sessions

1 September York Priory Street Centre (10am-noon, 1pm-3.45pm) 7 September Merchant Taylors’ Hall, York (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 7 September Poppleton Community Centre (1.30pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 12 September Copmanthorpe Community Ctre (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) 13 September York National Centre for Early Music (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 15 September York Racecourse (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) 20 September Acomb Parish Church Hall (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7.30pm) 28 September Merchant Taylors’ Hall, York (2pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm) n For more details, call 0300 123 2323

Have you heard of Endermologie? It’s a high tech, medically proven face and body treatment, developed in France, that’s taking the beauty world by storm. Endermologie uses mechanical stimulation on the surface of the skin which sends a signal deep down to reactivate deep dormant cellular activity, whether it’s to break down fat cells in the body, or to stimulate collagen production. It’s 100% natural, painless, non invasive – and it really works! It can be used on the body to help contour, get rid of cellulite or stubborn fat areas, or on the face to lift sagging muscles and erase fine lines. It can also be used to help treat scar tissue or burns. We’ve tried it and after just

at Face Etc

one treatment we can tell you the results were simply amazing! Face Etc, in Coppergate, York has the latest Endermologie machine, and they’re so excited about it they’re holding a special Launch Event on 6th October from 6pm. You can enjoy a glass of wine and find out more about the marvellous machine and what it can do for you. And if you fancy trying it out, there will also be some fantastic offers available on the evening! n There’s no need to book, just turn up from 6 – 9pm. You’ll find Face Etc at 8 Coppergate. Call 675222 for more information, or visit www.faceetcmedispa.co.uk.

Give your feet a treat! Did you know the average person walks the equivalent of five times round the world in their lifetime? Your feet are your main mode of transport, so why not give them to the same care you give your car with a regular MOT? Jorvik Podiatry Centre offers a range of treatments, from basic nail care and the treatment of corns, callus and verrucae, through to more complex services including nail surgery, bio-mechanical assessments and prescription orthotics (insoles). All Podiatrists who work at the Centre are registered with the Health Professionals Council (HPC) and are members of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. n Before you put your feet away for winter, contact Jorvik Podiatry Centre for a FREE no obligation foot health check. Call 789763 for more information.

Life lessons Stress is a big part of our daily lives, and there’s no getting away from it. But the key is to learn to deal with it more effectively. York School of Philosophy is offering a ten-week course in everyday living that aims to do just that. You’ll discover ways to deal with stress and emotions, calm an overactive mind and overcome limiting habits and thoughts. You’ll also explore practices to help improve your concentration, work more efficiently and enjoy stronger relationships with the people around you. The course is open to everyone – all you need is an open and enquiring mind. The course begins on Tuesday 5th October at the King’s Manor, next to the Art Gallery, from 7.15 – 9.30pm. n To find out more, call 643586 or visit www.philosophycourse.com

Boo hoo, looks like we’ve seen the last of summer. So what better time to cheer yourself up with some great beauty treats! Who needs the sun, anyway..? Get set...glow! Right, now you’ve said goodbye to the last of the summer tan... why not treat yourself to another one? You can go on glowing all through the year thanks to the range of fake tans available. You can go for the DIY option, but for a really natural looking finish you can’t beat a professional spray tan. It reaches the parts other tans can’t! If you’re going for a spray tan, don't forget to exfoliate first and leave off the body lotion and deodorant before your session. And take some loose dark clothes to wear afterwards!

It’s a wrap! A luxurious body scrub is just perfect for getting rid of the last of that patchy summer tan, as well as brightening your skin, boosting your circulation and leaving you feeling baby soft all over. Or for some real pampering, why not go for a body wrap? Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa in Huntington Road have a tempting selection on offer, including a delicious Chocolate Body Wrap. Apparently, cocoa stimulates the nervous system, and is packed with anti-ageing vitamins and minerals. Who knew?

Let’s face it Central heating and cold weather can take its toll on your skin, so now’s the time to get it in great shape before the winter sets in. Facials are not only relaxing, they are also effective in targeting specific problems, such as ageing or acne. It’s also a great way of picking up some tips and advice on keeping up the good work at home.

Best foot forward Give your feet a last treat before they end up encased in boots for the winter. Indulge in a luxury

pedicure for specific problem areas, why not book an appointment with a podiatrist? They can sort out all kinds of foot troubles, from ingrown toenails to corns, callouses and verrucae. Jorvik Podiatry Centre is currently offering a free foot health check – see their ad in Your Local Link for more details.

Hair today Nothing cheers you up like a new hairstyle. And now’s a great time for a completely new look. Get the chop, change colour or just add some lowlights to give some richness to your hair. Most hairdressers offer free consultations, so make an appointment today!

Makeover magic If you’ve been using the same boring blue eyeshadow since sixth form, it’s time for a change. Rethinking your make-up can make a huge difference to how you look and feel. Many salons and spas offer make-up lessons – book yours today!

Calling all men!

Ever fancied trying a cut throat shave? It may seem old school, but it’s the closest, cleanest shave you’ll ever get, according to Sarah Waddington and Emily Williams of Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa. “Using hot and cold towels allows the pores to open to ensure a much closer shave,” they say. “This also prevents skin irritation such as ingrowing hairs.” Of course, the big question for most men is – will it hurt? Absolutely not, says Sarah and Emily – “Quite the opposite, really. Guys find it a real treat. They go away feeling relaxed and refreshed.” At Kuki Spa, the team use products from the Dermalogica Men’s range, which leave skin feeling wonderful. Sarah and Emily recommend having a treatment once a week. If you want to look good for a special occasion, such as a wedding, they also advise having a cut throat shave the week before to see how your skin reacts, then another the day before. Kuki Hair & Beauty Spa is currently offering a men’s shave for £25. This includes steam towels, massage, a smooth shave and a chilled beer! n For more information or to book your appointment, call 659007 or visit www.kukispa.com.

Half price hair We’re all for saving money here at Your Local Link, whether it’s a bargain beauty treatment or a special offer sausage roll. So you can imagine our excitement when we heard that The Salon in Copmanthorpe is offering a whopping 50% off all their hair prices with new junior Charlie. How brilliant is that? n You’ll find The Salon at No 3, The Shopping Centre Copmanthorpe. Call 701499 to book your appointment today!

WEDDING FAYRE SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER, 2011 From 11.00am until 3.00pm. Free entry

A perfect opportunity to visit Burn Hall and see the Mulberry set up for a Civil Ceremony and Minster Room for a Wedding Breakfast. Lots of great exhibitors. Everybody welcome! Free entry.

£2,750 WEDDING PACKAGE FOR 2011/2012 NOT TO BE MISSED! For all tickets and enquiries call

01347 825 400

or visit www.burn-hall.co.uk

Burn Hall Hotel I Tollerton Road I Huby I York I YO61 1JB I enquiries@burn-hall.co.uk I www.burn-hall.co.uk

t s i l h wis

Wedding

Sweet Treat Cupcakes freshly made to order using high quality ingredients. ♥ Jo’s cupcakes n bakes ♥ 07967 338375 www.joscupcakesnbakes.co.uk

One of Yorkshire’s finest wedding companies with an exclusive website, offering bespoke wedding planning & design, fabulous bridal fairs and supplier networking, in historical and stunning venues. ♥ THE WEDDING AFFAIR ♥ www.theweddingaffair.co.uk 0843 289 8504

Happy

A family run company in York who specialise in chauffeur driven classic VW campers for your wedding day.

LOVEDUB CAMPERS ♥ Campers ♥01904 737864 www.lovedubcampers.co.uk

beautiful tents We specialise in hiring out Kåta tents for parties, weddings, festivals & events - teepee style tents pioneered by the Sami people of Lapland. ♥ papakata ♥ • 01904 702 721 • www.papakata.co.uk

truly unique setting The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall provides a truly unique setting for your wedding. This medieval guildhall is over 650 years old and can be yours exclusively for your special day.

Fairytale Location Ox Pasture Hall is located in one of Britain's most beautiful settings and is a fairytale location to get married. Up to 30% DISCOUNT available in 2012/13.

celebration cakes

♥ The merchant adventurers’ hall ♥ 01904 654818

bespoke silver and semi precious beaded jewellery ♥ HANNAH OLIVIA JEWELLERY ♥ Call Debra 01759 368593 www.hannaholiviajewellery.co.uk

Cakes to order. Modern, traditional, special wedding cakes. Cake stand to hire. Online shop. 56 Sutton Road Tadcaster ♥ CELEBRATION CAKES ♥ Tel 01937 831173 www celebrationcakestadcas ter.co.uk

country style

BIPP Contemporary Wedding Photographer of the Year 2011, Annemarie King specialises in country weddings and engagements. ♥ AnneMarie King ♥ 01904 777323 www.annemarieking.co.uk 44

♥ OXpasture hall♥ www.oxpasturehall.com

your photography Photojournalistic approach to atmosphere of your Big Day, customised artistic Bride and Groom session and more from SWPP Award Winning Contemporary Wedding Photographer ♥ CROWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY ♥ • 07512077143 • www.crowleyphotography.co.uk

Ladies dress agengy & boutique. New season, casual clothing & accessories. Open Mon-Fri 9.30-5.00, Sat 9.30-3.30 Specialist in mother of the bride wear

Personal Setting

Stunning views across the golf course and lakes. Experienced wedding co-ordinator from start to finish. Wedding Fair 23rd October 2011 11-4pm

♥ room 3 ♥ Tel 01937 530700

♥ Sandburn Hall ♥ 01904 469922 www.sandburnhall.co.uk

Add the wow factor to your wedding with visually stunning theming. Thousands of beautiful props to suit your individual requirements.

Fab Flowers

Kate’s flowers

aim to give specialist one to one service to tailor make the wedding flowers of your dreams. ♥ kates flowers ♥ 01904 705495 55 Moorcroft Road, Woodthorpe

PERFECT SETTING

Burythorpe House, Malton is licensed to hold weddings, your day can be tailored to your budget, taste and wishes ♥ BURYTHORPE HOUSE ♥ 01653 658200 www.burythorpehouse. co.uk

Wedding bookings are being taken now for 2012. Call or email for a wedding brochure or to make an appointment for a free consultation.

♥ EVENT PROP HIRE ♥ www.eventprophire.com 08450 940 816

♥ Garden of Eden ♥ Call: 01904 622344 info@gardenofedenflorist.co.uk

Venue Styling

Over 200 colour choices in organza or taffeta, with a wealth of experince in the industry. Free consulations and special offers available. ♥ ambience venue styling ♥ Tel 08000 439160 / 07908 130508 www.ambiencevenuestyling.com

clever cloggs cakes Relax , enjoy planning the occasion and leave the cake to us. Cakes, profiterole towers, cheese cakes & more ♥ clever cloggs cakes ♥ • www.clevercloggscakes.co.uk • 07591 944893

invite the king

to your event. Exciting Vegas Show Style. Available to perform at parties, coportate & private functions ♥ ray ♥ Call: 07743 896318

Marry Me!

beautiful, elegant, natural

There has never been a better time to stage your wedding day at our beautiful venue. Fantastic all inclusive packages from £2500 so can have your dream day at a dream price.

Damian is one of the regions most influential wedding photographers combining a unique approach to photographing a wedding with underlying interest in fine art photography.

♥ MARRIOTT HOTEL ♥ Call 01904 770625 or email mhrs.qqyyk.eventorganiser@ marriotthotels.com

♥ DJB PHOTOGRAPHY ♥ 01423 360553 www.djbphotography.com damian@djbphotography.com

wonderful setting

In the shadow of York Minster, the Dean Court offers both traditional & Complete wedding packages ♥ dean court hotel ♥ 01904 625082 www.deancourt-york.co.uk sales@deancourt-york.co.uk

t s i l h wis

Wedding

Fletchers Fabrics

One of the largest ranges of fabrics for the bride and bridesmaids in The North of England . ♥ FLETCHERS FABRICS ♥ 40-41 Auster Road, Clifton Moor, York. Tel.01904 692984. info@fletchersfabrics.co.uk

Be our guest

We specialise in wedding parties with a personal service. Private grounds with a view of the racecourse. Free car parking. ♥ Knavesmire Manor ♥ 01904 702941 enquirie@knavesmire.co.uk www.knavesmire.co.uk

nice nails

Manicure, Pedicure, Nail Extensions, Minx, Shellac. Tailor made wedding packages available

look the best

York’s prestigious hair & beauty spa for all your wedding needs. Travel to venue. All wedding parties welcome ♥ kuki ♥ 01904 659007

♥ K8 NAILS ♥ Tel 07590 267809

BESPOKE FRAMED IMPRESSIONS Beautiful detailed cast of the bride and groom, professionally framed in oak; a unique way to commemorate the occasion ♥ LITTLE IMPRESSIONS ♥ Call Debi on 01904 349352 www.little-impressions.com

the yorkshire wedding collection Come and discuss your wedding ideas with the experts. Thursday 22nd September 5.30pm-9.00pm ♥ carlton towers ♥ DN14 9LZ Enquiries 0113 286 2491

COME AND CELEBRATE

playing the best live music

Micklegate, York is relaunching Thursday 8 September from 4pm Join us for drinks, canapés; catwalk show and the chance to win £150 worth of accessories. ♥ MIA SPOSA BRIDAL ♥ Register www.miasposayork.co.uk

Soul, Funk, Blues & rock music. You & all your guests will have a night to remember ♥ funktion ♥ • 07576 950722 • www.funktion.org.uk • info@funktion.org

Freelance Seamstress 20 years experience in bridal and evening wear alterations ♥ KAREN COOKE ♥ 01904 706549 / 780302

hair & nail design For all your Wedding Hair, Nail & Make up requirments Stills dates available for 2011 & now taking 2012 bookings ♥ caren vollans ♥ www.carenvollanshair.co.uk

the wedding affair Sunday 9th October 12noon – 4pm Join over 30 superb suppliers and allow our experienced wedding team to show you the beautiful house and gardens. ♥ newby hall ♥ Ripon www.theweddingaffair. co.uk 0843 289 8504

Better design naturally! Make your wedding day a unique and perfect experience with glamorous floral designs ♥ the rainflorist ♥ 01904 787279 www.therainflorsit.co.uk

Your ‘one stop company’ for all your wedding essentials. Balloon designers & venue stylists. ♥ every occasion ♥ www.everyoccasioncalloonsuk.co.uk 01723 871870

beautiful chair covers Beautiful chair covers for the whole of Yorkshire, free sash samples available in many materials, 15% discount when quoting local link magazine. ♥ chair covers of yorkshire ♥ • 01347 823591 • 07904522801 www.chaircoversofyorkshire.co.uk

Paul Batty

Wedding Photography Tel: 01904 448 663

www.pbphotography.co.uk

your family

Advertisers Announcement

Grandparental rights

Sarah Burt, Richardson Gildener Solicitors

Grandparents want to see their grandchildren too!

Losing contact with grandchildren can be heart breaking and stressful for grandparents. Many grandparents are denied the joy of watching their grandchildren grow up and grandchildren are frequently deprived of the love of their grandparents. When couples separate they are more often than not consumed with their own agenda when dealing with contact issues resulting in grandparents being pushed aside. A grandparent may have been involved in the care of a child from birth and a major part of the child’s life. Through no fault of their own, contact may break down for reasons such as the death of one of the parents, divorce, separation or the parents moving away. But what rights do Grandparents have? Wherever possible the grandparent should try to ensure that dialogue and contact are maintained with both parents. This may well be very difficult but it is important that the grandparent explains to the child’s mother and father that no matter what their personal issues are that the grandparents do not and will not take sides.

There are no rights benefiting grandparents set out in the Children’s Act 1989; however the courts do promote the invaluable role provided by grandparents. Grandparents can make an application to the court for a contact order. A contact order is an order made by the court outlining who shall have contact with the child, how often this will be and how long the contact will be for. Prior to making the application to court all parties should attempt family mediation or alternative methods to resolve the matter thus avoiding the stress, cost and potential adversarial nature of a court hearing. In the event that no agreement can be reached between the parties, the grandparent’s only alternative is to apply for a contact order and would have to prove that they have a meaningful and important connection with the child, and seek permission from the court before making the application. Once such permission has been obtained, the court will appoint a children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) officer to consider the welfare issues following which they will prepare a report to aid the court in making its decision.

Should an agreement not be reached at court, the application will progress to a full hearing with both sides giving evidence and the court will make its decision based on the best interests of the child. Grandparents will need to convince the court that contact with the grandchild significantly benefits the child. What contact is reasonable to ask for? Much depends on the age of both the grandparents and the grandchild as well as the historical relationship previously in place and the level of contact between the grandparents and grandchild. Grandparents can also make an application for telephone contact if it is not possible to see the grandchild, e.g. where the family have moved abroad or to another part of the country. I offer a FREE 30 minute consultation and I would be happy to discuss any contact issues with you. n Should you require further information, please e-mail 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

Free trial After appearing on ‘Dragons’ Den’, Razzamataz Theatre Schools have been opening across the country… and now it’s the turn of York. When founder and director of Razzamataz Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared on the BBC TV show four years ago, Duncan Bannatyne was quick to spot the huge potential of the part-time theatre school’s business and offered the full investment. This has enabled Razzamataz to quickly become one of the top five part-time theatre schools in the UK, according to The Stage newspaper. Angela Pickup, principal of Razzamataz in York, says: “Nurturing young talent and building up a child’s confidence and self-esteem is a big part of what we do. We cater for boys and girls aged between four and 18.” She has recruited Stacey Camps, of

the X Factor girl band Husstle, as a dance teacher. The classes consist of three hours of dance, drama and singing and the curriculum ranges from West End musical theatre to commercial street dance and hip hop. Angela, whose teenage daughter Hollie acts in BBC TV’s Waterloo Road, says: “The children learn about the performing arts in a fun and stimulating environment. Razzamataz makes sure that it reflects the current trends that are accessible to children and teenagers.” Razzamataz in York is launching on Saturday, September 17th, at York High School. n For a free trial session, call Angela on 0796 985 9895 or 01759 306676 or email york@ razzamataz.co.uk to secure your child’s place.

your family It’s your child’s first day at school. There’ll be nerves, apprehension, probably even tears. But don't worry, you’ll soon cheer up! In the meantime, here are some words of wisdom from parents and teachers on how to make that first day at school as painless as possible. • Talk to your child about what to expect. Try to make it sound fun – talk about playtime and making new friends as well as teachers and learning! You could even play school – practise them sitting on the rug with their toys while you take the ‘register’, have a story time or question and answer session and show them how to put their hand up. Praise them for sitting nicely. • Sending them to school equipped with basic letter and number skills will boost their confidence. Try reading with them, or spotting numbers when you’re out. • Lunchtime can be a problem for new school starters, so have practice packed lunch days beforehand. Take your lunch into the garden or park, and talk about the order they have to eat in. Make sure they can handle their drinks bottle/carton, and show them what to do with leftovers. If your child is having school dinners, practise them coming up to you with a tray, then carrying it over to the table.

• Uniform is another big issue for small children. Remember, you won't be around to help with fiddly belts, buttons and zips, so make sure they know how to manage them. Keep it as simple as possible to avoid last minute loo accidents! Make sure they know how to dress and undress for PE. When it comes to shoes, make sure they know their left from their right, and show them how to tie their laces – their teacher will thank you for it! • Make sure they know the teacher’s name, and that they can ask for help whenever they need it. Let them know you’ll be there at the end of the day to talk about everything. “I used to send my little girl to school in trousers on the days she had PE. It avoided the problem of her having to put on her own tights!” Becky, Mum “Tell them when lunch is – it’s surprising how many children start eating their pack-up at break time!” Sally, Teacher “Buy new school shoes early and wear them in over the summer.” Michelle, Mum “Don’t assume your child will work anything out for themselves – you might not realise how much you do for them.” Julie, Teacher

• Teach them how to go to the loo by themselves, and get them into the habit of washing their hands every time – there’ll be a lot more germs in the playground than there is at home! • It makes a huge difference to those first few days at school if your child knows at least one other child in their class. If they’re going to a different school from their nursery friends, try to meet up with other new mums so your child knows at least one familiar face. • Don’t be nervous. If you’re anxious about it all, then your child will pick up on that. Stay happy, upbeat and relaxed – you can always chew your nails in private!

Little Fidgets are offering several French and Spanish classes in York this month for children aged four to seven. French will be available at Dringhouses Primary School on Mondays at 3.20pm as well as on Saturday mornings. Spanish will be available on Saturday mornings at West Thorpe Methodist Church in Dringhouses. Lucy Amos, founder of Little Fidgets, says: “The younger children start learning languages the better.” The classes are based on the Fidgets method, using puppets, games, role play and snacks so that children really enjoy learning and want to carry on, term after term. Research shows that children who learn languages do better all round at school. n For details, contact Lucy on 01904 706565, lucy@littlefidgets.co.uk. www.littlefidgets.co.uk

Open morning for The Mount The Mount, York, offers a wealth of opportunities to all its pupils. But don’t take our word for it – come and see for yourself by attending the school’s open morning on Saturday, September 24, at 10am. Set in 16 acres near the city centre, The Mount promotes the highest standards of education for girls aged 11 to 18. The Quaker ethos and caring family atmosphere can be seen in everyday life at The Mount. The school, in Dalton Terrace, offers impressive facilities to live and work in plus a wide range of sports activities, music disciplines and artistic media. Tregelles, the co-educational junior school for children aged three to 11 years, is in the same grounds and shares many of The Mount’s excellent facilities. n For details, call 667500 or go to www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

your family

French and Spanish lessons

Ask the Expert...

Family Law

w i th n i C KI M I TC H E L L

The Pension Issue It is impossible these days to open a newspaper or turn on the news without hearing about pensions – whether it is another big company announcing that their final salary scheme is to close or the government debating how much public sector employees should pay for theirs, pensions are a hot topic. Pensions are often a valuable asset in a marriage, sometimes the most valuable, and deciding what should happen to them when couples divorce can be fraught with difficulty. There are different types of pension, ranging from final salary schemes (usually the most valuable) through Self Invested Personal Pension schemes (SIPPs) to money purchase. As a first step it is important to identify and understand the pensions which are available. This often requires advice from a suitably qualified financial adviser. Once the nature and value of the pension is understood, there are a number of different ways in the court can deal with pensions.

Pension sharing This is only available to couples who divorce. If a decision is taken simply to split up without divorcing, pension sharing is not an option. Neither is it something which is open to cohabiting couples who separate. The court will order, usually in accordance with an agreement reached between the parties, that a specified percentage of the pension of one spouse is carved off and transferred to a pension fund for the benefit of their former spouse. Each spouse is then left with a pension which is entirely independent of the other. If the person who originally owned the pension dies, this does not affect the ex spouse’s rights to draw on their pension.

Pension Attachment The court can order the trustees of a pension scheme to pay direct to the former spouse of a pensioner a defined proportion of the benefits due to that pensioner on their retirement. This can be done with income payments, lump sum, death benefits or a combination. Pension attachment is used rarely. It has a number of disadvantages, including loss of benefits if the spouse with the pension dies before retirement and the fact that benefits are lost if the spouse due to receive them remarries.

Offsetting This involves the spouse with no or less valuable pension benefits taking a greater share of the capital of the marriage (equity in the house, investments etc) in exchange for which they make no direct claim on the pension. This approach often appeals to younger parents whose priority is to secure a home for themselves and their children. It can also be useful where the values of pensions are relatively modest and the costs associated with sharing appear disproportionate. The issue of pensions is often a thorny one on divorce. Pensions require special consideration and the right advice is the key to getting the settlement which is right for you.

n For legal advice on this or any aspect of family law, contact Nicki Mitchell at Denison Till Solicitors on 01904 611411 (ncm@denisontill.com). Nicki is a Specialist Family Solicitor and an accredited member of Resolution – First for Family Law. She is also a Collaborative Lawyer. See www.yorkcfl.com for further information

your family

10 tips for

dealing with eczema But if you suspect a food, consult your health visitor or GP before banning anything from your child’s diet.

Eczema is very common in kids – around 10% of babies and little children have the tell-tale dry, itchy inflammation of the skin that usually appears on the elbows, the creases of the knees, the wrists and the neck.

• Heat can make the skin itch more, so try to keep your child cool. Wearing loose, cotton clothes rather than manmade fabrics can help. If they've been swimming, rinse off any chlorine from the pool, as this can irritate the skin.

The good news is, almost three quarters will have grown out of it by the time they reach their teens. So how do you deal with it in the meantime? • See your GP. Every case of eczema is different, and treatments vary. Your doctor can help find the right treatment for your child, or refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. • Sleeping can be a problem for children if they’re itching. Keep the bedroom cool and use cotton sheets and a lightweight duvet. Keep pets out of the bedroom. • Avoid over-use of soaps and bubble baths, which can make the problem worse. Fragrance-free products are

usually best, and make sure bath water is not too hot. • Moisturising is key. Use aqueous creams and emollient products in the bath. You can even use aqueous cream instead of soap. Apply moisturiser at least 20 minutes before bedtime to give it time to soak in. Apply it with downward strokes; don’t rub it up and down.

• Too much scratching can cause eczema to become infected. Praise your child for not scratching, and introduce rewards for scratch-free days. Keep their nails short. Scratch mitts may help stop babies scratching. • About one in ten cases of childhood eczema are triggered by certain foods.

• House dust mites can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. Limit soft toys to one or two favourites, and wash them every week at 60˚C or put them in a plastic bag in the freezer for 24 hours to kill the mites. • Steroid creams can stop eczema from getting worse. They're safe as long as they're used as directed by your GP. • Natural remedies may also help. We’ve heard good reports about using pure aloe vera to soothe and treatment eczema, so it’s well worth investigating!

your family

Do you want to become a childminder? Being a childminder is a job that makes a real difference to children - one that builds their confidence and helps them to develop into well adjusted, sociable young people. Childminding allows the flexibility to work in your own home, fitting with your other commitments. You can be your own boss, have professional status and develop business skills. There are areas of York where more childminders are needed to meet the needs of local families. They are at Acomb, Holgate, Micklegate, Westfield, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe. n For more details call York Family Information Service on 554444 or visit www.yor-ok.org.uk/jobs

Free Taster Session 17th Sept please Book

For budding stars aged 4-18! FunStar Parties offers memorable birthday parties for boys and girls, aged between four and 11 years, which are hosted by a costumed entertainer. The emphasis is on two hours of fun and games, including music, dancing, facepainting and even a parachute game! FunStar Parties also organises make-over parties for girls. The FunStar Fairy will come to your home where your little star and her guests will enjoy a two-hour pamper session. Each party guest will have their make-up done and hair styled. They will then make a bracelet or ring to wear and take home afterwards. Party-goers will also have the opportunity to learn a funky 'music video' dance routine, once all glitz and glam has been applied, transforming each guest into a pop star princess in front of the camera... even mum and grandma can join in if they want to! FunStar Parties also offers a Baby Shower planning service.

Pop Singing! Street Dance! Musical Theatre Song & Dance! Drama & Physical Theatre! principal: Angela pickup

Tel: 01759 306676 Mob: 07969859895 Email: york@razzamataz.co.uk

Venue: York High School

n For more details, call 07807 062992.Â

your family

What kind of care do we want in our old age? That’s the question the City of York Council will be asking York residents over the next few weeks. They are reviewing their provision of residential accommodation for older people, and now they want local people to offer their view on the proposals.

Tuesday 6 September 7.00-8.30pm – St Oswald’s Church Hall, Fulford

The review has a huge significance for the city and how we care for our most vulnerable older people now and in the future, and the council is keen to ensure that everyone who wants to has an opportunity to comment on the issues and options out for consultation.

There will also be consultation displays/stands in supermarkets and at the York 50+ Festival Information Fair in September. The council is also carrying out a postal survey of a sample of 2,600 older people. An online survey is also available on the council's website

Between now and mid-October the council is writing to and meeting with a wide range of people to gather their views on the report. This includes residents living in the council's nine care homes; other local people who receive day care and respite care in the homes; family and friends of all residents and day or respite visitors; council staff providing care in the homes; older people’s representative groups and voluntary sector providers; health partners like GPs and York Hospital; and residential care homes in the private sector.

You can find more information on the Consultation at your local library. Alternatively, call 554359, email carehomes.consultation@york.gov.uk or write to Care Homes Consultation Feedback, City of York Council, 10/12 George Hudson Street, York, YO1 6LP.

But it isn’t just service users and their families who need to get involved. Residential care is an issue

Monday 19 September 2.00pm – as part of York Older People’s Assembly’s open meeting at the Friends Meeting House, Friargate.

that affects us all; even if you don’t use the service now, the chances are that one day you or one of your family will. Which is why we all need to have our say. There will be four public consultation meetings: Thursday 1 September 7.00-8.30pm – Gateway Centre, Acomb Monday 5 September 7.00-8.30pm – Haxby Memorial Hall, Haxby

Following the consultation, the council’s Cabinet will decide how to proceed at its meeting on 1st November. The council will also provide updates during the consultation process - to answer any particular queries or concerns that are raised - and these will be available on the council’s website at www.york.gov.uk/eph.

your family

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Growing, growing—gone! On Sunday, 19th September many families could be out enjoying a fete to celebrate a recent Edible York Sustainable Earth project. The “Get Growing Party” will be held at Greenfields off Haxby Road.

York, Fulford Study Centre Jenny Scanlon

This is the site where, since March, local volunteers have been getting stuck in turning a disused plot into a garden filled with food for children at Haxby Road School and the local community. Apple and pear trees are already sprouting, and potatoes, strawberries, beans and sunflowers are flourishing.

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“This is a great way for our children to learn more about healthy eating and where their food comes from,” said Mike Schofield, Head of Haxby Road Primary School. “They’ve already enjoyed planting their sunflowers and digging up potatoes, and are looking forward to doing more in the future!” And what better way to pay tribute to these Earthly efforts than by inviting everyone to a garden do? At the “Get Growing Party” families can look forward to lots of fun, from campfire cooking to gardening activities and games galore.

Part Time Theatre School Dance, Act and Sing

“This is going to be a really exciting event, where people can plant their own fruit and vegetables, make insect hotels, and see the work that has already gone on. We’d like to get more people involved in the project so we can complete the transformation!” said Louise Cantlay, Chair of the Greenfields Group. “So plan on planting. We look forward to seeing the whole family on the 19th between 1 and 4pm. For further information on how to get involved with Greenfields, email greenfieldsgarden@gmail.com”

Are Your Kids Safety By Foot

New uniform washed and ironed: done. Fully-equipped pencil case: check. Paper, planner and pack-up secure in snazzy new bag: affirmative. But haven’t you forgotten something? Before your young scholars march off to the land of learning, you need to make sure they’re street smart. According to Childalert, every year over 130 children die and 4,500 children are seriously injured whilst walking or cycling on UK roads. So whether they are going to school for the first time or all set for secondary

education, it’s vital to remind kids of all ages to take care on their travels. The good news is that street safety is increasingly being taught in the curriculum. But of course, the most important source of advice can only come from you. It probably all seems like common sense, but there’s certainly wisdom in the old saying about safe being better than sorry. So, here are some tips to teach your children to make sure they are trusted and ready for the roads…which could help you to breathe a lot easier.

Do: • Stop, look and listen (iPods off!) • Walk across cross-walks and intersections only (that’s what they’re there for) • Look both ways before crossing • Look both ways—again! • Make eye-contact with drivers and make sure they have come to a complete stop before crossing • Watch out for cyclists (two wheels can hurt too!) as well as cars Don’t • Cross without looking • Cross at a bend • Cross between parked cars • Try to run across and beat cars (you are not a superhero!) • Get distracted gaming or texting or reading Your Local Link near a junction • Mess about with your mates near the road

Safety By Cycle Do: • Always wear reflective armbands • Wear a red reflector during the day • Utilise a red rear lamp and a white or yellow front lamp at night

• Put a helmet on your head • Indicate before turning (motorists are not mindreaders) Don’t • Give anyone a lift • Ride against traffic • Try any crazy, or even seemingly simple, stunts • Neglect to tie your shoelaces or secure your outfit

Safety By Bus Do: • Stand well away until the bus comes to a complete stop • Be careful walking to your seat, especially if the bus is setting off • Wear your seatbelt • Stay in your seat during the journey Don’t • Push and shove getting on the bus (NOT cool) • Mess around with the windows

Safety in Letters You’ll find numerous road safety pointers from many of our advertisers on these pages. Maybe it would even be worthwhile to have your kids recite the advice of each letter to test how much they’ve learned about road safety.

Birch Park Vehicle Test Centre

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E 56

Answers:1. c; 2. a; 3. b; 4. b; 5. a

Worth Over £50.00 Here’s your chance to win what you can’t put a price on: protection for your child. If you correctly answer each of the five Road Safety Quiz questions (look carefully on this page to find the answers) and you will be entered into a draw to win a Super Cycle Safety Pack from Cycle Street. Their Super Cycle Safety Pack includes: • Lazer X3M Helmet • Alfura Nightvision Reflective Vest • Reflective Trouser Bands

your family

Win a Super Safety Pack

R 1. What percentage of Primary Kids walk to school as a main mode of travel to and from school? A. 50% B. 36% C. 47% 2. What percentage of Secondary Kids walk to school? A. 36% B. 47% C. 50% 3. Who is more at risk to have an accident? A. girls B. boys C. both girls and boys the same

Located on East Parade in Heworth, Cycle Street is the place to shop to make sure your kids are always secure 4. At what age do pedestrian (and look pretty cool) when cycling. casualties peak? A. 16 B. 12 C. 14 Send your answer on a postcard to the address on page 5, marked “Road 5. At what age does it start Safety Competition”, to reach us by being ok for kids to walk to Friday, September 23. Please include school alone? your name and contact details A. 9 B. 10 C. 11

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your family

Giving a voice to carers It was frustration with sitting in on endless meetings, committees and consultations that inspired long term carer Pauline Rogers to launch her own group. “People don’t really understand what carers’ lives are like,” says Pauline, who has a 47-year-old daughter with special needs. “I was looking for a way of getting our message across and making a difference in a fulfilling and creative way.” Along with two other carers, Linda Fletcher and Pat Nicholson, she came up with the idea of starting a group for carers of people with learning disabilities/difficulties. “Our lives are different from other carers,” says Pauline. “What sets us apart is that for the majority of us it will mean a lifetime of anxiety about someone who is vulnerable and will always need support in order to go

about their daily lives. We wanted a group where carers could make friends and create much-needed support networks.” And so Caring Expressions was born. The group’s first project is to set up a creative writing group, where family carers can share their experiences and concerns. They are holding a half-day workshop with creative writing tutor Laura Potts at the Briar House Resource, Club Chambers, Museum Street on 8th October from 25pm. The cost of the workshop will be £5, which will include refreshments. n If you’re interested in the workshop or in finding out more about Caring Expressions, call Pauline on 764150 or email caringexpressions@hotmail.co.uk.

Silver surfers at a York residential care home are proving that age is no barrier when it comes to technology. Since a touch-screen computer was installed in Wellburn’s Grimston Court care home, its residents have been surfing the internet, emailing and even using Skype to speak to their family and friends. The touch-screen computers are designed to be much easier to use than a traditional computer. Users can send and receive emails using one computer, view family photographs and videos, make free telephone/video calls and browse the internet. Wellburn Care Homes has three care homes in the York area. Grimston Court in Hull Road, Grimston; Rosevale in The Village, Wigginton; and St Catherine’s (which also has specialist dementia nursing unit) in East Lane, Shipton-by-Beningbrough. The homes are in buildings of great distinction and all three have won awards for their magnificent gardens. The activity programme in all three homes is varied and residents are involved in the planning of these activities, which include board games, music and dancing, arts and crafts, baking, flower arranging, exercise classes and aromatherapy. n For more details, call Grimston Court on 489343, Rosevale on 764242 or St Catherine’s on 470644.

your family

Independent living

York is pioneering the use of a facility that helps disabled or elderly people to carry on living independently in their home. The specially-adapted flat, in the grounds of Forlands Elderly Person’s home in Fulford, contains aids and equipment in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom that customers and their carers can trial with the help of occupational therapy staff. The equipment is loaned out free of charge. Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, City of York Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adults Social Services, says: “Before the centre opened, the only way the assessments could be done was for therapists to visit customers in their own homes with limited opportunity to demonstrate the equipment and aids on offer. Now customers can see all the equipment on offer face-to-face, making the whole experience much more straightforward.” Those unable to visit the Independent Living and Assessment Centre will be offered a home visit. Initial assessments can also be done at www.equipyourself-york.org.uk

Make new friends Members of Wigginton Over-60s group meet at Wigginton Recreation Hall, The Village Wigginton, York YO32 2PU at 2pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Make and meet new friends at this friendly and welcoming group.

Prestige Nursing Care

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your family

Events at Space 109 Space 109 Community Arts in Walmgate is very creative when it comes to raising funds to sustain their community projects. They have devised a varied six-month programme of Saturday Art workshops and Acoustic Music Evenings all led by professional artists and musicians. Profits from these will go directly to pay for the Yum Yum cooking and Homework Club, the Monday Art Night, and various weekend and holiday activities.

York artist Chris Wormald is starting a drawing course to teach people how to see. He studied at Falmouth and St Martin’s and has been working as a professional sculptor for 25 years, with work on show worldwide. Chris says: “This course will explore the very basics of the drawing process. We look at the world around us every day, but how often do we actually see what we look at – and, if we don’t see, how can we know how the world is? “By following some simple exercises, the drawing process can reveal to us something about the world and ourselves”

Activities for September are: 10th September Workshop with Phil Reynolds. 10am – 4pm. Let Phil guide you into another world and discover some possibilities for abstract or figurative work. No skills needed. Phil will be running one-hour demonstrations, followed by tuition in techniques. Cost £30.

“The course is not about producing ‘good’ drawings. The most important thing is learning to see again, to perceive with clarity.” The course will run for 10 weeks at Chris’s workshop in Stamford Bridge from Saturday, September 17th, between 9.30am and 12.30pm. n For more details, call 0772 4157438.

School open days

Queen Margaret's is a successful boarding and day school for girls, aged 11-18, set in beautiful grounds at Escrick Park, near York. The pupils achieve excellence across all academic disciplines and enjoy

success in sport and the creative arts. The school is holding an open morning on Saturday, September 17, where there will be opportunities to meet the Headmaster, Dr Paul Silverwood, to tour the school and talk to the girls and staff about life at Queen Margaret’s. A sixth form open day will be held on Friday, October 7, and another open morning will take place on Saturday, November 12. n For more details, call Jackie Hallewell, the admissions officer, on 720072 or email admissions@queenmargarets.com

17th September Printingmaking Workshop with Emily Harvey. 10am – 3.30pm. Whether you are an experienced artist or a complete beginner prepare for an absorbing day to inspire you and get your creativity flowing. Cost £40. 30th September Acoustic Evening. 7.30 – 10.30pm. Three highly talented artists sing their own songs in a beautiful candlelit gallery setting. Bring your own drinks and sit at cafe tables or lounge in the big comfy sofas. Delicious vegetarian food is served in the short break. Tickets £5 on the door. n For further details or to book a place please email contact@space109 visit www.space109.org, or call 01904 617290.

● cats ● Dog

walking ● Small animals ● Small holdings

your pet

Precious Pets (York) ● Horses ● poultry ● Feeding

Last chance Thompsons of York are looking for 12 very special pets to feature in their 2012 calendar, and they’re asking Your Local Link readers to help! Not only will the calendar feature 12 of our readers’ real life pets, but three finalists from every month will receive a goodie bag of products from Thompsons of York’s Country Store in Murton. And the overall winner in each category will also win a year’s free food for your star pet! This is the final month of the competition, and we’ve saved the best for last. We want your favourite pet Christmas photos. Whether it’s your dog opening his Christmas stocking or your budgie posing on top of the tree, we want to see it! Our favourites will be sent an application form to hand in at Thompson’s Country Store. If chosen, their photograph will make it into the 2012 Thompsons calendar! And just in case you’ve missed our previous pet categories, don't panic – there’s still time to enter! We’re interested in all kinds of pets, from puppies to pythons, cats to cows and everything in between! So dig out your favourite snaps – or take some new arty ones! – and email them over to us at kelly@yourlocallink.co.uk, or send them to the address on page five to reach us by Friday 9th September. Mark your entry ‘Thompson’s Calendar Competition’ and don’t forget your own contact details. We regret we’re unable to return photos sent in the post.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Looking for a first time buy that won’t break the bank? OPUS Estate Agents have a corker of a property on their books that will fit the bill perfectly – and even leave you cash left over for furniture! The modern, well maintained two bedroom semi is in a great location, close to local amenities, schools and ideal for York Hospital, the by-pass and the city centre. The property consists of a 17’ x 12’ lounge with contemporary gas fire, modern kitchen with fitted electric double oven, two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. Outside you’ll find an enclosed rear garden and off-street parking. And the price for this little gem? Just £132,500. See what we mean about affording the furniture?

Eastholme Drive, Rawcliffe Are you looking for a traditional style house with a touch of contemporary luxury. This beautifully presented semi-detached house now has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with an ensuite from the master bedroom as well as 2 through reception rooms making it a stylish home of character ideal for a couple or professional person.

n For more details or to arrange a viewing contact OPUS on 790070.

14 Avon Drive, Huntington, York A recently refurbished detached bungalow in Huntington, an extremely popular area of York that is served well by local amenities, provides good access to York’s outer ring road and City Centre and sits within the catchment area of the well regarded Huntington primary and secondary schools. This Pilcher built property briefly comprises of an entrance hall, a good sized lounge / dining room, a kitchen / breakfast room with built in oven, hob and hood, a shower room, two double bedrooms, a conservatory, two storage cupboards and a front and rear garden. There is a lengthy drive way to the side of the property that offers ample off road parking and leads to a detached garage that comes complete with lighting and power points. The windows are upvc double glazed in all rooms apart from the kitchen and conservatory and the heating is gas fired. There will be no onward chain involved with this sale. Viewings are available at times convenient to potential purchasers. For more details or to arrange a viewing call:

01904 529530 62

Hawthorne Mews, Strensall Hawthorne Mews is a development of just four executive homes designed in the style of a barn conversion yet with all the convenience of a modern home and tucked away along a private driveway overlooking paddocks and the river Foss to the rear. Arranged over three floors to include a fabulous 28ft through kitchen/dining room, spacious lounge, cloakroom/WC and utility room together with 5 double bedrooms, ensuite shower room/WC and a family bathroom/WC and a double garage and off road parking.

For more details or to arrange a viewing call

01904 621532

YOUR PROPERTY with PAULA MATTHEWS

On the move... Paula Matthews at Opus Estate Agents has been chatting to buyers and sellers all over York answering their concerns and queries Q. I need to sell my house as I am

Q. How can an Estate Agent’s fee vary so

changing my job and have to relocate to another area. I am not sure of the best way to go about it. I am under a lot of pressure at the moment and am not sure how I will handle the stress of moving as well as changing my job as I have not sold before. A. Buying and selling can be stressful so start by having two or three agents out to make sure that you start with a realistic asking price that is achievable in a relatively quick time. Ask lots of questions of the agents to find out more about them. You will be working to timescales so it is important you know how they will approach selling your property and the services that they can offer. The agent will put you at ease and it is up to them to ensure that the sales process is as easy and stress -free as possible.

much when it seems that most agents are offering the same thing? We are trying to get as much money out of the sale of our property as possible to move to our next house, so why shouldn’t we go for the cheapest option? A. All agents are not the same and if your expectations are high do not choose an agent because they have undercut another agent’s fee. An agent will not be ashamed to charge a respectable fee if they believe they offer a first class service. Excellent service is especially important in today’s market. An agent who is confident in what they offer and in their product will get you the best price for your property. They will also get the right buyer for your house and with a number of property sales falling through at the minute they will also ensure as much as they can that the sale goes through to completion.

Q. I am a first time buyer but am nervous about paying too much for a property. How can I make sure that I get my first property at the right price? A. There are websites that you can use to check the sold price of similar properties, which should give you an idea of a fair price – try www.nethouseprices.com. It’s in the agent and the vendor’s interest that you’re happy with the price, so an agent should work hard to make the

sale work so that everyone feels they have a fair deal. My advice to our vendors is that the buyer is as important as the seller in today’s market. We will negotiate an onward purchase so that both parties get what they need from the sale; this will keep the market moving in these tough times.

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

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your home

For most people, having a conservatory built is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – so it makes sense to get it right. A Newspan conservatory is a superb addition to any home, bringing comfort, extra space and style as well as adding value to your property. An individually-crafted Newspan tiled roof conservatory could be the aperfect alternative to buying a larger home. Often referred to as an Orangery or Sun Room - a tiled roof conservatory combines features of a brick built extension, but utilising a tiled roof as well as using the light-maximising features of a traditional conservatory. Every Newspan conservatory, window and door is individually designed, manufactured and made to measure to ensure that you not only get exactly what you want but it also fits perfectly to your home. Newspan offers a full service from initial design and ideas, right through to planning permission, manufacture, building and installation. One satisfied customer says: “I employed Newspan to build me a tiled roof conservatory, which was duly completed on time. I found the workmanship second to none; every care was taken with each stage of the work. The whole team was courteous, polite and very thoughtful. On completion, the site was left pristine and I was left with a beautiful new conservatory. I would recommend this company to anyone.” n Call Newspan Conservatories Ltd on 0800 587 3423 or 01845 597811 or email info@newspanconservatories.co.uk

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your home

What’s hot and what’s not From maps to matching colour schemes, we’ve got the lowdown on what the well dressed home is wearing

WHAT’S NOT Christmas Can you believe Harrods opened their Christmas department in July? We love the festive season as much as the next person, but we really don’t want to buy our baubles in September. Please don’t speak to us of it until at least Halloween. Love seats Too big for one, too small for two...Yes, we know they’re all the rage but frankly they just leave us confused.

WHAT’S HOT Typography It’s all about words this month – inspiring slogans on mugs, prints and cushions and anything else you can think of. Buy them ready-made, or be like our clever Studio Manager Rachel and go DIY with some vinyl cut lettering (available online). You’ll need a steady hand, but it’s a lot cheaper! You can buy all kinds of other stickers, too, from pictures to ceiling roses. Industrial chic This season accessories have a striking utilitarian look,

with exposed frames and sculptural wirework on display. Not big on comfort, but sometimes you have to suffer to be beautiful...

Paint colour names Shoulder Pad Purple? Pale Hound? Sea Urchin? Is it any wonder we stick with Magnolia – at least we know what colour we’re getting.

Copper If you fancy trying some metallics but you’re worried about your living room looking a bit Peter Stringfellow, opt for classy copper. It’s subtle and looks great with earthy tones, monochrome or even teal blue. Quirky lamps Lamps get a surreal new look this season, with bases shaped like anything from old fashioned phones to cups and saucers and cakestands. Check out Debenhams and Next for the best selection.

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your home

The Loft Space Company can help you make the most of your home’s roof space by transforming it into an easily accessible, dustfree area. A company spokesman says: “Our beautifullycrafted wooden loft stair ladders are designed for comfort and safety; they take just a few hours to fit and come with a manufacturer’s 10-year parts guarantee. They are incredibly easy to use, quick and convenient, folding out of sight when not in use. “We provide a full range of boarding services, including bespoke eave-to-eave boarding. Regardless of the area, we’ll offer you the most efficient and effective use of your available space and budget, with a high-quality finish.” n Call 0800 587 662 or 07816 872269 for a free, no-obligation quote

Let Molly Maid add sparkle to your life Imagine the sheer delight of coming home to a sparkling clean house – giving you the time to enjoy yourself. Allow Molly Maid to clean your home from top to bottom ensuring that nothing is overlooked – they even guarantee it! Molly Maid has been providing professional cleaning services in the United Kingdom for more than 25 years. The company’s professionally trained and uniformed teams are covered by an industry-leading insurance scheme for your peace of mind. Always thorough, consistent and reliable, Molly Maid offers a flexible, affordable and stress-free way to clean your home. Dez Ward and Emma Lea have been running Molly Maid’s York franchise as a family business for nearly 10 years. n Contact them today for a free in-home, no-obligation estimate on 784999.

room h t a b r u o y n r Tu etreat r s u io r u x lu a into eas id r o c e d b a f r with ou

The key to spa style is zen-like minimalism; it’s very hard to feel as if you’re in a luxury retreat when the tub is full of kids’ toys and the old man’s socks are drying on the radiator. So aim for plenty of storage so you can stash everything away, leaving your surfaces clear and clutterfree. Either get a joiner to build you a run of cupboards, or look for built-in bathroom fittings. Fittings should be sleek and unfussy. Dark wood always looks stylish – look out for wenge or walnut. When it comes to tiles, go for natural materials such as limestone or marble. Larger tiles in a light shade can make a room look more spacious, while darker

colours give a more intimate feel and look great in candlelight! Mosaic tiles also look stylish, but they tend to be pricey so they’re best used as a feature in smaller areas. They’re also fiddly to fit, which is why it’s a job best left to a professional.

The heat is on...

bathroom. Look out for ads in Your Local Link! Of course, once you’ve invested in your dream bathroom, you need the right finishing touches. Banish those old greying bath towels and treat yourself to some luxurious fluffy matching towels instead. Add some high end bath treats and some scented candles and you’re all ready to relax!

There’s nothing spa-like about having cold feet, so invest in underfloor heating. It’s a real luxury, and you’d be surprised at how affordable it is. A stylish chrome radiator that doubles as a towel warmer is another must for your scheme.

Smart baths

A good bathroom fitter can advise on how to get the best from your

Chromotherapy baths fill your tub with relaxing coloured light as well

And you thought Jacuzzis were modern? Look at these high tech tubs...

as massaging jets. Different colours have different therapeutic effects – for instance, pale blue reduces anxiety, red builds energy and green stimulates healing. They look quite pretty too! Roca’s Happening bath will even release fragrance-infused steam to enhance your mood. True, you won't get much change from £10,000, but think of what you’ll save on spa breaks... If you like a bit of mood music, look out for the latest range of bathtubs, which come with waterproof MP3 players which attach to the bath, or can be connected via Bluetooth to an MP3 player.

Unfair dismissal FAQs Have I been unfairly dismissed? You may have been dismissed unfairly if your employer didn’t follow correct procedures or didn’t have a fair reason for asking you to leave. What is unfair? You could have a strong claim against your employer if you think you’ve been dismissed for one of the following reasons: The business changes ownership and you aren’t kept on; The selection process for redundancy isn’t fair; Pregnancy or maternity discrimination; Age discrimination; Sex discrimination; Equality discrimination; Lack of a proper investigation if you were dismissed for gross misconduct; Not notified of changes in retirement provisions meaning you could have kept your job. Does my Employer have to tell me why I’ve been dismissed? Yes. Provided that you’ve been employed for at least one year you can ask for a written statement asking for the reason for

your dismissal – if you are pregnant or on maternity leave your employer must give you written reasons without you even having to ask. Can anyone claim unfair dismissal? Yes. In most circumstances you have to have been employed for at least a year to be able to make a claim BUT if it’s a question of discrimination you can make a claim regardless of how long you have worked with that employer. How can I make a claim? Where you are unable to resolve the matter with your employer it is best to seek legal advice because a claim for unfair dismissal takes place at the Employment Tribunal. The Tribunal will decide whether it was fair to dismiss you and the amount of compensation to which you are entitled if you win. How long do I have to make a claim? You must make your claim within 3 months from the date you were dismissed. In the event that I win what will I receive? You can ask for your old job back or a

different job at the same company but not many people wish to return after having taken their employer to an Employment Tribunal. Should you not wish to return you are entitled to a Basic Award (based on how long you have worked for your employer, your age and your weekly pay) up to a maximum of about £12,000. There is also a Compensatory Award which may be payable. This is based on past, present and future loss of earnings, overtime, benefits and bonuses as well as the costs incurred in looking for a new job up to a maximum of almost £70,000. I offer a FREE 30 minute consultation and I would be happy to discuss any employment issues with you. Should you require further information, please e-mail me at davidh@ richardsonlaw.co.uk or, alternatively, contact me on 01904 642727. richardson gildEner solicitors 1 Peckitt Street, York YO1 9SF www.richardsongildener.co.uk

your home

The final countdown The switchover to digital TV is happening in York this month. The biggest change in television since the introduction of colour involves the five analogue TV channels - BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - being switched off permanently while the Freeview digital service is boosted. York is covered by the Emley Moor transmitter. The first phase of its switchover to digital happens on Wednesday, September 7, when the transmitter’s BBC2 analogue signal is switched off. The remaining four analogue channels will be switched off on Wednesday, September 21. If your television only receives BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5, then it’s probably an old analogue set that needs to be either replaced or converted with a digital box. If you already have digital TV equipment, you will need to retune it to receive all available channels. John Askew, Digital UK’s manager for the Yorkshire TV region, says: “The switchover will change how television is broadcast. Viewers who have previously been unable to get Freeview services will be able to do so for the first time. Most people are well prepared; but for those who still have questions, we are here to help.” For more details about the switchover, go to www.digitaluk.co.uk

Remember the misery of condensation and mould? The time it took to clean? The money spent redecorating? The puddles of water and the musty smell throughout the house? With winter approaching, the mould you thought had been covered up is more than likely going to strike again. If you want to save yourself from the hassle of condensation and mould, but want the solution to be cost effective, EnviroVent is the answer. EnviroVent can provide a lifetime cure to the problem and they’re so confident they can help you, they even offer a money-back guarantee! n Call 01423 876345 now for your free home-check.

Bi-fold Doors From £990

Conservatories From £1250 Sliding Sash Windows From £198

All Products are Energy Rated

Composite Doors From £400

Sandblasting specialists Any old iron? Give it a new lease of life with sandblasting, where very fine bits of material are propelled at high speed on to a surface in order to clean it. A sandblasting set-up usually consists of three different parts: the abrasive itself, an air compressor, and a blaster nozzle.

Make money while the sun shines Rising electricity prices are no problem for households who can harness the power of the sun to generate their electricity. Due to the feed-in tariffs introduced in April 2010, installing solar photo-voltaic panels is a home improvement that earns you money at a rate that beats the banks and building societies. The Government-backed incentive earns you money for 25 years; the tax-free payments rise with inflation because they are index linked. As well as reducing your electricity bill, Solar PV panels can typically give you a return of more than 10% each year. These great deals are available because the Government is committed to generating 20% of Britain’s electricity from ‘green’ renewable sources by 2020. Green generators, including households with Solar PV panels, will be subsidised. For everybody else electricity bills will rise dramatically in the next few years to pay for the massive

investment needed to replace Britain’s power stations. Green Energy Projects, based in Easingwold, is a designer and installer of solar photo-voltaic panels. Director Chris Steel says: “The company philosophy is to focus on quality and customer service. We use the most efficient panels; all our installers are experienced, locally based tradesmen, who consistently receive great feedback. A recent customer said the responsiveness, neatness and energy of the whole team was most impressive.” Chris adds: “A large 20-panel household installation will earn around £1,700 a year and pay for itself in around eight years, after which you will continue to be paid the £1,700 per annum plus inflation for the balance of the 25-year scheme”

Due to the dangers of inhaling dust during the process, sandblasting is carefully controlled, using an alternate air supply, protective wear, and proper ventilation – this makes it a job for the professionals. Acaster Sandblasting uses the technique on fire places, gates, garden furniture and vehicle parts. It is a spin-off venture set up by Acaster Forge, Waterline Industrial Estate, York YO23 2UY. Andy, at the forge, says: “If you have a rusty old fire place, we can blast it, prime it and paint it so that it’s looking as good as new.” n For more details, call the office on 701513, Andy on 07909 229329 or Jim on 07710 072358.

n Call Green Energy Projects free on 0800 644 00 45 to arrange a free no-obligation survey

Where there’s a Will….. Most people believe that, having made a will, their wishes will be carried out and there should be no problems after they die. As can be seen from these fairly common situations, that may not be the case. A marriage or civil partnership usually revokes a will: Q: After my first husband died I made a will leaving everything to our children. I am 70 and recently remarried. My second husband also has children by his first marriage. My second husband and I agreed before we were married that we would each keep our own property and savings and would each leave our assets to our children by our first marriages. We agreed we would leave nothing to each other. We live in my second husband’s house. I have never changed the will I made when my first husband died as my wishes have not changed. Do I need to do anything? Mrs C. of Haxby A: Yes. Although there are exceptions, a marriage (or civil partnership) usually revokes a will. When you re-married, it is likely that your will was revoked and is no

longer valid. In that case, when you die, your estate will pass according to the rules of intestacy, as if you have not made a will. Depending on the size of your estate, should you die before your husband, it is possible that all of your property will pass to your second husband and then to his children, leaving your children with nothing. In your circumstances you should seek legal advice upon (1) making a new will (2) possibly entering into a post-nuptual agreement with your husband and (3) if the intention is that you shall be allowed to continue to live in your husband’s property should he die before you, what can be done to ensure that happens. The effect of a divorce or dissolution of civil partnership on a will: Q: My wife and I both made wills in 2005 leaving everything to each other then, after we both die, to our children. We were divorced in 2009. We have since reconciled and now live together again as a family although we have not remarried. We still want everything to go

to each other, then to our children. Are we right in thinking we can leave our wills as they are as we are now living again as man and wife? Mr S. of York A: No. Although it is not always the case, usually if someone gets a divorce (decree absolute) that person’s will takes effect as if the former spouse had died before them. That means, for example, any appointment in a will of a former spouse as executor or trustee and any gift to them will normally fail when there is a divorce. A divorce does not affect any other provisions in the will. You should seek legal advice upon making new wills setting out your current wishes. Should you require further information, please e-mail me at carolines@ richardsonlaw.co.uk or, alternatively, contact me on 01904 642727 or to make an appointment for a FREE 30 minute consultation. richardson gildEner solicitors 1 Peckitt Street, York YO1 9SF www.richardsongildener.co.uk

your home Fantastic Deals available

In this era of high electricity bills, now is a good time to trade in your old electric cooker for a more efficient model. The Energy Saving Trust, a non-profit organisation that advises people how to save energy, runs a recommendation scheme to help consumers choose products that meet its strict criteria. GDHA, which manufactures under the Stoves, Belling and New World brands, says it has become the first cooker manufacturer to be approved and recommended across all three of its product categories - freestanding, built-in and range cooking. Electrical retailer Herbert Todd & Son, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, sells Stoves, Belling and New World cookers and you can check out the latest models in its showroom, which has been extended to enhance its display of kitchen appliances. The new area features a working induction hob; manufacturers say the technology is more convenient than gas because it is safer, faster and uses less energy. You can also find out why steam cookers, designed to keep joints of meat moist and tender, are becoming popular. n For all your electrical needs, go to Herbert Todd & Son, at Percyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, York, and York Road, Acomb. Tel: 628676.

Phil on your phone

Her comments follow the publication of a report in the Guardian which showed that the falling cost of installing solar energy, as well as generous feedin tariffs, have led to a boost in the sale of solar power units. But if you’re looking to increase your home’s sustainability, there are a few things to bear in mind, she says. "We believe that the first priority when refurbishing or building a home is to deal with the fabric of the building and make it energy efficient and insulate it rather than adding on bolton micro renewables."

There are many reasons why we would want Location Location’s Phil Spencer on speed dial, and they don’t all have anything to do with house hunting. But now our dreams have almost come true, as Channel 4’s dynamic duo Kirstie and Phil have launched a house hunting app. With 'Kirstie and Phil's House Hunter', users can search for properties anywhere in the UK, as well as calling or emailing agents directly from the app. Other features include videos, tips and property advice, and also a useful feature allowing the user to store, score and make notes on a particular property. You can even add your own photos. Sadly it doesn’t include a clip of Phil’s famous ‘topless in the Jacuzzi’ scene from Location Location, but you can’t have everything...

n For advice on making your home energy efficient, call Solarwall on 0800 138 0079. playing or relaxing. Also, since they let in light and warmth of the sun, they give property owners a sense of being closer to the outdoors and yet still shielded from the elements. But he reckons it’s important that the conservatory is fitted by a professional and also to make sure it’s the right style for your home. A Glass and Glazing Federation spokesman saying conservatories are a good idea. Whatever next?

Glass is class

Save money, save the planet

Thinking about extending? A conservatory could give you more space and boost the value of your home. So says Giles Willson, deputy chief executive officer for the Glass and Glazing Federation (well, he would, wouldn't he?). He says conservatories are perfect for dining, studying,

More and more people are putting sustainability at the top of their lists when looking for a new home.

It’s not all about saving the planet, says Chaley Collis, marketing manager at Green Building Store – rocketing fuel bills have also led buyers to seek properties with energy saving options.

HANDY HOUSEHOLD HINTS We were inundated with household hints last month. Here are a few of our favourites... Use a rubber glove to help unscrew tricky bottles or jars. Failing that a rubber band wound tightly around the lid will also work wonders. Broken a glass? Sometimes it’s difficult to see if you’ve picked up all the tiny bits. I find using a piece of bread helps to pick up invisible fragments. Remove ‘pills’ on jumpers by running over them with a rough piece of steel wool. Take scuff marks from vinyl with a rubber soled shoe. Just wipe it across the mark and it will come off like magic! n Got a household hint for us? Email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk

your home

Just one call away… new carpets and curtains

Choose your new flooring and window dressings in the comfort of your own home or business – thanks to Carpets At Home. The family-run firm enables you to view samples of new carpets, curtains and blinds alongside your existing furnishings and under the actual lighting conditions of your home. One quick phone call will bring thousands of samples of carpets, vinyl and wood flooring directly to your home to suit every room and budget. If you want new curtains, check out the company’s fabrics which range from plain satins and damasks to elaborate and ornate prints and weaves. Carpets At Home will help you to co-ordinate and design that desired window dressing whether you are trying to achieve the minimalist look with blinds and wraps, or a more elegant look with curtains, swags and tails. If the thought of fixing tracks and poles is not your idea of fun, don’t worry – Carpets At Home will hang your curtains and blinds to achieve that designer look.

3 piece SuiteS cHAirS & ANtiQueS BOAtS cArAvANS MOtOr HOMeS

n Carpets At Home, Station House, Thorganby, York YO19 6DQ Tel: 448817 or 0800 542 1015.

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No:1

Choice for Blinds

A New Way to

Watch Your Waste How can you help the Earth and possibly win a ride in the sky? Zero Waste York has launched a brand new website full of ideas, information and practical advice to help us all make York a Zero Waste place. The advice from Zero Waste York is “Check it out before you chuck it out”. The brand new site can be found at www.zerowasteyork.wordpress.com. It includes the latest news from all our events and campaigns, pictures to peruse and videos to view to enable you to get a closer look at what Zero Waste York is all about. There is also an archive to see all the positive things that have already been done and a handy calendar to view upcoming events. Check it out to find out how you can get involved! To celebrate the launch of this fab new site, Zero Waste York are offering you and a friend the chance to see how green York is from the air on a fabulous hot air balloon ride (see P6 for details). Together we can Make york a greener place Obviously, waste is a huge problem, but there are so many ways YOU can help sort it out. Think before you throw anything away. Be creative. Reinvigorate your wardrobe with a clothes swap. Repair. Reuse.

Out of ideas? Luckily the new Zero Waste York site can help with loads of suggestions. You can discover how you can actually save money as you contribute to protecting the planet. The site offers handy documents such as: •

A list of local reusable nappy sellers

•

A love food hate waste meal planner and

shopping list, to help you waste less and save money. Don’t feel like you have the skills to get creative with all your old things? Why not come along to one of Zero Waste York’s upcoming FREE Repair, Reuse and Revitalise workshops this autumn? See their advertisment below for more details

your environment

You can tell by their name that Zero Waste York is all about reducing the impact of waste and helping make York a greener place. But why are they so passionate? Their new website makes it clear: “Waste has huge impacts on our local and global environment. Every year in North Yorkshire ___ tonnes of waste are sent to landfill sites, enough to fill York Minster ___ times over. Materials rot in landfill releasing carbon dioxide and methane, which are extremely harmful greenhouse gases that in part, contribute to global warming.” n What’s missing? Have a guess at the figures and go to www.zerowasteyork.wordpress.com to find out if you’re right!

Do you love where you live? It’s time to get creative and show us how much you care about York.

Children aged four to 11 are being invited by City of York Council to design a poster to encourage everyone to reduce, reuse, recycle and care for their environment. Two winning designs will be seen all over the city on the sides of the council’s wagons. September sees the launch of two exciting campaigns to help make York a greener place: Zero Waste York is all about reducing the impact of waste, reusing and repairing wherever possible. Love Where You Live, created by the Keep Britain Tidy Group, encourages everyone to think about their communities and take action to improve them. n For more information, check Facebook Zero Waste York, Twitter @ZeroWasteYork or www.york.gov.uk So why not spread the word by getting creative with the council’s fun competition? Send your A4 landscape poster with your name, age, address, phone number and school to the Love Where You Live competition, Your Local Link, Oak Tree Farm, The Moor, Haxby, YO32 2LH to reach us by Friday, September 23rd. Good luck!

your garden

Ask Amanda...

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

This year I noticed my tomatoes stayed very green around the stalk end, although the rest of the fruit ripened ok. What was the cause and how can I stop it happening next year?

A. Your tomatoes are suffering from a condition called Greenback. These green areas will remain hard and unpalatable as the rest of the fruit ripens. This problem is caused by excess light, high temperatures and/or insufficient potassium feeding. Greenhouse tomatoes are more prone to developing greenback. Unfortunately you cannot treat your tomatoes this year but consider resistant varieties such as ‘Shirley’ or ‘Alicante’ next year. To prevent this happening again water regularly but do not flood the pots. Feed regularly to maintain good soil fertility using a special tomato fertiliser which has high levels of potassium to encourage better fruit development. Avoid extremes of light and temperature through good ventilation, shade netting or painting your greenhouse with shade paint such as Cool Glass.

I have several well established clematis plants but I am planning an extension. Can I transplant them, and how do I do it?

I have several baskets of trailing begonias. Is it possible to overwinter the plants, or do I have to buy new ones next year?

A. Large, well established clematis resent

A. There are two ways of overwintering

transplanting. They have substantial root structures and very fragile tops. I suggest you wait until late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant then prune the top growth right back to around 30 to 46cms. Preserve as much root as you can as mature clematis roots can be up to 120cms deep. You need to dig up at least a 30cms root ball in diameter and ensure your new location is ready. Dig a large hole deeper than you need to make room for fresh compost in the bottom. Mix bonemeal into the compost just before planting. Fill the hole with water and place the root ball in its new home. The clematis should be planted 5 to 10cms deeper in its new position. Refill the hole with compost or enriched garden soil and water in well. Continue watering for the first few years until the new deep root system has developed and it is capable of supporting the plant through dry spells.

tuberous begonias. When the foliage has turned yellow and begins to die back, gradually reduce watering and allow the tubers to dry out in the baskets. Overwinter at a temperature between 5-10 C (41-50 F ). Keep them frost free. In spring gradually increase watering and apply a liquid feed fortnightly. Alternatively if space does not allow storage of several baskets follow above instructions but lift and clean the tubers, dust their crowns with fungicide and store in boxes of dry sand or peat substitute. Restart the tubers in March at a temperature of 18 C (heated greenhouse is required) in a 9 cm pot. When leafy shoots appear re pot into 12cm pot and then harden off before replanting your hanging basket.

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

your garden

Nursery open day Britain’s last surviving railway nursery is re-opening its doors after a charity was set up to get it back in business. It’s now looking for volunteers to help keep it open. The Poppleton Community Railway Nursery in Station Road, Upper Poppleton, York YO26 6QA, is hosting a heritage open day on Friday, September 9, between 10am and 4pm. Visit the greenhouses, plant sales and enjoy refreshments. The nursery was started by the London & North Eastern Railway in 1941 to provide vegetables for railway hotels and refreshment rooms. After the Second World War, it was used to grow plants for station displays and landscaping schemes until it closed five years ago. n If you want to volunteer, call 07800 501382.

The great outdoors When was the last time you and the kids did the garden together? A survey by gardening campaign PlantforLife has discovered that two thirds of children aged five to 12 would rather watch TV or play on the computer than go out in the garden. In fact, children these days spend less than an hour each week in the garden, compared to the three hours their parents spent when they were younger. Admittedly, pulling up weeds might not be most kids’ idea of a good time (it’s not that much fun for grown-ups, either). Which is why PlantforLife is aiming to make it fun with their Sensory Garden Challenge. n For more information, go to www.plantforlife.info/ sensorychallenge.

your garden

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

Plum time to harvest After working its socks off producing this year’s bumper harvests the soil will need some replenishing when it comes to nutrients. One of the easiest and most efficient ways of achieving this is to plant overwintering green manures in the autumn to overwinter and dig in before it flowers. If they are allowed to flower all the benefits are lost. You can grow quick maturing green manures all year round whenever you have a spare patch of ground but the overwintering kind are particularly beneficial. Green manures are fast growing plants that smother weeds, protect the soil’s structure and in the case of leguminous plants or vetches, absorb nitrogen from the air and fix it in the soil. Once the previous crops have been cleared the seed is best sown by broadcasting at the rate of 160g per 10 square metres of land. Winter tares belong to the pea and bean family so take this into account when working out your crop rotation. The resulting nitrogen rich soil is then perfect for all green , leafy crops in the spring. Hungarian ryegrass is good for sowing from late summer to mid autumn. It must be dug in two months before next spring’s crop is planted or sown to allow time

for it to thoroughly rot down. Continue to harvest on a regular basis, plant onion sets and sow vegetables to mature next spring including turnips, spinach and winter salad leaves. Earth-up celery and cover young cabbage plants with fine netting to avoid pigeon damage. Water tomatoes well during dry spells to avoid blossom end rot. September is a key month for fruit. Despite asking friends to help themselves to as many as they want I simply haven’t been able to keep up with picking my Victoria plums this year. I was away from home at the time I needed to thin them and the result is a tree that looks as though it’s wearing a purple crinoline dress. I also missed the time to refresh the pheromone trap when I should have done and a few bugs got through the defences. This spoilt some of the fruit but I will take remedial measures this autumn and be more vigilant next spring. September is the last month to prune all stone fruits immediately after harvest. Prune blackcurrants, cut back old summer raspberry canes, tie in new ones and order new plants. It looks as though I’ll certainly be doing some overtime.

For a large

selection of Spring Flowering Bulbs

Dean’s Garden Centre • Snowdrops • Crocus • Daffodils • Tulips • Hyacinths and many more Come and visit our coffee shop for traditional lunches including homemade scones freshly baked everyday

www.deansgardencentre.co.uk Stockton-on-the-Forest, York • 01904 400141 Seamer Road, Scarborough • 01723 361814 80

JOBS FOR SEPTEMBER 3 Prune stone fruits 3 Sow vegetables for spring 3 Sow green manure LOCAL SUPPLIERS GREEN MANURES

The Organic Gardening catalogue 01932 253666 www.OrganicCatalogue.com LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Mr Thomas 01759371549 Spent mushroom compost £11 for 5 bags delivered n Sandra specialises in creating sustainable organic kitchen gardens in small spaces and can show you how to grow crops all year round. Contact Sandra Geere Kitchen Garden Design & Consultancy 01904 655366 or email kitchgard@geere.demon.co.uk

your garden

City of York Council and Yorwaste Ltd have teamed up to give residents free compost. Green-fingered gardeners can collect their compost from Yorwaste’s Harewood Whin site, in Tinker Lane, Rufforth, on Sunday, September 4th, between 9.30am and 2.30pm. Residents should bring a shovel and bags or containers to take the compost home in. For more details, call City of York Council’s waste team on 551551.

Landscape gardener Richard Timm, of Fern Nursery, Binbrook, Market Rasen, will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘Life of a Landscaper’ at Askham Bryan College Gardening Club on Tuesday, September 20. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in The Conference Hall, Askham Bryan College, York YO23 3FR. For more details, call David Whiteman, publicity officer, on 707208 or Peter Powell, chairman, on 795059.

Blooming good

www.brunswickyork.org.uk

The Ancient Society of York Florists, believed to be the world’s oldest horticultural society, is holding a flower and vegetable show in the conference hall at Askham Bryan College, near York, on Sunday, September 11, between 11am and 3pm. The show will have displays of seasonal flowers and vegetables as well as sections devoted to flower arranging, handicraft and baking. There will be exhibition and nursery stands as well as home-made cakes, sandwiches and refreshments.

your garden

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

Narcissus Word perfect If may seem like a strange time to be thinking about Narcissi (Daffodils) and other spring bulbs but now is the time to be planting for a riotous show of early colour next spring. The daffodil inspired Wordsworth to write his famous poem and is the Welsh national flower. It’s this image that most people think of, the large golden yellow cup and trumpet, but in fact there are over 13,000 different varieties. These are divided in to 12 divisions all with their own distinct characteristics.

Double Joy The term double means that extra petals are present. Sometimes a daffodil will have a doubled trumpet; sometimes it will have doubled petals (i.e. perianth segments), and sometimes doubles of both. As a result, double daffodils may resemble carnations or even gardenias rather than daffodils. Needless to say, this can look VERY impressive. Examples of these include: Cheerfulness (white with yellow cup, 2-3 florets per stem), Golden Ducat (golden yellow), Ice King (white with yellow cup), Petit Four (white with apricot pink), Sir Winston Churchill (creamy white with orange, 2-3 florets per stem), Tahiti (yellow with orange),

White Lion (white and soft yellow) and Yellow Cheerfulness (primrose yellow, 2-3 florets per stem). The blossoms in this division have a very unusual form. The term corona in the title refers to the trumpet of the daffodil. In Division 11 Daffodils, the cup is split for at least one-half its length, creating an open, up-facing blossom, instead of the typical trumpet. As a result, many of the flowers look more like a Hibiscus than they do a daffodil. Examples include: Cassata (lemon yellow and white), Mondragon (golden yellow and tangerine orange), Orangery (white and pale tangerine), Palmares (white and salmon pink), Broadway Star (white and orange), Lemon Beauty (white with rays of yellow), Papillon (overlapping white petals with green and yellow cup), Marie José (yellow flecked orange with white margins), and Sorbet (ivory with yellow-orange).

Planting The basic rule of thumb when planting is: If the bulb is big (eg. Tulip, Daffodil, Hyacinth), dig the hole about 6 - 8” (15 - 20 cm) deep; if the bulb is small (Crocus, Snowdrop, Dwarf Iris, Muscari, Bluebell), dig the hole about 4 - 5” (10 12 cm) deep.

After the flower is finished blooming, never cut down the foliage until it has completely died back and all the food that was stored in the bulb is exhausted. It is through the leaves that food is sent down to the bulb to replenish it, so that it can grow more flowers for next spring. If you cut back leaves too soon after the bulbs have bloomed, you’ll reduce the number of flowers in coming years. Fertilize plants immediately after their flowering ends. Apply a complete fertilizer, containing nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to the soil where the bulbs have been planted (around the base of the leaves). Dig, divide and replant the bulbs when crowded (usually every three or four years). Do this if the blooms are getting small. Small blossoms indicate that the bulb doesn’t have room to grow and get large. Apply a light application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer just as the bulbs begin to grow in spring.

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

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

your garden

A fruit tree in your garden may produce more than you can eat; the fruit falls on the ground or is left on the tree for the birds. Maybe the job of picking all the fruit is beyond your capabilities. Now help is at hand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thanks to volunteers who will pick the fruit and hand over to you whatever amount you require. The rest will go to a produce-sharing event organised by Haxby & Wigginton in Transition. The next one is being held on Saturday, September 10, at Haxby & Wigginton Methodist Church from 11am to noon. All welcome, with or without surplus produce. n For more details, call Tim on 760659 or email hwtransition@googlemail.com

Fungi trail New Earswick Nature Reserve is hosting an open day dedicated to fungi. It will take place on Saturday, September 24, between noon and 4pm. A fungi trail will be available subject to the weather around the nature reserve, which is a reclaimed brickyard.

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

your garden

gardening Garden Guru Take a tip from Chris Brown of Brown’s Nurseries... • Periods of warm weather will offer ideal conditions for rusts and powdery mildews to establish on new and soft growth, so it’s important to carry on spraying roses, pansies and other susceptible plants. • Now’s the time to start thinking about your spring flowers, such as pansies, snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinth. • Bees need all the help they can get to build up their honey reserves at this time of year. Help them get through the bad winter by planting Asters, Caryopteris, Echinacea, Helenium, Sedum and Verbena Bonariensis.

How to...make cut flowers last • For a cheap alternative to cut flower feed, try adding two tablespoons of lemonade to vase water. Sounds barking, but it works! • Always remove the lower leaves of your flowers, as submerged foliage can rot and smell awful. • Cut the stems at an angle to expose more of the fleshy inside of the stem. This will help water uptake. • Cotton wool fed into hollow stems will keep blooms looking fresher for longer. • Always choose roses in full bloom; they may not open if cut in bud.

Safer sheds They may seem harmless enough, but garden sheds can be lethal, according to the Electrical Safety Council. Their top shed hazards include not covering stored mains-powered tools; not checking leads and plugs for damage; not using RCD protection; storing unsecured tins of chemicals such as weedkiller and pesticides; and not covering the sharp edges of garden tools. What will their next stunning observation be, we wonder – that sticking your finger in an electrical socket is Not A Good Idea..?

What, no conkers? They may have been banned from school playgrounds, but conkers face an even bigger threat than health and safety rules. Thanks to the horse chestnut leaf miner pest, our trees are producing smaller and fewer conkers. The pest started in London nine years ago, and has now spread to Yorkshire, which is why local gardeners are now being asked to monitor their horse chestnut trees for tell-tale signs. The grubs cause large whitish blotches on leaves, which then shrivel and turn brown. Affected trees may recover, but over time they will become weaker and produce fewer conkers.

We want to hear from you!

Got a great gardening tip? Email info@yourlocallink.co.uk.

We’ll print the best!

Top tip “Tomato leaves can help fight aphids on veg,” says Alan from Strensall. “I add two cups of chopped leaves to two cups of water and leave it to steep overnight. Then I strain it, dilute it with two more cups of fresh water and use it to spray over my plants. I discovered the magical power of tomato leaves when I realised the pests were attacking my aubergines but not my tomatoes!”

Annual Open Day 10 September: Brunswick Organic Nursery, Appleton Rd, Bishopthorpe 11am - 4pm. A great day out for all the family. Fun activities include badge making and weaving in the craft workshops and pond dipping in the wildlife area. The shop will be selling home grown seasonal vegetables, perennial plants and handmade crafts and gifts. Call 01904 701869.

your garden

Open Gardens Every year, thousands of enthusiastic gardeners open their gardens to the public under the National Gardens Scheme, either for charity or for the joy of sharing their passion. Here are some of the gardens open this month... Stillingfleet Lodge, Stewart Lane, Stillingfleet YO19 6HP. Plantsman’s garden subdivided into smaller gardens, each based on colour themes with emphasis on foliage plants. Open every Wednesday and Friday and the first and third Saturday and Sunday of the month until 28th September. Visit www.stillinglfeetlodgenurseries.co.uk for more information. Rustic Cottage, Front Street, Wold Newton Nr Driffield YO25 3YQ. Plantswoman’s garden of much interest with many choice and unusual plants. Hellebores and bulbs are treats for the colder months. Old-fashioned roses, fragrant perennials, herbs and wild flowers provide a habitat for birds, bees and butterflies. Open 4th Sept 11am – 4pm. Boundary Cottage, Seaton Ross YO42 4NF. Ponds and lined streams in bog gardens, extensive yet intimate mixed plantings, giant island herbaceous borders, National dicentra collection. Acre garden has 50 maturing specimen trees, gravel gardens, outdoor cacti and seasonal displays. Open 11th September, 11am – 4pm. 130 Prince Rupert Drive, Tockwith YO26 7PU. Half acre enthusiast’s garden planted for year round interest, from early hellebores, cyclamen and bulbs to late perennials and grasses mixed with large fern collection. Rock and bog gardens, pond and pergola, glasshouses and shade house. Open 18th September, 1 – 5pm. n All dates and times available at time of going to press. For more information, log on to www.ngs.org.uk or call 01483 211535.

TO SHERIFF HUTTON NELSONS PARKS

CEMETERY NEW LANE SHIP INN THE VILLAGE - STRENSALL

The spice is right Chandini Restaurant's emphasis on the quality of its food is equalled only by the importance it attaches to providing a friendly, efficient service and creating a comfortable environment for its diners. Why not try its Royal Indian Buffet, which includes poppadum and pickles, five different main meals, pilau rice and naan bread. Eat as much as you like for £7.99 per diner (child £4.99). n Chandini Restaurant, 50 Goodramgate, York. Tel: 635082.

Seaside hotel’s Tinsel & Turkey breaks Celebrate Christmas and New Year a month early on the English Riviera at the Allerdale Hotel in Torquay. The five-day Tinsel & Turkey includes a sherry reception, carols around the Christmas tree, a sumptuous Christmas dinner, a visit from Santa, a six-course New Year gala dinner, live entertainment and shopping excursions.

Calling all chocolate lovers

n For more details, call Louise on 01803 292667.

Owner Sophie Jewett has created a range of tastings and hands-on chocolate and sweet-making classes to celebrate York's chocolate-making history.

Chocolate lovers Little Pretty Things are preparing for gourmet indulgence at this year's York Food & Drink Festival with chocolate tastings, demonstrations and hands-on workshops as well as the opening of the Little Pretty Things Chocolate Parlour. The dream chocolate shop, in Parliament Street, will The cost of the five-day break is £240 and that includes coach travel between York and Torquay. The Tinsel & Turkey breaks start on November 8th, 15th and celebrate chocolate from local producers, as well as Little Pretty Things’ own Yorkshire Collection with flavours such as Blue Cheese & Biscuits and Real Ale. 22nd.

A grand place for eating out

She says: “Chocolate is something we have such an emotional bond with; we turn to chocolate to console or reward ourselves. With the range of tastings, The Blackwell Ox Inn, situated in Sutton on the Forest, is famous for its rural Yorkshire hospitality. The chef sources fresh local produce for the restaurant. He workshops, demonstrations and products we will be sharing at the Little Pretty Things Chocolate Parlour, we are certain there will be something for every is launching a Sunday carvery to complement his imaginative a la carte menu. chocolate lover to discover.” The gastro pub has a comfy sofa area where you can peruse the menu and The chocolate parlour will be in Parliament Street, York, from Friday, September sample its ales and wines. Between Monday and Thursday you can enjoy a pie 16th, to Sunday, September 25th. Details of Little Pretty and a pint (or glass of wine) for £8.95. n Things events are available at www.littleprettything.co.uk n The Blackwell Ox Inn, Huby Road, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York or call 898393. YO61 1DT. Tel: 01347 810328.

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York

inegate, York, and Wine Bar & Bistro at 27 Sw Make your way to Oscars ro, known for its friendly meal deals. The bustling bist get stuck into some great y £16.99. Why not come two meals and wine for onl ambience, is offering any l and other offers that s two meals for £9.99 dea in and ask about the bistro’ and 5pm? are available between 3pm from £3.95 which dwich and wine combos Oscars is also offering san al. ven for a quick, con ient me are ideal for those looking l 652002. n For more details, cal

Triton’s meal deal Now is a great time to visit Triton’s, the establishment famous for its fantastic fish and chips. The well-appointed restaurant at Bilbrough Top Services on the A64 just outside York is offering readers of Your Local Link a 10% discount on production of its advert in this month’s magazine. All Triton’s fish is fried in 100% vegetable oil; a gluten-free option is also available so that everyone can enjoy the restaurant’s crispy batter. The deadline for this tempting meal deal is September 30th. So check out the restaurant’s oak flooring, black granite tables, free Wi-Fi and tuck into some great grub. Triton’s even provides activity sheets and crayons for the kids.

Tel: 01904 630420 12a King Street, York

Tel: 01904 789816 37 the Green, Acomb, York

n For more details, call 700189.

Help For Heroes boost A York fast-food outlet is doing its bit to support Help For Heroes. For each order received from any barracks in the York area, Night Bite will donate 20% of its cost to the military charity Help for Heroes, which raises money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. Night Bite, which is open between 4pm and 11pm seven days a week, serves pizzas, calzones, kebabs, chicken, kids meals, burgers and parmesans to be collected or delivered. *Night Bite, Mansfield House, Lowther Street, York, YO10 7NB. Tel: 656333.

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Verdict VVVVV

Your Local Link journalist RICHARD FOSTER takes part in a restaurant rove with a former star of Emmerdale

If you love food and enjoy meeting fellow foodies, then why night have a grand night-out in York courtesy of Dine About? The venture has been launched by bon vivant Chris Holder who has 25 years experience in the catering and hospitality industry. He has catered for numerous VIPs in his career, including the Queen when she visited York Minster to unveil the new South Transept roof after it was destroyed by fire in 1984. As a director of York Hospitality Association, Chris organised restaurant roves as part of York’s Festival of Food & Drink. These were so well received, that he decided to launch Dine About. He sees the venture as a great way of boosting York’s vital tourism industry as well as promoting the city’s vibrant restaurant sector. Rather than read about Dine About, it’s best to experience it. That’s why Chris invited me to join a group of diners that included 22-year-old TV actor Marc Silcock, who played Jackson Walsh in Emmerdale.

The first leg of our restaurant rove took us to the Dean Court Hotel, near York Minster’s majestic West Front, which was looking glorious in the evening sunshine. We were given a choice of four starters. I opted for grilled local black pudding served with poached egg and grain mustard hollandaise. It was delicious, with the egg cooked to perfection. This was followed by a taste of Spain, courtesy of a small cup of gazpacho, a chilled soup of tomatoes, onions, cucumber and peppers. Our appetites whetted, we walked through the city centre to 31 Castlegate for our main course. The establishment, which boasts a fine view of Clifford’s Tower, was so busy that a waiter told us he had been compelled to turn away another Emmerdale star!

Our dessert course took us to Melton’s Too, the cafe bar bistro in Walmgate. I chose the Yorkshire cheese board served with celery, grapes, biscuits and homemade chutney. Chris was an ideal host, ensuring our restaurant rove went without a hitch. He organised a fun quiz, shared a few gems of York’s history and pointed out partners in the city centre who offer discounts to Dine About customers.

We met for an ice-breaking drink at the Biltmore in Swinegate. The former chapel is now a wellappointed bar and grill. It’s well worth checking out for the decor alone!

Feeling smug, with our own soap star safely ensconced in our group, we were shown to a large table in the basement where we ate our main courses. My pan-roasted lamb rump, served with potato rosti, fine ratatouille, aubergine crisps and redcurrant jus, was superb - as was the glass of Spanish red wine I chose to go with it.

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n To book your place on the next tour, call 619297. For more details, go to www.dineabout.co.uk

Over the past few months it’s become a regular weekend haunt, whether we’re meeting up with friends for Saturday lunch, taking a shopping break for a latte, or enjoying one of their fantastic brunch fry-ups on a Sunday (egg and chips and the Sunday papers – the perfect cure for that morning after feeling!). The cosmopolitan city centre cafe-bar, run by sisters Victoria and Jennie, offers a great range of fresh and fabulous food, from breakfasts, soups and wraps to favourites such as their lamb’n’mint burger, steak ciabatta and home-made fishcakes, from 10am – 9pm. There’s also a selection of fine wines, international beers, cocktails and coffee, all served in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The cafe has a heated courtyard and features regular art exhibitions. It also makes a great venue for private parties. VJs is open seven days a week – call 541771 or visit www.vjsartbar.co.uk for more information.

OFXCLUS FER IVE S!

What does icewine taste like? The Peller family, who have been making wine in Niagara, Canada, for three generations, are widely regarded as one of the most innovative of producers of high-quality icewine. Picked at the coldest moment of a winter’s night, each frozen grape creates just one drop of icewine. Find out what this refined dessert wine tastes like by joining diners at the Cedar Court Grand Hotel in York for a four-course dinner with aperitif and wines on Thursday, September 1st. Let Peter Ayling, from the Peller Family Estate, to introduce you to this amazing wine. n Call 380038 to book your ticket.

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yorkonafork

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yorkonafork

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Market days

16th – 25th September – Festival of Food & Drink, York city centre. 17th September – The Farmers’ Market at York Auction Centre, Murton is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Locally-reared meat, vegetables, Yorkshire cheeses, homemade soups and fruit wine are just some of the tempting celebration treats on offer. 21st September – Haxby Market, Haxby Working Men’s Club car park, 64 North Lane. Support local traders at this new farmers’ market. 30th September – Enjoy the best of Yorkshire’s local produce at the Farmers’ Market in York city centre. From fresh vegetables to local meat and the best of British baking, you’ll find it all here. n For more details about the city centre events, go to www.york.gov.uk/markets

Fancy a coffee?

Then why not drop in to the Cancer Care Centre at York Hospital on Friday 30th September from 10am – 12 noon, where they will be holding the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and the Cancer Care Centre. As well as a cuppa, you can sample the infamous Cancer Care Centre Carrot cake, lots of other baked goodies, and try your hand at the mega tombola with a chance to win some lovely prizes. As well as raising money for a fantastic cause, it’s also a chance to visit the centre and find out more about the great work they do. Everyone is welcome! n For more information call Jane, Michelle or Claire on 721166.

£6.50

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n WALKS & TOURS n LOCAL & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Every night 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 a whole 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 – and have a few laughs along the way! No need to book, just turn up and enjoy. Call 633276 for more information.

Daily Yorkwalk have a wide selection of guided walks that aim to show you a side of the city the guidebooks don’t tell you about. From guildhalls to secret passages and snickleways, Romans to royal connections and hidden corners to the history of chocolate in the city, Jewish heritage to York women in literature, it’s all here! Yorkwalk meets at Museum Gardens Gates. Call 622303 or visit www.yorkwalk.co.uk for more details.

Every Sunday Wigginton Car Boot Sale, Home Farm, Wigginton YO32 2RD. 7am – 1pm. We all love a car boot sale. The chance to rummage around in other people’s stuff, exercise our haggling skills and maybe pick up a bargain. And as we always say, one person’s trash is another’s treasure! Wigginton Car Boot Sale is York’s oldest established sale – can you believe it celebrates its 21st birthday this year? It’s

events

EVENTS KEY:

n DAYS OUT & ATTRACTIONS n CONCERTS n ANTIQUES FAIRS & AUCTIONS

definitely our favourite for spot for some Sunday morning bargain hunting. Call 768463

Until 29 August Time Travellers Go...Medieval, Cliffords Tower. 11am – 5pm. How would you have fared 500 years ago? Take a trip back to medieval times to find out! Have fun dressing up in regal costumes, discover medieval etiquette and even sit on a throne! Call 0870 333 1181for more information, or visit www.english-heritage.org.cuk/events

Until 5 September

www.thefarmerscart.co.uk

27 August Charity Day, Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green YO1 7PR. 12 noon – 11pm. Come along to the Black Swan for a day – and night – of fun and entertainment. Stalls, BBQ, raffle, drag act and loads of other events happening throughout the day, plus a ghost walk! Who knows who (or what!) you might bump into! Bring the family for a fun-filled day, all in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice. Call 679131 or visit www.blackswanyork.com

Children’s Trails, Treasurer's House,

29 August & 21 September

behind York Minster, 11am - 4.30pm. Spend some time in the garden playing traditional games or follow the free children’s trail around the house. (Closed Friday) Tel: 624247.

York Minster exhibition. A collection of etchings, drawings and poetry by local artist Jane Kennelly and poet Nigel Forde are on display in the Chapter House.

Haxby Market, Haxby Working Men’s Club car park, 64 North Lane, Haxby. Don’t fancy trekking into the city to do your shopping? Then head out to Haxby where you’ll find a whole variety of goods at great prices, all in pretty, relaxed surroundings. Come to browse or pick up a bargain – you never know what you might find! For more information, call 768300.

Until 31 October

1 - 4 September

Piglets Adventure Farm Park, The Farmer’s Cart, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, YO32 9ST. Have you visited The Farmer’s Cart’s new farm park yet? As well as furry friends aplenty in the petting barn, you’ll all find bouncing pillows, tractor trailer rides, animal trails, sandpit, crazy farm golf, and Olympigs obstacle course and much, much more. Call 499183 or visit

School Holiday Fun – Butterflies and Moths, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY. 11am - 4pm. Free trail and drop in self-led activities in Swanley Grange. Call 01765 608888

To book please contact the York Racecourse Hospitality Team - Tickets non refundable

Telephone: 01904 638971

Email: events@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk Web: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

Advanced tickets only - The nature of a comedy evening means it is best enjoyed without children, so please no under 16s. The fully licensed bar means that 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over. Management Disclaimer - Please note - that while we make every effort to keep this up to date, shows can change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances and commitments of artists.

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events

1 & 2 September It’s a Monk’s Life, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY. 2pm. Take a family tour of the Abbey. Dress in monks’ robes and learn about their daily life. Suitable for 7s and over. £1.50 per child. Call 01765 608888

2 September Jorvik Woodturning Group, Earswick Village Hall, Earswick Chase, Earswick, York, 7.30pm. Gerry Marlow will give a talk entitled ‘Round Balls’. Call 704092

2 – 15 September Women’s Peace Building, Friargate Quaker Meeting House. 9am – 8pm. Women to Women for Peace are an organisation made up of ordinary women all working together to foster world peace. They welcome women of all ages and all beliefs to join them. You can find out more in this free exhibition of quilts, photos, etc all devoted to the cause of peace. Call 01904 763248.

3 September What’s Going On? Huntington Community Centre, Strensall Road. 10.30am – 4pm. Open event featuring all kinds of local organisations, from Cats Protection to crafts, Adult Education advice to allotments. Admission free.

3 September WITH PIC Open day, YUMI Community Garden, Fulford Cross allotments. 11am - 4.30pm. There will be international cuisine, live music, produce for sale plus exhibitions. Carol Klein, from BBC TV’s Gardener's World, is due to open the event at 2pm. .

3 September The Bingham String Quartet, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ 7.30pm. Featuring Steve Bingham (violin), Marina Gillam (violin), Brenda Stewart (viola), James Halsey (cello). The programme will include works by Steve Reichs, Anthony Gilbert, Michael Parkin and George Crumb. Tickets available from www. latemusic.org or on the door.

3 September Organ Recital by Andrew Lumsden, York Minster. 7pm. Including works

by Mendelssohn, Alain, Guilmant and Duruflé. Book online at www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org

3 September Life In Colour, Pyramid Gallery, 43 Stonegate. 11am. Artist Rosemary Abrahams’ work includes landscapes, seascapes, abstracts as well as what she refers to as her ‘florals’ which are rich in colour and full of vitality. Rosemary’s love for her work is evident and rings through her paintings. You can meet her and see her work at the opening of her new exhibition, which also features glass by Jo Mitchell and ceramics by David Fry and Jane Schaffer. Call 641187.

York Light O PERA C O MPANY

Enjoy

( 5PNO[ ^P[O Featuring songs from: Disney; Wicked; Avenue Q; ABBA; Sister Act; South Paciﬁc; The King & I and a whole lot more...

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Light

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 October 2011 Eve. at 7.30pm Sun. Mat. 2.30pm ;0*2,;:! £9 Concessions: £8 Groups: One free in every 10 booked York Theatre Royal Box Office St. Leonard’s Place York YO1 7HD Telephone: (01904) 623568 or 0n-line @: www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

joseph rowntree TH EATR E Haxby Road, York

A wonderful evening of song and dance from musicals and movies 94

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3 September

8 September

map and details see www.ukunitarians.org.uk/york

Charity Fun Day, Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic, 2 Buttercrambe Road, Stamford Bridge YO41 1AN. 12 noon – 4pm. Calling all animal lovers! Get up close and personal with your your feathered and four legged friends. There’ll be animals from Ryedale Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Falconry UK and Leaping Lizards, plus a bouncy castle tombola, raffle and children’s pet show. There’s also a fancy dress competition – come dressed as a vet or an animal, and you could win a prize! All in aid of Dogs for the Disabled, Caring for Cats and Ryedale Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. For information, call 01759 371066

Magical Moths, Wheatlands Educational Community Woodland, Northfield Lane, Upper Poppleton YO26 6QU. 8 – 11pm. Bring a torch.

10 September

3- 4 & 17-18 September Windmill weekends, see how the restoration of Holgate Windmill is progressing by attending the open days between 11am and 4pm. For more details, call Helen Hoult on 331402 or Bob Anderton on 795851.

4 September Lazy Sunday Afternoon, Nostell Priory & Parkland, Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield WF4 1QE. 1pm. Spend a lazy afternoon in wonderful Tea Room gardens, read the papers and listen to music provided by our cheery musicians. Call 01924 863892

7 September Lunch Club, Treasurer's House, behind York Minster. If you single, widowed or looking to make new friends, enjoy a two-course lunch at 12.30pm. Booking essential on 624247.

8 September York 50+ Information Fair, The Guildhall. 10 am – 4 pm. Thirty stands with advice and taster sessions, plus refreshments and tombola prizes. Your questions answered by friendly people in an informal setting.

9 & 10 September The York National Book Fair, Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse, Friday, noon 7pm; Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Now in its 36th year, this year's fair features the largest ever number of exhibitors. More than 200 leading dealers will gather to offer rare, antiquarian, unusual and outof-print books on all conceivable subjects. Prices will range from a few pounds to tens of thousands of pounds, so there will be items for serious collectors and first time-buyers alike. The catalogue can be viewed online at www.yorkbookfair.com where you can print out complimentary tickets; otherwise admission is £2 at the door.

9 – 11 September York Unitarians Heritage Open Day, St Saviourgate. 10am – 4pm (Fri & Sat); 12.30 – 4pm (Sun). An exhibition and events about pioneering York writer and feminist Catherine Cappe and 18th/19th century issues of social justice. Highlights include poems, talks, plays and a concert, as well as the chance to contribute to the ‘Patchwork of History’, a unique and historic quilt that will be put together over the weekend. For

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Western Front Association, Holgate Block, York St John University, 2.30pm. Rob Thompson will talk about the British Army’s series of brilliant victories between August and November 1918. Tel: 01484 531412. Jack’s Party in the Car Park, The Fleece Inn, 47 Main Street, Bishop Wilton. 6pm 12.30am. Have a great night out and raise some funds for good causes with this fun event In aid of children’s heart surgery fund. Six local bands will be appearing, plus a BBQ, hog roast and a chance to sample some great local ales at the guest beer festival. There will also be the chance to win some great prizes in the raffle. Call 01759 368251.

Egypt Exploration Society Study Day, Philip Rahtz Lecture Theatre, King’s Manor. 10am – 5pm. New Research on Nefertiti, Tutankhamun and Akhenaten: Heresy and Reformation at Amarna and Thebes. For more information contact the EES on 020 724 21880,

10 September Foss Walk, meet junction of Lilling Low Lane and New Lane. 10am. Farlington to West Lilling approx 4.75 miles. Call Bob Jowett on 01904 764702.

10 September Heritage Open Day, Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard. 11am – 4.30pm. As part of national Heritage Open Day, Treasurer's House will throw open its doors free to all visitors, to promote the importance and popularity of heritage to national life. Special opportunities to investigate Hidden Treasures. Call 624247 for more information.

events

Heritage Open Day, Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, Beninbrough YO30 1DD. Think you know Beninbrough Hall? Think again! Discover some unexpected places in this free Heritage Open Day. Call 01904 472027 for more information.

10 September Organ Recital by Colin Walsh, York Minster. 7pm. Including works by Franck, Bach, Tournemire, Durufle, Litaize, Messiaen & Widor. Book online at www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org.

A Evening with York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir, St Lawrence Church, Lawrence Street. 7.30pm. In aid of York Cruse Bereavement Care. Tickets £10 from Janet on 0787 9651400

11 September Wedding Fayre, Burn Hall Hotel, Tollerton Road, Huby. 11am – 3pm. A perfect opportunity to visit Burn Hall and see the Mulberry set up for a civic ceremony and Minster Room for a wedding breakfast. There’s also a chance to meet lots of great exhibitors, saving you time and money, too. And on the subject of moneym don't forget to ask about Burn Hall Hotel’s fantastic £2750 wedding package for 2011/12 – it’s an offer not to be missed! Free entry. Call 01347 825400 Open Garden, Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens.

School YO25 5HR. 9am – 4pm. Over 30 stalls selling a whole range of antiques and collectables. Browse for a bargain, or pick up the perfect piece for your collection! Entrance £1. Call 01377 254768

11 September English Architecture at Fountains Abbey, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon

1pm – 5pm. For the National Garden Scheme to support Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support. Admire the autumn colour and help raise money for a worthwhile charity. For more information, call 01904 728506

HG4 3DY. 11am. Join one of the specialist tours to find out more about Medieval Industry, Fountains Abbey Architecture, The Aisblabies’ Deer Park, or Cistercian Monks. Visit the website or call 01765 608888. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

11 September

13 and 14 September

Antique & Collectors Fair, Driffield

Fashion & Gift Fair, The Guildhall. 10am

– 4pm. Bored with the High Street? Looking for a unique shopping experience where you can find something truly fabulous? Then look no further than All Season Events’ new Fashion & Gift Fair. You’ll find an excellent variety of gifts, crafts, ladieswear, children’s wear, jewellery, homewares, beauty products, toys, books, handbags and accessories and many many more all under one roof. For more information on this and other All Season Events, visit www.allseasonevents.co.uk

13 September Heworth Retired Men’s Forum, Heworth Community Centre, Stray Road. 10.30am. You don't have to live in Heworth to join! Gordon Smith will be giving an Introduction to the

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14 September Open Day, York Hospital. 2.30 – 5.30pm. Your chance to find out more about the hospital and its services. There will be displays by hospital departments and local voluntary and support organisations, including pharmacy, midwifery, orthopaedics, and physiotherapy. The day will feature interesting and interactive demonstrations and tours, and health-related film presentations. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the hospital governors and find out more about becoming a foundation trust member. It will be followed by the Trust’s annual general meeting which runs from 5.30 to 7pm in the Chapel.

14 September Ripon International Festival Concert with The Kosmos Ensemble, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY. 7.30pm. Enjoy an evening of entertainment and food at Fountains Hall with traditional music from the Balkans and beyond: intoxicating dance rhythms, soulful improvisation and gypsy passion. Visit www. riponinternationalfestival.com to book.

15 September Chutney Lunch & Workshop, Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, Beninbrough YO30 1DD. Enjoy the best of autumn’s bounty at this great event. Fruit picking and making, including early autumn lunch. All Tickets £25. Call 01904 472027

16 September York 50+ Festival Show, Theatre Royal Studio, 2 pm. With storyteller Adrian Spendlow,

songs and music from Steve Cassidy, Jorvik Gilbert & Sullivan Company, poet Helen Burke, and Vintage Velvet Line Dancers. Plus a fascinating backstage tour of the theatre and a cream tea.

16 – 25 September York Food and Drink Festival, Parliament Street, The Guildhall, The Mansion House and venues across York. For more information, log on to www.yorkfoodfestival.com.

16 & 25 September Free Bowling Coaching, New Earswick Bowling Club, Huntington Road YO23 9PX. Are you looking for a new activity to enjoy? Do you want to make new friends while trying out a new hobby? Then why not head along to the taster sessions being held at the New Earswick Bowling Club. They’ll provide the woods, shoes and expertise – you just turn up and play!Call 750230

17 September Knavesmire Cool Kids Club 10th Birthday Party, Rowntrees Park. 11am - 2pm. Kids Funfair, Bouncy Castle, Trampoline, BBQ and refreshments Stalls. Fun for all the family

Poppleton Tithe Barn, Church Lane, Nether Poppleton, is holding an open afternoon, between 2pm and 4pm, to raise funds for the venue. There will be stalls for second-hand books, cakes, plants, bric-a-brac plus refreshments.

17 September The ‘Alternative’ Produce Show and Autumn Fair. Helmsley Walled Garden, Cleveland Way, Helmsley YO62 5AH. The first (and hopefully annual) Alternative show and Autumn fair will be held throughout the garden,

offering plenty of stalls with locally produced goods and gifts as well as produce classes on show. But these are ‘classes’ with a difference – they’re looking for the oddest shaped vegetable, a selection of red produce on a plate and the tastiest jam, jelly or preserve. The show will be followed by a Ceildh in the evening. Call 01439 771427

Signalling School demonstration, National Railway Museum. Warehouse 11am -12:30pm and 1:30pm - 3:30pm. Detect for yourself how messages were passed by the railway as part of this year’s BIG CITY READ event in York. Discover what happened in railway signal boxes, and learn about the secret codes that signal men had to understand. And head upstairs to the Workshop balcony to see how signalmen work.

17 September Organ Recital by Robert Sharpe, York Minster. 7pm. Including works by Bairstow, Bach, Jackson, Rheinberger, Vierne & Glinka. Book online at www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org

17 & 18 September Steve Henshaw International Gold Cup Road Races, Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough YO11 2YW. See the stars of speed at the British mainland’s only natural "roads" circuit, which has over the years been the proving ground for many future world champions and TT stars, such as Barry Sheene and John Surtees. Iit’s a great day out for all the family. www.oliversmount.com.

Steam Fair, Nostell Priory & Parkland, Doncaster Road, 10am – 5pm. Nostell's Steam Fair returns! The vista will be filled with traction engines, vintage cars, classic motorcycles fairground organs, Fun fair and lots more. Call 01924 866840

SPORTS Horse racing Sat 3rd Sun 4th Wed 14th Sat 17th Tues 20th Sat 24th

Thirsk (Ladies Day) York (Family Day) Beverley Catterick Beverley Ripon

YORKSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB (County Championship division one) Wed 7th – Somerset, Headingley

YORK CITY KNIGHTS (Co-operative Championship) Sun 4th – (A) Sheffield Eagles

YORK CITY FC Sat 3rd – (H) Bath City Sat 10th – (A) Tamworth Sat 17th – (A) Wrexham Tues 20th – (H) Darlington Sat 24th – (H) Luton Town Tues 27th – (A) Gateshead

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Institute of Advanced Motorists. More details from 330334 or 423277.

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17 – 18 and 24 – 25 September Steam and diesel shuttle weekends, National Railway Museum. A unique opportunity to travel between the National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in Shildon, via atmospheric steam and diesel shuttles linking both sites. The shuttles will run over two weekends, and be pulled by a selection of locomotives: Royal Class 47 Prince William, No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell and either No. 30777 Sir Lamiel, No.5972 Olton Hall or No. 4472 Flying Scotsman. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of operating steam and diesel engines, and sit back and relax as you are transported along the North East line to your destination. Stops along the way include Northallerton, and Darlington North Road – where you can enjoy free admission to the Head of Steam Museum on both weekends. For further details visit www.nrm.org.uk/shuttle

18 September Going Digital, Nostell Priory & Parkland, Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield WF4 1QE. 9.30am – 5pm. Want to make better use of your digital camera? Learn to take wonderful pictures, and create and manipulate your digital images. Call 07764 952 029 to book your place.

Wedding Fayre, Barley Hall. 10.30am – 4pm. Looking for a wonderful, unique venue for your wedding? Take the chance to explore this magnificent hidden treasure right in the heart of the city and to see for yourself what it can offer. The Hall will be dressed to impress. A chance to meet the suppliers and chat with one of Barley Hall’s experienced function co-ordinators.

Wedding Fair, York Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road, York, noon-4pm. Meet wedding co-ordinators, enjoy the exquisite bridal wear, speak to more than 45 stylish exhibitors, including florists, cake-makers, photographers, musicians and specialists in menswear, jewellery, hair, makeup and transport. The free event, organised by The Wedding Affair, will feature competitions and entertainment as well as gift bags sponsored by Molton Brown. For details, call 0843 289 8504

18 September Family Fun Day & Open Day, Oaken Grove Community Centre, Haxby, 1pm-4pm. Find out about the centre’s youth theatre and youth clubs for youngsters aged between eight and 17.

There will be a bouncy castle, ice-cream, barbecue, tombola, raffle and much more.

18 September The Battle of Old Byland (1322), meet outside the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre (YO7 2EH). 2pm. Visit the scene of one of Robert the Bruce’s greatest victories over Edward II, and enjoy stunning views over the Yorkshire countryside. Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear, and be prepared to walk long distances. Prebooking essential call 01904 615505.

21 September UN International Day of Peace, Friends’ Meeting House, Friargate. 7.30pm. Dave Webb, chair of CND. Call Joyce on 621179.

This spot could be yours

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Foss Walk, meet in the car park of Huntington Parish Church. 10am. Strensall to Huntington approx 5 miles. Names, please, to Bob on 764702.

22 September The Yorkshire Wedding Collection, Carlton Towers, High Street, Carlton, Goole DN14 9LZ. 5.30 – 9pm. This sensational Gothic style house, situated between York and Doncaster, is the perfect venue for your wedding day. You can find out what the house has to offer at their evening event. You’ll find everything you need to plan your big day, plus the chance to see some of the accommodation on offer at Carlton Towers. For details, call 0113 286 2491.

23 September Sugar Crafting, Barley Hall. 10.30; 2pm. An hour-long workshop that introduces the basics in medieval sugarcraft. Take home your own sugarcraft items to decorate your dining table! Spaces strictly limited. £8.50 (includes all ingredients). Pre-booking essential – call 615505.

23 & 30 September Dine with the Deer Warden, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY. 10.30am - 1.30pm. Join John the deer warden for a guided walk around the park followed by a delicious meal in Fountains Restaurant. Call 01765 643197

24 September Open Event, David Lloyd Health Club, Hull Road. 2 – 4.30pm. Special Olympics City of York is organising a day of taster sessions for children and adults with learning disabilities. Try your hand

at football, tennis, swimming or athletics, or find out more about sports such as New Age Kurling, Boccia, table tennis and golf. No need to book! For more information, call 07815 728945.

24 September The Academy of St Olave’s, St Olave’s Church, Marygate. 8pm. The Academy of St Olave’s is a Chamber Orchestra which performs three concerts each year. Its repertoire ranges from music of the seventeenth century to that of the present day. This evening the Academy will be presenting an evening of Mozart - the Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat; Oboe Concerto in F (soloist Alexandra Nightingale), and Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. Tickets are available on the door or from Visit York, 1 Museum Street. Tel. 01904 550099. A Grand Night For Singing, Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Musical Director Ewa Salecka and pianist Greg Birch have been virtually non-stop in their music-making in York with their two choral projects, Millegro York Contemporary Choir and Prima Vocal Ensemble. This dynamic show features inspiring music including excerpts from Fiddler on the Roof, Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man and This Land Of Ours, alongside Astor Piazzolla Tangos, Manhattan Transfer and unique arrangements of jazz, folk and spirituals. Tickets are available from York Theatre Royal Box Office, online at www. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 623568

24 September

uses of chocolate from chocolate wine, cheese chocolate, curry chocolates and have a taste and go at making your own. Tickets, which include a gorgeously decadent hot chocolate and Festival goody bag, are available from 01904 466687 or at www.yorkfoodfestival.com

LMS Photography Event, National Railway Museum. 6.30 – 9pm. An opportunity to photograph LMS locomotives and other iconic engines from the collection. This after-hours photography event gives you a rare opportunity to photograph a number of visiting and National Railway Museum locomotives from the LMS Steam Weekend. The locomotives will be on display in the South Yard area, with some of the engines appearing in light steam for the event. For tickets and further information, call 01904 685724.

24 September – 2 October York 50+ Festival. The York Older People’s Assembly presents 88 events around the city for the seventh consecutive year! Full programme in libraries and city centre outlets including the Quaker Meeting House from early September. Call Sue Lister on 01904 488870.

24 and 25 September Antiques and Collectors Fair, Ripley Village Hall. 9am – 4.30pm. Quality fair with items including decorative antiques, pottery, porcelain, glass, paintings, prints, metalware, jewellery, silver, books, tools, linen, etc. Call 01423 889163

An Evening of Chocolate Indulgence, York Food and Drink Festival. 5.30pm. Discover the best of local chocolate makers with a chance to learn and indulge in the secrets of their chocolates. Discover the many

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textiles, toys and much, much more. Find out more from www.discovervintage.co.uk.

Health & Healing Festival, Pavilions of Harrogate. Gain a whole new perspective and vibrancy to life by exploring the vast array that’s on offer at the Harrogate Health and Healing Festival, now in its sixth year. A wealth of trade stands offers an absolute treasure trove of amazing high quality natural and organic products to purchase. An excellent, varied programme of workshops and free talks is available to excite, inspire and energise you. Take time to have a spiritual or psychic reading, pamper yourself with a taster treatment or just chill and enjoy the stage performances, or have your book signed by an author, the choice is yours! For further details and a free programme, please visit www.mbsfestivals.com or ring 01405 769875 Tudor Treats & Sweets, Cliffords Tower. 11am – 5pm. Got a sweet tooth? Then step back in time to meet the Tudors, where the tables of noble families would have enjoyed a whole host of of sweet treats. Discover how delicacies such as marzipan and sugared spices were made and take home some authentic Tudor table manners! Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events

24-25 September Open Church Weekend, St. Margaret Clitherow's R.C. Church , Holly Tree Lane , Haxby,. 9am-4.30pm. Sun. 10am - 4pm. Exhibition includes display of personal bibles, readings of favourite scripture passages, visual images and symbols, biblical plant quiz. Further information from Miriam Sigston on 01904 764291.

25 September Diabetes UK Charity Bike Ride, opposite York College. 11am. Raise sponsorship for this very

25 September Open Garden, Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens. 12 noon – 4pm. Open event to celebrate 30 years of Society Garden Designers. Come and meet a designer and discover the tricks of the trade. For more information, call 01904 728506

25 September Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk, Bustardthorpe Field, Knavesmire. This fundraising event, in partnership with BUPA, will be a day to remember, with lots of vintage-themed activities and entertainment to enjoy. There are three walks to choose: one mile, six miles and 10 miles. For more details, call on 633599

26 – 30 September Festival of Food Open Week, Busy worthwhile charity by cycling 20km along the Solar Route, south of York . (Part of the 65 national cycle route between York & Selby). The route is laid out with a scale model of the solar system. Suitable for all ages. It’ll put the fun into fun-draising! For more information, call 01325 488606

25 September Discover Vintage Fair, York Barbican. 11am – 4pm. Do you hanker for the elegance of the 1930s, or the grooviness of the 70s? Are you looking for something truly unique for your home or wardrobe? Then head along to the Discover Vintage Fair where you’ll find over 60 specialist exhibitors from across the UK selling everything from furniture to fashion, home items, records,

Bees Day Nursery, Eccles Close, YO30 5XJ. Bring the kids and join the fun at Busy Bees. On Monday, there’s a Teddy Bears Picnic at 3.30pm (come along at 2.30 and join in making the picnic food!). On Tuesday, there’s pizza making with Luigi from 1.30pm. On Wednesday, you can decorate cupcakes to sell in aid of charity. On Thursday, it’s Big Cook Day with nursery chef Matt from 9.30 – 11.30am. Then join Rev David Casswell on Friday for Harvest Festival, and learn about baking your own bread. Call Jo on 01904 674762

26 – 29 September Book Sale, St Helen’s Church, St Helen’s Square. In aid of Feed The Minds, supporting education and medical work for overseas aid. For details call 01904 704600

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

I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Kate, a harassed working mum and breadwinner to her husband and kids. We’re guessing there won’t be too many shopping sprees in Manolos, then...

JANE EYRE The 25th – by our calculations, anyway – adaptation of the Bronte classic stars relative unknown Mia Wasikowska as Jane, with Michael Fassbender as Edward Rochester. It promises to show a darker side to the classic gothic love story. WUTHERING HEIGHTS Isn’t it just the way? You wait years for a Bronte adaptation to come along, then two arrive at once. The troubled production has been through a number of leading ladies, including Natalie Portman and

Gemma Arterton, before settling on Skins star Kaya Scodelario as tragic Cathy.

THE DEBT In 1965, three young Israeli Mossad agents on a secret mission capture and kill a notorious Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, a man claiming to be the Nazi has surfaced in Ukraine and one of the former agents must go back undercover to seek out the truth. Starring Sam Worthington, Ciaran Hinds and Helen Mirren.

ABDUCTION Twilight star Taylor Lautner stars as a young man who sets out to uncover the truth about his life after finding his baby photo on a missing persons’ website. Probably disappointingly few opportunities for him to get his shirt off, but might be worth seeing anyway... *Listings correct at time of press.

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Nunthorpe Road, York, 5pm. For details, call Charlie Mitchell on 07870 498886.

29 September

1 October

St Mary’s Church Tour, Fountains

York Psychic & Complementary Therapy Fair, The Guildhall, St Helen’s

Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY. 11am12.30pm. Take a free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet at St Mary’s church. Call 01765 608888

30 September Hidden Tours, York Minster. 7pm and 8.30pm. Explore the Bell Towers , Masons’ Loft or the Five Sisters window. Expert guides will help you discover hidden parts of the Minster.

27 September 50+ Festival Events, New Earswick Bowling Club, Huntington Road YO23 9PX. Various events as part of the 50+ Festival. Join in the Short Mat Bowls at 9.30am, or Keep Fit at 10am. Or sign up for some Sequence Dancing at 2pm. For more information, call 750230 or visit www.newearswicklbc.co.uk.

Heworth Retired Men’s Forum,

2 October The Steve Cassidy Band & Friends, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, 7.30pm. To book, call the box office on 623568.

15 October Meet Keith Proctor, The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington. 12 noon – 3pm. Call 01759 307652

30 September

22 October

Acoustic Night, Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre. 8pm. Phil Pipe and David Swann perform folk music in aid of York Against Cancer. Tickets available from Maynews Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe; G.Swain's Butcher; Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre.

Come and Sing Faure Requiem, St Clement’s Church, Scarcroft Road YO23 1NE. Rehearsal starts 10.30am; performance 4.30pm. Call John Guest on 01904 795595

1 October Manchester Chamber Choir, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ 7.30pm. Tickets available from www.latemusic.org or on the door.

Heworth Community Centre, Stray Road. 10.30. Simon Wallace will be talking about “Dementia and the work of the Alzheimer’s Society”. Details from 330334 or 423277.

1 October

29 September

1 October

Curator Talks, York Minster. 1.15pm –

Beginners Band Recruitment Drive & Concert, Clements Hall,

1.45pm. Lunchtime lectures exploring the historic

Square. 10.30am – 5pm. Admission £1.50.

High Scorers’ Concert, Southlands Methodist Church, Bishopthorpe Road, York, 2.30pm. For tickets, call 07818 085021.

30 October York Celebrates John Barry, York Barbican Centre, 7pm. To book, call the box office on 0844 854 2757

6 November Festival of Remembrance, York Barbican. 7pm. York’s moving annual Festival of Remembrance makes a welcome return to York Barbican after three years’ absence. The Festival will be remembering those who fell in two world wars, the many casualties in subsequent conflicts and particularly in Afghanistan. To book, call the box office on 0844 854 2757.

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collections of York Minster. The talk will take place in the final chamber of the Undercroft.

Theatre Peter Pan (Until 3 September) From the team that brought you The Railway Children and The Wind In The Willows comes another family spectacular at York Theatre Royal. Join Wendy, John and Michael Darling for their action-packed adventures in Neverland. Stories of Lost Boys, Indians, Mermaids, Crocodiles and Pirates unfold before your eyes in a magical land, free from grown-up rules. J. M. Barrie’s enchanting story of the boy who refuses to grow up is given sparkle and soul in this new adaptation by Mike Kenny. A gang from Your Local Link was in raptures after seeing the show. Box office: 623568.

Numberjacks (6 - 7 September) For the very first time BBC TV stalwart Numberjacks takes to the stage, starting a national tour at York’s Grand Opera House. Join the TV Superheroes as they embark on their first live adventure and help them solve problems as they

6 September Jazz supper: Enjoy an evening with good food and live music from the Andy Hillier Jazz Trio, Court Cafe, Dean Court Hotel, York, from 8pm. Tel: 625082.

8 September Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Sense And

go! But watch out for the dastardly Numbertaker and Spooky Spoon, who do all they can to disrupt proceedings. Numberjacks helps young children learn about numbers, shapes and sizes in a fun way. Box office: 0844 871 3024.

such gems as The King Of Broadway, I Wanna Be A Producer, When You’ve Got It Flaunt It, Springtime For Hitler and Prisoners Of Love. The show is presented at the Grand Opera House by York Stage Musicals. Box office: 0844 847 2322.

Gala Charity Spectacular (9 & 10 September)

Princess Ida (14 - 17 September)

York impresario Bev Jones has come out of retirement to direct more than 50 performers to raise money for the Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster. The show will feature songs from Chicago, Hairspray, 42nd Street, We Will Rock You, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Fame and Swingtime as well as dance spectaculars. Music will be provided by Bev’s very own 10-piece Showband. Tickets can reserved, on 01904 708825 or purchased on the door at the Riley Smith Hall. Curtain up: 7.30pm (2.30pm Saturday matinee).

The Producers (12 – 17 September) Based on the 1968 Mel Brooks cult film, The Producers chronicles the hilarious adventures of struggling theatrical impresario Max Bialystock and his mild-mannered accountant Leo Bloom as they scheme to get rich quick by producing the most notorious flop in the history of Broadway. Their guaranteed-to-fail fiasco? Springtime For Hitler: The Musical – but anything can happen when those lights go down on Broadway. The score contains

been shaped by the language of the Bible. Book online www.boxoffice. yorkminster.org.

14 September Linedancing Social, Health Service Club, Whitecross Road, Off Haxby Road. Put on your dancing boots and join Rene’s Revellers for a fantastic night out. Call 470292

Sensibility in the Museum Gardens, York, at 7pm. Tel: 01522 569777.

17 September Grease Tribute Night,

12 September A Book of Many Colours. A Talk by David Crystal,

York Racecourse. Dust off your dancing shoes, brush up your hand jive and join the T-Birds and Pink Ladies for an evening of classic hits from the world’s favourite musical movie. With a tribute show, disco, three course meal and late night bar, it promises to be an ‘Electrifying’ night. Is it the One That You Want? Then book by calling 638971

Maclagan Hall, St William’s College. 7pm. What do the following have in common? Let there be light - A fly in the ointment - A rod of iron - New wine in old bottles - How are the mighty fallen? They are all in the King James Bible. Marking the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible, David Crystal’s book, Begat, examines the way English has 102

An Evening of Clairvoyance, Black Swan Inn, Peaseholme Green, 7.30pm.

Gilbert & Sullivan’s eighth operatic collaboration takes a satirical swipe at feminism, women’s education and Darwinian evolution – all of which were hot topics when it was first produced in 1884. Can Prince Hilarion win the heart of the feminist Princess Ida or will his love end in tragedy? It is being staged by the Jorvik Gilbert & Sullivan Company at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Box office: 623568.

Hare & Tortoise (22 September – 8 October) Children’s theatre company tutti frutti is teaming up with York Theatre Royal to stage Brendan Murray’s new adaption of Aesop’s much- loved tale Hare & Tortoise. Meet two competing friends in a story about racing, opposites, time and friendship. From sun-shining spring to snow-falling winter, tutti frutti brings you this classic fable brimming with ideas, characters, live music and wonderful physicality. Box office: 623568.

18 September Time Gentleman Please! Grand Opera House 7.30pm For anyone who loves any form of dance from contemporary to classical ballet Tel: 0844 871 3024

22 September Bollywood Evening, The Hospitium. Part of the York Food & Drink Festival. Sample various curries, enjoy Bollywood dancing, followed by disco with Minster FM’s Chris Marsden. £29.50 pp. Book on 780880

23 September Medieval Banquet, Barley Hall. 7pm. Spend an evening of medieval merriment at Barley Hall, with hearty food, foaming ale, music and recitals to delight and entertain you! £30 (includes an alcoholic drink or soft alternative). Call 615505.

27 September Bistro sounds, Dean Court

Hotel, 8pm. York singer-songwriter David Ward Maclean performs with guest musician. Tel: 625082.

30 September Comedy Night, York Racecourse. Geoff Boyz is your host for an evening of comedy featuring no less than three comedians – Neil Cole, Tony Burgess and Chris Turner. Tickets £16 including light supper. Call 638971

1 October York Guildhall Orchestra, The Barbican. Call 0844 854 2757

to the twosomes in their pub. Each has a story to tell, sometimes quirky, sometimes sad, but it’s always a tale you identify with. Interwoven with pint-pulling, we meet Moth, a man drawn to every flame yet utterly dependent on Maudie; two elderly pensioners; Mrs Iger who simply adores big men; Roy who has Lesley completely under control and two Elvis fans watching TV. It’s being staged by the Rowntree Players at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, at 7.30pm. Box Office: www.rowntreeplayers.co.uk. Email: tickets@ rowntreeplayers.co.uk or call 07927 026071.

The Jungle Book (4 – 8 October) See Mowgli the man-cub, Baloo the bear and Shere Khan the tiger live on stage as the Birmingham Stage Company’s version of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling comes to York’s Grand Opera House. Enjoy the exciting story of Mowgli, a young boy raised in the jungle by a family of wolves. When Shere Khan, the tiger, swears to kill the child, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther agree to take the boy to the man village for his safety. But the jungle holds danger and surprises for them all in this adventure of a lifetime. Box Office: 0844 870 3024.

Forty Years On (23 September - 15 October) York Theatre Royal is presenting Forty Years On one of Alan Bennett’s funniest works. It’s the last day of school term. Join the staff and students of The Albion House dramatic society as they present Speak For England, Arthur - a rip roaring revue featuring sketches, songs and dances that take us back to the announcement that the Second World War has broken out. The Headmaster will do his best to keep the show on track, and keep it clean, as he contests against unruly pupils and disruptive staff. Box office: 623568.

Hooked (23 & 24 September) This new play reunites Six Lips Theatre with their old home Bar Lane Studios, next to Micklegate Bar, York. Doused in a healthy dose of Anna Rose

What’s on at.... Grand Opera House 20 Sept: Ian Anderson 21 Sept: The Billy Fury Story 22 Sept: Motown’s Greatest Hits 27 Sept: Straight No Chaser 29 Sept: Echo & The Bunnymen 30 Sept: Blackmore’s Night

Barbican Centre 11 Sept: Sounds of the Glen Miller Era 22 Sept: Pete Doherty 23 Sept: Kate Rusby

Fibbers 1 Sept: Alice Gold 2 Sept: Godsized 3 Sept: Terrorvision 4 Sept: Sophie Barker 9 Sept: Panic Room 10 Sept: Kill The Captain 13 Sept: Turbogeist 16 Sept: Cosmo Jarvis

Keeler (17 – 22 October) James’s usual ironic cheek and offset by Matt Harper’s painfully sexy comic writing, this is a onewoman show not to miss. Performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets available at York Theatre Royal on 623568.

Two (29 September – 1 October) Peter Cartwright’s play takes place over one night, in a pub, in the North of England. Two people… man and wife… landlord and landlady – a dynamic double act, magnetic hosts of their pub, where they’ve ‘seen it all’. Serving drinks two-by-two

17 Sept: Tears Of Ishtar 22 Sept: Treetop Flyers 23 Sept: Neil Innes 24 Sept: Dreadzone 29 Sept: Folks

The Duchess 1 Sept: Joan As Police Woman 2 Sept: Great Ormond Street Hospital charity gig 3 Sept: Apart From Rod 6 Sept: Dan Mangan 7 Sept: Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls 10 Sept: The Beat 12 Sept: Covenant 14 Sept: Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle 16 Sept: New Law 17 Sept: Karima Francis 18 Sept: Wheatus 21 Sept: Slow Club 24 Sept: Burlesque Spectacular

In 1963, the Secretary of State for War John ‘Jack’ Profumo was forced to resign after it was established he had lied to MPs about the nature of his relationship with showgirl Christine Keeler. She was also involved with a Russian spy during her affair with Profumo. The ensuing scandal led to the resignation of the Prime Minister Harold MacMillan and the suicide of the man who introduced Keeler to Profumo, Stephen Ward. There is some nudity in this production at York’s Grand Opera House which stars Paul Nicholas and Alice Coulthard. Box Office: 0844 870 3024.

28 Sept: The Twang

Black Swan Folk Club 1 Sept: Anonyma 8 Sept: Pete Coe 15 Sept: Singers & Musicians’ Night 22 Sept: Tinkerscuss With Jake Walton 29 Sept: Flossie Malavialle & Keith Donnelly

Stereo 1 Sept: You Dead 2 Sept: Bangarang 5 Sept: The Jezabels 8 Sept: Attica Rage 9 Sept: There Is A Standoff 12 Sept: The Headstart 13 Sept: My First Tooth 15 Sept: Bitter Ruin 18 Sept: Polarsets 22 Sept: Proxies 25 Sept: The Cherry Pop Affair 26 Sept: Is Tropical

27 Sept: Cave Painting 28 Sept: Killing For Company 29 Sept: Shadows Chasing Ghosts 30 Sept: Pantheon

York Unitarian Chapel 3 Sept: Bingham String Quartet

Rowntree Park 4 Sept: Peace Festival

Rowntree Theatre 4 Sept: Music Night

Dean Court Hotel 6 Sept: First Tuesday Jazz Supper with Mark Gilroy

City Screen 16 Sept: Bear Mountain Picnic

Hospitium 22 Sept: Bollywood Night

National Centre For Early Music 23 Sept: Patrick Street

Fox Inn 25 Sept: Rock tribute acts

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