Your Local Link Magazine: January 2023

on 2023!

Brand new beginnings

It’s out with the old and in with the new and as 2023 has now arrived. With the promise of a new year, comes new possibilities, new faces, new places and new adventures. For such a small city, York is a gift that keeps giving, offering us some exciting events to kick off January. It may be cold and dark, but that won’t stop us exploring the best of the city this month. Whether you’re determined to show your face at more networking events (p.20), looking to discover a part of York you’ve not yet explored (p.14), or looking to try the latest on York’s foodie scene (p.34) there’s plenty to get stuck into. Maybe you’re working through your resolutions and you’ve decided to join the gym and hit the ground running, quite literally. If you’re toying

with the idea of joining a gym, we’ve got some great local suggestions on page 32 to get you started.

And, if you’re looking for a local business for something specific, we’ve got it all right here in our mag. From flooring contractors to builders, hairdressers and beauticians, we have you covered!

So, from all of us at Your Local Link, Happy New Year - here’s wishing you a good one.

As the new calendar year begins, it’s time to prepare ourselves for what we hope to be the best year yet, in the wonderful city of York. Bring

In association with:

5 Wyre Court, Haxby. Tel. 01904 768439.

Fancy winning a beautiful bouquet of flowers, courtesy of Dutch Nurseries in Haxby?

Simply find all 10 words in our Chinese New Year themed word search!

Send your completed puzzle, marked ‘January Puzzle Competition’ along with your address and telephone number to Unit 3a Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4XF, to reach us no later than 31st January 2023. The first entry picked out of the hat will win the prize. Good luck!

Answer:

Q. Two dads and two sons are in a car, but there are only three people in the car. How can this be?

They are a grandad, dad and son.

DRAGON FIRECRACKER FORTUNE

LANTERN MONKEY RABBIT RAT

ROOSTER TAKEAWAY TIGER

experts know exactly what they’re doing!

To be in with a chance to win a luxury hair wash, cut, and blow dry courtesy of Shabby to Chic, simply answer this question: Where is the Shabby to Chic salon located? 1. Haxby

NEW DO, NEW YOU.

Shabby to Chic is a family-run hair and beauty salon in Acomb offering stylish, quality haircuts and styles since 2014. With years of experience and knowledge in all things hair and beauty…these

Send your answer (along with your name, address, and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Shabby to Chic Competition’ to the address on page six or to competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Monday 9th January 2023. Terms and conditions apply.

walls offer enjoyable activities in a secure, supervised setting. There’s a family pass for up to five people up for grabs, so to be in with a chance to win this pass, simply answer this question:

What activity takes place at the Clip ’N Climb Arena?

FROM GREAT HEIGHTS

Based within the popular York Leisure Centre overlooking the LNER Stadium, the Clip 'N Climb Arena offers both children and experienced climbers alike, a variety of vibrant and thrilling climbing walls. Suitable for four years and above, these innovative climbing

Send your answer (along with your name, address, and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘York Leisure Centre Competition’ to the address on page six or to competitions@yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Monday 9th January 2023. Terms and conditions apply.

STARSIGN OF THE MONTH

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

20TH JAN - 18TH FEB

22ND DEC - 19TH JAN

ARIES

STARSIGN OF THE MONTH

CAPRICORN

22ND DEC - 19TH JAN

A very bright and busy (and rather expensive) start to the New Year, but it is at this time that some important lifelong memories will be made. Furthermore, while you might not be looking for the limelight, there are times when you will very much be the centre of attention. A steady period work-wise with a huge amount of extra activity during the last week. There's some need for financial restraint during the latter half of the month.

Very much a family-orientated month with more than one reunion and get-together. The social aspect is very bright, but too many nights out will affect your pocket. Some Aquarians are likely to be a bit accident-prone during the last seven or ten days, so don’t take any silly risks. Not the time to take up parachute jumping and if you’re driving home after a good night out, make sure you’ve got a car.

PISCES

19TH FEB - 20TH MAR

The Christmas spirit seems to carry on over into the New Year, and although there may be a few challenges, you’ll be inclined to see them as exciting opportunities. The 19th or 20th of the month could be important red letter days when you get some very good news which secures your future. A hint of romance in the air for some, while just an improvement in the sex life of others.

21ST MAR - 19TH APRIL

Even though Christmas is over and done with for another year, there is a flurry of activity in early January which speaks of an even greater element of celebrations and parties. Also, there are some noisy reunions – and some quiet and very private conversations! The second half of the month brings a slight feeling of anti-climax, but then, you might be glad of the rest!

TAURUS

20TH APR - 20TH MAY

January gets off to a sparkling start, and indeed the beginning of the New Year may bring much more excitement than the Christmas period. It is also a period of high expenditure, which should not be a problem because it will be something that you have already budgeted for. Two reunions during the month… one which goes very well, and one which does not! Some new work projects creeping in around the 19th and 20th which will be profitable.

GEMINI 21ST MAY - 20TH JUNE

Some tension during the first week or two, inevitably caused by misunderstandings born of little white lies. This situation eases quickly enough, but there are one or two friendships or collegiate associations which will come under review as a result. There are positive family vibes, especially in connection with younger people around you, and an unexpected boost to financial confidence during the last week.

CANCER 21ST JUN - 22ND JULY

A bright and optimistic start to the New Year, with some fresh energy and one or two new moneymaking ideas. Who you know is as important as what you can do, so brush up on your networking skills! Towards the middle of the month, there may be some problem with a younger member of the family, but as you can’t change this situation, you need to learn how to accept it.

Perhaps a low-key first week, especially if you’re nursing a sore head from the holiday festivities, but by the 6th or 7th this should have passed and you’ll find yourself getting to grips with New Year work routines – which may be easier said than done if you still feel like playing rather than working. Unfortunately, there are a couple of people around you who share the same attitude, so maybe not a lot gets done after all.

VIRGO 23RD AUG - 22ND SEPT

Social aspects are very bright during the first week, but things may become a bit gloomy during the second. Things buck up around the 14th or 15th when you’ll find yourself having to come to grips with a few new challenges on the job scene, but this is no bad thing if it gets you motivated. The idea of mid-winter holidays becomes increasingly attractive!

LIBRA 23RD SEPT - 22ND OCT

Perhaps a slow and quiet start to the New Year, but with things picking up around the 9th and 10th when you are presented with some new job opportunity which coincides with meeting some

interesting people and making a couple of new friends. Overall, finances are okay, but financial optimism constantly improving. Romance-wise, there will be some fluttering heartstrings!

SCORPIO 23RD OCT - 21ST NOV

A thoughtful, and maybe even grumpy start to the New Year. Being realistic you recognise that things could be worse, but part of you also is aware of the fact that they could be a lot better and you’ll be working out how to get to where you want to be. Unfortunately, you are confronted with the familiar problem of having to break a few eggs if you want to make an omelette.

SAGITTARIUS 22ND NOV - 21ST DEC

January starts on a high note with lots going on – parties, celebrations, reunions, etc. – as the month progresses and things quieten down a bit, you’re left with a feeling of anti-climax. Suddenly there doesn’t seem to be anything to look forward to… so you must FIND something to focus on. If you look (and maybe just a bit laterally) you’ll find it more easily than you might think.

Heslington and the Tillmire

Time: 3 hours

Heslington and the Tillmire

Most Heslington walks focus on the various university campuses and lakes. This stroll, very suitable for a short winter’s day, explores a very different side of the area, the quiet farming countryside south of the village and the large unimproved grazing area known as the Tillmire.

Is this walk for me?

This is an undemanding walk. About half the route follows quiet tarmac lanes which carry virtually no traffic. Most of the rest of the route is on firm paths except the section through the Tillmire (Direction Point 4) which can be wet and partially flooded after heavy rain. The only slopes are on the approaches to the A64 bridges. There are no stiles.

Getting there

The walk starts from Heslington Hall. Street parking in Heslington is very limited, especially on weekdays, so the best option is to use the very frequent bus services 66 or 67 that run from the railway station and Merchantgate. The journey time from the station is about 25 minutes. Alight at the stop opposite Heslington Hall.

Refreshments

There are no stops on the walk, but there are two pubs in Heslington main street that are open daily, and a bakery selling takeaway sandwhiches (excluding weekends).

What to see

The walk traverses a little-known area of quiet farming countryside with good hedgerows and areas of woodland. The Tillmire is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a parcel of unimproved wet pasture now rare in the Vale of York, which provides a habitat for a range of threatened species. Enjoy the tranquillity of this area while you can! If proposals in the draft local plan go ahead, it be will close to a new ‘garden village’ of up to 4,000 houses.

1. Starting from the bus stop opposite Heslington Hall, keep to the left of the roundabout, then turn left down Heslington Main Street, passing the pubs and bakery. At the miniroundabout go right. After a short distance, as the road bends right, take the tarmac lane (The Outgang) on the right. In 50 metres arrive at Heslington Sports Field parking area going left to take an earth track protected by a metal barrier.

2. Walk on this clear track with a hedge right and trees left. Where the main track bends sharp left keep ahead fringed by trees. In a further 100 metres, make sure to maintain the same direction as the track doglegs into the field on the right (hedge now on the left only). At the field corner, remain ahead on a narrower track towards the road (A64). Arriving close to the road, don’t go through the narrow hedge gap ahead but turn right along the edge of the field with the hedge/A64 left. Keep going to pass through a metal gate following the track right away from the A64 for a short distance to a turning circle and a pylon. Here, turn left (signed Heslington Tillmire) crossing the bridge.

3. Over this, follow the tarmac as it turns left but at a bridleway sign,

Distance: 6 1/2 miles

take the earth track to the left walking alongside a ditch/trees to the right. Continue for 350 metres to a bridleway sign, here turning right (‘Keep Out’ sign ahead) now walking with open fields left and the golf course right. Remain on this track to the end of the golf course to reach a three-way direction post.

4. Here, take the left-hand path through the metal gate into the Tillmire. Now, follow the left edge of this large grassy expanse, remaining close to the hedge and dodging any wetter areas. Towards the Tillmire’s far left corner, lookout for a bridge on the left guarded by two metal gates. Head over this turning right alongside the ditch. At the field corner, go left with a ditch right to reach the end of a tarmac lane at a direction post.

5. Follow this straight lane for about 1,400 metres to a junction. Here, turn sharp left (not ahead on the bridleway) to continue once again on a straight stretch of lane for a similar distance. Keep going through a right bend heading up a slope toward a bridge.

6. Just before the actual bridge, take a tarmac track on the right (Ox Close Farm) with the A64 to the left. When the tarmac ends, keep the farm buildings to the left continuing on a

rougher track. Where this turns right towards a farm, take the signed footpath left walking beside a hedge. Continue to cross the A64 on a bridge. Over this descend to reach a sports area ahead.

7. Here, it’s possible to head right to circle York University’s Campus East, but the recommended route is to turn left with the fenced sports area to the right on an earth track. This swings left and right to reach the end of a narrow tarmac lane.

Continue on this, mainly between hedges, for about 1,500 metres. Eventually, reach houses on the right to arrive at a road junction.

8. Ignore the left turn (Low Lane) to continue right on a residential road soon passing the entrance to Heslington School to then reach a T junction. Here, turn left to return to the roundabout by Heslington Hall- in front of which is a bus stop/ shelter for services back to the city centre.

Walks are undertaken at your own risk. Due care must be taken in following the walk, particularly after poor weather. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the description changes may have occurred since publication. Neither the walk author nor Your Local Link can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Disclaimer

Tilmire

A Grand Achievement!

Last month, The Grand Hotel Cookery School saw nine young finalists go head-to-head in their claim for the title of Delifresh’s ‘Young Chef Of The Year.’ The competition, which started earlier in 2022, saw around 75 entries from northern chefs, all under the age of 23 years old.

After a series of regional heats, those who made the final were faced with the challenge of cooking two creative dishes of their choice, to be judged by a panel of five nationally renowned, professional chefs: Pierre Koffmann, Terry Laybourne, Stephanie Moon, Aidan Byrne, and Andrew Pern. As well as the title of Delifresh’s ‘Young Chef Of The Year,’ the chosen winner would take to France for a luxury threeday trip, plus spend a week working alongside Gareth Ward, chef patron at the two-Michelin starred Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms in Wales.

The Grand’s very own Harry Blade, who wowed the panel of judges with his roasted duck breast dish and mouthwatering chocolate mousse with raspberry dessert bagged himself the title of Delifresh’s ‘Young Chef Of The Year’ for 2022. Reflecting on his welldeserved win, Harry said: “Being the first Delifresh ‘Young Chef Of The Year’ is a fantastic achievement for myself and for my mentor, Ahmed Abdalla. Representing York and The Grand Hotel was an honour. It was an incredible

event and cooking for some renowned chefs was a great experience. I can’t wait to see the competition grow next year!”

With Harry’s success, of course, comes great pride. His latest achievement is a testament to the local talent we have here in York and on behalf of all here at Your Local Link, we want to wish him all the best for his future culinary adventures.

With talks on the grapevine of the next Delifresh competition taking place in London and with the potential involvement of other prestigious chefs, it’s clear that 2023 will be an exciting and promising year for aspiring applicants.

Are you under 23 years old? Consider yourself the next Michel Roux or Nigella? Get yourself applying for Delifresh’s 2023 competition for an opportunity of a lifetime! For the latest updates, please visit https://www. delifreshltd.co.uk/.

OAKMOOR

Members of the Tang Hall Local History Group are currently trying to gather up memories of people who once lived in the Layerthorpe area of York. They’re also on the lookout for photos of families who have previously lived there. If you can help, please contact Jane Burrows on tanghallhistory@gmail. com, or call 07522402945.

A trip down memory lane Born to shine

As you may know from our last issue, we caught up with York’s Special Care Baby Unit to see how they were getting on. Amongst new projects, fundraisers and championing the hard work of their staff, we want to celebrate the news of the birth of 2,854 babies born in York between December 2021 and the latter half of last year. Although some babies may have been

transferred from other hospitals, around 271 of these lovely babies were inpatients on SCBU too. Welcome to the world, little ones!

Thinking of travelling savvy in 2023? Here are some of the latest apps you need to download before you embark on your adventures.*

PETROLPRICES.COM

Petrol Prices is an app that allows you to compare fuel prices at most major petrol stations and review comments from other users. Helping to save money and time, it’s handy for upcoming journeys and averting running-out-of-fuel disasters, and you can earn points for every price that you update, as well as receive special rewards in return.

FIND MY PARKED CAR

We’ve lost count of the times we’ll park our cars strategically, only to forget where we parked them in the first place. With the Find My Parked Car, there’s no need to waste time racking your brains. This clever app allows you to save your exact parking spot and view it when you’re ready, at the touch of a button. You can also take a picture of your location, view your parking history,

share your location with others, and set an alarm for metered parking so you never have to risk a ticket again!

CITYMAPPER

A true favourite and super useful to use both inside the UK and when on holiday. Whether you’re looking to catch the tube, bus, cycle, or walk, CityMapper gives you clear directions to reach your destination. You can also get real-time data for transport rides, compare fares and receive daily travel updates straight to your phone.

GOPILI

Providing the best fares across 4,000 cities and 80,000 journey routes, Gopili is easy to use enabling you to refine your results by price, departure time, journey duration and to choose your transport modes of preference. A handy calendar also allows you to compare fares to find the cheapest ticket for your journey.

*All apps can be downloaded via The App Store.

OF THE MONTH

Heated Throw

Blanket

£59.99 | www. vonhaus.com

Be snug as a bug with this cosy heated throw from Vonhaus. Made of soft fleece and double flannel, this luxury throw is super comfortable and perfect for these colder days and chillier January nights. Featuring nine heat settings, you can comfortably find the right temperature for you depending on your mood. And, if you’re a power napper, the throw’s built-in timer will protect you from overheating, whilst giving you peace of mind before you slip away to the land of nod. Safe to pop in the washing machine (up to 30 degrees) with a detachable plug, you can also keep your blanket fresh, soft, and pristine ready for its next use. On that note…does anyone fancy a duvet day?

Networking and Business Socials

Good Business Meetup

Thursday 19th January, Forage Bar & Kitchen, 6-8pm.

Welcoming any Good Business Club members or business owners looking to join the community, The Club is hosting an open space to network and mingle with other business owners. There will also be a short introduction by the co-founder of The Joyful, brand and marketing consultancy, Sophie Turton. Search Good Business Meetup on eventbrite. co.uk.

York Coffee & Co-working

Thursday 19th January, Manhatta, 10am-1pm.

If you’re working from home but fancy some company or a chat, come along to the coffee and co-working morning at Manhatta

Social Butterfly

Looking to spice up your socials? Here are some local social profiles that have been floating our boat recently.

with the Women’s Business Club UK.

A great way to gain support and empowerment through connecting with other like-minded working women. Search York Coffee & Coworking on eventbrite.co.uk.

Enterprise Works - Networking Lunch and Expert Session on Telesales Tuesday 17th December, York Guildhall, 12-1.30pm.

Join Enterprise Works for a networking lunch and business talk. Delivered by Starfish Management Service expert, Sue Makin, the talk will give an insight into how you can best utilise telesales to grow your business, sharing advice on topics such as selling and cross-selling, customer research, and information gathering. Search Enterprise Works on eventbrite.co.uk.

THE JORVIK GROUP

Are you even a York local if you haven’t brushed up on your Jorvik ancestors? Follow the Jorvik Group for anything and everything history-related, cool archaeology videos and information on the upcoming annual Jorvik Viking festival, plus much more.

@jorvikviking

@JORVIK-viking-centreUk

FOR THE ‘GRAM!

When the team here at Link started the What’s On York Guide back in 2009, we didn’t have an inkling it would grow at the rate it has done over the years. Offering a plethora of dates for your diary, reviews and featuring plenty of fantastic York businesses, the What’s On Guide has been keeping you up to date with the goings on within York and its surrounding area for years. A decade later, our What’s On Instagram baby was then born. Having survived the days of lockdown (when let’s face it, NOTHING was going on- we were probably all at home baking banana bread!) to its successful growth coming out of the other end of the pandemic, it's fair to say we’re extremely proud of the growth of our What’s On Insta! Having welcomed our 6,000th follower

YOUR LOCAL LINK

We’re being our own cheerleaders this month (why not, ey?!) Follow us for all of your local business news, events and great days out, competitions, plus exclusive previews of our monthly magazine.

@yourlocallink

@LocalLinkYork

last month, we just wanted to thank our social community for all of its support. With exciting plans for the future of this account, we can’t wait to keep bringing you all the latest on the city. And, if anything can be said about this little milestone, it’s that it's a testament to the community of York itself. We’re all here because we have one particular thing in common… we rate this excellent city, the place so many of us proudly call home. @whatsonyork

RSPCA YORK

With bountiful pictures of gorgeous animals that are looking for their forever homes, plus updates and information on recent fundraising projects, if there is a social account we want to shout about this month, it’s this one!

@RSPCAYORK

@RSPCA York, Harrogate and District Branch

Property predictions: the year ahead

all had a cracking Christmas,

time with

families and friends (or quietly gnashing your teeth as the in-laws eat the last of the mince pies and help themselves to another round of festive cheer!) Whatever the holidays have brought you it’s time to look ahead to a New Year and what it might bring.

Now I’m not really one for new year’s resolutions but I’m guessing that, like me, you’re probably thinking that you had better do something this year about the amount you spend on energy to heat and light your home. It seems as though the energy suppliers themselves have got it all sewn up so that we can’t even switch to make savings so what do we do? Well we can all try and use a bit less I suppose but doesn’t that mean a miserable existence with dim lighting and cold rooms; not necessarily because there are some great new lighting and heating systems that are way more efficient than their outdated counterparts?

For example, switching to the latest LED lighting will potentially save you a heap of cash over a year - they use just 10% of the energy to produce the equivalent light so every day you only pay 10% of the electricity costs you would have done with your old light bulbs. They will cost you more to put in than replacing ordinary light bulbs but the savings made will result in a payback period you can measure in days.

There are also savings to be made on heating your home either by the use of modern smart heaters or smart thermostats (think Nest or

Hive) with gas or oil boilers. If you have panel heaters or storage heaters there are modern solutions to save you money every day.

Finally, did you know that there is a whole crop of modern appliances which will save you a fortune compared to outdated older models? A recent example I gave a customer, showed just how huge the savings could be. They wanted to buy a new tumble dryer and their current one was a vented model. I was able to show them that by spending an extra £119 on a heat pump condensing machine (£260 vs £379) they would save £422 a year if they used it once a day or, looking at it another way, the modern heat pump dryer would pay for the difference in buying price in just over three months. I hope some of the above information helps you to save a bit of money this year. If you would like to discuss any of these ideas please pop into one of our stores or give us a call on 01904 62876. Happy New Year!

It's fair to say that over the past few years, the economy has suffered significantly. The implications on home prices have been felt as a result of both Brexit and the repercussions of COVID-19. Throw into the mix the cost of living crisis, and we’re now in a position where it is much more difficult for first-time buyers to secure a position on the property ladder.

Comparing the statistics of 2021 with the summer of 2022, the average property asking price increased by almost 9.3%. Many first-time buyers are now treading carefully and postponing any decisions for investment whilst they wait to see how the housing market develops over the coming months. Experts predict that this year, the housing market will experience its first dip since 2012 and that prices will likely fall by around 5% over the next few years, as a result of rising interest rates. Economists have also predicted a cut in the price of homes in 2023, albeit a very, very slight reduction at that. Whilst it seems unlikely that the housing market will crash this year and there’s enough evidence over the years to suggest that the property market is pretty resilient, the housing market does remain particularly unpredictable for 2023. As much as we would love to be able to look into a crystal ball and anticipate the future of property this year, the uncertainty makes it hard to hazard a guess. However, what is seemingly obvious is that a downturn in the market is certainly necessary to create some sense of certainty and security and therefore encourage more first-time buyers.

WE HEAR FROM LOCAL EXPERT MATT TODD

Disease-resistant

vegetables

Tradition and habit play a big role in gardening. Many of us who’ve been growing for a long time have our favourites, older or ‘heritage’ varieties of vegetables we’ve been cultivating for years. There are good reasons for sticking with these traditional types, some of which have their origins in the walled gardens of the Victorian era or even earlier. Not only do they often have superior flavour in comparison with more modern varieties, but picking is usually possible

over a longer period (many recently developed commercial varieties have been bred to crop all at once for one pass, usually mechanical, harvesting) and tolerance of poor conditions and harsher weather is frequently better.

However, it would be a mistake to assume that all older vegetable varieties are superior to modern ones. The truth is some older types have become rare and ‘heritage’ because of characteristics that render them difficult to cultivate. Even some of those still commonly grown have flaws. In particular, many lack resistance to common diseases. In recent years plant breeders have produced a range of new varieties with much stronger resistance to various diseases. These have all been developed through conventional plant breeding techniques; that is no genetic modification or editing has been involved. I now use a number of these and find they generally perform well. A particular development I’ve taken advantage of is

new brassica varieties resistant to the fungus clubroot. This soil-borne disease, common on the ground used for vegetables over many years, can make cultivating quality cabbage family crops difficult. New varieties with good resistance I now grow include, Brussel Sprout Crispus, Calabrese Monoclano, Dutch Cabbage Kilastor (recent replacement for Kilaton), and Clapton and Zaragoza cauliflowers. All have performed well on my soils in which clubroot is present at varying levels of severity. Another area where modern breeding has made a significant impact is combatting potato blight. When I started gardening getting a harvest of main-crop (late-maturing) potatoes without spraying was a lottery. Blight would frequently decimate crops. At least half the main crops I now grow are the newish blight-resistant varieties Sarpo Mira and Sarpo Axona. Both have stood up to blight every year. And it’s not just potatoes with blight resistance that have been introduced. There are now several tomato varieties for

Tony Chalcraft

which blight resistance is claimed. As I grow tomatoes undercover rather than outdoors I can’t personally vouch for these but the resistance of Crimson Crush has been enthusiastically acclaimed. The superbly flavoured Mountain Magic, surely a variety to shatter the myth that all modern varieties have no taste, is another newish tomato said to shrug off blight. It’s not just brassicas and potatoes/tomatoes where new varieties with enhanced disease resistance have been developed. There are mildew-resistant pumpkins and courgettes and canker-resistant parsnips, to highlight a few. In addition, some varieties claim pest rather than disease resistance. The optimistically named Flyway and Resistafly, claimed to ward off carrot flies, are examples. If you struggle with problems like clubroot, blight, or other diseases, it’s certainly worth browsing seed catalogues to see what’s now available that might help give better crops.

BETTER THAN CURE.

have

neighbours,

the expense and inconvenience – all at once. Alternatively, a simple call to ColourFence can head off all your problems for the next 25 years! Virtually maintenancefree, before the Spring growing season starts, now is the best time to see

A GREAT, BRITISH BIRDWATCH!

Established in 1889, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a British charity that is dedicated to the protection and conservation of birds here in England, Scotland and Wales. The organisation depends on volunteers from all around the nation each year to help with a variety of events and fundraisers, such as the Big Garden Birdwatch, which is back for its 44th year!

In a bid to gather crucial data on which species are flourishing and which are struggling in Britain, the team at RSPB are encouraging people to participate in this year's major event. Last year, more than 700,000 people took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch across the country, with over 11 million birds being identified. If you fancy taking part this January, all you have to do is spend an hour watching the birds in your garden or local park and record what you see, and even if aren’t many birds around, every observation reported to the RSPB, no matter how small is vital to their research. It’s as easy as that! The event is due to take place from the

27th-29th of January and more information will be given once you have signed up for the event. If you’re a keen bean and have already signed up for the event, why not try and encourage the birds to your outdoor space in the meantime? Read on to find out how you can make your very own fall balls (yes, you read that right...) to keep their appetites satisfied this winter.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your binoculars and get going! For more information on the Big Garden Birdwatch or to register your interest, visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/.

How to make: fat balls

Although not the most appetising of names, fat balls are great for keeping birds well fed in the winter, where food is much harder to source. Super easy to make, fat balls can be made using the dry leftovers from your home, and they can be frozen too! Why not have a go at making your own? Here’s how to get started: To make four fat balls, you will need:

• Hard fat at room temperature

• A handful of birdseed

• A handful of nuts

For the container:

• Clean and empty yoghurt pots (recyclable)

• String

• A small stick

How to make:

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, using one part of fat to

two parts of dry ingredients.

2. Meanwhile, make a small hole in the bottom of each of your yoghurt pots and thread a long piece of string through the hole. Tie it around the small stick and pull it securely.

3. Scoop the mixture into the pot, moulding it securely around the string and filling to the top. Pop it in the fridge to set.

4. Once your fat balls have completely set, you can find a branch or tree to hang the container on.

DISCLAIMER: It goes without saying, but make sure you wash your hands before and after handling your creation. Also, remember that these balls are not for the consumption of humans. We’d strongly advise sticking to chocolate cake instead…

Pet poetry

In celebration of their first 10 years as an organisation, the ‘Keep Your Pet’ team at Age UK York were encouraging readers to submit a poem on the subject of pets or a

specific pet that might have be close to their hearts. Although their were many fantastic entries, a poem has finally been selected - congratulations to winner, Francis Kelly!

Kitten, Cat, Dog, Rabbit, and many more

Each of us, will always keep you happy

Every day, a smile we see

Play with us and we will be your inspiration

You will never be sad for more than a moment

Our antics will cause you to smile

Up, down, over, under, attack the toy

Run the mad circuit, you will wonder what we are doing

Perpetual movement, that’s us during the day

Evening a time to settle down beside you

Tomorrow, we start again.

For more information and events, please visit https://www.ageuk.org. uk/york/our-services/keepyourpet/.

Give us a home...

Have a home? These cutie pies need one.

Matrix, Male, 1 year old.

Sudden changes can affect cats in different ways and, in Matrix’s case, he is feeling particularly vulnerable and wary with his new setup at the Adoption Centre. He came from a large multi-cat household where there was a lot of competition for the resources available. We know that in the right home setting with people that are patient and willing to nurture him, building up his trust that he will soon come around. Unfortunately for him and other cats like him though, having a nervous demeanor means that they are often overlooked by potential adopters and miss out on opportunities to find a loving new home and statistically end up spending much longer than average in a homing environment than they need to. So, if you are looking to adopt a tabby tiger and are happy to take things slow to work with this beautiful boy at his own pace, we’re sure your efforts will be handsomely rewarded.

Dr. Hiss, Male, 12 years old.

Dr. Hiss by name but not by nature! This Doctor is an exception to the rule and has a great bedside manner, since being in our care he has been a perfect gentleman. He was brought in by a lady who took him in as stray many years ago but her circumstances suddenly changed which meant she had to give him up. On arrival, it turned out that Dr.Hiss was already microchipped to someone else and we found out he had gone missing from his original home over eight years ago! Sadly when we managed to contact his original owners their circumstances had also changed, so they decided to sign him over into our care. He would like somewhere to retire to, a permanent home where he can put his feet up and enjoy life’s spoils!

If you could give one of these cutie pies a home, contact York Cats Protection Adoption Centre on 01904 760356 or via www.cats.org.uk/york.

HEALTH IS WEALTH

With the arrival of New Year's resolutions, often comes a tonne of healthy new years resolutions. Maybe you’ve told yourself you’ll start getting in more steps everyday. Maybe you’ve signed yourself up for a marathon, or maybe you just want to build healthier habits…it all starts right here. If you’re looking for a local gym to join, there are plenty of great places and amazing professionals you can turn to for support. Here’s a few suggestions to help kickstart your health journey for 2023!

ROKO YORK GYM, Clifton Moor. Visit www.roko.co.uk.

YORK BETTER LEISURE CENTRE, Monks Cross. Visit better.org.uk. YORK SPORT, Heslington. Visit york-sport.com.

TS PERSONAL TRAINING & NUTRITION, Lawrence Street. Visit tspersonaltraining.co.uk. YOGA WITH NESTOR York. Visit facebook.com/yogawithnestor.

It’s cervical cancer awareness month!

Cervical cancer can affect anyone with a cervix at any age, but most commonly, women between the ages of 30-34. This month we really wanted to shed light on the issue in support of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Across the UK, cervical screenings commonly save over 4,000 lives each year. Cervical screenings are free health tests available through the NHS, for those

over 25 years old. Although the system is not a direct test for cancer, cervical screenings can help to catch any signs of potential illness by detecting the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) or any cervical cell changes. Whilst the thought of a screening can be a daunting prospect for many, healthcare organisations such as the NHS are encouraging those who are eligible to go and get checked as soon as they are able.

If you’re seeking more information, are worried, or simply curious about the process, we’ve popped together a few websites below for you to have a little look at. Spread the word!

USEFUL SITES: NHS: www.nhs.uk

Macmillan: www.macmillan.org.uk

Jo’s cervical cancer trust: www.jostrust.org.uk Cervical Cancer trust: www.cancerresearchuk.org

LIFORME TRAVEL MAT

Current RRP, £80 from liforme.com

Whether you’re escaping away abroad, or you’re on an overnight business trip in the city, you don’t have to compromise on missing your yoga practice. Thin, super lightweight, and easily portable with its included travel bag, the Liforme Travel Mat is everything you need if you’re on the go.

Helping to enhance your practice, this state-of-the-art mat is available in a variety of colours and has been carefully manufactured with revolutionary GripForMe™ material, to provide a comfortable grip plus handy alignment cues to assist with certain postures.

Whilst it helps improve all your forward folds and Half Moon poses, it also does its bit for the environment. This eco mat is made with elements of naturally sourced sustainable rubber and is completely PVC free! Namaste.

Review: IZAKAYA Restaurant and Lounge

Nestled in-between York’s Grape Lane bars and shops, lies the snug, new Japanese restaurant, IZAKAYA. Specialising in small, tapas-style plates, IZAKAYA is a fantastic introduction to Japanese cuisine if you’re new to the scene, but equally appealing for Asian food enthusiasts alike.

Set up by talented business partners, Adam Johnson and Danny Victory, every aspect of the venue has been thought out in detail. The restaurant is intimate, but not overly crowded and there’s a very chilled ambience as we are led to our table. Other content diners are being talked through their round of dishes by passionate members of staff, as we drink on our cocktails waiting eagerly for our turn. I savour every sip of my Timo Acido, a refreshing, citrusy concoction of bergamot, thyme, lemon, sugar, and foaming bitters, whilst tucking into the charcoaled Padron Pepper amuse-bouche. Soon, the hot dishes arrive.

On the table we have a Chilli

Sake Cauliflower, Bao with Lamb, Mojo and Elderberry, and Tskune Yakitori. A standout favourite as we tuck in are the soft and sticky bao buns, packed full of a deliciously flavoursome, pulled lamb. The Cauliflower is also a surprise winner for me, encased in a crispy, golden batter and smothered in a sweet and spicy chilli sauce.

Green Thai Monkfish, Beef Tataki, Nori Cucumber Daikon and a dish of Soba Noodles then make their way to the table. I am delighted with the range and variety, each plate with its unique texture and flavour, but a special mention must go to the melt-in-yourmouth monkfish. Beautifully tender, the fish was served in a tangy, lemongrass Thai green sauce- a delicacy of dreams. Overall, it’s a truly delicious experience. IZAKAYA promises to "...take you on a journey of flavour and feeling” and it most certainly does.

To book, visit www.izakaya-york. co.uk.

SPICE, SPICE

BABY

After months of hard work and claiming the title for one of JustEat’s highest ranking Indian takeaways in the area, Cornlands Road takeaway, Saffron Spice has just received its 5* Food Hygiene Rating Certificate.

The business, located in the heart of Acomb, received the fabulous news in September 2022, but officially took to their socials towards the end of the year to announce its received certificate.

Speaking of their latest accolade, business owner Ruhel Uddin commented: “We took over the business during the peak of Covid which was always a huge risk to take. It has turned out beyond our

ON THE ‘INN’SIDE

Amongst an array of tasty food businesses in the charming town of Haxby, lies the Haxby Fortune Inn. Operating as both a restaurant and takeaway, the business has recently changed hands and undergone an exciting revamp inside. Following the reopening of its doors in late October 2022 this modern site has been receiving rave reviews. With a varied menu, offering lots of traditional favourites as well as set meal deals and chef specialties, there is something for every taste. And, with Chinese New Year fast approaching, there couldn’t be a better time to

expectations - the people of York (especially Acomb) have welcomed us with open arms and have given us the motivation to go above and beyond. This recent upgrade to 5* Food Hygiene rating is the icing on the cake and a testament to my staff. It shows we're not complacent and always looking to improve.” We wish the team every success in 2023!

For more information, visit https:// saffron-spice.co.uk/.

celebrate with a delicious meal and go and try it for yourself! So, whether you fancy a cosy takeaway night or you’re in the ‘out-for-dinner’ kind of mood, Haxby Fortune Inn offers the best of both worlds.

The Fortune Inn is open every night of the week, apart from Monday. For more information, please visit their Haxby Fortune Inn page on Facebook.

72 Hours in Riga

In place of a Christmas party this year, we have just taken a team trip to the Christmas markets of the Latvian capital, Riga. Just under a three hour direct flight from the UK, and we reached Riga. Despite snow on the ground, our arrival was smooth, and just over 30 minutes from leaving the airport we were at our hotel.

We spent the Sunday afternoon exploring Old Riga, the local cafes and a visit to the tourist information located next to the House of the Black Heads. The friendly guides provided us with local maps, general information on the local tram system (that we used frequently) and also some recommendations of local delicacies to try.

As the sun came down, the Christmas lights lit up the city. The snow started falling, we wrapped up well and headed for the Doma Laukums, main Christmas market. The market was filled with children enjoying the snow nearby playground sledging, locals of all ages singing and dancing and the

scent of mulled wine, soups and sausages filled the air.

Looking around the stalls, there was plenty of locally produced crafts, honey, knitted wool and gingerbread. The following day we took a tram to the district of Āgenskalns - a 15 minutes journey over to the left bank of the river Daugava from the tram stop outside our hotel and costing just over one euro per person each way. The area is one the newest parts of the city dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century and the Āgenskalns market building is one of the best examples of 20th century Art Nouveau. Here, we shopped with locals visiting the spice market, bread makers and a couple of the local breweries. We headed back on the tram to Old Riga, calling in at one of the cities many beer houses for lunch before a walk through a snowy park and to the Freedom Monument.

On our final day in Riga, we visited the Christmas market located at the Esplanade park in front of the

Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral, built in Neo-Byzantine style between 1876 and 1883. We spent time here looking at the stalls and feeding the rabbits at the Rabbit Kingdom.

Our last evening was spent in restaurant Milda serving traditional Latvian & Lithuanian cuisine, we enjoyed dumplings with pork cheek, onions & pickled vegetables, porcini soup served in a bread loaf, traditional cabbage rolls and Milda sausage served with potatoesperfect for a very chilly evening!. Whilst we visited Latvia in the winter for the Christmas markets, there is so much to offer within easy reach of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Riga during the summer months. From the four national parks filled with mysterious caves, lively streams and ancient castles, bird watching or visiting some of the almost 500km of beaches.

Fancy a trip to Riga in 2023? Call Savannah Travel on 01904 623444 for more information.

Kerry Lakey

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