Your Local Link — April 2025

Happy Easter!

Dear Reader,

Yes, you did read that right, even though it may feel as though we’ve only just recovered from the excitement of Christmas, we’re actually only a couple of weeks out from Easter!

Whether you’re feeling ready or not, Spring has most certainly sprung so let’s make the most of it. How? You may ask. Well, that’s what your trusty Your Local Link magazine is here for. So, if you’re looking to plan your way around all the bank holidays in April then you’ll need our events guides on pages 52-60. Then, if you fancy seeing some

of the great outdoors in the fresh spring air, don’t miss our walk recommendation on page 8. Beyond that, we’ve got big interviews, fascinating reviews, and so much more!

As always, whether you’re looking at finding a tradesperson to get that bit of work done in time for summer — or want to know more about the people who make this city the place it is — you’ll find what you need throughout these pages.

Until next month,

The YLL team

Design/Editorial & Social Media: Joe, Sophie, Correy, Sammi, Molly. Web

Advertising: Mim, Craig, Mya, Mackenzie & Annabelle. Distribution:

Call: 01904 767881 Email: info@yourlocallink.co.uk

ON THE COVER THIS MONTH: Calamity Jane

Ger ready to meet the fearless, gun slingin' Calamity Jane as she’s a rollin' on over the plains to York this spring (from 29th April-3rd May). Featuring classic singalongs like “The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscarwinning Secret Love” — this is one not to be missed musical production! Head over to www.atgtickets.com/shows/calamity-jane/grand-operahouse-york/ to book your tickets before they all sell out!

&

Simon Tom Mya

Design: Scott. Accounts: Karen, Lauren & Louise.

Simon

Tom. Managing Director: Gini.

Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4XF.

Sammi

Gini

Scott Sophie Karen Lauren

Mim Craig Mackenzie

Molly Correy

Easter is the soul’s first taste of spring

Richelle E. Goodrich

Slimming World

MONDAY

HEWORTH – CHRIST CHURCH

5pm & 7pm

Michaela 07856151037

ACOMB – METHODIST CHURCH

5:30pm & 7pm Vicki 07340037638

STRENSALL – VILLAGE HALL

5:30pm & 7pm Corinne 07496265251

DRINGHOUSESYORK & DISTRICT INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

9:00am & 10:30am Corinne 07496265251

TUESDAY

SOUTHBANK – ST CHAD’S CHURCH HALL

5:30pm Sue 07816537210

HAXBY – HAXBY SPORTS BAR

3:30pm, 5pm & 6:30pm Corinne 07496265251

DRINGHOUSES - YORK & DISTRICT INDOOR BOWLS CLUB 5:30pm & 7pm Corinne 07496265251

WEDNESDAY COPMANTHORPE METHODIST CHURCH 7pm Alison 07783740894

HAXBY – HAXBY SPORTS BAR

9am & 10:30am Corinne 07496265251

TANG HALL – ST HILDA’S CHURCH

9:30am Sharon 07397682674

CLIFTON – MARJORIE WAITE COURT COMMUNITY CENTRE

5:30pm & 7pm Sharon 07397682674

POPPLETON – POPPLETON CENTRE 6pm & 7:30pm Vicki 07340037638

DRINGHOUSES - YORK & DISTRICT INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

3:00pm, 4:30pm & 6:00pm Corinne 07496265251

THURSDAY

BISHOPTHORPE – VILLAGE HALL

5:30pm & 7pm Sue 07816537210

HOLGATE – YORK RI SPORTS SOCIAL CLUB

5:30pm Michaela 07856151037

EASINGWOLD – THE SCOUT HUT 4pm, 5:30pm & 7pm Sharon 07397683674

FRIDAY

HUNTINGTON – NEW EARSWICK INDOOR BOWLING CLUB 9am & 11am Vicki 07340037638

THE GROVES – PARK GROVE SCHOOL 6:30pm Matt 07449961111

SATURDAY

THE GROVES – PARK GROVE SCHOOL 7:30am & 9am & 10:30 Matt 07449961111

ACOMB – LIDGETT METHODIST CHURCH 8am & 9:30am Pete 07855494880

Your Local Link April 2025 Inside this month...

08 — WALKING WANDERER

Our wanderer takes us a little further afield on a journey through two lovely little villages near Harrogate.

16 — HOROSCOPES

Check out what the month has in store for you.

26-37 — HOME AND GARDEN

Hear the latest from regular columnists Tony Chalcraft and Matt Todd. Matt debates what to bring and what to leave behind when moving house, while Tony discusses Swiss Chard.

WIN, WIN, WIN

There are plenty of tickets to be won at York’s biggest events, as well as an Easter egg!

INTERVIEWS

49 — AN ELIZABETHAN NUN

After The Bar Convent uncovered an incredible artefact in their archive (more on this on page 49), we spoke to the legendary Mary Ward to find out what it all means.

48 — THE EASTER BUNNY

We caught a word with the main man, before he hops on through to York to deliver your chocolate later this month.

FEATURES

14 — THE ISLAND

Learn more about the amazing work this group do to make life easier for young people in York.

51 — TIME TRAVEL

We went down to Goddards House near the Knavesmire to learn about the history of the Terry’s chocolate family — and the artistic vision brought to life through the house.

46 — ASK A VET

The geniuses at Bishopton’s Vets share some wisdom with one of our readers.

59 — EASTER TREATS

We’ve rounded up the Easter eggs and snacks you need to know about.

40 — AN EASTER MESSAGE

The Right Reverend Flora Winfield, Bishop of Selby, shares some seasonal thoughts.

REVIEWS

62 — VICTOR J’S BAR

We tried out the food at this charming city-centre bar and restaurant, located down a snickleway!

62 — THE OLD GREY MARE

With great food and even greater drinks, Brew York’s latest acquisition did not disappoint. Don’t miss our review.

50 — THE PUZZLING WORLD OF PROFESSOR KETTLESTRING

Offering an action-packed journey into the mind of an eccentric professor, apty named Professor Kettlestring, this new attraction is not to be missed. Read what we made of it.

52-60 — EVENTS

There’s so much going on in and around York this month. We’ve got the info on all the best theatre shows, gigs, and events you need to know about and maybe some you don’t.

64-80 — CLASSIFIED

Find the tradesperson you need.

TRAVEL PAGE 51 REVIEW PAGE 62

Personalised dementia care

Guided by Care UK’s team of dementia specialists, we support each resident to live every day to the full.

If you’re considering a care home, call 0330 162 4729 or visit careuk.com/yorkshire

Trusted to care

Chapter House, Keldgate Chocolate Works, York

Harcourt Gardens, Harrogate Mayfield View, Ilkley

WALKING WITH THE WANDERER

This walk links two villages in the undulating countryside to the south of Harrogate following quiet tracks, field paths, and a stream. The walk also offers views of the Spofforth Pinnacles, curious gritstone rock formations.

IS THIS WALK FOR ME?

There are some hills on this walk but no steep climbs or descents. Care is needed on the roadside stretch at Direction Point 3. Ground conditions are good for most of the route but the long streamside section has shallow but slippery mud. There is one stile.

GETTING THERE

The recommended starting point is the centre of Spofforth by the Castle Inn. The village is 18 miles from York via the B1224 to Wetherby then the A661. The main

DIRECTIONS

1/ With the Castle Inn behind you, go left along Castle St. Continue passing the convenience store until approaching a grassed area on the left beyond which are the castle ruins. Here turn left (Manor Garth) following the road as it becomes a gravel track then passes beneath the disused viaduct. Follow the track as it curves right under a hedge canopy. Remain on the obvious fenced and tree-lined track as it crosses the golf course. Keep going as the track passes a seat and goes downhill to run beside a stream.

road and area near the castle have limited parking places so finding a safe spot on a side street may be necessary. It is also possible to start the walk in Follifoot where parking may be easier. In that case follow the Directions from Point 4. If using public transport, the most convenient option is by train to Harrogate station then bus X70 from the adjacent bus station to Spofforth. On most services alight at the Spofforth High Street stop. Weekday bus services are frequent but more limited on Saturday with no Sunday service.

REFRESHMENTS

Spofforth’s Castle Inn at the starting point is open daily. Follifoot has two pubs. On route the Harewood Arms is open every day with some mid-afternoon closures on weekdays. Off route the Radcliffe Arms (turn left at the top of Main Street) is open from 12pm daily.

WHAT TO SEE

There’s lots of variety on this walk. Starting at Spofforth’s ruined castle, which can be freely accessed, dates from the 14th century. Leaving the

& Follifoot

Time: 2 1/2 hours

Distance: 5 1/2 miles

village, the walk passes through attractive countryside where a range of wildlife can be seen, especially red kites. Follifoot has stone built houses, an imposing estate gatehouse and a preNorman cross. The pleasant walk alongside Crimple Beck provides further opportunities to spot wildlife. On the slopes to the left are the Spofforth Pinnacles, numerous gritstone rock outcrops of varying shapes and sizes.

2/ At a bridge, cross the stream and go through the metal gate to fork half right up a slope following power lines. Where the ground levels, keep close to the wooded valley on the right passing through a gate. At the next gate go through and turn right on the track. In about 75-metres at a T-junction turn right. Follow the clear track over a bridge, continuing as it curves left uphill to a road.

3/ At the road turn left on the narrow but walkable left-hand verge. In about 400 metres, at a right bend and with buildings left, take the signed footpath across the road to the

right crossing a stile into a field. Go across left of the trees. At a gate keep ahead between fences then descend steps to the abandoned railway line. Here cross to the left taking the right hand of two paths (not the grass permissive path) ascending a slope.

4/ At the top, go right along the left edge of a field. Follow the path as it doglegs right then left into another field heading downhill. At the corner go right and follow a track over a stream. Where the track turns sharp left, go through a gap by a gate and continue ahead down a residential road.

5/ Turn left on Follifoot’s Main Street passing the Harewood Arms to reach a T-junction. Turn right, soon with the church left, then staying with the road as it goes downhill. Continue to the bridge over the stream. Immediately over this take the signed footpath on the right.

6/ The route now keeps close to the stream for well over a mile. At times the path is on the stream bank while at others it is ten or so metres to the left. Eventually, it reaches a metal footbridge. It is possible to cross this and return to Spofforth but the recommended route is to stay with the stream keeping close by it under trees for a further 500 metres to reach the main road.

7/ Here cross the road and turn right over the bridge. Just beyond the church turn right (Church Lane). Follow this as it bends left keeping ahead at a small green to a T junction. Either turn left towards the Castle Inn or right if beginning the walk from Follifoot or having parked near the castle.

DISCLAIMER

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 compilation. Neither the walk author nor Your Local Link can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Grout

Glass,

Silicone

PUZZLES & COMPETITIONS

EASTER EGG HUNT

Find the egg and win a speaker (worth £30) or £25 in cash!

The Easter Bunny has come to York early, and has hidden a special treat inside one of our adverts. All you need to do is find the egg and you could be in with a chance of winning your very own Muvo Flex Speaker (read more about this in our gadget guide on page 28), or a cash prize.

Simply send a postcard telling us which page and advert the egg is on (along with your name, address, email address, and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked “Easter Egg” to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF or competitions@yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Tuesday the 22nd of April. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN: TWO TICKETS TO SEE CALAMITY JANE AT GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Get ready to meet the fearless, gun slingin' Calamity Jane as she’s a rollin' on over the plains to York this spring. The show is based on the beloved 1953 film starring Doris Day. Featuring classic singalongs like “The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscarwinning Secret Love” — this is one not to be missed musical production!

And guess what? You might just get to attend for free. That’s because Grand Opera House York have given us two tickets to give away for free! The tickets are for the show at 7.30pm on the 29th of April.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer this question.

Which golden age actor starred in the original film this musical is based on?

A. Audrey Hepburn

B. Marilyn Monroe

C. Doris Day

Simply send a postcard with the answer (along with your name, address, email address, and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked “Calamity Jane” to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF or competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Tuesday the 22nd of April. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN: TWO TICKETS TO SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL

You should know the story well by now… When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won't be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover.

But how would you like to see this brilliant musical story for free when it arrives at Jospeh Rowntree Theatre in York next month?

We’ve got two tickets for the show on the 21st of May to give away, and all you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer this question.

What is the main character Deloris’ last name?

A. Van Tiffanys

B. Van Cartier

C. Van Persie

Simply send a postcard with the answer (along with your name, address, email address, and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked “Sister Act” to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF or competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Tuesday the 22nd of April. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN: TWO TICKETS TO SEE RENT AT JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE

This iconic rock musical is world-renowned for its portrayal of love, loss, and survival in New York City’s East Village during the AIDS epidemic. At its heart is a groundbreaking score that blends rock, pop, and musical theatre to tell the story of a group of young artists grappling with friendship, passion, and identity. With songs like 'Seasons of Love' and 'La Vie Bohème', RENT is a timeless celebration of life, even in the face of adversity.

The show will be at York’s Joseph Rowntree Theatre from the 10th-12th of April, and we have two tickets to give away for the show on the 11th. All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer this question.

In which area of New York is the musical set?

A. The East Village

B. Manhattan

C. Queens

Simply send a postcard with the answer (along with your name, address, email address, and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked “RENT” to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF or competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Tuesday the 8th of April. Terms and conditions apply.

Actual size

GLASS SUPPLIES

Our services include:

Single & double glazed replacements

Toughened safety glass

Glass shelves

Bespoke mirrors

Glass Splashbacks

Glass staircases/balustrades

UPVC windows & doors

Composite doors

Shop fronts

Secondary glazing systems

The importance of mediation (and why your case needs it)

By Andrew Macaulay

Mediation is a structured process for resolving disputes where an impartial third party, (the mediator), facilitates communication between conflicting parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable compromise solution. It is characterised by its voluntary nature, confidentiality, and focus on the needs and interests of the parties involved.

From 1 October 2024 the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) were updated to empower courts to pause civil legal proceedings and order or encourage the parties to use, and facilitate the use of, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including mediation. Judges are now directing parties to engage in ADR. The government believes that by encouraging parties to resolve their issues through mediation, this will lead to cases being dealt with more efficiently and sooner than going to trial.

The Ministry of Justice introduced mandatory mediation to Online Civil Money Claims worth up to £10,000 in May 2024. It is considering currently whether mandatory mediation should be extended to damages claims (including Road Traffic Accidents and other personal injury claims). The direction of travel appears to have been set, with additional cost consequences if ADR is not given sufficient weight by the parties.

The benefits to mediation are numerous, ranging from minimising costs to eliminating the stress and anxiety of attending a court hearing. Government data shows that in 2023, over 1.7 million claims were issued in the civil courts (with 1.5 million of those being money claims) but only 3% of claims actually went to trial.

Compulsory mediation will assist in allowing parties to put aside their differences and attempt to resolve their disputes, ensuring that going to trial is a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

To discuss your litigation needs, including alternative dispute resolution please get in touch.

Call Andrew Macaulay on 01904 528391 or email on ama@hethertons.co.uk

Our expert team of lawyers are on hand to help if you need further advice or guidance.

FOCUS ON A LOCAL CHARITY: THE ISLAND YORK

Whether through mentoring, counselling, or direct tutoring, The Island do anything and everything to eliminate inequalities, allowing every young person in York to fulfil their potential no matter their personal circumstances. Read on to learn a little more about how they do it.

The children that The Island support may live in food poverty, have experienced or witnessed domestic violence, be a young carer, have experienced bullying, or may live with a disability. No matter their circumstances or what has happened in their past, each is given the support they need to get their life on track so that they can find their place in the world.

One-to-one Mentoring

Each young person is allocated a specialist trained volunteer mentor who they meet with weekly. They help by introducing them to recreational activities that help build up their confidence as the mentee forms a positive relationship with their mentor, finding in them someone they can trust and rely on for support.

Group Mentoring

Hosted at Door84, these group sessions are instrumental in helping young people to build and develop their social skills as they are invited, within a safe space, to engage in a range of fun activities. Sessions are available for young people (ages 8-16) and can be accessed by making a referral to The Island. The referral will then be assessed by a trained member of the team. Support offered varies per young person depending on their needs.

Youth Clubs

This amazing and supportive space is free to attend and is open for anyone aged between 13-18. It’s located at Foxwood Community Centre in York and takes the progress made at group mentoring sessions a step further for young people looking to make new friends, get involved in a wide range of activities and receive support to improve their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

Tutoring

The Island have a bespoke alternative education programme that helps ensure no child is left behind at school. Whether currently not in mainstream education, behind with their studies, in need of SEN support, or stuck with a tricky bit of homework, their in-house tutor, Andrew helps ensure each child mentee is able to achieve their full educational potential.

Counselling and Therapy

The Island have a BACP-registered therapist who is available to help children work through their feelings, by listening and understanding their issues, she encourages each child to find their voice.

Foodbanks

This foodbank, stocked with a wide range of nutritionally balanced food, is made available to The Island mentees, if their family may be in position at which they are struggling to make ends meet. It’s part if their aim of ensuring that no one in York is forced to live in poverty.

As reported here in Your Local Link last summer, York-based Chartered Financial Planning firm, PenLife Associates made a donation of £5,426 to the The Island.

The Island’s CEO, Nigel Poulton responded, “Thank you PenLife. Your remarkable support has not only raised £5,426 for The Island but has also enabled the transformative change in the lives of vulnerable children and young people in York.”

“Your amazing generosity ensures that over 500 weekly mentoring sessions with our volunteers, provide the guidance, inspiration to help build their confidence, resilience and self-esteem.”

If you’d like to follow PenLife’s example by making a donation, help out through volunteering, or simply learn more about The Island’s services, you can ring their team on 01904 628449, email enquiries@theislandyork.org, or head to www.theislandyork.org.

JOIN A CLUB

Beyond Monopoly!

This inviting boardgame club meet at The Bar Convent on Blossom Street on most weekends, usually alternating between Friday evening and full-day Saturday sessions. If you’re already a bit of a boardgame fan then this is the club for you, as attendees will get to try out different games from a collection of over 300! Attendance is £6 for a full day or £4 for a half day or evening session. Plus, everyone’s first visit is free. Reach out to bmyork@gmail.com if you’re interested.

The York Group of Spiritualists

The Old School Lane, Wigginton, York. Do you happen to be interested in mediumship, tarot, shamanic drumming, or sound baths? Then we might have just the group for you. This group of spiritualists are looking to expand their community. They meet weekly on a Wednesday or Thursday (except the third Wednesday of the month).

If this sounds like you, then call 07952 843398

Tang Hall History Group

St Aelreds Community Centre, Fifth Avenue, York. Are you interested in learning more about our area’s past? This local group cover the history of Heworth, Tang Hall, Burnholme, Layerthorpe and Hull Road and hold regular meetings each month pn the third Thursday of each month. Visit www.tanghallhistory.com for more info.

All Seasons Orchestra

An inclusive community orchestra welcoming all levels of players, experienced, rusty and new. The orchestra meets at the Centre at Burnholme on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm. You can pay as you go and pay as you feel but your first session is free. If you have any questions you can contact the director of music for a chat.

Catherine Holbrook's number is 07811 772 332. Go and join them for the joy of playing!

York Wheels

York Wheels provide low-cost, door-to-door transport to those who have no means of getting from A-B. This month they could really use your help as one of their volunteer drivers. You would be fulfilling an invaluable and rewarding role, connecting the residents of York to appointments they otherwise may not attend. Alongside the basic requirements of the role - getting passengers where they need to be - each York Wheels driver also helps to fulfil a vital social responsibility. Drivers maintain good communication with their passengers throughout each journey, listening to their concerns and any issues they may be struggling with - this assists the charity who can then signpost customers to other avenues of assistance if necessary. It helps more members of York’s community to remain independent, living happily in their own homes, no matter their circumstances.

The time that volunteer drivers give to charity can be anything from half-a-day to four-days-

a-week from Monday to Friday within the hours of 8am to 4pm. Drivers are reimbursed for expenses using the HMRC guidelines. If you are interested in helping the charity in either of the above roles, then please do not hesitate to call into the office at York Hospital or call for a chat on 01904 630080 for further information. Or email karen.woodward8@nhs.net .

RSPB YORK LOCAL CLUB

This April you can go along to an afternoon or evening meeting at Clements Hall on Nunthorpe Road, York. While there, you’ll hear from an expert local speaker about wildlife and birds, all while enjoying light refreshments. Alongside these informative and fun meetings, the club also organise various walks to wild sites, as well as coach trips to nature reserves, then during May they meet in Dean Park to view the Minster’s Peregrine Falcon population from telescopes!

Check out their Facebook page (www. facebook.com/rspbyorklocalgroup) for the latest details about meetings and events.

Looking for sign-ups?

Do you run a club or society in York? If so, we’d love to learn more about it so we can share your community with our readers. If you’d like to be featured on our “Join a Club” page please email sammi@ yourlocallink.co.uk or call 01904 767881

Horoscopes

STAR SIGN OF THE MONTH

ARIES 21ST MAR – 19TH APR

A month of mixed blessings. Travel aspects linking with family reunions in the first week, a lot of scurrying around dealing with domestic issues in the second week. Frustration caused by unexpected delays in week three, and some tension in relationships coming to the surface in the last days of the month when it is obvious that a lover or partner does not understand your own needs and priorities. On the upside, April won’t be boring, and it will probably be a good money month, especially for the self-employed.

For details of private readings by James Christie please phone: or you can email at:

TAURUS

20TH APR – 20TH MAY

Most Taureans welcome the advent of the spring. It’s a time of growth, movement and change - but in its own way this brings an element of discontent. You’re either all dressed up with no place to go, or you know exactly where you want to be but don’t have the right clothes to wear when you get there. You want to run, but you are made to walk. You want to spend a fortune in Fortnum & Mason, but here you are again trailing round shelves of Aldi. Having said all that, quite a bright start to the month with some expensive social activities.

GEMINI

21ST MAY – 20TH JUN

April looks like being quite a restless month, and if not physically, then definitely mentally. You feel under pressure to make decisions, but do not be impulsive. Those decisions do not have to be made at this time - plans, yes perhaps, but decisions no. Maybe it’s time for a little self-honesty, and maybe you need to ask yourself what it is you really want at this stage in your life. Anything and everything to do with property is likely to be an ongoing theme - a good time to sell but maybe not such a good time to buy - and even someone else’s change of address might have an influence over your own thoughts and ambitions.

CANCER

21ST JUN – 22ND JUL

Some will experience frustration in emotional relationships - either you are being bullied by a partner, or you flounder around without any degree of understanding or support. By the 14th or 15th you’ll have had enough (whichever way around it is) and will not be backwards in coming

forwards in letting your discontent be known. Calmer emotional seas in the second half of the month, but first there must be the storm! Time then for single Cancerians to be thankful for what they haven’t got! Members of the sign who are more interested in practical matters should enjoy some triumph and progress on or closely around the 20th when a door of opportunity on the career/ business front opens for you.

LEO

23RD JUL – 22ND AUG

Some major career decisions dominate your thinking this month with one tricky situation quite early around the 3rd - then cropping up again around the 11th/ 12th when you are faced with some kind of blind choice - a choice, I might add, which has not been thrust upon your shoulders by a third party or outside influences, but which is a natural outcome of some of the choices and decisions you have been making over the last couple of years.

VIRGO

23RD AUG – 22ND SEPT

While there may be some friction in emotional relationships wrapped around a disagreement about financial priorities, April should still be a good month financially, with specific gains being made on the 6th and the 16th. An ongoing period of involvement with bureaucracy over the month, especially in connection with taxes, refunds, payments and receipts. Travel plans and short breaks away from home look likely for the Easter period but with it being Easter, you must be prepared for a few delays or for journeys to take longer than usual.

LIBRA

23RD SEPT – 22ND OCT

On one level, a routine month much like many others, but another (much deeper) level, it is a month of self-analysis, incorporating a brutal degree of self-honesty about what you want out of life and what you’re prepared to do to get it. All things considered, not an easy month, but a very, very important one none the less.

SCORPIO

23RD OCT – 21ST NOV

Some female members of the sign will experience on-going divided loyalties between two male personalities close to them and here we must not discount involvement in father/son relationships. If you have to take sides, then you do have to pick a side, because this time round you can’t get away by playing piggy in the middle. This is an ongoing theme throughout the month, but with epicentres of energy coming to the surface on the 8th, 9th, 10thand again on or around the 27th.

SAGITTARIUS

22ND NOV – 21ST DEC

If there are times this month when you feel you’re somewhere between a rock and a hard place, you need to take this as a warning sign, remembering that while you can please some people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, you cannot please all of the people all of the time! Frankly, a bit more time spent pleasing yourself would be more than justified.

07884 107100 or 01423 339770 jcp@magepublishing.co.uk.

CAPRICORN

22ND DEC – 19TH JAN

Stability and security is the name of the game throughout April, and you will react swiftly against anything which threatens this status quo. Therefore, you’ll be watching the pennies (whether you actually need to or not) and will be disinclined to take any kind of risks, financial or otherwise. Now, providing lovers and partners understand where you are coming from and can offer a modicum of support, all should be well, but if they can’t, then the month could turn out to be quite fractious with a real battle of wills regarding financial priorities.

AQUARIUS

2OTH JAN - 18TH FEB

April isn’t going to be boring and in many ways it looks like being a but of a battle ground inasmuch that you’re going to have to fight hard for every victory and every little step forwards. Not a time to be cosy or coy, rather you need to come out all guns blazing, and if as a result of that, a fair weather friend falls by the wayside, you need to let them go. By all means, listen to other peoples’ opinions, especially from within the immediate family, but do not allow yourself to be deterred from your own pathway.

PISCES

19TH FEB - 20TH MAR

April looks like being quite a dreamy introspective month; there are very few rough edges and no sense of conflict, and you’ll find yourself taking stock of where you’ve been, what you’ve got, and where you want to go from here. You realise that you can’t turn back the clock, which is a very good thing, because it enables you to concentrate on your future.

DEAR

Daphne

Got a problem? Of course you do. Lucky for you, our sharptongued yet warm-hearted agony aunt Daphne is here to slice through the chaos and help tackle all your burning life dilemmas with wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of tough love!

Jake:

Dear Daphne, my housemate keeps ‘borrowing’ my food without asking, and I’m getting fed up of opening the fridge to find my milk, cheese, and snacks either opened or fully eaten. How do I stop them treating my food shop like an all-you-can-eat buffet without causing tension?

Dear Jake, Ah, the classic case of the “borrowing” housemate. Spoiler alert: if they’re not returning your cheese in the exact condition they found it, that’s not borrowing— that’s outright theft. And no one should have to live under a snackbased dictatorship. Now, you could take the petty route and start marking your food with a Sharpie or leaving notes like “I lick my butter”, but for the sake of house harmony, let’s start with words first. Try something like: “Hey, I’ve noticed my food’s been disappearing. If you ever need anything, just ask, but I’d rather we kept our groceries separate.” This gives them the benefit of the doubt while making it clear you’re not running a free buffet.

If the polite approach doesn’t work, then it’s time to escalate. Label everything. Hide the good snacks. Or, if you’re feeling particularly mischievous, leave a decoy item—nothing deters a fridge thief like a mysterious tub labelled “Experimental Fermented Cabbage”. If all else fails, sit them down for a final chat. If they still don’t get the message, you may have to accept that some housemates are just walking, talking gremlins with no respect for boundaries. At that point, either invest in a mini fridge for your room or start billing them for every stolen crumb.

Good luck!

Daphne

Emma:

Dear Daphne, my partner and I recently moved in together, and I’ve discovered he has some truly awful habits. I love him, but I’m losing my mind! How do I get him to break these habits without sounding like a nag?

Dear Emma,

Ah, the post-move-in reality check— where those “adorable quirks” you once found endearing slowly morph into “I might actually lose my mind if this continues.” Welcome to the real test of love: tolerating each other’s everyday nonsense. First things first—there’s no way to fix this without some level of nagging, but let’s try to make it feel more like constructive guidance. A good place to start? Humour. Next time he commits a household crime (leaving dishes next to the sink, perhaps?), hit him with: “Ah, I see we’re trialling a revolutionary new storage system. Fascinating.” A little sarcasm can go a long way. If that doesn’t land, it’s time to be direct. Sit him down and say: “I love you, but I also love a home that doesn’t resemble a student flat. We need to meet in the middle before I lose my sanity.” Then offer a compromise—maybe he tackles the worst habits while you graciously ignore the slightly less offensive ones. Relationships, after all, are just one long negotiation process. If, despite your best efforts, he continues living like an unsupervised teenager, you may have to ask yourself a bigger question: Are you in love with him, or are you just tolerating him for the sake of peace? Either way, Emma, I sincerely hope your next letter isn’t “Dear Daphne, how do I move out without splitting up with my partner?”

Best of luck, Daphne

Ben:

Dear Daphne, my best mate has recently become obsessed with fitness, and now every conversation is about protein shakes, gym sessions, and step counts. I’m happy for him, but I don’t care about macros and deadlifts! How do I get our friendship back to normal?

Dear Ben,

Ah yes, the classic case of a fitness fanatic who’s discovered the holy trinity of protein, macros, and step counts and now he believes the rest of us should too. You didn’t sign up for a personal trainer, yet here you are, nodding along while he passionately discusses deadlifts over a pint.

The good news? I don’t think he’s doing it to annoy you (even if it feels that way). He’s just excited about a new lifestyle and, unfortunately, you’re the nearest audience member. The trick here is to redirect. Next time he starts ranting about personal bests at the squat rack, hit him with: “That’s great! Anyway, did you hear what happened on Bake Off last night?” Repeat as necessary until they get the hint.

If subtlety doesn’t work, be honest (but friendly). Say something like, “I love that you’re into this mate, but I miss our old chats. Can we mix it up a bit?” True friends will take it on board—if they don’t, you might have to accept that your mate has entered their ‘gym bro’ era, and it’s up to you whether you want to ride it out or just meet them post-workout when they’re too exhausted to talk.

Best of luck—and if you ever feel left out, just start talking obsessively about a hobby of your own— football, cycling, candle-making… see how he likes it!

Warm wishes, Daphne

HAVE YOU GOT A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK DAPHNE?

Send your question to info@yourlocallink.co.uk with a subject "FOR DAPHNE" and check back here next month to see if your question is featured!

Lucy:

Dear Daphne, my friend has decided that Friday nights are sacred for going out, and they expect me to be up for it every single week. The truth is, I don’t always fancy it—sometimes I just want to stay in with a takeaway and a good film. How do I say no without feeling like a total letdown?

Dear Lucy,

Ah, the dreaded Friday Night Contract—the unspoken rule that you must, without fail, put on your going-out shoes and hit the town, no matter how much you’d rather be in pyjamas, inhaling a pizza. Look, I love a good night out as much as the next person, but even rock stars take a week off. The key here is setting boundaries without making it sound like you’re rejecting your friend altogether. Next time they start planning the next Friday-night extravaganza, just say: “I love our nights out, but I don’t want to commit to every single week—I need a mix of wild nights and sofa nights to survive.” This lets them know you’re not ditching them, just pacing yourself. If they guilt-trip you (“Come on, you’re no fun anymore!”), stay firm. No one should be contractually obligated to party. And if they keep pushing? Well, you could compromise—offer to swap out some Fridays for Saturdays, brunches, or even the occasional midweek event. That way, you’re still social, just on your own terms. Real friends will respect your need for balance. If they don’t? Well, that’s their loss—you’ll be the one feeling fresh on a Saturday morning while they’re nursing their third hangover of the month. Stay strong (and cosy!),

Daphne

PENLIFE RAISE OVER £6,000 FOR MENFULNESS

Alongside their main job of providing expert business advice to hundreds across our city, York-based Chartered Financial Planning firm, PenLife Associates, also managed to raise £6,395 for the men’s mental health charity Menfulness last year. And from all at Your Local Link we’d love to say a massive well done!

Menfulness provides a safe and supportive space for men to connect, socialise, and engage in activities that promote both mental and physical well-being. Donations play a crucial role in sustaining these vital services, including counselling for men in need, and spreading the message to more men.

Co-Founder of Menfulness, Jack Woodhams, said, “Everything we achieve is built on collaboration and friendship; we can't do it alone.

This generosity will make a real difference in the lives of the men who need support and the families who feel the ripple effect.”

Throughout 2024, PenLife raised funds through a variety of initiatives, including a charity golf day, an in-house snack box, participation in the York Half Marathon, a quiz night, a cake bake sale, and even selling paninis in celebration of National Panini Day! Committed to making a positive impact, PenLife carefully selects charities within the York area and beyond that are close to their hearts and those of their clients. This year, PenLife is proud to be supporting OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity as their Charity of the Year. If you’d like to learn more about PenLife or speak to one of their team, head to www.pen-life.co.uk.

IS IT TIME TO MAKE YOUR SIDE

HUSTLE OFFICIAL?

Whether it’s selling a few old outfits on Vinted, renting out a property, or just doing some odd jobs in your spare time, everyone needs a side hustle. Especially in this economy!

What a lot of people can forget however, is that along with the extra pocket money, most side hustles also come with some legal requirements that you have to stick to. In fact, if the side income you build up reaches over £1,000 in a year, you’re actually obliged to legally declare it. So — to save any of you side hustlers from getting in trouble with HMRC — we’re here to show you how easy it is to check if you’re required to make a declaration.

3 APRIL PURE NETWORKING BREAKFAST, The Milner Hotel, York. 8am9.30am. A fun and informal business networking event at one of York’s most central locations. Plus, there’ll be a delicious full-English brekkie to get you started! Visit www. york-professionals.co.uk/purenetworking-breakfast-at-themilner-york3/ to book a place.

17 APRIL BUSINESS NETWORKING LUNCH, Revolution York, Coney Street, York. 12pm. A casual lunch where you can meet with and network with other business professionals — right in the centre of York. Book a place from Eventbrite.

7 MAY MERCHANT ADVENTURERES’ BUSINESS NETWORKING, Fossgate, York. 4.45pm-6.15pm. What better place to meet fellow entrepreneurs and business owners than the Merchant Adventurers Hall? Steeped in history with its prestigious history of promoting enterprise, entrepreneurship and commercial venture, it’s the perfect location to expand your client, support and peer network. Book a place via Eventbrite.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

YORK BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST, via Zoom. 7.30-9am. A friendly relaxed networking meeting. This is the perfect environment if you’re looking at growing your business, or are looking for a support group — as every meeting is full of helpful likeminded individuals. Visit www. networkb2b.co.uk/store/yorkbreakfast/ to book your place.

EXECUTOY

No matter how much you love your job, there are always days when you need a little injection of fun to get through the day! Read on first a selection of the best office and executive toys to keep on your desk.

The Government have compiled an easy-to-understand guide, aptly named “Tax Help for Hustlers”, which is guaranteed to take the stress out of the process.

Angela MacDonald, the HMRC’s Deputy CEO, said, "We know many people are turning their hobbies and interests into successful businesses and we’re here to help them understand their tax obligations.”

"Nobody wants an unexpected tax bill, so anyone with a side hustle should check HMRC’s straightforward guide and make sure they're getting their tax right."

Head to www.taxhelpforhustles. campaign.gov.uk for more information.

Newton’s Cradle, £18 from shop. sciencemuseum.org.uk. Bring the mastery of 17th century science to your desk! Pull back and release one of the balls and watch as it swings back. The force that propagates through the other balls creates a hypnotic motion. Definitely an oldie but a goldie!

Squat Rack Pen

from amazon.

Novium HoverPen 3.0 Future, £67 from www.kohezi.com. What’s more fun than a pen that genuinely floats above your desk! And no this isn’t a missing page of a Harry Potter novel, the Novium Hoverpen is contained within an electronically charged magnetic field that suspends it in the air, making for an elegant addition to any desk.

This one’s for any gym addicts who are forced to spend their 9-5 in a corporate environment. Keep your desk tidy and pretend to be lifting weights at the same time with this fun little product! You’ll stack your pens on it so that they look lie bar bell weights!

My Desktop Solar System, £9.90 from Amazon and Brainstorm. Bring the wonder of the solar system to your workspace! This does what it says on the tin, it’s an easyto-assemble rotating planetarium, so you can spend a minute between emails pondering your place in the universe.

Holder, £5.99

STRUGGLING TO KEEP

We are a small, friendly family run care home looking after 20 people.

We now have one remaining vacancy for a senior carer role with flexible hours and shifts.

At Apple Tree we work with a set rota over two weeks which includes alt. weekends and offer short shifts of 8 & 6 hours but occasionally have 12 hour shifts.

We welcome people with little or no experience to apply to train with us as care workers too.

We have a choice of day, evening or night shifts which are mainly part-time roles.

Please call Angela for further information on 01904 491300 or email manager@appletreecareyork.co.uk

Do you need help with Inheritance Tax Planning?

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At PenLife, we’ve been helping families across Yorkshire navigate Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning with confidence - ensuring more of their hard-earned wealth stays where it belongswith their loved ones.

We specialise in helping people who

• Want to reduce or even eliminate IHT, so their family benefits as much as possible.

• Feel unsure about tax-efficient gifting and how to do it wisely.

• Need expert trust & estate planning to protect their assets and pass them on smoothly.

• Want to make the most of available allowances and exemptions.

• Are confused by recent changes to IHT and need clarity on the latest rules.

• Worry about unexpected tax bills and want to plan ahead to avoid surprises.

• Are unsure whether their estate will be subject to IHT and need clear, professional guidance.

It’s never too early to start planning - but it can be too late.

Complimentary IHT Consultation

Book a free consultation today. Give us a call on 01904 661140 or email enquiries@pen-life.co.uk. If you’d like some more information in the meantime, why not request our FREE guide: Inheritance Tax Planning: Where To Start? Simply follow the instructions on the cut-out to claim your copy.

I would like to request my free IHT guide!

Please

DATA SUBJECT ACCESS REQUEST

Senior Chartered Legal Executive, Alexander Millward, from Bridge Employment Law, answers your questions on data subject access requests.

What is a data subject access request?

A data subject access request (DSAR) is a request by an individual to an organisation to obtain their personal data, i.e. information about them.

How do we recognise a DSAR?

There is no specific manner in which a DSAR must be lodged. So it could be verbal, sent on an email or even submitted to your organisation via social media!

What can we do when we receive a DSAR?

The right to receive one’s personal data is a fundamental right. However, depending on the circumstances, these requests could be very wide, resulting in a huge amount of administrative work for your organisation.

For example, a 20-year tenured employee lodges a DSAR for all of their personal data over the last 20 years. This will be a huge undertaking to obtain all of this personal data. Particularly against the backdrop that your organisation only has one month to respond to it.

So, we strongly advise that an early assessment of the DSAR is undertaken to establish the scope of the request, whether it is the individual themselves making the request and what information you hold to establish that and, finally, whether a response should be sent and, if so, how.

Can we refuse or limit what we provide?

In short, yes you can refuse to respond to DSAR and/or limit the information provided, provided that it meets certain criteria.

Refusing it entirely

Where the DSAR is manifestly unfound or excessive, you could refuse to deal with the response. However, these are quite high thresholds that require evidence of this and so refusing entirely should be a last resort. Instead, you may wish to charge a reasonable fee.

Limiting what we provide

There are a number of ‘exemptions’ to data being provided to the individual. The first and most important is that a DSAR only entitles them to their personal data, so they are not entitled to information that is not about them.

However, other exemptions may be that the data is covered by legal professional privilege, it is processed for management forecasting or planning and/or it has to do with negotiations. Again, these are subject to stringent rules.

We have received a DSAR, can Bridge assist us?

Absolutely. We have lots of experience in dealing with DSAR, from the DSAR being lodged, to requesting a narrowed scope, extending the time to provide it and all the way to delivering it to the individual.

If you would like to have a chat about any of the above, please do not hesitate to do so and we will provide a free 20-minute consultation. Just email us at Alex@bridgeehr.co.uk and ensure that you mention the code: Your Local Link.

Please note: this article is for general information only and does not constitute advice on any particular or specific circumstances. This information is correct at the time of issuing it. Bridge Employment Law would be delighted to discuss your specific issues or questions with you.

GET YOUR CAR READY for Spring

Let’s be honest, driving in the winter is never fun. And yet, through the grit, ice and snow your car worked tirelessly through dark days and stormy nights, to get you where you need to go, all without complaint.

Now that spring is just about here, it’s time to show your vehicle the appreciation it deserves — or else you might never make it on that summer road trip in a few months’ time. Here’s our tips on where to make a start.

1. Give It a Deep Clean

Winter roads leave behind grime, salt, and mud, which can cause rust if left unchecked. A full exterior wash, including the undercarriage, helps remove any lingering salt deposits. Inside, vacuum away dirt, wipe down surfaces, and swap out those winter mats for something fresh.

2. Check Your Tyres

Cold weather can reduce tyre pressure, so check they’re at the right level (you’ll find this in your car’s user manual) for optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Also, inspect the tread depth—spring showers mean wetter roads, and good grip is essential for safety. The recommended tread depth in the UK is 3mm.

3. Top Up Fluids

Windshield washer fluid, oil, coolant, and brake fluid may need a top-up after winter. Make sure everything is at the right level to keep your car running smoothly.

4. Inspect Your Wipers

York’s unpredictable spring weather means you’ll need your wipers in top condition. If they’re leaving streaks or making noise, it’s time for a replacement.

5. Check Your Battery

Cold weather can take a toll on your car battery. If your car has been slow to start or the battery is more than three years old, have it checked to avoid any unexpected breakdowns.

6. Look at Your Lights

With longer daylight hours, it’s easy to forget about headlights and brake lights. Do a quick check to ensure all your bulbs are working properly.

7. Freshen Up the Air Conditioning

As temperatures rise, you’ll want your aircon working efficiently. If it’s not blowing cold air, it might need a recharge or a filter replacement.

8. Plan for Spring Adventures

With the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, and tons of scenic coastal routes just a short drive away, now is the perfect time to stock up on road trip essentials—sat nav updates, emergency kits, and a full tank of fuel.

Have you got a driving recommendation for us? Or have a motoring event coming up you’d like more people to know about? Reach out at info@ yourlocallink.co.uk

(1) Rabbit & Chick Fillable Eggs, Hobby craft, £3 | (2) Wooden Easter Sign, Matalan, £3.50 | (3) Decorative Eggs, Primark, £2 | (4) Bunny Wicker Basket, B&M, £7

(5) Hoppy

(6) Carrott Basket, TK Max, £4.99

BY

Out with the old and in with the new Matt

It’s the start of a new chapter for Mrs Todd and myself as we look to move house for the first time in nearly 19 years! Apart from the thrill of getting to fill loads of boxes with stuff we haven’t seen in a decade, and will probably never use, I find myself looking at all the kit I’ve accumulated over the years that I’m going to really miss.

As you would expect for a guy who works in the electrical industry, I have plenty of amazing kitchen and home electrical products that, sadly, will be sold with the house, but which are just mundane boxes, and which will I lament moving away from? Well, for a start I know I’m going to miss our whole house sound system, this has been a blast (sometimes literally) to use and gives us amazing quality audio in every room, streamed from whatever service we are using at the time or just plain old radio. The system gets used every day for wake-up alarms and every evening to bring TV programmes to life. I will remember dearly the times we have had celebrations at home with all our

friends and setting the speakers to “party mode” with all rooms playing the same music – the video of everyone dancing to Gangnam Style was the stuff of legend.

spots – amazing for cooking steak or prawns and I REALLY love a steak! I think that a large induction hob will be an essential buy for our new house so that we can continue to enjoy not

The next piece of kit I will miss is our induction hob; I have a large griddle pan that I use regularly to take advantage of the linked zone cooking system that makes half the hob heat up together with no cold

only the steak but also the no faff cleaning and ease of control.

Finally, I’m going to miss my steam oven, it’s a game-changer! It doesn’t matter what you’re cooking it just tastes better with steam, whether it’s

GADGETGUIDE

joints of meat, pastries and cakes, or vegetables – all benefit from being enveloped in steam which locks in the flavour and nutrients. The oven also has intelligent cooking programs built into it that take care of multiple menus with ease; if you want your rib of beef roast joint cooking to a medium rare (mmm steak again) just tell the oven that’s what you want and what it weighs, and let it cook to perfection. Roast pork comes out deliciously moist and with cracking crackling, witchcraft! It even cleans itself to save you the trouble.

I’ll miss all this lot and more but it’s time for a change and I love a challenge, watch this space to find out more.

If you have an interest in any of the above technology please pop into our superstore on Monks Cross where we can demonstrate speaker systems, induction hobs or self-cleaning ovens for you. You might even get free, tasty food treats if you call on a Saturday!

APRIL 2025

With the Spring cleaning all done and dusted, it’s time to brighten up your home or life with a spark of fun in the shape of a gadget or gift! Here’s our recommendations on where to make a start.

TOP PICK: The Skylight Calendar, £290 from www. uk.skylightframe.com and Amazon. Imagine if you could buy just one calendar to keep it for the rest of your life. Say goodbye to the clutter, the schedules, to-do lists, and the scraps of notepaper. The Skylight Calendar is a sleek touchscreen smart calendar that takes the stress out of managing family life by streamlining all of those personal, work, school, and sports schedules, to-do lists, and more all in one place. You can personalise the display as you choose and even display a family album of photos while I’s in standby mode!

any room of the house with ease. But how does it work? Well, the Monte-Carlo cordless lamp features precision dimming with a simple touch button on the top of the lamp meaning you can have the convenience of a bright and efficient light, and a perfectly curated ambience wherever you need it.

www.uk.creative.com

Lutris Monte-Carlo Rechargeable Lamp, £129, from www.lutris.com

With a sleek and fashionable design that was inspired by the iconic palm trees of the French Riviera, this lamp is the home accessory everyone needs this April. Plus, it’s portable and rechargeable (with 140 hours of battery life) — meaning you can transport it to brighten up

While you can certainly use this nifty speaker at home, perhaps to get the tunes bouncing while you’re getting ready, it’s really meant to be taken out with you — wherever you go! Its rugged yet stylish design ensures it can go wherever your music takes you. Weighing just 198g, with a lanyard, it's easy to carry around or to attach to your backpack. It also has 10-hours of continuous playtime per battery charge — meaning it'll last all day (or night) long.

Swan Twin Stack Airfryrer, £99.99

If it was 2019, the very presence of an Airfryer on our list would be more than enough to completely blow your mind. However, the world has changed a lot since then, and these revolutionary gadgets have become more and more commonplace ever since. As a result, it takes a truly special fryer to get our attention. This Swan gadget is just that.

Comprising two 5.5 litre baskets, each big enough to cook a whole chicken and make enough portions for a family of eight, this airfryer is HUGE. Also, note the touchscreen panel on the side, the intuitive touch digital colour display lets you choose from 10 pre-set meal selections, adjust the temperature for manual frying and more with just one touch!

My First Earbuds, £59.99 from www.uk. myfirst.tech

Take away the anxieties you might have about exposing your little one’s ears to headphones for the first time. With a safe maximum volume limit, and smart transparency which lets outside audio in when they're on the move, these ear buds are perfect for kids aged 4-and-above. They’re water resistant, have an 85-decibel limit and have 25-hours of battery life. What’s not to love?

Muvo Flex, £29.99 from

Swiss Chard

Many gardeners now find room for Swiss chard, or chard for short, on their plots. This is a change to when I started growing. Back then chard was very much a niche crop. Should you not be acquainted with chard, think big and bold spinach but with glossier leaves and far larger and— in many varieties— more colourful stalks which can be red, pink, orange and yellow, as well as white. Chard though, is not a swanky psychedelic spinach. Rather it is a species of Beta vulgaris which includes beetroot, sugar beet and the more similar perpetual spinach. Indeed, despite a far less fancy appearance, perpetual spinach is a type of chard. And why the Swiss prefix? It’s not, as might be assumed, because chard emanates from Switzerland.

Its origins are Mediterranean rather than alpine

As with the Swiss roll, the etymology is unclear. Plausible theories include the plant’s first classification by a Swiss botanist or being dubbed Swiss by Dutch horticulturalists to distinguish chard from similar spinach like leafy vegetables.

Chard is a comparatively undemanding crop to grow, far easier than spinach and almost as trouble-free as perpetual spinach. The largish seeds can either be sown directly in the soil or in pots or modules and planted out. Once established, seedlings need to be spaced at least 15cm apart with a minimum 30cm gap between lines when grown in rows. If planting out, try to minimise root disturbance. This and sowing too early are the main reason for failures. Chard is one of those crops sensitive to low temperatures in spring. If affected by a bout of cold weather early in the season, most varieties of chard are prone to bolting, producing a seedhead rather than leaves.

Because of this susceptibility I delay starting chard until late April or the beginning of May.

Seeds are usually sown in modules (cellular trays) and mollycoddled in a greenhouse for their first few weeks. Generally, I sow three or four seeds per cluster, leaving these unthinned. The clusters of seedlings are ready for planting outside during May to early June.

If you opt to plant in late May, then cropping should begin from midJuly. Pick only the larger outside leaves, leaving the younger ones in the centre to grow on for further harvests. When treated this way, the chard should continue to yield well into the autumn. As winter sets in, growth will slow and leaf quality will deteriorate. Most varieties of chard are only reliably hardy outside if given some protection. Because of this I usually sow a further batch of chard in late August or early September and grow it undercover in a greenhouse or polytunnel through the winter.

BY GARDENING EXPERT

Tony Chalcraft

This gives good pickings from March to May before, as with any outside plants that survive, throwing up a seedhead. If you have suitable protected space growing chard through winter is an option well worth considering.

Another consideration is which variety to grow. Many are single colour, that is the stalks have one shade only. With many varieties the name gives a colour clue: Canary yellow, Orange sunset and White silver. Others are more colour coy— including my favourite the pinkish stalked Peppermint. This yields attractive strong growing leaves. Only the larger white stemmed varieties such as White silver or Fordhook giant can beat it for robustness and productivity. And if want you want a fuller colour spectrum there’s Rainbow chard or Bright lights, the latter variety producing purplish as well as red, pink, orange and yellow stemmed leaves.

DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION Join a gardening club

As of last summer, garden waste collection is no longer covered by council tax — so to make sure that all those grass cuttings, pesky weeds, and cut flowers are disposed of on time you now have to sign up for the City of York Council’s Garden Waste Subscription scheme. We say it’s best to sign up as soon as possible to make sure that waste doesn’t pile up!

It costs £49 for the season, that works out at £2.45 per collection. Then, once you’re all signed up, the council will post a welcome pack out to you, included in this will be a sticker. This sticker, which includes your collection address and reference number, is vital as you will need to attach it to your

bin so that the council waste team can identify your bin when they go out on collections. Bins with stickers will be emptied every 2 weeks of the season.

The council website gives these instructions, “position your garden waste bin at the front edge of your property (or agreed collection point) between 7.00pm on the day before collection, and 7.00am on your collection day; do not put your garden waste out at any other time.”

Head to www.york.gov.uk/

GardenWasteSubscriptionScheme or call 01904 551551 to sign up now.

ASKHAM BRYAN COLLEGE GARDENING CLUB

This month: Thursday 17 April 2025 at 7.30pm.

The Fauna and Flora of York Cemetery by Clive Dawson. The chairman of the Friends of York Cemetery will take attendees on a pictorial journey through York Cemetery — sharing his unrivalled knowledge of the flora and fauna to be found in this green oasis near the centre of York. Call 01904 707208 for more information.

GREENFINGERS GARDENING CLUB

A monthly meeting takes place in the Stockton-on-theForest Village Hall on the first Monday of each month. During spring, a guest speaker will come along and give about an hour to an hour & a half presentation. The content varies greatly from growing your “5 a day”, perennial plants, where to grow them and how to propagate them. If you would like to join the gardening club, annual membership is currently £10 per person and runs from 1st of January to 31st of December. For further information please contact Valerie Crossley on (01904) 400601 or email: valeriecrossley1@ hotmail.co.uk

BURNHOLME GARDENING CLUB

This month: The evening of Wednesday 30 April.

Visit The Garden of Alastair Fitter in Huntington. Join the club on a visit to see this wonderful garden. Otherwise, this vibrant and energetic club meet approximately every two weeks during Spring and Autumn at 7.00pm in Christ Church Stockton Lane where they host interesting speakers and share tips on how to make your garden thrive. Each meeting costs £3 to attend. Visit www.burnholmegardeningclub.co.uk to learn more.

Gardenforce Landscapes

WE TRIED:

A few weekends ago, we hit the courts at the Better Health gym in Burnholme, York, to try out their badminton facilities—and we had an absolute blast!

Better Health boasts topnotch facilities, including a fully equipped Technogym, outdoor footy pitches, and a huge sports hall where you can book everything from pickleball and basketball to table tennis and fitness classes. But this time, we had one thing on our minds— badminton!

From the moment we arrived, the friendly staff made us feel welcome. The sports hall was bright, spacious, and clean, which created the perfect atmosphere

for a fun and energetic game. The same, however, can’t be said for my badminton skills — which were more than rusty!

At just £11 for a 40-minute session, it was an affordable and exciting way to kick-start the weekend. Whether you’re looking for a social game with friends or a fun way to stay active, badminton at Better Health is well worth a try.

Ready to book your game? Head to www.bookings.better.org.uk and get started today!

BY OUR JOURNALIST

We all want to improve ourselves—eat healthier, learn new skills, and meet new people. But between work, family, and daily life, finding the time can feel impossible.

What if you could hit two goals at once, saving time while making real progress? That’s exactly what The Spanish Hiker offers—a chance to learn Spanish while hiking!

Founded by a health and nutrition-certified instructor, The Spanish Hiker blends exercise with education, making learning feel natural and engaging. Whether you're a complete beginner or preparing for highlevel Spanish, these guided hikes cater to all levels, helping you absorb the language through conversation and real-world practice.

But this isn’t just about learning verbs and vocabulary. It’s about experiencing the language in a fun, relaxed setting, all while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of hiking. Fresh air, movement, and conversation—what better way to stay fit and fluent?

Sessions take place in beautiful outdoor locations, turning each hike into an adventure. You'll walk away not just with stronger legs, but with stronger language skills, too.

Spring is finally here, bringing longer days and warmer weather—the perfect time to get outdoors and try something new! If you're looking for a fun, social activity close to home, Strensall Bowling Club has just the thing for you.

The club hosts social bowling evenings every Tuesday throughout the season, and members can enjoy the outdoor facilities anytime, as long as there’s no match taking place. Never played bowls before? No problem! There’s no better time to start. On April 5th, Strensall Bowling Club is hosting a Ceilidh with a pie and pea supper—a great chance to meet the friendly club community without picking

Why Not Give Bowling a Try This April? Tee Off at York Golf Range

up a bowl. Plus, local band Shindig will be performing live music to keep the atmosphere lively.

When you're ready to give bowling a go, head to the club’s Annual Open Weekend on April 12th and 13th, from 2 pm to 5 pm each day. Whether you're a complete beginner or just a little rusty, friendly club members will be on hand to show you the ropes, and there will be plenty of refreshments, including drinks and cake to keep you going.

For more information, contact the club secretary at pparish@doctors.org.uk or call 07810 446019. If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding way to learn Spanish and improve your fitness, this is it. Don’t miss out—call 07412 333675 to book your session today.

Whether you’re already an established golfer or are planning your next big family day-out, you should look no further than York Golf Range. It’s got something for everyone and is located just a 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre in the lovely countryside near Towthorpe. At the heart of York Golf Range is a 9-hole, par 31 course, which is ideal for both beginners and experienced players looking for a quick round. The course features a mix of challenging par 3s and shorter par 4s, making it a great way to hone your accuracy and short game. Then, when you're not in the mood for a full game but are

looking to improve your swing, the floodlit driving range is perfect for practice.

They’ve also got facilities for something called Footgolf too. The best way to describe footgolf is as the perfect mix of football and golf. Instead of swinging a club, you’ll be booting a football down the fairway, aiming for giant 21-inch cups!

No matter what you’re after, York Golf Range offers a fantastic golfing experience in a friendly setting. For more details, visit www.yorkgolfrange. com or call 01904 499275.

An Easter Message

From The Rt Rev’d Dr Flora

Winfield : Bishop of Selby

Spring is finally in the air. It may feel as though it’s been Winter for at least 2 years, but now the daffodils and crocus and the little iris are showing their beautiful spring colours — it does lift the heart to see all this new life (especially if you are a gardener).

Many of us will have taken the opportunity to give something up (or take up a positive new habit) during Lent, the six weeks which lead up to Easter.

This ancient tradition of selfdenial might seem a trivial thing (though giving up coffee for Lent doesn’t feel trivial at all, at least for the first few days!) But it can help to remind us, as we struggle with the temptations of the biscuit tin, of the opportunity to find new focus on the spiritual side of our own nature, the truths of our hearts, new focus on our longing for meaning and purpose and our struggles to make sense of our own place in the universe.

What really matters to you? What are the guiding values of your life?

In our world where conflict and hunger are a daily feature of life for many children, women and men who are each part of our human family, these Lenten habits are also an opportunity to remember that living generously with one another is an essential part of our own humanity. Lent can offer all of us the opportunity to take a look in that spiritual mirror.

Although the natural world speaks to us in this season of new life and hopeful possibilities, for many people the skies may seem dark and sources of hope hard to find in our complicated and often conflict-ridden world. During all this complexity, the message of Easter is a message of enduring, eternal hope. As through Lent we have reflected on our need to new life, at Easter, God in Jesus Christ shows us that our longed for renewal can be found in him.

In the Easter story, following Jesus’ humiliation and cruel death by crucifixion, the women who were among his disciples went to visit his tomb, very early

in the morning on the day we now mark as Easter Sunday. In the darkness before dawn, when everything that they had hoped for seemed lost, these brave women went to prepare Jesus’s body for burial. And in the darkness of that first Easter morning, they saw for themselves the truth that new life is possible in Jesus, that God’s love for us is boundless, breaking the barriers of time and space and even the bonds of death, and that in our messy, imperfect world, Jesus Christ invites us on Easter Day and every day to find hope in him. And that Easter hope is infinite: as we share hope in Jesus with others, our own hope is strengthened. Even when we feel most uncertain about the future, hope in Jesus Christ makes new life possible.

So, each year, as we notice and take delight in the signs of renewal in nature, it’s a reminder to take time to enjoy the beautiful creation in which we are so blessed to live, and also take our own inner, spiritual temperature. Lent is an opportunity to refocus on what really matters to us: the values that we live by, the truths of our own hearts, our response to our neighbour, our capacity to live kindly both with those who are close to us and with the people we encounter in our daily lives. And Easter shows us how God’s love for us in Jesus is a source of eternal hope and new life, whether in the beauty of a Yorkshire Spring or when the skies seem dark, that hope is always with us.

Discover an exceptional Care Home in Yorkshire

If you’re on the lookout for a real high-quality care home for yourself or a loved one, then any of Chapter House in Keldgate, Chocolate Works here in York, Harcourt Gardens in Harrogate, or Mayfield View in Ilkley, are not to be missed. Each home has a great range of luxurious facilities that include stylish coffee shops, cozy pubs, hair salons, and cinema rooms. So, whether they prefer quiz nights, or cheese and wine socials, every resident’s social calendar is always full!

Don’t

As well as providing fun activities, the team at each home also specialise in residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term care too, ensuring that every individual receives personalised attention in a warm and welcoming environment. As part of Care UK, the country’s most awarded large care provider, these homes have been delivering exceptional, person-centred care for over 40 years. To learn more, call 0330 162 4729 or visit careuk.com/yorkshire.

miss out on Poppleton Road Nursery

It’s impossible to ever do enough preparation before sending your child to Nursery for the first time. After all, it’s probably the biggest step of their little life so far.

One place you definitely don’t want to miss is Poppleton Road Primary School. Their nursery offers outstanding facilities, both indoors and outdoors, providing endless

opportunities for learning and play. With a highly qualified, teacher-led team dedicated to nurturing every child, you can be confident your little one is in great hands. What’s not to love?

For more information or to arrange a visit to the nursery reach out at office@poppleton.pmat.academy.

Connecting Generations: How Older People Enrich Family Life

By Ed Gill, Director of Radfield Care, York.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for different generations within a family to become disconnected. Work, school, and social commitments often mean that younger and older family members spend less time together. Yet, when generations connect, the benefits are immeasurable—for both older people and the younger members of the family.

Older people bring a wealth of wisdom, experience, and perspective. They hold family history, traditions, and stories that help younger generations understand where they come from. Grandparents and older relatives can share invaluable life lessons, whether it’s passing down a favourite recipe, teaching a skill, or simply offering advice from years of experience.

For older people, these interactions provide a sense of purpose and joy. Encouraging multigenerational bonding doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple activities such as playing board games, looking through photo albums, or gardening together can create lasting memories. Technology also offers new ways to stay connected—video calls, shared online photo albums, and even digital games can help bridge physical distance.

Community programmes that bring generations together, such as storytelling groups, craft workshops, or volunteering initiatives, also foster meaningful connections beyond the family.

This April, as the season of renewal unfolds, let’s take the opportunity to strengthen these important relationships.

Easter Egg Hunt

For young people with a visual impairment and their siblings Ages 0 - 25

April 26th, 2025 Hunt from 11:30am - 1:30pm Easter themed activities from 10:30am - 2:30pm Cafe open throughout!

The Wilberforce Trust, The Grove, Dringhouses, York, YO24 1AN clubwilber@wilberforcetrust.org.uk to book and for further information

THE SPANISH HIKER

WILDLIFE

ENCOUNTERS,

ANCIENT TEMPLES AND GOLDEN SUNSETS: AN ADVENTURE THROUGH SRI LANKA

By Kerry Lakey

Spotlight on Sri Lanka. We can’t believe we are already 3 months into 2025 and one of the most frequent destinations we have been asked for so far has been Sri Lanka.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the tear shaped island of Sri Lanka is home to stunning beaches as you would expect from the Indian Ocean but is combined with a mountainous terrain and rainforests.

From north to south, east to west over 2,500 years of history with influences from ancient Buddhism, colonial history of Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and indigenous traditions have created a destination for all.

My colleague Diane travelled to Sri Lanka in 2018 and has shared some of her recommendations.

The capital Colombo, where the international airport is situated, is ideally located for those looking for a tour the island.

Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla. To get the best from this area we would recommend a private driver & guide or taking a small group tour.

It’s time then to head southbound with the destination being the beaches of Negombo or Bentota. The journey south takes you through the area known as Hill Country taking in the Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy. Kandy is home to the famous Buddhist Temple of the Tooth, the Royal Botanical gardens and the surrounding areas are filled with tea plantations and mountains of forested hills perfect for guided walking or hikes.

I

OR

Starting in Northern Sri Lanka, off the beaten track and lesser explored, here you can learn about the Tamil culture and explore the ruins of the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

The north also offers access to the Wilpattu National Park home to a range of wildlife including elephants, spotted deer, sloth bears & the leopard. Wilpattu is also less visited than National Parks found in the south and is over 500 square miles in size.

The eastern coast area of the Trincomalee coastline is great for spotting blue whales, most sightings occur between March/April and August/September, as whales continue their migrations around the island from the south coast. Trincomalee is also a good option for watersports including surfing. Trinco is home to one of Sri Lanka’s most important Hindu temples, Koneswaram Kovil.

No visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without taking in the Cultural Golden Triangle including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of

If Kandy is too busy and you prefer to take in a peaceful location visit Nuwara Eliya where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery at a slower pace.

We recommend including a journey by train over the famous Nine Arch Bridge between Ella and Demodara stations as your journey southbound continues.

After spending some time relaxing by the beach head to city of Galle to the south west of the island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle is easily explored by foot. This old trading port is home to museums, Dutch colonial buildings ancient mosques and churches. From Galle you can also visit the famous Koggala beach to observe the stilt fishermen.

Your time in Sri Lanka ends in Colombo. From here options are available to fly directly to the UK or you may choose a stop over in Dubai, Doha or even the Maldives.

If you would like to discuss a trip to Sri Lanka in more detail visit us at 88 Main Street, Fulford or call 01904 623444

JOIN OUR TEAM

Would you like to make a positive difference supporting local people in York?

Age UK York exists to be there when needed for local people and communities across York. We provide timely support and help led by the person’s needs and supporting their independence and wellbeing. We have exciting opportunities to join our friendly and professional team providing vital support to older residents, and those around them, here in York.

Care at Home Care at Home are looking for Care Workers to join our wonderful team. We provide high quality personal care in people’s home in York helping them to live in the comfort and familiarity of home for as long as possible.

Home Help Feather Duster Cleaning Service

You will be supporting older people with a range of domestic tasks, helping them to maintain a clean and tidy home, and providing companionship and help in remaining independant at home.

To find out more please get in touch for an informal chat with Anne-Marie or Sarah by calling 01904 627995 or emailing ageukyork@ageukyork.org.uk

We would love to hear from you.

Get in touch to find out more:

01904 627995 feather.duster@ageukyork.org.uk ageukyork@ageukyork.org.uk

“[Feather Duster] has been a real benefit... the work they do is perfect for my needs”

“It’s not like having carers, they’re more like friends visiting”

ASK A VET

All your animal and pet-related questions answered!

Local and independent practice, Bishopton Vets have been a trusted source of information on all things animal since 1943. Here, you can ask your questions and get a response from one of their veterinary team. For more information and resources on everything from kittens to cows, see their website, or email info@ yourlocallink.co.uk to pose your query.

Rachel of Sherriff Hutton asks: “My cockerpoo is an absolute softy and even plays with my daughter’s rabbit. He’d never hurt a sheep, and yet I got told off by a farmer for not having him on a lead. Does he need to be on a lead?”

Dear Rachel,

I understand your dog is placid and it’s natural to think, “My dog wouldn’t hurt a fly!” But when it comes to sheep, especially during lambing season, there are more significant factors to bear in mind.

Lambing time, which kicks off in late Winter and runs through to Spring, is a hugely important and stressful time for sheep farmers. It’s when ewes are giving birth to their lambs and are at their most vulnerable. Even the gentlest dog, like your cockerpoo, can unintentionally cause chaos in a field of sheep. It’s not about him being aggressive; it’s about instinct and how sheep react. Dogs have an innate prey-drive - centuries of breeding mean that even the most docile might perk up at the sight of a different species of animal. And sheep? They’re wired to panic and bolt

at the slightest hint of danger. You might think, “He’d never bite a sheep,” and you might be right. But sheep worrying isn’t just about bites. It’s anything that stresses them—chasing, barking, or even just bounding over for a curious sniff. For a pregnant ewe, that stress can lead to a miscarriage or abandoning her lambs during the panic. Or she could become entangled in fencing or break a leg. In the UK, the National Sheep Association estimates that around 15,000 sheep are killed each year by dogs off leads, and that figure doesn’t include the unreported cases, or the lambs lost to stress. Last year alone, dog attacks cost farmers a staggering £2.4 million, according to NFU Mutual, up nearly 30% from the year before despite continued efforts to increase awareness.

It’s not that farmers don’t like dogs (most have their own), but they need to protect their flocks during this crucial season. That’s why the law steps in too—under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, letting a dog worry sheep is an offence, and farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs found chasing or attacking livestock to protect their animals. Most farmers are deeply reluctant to resort to this measure as it’s a distressing experience for all involved, but it can and does happen.

So, does your cockerpoo need to be on a lead? Unequivocally yes. It’s not about doubting his sweet nature - it’s about keeping both the livestock and your dog safe.

Regards, Mary

GIVE US A HOME

We all know that York is chockfull of brilliant characters, but for these few who have no space to call their own, could you help them find a home?

Derrel Forcefield, Male, 8 Months

All this timid little lad requires is a calm home with someone who has patience and is prepared to take Derrel under their wing, providing him with a loving and understanding home where he can achieve his full potential.

Pugsy, Male, 11 years

Pugsy is a funny, cheeky and friendly lad who is missing being part of a family. He is just looking for a retirement home where he can spend the rest of life chilling out and snoozing his days away in the comfort of a loving home.

Bert’s Hungry Little Cousin, Male, 5 Years

Bert is still very shy when it comes being handled, hardly surprising after a life on the streets, and he will need a patient home with very understanding owners who are happy to let him go at his own pace.

Scooby, Male, 2 years

Scooby is at his happiest when he has a job to do, he would be best suited to an equally active home where adopters will take him on exciting adventures.

Bear, Male, 6 months

This sweetheart is a young, playful and cheeky chappy who will make the most wonderful family pet. Bear would love a home where his adopters will not leave him on his own for long periods because he really does love to be with his people.

Misty, Female, 4.5 years

wonderful addition to the family.

Genie, Male, 12 months

This very sweet rabbit, who came to the RSPCA centre after his needs were not being properly met, has a much brighter future to look forward to. Can you be the one to help him find it?

Buster, Male, 2 years

Buster is a young, active and happy-go-lucky kind of guy who just lives life to the max, he is looking for the kind of family who are after a cheeky chappy kind of dog. He has the most amazing smile and can make you smile no matter what kind of day you are having.

Kevin, Male, 14 months

Kevin is a sweet but shy boy seeking a loving home after a tough start. Nervous of strangers and new places, he needs patient adopters with experience in giant breeds. He thrives with other dogs and prefers quiet walks.

All this former racer needs now is a family who will love and cherish her, have a comfy sofa to relax on and enjoy the rest of her life. Misty will make a

Discover Goldsborough Manor Care Home in Strensall, York

Goldsborough Manor Care Home – a place where luxury living accommodation meets exceptional, personalised care. Nestled in a charming village with easy access to York city centre, we offer a warm, welcoming community designed to help residents thrive. Our bespoke care packages and thoughtfully crafted spaces ensure comfort, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.

Visit us to explore our stunning surroundings and discuss how we can support you or your loved one. Arrange your personalised tour today and experience a new standard in care and living.

• Personalised Care

• 62 Bedroom Suites

• Ensuite Wet Rooms

• Luxury Opulent Lounges

• Orchard Way Restaurant

• Haxby Restaurant

• Clifton Bar & Bistro

• Private Dining

• Electric Theatre

• Waterlily Wellbeing Spa

Goldsborough Manor Care Home

10 – 12 Moor Lane, Strensall, York, North Yorkshire YO32 5UQ

Telephone: 01904 237671

Email: enquiries@crowncaregroup.co.uk

Web: www.crowncaregroup.co.uk

Scan the QR code for further

• Shambles Hair & Nail Salon

• Betty’s Roof Terrace Bar

• Harvest Garden Café

• Landscaped Garden

• WiFi Throughout

Hoppy Easter

An interview with The Easter Bunny

Alongside getting the chance to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, the next big reason why we all look forward to Easter each year is because of the chocolate. But where do all those choc eggs come from? Legend has it that every spring, a special character, known as the Easter Bunny, gets to work hiding delicious colourful eggs around for children to find. Well, here at Your Local Link, we’re all about turning legends into reality so have managed to catch up with the elusive bunny as he made a special stop in York ahead of the big day!

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! You must be hopped off your feet at this time of year.

Oh, you have no idea! This is my peak season—egg decorating, planning my delivery routes, and making sure every child gets a special treat. But I always have time for a chat, especially in a place as wonderful as York! We know a thing or two about delivery routes here at YLL, so we can only imagine how much work must go into getting chocolate to every little person on earth! How do you do it?

That’s all down to the secret of Easter magic! And the thing about magic is that it can’t be explained. Let’s just say it involves a lot of training, speed, and just a pinch of enchantment. My helpers—tiny woodland creatures and some very dedicated chicks—make sure everything runs smoothly.

And of course, I always have a backup plan in case of unexpected spring showers. What brings you to York in particular?

York is such a magical city—full of history, charm, and of course, some of the best chocolate in the world. After all, what kind of Easter Bunny would I be if I neglected to make the most of the Chocolate City? Messers Rowntree and Terry were some of my oldest pals back in the day and always made it extra easy to get the chocolate eggs rolling. Plus, I love hopping through The Shambles and admiring the beautiful Minster.

Do you have a favourite Easter egg?

That’s like choosing a favourite child! I love all the eggs we give out equally. However, I’ve heard a rumour that the boffins behind your magazine have put together a guide to the best Easter snacks on offer this April. So, if your readers are looking for recommendations, that might be the best place to start.

That’s right! It’s on page 59. Finally, any advice for kids hoping to catch a glimpse of you?

Well, I’m quite sneaky, but if you leave out a carrot or two, I might just make a special stop! The best thing you can do is go to bed early, dream of Easter magic, and wake up to a basket full of surprises. And remember—kindness and sharing make Easter even more special!

A STORY FOR THE SPRING Just The Beginning

“I still miss her every day, you know,” said Julia, and I nodded because I knew exactly how she felt. “I remember the beginning of her life, I remember everything.” She looked at me. “Why has she gone?” “I… don’t know,” I said. “We will never forget her though, will we?”

I looked at my wife and she looked at me, a little tear in her eye. It was our daughter’s birthday last weekend, but without her being with us to celebrate it was not the same. It seemed like her smell was still here, that her thoughts and everything about her were still here. It felt as if she had never left. Claire was still that beautiful child, laughing and then saying her first words to us. She had loved us unconditionally; then she became a teenager, and then she had started to grow up. Now she has gone and there is a big, gaping hole in our hearts.

“Today is the equinox, March 20th,” I said, almost to myself. “That means that it is spring.”

Julia squeezed my hand. Our daughter was born in what seems like a time that I know is many years ago but feels like yesterday. She will always be just a child to Julia and I –still wanting us and needing us but now she is gone.

Claire had been a sweet, cheeky girl, and then she had developed in to a beautiful teenager. As her father I knew what boys were like – I had been one myself, too long ago now to consider – but her romantic choices had seemed to be good ones. Then, of course, everything had changed. Our little Claire had gone, and our lives would

never be the same again. We did know, though, that she would be back for the Easter break in April, wanting to eat our food and get some good sleep and decent accommodation after her first year as a student at the other end of the country. We were not watching the hours – we were watching the days, and we could not wait for her to come back.

I looked at my wife.

“It’s just a beginning for her, and a bit of a change for us,” I said. “But we will always love her, and she will be back so soon.”

My wife sighed. “She’s a grown up now, isn’t she?” she said, and I nodded, sadly but proudly.

BY WRITER

Robin Lewis-Light knows that the start of Spring begins on Thursday, March 20th this year on the equinox. He also knows that leaving home for the first time can be very stressful – for the parents as much as the children!

Robin Lewis-Light

Extremely rare medieval artefact discovered in York

Have you ever been cracking on with a bit of spring cleaning, perhaps going through the garage and looking at old boxes of clutter to chuck away, and stumbled on something you haven’t seen in ages? Well, beloved York museum The Bar Convent have quite the story for you! While searching through their archives, one of their team of staff decided to open up an unassuming looking box from a back shelf, only to find one of the rarest medieval items in their whole collection!

The museum’s Special Collections Manager Dr Hannah Thomas came across an illuminated medieval scroll known as an Arma Christi, featuring the prayer poem O Vernicle — of which there are only ten other copies to be found anywhere in world.

Very few medieval devotional items (these are objects like crucifixes or scrolls that are used in religious or spiritual practices to show reverence and commitment to a divine entity) survived the Reformation in the 1540s and the outlawing of Catholicism some decades later under Elizabeth I, and the Bar Convent Arma Christi is thought to be one of the last examples ever made, dating from around 1475.

You’re probably thinking, yes, that’s really cool that it’s so rare, but why is this discovery so important? Well, not only is this new scroll one of the best-preserved examples of its kind ever found, but it is also the only one that features “response texts” after each verse of the poem. These “responses” are written in red and demonstrate that the scroll was likely used in communal worship as well as private prayer. Communal worship is a type of prayer that is typically associated with the Catholic Church rather than the Protestantism introduced

by Elizabeth I — so implies that Catholic worship continued in York later than many had imagined.

“This is an illuminated script, with hand-drawn figures and beautiful calligraphy – it is a medieval work of art in its own right. However, where it differs from the other examples that have been discovered is that this is not merely an illustrated poem or prayer created for private contemplation, but featuring response texts suggesting it was used by groups or families as they gathered together for prayers in the home,” explains Dr Hannah.

What’s more, you could be one of the first people to see this scroll in its full glory. The full manuscript will not be revealed until it becomes the centrepiece of a major new exhibition at the Bar Covent Living Heritage Centre opening on Saturday 5 April 2025.

Plus, make sure to keep an eye out while you’re cleaning out the clutter later this month. Who knows what kind of treasures you might find!

For more information, or to book tickets for the opening of the exhibition, please visit www. barconvent.co.uk.

This month we go back in time to bring you... AN INTERVIEW WITH AN ELIZABETHAN NUN

Meet Mary Ward

Following the amazing discovery made at York’s Bar Convent this month (read more about this in the column to your left), we’ve been left a bit stumped about what it all means. So, we decided to take our questions to the one person we knew would have the answers. Mary Ward (1585-1645) ought to know a thing or two about life at the Bar Convent— considering she more or less founded the place! Mary was so passionate about getting women involved in the church and education that nowadays there are still over 200 schools named after her. Read on to learn a little more about Mary as she reveals the true meaning of the scroll… Hi Mary, we know you’re super busy illegally practicing Catholicism in secret, so thanks so much for coming over to see us. We’d love to ask — is it good fun being a nun?

That’s not a problem at all. Officially I’ve been dead since the year 1645, so I’ve got a fair bit of time on my hands these days.

During my time living and practicing my religion in Yorkshire, I wouldn’t exactly describe our way of life as fun. You see, when Queen Elizabeth I came to power, she made it illegal to be a Catholic. Her successor King James continued more of the same, so to openly practice my faith I had to run away to Flanders in Belgium where I became a lay sister or nun. So tough was it for us Catholics, that three of my uncles were actually involved in the infamous gunpower plot — but that’s a story for another day!

Is it true that you were sent to prison for your faith at one point?

Yes, for nine days! While I loved my time as a nun, it’s a lot of time cooped up inside, and I found my real calling was education— especially the education of women. I founded my first school in Flanders, before opening more in Liège, Trier, Cologne, Rome,

Perugia, Naples, Munich, Vienna and Pressburg. However, the Pope wasn’t the biggest fan of my plans to see more women involved in the Catholic church, and in 1631 summoned me to Rome. While there he confined me in a convent as a heretic, if you can believe it! I did eventually return to York, and it was here that my followers created an institute for women in York — in the building you now know as the Bar Convent.

Finally, before we let you get on Mary, we’d love to get your take on these Arma Christi scrolls. How important are they?

These scrolls are all about the illustrations. The hand-drawn figures and the beautiful calligraphy sum up everything our institute was all about. We provided a place or community for people to come together and pray, and the images helped us to focus our prayers and our devotion on one singular thing —it’s much easier to think about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross while looking at a picture of the crucifixion for example— that way we thought it would make the biggest difference. But, I think if you really want to understand what makes this particular scroll so special — you really ought to take a look for yourself!

LOCAL POET OF THE MONTH

Charlotte Doherty

Charlotte is an art and design student currently doing the last year of her degree, studying photography and poetry. She describes her poetry as “nature based with a sprinkle of that childhood magic we were all once so familiar with.”

GRASS STAINS AND DAISY CHAINS

I’ve seen glorious creatures glow In the darkest of places. Children skip in circles

Singing ring-a-roses and they all Fall down,

Giggling to themselves, Cheeks red and ribs aching. Laughter is the very best of songs In the long, dry grass of a playground,

Where dandelions dance

And dreams are pure,

By Charlotte Doherty

And not yet tainted by anything more

Than the grass stains

And daisy chains

That paint linen dresses

The way the sun paints the sky.

Crisp white petals swimming

In the curls of golden hair. I see gentle things grow In the cruelest of worlds, And it reminds me to hold on to the light.

STARDUST

She was not made for the real world Or the cruelness that it holds, God no.

She was the midnight star we wish upon,

And dreamt of as little girls. She belonged to fairytales And storybooks, The kind that makes us fall in love… with love.

She was the view from a mountain top,

Sunrays through the woods.

She was the early morning snow

That still remained untouched.

She was the delicacy of girlhood,

A guide to growing up.

To women she was everything;

A diamond in the rough.

For men she was a grain of sand, Unimportant, overlooked.

But to women she was everything.

To women, She was stardust.

KISSES FROM THE OCEAN

Clifftops soon became my place of rest,

Where I’d pray to the monsters of the ocean

And hide from the ones in my head. I’d let the currents wash away my emotions,

Drag them out with the change of the tides,

As the waves kiss the sand with devotion, Their roars masked my crestfallen cries.

Stinging and bitter and broken

Screaming to the sirens and saints. They deemed me helplessly hopeless, Said urban demons had tainted my grace.

Still I sat and admired the horizon, And for years I’d patiently wait.

Pretend my tears were kisses from the ocean

For they both owned the same salty taste.

THE PUZZLING WORLD OF PROFESSOR KETTLESTRING

If you’ve not heard of it before, The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring is a brand-new attraction in the centre of York (located on Merchantgate) that offers an action-packed journey into the mind of an eccentric professor, apty named Professor Kettlestring. If you can’t quite imagine what that’s supposed to look like, then you’re already on the right path. That’s because this “puzzling world” really has to be experienced in real life with your own eyes! And even then, you probably still won’t understand it! Luckily for you, we did just that last month and are here to share what we found within the Professor’s crazy world. Although (sneak peek to our conclusion) — we can only recommend that you go there and see for yourself.

Right from the moment you step through the entrance, you are transported into a realm where reality bends and everything you thought you knew about how the world in front of your eyes works — is challenged.

I visited with my ten-year-old son and my husband, and we all had a fabulous time. It was wonderful to see my son’s excitement as he explored each illusion, and my husband and I were just as captivated. The attraction is designed in such a way that people of all ages can appreciate and enjoy it, whether you are a child experiencing optical illusions for the first time or an adult reminiscing about the classic tricks and puzzles from a simpler time.

The “Puzzling World” consists of multiple rooms, each offering something different to explore. Visitors are treated to a wide

variety of mind-boggling optical illusions, including forced perspectives (these are a type of optical illusion that makes objects appear larger, smaller, closer, or farther away than they actually are), gravity-defying effects, reflections that seem to go on forever, and a host of other visual tricks that make you question what is real.

The team of assistants working at the Puzzling World are not only friendly and welcoming but also incredibly knowledgeable about the illusions and the stories behind them. They go out of their way to ensure visitors have the best possible experience, happily explaining the science behind the illusions and offering helpful tips on how to get the most out of each exhibit. You truly feel like an honoured guest stepping into the fascinating world of Professor Kettlestring’s mind.

I cannot recommend The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring highly enough. Whether you’ve got a young family, are looking for something to do as a couple, or simply are interested in having your mind blown, this new attraction really offers a unique day out that should definitely be on your must-visit list. I will be enthusiastically recommending it to family and friends, and I am already looking forward to returning for another round of perplexing fun. Thank you to the entire team for such a fantastic experience and for making our visit so special!

Book your tickets from www.puzzlingworldyork.co.uk

Goddards House —

York’s

chocolate hidden gem TimeTravel

It was the kind of morning that made you ready to hope again. As an early spring sun pierced through the frost to reveal a carpet of crocuses, snowbells and daffodils, we quickly forgot the dreariness of the last few months and realised we were standing at the centre of something really special.

I am of course talking about a recent trip we took to the gardens at Goddards in York.

Before we begin, I’m actually going to let you all in on a little secret about the production process here at YLL (as long as you promise not to tell anyone). To make it possible for you all to be reading an April-themed magazine in April we sometimes have to attend events and attractions ahead of time or out of season, and on occasion it can be a little hard to imagine what it’s going to be like in a few weeks’ time. This wasn’t the case at Goddards.

Despite our visit taking pace in the last week of February (another shock I’m sure), it really did feel like the height of Spring. So, while the house’s famed hyacinth wall wasn’t in bloom yet, and there weren’t any tulips to speak of, what we can tell you about is how the garden makes you feel. Caught between the busyness of Tadcaster Road

on one side and the Knavesmire on the other — this charming and intricately designed garden is an oasis of tranquillity. It’s quiet, it’s calm, and shockingly expansive especially considering how close it is to the centre of town.

But what really makes Goddards so special? After all, York isn’t exactly short on history; to say the very least I’ve been writing this column for nearly a year now and haven’t had to repeat myself yet— so why should you consider a trip to the Goddards gardens instead of Clifford’s Tower or the Castle Museum?

Well, let me start with this,

Unlike some people I don't aspire to fame, riches, rank and power. No, I aspire beyond that. I aspire to a home.

It’s a quotation from Noel Terry who, as you can probably guess from his last name, was part of the lucrative Terry’s Chocolate family. He was a director at Terry’s in the early 1920s, and more importantly (for this column at least) he was an avid supporter of something we call the Arts and Craft movement (we’ll get into what this was in a second). And it is in Mr Terry’s aspiration — to use his wealth and influence to create something beautiful — that marks out Goddards as worthy of our attention.

The Arts and Crafts movement emerged during the middle of the 19th century. It aimed to promote real artistry and craftsmanship at a time when they were being left behind by the rapid industrialisation brought about by the industrial revolution. Think of someone

choosing to handcraft a new cabinet in a workshop themselves instead of picking up a mass produced one from IKEA.

The movement was led by William Morris (who you might recognise if you went to the recent exhibition at York Art Gallery). It’s fair to say that The Goddards house and gardens you see today, are a standing testament to those artistic principles. The doors and window frames have joints rather than nails and all of the window fixings are themselves beautiful ornaments, handcrafted by skilled craftspeople. Plus, the exterior of the house features handmade bricks arranged in geometric patterns. In this way the site stands as an act of defiance against a moment of time in which art itself was dying out. In any discussion of the house, the garden must also be considered. Again, in tune with the Arts and Crafts movement, the gardens are an extension of the stylistic choices made in designing the house. The garden is divided up into various sections, each of which reflects a room. An intention that has been maintained to this very day! As we wandered around, even in February, it was clear as day where each “room” was. They are all separated by shrubs, hedges, and in some cases trees or herbaceous borders.

Amongst a lawn and lily pool, a tennis court, a fragrant garden (it really does smell incredible!), croquet lawn, and bowling lawn — my favourite spot is without doubt the enclosed rock garden at the very back. There are two pools of water, plenty of lovely shade and a little bridge. Its less regimented and wilder feel reminded me a little of Monet’s water lily garden in Giverny. Second place though has to go to the orchard. The orchard of apple trees is where we saw the vast majority of those crocuses and snowdrops — so just imagine how beautiful the meadow must be in summer!

To conclude in just a sentence — in Goddards, we discovered a testament to the enduring power of true art—built from the profits of one of York’s famous chocolate factories. It is a house born of

chocolate yet designed for beauty. So, whether it’s to see the daffodils this spring, or the full splendour of the herbaceous wall in the summer, we really urge you to seek out some of that beauty at some point this year. It’s what Mr Terry would’ve wanted after all!

However, if you don’t go for the history and still aren’t stirred by our own experiences, then take it from one of Goddards’ brilliant gardeners Carol. When I asked why she enjoys spending time helping out at Goddards, Carol said,

It’s the history of it — I used to sell Terry chocolates and sweets at sweetshop when I was a teenager. So, it’s got a real history to me. And it’s such special garden and it hasn’t changed. It’s beautiful, unchanged, peaceful and it’s in the middle of York.

Carol’s story, just like that of the house, is a reminder that chocolate is an inescapable part of York’s modern history. Maybe that’s something we should all think about as we tuck into those Easter chocolate treats later in the month. Goddards House is located at 27 Tadcaster Road in York and is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm. Head to www. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire to learn more.

EVENTS HOTLIST

1-5 APRIL

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME, Theatre 41@ Monkgate, York. Fifteenyear-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world. Book tickets from www. pickmeuptheatre.com.

FROM 5 APRIL

NEW TREASURES GALLERY, The Bar Convent, York. 10am4pm. Following the discovery of a rare scroll in the Bar Convent’s archive (read more about this on page 49), the museum are sharing more of their hidden history. Go and along to see their treasures with your own eyes. Visit www. barconvent.co.uk.

5-6 APRIL AND 12-13

APRIL

YORK OPEN STUDIOS.

This year’s event will see over 160 artists from across York opening their studios and welcoming visitors. This annual event gives a rare glimpse into the creative methods of artists and offers an opportunity to buy work directly from the artists themselves. Visit www. yorkopenstudios.co.uk for more details.

14 APRIL – 17 MAY

KRAPP’s LAST TAPE, York Theatre Royal. Starring the phenomenal Gray Oldman, this one-act Samuel Beckett masterpiece is not to be missed. Each year, on his birthday, Krapp records a new tape reflecting on the year gone by. On his 69th birthday, Krapp, now a lonely man, is ready with a bottle of wine, a banana and his tape recorder. Listening back to a recording he made as a young man, Krapp must face the hopes of his past self. Book from www. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

19-21 APRIL

YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW. York Racecourse, York. To mark the 60th York Model Railway Show, York Racecourse will be holding three packed days of model railway related interests including layouts, demonstrations, traders and exhibitors. Visit www. yorkshow.org.uk to learn more!

26-27 APRIL

POCKLINGTON FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL, Market Place, Pocklington, East Yorkshire. Saturday 9am –6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Organised by Zoom Events, the free to enter festival has been growing in popularity since its launch in 2023 and this year promises to be the best yet. Featuring a street food court, grocery and craft stalls, live music stage and children’s entertainment

there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained. More information can be found at www.zoomevents. co.uk/pocklington-food-anddrink-festival/

5 MAY

DUNCOMBE PARK COUNTRY FAIR, Duncombe Park, Helmsley, York. A great fun-filled day out for all the family and your pet dog. There will be main arena attractions, exhibitions, funfair, catering & refreshments, fun dog show, trade stands & craft marquee, horse & pony classes, plus much more… Visit www. dpcountryfair.co.uk.

18 MAY

KABALEVSKY, KHACHATURIAN, SHOSTAKOVICH & RAVEL, York Barbican. 3pm. York Guildhall Orchestra present their final concert of the season. It’s packed with incredible music from four of the greats, made even more unmissable by the presence of internationally renowned concert pianist Martin Roscoe. Get your tickets before they all sell out. Book from www. yorkguildhallorchestra.com

24-26 MAY

MALTON FOOD LOVERS FESTIVAL, Market Place, Malton. The Malton Food

Lovers Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce & cooking. Expect artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, a festival bar, live music & much, much more! Free entry. Visit www. visitmalton.com/foodfestival-yorkshire for more information.

BOOK AHEAD

3-6 JULY

LIVE AT YORK MUSEUM GARDENS, Museum Gardens, York. An unmissable summer festival. The musical acts that have already been announced are Elbow and Nile Rodgers. Then on the 6th July comes the York Comedy Festival. It’s headlined by the incredibly hilarious Katherine Ryan and the former host of beloved BBC comedy panel show “Mock the Week” Dara Ó Briain. Head over to www.yorkcomedy-festival.com to book a ticket before they all sell-out.

10-27 SEPTEMBER

MILITARY WIVES THE MUSICAL. York Theatre Royal. Based on the 2019 hit movie Military Wives and inspired by a true story — this show is not to be missed! Book from www. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

Events

Itching for something to do? Read on…

Information is correct at the time of printing but subject to change. Please check with venues ahead of your visit.

4-13 APRIL

YORK COCKTAIL WEEK.

There are hundreds of discounts available across many of your favourite bars and restaurants in York. Over 40 venues are offering £5 cocktails! Visit yorkcocktailweek. co.uk for details.

5 APRIL

YORK BLUES FESTIVAL. The Crescent Community Venue, York. 12.30pm-11pm. A celebration of the brilliant Blues, taking place right here in York. Visit www. thecrescentyork.com/events/yorkblues-festival-2025/

5 APRIL

YORK EID AND QAWWALI PARTY, New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, New Earswick, York. 12-6pm. An afternoon of Qawwali, traditional food, wellbeing, storytelling, arts and crafts, music and more. Visit www.eimaanccs.co.uk/events.

5 APRIL

CEILIDH WITH PIE AND PEA

SUPPER, Strensall Bowls Club, Strensall Village Hall, York. Doors open at 7pm. Bring your own drinks and have a great night! Contact bowlsceilidh@outlook.com or call 07929719286 to book.

5 APRIL

YORK RECORD FAIR,

Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse. 10am-5pm. Go and check out one of the biggest record fairs in the UK, there will be 150 tables selling vinyl records of all genres with many thousands of rare and collectable LPs and 45s. Admission is £2. Visit York Record Fair on Facebook for more information.

5-6 APRIL AND 12-13 APRIL

YORK OPEN STUDIOS. This year’s event will see over 160 artists from across York opening their studios and welcoming visitors. This annual event gives a rare glimpse into the

creative methods of artists and offers an opportunity to buy work directly from the artists themselves. Visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk for more details.

9 APRIL

FASHION SHOW, Haxby Memorial Hall, Haxby, York. 7pm. Get ready to fill your summer wardrobe! Tickets are just £5.00 and will be available from Larch Music at Haxby Memorial Hall. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be available on the night and there’s a raffle where you could win a £25 voucher to spend on clothes.

12 APRIL

MONTHLY FOOD MARKET,

Market Place, Malton. 9am-3pm. Enjoy free entry and two hours of free parking as you explore stalls packed with some of the finest food Yorkshire has to offer.

12 APRIL

EASTER FAIR, Huntington Methodist Church, York. 10am to 1.00pm. There will be refreshments including lunches, and various stalls including cakes, crafts, gifts and plants. Proceeds will go towards Church funds. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

13 APRIL

ANNUAL WESTIE WALK,

The Knavesmire, York. 1pm. a leisurely stroll around the Racecourse with a group of West Highland White Terriers. Friends old and new will be most welcome.

16-20 APRIL

YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL. Parliament Street, York. A celebration of York’s most famous historic produce returns to ‘The Chocolate City’ for 2024. With plenty of workshops, tasting sessions and demonstrations, there is something to suit every taste. For more information, please visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com

17 APRIL

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA, Joseph Rowntree Park, York. 10am1pm. Search the park for clues to help the Easter Bunny solve a mystery and earn a small reward for all your help.

18-22 APRIL

EASTER OPEN GARDEN, Camellia Cottage, 61 Kingsway, West Acomb, York. This cottage has been decorated from head-to-toe with Easter bunnies! Go along see the display and take some photos. Call 07778862368 for more info.

19 APRIL

BEYOND MONOPOLY!, Up a Level, 26 Market Street, York. 10am9pm. If you’re already a bit of a boardgame fan then this is the club for you, as attendees will get to try out different games from a collection of over 300! Attendance is £6 for a full day or £4 for a half day or evening session. Reach out to bmyork@gmail.com if you’re interested.

19-21 APRIL

YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW,

Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse. 10am-5pm on the weekend and 10am-4.30pm on the Sunday. To mark the 60th York Model Railway Show York Racecourse will be holding three packed days of model railway related interests including layouts, demonstrations, traders and exhibitors. www.yorkshow.org.uk.

19-20 APRIL

LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND,

Eden Camp Modern History Museum, near Malton, York. Discover first-hand what life was like during the Second World War. The unique atmosphere of the 1940s will be brought to life with reenactors, creating a vibrant atmosphere with displays, talks, and engaging activities. Head to www. edencamp.co.uk to book tickets.

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22 APRIL – MAY 4

YORK INTERNATIONAL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL,

various theatres across York. 10 days of exciting Shakespeare productions and events derived from Shakespeare, to celebrate Shakespeare as an International writer. Visit www.yorkshakes.co.uk to see more about specific events.

24 APRIL

JEWELLERY, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES, WINE & WHISKY VALUATION EVENT. the Bar Convent, 17 Blossom St, York. 11am3pm. Tennants’ team of specialists will be happy to value any item you may wish to sell. You do not need an appointment and their friendly and knowledgeable specialists will be happy to provide any information or advice you need. Call 01423 531661 for more details.

26 APRIL

SPRING OPEN DAY, Poppleton Community Railway Nursery, 10am-3pm. Shop spring perennials, herbs, alpines, climbers, succulents & shrubs at great prices. Order summer baskets. Enjoy tea, cake, and browse book, craft, and bric-a-brac stalls. Meet friendly volunteers and learn more about this charity’s history. Visit www. poppletonrailwaynursery.co.uk for more details.

26 APRIL

EASTER EGG HUNT, The Wilberforce Trust, Dringhouses, York. 11.30am - 2.30pm. Using plastic eggs that bleep, this one-of-a-kind egg hunt is inclusive for children and young people with a visual impairment, and sighted siblings can take part wearing an eye mask.Check out their Facebook page for details.

26-27 APRIL

YORK HEALTH AND HEALING FESTIVAL, York Racecourse, 10am-5pm. Feel a renewed level of energy and get inspired by talks, demonstrations and workshops in the world of health and healing. Exhibitors will be displaying a wide collection of curios from gemstones to oils, clothing to gifts and so much more. Visit www.healthhealingfestivals. co.uk for more information.

27 APRIL

YO UNDERGROUND 2, The Basement, City Screen, York. Doors open at 6pm. Hailed by BBC Upload for its “outside-the-box creativity,” this event returns with a mix of live, left-field music and spoken word. Note: Some content may not suit young children. Email navigatorsart@gmail.com for more info.

3-5 MAY

SCARECROWS ENJOYING THEIR LEISURE, Across the village of Dunnington. Go and see the famous Scarecrow trail in Dunnington! Trail maps and refreshments are available on both the Saturday and Monday from 10am to 4pm, and from 12pm to 4pm on the Sunday at St Nicholas Church, Dunnington YO19 5PW.

7-18 MAY

YORK’S GOOD DEAD FESTIVAL.

This festival takes place each May, with the aim of encouraging people to be more open about dying, death and bereavement. The more we learn about death the less fearful we become. There will be advice and support on a number of practical matters so join in for events throughout York including performances, informative talks, crafts, discussions, and more. It is organised by Last Wishes Funerals, and another of our advertisers “The Memory Tree Co” will also be involved. More details are available at www.yorksdeadgoodfestival. co.uk or by calling 01904 763335

10 MAY

RAWCLIFFE CARNIVAL, Rawcliffe Rec Field, YO30 5TS. Don’t miss this fun family day-out in Rawcliffe. There will be stalls, rides, music, and so much more! Check out their Facebook page for more details.

11 MAY

YORK HEALTH AND ARTS MELA, York Museum Gardens and Exhibition Square. 10am-5pm. A day packed full of multi-cultural entertainment and activities that will showcase everything York has to offer! Alongside the entertainment and great food, there will be information stands focused on Health, Wellbeing and the Arts sector. Learn more by visiting www. eimaanccs.co.uk/events or by calling 07512 269203.

24 MAY

A VISION OF ELVIS — TRIBUTE ACT, The Kings Theatre, York. Put on your blue suede shoes and come to celebrate the music of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with the UK’s supreme Elvis tribute – Rob Kingsley – and his talented cast. Book from www. kingstheatreqe.org.

BOOK AHEAD

27 JUNE

AMAZING MOTOWN MUSIC NIGHT, Poppleton Community Centre, Main Street, Poppleton. 7pm-12am. Tickets are £25 for this brilliant celebration of the Motown genre. The show will be in York for one night and one night only, so make sure you’ve got a seat for the action! Tickets are available at the Community Centre, Poppleton, from the Post Office and Caboodle Mica Local.

REGULAR EVENTS

EVERY SUNDAY DOWN BY THE RIVER,

Plonkers Wine Bar, 8.30pm. Head on down to Plonkers Wine Bar every Sunday for an evening of live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Free drink to all performers and all music equipment is provided. To find out more information search Plonkers Wine Bar on Facebook.

WIGGINTON CAR BOOT SALE, Home Farm, Wigginton, York. 7am-1pm. Enjoy a lovely car boot sale packed with table after table of precious treasures. Entry is £1 per car. First Event: April 20th. Call 01904 768463 to check any details.

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY

SHERIFF HUTTON VILLAGE

MARKET, Sheriff Hutton Village Hall, York Road. A welcoming monthly village market with a mix of traditional outdoor and indoor stalls selling a variety of goods, which are often locally produced, home grown or homemade. Visit www.shvm. co.uk to learn more.

EVERY THIRD SATURDAY

ACOMB ARTISAN MARKET. Front Street, Acomb, York. 10am-3pm. Check out stalls from an amazing range of local artisan traders. There will be 28 traders in attendance. Head to www.pedddle.com/ market/acomb-york-artisanmarket/ for further details.

DAILY

SOCIAL YORKIES.

Run by its members, Social Yorkies are a varied and friendly local group who regularly organise a large variety of activities including walks, meals out, pub quizzes, and much more. The club is easy to join, safe, and welcoming to all singles, couples, locals, and anyone who is new to the area too! If you want to see if it’s for you before committing to an annual membership, you can come along to a couple of the events and activities. Membership for a month costs £5, and the annual subscription costs £20.To find out more, email enquiries@ yorkivc.club or visit the website www.yorkivc.club.

CITY CRUISES YORK, York’s favourite water-based attraction offers sightseeing, dining, selfdrive, and private hire cruises on the River Ouse. Head to www. cityexperiences.com/york to book.

ART EXHIBITION: THE BOTANICAL WORLD OF MARY DELANY, Reddihough Galleries, Beningbrough Hall, York. An exhibition celebrating eighteenth-century artist, Mary Delany, presented in partnership with the British Museum. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough.

OUT OF THE ASHES, York Minster. 9.30am-5pm. An exhibition exploring the 1984 Minster Fire. See fire damaged furniture that survived the blaze along with images from York Minister's archive which includes original drawings for six roof bosses designed by Blue Peter competition winners. Visit www.yorkminster.org/whats-on/ category/exhibition/

THE HOLE IN WAND,

Coppergate Shopping Centre, York. Visit the world’s most magical golf course and enjoy a Wizarding adventure as you vie for golfing superiority against friends! To find out more information or to book, please visit www.theholeinwand. com/york.

DARK TALES OF YORK. Book a private tour to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of York and learn about the rich and haunting history that the city has amassed over hundreds and thousands of years. Call 07530 378176 or visit www.darktalesofyork.com.

WIZARD AFTERNOON TEA,

The Potions Academy, Shambles, York. Why not try out ‘York’s most unusual Afternoon Tea?” Led by the Potions Master, witches and wizards will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with all ingredients from Europe’s most photographed street. You'll also get the chance to learn some potion secrets and then end the session with a flight at their Broom School. Head to www. thepotionscauldron.com/ academy/wizard-afternoon-tea

DARK TALES OF YORK. Follow your guide down the old streets and narrow alleyways of old York and hear tales of ghosts, executions and murder. Visit www.darktalesofyork. com to book your tour today.

WHITE ROSE YORK TOURS,

Meet at the West Entrance to York Minster, 11am. Take a free history tour of the city centre. Visit www. whiteroseyork.com or call 07792 207679.

HARLAND MILLER EXHIBITION, York Art Gallery, 10-5pm. “Harland Miller XXX” is the exciting new exhibition arriving at York Art Gallery this Spring! Inspired by medieval manuscripts, where monks often laboured to produce intricate illuminated letters to mark the beginning of chapters, Miller’s hardedged ‘Letter Paintings’ seamlessly meld the sacred with the everyday. Go and see them while they’re in York. Visit www.yorkmuseumstrust. org.uk.

GIGGUIDE

2ND APRIL

Jane Weaver The Crescent

3RD APRIL

Ant-Trouble (Adam and The Ants Tribute) Fulford Arms

3RD APRIL

Jamali Maddix

The Crescent

4TH APRIL

Traitrs Fulford Arms

4TH APRIL

Limehouse Lizzy The Crescent

5TH APRIL

York Blues Festival:

Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band + Dirt Road Band + DC

Blues + John Angus Band + Pat Fulgoni

Blues Experience

+ John Doe Trio

+ Southern Fried

Groove Queens + James Oliver Band The Crescent

5TH APRIL

A Night In The Meadhall Fulford Arms

6TH APRIL

Tom Maguire & The Brassholes

The Crescent

7TH APRIL

Lambrini Girls

The Crescent

8TH APRIL

Gans Fulford Arms

9TH APRIL

Little Barrie Fulford Arms

10TH APRIL

Black Swan Folk Club

Black Swan Inn

11TH APRIL

Elkie Brooks: The Long Farewell Tour York Barbican

11TH APRIL

Echo Town @ The Fully York Fulford Arms

11TH APRIL

Fin James The Crescent

12TH APRIL

Velvet Tuxedo Black Horse

13TH APRIL

Fergus McCreadie trio

National Centre for Early Music

15TH APRIL

The Billy Walton Band The Crescent

16TH APRIL

Abrascadabra Fulford Arms

17TH APRIL

Nature Kids & Suckle Fulford Arms

17TH APRIL

Jim Jones All Stars

The Crescent

19TH APRIL

Counterfeit Sixties Show

Joseph Rowntree Theatre

20TH APRIL

Sam Brookes

FortyFive Vinyl Cafe

20TH APRIL

The Bluetones

The Crescent

23RD APRIL

Tugboat Captain Fulford Arms

24TH APRIL

Jay Phelps Band:

Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue

National Centre for Early Music

25TH APRIL

Matt Goss York Barbican

26TH APRIL

Em Louise: York

Distillery Session

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery

27TH APRIL

Charlie Harper Fulford Arms

28TH APRIL

Diamonds and Whiskey

FortyFive Vinyl Cafe

1ST MAY

Alabama 3

The Crescent

2ND MAY

Lene Lovich

Fulford Arms

4TH MAY

Newton Faulkner

The Crescent

4TH MAY

Anastacia

York Barbican

7TH MAY

Wes Banderson

The Crescent

8TH MAY

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox- York

Barbican- 7th May

The Australian Bee Gees Show:

Feel The Fever

York Barbican

9TH MAY

Jon Gomm

Fulford Arms

9TH MAY

Weetwood Mac

The Crescent

15TH MAY

The Waterboys

York Barbican

16TH MAY

The 900

The Crescent

19TH MAY

Troy Redfern

Fulford Arms

21ST MAY

Gong

The Crescent

22ND MAY

Glass Caves

The Crescent

SNOW WHITE

From 21st March 2025

Disney’s latest live action remake is set to be released in March, with Rachel Zelger portraying Snow White and Gal Gadot playing the Evil Queen who will stop at nothing to see the demise of poor Snow White.

MINECRAFT MOVIE

From 4th April 2025

With Jack Black playing ‘Steve’ and Aquaman himself playing Garrett ‘the garbage man’, this adaption of the world-conquering video game is set to conquer the cinema too.

THE AMATEUR

From 11th April 2025

Charlie Heller is a brilliant CIA decoder whose world comes crashing down after the sudden death of his wife, who sadly died in a terrorist attack in London. Follow his journey as he sets off across the globe to find who is responsible!

SINNERS

From 18th April 2025

From the filmmaker of Black Panther and Creed, Ryan Coogler is bringing back Michael B. Jordan back for another fan-favourite film. This movie, set in the deep south, shows twin brothers returning to their hometown ready to fight an unholy evil!

THE ACCOUNTANT

From 25th April 2025

Forensic accountant Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) teams up with an estranged, highly lethal brother ready to track down some mysterious assassins.

THUNDERBOLTS

From 2nd May 2025

Inspired by the Marvel comics team, Thunderbolts contains a group of antiheroes forced into a dangerous mission that could bring them all redemption.

Ceilidh with Pie and Pea supper £10 a ticket hosted by Strensall Bowls Club at Strensall Village Hall on 5th April doors open 7pm first dance 7.30pm Bring your own

Easter Treats

BLOOD ORANGE CRUNCH EASTER EGG,

£12.50 FROM WWW.COXANDCOCACAO.COM

This is a real treat for any of you dark chocolate lovers! It’s made using 60% pure Colombian Cacao chocolate which is then blended with blood orange extract and (more) raw cacao nibs, resulting in a zesty citrus flavour. It’s balanced with subtle vanilla notes to give a really moreish crunch. That deep and rich chocolatey flavour made this egg a real firm favourite in our office — it’s so moreish that we could’ve done with one double the size!

CHERRY & ALMOND HAPPI OAT M!LK CHOCOLATE EASTER EGG,

£12.50 FROM WWW. HAPPICHOC.COM.

Whether you eat dairy or not, everyone deserves a chocolatey treat at Easter. And this egg tastes so good, that if it weren’t for the label, you’d have no idea it was made using oat milk! It also comes in fully recyclable packaging — so it’s great for you and for the planet!

LINDOR RAINBOW

It’s time to put your Easter Egg hunt to an end. Read on to find the seasonal snack for you!

EASTER EGG,

£20 FROM WWW.LINDT.CO.UK/SHOP

ORGANIC HONEY WITH RAW CACAO, £12 FROM WWW.HONEYHEAVEN.CO.UK

It wouldn’t be easter without at least one Lindor egg! But we’ve uncovered an absolute record-breaker for you, as the Rainbow egg contains the widest assortment of LINDOR truffles ever assembled. Get ready to indulge in Milk, White, Extra Dark and Salted Caramel truffles as well as Pistachio and Coconut!

OATO STRAWBERRY OATSHAKE, £1.50 FROM WAITROSE

This delicious strawberry oatshake does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s made with 100% British Oats, allowing you to savour the fruity freshness of strawberries in every sip. Plus, its packed full of healthy vitamins. And if you’re a fan make sure to sign up for a milk round, where you’ll get oat milk delivered right to your doorstep every week. Check on www. www.oato.co.uk/whereto-buy to see if you’re eligible.

Imagine if you could combine the taste of an indulgent chocolate spread (like Nutella) with the texture and goodness of honey. Introducing … Organic Honey with Raw Cacao! The spread is crafted through a combination of the finest raw cacao beans and pure organic wildflower honey, which creates a much more nutritious alternative to a choc spread.

LINDT WHOLE HAZELNUT GOURMET EGGS, £4.50 FROM WWW.LINDT.CO.UK/SHOP

Available in creamy Milk Hazelnut and decadent Dark Hazelnut, these new gourmet mini eggs are a fantastic gift for the nut lover in your life and are even better for sharing. Each mini egg contains a whole hazelnut, surrounded by a delicious hazelnut cream, which is then encased in either Dark or Milk chocolate. They’re so irresistible that you may as well buy a few bags if you want them to last until Easter.

THEATRE AND SHOWS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

To book, call 0333 009 6690 or visit atgtickets.com.

1-5 APRIL

BLOOD BROTHERS. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

6 APRIL

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS. This ‘The Dubliners’ tribute show tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke, and Jim McCann.

22-26 APRIL

THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE.

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits…

27 APRIL THE JAMES BOND CONCERT SPECTACULAR. This show features all the Bond songs such as Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die and Nobody Does It Better - performed by musicians taken from the UK’s leading orchestras, sessions and shows.

29 APRIL – 3 MAY CALAMITY JANE

Get ready to meet the fearless, gun slingin' Calamity Jane as she’s a rollin' on over the plains to York this spring. Featuring classic singalongs like “The Deadwood Stage (WhipCrack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscar-winning Secret Love” — this is one not to be missed musical production!

6-11 MAY

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

With live music, flying fairies and a rave in the woods, this brand new

production breathes new life into one of Shakespeare’s best loved stories.

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

To book, call 01904 623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

UNTIL 5 APRIL

NORTH-BY-NORTHWEST. After 5 star sell-out shows, legendary theatre director Emma Rice returns to York with her company Wise Children to take on Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller.

14 APRIL-17 MAY KRAPP’S LAST TAPE.

The legendary Samuel Beckett play will star an equally legendary actor in the lead role as Gary Oldman returns to York!

15-19 APRIL

THE STORM WHALE. One summer, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach. A friendship began that changed their lives forever.

24-26 APRIL

THE THANKFUL VILLAGE. This play follows the lives of three women from the same rural householdabove and below stairs- through the long years of The Great War, left behind to cope as their men-folk march off to Flanders.

22-24 MAY

SWITCHEROO. When it comes to scattering their mother’s ashes, three siblings are hit with a bombshell revelation that turns their world upside down. How can the same story, performed by the same actors, saying the same words be so different?

YORK BARBICAN

Head to www.yorkbarbican.co.uk or call 01904 676332 to book.

29 APRIL

MURDER TRIAL TONIGHT III - THE DOORSTEP CASE. This unique theatrical experience brings truecrime stories to life. In the third season, a mother returns home in the early hours of the morning after a night out celebrating her birthday, only to find her daughter murdered on her doorstep

18 MAY

YORK GUILDHALL ORCHESTRA: KABALEVSKY, KHACHATURIAN, SHOSTAKOVICH & RAVEL. A live concert performance from the brilliant York Guildhall Orchestra. Make sure to book a ticket now so you don’t miss out on a seat.

26 MAY

SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR.

Including smash hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, go along and hear this superstar at her very best.

THEATRE 41@ MONKGATE

To book visit, tickets.41monkgate.co.uk

1-5 APRIL

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME.

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

9 APRIL

THAT NAVE, RALEIGH. In a life spanning around 65 years, Sir Walter Raleigh achieved more than others might do in a hundred lifetimes. Go and see his story re-told.

12 APRIL

MACREADY! DICKENS. This solo play tells the story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macready - the man to whom Charles Dickens dedicated his novel "Nicholas Nickleby."

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE

To book email boxoffice@jrtheatre. co.uk or call 01904 501 935

10-12 APRIL RENT.

With songs like 'Seasons of Love' and 'La Vie Bohème', RENT is a timeless celebration of life, even in the face of adversity.

29 APRIL – 3 MAY

THE SOUND OF MUSIC. This tuneful, heartwarming story is based on the real life story of the Von Trapp family of singers. With amazing songs like ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Climb Every Mountain’, ‘Do Re Mi’, ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’, ‘Edelweiss’ and the unforgettable ‘Sound of Music’, this is one must see show.

4 MAY

STEVE CASSIDY BAND & FRIENDS.

The Steve Cassidy Band returns to their favourite venue with special guests sure to delight and entertain. You will hear an eclectic mix of popular rock and country songs as well as instrumental pieces selected especially for this evening. Get your tickets booked soon to be sure not to miss out!

21-24 MAY

SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won't be found: a convent. How ever will she cope?

FRIARGATE THEATRE

To book, call 01904 613 000

4 APRIL

RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW. York's own comedy improv night with its own brand of sensational silliness. It's funny, it's foolish, it's fit for family audiences, and it really does get made up as it goes along.

FOOD REVIEWS:

Victor J’s Bar

At Victor J’s, we found a little piece of perfection. This charming restaurant and bar is tucked away down the Finkle Street snickleway, just around the corner from the Roman Baths pub. Located only a three-minute stroll from Coney Street and six minutes from the Minster, Victor J’s is ideally situated for a city-centre lunch. They’ve also achieved the seemingly impossible feat of serving delicious food at genuinely reasonable prices. On the bright and busy Friday afternoon of our visit, the calm and friendly atmosphere provided a welcome escape from the packed shopping streets outside. Matt, who was behind the bar, quickly directed us to a cosy corner in the well-lit conservatory. This was perfect—it allowed us to soak up the sunshine without dealing with the hustle and bustle. The super-friendly atmosphere at Victor J’s is best represented by Matt, who made us feel right at home. Just as welcoming is the great range of cocktails to be

found on their menu, and the array of draft beers on tap!

Now, on to the important bit: the food! We ordered Steak Loaded Fries and a Steak Sandwich— both surprisingly priced at under £10. The steak was tender and juicy, and the chips were to die for! A special mention goes to the peppercorn sauce, which my colleague Kenz and I agreed was among the best we’d ever tasted—it had a deep, rich flavour that’s stuck with me ever since. No matter how many times I’ve tried I just can’t seem to be able to recreate it at home. So, hats off to the chef!

We can’t recommend Victor J’s enough. When you visit, we’re sure you’ll find it just as we did—an oasis of delicious dining, tucked away down one of York’s famous snickleways.

Old Grey Mare

Having been invited to Brew York’s latest acquisition, The Old Grey Mare pub on Clifton Green, I was excited to see what it had to offer. From the moment we entered we were warmly greeted by the Bar Manager Avril, who took care of us all night. She firstly showed us around the newly refurbished pub which boasts a great array of drinking and eating areas (including Yuzu Street food — who specialise in Asian fusion food, from Katsu to Gyoza, Bao buns to Wings). From the cosy homely interior when you first walk in, to the modern glass veranda area, the pub is the perfect space for socialising with a group of friends. John, who was on the bar, kindly educated us about all the various drinks that were available. We were amazed by the wide

choice of beers, ales, stouts, blondes, sours and the famous IPAs! He even let us try a taster of each drink before we ordered. Personally, I really enjoyed the tropical IPA that went by the alias ‘Juice Forsyth’ while my girlfriend thoroughly enjoyed a very refreshing Pilsner!

We were then treated to an array of wonderful Asian cuisine from Yuzu Street food which is based in the heart of the pub. We tried their Korean spicy chicken strips, array of bao buns and their famous duck loaded fries. The food was tremendous and was served by a very polite and charming young man called Kris.

If you’re from York and not yet had the chance to visit, I would highly recommend coming to try what the Old Grey Mare has to offer. We loved every aspect of our night, the buzz around the pub and the great service they offered. I will be returning for sure in the near future.

Call 01904 293090 to learn more.

BY

or cold

Mackenzie Nichol

CELEBRATING

BLACKER STEEL FABRICATIONS

PD ROOFING FLAT PD ROOFING FLAT

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

CJ Ramsay & Associates. 21

AERIALS

Aerial Services 66

Dale Comm Aerials Ltd 66

ABC Aerials 66

Aerial Solutions 66

Lanes Aerials 66

Local Aerials 66

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Appliance Services 9

Aspire Repairs 67

Clyde Electrical - Eric Clyde 68

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Howdens (Monks Cross) 22

Bathology Ltd 2

Empire Kitchens 7

Instyle Kitchens & Windows Ltd 9

Kitchen Revive 11

BEDROOMS

The York Bed Co. Ltd 29

BLINDS

Blind Image 27

Blinds & Curtains

By Mark Harrison 27

Blinds Valley 12, 65

Blinds Valley 65

Direct Factory Blinds 27

Inspired Blinds 29

BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE

AMH Ents & Events 55

BUILDING PLANS

I W Design & Building 84

BUILDING / PROPERTY

MAINTENANCE

L. Walton Building 67

Paul Bell Building & Joinery 67

RJ Hall Property Maintenance

Services 17

Blacker Steel Fabrications Ltd65

G Vasey 9

Justin Higginson 67

Ladderworks Property

Maintenance 67

M Ireland Building

Contractors 67

MB Builders (York) Ltd 67

Moores Property

Maintenance 67

PiKture PerFic PaviNg 67

BUSINESS SERVICES

MBE York 21

Virtual Administrator 21

CARE & MOBILITY

Radfield Home Care 43

AHM Installations 39

British Heart Foundation 41

Care uk - York 6

Eden Mobility Ltd 44

Goldsborough Manor

care home/Lansdowne 201 47

Joseph Rowntree

Care Homes 84

Minster Mobility 43

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY

CLEANING

Able Carpet Cleaning 67

Clifton Carpet Cleaning 67

CARPETS/FLOORING

Craig Pallister Flooring 22

Fully Furnished 19

Kings Carpets & Flooring 13

CCTV

Ultra Fire &

ADVISORS

ADream Clean 67 Bubbles Inc 68

Earnshaws Cleaning Services67

Squeaky Clean Cleaners 67 CLUBS/GROUPS The Wilberforce Trust 43 York Elim Pentecostal Church2 COMPUTERS/WEB DESIGN

Aldwark Computers 21 CURTAINS/SOFT FURNISHINGS

Blinds & Curtains By Mark Harrison 27

DAMP PROOFING

GroutGleam Teesside, York & Harrogate 9

Busters Yorkshire 27

Landscape 34

GATES/RAILINGS

PVC UK 30

York Iron Works 7

GROUNDWORKS/ DEMOLITION

Groundworks & Digger Hire 67 GUTTERING

Guttering Of York 70 HANDYPEOPLE

York Flatpack & Handyman 70

Able Handyman Services 70

Can-Be-Asked 70 DIY Guy 70

RMB Building Maintenance 70 HEALTH & BEAUTY

Kings & Co Barbering 41

Beautycare 41

Clear & Hear 41

Clifford Counselling 41

Clifton Park Hospital 41

Earwax Away 41

Sarah Todd Foot Health 41

Slimming World (Corinne) 4

Ryedale Ear Clinic 41 INTERIOR DESIGN

Pip Interior Designs 29 JOINERY

Emmett Bespoke joinery 65

DB Joinery 65

Inspired Joinery & Projects 83

Lewis Joinery 34

Matt Hodgson Joinery 70

Paul Meillam Joinery 71

Wensley Joinery 70

York Fencing 65

LOCKS/SECURITY/ALARMS

Keep Safe Window & Door Repairs 71

Afford a Lock 71

Dr Locks Ltd 71

GC Electronics 71

Laurel Bank Locksmiths 71

Towergate Locksmiths 71 LOFT CONVERSIONS

Yorkshire Loft Ladders 17, 65 LOGS/FUEL

Logs 4 Sale 29

MOTOR PARTS/SERVICES

Andy’s Autos 25

Barkers Garage 25

Blacksmiths Garage 24, 65

Ivinson Autos Ltd 1

Urban Autos 25

Auto Services 25

Custom Auto Keys 25

Dead or Alive Motorcycles 9

Fulford Auto Services 25

Highfinish Express Paintworx 2

OLC Autos 25

R S Auto Bodyshop 25

Westmoor Cars 25

York Bodywork Repairs 25

JB Motors Malton 24

OVEN CLEANING

Ovenwow Oven Cleaning 68

Yorkshire Oven Cleaning 67

PEST CONTROL

Huntcatchkill 36

Southbank Pest Control 36

The Pest Company 31

PLASTERING

Fensome Plumbing 71

JM Plastering 71

QA Plastering 71

Rodley Plastering 71

S.P Essex Painter and Decorator 68

S.P.S Plastering 71

PLUMBING/HEATING

J Robinson Plumbing 73

Nunthorpe Services 72

All Cisterns Go 72

Connor Warren Gas Plumbing & Heating 71

DJC Plumbing 72

DP Complete Plumbing 72

Gas Man Neil 72

GNT Heating 72

Hartleys Plumbing & Heating Engineers LTD 72

Haxby Plumbing & Heating

The Edinburgh Flyer

Saturday 29th March, 17th May 2025

Join us from York, Durham and Newcastle to visit Edinburgh. Travel on board this special steam hauled train running at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinburgh to visit the sights of the Scottish capital before we return south.

• Premier Dining £325 per person – includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First £225 per person – includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard £115 per person – includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

The Waverley

Sunday 6th July, 3rd, 17th August, 7th September 2025

Join us from York, Leeds, Keighley and Skipton to visit Carlisle. This summer series of steam hauled trains provides an opportunity for passengers from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley to travel over the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway, probably the most famous railway route in Britain.

• Premier Dining £325 per person – includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First £225 per person – includes morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard £115 per person – includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

Refreshments available to purchase on board. Tables for two can be guaranteed in First/Premier for a supplement from £45pp subject to availability. Images are for illustration purposes – locos/trains may differ. For £20pp discount, promotional code LOC must be used at time of booking. Book by 31/5/2025. Offer holds no monetary value and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or existing booking. Booking subject to availability. The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply – see website for details.

Steam to the border city of Carlisle

Steam to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh