Handy Mag York Jan19

YOUR FREE LOCAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

YORK RYEDALE Delivered FREE to YO32,

YO31 1, YO31 8 & 9, YO30 1, YO30 4, YO26 6 & YO19 5

JANUARY 2019 ISSUE 152 www.thehandymag.co.uk

FEEL HEALTHIER & FITTER IN 2019 WHAT'S ON AT YOUR LOCAL PUB

SPOTLIGHT ON

BERWICK KALER Berwick Kaler pictured at home with his ‘Cavs’ Ruffuss and Barnaby. Photo by Hannah Carter-Brown (2018)

GW-PLUMBING Your reliable local & experienced plumbing firm

“As well as taking pride in our work, we arrive on time, we’re honest, professional, tidy and give great service to all our customers. We treat every customer as important.”

• Boiler installations with up to 7 year warranty • Servicing, landlords and surveying • Bathroom design, supply and installation including tiling, plastering & electrics - all done by professionals • LPG, Solar, Electric and Unvented systems fitted • All small jobs including: Powerflushing, taps, blocked drains, guttering, toilet repairs, showers, sinks, ball valves & overflows etc.

ANY JOB? NO PROBLEM. Competitive rates along with our workmanship guarantee on EVERY job and NO CALL OUT FEE Give GW Plumbing a call on

07525 858008 or 01904 470888 graham@gw-plumbing.com www.gw-plumbing.com Office 7, York Eco Business Centre, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor YO30 4AG

KITCHENS & e l Insty BEDROOMS

ESTABLISHED 28 YEARS • DELIVERING SERVICE, CHOICE AND VALUE

50% OFF ECO KITCHENS & BEDROOMS UPTO

Instyle Kitchens & Bedrooms

01904 764383 9a The Village, Haxby YO32 3HS

Built on customer recommendations

W

elcome to our January edition…

You will be receiving this edition whilst (hopefully) chilling out after Christmas and before starting on New Year celebrations. This calm interval period is a special time for me as it’s also my birthday! If you have a birthday around Christmas you will understand the challenges – everyone forgets and nobody is available for celebrating! When I was little my parents always made sure that my birthday was special and separate from Christmas. We often went to a pantomime and I remember various panto dames and villains throwing cards and sweets to me in the audience. There were a few years when I celebrated in June instead so that I could actually have a party with friends. These days, I usually like to spend it zonked on the settee with family, in front of the fire, watching films whilst being supplied with chocolates and whatever yummy festive food is left over. If your special day is at Christmas (and just in case people forget) I’d like to wish you a very Happy Birthday!!

As we head towards New Year, it is always a great time to think about making big life changes.

Maybe your aim is to get healthy and fit in which case we have a range of businesses who can help right here in the Handy Mag. Give them a call and you can look forward to a fitter, leaner, healthier you come spring.

At the Handy Mag we have spent many months (read that as years!) developing a new website.

Not really being website designers ourselves it was a challenging start but, although we do say so ourselves, we love the new design. We really wanted our new site to bring in all the elements of

CONTENTS 6 What’s on this month 15 What’s on in your local – new feature!

20 Puzzle page 22 Drink and drug driving by PCSO Andy Smith 24 Beat the winter blues 26 Spotlight on Berwick Kaler 28 Travel to Corsica 30 How to get the best deal on your car insurance 33 Recipes 36 Ditching the 9 to 5 38 The Most effective drug ever 40 Fitness for all at Xercise Fitness in Haxby 42 Top tips from a dental professional 44 Does your community have a defibrillator?

62 Review of the Year 2018 64 Short story – Holy wellington boots 67 Winter colour in your garden 73 New year, new me by Jasper the dog our lovely magazines so please go and have a look through at www.thehandymag.com. It has all of our articles as well as a searchable local business directory and events listings. We hope it will become as invaluable as our magazines.

Well done to Helen Young from Huntington for winning our November competition.

Until next month…

Marianne

MEET THE TEAM

MARIANNE LONG

NICKY WHALEN

MANDY WEST

www.thehandymag.co.uk | @Handymag Publisher: whilst Moonriver Publishing Ltd to be accurate no Please note that the publisher takes care liability will be accepted underLong any circumstances should any of the Editor: Marianne contents of this magazine be incorrect.

The Handy Mag does not Address: 18F Market Place, Malton YO17 7LX endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

Tel:views expressed 01653 495015 The in the articles are not necessarily those of the publisher.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without Email: marianne@thehandymag.co.uk written permission is strictly prohibited.

Advertising: mandy@thehandymag.co.uk Community: nicky@thehandymag.co.uk

4 | Handy Mag | January 2019

HOLLY SNEAD

PHIL SHAW

IMOGEN SMITH

Please note that whilst the publisher takes care to be accurate no liability will be accepted under any circumstances should any of the contents of this magazine be incorrect. The Handy Mag does not endorse any advertising material included within this publication. The views expressed in the articles are not necessarily those of the publisher.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Kenson Kenson Gas Gas Heating Heating&&Plumbing Plumbing

We pride ourselves in offering our We pride ourselves in offering our customers a professional & quality customers a professional & quality service with a life-long guarantee on service with a life-long guarantee on workmanship. workmanship.

A service you can trust: A Installation, service you can trust: service & repair on all gas appliances.

••• •• • LOCAL LOCAL & & •• RELIABLE Kenson Gas, Heating & Plumbing Engineers RELIABLE Kenson •• Gas, Heating & Plumbing Engineers

Installation, service & repair on all gas appliances.

Boiler upgrade.

Boiler upgrade.

Landlord gas certificate.

Landlord gas certificate.

Bathrooms designed & installed to your Bathrooms designed & installed to your requirements. requirements.

From a dripping tap to a full central heating From a dripping tap to a full central heating installation.

We pride ourselves in offering our customers a professional & installation.

We pride ourselves offering our customers professional & quality service within a life-long guarantee onaworkmanship. trained.

Fully qualityApprentice service with a life-long guarantee on insured. workmanship. trained. Fully insured.

A serviceApprentice you can trust: A service you can trust: Quality • Installation, serviceworkmanship. & repair on all gas appliances Quality • Installation, serviceworkmanship. & repair on all gas appliances • Boiler upgrade A genuine local family business.

• Boiler upgrade A gas genuine • Landlord certificate local family business.

• Landlord gas certificate • Bathrooms designed & installed Peace • to Bathrooms designed & installed your requirements Pe of mind: to your requirements Free adace of min • From a dripping tap to a full central Free vice & quo d: • heating From a installation dripping tap to a full central No calladvice & qutoet e No out cha first job heatingyour installation No up fcall out chragreg your first job r e nt • Fully insured Apprentice trained No up o with this advert fronpt apyament • Fully insured Apprentice trained y m N e with this advert nt o VA Quality workmanship No VTAT Quality workmanship

10% 10% OFF OFF

*

01904 409 555 • 07585 63 62 64 01904 409 555 • 07585 63 62 64

01904 409555 •• 07585 636264 01904 409555 07585 636264 info@kensongasandplumbing.co.uk

info@kensongasandplumbing.co.uk • www.kensongasandplumbing.co.uk info@kensongasandplumbing.co.uk • www.kensongasandplumbing.co.uk

Reg no. 563213 Reg no. 563213

info@kensongasandplumbing.co.uk www.kensongasandplumbing.co.uk www.kensongasandplumbing.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN YORK 26th December & 1st January, 10am-3pm Winter Welly Walks The Yorkshire Arboretum. Mulled wine, hot drinks , juice and home baked cakes included. Adult £7, Children 11-16’s £4, Under 5’s free. yorkshirearboretum.org/eventscalendar 28th December York Ramblers - Walk 10am. 11 miles - Coxwold Village Hall CP 29th December York Ramblers - Walk 9am Public Transport 10 linear miles. 8.48am Northern train from York to Ulleskelf New Years Eve, 7.30pm Huge at The Milton Rooms www.themiltonrooms.com or 01653 696240 January Sheriff Hutton History Group No meeting in January. We will return on February 26th at 7pm in the Village Hall.

2nd January, 10am York Ramblers Walks 9 miles - Dacre Banks Car Park.

10 miles - Strensall Ranges CP, Scott Moncrief Road.

4th January, 10am-1pm Greening Up Heworth Holme with St Nicks At Heworth Holme, Bad Bargain/ Tang Hall Lane entrance YO31 0RE. Help with maintaining this wetland meadow. More info www. stnicks.org.uk 01904 411821.

6 | Handy Mag | January 2019

5th January, 12noon Saturday Lunchtime Organ Concerts Nigel Holdsworth. St Columba’s URC, Priory Street, York. Free admission (retiring collection), warm church, comfy pews, refreshments, street level access.

11th January, 10am-1pm Greening Up Heworth Holme with St Nicks At Heworth Holme, Bad Bargain/ Tang Hall Lane entrance YO31 0RE. Help with maintaining this wetland meadow. More info www. stnicks.org.uk 01904 411821.

8th January, 7-9pm Jamyang Buddhist Group Film Night - Mystic Tibet Friends Meeting House, York.

Suggested donation £5. Info rfield151@yahoo.co.uk

12th January, 7.30pm Robin Hood and the Revolting Peasants by Oddsocks Joseph Rowntree Theatre. www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.

8th January, 7.30pm Haxby and Wigginton Flower Club Talk “In (and around) Dublin’s Fair City.” by Peter Mathers. Cost; £5 for visitors. Refreshments available. At Wigginton Recreation Hall.

9th January York Ramblers Walks 10.30am 7 miles - Tadcaster Bus Station.

10am 10 miles - Thornton le Dale Car Park.

9th January, 6pm The Arts Society, Ebor ‘AVM (Animal, Vegetable, Mineral), Food, Art and History’

by Tasha Marks (Arts Society) London. At Shepherd Hall, St Peter’s School, Bootham, York. www.theartssocietyebor.wordpress. com 10th January, 10am Royal Lifesaving Society “Save a Baby’s Life” Workshop Energi Trampoline Park, Poppleton Business Park. Book with Linda on linda.nelson2704@ gmail.com.

12th January, 2pm Jumble Sale with Sheriff Hutton Jumblies Sheriff Hutton Village Hall.

In aid of Sheriff Hutton Glebe Conservation Area.

12th January, 10am-1pm Eco-Active Day, St Nicks Help with woodland management at St Nicks nature reserve. More info www.stnicks.org.uk 01904 411821.

15th January, 7.30pm Wigginton & Haxby WI Meeting At Wigginton Recreational Hall.

Quilts of Beningborough Hall.

Visitors very welcome £4. www. wiggihaxbywi.wordpress.com 15th January, 6.30pm Jamyang Buddhist Group Weekly Meetings Start Friends Meeting House, York.

Suggested donation £5. Contact rfield151@yahoo.co.uk 15th January, 10.30am York Ramblers Walk 8 miles - Welburn Church.

o locations,

hy

Bathrooms

beautifully designed around you

Designed installed and project managed We will work with you at every stage of the process From concept to completion

York Bathrooms Ltd, Unit 21 Evans Business Centre Rose Avenue, York, YO26 6RR 01904 794 867 Email: info@york-bathrooms.com Web: York-Bathrooms.com

WHAT’S ON IN YORK 15th & 17th January 6th Form Taster Days at Huntington School For more information or to book please contact Chris Hardwell on c.hardwell@huntington-ed.org.uk 16th January York Ramblers Walks 10.30am 7 miles - Seaton Ross Church.

10am 10 miles - Barden Bridge.

10am 10 miles - Sinnington Village Green.

18th January, 2pm Haxby & Wigginton U3A Meeting This month’s speaker is Peter Gibbons. River Niger to Timbukto.

You are welcome to attend our meetings for retired people on the 3rd Friday of each month at 2pm in the Wigginton Recreational Hall. Doors open at 1.30pm and there will be a guest speaker. Come and find out about our other activities too. Members £1, visitors £3 including refreshments. For further information contact our secretary on 01904 761352 or visit our website at www.u3asites.org. uk/haxby-wigginton 18th - 19th January Jazz Hands Grand Showcase 2019 www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk 18th - 26th January Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Malton and Norton Musical Theatre Presents. At The Milton Rooms, Malton. For tickets visit www.yourboxoffice.co.uk or order tickets for future collection from Chapter Two Bar, Market Place, Malton.

8 | Handy Mag | January 2019

18th January, 10am-1pm Greening Up Heworth Holme with St Nicks At Heworth Holme, Bad Bargain/ Tang Hall Lane entrance YO31 0RE Help with maintaining this wetland meadow. More info www. stnicks.org.uk 01904 411821.

Nunnery Lane). Map and further information at http://clementshall. org.uk/ Nearest public car park is Nunnery Lane. £3 Group members, £3.50 non-members.

Non-members welcome. There is an interval with free hot and cold refreshments.

19th January, 12noon Saturday Lunchtime Organ Concerts Geoffrey Coffin. St Columba’s URC, Priory Street, York. Free admission (retiring collection), warm church, comfy pews, refreshments, street level access.

24th January, 10am York Ramblers Walk 10 miles - Hackness Village Hall.

19th January, 2-4pm Bingo and Buns £5 entry for 6 games of bingo and refreshments Raffle extra St Nicholas church hall, Wigginton.

22nd January, 7.30pm Askham Bryan College Gardening Club An illustrated talk entitled “The Changing Faces of National Trust Gardens in York” given by Sam Shipman, Head Gardener, NT York Area Properties.” In the Conference Hall, Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York, YO23 3FR.Members free admission, visitors £5 on the door, all are welcome. www. abcgardeningclub.org.uk 23rd January, 10.30am York Ramblers Walks 7.5 miles - Aberford Church, Main street parking.

23rd January, 7.30pm RSPB, York Local Group Illustrated talk on “Birding

by Bike” by Gary Prescott. At Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York. (Between Scarcroft Road and

25th January, 6pm Film at The Folk Hall, New Earswick AGM & Film “Casablanca”. AGM at 6pm followed by film with doors open at 7pm and film at 7.30pm.

25th January, 7.30pm The Black Heart Orchestra A unique evening of music with a multi-talented, multi -instrumental duo. At Claxton and Sand Hutton Village Hall, YO41 1LL. www. theblackheartorchestra.com.

Tickets £10 from Fiona 01904 468001 25th January, 10am-1pm Becks Cleanup Day, St Nicks Help litterpick along the Tang Hall and Osbaldwick Becks for wildlife and people’s safety. More info www.stnicks.org.uk 01904 411821.

26th January York Ramblers Walks 10:50 Public Transport 11 linear miles - Kirklees Way 5. 9.09am TranPenEx from York to Leeds for 9.45am LNER to Wakefield Westgate for 10.20am bus 232 to Flockton.

STOVES & LIVING

HAPPY NEW GEAR. • 2 showrooms, the widest range, the greatest choice - over 100 stoves and fireplaces • York’s favourite for 30 years - improving over 10,000 homes in the area • Ask the experts - specialist advice from experienced friendly staff • Design and install, we do it all - full in-house design and installation service • Your style, your budget - from value to cutting edge designs

187932

HETAS Approved

5 mins from A64 Monk’s Cross Roundabout (NEXT TO DEANS) Stockton Lane, York Y032 9LE

01904 400525 | www.focusfireplacesyork.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN YORK 26th January, 12-4pm Open Day for York Residents Festival Explore the green heart of York: free guided tours of the Centre and 24-acre reserve start at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Plus family-friendly activities, treasure hunt, crafts sale, refreshments, info on green living and volunteering. Free entry. Start at St Nicks Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, YO10 3ST. More info www.stnicks.org.uk 01904 411821.

26th January, 7.30pm Burns Night Ceilidh, Supper & Celebration at Terrington Village Hall Traditional music, dance, food and fun. Piper, band & caller. Tickets £17.50 available at terringtonvillagehallinfo@gmail.com or from Dave at 01653 648394.

29th January, 2.30pm RSPB, York Local Group Illustrated talk on “Wild Guyana - in the steps of Attenborough and Backshall” by Paul Bartlett. At Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York. (Between Scarcroft Road and Nunnery Lane). Map and further information at http://clementshall. org.uk/ Nearest public car park is Nunnery Lane. £3 Group members, £3.50 non-members.

Non-members welcome. There is an interval with free hot and cold refreshments.

30th January, 7.15pm Strensall Local History Group Strensall Village Hall. The Body Snatchers – Speaker Colin Sheppard. Between 1760 and 1830 the market demand for dead bodies was driven by the most altruistic of desires – the thirst for knowledge and a desire for 10 | Handy Mag | January 2019

improvement in medical care by the surgeons of the day. Join Colin Shepherd as he explores ‘bodysnatching’ through the ages with a particular emphasis of York, which in the eighteenth century was the centre of that ‘industry’!

30th January York Ramblers Walks 10.30am 7 miles - Saxton Church.

10am 10 miles - Wetherby, Old Station CP, Linton Road.

10am 10miles - Millington Church.

1st February, 8pm Heavy Traffic - The Ultimate Status Quo Tribute Band The White Swan Presents...

Following the huge success from their last visit, the ever popular Heavy Traffic, The Ultimate Status Quo Tribute Band are coming back to Thornton le Clay Village Hall. Music from Quo’s catalogue of hits from across the decades.

Bar open from 8pm at the hall and food served at The White Swan from 6pm to 9pm. All proceeds are being split between Prostate Cancer UK & Thornton le Clay Village Hall to help keep our lovely community hall running. The bar in the hall is provided by The White Swan and is only a cash bar.

Tickets £12.50pp available from The White Swan. Please see Mike or Julie for more information.

01653 618286 2nd February, 10am-2pm 10th Anniversary Travel Showcase with Conexo Travel At Haxby Memorial Hall. Biggest ever event with around 15 tour operators and a £500 holiday voucher! www.conexo.co.uk

2nd February, 10.30am Hovingham Village Market Market open from 10.30am1.30pm. www.hovingham-market. org.uk 2nd February, 7pm ABBA Tribute Band at The Milton Rooms All proceeds in aid of Ryedale Special Families. Prize for the best fancy dress turnout! Tickets £17.50 online www.themiltonrooms.com/ events/abba or contact the box office on 01653 696240 6 February, 10.30am Royal Lifesaving Society “Save a Baby’s Life” Workshop At the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, book on m.taylor058@ btinternet.com 12 February, 11.15am Royal Lifesaving Society “Save a Baby’s Life” Workshop At Clifton Explore (library), Rawcliffe Lane, book with the library in person or tel. 01904 552662 13 February, 10am Royal Lifesaving Society “Save a Baby’s Life” Workshop At York Explore (Central Library), book with the library in person or telephone 01904 552828 Thursday 21st February, 7.30pm The Snake Davis Trio at Terrington Village Hall An evening of gorgeous, mellow music infused with jazz, soul & pop. Tickets £18 available at terringtonvillagehallinfo@gmail. com or from Dave at 01653 648394.

STEAM & MOORLAND GARDEN CENTRE, CAFÉ & MACHINERY CENTRE Next to Rogers’ Nurseries, Malton Road, Pickering. www.steamandmoorland.com

Why not pop into our garden centre where we have some fantastic offers on pet food, winter fuels and robotic mowers!

BUY One Breakfast...

Get another FREE (with this voucher) or BUY One Afternoon Tea...

Get another FREE (with this voucher) Full English Breakfast is £6.95 and includes Tea or Filter Coffee.

Afternoon Tea for one is £9.95 Booking Recommended.

Last day of offer is February 15th 2019. Offer not available on weekends. Breakfasts must be ordered before 11am. Afternoon Teas must be ordered after 2.30pm.

This offer will NOT to be used in conjunction with any other offer or loyalty scheme.

Special spring offers

Keep the cold out this winter

We are robotic mower experts

Garden Centre 01751 471471 Machinery Centre 01751 475666 Engine Shed Restaurant 01751 471471 (ext 32)

WINDOWS - DOORS - CONSERVATORIES FROM OUR PURPOSE-BUILT YORK FACTORY For over a decade we’ve been delivering high quality products and service through our own team of highly trained and experienced fitters.

• Windows, doors and conservatories • UPVC sash windows • Composite doors • Bi-folding sliding doors • Farrow & Ball colours • 30 year insurance backed frame and glass guarantee

JG Windows Ltd

T: 01904 421646

Unit 2, 219a Malton Road, York YO32 9TD. gary@jgtradewindows.com www.jgtradewindows.com

• Triple glazing window system • ‘A’ Rated Windows

thehandymag.co.uk | 11

WHAT’S ON IN YORK 9th March 2019 Strictly St Leonards The Riley-Smith Hall, Tadcaster.

Any enquires ring 01904 777777. Sign up now! www. stleonardshospice.org.uk.

6th April, 12pm-1pm Sheriff Hutton Village Charity Auction In Sheriff Hutton Village Hall.

Viewing between midday and 1pm. Auction starts at 1pm. Hundreds of household and garden items for knock down prices! Light lunches and refreshments served all afternoon.

Seated Exercise Class If you are looking to improve your aerobic health, balance, flexibility and strength this class is for you.

The exercises are designed for older adults and can all be done seated, with chair support or free standing, with demonstrations given before each exercise to show how they can be adapted depending on each individuals abilities. Classes across York. For more information contact Natalie on 07592 904866 or email natalie. walsh@moveitorloseit.co.uk

REGULAR EVENTS IN YORK

Wednesdays 9-12noon Spearehead Community Cafe in Strensall Spearehead Hall, St Mary’s Church.

Wednesdays 9-12noon Cafe Nelli New Earswick Folk Hall.

Wednesdays 10-12noon New Earswick Sharing Together 12 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Sleeper Path Community Garden.

Weather permitting.

Tuesdays 10-12noon & Fridays 2-4pm Coffee and Tea on the Green Poppleton Methodist Church.

Tuesdays 7.30pm Stockton On Forest Drama Group Stockton Village Hall.

Call Pat 01904 400327 or j.malcolm123@gmail.com Mondays 7.30-10pm York Scottish Dance Club English Martyrs’ Church Hall. No partner or experience needed. £3.

2nd Wednesday of month Dunnington York against Cancer Jumble Sale 10-11.15am at the Reading Rooms, Dunnington. 20p. Shop opens Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat 9.3012noon. Tuesday also 1.30-4pm.

Tuesdays 2-4.30pm Shipton Community Cafe All welcome.

Fridays 10.30-12.30pm Different Stokes - York Support & Exercise Group Heworth Without Community Centre. A peer-peer support & exercise group for younger, working age & active stroke survivors. £3.

York Alzheimer’s Society 1st Wednesday of month: Boccia and Easy Sports. 2pm 3.30pm New Earswick Bowls Club.

2nd Wednesday of month: Read & Reminisce Together. 10.3012noon at York Explore Library.

2nd Tuesday of month: Dance Café. 1.45-3.30pm at Clement’s Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York.

Last Wednesday of month: Group for younger people with Dementia. 2-3.30pm at the Spurriergate Centre.

Thursdays Singing for the Brain.

1.30-3pm at New Earswick Methodist Church Hall.

01904 929444 yorkservices@ alzheimers.org.uk Dementia Advice Clinics 1st Tuesday of month: 2.15-4.15pm at East Parade Medical Practice.

2nd & 4th Monday of month: 1-4pm Unity Health Kimberlow Hill Surgery YO10 5LA 4th Tuesday of month: 1-4pm at York Medical Group Water Lane.

Contact the GP Practice directly to book.

1st & 3rd Wednesday of month The Bus Stop Community Cafe 9.30-11.30am at Huntington Methodist Church.

1st Wednesday of month Wigginton & Haxby Wednesday Club Wigginton Recreation Hall Margaret 07435 591678 or Rosemary 01904 761569 email rosemarygeary@sky.com Fridays (Term Time) 10.30am Dance for Parkinsons Dance for people with Parkinson’s.

Wiggington Recreation Hall. www.danceforparkinsonsuk.org or Syliva Flaherey on 01904 490987 Mondays 11am-1pm Vocal Flourish Community Choirs In term-time. We are accessible & dementia friendly. At Burnholme Social Club.

0800 6890369 or info@ yorkflourish.org

High quality

Windows & Doors SERVICE, CHOICE AND OUTSTANDING VALUE FOR MONEY ¾ A RATED WINDOWS ¾ HIGH SECURITY LOCKING ¾ 10 YEAR GUARANTEE (INSURANCE BACKED) ¾ CERTASS CERTIFIED COMPANY ¾ FREE QUOTATION ¾ NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED ¾ ESTABLISHED 28 YEARS

Instyle Windows

Built on customer recommendations 9a The Village Haxby YO32 3HS

01904 764383

KITCHEN OR BEDROOM FACELIFT Replacing doors, drawers, worktops and appliances costs much less than the cost of a full refit.

Instyle have a cost effective solution for you to restyle your kitchen with minimal disruption and no compromise on quality.

By simply replacing doors, drawer fronts, handles and worktops, you can dramatically change the look of your kitchen.

There will be no ripping cupboards from walls and a minimal amount of electrical work.

ESTABLISHED 28 YEARS • DELIVERING SERVICE, CHOICE AND VALUE

Instyle Kitchens

& Bedrooms

9a The Village, Haxby YO32 3HS

01904 764383

thehandymag.co.uk | 13

WHAT’S ON IN YORK 1st Wednesday of month Haxby and Wigginton Against Fracking 7.30 - 9.30pm. Haxby Memorial Hall hawagainstfracking@gmail.com Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm Cobweb Orchestra All abilities welcome. York Steiner School, Fulford.

Patrick Burnett on 07733 266792 or patrickcburnett@gmail.com 3rd Wednesday of month Frack Free Strensall Set up by local people to oppose the threat of fracking. Meet at The Ship, Strensall. www. frackfreestrensall.org.uk

1st Saturday of month Coffee morning in Holtby 10-noon. Local people with stalls showing local wares. In the village hall. Profits go to local projects.

Sporting Memories, York City FC Foundation: Mondays 1-2.30pm: Wiggington Old School.

Thursdays 10.30-12pm: Springhill Court.

Fridays 10.30-12pm: Bootham Crescent.

Open to all, share your memories!

www.yorkmodelboatclub.co.uk or Brian: 07973 615301, Annette: 01904 750441 3rd Friday of month, 2pm Haxby & Wigginton U3A Meetings for retired people in the Wigginton Recreational Hall.

Members £1, visitors £3 including refreshments. Info 01904 768227 or www.u3asites.org.uk/haxbywigginton

York Model Boat Club Meeting and sailing at the clubhouse & lake at Laytham Park YO42 4PS weather permitting

HC ENGINEERING LTD

Gas Boil e Ser vice r

ELECTRICAL, HEATING & PLUMBING HC Engineering offer a full electrical, plumbing and heating service. We are Gas Safe and NICEIC registered.

We deal with all aspects of electrical, plumbing, heating & gas installations.

• Replace & Install Boilers • New Heating Installations • Rewires • Lighting • Fuse Boards • New Radiator Supply and/or Install • All Heating & Plumbing Repairs

14 | Handy Mag | January 2019

£40+VAT

• New Sockets • New Installations • Boiler Servicing

HAPPY NEW YEAR

l

GET YOUR 2019 HAPPY QUOTE FROM YO1

in your loca

REHAU ‘A’ energy rated PVCu windows

THE WALNUT TREE

Monday: 2 Main meals for £11.95.

Tuesday: 2 for 1 Burgers.

Wednesday: Pie Night, a pie and a drink for £9.95.

Thursday: 9pm. Quiz Night! All kinds of trivia & music.

Friday: Fish Fryday. 2 Fish, chips and peas for £15.95 or £11.95 Saturday: Meat and Malbec Night. 2 8oz Sirloin Steaks with a bottle of Malbec for £30.

73 Heworth Village, York YO31 1AN Tel: 01904 438888

Secured by design windows and doors

KEEP WARM • SAFE • SECURE with our A rated

Windows & Doors all fitted with Yale security

Telephone:

RED LION AT HAXBY

Every Friday: 8pm-Late.

Karaoke night with DJ Taz! Be a diva have some fun singing your favourite song.

Thursday: Steak Night.

Friday: Fish and Chip Friday.

“Amazing food and lovely owners!”

52 The Village, Haxby YO32 2HX Tel: 01904 760761

QUOTES

01904 401771 yo1upvc@gmail.com

The latest composite door designs

YO1 Upvc and Aluminium Solutions Ltd Unit 9 Malton Road Developments, Malton Road, York YO32 9TN

THE WHITE SWAN, THORNTON LE CLAY

Sunday 13th January, 8pm Quiz Night! General Knowledge Quiz.

Friday 1st February, 8pm LOCAL IMPORTER Heavy Traffic - The Ultimate Status Quo • Ideal for conservatories Tribute Band. Bar open from 8pm at the • No annoying call backs hall and food served at The White Swan • No Reps from 6pm to 9pm. Proceeds to Prostate Cancer UK • Fully controllable HAD A PRICE THURSDAY • Ideal for conservatories & Thornton le Clay Village Hall. The bar in the hall is Celebrate Christmas ELSEWHERE? NIGHTS provided by The White Swan and is cash only. Tickets at The Red Lion • No annoying call backs WHY NOT TRY SPECIAL OFFER Rem CABAROKE £12.50pp available from The White Swan. Friday Please see US, YOU WILL Also Infrared 30th Nov – Leapy Lee We can cater for parties from 10 Karaoke BE with a difference • No Reps PLEASANTLY Mike or Julie for more information. 01653 618286. up to 50 people in our dining room.

Sat 1st Dec – Leapy Lee Enjoy a meal - Enjoy the music SURPRISED. a Party to a Party!

Non-singers welcome • Fully Bring controllable Friday 14th Dec – Past Masters Singers must be able to sing 2 or 3 songs

CABARET NIGHTS

HAXBY SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB See the menu, book

WOULD

Organise a party of 10 or more and the organiser goes FREE!

back to back without words on a screen.

Professional sound and light system.

MAKE A Superb backing tracks.

Every Thursday Call and your requirements.

GREATThinking GIFT! ofdiscuss changing your old system?

Dining storage from 6.30pm. Singing from 7pm and pay online 15 en-suite Bedrooms available.

Ladies Section: Bingo, raffle and lots of www.redlioncountryinn.

Book a table of 4 and get a FREE bottle of wine SPECIAL OFFER Massive Car Park. prizes. Men welcome also. co.uk/whatson Karaoke Available if•required.

Remove • Install All electrics (Time limited offer) North Lane, Haxby YO32 3JP Tel: 01904 768300 or call 01904 781141 Manufacturer established 70 yrs Cabaret Evenings £27.50pp (including 2 course meal) 2 COURSE THE RED LION COUNTRY INN, UPPER Maintenance Free • 15MEAL yrs Guarantee www.redlioncountryinn.co.uk/whatson FRIDAY 14TH DECEMBER POPPLETON Substantial savings on fuel Boroughbridge Road • Upper Poppleton Every Sunday, 12-3pm & 5-7pm York YO26 6PR Traditional Roast. Free dessert with the Tel: 01904Battlefields 781141 Way, Stamford Bridge, York info@redlioncountryinn.co.uk coupon on page 35. www.redlioncountryinn.co.uk Ring Ken 0800 860 0154 or John 07754 448885 Boroughbridge Road, Upper Poppleton WE CATER FOR PARTIES • GROUPS • BUSINESS MEETINGS • FOOD AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK for a brochure or quotation Tel: 01904 781141 Email: john@powerheating.co.uk AS SEEN ON

thehandymag.co.uk | 15

FIRES • STOVES • FIREPLACES

Hovingham Fireplaces

• Coal, Gas & Electric Fires • Fire Surrounds • Multifuel Stoves • Traditional & modern

Open: Mon-Fri 9-5pm Sat 9-1pm

Rear of Worsley Arms Hotel, Hovingham, Yorks

Tel: 01653 628222 | www.hovinghamfireplaces.co.uk

COMPETITION Find Fred

WIN £30 This lolly is hidden in 5 adverts

Fred is hidden in 5 adverts actual size!

Can you find them all?

Simply send a postcard or email telling us which 5 pages Fred is on and in which adverts to: January Competition, The Handy Mag, 18F Market Place, Malton, YO17 7LX or email competition@thehandymag.co.uk, telling us your: name, address and a phone number. Entries must be received no later than 25th January 2019.

Entries will be drawn from a hat. First correct entry drawn wins. Only 1 entry per household. Winner will be notified by post.

Responsibility is not accepted for lost/delayed/damaged entries.

16 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Haxby Sports & Social Club Ope ne vteory body

REGULAR EVENTS AT THE CLUB The show lounge and function suite, if not hired out, are open to families and children

MONDAYS

Kick Boxing 4.30 - 7.30pm for kids and adults

TUESDAYS

Line Dancing 11am - 1pm.

Pensioner’s Bingo Night 7 - 9pm.

Slimming World Tue 5pm & 7pm.

Quiz nights in the sports bar, over 18’s only - every other Tuesday, from 7.30pm to late

WEDNESDAYS

Whist - Open to all ages. 1.30 - 4.30pm Slimming World 9am to 11am.

Kick Boxing 4.30 - 7.30pm for kids and adults.

FRIDAYS

Rock ‘n’ Roll nights Once a month 7 - 11pm.

SATURDAY NIGHTS

Regular music acts in the main lounge 7pm to late.

Events rooms for hire show lounge for function suite Free hire (T&Cs apply) membership not essential

Haxby Sports Bar • 5 TVs • Sky / BT Sports • Free Function Room

T: 01904 768300 North Lane, Haxby YO32 3JP www.haxbysportsandsocialclub.co.uk

Have you made a Will?

• Concerned about the Cost of Care?

• Putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place?

Then we can help!

“Excellent service”

Mr & Mrs AJ & BS, Wigginton, York

Quality advice at affordable prices in the comfort of your own home, at a time to suit you!

Estate Planning Practitioners and Will Writers with over 20 years experience.

Member of the Society of Will Writers.

National strength with local expertise.

Wills from £65 Lasting Power of Attorney from £95

Telephone: 01904 799282 Freephone: 0800 2289278 www.cjslegalservices.co.uk thehandymag.co.uk | 17

18 | Handy Mag | January 2019

SAVE £££s on THOUSANDS of wall & floor tiles in our warehouse stock!

In Stock Take Away TODAY! • Ceramic • Porcelain • Glass • Stone • Mosaic • Reproduction Victorian • Traditional to Contemporary Designs • Underfloor Heating

We stock ALL the accessories you need to get the job done!

Clifton Moor, York - 01904 690774 Westborough, Scarborough – 01723 372334 www.directtile.co.uk

Est 1989

10% OFF

OR UP TO 2 EXTRA ROOMS CONNECTED FOR FREE ENDS 31ST JANUARY 2019

Aerial & Sky Installations • Extra TV Points Added • LED & LCD Wallmounting • Retra member • C&G qualified

For special offers see website www.bltv.co.uk

For your local, fast & reliable service call Brian on

01904 765211 or 07977 044778

B.L.T.V Aerials • 20 Broad Acres, Haxby • www.bltv.co.uk

Free Digital Signal Test

thehandymag.co.uk | 19

Crossword

ACROSS 1.

5.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

14.

17.

19.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Small town (7) Hot chocolate (5) Pant leg (7) Estate, farm (5) Defeated side (5) Computer software (7) Basement (6) Removed skin (6) Anglophone (7) Vagrant (5) Ran (5) Changing (7) Ease off, put feet up (5) Snakes and ____, game (7)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

13.

15.

16.

18.

20.

21.

Absolutely necessary (5) Appears, seems (5) Mozart’s home (7) Our continent (6) Ship’s freight (5) Manage, direct (7) Repentant (7) More obvious (7) Well reasoned (7) Went into (7) Large spade (6) List of words at back of book (5) Similar (5) Sheets (5)

DOWN

Hidato

Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go.

Some numbers are already given.

Pictograms Pictograms 2 words SEYMOUR AUSTEN FONDA RUSSELL

2 words

OLDAUIE OAULDIE OLAUDIE 3 words

RING MIDDLE BEE BEE 20 | Handy Mag | January 2019

www.bluewaterbathroomsandkitchens.co.uk 26 - 28 Auster Road, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4XA Tel: 01904 690069 E M O

FREE H RE U MEAS E! IC V R E S

Kitchens with the WOW factor...

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE

We manage your kitchen or bathroom project from design to installation, from plumbing to fitting, tiling to electricals.

Let us take care of everything...

Made to measure 10 YEAR WARRANTY AVAILABLE*

Blinds

& Curtains

A new ‘A’ Rated Boiler could save up to 40% on your gas bill

at competitive prices ...from a family business

‘A’ RATE BOILERS Supplied and fitted from £1290 INC VAT No Deposit - Free Quotes - Fully Insured Competitive prices on all leading makes and models

Registered for Gas, LPG & Oil Installations

BOILER

SERVICING

SERVICING FROM

£50

Boilers (gas or oil), Fires, Cookers, LL Certificates, LPG, Park Homes/Caravans

Servicing Hotline: 01759 373247

York 01904 425865

www.thedirectboilercompany.co.uk *Subject to T&Cs.

www.a-ablinds.co.uk Verticals • Rollers • Venetians • Romans Curtains • Velux • Shutters • Pleated

A-A BLINDS Make an appointment in your own home for a free no obligation quote Tel:

01904 819163 or Mob: 07917 868133 thehandymag.co.uk | 21

DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING

A

By PCSO Andy Smith 5520

nyone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs is putting lives at risk - and we will not tolerate it.

THE LIMIT In England, the alcohol limit for drivers is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 35mcg per 100ml of breath or 107mg per 100ml of urine.

HOW MUCH CAN I DRINK? There is no foolproof way of drinking and staying under the limit. How much alcohol will push you over varies from person to person. It depends on: • Your weight • Your gender (men tend to process alcohol faster than women) • Your metabolism • Your current stress levels • Whether you’ve eaten recently • Age (younger people tend to process alcohol more slowly) THE PUNISHMENT Anyone caught drink driving will be banned from the road for at least 12 months, and fined up to £5,000. You can also be sent to prison for up to six months. Imprisonment, the period of disqualification and size of fine depend on the seriousness of the offence.

If you’re caught drink driving more than once in a 10 year period, you’ll be banned for at least three years.

The simple alternative to drink driving is to plan your journey home in advance of a night out. Book a taxi, arrange for someone to pick you up, take public transport or appoint a designated driver – all are far better options than a night in a cell, a driving ban, or causing serious injuries to yourself or someone else.

If you see someone looking to drive after they have taken drink or drugs, don’t stand aside and do nothing: try to stop them or call the police before someone else is injured.

If you want to report a drink or drug driver, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 1 – and pass information to the Force Control Room.

22 | Handy Mag | January 2019

If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

THE LAW Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs = 14 years imprisonment, together with an unlimited fine, disqualification from driving for at least 2 years and a mandatory extended driving test.

Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink = 6 months imprisonment, together with a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving for at least 12 months (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years).

Being in charge of a vehicle whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink = 3 months imprisonment, a fine of up to £2,500 and discretionary disqualification from driving.

Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis = 6 months imprisonment, together with a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving for at least 12 months.

Manufacturers & Installers of Traditional Architectural Joinery

t. 01653 692377 e. mail@nortonjoinery.co.uk www.nortonjoinery.co.uk

• All unit doors made to measure to fit your kitchen • Large range of styles and colours • Wide selection of work tops • At least 50% cheaper than the cost of a new kitchen • 30 year’s experience

% 10

...Simply refresh the one you have

S EN IZ IT T C N R U O CO NI IS SE D

Why change your kitchen?...

After Before

Windows & Doors Manufactured & supplied by the local experts

PVCu windows, doors and conservatories supplied to your exact specifications, colour, size and design direct from our local factory.

• • • • •

Sliding sashes Bi-folding doors Secondary glazing Grained colours Accessories

• Composite doors • “A” Rated windows

as standard

• Fascias, soffits

& guttering

Seven Street, York Road Business Park, Malton YO17 6YA

WINDOW

DISTRIBUTION LIMITED

Drop in and see us to discuss your requirements

T: 01653 600388

www.windowdist.com | info@windowdist.com

thehandymag.co.uk | 23

Beat the Winter Blues This month, we’re focusing on books to make you laugh, cry, write and reflect your way out of the winter blues.

HOW TO BE FAMOUS

Caitlin Moran Snort-your-tea-out-of-your-nose-funny, How to be Famous centres around 19-year-old Johanna Morrigan aka the writer Dolly Wilde. It’s 1995, Britpop has taken over the music scene and there’s no better place to be than London. Until, that is, Johanna finds herself the subject of malicious gossip and has to decide whether to flee or fight back.

precede spaces to jot down your own thoughts each day. If you like journals (and laughing), and have ever wondered whether you should just record yourself shouting ‘Teeth! Hair! Shoes! Hurry up!’ to save having to speak in the morning, this book is for you.

THE ACCIDENTAL MEMOIR

DOWN TO EARTH

Eve Makis and Anthony Chopper If you’ve ever thought about capturing moments of your life using the written word but have no idea where to start, you need this book. Prompts range from ‘Is there a mystery in your family? A story rarely spoken about?’ to ‘What posters did you have on your bedroom wall?’ and ‘Write a letter to your younger self.’ There are also extracts from other memoirs, writing tips and more.

SLOW

Gizzi Erskine Comfort eating doesn’t have to mean chocolate, shop-bought pies and a vat of ice cream. It can mean taking the time to show yourself some self-care by preparing delicious, wholesome, hearty dishes. Slow has plenty of recipes to help you do just that, from warming winter stews to slow-roasted meats and decadent desserts. They’re all written in Gizzi’s usual easy, unaffected style. Salt Beef Brisket anyone? Or Lemon Sherbet Meringue Pie? Yum.

WHY MUMMY DRINKS: THE JOURNAL Gill Sims Frazzled parents everywhere will find something to relate to in Why Mummy Drinks. Humorous reflections on parenting in the modern world 24 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Monty Don One of the easiest ways to lift your spirits is to get out into nature. There are few things more satisfying than growing something yourself and spring is just around the corner. Down to Earth is a useful book for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. It doesn’t matter whether you have acres of land or a tiny courtyard, you’ll find advice, tips and inspiration on everything from garden design and plant choice to pest control.

REASONS TO STAY ALIVE

Matt Haig An estimated 10% of people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. If you’re waging your own battle against this debilitating illness, Reasons to Stay Alive may help. Matt Haig chronicles his own fight against depression and shares what worked for him. It’s an honest, warm, humorous and very relatable read. You may also find Haig’s Notes on a Nervous Planet of interest if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks.

For other mood-boosting or self-help books, check out Reading Well’s recommendations at www.reading-well.org.uk

YORKSHIRE WINDOWS

YORK’S LEADING WINDOW COMPANY* Misted Up Units Replaced Conservatory Roofs Repaired New Tiled Conservatory Roof Systems

5 Windows Fitted from £1100 YEAR Conservatories from £3980 GUARANTEE Fascias/Soffits from £900 uPVC & Composite Doors from £495

10

A-Rated Windows • A-Rated Glass • Registered Installer of Planitherm

Telephone: 01904 501353 VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOWROOM: www.yorkshirewindow.co.uk

*Voted as No.1 on Checkatrade thehandymag.co.uk | 25

Spotlight On...

P

Berwick Kaler

antomime legend Berwick Kaler is bowing out after 40 wonderful years as York Theatre Royal’s Dame. This year’s production The Grand Old Dame of York will be his last panto at the theatre.

Here’s what Berwick had to say about pantos in York…

Did you see a lot of pantos as a child?

I grew up in the slums of Sunderland and we couldn’t afford to go to see pantomimes when I was a child. My first experience of pantomimes was when I appeared in one as a performer.

When did you play your first Dame?

In 1977 at York Theatre Royal where I have been ever since, apart from a couple of years when I was appearing in the London West End. After playing Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night at York Theatre Royal, I was asked to stay on and play one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella in 1977. That panto was terrible – the script was awful, and had been around for years. I started ad-libbing, which the audience loved, but afterwards I was told off by the director. I started writing the pantomime a few years later.

What makes a good pantomime?

Team effort, a good dame, a great villain and great production standards. My panto hero and inspiration is Dan Leno He was the epitome of pantomime, he was everything a Dame should be.

What is behind the enduring appeal of pantomime?

The secret of a good panto is simple – it’s not just for adults, nor is it just for kids. The gag, the joke, the routine, has to work for everyone. The York pantomime is written and performed with the audience very much in mind. What has kept me in panto at York for 40 years is the most loyal audience in the country. What we now recognise as our panto has been written by me and the audience. Every line is written with them in mind. It’s just become a unique part of their life and my life.

What can you tell us about your 40th York pantomime The Grand Old Dame of York?

The Grand Old Dame of York is a culmination of 26 | Handy Mag | January 2019

every panto I have ever done at York in as much as it has no story, no plot and it’s absolute rubbish.

Have you ever missed a performance in 40 years?

No, I’ve never missed a performance although I did once go to hospital during the interval to get stiches after gashing my shin. But I came back for the second half. I’ve had a gashed shin, broken nose, nearly choked on shaving foam and a sprained ankle.

Tell us about your audience?

We get generations of the same families coming – children, mothers and fathers, grandparents. Over 40 years we have created what is a rather unique anarchic pantomime which was created by – okay, pat on the back – mainly me but the audience has come with me. Forty years after that first awful pantomime they are still with me.

Your costumes are always a real highlight – how many people does it take to create them? Do you have some favourites from past pantos? Why are you fond of Queen Victoria?

I just wear the costumes. I give the odd suggestion of a comic approach to them, otherwise it’s in the gifted hands of our wonderful designers. I wear a ‘mobile’ ginger wig, no make-up, tights (one leg red, one leg yellow) and workmen’s boots bought 40 years ago. I have two pairs of them, one with red laces and one with yellow laces, and no one is allowed to tie the laces. My favourite is Queen Victoria.

“He has a sixth sense as a performer that is most rare.

He has eyes in the back of his head for a joke and understands timing better than Big Ben.” Artistic director Damian Cruden You’re known for not wearing make-up or trying to be ‘feminine’ onstage; can you explain why this is?

I don’t wear make-up as the Dame. I don’t believe in glamorous dames. I don’t think you can be a dame if you just put clown’s make-up on your face and use a high-pitched voice which takes the mickey out of women. Women do not talk like that. Yes, it’s a man in a frock but there is a mother character behind her.

If you need make-up to be a dame, then don’t do it.

Your face should say it all. For me, when I put that mobile wig on, that’s it I become the dame.

Is it true The Grand Old Dame of York will be your last pantomime?

I wasn’t thinking about retiring when I finished Jack and the Beanstalk last year. I really enjoyed it but a lot happens in a year when you’re my age and I’ve always known that you’ve got to give the management time to plan for the future, to decide what they’re going to do next. I’m 72 and would quite like to just potter around with my dogs. I’ve got

a 20 volume set of Dickens novel to read and I like jigsaw puzzles.

Why do you throw out Wagon Wheels biscuits into the audience?

That came about because when I first arrived to do Cinderella, I asked what they used to thrown out to children in the audience. The management said nothing – they used to throw boiled sweets to the audience but the audience used to throw them back. I said why don’t you throw out something they’ll want to keep, that won’t hurt them – or, if they throw it back, won’t hurt us. So I went to a nearby shop and the first thing I saw was on the shelves were Wagon Wheels. I bought eight and threw them out into the audience that night. Flying Wagon Wheels were born. They were great flyers, were mentioned in reviews and caught on.

The Grand Old Dame of York is at York Theatre Royal from 13 December to 2 February 2019.

Box office 01904 623568. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk thehandymag.co.uk | 27

Corsica

W

Discover the Alta Rocca

ith 40% of the land protected by a Regional Nature Park, Corsica is often called the ‘Isle of Beauty’, a worthy epithet as beyond the fabulous coastline, the hinterland has its own spectacular scenery. Down in the south, just inland from the popular resorts, the Alta Rocca is one of these lovely mountain regions laced in walking trails with only a couple of minor roads winding their way across the land. Up there time seems to stand still.

Forests rich in oak and chestnut trees, lofty Laricio pines, pastures, tumbling streams and dramatic rocks, this is a paradise for all nature lovers. Red kites soar in the thermals and there are peregrine falcons, golden eagles and bearded vultures with a mighty wingspan. Nuthatches splash colour in the trees, lizards and salamanders scamper along the tracks, wild cats and boars forage here and there.

Meanwhile deer graze in the shade but the mouflons with long horns like to perch on the most inaccessible rocks, basking in the bright Mediterranean sun.

Flowers and plants vary with the altitude but favourites include myrtle and thyme, the delicate blue ancoli peeping out of rocky crags and the wild sweetscented immortelle.

The Alta Rocca starts in Ospedale, the first mountain village at 900 metres, then stretches north towards the Bavella pass where at 1,218 metres one enjoys superb views of the pink rocky ‘needles’ by the same name. This is on the old transhumance route 28 | Handy Mag | January 2019

and the nearby trails invite you to explore further. It’s an awesome spot protected by the statue of Our Lady of the Snows, installed with great difficulty by local monks.

It may feel like the roof of the world but besides its natural wonders, the Alta Rocca is a land of hilltop villages where traditions survive on the ‘heritage trail’. On the western edge, Sainte Lucie de Tallano is a lively little place, all granite houses and cobbled lanes with convent and church, old bread ovens, oil mill and nearby thermal springs in their natural settings. Then there’s Levie and its Alta Rocca museum and the ‘coutellerie’ where traditional Corsican knives are still made in various shapes and sizes. Yet this pretty village has other claims to fame for if you feel like a walk, a trail can lead you to the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s quiet and atmospheric, dotted with remnants of walls, tower and storing areas. According to historians however, the Alta Rocca has 9,000 years of history, making it one of the oldest inhabited districts in Corsica.

At just over 300 metres, the village of Sartène can vouch for that, with a museum of prehistory, nearby dolmens and menhirs and gateway to the highlands, once known as the Land of the Lords. Enjoy the local wine then, as you wander through stepped alleyways and narrow lanes framed by granite hills, you may well agree that as the locals say, Sartène is ‘the most Corsican of all Corsican villages’.

By Solange Hando

Our Gift To You ALL YEAR ROUND

Spread the cost of your holiday

Low Deposits from £50pp

with our payment plans

Family Holidays Tailor-made Holidays Exclusive Cruise Last minute Getaways City Breaks with a twist

10TH ANNIVERSARY TRAVEL SHOWCASE Saturday 2nd February at Haxby Memorial Hall from 10am to 2pm.

Biggest ever event with around 15 tour operators and a £500 holiday voucher! to be won on the day!

32 The Village, Haxby, York YO32 3HT

Tel: 01904 767511 info@conexo.co.uk www.conexo.co.uk

Your local independent travel agent

How to get the Best Deal on your Car Insurance

data recorder to your car and monitor your driving habits, mileage covered and where you’ve been. As they can track exactly how you’re driving, your initial cost is reduced and good road habits can lead to renewal discounts.

N

obody likes to pay more than they have to with car insurance. We take a look at how you can save money on your premiums.

INCREASE YOUR EXCESS Keeping your excess low to minimise the upfront cost can result in much higher premiums, so experiment with different excesses when shopping around. Your policy price could tumble by simply adding £50 more to your excess, but make sure you can afford to pay it in the event of a claim.

CONSIDER YOUR ANNUAL MILEAGE The more miles you tell your insurer you’re doing, the more of a risk you are, hence the price is higher.

So if you’re covering a few thousand miles less each year than your insurance allows, cut them out of your policy.

KEEP THE NUMBER OF NAMED DRIVERS DOWN Adding multiple users to a policy will increase costs, so drop anyone who uses the car very infrequently and use a temporary cover service when needed instead.

ADD AN ALARM SYSTEM Although most new cars have excellent security equipment, some older models lack decent anti-theft protection.

Investing in an aftermarket alarm system with an immobiliser will result in long-term savings by way of cheaper insurance premiums – especially if you fit a Thatcham-approved system.

OPT FOR A BLACK BOX POLICY For younger drivers in particular, a black box policy can drastically reduce insurance costs. Insurers fit a 30 | Handy Mag | January 2019

ARE THE EXTRAS NECESSARY? Options like breakdown and courtesy car cover sound worthwhile, but can often be found cheaper elsewhere, while extras like cover while driving abroad may be unnecessary.

GARAGE YOUR CAR Securely parking your car in a garage makes it less likely to be stolen and it won’t get damaged while parked, meaning cheaper premiums. The same applies if you can park in a secure area at work.

PAY ANNUALLY – IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO The total annual insurance price when paying monthly is often higher than paying one lump sum, so you’ll save in the long run if you can afford to do this – but don’t take out bank loans or use a credit card, as this will cost more than a monthly direct debit.

TAKE A PASS PLUS COURSE Pass Plus courses are great for any motorist – new or old – and insurers recognise the course benefits and offer discounts for those who have taken them. You’re a safer and more experienced driver in their eyes, thus less of a risk.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOP AROUND As convenient as it may be to pick the cheapest insurance deal from a price comparison site, it won’t save much money.

Use that as a starting point, and then pick up the phone. Tell one insurer of another’s prices and see if they’ll offer a better deal – and if they do, go back to the first and let them know. You could knock hundreds of pounds off your premium with a few calls.

By James Baggott

eXpect eXcellence Mobile Car Care • Vandal Scratches, Scuffs & Scrapes Same Day Repairs • Bumper Scuffs & Splits I Come To You • Textured Bumpers & Trim To arrange a Free, • Alloy Wheels No Obligation Quote, Please Call: • Interior Damage: Andrew Twyman on - Plastic & Leather 07900 804003 - Velour & Vinyl for York & Surrounding Areas - Cigarette Burns Head Office: Oaken Grove, HaXby, York, YO32 3QZ

High Standard Local Professional Services including: Mechanical Repairs Tuning & Diagnostics • Servicing MOTs • Tyres • Air Con

PICK UP AND DROP OFF SERVICE AVAILABLE

Tel: 01904 479100 Unit 5 & 6, Concorde Park, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4WT thehandymag.co.uk | 31

Please take a minute to choose Wiggy Park “Kick About” Fund as your Co-op LOCAL cause. This will help us have the funds to maintain our new sports area in Wigginton. To do this online, go to https://www.coop.co.uk/membership/local-causes Or by calling membership helpline 0800 023 4708 When Members buy Co-op branded products and services, the Co-op will give 1% to a local cause.

Your support can help raise more for causes in your community. Go online coop.co.uk/membership and make us your cause. Choose us as your Co-op local cause. Your support will benefit your community by 1% of the purchase price of Co-op own-branded goods and services purchased by Co-op Members and will be donated to local good causes as chosen from time to time by Co-op Members. Please visit coop.co.uk for further details on how this is calculated. Thank you for supporting YOUR local community.

32 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Our small team of experienced, friendly staff are focused on you. You’ll see the same faces each time you visit, allowing us to really get to know you and offer truly personal service.

We offer easy access with free parking right outside. The number 1 and 13 bus routes are directly opposite too, just hop off at the Ryedale Court Shopping Centre.

Haxby Opticians, 6 Ryedale Court, Haxby YO32 3SA (01904) 761216

Info@HaxbyOpticians.co.uk www.HaxbyOpticians.co.uk

Tandoori Lamb with Naan Ready in 30 mins, plus marinating time. Serves 4

A pot of yogurt and a few spices can transform lamb steaks into a delicious spicy supper. If you prefer, serve with pilau rice or on a bed of spiced couscous.

INGREDIENTS • 4 large lamb steaks • 6 tbsp natural yoghurt, plus extra to serve • 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

1 Place the lamb steaks in a shallow dish. Mix together the yoghurt, ginger, garlic, spices and lemon juice and add 1/2 tsp salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Spread over the steaks.

Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours (or overnight).

2 Grill the marinated steaks under a preheated medium grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until just cooked and lightly charred in places. Cover the cooked steaks and leave to rest for 5 minutes.

3 Meanwhile, sprinkle the naan breads lightly with water and heat under the grill for 2-3 minutes.

Top with rocket leaves and sliced tomatoes, onion and cucumber. Slice the steaks and pile on top of the salad. Serve with the extra yogurt on the side and mango chutney, if liked.

• 2 tsp each garam masala and ground cumin • 1 tsp each ground coriander and chilli powder • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 4 garlic and coriander naan breads • Rocket leaves and sliced tomatoes, onion and cucumber, to serve

TIP: To make tandoori fish, replace the lamb steaks with 4 salmon fillets. Spread the marinade over the fillets and leave to marinate for 1-2 hours. Bake the fish in a preheated oven at 200C/ fan 180C/gas mark 6 for 20-25 minutes until just cooked. thehandymag.co.uk | 33

Lemon Pot Puddings Makes 6. Ready in 40 mins These delicious individual hot lemon puddings are the perfect sweet treat after a hearty winter supper or Sunday lunch.

INGREDIENTS

• 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 175g golden caster sugar • Zest and juice of 2 large lemons (you will need about 120ml lemon juice) • 4 medium eggs, separated • 75g plain flour • 130ml milk • 2 tbsp flaked almonds • Icing sugar, for dusting

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas mark 4.

Grease six 175ml ovenproof ramekin dishes with butter.

2 Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Beat in the lemon zest then beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Sift over half the plain flour and fold in, then fold in the lemon juice and milk. Sift over the rest of the flour and fold in.

3 Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared ramekin dishes and sprinkle over the flaked almonds. Place the dishes in a large roasting tin and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on top. Serve immediately, dusted with icing sugar.

Hotel • Restaurant • Conferences • Events

2 FOR 1

ON ALL

WEDNESDAY - CURRY NIGHT

INCLUDING

THURSDAY - STEAK NIGHT

MAIN MEALS

SUNDAY LUNCH*

Curry, Rice, Poppadoms and Selected Drink for just £10.00

Two 8oz R&J Butchers Rump Steaks with all the trimmings and a Bottle of Wine just £27.00

FRIDAY - FISHY FRIDAY

Two East Coast Haddock, Hand Cut Chips & Mushy Peas for just £17.00 Beechwood Close Hotel, 19 Shipton Road, York YO30 5RE | Tel: 01904 658378 www.beechwoodclose.co.uk *Maximum table of 6. Limited availability

34 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Low Street, Thornton le Clay, York, YO60 7TG

T: 01653 618286 www.tlcwhiteswan.com Booking Recommended

Food Served 7 days a week Party Bookings Welcome With this coupon

Get 1 dessert for every main meal ordered Proud to be supplied by:Meat from Simon Simpson, Badgerhill Butchers Fresh Fruit & Veg by Simon Baines of York Fresh Fish by Inshore Fisheries

Call 01904 781141 to book or book online

J SU oin u

Serv NDAY s for: ed 1 LU 2-3 NC & 5- H 7pm

Boroughbridge Road • Upper Poppleton York YO26 6PR

WEDDING BELLS? Packages From £999

For up to 50 guests.

Call for details.

15 en-suite guest rooms available.

AS SEEN ON

Tel: 01904 781141

info@redlioncountryinn.co.uk www.redlioncountryinn.co.uk

WE CATER FOR PARTIES • GROUPS • BUSINESS MEETINGS • FOOD AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK

thehandymag.co.uk | 35

Ditching the 9-5 Flexible Working YOUR RIGHTS Most employees have the statutory right to make an application for flexible working and employers need a good reason to turn down such a request. ‘Flexible working’ covers everything from changing your hours to sharing your job with a colleague.

Parents are also entitled to take up to 18 weeks off work (up to four weeks a year) unpaid to look after their child, as long as they’ve been in the same job for at least one year.

A

chieving a decent work-life balance can seem like the Holy Grail of parenting.

But it doesn’t have to be…

DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT This may seem obvious (MORE TIME!), but it’s a good idea to set out exactly what it is you want to achieve, and what you’re prepared to do to get there.

Do you want to pick the kids up from school more often, or have more time with your toddler during the day? Do you need more time off during the school holidays? Or do you just want to attend sports days, school plays and other activities without using your holiday allowance? How much of your salary can you afford to sacrifice?

MAKING YOUR CURRENT JOB WORK FOR YOU If you’re happy in your current job, could you reduce your hours? When you factor in childcare costs you might not be as out of pocket as you might expect. Or perhaps you could work at home more often (saving time on the dreaded commute) or change the hours you work? Starting work just 15 minutes earlier each day and cutting your lunch by 15 minutes might mean you could leave the office 2.5 hours earlier every Friday. If you want an extra day off, perhaps you could work longer hours but fewer days?

36 | Handy Mag | January 2019

The Citizens Advice has a lot of information for people who want to change their working hours.

See www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB More and more employers are starting to wake up to the fact that happier employees usually leads to a better standard of work. You’ll find that a lot of job adverts now mention flexible working.

According to the Office of National Statistics, more than 7 million people in the UK have some kind of flexible working arrangement with their employer.

If you’re struggling to find a suitable job and know someone in a similar position, could you apply for a job share together? While it’s still not common place, job sharing is becoming more accepted by employers.

The Civil Service, for example, states that it ‘positively promotes all forms of flexible working, including job sharing’ and offers guidance to managers on how to make it work.

There are several job search agencies and websites specialising in roles that allow flexible working, including job shares. Try www.capabilityjane.com, www.workingmums.co.uk and www.flexibleworks.co.uk.

By Kate Duggan

Education & Training For you and your children in 2019

Huntington Sixth Form

Inspiring confident learners who will thrive in a changing world

TASTER DAYS 15 & 17 January

3 stud e at Ox nts ford Univ ersity &1a Yale t Uni in the versity USA

2018 Results: 70% of A-level grades A*- B & Top 1% of Sixth Forms for Student Progress Ranked in the Sunday Times’ ‘Top Ten State Schools in the North of England’ Huntington School Sixth Form is an exciting, vibrant and high performing sixth form with students from across the city of York and around the world.

• 28 A-levels from Physics to Spanish • Range of Level 3 Certificates • An established history of excellent results • Caring and dedicated pastoral support • A vast array of extra-curricular activities • Impressive sixth form facilities For more information or to book please contact Chris Hardwell Email: c.hardwell@huntington-ed.org.uk

Open up the world for your child with our Montessori nurseries.

Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.

Fulford 01904 642666 www.yorkshiremontessorinursery.co.uk

Strensall 01904 490339

thehandymag.co.uk | 37

The Most Effective Drug Ever?

Exercise can improve sleep patterns and release endorphins that can lift your mood and increase your energy levels. By improving your fitness and appearance, and giving you goals, routine and a sense of achievement, it can also increase your self-esteem.

“If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented,” says health promotion consultant Dr Nick Cavill.

That’s true, because the benefits of exercise go way beyond what many people think of as simple ‘fitness’.

PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS Research has proved that regular exercise can actively help to prevent disease and debility. It can: • Lower blood pressure (in turn lowering risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease).

• Increase muscle mass and strength, bone strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and balance, helping to prevent strains, injuries, falls, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

• Help prevent some cancers and diseases, including colon and breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and Type 2 diabetes.

• Regulate hormones that control appetite and sleep patterns.

• Help control weight.

• Release endorphins that ease pain.

• Improve bowel function and prevent constipation.

By improving your physical health and preventing falls, exercise can increase your longevity too.

However, exercise can do a lot more than that.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING BENEFITS Exercise can: Improve your mood, self-esteem and sleep patterns 38 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Improve your mental health Poor sleep can contribute to physical health issues and depression, anxiety, poor memory and concentration. Exercise can improve your sleep and is proven to help alleviate anxiety, stress and mild to moderate depression. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can increase mental alertness, energy and positivity, while increasing your activity from zero to exercising three times a week can reduce your depression risk by almost 20%.

Give you ‘time off ’ Some of your exercise should make you out of breath, but you can also do more relaxing forms of exercise like tai chi, Pilates and yoga. Any exercise can give you time to focus on you, rather than your everyday concerns.

Get you outdoors Research has proved the benefits of ecotherapy and being active outdoors. Getting outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine is great for your mental and physical health, helping you produce the Vitamin D essential for absorption of calcium and good bone health.

Improve your social life and family life – and have some fun!

Exercise can be fun, and by joining exercise classes or activity groups, you will also benefit from the positive effects that socialising and friendship can have on your health and wellbeing. Team sports can bring a sense of belonging and motivation, while becoming fitter may help you to take part in more family activities. Zumba, tennis, rowing, boxing, karate, netball, Pilates, dancing… there are many types of sport and exercise, so try out a few to find something you really enjoy.

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NEW YEAR, NEW REASONS TO VISIT DALBY FOREST

H

opefully you’ve enjoyed a lovely festive spell – we’d like to wish all our wonderful visitors a very happy new year! There’s plenty going on in the forest to help fend off any winter blues and lots to look forward to in 2019.

Head to forestryengland.uk/dalbyforest and get out those calendars, dig out your walking boots, buy a concert ticket, sort your running gear, get your creative juices flowing… We’ve got everything from stone carving sessions to summer concerts happening.

There’s loads going on to celebrate the Dark Skies Festival 2019 over the next few weeks. We’ll have more of the hugely popular stargazing sessions and pop-up planetarium with Hidden Horizons plus Go Ape night zips and a special dark run. We’re also very proud to be hosting a screening of the film Saving the Dark, followed by a one hour star party led by an astronomer. All of these will fill up fast, so get planning soon!

Whether you got a pair of trainers for Christmas or have 1000s of miles under foot already, Dalby offers endless options for a new year health boost.

Choose from a number of waymarked running

Explore miles of footpaths, world-class bike trails, Go Ape and Tree Top Junior, Forest Segway, bike hire, play areas, picnic sites, cafes, fantastic scenery and Dalby Activity Centre.

routes that range from 1km to 10km immersed in stunning surroundings. Why not join us on Saturday mornings for parkrun or sign up to one of our running events throughout the year? Cheaper than the gym, much more fun than an exercise class and with the added bonus that our scenery changes every day!

Remember that a Discovery Pass offers amazingly good value if you plan to visit Dalby a few times in 2019.

All the details are at forestryengland.uk/membership.

See you soon!

5 miles north-east of Pickering. Parking charges apply. Discovery Pass available. For more information call 01751 460295 or visit:

dalbyforestfc

@dalby_forest

forestryengland.uk/dalbyforest

thehandymag.co.uk | 39

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Fitness For All at Xercise Fitness in Haxby

K

evin Arksey is celebrating two years at Xercise Fitness in the centre of Haxby, and in that time he has helped to transformed the gym into a bright, friendly and comfortable space that appeals to all ages and abilities.

The Xercise Fitness mission is “to recognise the importance of every member and ensure they achieve their personal fitness goals.”

The gym has a wide range of equipment with friendly, knowledgeable staff to help keep members motivated.

Kevin says, “When I first took over, the free weights area was tucked away behind a wall and felt like an intimidating place not really welcome to the average member. We opened the area up to all clients and now free weights exercises are included in all of our training programmes. This has particularly appealed to our female clients who are now benefitting from using free weights every time.”

After reformatting the gym area, Kevin and the team focussed on providing a new area for

40 | Handy Mag | January 2019

classes. The gym now boasts a smart studio where, from early morning to evening, there are regular classes such as stretch, weights 4 women, circuits, fitness gold, spin classes and legs, bums and tums with something to suit everyone. There is even kids boxercise – a great way to get your little ones active whilst having fun.

Following their mission to help all members achieve their personal fitness goals, Xercise Fitness offers two personal training sessions for all new joining members with one of the trainers at the gym. This means that all training programmes can be tailored to members exact level of fitness and objectives. Kevin says, “We have seen some great results from this approach. Programmes are reassessed regularly to ensure that targets can be reached. We work hard on developing new programmes all the time to suit our members and make sure we keep up to date with current trends in training.”

As well as the regular trainers at Xercise, you will be greeted by Alicia who is an apprentice working towards being a personal trainer at the gym. She says “I’m really enjoying my training and talking to our members. It’s a great place to work.”

Plans for the new year, include morning and evening Yoga classes, a new suspension training area and early morning interval training with stretch afterwards. Kevin says this is great way to start the day!

If you live locally and would like to make 2019 the year you get healthier and fitter, drop into your local friendly gym to find out more. New members are always welcome.

Xercise Fitness is currently offering 30% off your first 3 months membership so now is the perfect time to get signed up.

Lose Weight Look Good Feel Great Be Confident

F itness Haxby

A reason for you to start the New Year with Xercise fitness

Sign Up Now For 30% Off No joining fee. 30% off for 1st 3 months.

Includes 2 personal training sessions (worth over £50).

CHOOSE FITNESS CHOOSE XERCISE FITNESS

MATHS TUTOR 1:1 tutoring for students of all ages Primary school/SATs/GCSE Qualified Secondary Maths teacher Based in Heworth Call Zoe on 07904 145 060 starsfromacorns@gmail.com

Visit our website: use the promo code HM30 *T&Cs apply

www .xercisefitness.com

Christina Van Der Merwe 07709 207107 Haxby, York Chris4cambridge@gmail.com CambridgeWeightPlanwith Christina

Call: 01904 760707

Situated in Haxby Shopping Centre

PIANO LESSONS 1:1 lessons for all ages Qualified secondary school teacher and Grade 8 pianist Based in Heworth Call Zoe on 07904 145 060 starsfromacorns@gmail.com

URGENTLY NEEDED Unwanted gifts and items suitable for raffle/tombola prizes.

Also, soft toys.

If you can help, please get in touch with Anthea on 01904 490225, Mary on 01904 768588 or Sue on 01904 491133.

Your support is much appreciated thehandymag.co.uk | 41

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

TOP TIPS FROM A DENTAL PROFESSIONAL

OVERINDULGED DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON? MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE THIS JANUARY.

C

hristmas and New Year is the Party Season and we can all be forgiven for a few bad habits creeping in but come January we need to get back into gear and choose the healthy options, with the odd treat!

by Christine Parker

Quote HANDY MAG for an introductory offer.

Mobile Foot Health Professional

Home visiting foot health care in the Ryedale & York area.

Nail trimming • Callus/hard skin removal • Fungal nail management • Corn removal • Verruca treatment and more...

STEPHANIE HACKETT BSc (hons) MCFHP MAFHP Call: 07800 791012 Email: stephanie.hackett.fhp@gmail.com

BDS (GDC 72136)

Eaten too many goodies and broken a tooth? The good news is most chips and cracks can be simply repaired if attended to when they first occur. Leave them too long and you’re more likely to have pain, need a root canal or an extraction so don’t put off repairs.

Improve your overall health by improving your oral health, we can rate your gum health and risk of tooth decay and show you how to make small changes to make a big impact.

Our regular patients are always commenting on how their mouths have never felt so clean or healthy.

This in turn improves their confidence and in some cases has made a significant impact on their general health.

Did you know Heart Disease, Diabetes and Alzheimers have all been linked to poor gum health?

We can provide you with personalised expert advice and help you achieve and maintain a healthy mouth.

Don’t delay make the healthy choice for 2019.

Modern Dentistry Traditional Service Dr Christine Parker BDS invites you to register We are conveniently located at 11 Alan Farnaby Way, York Road Business Park, Sheriff Hutton YO60 6PG t: 01347 878111

www.howardiandental.co.uk

42 | Handy Mag | January 2019

A Personal and Dignified Family Business

J G FIELDER & SON Funeral Service

Private Chapel of Rest Help or advice available 24 hours a day

YORK 654460

48/50 Clarence St. York • www.jgfielderandson.co.uk

PRE-PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

SHERIFF HUTTON JUMBLIES

T

Another record breaking year!

he Sheriff Hutton Jumblies have had another tremendous year. Their November jumble sale raised £2,087 for International Rescue which brought the overall total raised during 2018 to a new record of £20,455!

Throughout 2018, they also held jumble sales in aid of Swinton Brass Band, Ryedale Leisure Group, Alzheimers Research, York Blind and Partially Sighted, York Respiratory Group, Macmillan Cancer Support, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Sheriff Hutton Parish Church, Playgroup, Bowls and Cricket Clubs.

The total raised since The Jumblies started in 1986 now stands at over £325,000.

The next sale is on 12th January, raising money for Sheriff Hutton Glebe Conservation Area.

DENTURE WEARERS

Are you struggling with loose, uncomfortable dentures?

Do you want to Feel More Confident, Look Younger and Function Better than ever?

DISCOVER a denture service specially for you

DENTURE Clinics naturally beautiful dentures

“ I’ve never had dentures that look so good

...Fit so well and feel so comfortable, they’re just fabulous! thanks to the care and attention I received from Clive at Smile Denture Clinic ”

Image and testimony of Smile Denture Clinic patient wearing full Dimension HD dentures

Partial Dentures

Flexible Dentures

Chrome Dentures

Implant Retained

“ making dentures is not just my job...it’s my passion ”

Clive Walkden Dip CDT RCS (Eng) - GDC# 152858

As one of the UK’s most experienced Clinical Dental Technicians, with over 40 years denture design experience and TRUSTED by thousands of happy denture wearers across Yorkshire, denture expert Clive Walkden can personally handcraft you an individually designed, hi-quality, natural looking dentures that optimise Fit, Comfort and Function and are as individual as you, perfectly reflecting your gender, character and personality

To book your FREE consultation with Clive, call today on:

ER

O ed ffe ti r me

HM01/19

VO

*Voucher redeemable against new dentures from our Prestige denture range and above on production of this advert at your FREE consultation. Voucher valid to 28/02/19. Terms and conditions apply.

U im C it H

£5

70 The Village, Haxby, York YO32 2HX

0

01904 215 387

*L

Full Denture Range

Defibrillator Heart Restarter

DOES YOUR COMMUNITY HAVE A DEFIBRILLATOR? Yorkshire Ambulance Service Launches Life-saving App

Y

orkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) NHS Trust is launching a life-saving app which maps all the 1,288 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across the county.

The Save a Life app tells you the location of your nearest AED and provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidance in the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

The app is designed to make members of the public aware of their nearest AED, as well as highlighting communities which don’t have a lifesaving device.

Paul Stevens, Head of Community Resilience at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “There has been a staggering increase in the number of AEDs across Yorkshire; four years ago there were 100 and today there are 1,288. This app plots all the AEDs so members of the public can familiarise themselves with the location of their nearest device.

“We also hope that communities which don’t have the life-saving kit will consider purchasing one via the various funding streams which are available.

“However, the app should not be used in an emergency. In the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest, you should still call 999 and will then be told the location of your nearest AED and the code needed to access it. We would encourage members of the public to proactively use the app to locate their nearest AED so that they can be prepared for an emergency situation.”

A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart stops pumping blood around their body and to their brain. The earlier a patient can receive CPR and a

44 | Handy Mag | January 2019

shock from a defibrillator, the greater their chance of survival.

Curtis Randle, from Knaresborough, was walking through the Market Place when he suffered a cardiac arrest in May 2016. By coincidence, it happened right next to the town’s very first public access defibrillator.

An off-duty Community First Responder and off-duty GP came to his rescue, closely followed by another Community First Responder and ambulance crews.

Curtis said: “The defibrillator undoubtedly saved my life and I’m so grateful that it was there when I needed it. My family and I are now constantly looking out for defibrillators so that we know exactly where they are.

“I’m really pleased that the app has been launched, because it’s so important that people are made aware of defibrillators and how they really can make a difference.”

The Save a Life app, which is iOS and Android compatible and free to download, was originally developed for South Central Ambulance Service by its partner, O2, and uses GPS functionality to show the location of the nearest defibrillator from wherever the user is in Yorkshire. Please note, the Android version is unavailable at present; please do not delete your current version.

As well as storing the details of the 1,288 AEDs across Yorkshire, the app contains videos which demonstrate how to carry out CPR on adults, children and infants, along with a myth-buster section that dispels the most commonly held misconceptions about the risks of attempting CPR. The location of each AED on the map has been verified by Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the date of verification included so users can see when it was last checked.

An AED and its secure storage cabinet cost around £1,400. The Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity provides part-funding grants for the kit, along with various other organisations including the British Heart Foundation.

If you would like to consider buying an AED for your community, contact: warren.bostock@yas.nhs.uk - East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire (East of the A1) If you know about an AED which is not included in the Save a Life app, contact aed@yas.nhs.uk

our first ever

Established 2003

Scooters Sco ffrom rom USED SCOOTERS

from

all new models available

WINTER SALE

NEW Po Power wer Lift Recline Lift Recline Chairs Chairs

ends Jan 31st

fromfrom

Adjustable Adju Ad ab le Beds ed from

Home Wheelchairs, bath lifts Servicing & and stair lifts.

Repairs No obligation free home demonstrations.

Part exchange welcome. Written details on request. All major credit cards accepted

Carpets Vinyls Beds Karndean

offers vary between stores

Mattresses Blinds Laminate Solid Wood

Haxby 01904 768565 Tadcaster Road 01904 700859

www.pocklington-carpets.com

JW JOINERY

Est. 2005

Loft Conversions • Complete Building Service • Roofing • Kitchens • Solid Oak Flooring Staircases • General Joinery

Loft Conversion Specialist Call James Whalen on 07834 352580 or 01904 491591 james@jgw-joinery.co.uk | Strensall, York

Clifton Carpet Cleaning

h Hall & £30 per throug4 0 s ta £ irs £40 e g n u room lo LoCaL CoMpany prepared to traveL rugs & Mats CLeaned for free*

Call Mick for a free quote

07985 270375

Need PlaNs drawiNg? House extensions & New Build Designs Planning & Building Regulation Drawings Housing Layouts, Sketch Designs For friendly & efficient service please contact Andy Perkin tel: 01904 678045 or Mob: 07759 547773

email: andy.perkin@tiscali.co.uk *when we clean your carpets

For all your architectural needs thehandymag.co.uk | 45

I

Tech for the New You

f human beings were any good at keeping New Year’s resolutions, the gyms would be full to bursting and the streets full of joggers all year round, not just for the first few weeks.

Tech can’t transform you from couch potato to body beautiful, but it can keep you focused on the goal.

The good news is that you might already have most of what you need in your smartphone.

Many modern smartphones contain the sensors to track all kinds of exercise apart from (obviously) swimming. If your device has GPS it can track your running or cycling, but even if it doesn’t it can usually track your steps and distance. In some cases they can also track your elevation and tell you how many flights of stairs you’ve climbed.

Both Apple and Google have their own fitness tracking apps in the form of Activity and Google Fit respectively, but some of the best fitness tracking apps are by third parties.

Nike Training Club is a great workout app, while Runkeeper and Strava are brilliant.

It’s not just about exercising, of course. Healthy eating can make a big difference to your energy levels and your body shape. MyFitnessPal enables you to track what your food intake to get an insight into your personal nutrition. The app is free, although some of its more advanced features require a monthly subscription. That’s something to check with health and fitness apps generally: apps that appear to be free 46 | Handy Mag | January 2019

are often very limited in what they can do, and some subscription plans are frighteningly expensive.

If you do decide to get some hardware, even that needn’t cost a fortune. Yes, the latest Apple Watch is pretty expensive at £399-plus, but you can get a perfectly good runner’s watch like the TomTom Runner 3 or Garmin Forerunner 35 for about £99; if all you want to track is your heart rate, you can get a heart rate monitoring watch from Decathlon for £15.99. Even GPS watches are much more affordable: the Kalenji Onmove 220 GPS Watch is currently £69.99.

Don’t forget the second-hand market, either.

At the time of writing you could get an Apple Watch Series 3 GPS Nike+ watch, a great smartwatch, for £229.99 on eBay. That’s a pretty good discount on the usual RRP of £359.

If you do have a smartwatch, there are some excellent fitness apps for those too. The Apple Watch is particularly blessed with endless activity trackers. We like Carrot Fit, which is available for iPhone as well as Apple Watch. Unusually where other apps offer positive reinforcement, Carrot is bad-tempered, judgmental and deliberately offensive. If you have a dark sense of humour though it’s a lot of fun.

Images top clockwise- Apple Watch Nike edition, Garmin Forerunner 35 smart watch, Decathlon heart rate monitor, CARROT Fit smartphone health app.

yorkoakflooring • Made To Measure Curtains/Blinds • Traditional Re-Upholstery • All local areas covered, competitive prices assured.

BEAUTIFUL WOOD FLOORS

Call 07707 489 723 for a free quotation.

S. P. ESSEX

PAINTER & DECORATOR Can help with all your decorating needs • Over 30 years experience • Experienced in wallpaper & fabric hanging • City & Guilds qualified • FREE estimate • No VAT charged Contact Stephen Essex 07973 393966 or 01904 764994 Email: stevepessex@gmail.com

SHOWROOM COMING SOON

ENGINEERED WOOD, LAMINATES AND LUXURY VINYL TILES Domestic & commercial properties in York To ensure your wood floor is perfect, home appointments are available.

Get in touch with our flooring experts today for a free, no-obligation quote on 07940 883457

www.yorkoakflooring.co.uk

Showroom opening soon at Monks Cross

Quality Fitted Bedrooms Maximise your space!

Made to Measure • Competitive Sensible Prices Manufactured Locally • Choice of Internals Expert Advice • Wide Range of Colours & Designs Minimum Mess Installation

FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY 7/9 Railway St, Pocklington, York YO42 2QR Telephone: 01759 302388 www.moonlightbedrooms.co.uk

thehandymag.co.uk | 47

CHARLIE’S COLUMN Why I Love Going To Beyond Boundaries

W

hen you suffer from Arthritis, Epilepsy and a heart condition, It’s hard to find a regular place to go that helps you forget all that. Beyond Boundaries is the answer. Set in the beautiful North York Moors Beyond Boundaries is a farm in Commondale that is aimed at people like myself that need extra help.

Run by Kay Willis and Anthony Laffan since June 2016, Beyond Boundaries is open and accessible to all ages and needs. It is a truly great project that is well loved by everyone who visits.

On my first visit back in May 2017, I was given a tour by Anthony around the different areas of the farm.There’s a workshop for arts, crafts and some intensive DIY for the constant ongoing projects (they literally never stop!). Then there’s the ‘bait’ room: a space for painting and storing the local archaeological discoveries found by resident metal detector Ashley, one of 28 weekly visitors who greatly benefit from their time at the farm. A large barn houses the cows and lambs. Other animal activities on offer include looking after and feeding the chickens, sheep, cows, goats and rabbits (who are always happy when food is involved!).

Attached to the farm is a massive space of 94 acres or so. This space is used for team building exercises and activities; things that are important to the experience. One memorable morning I was part of a large group of visitors trying to send a tennis ball down into a bowl in the woods with nothing but string and guttering. After plenty of near misses and laughter, we did it. This sums up Beyond Boundaries in a nutshell: inclusion and enjoyment.

by Charlie Ridgewell “Certainly, the best thing I’ve found at Beyond Boundaries is the feeling of family. There’s never a dull moment, every lunchtime the main cottage is filled with warmth and laughter. It’s a place that can provide a (much needed) boost, especially if I’ve had a tough week being bed-bound. It’s somewhere where everyone gets to feel included and independent whilst making lasting happy memories.” Kay Wallis 48 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Re-upholstery & Repair Service

Domestic & Commercial Enquiries Welcome • Suites & Chairs • Antiques • Caravans • Cushion Refills Call for Wide Range of Fabrics To Choose From a FREE Free Collection & Delivery Service Estimate A Family Firm Committed to Excellence

Classic Upholstery Ltd www.classicupholsteryyork.co.uk

York 01904 360206 Mob 07793 600452

We supply spares, fix & replace all

GaraGe Doors • Up and over garage door specialists • Henderson & Garador approved installer • Electric operators fitted • reliable family business

Hobman Doors York

t: 01904 608951 or 07747 827897

VW BLINDS THE COMPLETE HOME & OFFICE BLIND SERVICE T: 01904 479302 M: 07897 985389 MULTIPLE ORDER DISCOUNTS FREE MEASURING & QUOTATION 3 YEARS MANUFACTURER BACKED GUARANTEE ON ALL PRODUCTS MADE TO MEASURE BLINDS FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WE WILL BEAT ANY GENUINE LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE VANDWBLINDS@GMAIL.COM WWW.VWBLINDS.CO.UK FACEBOOK/VWBLINDS

JS Woodcraft WOOD FLOORS & ACCESSORIES

Quality Furniture Restoration in York & Surrounding Areas

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN SATURDAYS 9am - 3pm Open to the Trade & Public

The Warehouse, North Lane, Huntington, York, YO32 9SU Telephone: 01904 400728 Mobile: 07974 590530 Email: stevenpopple@gmail.com www.antique-restoration-york.co.uk

Installation, servicing and repairs on the following: You design your floor... choose the width, thickness, grade, bevel and finally the colour Unit 3 Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4XF Tel: 01904 479900 info@jswoodcraft.co.uk www.jswoodcraftflooring.co.uk Open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-3pm

• Fire alarms • Fire extinguishers • Intruder alarms • CCTV • Door access • Emergency lighting

01653 696861 • 07793 555258

Email: info@derventiofireandsecurity.co.uk www.derventiofireandsecurity.co.uk

thehandymag.co.uk | 49

50 | Handy Mag | January 2019

• • • • •

ALH BUILDERS LTD

Extensions/Garages Conservatory Bases Patios/Driveways Boundary Walls/Fencing Drainage

with professional pragmatic safety advice

SAFETY

No job too small

For free advice and quotations call Alan on T: 01904 639499 or 07703 206919

For a professional friendly local service using the latest in cleaning technology. All operatives fully insured and trained to European recognition

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Please call us on the number opposite for a free no obligation quote.

K EEP I NG Y O RK BUSI NES S ES L EGA L

Tel: 01904 529 529 www.fccsltd.com

From risk assessments to safety audits and policies to training, we can give you complete peace of mind for your business Call Anna for no-nonsense advice on

01653 213388 07585 857999

www.c2safety.co.uk/northeast

Multi Award Winning Safety Advisors

Master 85X55MM BUSINESS CARD

26/6/13

11:49

Page 1

SALE NOW ON FREE Grippers FREE Doorplates FREE Measuring FREE Delivery All aspects of flooring supplied and fitted by our expert carpet fitters.

Contract and Domestic 14 Farndale Ave, Osbaldwick,York YO10 3PE T: 01904 414393 E: eborcarpets@outlook.com Kirk Jackson with 41 Years Experience No Pressure selling just good old fashioned service

A&B

PLASTERING

Top Quality workmanship from a well established family run business

For all your Plastering needs from re-skims to traditional undercoat plasters, to modern plasterboard and skim • No job too big or small For a clean and reliable service call...

Tel: 01904 468553 | 07801 053166 thehandymag.co.uk | 51

Review of the Year 2018 Quiz 1. When he was born in April, what position did Prince Louis of Cambridge take in the line of succession to the British throne?

2. Ingvar Kamprad, who died in January at the age of 91, is best remembered for founding which business in 1943?

3. Which country hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics?

4. After over two decades on the BBC, what was broadcast on ITV for the first time in April as part of an advert break during an episode of Britain’s Got Talent?

5. In January, the results of Donald Trump’s first medical since becoming US President revealed that he was taking a drug called finasteride to try to prevent what?

6 In June, which country officially lifted a ban meaning that there were no longer any

Prospect Design Cost-effective, professional

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

countries in the world where women were forbidden to drive motor vehicles?

7. Which song did Theresa May briefly dance to as she stepped onto stage for her keynote speech at the 2018 Conservative party conference?

8. Following their wedding in May, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the Duke and Duchess of where?

9. In June, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, became only the second ever elected head of government to do what while in office?

10. In July, which song dropped from number one to number 97 to set a record for the fastest ever fall from the top of the UK singles charts in a single week?

DJC Plumbing, Heating and Gas Engineers WINTER OFFERS

•

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

•

(CAD) PLANS DRAWN

•

BUILDING REGULATIONS

FULL D ESIGN & CO-OR DIN SERVIC ATION E FROM INCEPT IO COMPL N TO ETION

For new builds, extensions and conversions contact Richard Webster BSc (Hons) Arch Tech for a free initial consultation

tel: 01904 500504 mob: 07792 700035 e: info@prospectdesign.co.uk

www.prospectdesign.co.uk 52 | Handy Mag | January 2019

• Ideal Logic Combi boiler with 5 year guarantee supplied and fitted from £1200.

• All makes of boiler fitted • Boiler service £45 • Boiler & fire service £65 • Gas cookers fitted from £50 • Bathrooms fitted from £250 • Boiler changes • Full central heating • Bathrooms • Gas certificates • Power flushing

No VAT

01904 783 312 07770 754 215

CLOUDY WINDOWS? Replace your cloudy panes not the frames to save money with your local window experts Replacing the window panes not the frames Energy efficient glass to save on energy bills Broken & cracked pane replacements Faulty hinge & handle replacements Broken mechanism & lock repairs A local business sourcing local suppliers Specialists in SAVING YOU MONEY! Free no obligation quote

0800 328 8213 cloud9windows.co.uk

*5 Years glass guarantee is valid from the date of the installation.

HM1901

REWIRE SPECIALIST

All electrical work • Alarms Security Systems & Lighting • CCTV Domestic & Commercial • All work guaranteed For free no obligation quotes and advice call Chris Judge on

Apple

01904 764845 or 07919 033113

Android

www.judgeelectrical.co.uk thehandymag.co.uk | 53

Small Space? No Problem!

Mahlzeit stone grey melamine units combined with walnut repro vertical panels, £5,000, Rational: 0800 160 1845; rational.de/en

S

mall may be beautiful, but living in a small space is not always easy. Our tips will help you make the most of every room, no matter what its size.

1. Are you making the most of every centimetre of your space? The best way to tell is by drawing a scale plan and checking for areas that could be improved. Ask yourself whether relatively simple changes such as repositioning a radiator, re-hanging a door or simply moving the furniture could make a big difference.

2. Storage is vital. In fact, it is often the case that losing a little floor area to create built-in storage will actually make the room seem more streamlined and therefore larger. Think bookshelves and cupboards in the living room, wall-to-wall wardrobes in the bedroom, floor-to-ceiling shelving in the study and a tall coat cupboard in the hall. Add storage into any ‘dead’ space you can, whether it’s in chimney alcoves, around a bed head or above a doorway.

Wall racks and hooks on the backs of doors are invaluable.

3. Whatever storage you buy or build, don’t forget to design their interiors to make them incredibly functional. Adding internal drawers, shelves, baskets, hooks and so on will enable every bit of space to be put to good use.

4. Aim high. In a child’s bedroom, for example, a 54 | Handy Mag | January 2019

high-sleeper bed can include a desk, sofa or play area beneath. Why stop at the normal height when bookcases, kitchen cupboards and wardrobes can all be built right up to the ceiling, adding some vital extra storage space? You just need to remember to plan for somewhere to store a ladder or step stool, too.

5. Get clever with colour. While pale colours appear to recede, and thus increase the sense of space, darker colours absorb light and therefore appear more enclosing. So, for a bright, airy, open look, opt for a unified, pale colour scheme. Paint built-in storage and radiators the same colour as the walls to make them disappear.

6. Use mirror and glass to open up a room. Think about light sources – whether sunlight through windows or light fittings – and place mirrors so that they bounce the light around. And choose glass or acrylic when possible for furnishings or accessories so as to create that barely-there look.

7. While it is not always necessary to opt for smallscale pieces, select furniture carefully, avoiding deep, squishy upholstery, fussy details and bulky outlines. Simple, lightweight styles have the least impact in a small space, and anything raised on slender legs will make the room seem larger (because there is more visible floor area).

When appropriate, look out for compact, folding, wheeled, extending, dual-purpose or wall-mounted

TILES • BATHROOMS • NATURAL STONE

Stora loft bed frame, £239, Ikea: 020 3645 0000; ikea.com/gb

TI L ES • BATHROOMS • NATURAL STONE BATHROOM INSPIRATION

From simply stylish, luxurious elegance to cool contemporary, we have beautiful EO S O • MBSA T• HN RA OTOUM B ATTIHL R RS A L• SNTAOTNUER A L S T O N E collections for all styles and BATHROOM BATHROOM INSPIRATIONon budgets INSPIRATION display and in stock.

TI L ES • BATHROOMS • NATURAL STONE TILES •

From simply stylish, From simply stylish, luxurious elegance to luxurious elegance to cool contemporary, cool contemporary, we have beautiful we have beautiful collections for all collections for all styles and budgets styles and budgets on display. on display.

furniture, each of which can provide great solutions for different space problems. The only condition is $ $ that it must be comfortable, fulfil its function and T I L E S • B AT H R O O M S • N AT U R A L S T O N E suit your overall style.

TILES FOR TILES FOR 8. Decide on one design style and make sure it is TILES FORALL ROOMS ALL ROOMS cohesive throughout. Employing complementary ALL ROOMS BATHROOM INSPIRATION (pale) colours, interesting natural textures and Complement or subtle patterns will generate a sense of harmony enhance your $ $ and understated visual appeal. rooms design $ 9. If you are working on a renovation, then largerNATURAL NATURAL BEAUTY OF BEAUTY OF with endless scale alterations may be achievable, even if you STONE STONE options from cannot enlarge your square footage.T IConsider EO S O • MBSA T• HTILES RA OTOU M L E S • B ATTIHL R N RS A L• SNTAOTNUER A L S T O N E FOR T I L E S • B AT H R O O M S • N AT U R A L ALL ROOMS wood effect replacing bulky radiators with underfloor heating, porcelain with going open plan, enlarging windows, replacing BATHROOM BATHROOM BATHROOM INSPIRATION $ grain texture, $ INSPIRATION doors or walls with glass to allow light to flow from INSPIRATION classic designs to room to room, or even – if height allows – adding a www.thetilecompany.co.uk www.thetilecompany.co.uk $ the quite unique.        mezzanine floor level.

HROOM STONE TI L ES • BATHROOMS • NATURALTI L ESSTONE• BATHROOMS BAT• NATURAL INSPIRATION Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless options from wood effect porcelain with From simply stylish, grain texture, classic luxurious elegance to designs to the quite unique. cool contemporary, we have beautiful collections for all styles and budgets on display.

TI L ES • BATHROOMS • NATURAL STONE

Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless options from wood effect porcelain with grain texture, classic designs to the quite unique.

From simply stylish, luxurious elegance to co l contemporary,

By Katherine Sorrell we have beautiful NATURAL BEAUTY OF BAT H ROOM Clear your clutter andTI L ES • BATHROOMS BAT • NATURAL STONE c o l e c t i o n s f o r a l H ROOM TI L ES • BATHROOMS • NATURAL STONE STONE F r o m s i m p l y s t y l i s h , create some space We travel the stySlePstoaIRndATbufind dIOgeNts the I N world In a small home there is simply no room luPxIuRrioATus eIlOegNance to I N S best natural stone for excess clutter. It can be really hard products onmdiplspyltoastyy.lish,offer to get rid of stuff, but if you don’t use it youFroam sibeautiful c o l c o n t e m p o r a r y , From simply stylish, regularly, you’ll have to be ruthless. Sort choice, finest quality luxurious elegatancethe to it into boxes or bags marked for rubbish, we h a v e b e a u i f u l l u x u r i o u s e l e g a n c t o right price. recycling, giving away, mending or storing co l contemporary, elsewhere. Aim to do one room per week, c o l c o n t e m po r a r y , c o l e c t i o n s f o r a l or a few minutes a day – then get into the we have beautiful MONKS habit of keeping on top of it so it doesn’t we hsatvyelebes aanudtibfCROSS uuldgets TILES & Bathrooms build up again. cHtioROOM ns for al STONE BATcoleHctioROOMnsforal TI L ES • BATHROOMS BAT•coleNATURAL From simply stylish, on display. s t y l e s a n d INSPIRATbudIOgeNts IsNtylSesPaInRdATbudIgeOtNs luxurious elegance to We travel the world to We travel the world to find the best natural find the best natural stone products from stone products from carefully selected quarries carefully selected quarries in Europe and beyond, in Europe and beyond, to offer you a beautiful to offer you a beautiful choice, finest quality and choice, finest quality and at the right price. at the right price.

BATHROOM INSPIRATION

Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless options from wood effect porcelain with grain texture, classic From simplytostylish, designs the quite From simply stylish, luxurious elegance unique. to luxurious elegance to cool contemporary, cool contemporary, we have beautiful we have beautiful collections for all collections for all styles and budgets styles and budgets on display. on display.

$

T I L E S • B AT H R O O M S • N AT U R A L S T O N E TILES FOR ALL ROOMS

Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless BATHROOM options from wood effect porcelain with INSPIRATION From simply stylish, grain texture, classic luxurious elegance to designs to the quite unique. cool contemporary, we have beautiful collections for all styles and budgets on display.

Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless options from wood effect porcelain with grain texture, classic designs to the quite unique.

$

From simply stylish, luxurious elegance to cool contemporary, we have beautiful collections for all styles and budgets on display.

$ NATURAL

$

BEAUTY OF STONE

We travel the world to find the best natural stone products from carefully selected quarries in Europe and beyond, to offer you a beautiful choice, finest quality and at the right price.

TILES FOR ALL ROOMS

Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless options from wood effect porcelain with grain texture, classic designs to the quite unique.

$

www.thetilecompany.co.uk $ $

$



TI L ES • BATHROOMS • NATURAL STONE BATHROOM $ INSPIRATION $

TILES FOR ALL ROOMS

TILES FOR ALL ROOMS

Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless options from wood effect porcelain with grain texture, classic designs to the quite unique.

NATURAL BEAUTY OF STONE

We travel the world to find the best natural

NATURAL NATURAL BEAUTY OF BEAUTY OF STONE EO S O • MBSA T• HN RA OTOUM NTAOTNUER A L S T O N E T the I Lworld E Sto • B ATTIHL R RS A L• SSTONE We travel find the best natural

T I L E S • B A Tstone H Rproducts O O from M S •stoneNproducts A T Ufrom RAL STONE carefully selected quarries carefully selected quarries in Europe and beyond, in Europe and beyond, to offer you a beautiful to offer you a beautiful choice, finest quality and choice, finest quality and at the right price. at the right price.

$

BATHROOM $ INSPIRATION

From simply stylish, luxurious elegance to cool contemporary, we have beautiful collections for all styles and budgets on display.

www.thetilecompany.co.uk www.thetilecompany.co.uk

      

NATURAL BEAUTY OF STONE

We travel the world to find the best natural stone products from carefully selected quarries in Europe and beyond, to offer you a beautiful choice, finest quality and at the right price.

$

www.thetilecompany.co.uk



STONE

We travel the world to find the best natural stone products from carefully selected quarries in Europe and beyond, to offer you a beautiful BATHROOM BATHROOM choice, finest quality and INSPIRATION INSPIRATION at the right price.

From simply stylish, From simply stylish, luxurious elegance to luxurious elegance to cool contemporary, cool contemporary, we have beautiful we have beautiful collections for all collections for all styles and budgets styles and budgets on display. on display.

$

www.thetilecompany.co.uk

  $

$

$

T I L E S • B AT H R O O M S • N AT U R A L S T O N E TILES FOR ALL ROOMS TILES FOR Complement or enhance your rooms ALL ROOMS design with endless Complement or BATHROOM options from wood enhance your rooms INSPIRATION effect porcelain with design with endless

TILES FOR ALL ROOMS

Complement or enhance your rooms design with endless options from wood effect porcelain with grain texture, classic designs to the quite unique.

Malton Road, YO32 9TE • T: 01904 415527 www.thetilecompany.co.uk

options from wood effect porcelain with grain texture, classic designs to the quite unique.

$

From simply stylish, luxurious elegance to cool contemporary, we have beautiful collections for all styles and budgets on display.

$

grain texture, classic designs to the quite unique.

$

$

thehandymag.co.uk | 55 NATURAL

NATURAL BEAUTY OF

Our New Website

Local Events > Local Businesses > Local Articles

...all in one place

Do you run a local charity or not for profit, volunteer-led group?

We can add your events for free!

We offer free listings to businesses that are advertising in our magazines. Our print advertising rates start at just ÂŁ30 + vat per edition Call us now to reserve your space on

01653 495015

info@thehandymag.co.uk www.thehandymag.com

ACOMB FLOORING COMPANY CARPETS • LAMINATE • VINYL

We offer...

FREE measuring service, FREE doorplates & FREE grippers.

Open Mon & Tue 9.15-5, Wed 9.15-2.30, Thu & Fri 9.15-5 and Sat 9-3.

T: 01904 780477 www.acombflooring.co.uk

53a Front Street, Acomb,York,YO24 3BR

Quality blinds...

at affordable prices

Buy direct from our workshops and save £££s

FREE

Measuring & Fitting Service

We specialise in all types of interior and exterior blinds including:

ROLLER • PLEATED • VERTICAL • VENETIAN • Family business.

• Well established in York.

• Fabulous choice of styles and options available.

• We have our own fitting teams.

No:1 Choice for Blinds

20% OFF All Stock Materials

Auster Road, Clifton Moor, York Telephone: 01904 693069 thehandymag.co.uk | 57

Short Story Holy Wellington Boots Ronnie lifted his forehead from the steering wheel and prodded Uncle Graeme’s shoulder.

Graeme spluttered awake. “Have we arrived?”

“Nope, we’re out of petrol,” Ronnie replied. “Turns out your car doesn’t run on fresh air after all.”

The ladies of the Women’s Institute were expecting Graeme in half an hour for a talk on success and being in tune with the universe. Graeme had decided over Christmas to pursue a career as a professional motivational speaker. He’d bagged this, his first gig, after the gentleman booked to demonstrate flower arranging had to cancel due to allergies. This, Graeme claimed, was just more evidence of the universe working in his favour.

The fact that he’d lost his driving licence was not an obstacle. It was a gift from the universe, claimed Graeme, because all successful people were chauffeur-driven. Ronnie considered it a bit rich that the universe was taking all the credit when he was the one doing all the driving.

“The village is two miles up this road. If we run we could make it?”

“Run?” Graeme spluttered. “It will hardly give the right impression if I arrive out of puff.” He shook his head. “They need to see me as I am, a hugely successful man.”

Ronnie looked at his map for clues.

“Found it!” he said, pleased with himself. “A footpath cuts across that field, we could walk it in twenty minutes.”

“I’ll just get my wellies,” Ronnie said, climbing out of the car.

“Aren’t you the proper little boy scout!” Graeme declared, following him.

“It’s just common sense,” Ronnie replied.

“My shoes are leather-soled and bespoke.” He presented his toe in the manner of a portly ballerina.

“Do you not think if we were to ask the universe,” he continued, “it would indicate that I should wear the boots?”

58 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Ronnie sighed; once more Graeme and his universe had ganged up on him. He handed the wellies to his uncle, who stared at them indignantly.

“I’ll never get so much as a toe in these!” He thrust them back at Ronnie. “The universe has other plans for my feet. Let’s be off.”

After a weekend’s rain the verge was soft and boggy, but just ahead was a public footpath sign. The clouds above them cracked open and a weak shaft of sunlight picked out something on the ground.

Sitting neatly, waiting for them, was a pair of wellington boots. They looked exactly Graeme’s size.

“That’s unbelievable!” Ronnie gasped. “Who’s left them there?”

“It’s quite simple.” Graeme was already removing his shoes. “I required waterproof footwear, and the universe provided.”

“That’s blown my mind.” Ronnie rubbed his chin, wondering if maybe Graeme had been right all along.

“Hand me the boots, dear boy,” Graeme said, wobbling on one foot.

Ronnie lifted them gingerly, afraid they were a mirage.

“We have a problem.” He held the boots up like binoculars, while two rubber soles remained on the ground. “Their bottoms have fallen off.”

Perhaps the universe had a sense of humour after all.

By Jackie Brewster

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Mark Hodson explains: ‘Our watchwords are Quality,

Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

small, call Mark on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers

thehandymag.co.uk | 59

BETRAYAL

By The Pastoral Poet Springtime incubator hatchlings, Nursed till adolescent fledglings.

Safe from danger, warm and dry.

Coddled until fit to fly.

Pampered darlings fed and tended.

Cosseted as recommended By the preservation journals.

For the likes of lords and colonels.

To woodland moved, a change of scene, They dash and dart amidst the green.

Then like a feral orphaned child.

Become accustomed to the wild.

Then dawns a fateful autumn day.

A treachery well under way.

The tapping sticks, a hue and cry.

The hour of reckoning is nigh.

Driven thus, with scant remorse A gallinaceous holocaust.

A spitting hail of burning lead.

Broken bodies bereaved and bled!

Clive Milson

E WHATNELL ROOFING All Aspects Of Roofing

New Roofs & Re-Roofs • Chimney Re-pointing Ridges Repointed • Fibre Glass • Flat Roofs Gutters Cleaned from just £50

01904 891668 | 07827571751 ewhatnellroofing@gmail.com

TP PLUMBING LTD ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING CARRIED OUT

SHOWERS & BATHROOMS FITTED RADIATORS • LEAKS • REPAIRS • TILING

Call Tony on 01904 761919 or 07709 711137

www.tp-plumbing.com

HAXBY

PLUMBING + HEATING Covering all York area.

All aspects of plumbing & heating undertaken 26 years experience

LOW RATES

T:01904 270308 M:07584 254783 haxbyplumbheat@hotmail.com www.haxbyplumbingandheating.co.uk

OVEN CLEANING

Our next deadline:

Tuesday 8th January For our February edition!

Telephone: 01653 495015 60 | Handy Mag | January 2019

OVENS • HOBS • EXTRACTORS • AGAS Restored to near showroom condition using non-caustic, non-toxic products.

WE ALSO CLEAN CARPETS, UPHOLSTERY & ORIENTAL RUGS Visit our website for more details www.cleaningyorkshire.co.uk

For more information & a free quote call Dave or Fiona on 01759 371741 11 Hart Hill Crescent, Full Sutton, York

©Moonriver Publishing Ltd T/A The Handy Mag

Make the change to Renewable Energy with us and...

REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILLS

WE HAVE SYSTEMS TO SUIT ALL PROPERTIES. GIVING YOU LOWER ENERGY COSTS AND SMALLER FUEL BILLS.

Air & Ground Source Heat Pumps Biomass Boilers Solar PV and Battery Storage Systems

Wood Burning Stoves Underfloor Heating Rainwater Harvesting Systems

GENEROUS GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES AVAILABLE

Contact us today for a free site survey and advice on which solution will be best for you.

T: 01751 476989 www.peakpowersystems.co.uk thehandymag.co.uk | 61

Jorvik Viking Festival

Haxby Carnival

Tim Peake

Haxby & Wiggington Scarecrow Festival

Review of the Year 2018 So, 2018 has drawn to a close and what a year it was. From a wintry start to a glorious summer, a royal wedding, the World Cup and even Brexit, the Handy Mags have continued to be delivered across Ryedale and the York villages!

This month marks the 152nd edition of Handy Mag York and the 150th edition of the Handy Mag Ryedale, can you believe it? We thought this was an appropriate time to look back on a wonderful year and local events that Team Handy Mag have been lucky enough to attend.

JANUARY

There were traditional pantomimes across our region. Tim Peake’s spacecraft landed in York and we focussed on getting fit!

FEBRUARY

A full-on Viking invasion occurred at the JORVIK Viking Festival.

The first since the reopening of the reimagined JORVIK Viking Centre in Easter 2017.

62 | Handy Mag | December 2018

Women in Business

MARCH

To celebrate international women’s day, we focussed on some of our local inspirational business women.

It was wonderful to find out all about them and made us proud to be living in such thriving area.

APRIL

Holly, our support administrator, started her maternity leave. We’re very much looking forward to her

return return inin March.

March.

We We have have lots lots ofof exciting things planned this year exciting things planned forfor this year hoping that the sleepless soso wewe areare hoping that the sleepless nights nights become become less less frequent frequent soso she she can throw herself back into office can throw herself back into office life! (well, between looking after life! (well, inin between looking after her beautiful boys!) her beautiful boys!)

MAY MAY

Summer Summer started started and and soso did did the the Haxby Haxby and and Wigginton Wigginton Scarecrow Scarecrow festival. festival.

Nicky Nicky attended attended the the event event with with her her children children asas usual usual – the – the fabulous fabulous creativity creativity ofof these these two two villages villages never never ceases ceases toto amaze amaze and and delight! delight!

The The event event raised raised aa fantastic fantastic £5266 £5266 forfor Christian Christian Aid, Aid, The The Special Special Care Care Baby Baby Unit Unit at at York York Hospital, Hospital, Oaken Oaken Grove Grove Community Community Centre Centre and and Wigginton Wigginton Old Old School.

School.

Malton Malton Food Food Festival Festival was was bigger bigger and and better better than than ever ever this this year, year, complete complete with with a star-studded a star-studded line line upup ofof Yorkshire’s Yorkshire’s own own MichelinMichelinstarred starred chefs. chefs.

know know the the difference difference between between aa British British Blonde Blonde and and British British Blue, Blue, she she definitely definitely does does now! now!

The The Handy Handy Mag Mag were were sponsors sponsors ofof the the event event and and it it really really was was a great a great day day out out forfor allall the the family. family.

AUGUST AUGUST&&SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER

This This edition edition was was exciting exciting asas wewe ran ran aa feature feature about about Ryedale Ryedale Special Special Families.

Families.

We We were were overwhelmed overwhelmed byby the the number number ofof our our advertisers advertisers willing willing toto support support such such a worthy a worthy cause. cause.

AA huge huge thank thank you you toto those those who who helped helped usus raise raise over over £900! £900!

InIn Poppleton Poppleton the the scarecrows scarecrows were were taking taking over over at at the the village’s village’s third third festival. festival.

Edstone Edstone Festival Festival returned, returned, now now aa well-established, well-established, family family friendly friendly music music festival. festival.

StSt Leonards Leonards Hospice Hospice had had their their summer summer fair, fair, complete complete with with a purple a purple pigpig petting petting farm, farm, and and wewe were were happy happy toto bebe able able toto support support local local charity charity The The Island Island inin their their search search forfor new new volunteers. volunteers.

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER

York York Business Business Week Week was was a main a main th th talking talking point point inin York York during during 1313 toto th th November.

November.

Mandy, Mandy, Marianne Marianne 1919 and and Nicky Nicky went went along along toto the the SuperNetworking SuperNetworking and and Conference Conference and and have have been been raving raving about about how how many many people people they they met met and and how how interesting interesting the the talks talks were were ever ever since. since.

DECEMBER DECEMBER

JULY JULY

nd nd The The 132 132 Malton Malton Show Show took took place place at at Scampston Scampston Park Park and and Marianne Marianne was was there there forfor a look a look around around at at the the livestock livestock and and stands. stands.

If If she she didn’t didn’t

YorkBusiness BusinessWeek Week York

th th This This year year marked marked the the 100 100 anniversary anniversary ofof the the end end ofof WW1 WW1 soso Nicky Nicky worked worked extra extra hard hard toto make make sure sure details details ofof the the local local Remembrance Remembrance events events were were included included inin the the magazines. magazines.

JUNE JUNE

We We were were sponsors sponsors ofof Haxby Haxby Carnival Carnival this this year year onon a beautiful a beautiful sunny sunny day day that that saw saw the the village village ofof Haxby Haxby welcome welcome the the opening opening Carnival Carnival Procession, Procession, fancy-dress, fancy-dress, music, music, and and entertainment. entertainment.

and here at at The Handy Mag wewe and here The Handy Mag think it it is is a fantastic celebration ofof think a fantastic celebration local people and local businesses. local people and local businesses.

Long may it it continue!

Long may continue!

OCTOBER OCTOBER

The The team team were were very very excited excited toto seesee York York Opera Opera perform perform Carmen Carmen at at York York Theatre Theatre Royal.

Royal.

There There were were some some outstanding outstanding performances performances and and the the whole whole Company Company did did justice justice toto one one ofof the the most most famous famous operas operas ofof allall time. time.

The The Pride Pride ofof Malton Malton && Norton Norton Awards Awards were were a big a big success success at at The The Talbot Talbot this this year year and and Nicky Nicky and and Marianne Marianne were were very very excited excited toto attend. attend.

Mandy Mandy has has organised organised the the event event since since it it started started 9 years 9 years ago, ago,

This This is is always always a hectic a hectic month month and and wewe trytry toto include include asas much much asas possible possible from from Christmas Christmas services services toto Santa Santa runs, runs, light light switch-ons, switch-ons, fairs fairs and and pages pages and and pages pages ofof events. events.

It It is is always always a busy a busy month, month, but but I I don’t don’t think think the the event event pages pages have have ever ever been been that that full! full!

We We love love being being able able toto spread spread the the word word about about allall things things local local and and (this (this is is mainly mainly me) me) allall things things Christmas.

Christmas.

Please Please keep keep sending sending usus your your events events and and wewe will will keep keep making making room room inin the the listings listings forfor them. them.

AtAtthe theHandy HandyMag Magwewe are arelooking lookingforward forwardtoto another anotherexciting excitingand andfull full year yearofofsupporting supportingour our local localcommunities communitiesand and businesses businessesinin2019!

2019! thehandymag.co.uk | 63

BEYOND THE HOMESTEAD: VIKING WOMEN TAKE CENTRE STAGE FOR 2019 JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL

From left: Sigrid the Haughty, Gunnhild Konungamodir, Thorbjorgr the seeress, Avd the deep-minded

E

urope’s largest Viking Festival returns to York next February, telling the stories of Viking women beyond the homestead through the voices of seers, queens and shield maidens – a story of women whose influence was as great as any mighty warrior. JORVIK Viking Festival runs from 20 – 27 February 2019.

“For the last 35 years, the themes of JORVIK Viking Festival have enabled us to tell stories that encompass many different aspects of Viking history, from myths and legends to kings and warriors, and though women have taken key roles in many of the stories, this is the first time we’ve told all of the stories from a female perspective,” comments Sarah Maltby, director of attractions for York Archaeological Trust, which organises the annual event that drew over 63,000 visitors in 2018. “We have some superb source material in the sagas, which enable us to tell stories of exploration, settlement, conquest, magic and nobility from the perspective of powerful women.”

Characters coming to the fore during JORVIK Viking Festival 2019 will include the seeress Thorbjorgr litilvolva, the colourfully named Sigrid the Haughty and Aud the Deep Minded, and Gunnhild Konungamodir, wife of the last Viking King in York Eric Bloodaxe, who manoeuvred her

64 | Handy Mag | January 2019

sons to positions of power in Scandinavia after Eric’s death. Their stories will be presented at Freya’s Banquet on Friday 22 February, and re-enacted by a cast of warriors and shield maidens on the evening of Saturday 23 February at the Eye of York.

Visitors will also enjoy a larger encampment this year in Parliament Street, and the main stage which hosts presentations and displays throughout the week will be in St Sampson’s Square to accommodate the growing crowds who come to watch the Best Beard and Strongest Viking Competitions on Saturday 23 February. Crowds are also expected to line the city streets on the afternoon of 23 February for the parade of hundreds of warriors from York Minster to Coppergate, home of JORVIK Viking Centre.

The eight-day long celebration of all things Norse runs from Wednesday to Wednesday in 2019 in line with differing dates for the school half term holiday across the country. “Traditionally, JORVIK Viking Festival has built up towards a finale weekend based on our local half term dates, but with an audience coming from across the country, we wanted to be sure that families can enjoy the many displays and events around the city during the week as well as the busy weekend. Depending on when visitors arrive,

FOR ALL YOUR

Rated ‘Excellent’ with over 850 reviews

HANDYMAN REQUIREMENTS

raising standards in property preservation

Have you noticed signs of damp or woodworm in your property?

We can provide advice and specialist solutions for: Rising & penetrating damp Timber repair & replacement Basement & structural waterproofing Wet & dry rot Wall tie replacement Woodworm Condensation

JOINERY: Including Doors, Cupboards, Flat Pack Furniture Assembly, Shelving, etc.

PAINTING AND DECORATING: Including Plastering and Repair Work.

GARDENING SERVICES: Including Fencing, Shed Erection, Hedge Cutting.

BRICKWORK AND RE-POINTING As an Experienced Ex-BT Engineer, I am able to carry out internal repairs and fit extensions.

A S S O C I AT I O N

For a no obligation survey call:

01904 899 757 www.petercox.com

our parade and night-time son-et-lumière spectacular can be either the perfect start to a Viking visit, or a fantastic way to end a half-term break,” comments marketing manager, Beth Dawes.

As usual, the entertaining public events will run alongside academic talks and presentations highlighting York’s pre-eminent role in the understanding of Viking culture. Guest speakers include Dr Judith Jesch, professor of Viking Studies at the University of Nottingham, who is one of the world’s top experts on women in the Viking age.

Full details of all of the events in this year’s JORVIK Viking Festival will be posted online at www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk

NO JOB TOO SMALL. ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED!

ROOFGUARD ROOFLINE & ROOFING SPECIALIST

FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL RICH ON 07709408746 or 01904 635577

ROOFGUARD ROOFLINE & ROOFING SPECIALIST

FREE ROOF HEALTH CHECK LIMITED TIME ONLY

Upvc Fascias, Soffitts & Guttering Flat Roofs • Valleys Dry Verge & Dry Ridge • Pointing Roof Cleaning • Chimney Repairs Storm Damage • Roof Repairs Gutter & Downpipe cleaning from £10

All Roofing Work Undertaken T: 01904 898712 M: 07535 829412 www.roofguardyorkshire.co.uk thehandymag.co.uk | 65

Colourfence - Garden Fence for Minimum Maintenance

25 Year Year Guarantee* Guarantee.* 25

No more painting.

No more preservatives.

Resists wind gusts up to 130mph.

COLOURFENCE YORK

www.Colourfence.co.uk

* T&C's apply. Full details available on request.

Call now: 01904 215 315 07940 821 388

info@colourfenceyork.co.uk

linear fencing & landscapes

Number23 CLEAR THINKING. MADE VISUAL

logos > stationery > leaflets > web design > posters > brochures > roller banners > magazines > illustrations > corporate branding > e-marketing > advertising

t > 07885 521486

philshaw@numbertwentythree.co.uk www.numbertwentythree.co.uk 66 | Handy Mag | January 2019

fencing driveways patios shed construction

decking pergolas turfing shed bases

We are York-based. Call us for a free no obligation quote

TEL: 01904 349264 MOB: 07833 449426 Email: info@linearyork.co.uk

Winter Colour

by Pippa Greenwood

H

appy New Year to you! Here’s hoping that the year ahead brings great things for your garden….and not too many pests!

So, there’s no doubt it’s winter but there’s no need for your garden to be in the doldrums – with a bit of careful planning and strategic planting your garden can still look gorgeous, despite the weather. True, there may not be quite so many highly colourful plants out there at this time of year, but here are some that will help to make your plot far from dull.

Dogwoods or Cornus are great winter stemcolour plants. Choose one of the many varieties of Cornus alba, plant it in a moist yet sunny spot, and the richly crimson-red stems will look stunning during the winter months. In autumn you’ll also get red and purple foliage. To keep these colourful stems coming, you’ll need to cut back your dogwood stems to ground level in late spring every alternate year.

Specialist Garden Timber Products, Manufacturers and Retailers.

Come & see the quality for yourself!

All aspects of garden landscaping and maintenance undertaken LANDSCAPING • PATIOS • FENCING • DRIVEWAYS DECKING • BLOCK PAVING • HEDGE & GRASS CUTTING TREE MAINTENANCE & FELLING • LAND DRAINAGE

LANDSCAPING LTD

Tel: 01904 492797 / 07967 021509 Email: info@oakwoodlandscaping.co.uk www.oakwoodlandscaping.co.uk Strensall Based Company

• Heavy Duty & European Fence Panels.

• 15 Year Guarantee Timber Posts.

• Concrete Posts & Gravel Boards.

• Sheds & Workshops.

• Summerhouses, Log Cabins, Offices, Playhouses.

• Pet Housing.

• Storage Sheds.

• Timber Supplies, Decking Sleepers.

• Gates & Ironmongery.

Call us: 01904 491115 Visit our display site to choose the design that’s right for you.

Unit 5, Park House Farm, Pottery Lane, Strensall, York YO32 5TJ

www.onthefenceyork.co.uk

thehandymag.co.uk | 67

Snowdrops are the classic winter flower and are small but delightful whatever the size of your garden. There are single and double forms to choose from and they look great planted in drifts or even allowed to naturalise on a grassy bank.

Winter classic good looks come from the hollies – don’t forget they need not be plain green in leaf colour as there are also fantastic variegated forms, such as ‘Argentea Marginata’ with silvery leaf edges, or for golden-yellow leaf edges choose ‘Golden Queen’, or, for a really wacky hedgehog-look, go for ‘Ferrox Argentea’ with leaves that are silver-edged and covered all over with prickles!

You may think of willows as being only the huge weeping variety at the side of large ponds, but there are also a number that can easily be kept quite small, and which have stunning coloured winter stems. For egg-yolk yellow stems go for Salix alba ‘Vitellina’, for scarlet-orange stems there is ‘Britzensis’ or for a touch of regal glamour how about Salix acutifolia ‘Blue Streak’ which has purple stems with a sliverygrey bloom and smart contrasting grey buds? To keep the stems like this, these, like the dogwoods, need to be cut back to ground level every two years.

If you can plant some next to a pond, even better – their reflection in still winter water is an added bonus.

For a seriously unusual charm there is the ghost bramble, Rubus cockburnianus, a relative of the standard bramble but with arching white stems that look great in the winter sunshine. In summer it will produce sprays of small purple flowers.

Christmas Roses or hellebores, including Helleborus argutiflorus, produce classic open hellebore flowers, cup-shaped with prominent stamens and unusual green flowers. These are some of the toughest winter flowers you can get, and they seem to perform well whatever the weather. The

YORK LANDSCAPES LTD

Landscaping & Paving

Ground Maintenance

Groundworks & Driveways

Fencing

Plant Hire > Soil & Rubble Skips > Aggregate & Indian Stone Supplies Top Soil & Yorganics Compost > Turf Supplies

T: 01904 490933 Domestic & Commercial 68 | Handy Mag | January 2019

classic Christmas rose proper is white-flowered, developing a slightly pink tinge as they age, and look stunning against the large central cluster of goldenyellow stamens. The variety ‘Potters Wheel’ has notably large flowers, up to 10cm in diameter.

Snowdrops are the classic winter flower and are small but delightful whatever the size of your garden.

There are single and double forms to choose from and they look great planted in drifts or even allowed to naturalise on a grassy bank. The bulbs are usually sold in autumn, but you could always buy a few ready-to-flower snowdrops in pots now, plant them out, and then go for the less expensive option of planting them ‘in the green’ in a month or two’s time, when you can get the bulbs, complete with leaves, ready for planting from mail order suppliers.

Winter aconites, with their bright yellow, shiny petals and flowers that open out like golden stars, are a real favourite of mine. Plant the corms close to and in amongst some snowdrops and they produce a superb display together. Plenty of moisture without waterlogging is the key to success.

Winter flowering pansies are well worth including too, and again they make a splash of colour in any garden, whether in pots, troughs or in open

ground, with just about every conceivable colour available. If they do get struck by frost the delicatelooking flowers soon perk up again, so don’t panic!

If you’re after a winter-flowering climber, go for Clematis cirrhosa with flowers that are bell-shaped, yellow to white and even have a delicate lemony perfume if you get up close enough. The inner surface of the petals is delicately freckled – choose the variety ‘Freckles’ for the best dark spotting available. The flowers appear in early winter and last right up until the start of spring.

Not strictly a climber, more of a scrambler, winter-flowering jasmine makes a great display if loosely trained against a wall and throughout the winter the bare stems are studded with the brightest yellow starry flowers, each up to 2.5cm diameter.

It does well in almost any position in the garden, and will really help to make you think that spring is coming!

At www.pippagreenwood.com you can join ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for great vegetable plants and weekly advice, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club?

thehandymag.co.uk | 69

Steve Calladene Painting & Decorating

SALE NOW ON • • • • • •

ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATING No job too large or small

FOR A FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE CALL STEVE ON

FREE ERECTION FREE LOCK AND KEY

ANY SIZE AVAILABLE GUTTERING BASE LAYING OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

01904 760737 or 07716 204030 HAXBY-BASED

HAXBY-BASED

YORKSHIRE HOME & PROPERTY SERVICES

ALL DIY WORK UNDERTAKEN IN AND AROUND THE HOME

General Building Work - Painting & Decorating - Tiling - Flat Roofing & Roof Repairs - Door Hanging & Joinery - Kitchen & Bedroom Fitting - Gutters Cleaned & Repaired - Conservatory Roof Cleaning Patios & Driveways Powerwashed - Laminate & Solid Wood Flooring

FOR A FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE CALL STEVE ON 01904 760737 or 07716 204030

SHEDS SUMMERHOUSES DOG KENNELS PLAYHOUSES POTTING SHEDS VISIT OUR SHOW SITE SHARP’S WORLD OF WOOD THE LOG CABIN, YORK ROAD, BARMBY MOOR, YORK. YO42 4HS

www.sharpsworldofwood.com

CALL NOW – 01759 30 55 66 *DURING

DECEMBER & JANUARY

R VERITY PLANT HIRE • DEMOLITION CLEARANCE • GROUNDWORKS

T: 01904 490933 Domestic & Commercial 70 | Handy Mag | January 2019

*

Ground Solution S E RV I C E S

01904 499135 SUPERIOR RESIN SURFACES 0% FINANCE AVAILABLE

WE’RE LOCAL AND CHEAPER THAN NATIONAL INSTALLERS

info@groundsolutionservices.co.uk | www.groundsolutionservices.co.uk DRAINAGE | GROUNDWORKS | ARTIFICIAL GRASS | PAVING | FENCING

DRL TREE SERVICES • Tree surgery • Stump grinding • Site clearance • Pruning • Hedges • Felling & dismantling NO JOB TOO BIG • Forestry work and conservation OR SMALL • Contract climbing to the trade • Fully insured • NVQ2, NC, ND ARB

GARDENS LTD

GARDENS LTD

All aspects of tree work, hedge cutting, fencing & planting.

Highest quality workmanship All sites left clean & tidy Friendly, fully qualified staff All advice is in accordance to BS3998 (recommendations for tree work).

Fully insured for both private & commercial.

EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT

07886 015740 or 01904 766766

www.yorkshiretreesurgeons.com info@yorkshiretreesurgeons.com

Our next deadline:

Tuesday 8th January For our February edition!

Telephone: 01653 495015 thehandymag.co.uk | 71

THE MILTON ROOMS, MALTON SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2019

Tickets online (no fees) £15 pre-Christmas (thereafter £17.50) www.themiltonrooms.com/events/abba or 01653 696240 Doors 7.00 for 7.30pm start. PRIZE FOR THE BEST FANCY DRESS TURNOUT! All proceeds in aid of Ryedale Special Families

Dave Kavanagh

Painting & Decorating For all your painting and decorating needs.

No job too small.

Over 25 years experience

Call Dave for a free estimate on

T: 01904 706024 or: 07905 537236

D BARKER Building and Joinery

Extensions • Renovations • New Builds • All Aspects of Building & Joinery Work For a FREE site visit and quote call Dan Barker

07956 555036 01653 698887 barkd546@aol.com

72 | Handy Mag | January 2019

ABLE

ROOFING

Slates, Tiles, Chimneys, Pointing, Ridge, Valleys, Flat Roofs - Felt & Lead, uPVC Fascias & Gutters, G.R.P. Fibreglass.

York & Surrounding Areas r’s experience • Qualifed Trade 20 yea EMERGENCY REPAIRS sman INSURANCE COMPANY APPROVED

Call Steve now for a FREE quote

Mob 07908 558954 01904 425560

Sugar Hill Farm, Stockton Lane,York

Plumbing by Taylor

Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Installations Leaks • Burst Pipes Dripping Taps • Dripping Overflow Bathroom & Wetroom Specialist

Call Stuart for free advice and a quote on

t: 01904 631227 mob: 07766 984425

www.bathroomspecialistyork.co.uk

Joinery & Property Services • • • •

Kitchen fitting Bathroom fitting Plastering & Tiling Wood & Laminate floors

Call Dave T: 07563 737631 New Earswick, York www.joineryandpropertyservices.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NEW YEAR, NEW ME AN INDEPENDENT PRACTICE ESTABLISHED 1984

Equine & Small Animal

Expect the best care everytime

01653 618303 24 hour emergency

Just off the A64 in Welburn near Castle Howard

w w w.stationhousevets.com

A

pparently, I over-indulged at Christmas but who can blame me when I get a bowl full of Pawsecco, a stocking full of treats and all the left-over Brussel sprouts! Stepping onto the scales at the vets was a bit embarrassing though, I tried the trick of leaning against the wall and having one foot off, but the vet noticed and tried to tempt me with a low calorie treat!

£110!

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED from

Drainage • Plumbing • Pest Control

The vet says my body condition score is too high as she can’t feel my ribs or see a waist any more, maybe I should have tried to suck my tummy in a bit? I have to go on a special diet to get the weight off, but I like what I like so it better taste good!

Mum isn’t allowed to just cut down my usual food otherwise I won’t get all the nutrients that I need and it will make me hangry (hungry and angry!).

I also need to get out more which is great news as long as it isn’t raining. I’ve got to go back to see the veterinary nurse in two weeks time for a weigh-in, I wonder if my mum will be checked as well?

Love from Jasper and his Mum ( Sarah Hunter)

by Dr Sarah Hunter (BVet Med MRCVS) Station House Vets

Blocked Drains & Toilets • Drain Repairs • Jetting Grease Traps • Interceptors • Soakaways • Gulleys

Call your local septic tank & drainage specialist on

01904 295 118 www.easawayenvironmental.com

thehandymag.co.uk | 73

Blue is a sweet natured boy who came to the centre through no fault of his own and is a friendly, gentle boy who will make a smashing pet for someone. Blue would benefit from some further training which he would greatly enjoy, as he really does like to be around people. He walks well on the lead, is good around other dogs and loves to go on nice interesting walks to keep him entertained. Blue is suitable to live with other dogs and children of secondary school age and over.

Snickers came to the centre via an inspector with his litter mates after their needs were not being met. He is a very

sweet, friendly and lively boy who will make a great family pet. He would benefit from attending puppy classes and we are looking for a home where he will not be left on his own for long periods while he is still so young. Snickers is suitable to live with other dogs after a successful introduction and children of primary school age year 1 and over.

THANK YOU!

We’d just like to say a big thank you to all our supporters and volunteers - we simply couldn’t do what we do without you.

You’ve made a big difference to the lives of all the animals we help and we’d like to wish you all a healthy and happy 2019!

CHECK OUT THE MAGICAL WIZARD CURRENTLY RESIDING AT YORK CATS PROTECTION THAT IS THE WONDERFUL HAIRY POTTER!

W

e bet you haven’t set eyes on such a handsome hunk for a long time. Hairy Potter was a stray and he was fed up with fending for himself and would dearly love a family without young children to call his own, he certainly won’t be shy in asking you to budge up on your sofa so he can squish in next to you!

If you are looking to adopt a real character with a marvellous wand patterned tail then Mr Potter is your man. He’s got bags of personality and he’s amazing eye candy too, although he can be a bit of a greedy chap!

If you are looking for a brand new feline friend, please contact York Cats Protection on 01904 760356 or via www. york.cats.org.uk

74 | Handy Mag | January 2019

©Moonriver Publishing Ltd T/A The Handy Mag

Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic Gold standard care and treatment for your pets Treating small animals and exotics Highly qualified and experienced exotics vets In-house medical, surgical and X-ray facilities 24 hour emergency service throughout the year Qualified nursing staff Free puppy/kitten checks Fit 4 Life senior pet checks Weight management clinics

HEALTHY PET CLUB

Cutting the cost of veterinary care from only £11.99 a month Battle Flatts are encouraging responsible pet ownership by providing affordable preventative healthcare to help you raise a healthy, happy pet.

Membership includes: Vaccinations. (including kennel cough for dogs) Flea & worming treatments for 12 months.

Nail clipping & dental checks.

Microchipping for adults & puppies.

6 month Health Check.

20% OFF lifetime care medication.

10% OFF pet food plus buy 5 bags and get the 6th FREE. 10% OFF all other products & services.

Speak to one of our team for more details: Strensall 01904 490055 |Pocklington 01759 307500 Norton 01653 697299 |Stamford Bridge 01759 371066 |www.battleflatts.co.uk

A.G. PLASTERING SERVICES • For ALL your plastering needs.

• No job too big or too small.

• 20 Years experience.

TEL: 07703 295960

Unique Dog Walking Service

Adventure dogs will travel to exciting rural locations and enjoy full interaction, fun and socialisation as well as exercise.

1.5 hour Adventure Dog Walks £35.

Dog Day Care £50.

Cat visits for feeding and fuss £10 per half hour.

Pet First Aid, DBS, Fully Insured.

07736 877169

thehandymag.co.uk | 75

76 | Handy Mag | January 2019

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX AERIALS & AUDIOVISUAL Aerial Services.................. 31 BLTV Aerials.................... 19 ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Guy’s Antiques & Collectables....................... 25 ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AP Design Services........... 45 Prospect Design................ 52 ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS Dalby Forest...................... 39 Haxby Sports & Social Club........................ 17 Huntington School............ 37 BABY & NURSERY EQUIPMENT Paul Stride......................... 32 BATHROOMS Bluewater Bathrooms & Kitchens............................ 21 Monks Cross Tiles & Bathrooms......................... 55 York Bathrooms.................. 7 BLINDS AA Blinds......................... 21 Blind Image....................... 57 Misselthwaite Manor........ 47 VW Blinds........................ 48 BUILDERS ALH Builders.................... 51 D Barker Building & Joinery............................... 72 BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL C2 Safety........................... 51 CARPET CLEANING Clifton Carpet Cleaning.... 45 Future Carpet Cleaning Services............................. 51 Smart Cleaning Group...... 78 Ultraclean.......................... 60 CARPETS AND FLOORING Acomb Flooring Company........................... 57 Ebor Carpets...................... 51 JS Woodcraft..................... 49 Pocklington Carpets ......... 45

York Oak Flooring............ 47 CARS & SERVICING JR Motor Services............. 31 Paint X.............................. 31 COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY NYCOM Ltd..................... 75 DAMP PROOFING Peter Cox........................... 65 DENTISTS Howardian Dental Practice... .......................................... 42 DENTURES Smile Denture Clinic......... 43 DRAINAGE Easaway Environmental ... 73 DRIVEWAYS Ground Solution Services..... .......................................... 71 ELECTRICIANS HC Engineering................ 14 Judge Electrical................. 53 ESTATE AGENTS Your Move Anscombs....... 80 FENCING & SHEDS Colourfence York.............. 66 Linear Fencing.................. 66 On The Fence.................... 67 Sharps World of Wood...... 70 York Landscapes............... 68 FIRE & SECURITY Derventio Fire & Security .49 FIREPLACES & STOVES Focus Fireplaces.................. 9 Hovingham Fireplaces...... 16 FOOD & DRINK Beechwood Close Hotel.... 34 The Red Lion Country Inn..................................... 35 The White Swan Inn......... 34 FUEL Corners Warmers............... 51 FUNERAL DIRECTORS JG Fielder & Son.............. 42 FURNITURE & INTERIORS Antique Restoration.......... 49 Classic Upholstery ........... 48

Misselthwaite Manor........ 47 GARAGE DOORS & REPAIRS Garolla York...................... 61 Hobman Garage Doors..... 48 Premier Garage Doors....... 57 GARDENING Astek Landscapes.............. 69 Colourfence York.............. 66 Linear Fencing.................. 66 On The Fence.................... 67 Oakwood Landscaping...... 67 R Verity Plant Hire............ 70 Sharps World of Wood...... 70 Steam & Moorland Garden Centre................................ 11 York Gardens Ltd.............. 71 York Landscapes............... 68 GRAPHIC DESIGN Number 23........................ 66 HEALTH & SAFETY C2 Safety........................... 51 HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS Cambridge Weight Loss.... 41 Stephanie Hackett Foot Health Professional........... 42 Xercise Fitness.................. 41 HEATING Power Heating................... 15 HOUSE CLEARANCE Guy’s Antiques & Collectables....................... 25 JOINERY Joinery and Property Services............................. 72 JW Joinery........................ 45 Norton Joinery.................. 22 KITCHENS & BEDROOMS Dream Doors Ltd.............. 49 Instyle Kitchens & Bedrooms............................ 3 Instyle Kitchens & Bedrooms Facelifts........... 13 Kitchen Revive.................. 23 Moonlight Bedrooms........ 47 LOCKSMITHS Dr Locks............................ 72

MARKETS Hovingham Village Market............................... 35 MOBILITY MV Mobility..................... 45 NURSERIES York Montessori Nursery.. 37 OPTICIANS Haxby Opticians................ 32 PAINTERS & DECORATORS Dave Kavanagh Painting & Decorating......................... 72 SP Essex Painting & Decorating......................... 47 Steve Calladene Painting & Decorating......................... 70 PEST CONTROL York Environmental Services............................. 53 PETS & EQUINE Adventure Dogs................ 75 Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic................................. 75 Station House Vets............ 73 PLASTERING A G Plastering Services.... 75 A&B Plastering................. 51 PLUMBING & HEATING DJC Plumbing, Heating & Gas Engineers................... 52 GW Plumbing..................... 2 Haxby Plumbing & Heating.. .......................................... 60 HC Engineering................ 14 Kenson Gas, Heating & Plumbing............................. 5 Plumbing by Taylor........... 72 The Direct Boiler Company........................... 21 TP Plumbing..................... 60 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Joinery and Property Services............................. 72 JW Joinery........................ 45 Peter Cox........................... 65 RMB Building Maintenance...................... 65 thehandymag.co.uk | 77

Yorkshire Home & Property Services............................. 70 Yorkshire Loft Ladders..... 59 RECRUITMENT Prestige Nursing................ 79 RENEWABLE ENERGY Peak Power Systems......... 61 ROOFING & GUTTERING Able Roofing..................... 72 E Whatnell Roofing Contractor......................... 60 Malton Roofing Specialists......................... 78 Roofguard......................... 65 SCHOOLS Huntington School............ 37 SOFT FURNISHING Classic Upholstery ........... 48 Misselthwaite Manor........ 47 TILES Monks Cross Tiles & Bathrooms......................... 55 Direct Tile Importers......... 19 TRAVEL Conexo Travel................... 29

TREE SURGEONS DRL Tree Services............ 71 Yorkshire Tree Surgeons... 71 TUTORING Stars from Acorns Maths Tutor.................................. 41 Stars from Acorns Piano Lessons.............................. 41 UPHOLSTERY Classic Upholstery ........... 48 Misselthwaite Manor........ 47 VETS Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic................................. 75 Station House Vets............ 73 WILL WRITING CJS Legal Services........... 17 WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Cloud 9 Windows.............. 53 Instyle Windows................ 15 JG Windows...................... 11 Window Distribution......... 23 YO1 UPVC & Aluminium Solutions........................... 15 Yorkshire Windows........... 25

Puzzle Answers Pictograms 1. Plain Jane 2. Golden Oldies 3. Fingers On Buzzers

MALTON’S ROOFING SPECIALISTS 20% OFF

ALL TYPES OF ROOFING Domestic & Commercial

until 31st Jan 2019

New Roofs • Re-roofs • Flat Roofs • Fibreglass • UPVC Soffits • Fascias & Gutters • Chimney Repointing • Ridges repointed • Gutter cleaning

Call now for free friendly advice and a free quote

T: 01653 489743 | M: 07854 737265 nathanwnunn@live.com

www.smartcleaninguk.co.uk info@smartcleaninguk.co.uk

Recruitment

Quiz answers

1. Fifth 2. Ikea 3. South Korea 4. The National Lottery results 5. Hair loss 6. Saudi Arabia 7. Dancing Queen 8. Sussex 9. Give birth 10. Three Lions 78 | Handy Mag | January 2019

Does your business have spaces to fill? Why not advertise them here?

The Handy Mag is distributed to over 26,000 letterboxes locally!

Call 01653 495015 for more details

WE ARE RECRUITING! Part time & Full time Health Care Assistants FREE Award-winning training Holiday pay Support of a professional team Members Advantages Scheme Weekly pay

Call Anna or Kaye on 01904 466666 york@prestige-nursing.co.uk

www.prestige-nursing.co.uk

A Personal Service and Great Results

Call us on 01904 621532 to arrange a FREE valuation