Your Local Link: March 2026

YORK, WITH A SPRING IN ITS STEP…

Dear Reader, Springtime is here! With Yorkies emerging bleary-eyed from their winter hibernation, spring is the perfect time to get out and about in the city. There’s plenty going on in York this month, from Mother’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, and International Women’s Day celebrations, to the usual smorgasbord of live music, comedy, theatre shows, exhibitions, and community get-togethers. Just in time for World Book Day, York Literature Festival will be running a bonanza of bookworm-friendly, citywide events until 26th March -

Meet our team!

to mark the occasion, we wrangled a chinwag with award-winning author Liz Flanagan, and we’ve also included a breakdown of the full festival programme, so you can secure your tickets early! We’ll also be chatting with a local street art muralist, as well as star of stage and screen Lee Mead, who’s currently touring the UK (and taking on the tightrope) with the spectacular show Barnum - The Circus Musical. And, to mark World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st, we’ll be highlighting the good work of local charity, Shine21… Until next month, The YLL Team.

Design/Editorial & Social Media: Scott, Sophie, Correy, Vincent,

Advertising: Mim, Craig, Mackenzie & Jack. Distribution:

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

On The Cover This Month

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: The Concert, Live and Dead on Stage!

Since the first Horrible Histories title hit the shelves in 1993, the beloved children’s book series from acclaimed author (and Your Local Link interviewee) Terry Deary has inspired countless young history buffs, and even spawned a BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series. For the very first time, Horrible Histories will be appearing live (and dead!) on stage, with a very special show at York Barbican on 6th April. Catch all of your favourite songs and stars from the TV show in the flesh, and get acquainted with historical figures including William Shakespeare, Henry VIII, and Cleopatra, with a typically irreverent and hilarious Horrible Histories twist!

“March is the month of expectation” - Emily Dickinson

Our home on the internet, www.yourlocallink.co.uk, is jam-packed with York events, stories you won’t find in the magazine, and free printable walks from our Walking Wanderer yourlocallink.co.uk

Gini.

Simon

Gini Scott Sophie

Mim Craig Mackenzie

Molly Jack Correy Matt Louise Ted Nicola Maddy Vincent

MONDAY

FOXWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE

9am and 10:30am

Vicki - 07340037638

HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB

5:30pm and 7pm

Vicki - 07340037638

STOCKTON LANE

METHODIST CHURCH

5pm and 7pm

Michaela 07856151037

MELODIE PARK, CLIFTON

5:30pm and 7pm

Pete - 07855494880

TUESDAY

HAXBY SPORTS BAR

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

ST CHAD’S CHURCH, SOUTH BANK

5:30pm Sue - 07816537210

FOXWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE

5:30 and 7pm Pete - 07855494880

WEDNESDAY

HAXBY SPORTS BAR

9am and 10:30am Corinne 07496265251

HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB

3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm Jacqui - 07779123167

POPPLETON

VILLAGE HALL

6pm and 7:30pm Vicki - 07340037638

ST AELRED’S CHURCH 9am Pete - 07855494880

STRENSALL

VILLAGE HALL 5pm Sharon 07397682674

THURSDAY

NEW GROUP Launches 5th Feb

ST OSWALD’S HALL, FULFORD, 7pm. Sue - 07816537210

BISHOPTHORPE VILLAGE HALL 5:30pm and 7pm Sue - 07816537210

NEW EARSWICK BOWLING CLUB 5:30pm and 7pm Michaela 07856151037

EASINGWOLD SCOUT HUT

9am, 4pm 5:30pm and 7pm Sharon 07397682674

HOLGATE, RI SPORTS CLUB 5pm Corinne 07496265251

FRIDAY

NEW EARSWICK BOWLING CLUB 9am and 11am Michaela 07856151037

CLIFTON COMMUNITY CENTRE 8am and 9:30am Sharon 07397682674

PARK GROVE SCHOOL 6:30pm Corinne 07496265251

SATURDAY

PARK GROVE SCHOOL

7:30am, 9 am and 10:30am Alysha - 07804500684

LIDGETT METHODIST CHURCH 8am and 9:30am Corinne 07496265251

Relaunches 24th Jan PARK GROVE SCHOOL York YO31 8LG 7:30am, 9am & 10:30am

Alysha - 07804500684

Inside this month

8 - WALKING WANDERER

Embark on a breezy 3-hour walk around Copmanthorpe, Colton, Bilbrough and the Askhams with our resident Walking Wanderer.

16 - HOROSCOPES

See what’s in store for the month ahead, courtesy of our in-house astrologer, Heather…

58-71 - HOME AND GARDEN

Find out how to prepare your garden for spring, avoid dodgy green waste carriers, and cultivate your very own wildflower meadow. Regular columnist Tony Chalcraft will also be dishing the dirt on rhubarb, while Matt Todd will be running through key kitchen trends for the year ahead.

14 - WIN, WIN, WIN

This month, our readers are in with a chance of winning TWO FREE TICKETS for the West End hit ‘2:22 A Ghost Story’ at York Grand Opera House, as well as TWO FREE TICKETS for Helen Charlston & Sholto Kynoch’s upcoming performance at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall!

Interviews

38 - LEE MEAD

We took to the tightrope with star of stage and screen Lee Mead, to discuss the new touring production

of the spectacular show BarnumThe Circus Musical.

34 - LIZ FLANAGAN

Ahead of a double-bill of appearances at York Literature Festival 2026, we caught up with acclaimed wordsmith Liz Flanagan, famed for the Wildsmith children’s book series.

32 - JAMES MORAN

We unearthed our spray paint for a colourful chat about Yorkshire’s unique street art scene, with local muralist James Moran.

Features

44 - ‘CLICK BEFORE YOU TIP’ AT HAZEL COURT HWRC

Spring cleaning this month?

Thinking of visiting the tip? Get to grips with the new ‘Click Before You Tip’ scheme at Hazel Court HWRC.

34 - YORK LITERATURE FESTIVAL

This year’s York Literature Festival runs until 26 March, and we’ve outlined a comprehensive guide to the jam-packed, bookwormfriendly events programme!

10 - TIME TRAVEL

Step back in time with our resident Time Traveller to learn more about the history of one of God’s Own County’s finest hotels, The Grand York.

APPLIANCE Services

47 - ASK A VET

Bishopton Vets are back again with some top tips for keeping pets warm and cosy during cold snaps.

36 - WE TRIED

Find out what our team made of the highly anticipated new production of Single White Female, a star-studded thriller featuring Lisa Faulkner and Kym Marsh.

42 - FASHION FOCUS

Inspired by the impending York arrival of the travelling vintage department store Portal To The Past, we took a look at vintage fashions with a modern twist…

58 - GET THE LOOK

Get top tips for sprucing up your home with timeless, vintageinspired stylings.

32-38 - YORK CULTURE

Check out Ben’s latest book reviews, peruse some super local poetry, dig into Robin’s short story, and more…

Reviews

39- MIDDLE FEAST YORK

This month, our discerning restaurant reviewer got his munch on with a Middle Eastern feast at popular local eatery, Middle Feast York.

47 - GIVE US A HOME

Get the inside scoop on some local pets in need of a new home - could you be the one to give them the love and shelter they need?

18-30 - EVENTS

There are all sorts of events going on in York this March - see our jampacked Events pages to find every local listing worth knowing about!

78-92 - CLASSIFIED

A comprehensive list of the local tradespeople you’ve been looking for. Find our most trusted tradies (who’ve been with us for yonks) in the Trusted Traders section.

WALKING WITH THE WANDERER

Copmanthorpe,

Colton, Bilbrough & the Askhams

Time: 3 hours | Distance: 6 ½ miles

IS THIS WALK FOR ME?

Medium length with minor slopes, this walk is generally easy. The A64 is crossed safely on bridges, however, there are stiles, steps and plenty of mud in winter. Cattle may be grazing in fields after Colton. At Point 2, route finding can be hampered by crops covering the footpath.

Directions

1/ With the Royal Oak pub behind you, go left, soon passing the Methodist Church. Keep ahead at Station Road on Moor Lane. Just beyond the cemetery, take the signed path right between repurposed water containers, across a field to a hedge corner. Continue ahead with the hedge to your left. Where the hedge ends, cross the footbridge and walk towards the railway, heading slightly left of a prominent tree to a hedge gap.

2/ Turn right on the grassy hedged lane. Where this ends, continue ahead between crops towards a cluster of trees, soon walking beside a hedge to the right until you reach

GETTING THERE

The start point is the Royal Oak pub in Copmanthorpe, four miles from York via Tadcaster Road. Roadside parking is available on Horseman Lane and nearby, though the walk can start from any village. Regular Coastliner buses stop at Hallcroft Lane, Copmanthorpe, while the less frequent no.13 service (not running on Sundays) stops on Main Street, just beyond the start. Both services run from Stonebow and the station.

a footbridge. Over this, the path is often covered by crops. The right of way crosses directly over the large field to an entrance near a telegraph pole and a house. (At the time of walking, there was no clear path, but turning left at the field edge and then following the second tramlines right leads to the field exit).

3/ After crossing the field, turn left on the tarmac lane, which soon bends sharp right into Colton. Continue, passing the Fairfax Distillery. Just beyond the brick church, take the signed path right, at a stile between houses.

4/ Follow the clearly marked path

REFRESHMENTS

There are two pubs open daily: the Royal Oak in Copmanthorpe and the Nag’s Head in Askham Bryan. Little Acorns Café in Copmanthorpe is open until 3.30pm (2pm Saturdays, closed Sundays). The Grange Coffee Shop in Askham Richard (just off route by the pond) is open Wednesday–Sunday until mid-afternoon.

Traversing varied countryside, this route links no less than five villages. Apart from Copmanthorpe, all are relatively small and quiet, despite the proximity of the busy A64.

WHAT TO SEE

Each village features an interesting mix of buildings. Askham Richard, with its green and duck pond, is a quintessential English village, while the Fairfax Tomb in Bilbrough Church is a key historical highlight. The countryside around Bilbrough and beyond Askham Richard remains unspoilt, with woodland, varied wildlife and gentle rises offering views towards York Minster and across the wider landscape.

over more stiles. Entering a larger field, cross its corner towards a prominent tree, continuing along the left edge. After another stile, cross a grass field, heading slightly right of the tallest tree. Go over a further stile. Keep ahead until you reach the last stile and a road. Turn right on the verge. At the junction, turn right (blue Bilbrough sign), crossing the A64 bridge.

5/ At the T junction beyond the bridge, turn right, but in 25 metres, cross the road and go through a hedge gap by a metal pole. Turn immediately right to the near field corner (if you miss the hedge gap reach the field corner at metal gates further along the road). Turn left with a hedge right. At a gap (small sign), cross into the next field, continuing in the same direction with the hedge to your left. At the field end, turn right. In 30 metres, go through the gap into a grass field. Follow the path near the right hedge, soon passing a pond to the left. Through a squeeze stile, pass Bilbrough church left to the village street.

6/ Turn right. In a short distance, by the telephone box, cross over to take the signed footpath between houses to a tarmac road. Turn right, remaining on the road to a T junction.

7/ Turn left. After the bend, take the signed bridleway left. At the brow of a hill, by a seat and beech trees, turn right (no sign) with a hedge to the left. Cross two stiles, continuing along field edges for 600 metres. Turn sharply left down steps, then

continue through two fields with hedges at the right to a road. Turn right.

8/ At the next junction, go left (signed Askham Richard) on the verge into the village. Opposite the pond, look for a post box over to the right (beyond the closed pub and next to Old Joiners Cottage) and take the track to its left. Go through a kissing gate, then keep near the hedge at the left. Cross the planked ditch to go diagonally left across the wider field, to the far corner and a kissing gate. Cross the track, going ahead on the path opposite with a fence to the left. After double stiles, walk along a field edge, then a hedged track, to reach tarmac at a sharp bend.

9/ Go ahead into Askham Bryan village. Pass the Nags Head and take the first road right (Chapel Lane). Continue to a T junction and turn left. At the next T junction, take the signed path between wooden fences. Pass the double gates between houses/buildings until you reach the college entrance. Turn left, continuing on the road. Turn right to reach the roundabout.

10/ Keep to the roundabout’s right side, then go over the A64, after which, turn left into Manor Heath (Coastliner bus stop). Continue with houses to the left and fields to the right, until you reach a crossroads. Here, turn left into Hallcroft Lane. At the next junction (Horseman Lane), turn right (no. 13 bus stop in 30 metres) to return to the Royal Oak starting point.

DISCLAIMER:

Time Travel

Exploring York’s past, one place at a time

THIS MONTH: The Grand, York

This month, we delve into the history of The Grand Hotel in York, once the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway (NER), a building that played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s railway legacy.

Whilst making the most of York Residents’ Fest at the end of January, I visited The Grand, which was offering guided tours of the building and an insight into its fascinating history.

The Grand was the Headquarters for the North Eastern Railway. Designed by William Bell, an architect from York who also designed stations such as Alnwick, Darlington Top, Hull and Newcastle, was joined by Horace Field, the architect who designed all the detailing, known for combining tradition with refined details. The building was “intended to reflect the power and prestige of the company” and earned the name as a ‘Palace of Business’.

Building began in 1900 and was built in the Edwardian Baroque Revival style, a popular architecture seen between 1885-1920, characterised by symmetricality and theatricality, featuring domes, arches and columns with decorative plasterwork. The most impressive features were on the first few floors, exaggerated on the ground floor and becoming gradually less as you move up through the building.

The headquarters were opened for business in 1906 and became one of the largest employers in the

North of England. It took care of 1,750+ miles of railway and operated hubs across Yorkshire and the Northeast.

The first thing I noticed when I arrived was the NER Stone Carving above the entrance, still in perfect condition today. I was then shown in by the friendly doorman and directed to the White Rose Lounge on the west side of the building. The tour began with a visit to see an original clock, hung in the 1906 bar. The clock is permanently set to 19:06, a detail that often confuses guests who are looking for the time.

Staying on the west side of the building, we were taken up Edwardian-style stairs that were lined with distinctive green tiles. The green was, and is, a tribute to the colour of The Flying Scotsman. Although painted black during the war, they were later refurbished back to their original green.

This area of the building was reserved for the most influential directors and executives working here at the time, so was the most lavishly decorated. Much of the décor throughout the building is all still original, aside from necessary updates such as new lighting.

We were shown into the Boardroom, which still has its original floor-to-ceiling wood panelling, big windows and parquet flooring.

We could see where the original map would have been hung, which would have shown the whole network and all the routes of the railway. Sadly, this was taken down and is no longer there to see. The room would originally have had a circular table and was used for important meetings and discussions.

Next to the Boardroom, the rooms along here which were offices, still have their original office numbers

These have now been converted into bedrooms, each named after the influential people who worked here. For example, the Ridley Suite and the Leeman Suite are named after Sir Mathew White Ridley and George Leeman, who were both chairmen here, while the Gibb Suite and Butterworth Suite are named after General Managers of the Northeastern Railway.

on the ceiling, which was designed by an artist whose logo was a honeybee. If you look closely, you can spot a

real bee that flew in during the painting process and became trapped in the paintwork, still visible today, poised on a flower as if searching for pollen.

Up on the fifth floor, although we couldn’t see the penthouse suite, we learned that it was originally occupied by the caretaker who looked after the building during its time as offices. As an impressive perk of the job, the space also functioned as a two-bedroom apartment.

We then explored the newer part of the building, known as Roman House, named we think, for its location above a former Roman burial ground. This part of the hotel now contains The Grand Cookery School and the newly refurbished Subrosa Spa, which has undergone a £2.8 million transformation.

Going back into the original building, we walked past The Milners Safe, which was a vault of information, holding all important paperwork and legal documents for the NER.

This tour was packed with history and character, and if you ever get the chance to visit The Grand, you’ll get a real sense of how important the building was to the railway, and why it’s still such a landmark today.

If you’re interested in visiting The Grand – whether to stay, dine, enjoy the spa or take part in a cookery class – head over to www.thegrandyork.co.uk for more information.

On the first-floor lobby, we admired the original floral plasterwork

Dear Daphne

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

DEAR DAPHNE,

My sister lives in Manchester and keeps turning up to stay with me, usually with very little (mostly none) notice. I obviously love her and it’s nice to see her, but last year she stayed over so many times I lost count. The problem is, I end up cancelling plans because I feel bad leaving her on her own. I’ve got my own life and commitments and it’s starting to get frustrating. How do I put a stop to this without potentially hurting her feelings? Clare, York.

DEAR CLARE,

Let’s be honest here, your sister hasn’t been “visiting,” she’s been treating your place like a Manchester annexe with free accommodation. Turning up with little to no notice and expecting you to reshuffle your life isn’t spontaneous, it’s cheeky. You’re allowed to love your sister and still want control of your own calendar. Right now, the only reason this keeps happening is because you keep bending over backwards. Cancelling your plans to spare her feelings just teaches her that your time is flexible and hers is sacred. You don’t need a big emotional summit. Just tell her, calmly and firmly, “I love seeing you, but I do need some notice before you come to stay, as I can’t always change my plans.” No apology tour, no justifying yourself. That’s a boundary, not a rejection.

If she sulks, let her - she might want to sulk when the free hotel closes! Boundaries are how relationships survive long-term. Fail to set them now and, yes, you’ll soon be arguing over whose turn it is to buy washing powder.

DAPHNE X

DEAR DAPHNE,

I’m supposed to be going on holiday with my best friend in June, but if I’m

honest, I’m already dreading it. Over the last few months she’s become really needy and it’s starting to get on my nerves more than I’d like to admit. I find myself getting irritated just being around her, which makes me feel awful. I’m worried if I don’t say something, it’ll all come out while we’re away and ruin the trip. Should I try to talk to her about it before we go, or just keep quiet and hope it sorts itself out? Jasmine, York.

DEAR JASMINE,

Never go on holiday hoping things will magically improve. That’s how people end up crying in airports, unfollowing each other on Instagram, and falling out over who got the sun lounger first.

If she’s already getting on your nerves at home, a week together with no escape and questionable Wi-Fi isn’t going to fix it - It’ll magnify it. The fact you’re dreading the trip should tell you everything you need to know. Deal with it now, not after three sangrias and a passive-aggressive breakfast.

You don’t need to list every little thing she does that winds you up. Just be honest and calm. Tell her you’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed and that you’ll need some breathing space on the trip. That’s reasonable, not cruel, and it gives her a chance to dial things back.

If you say nothing, you’ll snap eventually. And snapping abroad is a fast track to a ruined holiday and an even messier flight home. A slightly awkward chat now beats a friendship-ending row by the pool.

DAPHNE X

DEAR DAPHNE,

I think my new friend’s husband doesn’t like me, and I don’t know why. We met through the kids and get on really well, but whenever I’m around her husband he barely

speaks to me and keeps things short and blunt. He’s fine with other people, so I’ve noticed it more. I’ve invited them out as a couple before and she always says no, but she’s happy to meet just us. Nothing’s been said, but it feels awkward and confusing, and I don’t want it hanging over the friendship. What should I do? Anon, York.

DEAR ANON,

This may surprise you, but not everyone has to like you. And some husbands are just odd, territorial, or allergic to new people. Here’s the key point: he hasn’t actually done anything wrong. He’s not rude, he’s just distant. That’s uncomfortable, but it’s not something you need to fix. The friendship is between you and her, not you and him.

Stop monitoring his behaviour and stop trying to force couple outings. Let the friendship exist on its own terms. If your friend is happy to meet you one-to-one, that’s enough.

If it ever becomes openly rude or uncomfortable, then it’s worth raising. Until then, don’t borrow trouble. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is accept mild awkwardness and carry on regardless.

DAPHNE X

DEAR DAPHNE,

Me and my girlfriend have been together about six months and things have been a bit rocky lately, lots of arguing and stress. She’s just taken a temp job around two hours away because she hates her current one. She’s planning to stay with friends there for a bit while she sorts somewhere to live. I’m worried this is going to finish us. We won’t see each other much and there’ll be no real time together. Can I tell her how I feel without pushing her more away? Is

there any way to make this work, or is it done? Callum, York.

DEAR CALLUM,

You can and should say how you feel, but let’s be honest about what’s really bothering you. It’s not just the distance, it’s the fear that she’s quietly packing up the relationship along with her overnight bag.

Tell her how the move makes you feel, calmly and without turning it into a Love Island drama. No “if you loved me” speeches, no emotional monologues by the fire pit. Just say you’re worried about losing the connection and ask her where she sees things going. Straight question, straight answer.

Here’s the uncomfortable bit: Relationships that are already wobbling don’t usually flourish once they’re two hours apart and living out of overnight bags. That doesn’t mean it’s definitely over, but it does mean you need clarity, not vague promises and hopeful guessing. If she wants to make it work, she’ll meet you halfway. If she doesn’t, no amount of waiting around will change that. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask the question you’re scared of hearing the answer to.

DAPHNE X

Copperclay Mews, Easingwold.

Considered a career in care?

care isn’t always what you think rewarding and offers a level of job won’t find elsewhere. You can no two days are the same. get the opportunity to make a real the lives of the people we support at Mews.

code to see our latest vacancies! E: recruitment@hesleygroup.co.uk

Considered a career in care?

Working in care isn’t always what you think It’s incredibly rewarding and offers a level of job satisfaction you won’t find elsewhere. You can guarantee that no two days are the same. Above all you’ll get the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of the people we support at Copperclay Mews.

Scan the QR code to see our latest vacancies! 01302 571710 recruitment@hesleygroup.co.uk

Contact us today on T: 01302 571710 | E: recruitment@hesleygroup.co.uk see our latest vacancies Working in care isn’t always what you think. Its incredibly rewarding and offers a level of job satisfaction you wont find elsewhere. You can guarantee that no two days are the same. Above all you’ll get the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of the people we support at Copperclay mews.

PUZZLES & COMPETITIONS

TWO FREE TICKETS FOR ‘2:22 A GHOST STORY’ AT YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE

Running at York Grand Opera House from 30 March - 4 April, ‘2:22 A Ghost Story’ is an award-winning supernatural thriller starring James Bye (EastEnders) and Natalie Casey (2 Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps). Our lucky readers have the chance to secure two free tickets to see this record-breaking West End smash hit! (Please note: tickets are available for either the 30th or 31st of March, or the 1st or 2nd of April.)

To be in with a chance of winning two free tickets for ‘2:22 A Ghost

Story’, simply answer the following question:

At which York theatre is ‘2:22 A Ghost Story’ running?

A. York Grand Opera House

B. York Theatre Royal

C. Joseph Rowntree Theatre

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Ghost Competition’ to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF, or by email to competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Monday, 23 March. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN:

TWO FREE TICKETS FOR ‘HELEN CHARLSTON & SHOLTO KYNOCH’ AT SIR JACK LYONS CONCERT HALL

On 25th March, the people of York will be treated to a feast of classical music at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, when the famed mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston joins acclaimed English pianist, Sholto Kynoch. This dynamic duo will be performing expert renditions of a diverse range of works by composers including Schubert, Schumann, Monteverdi, and Bach.

To be in with a chance of winning two free tickets for ‘Helen

Send your completed puzzle, marked

Competition’ along with your address and telephone number

Unit 3a Kettlestring Lane, Clifton

to reach us no later than 31st March. The first entry picked out of the hat will win the prize. Good luck!

6 8 6 1 6 5 8 2 9 7 4 8 5 WIN:

Charlston & Sholto Kynoch’ on 25th March, simply answer the following question: Which instrument does Sholto Kynoch play?

A. Guitar

B. Piano

C. Oboe

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Lyons Competition’ to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF, or by email to competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Wednesday, 18 March. Terms and conditions apply.

3

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20)

While the disruptive influence of the Mercury retrograde may hamper communications early in the month, those of this sign are likely to experience a reinvigorated sense of connection with those around them after the 20th. As well as heightened communicative skills and social awareness, the end of the month is likely to bring increased clarity and confidenceuse these to your advantage!

Heather’s HOROSCOPES

Aries

(March 21 – April 19)

Until 20th March, Mercury retrograde may lead to potential disruption, especially when it comes to keeping up with your usual self-care and organisational routines. In order to offset this disruptive influence and avoid dayto-day hiccups, listen to your body and take a break if you find yourself suffering from brain fog or physical tiredness. On the other hand, the movement of Mars may lead to heightened initiative and redefined goals, so you’ll be better-equipped to take decisive action in the latter part of March.

Taurus

(April 20 – May 20)

Taureans would do well to take stock of their ambitions this month. After the 10th, the direct motion of Jupiter may provide extra clarity when it comes to assessing and concocting strategies to meet your long-term goals. As such, March could be the perfect month for launching long-held plans! Similarly, the movement of Venus is likely to foster feelings of love and affection early in the month, helping you to gain a sense of purpose and stability when it enters Taurus on the 30th.

Gemini

(May 21 – June 20)

Due to this month’s Mercury retrograde, Geminis are encouraged to think before they speak over the coming weeks, and remember that thoughtful silence trumps hasty words, almost every time! Before the 20th March, it may be best to review your plans and hold your horses - after this date, you should be better equipped to tackle any issues, decisively! Be aware that you may feel a spike of nervous energy - to counteract negative thoughts, try to stay grounded with gentle exercise and calming hobbies.

Cancer

(June 21 – July 22)

Those of this sign may feel emotionally exhausted early in March, and could do well to restore balance by focusing on restful routines and self-care. The direct movement of Jupiter (on the 11th) is likely to usher in successful progress for any previously stalled projects or undertakings related to your

personal or professional life - while it’s best to leave these on the back burner in the first half of the month, don’t hesitate to tackle these with a renewed sense of purpose after this date!

Leo

(July 23 – August 22)

Leos are known as an attentionseeking bunch, and this March could be the perfect time to express yourself and indulge in a spot of performance - if you’ve got it, flaunt it! You’re likely to find energy in the spotlight this month, so make sure you grab any opportunities to show off with both hands. Bold steps towards realising your goals and prospects are likely to pay off in the second half of March. Try to review your ideas early on, for maximum impact.

Virgo

(August 23 – September 22)

With a total lunar eclipse in Virgo falling on March 3rd, those of this sign are encouraged to focus on achieving wellness through daily habits from the very start of the month. Review your day-to-day routines with a fine-tooth comb, and don’t hesitate to trim the fat and ruthlessly ditch any everyday tasks, processes or systems that don’t currently work in your favour. Take note that Mercury in retrograde could aid selfimprovement, so don’t stress, and use the coming weeks to better yourself!

Libra

(September 23 – October 22)

Librans, take note: rather than burning the candle at both ends this month, it’s imperative that you avoid overscheduling, and that you allocate plenty of time to rest and recharge. While Venus entering Aries on the 6th is likely to propel advancements in your love life, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll find further clarity and stability around the 30th, when Venus enters Taurus. Weigh up your options carefully before embarking on any new relationships, no matter how fruitful they may first appear…

Scorpio

(October 23 – November 21)

Scorpios may find enlightenment early this month, with a lunar eclipse on the 3rd providing extra clarity. Once Venus enters Aries

on the 6th, you may find that your sense of confidence and assertiveness is bolstered, which could come in handy when it comes to sorting the wheat from the chaff, both professionally and personally. Singletons of this sign may find new romantic interests, whereas those already in relationships could benefit from honest and open conversations with their loved ones.

Sagittarius

(November 22 – December 21)

While Sagittarians are known for their natural optimism, this ‘glass half full’ way of thinking is likely to work in their favour in the coming weeks. March’s early lunar eclipse may well mark the end of a notable chapter in your career or professional life, opening new doors for previously unexplored hobbies, passions or opportunities, Venus entering Aries will pave the way for playful flirting and bold expressions of affection and love in cherished relationships.

Capricorn

(December 22 – January 19)

Capricorns can be a hard-working lot at the best of times, but this month, those of this sign are advised to work smarter, not harder! If you’ve been on the lookout for new ways to further your career, you could find that you’re presented with fruitful new opportunities, with the direct movement of Jupiter on the 11th fostering progression, with minimal effort. Despite new prospects potentially falling into your lap, it’s important to put new systems in place to make the most of them…

Aquarius

(January 20 – February 18)

This month could be the perfect time to put your ideas into action, with steady and consistent effort being preferable to frantic, flashin-the-pan cramming. Excessive screentime could be your enemy this month, so ensure that you allocate some tech-free time to reset your batteries. Getting plenty of sleep could work wonders for your productivity and energy levels, while you may also find that your sense of wellbeing is bolstered by engaging in group activities and working as part of a team - seek out collaborative pursuits wherever you can!

Admiral Home Improvements

EVENTS • THEATRE • GIGS • CINEMA & MORE

SPONSORED BY GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

The

This month, check out the cream of the crop events and attractions taking place across York. From family-friendly fun to must-see shows and seasonal highlights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

28 FEBRUARY - 26 MARCH

YORK LITERATURE FESTIVAL, Various times and citywide locations. Cash in on York’s rich literary history with an impressive programme of bookwormfriendly events running throughout March, including talks from established authors. Visit www. yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk to secure early bird tickets.

14 MARCH

1 MARCH

YORK COMIC-CON, YO23 1EX. 11.00am-5.00pm. Offering an enormous range of geeky goodies to suit every taste! Expect to see fan cosplay and browse collectables, cosplay, and much more. Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ unleashedevents/1909367 to find out more or book your tickets. For trader enquiries, email trader@unleashedevents.co.uk.

BACH - ST MATTHEW PASSION, York Minster, YO1 7HH. 7.30pm. Experience one of Bach’s best-loved oratorios, which details chapters 26 and 27 of the Gospel of Matthew, in the Luther Bible. Performed by the York Musical Society chorus, orchestra, and soloists, and conducted by David Pipe. Visit yorkmusicalsociety. org.uk or events.humanitix.com to pre-book your tickets.

21-22 MARCH

18 MARCH

WONKY WEDNESDAYS, Avorium, Colliergate, YO1 8BP. This special one-day event offers the people of York a great opportunity to pick up slightly imperfect Avorium products, including notebooks, mugs, and more, from as little as £1! Call 01904 673232 to find out more.

THE GREAT ANTIQUES & VINTAGE FAIR, Wetherby Racecourse, LS22 5EJ. Saturday & Sunday. Organised by Jaguar Fairs LTD, showcasing all manner of antiques and vintage pieces to suit the tastes of any buyer, browser, or collector. The fair is located between the Millennium Grandstand and Bramham Hall Exhibition Centre. Visit www.jaguarfairs.com for further details.

24 MARCH

JEWELLERY, GLASS, CERAMICS, CLOCKS & WATCHES, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES VALUATION EVENT, Bar Convent, YO24 1AQ. 11am-3pm. All visitors are welcome to head down and get in touch with the team for free valuations. Bring along your hidden treasures to see what they’re worth! Visit www. tennants.co.uk to find out more.

OPEN THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

DREAMERY GARDENS & MUSEUM, YO41 1AP. Home to one of England’s best-loved lost Fairy Gardens and an intriguing Fairy Museum, this magical nature sanctuary features a range of beautiful fairy houses set against wonderful woodland. A must-visit attraction just a stone’s throw from York! Visit www.dreamerygardens.co.uk for details and bookings.

Support your high street shops and be in with a chance of winning a £500 York Gift Card and other incredible prizes donated by local businesses!

Theatre & Shows

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

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

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

8 MARCH

HARRY ENFIELD & NO CHUMS

Catch one of the UK’s best-loved comedic talents reflecting on his 40-year career, taking questions from the audience, and reviving some of his most famous characters in the flesh!

9-10 & 11 MARCH

VARNA INTERNATIONAL BALLET - SWAN LAKE & CINDERELLA

The critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet company returns to the UK following its debut tour, with unmissable productions of classic ballets from Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, Swan Lake and Cinderella.

13 MARCH

GARTH MARENGHI’S THIS BURSTED EARTH

Join the Perrier Award-winning fictional horror author Garth Marenghi (as played by Matthew Holness) for a hilarious show promoting his latest book, This Bursted Earth.

14 MARCH

FEARNE COTTON: BREAKING FREE FROM THE NEED TO PLEASE Fern Cotton, longstanding fixture of TV and radio, and founder of the Happy Place podcast, will be in York this month for an insightful show focusing on how women can break free from the ‘good girl’ trap.

15 MARCH

A COUNTRY NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

This acclaimed tribute show offers a musical journey through the rich history of the country genre, featuring hits from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and more.

17 MARCH

MICHAEL PORTILLO - A LIFE OF TWO HALVES

This illuminating one-man show offers a glimpse into the colourful life of former Conservative politician, journalist and broadcaster Michael Portillo, of Great British Railway Journeys fame.

26 MARCH

MENFULNESS LIVE!

Designed to raise awareness of men’s mental health and celebrate the important work carried out by local charity Menfulness, this will be a gala night to remember!

30 MARCH - 4 APRIL

2:22 A GHOST STORY

Arriving in York off the back of five record-breaking West End seasons, this supernatural thriller stars

James Bye (EastEnders) and Natalie Casey (2 Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps).

10-18 APRIL COME FROM AWAY

A brand-new York Stage production of the multi-award-winning London and Broadway smash hit musical, from Irene Sankoff and David Hein.

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

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

6-7 MARCH

EVERYBODY DANCE FESTIVAL

Created by Dance Space Projects in partnership with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, this two-day extravaganza will feature performances by young dancers from local schools.

17 MARCH - 4 APRIL

THE SECRET GARDENTHE MUSICAL

This unmissable revival of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical (based on the classic novel) is directed by John Doyle, who’ll be available for a post-show discussion on the 18th.

21 MARCH

NT CONNECTIONS: FISHVILLE

Written by the award-winning Afsaneh Gray (Octopus, Shakespeare & Hathaway), this must-see production focuses on the tragic death of a young man, and a mythical underwater community…

31 MARCH - 2 APRIL

MEET FRED

Following a two-foot-tall puppet with a difference, this internationally popular production will land in York this month, as part of its 10th anniversary tour.

YORK BARBICAN

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

6 MARCH

CELTIC ILLUSION

This unique fusion of Irish dancing and Vegas-style magic shows offers an energetic and colourful night out that’s not to be missed!

7 MARCH

CLINTON BAPTISTE - SPECTRAL INTERCOURSE

Settle down for a hilarious evening of spectral sniggers with the nation’s favourite clairvoyant medium, as seen on Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights… ‘I’m getting the word!’

8 MARCH AISLING BEA: OLDER THAN JESUS

Join the acclaimed, award-winning Irish comedian, actress and screenwriter Aisling Bea this month, for her latest stand-up set, Older Than Jesus.

18 MARCH

LONDON SYMPHONIC ROCK ORCHESTRA

Featuring orchestral takes on hits from Queen, Metallica, Black Sabbath and more, this genrebending spectacle has performed more than 300 shows to over 400,000 spectators so far!

20 MARCH

CHRIS RAMSEY: HERE, MAN!

Catch this acclaimed stand-up comedian in the flesh, as seen on Strictly Come Dancing, Taskmaster, The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show and Children in Need.

22 MARCH

MURDER TRIAL TONIGHT IVDEATH OF A LANDLORD

Based on a true story, this courtroom thriller follows the story of Victor Sloane, a landlord found murdered. As part of the jury, will you be able to pick out the guilty party?

events! Scan the QR code to receive our events e-shot!

6-7 APRIL

HORRIBLE HISTORIES:

THE CONCERT, LIVE AND DEAD ON STAGE!

Catch your favourite songs and actors from the award-winning CBBC TV show on stage, and get acquainted with historical figures including Henry VIII and Queen Victoria!

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE

To book: boxoffice@jrtheatre. co.uk or call 01904 501935

1-7 MARCH

COMMUNITY CHOIR FESTIVAL 2026

See 43 diverse choirs performing across nine concerts. Expect to hear classical and modern popular songs, world music, gospel, jazz, and more!

12-14 MARCH

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

Catch the University of York Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of a lesser-known Gilbert and Sullivan show, centred in the historic Tower of London.

19-21 MARCH

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

The Rowntree Players company will take on Oscar Wilde’s classic farcical comedy this month, in which two men lead double lives under the same name…

26-28 MARCH

DISNEY’S NEWSIES JR

This Be Amazing Arts production of the hit 2012 Broadway musical is a must-see for Disney fans. A top ticket for children and adults alike!

1-4 APRIL

PARADE

This must-see Black Sheep Theatre production of the hit musical Parade follows the tragic true story of an innocent man, wrongly accused of murder.

28 APRIL - 2 MAY

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

This outrageously awesome NETheatre production follows two drag queens and a transgender woman travelling across the Australian Outback, based on the 1994 movie.

THEATRE@41 Monkgate

Visit tickets.41monkgate.co.uk for ticket bookings.

3-7 MARCH

ANNE BOLEYN

First premiering at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2010, Howard Brenton’s play is an award-winning take on the life of Henry VIII’s notorious second wife.

10 MARCH

NT LIVE: HAMLET

Starring Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) in the title role, this contemporary take on one of Shakespeare’s best-loved tragedies is directed by Robert Hastie (Operation Mincemeat)

11 MARCH

JOSH JONES: I HAVEN’T WON THE LOTTERY SO HERE’S ANOTHER TOUR

Mancunian comedian Joshua Jones (as seen on House of Games and Dancing on Ice) is back on the road with his new show, after his sell-out smash Gobsmacked

18 MARCH PIXIEMATOSIS

This unique, charming production from theOBJECTproject follows tiny, extraordinary creatures living in a nocturnal paradise, where not all is as it seems…

25 MARCH - 4 APRIL

NEXT TO NORMAL

The Pick Me Up Theatre company take their hand to Next to Normal, an award-winning play that offers a touching exploration of family, loss and grief.

FRIARGATE THEATRE

Visit www.ridinglights.org for tickets and more.

14 MARCH RETURN TO THE 60S

This energetic show invites you to step back in time to the Swinging

Sixties, showcasing the music and fashion of The British Invasion, The Summer of Love, Motown and more…

19-21 MARCH DREAMER

Created by the Mixed Bag Players, this show opens up a world of puppets, projected animation, tricky spirits and rhyming curses.

26 MARCH GET UP STAND UP!

Hosted by resident MC Tony Vino, this star-studded stand-up night at Friargate features Mike Capozzola and none other than Roy Walker, as seen on Catchphrase!

SCARBOROUGH SPA

Visit www.scarboroughspa.co.uk for details and ticket bookings.

6 MARCH QUEEN OF THE NIGHT - A TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON

Catch the UK’s biggest Whitney Houston tribute this month, including live renditions of hits including I’m Every Woman, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and many more!

7 MARCH

MURDER TRIAL TONIGHT IVDEATH OF A LANDLORD

Based on a true story, this courtroom thriller follows the story of Victor Sloane, a landlord found murdered. As part of the jury, will you be able to pick out the guilty party?

10-12 MARCH

WE WILL ROCK YOU

This Scarborough Theatre Company production of the electrifying, Queen-inspired hit musical features all of your favourite hits from Freddie and the boys.

14 MARCH

MAN IN THE MIRROR - A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

Enjoy The King of Pop’s bestloved, career-spanning hits in this wonderful live stage show, featuring CJ, one of the world’s greatest Michael Jackson tribute artists!

22 MARCH PIED PIPER

This modern musical reimagining of the classic fairytale features the BAC Beatbox Academy adding their hip-hop twist, plus special guest performances from the local community.

Events

Itching for something to do? Read on…

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

13 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH

DARK SKIES FESTIVAL, Various times and locations. Now in its eleventh year, the Dark Skies Festival offers a curated programme of sky-centric photography, nightwalking and stargazing events across the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visit www.darkskiesnationalparks.org. uk/north-york-moors-events to see the full programme.

1 MARCH

PECULIAR PASTIMES: A BLOOD-CURDLING BOUQUET OF BOARD GAMES AND BOUTIQUES, The Artful Dodger, YO1 6LJ. 2.00pm-10.00pm. Enjoy a full day of goth-friendly board games, card games, and alternative market stalls. Entry is free, but suggested donations of £5 are more than welcome at the door! Email theboneyardblitz@gmail.com to find out more.

1 MARCH

JUSTIN MOORHOUSE: THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE OF MY LIFE, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW. 7.00pm-10.00pm. Catch the latest stand-up offering from Moorhouse, as seen in ‘As Yet Untitled’, ‘Looking for Eric’, and Peter Kay’s ‘Phoenix Nights’. Visit www.thecrescentyork.com/events/ burning-duck-comedy-justinmoorhouse to book.

1-7 MARCH

YORK COMMUNITY CHOIR

FESTIVAL, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, YO31 8TA. Enjoy performances from 43 choirs

of all ages across nine concerts - the biggest York Community Choir Festival yet! Visit www. josephrowntreetheatre. co.uk/whats-on/concert/ york-community-choirfestival-2026/2840 to book and browse the full programme.

1-8 MARCH

YORK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK, Various times and citywide locations. Returning with its biggest programme to date, York International Women’s Week will feature over 60 events across the city and online, with many available for free entry. Call 01904 702060, visit www.yorkwomen. org.uk, or follow @yorkwomen for further information.

2 MARCH

BINGO NIGHT, Strensall & Towthorpe Village Hall, YO32 5XN. Doors open at 7.30pm. Enjoy a lively bingo night with plenty of prizes, plus two cash games. The top prize is currently £100, but will rise to £500 if 100 players attend. Email strensallbowlschair@gmail.com for further details.

4 MARCH

MYSTERY AND WONDER, St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, YO24 1AQ. 9.15am-1.00pm. A quiet morning of reflection on the wonder of God and creation, led by Debra Nurthen and Liz Hoare. Call 01904 464900 or email fiona@stbedes.org.uk to book or find out more.

4 MARCH

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK 2026: RESISTANCE, RECLAMATION & SOLIDARITY, Creative Centre, York St John University, YO31 7EX. 12.30pm7.30pm. A half-day symposium examining everyday forms of resistance, reclamation and solidarity applied by women across the world. Entry is free. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/internationalwomens-week-2026-resistancereclamation-and-solidaritytickets-1977491135218? to reserve your place.

4 MARCH

JOE KENT-WALTERS IS FRANKIE MONROE, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW. 7.00pm-10.00pm. Returning to York after a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, the nation’s favourite demonic, comic entertainer is back from the dead! Visit www.thecrescentyork.com/ events/comedy-joe-kent-waltersis-frankie-monroe to book.

5, 12, 19 & 26 MARCH

GALLERY BABIES, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 10.00am-12.00pm. Designed for pre-walking babies and their parents, these relaxed and informal drop-in sessions offer little ones the chance to explore shape, colour, and texture with a beautiful sensory toolkit including squishy, colourful sculptural objects. Visit www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/ whats-on/events/gallery-babies-11 to find out more.

6 MARCH

WOMEN OF YORK: FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION, D/N056, Derwent College, YO10 5DD. A free film screening and illuminating panel discussion to celebrate the crucial role of women in the city of York’s heritage, history, and development over the years. Visit www.eventbrite. com/e/women-of-york-filmscreening-and-discussiontickets-1977874903078? for reservations.

6 MARCH

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT, York Hospital Sports and Social Club, YO31 8JR. 7.00pm-10.00pm. To celebrate York International Women’s Week, this charity quiz night offers big laughs, brilliant raffle prizes, plus amazing auction items! Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/fundraising-quiz-in-yorkinternational-womens-week-2026tickets-1979109172812 for details.

UNTIL 6 MARCH

EXHIBITION: PENNY MARROWS & J.P. WARRINER, City Screen Picturehouse, YO1 9Q. From 10.30am. Head down to this special

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exhibition to discover the work of two late York painters, featuring vibrant contrasting styles and subject matter. Fully accessible venue. Entry is free! Follow Navigators Art & Performance on Facebook to get in touch or find further details.

UNTIL 6 MARCH

FLYING SCOTSMAN VR EXPERIENCE, National Railway Museum, YO26 4XJ. Various times. Departing from a replica of Edinburgh Waverley station, his multi-sensory Virtual Reality experience enables visitors to journey back in time and travel the world on iconic locomotive, the Flying Scostman! Visit www. railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/ flying-scotsman-vr for tickets and details.

7 MARCH

WOMEN’S MARKET, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 10.00am-6.00pm. Drop in to browse handmade soaps, tote bags and more, created by women from Murang’a and the Masai Mara in Kenya. This popup is run by Mbele, a non-profit organisation supporting women’s economic independence in Kenya and Uganda. Catch 20-minute talks about Mbele at 11.00am and 4.00pm. Visit www.sparkyork.org/ events/womens-market-womenempowerment-program-in-kenya/ to find out more.

7 MARCH

25 YEARS OF FAMILY MATTERS

YORK, Gateway Centre, YO24 3BZ. 6.30pm-9.00pm. Join the Lord Mayor of York and the Sheriff of York for a family-friendly fundraiser in aid of local charity Family Matters York. Under-18s go free, and raffle, ceilidh, soft drinks, cake, and a glass of fizz are included in the adult ticket price. Visit www.trybooking. com/uk/events/landing/96507 to book your tickets.

Dark Tales of York

HANDEL: MAJESTY AND FIREWORKS

Friday 17 April 2026 7pm Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall Tickets: £7 to £32

The 24 & Manchester Baroque Robert Hollingworth conductor Programme to include: Coronation Anthems (incl. Zadok the Priest) Music for the Royal Fireworks

7 MARCH

ART WORKSHOP, Clements Hall, YO23 1BW. 1.00pm-3.00pm / 3.30pm-4.30pm. These regular art workshops offer an encouraging and friendly creative space where absolute beginners are more than welcome. The adult workshop runs first, followed by a workshop for kids. Free parking and art materials provided. To book your space, get in touch via email: jelena.lunge@gmail. com. Follow ‘Art Workshops in York’ to stay up to date with upcoming workshops.

7 MARCH

WETHERBY COMIC CON - THE EXPERIENCE, The Engine Shed Wetherby, LS22 7SU. 10.00am4.00pm. This fan-focused, pop culture extravaganza will feature Star Wars cosplay group the Mos Eisley Misfits, Black Lace singer Dene Michael, CBBC’s Phil Fletcher, Lee Joseph Mystery Entertainer, and much more! Visit www.ticketsource. co.uk/whats-on/wetherby/theengine-shed/wetherby-comic-conthe-experience/e-qmmyvj to book.

8 MARCH

JUMBLE SALE AT MURTON PARK, Murton Park, YO19 5UF. 10.00am-4.00pm. Bag yourself a bargain at this indoor jumble sale extravaganza. £5 entry (for nonmembers) includes full-day access to the park. Visit www.murtonpark. co.uk/events/jumble-sale to find out more, or email events@ murtonpark.co.uk if you’d like to book a stall.

8 MARCH

FREE COMEDY NIGHT: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL, Eagle & Child, YO1 7EN. This special event from BirdcageComedyClub offers a formidable, all-female lineup of comedians from York and beyond. Entry is free! Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-comedynight-international-womens-dayspecial-by-birdcagecomedyclubtickets-1979215204957? for tickets and details.

9-22 MARCH

YORK RESTAURANT WEEK, Various times and citywide locations. Get your fill of food and drink at the best spots the city has to offer, and make the most of an extensive range of exclusive offers from the finest restaurants across York. Visit www.yorkrestaurantweek. co.uk to browse offers or find out more.

10, 17 & 24 MARCH

LENT TALKS, St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, YO24 1AQ. 7.00pm-8.00pm. Illuminating talks on Tuesdays in Lent, with speakers including Maragret Silf and Kate Bruce. Call 01904 464900 or email fiona@ stbedes.org.uk to book or find out more.

10 MARCH

EXPLORE LABS: STICKY

CIRCUITS, Clifton Explore, YO30 6NS. 3.30pm-5.30pm. Create glowing artworks using stickyback LED modules. Where art and science collide! Visit www. exploreyork.org.uk/whats-on to book or find out more.

10 MARCH

SHE HOLDS THE CROWNCELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, York Travellers Trust, YO30 7AZ. 1.00pm-2.30pm. This free YTT event will offer inspirational stories and powerful narratives from women in the city’s Traveller community, to mark International Women’s Day. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ she-holds-the-crown-celebratinginternational-womens-day-at-ytttickets-1979879950228? to reserve a spot.

11 MARCH

BUSINESS NETWORKING

EVENING, The RecCompanthorpe, YO23 3YR. 7.00pm9.00pm. This free networking event enables local business owners to connect with their peers, explore new sectors, and secure valuable partnership opportunities. Visit www.thecoprec.com/ events/2026/3/11/copmanthorpesurrounding-areas-businessnetworking-evening to RSVP.

11 MARCH

OUT OF THE BOX, St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, YO24 1AQ. 10.00am-12.00pm. Join storytelling practitioner and Anglican priest Angela for a compelling search for wisdom and wellbeing, through story and play. Call 01904 464900 or email fiona@ stbedes.org.uk to book or find out more.

12 MARCH

VISIT YORK TOURISM AWARDS, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. From 6.30pm. This annual awards event gives something back to the finest venues and businesses operating within the city’s tourism and cultural sectors. Celebrate the best of the best in York! Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ visit-york-tourism-awards-2026-

tickets-1743353961629? to book.

12-15 MARCH

AIRECON 2026, Harrogate Convention Centre, HG1 5LA. Various times. Running since 2016, this friendly and inclusive analogue gaming festival is a top choice for old-school gamers of every ilk. This year, there’ll be a library of over 500 titles available to borrow for free, courtesy of Travelling Man. Visit www.airecon.co.uk to find out more and book.

13 MARCH

RISO ZINE MAKING!, York Centre for Print, Y01 7PW. 6.00pm-8.00pm. An evening of Risograph printing and zine making using pens, collage materials and folding techniques. Create your own zine over tea and coffee, with no experience necessary! Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/riso-zine-makingtickets-1980675585996? to book.

13 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY DRIED FLOWER BOUQUET WORKSHOP, St Chad’s, YO23 1PE. 6.00pm-8.00pm. Celebrate Mother’s Day by creating a beautiful dried-flower bouquet of your very own, with a stepby-step guide to colour pairing, texture and styling. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/mothers-daydried-flower-bouquet-workshoptickets-1976358165475? to book your place.

13-15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY PLANTED WREATH WORKSHOP, Dobbies Garden Centre, YO26 6QE. 10.00am4.00pm. This relaxed and handson planted wreath workshop will enable you to craft your very own living wreath using seasonal greenery and plants. Perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. Visit www. dobbies.com/events to find out more.

14 MARCH

DAYCLUBBERS: ST PATRICK’S DAY SPECIAL, CIRCUIT York, YO1 9RD. 4.00pm-8.00pm. Fancy a St Paddy’s Day shindig, without the late night? Head down to CIRCUIT for a daytime party to remember, with OG DJs playing all of your favourite tunes from back in the day - make it home for bedtime! Visit www.skiddle.com/ whats-on/York/Circuit-York/York--DayClubbers-The-St-PatricksSpecial/41629477/ to book.

14 MARCH

LIFE DRAWING - MODEL AS A MUSE, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 2.00pm-4.00pm. This popular life drawing workshop is suitable for artists of every experience level, over the age of 18. Entry is £15 per person, and drawing materials are provided! Visit www. yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/whats-

on/events/life-drawing-model-asmuse-54/ to find out more.

14 MARCH

BECOMING, St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, YO24 1AQ. 10.00am-3.30pm. Join Siobhan Burke for a reflective day of thinking and speaking about ‘being yourself’ and considering how we belong in the world. Call 01904 464900 or email fiona@ stbedes.org.uk to book.

14 MARCH

BLACK PARADE - 00s EMO ANTHEMS, The Drawing Board, YO1 8RA. 11.00pm-4.00am. Unleash your inner emo at the return of York’s ultimate emo party night, and have a mosh to your favourite tunes from Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, and more. Visit www. skiddle.com/whats-on/York/TheDrawing-Board-And-Bluebox/BlackParade---00s-Emo-Anthems-York/41966052/ to book.

14 & 28 MARCH

SUPERHERO ADVENTURE, Gateway Church, YO24 3BZ. 4.00pm-5.30pm. Primary schoolaged children are invited to enjoy superhero-themed games, crafts, drama, songs, and Bible stories at the Gateway Church this month, as part of its Bible Adventure series. Follow ‘Gateway Kids’ on Facebook to get in touch.

15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY AT MIDDLETONS HOTEL, Cromwell Road, YO1 6DS. 12.30pm-4.00pm. Enjoy a Mother’s Day treat to remember, with a sumptuous selection of sweet and savoury treats in the picturesque surroundings of Middletons Hotel. Visit www.middletonsyork.co.uk/ short-breaks-offers/mothers-day for further details.

Gigs & Concerts

1

Markets, Fairs & CAR BOOT SALES

Coach Street,

1

HARROGATE VALLEY GARDENS ARTISAN MARKET

Valley Gardens, HG1 2SZ. 10.00am-3.00pm.

1 MARCH

REAL MARKETS - ILKLEY Ilkley, LS29 9EE. 10.00am3.00pm.

5, 12, 19 & 26 MARCH

STORE & BREEDING STOCK MARKET York Auction Centre, YO19 5GF. 11.00am.

6-8 MARCH

HEADLOCK VINTAGE CLOTHING SALE SPARK York, YO1 9BP. 10.00am-6.00pm.

7 MARCH

YORK CITY CENTRE

- ARTISAN GIFT AND CRAFT FAIR MARKET The Belfrey Hall, YO1 8AS. 9.00am.

7 MARCH

ACOMB FLOURISH & FEAST MARKET Front Street, YO24 3BZ. 10.00am-4.00pm.

7 MARCH WOMEN’S MARKET SPARK York, YO1 9BP. 10.00am-6.00pm.

7 MARCH

EASINGWOLD ARTISAN MARKET

Easingwold Market Square, YO61 3AN. 9.00am-2.00pm.

7 MARCH

THE ARTISAN STREET FAYRE Lakeside Village, DN4 5PH. 10.00am-5.00pm.

8 MARCH

CARLTON TOWERS WEDDING FAIR

Carlton Towers Estate, DN14 9LZ. 10.00am4.00pm.

8 MARCH

WETHERBY ARTISAN MARKET

Market Place, LS22 6NE. 10.00am-3.00pm.

12 MARCH

HARROGATE FARMERS MARKET - REAL MARKETS

Cambridge Street, HG1 1RW. 10.00am-4.00pm.

14 MARCH

ACOMB ARTISAN MARKET

Front Street, YO24 3BZ. 10.00am-3.00pm.

14 MARCH

THE ARTISAN STREET FAYRE @ JUNCTION 32 OUTLET

Castleford, WF10 4FR. 10.00am-5.00pm.

15 MARCH

THIRSK ARTISAN MARKET

Market Place, YO7 1HQ. 10.00am-3.00pm.

15 MARCH

HARROGATE MAKERS MARKET

Cambridge Street, HG1 1RW. 10.00am-4.00pm.

20-22 MARCH

LIVING NORTH YORKSHIRE LIVE SPRING FAIR

York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. 10.00am-4.00pm.

21-22 MARCH

LATE MARCH CRAFT FAIR

The Market House, DL8 3QX. 10.00am-4.30pm.

21 MARCH MALTON MONTHLY ARTISAN MARKET Market Place, YO17 7LX. 10.00am-3.00pm.

22 MARCH

RIPON ARTISAN MARKET

Market Place, HG4 1BP. 10.00am-3.00pm.

27-29 MARCH

HAREWOOD HOUSE ARTISAN MARKET Harewood House, LS17 9LG. 10.00am-4.00pm.

28 MARCH YORK RACECOURSE CAR BOOT SALE York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. 7.00am-1.00pm.

28 MARCH

MALTON SATURDAY MARKET: MONTHLY ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET

Market Place, YO17 7LX. 9.00am-2.30pm.

29 MARCH

REAL MARKETS AT RIPLEY CASTLE Ripley Castle, Harrogate, HG3 3AY. 10.00am3.00pm.

REGULAR

MARKETS & CAR BOOT SALES:

MONDAYS TO SUNDAYS YORK SHAMBLES MARKET Silver Street, YO1 8RY. 9.00am-5.00pm.

MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS SCARBOROUGH MARKET HALL & VAULTS St Helen’s Square, YO11 1EU. 8.00am-5.00pm.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

THE DERWENT ARMS CAR BOOT Osbaldwick Village, YO10 3NP. 9.00am-12.00pm.

EVERY SUNDAY

RUFFORTH CAR BOOT Wetherby Road, YO23 3QH. 8.00am-1.00pm.

EVERY MONDAY

PICKERING MARKET Market Place, YO18 7AA. 10.00am-4.00pm.

EVERY MONDAY

SELBY MARKET

Market Place, YO8 4NX. 9.00am-3.00pm.

MONDAYS & SATURDAYS THIRSK MARKET Market Place, YO7 1EY. 8.30am-3.30pm.

EVERY TUESDAY POCKLINGTON MARKET Market Place, YO42 2AL. 9.00am-4.00pm.

EVERY WEDNESDAY KIRKBYMOORSIDE MARKET

The Shambles, YO62 6AY. 8.00am-1.00pm.

EVERY WEDNESDAY KNARESBOROUGH MARKET

Market Place, HG5 8AG. 7.30am-3.00pm.

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS NORTHALLERTON MARKET

High Street, DL7 8LW. 8.30am.

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS MASHAM MARKET Market Place, HG4 4DZ. 10.00am-2.00pm.

THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS RIPON MARKET

8.00am-3.00pm / 8.3012.00pm.

15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY CHOCOLATE MASTERCLASS, York’s Chocolate Story, YO1 7LD. 2.15pm-3.45pm. Providing the chance to learn how to make chocolate lollies, indulgent truffles, chocolate flower bouquet plaques and more, this hands-on masterclass could be the ideal sweet treat for chocaholic mums this Mother’s Day. Visit www. bookings.yorkschocolatestory.com/ book/mothers-day/222 to book.

15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY AT GOLDSBOROUGH HALL, HG5 8NR. 12.00pm-4.00pm. Treat mumsy in style this year with a special and luxurious afternoon at the beautiful Goldsborough Hall. Lunch is served from 12.00pm2.00pm, and Afternoon Tea from 2.30pm-4.00pm. Visit www. goldsboroughhall.com/whatson/ mothersday to reserve a table.

15 MARCH

SHERIFF HUTTON VILLAGE MARKET, Sheriff Hutton Village Hall, YO60 6RA. 10.30am-1.30pm. This much-loved volunteer-led village market is the perfect place to discover a vibrant mix of fresh produce, artisan foods, handmade treats and locally crafted drinks. Browse a wide range of stunning art, crafts, skincare products, cards, clothing, books, pet products, plants and interiors. Visit www. shvm.co.uk to get in touch or find out more.

17 MARCH

BEYOND BORDERS: YORK CLIMATE NARRATIVES, The Den, Micklegate Social, YO1 6JX. 7.00pm9.00pm. Beyond Borders 2026 brings together storytellers from York’s Global Majority communities to share their lived experiences of the climate crisis. Through personal narratives, this event highlights resilience, identity, and global-local connections. Entry is free! Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyondborders-2026-york-climatenarratives-tickets-1978179472052 for details and bookings.

18 MARCH

COMMUNITY BIRDWATCHING, York Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR. 10.30am-11.30am. Spot various bird species in the Museum Gardens, guided by Duty Manager Isabelle! This community event is suitable for all ages, and no booking is required. Visit www. yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/

whats-on/events/communitybirdwatching-2/ to find out more.

20-22 MARCH

LIVING NORTH LIVE YORKSHIRE

2026, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Get inspiring ideas for your home and garden at this huge shopping, lifestyle and food event, and wrangle unique accessories you won’t find elsewhere! Visit www. livingnorth.com/event/living-northlive-yorkshire-2026 to find out more.

21 MARCH

EXPLORE LABS:

MAGMECHANICS, Acomb

Explore, YO24 3BZ. 10.00am12.00pm. This stimulating workshop enables visitors to walk away with their very own working model, figure out how things work, and get creative with 3D printed parts! Perfect for curious minds. Visit www.exploreyork.org.uk/ whats-on/ to book.

21 MARCH

GREG CHAPMAN’S DISCOVERY OF WITCHCRAFT, Stamford Bridge Village Hall, YO41 1DQ. Join Greg Chapman for an evening of magic, storytelling and comedy, focusing on the gory history of witch trials. Visit www.ticketsource. co.uk/witchcraft/stamfordbridge-village-hall-york-matineegreg-chapman-s-discovery-ofwitchcraft/e-qmxzvl for tickets.

21 MARCH

COFFEE AND CRAFT FAIR, Acomb Parish Church Hall, YO24 3BZ. 10.00am-12.30pm. Enjoy hot drinks, homemade cakes, bacon butties, access to the family room, and browse a selection of fare from talented local crafters. Visit www. acombparish.org to find out more.

21 MARCH

THE COMPLETE ADANA WORKSHOP, Thin Ice Press: The York Centre for Print, YO1 7PW. 10.00am-4.00pm. This small, oneday workshop will teach aspiring printers the basics of letterpress printing, including how to use and maintain an Adana machine. Visit www.thinicepress.org/workshops/ the-complete-adana-workshop-21mar to book.

22 MARCH

MARK SIMMONS: JEST

TO IMPRESS, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW. 3.30pm-6.00pm. As seen in ‘Mock

the Week’, this award-winning comic will bring his latest stand-up set to York this month. Tickets only remain for the matinee show - grab yours while you still can! Visit www. thecrescentyork.com/events/ comedy-mark-simmons-matineeshow to book.

22 MARCH

ART FOR WELLBEING, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 10.30am-12.30pm. This monthly workshop offers practical art sessions to burgeoning artists of all abilities, designed to foster wellbeing and good health through creativity. Sessions are free and no booking is required. Visit www.yorkmuseumstrust. org.uk/whats-on/events/art-forwellbeing-85/ to find out more.

21 & 28 MARCH

EXPLORE LABS: MAGNETRONICS, Tang Hall Explore, YO31 0HA. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Discover how electricity flows, learn more about currents and resistance, and get creative with LEDs, switches, bulbs and buzzers. Email contact@exploreyork.org.uk to find out more.

22 MARCH

EXPLORE LABS: KINETIC SCULPTURES, York Explore Library and Archive, YO1 7DS. 1.00pm3.00pm. Create your very own kinetic sculpture, test out your ideas, and get familiar with the magic and science of movement! Visit www.exploreyork.org.uk/ whats-on to book.

UNTIL 22 MARCH

CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP, Carlton Towers Estate, DN14 9LZ. 10.00am-2.00pm.

Create your own full-size candle, four tea lights and more at this introductory workshop, themed around sumptuous scents: love spell, love hearts, cherry kisses & strawberry hearts, velvet rose & oud. Visit www.carltontowers.co.uk/ store-1/p/candle-making-workshop to book.

FROM 23 MARCH STEP INTO THE PAST: EDEN CAMP RETURNS FOR 2026, Eden Camp, YO17 6RT. Various times. The much-loved, immersive modern history attraction re-opens its doors for the 2026 season! Family ticket discounts are available for visitors this half-term. Visit www. edencamp.co.uk/whats-on/stepinto-the-past-eden-camp-returnsfor-2026 to book and find out more.

24 MARCH

PAT NEVIN: FOOTBALL AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW. 7.00pm-9.30pm. Join iconic Premier League commentator and former Chelsea, Everton, and Scotland player Pat Nevin for a night of footie-friendly conversation with journalist Duncan Steer. Prepare your own questions to ask Pat! Visit www.thecrescentyork. com/events/pat-nevin-footballand-how-to-survive-it to book.

25 MARCH

ST FRANCIS AND ST CLARE, St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, YO24 1AQ. 9.00am-1.00pm. Discover more about St Francis’ life and impact on the development of Christianity, as well as his crucial connection with St Clare. Call 01904 464900 or email fiona@stbedes. org.uk to book or find out more.

25 MARCH

SKETCHBOOK CIRCLE @ YORK ART GALLERY, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Improve your skills and share your work with others at this two-hour sketch workshop. Take inspiration from the York Art Gallery collections! Suitable for those aged 16+ of every ability. Head over to www. yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/whatson/events/sketchbook-circle-atyork-art-gallery-51/to find out more.

27 MARCH

KINKI INDIE, Micklegate Social, YO1 6JX. 8.00pm-1.00pm. Relive the golden age of indie music at Kinki Indie, first established in 1995. Expect to hear the best of Britpop, alternative classics, and all shades of indie. Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/kinki-indie-marchtickets-1982318668500 to book.

28 MARCH

EASTER WONDERLAND AT MOTHER SHIPTON’S CAVE, Mother Shipton’s Cave, HG5

Featur Hession, Susan s, Jasper Fforde and Scarlett Thomas as well as musician Mark Webber of Pulp - and many

March 2026

York Literature Festival

Across the city, an exciting range of events are planned for all ages: ncluding writers, speakers, poets, and workshops.

March 2026

Across the city, an exciting range of events are planned for all ages, including writers, speakers, poets and workshops. Featuring best sellers Ronan Hession, Susanna Clarke, Elly Griffiths, Jasper Fforde and Scarlett Thomas, as well as musician Mark Webber of Pulp - and many, many more.

SPRING CONCERT

Featuring Tchaikovsky violin concerto, soloist Will Clark & more!

SATURDAY 28th March at 7:30pm Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall

Featuring best sellers Rónán Hession, Susanna Clarke, Elly Griff iths, Jasper Fforde and Scarlett Thomas as well as musician Mark Webber of Pulp - and many many more

8DD. 9.30am-5.30pm. Step into a veritable Easter wonderland at England’s oldest tourist attraction, where you can meet Alice, the White Queen, the Queen of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter! Visit www. mothershipton.co.uk/events/ easter-at-mother-shiptons/ to book your tickets.

28 MARCH

VIKING NORTH CREATIVE WORKSHOP: CERAMICS, Yorkshire Museum, YO1 7FR. 10.30am-4.00pm. Combining history and hands-on creativity, this full-day ceramics workshop will teach you the tricks of the trade of handbuilding techniques used by the Vikings. Visit www. yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/whatson/events/viking-north-creativeworkshop-ceramics to book.

28 MARCH

EASTER FAIR, Huntington Methodist Church, YO32 9SH. 10.00am-1.00pm. This familyfriendly Easter fair will feature various stalls selling everything from cakes and crafts to gifts and plants! There will also be refreshments and lunch available, with proceeds going to the church. Email info@ huntingtonmethodistchurch.co.uk for further details.

28 MARCH

YORK RACECOURSE CAR BOOT SALE, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Time TBA. This huge car boot sale will be running regularly until October. Buyers, browsers, and pitch-holders welcome! Visit www. yorkcarboot.com/index.html for further details.

29 MARCH

SELF-SUFFICIENCY CITY DAY, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 11.30am5.30pm. A full day of talks and practical workshops from the Wild Harvest School, bringing their expertise in self-sufficient, rural skills to the heart of the city! Visit www.wildharvest.org/products/selfsufficiency-day-york-city to book your spot.

30 MARCH

SAY OWT: STU FREESTONE BOOK LAUNCH, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW.

7.00pm-10.00pm. Celebrate the launch of veteran local performance poet Stu Freestone’s debut published collection, ‘The Lights That Blur Between’, with live music from Adam Leeson and performance poetry from Sarah Armitage. Visit www. thecrescentyork.com/events/sayowt-stu-freestone-book-launch to book.

30 MARCH - 12 APRIL

EASTER FAMILY FUN AT EDEN CAMP, Eden Camp, YO17 6RT. 9.00am-5.00pm. Enjoy a jampacked programme of half-term events at Eden Camp, including Propaganda Egg Art, The Great Easter Egg-scape Trail, and Living History Weekend. Visit www. edencamp.co.uk/whats-on/easterfamily-fun-activities/ to book or find out more.

1-5 APRIL

YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, Parliament Street, YO1 8RU. Chocaholics, unite! Enjoy a programme of events and activities perfect for chocolate lovers, organised by the team behind the York Food & Drink Festival. Visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com to find out more or browse the full events programme.

26 APRIL

SPRING FLOWER SHOW, The Great Yorkshire Events Centre, HG2 8NZ. 9.30am-5.00pm. Get your fill of all manner of fragrant flowers at this enormous spring flower show, organised by the Harrogate Flower Shows team. Browse, buy, and gain some inspiration to get your garden

ready for spring! Visit www.tickets. flowershow.org.uk/sales/events/ spring-flower-show-2026/sunday26-april-2026 to book.

Regular Events

MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS

NEW TREASURES GALLERY, The Bar Convent, YO24 1AQ. 10am-4pm. Following the discovery of a rare scroll in the Bar Convent’s archive, the museum is sharing more of its hidden history. Go along to see these treasures with your own eyes, including an illuminated medieval scroll known as the Arma Christi, of which there are only ten other copies to be found anywhere in the world! Visit www.barconvent. co.uk to book your tickets today.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY ARTFUL AT THE DODGER, The Artful Dodger, YO1 6LJ. 12.30pm4.00pm. This monthly informal art workshop session with collage artist George Willmore is free to attend, and materials are provided (donations are welcome). Drop in and out as you wish, whatever your experience level. Follow Navigators Art & Performance on Facebook for further details or to get in touch.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY NEW EARSWICK VILLAGE MARKET, New Earswick Bowls Club, YO32 9PX. 10.00am-2.00pm. Browse locally made artisan crafts across more than 30 stalls, with free parking on site and refreshments available. Search ‘New Earswick Village Market’ on Facebook for details.

EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY CONNECT SERVICE, Holy Redeemer Acomb, YO26 6AB. 3.00pm-4.15pm. This inclusive group is aimed at supporting children with additional needs. All families are welcome to mingle in this relaxed and friendly environment, learn about God, and enjoy a range of activities including crafts, songs, toys, and stories. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and Makaton signing is also included so that all can feel included and welcome!

EVERY FIRST MONDAY BINGO NIGHT, Strensall Village Hall, YO32 5XW. Doors at 7.30pm, event starts at 7.00pm. Bring down your friends and family for a

competitive game of BINGO! There are lots of prizes to be won, with a top cash prize of either £100 or £150, depending on attendance.

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS COME AND PLAY PÉNTAQUE, Stockton Fox Pétanque Club, at the rear of Stockton-on-the-Forest Village Hall, YO32 9UR. 7.00pm. Get to grips with Pétanque (French Boules) at this friendly club, with equipment provided.

EVERY FIRST TUESDAY

COFFEE MORNING, Mossdale Residence Care Home, YO31 0AF. 10.00am-12.00pm. Open for all visitors to join, this friendly monthly coffee morning offers a welcoming space to meet, mingle, and have a chinwag over a cup of Joe. Call 01904 293061 or email pauline. hagan@hc-one.co.uk for further details.

WEDNESDAYS TO THURSDAYS COUNTESS OF YORK, National Railway Museum, YO26 4XJ. Various times. Enjoy a delicious, traditional afternoon tea aboard the Countess of York, an iconic dining carriage set within the museum’s Station Hall. Visit www.opentable.co.uk/ countess-of-york-national-railwaymuseum to make a booking.

EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY

YORK FLOWER CLUB, St Chad’s Church Hall, YO23 1PE. 1.00pm. Running every third Wednesday except in August, York Flower Club offers a variety of events for local flower lovers, from demonstrations and talks to quizzes and socials. This month’s club will feature a ‘Floral Wonderland’ demonstration from Rachel Kirkwood. Email Rita. nat.judge.speaker.judge@gmail.com to find out more.

EVERY THIRD THURSDAY

FOLK & WORD, The Artful Dodger, YO1 6LJ. 7.30pm (sign up from 7.00pm). A low-key, welcoming open mic night where writers and acoustic folk musicians can present new and original work. Each month, one writer and one musician co-host the evening and bring a guest, then the floor is open to the audience! Free entry with a purchase from the bar. Follow Navigators Art & Performance on Facebook for further details.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH ART OF MOTION - CLOCKWORK TOYS AND OTHER WONDERS, York Castle Museum, YO1 9RY. Various times. A fascinating display inspired by the history of automata, clockwork devices resembling lifelike forms, which peaked in popularity in the 18th century. Visit www.yorkcastlemuseum. org.uk/exhibition/art-of-motionclockwork-toys-and-other-wonders for details and bookings.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH AN UNTROUBLED MIND, Poppleton Community Centre, YO26 6JT / York Sports Club, YO38 5RE. 7.00pm-9.00pm. Join the Senseable team to transform your mindset in just 7 weeks! Take part in 7 interactive sessions to reduce stress and improve your mindset! Courses are available from 22 January - 5 March, or 28 January-11 March. Visit www.senseable.co.uk/ events to find out more.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH COOKERY SCHOOL @ THE GRAND, The Grand, York, YO1 6GD. Various times. Join The Grand York’s distinguished team for a diverse range of cooking classes, where you can learn tricks of the trade for making Goan curry, Spanish paella, pastry and desserts, Thai red curry, artisan bread, and more! Visit www. thegrandyork.co.uk/the-cookeryschool/book/ to browse the full programme of classes and reserve your place.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH CHOCOLATE MANUFACTORY TASTING JOURNEY, York Cocoa Works, YO31 8AE. Various times.

Explore the chocolate-making process and sample the finest treats produced in the heart of Chocolate City! Visit www. yorkcocoahouse.co.uk/pages/ workshop-calendar to see the full list of upcoming workshops.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

EXHIBITION: THE SIXTIES, York Castle Museum, YO1 9RY. Various times. See fascinating objects that typify the social history, art, fashion, music, sport, and counterculture of the Swinging Sixties! Visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/ exhibition/the-sixties to find out more.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

DARK TALES OF YORK, Meeting at Roman Bath, YO1 8RN. Various times. Discover the darker side of York, known as one of the most haunted cities in the UK! 90-minute private guided tours are available to book now. To find out more, visit www.darktalesofyork.com today.

UNTIL MAY 2026

WONDERLAB: THE BRAMALL

GALLERY, National Railway Museum York, YO26 4XJ. 10.00am4.30pm. Dive into the science behind railways and engineering, exploring aerodynamics, fuels and forces through a range of interactive exhibits. Step into a human wind tunnel, launch a rocket, design structures to survive an earthquake, or plan routes to guide balls through the impressive Great Machine! Visit www. railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/ wonderlab-bramall-gallery to book.

UNTIL 26 JUNE

NORTH YORKSHIRE PULLMAN

DINING - SPRING SERVICES,

Starting at Grosmont Station, YO22 5QE. 12.35pm (Lunch Service) / 6.20pm (Evening Service). Travel through the beautiful North York Moors National Park in style, aboard the North Yorkshire Pullman train. Eat your way through a new seasonal menu to top off your journey! Visit www.nymr.co.uk/ spring-north-yorkshire-pullman to make a booking or find out more.

UNTIL 26 JUNE

FRIDAY GUIDED TOURS, Fairfax House, YO1 9RN. Various times. Join an expert volunteer guide for an in-depth tour of the iconic Fairfax House. See highlights from its exceptional collection and learn more about its rich history and stories! Visit www.fairfaxhouse. co.uk/event/friday-guided-tours for

details and bookings.

UNTIL 28 JUNE

HAROLD GOSNEY: MATERIALS AND MAKING, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. Various times. Celebrating the life and works of the renowned Yorkshire sculptor and artist, this exhibition features works including Jazzman and Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Visit www. yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/ harold-gosney-materials-andmaking for details and bookings.

UNTIL JULY

FUTURE LANDSCAPE

SEMINARS, Courtyard Cafe, Castle Howard, YO60 7DA. 7.00pm-8.00pm. Running every third Tuesday of the month, these relaxed and informal talks focus on nature and landscapes, with speakers including Tom Hook (Forest of Flowers), Jeff Davitt (Yorkshire Rewilding Network), and Lauren Barnes (University of York). Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk/DB/ whats-on-natural-environment/ future-landscapes-seminars to see the full programme and book your tickets.

UNTIL 22 JULY

NOT A POT, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 10.00am-5.00pm. This must-see exhibition from York Art Gallery’s renowned Centre of Ceramic Art showcases the wide range of sculptural pottery in its collection, displayed to mark the death of influential British potter Gordon Baldwin (1932-2025). Visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/ exhibition/not-a-pot to book or find out more.

UNTIL 30 AUGUST MAKING WAVES: THE ART OF JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINT, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. Various times. Covering over 300 years of Japanese woodblock printing history from the 17th to 21st centuries, this must-see exhibition features more than 100 iconic works by the likes of Hokusai, Hiroshge, Utamato, and more. Visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/ exhibition/making-waves-the-artof-japanese-woodblock-print for further details.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER

SUGAR, SKILL AND SHIFTWORK: YORK’S CONFECTIONERY WORKERS, York Castle Museum, YO1 9RY. Various times. This new community exhibition focuses on the history of confectionery in our city, sharing

the voices and experiences of workers in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Joseph Rowntree. Visit www. yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/yourvisit/tickets to book.

UNTIL DECEMBER

SNICKELWAYS & SILLY STREET

NAMES TRAIL, Various times and locations. A fun, self-guided, family-friendly walking adventure across the city. Download the map, get your boots on, and immerse yourself in York’s maze of magical snickelways and unique streets. Visit www.little-vikings.co.uk/ events/snickelways-trail-york/ to download the map and find out more.

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER

YORK DISTILLERY - GIN TASTING, York Distillery, YO1 6DS. Various times. Sample all manner of weird and wonderful, locally produced gins. You’ll receive a G&T on arrival, generous tasters of core gin offerings, nibbles, plus an insight into gin history! Visit www.fareharbor.com/embeds/ book/yorkgin/items/680701/ calendar/2026.

UNTIL JULY 2027

VIKING NORTH, Yorkshire Museum, YO1 7FR. Various times. Showcasing the finest catalogue of Viking finds to be displayed outside of London, this landmark exhibition takes visitors back in time to Viking Age Northern England, with wondrous objects from 866 to 1066. Visit www.yorkshiremuseum. org.uk/exhibition/viking-north to book or find out more.

arrives. Seville’s plazas, palaces, and orange blossom-scented streets invite leisurely discovery. Highlights include the stunning Alcázar, the vast cathedral, and evenings spent sampling tapas outdoors. With warm days and vibrant festivals, the city feels lively yet comfortable.

3. Nice, France

The French Riviera begins to warm nicely by springtime, making Nice an appealing seaside escape. Walk

city’s colours, scents, and energy provide a striking contrast to everyday life back home. A personal recommendation during your stay is to head out of the city to the Agafay Desert for a stunning landscape with the spring flora and snow capped Atlas Mountains in the distance.

From coastal Europe to North Africa, if you are seeking a touch of warmth it is not too far away, making spring the perfect time to travel light and recharge.

To discuss your next trip get in touch on 01904 623444 or visit us at 88 Main Street, Fulford

Kerry Lakey

YORK CINEMA GUIDE

Top films in March

From 6th March:

Jodie Foster (The Silence of the Lambs) and Daniel Auteuil (Hidden) star in this darkly comedic mystery thriller from French filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski (Planetarium, An Easy Girl). Upon the film’s initial release in France and Toronto last year, Foster’s performance received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations - see for yourself what all the fuss is about!

From 6th March: THE BRIDE!

Taking its inspiration from Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and starring Christian Bale (the Dark Knight Trilogy) and Jessie Buckley (Men), this gothic crime film serves as Maggie Gyllenhaal’s sophomore effort in the writer/director’s chair, following 2021’s Academy Awardnominated The Lost Daughter. Here comes the bride!

From 20th March: PROJECT HAIL MARY

This spectacular sci-fi follows a science teacher named Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling), who wakes up on a space vessel with no clue how he arrived there, or who he is! Brought to you by the duo behind 21 Jump Street, Clone High, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

From 27th March: THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE

Based on Enid Blyton’s beloved book series and adapted by Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2), this fantasy adventure follows a modern family who discover a magical tree in the English countryside. Starring Claire Foy (The Crown) and Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spiderman), and featuring the talents of Nicola Coughlan, Michael Palin and Lenny Henry.

RACE MEETINGS

Interview: aka TheMuralistUK James Moran

Transforming York, one wall at a time!

Amidst York’s historic streets, wanderers can view a wide array of murals and unique street art, if they know where to look! We caught up with local artist James Moran (@ TheMuralistUK) to get the inside scoop on the city’s flourishing street art scene… Hi, James! If you could paint a mural on any street or building in York, where would it be?

In 2025, I painted a mural at York University, which I’ve seen inspire and connect students in the city firsthand. I'd love to paint more murals around forgotten or rundown streets in the city… York is home to unusually narrow streets and snickelways. When designing murals, has this thrown up any challenges in terms of scale and sightlines?

Absolutely, this has been a challenge in the past. Thankfully, now we have technology which assists us in the scaling and proportioning process. For buildings with irregular shapes, like those in York, this technology is priceless. Our city is known for its historic architecture. Is it tricky to find a balance when creating contemporary art in historic spaces?

arrange jobs accordingly, but I have most definitely been caught out a few times! “We’re not made of sugar" is one of my favourite relevant Yorkshire sayings when it rains on shift…

Does the street art scene in Yorkshire differ from other parts of the country, and if so, what makes it stand out?

Absolutely! What I notice from painting walls around the country is that every region has its own style and approach to street art and murals. Yorkshire is filled with incredible artists pushing their own unique styles, but what stands out to me is the welcoming Yorkshire art community, which is something I have not experienced anywhere else.

How much impact do you think street art has in transforming or repurposing public spaces?

Street art has been shown to have made a positive impact on local communities across the world. Whether it's a mural reflecting local values or contemporary art, livening up a dull space with colour is always a winner.

Any advice for aspiring local artists or muralists in the making?

There is a place for all styles of artwork within our community; the most important thing is to stay in touch with the values of the local area and people, whilst also bringing something new. I've not failed yet! Yorkshire is famed for its dodgy weather - is battling the elements a problem when working on murals in God’s Own County?

Luckily, a quick check of the week's weather forecast allows me to

My advice to local aspiring artists would be to never stop creating, and never stay in the boundaries of your comfort zone. You'll thank yourself later!

Follow themuralistuk on Instagram (www.instagram.com/ themuralistuk/), The Muralists on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=61587031130685), or email james@themuralists.com to see more of James’ work or get in touch.

Wetherby Racecourse

POEMS FOR MARCH

Bronze Age Discovery

Eighteen, buried fully dressed in a tree trunk coffin. Loose bodice, sleeves brushing the elbow. Flimsy on her bones

the undecayed skirt of cords, woollen belt, bronze disc patterned with spirals. At her feet cremated remains. A child aged five.

Her blonde hair tickles a birch-bark box, a few bronze pins inside. Her nails are trim, her face gone. Before they closed her coffin

they tucked her under an ox hide, left a bucket of beer for the journey: a brew of wheat, honey, bog-myrtle and cowberries.

We know she died in summer because of the yarrow: the dried plate of flowers between her breasts a gift which outlasted the love.

Sue Norton

First published in Orbis poetry magazine

Miss Rowell and the Parabola

Small, thin, grey hair neat in a bun, a spinster teacher like so many of ours because of the war. When she smiled friendliness crinkled her eyes. She never laughed at you or called you dunce at maths.

One day she stood next to the blackboard with a long piece of chalk and tried to throw it up and across, as close to the surface as she could to make a parabola. It didn’t leave the faintest mark of course, but she was clever. This image of her trying to record a curve has stayed with me though I’ve never needed to explain a parabola.

I was always frightened of maths, but with her I scored 80%. When she retired, I was a lost cause.

Sue Norton

First published in the online magazine London Grip

The ship sailed away from the harbour an hour after its scheduled departure

The crowds of patrons slithering through the deck, ray of colours shining through I can hear their nonsensical conversations they enjoy in the chaos and Finally I believe that I feel the way they feel I am able to rest my mind and relish in the beauty of the sun

Because how long can I keep longing for something When there is nothing more that can be done?

Because there were never any reasons that I could not be like them Be above the water with music and laughter from strangers turned friends

But then I have to remind myself that I never made it on the ship. Instead I sunk in the ocean I created Succumbed to the water pulling me down How long can I keep longing for something When the ship leaves me alone and I let myself drown.

Nitya Dinesh Confessions from an Overthinker

Short Story The Lonely Planet

From Earth, Mars shines like a sad little star; but do not forget when you look up at the night sky that, from Mars, Earth shines like a sad lonely star as well.

Robin Lewis-Light lives on Earth in York, and does love to see the stars and planets when they are bright!

“Do you think there is anyone out there?” said my wife, Callie. I looked at her.

“I don’t know,” I said. “We haven’t heard anything from anywhere else though, so why should there be anyone on that little planet?”

She smiled and held me. We had finished our anniversary celebrations and were now looking up at the sky together, and just chatting.

We had been together for nearly fourteen years now, and it had gone well. No, let’s be honest, it had gone brilliantly! My wife and I enjoyed each other’s company, and we are still hopelessly in love.

We had eaten well tonight; I had made sure that she and I went to our favourite place.

I smiled. We had aged a little, but then, hasn’t everyone? Now, we were just looking at the stars. The little point of light we were looking at was not a star, though. It was the nearest planet to ours, and though there was little chance of there being life there, the usual conspiracy theorists had created stories of what an amazing and/or frightening place it could be.

We had no way of going there, so it had to remain as speculation. I wondered if there was anybody up there, and if there was, I hoped they were having as much fun as I was.

“It looks like a sad, lonely planet,” said Callie. “Are whoever lives there happy, do you think, or sad?” I shrugged.

“It is impossible to say,” I said. “I hope they are enjoying life as much as we are though, and if they are as happy as I am, then good for them.”

Callie smiled.

“We have been together for a long time,” she said and then looked at me. “Which is a great thing, of course.” I grinned at her.

Callie gently pulled me closer.

“I wonder if there are creatures like us up there,” I said. “If they have lovely tentacles, like we do, or if they’re strange and weird to look at?”

Callie smiled.

“I hope there are,” she said. “And I hope they have found love, like we have.”

Callie gently wrapped a tentacle around me.

“They’re the third planet from the sun,” she said. “And we’re the fourth, so it must be very hot there. But, love gets everywhere, so I am sure there are creatures there as happy as we are.”

HERE BE DRAGONS! Interview: Liz Flanagan

York Literature Festival:

Events Programme

Liz Flanagan is an award-winning author based in West Yorkshire, best known for the charming, dragon-packed Wildsmith and Legends of the Sky children’s book series. At the upcoming York Literature Festival, Liz will be appearing at The Wildsmith Workshop and unveiling her debut offering for adults, When We Were Divided. Ahead of the festival, Liz kindly agreed to have a chat with Your Local Link, to let our readers know what’s in store…

Hello, Liz! We’re thrilled to see you’ll be appearing at this year’s York Literature Festival. As a Yorkshire lass, do you have any fond memories of the city?

I grew up in Hebden Bridge, so York was definitely a destination for a special day out when I was a child - something I repeated when I had my own children. We always bring visitors here when we are showing off Yorkshire! More recently, I did some teaching at York St John University and loved getting to know the city a bit more.

This month, you’ll be teaching children some tricks of the trade. What can budding young writers expect to take away from the Wildsmith Writing Workshop?

I believe that we are all full of ideas, so I’ll take young writers through a series of accessible writing prompts and ask them to start a story of their own. I’ll invite children to take inspiration from their own lives, to build characters who are a bit like them, add a wonderful location and a mythical beast, then add a sprinkling of magic to set the story in motion…

You’ll also be showcasing your debut for grown-ups, When We Were Divided, a historical novel set

during the English Civil Wars. What is it about this period in history that you find so appealing? When you start researching this turbulent era, it’s impossible to ignore the parallels with our own times. I found comfort in imagining how the women of my area survived the conflict, in spite of everything. Yes, there was terrible division, yes, there were awful plague outbreaks, but there were also incredible stories of courage and action and communities working together, and Yorkshire was such a key region in that conflict. I hope readers will find this novel immersive, exciting and emotionally satisfying.

Your debut YA novel, Eden Summer, was nominated for multiple awards. Do you find that the process of writing fiction for adults, young adults, and little ones differs?

The process is the same, even if the content is different. A writer is still trying to create a story that will delight a reader, no matter their age. Each project brings its own challenges and satisfactions so, perhaps strangely, I don’t think it gets easier with practice! Each time you start a new book, you have to learn how to write that particular book. Having said that, children’s books are of course shorter, so each round of editing is quicker, and sometimes you get the wonderful privilege of working with an illustrator and seeing your characters brought to life – what a joy that is!

Visit www.lizflanagan.co.uk to get in touch with Liz. Visitwww. yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk to book tickets for York Literature Festival 2026.

York Literature Festival 2026 will be turning the pages of our city’s rich literary heritage with an impressive array of bookwormfriendly events in established venues across York, Including workshops, talks and book

28 FEBRUARY

Your Life is Manufactured: Tim Minshall in Conversation, St Peter’s Memorial Hall, YO30 6AB. 7.00pm-8.30pm.

4 MARCH

The Sleepwalkers: Scarlett Thomas in Conversation, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, YO1 9XD. 7.00pm9.30pm.

6 MARCH

Climate Sci-Fi Fiction with Fly on the Wall Press, York Medical Society, YO1 8AW. 6.00pm-9.00pm.

7 MARCH

Smith & Waugh’s Satirical Voyage: From Jonathon Swift to H.G. Wells, YSJ Auditorium, YO31 7EX. 2.00pm.

7 MARCH

The Book of Jonah: Luke Kennard Iin Conversation with Caleb Klaces, YSJ Auditorium, YO31 7EX. 6.00pm.

8 MARCH

Poetry Workshop with Janine Bradbury, Theatre@41 Monkgate, YO31 7PB. 1.00pm3.00pm.

10 MARCH

Writing the Environment in Prose & Poetry, YSJ Auditorium, YO31 7EX. 6.00pm.

12 MARCH

28 FEB - 26 MAR

launches to suit the tastes of any reader or writer in the making, featuring established poets, novelists and authors including Liz Flanagan, Francis Spufford, Janine Bradbury, Lucy Rose, Rónán Hession, and many more…

Elly Griffiths Launching ‘The Killing Time’, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, YO1 9XD. 7.00pm-9.00pm.

13 MARCH

Francis Spufford in Conversation: Celebrating Nonesuch, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, YO31 8TA. 7.00pm-9.00pm.

14 MARCH

The Wildsmith Workshop with Liz Flanagan, York Explore Marriott Room, YO1 7DS. 11.00am-12.00pm.

14 MARCH

‘When We Were Divided’ with Liz FLanagan, York Explore Marriott Room, YO1 7DS. 2.00pm-4.00pm.

14 MARCH

Colette Snowden: ‘Celeste’, YSJ Auditorium, YO31 7EX. 2.00pm-4.00pm.

14 MARCH

Ronan Hession in Conversation, St Peter’s, YO30 6AB. 7.00pm.

17 MARCH

An Evening with Jasper Fforde, Tang Hall Explore, YO31 0HA. 6.00pm-8.00pm.

20 MARCH

Fantasy Fiction: Susanna Clarke in Conversation, St Peter’s, YO30 6AB. 6.30pm.

Scan the QR code to browse the full programme. Visit www.yorkliterature festival.co.uk to find further details, get in touch with the team, or book tickets. We’ll see you at the festival!

21 MARCH Literary Walk of York, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR. 11.00am.

21 MARCH

Folk Horror and The Urban Wyrd, YSJ, DeGreyCourt, YO31 7EX. 10.00am-11.00am.

21 MARCH

Lucy Rose‘The Lamb’, YSJ, DeGreyCourt, YO31 7EX. 11.30am-1.00pm.

21 MARCH

Lucy McKnight Hardy - ‘Night Babies’, YSJ, DeGreyCourt, YO31 7EX. 2.00pm-3.30pm.

21 MARCH

Andrew Michael Hurley - ‘Saltwash’, YSJ, DeGreyCourt, YO31 7EX. 4.00pm5.30pm.

21 MARCH

An Evening with Ramsey Campbell, YSJ, DeGreyCourt, YO31 7EX. 7.00pm8.30pm.

24 MARCH The Little Apple Bookshop Quiz, The Black Swan, YO1 7DE. 7.00pm.

25 MARCH Stu Hennigan Book Launch: ‘KESHED’, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 6.00pm.

26 MARCH

Manish Chauhan Debuts ‘Belgrave Road’, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 6.00pm-8.00pm.

Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk/a-leading-city-of-literature-aninterview-with-julia-edgar-york-literature-festival-2026-trustee/ to learn more from festival trustee, Julia Edgar.

MIRACLE AT YORK MINSTER

Image: www.yorkminster.org

A medieval shrine to St William of York, the patron saint of the city, has returned to its original home after an absence of almost 500 years!

Buried at the Minster in 1154, William was twice the Archbishop of York, and was canonised in 1226. Associated with various miraculous acts, including ‘The Miracle of Ouse Bridge’, where he is said to have saved a crowd of Yorkies from drowning in the drink when the bridge collapsed, St William remains one of the most-studied, mysterious, and intriguing figures in local ecclesiastical history. The story of his life, death, and many miracles (some of which were performed from his tomb) can be visually traced in the stained glass St William Window, created by master glazier John Thornton of Coventry between 1405-08, and displayed in York Minster’s Lady Chapel.

To mark 800 years since his canonisation, York Minster will be proudly displaying recovered pieces of St William’s two-storey

stone shrine, one of the largest in the country, which was removed from its original resting place and buried beneath the streets of York during the English Reformation, sometime between 1538 and 1541. Unearthed from Precentor’s Court, the remains of the shrine have so far been in the possession of the Yorkshire Museum, which has kindly loaned its treasures to the Minster in aid of this momentous occasion. Visitors will be able to see physical fragments of the shrine with their own eyes, and marvel at a 3D digital reconstruction of the entire structure, as well as various other artefacts that offer a glimpse into the miraculous life of the most famous York-born saint…

Visit www.yorkminster.org/ discover/behind-the-scenes/themiracles-of-st-william-of-york/ to learn more about the St William Window, or www.yorkminster. org/latest/the-lost-shrine-of-stwilliam-of-york-returns-to-yorkminster-for-the-first-time-sincethe-reformation/ for details of the exhibition, which is open for visitors now!

York’s New Cultural Strategy

Can YOU help to forge a creative future for Yorkies?

Do you have big ideas about culture in York? Can you help to realise the goals of the city’s new Cultural Strategy?

As the first and only city in the UK (and one of only 27 cities worldwide) to be awarded UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts status, York has long been recognised as a hotbed for creative movers and shakers. Home to vibrant communities of artists, writers, dancers, musicians, and homegrown theatre companies, York is renowned for its museums and cultural & heritage venues, where residents and visitors alike can step into and experience rich living history. The city also plays host to a variety of popular annual cultural celebrations, including the Jorvik Viking Festival, Eboracum Roman Festival, York Literature Festival, and York Festival of Ideas.

A new and updated Cultural Strategy for York was recently unveiled at Reignite XII: The Future of Culture, where over 250 locals converged to throw in their two

BOOK REVIEW & COMPETITION: ‘WORKTOWN’ BY BILL HODSON

Bolton native and longstanding York resident Bill Hodson is an award-winning writer of short stories and plays, whose debut novel, Tracking Back, was first published in 2023. Hodson’s maiden book was notable for its authentic, local knowledge-laden depiction of his hometown. In his sophomore novel, Worktown, the writer once again returns to the ‘Hollywood of the North’, this time for a socially conscious slice of historical fiction.

cents, working towards a cuttingedge, inclusive, and contemporary approach to creativity in the city. Focusing on topics including sustainability, income generation, creative careers, partnerships, and ways in which existing cultural organisations can evolve to meet the demands of new audiences, the new Cultural Strategy aims to ensure that local residents from every walk of life can capitalise on the rich creative opportunities and inherent cultural capital our city has to offer…

If you’d like to help shape the future cultural landscape of York, why not attend the next Reignite meeting? This will take place at City Screen York from 6.00pm9.00pm on 18th March.

Visit www.reignite.org.uk to view and download the new and updated York Culture Strategy. Head to www.reignite.org.uk/ events to book tickets for Reignite XIII: Production & Creative Technologies.

Hodson adeptly captures the class inequalities that permeated Bolton around this time; away from the town, ‘so dark and gloomy’, we see ‘grand houses set back from the highway and protected by railings’, where the upper classes are shielded from the strife and travails of the workers beneath them…

Are you a budding baker, up-andcoming culinary cultivator, or master chef in the making? Are you up to the task of creating an edible replica of your favourite building or landmark in York?

Maybe you’re envisioning a sugary Shambles, a marshmallow Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, or a chocolate Chapter House?

If you’re a keen kitchen-dweller looking for new ways to get creative, why not take a leaf out of the cookbook of mum-anddaughter duo Erin and Julie Hamer? This skilled Pennsylvanian pair recently turned heads with an expertly crafted gingerbread replica of York Minster, after daughter Erin,

20, became enamoured with the building while studying and working in the city. Enlisting the help of her mother Julie, Erin embarked on the monumental task of crafting a sweet model of the most famous York monument, clocking in at a formidable 2 feet (0.6m). Taking a whole week to create, the sticky, 60-piece structure was handcrafted using molasses, flour, and sugar.

Feeling inspired? Get in touch with pictures of your munchable model - if it passes the taste test, you could see it published in the magazine!

Email info@yourlocallink.co.uk with pictures of your edible York replica.

Based on the Mass Observation project commenced in 1937, where archivists and anthropologists investigated the habits and customs of local Boltonians, Worktown is most notable for its vivid, sensory descriptions of Bolton in the late 1930s, which is unforgivingly painted as a ‘dour, blackened town’, with ‘coal dust and smoke from mills blanketing the sky, the factories and homes weeping soot’. Readers are offered an uncomfortable insight into the sights and smells of the town in the last century, where police brutality, political tension, and post-traumatic stress marred the hard lives of the working class.

WIN A FREE COPY!

To be in with a chance of winning your free copy, simply answer the following question:

In which town is ‘Worktown’ set?

A. Bradford

B. Batley

C. Bolton

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Worktown Competition’ to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF, or by email to competitions@yourlocallink. co.uk. The closing date is Friday, 27th March. Terms and conditions apply.

York Mystery Plays Return!

Experience a summer reenactment of ‘The Journey to Calvary’

While our city is famed for its associations with Vikings, Romans, ghosts, and chocolate, there’s one unique York tradition that continues to wow residents and visitors to this day…

Previously running annually, but now occurring just once every four years, the York Mystery Plays are a group of 48 medieval plays which depict the stories of the Bible, ranging all the way from Creation to the Last Judgement. Traditionally performed on decorated wagons, which move around various locations in the city to wow spectators (hence the colloquial nickname the ‘Wagon Plays’), the York Mystery Plays have been running since at least 1376, when pageant wagon performances were first recorded to mark the Corpus Christi festival of that year. As a key element of York’s history and rich cultural heritage, the Wagon Plays remain a source of great civic pride, and are organised today by the York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust, a registered charity and committed volunteer group that’s dedicated to keeping this valuable living tradition alive.

Last month, the York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust announced that it would be appointing a new director to sit at the helm of this year’s wagon performances, which will reenact Jesus’ final journey before crucifixion, ‘The Journey to Calvary’ in York, from 28 June to 5 July. As well as the plays themselves, this year’s York Mystery Plays Festival will also offer an extensive two-

week programme of illuminating, immersive events across the city, ranging from expert talks and exhibitions to audio plays and podcast recordings. Yorkies will also get the chance to enjoy exclusive film screenings and experience themed art and poetry created especially for the occasion. For the 2026 festival, visitors will also be able to take in an atmospheric twilight lantern show and embark on a winding gargoyle trail, as well as a trail of the original performance stations used in medieval times.

Want to stay up to date with what’s happening in our city for the festival this summer? Keep your eyes peeled in upcoming issues of this magazine for further details about the York Mystery Plays Festival 2026, as they’re released…

Visit www.ympst.co.uk to find out more about the York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust, or get in touch with the team. The 2026 York Mystery Plays Festival will run from Sunday 28 June to Sunday 5 July, and will be performed at various locations across the city centre. Visit https://www. yorkmysteryplays.co.uk/the-2026festival/ for further information.

Single White Female at Grand Opera House York

When I saw that Kym Marsh was going to be playing a main role in a new production of Single White Female in York, I was very eager to see her acting on stage. I’ve been a major fan of Kym’s for years, from her days with Hear’Say and her performances as a solo artist, to her much-loved stints on Waterloo Road and Coronation Street, where she famously played feisty fan favourite Michelle Connor. This highly anticipated production is based on John Lutz’s novel, SWF Seeks Same, and the landmark 1992 psychological thriller Single White Female, starring Bridget Fonda and Jenifer Jason Leigh. Adapted for the stage by Rebecca Reid, this new touring show features well-known television star Lisa Faulkner (Holby City, John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, Murder in Suburbia) playing recently divorced mum Allie, with Kym taking on the role of Hedy, a volatile new flatmate who is not as she seems…

The stage is set in a small apartment, which Allie shares with her daughter, Bella, as played by Amy Snudden (White Christmas, The Sound of Music Live). With things going haywire in the home and Allie struggling to keep up with rent payments, she’s encouraged to take in a lodger by her neighbour and best friend, Graham (played by Andro, a former member of the Brit Award-winning band, Jungle). After searching online, Allie quickly finds a flatmate, brunette photographer Hedy. While Hedy wins over Allie and her daughter straight away, some things don’t seem to add up - after all, which photographers do you know who don’t have a

presence on social media?

Throughout the course of the play, we delve into Allie’s past and learn that her ex-husband Sam (played by Jonny McGarrity, as seen in The Whistling, The Full Monty, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream) was not the best partner or father, preferring to indulge in drink and drugs rather than support his young family. Initially, Hedy settles in well, offering Allie support and a much-needed shoulder to cry on, despite causing trouble and strife behind the scenes; her disruptive and increasingly sinister actions see her encouraging Bella to skip school and deal with bullies in the wrong way, and she even tries to seduce Sam, in a particularly racy scene that played out well on the stage. As Hedy becomes more unhinged (eventually spiking Sam’s drink and dressing up as his ex-wife, shoes, blonde wig and all), I was on the edge of my seat to see if he would take the bait. Without giving too much away, Hedy’s high heels come in handy at the climax of the show…

All in all, we had a fabulous evening, and the star-studded cast performed brilliantly. Will Hedy come good in the end? I won’t spoil the show for you… you’ll have to see for yourself!

Catch Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner in Single White Female, which is touring across the UK until June 2026. Visit www. atgtickets.com/shows/singlewhite-female/ to book your tickets.

How Link-Teresting!

To mark this year’s York Literature Festival, we’re turning the pages of the rich literary traditions and printing history of God’s Own County…

The city of York has rich, longstanding associations with printing and books. Stonegate was the epicentre of the publishing and bookselling trade, and the iconic bookshop No.35 Stonegate (operating since 1682) continues this heritage to this day.

Stonegate was also the site of The York Mercury, the first newspaper to be produced in the city. Thought to have been founded in 1719, the paper was acquired by famous printer Thomas Gent in 1724, running until the mid-1730s.

Printer’s Devil, located on - you guessed it - Stonegate!

2. 3. 4. 5.

If you look closely, you can find evidence of York’s literary history all over town, such as the statue of Minerva resting on a pile of books at the corner of Minster Gates and High Petergate, and the famous statue of the pesky

HIDDEN YORK

Thought to have been in the city since 1020, ‘The York Gospels’ is the oldest book to be found in York Minster. Its folios were made from calfskin (with a single page crafted from sheepskin), and it features the New Testament gospels. Visit royalsocietypublishing.org/rsos/ article/4/10/170988/92995/ The-York-Gospels-a-1000-yearbiological to learn more.

Located at the bottom of Stonegate and leading towards the Minster, the street currently known as Minster Gates was another haven for bookworms, being previously known as Bookland Lane and Bookbinder’s Alley. It’s still home to unique bookshops to this day.

As a regular visitor to the city, Charles Dickens (aka ‘The Inimitable Boz’) is thought to have found inspiration in York’s bustling, narrow streets; in chapter 6 of ‘Nicholas Nickleby’, Dickens recounts the local legend behind York Minster’s iconic Five Sisters Window.

Novelist Laurence Sterne penned his first piece of fiction (‘A Political Romance’) in York, whilst working as an Anglican clergyman. The initial volumes of his best-known work, the picaresque satire ‘The Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy, Gentleman’ were first published by Anne Ward on Stonegate, in 1759.

6. 7. 8.

Today, York is home to one of the largest, best-established rare and antiquarian book fairs in

Walking York’s Snickelways: Part Four

The term ‘snickelway’ was popularised by local author Mark W. Jones in his 1983 book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, combining the words ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’. Broadly classified as “a narrow place to walk along, leading from somewhere to somewhere else”, snickelways are a charmingly unique feature of our city…

DEAN’S PARK

Adjoining York Minster and accessible from Precentor’s Court, Dean’s Park is perhaps the most beautiful green space within the bar walls. While it’s not technically a snickelway, it was included in Jones’ definitive guide because it shares many of the same features; it has a narrow path, free from traffic and accessible only by foot, which leads somewhere - in this case, the Minster Library! For modern-day Yorkies, Dean’s Park is known as the place where a statue of Paddington

Bear can be found, sitting on a bench, enjoying one of his favourite sarnies…

OGLEFORTH

Located a stone’s throw from Treasurers’ House and Grays Court, Ogleforth was formerly known as ‘Ugel’s Ford’, While it’s no longer considered a snickelway, this unique York street has been home to many notable buildings over the years, including a Catholic school, a Christadelphian chapel, the York City Mission, and St John-del-Pyke church. Today, wanderers can still view surviving Grade II listed buildings including Cromwell House and the Dutch House, the latter being built around 1650.

SPEN LANE

Accessible by foot via St Andrewgate, Spen Lane was formerly a short snickelway which skirted around the Gothic, Grade II

listed building St Andrew’s Hall, also known as The Drill Hall.

Known as ‘Inspingall’ and ‘Penny Lane’ in the 12th and 20th centuries, Spen Lane was used by locals and market traders as a passage for transporting handcarts, evidence of which is visible in the indentations in the walls!

ST ANDREWGATE

Running parallel to Goodramgate and leading to King’s Square, St Andrewgate has only gained snickelway status due to a technicality - it features a row of posts, located at the junction with Spen Lane. Aside from being the former site of The York City Commission, the Bedern National School, and various grand merchant houses, St Andrewgate is perhaps most interesting for its allocated status as a ‘Cycleway’, and is still favoured by Yorkie cyclists using the network today.

the country, The York National Book Fair. It was first established in 1974 at the famous watering hole, the White Swan Inn.

9.

The Old Swan Hotel (formerly known as the Swan Hydropathic Hotel), located in nearby Harrogate, would serve as a ‘hiding place’ for pioneering whodunnit writer Agatha Christie, who famously disappeared from public view between 3-14 December, 1926.

10.

Nearby Whitby inspired the writing of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, the most famous Gothic horror novel of them all. Stoker would stay in Whitby in 1890, and his influence can still be found today, with attractions and events like the Whitby Dracula Trail and Whitby Goth Weekend…

Visit www. yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk to find out more about this year’s York Literature Festival 2026, which runs from 28 February throughout March.

Make It York

Spen Lane, Peter Church: wikimedia

St Andrewgate from the City Walls, DS Pugh: wikimedia

Ogleforth, Gordon Hatton: wikimedia

BEN’S BOOK REVIEWS

BY Ben Robinson

Every year, I like to give our readers a selection of some of the best biographies and memoirs I’ve recently read, especially those that have left me pondering them long after I’ve finished the final page. Each of these stories absolutely captures a tale that will reel you in from the first word to the last, from the pastures of rural India to life growing up in 1900s England, and Irish mysteries waiting to be uncovered. These books are groundbreaking in their own right, and they could make the perfect read if you’re looking for a little joy in these cool months.

Mother Mary

by Arundhati Roy

Mother Mary is a recent release, but it has quickly shot to prominence. It is a personal, reflective account of the author’s winding life, looking at the complexities of her relationship with her mother, Mary Roy. Mary was a feisty and modern woman, and above all, an important educator who founded a respected school in Kerala, India. The book tracks the author’s life, and the impact of having such a fierce mother - from growing up in India’s fields, to carving her own path in the big city. This book is one of my favourites of the past year, and I’m sure it will be for you too.

Missing Persons, Or My Grandmother’s Secrets

by Clair Willis

When I picked up this book, I was unsure what path it would take. But as soon as I began reading, it was clear that this was a book about unearthing family secrets, whilst telling the wider story of the Irish Mother and Baby Homes. Willis found out in her twenties that she had a cousin she had never known - a girl born in a 1950s Irish Mother and Baby Home whom the family never talked about. The book traces this journey across four generations, but will the author really manage to get to the bottom of the mystery? You’ll have to read and find out…

Jess and Norma

by Jess Asquith and Norma Burton

Interview: Lee Mead STEP RIGHT UP!

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages…

Star of stage and screen Lee Mead (Any Dream Will Do, Wicked, Casualty) is now treading the boards as the greatest showman, P.T. Barnum, in Barnum - The Circus Musical. We caught up with Lee to find out what to expect from this unique musical circus extravaganza…

Hi, Lee! You recently performed in York as P.T. Barnum, the greatest circus showman of them all. What can spectators expect from the rest of the tour?

It’s essentially a musical, but we’ve got actual circus acts as part of the company, so there’s an amazing score of music, a fantastic story, and the circus element. It’s amazing to watch!

The musical is packed with showstopping songs, including ‘The Colours of My Life’ and ‘There is a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute’. Do you have a favourite number to sing?

I first came across Jess and Norma making videos on the internet a few years back, and since then, they have taken off in the most incredible of ways. This book is the most recent in their long line of successes. Written as an ongoing discussion between the pair, this new memoir gives us a look into the duo’s lives. From discussing both of their childhoods to their more recent rise to fame, this heartwarming granddaughter-and-grandmother relationship is one that many of us can relate to, and also find some joy in.

For me, the simplest songs in life are the most special, and ‘The Colours of My Life’ is a very simple melody, but really heartfelt.

If you were to run away with the circus, which jaw-dropping act would you choose to perform?

When I was a young boy, I used to go to the circus every year, and it was a real treat - I always used to love looking at the high wire! I actually walk the tightrope in the show; it takes two and a half years of training to get to the height that I go to, which is 2 metres, and I’ve done that in six months, which is an incredible achievement for me. I fell off four times during the first show and didn’t quite make the crossing. It takes 10-15 minutes to come down from the adrenaline,

and I’m physically shaking at the end of it, every night!

Our readers will remember you as the winner of Any Dream Will Do, and you’ve played the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Did you find tackling a complex character like P.T. Barnum different to playing Joseph?

I really did, yeah. I always wanted to play the role of Joseph and ended up doing it - it opened up my whole career. For Barnum, there’s a proper book, and I’ve got over 60 pages of dialogue with loads of big speeches, which is quite rare for a musical. The character went on be a politician, perform at the White House for the President, and had this amazing career, which is all true to life.

Are there any other dream roles you’d love to play?

I’d love to play a villain again. I went to the London Coliseum two summers ago to do We Will Rock You, and I was Khashoggi, the villain - I played him like an absolute psychopath! Ben Elton gave me the biggest compliment I’ve ever had: he said I’d redefined the role and brought an element of danger to the character. So, I’d love to play a darker role again, at some point. We’ll have to wait and see…

Visit www.yourlocallink.co.uk/ step-right-up-an-interview-withlee-mead/ to read the extended interview. Barnum - The Circus Musical is touring the UK until the end of October.

Visit www.kenwright.com/ productions/barnum2026-uk-tour/ to browse dates and book tickets.

Middle Feast

Offering an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to the people of York for over a decade, Middle Feast is a much-loved local eatery that’s popular with late-night revellers, early birds, and midday diners alike.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the unmistakable aroma of warm spices drifting out onto the street, a tantalising promise of what was to come. Inside the restaurant, we found the atmosphere to be lively and inviting, with an open kitchen enabling diners to watch the talented chefs freshly prepare each dish in front of them; this is a detail I’ve always loved in a restaurant - it creates a sense of theatre and trust that sets the tone for the entire experience.

One of the most eye-catching features of the interior is the ‘money wall’, where countless notes from all over the world are proudly displayed as a marker of the restaurant’s well-travelled clientele, which consists of both discerning locals and international tourists.

We were warmly welcomed by the lovely host, Andra, whose friendly and attentive manner made us feel right at home. The restaurant is managed by Abdu, who is well

known not only for the outstanding food, but also for his generosity; for the past three years, this beloved York eatery has opened its doors to offer free food to the homeless, refugees, and emergency service workers on Christmas Day, a gesture that speaks volumes about the heart behind the business. The food itself was nothing short of exceptional. We started with fresh, creamy Hummus paired with Falafel, and the contrast of smooth and crisp textures worked perfectly together. For our main courses, I chose the famous Mixed Meat Shawarma served with salad and chips, and it did not disappoint. The chicken and lamb were perfectly tender, beautifully seasoned, and lightly charred, delivering a burst of mouth-watering flavour with every bite. The salad was fresh and crisp, while the chipotle sauce tied everything together flawlessly. My girlfriend, Sammie, opted for the Shish Tawook: grilled chicken marinated in special Arabic spices, served with rice, salad, and sauce. The chicken was cooked to perfection, and she remarked that she had never tasted anything quite like it before. We finished by sharing one of my personal

favourite desserts, the Pistachio Baklava, a Turkish staple made from delicate layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey. It was rich, indulgent, and the perfect end to our meal.

Middle Feast offers something truly special within York’s historic bar walls, a flurry of flavours you simply won’t find anywhere else, paired with impeccable service and genuine warmth. I would

recommend everyone to give Middle Feast a try, if you haven’t already. For me, it’s a solid 10/10! Visit www.middlefeast-york.co.uk to browse the menu or book a table at Middle Feast York. Visit www.themarrakeshyork.co.uk to browse or book a table for its sister restaurant, The Marrakesh.

BY Mackenzie

DINING OUT

Never know which place to pick when you’re going out for a meal? Take a look at some of the spots we’ve chosen below – from juicy steaks to sweet treats and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.

The Marrakesh

Savour the true, authentic flavours of Marrakesh right here in the heart of York. Whether you’re sharing a feast with friends, enjoying a relaxed meal with family, or treating someone special to a romantic evening for two, come and experience the vibrant, unforgettable tastes of Marrakesh. 01904 463318 | 8 Low Ousegate, YO1 9QU themarrakeshyork@gmail.com

Middle Feast

Middle East? ... Or Middle Feast! This Restaurant and Takeaway transports the senses with authentic Lebanese cuisine. Serving expertly crafted dishes, using only the finest ingredients. Expect warm service, bold flavours, and a feast you’ll want to return for again and again.

13 Lendal, York, YO1 8AQ 01904 339072

Sunday Buffet

A mix of starters, a range of 7 specially prepared dishes, rice & naan. Served 3-10pm.

£14.90 Adult • £10.90 Children (under 10s)

What’s brewing at

• Saturday 28th March - The Wham Bams - 20:30 Start. Check out our amazing live music below! Available 9.30/11.30 - Saturday and Sunday Full English from £8.50 - Absolute Bargain! Come & try

• Saturday 28th Feb - Melting Pot Duo - 20:30 Start.

• Saturday 21st March - The Mojos - 20:30 Start.

10% off collections and deliveries when ordering directly at theparvin.co.uk 15% OFF IN MARCH WITH THIS AD! (Food only) We

Support your high street shops and be in with a chance of winning a £500 York Gift Card and other incredible prizes donated by local businesses!

Discover delicious dining on a budget with a huge veriety of offers, all temptingly priced between £5 and £30.

Visit the website to download your vouchers now.

MODERN Vintage

Celebrating timeless silhouettes, practical elegance and vintage charm reimagined for modern wardrobes. This month’s ‘Fashion Focus’ is Inspired by York’s Portal2Past event. For more information about Portal2Past, see the back page.

Mother’s Day

GIFT GUIDE

From thoughtful pampering treats to clever beauty tech and feel-good self-care, this Mother’s Day edit is all about gifts that help mums relax, recharge and feel appreciated. Whether it’s a small indulgence or a premium pick mum wouldn’t buy for herself, these hand-picked ideas are designed to bring a little everyday luxury to her routine.

NIRA PRO LASER (2ND GEN)

£582 from niraskin.com/en-gb

A premium gift for mums interested in skincare. This FDA-cleared at-home laser is designed for daily use, taking around two minutes per session. It uses nonfractional laser technology intended to stimulate collagen and help improve the appearance of fine lines and firmness, with no downtime claimed by the brand.

GENTLECARE 3-STEP GLOW ROUTINE

£70 from uk.gentle-care.com

For mums who prefer a simple, no-fuss skincare routine. This simple three-step routine includes a face wash, toner and cream formulated to work together for cleansed, balanced and hydrated skin. Fragrance-free and dermatologisttested, it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, offering an easy, everyday approach to skincare.

THE FEEL GOOD FACIAL

£69 from evolvebeauty.com

For mums who enjoy a little metime. A five-step at-home facial ritual designed to leave skin feeling cleansed and well hydrated. This natural set includes a cleanser, mask, serums and moisturiser, featuring Evolve Beauty’s bestselling formulas, and offering a calming, spa-style experience suitable for all skin types.

Ear wax removal via microsuction, covering York and most of North Yorkshire.

Registered practitioner. Friendly, gentle, fast service in your home.

Both ears £65

Mellony Pinkney BScHons T: 07960 008179

ASK FOR OFFERS

E: earwaxaway@yahoo.com W: www.earwaxaway.co.uk

Join our friendly community of like-minded people and learn;

• Tai Chi movements and exercises

• Dao yoga • (Kai Men “Open Door”)

• Breath work called Dao Yin

CLASSES TUESDAYS 7PM TO 8.15PM, Heworth Holy Trinity Church Hall, Heworth, York. YO31 0RP

Call or email for further details on joining a starter class 07921100188 • phil@lishi.org

MOTHER’S DAY SOAP GIFT SET

£25 from frenchsoaps.co.uk

For a thoughtful, affordable treat, this limited-edition soap set includes six traditionally made French soaps, presented in a reusable denim pouch and luxury gift box. Enriched with shea butter and plant oils, it offers gentle, everyday indulgence inspired by classic Provençal fragrances.

AFTER THE RAIN HOME FRAGRANCE GIFT SET

£40 from arran.com

For mums who love a calm, welcoming home. A beautifully presented home fragrance set featuring ARRAN’s signature After the Rain scent. With notes of rose, lime and sandalwood, it includes a reed diffuser and travel candles designed to gently fragrance living spaces, making it a thoughtful and easy-to-gift option for the home.

SOLAR EDIT SILK SCRUNCHIE GIFT SET

£16.99 from thesilkclub.co.uk

A simple but stylish gift for anyone who loves elevated everyday accessories. A colourful upgrade for everyday styling, this silk scrunchie set combines silver, navy and lemon tones in a boxed gift edit. Made from 22 momme mulberry silk, the scrunchies are designed to glide smoothly through hair and offer a softer alternative to traditional elastics. Suitable for day or overnight wear.

Mum’s

THE WORD

Have a marvellous Mother’s Day in York!

Thinking of treating Mummy Dearest this month? Ahead of the big day on 15th March, we thought we’d give you a head start with our selection of some of the hottest Mother’s Day happenings in York…

13 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY DRIED FLOWER BOUQUET WORKSHOP, St Chad’s, YO23 1PE. 6.00pm-8.00pm. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/mothers-daydried-flower-bouquet-workshoptickets-1976358165475? to book.

13-15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY PLANTED WREATH WORKSHOP, Dobbies Garden Centre, YO26 6QE. 10.00am-4.00pm. Visit www. dobbies.com/events.

14-15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY (MUMS GO FREE!), Monk Park Farm, YO7 2AG. 10.00am-5.00pm. Email eyup@monkparkfarm.co.uk or visit www.tickets.monkparkfarm.co.uk.

15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY AT MIDDLETONS HOTEL, Cromwell Road, YO1 6DS. 12.30pm-4.00pm. Visit www.middletonsyork.co.uk/shortbreaks-offers/mothers-day.

15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY CHOCOLATE MASTERCLASS, York’s Chocolate Story, YO1 7LD. 2.15pm-3.45pm. Visit www. bookings.yorkschocolatestory.com/ book/mothers-day/222 to book.

15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY AT GOLDSBOROUGH HALL, HG5 8NR. 12.00pm-4.00pm. Visit www.goldsboroughhall.com/whatson/ mothersday to reserve a table.

15 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA, The Garden Room @ The Milner York, YO24 1AA. 12.00pm-4.00pm. Email reservations@themilneryork.com to make a reservation.

Turn to our Events section on pages 19-30 for further details about selected Mother’s Day events in York this month.

TIP HOUSEHOLD WASTE, WITHOUT THE FAFF!

‘Click Before You Tip’ system introduced at Hazel Court HWRC

A new play area designed by York kids, for York kids!

Local families will already know that in recent years, visits to Hazel Court HWRC have often been impacted by increasing queues and traffic jams in the James Street area. If you’ve found your quick trip to the tip has been hampered or lengthened by increasing demand and congestion, you’ll be happy to learn that from 2 March, a new booking system will be making the process a whole lot quicker.

Under the new ‘Click Before You Tip’ scheme, designed to help manage peak demand, improve road safety, and maintain recycling service quality, all Hazel Court HWRC visitors will be required to pre-book a time slot before rocking up at the tip. Slots are available to book up to two weeks in advance, and will be active for bookings from 28 February.

• Visit www.york.gov.uk/ hazelcourthwrc/book or scan the QR code to book a time slot. If it’s not possible to access the system online, please call 01904 551551.

• Once you’ve booked a slot, you’ll receive a confirmation email to show on arrival. If you’ve booked by phone, simply bring your confirmation number with you. Upon arrival, your booking will be checked and you’ll be directed to an allocated bay. Site staff will be on hand to help you sort and dispose of your household waste materials.

Visit pages 48-49 or see the front cover of the magazine to find out more about the ‘Click Before You Tip’ scheme. Happy tipping, Yorkies!

EGG-CITED FOR EASTER?

Looking for something fun to do with the family this Easter?

Lynda Starkey, the much-loved York pensioner who has been opening her Acomb home to the public for decades, will be inviting residents to Camellia Cottage for some ‘eggciting’ Easter fun next month. Find out more in the next issue.

Three-month Better memberships… for free!

Are you a member of an adoptive family looking to improve your fitness?

To mark Big Adoption Day 2026, which fell on 21st January, Yorkbased adoptive families were granted free access to the Better UK app, as well as free three-month memberships to Better Leisure Centres across the city, including Burnholme Sports Centre, Energise Leisure Centre, York Leisure Centre, and Yearsley Swimming Pool.

If you missed the Big Adoption Day announcement at the start of the year, never fear - there’s still time to wrangle some free time at the leisure centre! Memberships are still open to any adoptive families who adopted via Coram or another voluntary agency, as recognised by the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA).

Visit www.better.org.uk/leisurecentre/york to find your nearest Better Leisure Centre and register your interest.

Local children from Heworth Primary School and Tang Hall Primary School have had their say in shaping the new design of Glen Gardens Park Play Area in Heworth, set to be completed this Spring. The pupils’ feedback was instrumental in helping to determine the final design of the play area, which will feature

Congrats,

Scan the QR code to learn more:

wobble beams, climbing structures, monkey bars, see-saws, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, sensory play panels, and group swings!

Scan the QR code to learn more about the Parks Investment Fund and see which local parks will be receiving investment near you!

Queen Ethelburga’s! School scoops five consecutive awards

For the fifth year (that’s right, the FIFTH year) on the trot, local independent school Queen Ethelburga’s has earned an ‘Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North’ award! The accolade was awarded by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, which is widely regarded as a definitive ranking guide of the top primary and secondary schools in the country, used by parents looking for the best places to educate their kids.

This top academic honour has been awarded to celebrate the school’s student support, academic guidance, and holistic experience. Notable achievements from the academic year include the

WASTE NOT,

girls’ cricket team, Team QE, being featured in the popular BBC sports show Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, and a group of QE Esports students representing the school at the Daigon School Esports World Championships in Malta. Queen Ethelburga’s offers a mix of learning journeys for all ages (from 3 months to age 18+), spread across five small day and boarding schools: Explorers Nursery, Chapter House, King’s Magna, College, and the QE Training Academy.

Visit www.qe.org/yorkshireindependent-school-top-accolade to learn more about the award, or www.qe.org/open-day to book a tour at the next Queen Ethelburga’s Open Day.

WANT NOT!

Recycle unwanted electricals with Community Bees

Is your family home swamped with out-of-date electricals, obsolete appliances, and defunct or damaged devices? Struggling to find space for the old gadgets and gizmos gathering dust in your gaff? Community Bees CIC, which has been supporting the most marginalised individuals in the York area since 2019, is on hand to help!

The newly launched Bee Useful Project, which runs throughout the year, offers local families an easy way to donate, repair, reuse, or recycle small electrical goods that would’ve otherwise gone to waste, including kettles, hair dryers, lamps, irons, and radios; these can be droppped off at the

Hazel Court HWRC Pink Collection Point, the Community Bees Hub & Shop in Clifton Moor, or one of the Community Collection Points, located across York. If you’d rather restore your items to their former glory, you can also bring them down to a Repair Café at the Community Bees Hub & Shop, for free PAT testing and small repairs. This month’s Repair Café will run from 8.00am-1.00pm on Saturday, 28th March. Visit www.communitybees.co.uk/ small-electrical-recycling to find out more about the Bee Useful Project. Visit www.york.gov.uk/ household-waste/recycle-reuse-z for household recycling guidance.

Why not host International Stude

Hosting is fun and rewarding

We place students, usually in pairs or threes for short stays of 5 to 14 days

The majority of our students are German, Spanish, and Italians aged 14 to 17

✓

York Manor Care Home

York Manor redefines senior living, offering a spacious and thoughtfully designed environment that ensures comfort and elegance. Residents enjoy an exceptional lifestyle experience, supported by our commitment to care and quality. We invite you to discover our home because it’s always the right time to embrace the luxury care you deserve.

ASK A VET

Keeping pets cosy during cold snaps

Our Labrador has been a bit stiff and slower than normal - is this just the cold weather, or something more?

As the cold snap continues, you may have noticed your senior pet moving a little slower than usual. Cold weather can really affect our golden oldies, especially those with arthritic joints or a lower body fat percentage. While some stiffness is normal with age, it can also be a sign of osteoarthritis, which is highly common in older dogs and cats. Early recognition and management can make a huge difference to their quality of life. Here are some tips to help your older pets stay comfortable during winter:

• Avoid icy and slippery surfaces - boots can help improve grip and reduce muscle strain from slipping.

• Use coats and jumpers for extra warmth, even inside, as houses cool overnight.

• Avoid cold rivers for swimming, as the cold water can stiffen muscles and joints, and climbing banks can flare up painful joints.

• Watch out for stiffness, which is often the first sign of osteoarthritis. If you notice this, visit your vet for a pain relief trial, to check if discomfort is impacting your pet’s daily life.

• Try heat packs. Wheat bags or covered hot water bottles can soothe sore muscles and joints Keep them dry. Ensure their coats are dry, as wet coats can worsen stiffness.

At Bishopton Vets, we’re here to support your pet through winter and beyond. We’ve recently launched our Mobility Clinics, designed to help pets suffering from a chronic condition or recovering from an illness or injury to live life more comfortably.

Our Mobility Clinics are the start of

a patient’s rehabilitation journey, as the first step in the process of dealing with chronic conditions.

During these friendly consultations, skilled nurses will take a comprehensive look at the causes of the problem and examine your pet’s lifestyle, allowing us to create a tailored plan for what will work best to alleviate symptoms and help them get back to enjoying their life.

We will make a plan and bring in the relevant teams to ensure a holistic approach to your pet’s condition. This may include:

· Acupuncture: Gentle needle therapy to promote healing, relieve pain and promote overall wellness.

· Laser therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses light therapy to stimulate the body’s natural healing.

· Regenerative medicine: Targeted injections to support joint recovery and function.

· Physiotherapy: Exercises and treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, and aid recovery from injury or surgery.

For members of our Lifetime Care Club, the Mobility Clinic assessment is included as part of your plan, making it easier than ever to prioritise your pet’s wellbeing.

Whether your pet is managing a chronic condition or recovering from injury, we provide an integrated approach, combining expertise and compassion to ensure every patient is treated as an individual. Together, we can help your pets enjoy life to the fullest, no matter the weather!

Please call your nearest Bishopton Vets on 01347 821377 to speak with one of the team.

Twagging 1 Year, Male

Twagging is a lovely boy from a busy multi-cat household, where he had to share everything. He’s a little reserved at first, but give him some time, and you’ll see his true personality begin to shine. This handsome lad will really thrive in a calm, patient home where he can come out of his shell. He may be okay with sensible older children. Twagging will also need access to the outdoors once he’s settled, so he can enjoy a bit of fresh air and explore.

Backroom Boy 8 Years, Male

This handsome hunk has experienced a lot of change, since coming into our care. He has been a little timid and is still finding his feet, but beneath that uncertainty is a true lap cat. Once he feels safe, he loves nothing more than curling up close and keeping you company. Backroom Boy knows exactly how to be the perfect gentleman: polite, affectionate and full of quiet charm. If you’re searching for a loyal lap cat with a heart of gold, Backroom Boy is ready to take his rightful place by your side.

Baby Boomer 2 Years, Female

Baby Boomer is a sweet-natured cat who came into our care from a multi-cat household. Despite her young age, she has already had several litters of kittens and has spent much of her life caring for others. She is hoping for a welldeserved rest and the chance to finally be the star of the show in her own forever home. She would be best suited to a calm home without other animals or young children,

where she can relax and feel secure. Once she has settled in, she will require access to the outdoors, allowing her to enjoy fresh air and gentle exploration.

Cloth Ears

5

Months, Female

Cloth Ears has a very friendly nature and loves affection. She loves being fussed over and is quick to show her playful, cuddly side. Despite her start in a busy multi-cat household, she has blossomed into a confident little cat who enjoys company. Cloth Ears may do well with sensible older children, and she will need safe access to the outdoors once settled.

Ice

6 years, Female

Ice came to the centre alongside her three puppies, and needs some stability and a loving family to call her own. Ice would benefit from living in a quiet home, outside the noise and chaos of the city. Her training is really coming on, and she is starting to flourish and show her fun and loving personality.

Molly & Rex

9 Years approx

Molly & Rex came to the shelter after their owner sadly passed away. They are very bonded to one another, so looking for owners that can take both of them. They both walk very well on leads and love to be outside. Rex is playful and loves a game of tug of war, while Molly is happy to sit curled up on your knee.

adopt one of the

visit /www.rspca-yorkhome.org. uk/adopt-an-animal or for the cats, visit www.cats.org.uk/ york#adopt-17600

Hazel Court HWRC click before you tip

You now need to book in advance before you visit Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC).

From Monday 2 March, all visits to Hazel Court HWRC must be pre-booked using the new ‘Click Before You Tip’ system. It’s quick and easy to do and helps reduce queues, improve safety and make your visit more efficient.

What’s changing

All visitors must book before travelling to Hazel Court HWRC

This includes residents, registered traders, charities and landlords

You’ll receive a booking confirmation to show on arrival

What’s staying the same

The walk-in recycling area at Hazel Court remains unchanged This change only applies to Hazel Court

Strensall and Towthorpe HWRC is unaffected

How to book

Booking is quick and easy and can be done online or by phone.

Booking your slot online

Visit: www.york.gov.uk/ HazelCourtHWRC/book or scan the QR code below

Bookings open from Monday 23 February.

Slots can be booked up to two weeks in advance.

Choose a time that suits you before travelling.

Booking your slot by phone

If you can’t get online, call 01904 551551

Customer Services will:

Book a timeslot for you

Give you a confirmation number to bring with you

Please sort your beforeitems you arrive.

What to expect on the day of your visit

Bring your booking confirmation (email or phone reference)

Please arrive within your allocated timeslot

Sort your items before you arrive to help keep visits quick and efficient

Site staff will check your booking and are on hand to help

Why we’re introducing a booking system

The use of Hazel Court HWRC has risen significantly in recent years, contributing to queues and wider traffic impacts around James Street and nearby businesses and services. Booking will help manage peak demand, improve road safety, and maintain recycling service quality.

This month, Your Local Link is delighted to introduce our readers to Shine21, a local charity that’s dedicated to supporting the families of children with Down syndrome. Shine21 offers valuable assistance and care to children with the condition, and has provided meaningful support for families across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire since its establishment back in 2020.

If you’re the parent or carer of a little one with Down syndrome and you’re in need of a helping hand, you could find that Shine21 provides the solace and proactive aid you’ve been looking for. The charity offers a range of services to suit families’ specific needs, ranging from weekly intervention sessions (designed to improve skills related to communication, social interaction, maths and reading), to fun ‘stay and play’ sessions, which offer a safe space where kids can play and interact with each other, whilst their carers relax, chat, and bond over their often challenging shared experiences. There are also regular Physiotherapy and personal

Shine21

hygiene teaching sessions on offer, while the Shine21 team also makes use of hands-on Makaton training, to aid flexible and inclusive communication to suit a range of needs and learning styles. And, in order to reduce the often disruptive impact the condition can have in terms of educational attainment, the charity can walk parents and carers through the process of obtaining an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), enabling little ones to access the extra SEN support they may need to flourish in a mainstream school setting; the team also liaises with schools, nurseries, and educators, providing focused training for teaching those with Down syndrome, and differentiating the curriculum as needed.

As well as working closely with parents and carers by offering practical advice, training, and reassurance when they need it most, the charity is also committed to raising wider awareness of Down Syndrome, joining forces with local service providers and medical professionals to improve the quality of care available to children

and young people living with the condition in our community.

Can YOU do your bit to help Shine21?

Are you a local tradie or supplier? Are you on the lookout for a meaningful volunteering opportunity? Shine21 is currently seeking plumbers, builders, electricians, plasterers, floor fitters, and painters and decorators, as well as suppliers of carpet, laminate flooring, lino, paint, bathroom suites and more! Your know-how, skills

and materials are required by the Shine21 team to help them build and spruce up their new home, located in Strensall. In exchange for your services, you’ll receive valuable social media promotion for your business, be acknowledged in the new venue, be recognised as a key contributor to the community newbuild, and provide muchneeded support for this crucial local charity.

Email contact@shine21.org to register your interest as a tradie or supplier. Visit www.shine21.org to learn more or get in touch.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Are you a local charity? Are you seeking out prizes for raffles, giveaways, or charitable causes? Here at Your Local Link, we have prizes aplenty! Get in touch via info@yourlocallink.co.uk to find out more!

Darley Funeral Directors

“Absolutely

“Couldn't

“Very

“Explained

• Single & double glazed replacements

• Toughened safety glass

• Glass shelves

• Bespoke mirrors

• Glass Splashbacks

• Glass staircases/balustrades

• UPVC windows & doors

• Composite doors

• Shop fronts

• Secondary glazing systems

Encouraging Gentle Routines and Physical Activity as Winter Ends £250,000 awarded to charitable organisations in York

As March arrives and the first signs of spring begin to appear, many people feel a renewed sense of energy and motivation. For elderly individuals, the change in season can be a helpful prompt to reintroduce gentle routines and light physical activity after the long winter months.

Cold weather, darker days and reduced mobility often lead to a slower pace of life during winter. Many elderly people may have spent more time indoors, seen fewer visitors, or felt less confident leaving the house. While this is understandable, returning to small routines can have a positive impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Simple activities such as stretching, short walks or chair exercises can help improve strength, balance and circulation. They also support better sleep, appetite and mood. Encouraging someone to take a few steps into the garden, open the windows for fresh air or walk to the end of the street can be a great place to start. The goal is not intensity but consistency.

Routines also help bring structure and familiarity to the day. Getting up at a regular time, making a cup of tea, listening to the radio or tending to a favourite plant are small but meaningful actions that offer purpose and stability. These familiar habits can be especially valuable for people living with memory loss.

Family members, friends and care professionals can play a key role by offering encouragement, gentle reminders and company during these moments. A shared walk or stretching session can help build confidence and turn an everyday task into a chance to connect.

As spring approaches, take time to notice what helps your loved one feel active and engaged. With small steps and gentle support, the transition out of winter can feel positive and full of possibility.

About the Author

Ed Gill is Director of York’s only CQC Outstanding home care provider and has worked with dozens of care organisations across the country to develop person-centred care and support services.

As Your Local Link readers will know, the York area is home to countless charities and charitable organisations, which are dedicated to improving the lives and prospects of local people in need.

As part of the landmark North Yorkshire and York Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, which aims to better support local people living with ill mental health and boost mental health services in our region, seven of these have been awarded key funding, to help them continue to do what they do best…

Which organisations have been awarded grants?

Seven local charitable organisations have been awarded shares of the £250,000 total via grants of up to £40,000 each. These grants will go towards funding the following crucial projects:

York Women’s Counselling Service: York Women’s Counselling –Trauma-Informed Rural and Weekend Access.

RAY (Refugee Action York): RAY Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme.

Mokkha CIC: Brighter Futures: Putting a Spark of Hope Back in HER.

Generate:

Shaped by Community – Trans Mental Health Support in York.

Night-Light Theatre CIC: Create-to-Connect.

York City Knights Foundation (T/A York RLFC Foundation): Offload.

MySight York (York Blind & Partially Sighted Society, CIO): Talking Space & Community Activities Project.

This generous allocation marks the second phase of the grant programme, following funding in 2023. It’s thought that this continued support and investment will work to bolster the efforts of key charities, and help to deliver more accessible and efficient mental health services to those in our community.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the North Yorkshire and York Community Mental Health Transformation Programme.

Watermark Plumbing Supplies (Yorkshire) Ltd

A Yorkshire-based independent merchant with stunning and inspiring Showrooms, quality product ranges and a passionate team specialising in excellent personal service.

YORK

Unit 66A, Ebor Industrial Estate, Hallfield Road, Layerthorpe, York, YO31 7XD Telephone: 01904 420 340

Email: sales@watermarkps.co.uk

Website: www.watermarkplumbing.co.uk

Branches also at Huddersfield & Malton

Huddersfield

Unit 1A, Broadfield Mills, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, HD1 3QD Telephone: 01484 539 539

Malton

Units G1 & G2, The Pyramid Estate, Showfield Lane, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6BT Telephone: 01653 696 433

Our qualified and friendly team can create a tailored solution for you.

9 Specialists in accessible bathing.

9 FREE home visit and quotation.

9 Full design and installation service.

9 VAT FREE for those with a long-term illness or disability.

9 Tailored solutions for arthritis, mobility issues and chronic pain.

9 ‘Bath out, shower in’ service in as little as two days.

9 Walk-in baths, wetrooms, bidets and toilet lifters also available.

Helping people regain independence since 1999

Childs, Trustpilot, September 2025

Nestled in the heart of the countryside near York, our memorial woodland offers a peaceful and lasting place for remembrance. Whether you wish to scatter or inter ashes, dedicating a tree creates a unique and personal tribute - one that grows and flourishes with time.

Planning your cremation?

It’s important to consider your final resting place. If you prefer a meaningful alternative to traditional resting places, our memorial woodland is the solution.

A lasting tribute with care included.

For a single fee your memorial tree is fully maintained, allowing loved ones to simply enjoy peaceful moments of reflection and remembrance.

Choose Your Tree

Select a tree that means something.

Choosing your tree in advance can ensure peace of mind for yourself and spare your loved ones from making difficult decisions during an emotional time.

Create a memorial woodland.

When you select a tree, you’re not only creating a personal sanctuary for remembrance - you’re also creating a woodland that will benefit generations.

Creating a Memorial Woodland means that you choose a young tree that will grow with the ashes of a loved one beneath it in their memory. With 80% of people choosing to be cremated each year - and an increasing number selecting a simple cremation planthe only question left is, where is the perfect final resting place for our ashes?

Age Uk York Hits The Jackpot

Charity’s Information and Advice service receives National Lottery funding

We’re delighted to announce that invaluable local charity and longstanding Your Local Link advertiser, Age UK York, has recently been awarded National Lottery funding to ensure the continuation of its crucial Information and Advice service. Covering a range of topics including household matters, transport, social care options, money and benefits, the Information and Advice helpline supports thousands of local elderly people and their families each year; in 2025 alone, the service helped older people in our area to access over £600,000 in benefits that would’ve otherwise gone unclaimed. Nicola Edwards, Information and Advice Manager at Age UK York, said: “Age UK York advisers help older people in York to claim tens of thousands of pounds each year through benefits and grants. This allows them to maintain their independence at home, keep warm, eat well, maintain their social connections and keep informed. National Lottery funding will help us continue our work to listen, advise and care.”

Nicola Edwards (Information and Advice Manager) with members of the Information, Advice and Outreach team.

Funding is provided by The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by Nation al Lottery players for good causes.

Simon Holmes, Chief Executive of Age UK York, said: “The support of the National Lottery is a wonderful contribution. We always appreciate the help people can give, with our volunteers from across York working together as a community team to ensure we can continue our work. Every effort and every penny raised goes right back to support local people here in York.”

Seeking help or advice from Age UK York? Please call 01904 634061, email firstcall@ageukyork.org.uk, or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/york/ our-services/giving-you-informa tion-and-advice today.

Timeless Interiors

Inspired by York’s Portal2Past event, this month’s ‘Get the Look’ looks to the 1930s, 40s and 50s, celebrating timeless design, practical elegance and vintage charm for modern homes. Echoing the event’s immersive vintage department store experience, the feature draws on an era when interiors balanced beauty with function, and everyday objects were made to last. For more information about the Portal2Past Event, go to the back page.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Drainage Engineer

KITCHEN TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2026

BY MATT TODD, FROM

At Herbert Todd’s, we’ve seen an extremely busy start to 2026, with lots of interest in new kitchens and bathrooms, so I thought I’d use this opportunity to talk about what's new and interesting…

The heart of the home is evolving, and 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for kitchen design. Homeowners are leaning into spaces that feel warmer, smarter, and more personal, blending practicality with a strong sense of style. One of the biggest shifts is the rise of soft, organic aesthetics with fluid layouts that encourage movement and conversation. This gentle, sculptural look pairs beautifully with the growing preference for natural materials, lime-washed woods, textured stone, and matte finishes that bring a calming, tactile quality to the room. Colour is also taking a confident step forward; while classic neutrals remain popular, 2026 welcomes earthy greens, deep clays, and muted terracottas, often contrasted with brushed brass or blackened metal hardware. These tones create a grounded, contemporary feel without overwhelming the space. On the tech front, the smart kitchen is becoming more intuitive. Expect to see AI-assisted appliances,

TODD & SONS

energy-efficient induction technology, and integrated systems that learn your routines. Hidden charging stations and seamless appliance garages keep worktops clutter-free, supporting the trend toward minimalist, functional design. Sustainability continues to influence choices, too. Recycled worktops, eco-friendly cabinetry, and long-lasting modular layouts are becoming mainstream, as homeowners prioritise longevity over fast trends.

Finally, the kitchen is becoming more social than ever. Multi-zone layouts, with dedicated areas for cooking, working, and entertaining, reflect the way modern households actually live.

If 2026 proves anything, it’s that the UK kitchen is no longer just a place to cook, but a space to live, connect, and express personal style.

If you would like a FREE design visit, please call 01904 628676 or drop us a line at kitchens@htodd.co.uk.

Does your home leak heat?

Heat-retaining tips from York Energy Advice.

Are you a local resident living in a poorly insulated home that leaks heat? Had enough of damp, mould and ever-increasing energy bills? Never fear… help is at hand!

York Energy Advice is the project of local social enterprise York Community Energy (YCE), supporting residents who are struggling to keep their homes warm, manage rising bills or are considering energy-saving upgrades. Measures such as insulation, draught-proofing and heat pumps can transform a cold, damp home into a warm, healthy space. Before making any changes, it’s important to understand how well your home uses energy and retains heat. Trained assessors from York Energy Advice

YORK PROPERTY

Neighbourhood Improvement Programme (NIP) granted approval

A new NIP, designed to improve public spaces and reduce antisocial behaviour in Walmgate and The Groves, has now been given the green light by City of York Council.

From a total of £402,000 in approved NIP project funding, £250,000 will be allocated for key priorities in Walmgate (including plans for new homes and communal green areas), while £10,000 will be allocated to The Groves Residents’ Association,

Peppermill Court development due for 2027 completion

which will help to improve quality of life and inform future NIP funding proposals. We’ll also see a £40,000 injection designed to fund equipment for community use and repairs! Scan the QR code to find out more about the approved Neighbourhood Improvement Programme.

A development loan of £22.7 million has been secured by Asset Capital to fund the delivery of Peppermill Court, a purpose-built, 239-bed student accommodation scheme to be erected at the former site of an NHS mental health unit at Ramsey Drive in York. Expected to encompass two blocks featuring 227 standard ensuites, two accessible en-suites, 10 adaptable en-suites, and

landscaped courtyard spaces, the £34.7 million project will also make use of triple glazing, solar panelling, and bat & bird boxes to support biodiversity in the area. Designed to provide muchneeded student flats for those attending the University of York and York St John University, Peppermill Court is now slated for completion next summer…

use thermal imaging cameras and other equipment to show where heat is being lost and which measures will improve retention.

A useful tool is a window fan, temporarily attached to a window to help you see, feel or hear where cold air is entering the house. Thanks to funding from the City of York Council, anyone on a low income, aged 65+, or experiencing a long-term health condition can contact the team for free support. YEA advisers can give advice via phone, email, or home visits; they may even be able to install some small energy-saving measures, like LED bulbs and draught excluders, for free!’. Visit yorkenergyadvice.org.uk or call 01904 922249 for more info.

HERBERT

Get Your Garden Ready for Spring!

Ten essential March gardening tips:

After an exceptionally wet and windy start to the year, Yorkshire gardeners will be waiting in gleeful anticipation for the joys of early spring. With the first day of the new season landing on 20th March, the good news is, you don’t have long to wait!

If you’re hoping to get the best out of your green space once spring has sprung in earnest this year, these essential March gardening jobs should not go amiss…

1. Feed trees, shrubs, and hedges - To get your garden’s borders and flower beds in good nick for the new season, now’s the time to feed the surface soil of trees, shrubs, and hedges with slowrelease fertiliser.

2. Get pruning! - Another essential job for March is pruning early-

flowering varieties of clematis and roses. They’ll thank you later with strong spring growth!

3. Prep your vegetable bedsPrepare your vegetable beds by digging in a 5cm+ layer of compost or green waste, creating an ideal environment for soon-to-emerge spring veggies.

4. Make good use of autumn leaf fall - Composted autumnal leaf fall makes a fantastic (and free!) mulch and soil improver, that’s perfect for using in large pots and flower beds ahead of spring.

5. Support plants and climbers - If your green space is home to climbing plants, or those that’ll need structural support amidst bursting spring growth spurts, now’s the time to implant sturdy supports!

6. Install water butts - To make the most of the inevitable latewinter/early-spring showers, install water butts in your garden (ideally beneath a downpipe) to get the rain on your side.

7. Trim back dead foliage - By cutting back dead and dreary foliage that didn’t quite make it through the winter, you’ll be able to make way for healthy spring growth in the new season.

8. Plant summer-flowering bulbs - Summer-flowering bulbs, like Lilies and Gladioli, make a hassle-free addition to any green space, especially when planted in pots or borders. Plant bulbs now for colourful flourishes in the months to come!

9. Find inspiration in an open garden visit - Make use of the open garden season to get some great ideas for green spaces in your home. Check out the Open Gardens National Directory and National Garden Scheme websites (see details below) to find and visit beautiful open gardens near you.

10. Wrangle a special spring bargain - In need of seeds, bulbs, or upgraded garden equipment for the coming season? Make the most of your local garden centre’s spring sales to wrangle a bargain!

Visit www.ngs.org.uk/find-agarden or www.opengardens.co.uk to find upcoming open garden events in North Yorkshire.

If you’re seeking professional help or advice for preparing your garden for spring, see our Gardening section on pages 62-71!

More Rhubarb Talk

BY GARDENING EXPERT

Tony Chalcraft

It was quite a few years ago that I last wrote about rhubarb in this column. Then, the words were mainly about keeping rhubarb productive by digging up and dividing old clumps every four to five years. This time, the talk is about forced rhubarb!

If you don’t grow it, this is what you probably think of as ‘rhubarb’, that is, the pale pink stuff sometimes marketed as ‘champagne rhubarb’ in supermarkets. Usually available from the end of December to late March, much of it is produced by specialist growers in the famed ‘rhubarb triangle’ around Wakefield. A certain mystique surrounds the cultivation methods of this Yorkshire delicacy. It’s said the rhubarb squeaks as it grows, and must be picked only by candlelight so light does not discolour the stalks. These are the fanciful bits of what is otherwise a fairly basic production process. Rhubarb clumps grown outside for a few years are dug up in autumn and

placed into heated, dark ‘forcing sheds’. Warmth and complete lack of light stimulate rapid growth, providing thin, elongated, pale stems that are more tender, and ready far earlier than any that could be harvested outside.

If you have rhubarb in the garden or on the allotment, it can be frustrating to see forced stalks on sale from not many miles away, when your plants are still in deep dormancy. However, with a little bit of effort, it is possible to do your own forcing. The usual and simplest way, which requires no digging or moving inside, is to cover an established clump with an upturned bin, or large bucket or pot. In the past, special terracotta forcing pots were used. These can still be bought if you’re prepared to splash some cash. Covering needs to take place in December or January. This can give sticks ready to pull in March, but it could be later; it depends on the variety of rhubarb you have.

In the past, I tried this method but didn’t have much success. There are two problems forcing outside clumps. Although covering excludes light and gives shelter, it provides only a modicum of extra heat. As a result, stalks are unlikely to be pullable much sooner than those from uncovered clumps. Worse still, a lack of air circulation and dampness can cause rot. Because of this, I now use a different method more akin to that used by the commercial producers. A mature clump, at least four years old, is dug up in December. This is carefully chopped into several segments with a spade, ensuring that each has a ‘crown’ (visible growing point). These are placed, crown up and a little apart, in a large wooden crate half-filled with old compost inside a greenhouse. Each segment is partly buried, but

not smothered, with compost. The crate is then draped with thick black plastic sheeting. This excludes light and accentuates any warmth generated by the otherwise unheated greenhouse.

Providing the compost has a little wetness, no watering takes place, which minimises the rot risk.

Most years, this method has produced a worthwhile harvest of forced rhubarb. Although I use a greenhouse, a shed or garage should work just as well. If you don’t have a crate, a good-sized container or bin should suffice, even a large plant pot may do. In most years, the first stalks are ready to pull in late February, up to a month before the first outside pickings. And no, I don’t hear the stalks squeak as they grow, nor do I pick by candlelight, but we’ll leave that for another rhubarb talk…

Pipping Fly Tipping

Are you looking to embark on a major spring clean of your green space? Do you want to get rid of garden waste, without falling foul of the law?

Green-fingered readers will already know how quickly green waste can accumulate, especially at this time of year, as we start getting our gardens shipshape for spring. With an increasing quantity of cuttings, clippings, trimmings and leaves filling bins to bursting point, it can be tempting to elicit the services of one of the many waste carriers you may come across when scrolling social media. However, before booking or paying for any household or garden waste removal services, it’s essential that you check your chosen waste carrier is licensed - failing to do so could land you in court!

Earlier this year, two York residents were fined a total of £2,190 for fly-tipping offences; one of these admitted to paying an unlicensed waste carrier (found on social media) to dispose of their rubbish, which was then illegally dumped, resulting in a hefty fine of £1,020. So, if you’re a homeowner keen to get rid of green waste quickly, without a dreaded knock at the door later down the line, what steps

can you take to make sure your garden waste is properly disposed of?

Check a waste carrier’s licensing status - To avoid getting caught out by rogue waste removers, you must ensure that your chosen carrier is licensed. Always ask them to provide a copy of their Waste Carrier License before you strike a deal. You can also search the Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers, which is a complete register of legally licensed waste carriers working in the UK. By following the link at the bottom of this column and entering a carrier’s business name and registration number, you’ll be able to ascertain whether or not their services are legit - you can also enter your postcode to narrow down your search, and browse a comprehensive list of legal and licensed waste carriers currently operating in and around the York area.

Sign up to the Garden Waste Subscription Scheme - Another failsafe way to ensure that green waste from your household is legally and correctly disposed of is by signing up to the City of York Council’s Garden Waste Subscription Scheme, which

enables people living in York to continue benefitting from the council’s garden waste collection service. This service runs for 40 weeks, starting this month and running until December, for an annual fee of £52.

Take a trip to the tip! - If you have some spare time and you’d rather do the job yourself, take a trip to the tip! Garden waste is accepted at both York household waste recycling centres, Towthorpe/ Strensall HWRC and Hazel Court HWRC - please note that Hazel Court recently introduced its ‘Click Before You Tip’ scheme, to make the process even quicker and easier!

Visit www.environment.data.gov. uk/public-register/view/searchwaste-carriers-brokers to access the Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers. Scan the QR code to learn how to register for the Garden Waste Subscription Scheme, or head to page 44 to find out about the Hazel Court HWRC ‘Click Before You Tip’ scheme.

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM

York’s Walls in Bloom project, which includes beautiful wildflower displays along the bar walls at Station Rise and Foss Islands Road, is set to expand in the near future. The announcement of new displays planned at potential locations like Lord Mayor’s Walk and Nunnery Lane got us thinking - how can our readers go about creating their very own wildflower meadows in their gardens at home, and which kind of flowers are most suitable for planting in spring?

The good news is, the process of creating a wildflower-friendly space in your humble home garden is incredibly easy. In many cases, the best course of action is inaction! By simply selecting a patch of your

and dig up any weeds; by burying unwanted vegetation up to 20cm into the soil, you’ll be able to expose less fertile soil, which is ideal for growing many wildflower seeds; most importantly, don’t treat your meadow-in-the-making with fertiliser. Once you’ve established a suitable space, it’s time to start sowing!

Despite the relatively simple process of creating a space for wildflowers to grow, you’ll need to pay slightly more attention to the actual plants you decide to incorporate into your homemade meadow, especially at this time of year. To point you in the right direction, we’ve selected the cream of the crop of common wildflowers, perfect for planting in spring:

distinguished by its vibrantly coloured, five-petalled red flowers. Offers vivid colour and character.

Foxglove - Best recognised by its tubular, pink flowers, which converge in a tall spike and open from the bottom up, this beautiful wildflower is also highly poisonous. An eye-catching choice, that’s not for eating!

Cowslip - Despite its name (thought to derive from ‘cow dung’), this popular perennial often pops up in wildflower seed mixes, in an effort to re-establish prominence following recent decline. A yolkcoloured springtime essential.

Red campion - Sometimes known as Adder’s Flower, Red campion is a widely distributed wildflower best

Ribwort plantain - Typically flowering from April to October and recognised by its unusual, pine

• Large selection of heavy duty and European fence panels and trellises.

• Tanalised timber, concrete and DuraPost posts and gravel boards.

• NEW DISPLAY of tanalised garden buildings including sheds, summerhouses, storage and offices.

• Fencing, timber, decking and sleepers.

• Gates and ironmongery

New ‘Dragon’s Den’ business initiative launched.

It’s a Yes from Me!

Are you a budding local business owner? Are you sitting on a gamechanging idea that you’re yet to get off the ground? Have you always dreamt of pitching your proposal to those fearsome dragons in ‘The Den’? Now’s your chance!

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire (and former Swinegate business owner), has launched a new Dragon’s Den-style business initiative that could see local entrepreneurs land up to £60,000 in funding. Launched in January, the £2.5 million Great Ideas programme has been developed to help businesses of all sizes in our region to expand on innovative ideas, products, and processes. Under the scheme, locals are invited to pitch their ideas to a discerning panel of business experts (or ‘dragons’) from our area, and, if their proposals cut the mustard, business owners could benefit from direct investment to

propel their ventures.

Although we’re yet to receive details of the identities of the ‘dragons’ themselves, the panel will be composed of a variety of experienced local business figures, who can apply their extensive knowledge and expertise to provide practical support for up-andcoming business owners. The project will receive investment from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority for the next two years as part of the wider Business Innovation Fund, in partnership with UMi, which has supported over 680,000 businesses in the UK since 2007.

Visit www.yorknorthyorks-ca.gov. uk/project/great-ideas/ to find out more about the Great Ideas programme, or register your interest today. Visit www.yorknorthyorksca.gov.uk/project/businessinnovation-fund/ to learn more about the Business Innovation Fund.

York recognised as prime dynamic business location.

Local Businesses, Sitting Pretty!

Here at Your Local Link, we’re all about promoting our city’s bustling local business landscape - we proudly advertise the best local businesses that York has to offer, and we’ve been operating locally ourselves since way back in 2003. While our readers may already be familiar with many of the finest local businesses serving our area, they may not realise that our city has been nationally recognised as one of the most dynamic business locations in the whole of the UK for 2026. According to new data released by Growth Flag in its Growth Outlook 26 report (which provides in-depth analysis of regional high-growth business

PenLife Raises Over £10,000 for Local Charity!

An award-winning York-based Chartered Financial Planning firm (and longstanding Your Local Link advertiser), PenLife Associates, has raised an impressive £10,209 for OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, which offers valuable support and care for local children and families living with brain tumours. This latest fundraising effort from PenLife has contributed to a grand total of £50,689 raised for local charities in the past seven years!

OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity was founded in 2014, in memory of nine-year-old Oscar Hughes from York. Sharon Reid, CEO of the charity, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the incredible fundraising efforts from PenLife. These funds will make a real difference to families affected by childhood brain tumours. We cannot thank the whole team enough for their dedication to raising these vital funds.” It’s hoped that the PenLife team’s contribution will help the charity to raise brain tumour awareness, fund

vital research, improve diagnosis times, boost survival rates, and enhance quality of life for young local people currently undergoing treatment.

In 2025 alone, PenLife’s charitable efforts included swimming the equivalent width of The Channel and completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks. This year, its nominated Charity of the Year is Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Nina Wright, Director at PenLife, said: “We’re excited to work with them throughout the year and to raise as much as we can to help ensure they can continue delivering this essential service.”

Visit www.pen-life.co.uk to find out more about PenLife’s services, or www.pen-life.co.uk/contact to get in touch with the team.

BUSINESS DIARY

2 MARCH

CYBER SECURITY DEFENCES

activity, identifying the top 10 areas with the strongest business growth potential for the year ahead), York is considered the best-performing business location in all of Yorkshire and the Humber!

In contrast with much of the country, 11% of local businesses in York have demonstrated the capacity to scale, making our city one of the top five local authority areas for high-growth potential in the UK. In part, the city’s exemplary dynamic business location status has been driven by productive business partnerships, a skilled talent pool, and a versatile commercial base that straddles professional services, digital technology, rail innovation, and culture & tourism.

Thinking of starting a new business in York this year? You’re in the right place!

If you’re thinking of starting a new business in York, please let us know by emailing info@yourlocallink. co.uk. Visit www.growthflag.com/ growth-outlook to find out more or access your free copy of the full Growth Outlook 26 report.

ACCELERATOR: SECURE NOW OR PAY LATER, The Milner York, YO24 1AA. 9.30am-5.00pm. A useful one-day workshop outlining the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including how to protect your business from threats, with refreshments and two-course lunch included. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk to book your place.

4 MARCH

BREAKFAST AT THE WATERFRONT CAFE, York Marina, YO19 4RW. 8.00am9.30am. Sponsored by York College & University Centre, this networking event offers local businesspeople the chance to meet up over a full English breakfast at the Waterfront Cafe. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk for bookings.

16-30 MARCH

EXTENDING XR, Patch York, YO1 6FA. Various times. This free training programme offers six useful workshops over the month, aimed at locals looking to further their skills in creative technology. Visit www.xrstories. co.uk/programme/extending-xr/ to view the full programme.

18 MARCH

MERCHANT ADVENTURERS’ BREAKFAST, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, YO1 9XD. 7.45am-9.15am. Network with like-minded business owners and expland your client support and peer network over breakfast. Featuring guest speaker William Derby, Chief Executive at York Racecourse. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk to book.

19 MARCH

MEET THE MEDIA - YORK, Patch York, YO1 6FA. 10.00am-1.00pm. Looking to gain valuable media coverage for your local business? This in-person speed networking event will give you the chance to chinwag with top Yorkshire journalists and learn how to get your venture featured in the press. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk to book your place.

19 MARCH

NETWORKING YORK: FACE TO FACE NETWORKING, The Milner York, YO24 1AA. 9.30am-11.00am Brought to you by In Business, this relaxed and informal networking event enables local businesspeople to meet and connect with like-minded folk at The Milner. Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk to book your ticket.

Looking to learn something new or sharpen an existing skill?

Across York and the surrounding area, local providers, venues and organisations offer a wide range of events, short courses and skills top-up sessions designed to fit around busy lives. From practical workshops and one-off taster days to talks, training sessions and online events, there are plenty of opportunities to build confidence, boost your CV, or simply try something different. Each month, we highlight a selection of local and online learning opportunities taking place in and around York to help you invest in your skills, knowledge and personal development.

3 MARCH

ALEXA! WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME? VOICE-ACTIVATED DEVICES, Online. 12.30pm–3.30pm. A free digital skills session exploring how to use smart speakers for everyday tasks, accessibility and smart home features. Delivered by North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service. For more information visit yorkcvs.org.uk/ york-cvs-training-and-events/.

FROM 5 MARCH

AI SALES ACCELERATOR (4-WEEK BOOTCAMP), Guildhall, York. Thursdays, 9.30am–12.30pm. A four-week programme combining in-person workshops and online sessions, focused on using AI

prospecting and follow-up while maintaining a personal approach. For more information or to book visit ynygrowthhub.com/events.

11 MARCH

PR MEDIA WORKSHOP: HOW TO TELL YOUR STORY IN THE MEDIA, Patch, York. 10.00am–1.00pm. A practical PR workshop exploring how to build your profile and tell your story through the media. Learn core PR techniques, media relations and storytelling skills from experienced professionals. For more information or to book, visit ynygrowthhub.com/events.

17 MARCH

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY: Who To Follow

CITY OF YORK COUNCIL

This useful remote workshop is aimed at those looking to extend their social media reach and improve engagement. Open to Visit York members. Visit www.visityork. org/members/events to register.

20 MARCH

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING/ COACHING, Online. 9.30am–12.30pm. A free practical training session focused on motivational interviewing techniques, including active listening, goal-setting and encouraging positive behaviour. Delivered by North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service. Visit yorkcvs.org.uk.

24 MARCH

Updates on local services, transport changes and community initiatives. cityofyork cityyorkcouncil cityofyorkcouncil

BISHOPTON VETS

Seasonal pet care tips, health reminders and practice insights.

BishoptonVeterinaryGroup bishoptonveterinarygroup

RADFIELD HOME CARE

Sharing insights into the care provided and the positive impact on people at home.

RadfieldHomeCareYork radfieldhomecareyork www.x.com/radfieldcare

YORK BARBICAN

Keep track of what’s coming up at one of York’s key venues. yorkbarbican yorkbarbican www.x.com/yorkbarbican

SHINE21

Sessions, events and fundraising across the region. Read more on page 50.

HOW TO INCREASE SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT & FOLLOWERS, Online via Zoom. 12.00pm–1.30pm.

YORK JOBS, APPRENTICESHIPS & SKILLS FAIR, York Barbican. 1pm–6pm. This free event brings together local employers and training providers, offering job opportunities, apprenticeships and skills advice. Speak directly with recruiters, access careers guidance, and explore local training options. Ideal for anyone looking to start a career, change direction or develop new skills. Visit yorklearning.org.uk/ yorkjobsfair.

Shine21DS shine21nyorks

York’s LOCAL SPORTS

A brand-new mixed netball league is launching in York, bringing together Energy Netball York and Fell Fitness Community to offer a fresh, inclusive way to enjoy the sport. Designed as a social league with a competitive edge, the new setup focuses on fun and fitness without the pressure often associated with traditional leagues. Players can expect a welcoming atmosphere, supportive teammates, and well-organised matches that balance enjoyment with proper netball. The league is open to all abilities and welcomes mixed teams, making it ideal for those who have played netball in the past and are keen to return, as well as anyone new to the sport who wants to learn in a relaxed, encouraging environment. It’s also perfect for anyone looking for a midweek activity that combines

Families in York are being invited to sign up for a FREE Kixx Football Discovery Day this March, offering children aged 2–10 the chance to experience the popular football academy at no cost.

Designed as a fun introduction to the Kixx environment, each session delivers 40 minutes of high-energy coaching packed with games, skills and confidence-building activities. The focus is on enjoyment and helping every child feel welcome, regardless of ability or experience.

Discovery Days take place at York St John Sport Centre and York Sport Village on Saturday 14, Sunday 15, and Monday 16 March.

Pioneering female sportswear brand Maiden Cricket is searching for new brand ambassadors across Yorkshire, following a hugely successful year of growth. Founded in 2024 by teenage sisters Honor and Cat Black, the brand was born out of frustration with uncomfortable, ill-fitting cricket kit designed primarily for boys. Determined to change the game, the sisters created stylish and high-performance clothing made specifically for female cricketers. Maiden’s Ambassador Programme supports players, coaches and mentors who are passionate about inclusivity and growing women’s and girls’ cricket at every level, from schools and universities to clubs and county pathways. The company also runs a Rising Stars

socialising with staying active. Whether joining solo or with friends, organisers will help place players into teams and ensure everyone feels included from day one. With great energy and a strong community focus, the league promises a positive and vibrant netball experience for York.

To get involved or find out more, message @enerynetballyork on Instagram or join the WhatsApp group to receive full details: chat.whatsapp.com/ Hzpi4Perz5P3Kp1BZKOVAF

Sessions are fully structured and fun, helping young players develop coordination and a love for being active.

Places are limited and booking is essential. Parents can secure a FREE space or find out more by messaging Kixx York via their Facebook page. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

programme for players aged 8–18 and a Heroes programme for those aged 18 and over. With 180 ambassadors already on board and ambitious plans to grow to over 300 by the end of 2026, Maiden Cricket continues to champion opportunity, representation and performance in the women’s game. Applications are open now via maiden-cricket.co.uk.

York Karate Dojo is celebrating an incredible international milestone after two of its young athletes, aged 13 and 15, were selected to represent England at the JKS World Championships in Brazil. Alongside this, a wider squad of 20 dedicated young karateka is aiming to compete at their first international event, the Irish Open, later this year. These opportunities are the result of years of hard work and commitment from both athletes and families, with all costs traditionally self-funded. The club

is now fundraising to help make these dreams a reality, shining a spotlight on the determination and talent behind York’s rising martial arts stars. To support them, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/help-yorkkarate-conquer-internationalcompetitions

NIFTY SHADES OF GREY

Grey revealed as the most popular colour for new UK cars When it comes to buying a new motor, drivers take all kinds of factors into consideration, from handling and performance to price and practicality. While the colour of a car may not directly affect its place in the pecking order, there’s no doubt that it’s one of the most important aesthetic choices you

According to data released by the Intellectual Property Office, one in six UK motorists purchased a counterfeit car part in 2025; around 45% of these only found out that they’d bought a fake at the garage after experiencing a fault, while approximately one in three became aware of the issue during a routine service check. Tell-tale signs of counterfeit car parts include poor packaging (complete with spelling mistakes), incorrect serial

can make when selecting a new ride.

For the eighth year running, grey has been crowned the most popular new car colour amongst UK drivers, accounting for a whopping 558,050 registrations and 27.62% of market share in 2025. Black and blue are hot on grey’s heels, while green has been tipped as an increasingly popular choice amongst BEV buyers.

Which HUE would YOU choose for a new car purchase?

SHOULD

The Department for Transport is now seeking public consultation for a raft of new reforms focusing on how young people learn to drive in the UK, including the potential imposition of a minimum learning period for learner drivers and those new to the roads. This could see a minimum time period introduced between passing a theory test and taking a practical driving test, as well as a mandated learning syllabus and a minimum number of supervised practical driving hours.

What’s your take?

BUCKLE UP!

Visit www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/introducinga-minimum-learningperiod-for-learner-drivers/ introducing-a-minimum-learningperiod-for-learner-driverscategory-b-driving-licence to learn more or present your views.

numbers, and the absence of safety guidelines, with the most common fake car parts sold including car batteries, tyres and wheels.

Aside from leaving you out of pocket, investing in dodgy car parts can be lethal. Take care and stay safe, motorists!

Visit www.gov.uk/government/ publications/counterfeit-vehicleparts to find out more about how to identify and avoid fake car parts

Long-awaited Tesla Roadster set for April reveal

As one of the most hyped and controversial vehicle brands to have emerged in recent years, Tesla has commanded more than its fair share of headline space. Whatever your take on Tesla, there’s no denying that this

pioneering EV company knows how to work up a storm, and the scheduled April reveal of its long-awaited, next-generation Tesla Roadster has certainly got the attention of UK motorists. After ten years of development, including a much-publicised hiccup in 2024, the new Tesla Roadster is finally on the road to be revealed next month, ahead of a scheduled release late next year.

Watch this space, electric supercar fans…

GADGETS OF THE MONTH

From smarter smartphones and everyday charging essentials to home security upgrades and clever tech for modern living, this month’s gadget edit focuses on practical innovations that make daily life easier. Whether you’re upgrading your desk setup, staying powered on the go or improving home safety, these are useful, well-designed gadgets worth knowing about right now.

SAMSUNG GALAXY A16 EASOLOGY BUNDLE

From £259 from easology.net

For those who want a simpler smartphone experience. Designed by UK-based Easology, this simplified Samsung Galaxy smartphone focuses on clarity and ease of use. The custom interface features large text, clear labels and intuitive navigation, helping to reduce confusion when calling, messaging or browsing. Supplied fully set up, the bundle includes a printed user guide, protective accessories and access to ongoing UK-based telephone support.

QDOS POWERLINK 8-IN-1 USB-C HUB

£32 from qdossound.com

A neat solution for connecting multiple devices through a single port. A compact USB-C hub designed to simplify everyday charging and connectivity. This slim 8-in-1 hub combines USB-A ports, USB-C power delivery, 4K HDMI, an audio jack and SD card readers in one portable unit. Ideal for laptops, home offices or travel, it offers an easy way to connect multiple devices without carrying extra adapters.

EBO AIR 2 FAMILYBOT

£199 from uk.enabot.com

A dun alternative to fixed indoor security cameras. A mobile home-monitoring robot designed to offer flexible, room-to-room coverage. The EBO Air 2 features a crystalclear 2K camera, two-way audio with noise cancellation, and a customisable LED expression display. App-controlled and self-charging, it moves around the home independently, offering an alternative to fixed indoor cameras for everyday monitoring.

FINAL ZE500 FOR ASMR EARBUDS

£69.98 from Amazon and selected retailers

Designed with ASMR listening in mind, these ultra-compact true wireless earphones feature a dedicated ASMR mode that disables touch controls and prompts for uninterrupted playback. With Bluetooth 5.4, IPX4 water resistance and wireless charging support, they offer up to 4.5 hours listening time (18 hours with the case).

REOLINK ELITE FLOODLIGHT WI-FI

£214.99 from reolink.com/gb

A smart upgrade for outdoor lighting and home monitoring. An all-in-one outdoor floodlight and security camera designed to replace traditional exterior lighting. This wired unit combines dual-lens 4K panoramic video with powerful motion-activated floodlights, adjustable colour temperature, and local AI detection for people, vehicles and animals. With local storage options and no subscription fees, it offers a flexible, hard-wired home monitoring solution.

JUICE ECO 2 CHARGE MAGTEC POWER BANK – 10,000MAH

£29.99 from juice.co.uk

A handy charging companion for busy days on the go. A magnetic wireless power bank designed for iPhone 12 and newer models. With a 10,000mAh capacity, it can charge up to three devices at once via MagTec wireless charging alongside USB-A and USB-C ports. Made from 100% recycled plastic, it offers a practical, more sustainable option for everyday charging, at home or on the move.

EVENTS

MARCH 2026

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 MARCH COFFEE & CARS, The Motorist, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 6JE. 10.00am-4.00pm. Running every Sunday, this relaxed automotive event is a great place to meet up with like-minded auto lovers over good food and a cup of Joe. Every kind of car is welcome, from three-wheelers and classics to kit cars and daily drivers. Dogs are welcome, and entry is free! Visit www.themotorist.com/ whats-on to find out more.

19 MARCH LAND ROVER 4X4 EXPERIENCE: GEAR UP FOR GIVING CHARITY CHALLENGE, Land Rover Experience, Skipton, BD23 3HS. An adventurous day of team-building tasks and driving challenges, designed to put your teamwork and driving skills to the test. Breakfast, lunch and supper supplied! Visit www. yorkshireclientevents.com for further details.

29 MARCH

SWIFT SIGNS & SHIRTS YORKSHIRE DALES RALLY, Leyburn, DL8. 8.00am-5.00pm. Experience a high-octane closed road rally in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, featuring a loop of four picturesque stages to be run twice, in Wensleydale and Swaledale. Visit www. northallertonautoclub.co.uk/ yorkshiresdalesrally to register your interest and find further details as they’re released.

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

CJ Ramsay & Associates 73

AERIALS

Dale Comm Aerials Ltd 78

Aerial Solutions 78

Creative AV Solutions 78

Lanes Aerials 78

Smart Home Solutions 78

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Appliance Services 5

Aspire Repairs 78

Clyde Electrical 78

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Howdens 61

Watermark 55

Instyle Kitchens & Windows 9

Kitchen Revive 15

BEDROOMS

The York Bed Co. Ltd 59

BLINDS

Blind Image 59

Blinds & Curtains By Mark 59

Blinds Valley 57, 94

Inspired Blinds 53

BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE

AMH Ents & Events 23, 93

BUILDING PLANS

I W Design & Building 5 PDA 59

BUILDING/PROPERTY

MAINTENANCE

L. Walton Building 79

Paul Bell Building & Joinery 79

RJ Hall Property 15

Justin Higginson 79

Ladderworks Property 79

Moores Property 79

CARE & MOBILITY

AHM Installations 55

Eden Mobility Ltd 57

Minster Mobility 51

Mossdale Residance 50

Radfield Home Care 51

Tanglewood healthcare 46

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY

CLEANING

Able Carpet Cleaning 79

Carpet Diem 79

Clifton Carpet Cleaning 79

CARPETS/FLOORING

Kings Carpets & Flooring 11

Allanson Flooring 59

Craig Pallister Flooring 9

Fully Furnished 54 CCTV

Smart Home Solutions 78

Ultra Fire & Security Systems 83

CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES

First For Childcare 96

CLEANING/IRONING

ADream Clean 79

Bubbles Inc 80

Pure Touch Cleaning York 2

CLUBS/GROUPS

Slimming World 4

York Bridge Club 6

COMPUTERS/WEB DESIGN

Aldwark Computers 73

Atech Computers 73

Blueboot 73

CURTAINS/SOFT FURNISHINGS

Blinds & Curtains By Mark 59

DAMP PROOFING

PAD Property 6

DECORATORS

Alan Fawcett Painter 80

Bic’s Decorating 80

C.K.W. Decorators 80

Chapple Painting 80

Comprehensive Decorative 80

Gary Roe Painter & Decorator 80

K Walton Painting 80

Paul Masiak Decorators Ltd 80

Richard Driscoll 80

S.P Essex Painter 80

Samantha Storr Painter 80

SDS Decorator 80

DRAINS Drain Busters Yorkshire 59

EDUCATION/TUITION Melton College 45

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

York Gardens 68

Greenhouses & Garden 63 York Groundwork Solutions 64

Fencing 71 GATES/RAILINGS

UK 62 SR Fabrications 66

Iron Works 11 GUTTERING

Guttering Of York 82 HANDYPEOPLE

York Flatpack & Handyman 82

Can-Be-Asked 82

Housecraft Handyman 79

Milestone Property 82

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Beautycare 45

Clear & Hear 43

Clifton Park Hospital 45

Earwax Away 43

Lishi - Daoist Tai Chi 43

Spine Solutions Ltd 1

JOINERY

Duncan Littlechild Joinery 94

Cass Joinery 83

Inspired Joinery & Projects 82

Lewis Joinery 83

Matt Hodgson Joinery 82

Paul Meillam Joinery 83

Precision Joinery Services 83 LOCKS/SECURITY/ALARMS

Keep Safe 83

Afford a Lock 83

Dr Locks Ltd 83

GC Electronics 83

Laurel Bank Locksmiths 83

Towergate Locksmiths 83

York Locksmith Company 83

LOFT CONVERSIONS

Yorkshire Loft Ladders 17 LOGS/FUEL

Dalby Firewood 65

MOTOR PARTS/SERVICES

Alderson Motors 75

Andy’s Autos 77

Birch Park Test Centre 77

Ivinson Autos Ltd 1, 96

JB Motors Malton 75

Acaster Vehicle Buyers 77

Class A Motor Service 77

Custom Auto Keys 77

Fulford Auto Services 77

OLC Autos 77

The MOT Man 77

York Bodywork Repairs 77

OVEN CLEANING

Best Oven Cleaning 80

Southbank Pest Control 71

The Pest Company 65

PLASTERING

JM Plastering 84

PLUMBING/HEATING

Hartleys Plumbing 85

J Robinson Plumbing 84

Nunthorpe Services 85

York Property Group 85

A1 Yorkshire Plumbing 84

All Cisterns Go 85

Angelical Heating & Gas 84

C U 29 Plumbing 84

Connor Warren 85

DJC Plumbing 84

E Martin & Sons 84

Fensome Plumbing 84

Gas Man Neil 84

GNT Heating 84

Haxby Plumbing 84

HC Engineering 84

Joe Dallin 84, 94

John Hayton Plumbing 85

Kenson Gas Ltd 85

MT Plumbing Services York 85

Plumbing & Heating by Jamie 84

York Gas Engineering 84

Yorkshire Central Plumbing 85

POINTING

Nick Stannard Property 79

PRESSURE WASHING

Pro- Blast Jet Washing 68

PRINTING/DESIGN

Fulprint 9

RECRUITMENT

Driver Hire York 9

Homestart 7

REMOVALS/STORAGE

Bens House Clearance 86

DAW Storage Ltd 86

Hooks Removals 86

MWV Removals 86

White Rose House 86

RECRUITMENT

Hesley Group 13

RENEWABLE ENERGY

York Community Energy 60

ROOFING

Advanced Roofing 88

All Aspects Roofing 87

FJ Roofing 86

Heworth Roofing 86

Roofcraft 91

Roofs Above 89

Safeway Roofing 87

Wash Services 64 White Rose Landscapes 67 York Garden Company 64, 94

Yorkshire Oven Cleaning 80

PEST CONTROL

Huntcatchkill 67

Able Roofing 9, 86 Bastfix Roofing 89 Future Roofs 94 Highgate Roofing 89 J.A Roofing & Fascias 91

and from the office are

We check all advertisements carefully prior to publication but occasionally mistakes do

No re-publication or refund will be given in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the effectiveness of the advertisement.

Audax Close, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4XF www.firstforchildcare.com/first-for-childcare-york TEL: 01904 479261 Email: York@firstforchildcare.com