Your Local Link September 2025

Settle down,

September!

Dear Reader,

The school holidays are done and dusted, the weather has started to turn, and autumn is nearly upon us… again! After a particularly long and hot summer, it’s time to buckle down, knuckle down and get back to the grind - but what’s in store for York residents this month?

Traditionally known as the ‘Harvest Month’, September is a time for picking produce, revelling in the fruits of summer, and preparing ourselves for the inevitable bite of winter. The ninth month of the year may be synonymous with falling leaves and ever-decreasing sunlight, but there are still plenty of treats to be had, if you know where

the team

to look…

This month, Yorkies can enjoy sets from world-famous comedians, take in top theatre shows, settle down for outdoor cinema screenings, and watch worldbeating athletes take to the LNER Community Stadium pitch for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. We’ll also see the York National Book Fair roll into town, explore the city’s hidden history at York Unlocked, and, to celebrate the York Food Festival, we’ve provided details of some of the best places to eat in town… Delicious!

Until next month,

The YLL Team

Wizard

We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz! This month, take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road with the York Stage team, who are staging a charming new production of this family-friendly classic at the Grand Opera House. Join Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow on a whirlwind adventure to Emerald City - but will the Wicked Witch of the East capture our heroes before their journey is complete? This dazzling musical stage adaptation is not to be missed… we’re not in Kansas anymore!

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.

Simon

Gini Scott Sophie

Mim Craig Mackenzie

Molly Dane Correy

Maddy

Annabelle

Louise Ted Delilah

MONDAY

DRINGHOUSES

9 AM & 10.30 AM

York Bowls Club, Thanet Road Vicki – 07340037638

HEWORTH

5 PM & 7 PM Christ Church, Stockton Lane

Slimming World

Slimming World

SOUTHBANK

5:30 PM

St Chads Church Hall, Campleshon Rd Sue – 07816537210

HAXBY & WIGGINTON

3:30 PM & 5 PM & 6:30 PM

DRINGHOUSES

3 PM & 4:30PM & 6 PM

York Bowls Club, Thanet Road Michaela – 07856151037

POPPLETON

EASINGWOLD NEW

9 AM from the 15th May 4 PM, 5:30 PM & 7 PM

Easingwold Scout Hut Sharon – 07397682674

Slimming World

Haxby Sports Bar, North Lane

6 PM & 7:30 PM Poppleton Centre Vicki – 07340037638

TUESDAY

DRINGHOUSES

5:30 PM & 7 PM

York Bowls Club, Thanet Road Michaela – 07856151037

NEW GROUP & NEW

Strensall Village Hall Sharon - 07397682674

Alison – 07783740894

Bishopthorpe Village Hall

Michaela – 07856151037

FRIDAY HUNTINGTON NEW CONSULTANT

9 AM & 11AM New Earswick Bowls Club Michaela 007856151037

PARK GROVE

6:30 PM

Park Grove School Matt – 07449961111

CLIFTON MOOR

8 AM AND 9:30 AM

Clifton Moor Church and Community Centre Emma – 07786 913340

SATURDAY

ACOMB

8 AM & 9:30 AM

Lidgett Methodist Church Alison – 07783740894

PARK GROVE

7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30AM Park Grove School Matt - 07449961111

Inside this month...

8 - WALKING WANDERER

Take a long stroll with the Walking Wanderer for a picturesque route around Hovingham and Slingsby, and catch the last of the sunshine!

18 - HOROSCOPES

Catch up with our resident astrologer to see what the stars have in store this month…

26-36 - HOME AND GARDEN

Keep up with the latest from our regular columnists Tony Chalcraft and Matt Todd, who’ll be providing info on open days and apple picking!

WIN, WIN, WIN

12 - CHECK OUT OUR PUZZLES and competitions page for the chance to win family tickets for North Yorkshire Moors Railway and ‘The Greatest Shows’ at York Minster.

INTERVIEWS

55 - PADDINGTON

We bobbed down to the Minster to catch up with everyone’s favourite bear, Paddington! Check out our interview to find out whether or not he enjoyed the marmalade sandwich we brought him to sample…

FEATURES

16 - RESTORE

We’re proud to feature Restore as our Local Charity of the Month, a

crucial charity dedicated to supporting and housing homeless people in need.

58 - TIME TRAVEL

Step back in time to learn more about York Minster’s Five Sisters Window, which remains the only national monument dedicated to the women of WWI.

51 - ROAD SAFETY GUIDE

With the new school term approaching, we’ve provided a Road Safety guide to keep kids safe when they’re on the move. Please support our wonderful advertisers who’ve made this feature possible!

37 - ASK A VET

Bishopton Vets share some top tips for keeping your pet’s teeth squeaky clean!

50 - FASHION FOCUS

With the colder weather fast approaching, our team is at hand with a selection of coats to keep you toasty and warm.

57 - WE TRIED

For this month’s We Tried, our team headed on down to York Golf Course, and embarked on a countryside stroll with the Walking Wanderer…

54-55 - YORK CULTURE

Have a read of Ben’s latest book reviews, check out some wonderful poetry, and dig into this month’s touching short story.

21 - FANCY A JOB WITH US?

Learn more about how you can propel your career with Your Local Link!

REVIEWS

63- GIGGLING SQUID

Join us for a feast as we try out York’s latest (and greatest) Thai restaurant!

63 - THE MILNER YORK

We bobbed down to this famous, historic York hotel for a bite to eat!

37 - GIVE US A HOME

As always, we’ve included details of some lovely local animals in needcould you be the one to give them a loving home?

64-70 - EVENTS

There’s all sorts going on in town this month, from gigs and theatre shows to community get-togethers and sporting events. Check out our events pages for every local listing worth knowing about this September!

71-84 - 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.

There’s even more online!

Head to our website yourlocallink.co.uk

WALKING WITH THE WANDERER

Time: 3 1/4 hours

Distance: 6 3/4 miles

FREE printable map on our website

This is a walk of two halves. The first, from Hovingham, follows paths and bridleways through woodland on the ridge of the Howardian Hills, overlooking the Vale of Pickering. The second, from Slingsby, traverses flatter agricultural land on the edge of the Vale.

with a barn to the left (to see more of Slingsby and visit The Grapes, continue ahead, then turn right at The Green and left on Railway Street). In 100 metres, go through a kissing gate and take the right of two signed paths, heading slightly right to a further gate. Continue to another gate, following the obvious field edge path. As you approach buildings, keep left of a hedge, maintaining direction to arrive at a gate in the field corner.

IS THIS WALK FOR ME?

There are two climbs on this route, both near the start. One is long but gradual, and the second is steep but comparatively short. Otherwise, the route is flat or with gentle downhill sections. Paths are generally easy to follow and well waymarked. There are no stiles. The bridleway along the wooded ridge can be very muddy after heavy rain or in winter!

GETTING THERE

The recommended starting point is the junction of Main Street and Park Street in Hovingham. Roadside parking is available on Park Street, or at the village hall on Main Street. Public transport from York is difficult - the only feasible option is by bus or train to Malton, then the 194 bus, which runs four times daily to Hovingham (although not on Sundays). The last return bus to Malton currently leaves Hovingham at 15.50.

REFRESHMENTS

At Hovingham, there is the Worsley Arms Hotel, with the Hovingham Bakery further down Main Street for takeaway food and drink. In Slingsby, The Grapes Inn opens from 3pm on Friday to Sunday, and 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

WHAT TO SEE

Hovingham is an attractive stone-built village, best known for the eighteenth-century Hovingham Hall, with its unusual riding school entrance. The church has a part-Saxon tower. Slingsby is also an attractive, mainly stonebuilt village, set off the main road. It has the remains of a medieval castle, in the hands of English Heritage (not open to the public). The woodland on the ridge to the south of the villages has a mix of trees and habitats. There are also good views north, to the North York Moors.

1/ Starting from the Main Street/Park Street junction in Hovingham, walk back (uphill) on the main road (Main Street). Where this bends sharp left, keep ahead on the tarmac footpath uphill. Join the road, but in a short distance, take the track on the left (follow the bridleway sign). Stay on this track, which is hedged at first, with woodland soon visible ahead.

2/ Continue into the wood. At a ‘Y’ path divide, go left (follow the blue arrow), soon keeping ahead at another divide, as indicated by the blue waymark. At a clearing with wide tracks going ahead and right, take the narrow permissive path to the left, into trees. Follow this downhill until you reach a gate and footpath sign. Take the path crossing the stream, and heading over a grassy area to a gate. Through this, follow the clear path uphill, through young trees to a path crossroads.

3/ Keep ahead here with a field left and woodland right, remaining on the path as it goes into trees. At cross tracks (tarmac lane coming from the left), keep ahead into the trees, but after about 600 metres, at an easily missed junction marked by a signpost, go left onto a narrow path, deeper into the trees.

4/ Continue to a fenced field edge, at which turn right. At the next field, turn left with a hedge to the left, soon walking downhill. Remain on the path until you reach a yard area, before an agricultural building. Cross the yard right, to take a track with a hedge to the left and a humpy field to the right. Follow the track as it bends left into another field with mounds, following it diagonally to a little-used gate which gives access to the main road at Slingsby.

5/ Cross with care and take the village road (High Street) opposite. In about 150 metres, by a T junction sign, turn left on a signed footpath

6/ Turn right and follow the tarmac road, as it kinks right then left through the hamlet of Fryton. Remain on the tarmac for about 600 metres, until you’re just beyond a house on the right. Here, turn left on a track (footpath sign) and keep ahead, passing a small wood to the right, eventually reaching a signpost at a field edge. Here, keep ahead into another field with the hedge to the right (don’t kink right so there’s a hedge left). At the field corner, turn left but in a short distance, turn right to cross a new wooden bridge.

7/ Now, continue ahead with a hedge to the left. As you approach Hovingham, keep to the right of a tennis court, following a path that leads through a car park to the main road, with the village hall at the left. Turn left and follow the main road back to the starting point.

DISCLAIMER

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

By Chartered Financial Planner, Soyfur Rahman

The decade before retirement can stir up a surprising cocktail of emotions. Anticipation, excitement, and for many, uncertainty. One of the most common worries people face as retirement nears is: “Am I doing enough now to enjoy life later?” That creeping doubt can lead to sleepless nights, particularly when it comes to pensions, tax changes, and lifestyle affordability.

That’s exactly why we have created our free ‘10 All-Important Questions to Ask Yourself in the 10 Years Before You Retire’ guide. This guide is a practical tool to help you towards taking control of your financial future, with clarity and confidence. It delves into the common considerations and concerns that can arise in the preparation period leading up to your retirement:

• When do I want to retire?

• How can I boost my pension savings in the next decade?

• Where can I invest outside of my pension?

• How will I take my retirement income?

• And many more.

Tools like cashflow modelling are introduced in the guide, a tool offered by financial specialists which can provide a clear visual of how your current savings and investments could fund your desired retirement. Understanding your financial readiness can provide you with peace of mind, which can help alleviate those sleepless nights.

With Pension Awareness Day approaching on 15th September, there’s never been a better time to stop and reflect. Whether retirement feels like a million miles away, or is fast approaching, taking steps now could transform how you feel then. The truth is, the earlier you start planning, the more options you’ll have, and the more secure and fulfilled your future self will be.

If you’re unsure whether your retirement planning is on track, or if you simply want to understand your options better, we’re here to help. To book your complimentary pension planning consultation, call us on 01904 66110 or email enquiries@pen-life.co.uk. In the meantime, why not order our free retirement planning guide ‘10 all-important questions to ask yourself in the 10 years before you retire’ by following the instructions on the cut out below. I

EXECUTOY

Tamagotchi, £14.99 from Amazon. First unleashed in 1996, Tamagotchis are back with a bang! This enduringly popular Japanese toy kicked off the ‘digital pet’ trend, and the Gen 2 version could make the perfect retro addition to any office desk. Raise, nurture and care for your digital pal - remember to feed them regularly, and provide plenty of discipline! Unlock a range of new characters by successfully rearing your pet from egg to adult.

Bananagrams, £15.99 from Leisure Games.

This beloved banana-based word game offers a frenzied word-building experience that’s sure to drive your workmates bananas! Great for improving spelling and vocabulary skills in even the most scholarly colleagues, this fast-paced, portable offering encourages players to build as many words as they can, using 144 letter tiles packed into a - you guessed it - banana! This game has been a go-to for parties and family get-togethers since 2006 - why not bring it into the office for those lunchtime lulls?

Aquabeads Stitch Keychain Craft Kit, £14.16 from Amazon.

Lilo and Stitch fans of all ages are sure to enjoy this unique craft kit, which enables you to build your own adorable, Stitchthemed creations from a colourful array of 700 beads, including shimmering Shiny Beads and vibrant Star Beads. Simply add water to make your beads magically stick together! Once your creation is complete, you can show Stitch off to your workmates using the two keychain attachments and straps provided!

PART TIME ADMIN ROLE

• Requires knowledge of transport times and areas of the city.

• Real Living Wage.

• Holidays are 4 weeks prorate.

• Hours: 10am to 2pm TUE/WED/THURS (negotiable for the right person)

• Must be able to use a computer.

• Have good customer service skills

Looking for ways to spice up your lunch break? Keen on getting competitive with your workmates? Check out this month’s selection of desk-friendly Executoys…

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Waterproof, £14.80 from Amazon.

Suitable for 2-8 players, this wildly popular, fastpaced ‘hand-slapping’ game is now available with waterproof cards, perfect for those moments in the office when the tea and coffee are frustratingly flying! In this all-slapping, allshouting game, players are tasked with flipping their cards and slapping the central pile, uttering the fateful words “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza” in sequence - the first player to get rid of their personal pile wins… don’t get too competitive, pizza lovers!

Sushi Go, £7.99 from Amazon.

Sushi is a strong choice for anyone’s office packup, but this rapid-fire, sushi-based card game is sure to add a touch of competitive elegance to your lunch break. Putting your sense of probability and strategic thinking to the test, this set collecting game pits players against each other - but who will gather the most points and be declared Sushi Master of the office?

AliExpress LABUBU, £11.29 from AliExpress.

These collectable plush toys are exceedingly in demand right now, mainly due to their relatively limited availability, viral status on social media, and association with influential K-pop stars. Be the first in your office to get in on the hype by gracing your desk with your very own Labubu, which will not only spruce up your working space, but also add an air of exotic exclusivity! Which kind of Labubu will you choose?

Have you heard?

With Royal Mail increasing their prices substantially from next month, we can not only save your business money, but we can also tailor your deliveries to your business’s needs.

SAVE ££££££’S ON YOUR LEAFLET PRINT & DISTRIBUTION

We cover all of York and surrounding villages, both business and residential.

With over 92,000 letterboxes to choose from and over 20 years of delivery experience, we can offer you our expert knowledge to maximise your client enquiries in the York area.

We have an impressive portfolio of companies who already use this service, why don’t you join us too !!!

From only £35 plus vat per 1000 letterboxes, you can choose which postcode sectors best suit you !!!

No leaflets? Not a problem! Our design services are FREE and due to the huge buying power we have, we can pass along super leaflet print savings to you. There’s no better time to switch...

Call now!

Email us today for a no-obligation quote: info@yourlocallink.co.uk or call 01904 767881 to find out more

PUZZLES & COMPETITIONS

WIN:

TWO FREE TICKETS FOR ‘THE GREATEST SHOWS’

On 31st October, lucky ticket holders are invited to head down to York Minster for ‘The Greatest Shows’, a spectacular performance from the Ebor String Quartet by candelight. The concert will feature unforgettable numbers from some of the world’s best-loved musicals, ranging from barnstorming Broadway blockbusters to wonderful West End classics! Expect to hear your favourite songs from the Lion King, Wicked, Evita, The Greatest Showman and more… Ignite Concerts York has kindly offered YLL readers two free

TWO TICKETS!

FAMILY TICKET!

tickets for ‘The Greatest Shows’ at York Minster. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

Where will ‘The Greatest Shows’ concert take place?

A. York Minster

B. York Barbican

C. York Theatre Royal

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Greatest Shows Competition’ to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF, or by email to competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Wednesday, 13th August. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN: ONE FREE FAMILY TICKET FOR NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY

For more than 150 years, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has been one of the best-loved railway lines in the country. As one of the earliest-established and most historic lines in the North of England, NYMR is proud of its rich heritage, providing residents of God’s Own County with plenty of opportunities to experience living history!

The NYMR team have kindly offered a free family ticket (including admission for four) to our readers.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

What do the letters ‘NY’ stand for in NYMR?

A. North Yorkshire

B. New York

C. Navy Yard

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘NYMR Competition’ to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF, or by email to competitions@ yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Wednesday, 13th September. Terms and conditions apply.

Send your completed puzzle, marked ‘SEPT Puzzle Competition’ along with your address and telephone number to Unit 3a Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4XF, to reach us no later than 30th September. The first entry picked out of the hat will win the prize. Good luck!

4 7 3 6 2 1 4 8 1 6 7 7 5 8 4 4 8 3 6 5 1 7 8 1 5 9 6

BUSINESS DIARY: SEPTEMBER 2025

9 SEPTEMBER

PURE NETWORKING BREAKFAST AT THE MILNER

YORK, Station Road, York, YO24 1AA. 8.00-9.30am. Meet up with fellow professionals to enjoy a Full English at The Milner York’s The Swollen Gambler. Network over brekky! Head over to www. themilneryork.com for further details.

9 SEPTEMBER

BILLY NO MATES X SPARK YORK, SPARK York, Picadilly, YO1 9PB. 10.00am-2.00pm. Designed for freelancers and remote workers, this popular event brings together those who don’t get the chance to interact with others at work. Barista coffee and croissant from Node (plus exclusive use of SHOW space) included. Head to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ billy-no-mates-x-spark-yorktickets-1431167744249 to book your ticket.

10 SEPTEMBER

BUREAU MANAGERS REGIONAL

ROUNDTABLE, Hotel du Vin York, YO24 1AX. 9.30am-4.30pm. Connect with like-minded professionals in York, and get into the nitty-gritty of running

a bureau. Benefit from fruitful open discussions and shared insights! Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/bureau-managersregional-roundtable-series-yorktickets-1469536736939 for bookings.

18 SEPTEMBER

BUSINESS NETWORKING

LUNCH, Revolution York, Coney Street, YO1 9NA. 12.00-2.00pm. Hosted by The Commerce Club, this regular in-person business lunch is a great opportunity to network, build valuable relationships and expand your business. Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/business-networkinglunch-by-the-commerce-clubyork-tickets-1255760817409?aff =ebdiglgoogleliveevents&source =ecat to book.

25 SEPTEMBER

INNOVATION SUPPER, Patch York, Terry Avenue, YO1 6FA. 6.00-8.00pm. The second York Innovation Supper will see 6 new businesses give 10-minute pitches, for £400-£600 worth of funding. Networking, refreshments and supper will be provided afterwards! Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/innovationsupper-tickets-1408846290179 to book tickets.

Last month, Your Local Link gave you the lowdown on local financial planning firm Penlife’s highlyrated status, which was achieved due to excellent reviews on the VouchedFor platform. We’re happy to announce that Penlife has done it again, scooping a highly coveted gong at the 2025 Yorkshire Financial

Awards! Praised for its approach to leadership, development and community, the firm has been named as Employer of the Year, which Director Tom Hughes says reflects the firm’s “passion, dedication, and commitment to our clients”. Congratulations, Penlife!

As the first Library Learning Centre to launch in York, the refurbished and revamped Acomb Explore library was first opened in 2008, following an extension of the original building completed in 1960; in the years since, Acomb Explore has become an integral part of the local community and economy. This summer, direct feedback from residents has resulted in a huge financial boost of £390,000 for this well-loved site, provided in part by the Future Libraries Investment Fund, the Mayoral Renewables Fund, and the Arts Council Libraries’ Investment Fund.

Designed to improve facilities and upgrade the site’s building and technology, this notable cash injection will be used to create a larger children’s library and book

catalogue, increase the capacity and accessibility of the indoor cafe, improve the toilet facilities, improve the existing meeting rooms and IT suite, and create new quiet spaces for work and study. As the largest suburban area in the city, Acomb is home to around 22,000 people and a multitude of businesses, many of which are likely to benefit directly from this financial boost, which mirrors the exponential growth and regeneration that’s transformed the main shopping area on Front Street in recent months… Find out more about the investment at www.york.gov.uk/ news/article/1726/-390k-boostfor-acomb-explore-library. Visit www.exploreyork.org.uk/libraries/ acomb-explore/ to see what else is going on at Acomb Explore.

Are you the owner of a visitorfacing business in York or North Yorkshire? Have you been looking for new ways to expand your reach, attract visitors out of season, and gain effective, practical marketing skills? Running from September 2025 to March 2026, the BOOST programme could be exactly what your business needs!

Aimed at all manner of visitorfacing tourism and hospitality businesses in the region (including visitor attractions, activity and experience providers, accommodation providers and creative, retail, and food and drink operators), BOOST is a free programme that’s funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, under the UK Shared

YORK CENTRAL TRAVEL ROUTES NOW OPEN

More than a decade in the making, the York Central development (known as ‘The Teardrop’) is now open to the public! As one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects in the UK, construction began in 2022, backed by over £155 million in public funding. Cllr Kate Ravilious asserts that York Central will provide “thousands of homes, well-paid jobs and welcoming public spaces”, introducing a new road from Salisbury Road to Marble Arch, dedicated paths for cyclists and pedestrians, new bus routes, and improved access to the National Railway Museum and York Station. It’s thought that this transformation of the Leeman

Prosperity Fund.

Providing practical and meaningful marketing support, BOOST offers businesses an array of options they can use to up their game, including in-person workshops, remote Zoom workshops, and group coaching. This in-depth practical support is designed to help local businesses to improve presence and engagement on social media, encourage direct bookings, implement effective mailings, and increase customer footfall, all year round!

Visit www.tourismnetwork.co.uk/ boost to learn more about BOOST. If you’d like to apply for free, head over to www.tourismnetwork. co.uk/join to sign up today!

Road area will bolster the city’s position as a cultural and economic hub.

FUNDING CONFIRMED FOR NEW HAXBY STATION

Situated around 4 miles north of York, Haxby has seen significant investment from the Department of Transport, which Cllr Claire Douglas has described as an “economic game changer for the north of our city”. There hasn’t been a train station in Haxby since the 1930s, and if approved, the new station will eventually enable 20,000 residents to benefit from “better access to jobs and opportunities”, improving transport links on the TransPennine route and reducing the flow of traffic on the Outer Ring Road.

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This month, Your Local Link is proud to introduce Restore as our Charity of the Month! This local Christian charity provides much-needed accommodation and support for people who would otherwise be homeless, working alongside those who’ve experienced homelessness to help them rebuild their lives. As they approach their fifteenth anniversary, Restore has supported over 400 people.

With an ethos based on ‘Homes, Hope and Community’, Restore provides safe, stable accommodation - but they do more than merely put a roof over someone’s head; every resident follows a personalised support package and is allocated a dedicated Housing Support Worker, who meets with them weekly to help them work towards

specific goals. Restore encourages residents to engage in areas such as education, training, volunteering, counselling, exercise and the pursuit of hobbies. Once a resident is ready to move on, they receive six months of follow-up support, to help them transition into the next chapter of their lives.

Restore creates a loving and enriching community, running several community hubs each week, in addition to two peer support groups accessible to current and former residents. Former resident Mickey is now one of Restore’s peer-support group facilitators - he says:

‘I know that the people at Restore really mean it when they say they want me to do well. I’d encourage people to trust the process and engage with the support on offer,

15th ANNIVERSARY GALA

An evening of celebration to mark the 15th anniversary of Restore York and support the ongoing work of the charity.

The evening will include a three-course dinner, musical entertainment (with optional dancing), an auction of experiences and the opportunity to meet members of Restore's staff and board of trustees.

because I know from my own experience, it really helps…They’re good people, trying to help people progress.’

The charity works with the City of York Council, who refer people when they’re ready to benefit from this support, as well as with other charities that work to prevent homelessness and provide food and advice to those who are already street homeless. Restore ensures that people who want to see a change in their lives are shielded from the tide of poverty that can pull them backwards, providing realistic hope for a life beyond homelessness.

In York, there is a desperate shortage of one-bedroom properties of an acceptable standard (which are not used as holiday accommodation, and are

available to local residents at a realistic rental price); due to this, the Restore team are keen to speak with York landlords who may want to collaborate, with the ultimate goal of tackling homelessness in the city - this could be achieved by contracting for regular but lower leases, which could be accomplished commercially. It takes all of us to transform our city, and Restore has a vision where we can work together to beat the underlying causes of homelessness. Even the smallest of donations can go a long way towards lifting someone out of the cycle of poverty and preventing future homelessness. To find out more about Restore’s important work or to make a donation, visit www. restoreyork.co.uk today.

JOIN A CLUB

YORK ASPIRE

Meeting weekly in alternate locations (between Guppy’s Enterprise Club on Nunnery Lane and other local venues), York Aspire is aimed at local people on the moderate end of the autism spectrum, and currently consists of six members. This social support group is always on the lookout for new members, as well as volunteers keen to help out. Nurturing support and rich conversation is guaranteed! Feel free to email Richard on rchrdshls@gmail.com to register your interest or find out more.

FOSS PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Meet members with a range of expertise and interests in a friendly, sociable atmosphere to cover all aspects of photography. Learn new techniques, develop skills, share knowledge, and be inspired by in-house and visiting speakers. Weekly meetings to be held at Huntington Community Centre on Thursdays at 7pm, from September 18th onwards. Subscription for the September 2025-May 2026 season is £60, to be paid in full when joining (or £30 can be paid on that date, with the remaining £30 paid in January 2026). Visitors can attend a meeting without joining, with their first visit free; for further visits, a £5 charge per meeting is required. Full details are available at Home - Foss Photography Club (e-voice.org.uk) or by email at fossphotoclub@gmail.com.

If you’re looking to make friends, take up a new hobby, or get out and about more in York, there are plenty of groups and clubs to join in and around the city…

APHASIA SUPPORTIVE DROP-IN GROUP

Taking place on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Gateway Centre (between 2.304.30pm), this informal and friendly drop-in group is run by people with aphasia to support others with the condition. Provided by the Say Aphasia charity, meetings are designed to make a difference to the lives of local people by helping them adjust to living with aphasia, and encouraging them to make new friends, gain confidence, regain independence and combat loneliness. Therapeutic activities on offer include art and singing classes. Visit www.sayaphasia.org/york to find dates of upcoming meetings.

FNT SOCIAL CLUB

The FnT Social Club was established in 1998, aimed at people aged 50 and over, based in and around York. This friendly club offers a great opportunity to chat, connect, and make lasting friendships with like-minded individuals. It is run by the members, for the members. The club meets regularly and has varied events, details of which can be found on their website http://www. fntyork.com, where you can also find further information.

Looking for sign-ups?

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

HOROSCOPES

It is with great regret that we share the news that James Christie has sadly passed away. James very kindly supplied us with your horoscopes up to this edition, and we assure you this was with his full permission. We are sure that, like us, you will be very saddened to hear of James’ passing. He will be missed.

VIRGO

(23rd AUG - 22nd SEP)

For all those of the Virgo sign, this September will offer a valuable opportunity to take stock of your life and prioritise what’s really important. This month, concentrate on yourself! Ensure that you do whatever work is needed to foster meaningful self-improvement and personal growth. While this may be difficult or hard to deal with, you could find that this period of intense introspection brings with it a whole new version of you, which is especially likely to emerge on or around the 17th…

ARIES

(21st MAR - 19th APR)

Following a fast-paced, busy period, early September could be the perfect time to slow things down and take a break. Take the chance to enjoy some ‘me time’ and have a rest before everything speeds up again, which is likely to be around the middle of the month. After the 15th, you could be in ‘all-go’ mode once again, which is likely to culminate in a notable surge of energy and activity around the 23rd. Pace yourself!

TAURUS

(20th APR - 20th MAY)

You may have been facing a hard and heavy schedule of late, but this month, it’s time to step back and take some valuable time for the things you enjoy the most. This is a month for removing your ‘responsible hat’ and getting back to basics - the first half of September may be relatively slow, but that makes it the perfect time to chill out, get creative, and focus on hobbies and romantic relationships. Expect some inspiration around the 9th!

GEMINI

(21st MAY - 20th JUN)

This month, Geminis may find that their most treasured relationships are deepened, especially around the 27th, when important conversations are likely to lead to renewed love, care and understanding. This September will be a time in which you’re inclined to reflect on your roots - you may find yourself drawn to thoughts of home and family more than usual. While you could be in store for a positive month on the homefront, ensure that you don’t rush into thingstake your time when faced with big decisions…

CANCER

(21st JUN - 22nd JUL)

September is set to be a month of tied-up loose ends, when you’re likely to find fresh clarity related to situations or relationships that have previously been murky or hard to get your head around. Whether it’s clearing the air with a loved one or workmate (especially related to a previous misunderstanding or conflict) or simply gaining personal understanding of an issue that’s been bothering you, you could gather much-needed clarity this month - pay special attention to the 15th, when the fog looks like it will be lifted for good!

LEO

(23rd JUL - 22nd AUG)

After a period of self-indulgence, it’s time to pull your socks up!

September will be a month in which you’ll be forced to get serious, whether that’s related to financial endeavours, work matters, or even the overall trajectory of your life. This will require investing time and energy into what matters the most, but the good news is, your newly renewed efforts are likely to pay off by the third week of the month - expect to benefit from making difficult decisions (especially those based around money) by the 20th, when you could reap the fruits of your labour!

LIBRA

(23rd SEP - 22nd OCT)

While this month may seem like a damp squib to start with, never fear - the first half of September is your time to pause, take a break, and enjoy a much-needed rest. This is a good time to reflect on your achievements and recharge waning batteries. Dates to pay special attention to include the 23rd, when you’re likely to receive a fresh

renewal of energy and purpose after the month’s initial lull - this will be compounded on the 29th, when a full moon could provide extra clarity!

SCORPIO

(23rd OCT - 21st NOV)

One way or another, this should be an interesting month - whether it’s an interesting “good” or interesting “bad” will depend on what you’re after. If you’re looking for a tranquil month of small pleasures, it’ll probably be bad, but if you’re looking for some excitement and are prepared to take a couple of risks, it will be good! There is a romantic agenda here, which may cause divided loyalties, especially between the 12th and 18th, when you’ll have at least one difficult decision to make.

SAGITTARIUS

(22nd NOV - 21st DEC)

The achievements of younger family members should give you great pride and satisfaction this month. Travel aspects look good between the 8th and the 14th, when there may be some kind of family reunion or celebration. Finances seem safe and sound, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you spend more than usual on vanity projects and personal appearance - having said that, we all deserve a few little luxuries from time to time. This is also a good month for new educational courses and passing tests.

CAPRICORN

(22nd DEC - 19th JAN)

Domestic claustrophobia may come to the surface in September, so get out more and do whatever you can to broaden your social circle. No major problems relationship-wise, but partners

might be excessively moody, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find out exactly why (this may be particularly noticeable during the second half of the month)! Some nice vibes in parent/ child relationships, but potential concerns for an older family member’s health around the 15th or 16th. Be aware of potential car trouble or public transport delays, especially during the first week of the month.

AQUARIUS

(20th JAN - 18th FEB)

There may be extra income coming in this month, so you must be doing something right! A good time for starting new work projects and money-making schemes, especially on the 7th, 17th, and 27th. A romantically exciting month for younger Aquarians, but not so much for those in their middle and later years – at least things seem stable, without any major hiccups. A word of warning to sportspeople: don’t overreach your capabilities - doing so could lead to minor accidents, which may put you out of the running for a while!

PISCES

(19th FEB - 20th MAR)

Unlike some months this year, September should be eventful, with a busy social calendar. New faces and potential new friends make life interesting - this could be a good time for joining clubs and taking up or revisiting hobbies. There are some fine opportunities for strengthening and undertaking new relationships, especially around the 14th and the 25th – it’s also a “safe” month financially; okay, no great gains or winning lottery tickets, but no great threats or losses either… Money may need to be spent on replacing domestic appliances.

Dear Daphne,

Ready for your next epic job?

Due to new launches, we are looking for an A-list player to work with our truly gifted existing team here in York.

Sales & Marketing

We could call this is a ‘Sales job’, but it is so much more… Being York’s largest and most trusted local magazine, you’ll be more of an adviser, as most calls you’ll make will be warm leads.

Why? Our portfolio of North Yorkshire magazines are the absolute market leaders because we are known for delivering top-notch results for our customers - so you know you are selling a product that really works.

In return we offer

• Friday Flyers and Fry ups (Free Friday breakfast and 2.30 finish if we get to target …we haven’t missed one in 2 years!)

• Table tennis and gym equipment on site.

• Dogs…loads of dogs! Staff dogs are welcome, as are kids.. we love them too!

Hear from our team

Louise – “Great friendly team, lovely work environment, we’re like a family.”

Correy - “Lovely environment to work in, everyone gets along, I’m learning new stuff everyday. And they have Tetley’s Tea.”

Scott – “Interesting, fun and varied work, lovely atmosphere and a brilliant team to work with everyday!”

Kenz - “The people, it’s as simple as that!”

Dane – “Love the team, love the challenge and the rewards we get for our results.”

Building trusted relationships and advising customers on the best way to market their business is actually great fun and very rewarding …….watching their businesses grow because of what you have done for them is so rewarding.

Salary up to £27k pa with unlimited, uncapped bonus. 0TE of 50k+. We might consider a gifted trainee with the right attributes.

• Loads more perks on offer, such as tickets to shows, product and food reviews, aside from the usual pension etc.

• We are based on Clifton Moor. Hours are 8.30 – 5pm and we do offer flexibility.

• Find out why our staff stay with us way beyond the industry average.

Sophie – “There’s always something different going on, friendly atmosphere, very helpful and supportive team to work with.”

Craig - “Love the bonus for hitting target, fabulous table tennis games and the flexibility. Great work-life balance.”

Gini - “What can I say – the people, the support and the feeling of being very successful is priceless!”

Mim – “Great to see all my customers get loads of business from what I do for them.”

Nicola – “I love how relaxed it is and how friendly everyone is.”

To apply send your CV and cover letter to info@yourlocallink.co.uk

Molly – “I love learning new skills and the environment, for my first job it’s been fabulous!”

Maddie, Delilah, Ronnie and Bella all love their doggie treats and lunchtime walks round the nearby lake. (We speak ‘dog’)

Simon – “Too many good thigs to say, that’s why I have been here for 12 years!”

Annabelle - “It doesn’t just feel like a 9-5, it feels like a family, a strong support network who want to see you win both personally and professionally.”

Ted – “Chilled out atmosphere, lovely friendly team and Friday Brekkie!”

Mgr

MOTOR EVENTS

SEPT 2025

14 SEPTEMBER

JM RACEWARS, Elvington Airfield, Halifax Way, York. 10am-5pm. This popular annual event is back again, showcasing the fastest street cars in a one-day extravaganza of speed. Spectator tickets are priced at £20, while children under the age of 16 go free. Drivers must pass a vehicle check and provide a valid licence if wishing to race! Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ jmracewars/1727517 to book or find further details.

14 SEPTEMBER

YORK HISTORIC VEHICLE GROUP RALLY, Knavesmire, York Racecourse. 10am-4pm. This year marks the York Historic Vehicle Group’s 47th annual rally, which will include a wide array of retro, classic and vintage vehicles, as well as auto jumble, vendor stalls, and refreshments. Entry is just £5, or £10 for late arrivals. Visit www.yhvg.uk/events for full details of the day.

21 SEPTEMBER

CHRIS LEEMING MEMORIAL AUTOTESTS,

Former RAF Acaster Melbis, York. First cars at 10am. Held in remembrance of famed rally driver Chris ‘Animal’ Leeming, this much-loved autotest event is open to full members of a range of local clubs, including York Motor Club, Malton MC, Ripon MC, and Yorkshire Wolds Motor Club. Visit www.yorkmotorclub. org.uk/events/chris-leemingmemorial-autotests/ for further details.

FINESSE

FRIENDLY ‘THE FAVOURITES’ BUNDLE, £49.99 from Tassimo.

A good cup of joe can work wonders for morning revivals, especially during the September slump. Whether you’re after a mid-morning boost or a relaxing cuppa at the end of the day, Tassimo’s Finesse Friendly coffee pod machine could be the gadget for you. Featuring state-of-the-art Intellibrew™ smart technology, speedy one-touch operation, and a customisable IntensityBoost function, it couldn’t be easier to create the perfect hot drink, just the way you like it. This starter pack also comes complete with a range of pods to suit every taste, enough to make 56 cups!

QDOS POWER LOOP, £24.99 from QDOS.

Whether you’re in the midst of a hectic school run or lastminute morning commute, the QDOS Power Loop could be just what’s needed to keep your phone close, safe, and fully-charged. Acting as both a smartphone strap and power cable, this stylish gadget enables you to keep your device handy at all times, without worrying about its whereabouts. With a soft, 1.2m strap, an integrated USB-C 60W cable, and 480Mbps of data transfer, this durable Power Loop can be comfortably worn crossbody, around the neck, or over the shoulder.

SECRID CARDPROTECTOR, £34.95 from Secrid.

This elegant aluminium gadget is the flagship offering

The summer holidays are over, the weather is turning, and it’s time to get back to the grind! Luckily, Your Local Link is at hand with an array of useful gadgets to ease you back into your everyday routine…

from Secrid, a Dutch smart wallet brand. Providing unparalleled RDIF/NFC protection against digital skimming, this minimal CardProtector wallet is sure to keep its contents safe from malicious actors, who may wish to sneakily skim your details for financial gain. As well as acting as a skimming shield, the CardProtector’s sleek, patented mechanism enables you to quickly and easily slide out your cards and valuables with one simple motion - perfect for cardtapping commuters!

TWELVE SOUTH BUTTERFLY SE 2-IN-1 QI2 TRAVEL CHARGER, £91.62 from Amazon. Enabling you to easily charge iPhones and Apple Watches on the go, this wireless 2-in-1 travel charger could be just the gadget for busy people on the move this month. Compatible with iPhones with MagSafe, all series of Apple Watches, and AirPods with wireless charging cases, the ButterFly SE offers ultra-compact, hassle-free and powerful charging capability when you need it most.

on both Windows and MacOS computers, however far you may be from your desk - it’s also spillresistant, so you won’t have to worry about inevitably dousing your keyboard with your much-needed morning coffee!

CANYON WIRELESS KEYBOARD, £9.99 from Ryman.

Ideal for kids returning to school, adults who type every day, and gamers of all ages, this fullsize, 104-key Canyon Wireless Keyboard provides a seamless typing experience that’s centred around functionality and simplicity. Featuring a 10 million click lifespan and 2.4G wireless connection, this light and compact keyboard enables durable lag-free typing

AI SCOUT SMART CAMERA, £99.99 from Petlibro. If you’re looking for a way to keep track of your pets when you’re at work, the AI Scout Smart Camera could be the eye in the sky you need. This smart AI camera can identify and track the activity of up to 5 unique pets, capturing your furry friends eating, drinking and using the litter box - it even takes cute pet selfies! Featuring colour night vision and a 360° view, the camera can also provide smart daily summaries and shareable highlight reels, so you can easily check up on your pets when you’re away from home.

DOCKSTREAM BATTERYOPERATED WATER FOUNTAIN, £90.99 from Petlibro. Want to ensure that your thirsty pets have plenty of fresh water to drink when you’re out of the house? Featuring a 4-layer vertical filtration system, this Dockstream Battery-Operated Water Fountain provides a constant stream, so you can rest safe in the knowledge that your pets are well-watered. The detachable tank is easy to clean, and the device is extremely quiet, at 23dB. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 30 days, and the device also features low battery and water indicators, to notify you when it’s running out!

Study

SMART TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR GAFF

Smart home technology has existed since the mid-1970s, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that widely available smart TVs and voicecontrolled assistants catapulted it into the mainstream. These days, there are more ways than ever to remotely control your gaff, no matter how far away you may be!

Smart Appliances:

From fridges and ovens to thermostats and coffee makers, most home appliances can be controlled and monitored remotely these days. We’ve even seen smart tech rolled out to bathroom fixtures and plumbing appliances, with the introduction of smart toilets, dishwashers and washing machines (unfortunately, they’re not yet smart enough to take out the dishes or hang up your laundry)!

Smart Security:

While we haven’t yet seen the introduction of smart bouncers to physically guard your door, there

are plenty of options on offer for those who wish to beef up their home’s security, including smart CCTV systems, smart alarms, environmental sensors, smart locks and smart doorbells. Most smart security tech alerts owners remotely if something goes awry when they’re away from the fortress!

Smart Entertainment:

Smart entertainment systems have enabled couch potatoes of every ilk to kick back, relax and embrace their inner laziness! From smart speakers and audio systems to smart TVs, streaming devices and VR/AR headsets, there have never been more options available for those who wish to veg out and consume their favourite media, whilst exerting as little effort as possible. You can even cue up your evening’s entertainment remotely, while you’re (supposed to be) working!

EVERYONE LOVES FREE STUFF - JOIN US AND GET YOURS!

Herbert Todd, Monks Cross, York are having a HUGE OPEN DAY on Saturday the 6th September and you are ALL INVITED!

What can you expect to see…

A huge celebration of everything that's great about Herbert Todd - so that's beautiful kitchens, bathrooms, media rooms and bedrooms, plus all our amazing appliance displays, where you can interact with the products, ask colleagues questions and take advantage of our OPEN DAY SALE with up to 50% off. Will there be offers on all the different types of products?

YES! Even though our everyday prices are ALL price matched against the national retail chains, we will be offering MONEY OFF EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT on the day, with further offers available for the next 2 weeks afterwards, until 5pm on the 20th September! You will also be able to take advantage of FREE DELIVERY on all purchases made that day AND selected products will also

qualify for FREE INSTALLATION and RECYCLING, saving you £££'s! What else is going on?

Join us for all this and more… Cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, meet Mixy the Monster, face painting and family entertainment, a chance to talk to our kitchen and bathroom designers and some of our fitting teams, prizes to be won and giveaways of LOADS OF FREE STUFF!

Doors open at 9am on the 6th September, so pop in and say hello, grab a bargain or some free food, and help us raise money for St Leonards Hospice with our charity raffle. There’s loads of free parking here on-site (we're right next to Taco Bell), including disabled bays right outside our door.

To find out more ahead of the day, please call us on 01904 628676 or email enquiry@htodd.co.uk.

Calling all Residents!

Picking and Storing Tony Chalcraft

Apples

As summer slips into autumn, Keats’s “Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness” is almost upon us. This year has certainly been fruitful. The warm and almost frost-free spring has delivered an abundant harvest of ‘top fruit’ - that’s horticultural speak for tree fruit, especially apples and pears. With peak picking time approaching, it seems opportune to look at how to get the best from the season’s bounty of top fruit, focusing on apples! The number one rule of apple picking is to only take fruit from the tree when it’s ready; people frequently claim their trees only produce hard, sour, unappetising or inedible fruit, which is often because the apples are picked far too soon. An apple is fit for picking when it comes away from the branch into a cupped hand, after being given the gentlest of twists. If it must be tugged or yanked, it is not ready! Apples forced off the tree never ripen properly or develop

full flavour. Do not be deceived by the first windfalls. Apples that drop early are usually those that have been damaged, often by the codling moth maggot. It’s also important to remember that not all fruit on the tree will be ready at the same time. Apples that receive more sunlight, such as those on the south side or top of a tree, can be pickable several weeks before those on the shaded north aspect, or deep under the leaf canopy. While not a substitute for trying fruit on the tree, knowing the variety of an apple can be a useful indicator of when it’s likely to be ready: some varieties, like the well-known Discovery, can be fit for harvest as early as mid-August, while other late-keepers, such as the delicious Ashmead Kernel, usually need to remain on the

BY GARDENING EXPERT

branch until late October. Books and websites can provide guidance, but also keep in mind other factors, such as seasonal variations. A warm and sunny summer generally leads to earlier maturing apples than a cool or wet one.

Season of mist

mellow fruitfulness “

and

Another key point to remember is that most apples are not ripe and ready to eat when picked. Only the early season varieties (those maturing in August and early September, such as Discovery) will be palatable when picked. Most others, including all but the earliest cooking apples, have distinct picking and eating times. In the case of the longkeeping types, the picking and eating periods can be months apart. For example, a few of my late-maturing varieties are best not picked until the first days of November, and not eaten or cooked

Keen on the idea of re-purposing your bins as composters or water butts?

Fancy signing up for a garden waste subscription scheme? See the centre spread of this month’s magazine to learn more!

until February or later. This brings us to how best to store longer-keeping apples for use in autumn and winter. Apples will not store at room temperature - a shed or other outbuilding is essential. This must be dry, cool but frostfree, and secure from rodents, squirrels, and other creatures keen to share the harvest. Ideally, it will also be dark, sited and constructed to avoid temperature fluctuations, which can cause rot-inducing condensation. In any store, apples are best placed single-layered, in shallow trays or boxes, stalk upwards. There is no need to wrap individual fruit in paper. Be sure to keep only undamaged fruit. Occasional inspection, to remove any rotting fruit, is advisable. Apples will continue to slowly ripen in store through the autumn and winter, in approximate order of harvesting…

Wonderful Wildflower Meadow

Walks in North Yorkshire.

Summer may be behind us, but we can still enjoy the spoils of the season. If you’re looking for picturesque walking routes where you can spy multiple species of gorgeous wildflowers along the way, we’ve narrowed down a selection of the best meadows to meander in

Yockenthwaite Meadows, Langstrothdale.

This scenic location in the Yorkshire Dales is ripe with 11.2 hectares of wildflower meadows - perfect for walkers and nature spotters. Popular routes include the Buckenden to Yockenwaithe Loop and the 5k Yockenwaithe and River Wharfe Loop.

Look out for: Autumn Hawkbit, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Common Knapweed, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Orchids, Pignut, Salad Burnet, Wood Crane’s-bill.

These 12 upland meadows boast rich biodiversity and are amongst the best-loved sites in the county for ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts. Expect to see an array of rare, colourful wildflowers across a range of walking routes for all abilities.

Look out for: Cat’s-ear, Lady’s Mantles, Melancholy Thistle, Pignut, Rough Hawkbit, Sweet Vernal Grass, Wood Crane’s-bill, Yellow Rattle.

Askrigg Bottoms Meadows. Situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park near the River Ure, this stunning site is one of the best

places in the county to see vividly coloured wildflowers, especially in early summertime. The most popular walking route is around 1.7 miles, and can be completed within a couple of hours.

Look out for: Great Burnet, Lady’s Mantle, Melancholy Thistle, Ox-eye Daisy, Wood Crane’s-bill.

Ashes Pasture, Ashes Shaw & Bellfield’s Pasture, Ingleborough. Considered one of the most important limestone landscapes on earth, Ingleborough is home to a variety of colourful wildflowers like no other, with stunning walking routes including the Ingleborough Nature Trail, which snakes from Clapham to Ingleborough Cave.

Look out for: Bird’s-eye Primrose, Holly Fern, Mountain Everlasting, Mountain Pansy, Orchids, Parrot Waxcap Fungi, Purple Saxifrage,

Teesdale Violet, Yorkshire Sandwort.

Grassington Meadows, Wharfedale.

Popular with runners, hikers, nature spotters and wildflower enthusiasts, Grassington Meadows offers a range of easy-to-medium walking routes, including a 5.5km meadow stroll, complete with moderate climbs and world-beating views of Barden Moor.

Look out for: Cat’s-ear, Common Knapweed, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Eyebright, Great Burnet, Lady’s Mantle, Meadowsweet, Melancholy Thistle, Ox-eye Daisy, Rough Hawkbit, Sneezewort, Sweet Vernalgrass, Quaking Grass, Water Avens, Wood Anemone, Wood Crane’s-bill.

Muker Meadows, Swaledale.

“In

ASK A VET

COULD YOUR PET’S

BAD BREATH BE A SIGN OF SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS?

Is your pet’s breath making you back away rather than lean in for a cuddle? Bad breath - or halitosisis one of the most common early signs of dental disease in cats and dogs. In fact, around 85% of pets over the age of three show some degree of dental disease, most of which goes unnoticed by owners until it becomes more serious. Dental issues such as tartar build-up, gum disease, and broken or decaying teeth are regularly identified during routine health checks. If left untreated, these problems can lead to pain, tooth loss and, in some cases, infections that spread to other areas of the body.

Spotting and Treating Dental Disease

In addition to bad breath, other signs to look out for include drooling, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat hard food, or behavioural changes due to discomfort. Cats may hide their pain, so subtle signs like reduced grooming or avoiding dry kibble could indicate dental problems. If you notice any of these, book an appointment with your vet. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications. Once dental disease takes hold, a professional dental procedure may

be required. This involves scaling and polishing the teeth - just like in human dentistry - but under general anaesthesia to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. The vet carefully assesses each tooth; dental x-rays may be taken, and then any unhealthy teeth are removed.

Prevention Starts at Home

Once the teeth have been cleaned, keeping them that way is key. There are a number of preventative measures that can help to avoid further tartar build-up. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush designed for pets, and introduce brushing gradually to make it a positive experience.

Other helpful tools include dental diets, specialist chews, toys that reduce plaque, and water additives. These can support brushing - but don’t replace it. Avoid hard chews like bones or antlers, which can fracture teeth, especially in older pets.

A consistent home care routine is one of the best ways to protect your pet’s health - and their smile! For more information or to book a dental check, call us on 01347 821377.

Emma arrived heavily pregnant, bringing five beautiful kittens into the world. She’s a sensitive, spicy little lady who needs a calm, adult-only household to feel safe and secure. She doesn’t get along well with other cats, and needs patient owners who understand that trust must be earned slowly. With gentle care, Emma can blossom into an affectionate and loyal companion.

Fuzz Lightyear

After years of navigating the galaxy of gardens and alleys, Fuzz Lightyear looked more like a “Wilderness Warrior” than a Space Ranger: matted, scruffy, and a veteran of the streets. He’s affectionate, confident, and full of personality. Whether he’s head-butting your hand for fuss or sprawling in a sunbeam, Fuzz expects attention! Are you after a bold, loving, charming and slightly cheeky companion?

6 Years

Milo is friendly and affectionate and loves to cuddle. As a terrier who comes from a working background, adopters must understand his instincts to want to play and run around. Milo will need a fully secure garden with keen owners who are happy to do activities with him. Milo will need an adult-only home with no other pets.

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. Although they’re both sociable dogs, Molly & Rex would be best as the only pets in the home.

Mark Spilman

BEATING THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES

Send the sprogs to school with a smile!

The summer holidays are well and truly over! After the long break, it’s (finally!) time for the kids to get back to the grind - but what can parents do to alleviate those dreaded ‘back-to-school blues’?

Incentivise learning with rewards. A well-placed treat can work wonders when it comes to encouraging good behaviour and proactive learning, so why not use the ‘carrot or the stick’ method to encourage your kids to get back to school with a bang? Favourite foods and fun days out always work well!

Take a stroll to school.

If your child is apprehensive about returning to school, taking a walk to the site can go a long way towards

PARK LIFE!

Award-winning parks to enjoy in York.

York is home to some wonderful green spaces, many of which are cared for by volunteers from the local community. This summer, it was announced that four parks in the city were granted Green Flag awards, an internationally recognised quality mark (famous spaces to have scooped the award include Victoria Park in London and Roundhay Park in Leeds). If you’re looking to enjoy a day out in York this month, why not check out these award-winning parks, right on your doorstep?

Rowntree Park, YO23 1JQ.

One of the city’s best-loved green spaces - home to an ornamental lake (popular with swans, geese, ducks and model boaters alike), a skate park, six tennis courts, a basketball court, table tennis tables, children’s play areas and the Reading Café.

West Bank Park, YO24 4JB. Situated in Holgate, this popular 20-acre park features two children’s play areas, two bowling greens, a basketball court and a meadow picnic area - it’s also beloved for its picturesque rose terraces and pergola walk!

reducing anxiety ahead of the big day. Once they’ve refamiliarised themselves, your kids may realise that, actually, the prospect of returning is not so bad after all!

Re-establish a term-time routine. Before their first day back, your kids may benefit from a gradual return to their term-time routine. Enforcing appropriate bedtimes and waking times can be especially useful for ensuring a smooth transition from the holidays, although this can be easier said than done!

Create a dedicated ‘study zone’.

To reduce apprehension and prepare your kids for ‘work mode’, try to establish a dedicated space for learning at home. Most kids hate homework, but prepping them for the inevitable onslaught with a calm and organised space could help!

Visit www.oxfordowl.co.uk for free resources to support learning at home, including activities and games.

Located on Heworth’s main street, this lesser-known green space is one for those in the know! This traditional park includes two tennis courts, a basketball court, free bike racks, a bowling green, and beautiful rose gardens to behold.

Clarence Gardens, YO31 8NS. These small public gardens are located opposite York Hospital, providing peace and serenity amidst the bustle of Clarence Street and Haxby Road. Enjoy a formal and traditional garden setting (rose beds and benches aplenty) along with a newly refurbished children’s play areano bikes allowed!

Visit www.greenflagaward.org to learn more and find local Green Flag award-winning parks.

DITCH THE DEBT

Citizens Advice York offers weekly debt advice clinics.

Looking to reduce your outgoings, save some pennies and stay on top of creeping debt?

Citizens Advice York is now offering local residents free, confidential access to weekly debt advice clinics, which can go a long way in helping you to manage your finances. Meet up with expert Debt

Advisor Jenny each Friday between 8.30-11.30am at York Community Furniture Store, YO10 3DW.

Meetings are held by appointment only. Visit www.citizensadviceyork. org.uk/advice/call-backappointment-request/ to book your appointment today.

BACK TO ROUTINE:

Preparing for Autumn with the Right Care in Place

As the summer holidays draw to a close and September begins, many families return to their usual routines. Children go back to school, work schedules settle down, and the long, warm days begin to shorten. For those caring for an elderly loved one, this seasonal shift is also a good time to reflect on how care needs may be changing and whether extra support might now be helpful. Autumn often brings practical challenges. Cooler weather and darker evenings can affect mobility and confidence, especially for those living alone. Everyday tasks like shopping, walking to appointments, or keeping the home warm and safe can become more difficult. It’s also a time when seasonal illnesses like colds and flu start to circulate, which can be more serious for older people. This makes September an ideal time to review care arrangements. Families who managed more

About the Author

hands-on care over the summer may now find themselves with less time. Others might notice their loved one is becoming less steady on their feet, more forgetful, or more isolated than before. In these moments, home care can make a big difference.

Support can range from a few weekly visits to help with meals, medication or companionship, to more regular care or even live in care. It all depends on what feels right for your family. And for those living with dementia, maintaining structure and familiarity through the seasonal change is especially important.

By planning ahead and putting the right care in place, you can help your loved one feel supported, safe and confident as we head into the colder months. It also gives families reassurance, knowing they don’t have to face these changes alone.

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.

Glen Gardens, YO31 7YB.

We may be in the middle of our 4th heatwave of the summer as I write this, but as schools head back in September, for many, thoughts start to turn to a winter breakperhaps some sunshine to break up the cold dark nights, a festive getaway, or maybe a trip to a winter wonderland! If you’re considering taking a break this winter but aren’t quite sure where to start, here’s some inspiration on what we’ve been booking for our clients…

Prior to changes on travel imposing a limit on the number of days you could spend in the EU, a winter sun long stay in the Canary Islands or mainland Spain was a common break for many seeking a warmer climate and looking to escape the darker nights. With the shift towards remote working, this has certainly increased. Over recent winters, we’ve had a number of clients consider a longer stay further afield in a variety of destinations, but the best feedback we have had points towards Barbados & Cape Town, South Africa.

In Barbados, you can expect, on average, 9 hours of sunshine a day and an average temperature of 28 degrees – sounds perfect! But it’s not just the weather drawing people to Barbados; we have direct flights available from Manchester, making Barbados one of the few Caribbean islands accessible without travelling to London. It is also great for dining out and embracing the local culture, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local Bajan cuisine washed down with a rum punch. Spend your days relaxing by the beach, paddleboarding or exploring the island.

Head to Cape Town and you shouldn’t suffer any jet lag, with the time difference being just 2 hours. On average, you can expect around 11 hours of sun in January, with daily average temperature highs of 29 degrees. You may choose to stay in an apartment around the V&A Waterfront, or a villa on the outskirts. The pound goes far against the

South African Rand, and you have a choice of some great restaurants and amazing wines. It is also a great base to make some side trips during your stay - head into the winelands and take a journey on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, go in search of the big five on a safari, or take a short road trip taking in Chapman's Peak Drive, said to be one of the most scenic routes in the world, towards the Cape of Good Hope.

If you’re thinking of a winter wonderland and are looking for some light adventure (but perhaps don’t want to hit the slopes on a traditional ski break), why not consider Norway? You could choose to take a cruise following the traditional coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes, returning back to Bergen; the full voyage is around 12 days and includes 34 ports! Alternatively, you may choose to spend some time in the picturesque Tromso, where you can go dog sledding, embark on an arctic wildlife safari, or hopefully, enjoy brilliant views of the Aurora Borealis.

The Canadian Rockies are often thought of in the summer months, but in March 2025 I headed to Banff & Jasper for a week full of wildlife, snowshoeing, E-bike riding, and relaxing in the natural hot springs. Thankfully, our driver was experienced in the conditions, meaning we could sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery.

A trip to a Christmas market is often something many consider from late November onwards. Some of the more well-known markets can be quite costly and extremely busy when you are there, so we would suggest some of the lesser-known; two of our favourites are Tallinn in Estonia (which, new for this Christmas, has a direct flight from Manchester) and Riga in Latviaboth have a traditional feel and offer good value for money.

If you are looking to discuss your winter plans in more detail, get in touch on 01904 623444!

Fashionable Walking Sticks from Neo Walk

Neo Walk is redefining mobility aids, one beautiful, bold walking cane at a time. Based right here in North Yorkshire and proudly shipping worldwide, Neo Walk is a global brand with local roots, that’s committed to bringing confidence, colour and comfort to people who walk a different path!

Founded by Yorkbased designer and amputee Lyndsay Mitcheson, Neo Walk was born from her own frustration with dull, clinical walking sticks. Recognising the need for stylish and fashionable walking canes that owners could be proud of, Lyndsay first embarked on her mission back in 2013 - today, her handmade canes have empowered thousands across the world, from teenagers to seniors. Packed with aesthetic charm and character, Neo Walk canes are available in a wide range of designs, encompassing everything from subtle elegance to glittering neon!

Each walking stick is handmade in the UK and fully customisable, built your way, with pride and purpose. There are more than 30 vibrant colour options to choose from, a choice of handle styles, plus lightup features and more. Whether you’re looking for something bold, minimal, sparkly or sleek, there’s a Neo Walk for you…

Visit www.neo-walk.com todayinput the code ENABLE10 at the checkout to get a 10% discount off your first order.

Mobility aids don’t have to

KEEP ON MOVING! Fresh and funky mobility aids for 2025

If your movement is hindered due to illness, injury, disability, or the inevitable effects of ageing, mobility aids can provide reliable support. Luckily, the days of drab mobility aids are behind us - check out these souped-up alternatives and keep moving in style!

INVADER OFF-ROAD

As the mobility scooter equivalent of a 4x4 SUV, this powerful offroad vehicle enables users to tackle a wide variety of terrains, from grit and gravel to sand and snow! Featuring chunky, supergrip tyres, biker footrests and a hydraulic braking system, this durable vehicle offers a range of 30 miles per charge! Available now at www.mobilityworld.co.uk.

THE ALINKER

This sleek and stylish nonmotorised walking bike is the preferred choice of Hollywood actress

Selma Blair, who has championed it as a tool to counteract the effects of MS. Customisable, colourful and versatile, The Alinker offers an aesthetically pleasing mix between bicycle, walker and wheelchair! Available now at www. thealinker.com.

THE EDEN GATSBY

inspired mobility scooter, which takes its cue from the famous Ford Model T. The Eden Gatsby comes complete with a branded, vintagestyle radiator grille and anti-tip wheels, which could come in handy when cruising on inclines! Available now at www.eden-mobility.co.uk.

If you’re unable to source a mobility aid yourself, charities like www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk and https://mobilitytrust.org.uk/ could provide a helping hand!

Family Wills & Trusts Lasting Powers of Attorney

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Enable

“Absolutely superb service”

“Couldn't recommend enough!!! 5 STAR”

“Very professional and personable”

“Explained everything in plain English”

York Hospital Radio: Tuned in to the city for over 40 years!

York Hospital Radio has been transmitting loud and clear since 1964! This vital registered charity provides soothing sounds via a voluntary radio service, which has been tuned into by patients, visitors and staff at York Hospital for more than 40 years…

Anyone who’s spent time as an inpatient or regular visitor in hospitals will likely understand just how comforting a radio service can be, especially for those who are feeling lonely, unwell, and isolated from their everyday lives - what a difference the right piece of music (or simply a friendly voice) can make!

Broadcasting around the clock, seven days a week, York Hospital Radio provides a wealth of freeto-hear content, including music, chat, interviews, news, Outside Broadcasts, and regular, reliable

live coverage of York City home matches. The team broadcasts from a range of well-known and iconic locations in and around the city, such as York Minster, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York Theatre Royal, LNER Community Stadium and York Barbican. Although the service is primarily aimed at, and provided to patients and visitors at the Wiggington Road site (and, more generally, the city’s health and wellbeing community), you don’t have to be in hospital to dial in - you can also enjoy the service via DAB Digital Radio, mobile app, smart speaker, or via the YHR website.

This crucial local charity service is wholly supported and kept on air by fundraising, whether that be via donations from organisations and generous sponsors, or regular events such as bingo nights, supermarket events, car washes,

gigs, city collections, special Outside Broadcasts, and the annual quiz night hosted by Alan Dedicoat. York-based nighttime revellers of a certain age may also remember cutting shapes to York Hospital Radio’s fundraising mobile disco, which started its life at the infamous former Willow restaurant in Coney Street. This much-loved mobile disco was managed and run by volunteer broadcaster (and former Chairman) Keith Lea, who celebrated his 60th anniversary at YHR in July this year, with a marathon 6-hour show to commemorate the occasion - you can still catch him presenting his weekly show from 10am on Saturday mornings. Keep it up, Keith!

Listen to York Hospital Radio online now via www.yorkhospitalradio. com. To make a personal donation or start a fundraising campaign, simply visit the YHR Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/ charity/yorkhospitalradio todayeach and every donation is greatly appreciated. You can also donate by text: simply text ‘1YHR’ to 70450 to make a £5 donation. For further details related to fundraising or sponsorship, email chairman@ yorkhospitalradio.com or call 01904 628800 today.

2025 GARDEN WASTE SUBSCRIPTION

Households that are eligible for a garden waste collection in 2025 can still subscribe to the service, which runs until early December 2025. Subscriptions open for 2026 from January. Visit our website: york.gov.uk/GardenWaste OR call 01904 551551.

How to register

Some properties are not suitable for us to collect due to operational reasons. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please visit: york.gov.uk/ WasteCollectionCalendar to check if collections are available to you.

Visit our website at: york.gov.uk/GardenWaste OR call 01904 551551. Step 1

Step 2

Once paid, you will receive a confirmation email.

Step 3

Sharing a bin

You can share a bin. One person will need to sign up and register. The bin must be presented at this address.

Garden Waste Collection Fees

The subscription scheme in 2025 costs £49 (that’s £2.45 per collection) and there are 20 collections across the season, which is between early March and Early December each year. A 50% discount on the charge (£24.50 or £l.23 per collection) is available for those residents in receipt of Council Tax Support or those who are registered as SMI (severely mentally impaired).

You will receive a sticker for your garden waste bin by post - garden bins without valid stickers will not be emptied.

Step 4

We will charge for the service annually; you will need to complete the process each year to enable collections to continue.

Your garden waste collection sticker explained

Once you have registered for the scheme, we will send you a welcome pack containing a sticker, which you will need to attach to the back of your green bin.Your sticker will have your address and a unique reference number.

For further details scan the QR code. Scan

If you don’t want to subscribe to the Garden Waste Subscription Scheme in 2025 you can keep your bin and reuse it in a number of ways including storage, to make a waterbutt, or you can reuse it as a compost bin, just like Alan has from Haxby.

Tell us if you no longer want your old garden waste bin.

We’ll be taking back any unwanted garden waste bins (green bins) that you no longer want/need at the end of the 2025 garden waste season. This will be a one-time only offer and crews will only collect empty garden waste bins.

“I decided to convert my old green garden waste bin myself into a composter, as the bins were better quality than the black composters, they were easier to access, easy to transform with just some hinges and a bolt and you can move them around your garden too. I’ve now converted three green bins into composters which are fantastic, and I’d definitely recommend others doing the same.”

Find out how to convert your bin at www.york.gov.uk/GardenWaste

You will need to complete this short form

(www.surveymonkey.com/r/ Greenbinstakeback)

This survey will open Monday 1 September and closes Sunday 5 October. You need to complete this form to register for the collection of your bin.

The free one-off collection of empty garden waste bins will be undertaken for those households not subscribing to the garden waste service scheme in future.

Find out more at www.york. gov.uk/ GardenWaste

york.gov.uk/GardenWaste

CAN YOU HELP?

The Clothing Bank, York

First founded in 2020, The Clothing Bank is a grassroots communityled charity that’s dedicated to tackling clothing poverty across the country - it needs your help!

Across the UK, rapidly rising living costs have led to not only an increased rate of food poverty, but also clothing poverty, wherein families and individuals are unable to source essential clothing for their everyday needs. According to Just Fair, approximately 5.5 million adults currently go without essential clothes, and, according to Poverty and Social Exclusion, 1 million children lack at least one basic clothing necessity (necessary clothing items are generally classed as essentials including all-weather

Are you a local organisation or registered charity that needs our help?

Get in touch with Your Local Link via email at info@yourlocallink.co.uk!

shoes, warm coats, and clothing required for work or school).

To counteract these tragic rising rates and make life easier for those who are struggling, The Clothing Bank collects unwanted clothing (kindly provided by a proactive community of donors and volunteers) and redistributes it to those who need it the most.

The charity works in tandem with organisations such as Saint George’s Crypt in Leeds, with a wide range of sponsors including Polonia Yorkshire FC, Drax, Hillside Childcare, Wild Child and Specsavers.

The Clothing Bank’s important mission is even more crucial this month, as more children and teens head back into schools and

Feather Duster Home Help Service

Domestic Cleaning support with a range of domestic tasks to help maintain a clean and tidy home.

We cover household tasks including bed changing, laundry, dusting & vacuuming, kitchens and bathrooms.

Deep Cleans

Dementia Support can be offered to support a regular cleaning visit.

Our service offers a gateway to a range of wider support helping to meet individual needs.

colleges - the charity is aiming to provide a warm winter coat for every child in need for this coming winter (around 5,000 are currently required), and they’ve been inundated with requests from new school leavers desperate to secure suitable clothing for upcoming college courses.

Donations are welcome via Collection Bins and Donation Drop Off Points, of which there are more than 100 in Yorkshire alone; these include multiple locations in York, and volunteers stationed in Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe, Clifton Moor, Fulford and Heworth; Drop Off Point locations in the wider area include Pocklington, Pickering, Whitby, Sherburn in

Elmet, Stillingfleet and Selby; Selby’s Micklegate Car Park is also the closest location where York residents can find a Collection Bin, which is open for donations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you’re thinking of donating some pre-loved clothing via a Drop Off Point, remember to ring ahead to arrange a suitable time to meet up with your local volunteer!

Visit www.theclothingbank.org. uk/ find out more, get in touch with your local volunteer, sign up as a volunteer, sign up as a sponsor, make a donation to The Clothing Bank, or find your nearest Collection Bin. Every donation and sponsorship helps, no matter how small!

Care At Home Service

Personal Care Suppor t with all aspects of care including washing, dressing, bathing, mobility and medication.

Companionship

Suppor t you to build confidence, arranging and attending appointments or just time for a chat.

Dementia Support

You or your loved one will be supported with dignity and respect by our highly trained carers.

Extended Care

Longer visits that support family/carers, including overnight care at home.

Help at Home

Support to prepare basic meals and light household chores.

Our service is tailored to your needs and we focus on what matters to you today. Our friendly Home Helpers are local, DBS checked, extensively trained, experienced and fully insured to offer the best domestic support possible.

Age UK York’s Feather Duster Team provided over 5,000 hours of support last year to help people retain independence and remain in their own homes.

Get in touch to find out more:

“does a wonderful job and exactly what my mum needed her to do” is provided with dignity and respect by our trained home helpers.

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

Our care service is fully regulated, providing packages specific to your needs. All delivered by our local professional care team.

Age UK York’s Care at Home team made 16,884 home visits last year helping older pepople in York to continue to live at home

e. ageukyork@ageukyork.uk w. www.ageukyork.org.uk

“It’s not like having carers, they are more like friends visiting.” t.01904 866070

The Memory Tree: Laying Ashes to Rest

Saying farewell to our loved ones.

In times of bereavement, deciding how, when and where to lay the ashes of our loved ones can be acutely challenging. Although undertaking this often complicated and expensive process can seem like the last thing we want to deal with when grieving, it’s important to make a choice that will honour the deceased - laying or burying cremated remains (the interment of ashes) in a tranquil and meaningful location can be one of the best ways to say goodbye, gain closure and enshrine the memory of our dearly departed.

LEGAL, FINANCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES:

Unfortunately, the process of laying ashes to rest is not cut and dry, and there are various factors to take into consideration; for instance, depending on where you wish to lay cremated remains, you may face tricky legal challenges (permits and approval may be required if you’re wishing to scatter or bury ashes in a park, public space, or domestic setting), while the associated costs and fees of cremation services can be prohibitive for many individuals and families - in fact, the York area

is one of the most expensive places for a cremation in all of the UK, with the cost of an adult attendance service ranging from £880 to £1,710 at the time of writing.

LAYING OR BURYING ASHES IN A DEDICATED MEMORIAL WOODLAND:

Disregarding the red tape and potential financial difficulties often associated with cremation services and the interment of ashes, for many families, finding a suitable location to lay or bury cremated remains can be one of the biggest obstacles of all. Luckily, York residents can now make use of a beautiful, dedicated memorial woodland, located between Wiggington and Shipton-ByBeningbrough.

The Memory Tree Co offers families the chance to create a lasting tribute to their lost loved ones in a tranquil and serene woodland environment, with visitors able to access a dedicated tree whenever they wish to remember or reflect on the lives of their dearly departed. Specific trees for laying or burying ashes can be selected ahead of time, with a range of beautiful

native and ornamental trees to choose from including Oak, Cherry, Maple, and Silver Birch. For a costeffective single fee (starting at just £495), individuals and families can rest safe in the knowledge that their dedicated tree will be fully maintained and left to flourish in a safe, secure and private setting for many years to come.

For more advice on laying cremated ashes to rest, visit www. thememorytreeco.co.uk/adviceon-laying-cremated-ashes-to-rest-

and-the-benefits-of-a-memorialwoodland today.

If you think that The Memory Tree Co could be a good choice for you and your family or loved ones, visit www. thememorytreeco.co.uk to find out more or get in touch with the team.

Our Top 15 Health & Beauty picks:

From energy boosters to everyday essentials, we’ve found the best so you don’t have to. Take a look at these health and beauty picks we’ve chosen for you this September, ready to tackle the changing of the season!

2. Celafen

1.

Thera Tears

Thera Tears eye drops are specially formulated with naturally derived ingredients to help dry, tired or irritated eyes.

Available from Sainsbury’s, Superdrug and Amazon, £10.99

A drug-free treatment for stiff joints that’s been shown in published research to deliver effective pain relief to stiff, painful or arthritic joints within just 30 minutes, making it 15% faster than conventional painkillers.

Available from www.skinshop.co.uk, £12.95

4.

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

It brings beauty benefits like reducing hair frizz and breakage, is sensitive to acneprone skin and helps to minimise skin marks and wrinkles overnight.

Available from Amazon, £6.99 - £8.99

Got2b’s Glued 4 Brows n Edges

A strong holding brow gel is key! It has super strong hold all day long, is vegan, free of silicones, and leaves no flakiness!

Available from Boots, Superdrug & Supermarkets , £5.45

5. Neuroscent Wellbeing Set

Our bestselling set includes six 10ml blends - Focus, Wake Up, Sleep, De-Stress, Immune and Balance - offering a complete travel wellbeing system.

Available from neuroscent.com, £125

6. Dr PAWPAW

Tinted Rich Mocha Balm

This balm is the perfect solution to a lip care product that will hydrate & soften whilst adding a pop of colour. For use on the face, lips, cheeks and eyelids.

Available from drpawpaw.com, £4.25

The Fab Brush By GF Fabulosity

Designed to prevent breakage and care for all hair types; from wet and fine to curly, coloured, and extensions. Its super-soft nylon bristles flex gently to ease out tangles without tugging or damaging the hair, ideal for autumn’s changing conditions!

Available from www.gffabulosity.com , £26.00.

9.

8.

Beurer HC 45 Ocean Volumising Hair Dryer Brush

Style and dry your hair simultaneously for extra volume with the Volumising Brush. The stylish ceramic keratin coating protects your hair during styling, ensuring it stays healthy and shiny.

Available from Beurer.com/uk, £37.99

Soothing Ceramide Cleansing Milk

A fragrance-free gentle face cleanser designed to clean, soothe, and restore sensitive skin. Launching in time for Organic September and National Eczema Week (13 - 19 September).

Available from evolvebeauty.com, £18.00

10.

11.

Original Electrolytes Range

These Electrolytes offer a fast-acting and longlasting hydration aid that’s will serve you better than water alone. Providing easy hydration in three natural flavours. Perfect for hydrating yourself when you’re out and about.

Available from ORS Hydration, £6.49.

Cramp Soothing Patches

High-quality soothing relief for up to 12 hours, these convenient, comfortable and cost-effective sticky pads are formulated using Boswellia, Eucalyptus and Menthol.

Available from Period Harmony, £7.99.

13.

12.

Himalayan Shiljit

Aiding healthy digestion, eliminating toxins from the body, supporting the immune system, improving energy levels and cognitive function, and reducing fatigue. Available from Primul, £44.99

Lavender Deep Pressure Therapy

This rejuvenating, lavender-infused eye mask acts as a pillow for the eyes, providing gentle pressure whilst releasing tension and soothing muscles.

Available from SleepSmug, £15.00.

14.

Clear Skin Complex

This addresses the root cause of common blemishes, natural, drug-free, and formulated by industry-leading skin practitioners. Considered the number 1 clear skin supplement for women. Available from Aegle’s, £33.00.

ABOUT SPEECH THERAPY?

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

Ear wax removal via microsuction, covering York and most of North Yorkshire. Both ears £65 Mellony Pinkney BScHons T: 07960 008179 E: earwaxaway@yahoo.com

Back to School Road Safety

A: ALWAYS look both ways, before AND whilst you cross the road!

B: BEWARE OF BLIND SPOTS! Larger vehicles may not always be able to see you…

C: Watch out for CYCLISTS, who often move silently. If you’re a CYCLIST, take Bikeability training and ride safely!

D: Be careful when travelling in the DARK! Wear bright or hi-vis clothes when travelling in poor light!

E: Stay EAGLE-EYED when walking or cycling! Keep your EYES peeled for danger, and try to make EYE CONTACT with drivers!

F: FIND a safe place before attempting to cross the roadnever cross next to a blind corner!

G: Get to grips with the GREEN CROSS CODE: Think, Stop, Look and listen, Wait, Look and listen again, and Arrive alive!

H: When riding a bike, wear a HELMET to protect your noggin! When walking, HOLD HANDS to prevent an accident!

I: IF you’re planning on cycling somewhere, ensure that your push-rocket is IN GOOD NICK before you hit the road! Head down to Cycle Heaven to get your bike thoroughly checked!

J: Pay extra attention when you’re in or near TRAFFIC JAMS! JARRING JAMS can lead to accidents!

K: When walking on pavement, stay as far away from the KERB as you can!

L: When cycling, remember that LIGHTS can save your life! Always use lights when riding at night, or early in the morning…

M: Keep an eye out for MOTORBIKES, which move very quickly and filter through trafficthey may not appear until the last MINUTE!

N: NEVER look at your phone when navigating traffic-heavy areas. Keep it in your pocket, until you’re somewhere safe!

O: If you’re travelling on a narrow path or country lane, always move carefully and ensure that you’re facing the ONCOMING traffic!

P: Remember that PEDESTRIANS are more vulnerable than carsthey’re much softer and squishier!

Q: Watch out for QUIET cars and bikes, and keep QUIET when listening out for vehicles!

R: RESPECT THE RED MAN at traffic lights - never cross when the RED MAN is visible, even if you think it’s safe to do so!

S: Remember that it’s better to be SAFE THAN SORRY - be cautious when travelling, and never take risks!

T: Always THINK before you actbrain power can provide excellent security!

U: Never UNDERESTIMATE the speed of approaching vehiclesthey may be moving faster than you think!

V: Ensure you’re always in VIEW of drivers when cycling or crossing roads!

W: Always WALK and never run! Take it easy… there’s no rush!

X: Humans aren’t blessed with X-RAY VISION - you can’t see through vehicles, and you can’t see around blind corners. Always be wary of unseen dangers when you’re out and about!

Y: Remember that YORK is cyclefriendly. Why ride on the road when you can use a purpose-built cycle path?

Z: Always use ZEBRA CROSSINGS wherever you can! Why risk it?

HONEYBALL UNITED WFC

Built by the community, powered by passion!

There’s a new team in town, and they’re not just here to play football - they’re here to change the game!

Meet Honeyball United WFC, York’s first affiliated club with a fully-female committee, created to make women’s recreational football more inclusive, more empowering, and more fun…

The club was founded by a group of players who were already part of another York-based team. Recognising the pressures that many grassroots clubs face (they’re often run by stretched volunteers managing multiple age groups), they saw the opportunity to create something different: a club just for women, built around the idea that whether you’re after a casual kickabout or a more competitive matchday experience, it should always be enjoyable. Honeyball United takes its name from Nettie Honeyball, the founder of the first British Ladies Football Club back in 1896 — a fitting tribute for a team that’s rewriting its own piece of football history in North Yorkshire. The club proudly holds the distinction of being the first in the county to be led entirely by a female committee. Perceptions around women’s football are changing rapidly, both nationally and locally, and Honeyball United are strong believers that

visibility plays a huge part. “You have to see it to be it,” they say, and with role models like the Lionesses and clubs like Arsenal now offering equal stadium access for their women’s teams, the momentum is growing.

In the short term, the goal is simple: to grow. Many women miss out on football in their younger years, whether it’s due to the fact that they didn’t play at school, or dropped out of sport altogether; Honeyball United is giving these ladies a way back. Team sports aren’t just about competition; they’re also a source of confidence, wellbeing, and friendship. The club also hopes to introduce a walking football session in the near future, to open doors for even more players!

The team is proudly supported by a group of incredible local sponsors - their kit is backed by Bang Hair and Andrea Morrison Coaching, two female-led York businesses that share the club’s ethos. A huge thank you also goes to SMS Energy, whose generous grant has helped to secure pitch bookings for the squad.

New Honeyball United players are very welcome, so if you’ve been thinking about getting involved, get in touch via info@ honeyballunitedwfc.co.uk or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Brayton Belles Take on Inflatable 5K for St Leonard’s Hospice

The Brayton Belles Under 11s are getting ready for a challenge like no other, and it’s all for a cracking cause!

On Saturday 20th September, this team of 17 girls will be heading over to York Knavesmire to take on the Inflatable 5K, which is being called the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course! It’s five kilometres of bouncing, climbing and crawling, packed with 30 obstacles like The Crawler, Bish Bash and Mega Mountains. There’ll even be five music zones blasting out tunes along the way to keep everyone going.

It’s set to be a right fun day out with plenty of laughs, but the reason behind it is something really special. The girls are raising money for St Leonard’s Hospice – a charity that does amazing work caring for

people with life-limiting illnesses and supporting families through the toughest times.

If you’d like to show your support, you can either head down to the Knavesmire on the day to give them a cheer, or donate online via their JustGiving page: www.justgiving. com/page/braytonbellesunder11.

If you’re feeling brave, there’s still time to sign yourself up for the Inflatable 5K too! Just head over to: www.stleonardshospice.org.uk/ inflatable-5k.

The girls may be young, but they’re determined to take on the full 5K as a team, cheering each other on from start to finish. Every bounce, every step, and every bit of support helps make a difference.

Let’s get behind the Brayton Belles and help them bounce their way to hitting their target!

Correy Conroy BY

JOIN THE TEAM:

TWO JORVIKS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

Thinking about joining a sports team in York? We’ve brought together two local teams on the lookout for new members…

JORVIK CITY FC

Founded in 2022, Jorvik City FC is a local charity football team that’s dedicated to supporting organisations including Menfulness, Andy’s Man Club, York Mind, and Prostate Cancer UK - they’ve already raised over £12,000, and are just getting started! With 35 players currently in the squad, Jorvik City is looking to recruit passionate players and volunteers from the community, who want to make a difference, both on and off the pitch. The club is also keen to arrange more fixtures, so if your business or organisation wants to support a good cause, why not set up a charity match? Jorvik City play the majority of their games at New Earswick Sports Club, and are thankful for its support! Get in touch via Facebook or Instagram!

JORVIK WARRIORS

Known as the biggest, most welcoming basketball club in North Yorkshire, Jorvik Warriors is currently home to a large squad encompassing four men’s teams and one women’s team. This awardwinning, community-focused club aims to nurture talented basketball players, foster lasting friendships, and host great social events, meeting every Sunday between 10am-12pm at Burnholme Sports Centre for Community Scrimmage. Rapidly expanding, Jorvik Warriors is currently opening its doors to new members, especially women who wish to learn the sport and eventually compete in the LDBL women’s league, the Ladies Premiership. To sign up for the women’s team, complete the form at: www.docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddUMNGJT4L Cl5voY2s8Wn2Ye4h2zSOcJHOk1FNg3QybyP6w/viewform.

Acomb’s Energise Gym Gets a Makeover! Supercharge Your Workout at Energise Gym

First opened in 2009, Energise has become one of the most popular fitness and leisure centres in York. Located on Acomb’s Cornlands Road, Energise is well known for housing an impressive array of facilities, including three swimming pools, a six-court Sports Hall, three floodlit 5-a-side football pitches, more 40 in-studio fitness classes, plus the largest climbing wall in the city.

Energise is also famously home to a 98-station fitness suite (including Techno Gym cardio and resistance equipment), which has recently undergone significant refurbishment. Whether you’re an existing member or are thinking of joining, let’s see what’s on offer at Energise’s newly refurbished Functional Training Zone: Brand-new training equipment now available to use and enjoy at the

Let’s Go, Ladies!

WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP 2025 ARRIVES IN YORK.

From 23 August to 7 September, York residents and visitors are cordially invited to ‘scrum down’ to the LNER Community Stadium, where the cream of the crop of women’s rugby union teams will battle it out for world supremacy! Following a rapturous response in 2021, the Women’s Rugby World Cup will be returning to our city this year, for what’s sure to be an electrifying set of matches… Watch world-beating women’s teams front up, subdue and penetrate, and compete for the ultimate prize! York fixtures are as follows:

LNER COMMUNITY STADIUM FIXTURES:

Saturday 23 August 2025, 5.30PM.

Canada vs. Fiji

Sunday 24 August 2025, 5.30PM.

New Zealand vs. Spain Saturday 30 August 2025, 7.30PM.

USA vs. Australia

new Energise Functional Training Zone includes: a Skillmill, a Power Rack, Kettlebells, Assault Bikes, a Dual Leg Extension / Leg Curl, a Dual Abductor/Adductor, a SkiergTorque (Sled Push), and a Squat Rack.

The layout of the gym space has also been adjusted (the Spin Studio has been moved upstairs, and the Resistance Equipment has been moved to the former Spin Studio space), to ensure that visitors can get the best out of each and every workout undertaken at Energise! Head over to www.better.org. uk/leisure-centre/york/energise/ energise-refurb to find out more about the latest equipment and refurbished gym space at Energise. To sign up as a new member or browse the flexible range of membership options, visit www. better.org.uk/memberships today.

Sunday 31 August 2025, 3.30PM.

Italy vs. South Africa

Saturday 6 September 2025, 1.30PM.

USA vs. Samoa

Sunday 7 September 2025, 12.00PM.

Japan vs. Spain

Women’s sport has never been in a better place, as typified by the Lionesses’ barnstorming victory at the Euros this year; this served as just one indicator of the rapid gains made in terms of the credibility and perceived quality of women’s sports - but is the female of the species really more deadly than the male? Head on down to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and see for yourself!

Select Women’s Rugby World Cup matches will be played at LNER Community Stadium, York, YO32 9AF. Head over to www. rugbyworldcup.com/2025/en to find further details and to book your tickets today.

You may have noticed a few changes happening at Energise recently!

With the added space in the gym, we are currently creating a new Functional Area (grey area on the floor plan) to enhance your gym experience.

With new additional kit added to our gym:

• Skillmill

• Power Rack

• Kettlebells

• Assault Bikes

• Dual leg extension/ Leg Curl

• Dual Abductor/ Adductor

• Skierg - Torque (sled push)

• Squat Rack

We hope you enjoy your new Energise experience.

Short Story

My Wonders

“When did we stop doing things like this?” said Alison. I looked at her.

“I… don’t know,” I said. “Maybe it was when we stopped believing in ourselves.”

“It just seems like one day, amazing things were being built and then, all of a sudden, you look around and nothing seems the same.” I nodded, and we looked at each other sadly, the sun moving across the Minster but still shining down into the café. The light moves across, touching Alison’s hands, which were resting gently on the table.

“Will we ever get back to where we were?” she said. I shook my head. “I… don’t think so,” I said. “I think we have come to this place, and it will just get worse if we carry on the way we are.”

She nodded, sadly.

“I am not sure there is anything we can do about it,” she said. “We just have to live with where we are.”

She smiled. It was a lovely smile, and I knew then that there was hope. “We stopped doing things when we stopped looking to the skies for hope, and we started looking at each other,” she said. “Or, maybe it was the other way around. We looked at the skies, and didn’t look at each other.”

BEN’S BOOK REVIEWS

‘The Taming of the Queen’

by Philippa Gregory

This novel focuses on the life of Kateryn Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII. One of Henry’s lesser-known wives, Kateryn is depicted as not only intelligent, but also cautious and brave, fighting for survival from a man now deemed a serial killer. Philippa Gregory’s talent lies in bringing historical figures to life, without sacrificing historical accuracy. Diving deep into Parr’s psychology, Gregory captures the tension and danger of life at court in Tudor England. The novel blends political intrigue and personal drama, in a compelling read that feels both informative and emotionally resonant.

‘Hold Back the Night’ by

Jessica Moor

In this tense, emotionally charged novel, Moor tells the story of two student nurses who end up in a conversion therapy unit in the mid-1900s - seventy years later, the pair have some resolving to do. The book gently navigates the struggles of conversion therapy in the 1900s and the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s, offering a gripping dive into the wider repercussions that LGBT hate had on people across the country. For any readers wanting a book that will keep them on the edge of their seats, both emotionally and intellectually, this is a fantastic novel to experience.

BY Ben Robinson

“We were amazing,” I said. Alison looked at me and raised her eyebrows.

“Yes, well, we didn’t exactly make the Minster ourselves, did we?” she said.

“No, that’s true,” I said. “But you know that you are an even more wonderful creation than the Minster.”

My wife raised a hand and blushed.

“No, I’m not, but thank you,” she said.

I took her hand and kissed it.

“Yes, you are,” I said. “You are utterly wonderful.”

My wife blushed, which just made her all the more beautiful. Neither of us could understand why people did not build things like the Minster any more, and we both regretted it.

Walking around York was a joy of ours. It was busy, particularly in the summer months, but it had so much to say, it had so many beautiful buildings, so many amazing creations, and so many memories.

Our first date was at a café in York – a long time ago now – and that is still my favourite place to go, despite the other wonderful sights and places there are in York. It’s even better when my wife joins me.

WIN THESE BOOKS!

‘How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days’ by Sophie Irwin

This third novel from Sophie Irwin (author of the Sunday Times bestseller ‘A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting’) offers a fun and fresh take on historical fiction, combining elements of period drama and contemporary rom-com in a charming genre mashup. This cheerful book follows a young woman named Lydia’s attempts to dissuade esteemed nobleman Lord Ashdown from marrying her, after receiving an unwelcome proposal - will Lydia be able to reject Ashdown’s advances and stay single, before time runs out?

To win a free copy of the book, simply answer the following question: Who does Lord Ashford wish to marry?

A. Lauren B. Lydia C. Louise

Send your answer by email to competitions@yourlocallink.co.uk with the heading ‘Lord Competition’. The closing date is Monday 15th September.

‘The Family Tree’ by Yasmine Anane

The first offering from Yasmine Anane, this timeless children’s tale is written in the same vein as ‘The Wind in the Willows’ and ‘The Runaway Bunny’, featuring beautiful illustrations from Mark Beech. The plot follows Mole, as he attempts to find his family tree. Mole meets an array of animals on his travels, eventually realising: “we’re not all the same - but that’s the best part!” Although it’s aimed at kids, readers of all ages are sure to enjoy this delightful debut, which has been tipped as a children’s classic in the making!

To win a free copy of the book, simply answer the following question: What kind of animal is the main character?

A. A mole B. A meerkat C. A magpie

Send your answer by email to competitions@yourlocallink.co.uk with the heading ‘Tree Competition’. The closing date is Monday 15th September.

Robin Lewis-Light lives in York, and loves his wife even more than he loves the Minster and York’s wonderful historical buildings!

POETRY

SEPTEMBER 2025

Tansy Beetles

Between St Peter’s boathouse and the roar of Clifton Bridge, a riverbank where tansy grows, its yellow flowers swaying on tall, feathery stems. Here there should be beetles, gleaming like emeralds. The Victorians used their wings for sequins. Holiday treasure if you know where to look. If the river floods too soon the flowers are washed away and the beetles with them. The floods come earlier every year and soon the beetles won’t be here for kids like me who come seeking among the tall stalks the beetle known as The Jewel of York.

Chrysolina graminis, the Tansy Beetle, is a jewel-like leaf beetle that is now incredibly scarce and found only in wetland habitats. Reduction in suitable habitat and food plants, including the tansy plant, have resulted in its distribution being now limited to the River Ouse in York, and a recently rediscovered small colony in the East Anglian Fens, where it lives on riverwort and water mint. Climate change has resulted in early flooding of the riverbank in York, and this threatens the existence of the rare and beautiful tansy beetle.

Originally published by ‘The Dirigible Balloon’.

The White Horse at Kilburn

I feel for the horse cut into the hill; he can’t shake his head or twitch his tail. When somebody steps on that one huge eye, he can’t blink them off like a bothersome fly. He never will kick up his heels and run; just lies there all day come rain come sun, his coat growing yellower, mangy with moss, the creamy-white mane he never could toss eroded by weather, by footsteps, by time. Once thirty-three men lugged six tons of lime and passed up buckets from hand to hand creating the biggest horse in the land. By day you will see him from Leeds or York that long, white neck, those hooves of chalk; at night, though, I think of him all alone, galloping, galloping under the moon.

THIS MONTH’S INTERVIEW: PADDINGTON BEAR

Ey up, Paddington! How are you getting on?

Hello, Your Local Link. Oh, not too bad, thank you - mustn’t grumble. It’s nice to be here in York!

It’s nice to have you, Paddington! You’ve certainly got an excellent view of the Minster, here on this bench…

I have indeed! It’s a lovely spot for planning adventures, although it can get a bit lonely sometimes, especially late at night, or when it’s raining...

Oh dear. At least you’ve got your hat and coat to protect you from the elements!

That’s true. I always bring my hat and coat, everywhere I go. You never know when they might come in handy!

When you first arrived in London from darkest Peru, you were disappointed that “hardly anyone wears a hat or says hello”. Have you found the people of York to be more welcoming?

Yes, those Londoners weren’t too friendly - always in a rush. Luckily, I’ve been made to feel very welcome here. People are much more chatty, and they’re always bringing marmalade sandwiches for me to sample! All those hen dos can become a little tiresome, though…

Tell us about it, Pads! Speaking of marmalade sandwiches, we’ve brought one along for you to try, made with our own fair hands…

what do you reckon? Is it up to scratch?

Oh, lovely! A wise bear always keeps a marmalade sandwich in case of emergency. Hmmm, now let me see… The bread is nice and soft, and the marmalade-to-bread ratio seems fine… the marmalade is, of course, fantastic - sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of peel. Marmalade is the finest spread ever made! Not bad, not bad at all. I’ll pop this under my hat for later. Thanks, Your Local Link!

You’re very welcome, Paddington - don’t eat it all at once! Now, these days, you’re recognised as the most-loved bear of all. There’s only one other bear who can hold a candle to you, and that’s Winnie the Pooh. Have you ever met him?

Yes, I have met Pooh. Our paths have crossed quite often. Well, I’m not one to speak ill of others, but he isn’t the sharpest tool in the box. We’ve never argued, although I did need to give him a hard stare once or twice. He’s not a bad fellow, and we always get on fine (although he’s considerably older than me)… Ouch! That’s quite the burn, Paddington. You’re no spring chicken yourself!

Well, I was born in 1956, and Pooh was born in 1925. You do the maths! We can’t argue with that. Thanks for chatting with us, Paddington. We’ll come back soon with another sarnie for you to try.

You’re very welcome. Wonderful! I’ll look forward to it…

Bar Walls Blossom with York Walls in Bloom.

Built in 71 AD, the City Walls remain one of York’s best-loved attractions. Boasting more miles of preserved Roman wall than any other city in England, York is a great place to soak up history and, with a little bit of imagination, transport yourself back to a time when Eboracum was a fortified settlement, with walls designed to keep invaders at bay.

Luckily, you won’t have to fight off pillagers and plunderers to enjoy this unique piece of our heritage - take a stroll on the Bar Walls today, and you’ll see tourists and residents alike traversing the city on elevated walkways, taking in stunning views along the waywith not a bow and arrow in sight! While the Bar Walls have long been famed for their beauty and ingenuity, the ongoing York Walls in Bloom project has transformed

their embankments (known as ‘ramparts’) into biodiverse, sustainable, colour-laden green spaces. Funded by the Green Corridors project and National Lottery Community Fund (inspired by the Tower of London’s Moat in Bloom project), York Walls in Bloom is designed to reinvigorate these oft-neglected ramparts with wonderful wildflowers, providing ever-changing displays of both native and non-native plants from springtime to autumn; varieties blossoming around the Walls include Field Poppies, Corn Cockle, Lesser Stitchwort, Common Vetch, and Corn Camomile.

This autumn, we’d advise all residents to undertake a walk on the Walls - spy an array of wildflowers in vivid and vibrant colour, before the winter chill takes hold!

Lucky York residents have a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to view an exceptionally rare religious relic, which was accidentally unearthed from an unassuming shoebox!

What is the Arma Christi?

The Bar Convent Arma Christi is a rare, well-preserved example of an illuminated handmade scroll, which acts as a visual reminder of the Passion of the Christ.

Often referred to as the ‘Instruments of the Passion’ (and translated as ‘weapons of Christ’ from Latin), Arma Christi items are highly sought-after religious relics that provide a window into Medieval devotional practices.

The scroll currently on display at the Bar Convent features a beautifully hand-written version of the ‘O Vernicle’ prayer poem, which depicts Jesus’ Crucifixion - it also features

illuminated, hand-drawn illustrations. Why is the Bar Convent discovery so important?

York’s Arma Christi is one of only ten handmade scrolls of its kind known to have survived from the Medieval period. While similar examples can be found in locations including the Scottish Catholic Archives, The Morgan Library, Stonyhurst College and the British Library, the Bar Convent’s Arma Christi is currently the only one on public display, in the whole world!

Visit www.barconvent.co.uk/thearma-christi to find out more about the Bar Convent Arma Christi scroll. The Arma Christi exhibition is open to view from 10.00am-5.00pm on Mondays to Saturdays, at The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, Blossom Street, YO24 1AQ.

Minster Heritage Fair & York Unlocked

Tired of modern-day living? Seeking out a visceral blast from the past? You’re in for a treat!

This month, York residents are invited to connect with the rich history on their doorsteps at the 2025 York Unlocked festival, following the success of the Heritage Fair at York Minster in August.

Focusing on the city’s most notable buildings and locations, these cultural explorations offer perfect days out for hardcore history buffs and heritage hobbyists alike - even the most disinterested of history haters are sure to find something to get excited about!

York Minster Heritage Fair

On the 2nd of August, this special, one-off Heritage Fair enabled Yorkies to get up close and personal with the city’s most cherished building, York Minster! Visitors were able to secure early-bird access to two new developments, the Heritage Quad and the Works & Technology Hub; at the former, they were offered an eye-opening insight into the tricks of the trade of Medieval stonemasons, learning about the time-honoured craft skills that continue to keep the Minster pretty and propped up; at the latter, visitors were able to meet the York Glaziers Trust’s expert conservators and craftspeople, who employ a mix of both digital technologies

and Medieval-era craft skills to maintain the Minster and train the next generation of budding craftspeople. Considering that many of us pass the Minster every day, it can be easy to forget that this most majestic of buildings has been 2,000 years in the making, and the maintenance work never stops…

York Unlocked 2025

Providing free and in-depth access to more than 50 iconic buildings and locations across the city, the York Unlocked festival aims to inspire residents and visitors through the exploration of local, historic architecture. Just a few of the fascinating sites that will be opening their doors to the public this month include the Museum Gardens Lodge, St Olave’s Church and Churchyard, Kentmere House Gallery, The Assembly Rooms, Fishergate Postern Tower, PICA Studios, Bedern Hall, the National Railway Museum, St Martin-le-Grand, Bettys and the York Art Gallery Fine Art Store. Did we mention that you can meander around town and gain access to these beautiful buildings and more, FOR FREE?

Visit www.yorkminster.org/discover to learn more about the Heritage Fair and stay up to date with the York Minster events programme. The 2025 York Unlocked festival will take place on 27-28 September. Visit www.york-unlocked.org.uk to book.

WALKING WITH THE WANDERER

As one of the most-read, best-loved columns in Your Local Link magazine, Walking With The Wanderer is always a good shout for those seeking out a stroll in and around the York area - this month, we thought we’d try out the Wanderer’s latest route for ourselves!

We began our 6¾-mile walk in the idyllic village of Hovingham, which is nestled on the edge of the Howardian Hills. Leaving the village via a peaceful bridleway, we were quickly met with some sweeping views over the rolling fields and pastoral countryside landscape.

The route led us into a wood following the path which wound into a crossroads, where we followed it deeper into the trees, soon finding a little stream and a small sunlit meadow,

hidden in the middle of the woods. After leaving the woods behind us, we soon entered the pretty village of Slingsby, then continued on through some fields to the small village of Fryton. Here, we were greeted by some friendly locals as we passed through, heading onwards towards Hovigham once again. The final stretch of the walk took us through freshly baled fields and paddocks, where horses grazed in the sunshine.

After finishing our walk, we headed over to the Hovingham Bakery by the Brookside stream, where we enjoyed a slice of cake in the sunshine – the perfect ending to a countryside stroll! Head over to page 8 to see the map and list of directions for the Hovingham to Slingsby route.

York Golf Range

Struggling to keep the whole family entertained this September?

Looking for new ways to stay active, have fun and enjoy a spot of friendly competition with your nearest and dearest?

Dark Tales of York

Walk in the footsteps of history and discover the ghosts of the past.

Discover a darker side to the city of York with a private guided tour.

www.darktalesofyork.com

see

York Golf Range offers a variety of fun-filled activities for everyone to enjoy, no matter how advanced (or lacking) their golf skills may be!

On a sunny weekend this month, the Your Local Link team was lucky enough to try out some of York Golf Range’s most popular offerings for ourselves, and we’re pleased to say that they did not disappoint…

Located on Towthorpe Lane, just a stone’s throw from Stockton on the Forest Castle Hill and Piglets Adventure Farm, York Golf Range is known by local golf lovers as the home of one of, if not the best practice facilities in and around the York area. The picturesque and well-maintained site features an excellent 9-hole academy golf course, 6 outdoor driving ranges, and an 18-bay covered floodlit driving range. While these are probably best aimed at new, improving, or expert golfers, we set our sights on the activities that seemingly required as little golfing expertise as possible - in this case, these included Mini Golf and FootGolf!

The fun Mini Golf course included 12 holes, with a range of different obstacles to get around, including a ‘loop the loop’, a windmill and many winding tunnels. These tricky, often-infuriating challenges definitely brought out everyone’s competitive side. We’d never played Mini Golf before, but it’s certainly something we’d try again - hopefully with a bit more skill and success next time around! FootGolf is certainly something you don’t see every day, but this fun blend of football and golf is ideal for both kids and adults alike - it’s also a great choice for those who’ve never handled a golf club, but are comfy booting a ball! This 9-hole FootGolf course ranges from 39-91 yards! We kept track of everyone’s score on the scorecard we received opon arrival, and added an extra competitive element by making the loser buy everyone an ice cream from the cafe at the end!

With its friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere and engaging activities, (we’re yet to try the driving ranges, but we’ll be back!) York Golf Range is well worth a shot - it’s a hole in one!

Visit www. yorkgolfrange. com to find out more about what’s on at York Golf Range. If you fancy trying out FootGolf for yourself, head over to www. yorkgolfrange. com/FootGolf. html to learn more!

Time Travel

This month, we’re brushing up on some fascinating facts you might not know about York Minster — the long history of the Five Sisters Window.

The Five Sisters Window: 100-Year-Old Tribute to Women of the First World War

Have you ever wondered about the striking five panel window on the northern side of York Minster? Maybe you were walking through Dean’s Park and noticed it, or saw its grandeur from inside the Minster?

One hundred years ago, a window in York Minster was rededicated as a national memorial to the women who died during the First World War. It remains the first and only national monument dedicated specifically to the women of WWI.

The window was the vision of two remarkable women: Helen Little and Almyra Gray. While in Egypt with her husband during the war, Helen Little witnessed the tireless devotion of women supporting the war effort in Gallipoli by caring for the wounded soldiers. She later described a dream in which she saw her two little sisters standing hand in hand in the North Transept of the Minster—one beckoning her forward, the other pointing to the great window. She called it “The Sisters’ Window for the sisters,” made by women, for women. Helen Little had admired the Five Sisters Window, once describing its beauty as having:

Quaint simplicity, quiet dignity and lofty purity. ” “

We think it symbolised the grace and strength of women during wartime.

In 1922, Helen Little and Almyra Gray, a suffragist, launched a campaign to restore and rededicate the window as a memorial. Their fundraising target was £3,000. The campaign attracted 32,000 subscribers and surpassed its goal. Today, you can see 1,514 names of women who died during the war inscribed on oak panels in the chapel of York Minster.

The restored window was unveiled in June 1925 by the Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother). Just before the unveil, the Duchess said:

An act of most high praise and glad thanksgiving to Almighty God for the lives and devotion of the 1,400 women of the Empire who died for their country in the war, now, in the name of their sisters in all parts of the world, I unveil and restore to its ancient use, the Five Sisters Window. “ ”

Eight hundred people, all relatives of the women commemorated, attended the special service. Unlike the vibrant stained glass found elsewhere in the Minster, the Five Sisters Window is notable for its subtle grey tones, setting it apart in a way that reflects the spirit of those it honours.

The Five Sisters Window has a history that predates its rededication. Originally created in 1250, it was known as The Jewish Window, named due to the funding provided by York’s Jewish community.

The origin of the name Five Sisters is thought to have come from a local legend, mentioned in a newspaper article referencing sisters from near Pocklington, about five women who each created a section of a tapestry.

The window also makes a literary appearance in chapter six of Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens, which features five sisters creating a delicate embroidery, their art then executed as an intricate stained-glass design, which is divided into five vertical panels.

During the Second World War, the Five Sisters Window was removed to protect it from potential bomb damage. After the war, it was reinstalled, and a special service was held to honour the women who had served and died in both World Wars One and Two.

The Five Sisters Window is made from grisaille glass, characterised by its grey tones and delicate painted designs. Comprising around 100,000 individual pieces arranged in an intricate geometric pattern, the glass is held together by lead, which came from Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire. After the dissolution of abbeys during the reign of Henry VIII, valuable parts of Rievaulx Abbey were taken to use elsewhere, hence the lead later been donated for the restoration of the window.

The five tall lancet panels reach to an impressive height of 16 metres, making the window one of the Minster’s most striking features. At the very base of the window, a small panel of bluish glass stands out from the rest. It is believed to be a surviving fragment from an earlier Norman cathedral window— showing the links to an even older chapter in the Minster’s history. If this story has sparked your interest, head over to York Minster to explore their current exhibition, which is called ‘Visions, Voices, Vocations: Commemorating Women of the First World War.’

The exhibition delves deeper into the history of the Five Sisters Window and shares the powerful stories of some of the women it honours for their roles during the war.

All images by: Samantha Ward Photography

Sophie Lancaster BY

York Carers Centre AGM

5.30 - 6.30pm with networking afterwards Thursday 18 September

Buffet food, refreshments & birthday cake Friends Meeting House, Friargate, York YO1 9RL

The rest of Your life Should begin Somewhere Special

WEDDING SHOWCASE EVENING AT DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT YORK

FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Join us for an enchanting evening at Delta Hotels by Marriott York, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Explore our beautifully refurbished event spaces, meet our dedicated wedding team, and start picturing your perfect day set against the backdrop of York Racecourse and our charming gardens.

To book please email events@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk or call 01904 715 490

yorkguildhallorchestra com Sunday 12 October 2025, 3pm

Whether you're newly engaged or putting the finishing touches on your plans, this evening is the perfect opportunity to gather inspiration and expert advice. Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz and canapés as you take in the atmosphere of our unique venue with live entertainment to really set the scene.

We’re also delighted to welcome Vicky from Vicky Rennison Photography and Create a look, who will be

18:00 - 21:00 Glass of fizz on arrival The b est preser ved Arma Christi medieval scroll only in York. The newly discovered Bar Convent Arma Christi scroll is one of only a handful known to exist worldwide.

Join us at our new exhibition to unravel the histor y behind this incredible discover y.

Kodály & Shostakovich

Kodály

Háry János Suite Shostakovich

Symphony No 10 in E minor

Chris Bradley Cimbalom

Simon Wright Conductor

Fiona Love Leader

GIG GUIDE SEPT 25

15TH SEPTEMBER

FLYTE,

The Crescent Community Venue, 7.30pm. Catch acclaimed London duo Flyte in the flesh this month, with support from Eleanor Moss. Visit www.thecrescentyork. seetickets.com/event/flyte/thecrescent/3401388 to book your tickets today.

20TH SEPTEMBER

YO UNDERGROUND 5,

The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse, YO1 9QL. 7.30 pm. This edition features ethnic instruments, acoustic-electronic improvisation, words & guitarbased fusion, and passionate new songwriting. “Outside the box creativity... filling a gap in the York creative scene” (BBC Upload). £6 (advance booking via www.ticketsource.co.uk/

3RD SEPTEMBER

Jake Xerxes Fussell

National Centre for Early Music

3RD SEPTEMBER

Jazz Night with The Jazzville Duo

Museum Street Tavern

4TH SEPTEMBER

Ron Burnett’s Mardi Gras Jazz Band

Dringhouses Sports Club

4TH SEPTEMBER

Black Swan Folk Club

The Black Swan Inn

4TH SEPTEMBER

Bad Saloon

Golden Ball

4TH SEPTEMBER

DC Blue

The Three Tuns

5TH SEPTEMBER

Beats & Bands

Kennedy’s

5TH SEPTEMBER

Bootleg Blondie

The Crescent Community Venue

6TH SEPTEMBER

Jimbo Doomface

The Three Tuns

7TH SEPTEMBER

Midnight Flyers

The Edinburgh Arms

7TH SEPTEMBER

Memphis Cruisers

Severus Social Club

7TH SEPTEMBER

80s Live

Grand Opera House

navigators-art-performance) or £10 on the door.

24TH SEPTEMBER

LEVEL 42, York Barbican, 7pm. Mark King and his band will soon be in York as part of their ‘World Machine’ 40th Anniversary Tour - book now to avoid disappointment! Visit www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/ whats-on/level-42-plusroachford/ for bookings.

29TH SEPTEMBER

NORTHERN LIVEDO I LOVE YOU, Grand Opera House, 7.30pm. Keep the Faith and catch over 30 Northern Soul classics performed by an 11-piece band with 4 lead vocalists! Get your tickets via www.atgtickets.com/shows/ northern-live-do-i-love-you/ grand-opera-house-york/ now.

10TH SEPTEMBER

Overpass

The Fulford Arms

11TH SEPTEMBER

Tuba Dudes

Dringhouses Sports Club

12TH SEPTEMBER

Highway To Hull – AC/

DC Tribute

The Fulford Arms

13TH SEPTEMBER

Reggae Night

Severus Social Club

13TH SEPTEMBER

That Guy Called Si

The Three Tuns

13TH SEPTEMBER

The Young Ones

The Edinburgh Arms

14TH SEPTEMBER

John White

Severus Social Club

14TH SEPTEMBER

The Bounty Hunters

The Edinburgh Arms

18TH SEPTEMBER

Spats Langham + Emily Dringhouses Sports Club

18TH SEPTEMBER

Bad Saloon

The Phoenix Inn

19TH & 21ST SEPTEMBER

The Family Ruin + With One Last Breath

The Crescent Community Venue

EVEREST GURKHA

YORK CINEMA GUIDE

Top films in September

From 4th September:

NT LIVE: INTER ALIA: Catch Oscar-nominated leading lady Rosamund Pike (of Gone Girl and Saltburn fame) take to the stage from the comfort of your cinema seat! Written by Suzie Miller and directed by Justin Martin, this National Theatre Live offering focuses on karaokeloving Crown Court Judge Jessica, in a searing examination of modern motherhood.

19TH SEPTEMBER

Hazy Sundays + Holy Coves + Saliva Birds

The Fulford Arms

19TH SEPTEMBER

Vintage

Roman Bath

20TH SEPTEMBER

Letz Zep

The Crescent Community Venue

20TH SEPTEMBER

Friday Street

Severus Social Club

20TH SEPTEMBER

Northern Velvet

The Edinburgh Arms

21ST SEPTEMBER

The Wham Bams

Severus Social Club

23RD SEPTEMBER

The Zac Schulze Gang

The Crescent Community Venue

24TH SEPTEMBER

Ben Brown

The Fulford Arms

25TH SEPTEMBER

Professor Elemental + Laurie Black

The Fulford Arms

25TH SEPTEMBER

Jake Leg Jug Band

Dringhouses Sports Club

26TH SEPTEMBER

Ligeia Wept

The Fulford Arms

26TH SEPTEMBER

The Dalton Gang

The Hi Ho Club

From 5th September:

THE CONJURING: LAST RITES: After a scare this September? This Michael Chaves-directed supernatural horror is the ninth instalment in The Conjuring series, which will see creator James Wan return to the producer’s chair. This shudder-inducing frightfest follows the Warrens’ final face-off with a powerful demon, and is based on the real-life case of Pennsylvania’s Smurl Haunting.

From 12th September:

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE: As the third film in the wildly popular Downton Abbey franchise, The Grand Finale is considered the top ticket for period drama fans this month. Catch up with the Crawley family once again, as they enter the turbulent 1930s, attempt to ward off social disgrace, and undertake an important new chapter for the Downton Abbey legacy…

From 19th September:

HIM: This genre-bending sports horror is produced by the acclaimed Jordan Peele (the brains behind smash hits Get Out and Us), and follows an aspiring American football player who gets more than he bargains for when he’s taken under the wing of a famed quarterback (played with uncharacteristically sinister zeal by funnyman Marlon Wayans). Touchdown!

October

Roderick

October

October

Danny

October

October

Chapter

November

Alex Holland

Neil Denham

EATING OUT

Your Local Guide

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

The Parvin

Enjoy the taste of India! Enjoy our Sunday mega buffet served 3pm - 10pm, £14.90 for adults and £10.90 for kids (under 10). We are passionate about bringing the rich and diverse flavors of Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine to the heart of Haxby, York.

169 York Road, Haxby, York, YO32 3HB

Byron Burgers

Byron has been serving up juicy, proper burgers since 2007 – always made with top quality ingredients and serious flavour. From classic beef, to plant-based, halal, and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. We work with trusted suppliers to serve you burgers that we know you’ll love.

Byron York, 11 High Ousegate, York, YO1 8RZ

The Bengal

Curry Cravings? We got you! Feeling that familiar tug towards something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavour? Look no further! We’re your one-stop place for authentic Indian cuisine in York that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you utterly satisfied.

3 Almsford House, Beckfield Lane, York, YO26 5PA

Middle Feast

Middle East? ... Or Middle Feast! Hidden in the bustle of York City Centre, The Middle Feast Restaurant and Takeaway transports the senses with authentic Lebanese cuisine.

Serving expertly crafted dishes, right down to the smallest detail, using only the finest and freshest ingredients. Made to order, it’s no wonder our menu is renowned within the area.

From sizzling shawarma and fragrant falafel to vibrant salads and freshly made desserts, every bite is a taste of true Middle Eastern hospitality.

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeaway, expect warm service, bold flavours, and a feast you’ll want to return for again and again.

13 Lendal, York, YO1 8AQ

The Bay Tree

A warm and friendly country pub serving small plates and traditional dishes using fresh, locally sourced produce. Come for a visit and grab breakfast on a Sunday morning or even a hearty, home cooked Sunday lunch - we only serve classic country food!

The Bay Tree Inn, Main Street, Stillington, York, YO61 1JU

Pho Restaurant

Pho is all about healthy and delicious Vietnamese street food. All our dishes are made fresh to order in our kitchens everyday. Choose from a variety of vibrant dishes such as noodle soups, wok fried rice or our homemade curries.

75 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HY

Filey Food Festival

Filey Food Festival showcases the best of Yorkshire food & drink, along with fantastic produce. With over 65 stalls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It is free admission, running from 10am5pm, on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th October.

Evron Centre & Crescent Gardens, Filey, North Yorkshire

Phill Ya Boots Cafe

We love simple well-cooked food and supporting our local suppliers. That’s why we change our menu regularly. We cook seasonal dishes and local favourites using the freshest ingredients. Check out our pies, sandwiches, salads and our daily specials board.

55 Moorcroft Road, Woodthorpe, YO24 2RQ

Drakes Fish & Chips

Well known for our world-renowned fish and chips, we are one of the city’s most longstanding family owned and run fish & chip restaurants. Our team is ready to provide you with an outstanding dining experience, matching our traditional values of hearty food and great value, with a modern focus on quality cooking and customer service.

97 Low Petergate, York YO1 7HY

The Milner

Located in the heart of the city (just around the corner from York Station), The Milner Hotel is one of the most elegant places to stay in town. First opened in 1878, this grand, five-storey building is a great example of late-Victorian architecture and, with its green, flag-laden garden, it’s also a welcoming sight for new arrivals to the city.

Having travelled past The Milner countless times without ever going in to eat, Pat and I jumped at the chance to visit this beautiful hotel when we were invited to sample their menu! Upon arrival, we were greeted with a picturesque view of York Minster, before being kindly shown to the restaurant, Peachey’s Bar & Grill - the name ‘Peachey’s’ is a reference to William Peachey, the famous architect who designed the hotel as an integral part of York Station, which the terrace restaurant is placed right next to.

Our server Chloe was on hand to offer us any assistance we needed when it came to deciding on our choice of meals, as well as which drinks were best to complement them. Pat opted for the Soup of the Day (that was Tomato and Basil, one of his favourites!), and the flavours did not disappoint. I went for the Smoked Paprika Hummus with Flat Bread, and found that the paprika gave the dish a really good kick! For the main course, I went for Peachey’s Beer-Battered Cod & Triple-Cooked Chips, while Pat went for the Dry-Aged Flat Iron Steak with Triple-Cooked Chips and all the trimmings - everything was delicious and cooked to perfection! Despite being pretty full after the first two courses, we did manage to find room for dessert - I went for the Lemon and Lime Tart, and Pat chose the Peachy Mess with Seasoned Berries.

All in all, we found that The Milner offered the perfect meal to enjoy for a weekend in York, at one of the city’s most iconic locations!

Visit www.themilneryork.com/eatdrink to find out more about The Milner’s food and drink offerings, including the Peachey’s Bar and Grill menu.

BY Miriam Williams

Open everyday 11am - 10:30pm

Giggling Squid

We had the pleasure of dining at Giggling Squid, and we can confidently say it was one of the best meals we’ve had in the city for years - a true Thai gem in the heart of York!

From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by the interior décor; the space is vibrant, full of character, and beautifully floral, making for a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

The service was equally impressive, with John in particular going above and beyond to make us feel welcome.

To start, we shared the Duck Spring Rolls and Caramelised Pork Belly— both were absolutely delicious! The pork belly in particular just melted in the mouth and was packed with rich, savoury flavour.

For our mains, I went for the Melting Beef Curry with fresh Coconut Rice. The beef was unbelievably tender, coated in a deep, flavourful red curry sauce that I didn’t want to

end. My girlfriend chose the Penang Curry with Jasmine Rice, and she couldn’t stop talking about how it was the best curry she’s ever had! We also shared a side of Crispy Chicken, which was perfectly spiced and seriously addictive. To drink, I had an ice-cold Singha Thai beer, and my girlfriend had the Lady in Pink cocktail, a refreshingly balanced mix of Aluna Rum, Tequila, Cointreau and Pink Grapefruit.

Thai food has always been my goto, and Giggling Squid nailed it on every level. Honestly, this experience felt like the closest thing to actually being in Thailand - I’ll absolutely be back soon, with the whole family! If you’re in York and love Thai food, do yourself a favour—book a table. You won’t regret it!

Visit www.gigglingsquid.com/ restaurant/york to check out the menu at Giggling Squid.

BY Mackenzie Nichol

Theatre & Shows

Grand Opera House

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

4 SEPTEMBER

THE MUSIC OF FLEETWOOD MAC BY CANDELIGHT

This once-in-a-lifetime show features world-class West End vocalists and a live band performing Fleetwood Mac fan favourites by candlelight.

5-6 SEPTEMBER AUSTENTATIOUS

This comedic romp features leading performers from TV and radio improvising an irreverent Jane Austen novel from scratch, inspired by on-the-spot audience suggestions!

12-20 SEPTEMBER

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Join Dorothy and Toto on the yellow brick road in a magical, dazzling production of The Wizard of Ozwe’re not in Kansas anymore!

23-27 SEPTEMBER INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS

Starring Tom Chambers as Morse, this exciting new show is the first stage adaptation of the muchloved ITV detective series - can Inspector Morse crack the case?

30 SEPTEMBER - 4 OCTOBER FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY

Settle down with Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey and Ross for a nostalgic musical comedy adaptation of the greatest sitcom ever made! Brought to you by the makers of Hairspray and The Full Monty.

York Theatre Royal

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

10-27 SEPTEMBER

MILITARY WIVES - THE MUSICAL

Written and directed by BAFTAwinning Debbie Isitt (of Nativity fame), this fun, feel-good show offers a joyous celebration of female friendship, based on the 2019 hit movie.

18-20 SEPTEMBER

AUSTEN’S WOMEN: LADY SUSAN

This solo comedy show focuses on the manipulative Lady Susan, and is based on Austen’s first complete work, written in 1794.

22 SEPTEMBER SHAKESPEARE NATION

Created in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, this unique interactive programme enables adults of all ages to reconnect with The Bard’s finest works.

26-27 SEPTEMBER ROSHNI

This South Asian dance extravaganza focuses on improvisational movement, and could be the perfect introduction to Kathak performance - inspiring, uplifting, and entertaining!

York Barbican

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

4 SEPTEMBER

THE MAKINGS OF A MURDERER 2 - THE REAL MANHUNTER

Expect chills and thrills galore in this popular true crime theatre show, which features Colin Sutton, the detective who snared serial killer Levi Bellfield.

20 SEPTEMBER

THE RETURN OF THE LEGENDS

Join Strictly Come Dancing legends Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite for a dance-filled evening to remember!

21 SEPTEMBER

YORK PHILHARMONIC MALE VOICE CHOIR

To celebrate their centenary, ‘The Phil’ will be taking to the stage to perform a diverse repertoire of contemporary, classical, opera, folk, and spiritual music, with West End favourites thrown in for good measure!

Joseph Rowntree Theatre

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

11-13 SEPTEMBER

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID

This stage production of the Walt Disney classic is sure to appeal to fans of the film - catch all of your favourite characters and songs, including ‘Kiss the Girl’ and ‘Under the Sea’!

14 SEPTEMBER

MAGIC & MARVELS

Embark on a thrilling journey of magic and circus acts with talented performer Michael Jordan, of International Festival de Magie and Blackpool Tower Circus fame.

20 SEPTEMBER

THE ALL OR NOTHING EXPERIENCE

This energetic stage show charts the rise of The Small Faces, featuring all of their hits including ‘Itchycoo Park’, ‘All Or Nothing’ and ‘Lazy Sunday’.

27 SEPTEMBER

NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS: A MUSIC NIGHT PRODUCTION

Join Don Pears and York Choir Singphonia for a jam-packed night of West End and Broadway musical classics, brought to life at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre!

Theatre@41 Monkgate

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

10-13 SEPTEMBER

MUSICALS ACROSS THE MULTIVERSE

Presented by Wharfemede Productions, this unique and imaginative stage show blends iconic musical theatre with interdimensional twists and turnssurprises guaranteed!

19 SEPTEMBER

FAMILY FIRST

This touching and emotional stage show follows the Merrow Family, who’ve run the Balor Bar pub for generations - but what does the future have in store?

20 SEPTEMBER

ANIMAL FARM

Directed by Guy Masterson, this one-man show features talented actor Sam Blythe performing his own version of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, taking on each and every character, solo!

27 SEPTEMBER

RICHARD III REDUX

This one-woman performance by Kaite O’Reilly serves as a bold and humorous re-imagining of one of Shakespeare’s best-known playsleave your preconceptions at the door, and see Richard III in a whole new light!

Saturday 27th September - Sunday 2nd November

York Environment Festival is back with five weeks of free events showcasing climate and environmental action in York. There’s something for everyone, with activities ranging from repair cafes to workshops to walks around local green spaces. Expect to learn new skills, connect with others and celebrate the city’s natural environment. Visit yorkenvironmentfestival.org.uk for a full list of events.

PURE IMAGINATION

PREMIER FULL PRODUCTION JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE 22-29 NOVEMBER 2025 Including 3 Matinees 22nd, 23rd & 29th

The HOTLIST

THE BEST OF THE BEST!

5-8 SEPTEMBER

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE

FACTORY, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, YO31 8TA. This month, we’ve got a golden ticket! Join Charlie Bucket on his travels to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, and enjoy an original score from Marc Shaiman, including classic songs from the 1971 movie. Visit www. josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/musical/charlie-and-thechocolate-factory/2686 for further info and tickets.

10-27 SEPTEMBER

MILITARY WIVES - THE MUSICAL, York Theatre Royal, YO1 7HD. Written and directed by BAFTA-winning Debbie Isitt (of Nativity fame), this fun, feel-good show offers a joyous celebration of female friendship, based on the 2019 hit movie. With their husbands and partners away at war, a group of women join forces to set up a choir, making unexpected friendships along the way. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/ military-wives-the-musical to book your tickets.

12-13 SEPTEMBER

YORK NATIONAL BOOK

FAIR, Knavesmire, Suite, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Calling all bookworms! Browse a wide range of rare and antique book stalls at Britain’s largest antiquarian book fair. Admission is only £2, so why not head down early and secure yourself a bargain? Head over to www. yorkbookfair.com/ to find further details of the day.

12-20 SEPTEMBER

THE WIZARD OF OZ, Grand Opera House, York, YO1 9SW. Join Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man and the Lion on the yellow brick road this month, for a magical, dazzling new production of The Wizard of Oz. This family-

friendly fare is brought to you by the York Stage team - we’re not in Kansas anymore! Visit www. atgtickets.com/shows/the-wizardof-oz/grand-opera-house-york to book your tickets today.

14 SEPTEMBER

YORK HISTORIC VEHICLE GROUP

RALLY, Knavesmire, York Racecourse. 10am-4pm. This year marks the York Historic Vehicle Group’s 47th annual rally, which will include a wide array of retro, classic and vintage vehicles, as well as auto jumble, vendor stalls, and refreshments. Entry is just £5! Visit www.yhvg.uk/events for full details.

25-26 SEPTEMBER

YORK ART SOCIETY & SHIPTON

ART GROUP EXHIBITION, Shipton Village Hall, Main Street, YO30 1AA. Browse and buy original artwork, including works produced with oils, acrylics and watercolours, plus a selection of greeting cards. There will be a cafe and ample free parking - admission is free! New York Art Society members are always welcome. Email membership.yas@ aol.com to register your interest or find out more.

27 SEPTEMBER

SHINE NIGHT WALK YORK, Rowntree Park, York, YO23 1JQ. From 7.00pm. Do your bit for Cancer Research UK and enjoy a 10k night walk around York, starting at Rowntree Park and passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The walk should take between 1.5 - 3 hours, depending on your pace! Visit www. cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/ find-an-event/charity-walks/shinenight-walk/york to find further details or sign up for the walk.

27-28 SEPTEMBER & 12 NOVEMBER

HERITAGE CRAFT WORKSHOPS, The Harriet Centre, York Cemetery, YO10 5AJ. The Heritage Study Centre at Wolds Workshop are bringing their acclaimed pop-up craft workshops back to York! Visitors can expect to pick up long-lost tricks of the heritage craft trade, with a choice between a 1-day glass painting workshop, or a 2-day glass painting and glazing workshop! Email info@ woldsworkshop.com or visit www. woldsworkshop.com for further dates and information.

12 OCTOBER

WALLACE AND GROMIT: THE WRONG TROUSERS, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, YO10 5DB. 3pm-5pm. Enjoy a live screening of this Academy-Award winning short film (and wonder at Wallace’s ‘Techno Trousers’ once again), with live accompaniment from the Shepherd Brass Band, one of the premier brass bands in the county! Visit www.yorkconcerts. co.uk/whats-on/2025-26/wallaceand-gromit-the-wrong-trousers for details and bookings.

12 OCTOBER

KODÁLY & SHOSTAKOVICH, 3.00pm. As the first concert of the season for the York Guildhall Orchestra, this afternoon event will include the wonderful Hary János suite by Zoltan Kodály, plus Shostakovich’s Symphony No.10 in E minor. Expect to hear the Cimbalom (a Hungarian variation of the hammer dulcimer), played by Chris Bradley of the Orchestra for Opera North. Head over to www.yorkguildhallorchestra. com/whats-on/autumn-concert-3 for bookings and details.

FROM 19 SEPTEMBER

GHOSTS IN THE GARDENS, Various locations. Go ghost hunting in York, one of Europe’s most haunted cities! Find 45 ghost sculptures across some of the city’s mostloved spaces, including the Museum Gardens, the Shambles, and Clifford’s Tower. Visit www. theyorkbid.com/ghosts-in-thegardens for full details.

OPEN EVERYDAY

NEW TREASURES GALLERY, The Bar Convent, Blossom Street, York 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 and along to see their 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 world! Visit www. barconvent.co.uk to book your tickets today.

OPEN EVERYDAY

VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE, St. Mary’s Church, Castlegate, York. 10am-6pm. This unique and immersive experience offers a window into the works of Van Gogh, as you’ve never seen them before! Combining the artist’s classic paintings with an all-encompassing light and sound show, this exhibition enables visitors to step into the mind of the great ‘little painter fellow’. Visit www. vangoghexpo.co.uk/york to book your tickets today.

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.

23, 24, 30, 31 AUGUST6, 7 SEPTEMBER

WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD

CUP 2025, LNER Community Stadium, York, YO32 9AF4. Catch the cream of the crop of women’s rugby teams battle it out as part of the 2025 World Cup, at LNER York Community Stadium! Remember to sing your heart out, cheer the ladies on, and book ahead to avoid missing out. Visit www. rugbyworldcup.com/2025/en/ cities-and-venues/york to see the full list of fixtures.

30 AUGUST

MEGA TOY FAIR, York Sport Arena, University of York Sport Centre, YO10 5NA. 10:30am–3:00pm. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just love a bit of nostalgia, this is one not to miss! Expect over 280 tables packed with an incredible mix of new and vintage toys, models, and collectables. To learn more or book a stall, visit www.northerntoyfairs. com, email northerntoyfairs@ hotmail.com, or call 07504 035955.

4 SEPTEMBER

GARDEN TOUR & AFTERNOON TEA, Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 2GB. From 2.00pm. Join the Head Gardener at Middlethorpe Hall for an in-depth tour of its picturesque garden and grounds, where you can spy late summer flowers like dahlias, asters, plus apple and pear trees. Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea while you’re there! Head over to www.middlethorpe. wearegifted.co.uk to book your place today.

5 SEPTEMBER

JASON MANFORD: A MANFORD ALL SEASONS, York Barbican, Paragon Street, YO10 4AH. Join one of Britain’s best-loved comedians for a night of belly laughs at the Barbican - catch Manford’s brand-new stand-up show, ‘A Manford All Seasons’, while it’s still hot! This show is rescheduled, so previously purchased tickets are still valid for entry. Head over to www. yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/ jason-manford-a-manford-allseasons for info and bookings.

5-7 SEPTEMBER

PICTUREHOUSE OUTDOOR

CINEMA, York Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR. 6.30pm. Settle down under the stars for three magical evenings of alfresco cinema in York’s beautiful Museum Gardens. Screenings include Jurassic World: Rebirth (12A, Tuesday), Stop Making Sense (PG, Wednesday), and 10 Things I Hate About You (12A, Thursday). Visit www.picturehouses. com/outdoor-cinema/venue/ york-museum-gardens to book your tickets.

6 SEPTEMBER

SCARBOROUGH GOLDWING LIGHT PARADE, West Pier, South Bay. This free event is in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance - scheduled for 8.00pm, with fireworks on the beach around 9.30pm. Head to www.facebook.com/ ScarboroughGoldwingLightParade for further info.

7 SEPTEMBER

(+ EVERY FIRST SUNDAY) FREE ART WORKSHOP, The Artful Dodger, 47 Micklegate YO1 6LJ.York artist George Willmore and others lead informal workshops in collage and other art forms. Drop in any time between 12.30 and 4.00pm. All welcome. Free, no booking. Materials provided. Access by stairs only.

7 SEPTEMBER

OPEN COCKPIT DAY, Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. 10am-5pm. Open Cockpit Day offers a great opportunity for kids of all ages to clamber into the cockpits of their favourite aircraft, including a range of classic combat planes. Height restrictions apply! Visit www.yorkshireairmuseum.org for further details.

7 SEPTEMBER

STEAM ACROSS THE SCENIC SETTLE AND CARLISLE LINE: THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, York connections from Skipton, BD23 1RT, or Hellfield, BD23 4HN. Take a ride on one of Britain’s most scenic and famous railway routes, the Settle and Carlisle Line! York residents are invited to savour the route’s world-beating scenery aboard magnificent locomotive trains, harking back to a long-gone era of steam-hauled luxury. Travel in style for a day trip to remember! Call 01553 661500 or visit www. railwaytouring.net to make a booking or find out more.

9 SEPTEMBER

CHARLIE WAITE: BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPH, Remotely on Zoom, 7.30-9.30pm. Join Bishopthorpe Camera Club for this Zoom meeting, where worldrenowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite will be the first speaker of the season. Pick up photo-friendly nuggets from this multi-award winning talent, from the comfort of your home! Visit www.bishopthorpecc.co.uk/whatson for further details.

12-13 SEPTEMBER

YORK NATIONAL BOOK FAIR, Knavesmire, Suite, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Browse a wide range of book stalls at Britain’s largest antiquarian book fair, perfect for bookworms of every age and taste. Admission is only £2, so why not head down early and secure yourself a bargain? Head over to www.yorkbookfair.com/ for further details.

13 SEPTEMBER

ELIS & JOHN - THAT FEELS SIGNIFICANT: LIVE!, York Barbican, Paragon Street, YO10 4AH. Join popular podcasters Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman for a night of chat, made up games and Cymru connections! Visit www. yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/elisjohn-that-feels-significant-live/ to book or find out more.

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13 SEPTEMBER

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ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE MOONLIGHT WALK, St Leonard's Hospice, York, YO24 1GL. Walk begins at 9pm. The muchloved moonlight walk is back again! Undertake a 7-mile circular route by night with your friends and family, and do your bit for charity along the way! Feel free to check in from 7pm onwards. Head over to www. stleonardshospice.org.uk to find out more.

13 SEPTEMBER

DUNGEON LATES (18+), York Dungeon, York YO1 9RD. 6.30pm7.30pm. The York Dungeon’s infamous, adult-only events are back with a bang, where you’ll be scared witless by an immersive mix of theatre and spooky special events - you’ll even be treated to an array of saucy jokes along the way… cheeky! Visit www.thedungeons. com/york to book your tickets today.

14 SEPTEMBER RECORD FAIR, The Crescent Community Venue, York YO24 1AW. 11am-3pm. There will be eight stallholders with a great selection of vinyl LPs and singles. Free admission. For more details email info@yorkrecordfair.com.

14 SEPTEMBER FARMYARD FUN AT SLEDMERE HOUSE, Sledmere House, Driffield, YO25 3XG. This family-friendly event enables kids to get hands-on and help out at the Rare Breed Farm Park, mucking in with animals including Royal Golden Guernsey Goats and Oxford Sandy & Black Pigs! Head over to www. sledmerehouse.com for bookings and further details.

14 SEPTEMBER

YORK HISTORIC VEHICLE GROUP RALLY, Knavesmire, York Racecourse. 10am-4pm. This year marks the York Historic Vehicle Group’s 47th annual rally, which will include a wide array of retro, classic and vintage vehicles, as well as auto jumble, vendor stalls, and refreshments. Entry is just £5, or £10 for late arrivals. Visit www.yhvg.uk/ events for full details of the day.

16 SEPTEMBER

PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP, Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, York, Y024 4HD. Join designer Susan Bradley at the Bluebird and learn how to turn crepe and tissue paper into your very own beautiful hand-made blooms! Visit www.bluebirdbakery. co.uk/rise for bookings and further details.

UNTIL 17 SEPTEMBER

BRIMHAM THROUGH THE AGES, Brimham Rocks, HG3 4DW. Join this guided tour to discover Brimham’s history, from the last ice age (which helped to form these wonderful rock formations) to the stories of the people who once lived here and called it home. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ yorkshire/brimham-rocks for further information.

18 SEPTEMBER (+ EVERY THIRD THURSDAY)

FOLK&WORD OPEN MIC, The Artful Dodger, 47 Micklegate, YO1 6LJ. 7.30pm; sign up from 7.00pm. We welcome writers and wordful acoustic musicians who’d like to share their work. Bring a poem, a guitar, a voice. All welcome. Safe, friendly ethos. Access by stairs only.

19 SEPTEMBER

RUSSELL KANE:

HYPERACTIVE, York Barbican, Paragon Street, YO10 4AH. Catch up with famed funnyman, presenter and author Russell Kane for his latest fast-paced stand-up offering, Hyperactive. Visit www. yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/ russell-kane-hyperactive-2025 to book your tickets.

MEDIEVAL FEAST, Barley Hall, York YO1 8AR. 7pm-9pm. Settle down in the picturesque surroundings of the Barley Hall for a three-course meal to remember! Enjoy a medieval-inspired feast, and feel free to wear medieval garb if you’re thinking of attending. Visit www.barleyhall.co.uk to book your place today.

19-28 SEPTEMBER

YORK FOOD FESTIVAL 2025, Various locations, York City Centre. Head into town this month to sample an array of delicious foods from some of the best-loved vendors and restaurants that the city has to offer. There are also both daytime and evening events to enjoy, including live music and foodie-friendly entertainment! Visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com to browse the full programme.

20 SEPTEMBER

ACADEMY OF ST OLAVE’S

AUTUMN CONCERT, St Olave’s Church, Marygate, YO30 7DR. 8pm. York’s leading chamber orchestra present a programme of classical music in aid of York Mind. Featuring music from Bizet’s Carmen, Strauss’ Emperor Waltz, and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7. Tickets cost £16 or £5 for Students & Children. Visit www.academyofstolaves.org. uk to book.

20 SEPTEMBER

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE

MAKING MASTERCLASS, York Cocoa Works, York, YO1 9RG. Get yourself down to the Cocoa Works this month to create your own box of hand-made, hand-wrapped truffles, learn how to make glorious ganache, and create your own truffle recipes to enjoy for years to come! Visit www.yorkcocoahouse. co.uk to learn more.

20-21 SEPTEMBER

YORK PRINTMAKERS

AUTUMN FAIR, Chapel and the Harriet Room, York Cemetery, YO10 5AJ. Check out a wide selection of work from this diverse group of local printmakers, with expertly crafted offerings including collagraphs, screen printing, etching, lino and wood cuts. Visit www.yorkprintmakers.org.uk for further details.

20 SEPTEMBER

INFLATABLE 5K, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Hunker down at the Racecourse for a brilliant, bouncy day of fun for all the family! Tackle 30 inflatable obstacles across a 5k course - can you complete the course without wiping out? This event is accessible to children over the age of 5, although those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Head over to www.ukrunningevents.co. uk/events/inflatable-5k/yorkyorkshire-2025 to sign up or learn more.

21 SEPTEMBER

GIANT ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS FAIR AT YORK RACECOURSE, YO23 1EX. 9am-4pm. Ideal for browsers and buyers of every taste, this enormous fair will feature a whopping 250 stalls across two floors, selling everything from coins and ceramics to jewellery, militaria and more. Children under the age of 14 go free! Visit www. yorkracecourse.co.uk/giantantique-and-collectors-fair-7 to find out more.

25 SEPTEMBER YORK U3A OPEN DAY, Priory Street Centre, York, YO1 6ET. York u3a will be holding an open day for new prospective members (anyone who is retired or no longer in fulltime employment is welcome), from 10.30am-12.00pm, and 1.30pm-3pm. If you’re thinking of joning, this is a great opportunity to meet the gang! Head to www.york. u3asite.uk to learn more.

PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS, The Balloon Tree Farmshop & Cafe, Helmsley, York YO41 1NB. 9am-5pm. Get in the mood for Halloween early this year, and pick the best pumpkins from the bunch ahead of time! Whether you’re thinking of making a jack-o’-lantern, decorating your home, or knocking up a pumpkin-inspired dish this Halloween, why not hand-pick the cream of the crop? Visit www. theballoontree.co.uk to find out more.

27 SEPTEMBER

ART UNLOCKED: MERCHANT ADVENTURERS’ HALL, High Petergate, York, YO1 7EN. From 5.30pm. Join the Director of Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Lauren Marshall for an in-depth exploration of York’s rich history, via 6 classic paintings. Learn about fascinating local history and art, all at once! Visit www.merchantshallyork.org for further details.

27 SEPTEMBER

BONGO’S BINGO, York Barbican, Paragon Street, YO10 4AH. 5.3011.00pm. Bongo’s Bingo is back in York again! Check out this unique and immersive live bingo show, which has rocked more than 40 locations worldwide since launching in Liverpool back in 2014. Visit www. yorkbarbican.co.uk for bookings and further details.

27 SEPTEMBER

LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB, York Barbican, Paragon Street, YO10 4AH. Doors @ 7.30pm. Get down to the Barbican this month for a chuckle or two - take in top stand-up sets from leading comedians, some of whom you may recognise from the telly! Visit www.yorkbarbican.co.uk for bookings and further details.

27-28 SEPTEMBER

DIPPY CRAFT AND GIFT

FAIR, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. 10am-4.30pm. This two-day extravaganza features more than 100 stalls selling all manner of crafts and gifts. Head on down to support local businesses and wrangle a bargain along the way! Go to www.ukcraftfairs.com/craftevents/25550/york-spectacularshopping-event-by-dippy-designs for futher details.

27-28 SEPTEMBER

YORK UNLOCKED, Various locations. Get the lowdown on some of York’s most iconic buildings, for free! This annual weekend festival offers access to a range of buildings, including the Guildhall, the National Railway Museum and Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Visit ww.york-unlocked.org. uk/2025-festival/ for details of the full programme.

27-28 SEPTEMBER & 12 NOVEMBER

HERITAGE CRAFT WORKSHOPS, The Harriet Centre, York Cemetery, YO10 5AJ. The Heritage Study Centre at Wolds Workshop will be bringing their acclaimed pop-up craft workshops back to York in September and November. Visitors can expect to pick up long-lost tricks of the heritage craft trade, with a choice between a 1-day glass painting workshop, or a 2-day glass painting and glazing workshop! Email info@ woldsworkshop.com or visit www. woldsworkshop.com for further dates and information.

27 SEPTEMBER - 2 NOVEMBER YORK ENVIRONMENT FESTIVAL 2025, Various locations. York Environment Festival is back with five weeks of free events across York, showcasing climate and environmental action in the city. Activities range from repair cafes and workshops to walks around local green spaces. Learn new skills, connect with others and celebrate the city’s natural environment! Visit yorkenvironmentfestival.org.uk for the full list of events.

28 SEPTEMBER EMERGENCY SERVICES DAY, Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. This annual display showcases the most interesting emergency service vehicles and equipment, both old and new. Visit www.yorkshireairmuseum.org to find out more.

28 SEPTEMBER

ANNE LISTER IN YORK

WALKING TOUR, Micklegate Bar, York, YO24 1AE. Follow the footsteps of the famed diarist and ‘first modern lesbian’ Anne Lister across York, starting at Micklegate Bar and ending at the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church. Visit www. annelistertoursyork.co.uk to find out more.

11 OCTOBER

HAXBY & WIGGINTON ART EXHIBITION, Wiggington Recreation Hall, The Village, Wigginton, York YO32 2LL. 10am4pm. Haxby & Wigginton Art Exhibition is here again! Head on down to Wigginton Recreation Hall this October to browse a fine selection of paintings and cards from a range of local artists at the annual Haxby & Wiggington Art Exhibition. Entrance fee is £1, including refreshments! Visit the ‘Haxby’ Facebook group for further details.

11 OCTOBER

ST NICKS AUTUMN FAYRE, St Nicks Nature Reserve and Environment Centre, York, YO10 3FW. 1.00pm-5.00pm. Come and celebrate the arrival of autumn with the St Nicks team! Enjoy live music, refreshments, plus an array of stalls and activities for all ages. Visit www. stnicks.org.uk/events/autumnfayre-2025 for further details.

17-18 & 24-25 OCTOBER

YORKTOBERFEST 2025, Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Eat, drink, and be merry this October, with this Oktoberfest-inspired extravaganza at York Racecourse! Get your fill of beer, bratwurst, and all things Bavarian! Visit www.yorktoberfest. co.uk for bookings and details.

1 NOVEMBER

YORK RECORD FAIR, Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX.10am - 5pm. Browse an extensive selection of vinyl records and more at York’s biggest annual record fair! £2 admission, and under-16s go free! Visit www.facebook.com/ events/1410894586754584 or call 07896713988 for further information.

REGULAR EVENTS:

MEETING TWICE MONTHLY YORK PHILATELIC SOCIETY, Community Room, Tesco Extra, Askham Bar, YO24 1LW. Both new and seasoned stamp collectors are welcome at York Philatelic Society, which meets each second Tuesday (7-9pm) and every fourth Friday (1.15-3.15pm, except December). Visit www.abps.org.uk/society/yorkphilatelic-society to find the full programme and details.

EVERY THURSDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT AT THE THREE LEGGED MARE, High Petergate, York YO1 7EN. From 8pm. The Three Legged Mare’s open mic is one of the best in the city, attracting a range of artists and singers both old and new. Head down to enjoy a tipple and sample the sounds of emerging local talent! New performers are always welcome. Call 01904 638246 for more information, or to register as a performer.

EVERY LAST FRIDAY LAST FRIDAY DINNER, The Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, York, YO1 9TX. Every final Friday of each month, enjoy a 4-course set menu dinner, each with a different theme. Make sure you turn up ready to be fed! Contact choppingblock@ walmgateale.co.uk for further information.

EVERY SUNDAY

WIGGINGTON CAR BOOT, Home Farm, Wiggington, York, YO32 2RD. 6.30am-1pm. This giant car boot is held every week, with general admission at just £1 per car. Get yourself down early to scoop up some bargains! Call 01904 768463 or 07964 027362 for further details.

UNTIL 7 SEPTEMBER

YOU, ME AND WHO WE’LL BE, Nunnington Hall, YO62 5UY. Enter the colourful world of the children’s illustration duo, Josie Brookes and Tom Madge. A dress-up station will be set up to let you share in the adventures of Molly the Flower and, before you go, make sure to add your own artwork to the interactive gallery. Visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/visit/yorkshire/nunnington-hall for more information.

UNTIL 10 SEPTEMBER

WILDLIFE WALK, Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY. This guided walk will help you to discover more of the wildlife and nature around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, including the beautiful flowers that scatter colour across the green canvas! Visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden to find out more.

UNTIL 24 SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY BBQ ON THE TERRACE AT NOVOTEL, Novotel, Fishergate, York, YO10 4FD. Head down to the Novotel for weekly Wednesday BBQ evenings, held on the stunning riverside terrace. Enjoy delicious food, drinks and live music! Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/wednesdaybbqs-on-the-terrace-at-novoteltickets to book now.

UNTIL 26 SEPTEMBER

THROW AND TURN CERAMIC VASES BY TERRI DONOCKLEY, Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, York, YO19 6HP. Join Terry Donckley at Stillingfleet’s Art in the Tea Room Exhibition Space to see an exhibition of unique and expertly crafted ceramic vases. Call 01904 728506 or email vanessa.cook@ stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk for further details.

UNTIL 7 OCTOBER GUIDED SENSORY TOUR, Treasurer’s House, York, YO1 7JL. Developed in partnership with MySight York, this enhanced sensory tour focuses on Mr Green’s legacy, and other historic elements of the fantastic Treasurer’s House. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ yorkshire/treasurers-house-york to find out more.

UNTIL 26 OCTOBER

TURNING BACK TIME TOUR, Minster Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JL. Home to astronomers and politicians, divided and brought back together over the years, Treasurer's House has changed many hands. With so many years of ingrained history, it’s impossible to cover all of the lives lived here - but we can try! Visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/visit/yorkshire/treasurershouse-york for more information!

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

• Rewires • Fault-finding • Extra sockets • Plus much more

Clic

HANDYPEOPLE

York Flatpack & Handyman 75

Can-Be-Asked 75 DIY Guy 75

HVC Property Maintenace 76

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Skin Tech Clinic York 49 Slimming World 4 Beautycare 48 Clear & Hear 49

Clifton Park Hospital 50 Earwax Away 49 Glossa Ltd 49

Lishi - Daoist Tai Chi 49

My Reset 20

Nimbuscare 49

Ryedale ear clinic 49

INSULATION

GFP Home Heating Care 27

JOINERY

Duncan Littlechild Joinery 85

Inspired Joinery & Projects 7

Lewis Joinery 75

Matt Hodgson Joinery 75

Paul Meillam Joinery 75

LOCKS/SECURITY/ALARMS

Keep Safe 76

Afford a Lock 76

Dr Locks Ltd 76

GC Electronics 76

Laurel Bank Locksmiths 76

Towergate Locksmiths 76

LOFT CONVERSIONS

Yorkshire Loft Ladders 17, 85

LOGS/FUEL

Dalby Firewood 43

Logs 4 Sale 22

Rix Petroleum (Hull) Ltd 15

MOTOR PARTS/SERVICES

Ivinson Autos Ltd 1, 88

Andy’s Autos 24

Blacksmiths Garage 25

Westmoor Cars 25

Gladstone Tyres 88

Dead or Alive Motorcycles 24

Custom Auto Keys 25

JB Motors Malton 25

North Yorkshire Motors 25

OLC Autos 25

The Garage 25

York Bodywork Repairs 25

OVEN CLEANING

Yorkshire Oven Cleaning 73

PEST CONTROL

Huntcatchkill 31

MA Pest Control York 27

Southbank Pest Control 34

The Pest Company 31

PET CARE

Birchwood Veterinary Practice 37

PLASTERING JM Plastering 76 Kelly & Sons Plastering 76 QA Plastering 76 Rodley Plastering 76

PLUMBING/HEATING

Colin Bell Plumbing 77

Nunthorpe Services 77

J Robinson Plumbing 78 A1