New Health Walk Leaflet out now!

York Health Walks is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, meet new people and get one of your weeks 30 minutes of exercise. Walks start from various locations across the city.

The walks are open to all,  children can attend with supervising adults.  Wheelchair users and pushchair users are advised to call the co-ordinator before attending the walks to ensure the route is suitable.  Dogs are welcome on the walks but may need to be kept on a lead at times.

Booking is not required for the regular guided walks however for Health Walkies or Nordic walking please contact Fiona for details. Fiona Barker - 01904 553377 or e-mail fiona.barker@york.gov.uk.

To see the full timetable visit: http://www.york.gov.uk/leisure/walking/

Be a winner in 2012

Win £40 vouchers for the Sweat Shop, York (or one of lots of other prizes!) 

Just 30 is running a competition to win money off vouchers at Sweat Shop York and various other prizes.  All you need to do to be in with a chance is follow or like their twitter or facebook accounts.

Just 30 is York's campaign to encourage residents to do 30 minutes exercise a day through sport, play or active leisure. On our social networking sites (Facebook and Twitter) we give information on living a healthy lifestyle with diet, nutrition and exercise news, tips and information on local events. Follow today  at: http://www.facebook.com/just30york

www.twitter.com/just30york

 

Top tip to help you feel good in the New Year

Swimming will help you tone and shape your body and is one of the best exercises to loose that fat, burning 200 to 350 calories every 30 minutes.

So why not start your New Year off with a splash at Yearsley Pool, with over 100 years experience of keeping York healthy. 

Timetables available @ www.york.gov.uk/fit  or for further details call 552424

 

Energise Serves Up Ace Tennis Coaching

A brand new tennis coaching programme will begin at Energise this January, offering coaching and cardio fitness sessions that will suit all abilities.  All sessions are being delivered qualified coaches with years of experience.

The junior coaching will develop the skills of the players in a fun environment, which is suited to all abilities.

Cardio Tennis is the latest fitness craze.  These fitness based tennis sessions are ideal to kick start your New Years fitness resolution.  Cardio Tennis is designed to be FUN whilst burning calories, working at your own pace.  No previous tennis experience is necessary.

The first 2 weeks of the 10 weeks Junior Coaching and Cardio Tennis are free, so come along and give it a go!

Coaching every Saturday starting 7 Jan 2012 At Energise, York

9am – 10am 7 – 10yrs

10am – 11am U7’s

11am – 12noon Adult Cardio Tennis

York Residents Festival

The Notable Residents of York.

From Constantine to Kate Atkinson, an exhibition of stories about good, bad and ugly characters from the city, researched by library staff using our extensive local history collection.

Memories from the York Mystery Plays over the years.

Help us make a film by sharing your memories of the York Mystery Plays, with support from media and film students at York St John.

Sweets!  Confectionery is a huge part of the history of York.  Watch sweets being made in the library, and taste free samples, with staff from Tangerine Confectionery.

Sat 28^th York 800 and the City Archives:  Talk by Richard Taylor, City of York Archives Development  Manager at 2pm & 3.30pm

Sunday 29^th January.  Three talks on the history of the City of York from 1pm to 3pm.

Three short talks followed by Q & A:
  Medieval governance of York and the Charter of 1212 Dr Sarah Rees Jones

  Victorian Lord Mayors of York Hugh Murray

  Modern Governance of York 1974-2012 Dr Kathryn Webb

New Books!  We will also be putting out hundreds of new books this weekend, for Adults and children, fiction and non-fiction.  Come and choose your next great read.

Plus - Children’s storytelling sessions, meet York Characters, 10% off cafe orders with a York Card, and YorkCards available to residents all weekend.

For tickets and bookings contact Explore York Library Learning Centre 01904 552828 or exploreyork@york.gov.uk

Three talks £6, but free with a YorkCard - All other events FREE

King Edwin in Exile: Founding a New Kingdom in Seventh-Century Northumbria

Sat 14 Jan, 1pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

This lecture will examine and is based on an exert from the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People surrounding the reign of Seventh-Century Northumbrian King Edwin.  Edwin is regarded as the first Christian King of the North of England, having been baptized in York during the year 627.

King Edwin is seen as a remarkably powerful military figure and, as Bede tells it, “an admirable example of good kingship”.  All of Edwin’s successes followed an extensive period in exile, depicted in a chapter  in Bede's story on Edwin.  The focus of Edwin's exile will be the focus of this lecture.


Tickets available from Explore York, please contact 01904 552828 or exploreyork@york.gov.uk  

A new class to put you in Deep Water!

New class – Deep Water Aquafit - helps you tone, shape and lose weight. The class is held in deep water with your body supported with a buoyancy belt.

Classes every Thursday 8:05pm to 8:50pm starting 19 January at Yearsley Swimming Pool

Cost £4.20 with YorkCard

Further details call 552424 or visit www.york.gov.uk/fit

Will the weather be 'Brass Monkey'?

Sun 22 Jan, 10am Start at Bustardthorpe Field, York Knavesmire.

Once again York Knavesmire Harriers have a sell out on places for the 2011 half marathon race which attracts runners from far and wide, and in it's long history has never been cancelled due to bad weather!  The route is flat and fast, heading southwards through Bishopthorpe, left to Acaster, Selby, right to Appleton Roebuck and then right again, back through Bishopthorpe to the Racecourse.

There will be a lead vehicle with timing clock and a Sweep Vehicle.

Refreshments available so come and join us.

For more information visit: http://www.yorkknavesmireharriers.co.uk/brassmonkey.htm

Adult Education Open Days

Thur 12 and Sat 14 Jan 2012, 10am to 4pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

Meet the tutors, sign up for courses, and find out about all the great opportunities to learn in York. Displays, information and tasters available.

For more information contact Linda Horn 01904 554288 www.yortime.org.uk

A child friendly New Year's Ball

York Winter Wonderland’s New Year’s Eve Ball 2011

Guests will be seated cabaret-style, at tables, with food and refreshments available (including licensed bar), as well as party accessories to make sure York sees in the New Year with a bang.

We want to see the whole family dressed up in their gladrags and best party frocks, all ready for the party of a lifetime.

As this is a family event so the kids can stay as long as you like.  There will be entertainment starting from early in the evening until 1am.  New Year’s Eve in York will never be the same again.

Spend the evening being entertained by:

Max Somerset -  Magician,  best known Sorcerer’s apprentice BBC 1 - iNow in it’s third Series, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice BBC1, BBC2 and CBBC series has gained legions of young fans and switched a whole new generation onto magic.

 And......its only....Glee Club!

With the continued success of the hit show on our UK screens, the Glee Club bring their hits to entertain all the family on this New Year’s Eve.  Featuring high impact choreography and live vocals this show will have you on your feet.

Plus a Top Class Disco, so come and join us at Bustardthorpe Field, York Knavesmire, 7pm to 1am.  Cost is £29pp (including food and a glass of champagne at midnight)

For more information and to book tickets go to www.yorkwinterwonderland.co.uk

Have a healthy heart

This Healthy Hearts Programme is for people who are at risk of heart disease and who want to be more active and lead a healthier lifestyle.  Sessions take place at various times and dates across the city and are open to adults aged 16 and over.

Weekly 2 hour sessions start Mon 30 Jan to Thur 8 Mar 2012 - Cost is £3 per session or £15 for 6 weeks

For more information please contact Katie Ellis, 01904 553377 or email Katie.ellis@york.gov.uk

New year, new you!

Improve your fitness and stamina in these fast paced led fitness walks. If you enjoy the walking, group exercise and fresh air then come along to this free fitness session. The walks are led by a trained leader and will differ each week. Nordic walkers welcome.  Average speed of walk 4mph.

Walks take place every Saturday starting 4 Feb 2012, 10am to 11am.   Meet outside Rawcliffe Bar Country Park office at Rawcliffe Park and Ride, Shipton Road, YO30 5XZ

For more information or to register your interest contact Fiona Barker (01904) 553377 or fiona.barker@york.gov.uk

Have a rotting Christmas

Tue 20 Dec, 10.30am to 12noon at Rowntree Park

Come along and find out how we can reduce what we waste at Christmas and have a go at making some decorations.

To book a free place please contact Rachel Simpson on 07584 205240 or rachel.simpson@york.gov.uk

Click with confidence

Sat 3 Dec, 9.30am to 12noon at York Explore Library Learning Centre

If you’re planning on buying a digital camera for Christmas, this workshop will give you some fool-proof advice on finding the right camera for you - before you make an expensive decision!

You’ll learn to understand the different types available, from simple point and shoot models, to standard compacts and compact cameras.   We’ll also discuss megapixels, zoom, lens, resolution, LCD screens, image stabilisation and ISO range, so that by the end of the sessions, you’ll be able to purchase your camera with confidence.

Cost £15

Book online at www.yortime.org.uk or contact the Adult Education Booking Office on 01904 552806.  Office opening hours are Mon and Fri 10am to 2pm and Wed 12noon to 6pm.

Decorations and drinks come naturally

Sat 17 Dec, 10.30am to 12noon at West Bank Park

Join the Rangers and the Friend of West Bank Park and have ago at making Christmas wreaths and candle holders - all ages and abilities welcome.

Cost - Free!

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and activity.

To Book a place please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk

A child friendly new year's ball

Sat 31 Dec, 7pm to 1am at Bustardthorpe Field, York Knavesmire

York Winter Wonderland’s New Year’s Eve Ball 2011

Guests will be seated cabaret-style, at tables, with food and bubbly at midnight included in the price and bar available as well as party accessories to make sure York sees in the New Year with a bang.

We want to see the whole family dressed up in your gladrags and best party frocks, all ready for the party of a lifetime.

You may stay as long as you like with your children - this is a family event, with entertainment starting from earlier in the evening until 1am - New Year’s Eve in York will never be the same again.

Spend the evening being entertained by:

Max Somerset -  Magician,  best known Sorcerer’s apprentice BBC 1 - Now in it’s third Series, The Sorcerer’s apprentice BBC1, BBC2 and CBBC series has gained legions of young fans and switched a whole new generation onto magic.

And..... its only Glee Club!

With the continued success of the hit show on our UK screens, the Glee Club bring their hits to entertain all the family on this New Year’s Eve.  Featuring high impact choreography and live vocals this show will have you on your feet.

Plus, Top Class Disco, and much, much more.........

Cost: £30 per person

For more information and to book tickets go to www.yorkwinterwonderland.co.uk

Tree planting

Sat 3 Dec, 10.30am to 12noon at Clifton Backies

Get your green fingers out and plant some native hedgerow trees.

Tools and trees provided. Planting will take place around the balancing pond - all ages and abilities welcome.

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and activity.

To Book a place please contact Clair Merrifield on 07769 963127 or clair.merrifield@york.gov.uk

Winter wildlife walk

Sat 3 Dec, 1.30pm to 3pm at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park

Join us on a guided walk around the country park looking at the winter landscape and wildlife, then have ago at some natural art - all ages and abilities welcome.

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and activity.

To Book a place please contact Clair Merrifield on 07769 963127 or clair.merrifield@york.gov.uk

"Working for Mr Rowntree"

Thu 15 Dec, 7pm to 8pm at Explore New Earswick Library Learning Centre

Join Nestle Archivist, Alex Hutchinson, and discover the daily lives and conditions of Joseph Rowntree’s workers.

The talk will  include film footage of ladies working on the production line in the 1930s, Rowntree’s sports day and Rowntree family film footage and will be covering innovations such as reduced working hours, pensions, music in workrooms, sports facilities, schooling, and medical care.

Tickets £3, available from Explore New Earswick, please contact 01904 552629 or NewEarswick.Library@york.gov.uk

Ambling to Acaster Malbis

Thu 15 Dec, 10am start, approx 2pm finish

Join Colin and other Nordic walking enthusiasts for an 8 mile Nordic walk covering a mixture of terrains and taking in some of York most beautiful and interesting sights including the River Ouse, Bishopthorpe Palace and the disused air field. Please come in outdoor clothing and bring a rucksack with a drink and lunch.

Free to attend (Nordic walking poles can be hired for £2 per pair if required)

Walk Starts from Bishopthorpe Library, Main Street, Bishopthorpe.

Waterproofs may be needed. Booking is not required for this walk simply turn up on the day.
For more information contact Fiona Barker on 01904 553377 or e-mail Fiona.barker@york.gov.uk.

Frolics and fun at the Festive Fayre

Sat 3 to Sun 18 Dec, 9.30am to 7.30pm in Parliament Street, York

York’s Festive Fayre brings a sweep of Christmas traditions with music and specially decorated wooden huts.

Open daily from 9.30am until 7.30pm, you are sure to find that extra special Christmas gift at York’s city centre festive markets.

Make sure you find time to escape the hustle and bustle and relax in the twinkling haven of the Festive Inne and enjoy a glass of delicious Winter Pimms and other festive offerings!

"Throwing a festive light on York"

Fri 2 and Sat 3 Dec, 10am to 12pm (Sat) and 1pm to 3pm (Fri & Sat) at the Mansion House, St Helen's Square, York

This is a series of festive workshops looking at the origins of Christmas food and traditions, set in the beautiful Dickensian Mansion House.

“Deck the Hall” with Louise Wheatley – Fri 2 Dec – 1pm to 3pm

“Customs in Medieval York & Yorkshire” – Louise Hampson – Sat 3 Dec – 10am to12pm

“Nativity Christmas Paintings” - Fiona Ftizgerald – Sat 3 Dec – 1pm to 3pm

Cost - £10 per workshop (price includes tea/coffee and mince pies).

Book online at www.yortime.org.uk or contact the Adult Education Booking Office on 01904 552806.  Office opening hours are Mon and Fri 10am to 2pm and Wed 12pm to 6pm.

Festival of Angels

Sat 10 and Sun 11 Dec, 10am to 4pm at The Minster Quarter, York City Centre

The Minster Quarter's Festival of Angels is a true winter festival, bringing York a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, outdoor food and drink and street entertainment.

You'll see Santa in the Streets and can follow the Parade of Angels on Sunday, led by the beautiful Golden Angel (time and route to be confirmed).

A true Christmas festival, transforming York's most unique streets into a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, al fresco dining, street entertainment and guaranteed 'snow' showers.

Lots of porky pies

Sat 3 Dec at Joseph Rowntree School

This hands-on cookery workshop will show you how to make a traditional festive hand-raised pork pie for your Christmas buffet.

Cost £35

Book online at www.yortime.org.uk or contact the Adult Education Booking office on 01904 552806.  Office opening hours are Mon and Fri 10am to 2pm and  Wednesdays 12 to 6pm.

It's a bug's life

Bugs might not look like particularly significant visitors to your garden, but they’re vital to keeping the ecosystem working. If you want to help them get through the hard times or give them somewhere to breed, provide them with their own place to stay. Help the insects survive through the winter by making an insect box to take home.

Come along to West Bank Park, Wed 30 Nov 10.30am to 11.30am and become an insect box builder!

To Book a free place please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk

Breathe easy with new circuits class

The Breathe Easy support group network provides support and information for people living with a lung condition, and for those who look after them.

This circuits class will be delivered by a qualified instructor with the British Lung Foundation - classes are every Wednesday 12.15pm to 1.15pm, cost £3.50

For people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or to book a class contact Katie.ellis@york.gov.uk or telephone 01904 553377

Winter warmer

Join Colin and Jenny on a 12 mile bike ride to Bolton Percy where you can stop for refreshments and admire the Tom Denny’s inspirational Millennium window in Bolton Percy Church before returning via Appleton Roebuck.

Meet at Copmanthorpe Library at 11am

Suitable for fair to confident riders. Allow 2 hours for this ride.

Competent children over 13 are welcome with a supervising adult.

No booking required, if you do require further information contact Fiona Barker (01904) 553377. For the full programme of guided rides please visit www.york.gov.uk and search for guided rides.

Feed the birds...free

To encourage birds to set up home, you also need to provide nest boxes.

Pop along to the Pavilion in Rowntrees Park between 1.30pm and 2.30pm to make a bird feeder to take home for your garden.  Everyone welcome and it's FREE

This is a drop in session, but it would help us if you could let us know if you are intending to come along. Please contact Rachel Simpson on 07584 205240 or rachel.simpson@york.gov.uk

A step through time

To celebrate 90 years of history, local experts, The Friends of Rowntree Park and the Park Ranger will be sharing their knowledge and stories with you whlist strolling around this award winning park.

Sat 12 Nov 10.30am to 12noon at Rowntree Park - cost: free

Everyone Welcome. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and activity

To Book a place please contact Rachel Simpson on 07584 205240 or rachel.simpson@york.gov.uk

Cardio tennis

Cardio Tennis has become extremely popular across the country and now it’s starting in York.  The sessions are essentially a fitness work out linked to tennis.

Fitness routines are done to a high tempo music beat and involve a warm up – cardio session – cool down.

It’s FUN whilst burning calories all controlled by YOU – work at your own pace!!!

Come along and experience this new phenomenon.

Sessions start Sat 5 Nov to Sat 3 Dec 9.30am to 10.30am at Rowntree Park - cost £3 per week

Places are limited so it strictly on a first come first served basis. 

To book or for more information please contact crockettfamily1@btinternet.com or 07926 172939

Ok for hockey

'Back to Hockey' is a scheme aimed at getting women back into the sport and also teaching new people to play.  The first scheme in York is about to begin at Huntington Schools astro turf pitch.  Come along and enjoy fun, fitness and friendship.  The sessions are designed to be sociable and informal.  They are a great way to get into shape and there’s no need  to commit to membership, regular training or competitions.  It’s easy to take part!

Sessions every Thursday from 3 Nov to 8 Dec 6pm to 7pm.  Places are limited so it strictly on a first come first served basis - cost £5 per week

To book or for more information please contact Will.Saville@york.gov.uk 07786 701248

Zumba fever goes gold

Zumba Gold provides the same fun, dance fitness class of the original Zumba Fitness but modifies the moves to make the class suitable for the older active adult.

Sessions start between 2 and 11 Nov at Strensall Village Hall, Melbourne Centre, Church of the Holy Redeemer and Dunnington Sports Club - cost: £1.50

For further information or to register your interest please contact Catriona Sudlow on 01904 553377 or by email at catriona.sudlow@york.gov.uk

First steps

This course is a great way to learn the basic skills necessary to use a computer and get online.  Or if you have completed an Absolute Beginners Computing - The First Step, this is the course for you as it will enable you to practise those first skills learnt and build on them.  This is a very ‘hands on’ course and will be led by an experienced tutor in a relaxed, supportive environment.   The lessons are a mixture of tutor led activities with various exercises, presentations & quizzes combined with hands on use of the computer and its software.  Learners will produce a folder of IT work (mainly printouts) with the help of their tutor.  **A NOCN Entry Level 3 Certificate in Online Basics will be gained**

Courses start Tue 1 Nov and Wed 9 Nov, 2 hours per week at Clifton Library and Huntington School

To enrol contact York Explore on : 01904 552806 Email:adult.education@york.gov.uk

Don’t forget to quote “CYC IT First Steps” for your 25% discount

Smile please!

Every Saturday starting 1st to 29 Oct, 9.30am to 11.30am at Explore York Library Learning Centre

This course is for those who have a basic digital camera (not an SLR camera) who want to understand how to use the basic options and how to use it with the computer.

Important: You need to have computer skills in saving documents, finding documents and creating and using folders.

The course will be led by an experienced tutor in a relaxed environment.

To book visit http://www.yortime.org.uk/ or call 01904 552806

Get into golf!

Heworth Golf club are offering five on hour coaching lessons for £20 to beginners.  You’ll be given expert tuition in groups of 8 from the club professional.  All your equipment will be provided for you as part of the 5 week course.

Courses start Mon 3 Oct 12noon to 1pm, Tue 4 Oct 10am to 11am and Sat 8 Oct 9am to 10am or 11am to 12noon

For further information or to book a place contact Will Saville Sports Participation Officer, City of York Council.  Will.saville@york.gov.uk 07786 701248

DIY

Wed 26 to Sat 29 Oct, 6pm to 10pm at the Eye of York

A big part of Illuminating York is getting involved.  Whether it's taking part in a community project, trying your hand at new technology, visiting an artist's talk or even being part of the artwork, there are plenty of ways of being a part of the festival.

This year, our first ever DIY will be your chance to tinker with technology.  We think technology should be fun and allow people to be creative, whether they're a technophobe or a seasoned geek.

Guided by a team of artists and inventors from Animated Yorkshire and Jam Jar Collective, try your hand at making animated light pictures and illuminated gadgets.

Come and find DIY in the Information Tent each evening during the festival....and bring a torch if you have one!

Nordic night adventure

Wed 26 Oct, 5.30pm to 6.15pm (taster session for beginners) and 6.30pm to 7.30pm (for competent Nordic walkers) - Meet at St George's field car park, outside the toilet block

Try Nordic walking like you have never tried it before in the dark! Come along for a 45 minute taster or if you are a competent Nordic walker then come along to the later session at 6.30pm to enjoy an hours urban night walk with Nordic guides.

Once the session is over why not enjoy the Illuminating York festival which is located around Clifford’s Tower. 

Price includes use of Nordic poles, head torch and high visibility vest.

Places are limited so booking is essential - Cost £3

For more information contact Fiona Barker –Active Living Officer on (01904) 553377 or fiona.barker@york.gov.uk. To download the full York Health Walk leaflet visit www.york.gov.uk and search for ‘Walking for health’.

Wild day out

On Sat 22 October, 10.30am to12.30pm, Sovereign Park Residents' Association will be hosting an event in partnership with City of York Council's Park and Open Spaces.

There will be..... 

• bulb planting
• willow weaving
• juggling
• badge making
• a worm charming contest
• bow and arrow making
• kite making
• bird feeders
• paint a rock
• build a nest box

For more information contact Clair Merrifield 07769 963127 or clair.merrifield@york.gov.uk

Get into golf

If you’ve ever fancied having a go at golf but don’t know where to get started these five coaching lessons for beginners are ideal for you.

Heworth Golf club are offering five one hour coaching lessons for £20 to beginners.  You’ll be given expert tuition in groups of 8 from the club professional.  All your equipment will be provided for you as part of the 5 week course.

 For further information or to book a place contact Will Saville Sports Participation Officer, City of York Council.  Will.saville@york.gov.uk 07786 701248

Never felt so good

Mon 31 Oct to Mon 28 Nov, 7pm to 9pm at York High School

This course will explain the basics of felt making and give you something wonderful to take home!

To book visit www.yortime.org.uk or call 01904 552806

Cost £55, consessions available

Curry favour with Indian cookery for beginners

Mon 31 Oct to Mon 28 Nov, 7pm to 9pm at York High School

This course is for anybody who has an interest in cooking and the enthusiasm to learn new recipes.

To book visit www.yortime.org.uk  or call 01904 552806

The write move

Tue 4 Oct to Tue 29 Nov, 7pm to 9pm at Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre

This course is for beginners and those with more experience.

Learn how to write and draw calligraphy with more confidence, developing a sense of design and colour. Develop skills of layout and spacing using borders and colour to finish work to a high standard.

Cost £60

To book visit http://www.yortime.org.uk/  or call 01904 552806