Feeling full of life

City of York Council and key partners in the city have launched a ground-breaking photography competition to get people thinking about ageing in a more positive way.

Age Concern, York Cares, York CVS, York Older People's Assembly, York Racial Equality Network, and other key charity and voluntary groups are supporting the competition, along with the University of York, York Press and the council, to help change attitudes towards ageing and promote a positive attitude towards older people.

The competition - 'Full of Life' - is asking residents of any age to send in photos of people aged 50 and over doing something they love in York - whether working, playing, volunteering, or socialising with friends and family. The aim of the competition is to generate a bank of photographs that can be used to show older people in a more positive light as well as highlighting the wide range of opportunities there are in the city for older people.
Along with the rest of the UK, York's population is ageing. By 2029, the number of people aged 55 and over in York will have increased by 33 per cent, and people over 85 by an incredible 83 per cent. 

Pete Dwyer, Director of Adults, Children and Education at the council said: "We want to challenge negative stereotypes of ageing and older people. We've been really heartened by the response to the competition and hope that we will get some really strong, positive images that will help us change people's perceptions of older people."

The best images will be used in publications and publicity material produced by the council and its competition partners to present a new and inspiring view of ageing and the huge contribution that older people make to the life of the city.
Submissions will be judged within five categories:

• Taken by photographers of Primary School age
• Taken by photographers of Secondary School/Further education age
• Taken by photographers aged19 years +
• Taken by photographers aged 50 years +
• Taken by professional photographers

Winners will be invited to a special reception and exhibition launch in June this year and get the chance to spend a day with the photographers at The Press, or be given an exclusive tour of the facilities at the University of York's state of the art Theatre, Film & TV department.
Submissions must be received by 12 noon on Monday 23 May. Photos can be emailed to fulloflifeyork@gmail.com or sent to Full of Life - Photography Competition, c/o York Cares, Careers Service, The University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD.
More information about the competition and how to enter can be found on:
https://sites.google.com/site/fulloflifeyork/

Catwalk York

When? 2-3 April 2011

Fashion Village – 9am-5pm both days

Catwalk York – 7.30pm-10.30pm (Saturday only)

Where?

Fashion Village – In a marquee located on St  Sampson’s Square

Catwalk York – The Guildhall, St Helen’s Square

Cost? £12.50 seated & £8.50 Standing

On the 2- 3 April, Fashion City York will launch with two city centre events;  Fashion Village and Catwalk York.  Fashion City York will deliver a series of events that build up to a programme of recurring activities to be held annually ahead of the spring/summer season.

Fashion Village A fantastic opportunity to see and buy the work of some of York’s best up-and-coming designers and boutiques. A marquee on St Sampson’s Square will contain a showcase of local designers, smaller brands and fashion associated businesses that wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to trade right in the heart of the city. Visitors will have the chance to see what makes York unique, and sample the incredible diversity of local fashion talent.

Catwalk York Set in one of York’s most beautiful historic buildings, this fashion show extravaganza will feature clothing, hair and make-up from York’s independent designers, boutiques, large brand stores and salons – displaying the best of York’s retailers. Guests will be treated to a dazzling show of two themed parts: ‘Best of High Street’ and ‘Unique York’.

For more information visit: http://fashioncityyork.co.uk 

Homecoming Girls

When? 28th April 2011 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Where? Dunnington Reading Rooms
Cost? £4 (YorkCard) or £5

Dunnington Reading Room will be welcoming local author, Val Wood, on Thursday 28 April, at 7.00 pm.

Val was born in Yorkshire and now lives in Beverley. She is a well-known local author of 15 novels in Hull and the north-east, and was the first winner of the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction.   She’ll be talking about her new book

Homecoming Girls, a journey of discovery as Jewel Newmarch, adopted as a baby, returns to her birthplace.

Tickets to hear Val Wood are available from Explore York, 01904 552815, exploreyork@york.gov.uk  or from Dunnington Library, 01904 488456, dunnington.library@york.gov.uk .

Trollope in town!

When? Friday 15th April 2011, 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Where? Explore York Library Learning Centre
Cost? £5 (YorkCard) or £6.50

An afternoon with best selling novelist Joanna Trollope, who will be talking about her latest books, Daughters in Law and The Other Family.

Bestselling author Joanna Trollope has been writing for over 30 years. She first wrote a number of historical novels, now published under the name of Caroline Harvey and has also written a study of women in the British Empire, Britannia’s Daughters.

Joanna has written several highly acclaimed contemporary novels, some of which have been televised, including The Choir, A Village Affair and Other People’s Children.

Joanna will be talking about her latest books, Daughters in Law and The Other Family, and will be happy to answer questions and sign books.  (Books on sale at the event.)

http://www.joannatrollope.com/

History, mystery or myth?

When? Saturday 23rd April 2011 10.00am - 4.00pm
Where? Explore York Library Learning Centre
Cost? Free


Come to our Mystery Quest Family Day and take part in exciting challenges solving the real life mysteries surrounding this ancient site. History, mystery or myth? You decide!

Something for all ages 0 – 100. Drop-in all day.

A fabulous Mystery Quest Family Day for the whole family to do together or intrepid souls alone. We’re steeped in intriguing stories round here – so what’s

history, mystery or myth? Meet the Questmaster to set off on your Quest to find out.  Discover what strange, intriguing and sometimes hilarious things have happened, and may be still happening, around  the ancient site of York Explore. Who is the resident ghost? You’ll use all your 5 senses to take various challenges to sharpen your taste, smell, hearing, sight and touch to decide your answers. 

With things to fascinate all ages, from the very young to grown – ups and grandparents too.

6 Questing families can also win beautifully illustrated sets of the Chronicles of Narnia books by CS Lewis. Plus an Easter egg hunt, storytelling, special café menu and more.

 Look out for more specially themed Family Days throughout 2011. These are usually on Sundays 11 – 4 but Quest Day  is a Saturday as we are closed on Easter Sunday. It's the place to be whether you've time to drop-in or stay all day.

Upcoming dates are:

1 May Royal York Day,  5 May Dr Who Day, 12 June Railway Day, 10 July Harry Potter Day, 24 July Games Day and 14 August Circus Day.

01904 552828 or see website for details www.york.gov.uk/libraries

Turn Back Time

When? 10 April 2011 11.00am - 4.00pm 
Where? Eye of York (Clifford’s Tower)
Cost? Free

One of York’s much loved ‘walk back in time’ experiences with a  display of Military Vehicles from the past, lovingly restored and preserved.

Hosted by Yorkshire Military Vehicle Trust,  one of the largest one day meetings of Military in the world. This unique event is held right in the heart of historic York. More information available on www.yorkshiremvt.co.uk

The Big Butterfly Count

When? Tuesday 19^th April 2011 1.30-3.00pm, Wednesday 20^th April 2011 2.00-3.30pm, Thursday 21^st April 2011 10.30 – 12.00pm.
Where? Hull Road Park, Rawcliffe Country Park, Clifton Backies Local Nature Reserve
Cost? Free

We need your help to spot, count and take a closer look at Butterflies. Learn how to use a sweep net and find out the best times and places to find butterflies.

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

Spring Fever

When? Tuesday12th April to Thursday 21^st April
Where? All Explore Centres and Libraries
Cost? Tickets for the meet the animals session £2 peer person. All other activities are free.

Come and join the fun. We have Bunny Hunts in all libraries, meet the animals at York and Acomb and storytimes in all Explore Centres.

We have an Easter Bunny Treasure Hunt in every library and Spring Fever activity sessions to join in.

 A Spring Fever Afternoon of Activities

Explore York Library Learning Centre Tel. 01904 552828

Monday 18^th April 2011 1p.m. until 4 p.m.

Come along and join in an afternoon of activities for all ages.

Meet the animals with Zoolab: an animal handling event suitable for children aged  6 – 11 years. There are 2 session available at 1.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. Tickets cost £2 per person.

Listen to Stories in the Children’s Library  1.00 p.m. 2.00 p.m. 3 00 p.m.

Half hour session of Soft play for Under 6s 2.30 and 3.30 p.m.

Easter Bunny Treasure Hunt

Drop in for Fun activities in the Learning Suite between 1 and 4 p.m.

A Spring Fever Morning  of Activities

Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre 01904 552651

Tuesday 12^th April 2011 10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Come along and join in a morning of activities for children

Meet the animals with Zoolab: an animal handling event suitable for children aged  6 – 11 years. 11.00 a.m.  Tickets cost £2 per person

Listen to Stories in the Children’s Library 10.00a.m.and 12.00.

Easter Bunny Treasure Hunt

Fun activities in the Library between 10.00 a.m. and 12.30p.m

Spring Fever Story Jams

Join us for stories and a host of Spring activities. You can hunt the Bunny, make a tulip and write a story or poem to name a few. The choice is up to you.

Clifton Library

Thursday 21^st April, 3.30 – 4.30 p.m. for 5 – 11 year olds.

 Free tickets from Clifton Library tel. 01904 627464

Haxby Library

Monday 18^th April 2.30 – 3.30 p.m.  for 5 – 11 year olds.

Free tickets from Haxby Library tel. 01904 768811

Tang Hall Library

Friday 15^th April, 2.30 – 3.30 p.m. for 5 – 11 year olds.

Free tickets from Tang Hall Library tel. 01904 416429

Women go back to court!

A new Social Netball session on Thursday nights will take place from 8pm to 9pm at Burnholme Community College.

The sessions, organised by City of York Council’s Sport and Active Leisure team, will start on Thursday 10 March and will be open to all women aged 16 or over who want to take part in a team sport for pure enjoyment. 

The games will be fun, friendly and non competitive, so ability and fitness levels are not important!  It is specifically aimed at women who maybe enjoyed playing at school but who do not now want to compete at club level because of other commitments.

It is recognised that nationally, fewer women play team sports than men.  Often this is because of family or other commitments meaning it can be difficult to attend sessions every week.  For this reason the sessions will cost £3 based on a pay-per-session arrangement so will be ideal for those who may find it difficult to come along every week.

Will Saville, the council’s sports participation officer says ‘Even if you haven’t played for years and you have no idea of the rules, don’t worry – this is for people like you!  There’s a social aspect to team sports which women say they miss so come along and give it a try.  You’ve got nothing to lose!’

If you would like to give Social Netball a go simply turn up at Burnholme Community College for the sessions.  Further information is available from Will Saville on 01904 553440 or 07786 701248

Join the neighbours!

When? 29th April 2011

As a Nation we are being encouraged to hold Street Parties on Royal Wedding Day – THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET THE NEIGHBOURS TOGETHER!

The City of York Council has put together a guidance document with advice on what steps are necessary to organise a Party in your Street.  This can be downloaded from www.yorkfestivals.com  If you would like to hold a party and do not have a location, why not look to your local Park?  For further information on this telephone 01904 554253 or email liz.topi@york.gov.uk

Roving newshounds needed!

When? 16^th & 17^th April 2011 12.30pm - 4.00pm
Where? Young Groves, Lowther Street
Cost? FREE

This fun course is aimed at young people (11 – 16 years) from York’s secondary schools who would like to learn more about journalism with a view to having their work published in the Shine magazine. We will have sessions on music journalism, interviewing skills and lots more. The days are designed to inspire and give young people the knowledge to begin writing articles for publication. York based writer, storyteller and musician Miles Salter will be delivering some valuable hints and tips on how to be a successful journalist. We hope that this will become a regular feature of Shine and we plan on having more journalism sessions at the Groves club where you can drop in at and get some more ideas, meet other young people, make friends and get more involved in what you see in the Shine mag! Shine’s editor will also be dropping in for a chat about what you can do.

To book please email: tim.waudby@york.gov.uk or call 01904 553426 and leave a message. A booking form must be completed and returned before a young person can attend but payment can be made on the day in cash or a cheque made payable to City of York Council. 

http://www.yor-ok.org.uk/shine

Mud Art

When? Monday April 11^th 2011 10.30-12.00 pm
Where? Acomb Wood Local Nature Reserve
Cost? FREE

Get creative and take mud pies to the next level! What will you make? dip into your imagination why should sand be for making castles how about mudmen instead of snow!

Meet at the car park outside the Quaker Wood pub.

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

Move It In Micklegate!

When? Wednesday March 9^th – Wednesday April 20^th (excluding. Wednesday 30^th March) plus Thursday 31^st March 2011

Where? St Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York

Cost? £3.50

Get active with Eng-AGE into Physical Activity’s new class. Have a go and enjoy a mix of fun chair based and on-your-feet exercises.

A fun series of 6 taster exercise sessions aimed at the Over 50s. For further details please contact Catriona Sudlow on 01904 553440 or catriona.sudlow@york.gov.uk

Get fit while you sit!

When? Every Tuesday, 11.00 am-11.45 am
Where? Oaken Grove Community Centre, Oaken Grove, Haxby
Cost? £3

Pop down to the Oaken Grove ‘Pop Inn’ for a gentle introduction to physical activity.

Join us at the latest Eng-AGE into Physical Activity session. A chair based exercise class that is ideal for the Over 50s, helping improve balance, strength and mobility. Linked to the Oaken Grove Pop Inn, there us a charge of £3 per session. For further details please ring Paul Lawrence, Centre Manager on 01904 769176

Don’t try this at home!

When? 25th April 2011, 3.00 pm
Where? York Knavesmire
Tickets available via:  www.extremeeventseurope.com

The Extreme Stunt Show rolls into town to amaze you with their breathtaking show involving Monster Trucks, BMX and Motorcycle stunt teams!

For more than twenty years Extreme Events Europe have been involved in the promotion and presentation of creative, high impact arena entertainment. They have not only presented shows here in the UK but have covered the globe and entertained audiences in, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Brunei, Bahrain, Dubai Thailand, Malaysia, Iceland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.  Now it is York’s turn to experience this top quality show. 

Demons Strike in the Library

When? 16th April 2011, 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Where? Explore York Library Learning Centre
Cost? £2 per ticket

Welcome to the world all things spooky. We have scary and funny tales and ghostly, ghastly jokes with children’s author Andy Newbound and his new book Demon Strike.

Come and meet author Andy Newbound and talk to him about the world of all things spooky. He will tell you scary and funny tales, and ghostly, ghastly jokes. Of course you will also find out about Demon Strike, the author and the book and can ask Andy all about it. And if that is not enough join Andy to play “Word Ball”, a fun and exciting word game for all the family.

This session is suitable for children aged 8 – 12 years.

Tickets cost £2 per person from Explore York Library Learning Centre tel. 01904 552828 exploreyork@york.gov.uk  Parents are welcome to stay at the session. 

Demon Strike is the first book in an action packed spooktacular comic fantasy series. There will be copies of Demon Strike available to but at the session which Andy will be happy to sign.

You can find out more about Demon Strike at http://www.goawayghosts.com/demon_strike.html

It's Spring Cleaning Time

When? 2nd April 2011, 7am until noon.
Where? Coach Parks, York Knavesmire

While you are doing your Spring Cleaning why not put aside your unwanted items and turn them into cash at the Knavesmire Car Boot Sales.

Every Saturday from 2 April until early October (with the exception of Race Days) Kevin Brown will be holding the Car Boot Sales on the Knavesmire Coach Parks (off Bishopthorpe Road).  This established Sale is extremely well patronised by both residents and visitors to the City and is the perfect venue to turn unwanted items into much welcomed cash.  For further information telephone 01429 881917 or http://www.yorkcarboot.com/.

Best of the Bands

When? 8th April 2011 Doors open 6.30pm. Finish time 10.30pm. 
Where? Grand Opera House York
Cost? £6

This is possibly the largest annual music event for young people in York – showcasing some of the best up and coming young school bands.

Listen to the prize winners from last year on NUMU www.numu.org.uk/nuyorkers

Egg-citing Easter workshop

When? Saturday 2 April 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
Where? Explore York Library Learning Centre
Cost? £10


Using a traditional Japanese craft technique, create beautiful fabric eggs to display in your home for Easter.

Our tutor will teach you the ancient Japanese craft of kimekomi – a traditional technique used for creating pretty and colourful hanging decorations using fabric.

This workshop is part of the Inspirations weekend taking place on 2 & 3 April at York Explore Library Learning Centre. 

Other workshops include:

-          A Hand-tied Mother’s Day Bouquet

-          Willow Weaving: Fantastic Flowers using Coloured Cane

-          Make a Peg Doll Family

-          Create an Embellished Felt Purse

-          Mixed Media Bracelet

For more information, visit www.inspirationyork.wordpress.com, or to book a place, call 01904 553397 or email Katie.pask@york.gov.uk.  Workshops are available to everyone aged 19+, although children are welcome on the Peg Doll Family course.  All workshops are pre-bookable only.