Walk or cycle it’s up to you?

From July through to September

York Health Walks and Guided Cycle rides are launching new leaflets for the summer. There is a great range of walks and rides across the city. Pedal to the past on bike rides along historic sites, or take a refreshing walk and take in the beautiful views of York and the surrounding countryside.

For a full timetable of activities visit: www.york.gov.uk and search under 'Health Walks' or 'Guided Cycle Rides'.

For more information please contact Sarah Prescott sarah.prescott@york.gov.uk or call 01904 553377

Bouncing back to netball

Tues 10 July to Tues 14 Aug, 7.30pm to 8.30pm at York University Sport Centre

'Back to netball' offers all women aged 16 and over a fun and social way back to netball participation. Sessions will focus on rebuilding skills and fun game activities. These sessions are a good way to rebuild your confidence in a great sport.
While participating you will be gaining a fantastic cardio workout that will provide health benefits such as weight loss and stronger heart and lungs. Netball also provides tone to your legs, arms and tummy, whatever your goals come along and have fun.

Cost £3 per session

For more information please contact Dean Sharp on (01904) 553377 or e-mail dean.sharp@york.gov.uk

The York 'Bayers' Tapestry

Mon 23 and Tues 24 July, 10am to 3pm at Explore York Library learning Centre

In tradition of the Bayeux Tapestry, with your help, York puttting its own spin on this wonderful piece of art.

This free drop in project is open to all ages & all abilities. Designed by tutor & artist Karen Winship, you are invited to complete a section of this vast & exciting mural – which, when complete, will grace the walls of York venues across the city & beyond.  Come along and make your mark...

For mor information contact Explore York Library on 01904 552828 or email exploreyork@york.gov.uk

Mystery in the Minster

Wed 25 July, 7pm to 8pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

Bestselling author Susanna Gregory will be in conversation with Gill Cooper, Head of Arts and Culture for City of York Council, and will be reading from her new book ‘Mystery in the Minster’, this year’s Big City Read book.

In the 17th Matthew Bartholomew novel, Susanna brings Matthew to York to sort out a dispute over land. What starts as a legal wrangle ends in murder.

This is the first event of this year’s Big City Read, which will feature walks, talks and workshops all tying in with the themes of ‘Mystery in the Minster’. You can view the full programme online at: http://www.york.gov.uk/content/leisure/libraries/Get_involved/bcr12_brochure.pdf

Tickets are free, but booking is essential at: www.feelinginspired.co.uk

Beautiful butterflies

Hope for a sunny day as we go looking for butterflies.  Find out more about their life cycle, the plants they depends on and learn how to identify those we see.  We will also have some butterfly nets for you to try and catch some so we can have a look at them up close.

21 July, West Bank Park, 10.30am to 12noon

21 July, Clifton Backies, 1pm to 2.30pm

28 July, Hob Moor, 1pm to 3pm

For more information and to book a free space please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk. 

Rowntree Park birthday party

Sat 14 July, 2pm to 5pm at Rowntree Park

Everyone is invited to come down and join the party.  More than 40 community and charity stalls will be present, along with bouncy castles, refreshments, face-painting, henna tattooing, live music, juggling workshops, street sports, falconry displays, storytelling, willow weaving and other summer fair favourites.  The Friends of Rowntree Park will be cutting a cake to mark the occasion.  

Parking is limited to disabled badge holders only, so other visitors are asked to walk or take public transport.  Please note the car park will be closed all day to allow time to set up and take down.

For more information please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk

‘Middlethorpe Hall, Medals and Murder’

Thurs 12 July, 7pm to 8.30pm at Dringhouses Library

Award-winning author Rosemary Cook will be talking about her book, The Nightingale Shore Murder, which tells the true story of the unsolved murder of Florence Nightingale Shore. Miss Shore was a Queen's (district) Nurse, as well as an army nurse like her godmother Florence Nightingale. She went to school in York at Middlethorpe Hall in the 1880s. But in January 1920, someone attacked Florence Shore on the London to Hastings train, and she died of her injuries 4 days later. No-one was ever charged with her murder. But now there are new suspects and a new and shocking theory. A talk about true crime, family history research and self-publishing.

Tickets available from Dringhouses Library, or ring 01904 552 674, or email dringhouses.library@york.gov.uk

Tickets £2, includes free glass of wine.

Sing your heart out!

On Saturday 7 July there will be Choral performance on the Ouse at Kings Staith, starting at 1pm. There will also be flash choir performances in shops, cafes and museums in the city throughout the day.

Monday 9 July will be the climax to the Charter weekend, with a wonderful choral procession through York centre. It will start at 6pn at York Minster and will end at Clifford’s Tower, with all the choirs joining together to in a fantastic finale!

For more information visit: http://www.yorkfestivals.com/index.php?id=65

Start making your heart a healthier heart!

Sat 7 July, 9.30am to 4pm at Temple Hall, York St John University

Come and join us for a day of 'Exercise and Education'. Take part in some simple circuits and a gentle health walk to help kick start your healthy lifestyle.

For more information and/or to book a place contact Katie Ellis – Exercise Pathways Officer, katie.ellis@york.gov.uk, 01904 553377  Please contact Katie before attending the session.

Get active this summer!

Sat 30 June to Sat 8 Sept

Get in the Olympic spirit this summer and get active.

Clubs across the city are having taster days, giving you the chance to try a new sport or physical activity for free! We have a great range of activities for you to try from sailing to yoga.

This is a great chance for you to do something different, and improve your health and fitness.

For further information contact Robin Lavin,

For a full list of open days visit www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012 robin.lavin@york.gov.uk or call 01904 553377.