Heart of York bike ride

Sun 9 Sept

The York British Heart Foundation Branch invite you to join them for the Heart of York Bike Ride to help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.

Choose from two circular routes, both starting from the historic city of York and taking in some of the best North Yorkshire moorland and countryside. Terrain is all road and suitable for road/mountain and hybrid bikes

The 22 mile route: Our 22 mile route provides flat, easy riding through moorland and countryside including the eerie moorland of Strensall Common. B roads throughout with checkpoints along the way.

The 40 mile route: Our 40 mile route which is our longest ride. Challenge yourself to take on the eerie moorland of Strensall Common, the Howardian Hills, pass Castle Howard, the undulating Bulmer Bank with a challenging 1 in 6 incline, and a tough ascent in the picturesque village of Hovingham followed by the very fast, long descent of the ‘straight as an arrow’ Terrington Bank on the way back to York.

The event is for riders aged 14 and over.

For more information or to register go to: the BHF website or phone 01623 624558

The Circus is coming to town...

Expect the unexpected when Planet Circus arrive with spectacular daredevil acts which include The Amazing Motorcycling Thunderball Riders and the Globe of Death - Four Men, Four Motorcycles, one Globe of Death and spectacular daredevil stunts performed right before your very eyes which also includes Europe's youngest stunt rider Peter Pavlov, aged just 11 !

There truly is something for everyone, Chico Rico direct from Billy Smarts Circus is Europe's prince of laughter, Chico, will have everyone joining in with his hysterical brand of roof of the big top, in a fantastic display of balance and skill 60 foot in the air and not forgetting Marco Polo - our crazy mexican highwire walking daredevil who's skill really has to be seen to be believed. All of this plus a sensational supporting cast of Magic, crazy trampoline wrestlers, jugglers, aerialists, all your favourite cartoon characters and much much more.

Brought to you by a young and dynamic family who themselves are third generation circus performers from one of the country's oldest established circus families, this is an exciting and adrenalin packed show which appeals to all the family. This is an animal free circus.

So dont miss this opportunity for you and the ones you love to forget the credit crunch and all your worries for a short time and do what you always dreamed of - run away with the circus for 2 hours of spectacular entertainment and pure FUN !!!!!

For further information call 07563 727206

Holistic therapies taster

Sat 22 Sept

This Taster workshop will give you an insight into three very popular Holistic Therapies – Reflexoloy, Indian Head Massage (also known as Indian Head Chapasage) and Hopi Ear Candling. In a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, the tutor will give a taster demonstration for each therapy giving you the opportunity to experience the treatment if wanted and time permitted.

You will learn about the benefits of each therapy; the skills and techniques required to practice each therapy; how long each therapy should last; the types of products used in each therapy; why these products are used and how they can help you both physically and emotionally and any contra-indications. You will also learn how each Therapy can benefit you and specific problems, the aftercare advised for the treatment and further recommendations.

We will also cover a little bit about the history and origins of each therapy and their development up to the present day. The tutor will be able to answer any questions you may have and be able to give individual advice and guidance where necessary.

Tea & Coffee will be available for a small extra charge

For age 18 and over.

Book online at www.yortime.org.uk

　

A look back in vehicular time

Sun 23 Sept

Hosted by York Historic Vehicle Group, this event has been taking place for over 30 years and attracts a vast group of vehicles from the past, lovingly restored and displayed by their owners from all over the Country.

Over 600 vehicles will be there together with stalls, autojumble and refreshments.

For further information contact Rodney Clegg on 0113 286943

Tell us your armed forces story

Professional Digital Storyteller Barrie Stephenson, a pioneer of a digital storytelling BBC television and internet project, Telling Lives, is running a number of story telling workshops in York for Armed Forces personnel, support staff and families.

During the workshops Barrie will work with you to develop a script and record your individual stories. The stories will be added to the collection of York 800 stories and selected stories will form part of a film to be shown during Illuminating York. They may also be used as part of a script for a Riding Lights Theatre production in the New Year, which will be performed by young people from the theatre and military families.

Anybody wishing to register their interest to take part in the project should contact the York Stories email address – info@yorkstories2012.com. Or you can call 01904 554667 leave your name, contact details and stating your interest in attending an Armed Forces Community presents... story workshop.　
　
Everyone has a story to tell so what’s your story? Go to www.yorkstories2012.com

Closing date to express interest Friday 21 Sept

Medieval Murderers

Thurs 20 Sept

Join a trio of master storytellers for the finale event of this year’s Big City Read.

Accompanying Susanna Gregory on the panel is Michael Jecks, bestselling author of the Medieval West Country series of novels and Ian Morson, author of novels featuring William Falconer. Together, they have also published a number of bestselling novels under the Medieval Murderers banner.

Thursday 20 September, 7pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre, Adult £7

This event forms part of this year’s Big City Read, which features walks, talks and workshops all tying in with the themes of our chosen book, ‘Mystery in the Minster’. You can book tickets at Inspire.
You can view the full programme of Big City Read events online.

All the fun of the Fair

Starts Sat 15 Sept

Rides of all shapes and sizes, plus special ‘appearances’ – keep an eye out for posters and advertising features, or keep up to date on www.yorkfestivals.com

A York 800 Film Festival

Sat 14 and Sun 15 Sept

The festival opens on Friday with one of the most critically acclaimed and best-loved British documentaries, Night Mail (1936), featuring the poetry of York born W H Auden and music by Benjamin Britten. Our railway theme continues with Buster Keaton in the silent comedy classic, The General (1926). Live musical accompaniment will be provided by Kieran White as he performs an original score, specially composed for the event.

On the Saturday, the day’s programme begins with the family favourite, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and chocolate-themed events to celebrate York’s tradition of chocolate making.

The matinee film marks the contribution of another son of York, John Barry, to cinema by showing Goldfinger (1964), the James Bond film with one of his most memorable scores.

The final feature is Brassed Off (1996) which tells the story of a group of miners faced with the closure of their pit and united by a brass band. We are delighted to be joined by the film’s writer and director and York resident, Mark Herman, for a discussion after the screening.

For more information, visit www.sbcommunitycinema.co.uk

Huntington revisited

Tues 11 Sept

This talk begins with an imaginary stroll down Main Street looking at the historic houses of Huntington, some of which are 300 years old, including the thatched cottage, the Working Men’s Club, the Lodge and Clock Cottage.　

This illustrated journey will also highlight other buildings of note in the village covering a variety of periods and examining the development of the village including West Huntington Hall, the village’s churches, the old Board School, the Corn Mill, the Brewery, the Railway Station and the tragic bomber crash in the main street during the war.　

Ticket available from Huntington Community Library

　　　　　　 　　　　　　　 　

　　　　　　 　

Feeling inspired by the team GB cyclists?

Sat 8 Sept

York Festival of Cycling returns for its third year and will be even bigger and better, with something for all the family whether you're a cyclist or not.

Stunt show - be wowed by amazing stunt show riders - The Clan -  the most extreme and skilful cycling display show in the UK.

Have a go - on a bike of your choice in our themed 'try out' areas - choose from the main track (50 bikes), KMX Karts zone, or the learner and toddler areas. Something for the entire family.

Guided rides - borrow one of our bikes (no charge) - for a ride around one of York's beautiful scenic routes.

Information - advice from local exhibitors and the latest news from Cycling City York.

Pedal powered Scalectrix - race your friends on the four-rider track.

Megabikes - including seven-seater CircleCycles.

And so much more...Fun, games, food and drink plus information and stands – guaranteed to be a great family day out.

For more information visit: www.yorkfestivalofcycling.org.uk

A trip in time to York 1212

Tues 4 Sept

The World in 1212 with Professor Robert Bartlett

If you lived in York in 1212, what would be your view of the world? You wouldn’t know about America, but you would have heard of Jerusalem. You wouldn’t know about black holes, but would probably be more familiar with the stars and planets than most people today.

Join Professor Bartlett to learn about medieval views of the earth, the heavens and their inhabitants.

Tickets are limited, book early to avoid disappointment. Adult price: £4

Starts 7pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

This event forms part of this year’s Big City Read, which features walks, talks and workshops all tying in with the themes of our chosen book, ‘Mystery in the Minster’. You can view the full programme of Big City Read events online

It's Fair time for sports and activities

Sat 15 Sept

If you’re feeling inspired by the Olympics, then this is a great chance for you to try new sports and activities for free in York, whilst watching a thrilling mascot race.

Come along and join in the celebrations at the Just 30 Fair, a fantastic event for all the family to enjoy.

For more information contact: Dean Sharp or Neil Gulliver, City of York Council on 01904 553377, or email: dean.sharp@york.gov.uk, neil.gulliver@york.gov.uk or visit www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012

Happy Times awaiting on the Knavesmire!

Wed 19 to Sat 22 Sept

There will be over 250 beers – with the focus on Yorkshire and local breweries; over 50 real ciders and perries and a fine selection of English wines plus foreign bottled and draught beers will be on offer over the course of the Festival, served from 5 bars within the large Marquee.

Hot and cold food will be available from a variety of specialist caterers.

Live entertainment in the afternoon and evenings; CAMRA membership and publications will be available, as well as a tombola, games and a whole range of other stalls. Ample seating an tables inside and out. Children welcome in the afternoons.

For more information visit: http://www.yorkbeerfestival.org.uk/2012

Food Glorious Food

Fri 21 to Sun 30 September 2012
The Festival is a showcase for Yorkshire Food. For 10 days, York city centre will have stands from farms all over Yorkshire, but you will also find stands from local delicatessens, ethnic food producers as well as national and continental guest producers.

The Festival believes strongly that food and drink education can be fun. Consequently we host cookery demonstrations, workshops and competitions for schools, amateur cooks and young chefs in Parliament Street and in York's Guildhall. There is also a top quality programme of drinks events including wine tastings, a Whisky Festival and a Festival Ale Trail around the city.

Unlike other Food Festivals, it is free to enter York Food Festival market place and most of the demonstration programme is also FREE. You need only buy tickets to specific dinners or tutored tastings that you wish to attend.

Local hotels and restaurants run special meal deals throughout the ten days and Festival goers can also buy a whole leaflet full of discounts and offers to be had at the Festival, just by calling the ticket line on 01904 466687. For more information visit: www.yorkfoodfestival.com

Get creative in the kitchen courses

Sat 15 and Sat 29 Sept

Sugar paste flowers

On Sat 15 Sept create decorative leaves and roses on this exciting one day sugar paste flowers course.
Whether you've used sugarpaste before or if you are new to this art, why not join our skilled and experienced tutor, Sue Cushing, to create beautiful sugar paste flowers that will look stunning on any celebration cake. This one-day workshop will show you how to create a small spray of beautifully realistic roses and leaves that would proudly grace any special cake.

You don't need to bring anything as all materials will be provided as well as refreshments throughout the day and a buffet style lunch. You just need to turn up, have fun and create something beautiful.
For age 18 and over.
Traditional breadmaking

On Sat 29 Sept spend a day making bread using traditional methods in the kitchens of the beautiful Mansion House in the centre of York.

The Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has been entertaining guests for over 300 years. You will be given a guided tour of the house and have lunch in one of its elegant drawing rooms. At the end of the day, you’ll have the lovely food you’ve made to take home and enjoy.

With a few basic ingredients and a little kneading, you’ll create a range of delicious home-baked sweet and savoury breads such as soda bread, cheese and onion tear and share bread, herb and walnut rolls and raisin and cinnamon buns.

For more information and to book on a course visit www.feelinginspired.co.uk

800 years in a book!

Fri 14 September

Everyone is welcome to join us for the launch of this exciting new anthology which has been specially commissioned to celebrate York 800.

The collection reflects York's magnificently marvelous and interesting history, dating back from the Romans to the present day and enjoy seeing the city reflected in poetry, commissioned artwork, and historic photographs.

Sign up on the night for an opportunity to share poetry about York, the city.

For more information, email us at: yorkspokenword@yahoo.co.uk, or see our website: www.stairwellbooks.co.uk

After-work work out

Starts Tues 4 September

An 8 week Zumba course to get you feeling fitter and healthier after work.

Faye Endersby will take you through the Zumba moves and with infectious music you are sure to enjoy the party! Suitable for beginners and those who have tried Zumba before. Age group 16+.

To book contact Fiona Barker on 01904 553377 or e-mail Fiona.barker@york.gov.uk

Standing the test of time - Holgate Windmill

Wed 5 September

This illustrated talk centres around Holgate Windmill itself, its history, the technology involved in milling and its subsequent restoration.

Richard Green and Helen Hoult have been involved in the restoration project since the beginning and will use their substantial knowledge of the windmill to explore the windmill’s past with some humour and surprises along the way.

For further informaition and to book tickets visit Inspire

Ben Fogle: the Accidental Naturalist

Wed 5 September

Ben Fogle is a TV presenter, a writer and an adventurer. Since he first came to fame as part of the BBC Millennium project Castaway he has rarely stood still. He has raced across the Sahara, rowed across the Atlantic and crossed Antartica in a foot race to the South Pole.

He has also presented several TV programmes including Animal Park, Countryfile and Crufts as well as making documentaries on Captain Scott, crocodiles and much more. Ben is an ambassador for WWF, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and supports many charities including Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and Tusk.

Ben's new book is the 'Accidental Naturalist' which tells the extraordinary true stories of Ben's amazing encounters with animals and how they changed his life.

Tickets cost £5 (including a glass of wine) and are available from Explore York on 01904 552828 or exploreyork@york.gov.uk, or call into your local library. For further information visit: http://www.york.gov.uk/leisure/Libraries/whatson/ben_fogle/

Foam and Water guaranteed!

Sun 2 September 2012

St Leonard's Hospice - It's a knockout

As well as the fun and excitement of the games, there will be stalls and activities mixed in to make the perfect recipe for a fun family day out!
For more information visit St Leonard's Hospice website