Friday 18 January 2013

Images of Auschwitz

A photographic display of Auschwitz and images of performances by level 2 undergraduate theatre students at York St John University (from the module Artist as Witness) reflecting their response to and experience of visiting Auschwitz and the cultural trauma of the Shoah. The exhibition is accompanied by a display about York’s WW2 Refugee Minute Book.

York Explore Library Learning Centre Foyer, Library Square, Museum Street, York YO1 7DS.
Open to all during library opening hours www.york.gov.uk

Images to Auschwitz : A Conversation - A Free event on Wednesday 6 February, 6.00 – 7.30pm

Dave Richmond, Head of Programme, Senior Lecturer in Theatre & Performance and Jules Dorey Richmond, Lecturer in Theatre at York St John University in conversation.  They will talk about the annual visit and discuss the impact of exploring the Shoah (Holocaust) through physically visiting Auschwitz has had on the level 2 undergraduate theatre students.  
Garden Room, York Explore Library Learning Centre, Library Square, Museum Street, York YO1 7DS

Open to all, booking essential

Twitter: @yorkhmd
Facebook: hmdyork

More details about York’s Holocaust Memorial Day Programme:

On your bike!

Sat 23 Feb, 9.30am to 1.30pm at Huntington School

If you or someone you know has never learned to ride a bike or not been on a bike for a number of years, then this training would be ideal. 

The sessions will be broken down into hourly slots, led by CYC Cycle Trainers who will provide friendly help and advice to get you in the saddle, no matter what your previous experience - anyone can learn! The training will be taking place indoors, but there will also be opportunities to cycle outdoors if appropriate. 

Bikes can be provided.

Cost: Free

Booking is essential - if you wish to attend or for further information please contact Sarah Prescott on 01904 553377 or email: sarah.prescott@york.gov.uk

Thursday 17 January 2013

'Bueno lingo Italia'

Every Thursday starts 28 Feb for 10 wks, 7pm to 9pm at Fulford School

Learn to introduce yourself in Italian and give your nationality, read a cafe menu and order something to eat and drink, all in a fun and informative environment. 

Cost: £85

Booking details:- please contact  01904 552806 or visit www.yortime.org.uk

York’s historic symbols and legends

Thu 28 Feb, 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

Go on a journey of discovery to uncover the hidden myths and legends behind the many varied symbols in this historic city. Using local examples investigate the meaning of ancient and medieval carvings, coats of arms and shop signs and uncover the often curious stories that surround them. Along the way meet a colourful cast of characters including mystic prophets, inspired artists, conspiring crooks and a host of ghosts.
You’ll get the chance to practise your symbol spotting skills, have a go at hieroglyphics and design your own coats-of-arms or logo.
The course will give you more insight into how symbols, myths and legends are used generally, and will enhance your enjoyment of visits to historic sites in York and beyond.

Cost: £50 (concessions may apply)

Booking details:- please contact 01904 552806 or visit www.yortime.org.uk

Shout it out

Every Monday starting Mon 25 Feb (10 wk course), 7pm to 9pm

Discovering your confidence and clarity of voice.

Sessions will have a comfortable feel where each member of the course will be able to create a personalized learning plan. We will practice techniques ranging from brief, 5-second speeches to longer speeches of five minutes. We will view powerful speeches via film clips and online resources, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these presentations. The course will be highly interactive, but in a welcoming, safe, and fun manner!.

Cost: £95

Booking details:- Please contact 01904 552806 or visit www.yortime.org.uk

Make do and mend, vintage style

Starts Mon 25 Feb, 7pm to 9pm (5 wk course) at York High School

Design and make small pieces of textiles, such as bags and accessories. Techniques will include patchwork, quilting, appliqué and beading. Teaching and learning will be based on a variety of methods and these will include tutor presentation, various demonstrations and one to one personalised guidance.

Cost: £50 (concessions may apply)

Booking details:-  Please contact  01904 552806 or visit www.yortime.org.uk

Paving the way

Tue 26 Feb, 1pm to 3pm at Rowntree Park

Due to flooding we have been unable to do any work in the park this winter.  Tasks will be dependent on the ground conditions but we would like to resurface and re edge the bark chip paths, cut back the footpath edges and have a general tidy up.

All tools will be provided but please come prepared to get a bit muddy. 

Cost: Free 

If you would like more information or to let us know you plan to come along please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk

Silver sparkles

Every Monday 25 Feb to 25 Mar, 7pm to 9pm at Huntington School

Come along to this 5 wk course to learn traditional techniques of how to make beautiful pieces of jewellery for you to keep or give away as a present.

Cost: £55 (concessions may apply)

Additional costs:- expect to spend between £20/£30 on silver to complete jewellery projects during the course.

Course suitable for all levels of abilities -  beginners/improvers.

Booking details: contact 01904 552806 or visit www.yortime.org.uk

Viking incursion

Sat 23 Feb, 2pm to 3pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

King Aethelred II, long remembered as 'the Unready', reigned during one of the most traumatic periods in Anglo-Saxon history.  His rule saw wave upon wave of Viking incursions which depleted English resources and morale, tested regional loyalties, and eventually brought Aethelred's expulsion and Danish rule over England. 

This lecture will present an overview of the Viking raids and battles which pressed the resolve of the English as shown in contemporary documents and literature, and consider the reign of Aethelred II as a precursor to the end of the Viking and Anglo-Saxon Age.

To book a place (cost: £4), please contact Explore York on 01904 552828 or exploreyork@york.gov.uk or book online through the Inspire website, www.feelinginspired.co.uk 

Could you be a Viking warrier?

Sat 16 Feb, 11.30am to3.30pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

This is a Viking Festival fringe event and is open to anyone aged 8 and over.

Come at any time during the session and stay as long as you want!  There is no need to book.

For further information contact: Tel 01904 552828, email exploreyork@york.gov.uk or visit http://library.york.gov.uk

Women wanted

Every Tuesday starting 12 Feb (for 5 weeks), 6pm to 8pm at York Sport Village

This pilot league will act as a run up to a full league following the 5 weeks. All teams will compete in a round robin style fixture list meaning each team will play each other once. A trophy will be presented to the top team following all 5 fixtures.

There will be limited availability on this 5 week trial with only space for 6 teams, following this there will be space for many more teams as the league will expand in to a full format.

If you and some friends / colleagues / team mates would be interested in entering you will need 5 players including one goal keeper and up to 3 substitutes. All players must be female and 16 years or older.

It is easy to join please contact dean.sharp@york.gov.uk or call 01904 553377 all spaces are first come first serve.

Wellies and waders

Mon 11 Feb, 1pm to 3pm at Rawcliffe Country Park

We will be carrying out various tasks around the pond in this session.  For those with wellies or waders they can get in the pond and help to remove some of the reeds that are beginning to take over.  We also want to tidy up the pond dipping platform and ramp and cut back a few willow trees.  The tasks will depend on the water levels on the day.

All tools will be provided but please come prepared to get a bit muddy.  If you would like more information or to let us know you plan to come along please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk

Ales n tales

Ales n Tales is a York Stories 2012 community project which aims to encourage people to tell and share stories that are personal and unique to York.
Stories contributed to York Stories 2012 will go towards a unique social media archive and provide the inspiration for original artworks created by artist Kane Cunningham.
Ales n Tales aims to capture tales, stories, memories, the people and characters of some of York’s historic community public houses that have made them part of community life in York.

The Ackhorne - Fri 8 Feb - 2pm to 4pm
The Fulford Arms - Fri 8 Feb - 7pm to 9pm 
The Court Bistro Bar (The Dean Court Hotel) - Tue 12 Feb - 7.30pm to 9.30pm 
The Golden Ball – Wed 13 Feb – 8.30pm to 10.30pm
The Rook and Gaskell - Fri 15 Feb - 7.30pm to 9.30pm 

Come and share your stories, memories, anecdotes and tales or just have a listen over a drink at one of the events with your host for Ales n Tales, local storyteller Adrian Spendlow.

You will be more than welcome and sure to enjoy the atmosphere!

For more information contact Adrian direct at adrianspendlow@gmail.com

For more information about York Stories 2012 go to -

Get stuffed and stitched

Sat 2 and Sun 3 Feb, 9am to 1.30pm at Rogues Atelier, 28a Fossgate.

This traditional upholstery masterclass will teach you how to restore upholstered furniture back to its former glory!

All materials and equipment will be provided, then at the end of the course you will have the option to purchase your chair for £45 if you wish. 

Course suitable for all levels of abilities.

Booking details or more information please phone  01904  552806 or visit www.yortime.org.uk

York Boyer's Tapestry

A chance to view the wonderful 'york Bayer's Tapestry' in it's entirety.

The “Bayers Tapestry” was created by York residents as part of York 800 celebrations and the Big City Read 2012 will be on show to the public at York Art Gallery on 2 February 2013 from 10am-5pm.

The initial project, coordinated by artist Karen Winship, involved open workshops at York Explore, City of York Adult Education classes and independent artist groups creating a total 120 panels measuring over 60 metres.

The showing comes as part of a special one-day event to allow residents to have a last look round the Gallery, before it is closed for refurbishment. 

Everyone welcome. Just drop in on the day.

Brush up on your skills

Want to improve your skills or your employment prospects, then we have lots of courses for you to choose from.  We offer flexible sessions in a variety of venues....

Various daytime and evening classes at venues across the city, including drop in sessions in the Library Learning Centres at Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and Explore York.

Beginners courses, ECDL (ITQ), CLAIT, Camera to Computer, Legal Typist, various workshops in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, PowerPoint Presentations.

Please ring Julie or Grace on 01904 552666 to arrange a personal assessment.