Pack a punch!

Boxing Taster Sessions

As part of International Women's Week, come along to one of our free boxing taster sessions to discover what inspired Nicola Adams to win gold at the London Olympics.

Explore York – Mon 4 Mar

11am to 1pm (Four 30 minute sessions)

Explore Acomb – Tuesday 5 March

10am to 12noon (Four 30 minute sessions)

No need to book, just call in!  For more information phone 01904 552651 or email: acomb.library@york.gov.uk

Let's hear it for the girls

Sun 3 Mar, 1pm to 2pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

Discover who were the Women’s Land Army; what they did; and how their contribution to the war effort is recognised. Naomi will use archives and objects from the Yorkshire Museum, one of the largest WLA collections in the country, through an interactive session to explore and answer these questions.

To book a free place contact Explore York on 01904 552828 or exploreyork@york.gov.uk or book online through the Inspire website: www.feelinginspired.co.uk

Sympony for Spring

Listen to the chamber secrets

Loose women

Tue 5 Mar 12.30pm to 2pm at Explore York

Join some of York’s top women as they discuss current events in a Q&A session: Lesley Booth MBE, is head of York University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, Sharon Whittington is Chaplain at York’s St. Leonard’s Hospice, Sonja Crisp has served as Labour Councillor for Holgate Ward since 2007 and is the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism and Julie Gunnell has been Labour Councillor for Micklegate Ward since 2007 and will be the new Lord Mayor in May 2013

Tickets are free with 10% off the café for that lunchtime, contact Explore York on 01904 552828 or email: exploreyork@york.gov.uk  to book your place.

Super circuits

Every Thursday starting 7 March at York Railway Institute, Main Sports Hall, 22 Queen Street, York

Come along and join Nikki for some circuits training. This involves several stations around the hall with different exercises, some resistance and some aerobic. You only spend a short time at each station so it’s varied and works all muscle groups.

Class suitable for most fitness levels as there are always lower and higher intensity options available.

Cost: £3.50 per session or £24 for 8 week course

To reserve your place or for further information please contact Fiona Barker on 01904 553377 or email: Fiona.barker@york.gov.uk  

Writing your story

Thu 7 Mar 2.30pm to 4pm at Dringhouses Library

Interested in getting into writing? An experienced writer but stuck for ideas? This friendly workshop led by published poet and novelist, Pauline Kirk (PJ Quinn) will help you develop your ‘story’, whether your own or family history.

Poets and prose writers, both newcomers and established, everyone will be welcome.

Contact Dringhouses Library to book and for further information 01904 552674 or email: dringhouses.library@york.gov.uk

Get ready for Le Tour!

Wed 13 Mar 10am to 1pm at Dunnington Sports Club, Common Road, Dunnington

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 City of York cycle trainers who will provide friendly help and advice to get you in the saddle, no matter what your previous experience - anyone can learn!

Bikes can be provided.

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

The circus is coming to town..

Wed 13 to Sun 17 March

Opening Times:  WEEKDAYS - 5pm and 7.30pm

                             SATURDAY - 3pm and 7pm

                             SUNDAY - 1pm and 3pm

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 12!

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 comedy and fun. The Wheel of Death sees daredevil Honza, high in the 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 whose 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.

This is an animal free circus 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.

So don't 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 !!!!!

Tel:  0756 3727206

A Corking Walking Opportunity!

Fri 15 Mar 9.30am to 4pm at West Offices, Station Rise, York

Volunteer Walk Leaders support the York Health Walks scheme, which is part of the national Walking for Health programme. Regular short walks start from twelve different locations in York and offer friendly and sociable walking groups led by volunteers. The walks attract a wide range of participants from all walks of life, who enjoy the regular outdoor exercise.  Walking is at a gentle pace, suitable for most abilities and ages.

The training day provides an introduction to leading walks and covers topics such as the health benefits of walking, keeping walkers motivated and how to plan a route. It is an informal day of training which also includes a demonstration health walk. Full support is provided once you’ve completed your training and the commitment required from volunteers is flexible and can usually be tailored to an individual’s availability.

If you wish to attend the training day or for further information please contact Sarah Prescott on

01904 553377 or email: sarah.prescott@york.gov.uk

Stories which bring York alive

Sat 16 Mar 12noon to 5pm, Sun 17 Mar 11am to 4pm and Mon 18 to 27 March normal York Explore opening times.

Through words, video, audio, music, poems and artwork, explore some of the 1000 stories collected for York Stories 2012 community project from people across York and beyond, which bring York alive.

On 16 and 17 March various rooms and spaces at York Explore will be transformed to showcase the wealth of stories submitted and collected throughout 2012 and York 800 celebrations.

Stories about York, its people and places were submitted throughout 2012 and collected through projects, workshops, training and events as part of the York Stories 2012 city wide programme involving over 50 groups, 25 artists, 50 volunteers and over 800 participants.

The exhibition created by York University student volunteers will also showcase artwork created by international artist Kane Cunningham.

The opening day of Saturday 16 March will also include the creation of a Storyweb in the children’s area for children and families and a live York Stories 2012 radio broadcast by Khaoz Media in the ICT room.

We are also asking people to bring along a small personal object which has its own story to tell which will be put inside the specially commissioned clay pot designed by artist Kane Cunningham which will be embedded into the City Walls for posterity after the exhibition.

So come along, bring your stories and an object which has a story to tell!

PLEASE NOTE: From Monday 18 to 24 March the exhibition will be restricted to York Explore foyer and main library area.

There is no age restriction and entry is free!

Visit: www.yorkstories2012.com or email: info@yorkstories2012.com