And crocodiles are hungry at night

Thu 27 Oct, 7pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

A powerful contribution to the genre of the prison memoir in Africa. Jack Mapanje presents the moving account of a poet's imprisonment by the state, his struggle to probe the hidden motives for this arrest and his attempt to provide an unforgettable record of the architecture of imprisonment and the perpetual struggle between the forces of truth and those of naked power. In 1987, Mapanje was arrested by the Malawian secret police and imprisoned without charge until 1991. The memoir represents Mapanje's retrospective attempt to explain the cause and terms of his imprisonment.

Tickets available from Explore York Library Learning Centre 01904 552828 or exploreyork@york.gov.uk

New neurological pilates

Every Monday starting Mon 3 Oct, 1pm to 2pm at Huntington Methodist Church, Strensall Road

This class is designed for people with a neurological disorders e.g Parkinson’s, Muscular Sclerosis. The class is delivered by a qualified instructor who specialises in pilates for neurological disorders.

Cost £3.50 - For more information or to book a place contact Katie.ellis@york.gov.uk or telephone 01904 553377

Autumn leaves on the bike

Sat 15 Oct, 10am to 1pm, meet at Tang Hall Library, Fifth Avenue

This autumnal cycle ride will take you east of York, using a mixture of country lanes and tracks to Sand Hutton then quiet roads through leafy canopies into Stamford bridge. After refreshments at the Balloon Tree the group heads back returning via Sustrans route 65. Suitable for fair to confident riders.  Competent children aged 13 and upwards are welcome with a supervising adult.

You will need a road worthy bike, spare inner tube, suitable clothing and a drink. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact Fiona Barker on (01904) 553377 or e-mail fiona.barker@york.gov.uk for further information if required. To download the new guided ride programme for Oct –Dec visit www.york.gov.uk and search ‘guided rides’

Autumn celebration

Sat 29 Oct, 10am to 12.30am at Clifton Backies Nature Reserve

Bulb planting, treasure trail, natural art and much more, all for free!

For more information contact Clair Merrifield 07769 963127 or clair.merrifield@york.gov.uk

Poling around Poppleton

Thu 27 October,10.30am, meet at the Poppleton Centre, Main Street, Upper Poppleton

This adventure walk is suitable for those who have completed a Nordic walking course and therefore are competent. Poles can be hired on the day for £2.00 per set. No booking is required. Simply turn up on the day. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear and it’s advised to bring a rucksack with a drink.

For more information contact Fiona Barker  - 01904 553377 or e-mail fiona.barker@york.gov.uk.

For the full York Health walk timetable visit http://www.york.gov.uk/leisure/walking/

Exciting volunteering opportunities are also available in the scheme, if you are interested helping lead walks and getting people active across York then please contact Fiona on the above details.

Wacky words and awesome art

Sat 8 Oct, 11am to 4pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

We have events for all the family:

·  11am - Meet picture book author and illustrator Lynne Chapman and find out all about her work

·  1pm to 2.30pm - Have a go at illustrating as Lynne Chapman shows us how

·  3pm - Meet author Andy Newbound, the word wizard and see how high you can score in word basketball. Prizes awarded!

·  Drop in at 11.30am and 1.30pm for Stories and rhymes.

·  12pm to 3pm Manga with The Travelling Man

o   12 noon deliver your Manga pictures for the Art Competition – prizes at 2.30pm

o   12.30pm Anime and Manga screening

o   2pm Cosplay costume competition, come dressed up and win a prize.

See the library website for full details. www.york.gov.uk/libraries

Walk your way to health and fitness

The new Autumn Health Walk leaflet is now out!

York Health Walks is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, meet new people and get one of your weeks 30 minutes exercise. The walks start form various locations across the city.

The walks are open to all.  Children can attend with supervising adults. Wheelchair users and pushchair users are advised to call the co-ordinator before attending the walks to ensure the route is suitable. Dogs are welcome on the walks but may need to be kept on a lead at times.

With the new edition of Nordic adventure walks and Nordic courses there has never been a better time to get walking!

Booking is not required for the regular guided walks however, for Health Walkies or Nordic walking please contact Fiona for details. Fiona Barker  - 01904 553377 or e-mail fiona.barker@york.gov.uk. Exciting volunteering opportunities are also available in the scheme, if you are interested helping lead walks and getting people active across York then please contact Fiona on the above details. You can download the timetable by visiting http://www.york.gov.uk/leisure/walking/