• Engage with new sports & activities 30th Sept/7th Oct New Earswick & others. Over 22 different sessions are taking part in the Eng-AGE 50+ Games week and a wide variety of sports are on offer, including golf, bowls, racketball, athletics, tennis and yoga. The week launches with an Open Day at New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club and is the first of many free taster sessions and open days call 01904 553377or visit: www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012,

• Football City v Fleetwood 2nd Oct Tues Bootham Cres

• Ebor Lecture Roy Hattersley 3rd Oct Minster

• Dara O Briain 4th Oct Thurs 8:00pm Barbican

• Be a Sport Maker 4th Oct Thurs 6:00pm York College Sport Makers are the people who directly make sport happen at the local level. Some Sport Makers will organise sport for themselves and their friends, colleagues and neighbours. Others won’t be taking part themselves, but will be doing all those other things that make the sporting activity possible. Everyone who chooses to become a Sport Maker is invited to come to an inspiring workshop at York College on Oct 4, 6-9pm. They will then be supported to find local opportunities that suit them to increase participation in sport.

• Soul Sister 1st/6th Oct Mon – Sat Grand Opera House

• The Guinea Pig Club 5th/13th Oct Theatre Royal

• Ryedale Festival Chorus 6th Oct 7:30pm Barbican

• Football City v Rotherham 6th Oct Bootham Cres

• The Steve Cassidy Band 7th Oct Theatre Royal

• Ray Davis 8th Oct Mon Barbican

• Welly Workout 8th Oct Mon West Bank Park Help to tidy up the pond areas of West Bank Park and have a brilliant welly workout! In West Bank Park the flower beds have become overgrown with ground elder. We will be removing this and planting the areas with wildlife friendly plants. For further information contact Jenny Cairns: 07833 436832

• Touch down, with touch rugby 8th/10th Oct Canon Lee/Huntington schools Touch Rugby League is a fast moving, evasive and involves minimal contact. The is a game played all over the world by men and women of all ages and skills levels. The game really does involve minimal contact and is all about playing the game on the field and also the social atmosphere afterwards. For further information call 01904 553377

• Football City v Coventry 9th Oct Bootham Cres

• Maddy Prior 9th Oct &:30pm Early Music Centre

• Blue/Orange 9th/13th Oct Grand Opera House

• National Chocolate week 9th Oct Tues 10:00am York Cocoa House. Share your thoughts and memories of an industry York is famed for, as the city embraces this year’s Chocolate Week. York Stories 2012 is asking people of York to commemorate National Chocolate Week, with contributions of their own “Sweet Thoughts” of York’s Chocolate and Confectionery Industry. Your memories might be of your first job, the social life of the factories, the thousands of bicycles making their way through York when clocking off time came, the smell of chocolate across the city, or the special memories your favourite chocolate bar evokes every time you eat it. The confectionery industry has played a major role in the shaping of modern York, this is a wonderful opportunity to collect and celebrate the industry that so many people have been involved in. Residents of all ages with sweet memories and experiences are invited to visit York Cocoa House, Blake Street on Tuesday 9 Oct 10am to 5pm where they can share their stories, pictures and memories. Come and meet members of staff, or the “artist in residence” who’ll be capturing Sweet Thoughts during the day, and indulge in a little chocolate treat in return. Sweet Thoughts Day is part of the York Stories 2012, York 800 community project which aims to encourage people to tell and share stories that are personal and unique to the city of York. For more information email info@yorkstories2012.com

• Juan Martin 10th Oct Wed 7:30pm Early music centre

• The Magic of Motown 11th Oct Thurs 8:00pm Barbican

• Knitting for everyone 11th /22nd Oct Thurs Jo Ro school Beginners will learn all the basics… casting on (& off), knit & purl stitch, increasing/ decreasing, etc. Advanced knitters can learn new and unusual stitches plus techniques for achieving a professional finish to garments.With the skills you learn, you will be able to pick up a knitting pattern and start making your own woolly creations for your friends and family! This course is for adults. To book a course or for more information visit www.yortime.org.uk

• Newton Faulkner 12th Oct Fri 7:00pm Barbican

• Horse racing 12th/13th Oct Knavesmire

• Joan Armatrading 13th Oct Sat 7:00pm Barbican

• Food for picking 13th Oct 10:30am West Bank Park We will look at different fruits and berries that are edible. Learn which need cooking before eating, which are fine to pick straight off the plant, and which to stay well clear of. We will also look at plants where the leaves, roots or seeds can be eaten and the best way to prepare them. During the session we will hopefully be able to collect something to make tea with, depending what is available. (We will not be covering fungi as part of this course.) Please book a space by contacting Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832

• Bigger life online 15th/21st Oct Reading café. Not just for beginners – if you are reading this you are probably already using a computer but read on…..you may know people who would like to learn how to use the internet so please send them our way during Get Online Week (or to a library at any time as we are always happy to help). There are also a host of other events during the week including history workshops, iPad and gadget drop-ins, online job searching and information on how technology can improve independent living. Libraries throughout York will also be promoting their new online resources and practice tests and ebooks and fiction will be on the menu at the Reading Cafe in Rowntree Park.

• Monkey Poets Murder Mystery 16th Oct Theatre Royal

• Jack Dee 17th Oct Tues Grand Opera House

• Robertson Crusoe No Mans Island 17th Oct Theatre Royal

• Explore the life of Joseph Rowntree 18th Oct Thurs Rowntree Park This local history talk with Nestle Archivist, Alex Hutchinson, will give an introduction to York’s world famous, Rowntree Family, in particular focusing on the life of Joseph Rowntree, his passion for reading, libraries and learning, and his desire for Rowntree Park to aid the citizens of York of all ages towards a healthier and happier life. For more information or you can book your tickets in person at Rowntree Park Reading Cafe

• Sensational 60’s experience 18th Oct Thurs Grand Opera House

• Caribbean Spook Tales 18th Oct Theatre Royal

• Stand up York 18th Oct 7:30pm Barbican

• Dombey and Son 19th/20th Oct Theatre Royal

• Football City v Dagenham 20th Oct Bootham Cres

• Black Eyed Teaz and Disco 20th Oct Racecourse

• Last night of the proms 20th Oct Theatre Royal

• York Guildhall Orchestra 20th Oct 7:30pm Barbican

• Greg Davies 20th Oct Sat Grand Opera House

• Brides Fair 21st Oct Racecourse

• Diamend Kids 21st Oct Grand Opera House

• Gwyneth Herbert 21st Oct 7:30pm Early Music Centre

• Welly Workout 22nd Oct Rowntree Park In Rowntree Park we will be putting down a woodchip viewing area at the side of the pond and replacing the edges to the woodland paths. For further information contact Jenny Cairns: 07833 436832

• The Proclaimers 22nd Oct Mon Grand Opera House

• The Illegal Eagles 22nd Oct Mon Grand Opera House

• Othello 23rd/27th Oct Theatre Royal

• David Essex 25th Oct Thurs 7:30pm Barbican

• Jaws at Yearsley pool 26th Oct Yearsley Pool Don’t miss this opportunity to see an old time classic film in a great environment. Dip your toe into the water as Orillo Cinema brings the Jaws experience to Yearsley Pool! There will be lots of surprises throughout the night, so don’t risk missing out! Further details to follow on www.york.gov.uk/yearsleypool

• Farmers Market 26th Oct Parliament Street

• Ross Noble 26th/27th Oct Grand Opera House

• Paul Carrack 26th Oct Fri 7:30pm Barbican

• Fun with Paddington Bear 27th/4th Nov Railway Museum

• Grease 29th/3rd Oct/Nov Grand Opera House

• Vic Reeves Wonderland 31st/3rd Nov Museum Gardens Come along to Illuminating York 2012 and discover York in a new light. Let yourself be transported through the glorious chaos and absurd world of Vic Reeves’ Wonderland. Lose yourself in the amazing ten acres of the spectacularly lit York Museum Gardens. See how modern lighting and technology showcase the work of Vic Reeves, transforming the peaceful, tranquil gardens into a maze of magic, mayhem and mischief! This year’s Illuminating York is a ticketed event and we strongly advise you to purchase tickets in advance.Tickets are priced £5 per person for over 16’s. Children aged 6-16 £1, under 5’s free. Under 16’s must be accompanied by a paying adult. For more information visit www.illuminatingyork.org

• Illuminating York 31st/ 3rd Oct/Nov Various

• Illuminating York Minster 31st/3rd Oct/Nov Minster
Opening of the Orb An elliptical treasure-house,showcasing some of world’s most important stained-glass, medieval art.

Fragments of Masterpieces A Kaleidoscopia of light from artist Andy McKeown. Wear light clothing and become part of the Illumination!

800 Candles for the Departed In the time of All Souls & All Saints, light one of the special 800 Candles in memory of a loved one. Epic stories Children can explore carvings by torchlight and enjoy storytelling in the children’s chapel.

Illuminated York Tower Trips Experience panoramic views of moonlit Yorkshire from the Tower top

• Rhod Gilbert 1st Nov Thur 8:00pm Barbican

• Celebration with Glorious Music 2nd Nov Theatre Royal

• His dark materials part 1 1st/3rd Nov Theatre Royal

• End of desire/escaping Alice 2nd/24th Nov Theatre Royal

• John Etheridge and Chris Garrick 2nd Nov 7:30pm Early Music Centre

• The Cribs 3rd Nov 7:00pm Barbican

• Bonfire and fireworks 3rd Nov 5:00pm Poppleton Centre Admission (adults) £6 tel 797478

• Festival of Remembrance 4th Nov Sat 7:00pm Barbican

• Christy Moore 5th Nov Mon 7:30pm Barbican

• Fireworks display 4th Nov Sun 4:00pm Rawcliffe Country Park. Admission £7-50p (including bus ticket) Cars £40. Web site: http://www.kaboomyork.com

• “Gunpowder Plod” and Fireworks 5th Nov Knavesmire Admission (adults) £12 Car parking in advance £5. Web site: http://www.gunpowderplod.com/

• Fireworks display 5th Nov York Maze Admission £12-95 Web site: http://www.yorkmaze.com/pages/bonfire_night.html

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Photos by Peter Reid

Photos by Peter Reid. Click image to enlarge

Children who have taken part in an intergenerational York Stories 2012 project will next week (Monday 1 October) receive their ‘Storysaurus’ certificates.

York Stories 2012 is a major city-wide community project which as part of York 800, aims to encourage people to create and share stories that are personal and unique to the city, and the Storysaurus mascot is a feature of children.

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City of York Council is asking residents to help celebrate the work of its unsung heroes.

Coinciding with National Customer Service Week, the authority is opening up nominations for its annual ‘eXtra factor’ customer service awards which help highlight the dedication and diligence of its staff serving the city in a wide range of roles.

Launched for the first time last year, the eXtra factor customer service awards culminated in a celebratory event for shortlisted employees and the residents who’d nominated them in November at York Explore.

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Last nights meeting saw the Cabinet member, with responsibility for transport, approve the revised traffic proposals for the Poppleton Road/Boroughbridge Road area (see http://stevegalloway.mycouncillor.org.uk/2012/09/25/4992/)

However, the impact of the changes on commuter parking patterns is to be reviewed after the scheme has been implemented and modifications to the layout of the Acomb Road/Holgate Road/Poppleton Road junction may be made to provide more space for cyclists.

The work is likely to be completed before Christmas.

The Council http://tinyurl.com/York-Council-28th-Sept has issued the following general advice for residents clearing up after a flood:

There are a number of things to be aware of when clearing up after a flood

• Always ensure you wear waterproof gloves and footwear to prevent any contaminates coming into contact with the skin

• Avoid eating and smoking whilst clearing up and make sure hands are thoroughly washed before doing either

• Wash any areas of skin that have come into contact with flood water, silt or other rubbish

• Be mindful of weight when lifting any bags – wet bags are heavier than dry ones

• If bags do tear, please clear any spillages quickly and place in a clean, dry bag without overfilling it.

• Don’t overfill refuse bags as they will be very heavy and may tear when lifted causing further problems

Further clean up advice from the Environment Agency can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/Floods-clean-up

The following web site may also be helpful. Health Protection Agency http://tinyurl.com/HPA-28th-Sept

The Police have issued the following advice

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The Council is expecting to agree to sell off land in Hungate which it spent £2.4 million on purchasing in 2007. It was to have been the site of the Council’s new HQ but the plans were effectively vetoed by English Heritage.

Now, as was forecast at the time, the site (which includes the Haymarket car park and the former Peasholme centre) is set to sell for close to its £5 million valuation.

It will become the new home of insurance giant Hiscox with up to 300 new jobs created.

The developers also hope to put a large 262 bedroomed hotel on the site although, with so many planning permissions outstanding for this type of development in the City, there must be a question mark over this part of the scheme.

Residents will be looking carefully at the business case that is presented for the sale. This is a prime site and one that needs to generate a substantial premium for local taxpayers. The annual loss of income from the car park (around £150,000) will need to be factored into any valuation.

But generally the announcement could be good news for the City if the project gets planning permission.

Eyes will turn to those conservation groups which opposed the HQ design.

English Heritage in particular – who claimed to be concerned about the Listed 15th century Black Swan public house which adjoins the site – may have to modify their views on whether this style of modern architecture can stand side by side with historic buildings.

No decision was made at last night’s Council meeting which was to have decided who will manage the Mayfield Grove nature reserve.

Representations were made to the meeting by LibDem and Dringhouses Councillor Ann Reid

It is hoped that the Chase Residents Association and the York Natural Environment Trust will now be able to find a working relationship which will allow both to contribute towards the conservation of the area.

The Ouse and Foss river levels are now subsiding but it will be a day or so before all roads reopen.

The river level graphs provided by the Environment Agency demonstrate just how severe the threat was yesterday with the monitoring stations at both the Foss barrier and that on the Ouse at Poppleton/Skelton recording record highs.

The performance of the Council in the Leeman Road area is now likely to come under scrutiny. Residents there are reported as saying that they felt “abandoned”. Similar sentiments were expressed in 2000.

The Achilles heel of the flood prevention system in that area seems to be backing up in the sewers. Residents will need to be convinced that the £3.2 million scheme to increase the height of the barriers, and which was announced in February, will also address the sewer/drainage issue.