Military Wives The Musical has been produced in-house at York Theatre Royal. Written by Debbie Isitt it is based on the true story of a choir started by the Wives, Girlfriends and Families of those serving in the Afghanistan war. The show takes you on a journey with the ladies, and how being at home can be hard whilst awaiting news. to keep themselves occupied they start a choir and it just grows! it made me laugh out loud in many places and also cry and need a few tissues. It was so uplifting and all about their sisterhood as well as their relationships. I spoke to Paul Crewes the CEO before it started and he promised all the above. it certainly delivered and the immediate standing ovation from the whole audience on the last note just proved how it had touched everyone in the theatre. I would give it more than 5 stars! The film, based on the same story just didn't go in depth of what life is like for these ladies. The Musical had every emotion and the 2 minute silence was a perfect piece of theatre. Go see this show - you will not be disappointed.

The evening saw over 500 people join in the 7 mile circular walk round York and they raised £45,000.00! Before the walk YO1 provided the entertainment and fun! Starting on the stage was the band Tri- Starrs then the YO1 radio Sparkle Party into Thomas Clubbersize to warm us all up!

I was so happy to do a live broadcast of The Most Music Weekend and dedicate to the hospice, and for those walking and their reasons. The whole evening was so beautiful and it just proved what St Leonard's means to York people and beyond.

Congratulations to all and well done to JO the Tesco Champion for organising it all. Every Little Helps.

Saturday 6th of December  2025- Sunday 4th of January 2026

10 Nutcrackers are placed around the city for you to find and write down their names on a leaflet that can be found at Visit York on Parliament street, York. Once you have all the names - which takes you around a wonderfully festive route of York, you then put your details on it and post it in the very sparkly red post box in the Museum Gardens for an entry to win a £250 York Gift Card! WOW! Also there are some small Nutcrackers to win. They are so festive and colourful, it brings a smile to anyone's face. Each Nutcracker is also dedicated to a charity, which is a lovely touch. Visit them this festive season! xx

What a beautiful house, gardens and cafe! I have been before but never caught the history of it and really thankful that the Frank Green decided to give the house and all its contents to the National Trust - everything was kept right down to the furniture and ornaments. it means you are stepping into Downton Abbey. Each room, this year, is decorated to represent a journey of the Edward Greens life. An inventor of The Greens Fuel Economiser, which is still used today. He spent many years travelling the world because of this and had adventures along the way. This is where my mate the bear comes in and its a great story ...... I'm not telling you! go see it.

Back at the studio all the money was counted, the auction ended and we raised a total of £2,244.95! The Lord Mayor came in to thank everyone and the party atmosphere continued on. What a privilege to be involved in such a worthy day.

The main thing I want to get across from this, is to highlight the Support Dogs charity as it may be something you might want to consider and not realised it was there. Or maybe you want to find out more on how to help them. supportdogs.org.uk

With Autism, situations can be very overwhelming and scary - it can cause stress and feeling uncomfortable. Having a support dog means they are  everything to these children. They are comforted and helped by these animals. Having a dog myself, I totally understand what a pet can mean to your life. Well Done Elvis and thank you to Rebecca and Eli for coming in to talk to us.

Henry and I absolutely loved the whole day. from the 8 cats and 4 dogs, 2 ponies and 36 horses - they were all super friendly and gorgeous. The charity has embassador horses, who also give back to community. They go out to events and my favourite of these are to go to a hospice to see the patients. Remi is a retired race horse who, in his day, won a lot of money. He has been trained to do these visits along with Poppy the pony. I saw this first hand at St Leonards Hospice. They are such gentle souls. Going around saying hi to all of them I found myself so happy and smiled all the way round. There is something about a horse that just makes you feel calm. 

Would you like to become a friend of New Beginnings Horses? DO IT! nbhorses.org.uk 

I went along on Sunday to help out - the session is 2.30pm - 4pm (in all weathers) and wasn't sure what to expect. The whole experience, however was so humbling and joyful. Everyone came from all walks of life, no one is judged and everyone has a listening ear if its needed. I was on the Food Bank table (items kindly donated by Farmfoods) and was able to hand out essentials as well as chocolate bars as a treat. People were so polite and grateful and it was set out so they could chose, rather than just given items. The same is for the food tables - with options and a menu (everything made from scratch and nutrients galore) Its giving people a choice and a feeling like they belong that got me the most. Many circumstances have left people without homes and not much money, however its good to see that they are treated like anyone else at Hoping Street Kitchen. The group also have information from all charities in York if they see someone in need. They hand this out and also chat. What a brilliant service they provide. I left thinking why can't the world do more, but glad people like Helen, Jayne and their volunteers are around. They are always looking for chefs, cooks and volunteers - you can get in touch by emailing: jayne.venables@outlook.com

You don't have to do every week - just make a difference when you can.

I went along to cheer them on and also get some super fan interviews, what a lovely group of people. My favourite interview was with Liv Woods grandparents, who couldn't be more prouder if they tried. Liv also plays for England. I got goose bumps just chatting to them - to watch with over 4000 other people for the actual match knowing their grand daughter was a part of this York history is the best gift ever! 

 I Wish them all Good Luck for the 2024 Season - We have also had the pleasure of talking to manager Lindsay Anfield and Wayne spoke to the owner Clint Goodchild. Dedicated and professional yet friendly people, I hope champagne was flowing!

On the day they also had a guest - Alex Cowes - a former pupil at the school who actually needed CPR 8 years ago whilst in PE and was saved by Shona Jagger, his teacher. He explained at each session how important the next 30 minutes of learning would be. Craig Barley, then gave the best talk to the students - so concise, clear and real. It is true that a person is known as dead until the CPR is working and this was explained with no hiding of the truth. The thing that got me was how quick it was to pick up and know what to do - I urge everyone to watch a video on how to do this. 3 out of 4 cases are in the home. Go to You Tube or Google or anywhere and watch!

in the meantime you can get involved by calling 01904 441821 or email info@stnicks.org.uk They have various opportunities for volunteering and are super friendly. You can help save the water voles and tansy beetle too.

Bingo Monday and Thursday at 1.30pm

Also monthly are The Roll Ups - A 50s style band - get Rock and Rolling! and Line Dancing!

You can hire the venue too or why not volunteer? you can find everything on their website at stsampsonscentre.co.uk.

Walking Football was my first venture! This, I never had heard of, but I was greeted by Amy as if an old friend. All the footballers were there ready to go and talking to all of them, I got the feeling this wasn't just for the game but also company, fresh air and the cuppa afterwards (plus a little fun rivalry!) So, the aim of the game is to walk not run whilst playing. Not as easy as you would think, your brain tells you to run to a ball, but this is walking so anyone can join in. (when I say walking its like those long distance professional walkers for some) Everything about it is about fun though and everyone got on so well. I heard "WALK" a few times! Person of the match for me was Rosie - she was a dark horse with plenty of moves too! Talking afterwards she said it keeps her and her mind active. I could see that all of the participants were of similar ilk and the cuppa and chat afterwards was the main "goal" for me.

Want to join in? its every Monday and Thursday at Burnholme Community Centre 10am - 11am or Wednesday at Huntington Secondary School at 6pm - 7pm. The cost is £5 per session but you do get a card giving you a free session too. Contact Amy on 07834 588259 or email Amy on inclusion@yorkcityfoundation.co.uk

Do you want to help Ian with his charity causes? Contact him on info@bigian.co.uk his next venture is Xmas Presence. 

The evening will be so uplifting - music evokes that in us - it is so good for the soul. The concert is in memory of Grace Pratt, a founder member of the Rowntree Brass Band (as it was originally). Grace was a cornet player and conductor Mike Pratts Mum. Mike said " The whole band wanted to do something fitting for Grace and the best way is a tribute to her with all the songs dear to her heart. York Against Cancer was also her favourite charity, so we are raising money for them."

I will be there and hope to see you! Tickets are £7.50 per person on the door or through their website Grace Pratt Memorial Concert – Shepherd Group Brass Band it all starts at 7.30pm and believe me it will be the best start to your weekend. I am smiling just writing this!

Go along any time in the day to find out more or contact: office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk or call 01904 764466.

Well-Being Choir every Thursday from 10.30am - 12 :-)

Would you like to get in touch with the Lauren and the team? The are always open to new members and also looking for volunteers to help out on the choir and movers.

Accessible Arts & Media, Sanderson House, Bramham Road, York YO26 5AR
Charity Number: 1072902
Registered in England: 03500128

Tel: 01904 626 965

Mob: 07389750286

Now onto the important stuff -  The "Out Of Space Project" is raising funds to develop The Community Centre which is at the heart of Poppleton. The project is to extend their facilities for all the local groups to be able to enjoy the centre. They also want better areas with lift access. They have Charity status and are fundraising as much as they can to make this possible. If you would like to know more you can get in touch with centre manager Beth Kirkham on 01904 797478 or at info@poppletoncentre.org.uk

Also if you would like a donation or raffle prize for any local events - contact Jacqueline on 3480@tesco.com

Well what a night! Chris Marsden was DJ and host - keeping Ron Wathey on his toes, having fun with the games. Zakk Taylor and The Rat Race headlined and were superb! I've never seen them before but believe me these guy are up and coming and, along with most, I danced the whole set! Even Snappy danced :-) The pies were homemade by the butcher next door and the raffle and auction just spoke for themselves as the amount raised was £1,942.00. YES in one night! We know how to party! Thank you to all the staff at Haxby Sports Bar.

Have you got a spare few hours once a month? Can you cut, sew or stuff? contact http://yorkbreastfriends.org/ Yes they also make little toys out of left over material and Nellie the elephant came home with me!