First week-long celebration of sports for disabled people

City of York Council is hosting its first ever week-long celebration of sports for people with disabilities to meet the growing take-up of sport and opportunities for disabled people in York.

Celebrating Ability Week will be held from Monday 4 August until Sunday 10 August and, in keeping with its inclusive remit, provide a broad range of taster events, showcases and workshops at a number of accessible locations across the city.
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Big York Challenge coming to Foxwood?

A large number of volunteers are likely to descend on Foxwood in the autumn.

Their aim will be to complete the renovation of the Foxwood Park and regenerate the area to the rear of the Foxwood Community Centre.

Community centre playground

Community centre playground


The volunteers will be part of the “Big Community Challenge” team which has been set up by York Cares.  Click here for more information.

Currently a door to door survey is being conducted aimed at finding out residents priorities for the area. In particular residents are being asked whether a small  part of the Foxwood Park should become a dog walking area (with dogs banned from the rest of the park).

There is also a suggestion that the, little used, playground to the rear of the community centre should be converted into a garden and/or allotments. The playground has to be maintained by volunteers and is currently only open when an event is taking place at the Centre.

The Centre itself is under some financial pressure because of Council cuts but is confident that the “make over” will help to encourage more volunteers to support the facilities

Details of the Centres activities can be found by clicking here

Commonwealth Open Days

Residents inspired by the Commonwealth Games are being encouraged to become more active by taking part in York’s first programme of Commonwealth Open Days.

Sports village swimming pool

Sports village swimming pool

Throughout July and August, 24 local sports clubs, gyms and organisations will be opening their doors to children, young people and adults and inviting them to find out more.

The exciting programme of events and activities include family fun days, free taster sessions, classes and introductory joining offers.

The open days will feature a wide range of sporting activities on offer from tennis, athletics, bowls, cricket, golf, martial arts, rugby, squash and volleyball to gym workouts, playdays and beginner running groups and cater for all ages and abilities.

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Free compost giveaway on Sunday

City of York Council and Yorwaste Ltd are giving away compost for free again this year.

2014 dates are confirmed as:

  • Sunday 13th July
  • Sunday 3rd August

The site will be open from 8am – 3pm on collection days. Please bring a shovel and suitable container to put the soil improver in.

Location: Harewood Whin (Yorwaste’s waste management site) Tinker Lane, off Wetherby Road, Rufforth

Directions: From Acomb, the site is located on the B1224 on the right hand side, just before you enter Rufforth Village.

If you need any further information please contact us on 01904 551551″

NB. The Council has been asked to confirm whether everyone who is supposed to have a green bins sticker has now received one. Some Council officials are saying that the stickers are only required  for “paid for” second bins while other say that every green bin needs a sticker if it is to be emptied. Apparently bins without a sticker won’t be emptied after the beginning of May.

So far 750 residents have paid £35 to have a second green bin placed on the emptying list.