What’s on in York: “State of Emergency” – meet the author Richard Drysdale

York Explore Library

Tue 25 Apr

6.00pm – 7.00pm

Free

Apr 25_RichardJust how far would the UK government go to prevent the break-up of the UK? How would Scotland react? State of Emergency is a political thriller set in Scotland at some point in the future.

The evening will include a talk on the novel as well information on the self publishing process. There will also be a Q&A to follow.

Richard is a historian, teacher and biker and has lived in York for forty years. As a Scot he has always taken a close interest in the politics of Scotland particularly during the 2014 referendum on independence which continues to be highly topical today.

To book your ticket for this event please pop in to York Explore Library, call us on (01904 552828) or email york@exploreyork.org.uk.

What’s on in York: Learn to Nordic walk

City of York Council is offering residents the chance to learn to Nordic walk in Rowntree Park this April.

The council’s latest Nordic walking course starts on Wednesday 26 April and sessions will take place every Wednesday for four weeks from 10am until 11am, meeting at the Rowntree Park Reading Café.

At the end of the course participants will receive a Nordic Walking UK Freedom Card, which will enable them to attend Nordic Walking groups anywhere in the UK, including several in the York area. The cost of the course is £25, and booking is essential as places are limited.

Nordic walking – walking with the aid of long poles – is currently one of the fastest-growing exercise activities in the UK. Originally developed from cross-country skiing, it is a gentle exercise, but burns 40 per cent more calories than ordinary walking and works 90 per cent of the body’s muscles. It is a safe and effective method of exercise for people of all fitness levels, and is perfect for those wanting to lose weight.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, City of York Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism said: “Over the past few years Nordic walking has grown in popularity as a fun way to keep fit. Nordic walking is a great activity, which people of all ages can enjoy and can be a great way for people to take in the spectacular views of York. Hopefully people take the chance to take part in this course.”

All equipment will be provided although participants should wear comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear.

For further information or to book a place please call City of York Council’s public health team on 01904 553377 or email yorwellbeing@york.gov.uk.

What’s on in York: Rewriting the Brontës

York Explore Library

Wed 19 Apr

6.30pm – 7.30pm

£3.50 (£2.50 with a York Card)

Coffeehouse: Debate, Discussion, Controversy, Coffee

Apr 19_CoffeehouseThis will be an informal discussion of the various representations of the Brontë sisters in biography, film, novels, and criticism.  How have the sisters been interpreted and understood? What has been at stake in their shifting characterizations through the decades? Charlotte Brontë has been described, variously, as a domestic angel, a neurotic fixated on her mother’s death, bossy, domineering, a feminist icon, and a tragic figure. The enigmatic Emily has been retrospectively ‘diagnosed’ with conditions from anorexia to Asperger’s syndrome. ‘Dear, gentle, Anne,’ as Charlotte’s friend described her, is currently being re-evaluated by scholars as a powerful proto-feminist who dealt unflinchingly with controversial themes in her often neglected novels.

We’ll discuss the sisters’ novels, as well as biographies, critical texts, and film and television representations of their lives and works. Why are these women of such enduring interest, and what keeps the steady stream of visitors to Haworth Parsonage going, almost two hundred years after Patrick and Maria Brontë moved there with their six small children?

This coffeehouse session will be led by Dr Jo Waugh from York St John University. She is lecturer in English Literature with a specific interest in the Victorian novel, and have an article forthcoming in the Victorian Review about Charlotte Brontë’s representation of rabies in Shirley.

Coffeehouse takes place every first Wednesday evening, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Tickets £3 or £2 with a YorkCard (including a hot beverage)

To book your place in the coffeehouse contact York Explore Library on (01904) 552828, email york@exploreyork.org.uk or pop in to any library and speak to a member of staff.