Our 2018 programme is now live with dozens of events across the city, there is something for everyone. Download the Calendar or see below for details. Queries?: Contact the organisers of individual events for detailed info. Or yorkwomensvoices@gmail.com
Please Note:
- The Femmes Fortissimo Brass Band Concert has been postponed, due to the weather. It was due to take place 03/03 but it will now be on Sat 28 April instead (Southlands Methodist Church, York 7.30pm as before). Please spread the word.
- ‘JUST RELAX’ WOMEN’S RELAXATION SESSION on 4th March: correct time is 11am-12noon
Saturday 3rd March
| EVENT | HOW TO BE ASSERTIVE AND CONFIDENT IN EVERYDAY LIFE – WOMEN ONLY |
| WHEN | 10:00am – 1pm, Saturday 3rd March |
| WHERE | Novotel York, Fishergate, York, YO10 4FD. |
| COST | FREE but donations would be welcomed to support our work. RSVP by calling or emailing Kyra 01904 632332 / contact@kyra.org.uk |
| DESCRIPTION | Need help finding the confidence to use your voice? Join Kyra and Jules Wyman, Confidence Coach, to discover practical ways to build your confidence and assertiveness in everyday life. |
| ACCESS | Meeting room is hearing loop and wheelchair accessible – please contact Kyra if you have any access requirements you’d like to discuss. Limited free parking is available at Novotel on a first-come-first-served basis. |
| ORGANISER | Kyra Women’s Project – York based volunteer led charity supporting local women to make change in their lives. Email:contact@kyra.org.uk |
| EVENT | SAY OWT WOMEN: PERFORMANCE POETRY WORKSHOP |
| WHEN | 2-5pm, Saturday 3rd March |
| WHERE | York Explore Libraries and Archives Library Square York YO1 7DS |
| COST | £5 – tickets available on the door |
| DESCRIPTION | A performance poetry workshop. Writing exercises, discussion & sharing in a supportive, trans-inclusive, female-only, safe space. A fun and friendly session for all levels to guide you through creating & performing your own performance poetry. Expect writing exercises, theatre games & lots of fun with useful, positive feedback. Led by experienced workshop facilitator, theatre-maker & multi-slam winning poet Hannah Davies, Associate Artist at Say Owt Slam. |
| ACCESS | Event will be on ground floor (step free access); disabled toilets available. Lift to toilets; also disabled toilet on ground floor, accessible via staff. |
| ORGANISER | Hannah Davies, Say Owt Associate – Say Owt runs poetry slams, open mics, workshops, scratch events and other larger events: info@sayowt.co.uk |
| EVENT | HEAR MY VOICE: SPOKEN WORD WITH SPECIAL GUESTS |
| WHEN | 7-11pm, Saturday 3rd March |
| WHERE | The Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PR |
| COST | £4 to watch, £3 to take part. Tickets available on the door |
| DESCRIPTION | We will be showcasing 3 emerging female artists from Yorkshire as headliners, performing spoken word on their own experiences. We will also host an open mic encouraging female and non-binary performers to share their stories and experiences through spoken word or song, responding to the theme ‘Hear My Voice.’ We aim for an inclusive & safe environment for women to raise their voice, whether in poetry, protest or song. Get in touch at lilyluty@btinternet.com 07491390359 for more info or to book a slot before the night. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair accessible; accessible toilets. Get in touch to discuss any requirements. We will do our best to provide trigger warnings where needed. |
| ORGANISER | Lily Luty of Yorkshire Feminist Poetry Collective, a not-for-profit collective of female and non-binary poets from across Yorkshire |
| EVENT | FEMMES FORTISSIMO! |
| WHEN | 7.30-9.30pm, Saturday 3rd March |
| WHERE | Southlands Methodist Church, Southlands Road, York YO23 1NX |
| COST | £10 (£8 concessions) tickets can be reserved in advance and/or pay on the door – email organiser for preference or tel 07792 633984. |
| DESCRIPTION | Femmes Fortissimo! celebrates women’s voices through the power, passion and tenderness of brass. Female players from all of York’s brass bands and further afield have come together for this entertaining special concert, conducted by Sue Sykes (Music Director, York Concert Band). Brass bands were, for a long time, male preserves. While the gender mix is fairly equal today, there are still comparatively few women conductors, composers & adjudicators. By bringing together a massed band of female players under a female MD we are making our voices heard, loud and proud, through the medium of brass instruments. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair access and an accessible toilet |
| ORGANISER | Kate Lock – Klockworks@btinternet.com |
Sunday 4th March
| EVENT | SOCIAL BIKE RIDE TO MOORLANDS NATURE RESERVE |
| WHEN | 11am onwards, Sunday 4th March |
| WHERE | Meet at West Entrance of York Minster – by the Minster Tree |
| COST | FREE |
| DESCRIPTION | A leisurely paced ride, mainly off road along riverside path to Moorlands Nature Reserve. Stop for refreshments & chat at Skelton Garden Centre cafe. We’re keen to encourage women & girls from all backgrounds to cycle. Our core delivery team is all female, trained in ride & walk leading, bike mechanics and first aid. We pride ourselves in making our activities inclusive, safe, sociable, supportive and fun! |
| ACCESS | Our rides are accessible to most abilities (please contact yorkbikebelles@gmail.com with any queries; note we are not able to provide adapted bikes but can advise of specialist suppliers). We will stop at a cafe with toilets en route. |
| ORGANISER | York Bike Belles – a voluntary group running regular, free activities to encourage more cycling and walking York. yorkbikebelles@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/yorkbikebelles |
| EVENT | ‘JUST RELAX’ WOMEN’S RELAXATION SESSION |
| WHEN | 11am-12pm, Sunday 4th March – (NB: this is the correct time) |
| WHERE | Briar House Resources, 14 Merchants Place Merchantgate, York Y01 9TU |
| COST | £5 – advance tickets: https://www.relaxkids.com/venue/Briar-House-/731. Tickets only available on the day if spaces left. Proceeds to Kyra. |
| DESCRIPTION | ‘Just Relax’ is a relaxation session for adults. It includes various elements – yoga based stretches, self massage, breathing exercises, positive affirmations and visualizations – all designed to have maximum potential to reaching relaxation and teaching relaxation techniques. By having time to ‘self’ there is time to consolidate thoughts, self reflect, and gain energy to realize your needs and voice as a woman. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair accessible; accessible toilet |
| ORGANISER | Relax Kids – teaching relaxation skills to children and adults: |
| EVENT | WOMEN’S CUDDLE WORKSHOP – WOMEN ONLY |
| WHEN | 3-4pm, Sunday 4th March |
| WHERE | 24 Grange St, York YO10 4BH |
| COST | £7 per person for a group session (all profits to Kyra) – advance booking encouraged. |
| DESCRIPTION | Learn about consensual touch with Anna Semlyen of Yoga in York. Easy tantra yoga, nurturing ourselves with easy techniques for connection. |
| ACCESS | This venue is not accessible |
| ORGANISER | Anna Semlyen, Yoga in York: anna@yogainyork.co.uk 07891 989310 |
| EVENT | FREEING THE VOICE! |
| WHEN | 4-5pm, Sunday 4th March |
| WHERE | Briar House Resources, 14 Merchant’s Place, Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU – 01904 679868 |
| COST | £4. Bookings can be made via website www.actwithamy.co.uk email actwithamy@yahoo.com 07857712699. All profits to York Women’s Counselling service. |
| DESCRIPTION | Free your natural voice and feel confident to use it! Our voices as women need to be heard and sometimes this is made difficult for us. But it’s our most important tool and mustn’t be neglected. This workshop uses practitioners who focus on the voice as part of the soul and help you work on building confidence to use your natural voice, not hold tension in your throat, face and neck so that your voice can literally be heard. We will use the floor during this workshop, please wear comfortable clothing and bring a floor mat if you’d prefer. |
| ACCESS | Yes – good access throughout, with accessible toilet |
| ORGANISER | wwwactwithamy.co.uk – actwithamy@yahoo.com. 07857712699. Amy – Actor Act With Amy – Workshops for all ages, abilities & aims. Unique Team Building. |
Monday 5th March
| EVENT | DAYS FOR GIRLS WORKSHOP: tickets here –https://yorkminster.org/whats-on/2018/03/05/days-for-girls-2018.html |
| WHEN | Monday, 5th March. Register for EITHER morning OR afternoon session. |
| WHERE | The Minster |
| COST | Registration fee £2 to go to help women’s groups overseas start making DfG kits locally |
| DESCRIPTION | Join a workshop to make reusable sanitary wear for women and girls. Materials and instructions provided.
Every girl and woman has inherent worth and dignity. Days for Girls celebrates this by providing washable menstrual hygiene solutions, health education, and social enterprises to help them reach the last mile in their own communities. We aim to provide girls with a Days for Girls Kit that keeps her from missing up to three months of school each year. When we mobilize girls and women through health and education opportunities, their communities and our world grow stronger. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair accessible. |
| ORGANISER | Issy Sanderson, Days for Girls York. Booking Form: PDF Word Doc |
| EVENT | SEXUAL HARM. HONESTY, AWARENESS & RECOGNITION |
| WHEN | 10.30am-12.30pm, Monday 5th March |
| WHERE | Priory Centre, Priory St, York YO1 6ET |
| COST | FREE – please contact joanna.pattison@yhlcosa.org.uk 01904 630911 in advance to book your place. Numbers are limited |
| DESCRIPTION | With Cake & Coffee we will discuss sexual harm and how to prevent it. We will hear your thoughts, open & honest, and hope to raise awareness and recognise misconceptions. We will give women the opportunity to have their voices, opinions & hidden beliefs heard; to be supported; and to learn some tools to be part of the change they want to see. |
| ACCESS | Good accessibility including wheelchair accessible toilets & hearing loop |
| ORGANISER | YHLCOSA – registered charity that works to reduce the risk of future sexual harm. Our goal is no more victims. Organiser: Sarah Thompson www.yhlcosa.org.uk |
| EVENT | UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN: THE SUFFRAGETTES IN YORK |
| WHEN | 11:30 am AND 1:00 pm |
| WHERE | York Castle Museum |
| COST | Free with museum entry
Museum entry: Adult: £10, Access Ticket: £5, Children 16 & under: free with one paying adult. YMT Card Holders: Free |
| DESCRIPTION | Learn about the history of women’s suffrage with our 30 minute talks on gallery at York Castle Museum. Find out how women fought for the vote, learn about the different tactics of suffragists and suffragettes and their male supporters, and find out how local women in York contributed towards the movement.
Talks are held in the Home Front section of our exhibition 1914: When the World Changed Forever. |
| ACCESS | The whole museum is over two buildings & several floors, not all of which are accessible. The area where the talks are being held is wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets on Kirkgate, accessible by ramp. |
| ORGANISER | York Museums Trust – enquiries@ymt.org.uk; 01904 687687; Yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk |
Tuesday 6th March
| EVENT | POWERFUL WOMEN, HIDDEN HISTORIES: LOCAL VOICES – YORK’S SUFFRAGETTE CONNECTION |
| WHEN | 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, Tuesday 6th March & Thursday 8th March. The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm |
| WHERE | York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY |
| COST | Adult: £10, Access Ticket: £5, Children 16 & under: free with one paying adult. YMT Card Holders: Free |
| DESCRIPTION | On Tuesday 6th & Thursday 8th March join our Suffragette character, Annie Seymour Pearson, a respectable member of Heworth’s community, bringing York’s story of suffrage to life. York was comparatively late to join the Suffragette cause and little was known about this history until recent research enabled local women’s voices to be heard. Their efforts in the name of the cause involved arson, imprisonment, covert operations and bake sales. Annie’s story is brought to life as a costumed character on Kirkgate, our recreated Victorian street.
From 8th March onwards, there will also be opportunity to find out the stories of women behind some of the objects on display. Although the extension of the vote to women gave them a recognised role in politics, women had always held and wielded political power prior to this even though where, how, and in what way they were able to do so had often been restricted and went unrecorded and unrecognised by history. Follow the trail of objects through the museum to uncover stories – some known, others unacknowledged – of these powerful and hidden women of history. |
| ACCESS | The whole museum is over two buildings & several floors, not all of which are accessible. Accessible toilets on Kirkgate, accessible by ramp. |
| ORGANISER | York Museums Trust – enquiries@ymt.org.uk; 01904 687687; Yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk |
| EVENT | UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN: THE SUFFRAGETTES IN YORK |
| WHEN | 12:00 Noon |
| WHERE | York Castle Museum |
| COST | Free with museum entry
Museum entry: Adult: £10, Access Ticket: £5, Children 16 & under: free with one paying adult. YMT Card Holders: Free |
| DESCRIPTION | Learn about the history of women’s suffrage with our 30 minute talks on gallery at York Castle Museum. Find out how women fought for the vote, learn about the different tactics of suffragists and suffragettes and their male supporters, and find out how local women in York contributed towards the movement.
Talks are held in the Home Front section of our exhibition 1914: When the World Changed Forever. |
| ACCESS | The whole museum is over two buildings & several floors, not all of which are accessible. The area where the talks are being held is wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets on Kirkgate, accessible by ramp. |
| ORGANISER | York Museums Trust – enquiries@ymt.org.uk; 01904 687687; Yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk |
| EVENT | NURTURE YOUR INNER WARRIOR PRINCESS – KUNG FU |
| WHEN | 3-4pm, Tuesday 6th March |
| WHERE | James Hall, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD |
| COST | FREE – book here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/york-uni-daoist-arts-society-8548814723 to guarantee a place or just turn up |
| DESCRIPTION | Beautiful & powerful exercises: Qi Gong combined with Hand of the Wind Kung Fu. Feel the power of light movements as part of a culture, that, for thousands of years, has valued the Yin, the Feminine and Womankind. Come and explore your inner warrior in this fun, friendly session! |
| ACCESS | Good access |
| ORGANISER | Daoist Arts Society: www.facebook.com/DaoistExercise or email novita@lishi.org |
| EVENT | NURTURE YOURSELF WITH BREATHING & MOVING MEDITATION |
| WHEN | 4-5pm, Tuesday 6th March |
| WHERE | James Hall, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD |
| COST | FREE – book here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/york-uni-daoist-arts-society-8548814723 to guarantee a place or just turn up |
| DESCRIPTION | Nurturing, beautiful & powerful exercises: Breath, Yoga, Qi Gong, Meditation that gently nurtures and opens you up with harmonising breathing, movement and meditation exercises. Leaving you more relaxed and also energised. All welcome 🙂 |
| ACCESS | Good access |
| ORGANISER | Daoist Arts Society: www.facebook.com/DaoistExercise – or email novita@lishi.org |
| EVENT | YOGA IN YORK ALL WELCOME CLASS – MIXED SESSION |
| WHEN | 5.45-6.45pm, Tuesday 6th March |
| WHERE | St Clement’s Church Vestry, Nunthorpe Rd/Scarcroft Rd, York, YO23 1NE |
| COST | £5 (all profits to Kyra) – no need for advance booking |
| DESCRIPTION | All welcome yoga class to release, tone and relax with Anna Semlyen BWY Dip author of Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs |
| ACCESS | Unfortunately this venue is not accessible |
| ORGANISER | Anna Semlyen, Yoga in York – 07891 989310; anna@yogainyork.co.uk |
| EVENT | YORK SPOKEN WORD: 100 YEARS AND COUNTING – POETRY & PROSE OPEN MIC |
| WHEN | Tuesday, 6th March starting at 7pm |
| WHERE | Conservatory of The Exhibition Pub, Bootham, York, YO30 7BW |
| COST | FREE |
| DESCRIPTION | York Spoken Word has run an open mic in York since January 2006, focussing the March meeting on IWW. Share poetry, prose, song, essays or stories in warm friendly room. Our 13th Year celebrating IWW. Sign-up on the night for 5 mins or just listen. |
| ACCESS | Step-free level entry at rear of pub, wheelchair possible. Same floor (ground floor) for toilets. Cabaret seating layout. |
| ORGANISER | Rose Drew, York Spoken Word – www.yorkspokenword.org.uk; 07914 271871 |
Wednesday 7th March
| EVENT | TASTING FAIR TRADE COFFEE GROWN BY WOMEN |
| WHEN | 11-4, Wednesday 7th March |
| WHERE | Fairer World fair trade shop, 84 Gillygate, York, YO31 7EQ |
| COST | FREE |
| DESCRIPTION | Drop in to taste premium fair organic coffee grown by women farmers working together in Nicaragua, Peru or the Democratic Republic of Congo, improving their status in society. In machismo societies in some parts of Latin America and Africa, women farmers joining together in fair trade cooperatives present a different model of how society can be organised. |
| ACCESS | Venue accessible for wheelchairs and a seat is available. No public toilet. |
| ORGANISER | Moira Bridge, Fairer World: fairerwrld@aol.com 01904 655116 |
| EVENT | UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN: THE SUFFRAGETTES IN YORK |
| WHEN | 11:30 am AND 1:00 pm |
| WHERE | York Castle Museum |
| COST | Free with museum entry
Museum entry: Adult: £10, Access Ticket: £5, Children 16 & under: free with one paying adult. YMT Card Holders: Free |
| DESCRIPTION | Learn about the history of women’s suffrage with our 30 minute talks on gallery at York Castle Museum. Find out how women fought for the vote, learn about the different tactics of suffragists and suffragettes and their male supporters, and find out how local women in York contributed towards the movement.
Talks are held in the Home Front section of our exhibition 1914: When the World Changed Forever. |
| ACCESS | The whole museum is over two buildings & several floors, not all of which are accessible. The area where the talks are being held is wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets on Kirkgate, accessible by ramp. |
| ORGANISER | York Museums Trust – enquiries@ymt.org.uk; 01904 687687; Yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk |
| EVENT | BODY STORIES: AN EVENING OF POETRY AND PROSE READINGS |
| WHEN | 6-7pm, Wednesday 7th March |
| WHERE | The Treehouse, Berrick Saul Building, University of York, YO10 5DD |
| COST | FREE (no need for advance booking: everyone welcome) https://www.facebook.com/events/1783244658381981 tickets available via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/mytickets/723731897 |
| DESCRIPTION | Themed around women’s narratives about their own bodies, this evening of poetry and prose readings seeks to challenge mainstream cultural messages about ideal feminine beauty through offering alternative ways of ‘storying’ and ‘performing’ women’s bodies. |
| ACCESS | Good access |
| ORGANISER | Jamie Khoo – jpfk500@york.ac.uk |
| EVENT | TIME TURNED AROUND |
| WHEN | 6.30-8pm, Wednesday 7th March |
| WHERE | Explore York (Marriott Room), Library Square, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS |
| COST | FREE. Advance tickets through www.exploreyork.org.uk. Entry on the night only if tickets still available |
| DESCRIPTION | Poetry reading and discussion with Pauline Kirk, Andy Boobier & Nicholas Bielby. Pauline will focus on how the idea of Time influences her work (‘Time Traveller’ pub Graft Poetry), how its passing affects us, and how we visualise the past and future. Andy Boobier, also published by Graft, will read from his collection ‘Kong King’. Nicholas Bielby, editor of Graft, will explain why he chose to publish our books. Opportunity for Q & As. |
| ACCESS | Event will be on ground floor (step free access); disabled toilets available by lift or on ground floor, accessible via staff. Hearing loop. |
| ORGANISER | Pauline Kirk. E-mail: pmk@pkirk304.force9.co.uk. Or contact Rebecca Postlethwaite Explore York – www.exploreyork.org.uk/ york@exploreyork.org.uk 01904 552828 |
| EVENT | FILM: A MOTHER’S SON |
| WHEN | 7-9pm, Wednesday 7th March |
| WHERE | Friends Meeting House, Friargate, York YO1 9RL |
| COST | FREE but donations welcome; tickets on the door |
| DESCRIPTION | The heart-rending story of a 16 year old Tibetan who, in desperation at the brutal occupation of Tibet by the Chinese, sets himself on fire and the effect this has on his mother and his family. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair access and accessible toilets |
| ORGANISER | Rowena Field – email: rfield151@yahoo.co.uk; Tel: 07552472491. Tibet Support Group York. Raising awareness about Tibet, promoting Tibetan culture and religion and fundraising for projects. |
| EVENT | WOMEN OF PALESTINE – THE ONGOING NAQBA |
| WHEN | 7.30-9pm, Wednesday 7th March |
| WHERE | Friargate Friends Meeting House, Lower Friargate, York YO1 9RL |
| COST | FREE; voluntary donations. No need for advance booking |
| DESCRIPTION | A cultural evening of film, family narratives, poetry, art and photography celebrating the lives of Palestinian women. The voices of Palestinian women are rarely heard in the UK, often omitted from reports and media stories. This is an opportunity to redress that imbalance. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair access and accessible toilets |
| ORGANISER | Northern Women for Palestine. Monica Wusteman: mcwusteman@gmail.com |
| EVENT | BURNHOLME BADMINTON CLUB FREE TASTER SESSION FOR WOMEN |
| WHEN | 8.30-10pm, Wednesday 7th March |
| WHERE | Burnholme Community Hub (Sports Hall), Bad Bargain Lane, York YO31 0GW |
| COST | This session is FREE. Normally £35 per term/£4 per session. Just turn up or contact the organiser to discuss |
| DESCRIPTION | Mixed social badminton for fun and exercise on Wednesday evenings. All abilities, but not beginners as no coaching available. It is important that women, as well as men, are involved in physical activity where possible, for social as well as mental and physical health benefits. Burnholme badminton club is currently very low on female members and is keen to recruit. All sessions are mixed, though some women’s doubles are played if sufficient numbers. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair access and accessible toilets for spectators |
| ORGANISER | Contact: chair@burnholmebadminton.org.uk; 07785 912399 (Jon Ripley) |
Thursday 8th March
| EVENT | HULA HOOP SKILLS AND TRICKS WORKSHOP |
| WHEN | 11am-12.30pm, Thursday 8th March |
| WHERE | The Old Church, Main Street, Deighton, York YO19 6HD |
| COST | £5 per person – advance booking needed through Jen Parry on 07754077109 or jenhighhoops@gmail.com. Funds to Breast Friends York |
| DESCRIPTION | Learn hula hoop skills and tricks whilst making new friends and having a giggle. Discover that you are capable of more than you ever realised. I only offer 6 places in a workshop to make sure it is a small, supportive group but am happy to put on further workshops if the first one books up. Open to all ages. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair access, toilet on ground floor in a large room with space for wheelchairs but has not been officially certified as accessible. Venue not suitable for cat allergy sufferers. |
| ORGANISER | High Hoops www.highhoops.co.uk – Jen Parry: 07754077109/ jenhighhoops@gmail.com/ Fb https://m.facebook.com/highhoopsyork |
| EVENT | POWERFUL WOMEN, HIDDEN HISTORIES: LOCAL VOICES – YORK’S SUFFRAGETTE CONNECTION |
| WHEN | 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, Thursday 8th March. The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm |
| WHERE | York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY |
| COST | Adult: £10, Access Ticket: £5, Children 16 & under: free with one paying adult. YMT Card Holders: Free |
| DESCRIPTION | This is a repeat of the event running on Tuesday 6th March. Please see that entry for details. |
| ACCESS | The whole museum is over two buildings & several floors, not all of which are accessible. Accessible toilets on Kirkgate, accessible by ramp. |
| ORGANISER | enquiries@ymt.org.uk; 01904 687687;Yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk |
| EVENT | COFFEE AND CHAT FOR WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH |
| WHEN | 2.30-5.30pm, Thursday 8th March |
| WHERE | Briar House Resources, 14 Merchant’s Place, Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU |
| COST | FREE |
| DESCRIPTION | Funding for services that meet women’s mental health needs are increasingly being forgotten so join us on International Women’s Day to make our voices heard by calling for equality and press for progress in women’s mental health |
| ACCESS | Yes – good access throughout, with accessible toilet |
| ORGANISER | Yor Peer Support Mental Health Group – a trauma informed peer support group – yor.peeryork@gmail.com |
| EVENT | WALKING TOUR: STORIES OF YORK’S SIGNIFICANT WOMEN |
| WHEN | 4-5.30pm, Thursday 8th March |
| WHERE | Starting from Micklegate Bar (YO1 6JX) |
| COST | £5 – no need to book in advance. The fee is being donated to IDAS in York. |
| DESCRIPTION | From an Abbess to an angel, an author and an anchorite, join this 90 minute walking tour to hear the stories of the many significant women of York. |
| ACCESS | The event is accessible for all able to manage on the streets of York |
| ORGANISER | Yorktour – info@yorktour.com |
| EVENT | WOMEN MAKE A NOISE – SPOKEN WORD AND ACOUSTIC MUSIC |
| WHEN | 7.30-10pm, Thursday 8th March |
| WHERE | The Basement, City Screen, York YO1 9QL: www.thebasementyork.co.uk / https://www.facebook.com/events/1590365991042847/ |
| COST | £10 – tickets available on the website www.thebasementyork.co.uk or from the City Screen Box Office. |
| DESCRIPTION | An evening of spoken word and acoustic music performed by some of Yorkshire’s most powerful female voices, including: Joolz Denby and Hannah Davies. The event will raise money for Independent Domestic Abuse Services, who support thousands of people each year in Yorkshire. |
| ACCESS | The Basement has good access. For more info or questions please email cityscreenyork.basement@picturehouses.co.uk, or inform the staff on the night. |
| ORGANISER | Carmel Offord, Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) – supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, 90% of whom are women. Contact info@idas.org.uk 07967 273547 for more information. |
Friday 9th March
| EVENT | WOMEN AND POWER – TALK BY RACHAEL MASKELL MP, YORK CENTRAL |
| WHEN | 2-3pm, Friday 9th March |
| WHERE | Marriott Room, York Explore Libraries and Archives, Library Square, York YO1 7DS |
| COST | FREE but tickets should be booked in advance from womensofficeryork@gmail.com or via Eventbrite Places only available on the door if any spaces left |
| DESCRIPTION | Rachael Maskell, York’s first ever woman MP, will be speaking on ‘Women and Power’ focusing on building women’s confidence and courage to speak out, and how challenges facing women in York and beyond can be tackled. She will also be giving us an insight into her experiences of the world of women in Parliament. |
| ACCESS | Event will be on ground floor (step free access); disabled toilets available by lift or on ground floor, accessible via staff. Hearing loop. |
| ORGANISER | Womensofficeryork@gmail.com; although this is organised by the Women’s Forum of York Labour Party, it is a non party political event. |
| EVENT | SL*T |
| WHEN | 6.30-9pm, Saturday 10th March (doors open at 6) (also Sat 10th & Sun 11th). |
| WHERE | Orillo Studios, 3 Apollo St, York YO10 5AP |
| COST | £8 regular, £6 concession/low income. Tickets available on door or online through https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-shrieking-sisters-16515876483 or 07491390359 |
| DESCRIPTION | ‘SL*T’ is an exploration of the way women’s bodies are policed in the public and private sphere, the conflicting messages sent about body image and sexuality by the media and society and the violence faced by modern women in daily life. It will comprise verbatim materials, spoken word and movement sequences collected and developed throughout our Research and Development stage from local women and organisations. The interview testimony has been put straight into the play, putting women’s voices at the forefront. Performing with a strong group of female actors we will shout, scream and whisper the words of real women and ourselves, responding to a culture that polices our bodies and expects us to be both desirable and pure at the same time. We will protect the identity of those involved, allowing their words to be heard without repercussion in a safe, empowering environment. |
| ACCESS | Accessible entrance; level access seating available. Toilets on ground floor but no handrails & limited in space. No hearing loop or BSL interpreter. Please book in advance or email theshriekingsisters@gmail.com with any accessibility requirements so we can reserve specific seats for you & your party and try to accommodate your requirements. |
| ORGANISER | The Shrieking Sisters are a not-for profit, female-led theatre company based in York. We believe theatre is an instrument of social change and want to represent voices of those who feel marginalised by society, bring community to the isolated and create strong, female-led theatre that doesn’t f*** about. 40% profits to the sexual abuse charity ‘Survive’ plus donations on the night. |
| EVENT | FILM – A NOT SO STILL LIFE |
| WHEN | 7-9pm, Friday 9th March |
| WHERE | Briar House Resources, 14 Merchant’s Place, Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU |
| COST | Free to members of Friends of The Healing Clinic & / or Friends of Briar House Resources, Donations from others. Please book here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-not-so-still-life-a-film-tickets-42175610386 – or tickets on the door if any still available |
| DESCRIPTION | An uplifting film about empowerment, recovery & passion for life. This feature film peers into the Kaleidoscopic mind of renowned artist Ginny Ruffner, illuminating her journey from a near-fatal accident to re-invention of her world. She challenges us not to waste a minute of our lives and see the world from an unexpected perspective. “I think the universe has a finely tuned sense of humour” says Ginny. Directed by Karen Stanton, Produced by Tom Gorai. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair accessible; accessible toilet |
| ORGANISER | June Tranmer, enquiries@briarhouseresources.co.uk |
| EVENT | NO KIDDING? |
| WHEN | 7.30-9.30pm, Friday 9th March |
| WHERE | Theatre 4, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX |
| COST | £6.00 (£5 concessions) – tickets available on the door |
| DESCRIPTION | No we’re not kidding – we’re giving a voice to the millions of older people who are ageing without the support of nearby children. Join us for a collage of stories, scenarios, poetry and discussion. See awoc.org |
| ACCESS | Good accessibility |
| ORGANISER | Real People Theatre – A women’s theatre company founded in York in 1999 with 18 years of shows for YIWW. Sue Lister 01904 488870 |
Saturday 10th March
| EVENT | IYENGAR YOGA CLASS FOR UK FRIENDS OF KHWENDO KOR |
| WHEN | 10-11.15am, Saturday 10th March |
| WHERE | Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York YO23 1BW – http://www.clementshall.org.uk/ |
| COST | £10 – and all donations welcome. Please book a place by contacting Laura. |
| DESCRIPTION | Iyengar yoga class emphasising alignment for the health of body, breath and mind. Suitable for beginners and those with experience. Benefit for UK Friends of Khwendo Kor (www.frok.org.uk) raising awareness of the work of FROK and the women it supports in northwest Pakistan. |
| ACCESS | This class is open to all – Iyengar yoga uses props to enable everyone to benefit from yoga. Clements Hall is wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets & hearing loop. |
| ORGANISER | Laura Potts – laurapotts@phonecoop.coop; http://www.yogaforallyork.wordpress.com |
| EVENT | TALKS ON THE WOMANLY ART OF LIVING AND DYING |
| WHEN | 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10th March |
| WHERE | Briar House, 14 Merchants Place, Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU |
| COST | This full day of talks is FREE to attend; it is run by businesswomen who charge for any services that might be subsequently undertaken after the event. No need to book; just turn up. |
| DESCRIPTION | 10am Making Keepsake Art with Sarah from Winifred Taylor; 11am Humanist Ceremonies for All Major Milestones with Sharon Kent/Julie Kay;
12.15 Soul Midwifery with Sylvia Wagner-Bottomer, a companion to the dying; 1.45pm Ideal Living: Assisting with Home Moves – Anne Wyn-Jones; 3pm Last Wishes Funerals – Chris Dudzinksa, an independent funeral director |
| ACCESS | The venue is accessible for wheelchairs and there is an accessible toilet |
| ORGANISER | The Art of Living and Dying – local, self-employed women helping each other get our voices heard about significant life choices.
Email questions to Sarah Jackson: sarah@winifredtaylor.co.uk. Or call Chris Dudzinska: 07824 639244. |
| EVENT | HERSTORY, YORK: 100 INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN |
| WHEN | 11am – 12 noon, Saturday 10th March |
| WHERE | Marriott Room, York Explore Libraries and Archives, Library Square, York YO1 7DS |
| COST | FREE, but tickets should be booked in advance from womensofficeryork@gmail.com or via Eventbrite Places only available on the door if any spaces left. |
| DESCRIPTION | An ambitious work-in-progress aiming to tell the untold (or not sufficiently told) stories of 100 women ‘Change Makers’ active in York between 1918 and 2018 – women who have inspired others, challenged the status quo, and changed society for the better. The event will explain how the project started, what we have discovered so far (with individual examples) and our plans to make these women visible! |
| ACCESS | Event will be on ground floor (step free access); disabled toilets available by lift or on ground floor, accessible via staff. Hearing loop. |
| ORGANISER | womensofficeryork@gmail.com; although this is organised by the Women’s Forum of York Labour Party, it is a non party political event. |
| EVENT | NO KIDDING? |
| WHEN | 2-4pm, Saturday 10th March |
| WHERE | Theatre 4, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX |
| COST | £6.00 (£5 concessions) – tickets available on the door |
| DESCRIPTION | No we’re not kidding – we’re giving a voice to the millions of older people who are ageing without the support of nearby children. Join us for a collage of stories, scenarios, poetry and discussion. See awoc.org |
| ACCESS | Good accessibility |
| ORGANISER | Real People Theatre – A women’s theatre company founded in York in 1999 with 18 years of shows for YIWW. Sue Lister 01904 488870 |
| EVENT | WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINE: CREATIVE RESISTANCE |
| WHEN | 2-4.30pm, Saturday 10th March |
| WHERE | The Crescent, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW |
| COST | FREE; tickets available on the door |
| DESCRIPTION | Join us for an afternoon of music and visual arts exploring what activism means for women human rights defenders. We host human rights defenders from across the world, all working in very difficult environments. This event explores what activism means for women human rights defenders working across the globe. Art works and music created by visiting human rights defenders at the Centre for Applied Human Rights, together with Newcastle based Afro-Latin percussion & brass duet ‘Ladies of Midnight Blue’ and Kenyan multi-instrumentalist Rapasa. Opportunity for Q&A with the activists and artists. |
| ACCESS | Venue is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets. |
| ORGANISER | Patricia Bartley, Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York |
| EVENT | TRULY YOU – A CELEBRATION OF YOU |
| WHEN | 3.30-5pm, Saturday 10th March |
| WHERE | Millers Yard, 2 & 4 Millers Yard, Gillygate, York YO31 7EB |
| COST | £7 per ticket (includes tea, coffee and cake). Advance tickets from eventbrite– details here www.facebook.com/trulyyouuk. Tickets only available on the day if there are any left. |
| DESCRIPTION | Uplifting event to speak out against negative body image. Join us for motivational talks from women who work to empower others and celebrate you as you truly are right now. Sam worked as a hair stylist for 14 years, increasingly aware of how much women focus on appearance to detrimental effect, holding them back from their true potential. Through her campaign she helps women speak about everything they are truly amazing for, their achievements, creations, children, homes, travels, careers – to celebrate all that they are, right now as they are. |
| ACCESS | Good access including accessible toilet |
| ORGANISER | Sam Mason – trulyyouuk@gmail.com. Truly You is a social media campaign promoting positive body image & self confidence. |
| EVENT | SL*T |
| WHEN | 6.30-9pm, Saturday 10th March. NOTE: this is a repeat performance: for full details see entry on Friday 9th (performance also on Sun 11th). |
Sunday 11th March
| EVENT | FILM: A SOFT VOICE FROM SAUDI – “Wadjda” – PG |
| WHEN | 2.30-4pm, Sunday 11th March |
| WHERE | York Explore Libraries and Archives Library Square York YO1 7DS |
| COST | FREE or Voluntary Contribution. Tickets available on the door |
| DESCRIPTION | Semi autobiographical story of the everyday life of a Saudi schoolgirl, revealing scant opportunities for change and obstacles encountered every day as a female. Shining example of artistic work that has made a woman’s creative and political voice heard globally. This historic first ever cinema feature film directed by a Saudi Arabian woman became an international award winner. We also hope to include live discussion with a modern young Saudi Arabian woman on her own experiences of life in her culture. |
| ACCESS | Event will be on ground floor (step free access); disabled toilets available. Lift to toilets; also disabled toilet on ground floor, accessible via staff. |
| ORGANISER | Cinem@Explore: Community Cinema Events Production. Facebook: “cinescreenings“; twitter: “@cinescreenings” – follow/like for ticket info. |
| EVENT | SL*T |
| WHEN | 6.30-9pm, Sunday 11th March. NOTE: this is a repeat performance: for full details see entry on Friday 9th. |
Later Events…
| EVENT | ‘FROCK FOR FROK’ – CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES SWOP |
| WHEN | 2-4pm, Saturday 17th March |
| WHERE | Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Rd, York YO23 1BW – www.clementshall.org.uk |
| COST | £3.00 (includes tea & cake). Tickets on the door. |
| DESCRIPTION | Bring minimum 3 items of good quality clothes (sized if poss), shoes or accessories. Pay £1 for each ‘new’ item you take. Jewellery stall; Raffle; documentaries about the work of Khwendo Kor, a rights based organisation in deeply patriarchal NW Pakistan whose core aim is to give women and girls a voice. |
| ACCESS | Wheelchair access. Accessible toilets. Hearing loop. Contact us for any other needs. |
| ORGANISER | UK Friends of Khwendo Kor – www.frok.org.uk: Marilyn/Polly/Penny: 01904 702060/705752/659574 |
| EVENT | YORK WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2018 |
| WHEN | 9:45am (registration from 9am) to 4pm, Saturday 21st April |
| WHERE | Priory Centre, Priory St, York YO1 6ET |
| COST | £20 standard, £10 low income. Women only event.
Booking by eventbrite – https://yorkwomensconference2018.eventbrite.co.uk |
| DESCRIPTION | A one day conference to mark and celebrate the centenary of (some) women getting the right to vote (over 30, with property) in 1918. 100 years of progress? A programme of panels and workshops, drama (an excerpt from ‘Maiden Speeches’ by Hannah Davies) and film, including national and local speakers from: The Fawcett Society, The Women’s Budget Group, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, University of York, Howard League for Penal Reform, IDAS, and Together Women. A day to inform, educate and inspire! |
| ACCESS | Good accessibility including wheelchair accessible toilets & hearing loop |
| ORGANISER | womensofficeryork@gmail.com. Although this conference is organised by the Women’s Forum of York Labour Party, it is non party political and open to all interested women in York and Yorkshire. |
