Study finds a third of all children are overweight... and 12 other news snippets you may have missed

However, a rapid rise in the problem may be starting to level off, at least in younger children, the findings indicate, though the researchers warned that there are no grounds for complacency.

They looked at the anonymised electronic health care records of more than 370,500 children, aged two to 15, who had accumulated more than half a million weight (BMI) assessments between them over a period of 20 years (1993 to 2013).

The children were patients at 375 general practices across England, whose data was in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a database containing the health records of about 5.5 million patients registered with 680 general practices.

The analysis showed that between 1994 and 2003, the prevalence of being overweight and obesity in all children increased by just over eight per cent each year.

But the rate slowed substantially between 2004 and 2013 to 0.4 per cent a year, suggesting it may have levelled off.

Trends were similar for both boys and girls, but differed by age group.
 

Hunt for Marie Curie volunteers

MARIE Curie Cancer Care is looking for volunteers to offer their help at collections in York as part of it’s Great Daffodil Appeal 2015 The collections will be during late February and March to help fund the local nursing service.

This year local fundraisers across North and East Yorkshire are hoping to raise more than £100,000 from over 250 Great Daffodil Appeal collections across the area to provide the equivalent of 5,000 hours of Marie Curie Nursing Care.

Lizzie Sanders, a community fundraiser, said: “We have collection dates booked at a number of venues across the region and would really appreciate help from local people in making sure we raise as much money as possible from these.

"You’ll be surprised by how much you can raise in just a couple of hours and every daffodil badge exchanged for a donation will help us to provide more nursing care to people terminally ill at home."

To volunteer two hours of your time, email elizabeth.sanders@mariecurie.org.uk or on 01904 755260.

Role for crime victims

VICTIMS of crime are being asked to help scrutinise the use of police cautions and other non-court penalties.

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner, and Jonathan Mortimer, the independent chairman of the Out of Court Disposal Scrutiny Panel, are asking for volunteers to join the panel.

The panel was set up last year. This was in response to public concern about the police’s use of out-of-court disposals in North Yorkshire.

Mr Mortimer said: “Victim representation is vital since we must engender victim trust and satisfaction in the varying methods of criminal justice disposal and give victims a voice.”

Mrs Mulligan said: “I want victims’ needs to be at the heart of everything we do.

“Having members of the public and victims of crime on the panel will also increase transparency and understanding.

“I would ask members of the public who are interested in holding the police to account and have the relevant experience, to send us an email and apply.”

If you would like to put your name forward email info@northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk with your relevant experience and why you think you are the right person to sit on the panel.

The post will be voluntary but all expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

Beninborough Hall opens its gates to offer beautiful gardens for Residents' Festival


Stephanie McHale prepares for the York Residents Festival open days at Beningbrough Hall - Picture: Richard Doughty Photography.

BENINBOROUGH Hall is throwing open its gates to York people this weekend as it takes part in the annual Resident's Festival.

The historic National Trust property is just one of many venues in and around York offering residents a chance to see "behind the scenes" or waiving entrance fees for a the festival.

The hall and its gardens will be open from 11am-3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, with free entry to anyone with a valid York Card, and gardener Tom Longridge said there's plenty of opportunity to enjoy the gardens despite the winter weather.

“At this time of year it’s common to see blue tits, great tits, chaffinches and if you’re very lucky a great spotted woodpecker. My personal favourites are the friendly robins. They’re very tame and quite territorial and wherever you’re working, there’s never one far away looking for that opportune worm,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the city centre. the Treasurer's House will be open specially for guided tours and "conservation in action" demonstrations.

Sustainability campaign is launched by the council

RECYCLING, air quality and protecting the environment are all the subjects of a new consultation being launched by City of York Council.

The authority wants to know what “sustainability” means to residents, businesses and community groups in York.

A survey has been launched and a special event will be held to compare York’s record with other cities.

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for communities, said: “Through this campaign we are looking at new ways to make better sense of sustainability and the many social, economic and environmental benefits it can bring.”

The survey ican be seen online at surveymonkey.com/s/SustainabilityIs and available through social media using the hashtag #SustainabilityIs?

Paper copies are also available in West Offices, or by phoning 01904 551550. The event will take place on March 3 and will welcome the creators of the One Planet Living framework.

Anyone working to make the city more sustainable is invited.

For more details, phone 01904 551550.

Evening clean-up at Castle Museum

Sheila Gair, of Yorkshire Museums Trust dusts a shop in the Castle Museum’s Victorian street, Kirkgate.

YORK'S famous recreated Victorian Street is undergoing a deep clean ahead of the February half term.

Kirkgate at York Castle Museum is having an after hours tidy up .

Ali Bodley, senior curator of history and archaeology, said: “Cleaning a museum is not the same as cleaning a house; everything needs special planning, equipment, care and supervision.

“In particular, our recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate, has been designed using real historic artefacts and a large scale clean like this can take days but it is extremely important to us that our artefacts are kept in the best possible condition and are displayed to their full potential.”

Cleaning York Castle Museum will take two full evenings, with staff volunteering their own time, but will be open as usual with cleaning taking place outside of opening hours.

Tourism campaign boost

THE North York Moors will soon be competing with the likes of the Bavarian Alps and the Grand Canyon as part of a new campaign by VisitBritain, aiming to boost international visits to Britain’s countryside.

The tourism organisation has announced a three-year Countryside is GREAT’campaign, positioning Britain’s countryside as a place to enjoy modern culture, top quality food and world-class accommodation, among some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

The first year of the campaign, featuring regions including Yorkshire, the Scottish Highlands, the Peak District and the Cotswolds, will focus on visitors from the USA and Germany.

To find out more, go to: visitbritain.com.

Lottery funds for Burnby Hall Garden repairs

BURNBY Hall Gardens and Museum has been earmarked funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its Golden Jubilee Restoration Project.

Development funding of £20,900 has also been awarded to help the Gardens near Pocklington to progress plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

This project, due to be commenced in November 2015, will preserve its National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies, restore the Upper and Lower lakes and repair the concrete edges, restore and develop the Edwardian potting sheds / summerhouse, restore and replant the Edwardian Rock Garden, and preserve the fish stock within the lakes of Yorkshire’s iconic Gardens.

Heart challenge campaign

THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) is urging people in York to take at least ten minutes a day to help cut their risk of heart attack.

The charity’s latest estimates show that around 21,400 people in York are living with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart attack and stroke.

However, in many cases people can reduce their risk of these conditions by improving their diet, doing more physical activity and quitting smoking.

According to the latest statistics, just 22 per cent of adults in Yorkshire & Humber are eating five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day and 33 per cent of men and 48 per cent of women are not doing the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

During February's Heart Month the BHF is offering an email support programme and advice to help people improve their diet, get more active or quit smoking.

It is encouraging people in York to ‘start small’ by taking at least 10 minutes every day to make a small change towards a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about the Heart Month 10 minute challenge visit www.bhf.org.uk/heartmonth or join the conversation on social media using the hashtag, #10MinChallenge.

The black forest battle

RUNNERS with a sense of fun are being invited to take part in a night-time challenge in a darkened forest.

They will tackle some five miles of rugged terrain through Dalby Forest on the North York Moors, guided only by head torches and reflective signage.

Last year about 250 people took part in a similar event and it is part of a series organised by No Ego Challenge.

“This is not an obstacle race, apart from ducking to miss branches, avoiding tree roots, running down steep descents, and of course the weather,” said an event spokesman.

The event will take place tomorrow, starting at 6pm.

Entry costs £16 on the night and the cost is inclusive of all parking fees.

You can contact Pete Murray on 07745 552373 or, similarly, email him at PT.Murray@gmail.com

Badger group needs help

A GROUP set up to protect badgers is appealing for new members to join its ranks.

The East Yorkshire Badger Protection Group is particularly worried about female badgers who are due to give birth next month.

They are calling for people to monitor setts and look out for any illegal disturbances in the countryside.

Anyone interested in joining the East Yorkshire Badger Protection Group can contact them on Facebook or at east-yorkshire-badgers.co.uk.

Cycle-to-school scheme

AN OLYMPIC swimmer is encouraging families in York to cycle the school run.

The Big Pedal is run by the Sustrans charity to promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce traffic around the school gates.

Sharron Davies, Olympic silver medallist and founder of Parents4sports.com, said: “When children live near to school, changing their journey can transform their health by incorporating a little exercise into their daily routines.”

Last year, 25 schools took part in the competition in York and East Riding. To sign up visit www.bigpedal.org.uk

Luke Cameron’s visit to hospice

A WETHERBY hospice will be visited by a special helper next month.

Luke Cameron is visiting Martin House Children’s Hospice for four days, starting on Monday, as he continues his Nicest Job in Britain role.

Luke won the job of supporting charities around the region and will visit the team to help them in their bid to raise more than £4million this year to support hundreds of families.

His placement at Martin House will be the third of 45 charities and not-for-profit organisations he has visited this year as he encourages businesses and organisations to “do more good”.