Rolling Social Events announces further top brand names to join line-up for April’s much-anticipated Leeds Whisky Festival New names join a packed line up of over 100 whiskies including previously announced brands Nikka, Starward, Woodford Reserve, Slane and Port Askaig Rolling Social Events are pleased to announce the next wave of brands who will be joining in the festivities at the inaugural Leeds Whisky Festival, which will welcome guests for an afternoon or evening of tasting, learning and entertainment, taking place at Leeds’ historic Corn Exchange next month. Joining previously announced sponsors Nikka, Starward, Woodford Reserve, Slane and Port Askaig will be Rolling Social Events’ new mixer sponsor, Three Cents. Inspired by bartenders for bartenders, their range of premium mixers will be providing the ultimate accompaniment for your whisky on the day. As well as bringing their quality mixers to Leeds Whisky Fest, Three Cents will also be partnering with Rolling Social for all of their future events including Leeds Rum Festival and their popular sipalong evenings. Other brands visiting Leeds on Saturday 9th April include Kavalan, Amrut, Benriach and Arbikie who will be bringing the world’s only rye scotch whisky to the festival. Also joining the festival will be an array of international household names such as Jack Daniels, as well as homegrown brands including Filey Bay, which is brewed in Yorkshire, and The English Whisky Co. A ticket to Leeds Whisky Festival will not only get you access to the festival but it will also cover attendees’ samples, talks, masterclasses and tastings – not to mention an exclusive Leeds Whisky Fest branded tasting glass and guide. In addition to over 100 different whiskies that will be on show at the festival, a fully stocked bar will be available for anyone keen to opt for a local craft beer, as well as an excellent range of highball cocktails. Previously announced sponsors Starward have confirmed that they will be bringing a number of limited edition spirits to the festival. Claire Morrow, Marketing Manager, Starward says: “We are really looking forward to coming to Leeds Whisky Festival and sharing our Australian single malts. We will also be bringing several of our limited 'Projects' releases, including a Ginger Beer Cask finished whisky so be sure to swing by our stand if you are interested to learn more about whisky done different!” Starward will also be hosting a masterclass entitled ‘Starward Whisky: Whisky done different’. Attendees will learn that Starward whiskies are, like their hometown of Melbourne in Australia; versatile, and…different. Join the UK Brand Ambassador for a tasting through their single malts and learn more about the impact of wine casks on their expressions and how they are not bound by the rules of the old-world whisky club. Other masterclasses will come in the form of Speciality Brands’ ‘A History of Japanese Whisky’ and Edrington UK’s Naked Malt blending session. Distributor Speciality, who are bringing their brands Nikka, Kavalan and Amrut to the festival, will take whisky fans on a crash course tasting into the world of Japanese whisky with ambassador Nathan Shearer. Attendees will learn the history and production methods whilst tasting incredible samples from the Nikka distillery. And anyone who has ever wanted to try their hand at blending their own whisky will be in luck as Edrington UK’s Senior Whisky Specialist Mike Green will be hosting a hands-on session of whisky blending- participants will also be able to take their very own blended whisky away with them. Nathan Shearer, Whisky Ambassador, Speciality Brands says: “Here at Speciality Brands we’re absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the inaugural Leeds Whisky Fest, we’ve always worked very closely with bars, restaurants and retailers here and it’s great that there is now an event for us to come and talk to more people about our wonderful products. We’ll be bringing a host of whiskies from all over the world and introducing people to some of the fantastic producers that we’re lucky enough to work with including Nikka, Michter’s, Elixir Distillers, Amrut, Kavalan and Waterford.” Food vendors on the day include Ooey Gooey Bakes and Mans Market. Ooey Gooey will be whipping up a host of sweet treats including bourbon brownies in collaboration with Woodford Reserve, which you won’t be able to try anywhere else. Mans Market will be bringing their unique dining experience to the festival, a combination of theatre and authentic Chinese food. Sophia Austen-Meek, Mans Market says: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Leeds Whisky Festival and excited to bring our home grown brand of Chinese Street Food to the Whisky enthusiasts of Yorkshire. Mans Markets’ fun, street food vibe will let the drinkers feast in style whilst enjoying the quality brands on offer at the festival.” The Operational Team at Leeds Corn Exchange commented: "We are delighted to be welcoming Leeds Whisky Festival to Leeds Corn Exchange. Following our popular Christmas Market with Rolling Social last year, we know that the festival will be a huge success. The Rum Festival is a firm favourite of Leeds, so we can't wait to see how this new event is received from local whisky lovers." Leeds Whisky Festival will take place on Saturday 9th April at Leeds Corn Exchange. Punters can choose to head down to either the afternoon session (12-4pm) or the evening session (5-9pm) of Leeds Whisky Fest, with tickets available for £40 at eventbrite.co.uk.

Food, drinks, craft market, live kitchen demos, live music, cocktail making, forestry school, inflatable village and much more!! We want to invite you to spend the day with us at the FIRST EVER Yorkshire Feastival. Taking place in the beautiful Nidderdale Countryside on the 25th – 26th June 2022, we can promise you a day to remember. Offering something a little bit different to other festivals. We have a strong focus on all things Yorkshire, from the most delicious food and drink around to the most creative craft stalls, not to mention the talented performers who will be taking to the stage throughout the weekend. Live kitchen demos, cocktail making, forestry school and much more. Click here for tickets - https://bit.ly/3I5OBrv

22 May 2022 The Roundhay Park 10K is a charity run supporting both St Gemma's Hospice and Blood Cancer UK. The main event will be a 10k trail over undulating and varied terrain. Starting at Soldiers’ Field the route takes you down Hill 60 into the arena, up to pass The Mansion then Lakeside Café and around Waterloo Lake. We then run into The Gorge, returning via The Folly back to Waterloo Lake and The Mansion, finishing at Soldiers’ Field. About the Family Fun Run There will also be a 2.5k Family Fun Run with the same start and finish but taking a course around the arena. There will be prizes for the first three male and female runners and winners of each veteran category and all finishers will receive a medal and goody bag. How to register You can register for the 10k and Family Fun Run on the Roundhay Park 10K Website. Volunteering at Roundhay Park 10K We are seeking volunteers who can help steward the route at this event. If you or anyone you know would like to help out, please get in touch. Supporting St Gemma's Funds raised from this race will go towards St Gemma's Hospice and Blood Cancer UK to help support patients and their families at a difficult time. You can make a donation to St Gemma's Hospice upon registration or on our website. If you would like to raise sponsorship for St Gemma's, contact challenges@st-gemma.co.uk or 0113 218 5197 and our team will be able to support you with your fundraising plans.Get in touch If you have any questions, please contact challenges@st-gemma.co.uk or 0113 218 5197.

THE WEST PARK HOTEL HARROGATE | TUESDAY, 18 JANUARY 2022 AT 19:00 Shake off those January Blues and enjoy a evening of food, entertainment and of course, fantastic hospitality! Join them for this fantastic evening of food and fundraising with some amazing chefs! Tickets £100 per person, £75 of this will be donated to charity! The event will include a 4 course meal, entertainment and a charity auction plus much more! Our amazing guest chefs include: Will Webster - Head chef at the 2 rosette Shibden Mill Inn Jason Wardill - Group Exec Chef at Provenance Inns & Hotels Stephanie Moon - Chef consultant at Stephanie Moon Jono Hawthorne - Chef Patron at Chef Jono at Vice & Virtue You can book online here (includes a booking fee): www.ticketsource.co.uk/provenance-inns/t-zvlnnd Or book direct (with NO booking fee): 01423 524471 events@thewestparkhotel.com

Are you ready to give it up for St Gemma's Hospice? We don't expect you to cancel Christmas! but here's one to think about in the New Year. St Gemma's - Give It Up! 01 January 2022 - 31 January 2022 Whether you plan to ditch the chocolate, ban the booze or take a break from social media, make the most of your new year's resolution by giving up your favourite thing this January to raise money for your local hospice! All you need to do is decide what you will be giving up for one month, set up your online fundraising page and ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you to complete the challenge! Sponsorship forms are also available from the Fundraising Team if preferred. To register to take part please contact Anna at annaj@st-gemma.co.uk.St Gemma's - Give It Up!

Thursday 11th November Christmas shopping evening with craft and gift stalls, Prosecco and raffle in aid of MND charities. Hosted by Collingham and Linton Sports Association. £5 entry includes a glass of Prosecco and raffle entry Collingham & Linton Cricket Club Harewood Road Collingham LS22 5BL

UK wide charity, Guide Dogs, is urgently appealing for dog-lovers to sign up as Puppy Raisers and join its team of volunteers in Wetherby.  Being a Puppy Raiser means being responsible for caring for the basic needs of a Guide Dogs puppy in your home for 14 months, teaching the basic demands for them to eventually become a guide dog.  Guide Dogs relies heavily on volunteers to help improve the lives of people with sight loss and is looking for people in LS22 and LS23 postcodes specifically.   A Puppy Raiser will be responsible for socialising a puppy in different environments and exposing them to the wider world. Requirements for a Puppy Raiser include time, good communication skills, and a suitable home to bring up a puppy.   Chloe Eckersley, Volunteering Coordinator at Guide Dogs, said: “Being a Puppy Raiser is such a rewarding role, seeing a puppy develop into a potential guide dog who will transform the life of someone with a visual impairment. Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get a dedicated Guide Dogs volunteer manager who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us."   You’ll also get the challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home, and the satisfaction that you have had a pivotal role in providing guide dogs that enable people with sight loss to enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else. Guide Dogs Charity helps people with sight loss to live the life they choose and to step out into the world with confidence. There are approximately 68,000 people living with sight loss in West Yorkshire with that number expected to increase by 19% by 2030. For more information and to apply, please go to www.guidedogs.org.uk

Fans of the fairway are invited to join Martin House Children’s Hospice as its Golf Day returns this September. Martin House Golf Day takes place at Wetherby Golf Course on Friday 3rd September, and there are still places available for teams to take part. Maddie Bentley, event fundraiser at Martin House, said: “After missing last year, we’re so excited to be back, and we’ve made our golf day bigger and better than ever to celebrate.” Teams of four will enjoy a breakfast sandwich before heading off for a round of golf, with halfway house refreshments. There will also be a variety of extra games they can sign up for, including nearest the line, nearest the pin and a chipping competition. It will be followed by a drink’s reception and three-course dinner at the clubhouse – hosted by ITV Calendar presenter Duncan Wood – along with prize giving and an auction. Maddie added: “Our golf day has always been popular, but this year we’re pushing the boat out to make both the golf and evening reception the best they’ve ever been. “This is an ideal event for a group of friends, family or a team-building day for colleagues, and at the same time support a local charity which cares for seriously ill children and their families.” Martin House cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire, with care including planned respite, emergency or symptom control care, end of life care and bereavement support. It relies on fundraising and donations for nearly 90 per cent of its £9 million a year running costs, with income hit by the effects of the pandemic. Maddie said: “We’re hoping our golf day will be a big fundraiser for Martin House, and we’d like to thank our headline sponsor Retail Response for its support, which means more of the money raised will go to providing care to families.” It costs £300 for teams of four to sign up for the day, and they are asked to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. There is also the opportunity to sponsor a hold for £50. You can find out more and sign up to the event at www.martinhouse.org.uk/golfday.

Saturday 28th August – Monday 30th August - Ripley Castle, Harrogate A must for food enthusiasts, you’ll find delicious International street food, independent drink brands, a fine artisan market, live chef demo’s, children’s entertainment, live music and much more at this fantastic three-day event set in the grounds of the beautiful Ripley Castle Estate. Tickets £4.95 per person harrogatefoodfestival.com

According to the Office for National Statistics, almost half of British workers were working away from their office or factory last June, with many companies now planning to embrace a mix of home and office working. Here’s what you need to know about claiming expenses. This sudden change in circumstances has meant many people have taken on an unanticipated amount of running costs. Electricity, telephone charges, WiFi and even tea and coffee all add up and come at the expense of the homeworker. However, if you are working from home, you may be able to claim tax relief for some of your bills. Here, Victoria Pearson, a Partner at Perrys Chartered Accountants, explains what you can and can’t claim if you are working from home. My office or factory is closed and I have to work from home. What expenses can I claim? If you have to work from home, because your office or factory is closed, then you can claim tax relief, but only for the things to do with your work. These include business telephone calls or the additional cost of gas and electricity for your work area. However, if you use things for both business and private use, such as broadband access, then you cannot claim for these. I have decided to work from home permanently. Can I claim tax relief? You cannot claim any tax relief if you choose to work from home. If you decide to work from home voluntarily, there may be other expenses you are entitled to. For example, if you set up a business from home, and you operate as a sole trader or partnership, you can include your business costs in your self-assessment tax return. These include a proportion of the cost of things such as council tax, heating, lighting, phone calls and broadband. How do I make a claim for tax relief? If you are eligible for claiming tax relief and you normally complete a self-assessment tax return form, you can make your claim using this method. Otherwise, you can complete a P87 form online via your Government Gateway account. If you haven’t got a Government Gateway account, you can complete a postal form. Alternatively, as from April 2020 your employer can pay you up to £6 a week (£26 a month) to cover any additional costs if you have to work from home. For previous tax years, you can be paid £4 a week (£18 a month). Do I need to keep records if I claim tax relief when having to work from home? The good news is you will not need to keep any records to claim the working at home tax relief so long as your claim does not exceed the £6 a week entitlement from April 2020 (or £4 a week for previous tax years). However, if you believe your costs are a lot higher than this you could claim more, but you will need to provide proof of your expenditure. What other expenses can I claim for? Whether you’re working from home or not, you might be able to claim tax relief for other expenses. For example, if you use your own money for things that you must buy for your job and you only use these things for your work, such as: • Uniforms, work clothing and tools • Vehicles you use for work • Travel and overnight expenses • Professional fees and subscriptions • Buying other equipment You cannot claim tax relief if your employer either gives you all the money back or provides an alternative, such as giving you a laptop but you want a different type or model. For some claims you must keep records of what you’ve spent, such as receipts or invoices. You have four years from the end of the tax year in which you spent the money to make a claim. Tax can be a complicated business so it is always worthwhile seeking the help of a professional, such as a qualified accountant, to help ensure your claim is correct.

Join us for When You Wish Upon a Star’s first Superhero Wish Walk on Friday June 25th 2021 We are calling for supporters across the UK to challenge themselves to walk whatever distance they choose, wherever they like, on Friday 25th June, to raise money to grant Wishes to our Superhero Wish Children living with life threatening illnesses. If you can’t do your walk on the 25th, don’t worry, you can hold your walk anytime in June instead. As part of the challenge, we are encouraging our Wish Walkers to dress up as their own Superheroes, whether this a real life Superhero, such as a parent, friend or sports star, or a Superhero character, such as Batman or Wonder Woman! Your Superhero Wish Walk can be however long, and wherever you like – whether it is a lap around the local park or a 10K hike in the hills, no matter wherever or however you complete your walk, you’ll be granting Wishes with every step. To register your interest and request your fundraising pack, please email heather.kelly@whenyouwish.org.uk www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk/news/2021-04-07-superhero-wish-walk

The Springs retail and leisure destination at Thorpe Park Leeds is lending a 1,600 sq ft store to showcase the work of local artistic creator Tony Clark and support charities linked to his famous sculptures. The life-size sculpture of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, which has received national media attention, will be the centrepiece for public viewing from Saturday, 1st May before it is potentially positioned by Bradford City Council at the NHS hero’s Keighley birthplace.  ‘The Walk of Hope’ bronze statue signifies the courage and strength of character of Captain Sir Tom who raised more than £30 million for the NHS at the start of the Covid outbreak. From Saturday, 12th June the pop-up store will also feature Tony’s wider work of famous people encapsulated in life size bronze, brass and resin.  These will include football legends Jurgen Klopp, Lionel Messi, Billy Bremner and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa affectionally entitled ‘King of the North’.  There is also a life size statue of boxers Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder which captures the knock down moment in their second fight.  Visitors will be able to view the works of art but also purchase miniature versions of most sculptures with part of the proceeds going to charity. The pop-up store at The Springs is being offered to Clark Sculptures as a charitable gesture to help support Tony’s fund-raising initiatives for a period of four months.  The Landlord of The Springs is committed to supporting local talent and charitable causes, but also keen to provide new and engaging attractions for visitors as part of the overall experience. Opening times will be Fridays and Saturdays from 10am until 4pm and Sundays from 11am until 3.30pm.

Kind-spirited people across Leeds are being encouraged to look out for the vulnerable in their communities even as the weather warms up and government restrictions ease. Leeds City Council’s Winter Friends campaign, which encourages people across the city to look out for others, is now extending it’s initiative into Spring and Summer. Winter Friends Coordinator Michelle Budd says: “Even though the weather is getting warmer and we’re hopefully coming to the end of a very difficult period of time for everyone, there are still vulnerable people in communities across Leeds that need support. “The Winter Friends Leeds campaign is all about showing kindness and compassion to the people who need it most. Certain difficulties that winter can bring, can also be a problem in hot weather and extreme heat. “During the pandemic, many people have suffered with isolation and loneliness more than usual, and really need support to get back on their feet whilst finding some normality again.” Winter Friends Leeds is now into it’s 2nd year with around 200 people and organisations that have so far taken the pledge to support vulnerable individuals and groups, such as people living with frailty, long-term illness and disability, as well as pregnant women, and families with young children. Anyone can be a Winter Friend, whether it’s picking up some essential items, collecting prescriptions or dropping off a tasty treat for someone to show you care, a little kindness can go a long way. To find out more or to show your support head to www.winterfriends.org or look for Winter Friends Leeds on social media.

This week, Leeds based beauty entrepreneur Claire Raby, aged 37, launches her second clinic in the heart of North Leeds. Amica Aesthetics is a luxury skin, aesthetics and wellbeing clinic offering the latest in specialist treatments that use advanced state of the art technology. Amica aesthetics opened the doors of its second clinic with demand for post lockdown treatments going through the roof. Claire said, “The demand for bookings has been unreal! We are already fully booked for the first few weeks as both clinics. It’s such an exciting time for my team and I as we continue to grow and expand our services across Leeds”. Claire launched her first clinic, located in Cleckheaton in 2015 and due to the growing trend in the Aesthetic market within 4 years was working to full capacity and so quickly began working on a rollout plan and looking for her second clinic. Claire said, “We planned to open clinic number two in late 2019 but due to the COVID pandemic our plans were forced to ground to halt. However, it gave us time to find the perfect location and time to invest in new ground-breaking technology and treatments”. Claire has great attention to detail and takes pride in knowing what is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This is what makes her clinic stand out above the rest. That being said, 90% of Claire’s clients come to Amica aesthetics through recommendations from previous clients that Claire has carried out treatments for. Amica Aesthetics is located on Street Lane and the clinic has a very different look and feel from the Cleckheaton clinic. Spanning over 2 floors, has been designed to create a luxurious but contemporary feel with patients’ comfort at the fore front of the design. Claire added, “As a result of the pandemic and the popularity of zoom and virtual meetings people have become more aware of their facial features and how they look. As a result of this we have seen an enormous rise in demand for cosmetic procedures”. The business has created an initial 5 new full-time jobs and appointed several highly experienced specialists in the dermatology and aesthetics field. Amica, which is open Monday to Saturday every week, provides an extensive range of dermatology treatments and services under one roof. This includes anti-ageing injectables, laser hair removal, skin peels and fat dissolving treatments. In addition to the 2 Leeds based clinics, Amica also hosts clinics in Newcastle, Manchester & York and now also north Leeds. Claire added, “My short-term goal is to open a clinic in every town and city in Yorkshire with the ultimate aim being to roll out nationally”.

It’s just over a year since Leeds Heritage Theatres’ three venues were forced to close their doors because of the pandemic, the company announces an exciting programme of new shows and screenings for May - and looks back on its most challenging year to date. Both Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall hope to raise their curtains and welcome audiences back on the date highlighted by the government’s roadmap as being safe to open with Covid-safety measures in place (plus any new rules). It is hoped that by Monday 21 June, the theatres will be able to operate as ‘close to normal as possible’. Hyde Park Picture House remains closed as work begins on the much-anticipated Picture House Project - a major development that will see the cinema undergo essential conservation work, alongside the creation of new, accessible facilities. Chris Blythe, CEO said; “Whilst programming continues to be a challenge and our reopening plans remain in the hands of the government and the four key ‘tests’ that must be met before easing the societal pressures of lockdown, we are positively working towards mid-May, when we will do everything in our power to raise the curtains, raise the roofs and raise the mood of the people of Leeds and wider region.” Resident company, Northern Ballet, will launch The Grand’s new season with David Nixon’s reimagining of the classic Swan Lake - they will follow this in November with Merlin, originally set to run over Christmas 2020 as part of their 50th year anniversary celebrations. Fellow residents, Opera North, will also return in the autumn with a season of work yet to be announced. And whilst some of the blockbuster musicals from this year, including The Book of Mormon and Les Misérables, have had to be moved to 2022, West End hits SIX and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will run alongside newly announced Priscilla Queen of the Desert and My Best Friend’s Wedding (starring Alexandre Burke) to name a few. The full listing can be found at www.leedsheritagetheatres.com. At The Varieties, the usual stellar line-up of live comedy, music and variety will run alongside an exciting new film programme presented in collaboration with the Picture House as part of its On The Road line-up. www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

Enter your four-legged friend into Excelle’s Cutest Canine Competition for a chance to win some delicious treats from The Country Store Collingham 🦴 and the ultimate accolade of the areas most delightful doggy 🐶💕 . To enter simply email us a picture of your dog along with their name, to hello@excellemagazine.co.uk Alternatively you can enter through our social media channels and then like and share out post. ✅ . All entries will be posted on our website and will appear in the next edition of Excelle where the winner, selected by our panel of judges will also be announced! Ooo exciting!

Award winning, chart topping podcast and online TV channel History Hit has announced a new 10 date live tour for Autumn 2021. The tour will see one of the worlds most celebrated history broadcasters Dan Snow taking his accessible interview style to the stage in 10 cities across England, Scotland and Wales. He will talk to some of our best historians about the biggest stories from the past as well as hear the history of the towns and cities that he visits. Interviews and show content will also be broadcast on the UK's number 1 history podcast, Dan Snow's History Hit, which is now a daily show. VIP Packages to gain backstage access and meet Dan after show dates are also available. Dan Snow is a BAFTA award-winning broadcaster, having made TV shows that have been watched by tens of millions of people worldwide. The chart-topping podcast Dan Snows History Hit receives over a million listeners each week and his most recent book, ‘On This Day in History’ was a Sunday Times Bestseller. The show will be in our area, first at Leeds Town Hall on Monday 11 Oct 2021 and then the York Barbican on Wendesday 20th October. Tickets are available from the following websites: www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk / www.historyhit.com

Has lockdown got you thinking about how you or a loved one can make the most out of retirement? The Red House is a Stunning retirement village in the heart of beautiful Ripon with excellent amenities. Not sure... give them a call to discuss on 01765 540042 or visit redhouseripon.co.uk to find out more.

Shout out to LADIES ONLY - 5 Week Online Fitness Classes starting straight after half term. They have got you covered, keeping you fit and active throughout this lockdown period. Starting Monday 22nd February 2021 they will go LIVE on Facebook with 3 workouts every week for 5 weeks! If you can’t make the time of the LIVE sessions, you can catch up at a time that’s more convenient for you as all sessions are saved for you to watch back. To secure your place, please head to their website www.nuyu-fitness.com and select to book “Online Classes” Once you have booked your place, please request to join our private Facebook page as this is where we host the LIVE sessions https://www.facebook.com/groups/2613578068770544 If you have any questions at all, please contact Mel on 07463785980 or melaniept@hotmail.com Ps... please note, they are a super friendly, ladies only group that welcome all ladies at all levels. You will be exercising from the comfort of your own home and because it’s a Facebook LIVE session and not a zoom, you can see Mel (the instructor) but no one can see you so it’s an ideal opportunity to give it a go if you are a little nervous or new to fitness. Her goal is to provide you with a platform to start/maintain/enhance your fitness journey during these difficult times.