Now it’s time to celebrate all the people and places we’d have been lost without during Lockdown 2020
This is the 7th Winners Blog – All the amazing people and places that we have relied on during lockdown – we would have been lost without them!
See if you or anyone you know was nominated below. Remember to check the other winners blogs HERE and check back each Monday and Thursday through July to see if you were nominated in any other categories too.
Initially we said that we would only publish the nomination comments when we got 5 or more but having read them all, we’ve decided to ditch that rule! Everyone who received a nomination deserves to read their message/s of thanks & support!
Thanks to our amazing sponsors – we have some lovely certificates to give out to all nominees. We hope that it will be a lovely reminder for you in the future about how grateful the York community are for everything that you do and how much you have meant to them during lockdown.
If you are a nominee & you would like to claim your certificate then please fill in this quick form here so that we know where to send it to!
If you are a winner, feel free to DOWNLOAD OUR WINNERS BADGE to display on your social media too. If you tag in @yorkmumbler then we’ll share it too.
If you know any of the nominees, please be sure to tell them they’ve been nominated! We want to spread this lovely news far & wide.
Love from Emily & the team at York Mumbler x
P.S Coming next on Monday 27th July is the 8th Celebration Blog “Lockdown Local Hero” nominees.
Acomb community street singing
- Socially distanced community singing. It brought joy to the neighbours and raised over £600 for CAP and the Refuge
Alison Goodwin
- Absolutely amazing support through pregnancy yoga to support the physical but also emotional wellbeing of all the pregnant women. Went naive and beyond to provide extra classes to ensure we were up to speed with the ever-changing circumstances at the hospital. Thanks a million, couldn’t have done it without your support!
- Alison has given so much to provide ongoing support for new mums and mums-to-be with her yoga classes when lockdown hit. She will always have my gratitude for personally supporting me with difficult circumstances around my labour and delivery at the height of the pandemic. She makes such a difference to so many of us!
- Alison quickly moved our mum & baby yoga to online classes, with an accompanying group for chat and support still. She’s the calm port in a storm. A funny calm port.
- Alison went above and beyond to support local mums while in lockdown. Her yoga classes are always important in supporting us but when everything was uncertain and we had no idea what nhs support we would get she was there listening, sharing and providing free support sessions for imminent mothers. It made an enormous difference to my mental well-being and provided a much needed space to discuss our worries and possible solutions. An absolute hero who prob has no idea the difference she made!
- An absolute god send to impending mothers! Alison’s classes provides much needed support and headspace during lockdown and were a wonderful space for sharing knowledge about the hospital and changes and our fears due to Covid. Alison even provides free support chats for imminent mother’s to prep is for labour and provide a much needed space to discuss and share with one another. She clearly also did this completely out of her concern for our mental wellbeing. Completely altruistic.
- Continuing to support pregnant and new mums through her amazing yoga classes (on zoom) all the way through lockdown.
- Creating a wild yoga collective lockdown group and making yoga more accessible than ever before. Overcoming all hurdles and providing endless support.
- Despite the lockdown, she has been holding antenatal yoga sessions twice per week all throughout the lockdown, with no break. She has been amazing!
- Her seem less switch to online yoga provides a space to collect my thoughts and find a bit of calm and peace in amongst all the chaos!
- Incredible support for pregnant women helping us all through the Pandemic. Alison immediately shifted her yoga classes to zoom and adjusted the format to increase the emotional support included in her classes, as well as continuing to facilitate companionship and gentle exercise. Conscious that many pregnant women were feeking anxious after being labelled as “vulnerable” and concerned about their healthcare/birth plans/support from family during that time, she also provided free meditation sessions and responsive support to keep the community alive and help ensure no one felt alone.
- Throughout my pregnancy she was a support with her prenatal yoga classes and continued them via Zoom when we went into lockdown. Now that I’ve had my baby I attend the online post-natal classes that she continues to run electronically. My post-birth body and first time mum mind is eternally grateful not just for the workout but also the support group she has created of herself and other mums sharing stories and experiences.
- Under the banner of Wild Yoga Lockdown Alison has transformed her previously face to face yoga offerings to online, whether it’s post-natal, restorative yoga, early mornings or even at home retreats. She has created a way for us to find space in our own homes in a much needed fashion.
- Because she has found many new ways to keep her classes open. She has created a space for connection (albeit remotely) and to share experiences and generally help us get through lockdown with small people, homeschooling and carrying concerns about other lived ones.
- Her post natal yoga classes continued tirelessly via zoom and brought some normality to the week and meant I didn’t feel entirely robbed from the end of my Maternity leave. Still getting chance to check in with other mums. 😍 Going above and beyond to cater for so many, recording extra sessions and working hard to get a good timetable that had something for everyone.
- Incredible support for pregnant women helping us all through the Pandemic. Alison immediately shifted her yoga classes to zoom and adjusted the format to increase the emotional support included in her classes, as well as continuing to facilitate companionship and gentle exercise. Conscious that many pregnant women were feeking anxious after being labelled as “vulnerable” and concerned about their healthcare/birth plans/support from family during that time, she also provided free meditation sessions and responsive support to keep the community alive and help ensure no one felt alone.
Andre Askham
- For her support while our rainbow unit has been closed. She has set work for the unit to complete to earn their rainbow badges. She has walked over 4 miles to deliver each child their secret missions and crafts to help gain their badges
Avocado Events
- Mindfulness for Mums, online events, really helped me with reducing my anxiety during lockdown
- The mindfulness for mums sessions have been so great for some ‘me time’ also the great ideas of things to do with the kids from the Instagram posts
- It has been a great help in lockdown with 2 children and no family able to help. Being able to switch off for 1st time in weeks was so helpful. Refreshed me.
- This helped my wife so much. I could see it was all getting to her, but after this class she was so relaxed and calm.
Baby Ballet York
- Miss Gemma has worked tirelessly to continue ballet classes online. She’s presented them live on Facebook religiously every week and has uploaded extra videos to keep us entertained. The production has been great quality too- she should be on TV!
- Provides online classes, the only normality for our 4 year old!
Bean on the Green
- They have the most amazing pizzas! and cake! and such a friendly place to visit.
Bespoke Botanicals
- Thanks to Bespoke Botanicals who delivered a beautiful tea against hay fever to me, my eyes were a lot less sore. Michaela Scott is so knowledgable und modest but deserves to be nominated and to win😄.
Bethany Turner
- I have had a lot of struggles with my marriage recently and trying to raise two children while battling depression has been so tough. Beth has been there for me throughout every step of the way. She has helped me overcome my marriage problems and offered support whenever needed. She has been patient with me when iv cried to her. Most people dont take the time to listen. But she listened, and offered so much support. Even if it was just to watch kids so I can have a sleep, or help clean my house. I dont get much support, so she has been honestly the best.
Bish Bash Pot
- Coming to the rescue with an amazing box of paint at home pottery for a lockdown birthday. Just because they could not have their party they still got to have fun painting together as a family.
- For providing an amazing painting at home service delivered to the door. Absolutely perfect for a rainy lockdown day, and brilliant customer service – thank you!
Bishopthorpe Rd shops and Knavesmire butchers
- With the usual supermarket delivery slots scarce, these traders really stepped up to show what a valuable service they provide – long may it continue. We feel so fortunate to have deliveries to our door of all the essentials, thank you to all independent traders!
Bluebird Bakery
- Delivery of freshly made lovely bread has been amazing and so helpful during lockdown.
- fabulous bread to our door
- For taking to a delivery service ensuring lovely bread and bakery products available!
Brew & Brownie
- Chocolate survival boxes during lockdown when trying to work with a toddler
Caroline Bolton at Treasure Chest
- An unbelievable support to new mums at a time when there were limited services available in the nhs. I was at my wits end breastfeeding and her calm measured approach in zoom support sessions made me persist. It was also a lovely place to share ideas and experiences with other new mums!
Choc Affair
- Choc Affair have been absolutely amazing. They have been delivering chocolatey goods throughout lockdown. They are doing same day delivery and constantly updating their social media with happy posts and ideas to help keep us busy. They have recently brought out an activity pack of different chocolatey ideas to make and it has been great fun. At the beginning of lock down they provided with over 50 of The Island’s families with a chocolate hamper full of goodies and fun snacks and crafty bits to make! ALL INGREDIENTS PROVIDED! They deserve a cascade of chocolate medals for all their hard work.
- I had never heard of Choc Affair before lockdown and I wish I had. They offer an exceptional service and they have kept us happy throughout lockdown with their fantastic range of chocolates.
- The choc affair team has been amazing throughout lockdown enabling people to send isolation kits to loved ones and also providing young people with chocolate activity packs to do during lockdown.
- They have been amazing by donating 50+ chocolate packs to disadvantaged families across York aswell as supporting local charities
- Throughout the pandemic, Choc Affair has remained open and have be delivering boxes of chocolate happiness across York. Choc Affair has also been supporting the vulnerable families at The Island by providing them with chocolate activity packs so that the children can stay occupied and happy during this unsettling time.
- Choc Affair has gone above and beyond during this pandemic and have made different boxes of chocolate to cater for all different tastes.
Ciara McCabe
- Doing shopping and delivering for many people. Keeping multiple cub packs occupied every week with innovative zoom events.
Costello’s Good Food Shop
- Our ‘posh’ weekend lunches have continued throughout Lockdown thanks to Carol Costello. Her shop does not enable social distancing, so having furloughed the staff, she started a ‘telephone and collect’ service from the front door of her shop. Her website kept customers up-to-date on the current system (it seemed to change almost weekly) and stock availability. We were just glad to still be able to get our hands on nice cheeses, quiche and sausage rolls.
Craig Long
- Continued the love for kickboxing
Cross of York
- They have remained open throughout lockdown. And adapted by doing house deliveries they have been done by Gerry Allan gone above and beyond in taking over the deliveries
Deborah Bakes
- Deborah Bakes have worked SO hard in lockdown! Firstly, their cakes/brownies/cookies/ALL THE THINGS are so so tasty and secondly, they’ve been amazing (on the multiple times I’ve ordered) at getting back to me so quickly and being on time with their deliveries. They adapted so quickly and did it all with a smile! I’ve needed their services for birthdays, friends in need of a pick me up, and ME in need of a pick me up! What a privilege it is to have such a business in York who have stepped up and worked their socks off! Oh and did I mentioned how INCREDIBLE their cookies are?! Thank you Deborah Bakes! X
Dough!
- Super duper deliveries of pizza, bread, cakes and more.
Dr Katherine Forsey
- For running the amazing virtual Explore Lego club for Explore York Libraries and Archives
- Her ideas are so inspirational
- Her mummy school posts have been full of great ideas to try.
- Katherine has been an amazing support to the Library by taking our #ExploreLegoClub online & posting a new theme video every week! We truly would have been lost without her.
- Katherine has been regularly sharing her Outdoor Learning activities and lego club online throughout lock-down. They have given much needed inspiration for this newbie homeschooling mummy! A really great reminder that learning can happen anywhere and when you are playing and having fun
- Virtual Lego explore club, previously Strensall library
Dyls York
- Supplying us with coffee and pints when they were needed most
Early Bird Milkman
- Great deliveries from The Early Bird Milkman, it’s brilliant to have milk delivered in glass bottles like it used to be. Especially appreciated having the lovely range of products delivered to my door 3 times a week throughout this pandemic.
- Making sure know body goes without milk, bread eggs etc during this difficult time. Ollie and Jade are a caring couple who have delivered to every area in York to ensure the vulnerable have had fresh products. A lovely local family run business
- Securing our milk order with Early Bird Milkman in lockdown was a life saver especially when we couldn’t get to the shops and everywhere was out of stock. With 2 young children we needed our milk. It also meant we could order milk from him for family members that were isolating. Thank you
- The constant in an unknown situation. Knowing we had fresh milk, bread and yogurts when we didn’t know when we’d next get to the shop has been invaluable. Thank you SO much
- For looking after me with fresh milk, eggs and bread during isolation
- Milk, eggs and bread, delivered to the door, with quite a bit more – just ask !. Great regular, reliable service and no need to go to the shops, delivered to our door in all weathers but delivered early to avoid all the warm weather spoiling the goods. CHAMPION
- Without fail they deliver 3 times a week come rain of shine. Knowing they are there has made live so much easier.
- Having been confined to the house with having a son with an immunity disorder I was really worried about how I would maintain getting the essentials for my four children in lockdown. I was so relieved and impressed that The Earlybird Milkman was able to come to my rescue. They seemed to be able to offer much more than I originally anticipated and all of my essentials were sorted with professionalism and care and empathy too. All communication was great and I always received everything I needed on time. Other companies were not as flexible and accommodating when I approached them and my family are so grateful for the excellent service we have had from The Earlybird Milkman. I couldn’t have done this without them and they have my upmost respect for carrying on in the testing times and I am now a very loyal customer and proud to tell everyone.
Educating the Children
- They do it so well But use of zoom and deopping gifts for the children…donated by the community has been great
Fodder & Forage, New Earswick
- Before lockdown they were a florist with a little veg. Now Rosie is the veg box queen, delivering real quality fruit & veg to a very wide area. As lockdown went on she started stocking flour, chocolate, oat milk, dairy… It goes on and on. And her flowers are fantastic.
- For delivering the most beautiful quality fruit and veg when we’ve been isolating. Come rain or shine, our lovely deliveries have been on the step!
- They did a sterling work, transforming their business so that they could massively upscale their fruit and veg deliveries, meaning that our family (and many others) never ran out of fresh food!
- Rowntree park has been a place on solice throughout Covid-19 for evening strolls (spying baby owls and foxes) and bike rides with the kids after a day of work / home schooling. However the park has been hit hard this year – flooding and Covid has meant the friends of Rowntree park have been unable to run their volunteering gardening sessions and activities for young people. (My kids are missing forest school with Christine!). However they have adapted and still offer duck food, the king of the bird trail leaflets, a new tree trail and the upcoming rainbow project to celebrate all key workers. Feeding the ducks has become our new normal as we now appreciate the small things. We would have been lost without you.
- Fodder & Forage have completely changed the way they do business responding really quickly to the crisis. They changed their grocery shop & once weekly deliver into a 6 day a week delivery service. I understand they were working all the hours possible & have been serving us resident s of York with bumper fruit & veg boxes when we most needed it. Thanks!
Friends of Rowntree Park
- Rowntree park has been a place on solice throughout Covid-19 for evening strolls (spying baby owls and foxes) and bike rides with the kids after a day of work / home schooling. However the park has been hit hard this year – flooding and Covid has meant the friends of Rowntree park have been unable to run their volunteering gardening sessions and activities for young people. (My kids are missing forest school with Christine!). However they have adapted and still offer duck food, the king of the bird trail leaflets, a new tree trail and the upcoming rainbow project to celebrate all key workers. Feeding the ducks has become our new normal as we now appreciate the small things. We would have been lost without you.
- Rowntree Park has stayed open throughout. It would t be the place it is without all the volunteers hours they go into it. Despite no events and not being able to volunteer physically until now )due to rules), they’ve run a virtual rainbow crafting group, provided info on social media of things to do and see in the park, and still sold duck food and bird trails via none contact pick up.
- The park has been a haven in the past few months, giving the kids somewhere to play and let off steam. The friends of Rowntree Park do a great job of keeping us informed and make sure it stays beautiful.
- The volunteers had kept the park looking lovely until they were no longer allowed to work in the park. But they didn’t stop, providing duck food, information, photos, and encouraging use of the park throughout lockdown. Rowntree Park was a lifesaver to me when I was feeling anxious, I could go and feed the squirrels and ducks, and enjoy the beautiful green spaces.
- The Park has been a sanctuary to so many. A place to exercise, breath fresh air, enjoy the beauty of nature or just say a social distance ‘hello’
- When you are have been limited to how many times you can be outside, you really appreciate the places you go. It is so important to have wonderful outside spaces to explore. Rowntrees Park has been a favourite for our family and we really really appreciate the Park, which is as it is due to this lovely bunch of volunteers. Thank you.
- During lockdown I have taken a daily walk which often took in this beautiful park on my route. During my life I have made many special memories there and it continues to provide such a beautiful place to reflect.
- The park is a little haven for many of the residents in the South Bank area as most of us have very small outdoor spaces. When it reopened after the flooding we were so relieved to have the forest to explore again. My son loves learning about the different leaves on the trees and seeing squirrels, ducks, geese and beautiful flowers. It’s been hugely beneficial for my mental health during lockdown and I’m sure many can say the same.
Fruitique
- You delivered amazing fresh fruit and veg directly to us and our shielding families when we couldn’t get out and everyone was panicking. You absolutely went the extra mile. Thank you!
Gatehouse Coffee
- Gatehouse have been great. I usually visit once or twice a week, but, of course, I haven’t been able to whilst it’s been closed over lockdown. They’ve been brill, selling their coffee online and going the extra mile to make it usable for home, and also providing a socially-distanced takeaway service pretty quickly when they felt able to do so. I look forward to being back soon properly, Gatehouse!
Gemma Robinson – Reading Fairy
- Gemma adapted her classes quickly and enabled us to access them online which allowed her to sprinkle her Reading Fairy magic into our homes! She’s honestly the highlight of our week and brings some structure and routine into our week. My little boy absolutely loves Reading Fairy Day!
- Continued learning with familiar friends. The classes provided a sense of normality and purpose through lockdown.
Gentle Beginnings – Dorothy Marlen
- Dorothy continued to provide support and guidance at no charge to all the families who previously attended her groups. She’s self employed as a sole trader but put the families’ needs ahead of her own, thank you.
- Providing support and a virtual mother and baby group, it’s been fantastic for my babies development and a source of knowledge and support system for me.
- Dorothy has been amazing in offering weekly online sessions so parents and babies can continue to meet up instead of our weekly meeting. This has been life saving in giving a space for us all to celebrate our little one’s achievements and reach out for some support from other mums. Each week, I’ve looked forward to it and It’s been a little morale booster, let alone sanity in seeing and chatting to someone else! Thank you Dorothy!
Hacis Place- Haxby
- On the days when I’ve had enough of home cooking. Hacis has definitely seen us through. Great service and food is always excellent!
Harmony House Stillingfleet
- Harmony House quickly rallied themselves to offer a fantastic take away service throughout lockdown. It was a completely contactless collection offering their menu, an amazing weekly special “gourmet butty” and the cake box! The cake box includes a choice of 5 cakes (from an incredible list), all home made and delicious. This became a weekly treat in our house, a meal I didn’t have to think about or cook and for my girls, an exciting event where a box of cakes arrived home wrapped in a big bow!
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
- Caryn and her team have put together online drama classes throughout lockdown. My daughter has had the opportunity to express herself in a new way and it has been such a blessing for her to have this positive channel for her to express her energy and enthusiasm. In fact it has been the only regular channel that has allowed her to spend time Interacting regularly with other children of her age. We would have been lost without you.
Heworth Gymnastics
- Both my children attend Heworth gymnastics and they have learnt so much with them. I really hope they re open soon. We miss them so much
Lisa Marie Performing Arts
- LMPA have been an absolute life saver furring the lock down. My 12 year old daughter has been attending for about 5 years. When all of this started the kids were about to do a big show. This has had to be cancelled. The kids were all devastated. Sofia was so upset when she thought she would be missing not only dance but all her friends too. The LMPA team completely amazed me by pulling together a schedule that pretty much matches the face to face classes. Sofia has done Masterclasses as well as all her normal grade work. They have set weekly challenges and even had classes where family members can join in. If you lol at their insta or Facebook page you can see all the fun that not only the kids but their families have had too! If they had shut I don’t think Sofia would have been able to breeze through isolation, she is a sociable little lady and dance means the world to her. By doing the classes and also messaging the kids and setting the challenges all the teachers have kept the kids going. There are a few categories I could have entered LMPA for including star school and virtual class but actually we would have been lost without LMPA as would many families! I’d love for them to get recognition for All their hard work and energy!!
Little Apple Bookshop
- Their thoughtful, considerate personal service when we’ve been ordering books online has been so welcome – as well as the amazing community they established with the hardest ever lockdown quiz every Wednesday!
Little Lambs online virtual playgroup
- I’ve already said how important little lambs has been to us but Natalie continued the group on Zoom (even at 9 months pregnant!) with Sue Gagg helping out during the birth, it’s so lovely to see the gang and it’s super nice of Natalie and Sue to keep us entertained.
Lodge cottage Farm shop
- Alison and Mark have gone out of their way to ensure food supplies are available, sourcing items for those of us unable to get out and about, and maintaining great standards through a really tricky time
- Always open, helping out when I’ve isolated. Being fully stocked, being friendly and kwepinjng every one safe. Alison is just fab
Magic Hatter
- So thankful for his YouTube magic shows which have provided hours of entertainment in our house
Millfield Fitness Studio
- Amazing response to quarantine building a fantastic health, fitness and wellbeing community online with classes, meditation groups, live cooking videos, wotsapp support groups and fun quizzes. They’ve honestly been amazing in every way.
- At the start of lockdown Millfield Fitness Studios moved online. They have been providing 2 or more classes a day to suit all tastes and abilities as well as live cookery demonstrations and an online social element in hosting virtual quizzes. They have developed a support network for physical and mental health by setting up buddy WhatsApp groups. In short they were brilliant in the flesh and have translated their caring and individual approach online.
- Being able to see the faces of the Millfield team, has helped me stay sane during lockdown. I could honestly not have got through it without them. It has helped to add a touch of normality to these less than normal circumstances and provide the exercise and friendship that is much needed at this time.
- Debbie Jenkins & Lucy Nickson transformed their physical studio into a brilliant online community during the pandemic. Not only did they & their staff produce over two dozen live fitness classes a week (Fitness, PT, yoga, pilates, barre) but ran competitions to keep us all motivated in lockdown as well as healthy cooking demos & recipes. I’ve never been fitter! Thank you Quarantine Queens!
- I have been a member at Millfield futness for 4 years and regularly attended 4 or 5 sessions a week. I am so grateful to Debbie Lycy and team for providing 22 sessions a week on line. I have tried classes I would never have attended previously. Kat has contacted me in group chat and personally to keep me motivated despite breaking my hand in a fall. I feel my mental health would have suffered without them.
- Lucy & Debbie have pivoted to online gym classes which have allowed everyone to keep working out. This has allowed people to keep sane and take some time for themselves. It’s allowed an opportunity to turn off the news for a while and just sweat it out.
- Online they have worked tirelessly with workouts and recipes and support and motivation for everyone
- The team at Millfield have moved to delivering online classes via Facebook Live and Zoom and have kept us all motivated and smiling through all the challenges of lockdown. I’m amazed at how Lucy, Debbie and Kat, supported by Katie, Carla and Becs, have been able to create valuable moments in my day despite not being able to be with them in the studio. They’ve made keeping fit really easy and engaging during a period where I’m always 10 steps from my kitchen! I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them and I can’t wait to see them all in the studio again soon!
- They’ve kept me going each day with coaching, encouragement and the most amazing support group
Millie’s Bishopthorpe Road
- When queues for supermarkets were ridiculous, they were a godsend delivering all our fruit and veg within 2 days of ordering together with other essentials such as eggs. They have continued to add to their selection throughout lockdown and their produce is always fresh and delicious. We will continue to use them in the future.
- They’ve kept us supplied with fruit, veg, dairy and lots of goodies throughout lockdown
- Great and reliable, their friendly service made us forgot we’re under lockdown.
- Greengrocers on Bishopthorpe Road. When our online delivery arrived one week without cucumber, potatoes or satsumas, we were slightly concerned we’d have nothing to feed our fussy toddler. Step up Millies online delivery and a 25kg sack of potatoes!! Fast, efficient, and the fruit and veg has been great quality. We’ve had a delivery every week since…and have only just finished the potatoes!
- Deliveries of fresh milk, eggs, fruit and veg, essential supplies whilst shielding, since the big supermarkets didn’t have capacity to deliver. And they had a small minimum order so you didn’t have to overspend! All fresh and often local.
- Wonderful fresh fruit, veg and other essentials throughout Lockdown. Cheerful and helpful staff.
Mini Munchkins baby massage – Laura Drake
- Absolute star!! Replies to my random messages at all hours! Having a new baby in lockdown has been so tough, especially not making any mum friends. Laura is so kind and caring. She’s a diamond!
Minifigs and Bricks
- Cant get Lego projects finished.
Minster FM
- Because they updated people, made sure the listeners understood the rules (even when they were confusing), entertained us with games, brought humour, sunshine and love to our homes. Thank you very much, guys!
- DG, Laura & Ben – They have been there throughout lockdown to entertain with their 11am tea breaks, daily quiz and weekly bingo with DG (done in his own time!) Complete stars and have definitely been a huge part of our lockdown life and routine!! We love them!!!!
Monkgate Pharmacy
- Truly amazing place with fantastic staff who could not do enough for you and go far beyond what you would expect of a Pharmacy , they are truly local champions . I am a terminally ill cancer patient and they have made shielding for 3 months so much easier from regular deliveries of medication done so efficiently to regular check ups to ask if anything else can be done , they really do put the customer/patient first, they really have helped with my quality of life.
Morrisons
- 10% NHS discount and daily shopping hour
Muddy Boots – All the Staff
- Myself and my husband are key workers and needed childcare throughout the pandemic. So thank you for all your help.
- This care provider has provided care for key workers throughout lockdown and the team have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of every child and employee. My daughter has so missed going to breakfast/after school club since the end of March and she can’t wait to return.
MummyFIT Harrogate and York – Nina Meads
- Great transition to online classes, new programmes to keep flagging enthusiasm going and building new communities to have people to talk to when it’s all a bit weird!
- Fabulous energic ball of fun Nina has kept me sane with her amazing workouts sound advice and generally dizzy ways! Keep doing what you’re doing, your amazing!!!
- Joining Nina and the other mummyFIT mummies for daily workouts has made my lockdown with my 2 spirited boys enjoyable for so many reasons!! To start, increasing my workouts from the once weekly gym session, to 3-4 Facebook live sessions a week had massively increased my fitness and helped me lose baby weight! It’s given me 45 mins a day when the boys know mummy is doing some exercise, which my eldest has sometimes joined in with, giving them a positive view of exercising. Also, the endorphins created from exercising has helped keep me calm and deal with daily meltdowns and challenges from the boys! Finally the community and support Nina has created through a super tough time is amazing. We have all supported each other and Nina has brought us together! She has simply been phenomenal!!!! We truly would have been lost without her!!! X
- Mummyfit at home live classes gave me everything I need in lockdown, routine, goals, opportunity for achievement and a community. The structure of Mummyfit is fantastic but what really made the experience work for me was Nina. Throughout lockdown she’s been motivational while keeping it real and she’s the friendly face we’ve all needed to see each day!
- Nina has been absolutely fab throughout lockdown doing Live workouts, full of energy every day and constantly keeping us ladies going with her endless enthusiasm and support! She has saved me from eating everything in the house daily, and got my fitness back 😀
- Nina has provided online MummyFIT sessions for pregnant & new mums during lockdown and has just been an inspiration at keeping us all motivated and on track during these uncertain times! She is a mummy of 2 herself and really has kept us all fit, healthy and sane! She deserves some recognition for her dedication! 🙂
- Nina has run live Workout sessions for the mummy’s of York and harrogate every weekday since the start of lockdown. She never fails to cheer us up and bring a smile to our day not to mention keeping us fit and healthy. She always has endless energy despite having two young children herself. She’s an inspiration and 100% my lockdown saviour both physically and mentally.
- Nina is our MummyFit trainer and has been keeping us going during lockdown. She’s been hosting online workouts for 5 days a week since the start of lockdown! She’s so consistent with her high energy and enthusiasm and has really helped keep my fitness on track when it could have easily slipped. As mentioned, Nina’s been doing live classes 5 days a week which shows pure dedication and passion for helping us York Mum’s stay on our fitness journey. She’s such a friendly and encouraging person and definitely deserves some recognising for her hard work, with all these classes, all while also looking after her own 2 young boys. Nina is my 100% my lockdown hero.
- Nina runs the Mummyfit York and Harrogate franchise and she runs daily classes for all us mums. During lockdown I would have been lost without her tuning in live online every day even though she has her own two little ones as well as home schooling. She has been the most positive and enthusiastic person that has put a smile on my face daily. She must be nominated for this award as she is a real life super star.
- This lady has been a lifeline for me during lockdown. She has provided daily live exercises to pre and post natal mummies and really has helped make a focus around being fit, giving myself some time whilst also understanding the real juggle of life in lockdown with a baby and a 3 year old. She’s an inspiration and has helped me get my fitness level back, made me more confident and kept me sane! Thank you Nina! Xx
- We are a small but expanding group of pre and post natal mums who regain a sense of themselves with group HIIT training whilst the babies play and a sense of community with a post workout coffee. Nina owns the Harrogate and York franchise and classes run at York Sport and Roko. I’ve been a member since my second child was born in 2017 and still rely on classes for fitness and mental wellbeing. After the birth of my third I was looking forward to returning to classes in March. When COVID hit I feared I would lose all of the usual postnatal support networks, but Nina fought back and started running daily classes live from her living room, along with “kick start” diet and fitness programmes. I know exactly where’d I’d be without her and I’m truly grateful to her for not circling that particular drain.
My Baby Can Dance
- Katherine has been truly amazing, when lockdown started she quickly set up zoom and mini Facebook classes to enable families to have some normality and routine in their lives.
- Providing educational physical activity online
- She has been uploading videos of stories and dance classes onto My Baby Can Dance Facebook and YouTube. They have been doing this all through lockdown for Free, most others have been charging but these 2 ladies have been doing it for nothing. They have provided almost a full timetable all through the quarantine period and I don’t know what we would have done without them.
Nicola Betts Tiny Toes and the Wellbeing choir
- For 10 Sundays Nicola put on well attended distance singing in Severus Avenue (Rain or Shine) with microphone and speakers and many popular songs. She also runs a Facebook group and participates in a WhatsApp Group with her choir members. It has been a great spirit lifter and we look forward being able to meet up again before too long.
- She is the person and have to include her family as well. They are the family who keep on giving . ❤️👍Organised a street sing along for there home street every Sunday during lockdown. Whilst fundraising . They are amazing.
- You are an inspiration with your happy and caring personality
- Because even though the classes have been online, they feel just the same as going to the sessions themselves. They’re the only online classes that my 2 year old has had the patience to sit through the majority of!
- Nicola has found a way to continue to engage in her ever growing community of music lovers. Each week we have tuned in to watch Mrs Betts sing from home to the utter joy of my daughter. It is so lovely to see my 2 year old get so excited each week to see Mrs Betts sing the songs she loves & had missed when the class had to close due to lockdown. It has also been a wonderful source of entertainment for my daughter when I haven’t been able to give her my full attention due to continuing to work from home. It’s even more meaningful knowing that it is coming from such a wonderful & talented lady that my daughter knows.
- Nicola has posted songs every day and did virtual music sessions that have provided a great activity for my little one.
- Nicola’s Well Being Choir York has been such a great help to many people in York and the surrounding area.
Ouch Potato
- Absolutely love this amazing gym! They have provided incredibly tailored workouts during lockdown to support all members. Even providing guidance on calorie/protein intake. They have put in bootcamps all day every day when restrictions started to ease and have been working so hard to help every single member. The gym is so friendly and supportive. There is a fantastic community group which really lifts spirits and gets people going! Steve and Amy do an amazing job and they definitely deserve an award!
- At no notice Steve and his team took their whole fitness package online. There have been multiple daily workouts and lots of specialist strength classes. Steve personally deliverd weights and kettlebells to his clients so we could keep going at home. I will exit lockdown fitter than I went in. They have helped me balance working from home and homeschooling throughout all this uncertainty. Amazing community. Thanks guys x
- Ouch Potato Gym in Acomb plenty of online classes, laughs encouraging posts ! Offers of help to those who are struggling and encouraging a community spirit in everyone x
- Ouch Potato (or ‘Ouch’) began doing online fitness classes for their members, and some free ones aswell, when lockdown began. Steve and Amy, the owners of Ouch, and the whole Ouch team have worked tirelessly leading several classes a day every day. Always in good spirits, always with a warm smile and a hello even though we’re all now at the end of computer screens, continuing the Ouch spirit and mentality to fitness. Not only have they worked so hard with no complaining they have provided an invaluable service by continuing to promote fitness and health, two things that are more important in the current situation than ever before.
- Ouch Potato is a gym with an amazing sense of community even in ‘normal’ times but this really stepped up a gear during lockdown. Steven and Amy Paffett and their team have worked tirelessly to provide a full and comprehensive programme of online classes to keep their customers fit and healthy – both in body and mind. Through the members Facebook group, the gym’s community has been able to keep in touch, offer help and encouragement and generally keep each other going during these strange times. So many people really would have been lost without their daily dose of Ouch. Thank you Steve, Amy and the team.
- Steve and the Ouch Potato team have been amazing over lockdown, providing live online fitness sessions, providing workout and meal plans and providing general support to the gyms’ members. They went round to members houses (socially distanced of course!) To deliver any gym equipment we might need to keep going and to participate in the online sessions. They’ve also kept morale high and people positive through this. Since lockdown has eased, the Ouch team have put together a fantastic programme of socially distanced outside workout sessions on Acomb Green which has certainly helped me feel better for getting outside and exercising but also to interact with other people again! So thankful for everything Ouch has done to support me and the rest of the members.
- Thanks to Steve and Amy Paffett and the whole Ouch Potato team I was able to exercise and workout happily at home ,throughout the long shielding process . Their enthusiasm and determination to adapt to the ever changing situation was amazing .
- This was already a great, supportive gym to be a part of but once the gym had to shut, Steve Paffett and his team moved workouts to an outdoor location where people could attend safely and when that had to stop he distributed dumbbells, kettlebells etc. around those members who needed them and the workouts went on line. Plenty of live workouts for members to follow as well as extra workouts for specific equipment and needs, and yoga! Particularly when everything seemed really scary, these workouts were a great bonus to have. The team have continued to work hard throughout, and the workouts are still an important part of my routine, getting me fitter and keeping me (relatively) sane.
- Without doubt my saviour in lockdown. This awesome Acomb gym quickly switched to providing FB lives to keep us all working out during the lockdown. They even loaned out equipment and made sure that the classes covered a wide range of exercise areas every week (including gentle classes for over 50s). More recently they have been bringing us together on Acomb Green for (safe and distanced) small group bootcamps. Love it! They have worked really hard to keep the gym community connected, healthy and supporting each other.
Parlormade
- Best scones I’ve tasted and lovely selection. Enjoyed cream teas when the going was tough – always delivered with a smile and a chat which helped on a lonely day.
- We’ve had a lot of things delivered to our door during lock down but probably the best thing was freshly made scones from Parlormade. Christopher provides a friendly service delivering cream teas and afternoon teas – the most delicious scones around.
Pat Veale School of Dance – Kelly Clarey
- From the onset of lockdown PV School of Dance, and our fabulous Kelly Clarey, have continued to run online dance classes for all ages from the comfort of the children’s homes. Thus enabling them to continue to pursue their passion, dance with their friends, express themselves, maintain confidence, spend time with their adored dance teacher, feel valued, supported and loved through this difficult period. We are so blessed to have Kelly and the school helping to keep our childrens’ minds healthy, happy and active when everything else around them is falling away – it can only be of great benefit to them in the future. And #dadsdancingday was fabulous – testimony to Kelly’s draw and children’s adoration of the art form, that had so many Dads dancing with their children in celebration of Fathers’ Day yesterday 20th June 2020!! Kelly is an absolute superstar ⭐
Pattacakes bakery in Dunnington
- They’ve stayed open throughout lockdown and while we were self isolating for 2 weeks they delivered food to us. The whole team there Always smiling.
Paul Stride
- Relaxed, expert advice that comes with great and friendly service! We had a child that grew right out of her car seat during lockdown…30 minutes of a 1:1 appointment and a safe and comfy car seat was installed in my car as I drove away. Perfect for travelling to see family that has been missed so badly during lockdown!
Phonics with Robot Reg York
- Great to continue classes online and keeps us entertained in the week.
Pram Fit
- Amazing classes to help me keep fit on maternity, they’ve kept up the classes in lockdown by holding zoom classes
- For giving us mum’s some much needed time to ourselves forcing us to take time out for us, exercising and meeting new people to help give us a boost and give us something to look forward to three days a week! Such a necessity to help with our mental health.
- For keeping me fit and active through lockdown
- Fred and the team at Pramfit have adapted their programmes so well during lockdown. Yoga and group workouts over zoom are offered 6 days a week and this regular exercise and support has helped me to develop much healthier habits and stay sane. Thanks!
- Fred and the team kept us all moving through lockdown, having something to offer everyday of the week. They are so passionate and positive people, they really care out their clients xx
- From day one of lockdown Fred & the team made sure we could work out online. They have worked tirelessly and produced a fantastic programme that I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve lost well over a stone since lockdown and I feel so much stronger and fitter. My little one loves it too – she finds it more hilarious the harder I work. Massive thanks to Fred and the team.
- I started Fred Hudson’s specialist post-partum recovery classes a couple of months before the COVID-19 lockdown started. Fred took into account my old netball injury when prescribing my exercises which reassured me that I was in safe hands. I started noticing the benefits after only a few weeks. I was elated that I’d found something fun that was helping me address some very specific physical post-partum issues whilst being able to take my baby. The classes were also great value for money too, thoughtfully priced to reflect the limited budget of a mum on maternity. When the COVID-19 lockdown started Fred provided all the mums with a selection of resistance bands to use at home. He started online live Zoom classes 4 times a week that incorporated the use of everyday items around the house. He additionally provided 3 weekly training sessions using a free App called TrainHeroic which enabled mums to dip into whenever they liked to supplement the live classes or to use if they were unable to attend the live classes – Fred spent hours creating a library of short video clips specifically for this App that show you exactly how to perform all the exercises with the correct form. He additionally made available 3 weekly post-partum Yoga classes by teaming up with a lovely instructor. There have been a few quiz nights too. Fred has been available throughout to to answer all training questions. In summary during COVID-19 Pramfit has gone above and beyond to provide an incredibly generous, supportive and fun exercise resource that is specific to mums and the individual.
- Keeping me motivate to work out post natally with their fitness and yoga classes
- Throughout lockdown Fred who runs pramfit has worked really hard at adapting his business and moving it online. My friends and I who take part have not only got fitter and lost weight during lockdown but have also got a lot from the social connection, even if it is just over WhatsApp and zoom screens. My baby is even doing planks now!
Rebecca McGuinn
- She’s been so active from the start of Covid-19 looking after everyone in all the Ebor schools, children and staff. She’s thew well being team leader based at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy
Rhythm Time – Ami Stott
- Ami has worked tirelessly during lockdown, providing on line classes, parties, stories and nursery rhymes all while looking after her own children and keeping the Facebook page full of comments and humour. We really truly would have been lost without her. My boys adore her and have loved the virtual events but we can’t wait to get back to the physical Rhythm Time classes.
- As soon as full lockdown was announced and we all knew that all the baby, toddler and preschool groups would have to stop, despite obviously being devestated, Ami immediately set about sending lots of communication to all the parents reassuring us that she would find a way to ensure that the fun, the learning experiences and the sense of community and friendship that we all value so much from our Rhythm Time sessions would continue one way or another. Since that day, through daily facebook posts, online classes, weekend party classes, challenges, competitions and zoom sessions, Ami has ensured that the Rhythm Time family has remained connected, positive and engaged and the children have all continued to thrive from all the experiences Rhythm Time provides, just now from the comfort of their homes! Ami has really been a ray of sunshine and her never-faltering energy and commitment is recognised and appreciated so much by so many. We really would have been lost without her!
- Rhythmtime online has been the silver lining to our lockdown cloud
Rhythm Time York – Rachel
- She’s built an online hub and done live weekly requests and YouTube online classes to do at your own leisure. She’s been adapting every step of the way to try and improve her service and she’s been amazing
Richardson’s of Woodthorpe Butchers
- They’ve worked so hard throughout lockdown, delivering to their customers and they even stocked flour for us!
Riverford York
- Delivered fresh fruit and veg that where amazing
- Delivering each week and never missed a trick! Great service! Been great to get deliveries to the doorstep!
- Hooray for my veg box!! We would have been lost without it, especially in the early days when we went out as little as possible. The veg box delivery means we can hit our 5 a day & we get to try out new recipes as there is always an info leaflet in the box. Thanks Eleanor!
Sandmartins nursery
- The most amazing and caring little nursery..based in Sandhutton. They kept the key workers going and also supported all their children back home with daily updates , videos, messages and activities.
Sharing Life
- Sharing life have supported the wheldrake community with food parcels, prescription pick ups and befriending those in the community that need it most. What an amazing community effort!
- They have worked tirelessly, especially Emma Mawer to help bring the community together and to ensure vulnerable people have had all of the essentials during lockdown. What a wonderful, kind and thoughtful charity.
Sheriff Hutton Post Office and Stores
- They have gone above and beyond, looking out for everyone in the village, helping to get groceries to those who are shielding and doing what they can to stock up and keep us fed… and they had flour!
Skelton village shop
- Josh and Geeta and the other staff have gone above and beyond for the residents of Skelton, keeping open throughout and working incredibly hard to get things in stock when it was tricky. If they don’t have what you need in stock they make an extra effort to get it in for you (even gluten free flour which is like gold dust)
SNAPPY
- Anne Stamp and Team Anne and her team of volunteers have been open to take many disable and special needs kids during holidays and weekends! They have been committed to keeping things normal for these kids and to continue providing a few hours of respite for families of disabled kids. The kids have continued to have fun and meet with their friends which has been invaluable!
Sophie Tams
- My sons teacher has been amazing throughout lockdown. She has done more than any teacher I’ve ever known and kept the link between school and home as if my son was never away. She has been incredible!
- Sophie has been acting deputy head & SENCO for the past 12 months. Both as a parent with an SEN child and as a governor Sophie has impressed me how she has stepped up to both the role as well as the cv19 crisis. Not only did she take the step into acting deputy but for the majority of lockdown she was also the face of the school and on site due to the headteacher needing to shield physically from school. Sophie is a wonderful teacher and support to both pupils and parents alike.
Spring Espresso
- Super duper coffee with a smile- a lifeline in town when everything was shut. Gave long pram walks a rewarding aim.
Starseed Catering – Emily Deckers
- Emily cooked 100’s of meals for key workers during lockdown
- Emily is one of the most generous , community spirited people I know. When lockdown hit she worked on a fundraising project to provide Keyworkers in York with a hot meal. She singlehandedly cooked 540 meals, which were delivered to the Emergency Department , Covid wards, maternity unit, community midwives, domestics, porters, kitchen staff, health visitors, community nurses, podiatry team and adult carers. The meals meant so much to those who received them. Alongside this she carried on running her delivery and takeaway business, making sure people could still enjoy delicious food during lockdown, as well as looking after her two children. She has such a huge heart and deserves recognition for putting smiles on people’s faces with her delicious food and can-do attitude!
- For cooking over 500 meals for key workers
- For cooking so many meals for frontline workers
- For fundraising and making 540 meals for keyworkers and providing delicious delivery and takeout meals to brighten peoples day throughout lockdown
- Gorgeous home cooked meals made by Emily have been a godsend during lockdown. She has done so much to support the community, including making meals for NHS workers, on top of looking after her family.
- In lockdown she has catered hundreds of delicious meals for NHS staff and for individual families, expanding her business in incredibly challenging times, whilst also being a single parent to her two children.
- Thanks for being so wonderful cooking meals for key workers
- For providing meals whilst we were self isolating, delivery to our door.
- Have worked so hard providing meals for the NHS
Sutton upon Derwent COVID19 Support Group
- The support group have gone above and beyond offering support with food orders for those not having internet access and being unable to visit the shops for themselves due to shielding. Medicines have also been delivered and this has been an enormous help in alleviating worries for family living too far away to help during lockdown.
Tamars Toy Box – Tamar Driscoll
- Tamar has delivered birthday supplies and toys to families all over York. She has done little stalls with pocket money toys for sale and has suggested activities and fun things to do at home for all children.
- Much as I’ve missed Tamars shop, she has been brilliant on lockdown. She’s been happy to do local deliveries but she’s also gone above and beyond setting out trails for the children in Bishopthorpe to help make our walks more fun
- So helpful with my 5 year olds birthday But also doing the trails and the free jigsaws Amazing
- Tamar has been motivational in keeping her customers supplied. Keeping children happy in this difficult time. Delivering to anyone always with a smile and cheerful manner
- Tamar has been an absolute star, birthday party packs, trails for the kids around Bishopthorpe, lockdown packs and her latest pop up summer stalls. Absolutely amazing service with a smile x
- Motivating kids to get involved in socially distanced trails around the village – great for their mental health! Drop of party stuff for little ones with a lockdown birthday. Amazing lady 🤩
- Tamar has been on hand doing deliveries making sure my children had a super birthday during lockdown, she has gone above and beyond to help make lockdown birthdays just as special! Thanks so much for everything you do tamar x
- Whilst the shop has been shut Tamar has done pop up shops sold on line even provided balloons decorations etc for birthday parties. All with social distancing. She has really gone above and beyond in the community and further.
- Keeping the local children happy- delivering party packs and organising pop up shops with pocket money prices – all while sticking to lockdown/social distancing guidelines.
- She’s been brilliant at posting sets to me to keep my sen son entertained as he is shielding so we cannot go to the shops. She sent a gift I ordered to my daughter to keep her spirits high. She’s also arranged two party sets for my girls for the end of June with cards, banners, balloons, to make their lockdown birthdays extra special. She’s delivering them for me, again as were shielding this makes a special birthday for my girls possible.
- She’s been doing great things during lockdown, providing kids presents and activities to keep the little ones busy. She’s always so bubbly and positive too.
- Tamar has been an amazing support during lockdown, posting games around the village with her daughter, giving away free puzzles, setting up treasure hunts and delivering toys locally to keep the kids going. Such a local hero 👏
- Tamar has provided endless entertainment for not only my child but all the children in Bishopthorpe! Setting up trails on walks, leaving books outside her shop and delivering toys and crafts to your door!
- Tamar has provided endless entertainment for not only my child but all the children in Bishopthorpe! Setting up trails on walks, leaving books outside her shop and delivering toys and crafts to your door!
- While the toy shop was closed due to lockdown, Tamar has put up pictures of children’s characters round the village for children to find during daily exercise – and kept changing them. She also prepares & delivers birthday party packs for children isolating with their parents: ; a card, balloons etc. She’s kept all the children’s spirits lifted and helped to maintain everyone’s positive mental health with her constant motivation.
- Made a special birthday during lockdown! Even hand delivered gifts//balloons… amazing!
- Tamar has provided a personal service, my daughter wanted to buy her best friend a birthday present but I didn’t want to take her to the shops. Tamar ensured she could choose by sending over photos of stock for my daughter to pick from. She has also provided a listening ear and ensured that the magic has still been brought to many a Childs ‘lockdown’ birthday.
- You have carried on helping to entertain your customers even in the lockdown. Delivering to their front door.
- The Bishopthorpe kids along with their mum’s & dads.
Technology in Play
- Fantastic class daily, live. Science with what’s in the kitchen & community.
Tesco Askham bar
- On the ball, kept going, composed, helpful and smiley.
- I think most supermarkets helped a lot of people through the pandemic, being open anyway was fantastic, you were able to talk to someone else face to face and the staff there always did their best throughout it all
The Co-Op
- Because large supermarkets have been difficult to do with kids. The coops have been great. The staff are local heroes
The Giftery and Shop of Small Changes
- We loved the way that Mel reorganised her shop into a home delivery service. She adapted her stock to meet the needs of her customers and the whole order and delivery process was done in a friendly way.
The Greengrocers of Acomb
- They were able to deliver fresh fruit and veg, flour from the Windmill weekly and even beautiful flowers to say thank you to our midwife. We were expecting baby no. 4 when we entered lockdown and they helped us stay safe by delivering to us and we have stuck with them because the food is great and our children look forward to the greengrocers box arriving and seeing all that good fruit and vegetables. Thank you for helping us stay fed and healthy.
- We love our local greengrocers but they have been a lifeline to us during lockdown. They delivered veg boxes to us when we were shielding (heavily pregnant) and once our baby was born. It’s be a huge help to us. Plus their food is fantastic.
The Island
- Nigel and his team at the Island have helped us and other families during the Covid19 lock down. The people who work and volunteer at the Island are amazing selfless lovely kind individuals. Usually providing mentors and groups from young people. During this surreal time they began with phone calls to check in and see how the young person was and all other family members were adjusting to lockdown,they sent emails with information for ideas to get food delivered from local suppliers and all kinds of lists from play ideas to home school additional websites and financial services ideas for some who were on furlough etc. The behind the scenes help was gratefully accepted. They then delivered a hamper of food and craft activities even an easter egg. The hampers continued when ever you required extra help, the the lovely part was the children’s games and craft items to keep them busy when the weather was not so good. Again the staff were either on furlough or volunteering. The person who we met delivering our hamper at a safe distance was Mariah, she was lovely and friendly, also we has phone calls from Grace, Sharron, Ella, and Nigel the CEO was at HQ bagging up all the items to deliver to families. They have been a life line for us. Thank you for all that you do, to everyone at The Island 😊
- Nigel Poulton For all of his hard work efforts and ongoing support to many families, young people and volunteers and staff during this difficult time! He goes above and beyond in everything he does and has defitnely put a smile in many people’s faces during Covid 19.
The staff of calcaria vet
- No Grant’s No help financially still offered a 24hr service despite all the difficulties When did you hear a vets mentioned as a local hero ? Never !
The Viking Butchery – Nether Poppleton
- Brian and his wife have truly stepped up to the challenge of serving their community during this crisis. They have kept their butcher shop open for business and adapted to the needs of the customers. They started a much needed delivery service to help support families who were shielding or finding it difficult to get out with small children. They have been a fabulous example of community spirit and support for everyone in the village. Can not thank them enough!
- For carrying on through a particularly tough few weeks in the early days, finding a new routine which worked and keeping the household stocked up with a constant supply of meat, eggs and other essentials while enabling us to have improptu barbecues in the glorious weather.
The Yoga Revolution
- Adapting to virtual classes and still being as amazing as “normal”
- Chloe has been a superstar during lockdown with amazing online yoga classes
Theatre Of Science
- Providing amazingly entertaining and educational free sessions since lockdown began. These sessions have been free and informative, giving me time to get some work time plus the feeling I’ve provided a great educational experience for the little ones.
Thomas Leggott (clubbercise) and Ouch Potato
- Both took their exercise classes online to keep us going through lockdown and beyond. Exercise is key for mental health and having them has really helped me keep my sanity. Ouch potato also go above and beyond for their members with food plans and challenges also.
Thora & The Prince
- Rachel is an absolute diamond and her beautiful shop is a huge asset to our community. During these difficult times Rachel has adapted her business to provide an online shop even personally delivering to her local customers to ensure a fast, safe and contact free delivery. This has been an absolute Godsend in lock down to help those shielding and staying home provide beautiful cards and gifts for all the lockdown birthdays and special occasions. Such a wonderful lady and a wonderful local business.
- Rachel hand delivered cards and gifts to me during lockdown. So happy her shop is back open in Haxby
Tiny Tumblers
- Emma sent activity packs in the post and posted ideas online. Especially handy when baking had been exhausted.
- Keeping the tots entertained during lock down
- Tiny Tumblers have been amazing! For a company that specialises in parties and pop up soft play they have gone above and beyond by putting activities on their Facebook page, sent out little craft packages for children with certificates to say they have passed the lockdown, and they have done that for free just out of the goodness of Emma’s heart! It’s just been a really lovely touch
- Normally when school is out Tiny Tumblers do little pop up soft play. Obviously with the current situation that is not possible. Tiny Tumblers have been amazing! For a company that specialises in parties and pop up soft play they have gone above and beyond by putting activities on their Facebook page, sent out little craft packages for children with certificates to say they have passed the lockdown, and they have done that for free just out of the goodness of Emma’s heart! It’s just been a really lovely touch They have even managed to set up slumber party/soft play kits for parents/children who’s parties have had to be cancelled so that children don’t miss out!
Toddler Sense York – Danielle Taylor
- Danielle’s weekly ToddlerSense at Home online classes have been a highlight of lockdown and have helped to give our week structure and variety. Plus the fact that she had a new baby of her own early in lockdown but carried on with the same energy and enthusiasm every week makes her an absolute superwoman in my eyes!
Wild Things Forest School
- We used to attend Wild Things family forest school sessions and during lockdown we have loved seeing update videos of the Wild Things site. Emma very kindly set up a few Facebook group and shared lots of great ideas of ways to keep our young nature explorers occupied during lockdown. We are looking forward to having some hot chocolate back at the site soon!
Willow Farm Produce, Sheriff Hutton
- At the very start of lockdown the world seemed a scary place wondering why food we had been able to get so freely was so restricted or nowhere to be seen on the shelf. Willow farm produce continued to work hard to supply the growing demand as well as having their two lovely children at home with them. They have gone above and beyond as well as delivering some beautiful flowers that seemed to make everything feel a little better
Woodman Bishopthorpe
- Delivering soups for people in need in the community. A new business too having just taken over – really appreciated!
Ye Old Sun Inn
- Adapting the pub in to a village store, providing a delivery service to any surrounding villages and providing a takeaway food and drink service. A very well organised setup, less stressful than going to the supermarket, well done Kelly and team.
Yoga for Modern Life – Susan Bradley
- Susan has been brilliant at supporting women through this emotional time when preparing for an equally emotional moment in your life. The support and care she has provided throughout lockdown has enabled fellowship and community that provided a space for care and joy.
- incredible support both before and during lockdown.
- Susan is a fantastic and passionate yoga And hypnobirthing teacher and a very caring and compassionate person. She couldn’t have done more for the women in her pregnancy yoga or post natal yoga classes In the past few months since the start of Covid 19. It made a huge difference to my wellbeing during my pregnancy And postnatally that Susan has given open access to all of her Yoga and Mindfulness/meditation classes for the price of attending one of the classes. Without it the end of my pregnancy would have felt a lot more lonely and anxiety provoking, instead I felt connected with others and reassured. Susan also goes above and beyond in both her collective and individual support of the women who attend her classes, much more than I ever would have expected or anticipated from attending a yoga class. Her care and compassion for pregnant and post natal mums is extraordinary. She is very deserving of recognition.
- Susan’s pregnancy and mum and baby yoga moved online when the pandemic started. They say it takes a village to raise a baby and in a time when very few people had one, Susan created one. She is kind and generous and constantly supportive. Her classes were a highlight of my week.
York Baptist Church
- Even though we haven’t been able to meet together, our church services, prayer meetings and Bible studies by zoom have been a vital resource during lockdown. We’ve been able to see other people in our church family virtually and keep meeting together online. It’s not the same as in person but lockdown would have been miserable without it!
York Elite Karate
- For providing the same online classes as they normally do and adapted very well for limited spaces. And for keeping me sane.
York Inspirational Kids
- 24 hours a day YIK supports parents in York with special needs kids from being a sounding board, sharing opportunities and advice to bringing parents together. Great job Ruth & Co.
- All the gets being together and family support
- Always on hand with advice and support, Ruth Thompson is an amazing advocate.
- York Inspirational Kids and associted York Ausome kids, provides a confidentail support forum for parents of children with specific needs. Organising events for young people and training for parents and carers is so important to help us manage the huge challenges many parents face and deal with the hurdles presented by additional needs.
- Because they are for parents with children with specail needs they do trips hold events we have facebook page for parents to talk to each other ask advice or just for a sholder to cry on .
- Great source of help, support and ideas for parents and carers of SEN children.
- It’s the only place to go to in York to get great advice and from people who truely understand your circumstances.
- Making disability feel normal
- The knowledge, support and unwavering energy of Ruth Thompson in running York Inspirational Kids provides an essential lifeline to those of us with children with Special Needs whether they are toddlers or teenagers. I couldn’t think of an organisation or person more deserving.
- The support they give is second to non. Ruth And other admins has been making sure families are ok sign posting people to help and also just being there for you and the family.
- The support they provide is invaluable.
York Inspirational Kids The updates and constant support of the group whilst in lock down has been fantastic . Looking forward to getting back together again. Couldn’t do without them.
- The voice of disability. Support network. Advocate. Info. Outings. Meetings.
- They have offered valuable information during the pandemic.
- zoom classroom for 8 young people who have been finding it difficult not being in school together
- YIK and especially Ruth are a lifeline for many of us who parent children with additional needs. Never more so than during the pandemic.
- The social media pages have kept us up to date with all the advice for disabled children in York and a great support network
- A lot of great advice through this terrible time
- Ruth Thompson does a fab job running the charity and we have missed her and the families so much as the charity provides so much for the young children with illnesses and disabilities x
York Pilates People
- An all round brilliant indie business who have been excellent at adapting to lockdown life. Lou and the team quickly got lessons online and adapted brilliantly to the changed needs of their clients- releasing live and recorded classes, offering free coffee spaces to help break up the day, and switching up their timings to suit more people in lockdown. The disruption to their own working patterns have truly been above and beyond as well as the kindness and thoughtfulness in their lockdown programme. Having a live weekly Pilates class to tune into on Zoom has given my week much needed structure, exercise, and a sense of normality. In fact, Pilates night has become self-care night in my house- we each do things that make us feel good (mine is my Pilates class) and catch up on the Sewing Bee together. Best night of the week, thanks to York Pilates People!
- Being able to continue with pilates at home has been amazing during this difficult time – it’s really kept me sane. It’s also been pretty essential for countering sitting at a desk all day while working from home. Lou adapted to teaching online so quickly & I cannot stress how much better her classes are than other less personal online or YouTube offerings. Thank you!
- I’d been attending the pregnancy Pilates class and when we got told to stay at home I was 28 weeks pregnant. Lou moves the classes online which was a lifesaver for me as it meant I still got to see my fellow pregnant class mates and keep exercising throughout. Thanks Lou!
- Lou got YPP up and running on zoom so quickly after lockdown that has kept us in contact with her teaching and with each other. Brilliant service to her clients.
- Lou has been fantastic over the lockdown keeping us all going with our Pilates exercises and also encouraging and enabling social contact via weekly online ‘coffee breaks’. She puts so much energy and creativity into her relatively new business and really cares about her members and the wider community. I certainly would have found the lockdown a whole lot harder without my regular exercise and social sessions. And special mention to Maddie, one of Lou’s teachers who has also kept us going through this challenging time.
- Lou has been so great at adapting her classes and tending to her students needs during the COVID-19 crisis. She did not miss a beat and classes were online very shortly after lock down. These Pilates classes have not only kept me sane but provided some much needed structure during the crazy times. It gave us a sense of community and allowed us to connect with our fellow class mates, allowing us all a tiny glimpse of normality. I cannot thank Lou enough for her help during this time – I definitely would have been lost without her!
- Louise Fellowes and her 2 fellow teachers have been invaluable to me over the last 3 months. Their virtual classes and coffee mornings have been a real focus of positivity and motivation for me during the lockdown. I’ve done my best to socuslly isolate, and this business has really kept my spirits up in this most difficult of times.
- Louise Fellows transformed herself and her team into online heroes. She has set up online classes and coffee chats, put up videos and done Facebook chats and intros…. In short brilliant. Also very encouraging and supportive.
- The virtual studio has delivered many varied classes via ZOOM and kept us moving. Always positive and cheerful.
- Within a week of going into lockdown, Lou and the team went completely digital with online classes, live and recorded workouts and virtual coffee breaks, all on Zoom. Seeing everyone, and having a bit of sanity and routine restored through the classes have been a lifesaver.
- Your ace online classes have kept us fit and mentally alert.
- For moving the studio online, offering extra classes to all members, constantly giving us new options to benefit our wellbeing, like wind down yoga. Lou has created a wonderful community at YPP and managed to recreate it virtually, no mean feat! She even has virtual coffee breaks.
- Lou has provided a full timetable of online and recorded Pilates classes throughout lockdown, together with virtual online coffee breaks, to enable us to continue our fitness regimes and keep in touch with friends.
- Lou has put so much enthusiasm energy and hard work into making pilates a very achievable goal in these difficult times. The studio closed but YPP stayed open and virtual classes began from the teachers homes. Such enthusiasm and positivity. Lou reached out on social media and on a personal level to all her dedicated clients and never failed them.
- Lou quickly switch the regular Pilates sessions to online and has provided her usual excellent Pilates classes. She also encouraged the social aspect of the classes by providing virtual coffee areas for people to chat.
- She has offered a range of classes every week both live and pre recorded to keep us moving. She has also made short videos concentrating on certain equipment or parts of the body which has been great to work round my kids. I’ve felt as though Lou has really thought about how we must all be feeling and has steered her classes to work on those areas that may be particular tight and to help us relax. She also fundraised for Sash with a how to video.
- She worked tireless to move her studio online transforming her business practically overnight and continues to develop online resources in multiple formats so we can work on our Pilates flexibly in lockdown which is priceless. It has given the community at YPP much needed continuity and support both physically and mentally.
- For continuing to deliver exceptional Pilates classes on line and being supportive and friendly. Also for raising funds for young homeless people.
York Stage School
- Because my little girl (22 months) has loved every one of their ‘songs from the settee’ all themed around current relatable issues. We watch them again and again and have our favourites!
- For a 12 year old to miss her first show in a principle role, having to grow up without close contact with friends. York Stage has provided excellent material each week for her to focus on. Shakespeare, to comedy to modern emotive monologues all in acting sessions with video feedback weekly has really been a highlight to her week. Not only this but she has learned to edit videos, create scripts, learned dances. From favourite west end shows. This is a well as learning a song every week. She has improved in confidence and spirit with this focus weekly. Zoom calls and celebrations of their work has all added to this. I can not believe how her repertoire and skills has grown with these sessions. First class
- It’s made a huge difference getting to learn new skills and great fun. It’s helped pass the time for my daughter and the teachers are fantastic!
- Love their facebook updates and posts
- My 16yr old son who was preparing for his GCSE’s, applying to college with future ambitions of a career in Musical Theatre, and had just recently been cast in his first major roles in the York Theatre Scene suddenly found himself with no exams, no shows, no job, and an uncertain future. Unable to meet up with friends also you could see it really got to him. He has been a member of York Stage school school for the past year and loved it. They were determined to still get their students performing and having fun. With different themes each week, various challenges, professional advice and guest stars from the world of TV and theatre they have kept these children’s hopes, dreams and ambitions alive. They have given them something to work toward, providing valuable feedback for everything they submit. Without them my son would have no doubt been stuck in a slump and believing he had no hope for the future. He is not academic so therefore a failure in the eyes of the government however, he has a natural talent for the arts and York Stage school have given him the hope, encouragement and support he needs.
- Songs from the Setee was something to look forward to.
- They entertained us with stunning performances in their “songs from the settee” on Facebook.
- They have been creating a superb series of songs called “Songs From the Settee” and it is amazing. Always great to hear quality voices from York Stage bringing joy to the dull days of lockdown. I also got to partake in the “Imagine” video as a member of York Stage School! Utterly brilliant!!
- Usually we attend for two hours on a Saturday, but since the closure of the school due to Covid, Nik quickly got sorted and started York Stage on line. Each week is a different theme from comedy to Shakespeare. Nik and the team have set 3 tasks (some weeks four) a week. A singing task, acting task, dancing task and a musical task. These tasks have occupied my 8 year old son for the entire week! He’s struggled to motivate himself for any school work and has completed very little. However he is so excited for a Saturday night when the next weeks work is set. He spends all week practicing and researching the weeks tasks – he’s learnt 4 Shakespeare plays this week! Which is amazing!! We really would have been lost without Nik and the teams hard work and once the work is submitted on a Friday he then looks forward to the pre recorders feedback given by each teacher. He uses this to improve week on week. Nik’s even produced a song (Imagine) where all the children take part in the choir (it’s brilliant – watch it!) and organised Skype meeting with real life actors for the children to ask questions. A brilliant learning experience and fun!! I don’t know what we’d have done without it!!! Looking forward to virtual summer school!!
- York stage school is an amazing stage school my daughter attends in york. They have since worked so hard to provide classes on screen each week of lock down, giving all the children acting, singing and dancing challenges to complete. Every video they receive from the children gets a video back from a teacher to tell them how well they have done and also areas to improve to keep them learning all the time. They also get guests to join in each week from the industry which is amazing including zoom calls! My daughter has missed her classes so much with york stage, I know she would of been lost without seeing all her teachers on screen each week. Nik, Joanne, Jess, Danielle have been amazing and so deserve this nomination.
York Suzuki Early Childhood Education – Laura Wingrove
- Laura generously offered her online classes free of charge and re-created the calm, safe and nurturing environment of her classes online. This is no easy feat with a group of toddlers! The weekly group has made such a difference to our life in lockdown, it is the only time we have consistently had where we have felt connected to other families and our child has been excited to take part and has grown in confidence. Thank you Laura for your generosity.
- This class has kept us going throughout lockdown. Laura has put her classes online twice a week completely free of charge, found creative ways to replicate all the musical activities, and also to engage every single child individually. During this difficult time her classes have been a real lifesaver. It’s also been lovely to see the children actually continuing to progress in tiny ways week by week, so it’s been great for their development even though she hasn’t been able to teach in person.
York Wholesale Meats
- Providing a delivery service of quality meats, when lots of people didn’t feel safe enough to go to the supermarket, and the delivery slots were so hard to come by.
York Womens’Counselling Service
- Because they give affordable counselling support to local women who need help in overcoming many of the issues in today’s world. Having the right support at the right time can mean turning their live around and avoiding family breakdown.
- Because this is fantastic organisation run by women for women in need of counselling through difficult times who cannot afford to pay for private counselling. The service has kept going all through lockdown by providing online counselling. The lives of many women in York have been turned around by the support and understanding they have received from YWCS.
- Life during lockdown has been tough for everyone but for those needing counselling support it would have been like taking a lifeline away. They have adjusted their service and have offered online sessions or keep in touch calls.
York Womens’Counselling Service Over the 20 years of their existence, they have helped many many women overcome insecurity and trauma, enabling them to lead a full life. A small independent charity, their counselors are all volunteers; no woman is turned away for lack of funds to pay even the donation requested by the organization to meet their overhead. A service “for women run by women”.
- Providing counselling for women in the York area, they moved to phone calls during lockdown. Available to all women regardless of financial status.
- This charity is one of the few providing low cost counselling to women in and around York. We don’t turn anyone away based on financial barriers- we find ways of helping. Our team of therapists are all volunteers – dedicated, passionate women who want to support other women who are in psychological distress. In the current climate of COVID 19, and the inevitable aftermath, our services will never be more needed.
- Worked hard to make adjustments to the service so they can continue to offer support to women in York. Many vulnerable women would have lost a vital form of support otherwise!
- YWCS has continued to sort as many women as possible throughout lockdown, despite being ran by volunteers. They’re incredible 🧡
Yorkshire Fitness
- Since lock down they have been putting on virtual bootcamps on an almost daily basis to keep people motivated and fit. As well as all of the other benefits that’s exercise provides. It is group participation so you feel like you are working out in a group still. Great work
Yorkshire Rose Academy of Dance
- Miss Kerry For adapting her dance classes for online participation and providing a free daily Zumba class for us to keep moving!
- Reacted quickly to deliver online classes via Zoom. Not an easy thing for the kids to adapt to, but adapt they did and added some structure to the week and continued to learn and catch up with friends. Thank you Miss Kerry and team!
- My daughter loves to dance and loves her dance classes with YRAD. With schools closed the fact that Kerry managed to move all the classes online, (as well as offering daily zumba) has been a vital mood booster. Its enabled the kids to continue their dance and socialise with there friends, bringing some much needed fun into lock-down
Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice
- When all the cafes and restaurants closed, the amazing team at Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice had to work so hard to keep going and find new ways to get their produce to the public. But they have stayed positive throughout and expanded their home delivery service. We have enjoyed their delicious apple juice at home during the lockdown period.