Gest appearance
David Gest made a surprise appearance at this month’s Miss York launch party, offering his support to the competition.
The US music producer, who shot to fame in 2006 after appearing on ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here’, arrived unannounced with one of the event’s judges.
At the launch it was revealed that the final will now be held at the newly refurbished Barbican centre on Saturday 17 March next year.
The change of venue, which means that 40 contestants and an audience of 400 will be provided for, reflects the event’s growing popularity, says competition organiser Naomi Smith.
Big opportunities
York’s Widening Participation scheme has spoken of its aim to maintain the University’s 80/20 ratio of state-to-private schools, despite fee hikes.
The scheme aims to keep alive the original intention of the University, which was established in 1963 with an aim to include a wide range of social classes.
The scheme, which last week won an award as part of the countrywide Realising Opportunities Partnership, helps disadvantaged pupils from across the country.
Its main function is to inform school pupils of the availability of grants, that will help them pay their way through University.
Last year, Realising Opportunities focused on helping 600 pupils, and sent 95 per cent of them to research-intensive universities.
Streets cleared
THE City Council have announced plans to transform York’s city centre as part of a widespread effort to ‘Reinvigorate York’.
Their goal, to make York a more pedestrian-centred city, will be put into effect by removing vehicle access to the busiest areas.
Councillor David Merret, the cabinet member for city strategy, said that “it’s time to move forward.”
The city made a similar push to clear the streets in the ’80s, Merret explained, but more needs to be done.
The Council intends to eventually pedestrianise Fossgate and Duncombe Place, which links the Minster to the main road.
Reinvigorate York’s first move, though, will be to demolish the toilet block in the centre of Parliament Street, which has cost the Council £24,000 to maintain since being closed two years ago.