2019 Festival

You can find a statement and information about the 2020 festival here.

YORK’S DEAD GOOD FESTIVAL 2019

CELEBRATION OF LIFE DOODLE ART

TIME: Throughout the week

VENUE: York Hospital Foyer

INFO: www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/news

Local artist, Stephen Lee Hodgkin, will be chatting to visitors and staff in York Hospital’s main entrance during the week, helping capture moments and experiences that celebrate life. Visitors will be encouraged to use postcards to contribute stories and drawings to a large doodle. Stephen will then create a final piece inspired by these conversations for display within the hospital.

Friday 10th May 2019

PLAYBACK THEATRE PERFORMANCE

TIME: Friday 10th May, 7pm – 8:30pm

VENUE: Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly York YO1 9PB

BOOK: No booking required

INFO: 

Next Door But One, in association with Playback Theatre York, bring an evening of performance and stories of life, death and everything in between. Playback Theatre is a form of improvised theatre in which the stories come from the audience and are spontaneously performed by a team
of experienced actors. We have the stage and the actors … all we need now is an audience with stories to share with us.

Saturday 11th May 2019

LAUNCH EVENT & INFORMATION HUB

TIME: Saturday 11th May, 10:30am – 1pm 

VENUE: Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly York YO1 9PB

BOOK: No booking required

INFO: 

Drop in and meet the Festival Team for an overview of the week’s events. If you’re not sure what to come to, come to this! There will be music and the chance to find out more about each event from the speakers themselves. While you’re there, grab something delicious to eat
and drink from Spark’s independent street food vendors, bars and cafes.

PERFORMANCE: COLDER THAN HERE

TIME: Saturday 11th May, 7:30pm

VENUE: York Cemetery Chapel, 30 Cemetery Road, York YO10 5AJ

BOOK: Booking required – www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk

INFO: Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, we are able to offer tickets as ‘Pay What You Feel’ with all proceeds going to St Leonard’s Hospice.

Laura Wade’s witty and poignant look at terminal illness shows what happens to the dynamics of a family when the coldest of afflictions sets in. The one act play explores death, dying and grief and is therefore headlining York’s Dead Good Festival, which will connect audience members to other workshops and presentations on end of life care, funeral planning, will writing and bereavement services.

Sunday 12th May 2019

PERFORMANCE: COLDER THAN HERE

TIME: Sunday 12th May, 2pm

VENUE: York Cemetery Chapel, 30 Cemetery Road, York YO10 5AJ

BOOK: Booking required – www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk

INFO: Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, we are able to offer tickets as ‘Pay What You Feel’ with all proceeds going to St Leonard’s Hospice.

See above entry.

Monday 13th May 2019

YORKSHIRE ORGAN DONATION SERVICES

TIME: Monday 13th May, 11am – 12noon

VENUE: The Stables, St Leonard’s Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL (Due to limited parking we ask that you park at the Moor Lane Pay and Display car park opposite the Hospice.)

BOOK: No booking required

INFO: 

A presentation and discussion on organ donation, touching on which organs can be donated, who is able to become an organ donor and the benefits of donation and transplantation. It will also emphasise the importance of registering as an organ donor and discussing this decision with family. Currently 6 out of 10 families consent to donation but we need this to be at least 8 out of 10 families to ensure that even more people get their life saving transplants.

HOSPICE TOUR

TIME: Monday 13th May, 12noon – 1pm

VENUE: St Leonard’s Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL (Due to limited parking we ask that you park at the Moor Lane Pay and Display car park opposite the Hospice.)

BOOK: No booking required

INFO:  / 01904 777 777

The Hospice team will give a tour to members of the public who are interested in finding out more about the care we give to our patients and their families. There is no need to book, just arrive ten minutes before the tour begins.

GREEN FUNERAL SOLUTIONS: HOW TO CUT THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF DYING

TIME: Monday 13th May, 1pm – 2pm

VENUE: The Stables, St Leonard’s Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL (Due to limited parking we ask that you park at the Moor Lane Pay and Display car park opposite the Hospice.)

BOOK: No booking required

INFO: 

Low-carbon-living expert John Cossham investigates the tricky subject of how to be eco-friendly with the last choice you make.

HEALTHWATCH YORK – DROP-IN SESSION

TIME: Monday 13th May, 2pm – 3pm

VENUE: The Stables, St Leonard’s Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL (Due to limited parking we ask that you park at the Moor Lane Pay and Display car park opposite the Hospice.)

BOOK: No booking required

INFO:  / www.healthwatchyork.co.uk / 01904 621 133

Come along to our Healthwatch York information drop-in session and gain guidance and advice on the health and social care services there are in York by chatting to some of our community champion volunteers.

GRAVE TALK

TIME: Monday 13th May, 3pm – 4pm

VENUE: The Stables, St Leonard’s Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL (Due to limited parking we ask that you park at the Moor Lane Pay and Display car park opposite the Hospice.)

BOOK: No booking required

INFO: 

The truth is we are all going to die, but nobody wants to say anything. Grave Talk is a chance to talk about death, think about your funeral, ask questions and air your thoughts. For people of all
faiths and doubts. There will be tea and cake, talk and questions.

YORK CREMATORIUM TOUR
TIME: Monday 13th May, 4pm – 5pm
VENUE: York Crematorium, Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2QD
BOOK: Booking required – [email protected] / 01904 777 777
INFO: Gary Fewkes 01904 552 071

A guided tour for members of the public to visit the crematorium facilities and the memorial gardens and view the different types of memorials available at present. Staff will be available to answer any questions visitors may have and also describe the cremation process.

CREMATION OR BURIAL: WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY AFTER YOU DIE?
TIME: Monday 13th May, 6pm – 7pm
VENUE: University of York Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Daniel Robins, University of York

What happens to dead bodies after the funeral service? This workshop examines the two most common processes of disposing of the dead: cremation and burial.

EVELYN (FILM)
TIME: Monday 13th May, 6.15pm
VENUE: City Screen Picture House, 13-17 Coney Street, York YO1 9QL
BOOK: Booking required. Tickets £7.70 each from the City Screen ticket office or website 

INFO: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/York_Picturehouse/film/evelyn

Evelyn is a deeply personal film from Academy Award winning filmmakers of The White Helmets and Virunga. It is the story of how a family survives the unthinkable. This poetic feature documentary explores the fabric of grief and the longevity of love. Part quest film, part road-trip, part memoir, Evelyn is an exposition of the taboos of mental health and male emotion, and a tribute to our times.

MAKING SENSE OF PET DEATH 
TIME: Monday 13th May, 7pm – 8pm
VENUE: University of York Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington
York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Bethany Robertson, University of York


This talk explores how the meaningful relationships humans share with pets may be continued after the loss of a pet. To what extent are pets part of your family?

Tuesday 14th May 2019

FUNERAL PLANNING INFORMATION 
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 10am – 11am
VENUE: Bramley Room, New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, York YO32 4AQ
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Chris Dudzinska – 07824 639244 / [email protected]


Come and join this informal, not-at-allmorbid session to find out about the many choices for funerals, of which most people are unaware. Discover how funerals can be more meaningful and, at
the same time, not cost the earth.

IDEAL LIVING – TALK
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 11am – 12noon
VENUE: Bramley Room, New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, York YO32 4AQ
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Anne Wyn-Jones – 07885 729759 / [email protected]
 

Do you want to move home yet feel daunted with all that needs doing? Perhaps you have to sort through a loved one’s home and possessions as they have passed away, yet you feel overwhelmed and require practical help? Find out how Anne can help you through these life challenges.

SOUL MIDWIFE – TALK
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 12noon – 1pm
VENUE: Bramley Room, New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, York YO32 4AQ
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Sylvia Wagner-Bottomer – 07999 880163 / [email protected]
 

Women companions to the dying. We will explore the practical side of soul midwifery accompanying a friend on a safe journey home, as well as looking at how this sacred work is done here and in other cultures, both now and in the past.

KEEPSAKE ART 
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 1pm – 2pm
VENUE: Bramley Room, New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, York YO32 4AQ
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Sarah Jackson – [email protected] / www.winifredtaylor.com


Do you have old items of fabric and memorabilia (photos, letters etc) that stay hidden in a drawer? Sarah Jackson, textile artist at Winifred Taylor, will explain how you can make 2D and 3D
‘keepsake art’ from these precious items.

LIVING FUNERALS 
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 2pm – 3pm
VENUE: Bramley Room, New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, York YO32 4AQ
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: [email protected]


A ceremony or ritual which reflects and honours life. This could be an opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to express their feelings, love and appreciation for a person who is
imminently dying. It also gives opportunity for the one who is dying to express their love and appreciation to all those who have been part of their life.

THE SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL POSTHUMOUS CELEBRITY CAREER
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 4pm – 5pm
VENUE: University of York Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Dr Ruth Penfold-Mounce, University of York


Death is not the end for many dead celebrities. This workshop explores how the celebrity dead can have successful posthumous careers.

THE CORPSE IN THE CORPUS: DEAD BODIES IN LITERATURE
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 5pm – 6pm
VENUE: University of York Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Nicky Gardiner, University of Huddersfield


In this interactive presentation, we’ll consider how depictions of the dead body in literature can cultivate a greater understanding and acceptance of death.

DEALING WITH DEATH IN PRISON
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 6pm – 7pm

VENUE: University of York Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ

BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Carol Robinson, University of York


More prisoners than ever are dying of natural causes in prison. Is a good death possible behind bars? Find out more in this workshop about dying in prison and its effects.

FUNERAL POVERTY: WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT IT?
TIME: Tuesday 14th May, 7pm – 8pm
VENUE: University of York, Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Dr Julie Rugg, University of York


How is funeral poverty constructed? More importantly, how do we talk about it?

Wednesday 15th May 2019

LGBT DEATH CAFÉ 
TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 10.30am – 11.30am
VENUE: Brierley Room, York Explore Library, Library Square, York YO1 7DS
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Sue Collins & Janice Thornton


A safe space for the LGBT+ community to talk about death, share ideas, cake and good company.

CONSULTATION SESSION FOR TEACHERS AND PROFESSIONALS
TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 12noon – 1pm
VENUE: Seminar Room, St Leonard’s Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL
BOOK: Booking required – [email protected]
INFO: Jenny Latchford & Jane Driver, St Leonard’s Hospice – 01904 708 553


An opportunity for teachers and other professionals supporting children facing loss to engage in a consultation session aimed at developing a training day to meet their needs. Jenny Latchford
Senior Social Worker and Jane Driver Bereavement Co-ordinator want to hear from you.

LET’S GET A GRIP: WORKSHOP FOR THOSE WHO FACE END-OF-LIFE WITHOUT FAMILY AROUND THEM 
TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 1pm – 2pm
VENUE: Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Sue Lister – 01904 488 870 / www.realpeopletheatre.co.uk / www.awoc.org


When you can’t be as independent as you used to be and you find yourself living alone without the support of family, who is going to be there for you in time of need? Using extracts from the Real People Theatre production ‘No Kidding?’ we will workshop ways of coping on the principle that my life and my death are my responsibility … as far as money, legality and fate allow!

MORTUARY TOUR  

TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 1.30pm – 2.30pm
VENUE: York Hospital Foyer, Wigginton Road, York YO31 8HE
BOOK: [email protected]
INFO: [email protected]


Come and meet some of the mortuary staff at York Hospital who will guide you through a working mortuary and give a fascinating insight into a department which is usually out of sight. Find out what it’s like working there, and the skills and dedication required. Meet in the foyer at the main entrance 5 minutes before the start time. Places are very limited so booking is essential.

WITH THE END IN MIND – TALK AND Q&A
TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 3.30pm – 5pm
VENUE: Principal Hotel, Station Road, York YO24 1AA
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Kathryn Mannix


After 30 years as a palliative care specialist, Kathryn Mannix feels passionately that it’s time to re-claim public understanding of dying. Told through a series of powerful stories taken from her clinical practice, interwoven with her own professional journey, her book ‘With the End in Mind’ sends a vital message to the living and answers the most urgent, intimate and fascinating questions about the end-of-life process with touching honesty and humility.

HIDING THE HOLOCAUST: HOW THE NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS WERE HIDDEN TALK
TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 5pm – 6pm
VENUE: University of York, Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Dr Rachael Burns, University of York


This talk explores what Nazi concentration camps looked like and how this influenced civilian attitudes to the inmates therein.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH BUDDHIST DEATH RITUALS 
TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 6pm – 7pm
VENUE: University of York, Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Matt Coward-Gibbs, University of York


Using canonical source material and contemporary ethnographies, this talk will explore the way in which Buddhists and Buddhism interacts with death, dying and disposal.

AND DEATH SHALL HAVE NO DOMINION: DYING FOR THE FUTURE IN SCIENCE FICTION TALK
TIME: Wednesday 15th May, 7pm – 8pm
VENUE: University of York, Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Dr Amanda Rees, University of York


Do you ever get to die in science fiction? Come and see how death, grief, re-animation and re-birth have been explored in stories from Frankenstein to The Big Bang Theory.

Thursday 16th May 2019

MAKE A WILL WEEK – INFO HUB
TIME: Thursday 16th May, 10am – 4pm
VENUE: Parliament Street, York City Centre
BOOK: No booking required
INFO [email protected] / 01904 777 777 / www.stleonardshospice.org.uk


Come and meet the Hospice Team in Parliament Street together with solicitors from across the region who are providing Will writing services for free in return for a donation to the
Hospice.

DO NOT ATTEMPT CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION (DNACPR): DISCUSSION AND
MYTH-BUSTING TALK
TIMES: Thursday 16th May, 1pm – 2pm; 2pm – 3pm; 3pm – 4pm
VENUE: Resus Laboratory, Academic Block 5, Postgraduate Centre, York Hospital, Wigginton Road
York YO31 8HE
BOOK: [email protected]
INFO: [email protected]


There are many misconceptions about DNACPR. Hear from experts what it’s really like trying to resuscitate someone. Spoiler: it’s not like what you see on TV and in films! Also get to know the
facts about DNACPR (Do Not Attempt CPR) – what is it, what can we ask and how does it work in practice? Places are limited and will book up from the earliest slot first.

REST IN PEACE? WHY RE-USING GRAVES IS CRUCIAL TO SAVING OUR CEMETERY HERITAGE 
TIME: Thursday 16th May, 6pm – 7pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/133, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Dr Ian Dungavell, Highgate Cemetery


Around the country, many historical cemeteries are in a terrible state. It doesn’t have to be like this: re-using graves could help generate the income needed to restore historic buildings and landscapes.

GHOST WALK 
TIME: Thursday 16th May, 7.20pm ready for a 7.30pm start
VENUE: In front of York Explore Library, Library Square, Museum Street, York YO1 7DS
BOOK: Booking required, £4 per person – [email protected]
INFO: Sarah Jackson – [email protected]


York is renowned for its ghosts … come on a 90 minute evening tour of the city and learn about some well-known, and other more obscure, ghosts! Maximum of 20 people.

Friday 17th May 2019

PLANETARY PERSPECTIVES ON OUR JOURNEY HERE AND BACK HOME WORKSHOP
TIME: Friday 17th May, 9am – 11am
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Linda Fryer – [email protected]


Using ancient planetary symbols as imaginative keys we’ll picture our descent into embodiment and our return journey home. Materials provided.

DEATH DOULA – TALK
TIME: Friday 17th May, 11am – 12noon
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Emma Yates-Butler – [email protected]

A chance to come and hear about End of Life doulas and the work we do to support the dying and their loved ones. End of Life doulas are trained to provide practical and emotional support and assistance to the dying and their loved ones. They sometimes also sit in vigil with the dying person, supporting family members while they do so and continue to be available during the period of bereavement and grief.

CUPPA AND A CHORUS – MEXICAN DAY OF THE DEAD THEME WORKSHOP
TIME: Friday 17th May, 11.30am – 1pm
VENUE: Acomb Explore Library, Front Street, Acomb, York YO24 3BZ
BOOK: Booking required – [email protected]
INFO: [email protected]


Sing in a relaxed, welcoming environment and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. Come and join us and enjoy making music with a group of friendly people. No experience needed, just a desire to meet like-minded people. Sessions are led by experienced community choir leader Chris Bartram.

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PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE AND MAKING YOUR WISHES KNOWN 
TIME: Friday 17th May, 12noon – 1pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: [email protected] / 01904 708 553

It’s important for everyone to talk about end-of-life wishes, as dying is the one thing we have in common, and it would be foolish to leave it to different minded people to decide how you want to be treated when you can no longer influence the outcome.

IDEAL LIVING – TALK
TIME: Friday 17th May, 1pm – 2pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Anne Wyn-Jones – 07885 729759 / [email protected]

Do you want to move home yet feel daunted with all that needs doing? Perhaps you have to sort through a loved one’s home and possessions as they have passed away, yet you feel overwhelmed and require practical help? Find out how Anne can help you through these life challenges.

HOSPICE BIOGRAPHERS – TALK
TIME: Friday 17th May, 2pm – 3pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Glen Dewsbury – [email protected]

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Everyone has an extraordinary  life story to tell. To hear that life story told by the person who has lived it is a powerful thing, particularly when that voice is one you know well. St Leonard’s Hospice works in partnership with the Hospice Biographers charity to record the life stories of our patients on audio. This accessible and welcoming session will explore how creating an audio biography helps us care for our patients and their loved ones, and also how it can add to a person’s legacy.

DEAD GOOD CAKE ’N’ CHAT DISCUSSION
TIME: Friday 17th May, 3pm – 4pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Chris Dudzinska – 07824 639244 / chris@lastwishesfunerals. co.uk

People are beginning to talk openly about death and dying, and this is a chance to gain information and dispel long-held myths and taboos. This is the perfect opportunity for people to meet up and have a chat whilst becoming informed: and enjoying tea and cake! Thinking about the inevitable in advance ensures good preparation for us and our families, and better choices to suit our individual needs. This is not a bereavement group, but a chance to speak freely about any
aspects of death or dying whether good or not quite so good.

DONATING BODIES FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION 
TIME: Friday 17th May, 7pm – 8pm
VENUE: University of York Piazza Building, Room PZA/016, Heslington East Campus, Deramore Lane, Heslington, York YO10 5GQ
BOOK: Booking required – www.dacnet.eventbrite.co.uk
INFO: Zivarna Murphy, Hull York Medical School


This workshop explores what happens after you donate your body for medical science and why it’s so important to donate!

COLDER THAN HERE – PERFORMANCE
TIME: Friday 17th May, 7.30pm
VENUE: St Nicks, Rawdon Avenue, York YO10 3ST
BOOK: Booking required – www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk
INFO: See entry for Saturday 11th

Saturday 18th May 2019

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HOPE VALLEY: BLACK PEAK THE ADVENTURE OF YOUR LIFE AND DEATH 
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 9am – 10am
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Sylvia – 07999 880163 / [email protected]


We prepare carefully for every journey in life. Therefore does it not make sense to prepare for your last journey towards death: your life transition? This is a free introductory session for a five weeks course held in Autumn 2019 where we look at our values and mindsets and ask the question: how can we create a good death for ourself and support others on their journey?

WAYS TO MAKE FUNERALS MORE PERSONAL AND MEANINGFUL – WORKSHOP
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 10am – 11am
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: [email protected] / www.humanist.org.uk/juliekay / 07889 573217
 

A friendly and informative workshop led by Julie Kay, funeral celebrant, accredited by Humanists UK. How will you celebrate the lives of your loved ones and how would you like to be remembered? Thinking ahead is helpful for all involved. Where will your funeral and life celebration be held? What music, songs, readings, stories, jokes, pictures, entertainment, gifts,
food, drink etc. will be included? Through supportive discussion and sharing ideas, we’ll start to create a plan which you can take away with you to develop and add to on your own and with those
closest to you.

ADVANCE DECISIONS – WORKSHOP
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 11am – 12noon
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Stan Young & Chris Dudzinska – 07824 639244


If you need to make decisions about your healthcare, understanding your rights and planning in advance can give you peace of mind. We will explain how to make your wishes known, how to create a (legally binding) document refusing life-prolonging treatments you don’t want, and how to appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you when you are no longer able.

THE STAR OF MEMORIES – TALK
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 12noon – 1pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Mary Robson, University of Durham


Every February, Tilery Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees has hosted a community lantern procession. Children and their families make willow and paper lanterns and process around two
local estates. In 2012, a large star lantern was transformed into an armature on which to record relatives, friends and pets who have died. It is now the centrepiece of the gathering. Mary Robson, one of the event’s founders, reflects on collective memory and what the event means to children and adults alike.

KEEPSAKE ART 
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 1pm – 2pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Sarah Jackson – [email protected] / www.winifredtaylor.com


Do you have old items of fabric and memorabilia (photos, letters etc) that stay hidden in a drawer? Sarah Jackson, textile artist at Winifred Taylor, will explain how you can make 2D and 3D
‘keepsake art’ from these precious items.

THIS PARTY’S DEAD 
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 2pm – 3pm
VENUE: Marriot Room, York Explore Library, Library Square, York YO1 7DS
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Erica Buist – Twitter: @thedeathtivals

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Erica Buist is a journalist, mostly for the Guardian. Sparked by the unexpected death of her father-in-law, she is writing a book called This Party’s Dead in which she travels to seven of the world’s death festivals to find out how people outside the death-denying West cope with the knowledge that they’re going to die.

PLANETARY PERSPECTIVES ON OUR LIVES – WORKSHOP
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 2pm – 4pm
VENUE: Kings Manor, Room K/G 84, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EP
BOOK: No booking required
INFO: Linda Fryer – [email protected]


Using the ancient symbols of the planets as keys we will explore through writing, ways of making sense of our life experiences and ways in which we can help the dying to do so. Bring your own
favourite journal plus a pen, but materials also provided.

COLDER THAN HERE – PERFORMANCE
TIME: Saturday 18th May, 7.30pm
VENUE: St Nicks, Rawdon Avenue, York YO10 3ST
BOOK: Booking required – www.nextdoorbutone.co.uk
INFO: See entry for Saturday 11th

Sunday 19th May 2019

Colder Than Here.jpg

CEMETERY WALK 
TIME: Sunday 19th May, 2pm
VENUE: York Cemetery, 30 Cemetery Road, York YO10 5AJ
INFO: Clive Dawson – [email protected]


A talk about the history of YorkCemetery followed by a walk around some of the gardens pointing out plants and trees. Donation of £3 per person which includes tea/coffee and biscuit at the finish.

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