Category: Columns

By Robin Lewis-Light “Do you think there is anyone out there?” said my wife, Callie. I looked at her. “I don’t know,” I said. “We haven’t heard anything from anywhere else though, so why should there be anyone on that little planet?” She smiled and held me. We had finished our anniversary celebrations and were […]

By Sophie Lancaster Whilst making the most of York Residents’ Fest at the end of January, I visited The Grand, which was offering guided tours of the building and an insight into its fascinating history. The Grand was the Headquarters for the North Eastern Railway. Designed by William Bell, an architect from York who also […]

Q. Our Labrador has been a bit stiff and slower than normal – is this just the cold weather, or something more? As the cold snap continues, you may have noticed your senior pet moving a little slower than usual. Cold weather can really affect our golden oldies, especially those with arthritic joints or a […]

There’s a rainforest in Hampshire… It’s remarkable to learn when you consider how cold it is in the county, especially in the winter, but it can indeed be found at Staunton Country Park in Portsmouth. This rainforest experience is provided in the Victorian glasshouses, where mesmerised children and adults can actually see large millipedes and […]

A double cab for five occupants, with plenty of room for equipment, machinery or even livestock. That’s the new Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Double Cab Auto, an extremely versatile vehicle, and as I drive it, a couple pass by that have been fitted with cherry pickers, making it perfect for engineers. I’m not such a demanding motorist, though. […]

By Ben Robinson  It seems that recently, there has been a significant returning trend in mythology and folklore books, so I thought it was only right to jump on the bandwagon! As an adult, it is easy to get bogged down in the modern world, but perhaps these books can offer an escape from the […]

Time: 2¼ hours  Distance: 4½miles Dunnington, Holtby and Hagg Wood East of Dunnington, there’s a good network of rights of way offering easy walking through varied countryside. This route links together several paths, taking in the underappreciated village of Holtby and one of the largest and most accessible areas of woodland close to York, Hagg […]

The Honda Civic 2.0 i-MMD Advance is a mid-size family hatchback. Its nearest competitor might be a Mazda 3, or similar. I take it for a road test to Guernsey, where it tackles the challenges of getting on to the Condor Ferries Voyager catamaran, as well as pootling along narrow country lanes. Taking it on […]

In June 2020, Bristol hit the headlines when the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was toppled by protesters into the harbour. It is now on permanent display at the M Shed museum beside the harbour, as part of an exhibition about the history of protest in the city. We are reminded of this and informed of […]

From smart home upgrades and family-friendly tech to clever problem-solvers and next-gen connectivity, this month’s gadget edit showcases practical innovations designed to simplify everyday life. Expect intelligent tech that saves time, cuts costs, boosts peace of mind and brings a little extra joy to homes, workdays and on-the-go routines. NETGEAR Nighthawk M3: 5G Mobile Hotspot, […]

From thoughtful treats to everyday luxuries, our Valentine’s Health & Beauty edit brings together feel-good gifts designed to be used, loved and enjoyed. Featuring skincare favourites, grooming essentials and cosy comfort picks for both him and her, this guide focuses on practical indulgence – perfect for partners, friends or a little self-love this Valentine’s Day. […]

Smart, design-led essentials for modern business life. From ergonomic workspace upgrades and productivity tech to premium travel accessories and everyday carry solutions, this edit spotlights practical, well-designed gadgets that support comfort, efficiency and life on the move — whether you’re working, travelling or switching between the two. AirPack Travel Backpack, £129.99, available from scapade.net For […]

Last year saw a dry spring, the hottest summer on record, and a particularly mild start to November, swiftly followed by cold northerly winds, snow showers and plummeting temperatures. While this fluctuation has proven unpredictable for local gardeners, many of us will be keen to escape the chill and reap the impending rewards of spring […]

Dear Daphne, I moved to York from Inverness nearly a year ago now, and even though I’ve built a life here, I still feel so homesick. I came down for work and I really do love York. I’ve made some lovely friends, and I’ve even been seeing someone for a while, but part of me […]

Aries (21st March – 19th April ) This February is set to be a notable month for those of this sign, and could even be the time when your wildest, long-held dreams finally come true! The early influence of Pisces may heighten compassionate feelings, while Saturn entering your sign mid-month could lead to a surge of […]