Category: Columns

Proving to be one of 2023’s most popular destinations is Jordan. Famous for the rose-red city of Petra, there is so much else to see in this Hashemite Kingdom.  In 2019 I spent an amazing week exploring from the capital Amman to Aqaba by the Red Sea. Accessible in just over five hours by direct […]

Not sure where to start with growing your own supply of veggies and fruit? Our fabulous columnist and pro gardener, Tony Chalcraft is running a range of gardening sessions to give you the guidance you may need: 🏵️ March 29th: Vegetable Growing – The Basics, 10am-12pm 🏵️ May 20th: Vegetable Growing – How To Get […]

We all want to see wildlife in the garden but sometimes, especially if you grow fruit and vegetables that wildlife like to share, it can feel like there’s just too much. This is especially the case if your plot is visited by, or home to, those members of the animal kingdom with four legs. Larger […]

We hear from local expert, Matt Todd I don’t know how you guys feel about this current cost of living crisis but I am disappointed and dismayed about the fact that, as a country, we seem to have totally lost our ability to provide the most basic tools of a developed country; why is it […]

Coffee connoisseur in the making? Check out these latest must-haves for your kitchen!  De’Longhi Dedica Arte | £249.99If you’re an aspiring barista, or perhaps you’re just mad for authentic tasting coffee, this smart and compact espresso machine by the esteemed, Italian brand, De’Longhi is all you need. Compact in size, this stylish gadget sits smartly on […]

Women in action: York Women’s Week 2023 Tuesday 7th March, SPARK, from 7pmIn celebration of York Women’s Week, join in on the discussion and story-sharing about what it means to be a ‘woman in action’ and how to take action for causes that mean something to you. To find out more, email media.xryork@gmail.com. Creative Drinks: York Creatives Monthly […]

By History columnist, Mike Quarton. This month we explore the beautiful York Mansion House, the first purpose-built mayoral home which is almost as old as ‘Great Britain’. Take a wander down any of York’s streets and you are sure to spot an abundance of ancient and interesting architecture; striking Tudor buildings, enclosed medieval shops – […]

By James Christie PISCES *STARSIGN OF THE MONTH* ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION IN THIS MERRY MONTH OF MARCH, YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF ASKING – “IS THIS REALLY ME? DID I REALLY SAY THAT? DID I REALLY DO THAT?” AND THE ANSWER IS “YES, INDEED YOU DID!” THERE IS A NEW BREEZE OF SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION CASCADING INTO YOUR LIFE […]

We hear from our resident sports writer and York City F. C. fan, Simon Pattinson. It’s been yet another crazy month since we last spoke with all things York City. As I write this, we have just sacked David Webb as our manager. We won only one game with David Webb and as a manager, […]

Marton cum Grafton This walk offers a tour of the undulating farming countryside around the twin villages of Marton and Grafton. It includes a circuit of the hillocks around Grafton, providing long-distance views. Is this walk for me? There are two sections where the route isn’t apparent and therefore is mildly challenging. Approaching the old […]

As many start thinking about their 2023 travel plans, travel by train may be challenging in the UK at the moment, but it is certainly proving very popular within Europe and beyond. With regular Eurostar services from London to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels it means reaching the likes of Cologne, Reims, or Milan with just […]

Have you tried to grow spinach and have you been disappointed? You’d think a leafy crop like spinach would be relatively easy to grow. The reality, however, is different. Getting a worthwhile harvest of spinach leaves can be quite difficult. The main reason for this is that through a lot of the year spinach tends to […]

It’s been a very busy start to the year here at Herbert Todd’s HQ at Monks Cross and with the dust now settling on some great new displays we would love to invite you all in for a look at what we’ve been up to! First off, we have put together some fabulous new kitchen […]

We hear from our resident sports writer and York City F. C. fan, Simon Pattinson. It seems that no week is ever a quiet one in the land of York City. Sometimes you do wonder what it would be like to support a normal club (if there is such a thing), and if there is […]

Kirby Underdale and ThixendaleTime: 3 3/4 hours   Distance: 8 milesA classic Wolds walk, this route connects two remote villages via hillsides with far-reaching views and deep enclosed valleys. Is this walk for me?This is a fairly challenging walk. There are two big climbs, steady and long rather than steep plus a number of lesser […]