Category: Columns

From indulgent treats and Christmas tipples to artisan nibbles and gourmet gifts, this year’s Food & Drink Gift Guide has something for every festive table. Whether you’re spoiling a foodie friend or stocking up for the big day, these delicious discoveries guarantee a taste of Christmas magic. Panettone al Limoncello, £29.95 from Carluccios.  Enjoy an […]

From clever desk gadgets and quirky collectables to stress-busting fidgets and fun office must-haves, this month’s ExecuTOY picks prove work can be just as playful as it is productive. Whether you’re shopping for a Secret Santa or brightening your workspace, these smart little finds bring the joy back to your desk. 3Doodler Start+ 3D Printing […]

Dear Daphne,My partner insists on narrating everything he’s doing out loud, from cooking to cleaning to putting his shoes on. It’s like living with a one-man podcast all the time. How do I make him stop before I lose my mind?!Laura, Clifton. Dear Laura,Ah, the domestic commentator. Every home has one, and sadly they don’t […]

You may recognise the household name of Age UK, but did you realise that they’ve had their own independent, local charity in York for over 50 years? Age UK York supports our communities each day by providing a range of services, speaking up on behalf of older people, and running four high street charity shops, […]

Supporting Elderly People with a Military Background November is a time of reflection. Across York and the surrounding villages, communities pause to remember those who have served in the armed forces. For elderly people with a military background, this can be a particularly emotional time — one that brings memories, both proud and painful, to […]

Protecting plants from frost damage As the temperature drops and we edge closer to winter, it’s time for gardeners to start considering how they’ll protect their plants from impending frost. November is the month in which frost usually begins to rear its head, with often disastrous consequences for a wide range of plants, from evergreens […]

Step aside, socks and scented candles! This year’s gadgets bring together style and substance — from smartwatches and studio-quality earbuds to home tech and design-led essentials that make everyday life a little smarter. Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, £49.99 from amazon.co.uk. Bring the sound wherever you go with this stylish, compact Bluetooth speaker from Edifier. […]

Traditionally, autumn has been a time for gardeners to cut back, tidy, clear, and prepare their green spaces for the upcoming winter chill, however, with a little care and consideration, our gardens can become a veritable haven for wildlife at this time of year.  One of the easiest ways to help wildlife thrive over autumn […]

Aries  (March 21 – April 19) After a fast-paced start to the year, November could be a good time to step back, take a well-deserved rest, and put any pressing matters on pause – if 2025 has been a sprint so far, now’s the time to reduce your speed! To help you get used to […]

There are all sorts of clubs on the lookout for new members in and around York. From groups designed to support children with additional needs and neurodiversity to clubs catering specifically to those who are unemployed, in need of a social boost, or who identify as part of the local LGBT community, we’ve rounded up […]

Walking York City Walls I look across rooftops. How odd I’ve never noticed the cupola before, a grey lead dome topping white fretwork housing a bell for the Bar Convent. A flat roof, green with sedum mosaics moss and self-seeded willow herb has a sun-warmed patch of red, a fox curled up, not quite asleep. […]

This weekend, my partner and I were kindly invited to take part in a terrarium-making workshop at The Outside In, a beautiful plant shop tucked away on Holgate Road, just off Blossom Street in York.  Our session at The Outside In was led by Alice Maynard, who was really welcoming and made us feel right at home. […]

By Tony Chalcraft By any measure, 2025 has been an exceptional year meteorologically. We’ve had the warmest summer on record, with four ‘heatwaves’. The mercury may not have hit the highs of 2022, when it nudged 40 degrees Celsius, but there have been plenty of days with highs at or over 30 degrees. Then, there […]

Robin Lewis-Light “So, this is our final night together,” Jennifer said, and we looked up at the moon shining down and the stars peeking from around it. Night-time had seemed to come early. “It’s a nice night,” I said. She nodded. “It’s never going to be the same now, is it?” she said. I shrugged. […]

From impeccable service in the showroom and store, to lightning-fast delivery and efficient, expert installation, Herbert Todd & Son ticks all the boxes when it comes to keeping their customers happy. Don’t believe us? Take a look at these glowing customer testimonials to get a better picture of the quality provided by this popular York-based, […]