Category: Columns

“Birds of prey are lazy… They fly for forty-five minutes a week.” We learn this interesting fact while at the Falconry Centre at Robin Hill Country Park, at Newport on the Isle of Wight. Here we watch Dillon, a white eagle, flying majestically above the treetops. Apparently, they just fly to hunt when they’re hungry, so Dillon lives a pretty active life with […]

Amongst York’s most uniquely charming features are its snickelways, the often narrow, winding passages that snake throughout the city centre. Popularised in local author Mark W. Jones’ 1983 book A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, the word ‘snickelway’ is an amalgamation of ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’, and, whether you’ve lived in York your whole […]

We learn that bees have five eyes and two stomachs at Quince Honey Farm, South Molton, which was founded in 1949 and is a haven to thousands of honey bees. Beeswax is used in lots of products, from furniture polish to sweets. Bee expert Caroline is an absolute mine of information, and delivers her talks […]

Driving from Hampshire to Cornwall really puts a car through its paces. I do this with the Mazda3 e-Skyactiv saloon. Externally, it is a smart-looking saloon, noticeably lower to the ground than many, which does give it a sporty edge. This of course means that you are nearer the road, which somehow makes it feel […]

Whether you’re seeking a seasonal stocking stuffer for loved ones, or you simply want to pamper yourself this Christmas, we’ve delved deep into Santa’s sack to bring you a selection of the best health and beauty essentials you can get your mitts on, ahead of the big day! SPA CEYLON ISLAND ROSE – EAU DE […]

I haven’t done a ‘quick reads’ column for a while, so with that being said, I thought I’d take the chance to share with you some of my favourite books to pass an afternoon or a train journey. A good book doesn’t have to transport us into a far-off magical land or spend 300 pages diving into a narrative; sometimes, the best ones are those with a […]

Time:  3 hours  Distance: 6 miles This walk around the southern fringes of the city includes a nationally significant nature reserve, two suburban villages, a stretch of the National Cycle Network, and a length of riverside. Is This Walk For Me? This is an easy and almost entirely flat walk. Most of the route is […]

“I have recently moved into a house with a large oak tree in the garden. Neighbours warn us that acorns are toxic to both my dogs and our handful of rare breed sheep in the paddock – should I be concerned?” Michael, Askham Richard Hello Michael, Yes! Acorns are indeed poisonous to dogs, livestock and […]

 While the festive period is all about friends and family, it’s also a great time to rest, recharge, and treat yourself! If you’re thinking of starting a new health and beauty regime for the new year, or are simply after a Christmas glow-up, check out these festive essentials:   Oriflame ALL OR NOTHING Amplified Parfum, […]

From 7th November: THE RUNNING MAN: This revamp of the cult 1987 Schwarzenegger vehicle (itself an adaptation of a 1982 Stephen King novel) stars Glen Powell as an unwilling contestant in a murderous, dystopian game show, overseen by evil producer Josh Brolin. Written, produced and directed by Edgar Wright (of ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Hot Fuzz’ […]

 First founded in 1988, York Wheels is a much-loved local charity that provides a crucial, caring service to residents in need. Working from 8.00am to 4.00pm on Mondays to Fridays, York Wheels is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in our community get out and about, with friendly, DBS-checked volunteer drivers providing a cost-effective alternative […]

As we enter the Autumn season, there is simply nothing better than walking into a cosy country pub with a roaring fire and lovely low lights to set the tone. Situated around 10 miles from York in the beautiful village of Stillington, The Bay Tree is a picturesque country pub that ticks all the autumnal […]

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 […]