Category: Columns

From travel tech to festival favourites, discover the gadgets making summer that little bit smarter. From holidays and festivals to camping trips and days out, the right gadget can make all the difference. This month’s Summer Tech Essentials roundup showcases clever tech, innovative accessories and practical problem-solvers designed to keep you connected, entertained and ready […]

History fascinates me. From the stories that have been forgotten to the sweeping tales of humankind, there is something for everyone, even those of you who think history books are confined to one style. Here, I have given you a selection of books about human history, a novel about the Cold War, and a factual retelling of […]

Time: 2½ hours Distance: 5 miles Coneysthorpe The area around Castle Howard is one of the most popular walking areas in the Howardian Hills. This route, largely on bridleways, avoids some of the busier paths. About a third of the walk follows the long track that leads along the wooded edge of the hills overlooking […]

From clever everyday tech to lifestyle upgrades you didn’t know you needed MARSHALL WILLEN II PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER£99.99 from Argos & AmazonBig sound, small speaker. The Marshall Willen II delivers over 17 hours of portable playtime in a compact design built for life on the move. With Bluetooth connectivity, IP67 dust and waterproof protection, and […]

The term ‘snickelway’ was popularised by local author Mark W. Jones in his 1983 book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, combining the words ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’. Broadly classified as “a narrow place to walk along, leading from somewhere to somewhere else”, snickelways are a charmingly unique feature of our city.  Carr’s Lane  […]

Ripon and Studley Park Time: 3 hours Distance: 6 miles This varied walk from the edge of Ripon largely avoids the crowds that throng Studley Park and Fountains Abbey. Omitting the Abbey (entry charges apply), although it is easily possible to extend the walk to include it, the route traverses nature reserves, woodland and a […]

By Ben Robinson Looking for inspiration for your next great read? Each month, Ben dives into a selection of page turners, hidden gems, and noteworthy new releases, sharing honest reviews and thoughtful recollections along the way… Mortal Monarchs: 1000 Years of Royal Deaths – by Suzie Edge  ‘Mortal Monarchs’ was one of the easiest and […]

By Tim Saunders  The importance of vaccines and antibiotics takes centre stage at the History of Science Museum in Broad Street, Oxford. Here, there is a room dedicated to penicillin and eradicating typhoid – Oxford scientists have played an important part in this. This excellent free resource also has Einstein’s inspirational blackboard showing his theory […]

The term ‘snickelway’ was popularised by local author Mark W. Jones in his 1983 book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, combining the words ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’. Broadly classified as “a narrow place to walk along, leading from somewhere to somewhere else”, snickelways are a charmingly unique feature of our city… Dean’s Park […]

Kirkham Gorge & Welburn Time: 2½ hours Distance: 5¼ miles Starting from Kirkham Priory, this varied walk passes through the most scenic section of the Kirkham Gorge, where the River Derwent flows through the Howardian Hills. It then weaves through a mix of woodland and fields on the edge of the Castle Howard Estate, returning to […]

Time: 3hours 6½ miles Traversing varied countryside, this route links no less than five villages. Apart from Copmanthorpe, all are relatively small and quiet, despite the proximity of the busy A64. Is This Walk For Me? Medium length with just minor slopes, this walk is generally easy. The A64 is crossed safely on bridges, however, […]

Every year, I like to give our readers a selection of some of the best biographies and memoirs I’ve recently read, especially those that have left me pondering them long after I’ve finished the final page. Each of these stories absolutely captures a tale that will reel you in from the first word to the […]

From smarter smartphones and everyday charging essentials to home security upgrades and clever tech for modern living, this month’s gadget edit focuses on practical innovations that make daily life easier. Whether you’re upgrading your desk setup, staying powered on the go or improving home safety, these are useful, well-designed gadgets worth knowing about right now. […]

From thoughtful pampering treats to clever beauty tech and feel-good self-care, this Mother’s Day edit is all about gifts that help mums relax, recharge and feel appreciated. Whether it’s a small indulgence or a premium pick mum wouldn’t buy for herself, these hand-picked ideas are designed to bring a little everyday luxury to her routine. […]

It was quite a few years ago that I last wrote about rhubarb in this column. Then, the words were mainly about keeping rhubarb productive by digging up and dividing old clumps every four to five years. This time, the talk is about forced rhubarb! If you don’t grow it, this is what you probably […]