Category: Columns

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 […]

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 […]

By Jack Rooke First opened in 2008 and located on Swinegate, The Indian Lounge is one of the most popular Indian eateries in the city, much-loved by curry connoisseurs seeking out some spice. Having not visited the restaurant in a couple of years, I was keen to see if its high standards were still up […]

By Robin Lewis-Light          “I suppose it is not the same as it was after the accident,” said my wife. “And we will never be able to see that again.”          “No, but it has been repaired. That was not the first time it has happened.” Julia looked at me.          “Really?” she said. I […]

By Tony Chalcraft A friend, knowing I’m increasingly taunted by foxes, recently pointed out some Facebook posts. One was a nighttime photo of a fox sitting on the platform at York station as though waiting for a train, and another of a fox looking longingly at the Fox pub in Holgate. Foxes are now everywhere […]

By Ed Gill As winter continues and the days remain short, February can be a particularly quiet time for many elderly people. With the excitement of Christmas behind us and spring still weeks away, feelings of isolation can become more noticeable, especially for those living alone or with limited support nearby. For elderly people, regular […]

By Charlotte Castle As we step further into the new year, many of us are setting personal health goals. But what about our pets? Did you know that, according to UK Pet Food Data, 50% of dogs, 43% of cats, 31% of small mammals, and 9% of birds are overweight or obese in the UK?  […]

Thinking of joining a club? Whether you’re stuck for things to do in York, or are simply hoping to give your social life a boost, there are all sorts of groups and clubs available in and around the city. Check out our pick of some of the best clubs currently accepting new members!  Purple Circle […]

This month, we’re proud to introduce Home-Start York, a local charity that helps families with young children to meet and beat the challenges of parenthood. Since being initially founded as a voluntary organisation back in 1988, Home-Start York has developed significantly, and remains dedicated to standing beside and supporting parents navigating the intense, joyful and […]

Last month, we started our ‘Walking York’s Snickelways’ tour, an exploration of our city’s hidden passages, popularised by local author Mark W. Jones’ 1983 book A Walk Around the Snickelways of York. ‘Snickelway’ is an amalgamation of ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’, and, whether you’ve lived in York your whole life or are a more recent arrival, […]

“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 […]