Then and Now - The Splash Palace

This was the affectionately (or maybe not so) known Splash Palace as it was back in October 2008. This was the City Centre Managers office set above toilet facilities that were not very attractive and smelt awful.

Now it has been knocked down and the area has been paved over, opening up the end of Parliament Street and letting in the light.

Holgate Windmill

On the west side of the city as you head out towards Acomb on foot turning left at the Fox public house traffic lights heading uphill on the Acomb Road there is a snicket that heads of to the right that joins Windmill Rise where you will find a small roundabout on which sits the recently restored Holgate Windmill looking spendid with the newly attached sails.The mill was restored by the Holgate Windmill Presevation Society over several years. It is now functioning and able to produce flour.

Approaching windmill from Poppleton Road 

- View from snicket 

St Mary Church, Bishophill, York

A church I have passed many times but today I was showing some friends from Switzerland around York and as the door was open we had a look inside.

Only a coupleof minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of Micklegate and you can find yourself in the quiet of this 11th century St Mary's Church built just before the Norman conquest. Well worth dropping in.

MayDay - Ebor Morris tour of the city walls

1st of May is traditionally the day when Morris Men go out to waken up the earth for the spring growth. The earth is awakened by the noise of the bells worn on the legs and by the tapping and clashing of sticks. Gauranteed to bring you good luck, fertility and sunshine.

The day started with a breakfast of bacon and sausage sandwiches at the Wagonn and Horses pub in Lawrence Street and of course a pint of beer to get things started. From there the route proceeded around the walls starting at Walmgate Bar (Bar is the name for a gate) via Monkgate and the Tap and Spile, Robin Hood Tower, Bootham Bar and lunch in the Lamb and Lion (excellent range of sandwiches, thank you Jack! through the Museum Gardens and over the river to the corner between York Station and Micklegate where the Escrick Longsword was performed.

This had worked up a thirst so onward to Micklegate bar and quick treatment for prevention of dehydration in the Brigantes before performing a few dances by Micklegate Bar. Ever onward to Victoria Bar that small hole in the wall along Nunnery Lane and a drink and a dance at the Golden Ball. Returning to the walls and the corner of Nunnery Lane and Bishopthorpe Road where the Longsword dance was performed again. Someone remembered that the Slip Inn had a beer festival going on so after coming down from the walls it was a small detour to The Slip Inn and perform a few dances in the back yard, the landlord kindly brought out a couple of jugs of beer for us once again to prevent dehydration.

Suitably refreshed, it was across the river and back on to the walls at the Posterngate and round to the Phoenix where a few more dances were performed and of course the beer had to be sampled. Final leg of the tour from the Phoenix back to Walmgate Bar where the last dance of the day was performed before visiting the Rook and Gaskill. Along the way, various members had dropped out and so the round on the bag was only enjoyed by those that reached the Rook and Gaskill.

York Festival of Traditional Dance 4/5 September 2010