Minster Dominates Skyline

The Minster dominates the skyline in York but often when you are close to it you can not see it because other buildings block the viewing angle. Turks Head Court in Aldwark is one of the exceptions. The Aldwark area of York used to be a very industrialised area of the city but in the 1960s Lord Esher was commissioned by the council to review the usage of the area as it was becoming derelict and disused. Lord Esher came to the conclusion that it would be nice to create dwellings in this area. Plans were drawn up and the area created as a dwelling area. because it is a little off the normal tourist routes very few tourists go into the area except on the ghost walks. A shame really because they are missing views like this one of the Minster from Turk's Head Court.

Although the gas works in York ceased operating in York many years ago you can still see traces like the pipeline across the River Foss that carried gas from the gas works into the city. Nowadays natural gas is piped through these pipes from the pump control room in Layerthorpe. Below is a pile drill on the site of the old gas works drilling deep holes to put in foundations for buildings to be erected on the site (probably another hotel). Just beyond the drill there will be a new road linking Malton Road to James Street giving the chance to avoid the circuitous route round Foss Bank onto Foss Islands Road to Lawrence Street and Hull Road.

When I first came to York and I fractured my arm I came to this building to have it set. In those days it was the County Hospital. My recollections are not pleasant ones, I was not fully under the anaesthetic and could feel the surgeons pulling at my arm to get the bones back into position. The building itself is now yet another block of flats.

Bulmer's Now Gone

Bulmer's shop on the corner of Lord Mayor's Walk by Monk Bar is now empty, deserted and up for sale. The shop was described as a selling service. You would take your items for sale into the shop where they would be displayed and when they were sold you collected your money less a fee paid to the shop. I have heard tell that the building is to be bought bu a hotel chain and turned into yet another hotel. I am amazed at how quiet the photograph seems, I must have timed it well for there to be no traffic in the picture although it was taken at about ten o'clock in the morning.

A welcome addition to the music shops of York. The shop was set up by Steve the former owner of Mor Music which he sold on when he became tired of the "Box Shifting" aspect of selling large volumes of guitars in his shop in Walmgate. Red Cow Music covers a much wider range of interesting musical instruments. Steve has also been the sponsor of some interesting musical events in the city including a beginners and improvers  night for melodeon players in the Royal Oak. The Ebor Morris Men are also pleased with his sponsorship in getting the programmes printed for the annual Festival of Traditional Dance in September.

The York Glaziers Trust use this old building the Bedern Chapel, formerly used by the Vicars Choral of York Minster.

The magnificent door into the chapel really does lean at a slight angle away from the vertical. The trust has just completed a lengthy task with stonemasons who together have restored the ancient rose window of York Minster. The East end of the Minster is now free of scaffolding and makes a fantastic view of the Minster. The observant amongst you will have noticed in the photo of the Chapel that the lower half of the Windows have been filled with concrete. I find this rather suprising as the work of the Glaziers is concerned with glass.

Woolpack House

Woolpack House was formerly a public house belonging to JW Cameron the brewery company. Known then simply as The Woolpack. When it ceased as a public house it became Woolpack House and the builders moved in converting it to a Doctor's Surgery for the Jorvic Medical Practice. Later in Novemeber 2014 they were joined by the Gillygate Medical Practice and became known as the Jorvic Gillygate Medical Practice.

The building is situated at the junction where Peaseholme Green becomes Stonebow and St. Saviour's Place.

New Buildings In York

Beside the Black Swan a 13th Century building the homeless shelter has been demolished and a brand new glass, steel and brick building has been erected for Hiscox Insurance company. One of the notable features in the roof of the building, a living green roof and some of the staff have been trained in beekeeping to look after the bee hives that have been placed on the roof.

As I was walking into town this morning I came across this family of geese feeding on the grass in front of the little Asda in Layerthorpe.

I came across them later on holding up the number 11 bus at Foss islands bridge. Fortunately, all the traffic was very patient as they crossed the road and carried on down the path beside the River Foss.

Quite a while since I posted anything and some parts of York have changed. Some of the changes will follow over the coming days. However first I plan to start with some photos of the flooding that occurred in York at the end of last year when the pumps on the Foss barrier failed causing several million pounds worth of damage. There are some businesses in Fossgate and Walmgate that are still not back up and running yet.

  

Foss Islands bridge with DEFRA in the Background 

 

Crossing by Morrisons Supermarket on Foss Islands Road

 

Giant sand bags being brought in by Chinnook helicopter

 

Frankie & Bennies just high enough to escape the flood waters

Majestic Wines hopefully the van engine is just above the water level

 

Mini roundabout between Morrisons and Pets At Home and Homebase under a couple of feet of water.