What a sight. York bathed in sunshine. Yes you read it correctly. At last a summers day. Elaine and I had to go into town earlier and it was idyllic. Families walking in the sunshine down by the river, others having luncheon in the gardens of some of the restaurants - it really was balm for the soul. We are hoping that we have turned the corner and that we may still have a braai (barbecue for those unfamiliar with this South African term) before the onset on autumn.
During July York Racecourse hosted the John Smith racing festival. This is always popular and this year was no exception. As we had a full house for Saturday and Sunday nights we decided to take one night bookings for the Friday night. Not a wise move as we had five complete room changes on Saturday morning. Needless to say that by the end of the weekend we were pretty exhausted.
If any manifestation of how tired I was was necessary it occurred at Tesco when I pulled in to get petrol. Having filled up the car I went in to pay and after finally getting to the front of the queue the cashier greeted me by name. He happens to live two doors from us and I had not even recognised him. I explained rather sheepishly that I was shattered after our hectic weekend.
He then asked me what my number was and I replied 971. He looked decidedly bemused and asked again. I began this time by stating the car registration number which of course includes 971.
"Get a grip David, I want your pump number so I can charge you for your petrol" was his reply.
We had a good laugh and "get a grip David" has become the cry when things threaten to go pear shaped.
For those of you planning a trip to York during August, the following info might prove useful:

Late July - Early Sept - York Maze - York's amazing maize maze. New location to be confirmed, www.yorkmaze.com

Aug 4/5 Am I not your Brother? In commemmoration of the abolition of slavery. Authentic testimonies. 11.00 Clifford's Tower.

Aug 10 (Friday) Free admission Stonemasons Yard; York Minster 9.30-3.00

Aug 13 The Schbert Story featuring Vincent Billington (piano) and Philip Mindenhall (narrator). The life story of the Vienese master. 13.00 St Helens Church.

Aug 18/19 Hollywood comes to York. Public exhibition of authentic props and costumes. City Screen; Coney St. www.moviemaniaonline.co.uk

Aug 18 - Castle Howard Prom Spectacular - Open air picnic concert with fireworks, tel: 01653 648623

Aug 18 - Aug 19 - Yorkshire Air Show - Elvington, tel: 01759 305851

Aug 21 - Aug 23 - York Races - Ebor Festival - Tel: 01904 620911

Aug 24 Polish and Eastern European Market. Parliament Square.

Ciao for now.

After the madness of what has seemed like weeks of inclement weather to-day dawned bright and clear and Elaine and I walked into town. Yes walked with not a threat of rain. As many of you will know England and Wales and south Yorkshire in particular has suffered from quite unbelievable weather. Whilst we in York have got by relatively unscathed we still had our fair share and on the last Monday in June we had a months rainfall in 6 hours.

This led to some bookings being cancelled but the British folk are nothing if not resilient and a bit of rain was not going to stop them having a weekend away.

We have finally got the bathrooms completed and even if I say so myself, our plumber has done a great job so much so that a recent guest was moved to write in the Visitors Book:
" So good this place should be five star gold status."

We are currently in the throes of redoing our website photos and once complete I will advise you via the blog. That will give you all an opportunity to see not only the bathrooms but also the revamped Dining Room and Victorian Room.

Happenings of interest in York this month are as follows:
10/13 July York Early music festival
13/14 July York Races
15 July Great York Dragon Boat Challenge
20/21 July Stamp and Coin Fair at the Knavemire
27 July York Farmers Market
29 July Jazz in the afternoon at Castle Howard
28/29 July York Roman Festival

Also on at the York Art Gallery is and exhibition of works by Henri Fantin-Latour (until 23 September).

Until next time take care.