Art lessons

This used to be the art and craft room at my school. I was half surprised to see it still standing today, it used to let the rain in 40 years ago! The conservatory had plenty of natural light for drawing and painting, and the potting shed at the back contained a couple of potter's wheels and a kiln for firing our attempted clay pots. No evidence left of any of our artistic endeavours now.

Back to School

More years ago than I care to count this rather elegant building was the old wing of my grammar school. It is still used as a school but has a different name these days. As I walked down the path a small black cat appeared who put me in mind of Nefertiti - the school cat in my day. I wonder if one of her descendants is still patrolling the grounds and stalking the corridors!

Station Hotel

The building next to the York wheel is the The Royal York Hotel, known to locals as the Station Hotel as it is practically situated on platform 2. The hotel was completed in 1878, a year after the station opened.  It featured elegant banqueting rooms and 100 large bedrooms for 14 shillings a night. A 27-room west wing was added in 1896, named Klondyke after the US gold rush of the time.
Taking part in Skywatch Friday

Pretty Lights

This stained glass design from a window in St Martin-cum-Gregory is used as the symbol for the Stained Glass Centre now situated inside the church. Further information here if you are tempted to visit. Be sure to check opening times though as it is only open occasionally.

Roundabout of the Year

The UK Roundabout Appreciation Society(!) has recently declared this roundabout on Windmill Rise the best roundabout in Britain. I am not surprised, the windmill has been recently restored and looks splendid. Many years ago a good friend of mine lived on Windmill Rise and we used to congregate at her house every New Years Eve for a party. Directly midnight struck we all formed a conga line which skipped it's way out the door, up the hill and around this windmill to welcome in the New Year.
Taking part in  ABC Wednesday

Red Door

A bright red door with a cobweb window light above on one of the elegant town houses in Blossom Street.
Taking part in Ruby Tuesday

Boer War Memorial

Meant to post this yesterday, better late than never. Most of the war memorials in York are quite plain. The exception is the Boer War Memorial next to the Minster. It is an elaborately decorated column with niches near the top of the monument for statues representing the men and women who served. On this side of the memorial two soldiers and a nurse look down on passers-by. One of the niches stands empty save for a plaque stating that the occupant was struck by lightening!