Head Code

A visit to the National Railway Museum always turns up something interesting. This light on one of the locomotives for example was not used to illuminate the track ahead, but to act as a code light so the signal man would know what type of train was approaching. Thus a passenger train could be distinguished from a freight train, and even the type of freight, livestock, perishable goods etc could be indicated.
Incidentally there is real threat that this museum could be closed in the next couple of years due to a government reduction in funding. If you feel this should not happen you may be interested in signing a petition here

Edible York

 

In 2011 St Clements Church turned over (!) their garden to Edible York who along with Scarcroft Allotment Association have planted a community veg patch. Started in 2011and known as the Nose from the shape of the plot of land, the idea is to provide a place to grow fresh veg for those without access to such a facility. The project is run by Planet Southbank and is now into its third growing season. The blue sky may be a clue that this picture was taken last year!

V is for Viking

Strictly speaking the Norse word vikingar is only applicable to men, however a new settlement also needed women which were usually taken from the local population. One of the jobs of the women in the camp was to make items of clothing and apparel - shoes hats and pouches, using any available material such as leather and fur.
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

The Colour Purple

Do you ever think of days of the week as a colour? For me Tuesdays are purple!
Street performers are an all year round attraction in York. Mr Yellow was the first I remember seeing around York in a similar vein. Now we have the colour purple and here you can glimpse Purpleman preparing for work. Usually he can be found sitting perfectly still upon his bike in Stonegate come sunshine or (purple) rain. Occasionally he interacts with passers-by, especially children. You can find out more about him  here

York Skyline

Clifford's Tower offers an excellent vantage point to look out over the roof tops of the city. Two spires dominate this view, the courthouse on the left and St Mary's church on the right. Many of the redbrick buildings are a legacy from the time when York was the railway capital of the north.

Dragonfly

Dragonflies will be on the wing shortly, although hopefully none quite this large.

Roman Remains

Normal service resumed after yesterday. This jumble of Roman stonework can be found in the Museum Gardens. The stone arches are much later but the coffins and small bricks and stones are between 1500-1900 years old.