Tag: York

A Day Off And A Bit of History

As a DJ (that’s a different story) I spent a lot of time around York, (or as the locals call it “Yark”) but not much sight seeing. So we decided to visit, walk the walls and grab a bite to eat. The Roman fort dates back to 71 AD, but the actual walls were built in the 13th and 14th centuries. And you thought I was old?

Whenever I visit places like this I get inspired, at least I like to think I do. Five caesars visited York unless you count Constantine but he was already there when he was proclaimed Emperor, so I guess the Romans were quite fond of the place. I have to admit the only one I know is Hadrian but I always thought he was a bricklayer. It’s 5k to walk all the way round, and there is a great view of the rear of York Minster it was wooden originally in 627 AD, turned to stone by the Normans in 1080, but the one we see now was built 1220 to 1472.

It gives you time to think, and I got a TikTok video out of it. You’ve probably realised by now this isn’t a lesson in history 😂 I did get some ideas for the new book though.

After the walls I got my reward. Food, there always has to be food involved with any trip or else I don’t go 😂 This time it was the Ivy, which is related to the one in London. I’ve been there. There’s something about these places, where writers and artists frequented in the 1920s. The Ivy in York is a spin off from the one in London, and the food and service is amazing.

I like to eat vegetarian sometimes when I go out as I’m a bit of a carnivore at home. This time I went with a Cheese Soufle and a Sweet Potato Curry. A pint of Guinness, half a bottle of Merlot and a double Jack Daniels. Well, c’mon a day off training? I may as well enjoy it 😂

That’s probably my last treat for a while as it’s the Yorkshire Three Peaks run in five weeks. Twenty four miles and 5,200 feet of elevation.

Well, y’gotta mix it up a bit? 😂

Happy Trails, Folks x

Back in Time

No I haven’t bought a DMC DeLorean and as the average cost of a 1981 car is $50,000 I probably never will.

I revisited a hotel from my past. The hotel in question is in York and up until last week, it had been thirty years since I was there. You could say I had a few memories invested in the The Elmbank Hotel. Apart from anything else it is where I met my, present wife. (That is the part where you all go, Awww 😂)

I started DJ’ing there in that exact bar in 1986. As You can see the decks were no longer there and the years have taken their toll.

The old place hadn’t changed that much, but it is a listed building so, there aren’t a lot of changes anyone can make. Built in 1862 as lavish family mansion in order to host parties and it was remodelled between 1898 and 1902 by George Henry Walton He became internationally known for creating the shop fronts and interiors for a chain of Kodak shops.

The Elmbank is classic Art Noveau and this is evidenced everywhere in the hotel. It is now part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection and I must say the recent refurbishment has rejuvenated the place.

Anyaways… back to the story. I first DJ’d there in 1987, if you could call it DJ’ing. The hotel catered for coach trips from various parts of the country, tourists visiting York. The guests were usually “older” if you get my drift. Tuesday night was Bingo night and we had our own machine

It was a lot of fun and teasing the Food and Beverage Manager was fun. In later years she became my wife.

Thursday night was dance night. I played mainly 60’s music. Well, c’mon, look at their age 😂. I’d throw in a few Waltzes and maybe a Quickstep but my pièce de résistance was the Birdy Song I even got them to do it backwards. So, there you, are a trip down memory lane. I wonder if any of you have visited places from your past? Let me know in the comments if you have. Happy Trails x