God's Own County

Amaranthus Plants – Not Very Yorkshire

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Hortoris

Your usual Yorkshire allotment is not full of Amaranthus at this time of year or any other for that matter.

There are over 60 varieties of amaranth grown as cereal or for the production of fancy flowers and flashy foliage.
The sprouting leaves can range from deep blood-red to light green, shot with purple veining.

Mexicans and various people around the world value amaranthus as leaf vegetables, cereals, and ornamental plants. The African name is ‘Chewa’, in the Caribbean ‘Callaloo’ and the Chinese call Amaranthus ‘Bayam’ for use in stir fries. In the UK it is mainly grown as an ornamental annual.

Amaranthus is available as seed in several varieties from Thompson & Morgan. You can shock Yorkshire next summer with your new found plants.
Amaranthus paniculatus ‘Autumn Palette’ has attractive, tall, feathery spikes of cream and biscuit shades will gently ruffle in the slightest breeze. Quick and easy to grow by following these tips.Amaranthus adds height and interest to summer displays right through to the autumn and can be used as an intriguing cut flower.

Home Near Meadowhall

The Amaranthus housing development in Sheffield has a rich history with links to the former Wincobank Hall and surrounding Wincobank Woods. With a mix of existing and new residents this village has a real sense of community spirit. Just the place for your Allotment

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Yorkshire Proficient at Cycling

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Hortoris

Those guys at Cycling Info always seem to have a camera on them when cycling or walking and are proficient photographers to boot. These results from York show some of the fun of cycling.

Photos from York Cycle Festival 2012
Cycling in York Photos

Yorkshire and 2012 Olympic Cycling

Cyclist Ed Clancy won a gold and a bronze medal in track cycling. He was born in Barnsley and lived for most of his life, so far, in the Huddersfield area.
Lizzie Armitstead was the toast of Otley when she clinched silver in the women’s cycling road race.
Not exclusively cycling but the triathlon includes cycling as one of the disciplines so the Brownlee brothers gold and bronze efforts count towards our cycling tally.
None of our Olympic success would have been possible if it wasn’t for a roll call of support staff, local clubs and regular participants in the hobby and sport at all levels.

Of course having great scenery in which to train must help!

See Yorkshire 7th in medal table

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Blue Sky Thinking For Yorkshire

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Hortoris

Leeds Office in Space

Sir Leonard Ropner Bedale

Return to Yeadon

Skipton Gateway to the Clouds

No More Wet Summers 2012

Wharfedale Fleece

Sky High Harrogate

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Yorkshire’s Whitefaced Woodland Sheep

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Hortoris

When scared or ill some people may go white in the face. Imagine if you were a scarce breed of sheep that was already whitefaced so how can they register shock.

The Whitefaced Woodland is a northern sheep breed from the South Pennines of Yorkshire and Debyshire. also known as the Penistone sheep after the Yorkshire town where sheep sales have been held since 1699. Commercial flocks of the Whitefaced Woodland are kept in the region and at special amenity farms such as Meanwood Valley Urban Farm Leeds.
The breed is listed as vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Facts and Characteristics of Whitefaced Woodland Sheep

The wool is white and finer than that of many other hill breeds, being suitable for the manufacture of carpets, knitting or hosiery wool.
Also known as the Woodie and ‘the Penistone’ after the Yorkshire town where a sheep fair has been held since 1699.
The popularity of the breed declined with the introduction of black-faced sheep which were better suited to the cold wet conditions and rough grazing of the Pennines. Flocks are still maintained in Norfolk where the conditions encourage larger lambs to deveop.
Both sexes are horned and the ram horns are heavily spiraled.
The wool is short and fine possible due to relations with merino sheep in the past. You get about 5 pounds of wool per fleece the finest being when a sheep is shorn for the first time.
Whitefaced Woodland Sheep have mainly been bred as a meat breed.

The Whitefaced Woodland has common roots with other Yorkshire breeds such as the Swaledale and the Lonk. The Lonk is an ancient breed also found in the Pennine districts of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The Swaledale is a breed of domestic sheep named after the dale of the same name.
A similar breed called Limestone sheep is now thought to be defunct.
I have been unable to trace why the whitefaced is linked to Woodland but it may come from the the Woodlands Valley in the Peak district.

Credits

Whitefaced Woodland Sheep by The Wilky Bar Kid CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Name of Flock: The High Moss Flock bred by Jill and Paul Thorp Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge,

Whitefaced Woodland Sheep Society

Posted in Our Yorkshire | 1 Comment

Do You Want to Know More About York History?

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Hortoris

We all learn in different ways and with our senses used in differing proportions.
There may be more than a grain of truth in Edgar Allan Poe saying….“Believe only half of what you see and nothing that you hear.” but that would be an indictment of our teachers, lecturers and parents from whom we pick up so much.

York has taken the experiential route to letting visitors get to know more about it’s history. The top attraction at Yorvik Viking centre is a major experience of hands on learning. The approach to archeology and the history of churches in York is also helping further the cause.
I have been on the ‘walk and talk tours’ of York to ‘learn’ about the ghosts and you do pick things up by osmosis even if the ghosts are just that ‘ghostly’. A better tour is the open topped bus with a bit of commentary linked to what you are looking at.
Museums have moved on during the last 20 years and the profession of curating has grown in stature. The use of audio technology, links to the exhibits via graphics and panels adds to the fun and knowhow being demonstrated.

When all is said and done you can also pick up a book that helps you delve deeper into the history of a subject. Start with an open mind and consider who is writing and for what purpose. The books selected below are not primarily for entertainment, as ‘orrible ‘istories would be, but are based on years of research, experience and learned study.

The History of York: From Earliest Times to the Year 2000 by Patrick Nuttgens

The history of ‘Medieval York’ by Gareth Dean

Roman York (Revealing History) by Patrick Ottaway

In Summary if You Want to Know More About York History

Look and listen with an inquiring mind and think about the context of what you are learning.
Experience York through your own visit and customise a trip that suits you. You learn more when experience is appropriate and you are in a positive frame of mind.
I guess Edgar Alan Poe was thinking about politicians and the media when he could have said believe nothing that you hear even if it is on TV.

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Thorp Perrow for Trees & Bark

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Hortoris

Botanical tree gardens seem to thrive in North Yorkshire where we have the Kew Arboretum at Castle Howard and a replanted arboretum at Burton Constable. However one of the best Arboreta in Europe is Thorp Perrow, just a few miles from Bedale and the A1. Thorp Perrow for me is better than Westonbirt in Gloucestershire for variety, layout and the availability of information. I bought a catalogue for less than £4 listing and positioning 2400 different tree species together with maps and location within the arboretum, common names and origin of many of the other 15,000 trees.

Trees from the 16th and 17th Centuries include the impressively named ‘Catherine Parr Oak’ whilst a young oak was planted for George V’s Jubilee. There is an old saying about oaks living for 900 years, ‘300 years a growing, 300 years a staying and 300 years a dying.’ The Pinetum was planted around 1850’s during the ownership of Lady Augusta Milbank. Most of the more recent development took place during the life of the then owner Colonel Sir Leonard Roper 1895-1977.

In keeping with the traditions of a botanic garden there are several National Plant Collections (NCCPG) including Ash, Lime, Walnut, Laburnum and Cotinus . The range of hydrangeas exceeds 60 varieties and is worth a visit on their own.
There is a Bark Park that I missed and must go back to see, Holly Glades, Autumn bays and Acer glades that look brilliant in the late summer sunshine.

Return to See Bark Park

I first visited in 2009 and have revisited in 2012. Not surprisingly the lay our and content is virtually the same. Most trees are three year older but when you are already a champion tree that will not say much.
The Bark park area is developing nicely and there are some great barks to see on trees in other areas. Next time I will come in winter when the bark will really stand out.
I will also be able to see more lables and relate them to the comprehensive catalogue.

Added Features at Thorp Perrow

There is a large range of activities throughout the year many based on the Falconry where birds are flown 3 times a day. There are mammals to amuse the children including Meercats and Wallabies (those well known Yorkshire inhabitants) and wooden red Squirrels.
The tearoom at the entrance/exit provides good bacon butties and I trust there is no connection to the near by pet Cemetery with stones commemorating long dead pets from 1800.
Lakes, Islands, bog gardens, wood sculptures and a small flower garden all seem to move with the times and new plantings and features are added each year. In 2012 the small nursery looks like it might fold. It certainly needs reinventing.

For details of entry visit Thorpperrow.com. If you are a member of the RHS entrance is free during September and at certain other times of the year.

Posted in Our Yorkshire, Yorkshire Trips and Places | Tagged gardens | 1 Comment

Yorkshire Fireworks Supplier and Price Review

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Hortoris

The Guido Fawkes pub in York is a good place to start our quick review of Yorkshire fireworks.
Without the gunpowder plot of 1605 it is doubtful Yorkshire would have taken up the top spot of ornamental firework production during Victorian times nor top wholesalers now.

Review of Yorkshire Firework Suppliers

Standard Fireworks started making and supplying fireworks in 1891. The fireworks and ingredients were imported from China or made by outworkers like local coal miners supplementing their income. Then in 1910 a factory was built at Crosland Hill Huddersfield and although manufacture has long since been transferred to China it is still the admin HQ for Yorkshires Standard fireworks.
Black Cat fireworks are now part of the same group as Standard Fireworks but have their admin base at Lawkholme lane Keighley. Both brands are owned by the Chinese firecracker business Li & Fung company.

It now costs a lot to see your money go up in smoke but that cost or pleasure is generally shared by at the larger displays with bigger audiences.
Around our home bonfires of childhood, a rip rap or rocket in a milk bottle probably also seemed a costly part of a family’s November budget.

I was stimulated to write this page after receiving some direct mail from Jimmy’s Fireworks at Tankersley and Epic Fireworks. It is good to see a Yorkshire business thriving, as they must be to afford a large 16 page highly glossy catalogue posted to an unsolicited address. Still it gets them this mention and a web link. They claim to be the largest wholesaler of Fireworks in the country.

Review of Firework Prices

In the brochure, Penny bangers have now been replaced by 50 shot ‘Nuclear Weapons’ only £64.95!. And Rockets are still available in packs of 38 for £84 Mmmmm
Selection boxes like Vendetta can cost £595 for 11 fireworks or the Ultimate for £2000 which has 80 fireworks delivered to your door. (I would expect an Exocet for that money). I was looking for the little kids version of snow storms, roman candle and volcanoes without avail until I spotted a 36 firework pack for £44.95 that included a good old Standard fireworks selection box called ‘Cliff Hanger’ (but I will be kept in suspense to see what that contains.)

For local bonfires rather than formal displays I like the historically named packs called Guido’s, Cateby’s Revenge, Plotters Party, Treason and the simple Plot Night. Getting down to basics ‘Penny for the Guy’ is a better priced option for £44.95 with a free Chinese Flying Lantern to set fire to your local woods.

I think I will stick to Indoor Fireworks which came up first on this list of fireworks you can buy from amazon. Obviously the price of rocket packs and other products ascends but I remember Christmas time with simple yet different indoor fireworks to let off around the dining room table. For less than £7, compared to the prices above, I think they will be better value for a tight Yorkshireman.
Indoor fireworks have their own genre and nomenclature and types include blazing bengals, snakes alive, flash gordon, sizzling strobes, ice fountains, fun snaps, puff the magic dragon, disco inferno and indoor sparklers.

Photo Credits

New Years Eve Fireworks by robynejay CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Firefalls by Chip_2904 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Heworth York

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Visit Yorkshire’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Hortoris

We would probably all agree that the whole of Yorkshire is an area of outstanding natural beauty but some areas are more outstanding than others!
We have the three National Parks covering the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and parts of The Peak District National Park all with outstanding scenery and an abundance of visual delight. Not to take away from these national parks we also have precious landscapes with distinctive character and natural beauty in three further areas. These are designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or AONB’s for short.

Since the ‘National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949’ there have been 33 English AONB’s created three of which are all or partially in Yorkshire. They are areas deemed to be so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them and that is what AONB status seeks to do.

Howardian Hills

The hills are formed on Jurassic limestone that gives the landscape its character and irregular 600 foot ridges. They are set between York and Pickering as a southern extension of the rocks of the North York Moors.
In addition to the green agricultural plains there is a rich tapestry of wooded hills and valleys, pastures and rolling farmland with dramatic views.

Nidderdale

Head for the high moorland on the edge of Great Whernside and the source of the river Nidd then down to Pateley Bridge. Follow the river course through lush green meadow via Brimham Rocks and the sights down to Knaresborough. There is lots to do see and visit in Nidderdale including Studley Royal and the picturesque ruins of Fountains Abbey.

Forest of Bowland

Parts of the riding of North Yorkshire lies within it’s boundaries and you can start a tour from Slaidburn or Settle to visit the important heather moorland and bog.
A large part of the site is also specially protected as a site of special scientific interest. It is home to many insect species and the birds who feed in the area.
The predominantly Lancastrian rivers of Ribble, Hodder, Wyre and Lune pass through the Trough of Bowland.

I hope this gives you the incentive to visit or revisit these AONB’s. Some of the villages and sites are well worth exploring for a day or a on a more protracted leisurely and peaceful stay.

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Sorry for These Adverts I Wanted Ben Shaws Pop

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Hortoris

– Best of 1980’s TV adverts

I was searching for an old remembered advert for Ben Shaws lemonade and came across this modern selection. Sorry to foist it on regular readers (thanks Mum). I know how you love being interrupted by jingles, inane actors and boring repetitive voices posing as adverts.

Back to Ben Shaws and the 1960’s jingle I remember (or not), it went something like ‘Pops tops the quality Ben Shaws’. It promoted the pop delivered by truck that was also available in our local chip shop. Yellow lemonade, American cream soda and dandelion and burdock were just some of the flavours to be consumed on a hot afternoon (where have they all gone, the afternoons not the pop).

Another distant memory is of a local distribution depot that may have been for Huddersfield business Ben Shaws or another brand. It was on Highfield Road at Five Lane Ends, Idle. It was my best bob-a-job site as they not only paid but gave me a free drink after sweeping the yard.

Welsh Corona was another brand of pop delivered to your house and they had a slogan “Every bubble’s passed its FIZZical!”. You returned the bottles when you got the next delivery.
With Ben Shaws pop you paid a deposit which was refunded at the shop. You could augment your pocket money by 4d if you were lucky.

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Top Bridges Over the River Wharfe

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Hortoris

Little bridges over the gills that feed the early reaches of the river Wharfe can be found at Cray and Yockenthwaite. Crook Gill and Cray Gill have individual bridges and where they meet there is another bridge called Stubbing Bridge.
Yockenthwaite is on the old packhorse route from Wensleydale to Ribblesdale and has a bronze age stone circle near by.
Our first serious bridge over the Wharfe is at Hubberholme. It connects the church, (where JB Priestley’s ashes were placed), to the George Inn and is on the old drover road from Lancaster to Newcastle.

Getting greedy or functional, further down stream we have seven bridges in the parish of Linton. The best view comes from on top of the otherwise ugly Tin bridge but the best looking bridge is probably Lile Emily’s bridge. Clapper bridge, Grassington bridge and Redmaynes bridge are all worth seeking out.
Grassington bridge is a survivor of the 1673 great floods.

Near the Duke of Devonshires ‘pub’ there is the old Skipton to Harrogate bridge now by-passed.

Read more about Barden and Burnsall bridges on our previous page

Walking from Addingham to Beamsley there is a grand suspension footbridge show at the top of the page.

Ilkley Old bridge was built in 1678 to replace previous bridges including roman versions that were washed away in the 1673 floods. The new bridge and the suspension bridge that leads to Middleton woods have less architectural interest.

Otley has a paper works on the east side of the bridge that takes travellers from the town up towards Pateley Bridge. The river is dammed and the result is a park area where children feed the many birds on the river. There is a great deal of traffic over the bridge and it can cause queues back into the traffic lights in town but don’t let that put you off visiting Otley.

The next crossing of the Wharfe is at Pool where regular flooding used to take place. Built as part of the main road from bradfpord to Harrogate this is the bridge with the most traffic crossing the Wharfe until you get to Harewood.

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