December 2020 Issue No 15
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Residents’ Association, please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free and guarantees you get our Newsletters.
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In this edition

1. Chocolate Works Carols – Sunday 13^th December
2. Winter gritting of the highway and pavements of The Chocolate Works
3. Bayldon Square trees – update
4. Repairs to block paving
5. Proposal to maintain house gutters/rainwater channels
6. Review of car parking signage
7. Cyclists
8. Pedestrian safety at the Campleshon Road/Bishopthorpe Road junction
9. New waste/dog poo bins near the school
10. McCarthy & Stone proposal to build managed care apartments on the car park on Bishopthorpe Road opposite The Residence
11. Update from David Wilson Homes (DWH)
12. Co-op to open on the development in time for Christmas 2021

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all residents
at The Chocolate Works

We hope everyone is able to enjoy a Merry (and safe) Christmas and here is hoping that next year will be much, much better for everyone.

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Chocolate Works Carols

The Chocolate Works Social Group has organised carols, complete with mulled wine – see poster below. Contact Clare on 07931 179281 or register interest via the Facebook page so that they have an idea of numbers.

Winter Gritting

Watson have confirmed that they are employing a firm to grit the development (when temperatures are predicted to go below 0˚C). It will be done at no additional cost to residents.

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Bayldon Square Trees

DWH replaced two trees on Bayldon Square this week. While we are pleased, there is also some disappointment as we had understood that all the trees would be replaced.

DWH states that the Managing Director of their Landscape Contractors believes the remaining trees are healthy. However, the root balls of the trees which were removed were covered in their original nylon netting, which had restricted development.

Consequently, DWH will examine the root balls of the remaining trees to assist them in determining whether they should also be replaced. The situation will continue to be monitored.

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Repairs to block paving

After a number of reminders, DWH have repaired the block paving in the residents’ parking area off Joseph Terry Grove.

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House gutters/rainwater channels proposed maintenance programme

A number of residents have expressed concerns about the inaccessibility of the gutters of houses and worries that these might fail. Indeed, a number of people have already experienced leaks into bedrooms from either cracks to the rainwater channel, or due to blockages caused by leaves and other detritus.

With this in mind we have contacted a contractor who has given us a quotation for maintaining the gutters of the houses on the development. We will shortly be sending out letters to all houses outlining the process and associated costs, and we believe that it is a cost effective way to provide peace of mind.

NB This is NOT an issue for apartment blocks. Watson undertakes to manage these.

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Car parking signage

A meeting is planned with Watson and Autosec to review and hopefully rationalise the number of parking signs and their design.

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Cyclists

Cyclists are politely requested not to cycle down the grass embankment adjacent to the steps going down to Bishopthorpe Road. As well as safety issues, this is causing damage to the landscaping.

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Pedestrian safety at the Bishopthorpe Road/Campleshon Road junction

We have recently submitted our second request to City of York Council for an urgent review of the traffic safety at this junction and provision of safe pedestrian crossing. The arguments for this include poor visibility at the junction due to parked cars; the high speed of cars coming from Bishopthorpe; and a marked increase in pedestrian traffic from residents at this development and The Residence.

An accident at this junction on Thursday 3^rd December (reported in the York Press) further increases the case which is also being made by Councillor Crawshaw and the Headmistress of Knavesmire Primary School.

Pictured at the junction, from left, parents Sarah Fitsell and Ian & Lowra Kitchingman,
Cllr Jonny Crawshaw and Knavesmire Head of School, Hannah Gibson
Picture: George Dodd
(From York Press 04/12/20)

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Waste/DogPoo Bins (Campleshon Road)

You may have noticed new waste bins at the Lorne Street, and Trafalgar Street ends of Knavesmire Primary School on Campleshon Road. These came as a response to requests by residents who attended the annual review of the policing of York Races in October last year. They only took a year to arrive!

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McCarthy and Stone plan to redevelop car park into
Retirement Living Plus accommodation

McCarthy and Stone have just started the first stage of consultation on their proposal to provide Retirement Living Plus (for the over 70s) accommodation on the vacant car park (known locally as the Kraft car park) on Bishopthorpe Road opposite The Residence. They plan to have a one week public exhibition in the near future.

Their proposal, which they hope to submit before Christmas, includes

• 73 apartments (43 x 1 bed and 30 x 2 bed)
• 41 parking spaces
• 92 additional parking spaces, on 2 levels, for 3^rd parties (The Liquor Store, Clock Tower apartments etc).

There are concerns about, among other things

• over-development in the area
• even more traffic on Bishopthorpe Road
• the effect on the adjacent cycle route
• a marked increase in pedestrian traffic crossing an already busy road
• the impact on the current GP services as well as the already existing need for new GP premises.

We will continue to engage in consultation and keep people informed.

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Current Membership figures of the Residents’ Association

We currently have 107 CWRA members out of 244 occupied properties. We are glad to have you on board and hope you feel informed. If you would like to become more involved or have any suggestions, please get in touch via the website.

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Update from David Wilson Homes

• The road surface on Joseph Terry Grove, up to Thistle House, is due to be completed before Christmas.
• Sales have gone well, and only five apartments remain unsold.
• It is expected that new residents will arrive in the houses on Robert Street from February 2021, once the rear parking courtyards are completed.
• It remains the aim to complete all building by November 2021, with the process of handing over sewerage and roads to the Council completed by Spring 2023.

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Finally, it has been confirmed that the Co-op has won the contract
to open a retail outlet on the development

DWH has confirmed that contracts have been exchanged with the Co-op. It is anticipated that they will open a store in the current Sales Office space by November 2021.

November 2020 Issue No 14
Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Residents’ Association, please go to cwra.co.uk and click on Join Us. It is free and guarantees you get our Newsletters.
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Successful complaint about Campleshon Road Electricity sub-station noise

As anyone who walks down the footpath to Campleshon Road will know, the noise from the electricity sub-station can be very annoying, and even intolerable for those living in Neapolitan House, Hallmark House, Bayldon Court and nearby.

CWRA has been engaged in a complaint process with City of York Council Environmental Protection team since June 2020 to take action about the noise. We have co-ordinated eight letters of complaint from affected residents to City of York Council Environmental Protection Team, and enlisted the support of Cllr P. Kilbane when needed.

At the same time, and separately, two residents of Carousel House, Cheryl & Rob Huddlestone, have engaged in a complaint process directly to Northern PowerGrid.

We have formally been told the following –

“Northern PowerGrid will fully enclose the two 33/11kV transformers in bespoke built, high specification acoustic enclosures to mitigate noise. . . .
. . . the expected costs for the whole mitigation may easily be in the region of £200k, if not more”

This is not expected to take place immediately, but is nonetheless, good news!
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Poplar Trees Application No. 19/01103/TPO

In May 2019 the Racecourse proposed the felling of 18 Lombardy poplars in the field behind Cocoa House. This application was denied with recommendations. Now the Racecourse is appealing the decision and would like its original proposal accepted.

A virtual hearing will take place at 10am on 1^st December 2020 via Microsoft Teams or telephone. For more information on this case, go to 
https://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/
and type in the application no 19/01103/TPO

If you would like to attend the hearing contact the Case Officer at the Planning Inspectorate (Tree and Hedge Appeals Team) please telephone 0303 444 5723 / 5385 / 5570 or email treeandhedgeappeals@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
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Winter Gritting and Bayldon Square Trees

We are engaged in discussion with Watson about gritting footpaths and roads in inclement weather. This is possible but contingent upon being done within budget.

Equally we are continuing dialogue with both David Wilson Homes (DWH) and Watson about replacing the trees on Bayldon Square (as well as others near Neapolitan House). We are optimistic about succeeding and have heard from DWH that they are planning to replace the dead trees at some point during the current planting season, although the timing will be dictated by stock availability.

We will keep you posted.
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September 2020, Issue No. 13    Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

If you are not already a member of the Residents’ Association please go to cwra.co.uk and follow the instructions for joining. It is free, and guarantees you get our Newsletters.

Residents’ Association AGM

Our joint AGM, with Watson, was due to take place in October. Current restrictions on meetings mean that this is currently not possible. We have considered, and ruled out, an AGM via Zoom (or similar) because we felt, on balance, that this format limits the opportunity for healthy discussion and debate. Therefore, the decision has been taken to defer the AGM until Spring 2021. Obviously, we will make a further decision if group meetings are still prohibited at that time.

Watson

Lisa Harvey, Maintenance Surveyor, has left Watson. Her supervisor will be taking responsibility for the Chocolate Works development until a suitable replacement is found. This has led to a slight backlog in work.
Please continue to use the https://watsonpm.fixflo.com/Auth/HomeIssueCreate Fixflo system for any concerns which you feel Watson should be addressing.
Watson have been asked to complete the planting on Bayldon Square which commenced in the spring.

Breaches of Covenants

We have received an increasing number of complaints from residents about the following issues which constitute breaches of covenants:

• Residents hanging washing on balconies
• Residents storing bins and recycling boxes in public areas
• Residents storing bikes at the front of their properties
• For sale signs in house windows
• Dogs in apartments

Residents who are concerned about these, or similar issues, are reminded that they should use Watson’s Fixflo to register any concerns
https://watsonpm.fixflo.com/Auth/HomeIssueCreate

David Wilson Homes

The drilling for Thistle House is complete, and it is our understanding that no further drilling is required on the development.
DWH have planted the laurel hedge along the perimeter of the development and a combination of hand watering and unseasonably wet weather looks to have enabled it to flourish.
They have been asked to replace a number of dead trees on the perimeter of the development and to replace the dead trees on Bayldon Square.

Temporary Parking Spaces

David Wilson Homes made an undertaking on 3^rd July to provide additional temporary parking outside Cocoa House for visitors. Despite continuous and ongoing requests for signs to be put in place they have failed to do so, and have yet to come up with a start date. We will continue to pursue this.

Carousel House – Medallion House

We are informed that permanent barriers will be put in place (where the temporary barriers were previously) to stop vehicles using the pedestrian area. This is subject to Council approval.

Wet Rooms

Cura Home Care are currently stripping out and replacing wet rooms which had failed, as agreed with DWH last autumn. They will finish the wet rooms they started in July, but their contract has been terminated and another firm will proceed with the outstanding wet rooms.

Wider Issues

Electricity Substation

Letters of complaint were sent to York Council on 23^rd June about the noise from the electricity substation on Campleshon Road. In the absence of an acknowledgement from the Council an email was sent on 1^st September.  Following the Council’s failure to acknowledge the email, a further email has been sent on 7^th September and now our Ward Councillors are helping progress the matter.

Land South of the Residence

Planning Reference -18/02582/FULM – Erection of 85 apartments and seven town houses. Consideration of this application was deferred at the August Planning Committee, pending a bat survey.

South Bank Resident Parking Scheme

On 11^th August the Council agreed an extension to the existing South Bank Residents Parking scheme. This includes restrictions on the west side of Bishopthorpe Road from Campleshon Road to the Residence.
There is a 40 metre bay for 2 hour parking, close to The Residence. The remainder, to Campleshon Road will be subject to Resident Parking permits 24/7 or 1 hour visit only (non-permit). This will severely impact contractor parking and commuter parking, but will also have an impact upon residents in our development seeking additional on-street parking.
Implementation date is currently unknown. We have asked if we will be eligible for resident parking tickets, but have not yet received a reply.
The following link goes to the Council Meeting and papers related to this decision https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=738&MId=12341&Ver=4

Clementhorpe Flood Protection Scheme

This has been agreed by the Council, with a need to revise cycle path provision before commencement. Work is expected to last twelve months and have some effect on all those people who use Millennium Bridge or the riverside footpaths and cycle paths into town.

July 2020, Issue No. 12    Email: chair@cwra.co.uk

This is our first Newsletter since March 2020 and as such, we need to reflect some of the changes caused by the ongoing pandemic as well as update residents on activity around the development.

If you are not already a member please go to cwra.co.uk and follow the instructions for joining. It is free at present (to be reviewed later this year) and guarantees you get our Newsletters. We are also looking for people from the apartments who may be interested in working with the committee to ensure we remain representative of all groups.

Previously Advertised Meetings

Due to ongoing restrictions upon social gatherings we are unable to organise residents open meetings, as advertised in the March Newsletter. Equally, the impact on our future AGM has yet to be determined. Nonetheless, it is our aspiration to have more face to face meetings when it is safe and practical to do so.

David Wilson Homes (DWH)

We understand that there are now no limits on numbers of workers allowed, within social distancing guidelines, so we can expect work to be near full capacity from now on.

Pre-lockdown there were 130-140 workers on site at any one time. When work first recommenced this figure was nearer 40 workers.

DWH have also applied to start working on Saturday and Sunday in the future. This will not involve a change in start or finish times and is likely to be approved by the Council. DWH’s aim is to be finished by November 2021.

DWH have also indicated that they will do the following:

• Remove dead trees and debris from the perimeter of the development.
• Clean a two metre section of the whole perimeter of the development (to stop debris falling onto Campleshon Road and Bishopthorpe Road) and plant laurel hedging as a barrier.
• Plant further trees in the area behind Devon House in September.
• Undertake a tree survey and provide Watson with a maintenance plan going forward.

Bayldon Square

We continue to ask for replacement trees in Bayldon Square, and completion of the planting. This was due for completion in April, but it is possible that it will now have to wait until September.

Block G (Thistle House)

Piling will commence on this block in late July/early August. This will inevitably be noisy, but is the last piling for the whole development, as Orange House (Block K) has already been piled.

Carousel House – Medallion House

We are informed that –

• replanting will take place in this area
• concrete seats will be placed here
• pillars will be erected at the base of the steps, similar to those at the Clock Tower Way entrance. Lights will also be placed in the grass along the slope (similar to those in Bayldon Square)

Clock Tower Way

From 1^st August until completion Clock Tower Way will be the road designated to take deliveries, although some will still come in through the site compound.

Cocoa House

Is close to completion. The first residents are expected to move in by the end of July.

Joseph Terry Grove

The road surface between Robert Street and round to the compound will be completed in the next month.

Robert Street

DWH hope to have the properties at the top of Robert Street complete for occupation by Christmas.

The Estate in general

We have now had a walk round the estate with both DWH and Watson. Among the issues discussed are –

• DWH will clean the paint spill outside Devon House
• They will also paint a V (for visitor parking) sign in the space behind Devon House which was missed first time round
• We have asked Watson to treat public areas affected by vine weevil. This will be discussed with the contractors in the first instance
• DWH will strim and clean up the verge adjacent to the Care Home
• Watson continue to be concerned about washing on balconies, which is contrary to the covenants. They are also concerned about bins and recycling boxes being left outside properties for prolonged periods.
• DWH will provide additional temporary parking spaces. Initially these will be in the unoccupied Cocoa House spaces and will be available once marked up
• A large parking space outside Medallion House which is currently used by up to two vehicles will eventually be designated for disable vehicle users.
• We tried to gain clarity about which areas are now managed by Watson and which are still managed by DWH. This is complex, vague and changeable. But one example is that the grass at the Carousel House side of the steps down to Bishopthorpe Road is managed by Watson whereas the grass on the Medallion House side is still managed by DWH.

Wet rooms

Cura Home Care are currently stripping out and replacing wet rooms which had failed, as agreed with DWH last autumn

Parking

Watson has appointed Autosec to manage and enforce parking on the development.

We do not have a date for commencement, but understand that a letter will be sent out explaining the system to all residents shortly.

Shop

Planning permission has been sought for a plant room for a convenience store which will open in the current sales Office area. This is expected to open in late 2021. At the moment there is no confirmation of who will run the store.

Wider Issues

Electricity Substation

Letters of complaint have now been sent to York Council about the noise from the electricity sub-station on Campleshon Road. This has been a continuing serious nuisance for residents, particularly in Neapolitan House.

Land South of the Residence

We have continued to support our neighbours at The Residence in their objection to further building to the South of the Residence. Planning Reference -18/02582/FULM – Erection of 85 apartments and seven town houses.

This is due to be discussed in August by the Planning Committee.

Clementhorpe Flood Protection Scheme

This has been agreed by the Council, with a need to revise cycle path provision before commencement.

This will last twelve months and have some effect on all those people who use Millennium Bridge or the riverside footpaths and cycle paths into town.

If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!

March 2020, Issue No. 11    Email: chocworksra@gmail.com

Residents Association Committee open meetings

The Residents Association Committee would like to improve its communication. To facilitate this we would like to offer an open forum/drop-in at the end of Committee Meetings, where members can attend and ask questions, make suggestions, and meet the committee. Please feel free to pop over and see us. These meetings will be held at St Clements Working Mens Club, Count de Burgh Terrace (about 5mins walk away) at 8.30 pm on

• 06 April 2020
• 06 July 2020
• 02 November 2020

Planning and Construction Report

This report has been kindly provided by John Stevens and was correct as at 21 January 2020. We thank John for keeping his eye on this for us.

• Block J, Cocoa House (17/02874/FULM) – approved and under construction – Section 106 Agreement still missing. The Construction Environmental Management Plan is in place. 18 apartments with 15 off-street and 3 on-street parking places.

• Block F, Medallion House, almost complete. 37 units.

• Block G, Harlequin House, almost complete. 21
  units.

• Block H, east of Joseph Terry Grove – yet to
  start. Units not known. For sale.

• Block K (18/1934/FULM – revised scheme), to the
  rear of the Care Home, previously known as Block H. An amended plan made a
  marginal reduction in height by removing the penthouse floor with its 3
  apartments. Approved, subject to a new Section 106 agreement. 34 apartments
  plus 35 parking spaces, including electric charging points. A Construction
  Environmental Management Plan to be agreed setting out working hours, controls
  on noise and dust. All units to be affordable social housing.

• Blocks L and M (18/02329/FULM – revised scheme) –
  an amended plan has been approved and the old one withdrawn. Block L has now been
  revised back to 12 family houses with off-street parking. Block M now comprises
  22 houses with off-street visitor parking spaces. Construction now under way.

• New traffic restrictions in the surrounding
  area. Bishopthorpe Road – double yellow lines to be implemented by CYC this
  financial year. Also, a number of petitions for Residents-Only Parking
  Restrictions to the north and east of our site.

• An application has been submitted for a zebra crossing, or similar, on Bishopthorpe Road where the new pedestrian access from Joseph Terry Grove will shortly open. Pedestrian traffic does not currently warrant a crossing, and the Council does not consider that there is any speeding, but CYC will monitor the situation. We could volunteer to research traffic amounts and speeds with the support of the police.

• Felling of 18 poplar trees to the immediate west of Cocoa House (19/01103/TPO). Part approved. Six trees to be felled; condition of the others to be monitored; replacements to be planted. The Racecourse has now taken this to an appeal – currently in progress.

• York Local Plan. The first public hearing took place in mid December. If the plan is considered ‘robust’ and ‘sound’, there will be a further, more detailed, inspection this Spring.

• Chocolate Works Advertising Hoarding Fronting Bishopthorpe Road (19/01156/ADV0) extended to March 2024. Following submission of revised plans, the application was approved. NB. The remaining length of hoarding, along Campleshon Road, is scheduled to be removed in January.

• Terry Avenue Flood Defence Works (19/00570/FUL) – could be of interest to residents who walk or cycle into town. There are full details on the Environment Agency’s site https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/yorkshire/yorkfasclementhorpe/. At present CYC is considering an alternative construction method, known as ‘ground grouting’. If this proves viable, there will be far less disruption to walkers and cyclists.

• Construction work has recommenced on the Clock Tower and Boiler House. Conversion to 22 apartments.

• The Liquor Store has been made ready for use and is being marketed for restaurant/café and deli/retail use.

• CWRA has been in discussion with Angela Blackwood, CYC officer responsible for sustainable transport. See separate report.

• The Residents’ Assocation has submitted an objection to plans for further properties on Land South of the Residence for 90 apartments and seven town houses. If you are (among other things) concerned about the heritage of the factory, or traffic in the area go to https://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications / (Planning No. 18/02582/FULM)  to register your concerns before 18th May. There have also been objections from the National Trust, the Racecourse, CYC Highways, CYC Conservation and York Civic Trust.

Estate Management

Reminder: Watson, the Property Management Company is holding a meeting for ALL residents on 26th March at 6pm in St Chad’s Church Hall.
This is an opportunity to catch up with what’s happening on the development and to ask questions.

• Watson’s have confirmed they wish to complete the planting on Bayldon Square with plants ordered, with a £500 contribution from DWH. It just awaits better weather.
• The trees on Bayldon Square are to be replaced by DWH landscapers in the spring.
• A light above the defibrillator has been agreed by DWH and awaits installation.
• We are liaising with Watson’s on the poor condition of landscaping being handed over to them by DWH.
• We have brought Watson’s attention to breaches in leases around the development to include washing being dried on balconies, BBQs on balconies, cycles being left out in gardens and For Sale notices being displayed.
• We are keeping on top of DWH and Watson’s on estate snagging including the replacement of dead planting, paint spillages, loose block work in parking areas and collection of rubbish.
• We have been requested by Watson’s to review the need for a concierge.
• Watson’s are consulting with us on the specification and scope of works for maintenance for the period 2020/21. This will directly affect our Management fee.
• We are arranging meetings with all parties to agree the best way to take forward the adotion of the roads by the City Council and to ensure all residents have their input.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help Steve with Estate Management from the apartment blocks, Joseph Terry Grove and Clock Tower Way. If you are interested in getting involved please email: chocworksra@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you!

Forthcoming Events

Great news. The racecourse has invited 50 residents from each of the Chocolate Works and also the Residence to an evening tour on Thursday 23 April 2020 from 6.30pm-9pm in the Parade Ring Restaurant, to include light refreshments. This event should prove popular and is at no cost to the residents. More details will follow shortly on how to apply for a place.

The Sales Office is in the early stages of planning in conjunction with residents a VE Day (8th May) event for the development. More details to follow.

Social Groups/Events

Yorkuleles at the Knavesmire

What an enjoyable evening this was. The Yorkuleles provided excellent entertainment with an original mix of songs performed with skill and gusto. I would not have expected some of the selections to work well with a ukulele band but what do I know? Thanks to imaginative arrangements, they all absolutely did. At times, some members of the audience were dancing in the aisles. Unfortunately the evening was brought to a slightly premature end because a member of the band became unwell, but thankfully he apparently made a swift recovery. Thanks are due to the organisers, the band, the Knavesmire pub for providing a free venue, raffle prize donors and to all who supported the event by purchasing tickets and turning up. The result was that a very worthwhile sum was raised for The Samaritans.
Helen Shoesmith

Wider Community

Living North Live – York Racecourse
Yorkshire’s biggest homes, gardens, shopping, food & lifestyle exhibition. York Racecourse 20-22 March 2020. More details at www.livingnorth.com

Flying Scotsman at the Railway Museum
For the only time this year, Flying Scotsman is back on display in York at the National Railway Museum. Get up close to the well-travelled loco and marvel at the engineering details of this magnificent engine, designed by the renowned Sir Nigel Gresley. A special platform allows access to the cab for everyone, including wheelchair users and little ones in pushchairs. Open 1 April – 21 April 2020 from 10am to 6pm

Local Book – Shadows in the Bricks
If you are interested in local history you may be interested in the latest publication by Clements Hall Local History Group. At 114 pages it is a history of the old shops of South Bank (an area defined here as running from Southlands Avenue to The Residence and across to Albemarle Road.) The book is advertised on the Clements Hall Website – shadows in the bricks And is for sale at Fred’s Bakery, The Winning Post, Tranquil Hair and Beauty, The Corner Barbershop, Tower Vets, Pextons, Frankie and Johnny’s Cookshop and Cameron Beaumont Opticians.

The CWRA – Contact Us – Subscribe to our Newsletter

If you’re not yet a member of the CWRA but would like to join us please see our Membership page. New members always welcome!