It was established in 2004 as a result of an Ideas Day, held by the Millennium Trust to agree the best ways to spend the funds raised during 2000, and then by subsequent village activities and grants.

The site has been funded by the Trust, by private donations, and most recently by a grant from the City of York Council Ward Committee.

The Bish dot net team has one main aim: to benefit the local community.

The site has three main audiences.  First, there are ourselves, the people who live here – including newcomers and past residents! Then there are prospective visitors and residents. And then there are those who are interested from outside – such as family history researchers, those in the local media or government, relatives and friends.

We have strong policies on two issues: the privacy and security of personal information, and the safety of our younger users. But we have no editorial policy, no ties to churches, political organisations or any other grouping, and no wish to exercise editorial control. We aim to serve the whole community impartially, equally and fairly. The policy is explained in the Acceptable Use Policy that can be dowloanded here.

Structure

The site consists of front pages introducing the site and its sections. Behind these lie the News sections, each colour coded. These are based on weblog software now widely used for personal and business publishing. Weblogs make it easy to add news items, pictures, and they provide an opportunity for readers' comments to be included. Anyone can be an author.

For more information, click on the getting on the site or contact buttons above.