Observations: December 2009 Archives

I can't take the credit for this piece I'm afraid - Linda (you know, Local History Linda) has been dealing with some technical 'challenges' over the last few days so I'm posting this on her behalf...

 

Strolling through Bishopthorpe is hard going on the slippery footpaths but, with perseverance and camera in hand, the winter sun brings its own rewards.

Archbishop Drummond's gateway stands resplendent on a crisp December day.

 

Midnight Mass has been celebrated in this church since it was built and consecrated in 1899.

 

Eerie winter shadows stretch across the snow towards the Archbishop's walled garden.

 

In Church Lane - kind thoughts for others at Christmas.

 

Ivy creeping over an old wall in Acaster Lane.

Season's Greeting to you all, and best wishes for 2010

 

The clearance of the main traffic routes through Bishopthorpe during the current snow problems has been excellent. Once out of the side streets, we have been able to drive without problems.

Unhappily, this is not the case for pedestrians. Even in the village centre, pavements have not  been gritted.

Over 20% of Bishopthorpe residents are aged over 60. Many of these are unable to drive, for reasons of health, cost, or simply because (now widowed) they had always relied on their husbands to be the family drivers.

Christmas is imminent. How do they get to buy the supplies they need without significant risk? Anyone who has had an elderly relative die from pneumonia contracted after a fall and a broken hip will understand the problem all too well. For others, a recent joint replacement can be hazarded by a fall. One could quote many other examples of the difficulties old people face.

I know that the City Council is short of money, and that its policy on snow clearance has been generally accepted as a reasonable compromise between cost and need. It seems to me, however, that its application in the present circumstances has revealed its limitations.

It may be too late to do anything in 2009, but one can hope that it will be re-examined in the light of experience. Perhaps too, our Parish Council's sub-committee dealing with the problems of the elderly could take up the issue.

Ian Hodson