As the world continues to emerge from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that new technology – particularly AI – is progressing at an unprecedented rate. At the first global AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park last autumn, world leaders and representatives from major AI companies came together to make a shared declaration committing to more testing for advanced AI models. The University of York now has its very own Institute for Safe Autonomy, where robots and autonomous systems that work on land, underwater and in the air can be safely developed and tested.
Climate change and the cost of living crisis are other current concerns, and both are being considered when decisions are made about the city’s future. When much needed repair work is carried out on the Red House in the Minster’s precinct it will be fitted with solar roof slates and space for an air source heat pump. 101 eco-friendly homes will soon be built in Fulford and plans are being drawn up for a new two platform station at Haxby, which will bring a rail connection back to the town after nearly 100 years.
On a lighter note, York is welcoming some unusual visitors. From now until the 25th April, 21 adorable ‘Snooks’ designed by local artists will appear around the city. Can you spot them all?
Star Carr: Life After the Ice
Over the last 75 years, archaeologists excavating the Middle Stone Age site at Star Carr in North Yorkshire have unearthed many fascinating artefacts, including jewellery, weapons and more than 22 deer skull headdresses. This spring, some of their discoveries will appear in a new interactive display at the Yorkshire Museum.
Situated near Scarborough, Star Carr was inhabited by hunter gatherers, who lived beside a post glacial lake there for 200-500 years at the end of the last Ice Age.
It was rediscovered in the late 1940s by amateur archaeologist John Moore and excavations carried out by Grahame Clark over the following years revealed such a wealth of finds that it is now recognised as one of Europe’s most important Mesolithic sites. One of the most interesting discoveries made is its collection of headdresses fashioned from deer skulls. These may have been worn by hunters seeking to catch deer, or used by shamans taking part in rituals. A dig in 2010 also uncovered an 11-foot circular structure that is thought to be the world’s oldest surviving house.
‘Star Carr: Life After the Ice’ opened at the Yorkshire Museum in March. It explores how people lived 11,000 years ago, from cooking and travel to craft and worship. Soundscapes will help you to feel immersed in the past as you come face to face with many of the incredible objects found at the site. Little ones can also learn about history in a new way as they follow the story of Star Carr through the eyes of a friendly dog who once lived there.
UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES INSTITUTE FOR SAFE AUTONOMY
The safety of autonomous technology is a global concern and the University of York has now launched a first-of-its-kind facility where this can be put to the test. The ISA’s £45 million ‘living lab’ on Campus East houses new experimental laboratories for the study and development of robotics and advanced and quantum communications.
HAXBY STATION PLANS PROGRESS
Designs are being drawn up for a new 2 platform station in Haxby with construction expected to start early next year. The £24 million project will be delivered by Network Rail and will restore the town’s original connection to the York-Scarborough line, which was lost almost 100 years ago.
EBORACUM MUSEUM SCRAPPED
History lovers might have to wait longer to learn about York’s Roman past as plans for a new museum have been scrapped. York Archaeology said the proposed Eboracum attraction would ‘do for Roman York what Jorvik did for the Vikings’ but the idea has been put on hold as the site’s developers have gone into liquidation.
NEW EV CHARGING POINTS ARRIVE IN NORTH YORK MOORS
A partnership between BMW and National Parks UK has brought two new electric vehicle charging points to the North York Moors. The ‘Recharge in Nature’ project aims to promote eco-friendly travel and conservation. Six of the new chargers can be found at Sutton Bank and another six will soon be installed at Danby Lodge.
LIGHTWATER VALLEY REOPENS
Lightwater Valley has reopened for the year with some exciting new attractions to discover. The family-friendly theme park, which is less than an hour’s drive from York, has a new space-themed rollercoaster. Little ones can also spot wildlife on a Jeep Safari, let off steam in the indoor soft play or watch a show at the Valley Theatre.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT AFFORDABLE HOMES COMING TO FULFORD
Plans have been submitted for 101 new homes to be built at the council-owned site on Ordnance Lane, Fulford. The homes will all be ‘affordable’ with a range of different tenures available. They will also be built to Passivhaus standards, using renewable energy generated onsite and low-energy heating.
BOARD GAME CONVENTION COMING TO CITY
If you’re a board game enthusiast we have some exciting news – York is hosting its first ever Board Game Convention. The event will be held at the Spurriergate Centre in October and will feature tournaments and large-scale games. There will also be a special Quest from Ghost Quest York and stalls selling games and game-themed memorabilia.
THOR’S TIPI RETURNS
This May, popular indoor/outdoor hangout Thor’s Tipi will return to the grounds of the Principal Hotel. You’ll be able to relax in the sunshine with cocktails or a beer from the bar, or tuck into Frango Eduardo’s famous piri-piri chicken thighs while listening to live music from local bands and DJs.
MINSTER’S RED HOUSE GETS A MAKEOVER
Plans have been submitted to repair the Grade II* listed Red House that stands opposite York Minster. The historic building will also be improved by a low carbon retrofit that will offer it a more sustainable future. This includes a solar slate roof and space being created for a future air source heat pump.
JOIN THE SEARCH FOR A LOST CHURCH
York Archaeology are trying to reveal the footprint of St Peter-in-the-Willows near Walmgate Bar, which was demolished in 1549. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in a real excavation, this is your chance. The charity is looking for local residents to take part in digs throughout the spring and summer. Visit their website for more details.
SPOT THE SNOOKS
Until the 25th April, visitors to York will find 21 of these colourful characters dotted around the city. Designed by Sian Ellis, the Snooks have been painted by different UK artists and after the trail has finished they will be auctioned off to raise money for York Creates Fund and St Leonard’s Hospice.
PRINCIPAL HOTEL RENAMED TO HONOUR HERO
The Principal hotel will soon become The Milner York. It’s being renamed to honour heroic York station foreman William Milner, who died while trying to help others during a WW2 air raid. The hotel’s restaurants will also be renamed and it will benefit from a £2 million scheme of improvements funded by its owners, Glasgow-based hospitality company RBH.
Images- Anthony Chappel-Ross from @theyorkshiremuseum, @thorstipi, @theprincipalyork
