Yorkshire Post

I'm back again from another trip to York. Again I went with 2 classes on the train from Dunbar. There was no major problem getting to York, but the return journey was a little bit of a nightmare. The train pulled in full. People were standing in the aisles, so the sight of 59 school kids and their teachers must have really ruined their day. We had our seats reserved but that is only any good if people follow the rules. When asked to move from our seats, one woman replied, 'I have got seats booked in the other carriage but someone is sat in them. Move them and I will move." Other than pouring hot coffee in her lap what else can you do?
The guard was impressive as he helped us load on all 68 suitcases. We struggled to pack them in properly as there was 4 students asleep in the baggage racks. However, with a amazing skill, he got all the cases into a very small space. 'I used to be a furniture remover", he later confessed. Most surprising was the ticket man who insisted on clipping every one of the 68 tickets.

Part of our grand tour was to visit Castle Howard. This is the most contentious part of the trip as some of us really dislike it, whereas others think it is great. I was pretty sure places like that could only have gained their wealth via exploitation, things like the slave trade. I think the kids should know the whole story. I made enquiries and was put in touch with the Head Curator who revealed Castle Howard is clean, and in fact played a part in the abolishion. So where did their wealth come from? Maybe from it being used as a location in Brideshead Revisited, or more recently Garfield 2. I just stand back and grin when the kids grill these stuck up guides about important things like "Is this Garfield's bed?"

Again I caught up with Sarah who brought Thomas along. The weather was great apart from the Ghost walk where it went from being a sunny day, to a very cold evening. There's nothing worse than a cold night and a full bladder. I had to make an emergency visit to the pub, but only to let out fluids, not take them in. The Ghost guides are a little industry of their own. It seems that there is a hierarchy amongst them. In fact there is a top dog. Whenever the others see him coming they move on allowing him to have their pitch. If they don't you hear him banging his step ladders to scare them off. It's hilarious as they are all posh blokes earning a few extra pounds telling stories. They are worth going to, as are the open top tour buses and a guided tour of the minster.

I hope to go back without the school kids in the summer. It was very frustrating walking past shops, pubs and parks not being able to stop and look. As for the school, no doubt i will be back again next year. I can almost recite the story of Thor's hammer word for word now!