One month down and eleven to go. It seems only yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas and the New Year and already a month of 2008 has passed. Where oh where does the time go. We have had an enjoyable start to the new year with repeat visits from old friends who have availed themselves of our Sunday to Thursday 3 nights for the price of two offer and we were particularly pleased to have Mike and Bernie Fenn celebrate Bernie's birthday with last weekend.

Talking of birthdays I celebrate the BIG 6 in October and had thought of entering the London Marathon in 09 as this would have given me boasting rights to having completed a marathon in each of the decade since reaching 30. The look I got from the family when I suggested it was enough to make me realize that I have some persuading to do. But who knows - all I can say is watch this space.

This evenings news confirmed what we have suspected. January was the wettest month on record in North Yorkshire beating even that of June last year. Fortunately York escaped any serious flooding although the River Ouse was at one time 4.37 metres (about 15 feet) above its usual level. As usual the Kings Arms pub flooded and was again featured in the national press. For those of you who intend to visit York this year the pub is worth a visit if only to see the marks on the pub wall which indicate the dates and the level of flooding over the years.
Incidentally, you may be interested to know that last month York was voted the UK’s favorite city by the Daily Telegraph’s readers beating Edinburgh and Bath in the process. Not only that but York was also voted European City of the Year in August 2007 (beating Valencia and Gothenburg). If you haven’t yet visited this jewel in the UK’s tourism crown why not plan a trip during 2008.

With only a French couple overnighting last night (they are off to Edinburgh to watch the Scotland France rugby match on Sunday) Elaine and I took the opportunity to take a trip to Whitby. The weather was sunny, a real bonus, and we decided that as part of a new exercise regime we would walk along the beach from Whitby to Sandsend and back.

The outward walk was not unlike walking on Strandfontein Beach in Cape Town when the southeaster blows. The difference being that we were walking a round trip of 4 miles and the temperature was 6 degrees. That the outward journey took 50 minutes whilst we got back in 35 gives you an indication of the wind strength.

Despite it all we felt invigorated by our efforts and are hopeful that next week will provide a similar opportunity although I fear that it will not happen this weekend as the prediction is for heavy snow.

Below is "What's Happening" in York this month. We do hope it helps you with planning your trip.

FEB 7th to July: China in York - A city wide programme to mark the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Events at Castle Museum, National Railway Museum, Fairfax House, York University and York St John University.

Feb 12th - 23rd My Fair Lady. York Theatre Royal. www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

FEB 13th - 17th - JORVIK Viking Festival - Tel: 01904 543403 www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

Until March: Unfair Trade. New exhibition marking 200th anniversary of abolition of the slave trade. The Castle Museum. www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Feb 9th - 24th A day out with Thomas. Thomas, Diesel and the Trucks will all be here. National Railway Museum. www.nrm.org.uk

Feb 16th - 13th March York Literature Festival www.readwriteyork.co.uk

Until next month take care.

A belated happy new year and apologies that the blog has been in hibernation. No excuse except that I wanted to ensure that when next I wrote our new website pictures were on the site. Suffice to say that they are all there and even though one shoudn't blow one's one trumpet I think the Lodge is finally at the level we would want.
We have been closed since the 22nd December but had a really enjoyable run up to closing date. York has a series of themed weekends in December and we had the bonus of having two weekends where the house was full of repeat visitors.
On each of the Friday nights we opened the drawing room and invited the guests in for pre dinner mulled wine and mince pies. This proved really enjoyable and gave our guests the opportunity to meet one another. It's a bit early to be thinking of the festive season of 2008 but it's woth remebering that two of the weekends were fully booked some 10 weeks in advance. If you are planning to get to York at this time remember to book early.
We had the family with us for Christmas and as per usual had our Christmas meal on the night of the 24th. This has been a tradition and frees Elaine from having to cook on Christmas Day. It also means we can get to the Christmas church service without having to give food a thought.
Having a house full of family gave me ample opportunity to indulge in my passion for wine. Three that we particularly liked were
* Tattinger NV Champagne - some of the supermarkets often have this on a pre Valentines special at 50% of the usual price. If you see on offer grab it.
* Canaletto Primotivo - An Italian classic - 100% primotivo grapes with a lovely bouquet and long finish.
Penfolds Bin 389 - often called "baby Grange" as it is matured in the American oak barriques that are used to msture Penfolds icon wine Grange.
Given the price differential - Grange £100 Bin 389 £12 - there is no doubt in my mind that this is a bargain.
As those of you have stayed at Feversham in December will know we go very festive and the dining room has a complete decor makeover - always an exciting time for us as the room takes on a completely different feel.
Yesterday we packed away the Christmas decor and the house is back to its "Guest House" livery.
As usual we are running our "Mid week Winter Special" of "three nights for the price of two". This is for bookings from Sunday night to Thursday
night. If you wish to use this offer just give us a call.
I conclude by wishing you all a wonderful year and we hope to welcome you to Feversham Lodge in 2008.