THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Good morning York! 🌥️

Heavy news today with that heartbreaking coroner’s ruling on the River Foss tragedy, and our Archbishop making waves with strong words on Gaza. Meanwhile, council’s dropped the full details on that Rougier Street traffic scheme - grab your tea, this one’s going to spark some proper debate.

But it’s not all doom and gloom: we’ve got astronauts coming to town (yes, actual space people!), festive trails launching, and some brilliant community wins to celebrate. Let’s crack on...

🌤️ WEATHER UPDATE

Cloudy and mild today with temperatures around 7-8°C. Light drizzle possible this afternoon, so grab your brolly if you’re heading out. The real drama’s happening up on the North York Moors though - amber snow warning in force with up to 25cm expected on higher ground. If you’re venturing that way, take proper care.

📰 NEWS

❄️ Amber Warning: Up to 25cm Snow Expected - The Met Office has issued an amber snow warning for North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds from 5am-9pm Thursday. Up to 15-25cm could pile up on higher ground above 100m, bringing “substantial disruption” with power cuts and travel chaos likely. The Gazette & Herald reports temperatures could plummet to -11°C in rural areas, with ice creating treacherous conditions overnight.

⚖️ River Foss Death Ruled Accidental - A coroner has concluded that 19-year-old Bradford student Taymoor Hassan’s death in the River Foss last December was an accident. Examiner Live reports CCTV showed him “stumbling on the riverside path” before he disappeared. The University of York student, who was deeply engaged with Friends of Palestine charity, went missing December 4 and his body was recovered the next day.

🏡 Racehorse Trainer’s £1.5m Castle Home Up for Sale - Legendary trainer Tom Tate is saying goodbye to Castle Farmhouse at Hazlewood Castle after 36 years. The Gazette & Herald reports the five-bedroom Victorian property, complete with walled gardens and tennis court on 2.5 acres, is on the market for £1.5 million. Tom’s moving just “a few hundred yards down the road” but keeping his training gallops.

🚂 Holgate Railway Works: Brace for Noise -Network Rail’s written to Holgate residents warning of overnight disruption from 11pm Saturday through to 8am Sunday - the first of several planned essential works. The Gazette & Herald says they’ll be working nights “as it’s the safest time to access the railway.” More overnight sessions planned for December.

✝️ Archbishop of York: Gaza Actions Are “Genocidal Acts” - Archbishop Stephen Cottrell has described Israeli military actions in Gaza as “genocidal acts” following his visit to the region last week. The Church Times reports he used similarly strong language about the West Bank, calling the situation “apartheid” and “ethnic cleansing.” He stressed these criticisms target state policies, not Judaism or Jewish people, saying “we must find a way for people to live in peace.”

“What’s happening in the West Bank is not what happened in South Africa, but you’re left thinking: what other language do I use to describe such a two-tier system where one group of people is so persistently and systematically denied their human rights and having to live a parallel life?”

🚂 Mount School Girls Build Bridges with Network Rail - Senior girls at The Mount School got hands-on with railway careers as Network Rail staff led Years 7 and 8 through the ‘Bridge the Gap’ challenge. Pupils had to build bridges while managing curveballs like overnight cost increases, allocating roles and meeting deadlines - just like real-world engineering projects. Head Anna Wilby noted the school was “proudly nominated for Best Independent School for Student Careers 2025” and said it’s all part of showing girls “the world is at their feet.” More on York Press

🚌 Dial & Ride Absence “A Travesty” Say Campaigners Nearly two years after York’s Dial & Ride service ended, disability rights activist Flick Williams slammed the lack of replacement as “an absolute travesty.” Speaking at Thursday’s council meeting, she told York Press that people are cancelling medical appointments due to lack of transport. York Press

💰 Mayor Seeks Views on Council Tax Precept York and North Yorkshire residents have until January 5 to share views on next year’s police and fire service council tax contributions. Mayor David Skaith told Yahoo News he wants to ensure “minimum burden on local taxpayers” while keeping emergency services effective. The survey asks residents to consider different funding options, including maintaining current services or allowing additional investment in neighbourhood policing, prevention, equipment upgrades, and road safety initiatives toward Vision Zero. Yahoo News

🚗 Major traffic shake-up for Rougier-Micklegate corridor - Council’s revealed full details on that sustainable transport route from the station through to Tower Street. One-way loop around Micklegate to free up buses while keeping some car access. This one’s going to be controversial.

⛽ Cheapest fuel in York - Hunting for affordable petrol? Here’s where to find the best prices around the city right now.

🏥 New 66-bed care home for Northallerton - Plans approved for a care home on former Hambleton Council HQ site. Three-storey facility will offer specialist 24/7 care with 25 parking spaces.

🌳 “Huge, vital, exciting” nature plans you can help with - York’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy heads for final approval in January. Residents can pitch in by creating ponds in gardens and joining volunteer groups to monitor species.

🚨 CRIME & SAFETY

😢 Tragedy: Student last seen stumbling in West Yorkshire
Heartbreaking story of a student last seen stumbling in West Yorkshire. Thoughts with everyone affected.

🔥 Two vehicles ablaze after village crash
Both vehicles burst into flames following a crash on Lumby Lane in Monk Fryston last Thursday evening. All occupants were safely out before crews arrived.

👥 COMMUNITY

🏆 Connaught Court Manager Highly Commended for Dementia Care Marinda Aydinalp, home manager at Connaught Court care home, received high commendation in the Dementia Carer category at the Great British Care Awards for Yorkshire and Humber. Yahoo News reports the November 7 ceremony at Leeds’ Royal Armouries celebrated her “compassionate and innovative approach.” With 10+ years at RMBI Care Co., Aydinalp has managed Connaught Court since 2022 and credits her “team of staff who run our Dementia houses with absolute dedication.”

👶 Parent Power Drives Changes at Funfishers Nursery Following parent consultation, Fishergate’s Funfishers Nursery and Out of School Club has introduced improvements based on community feedback. The Gazette & Herald reports the Outstanding-rated (Ofsted 2022) charity, which has operated since 1992, provides year-round care for 172 children aged 9 months to 11 years. Survey results were “overwhelmingly positive” with parents agreeing the setting offers excellent provision. The club is also seeking more community engagement and fundraising opportunities.

🌍 POLITICS

🛂 Local MPs react to asylum system reforms
York and North Yorkshire MPs have weighed in on proposed asylum reforms. Mixed reactions across the political spectrum.

🏃 SPORT

⚽ City Youth Team Eyes Historic FA Youth Cup Run - York City’s under-18s make history tomorrow night (Wednesday, 7pm) as they host Bradford City at the LNER Community Stadium in the FA Youth Cup second round - the academy’s first competitive match at the stadium. Head of Youth Dan Wilson told Yahoo Sports it’s the furthest York have reached since 2014: “We don’t think there’s an ability gap in this game, we think we’ve got a real good chance.” Winner faces Crystal Palace away in round three!

🎄 WHAT’S ON

🎵 York’s Traditional Carol Concert Returns - Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 15 at 2pm - York’s Annual Community Carol Concert is back at the Barbican for its 66th year! Hosted by Rev Andrew Foster and Adam Tomlinson, the afternoon features Shepherd Brass Band, school choirs, and Ken Humphreys. Tickets from £7 via the York Barbican website. All funds support the Lord Mayor’s 2025 Christmas Cheer event for older residents.

✨ Bar Convent Launches Christmas Activity Trail - York’s oldest living convent is inviting families to explore festive traditions through the centuries with a new Christmas activity trail. The Bar Convent trail, included with exhibition entry, features clue-finding, decoration-making, dress-up opportunities, and discovering traditions from Christmases past. Sr Ann Stafford said it’s “a wonderful place for family and friends to gather” whether for traditional lunch, staff celebrations, or simply to “take in the warming atmosphere.” Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm). York Press

🚀 Meet REAL astronauts - FREE family day December 13! - ESA astronauts Meganne Christian and John McFall coming to York! Two free sessions at National STEM Learning Centre - afternoon (1:30-4pm) for all ages, evening (5-8pm) for 11+. Includes live-stream of Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. Book now!

🎄 WIN VIP tickets to Farmer Ed’s Enchanted Light Trail - Five families can win VIP trips including hot chocolates, pizza and marshmallow toasting on November 26. New magical light trail at Piglet’s Adventure Farm runs Nov 21-Dec 23. Dogs welcome!

🎡 Scarborough Ferris wheel approved year-round
Day trip idea: Scarborough’s 32-metre observation wheel gets approval for year-round operation until autumn 2027. Open 11am-9:30pm daily on the seafront.

That’s your Wednesday sorted. From tragic losses to festive wins, from transport rows to space dreams - York never stops being interesting, does it?

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