Big City Read author signs off at Acomb Explore

Join us for the Big City Read 2014 finale event at Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre on 24 September with the York-based author of this year’s chosen novel, The Orpheus Descent.

Acomb Explore Library

Acomb Explore Library

After a summer of 24 events held in libraries across the city alongside associated events held by partners, Big City Read author Tom Harper will bring this year’s Big City Read to a close on Wednesday 24 September at 6.30 pm. The event is free but booking is advised through any Explore York Library.

Tom will reminisce on his experiences of being this year’s featured author, the events he has taken part in and will give a taste of some of the other books he has written to take Big City Read participants’ reading further.

The Big City Read issues 5,000 copies of the chosen title to residents to read over the summer. Books always have some link to York and the book for this year, The Orpheus Descent is by local writer Tom Harper. Tom came up with the idea for the book from reading in the University of York Library, which he researched in more depths in York’s libraries before writing the novel in York.

Big City Readers have given Explore York Libraries feedback on The Orpheus Descent including: “A well-crafted archaeological adventure with a fast-moving narrative thread and telling descriptive passages”, “A thought-provoking read” and “A rattling good yarn by a new-to-me teller of tall tales! If they’re all as entertaining as this, then I’d happily read his others.”

Fiona Williams, Chief Executive of Explore York, said: “It has been another successful Big City Read and we would like to thank Tom for all the time he has given us. I loved the book and am now reading another of his about the Crusades.”

Success for Hamilton Drive West resurfacing campaign

Repair work starts on 6th October

Hamilton Drive - sections to be resurfaced click

Hamilton Drive – sections to be resurfaced click

Following many months of complaining, the Council has agreed to resurface the section of Hamilton Drive West between Green Lane and Lady Hamilton Gardens.

Originally this section had not been scheduled for resurfacing before 2016.

However Andrew Waller pointed out that the surface had deteriorated to the point where one more severe winter would see he road crumble and repair costs spiral..

The ruts represent a hazard for both pedestrians and cyclists while motorists have complained about the ever deepening potholes.

The Mattison Way to Campbell Avenue section of the road will also receive attention