York Guides

The five-day Royal meeting was hosted at Knavesmire while its home course in Berkshire undergoes a £185m redevelopment and there is a possibility York could be the venue for next June's meeting if Ascot's new stands and track are not ready in time.
The Duke of Devonshire, the Queen's representative, has written to York Council leader Steve Galloway with his personal thanks for what he called a "spectacular" result. "Two years ago, when York was selected as the venue for the Royal meeting 2005, none of us could have anticipated the great success that the event would be," said the Duke.
""It was obvious from the beginning of this long and complicated exercise that all those involved were totally committed to making the Royal meeting a very special event. The opportunity to showcase all that is good about York, Yorkshire and world-class horse racing was seized by all."
The Duke said York took the Queen and all visitors to its heart and satisfaction surveys have shown that racegoers, from wherever they had travelled, "very much enjoyed a unique experience".
He admitted the traffic plan was always going to be a "headache" but recounted his personal experience on Ladies' Day – Thursday, June 16 – when the minibus bringing him from Bolton Abbey arrived at the racecourse 40 minutes ahead of schedule.
"Her Majesty was very happy indeed," he went on. "She expressed genuine satisfaction with all the arrangements and commented on the wonderful, happy atmosphere she witnessed at the racecourse."
The Duke passed on his congratulations to all involved in Royal Ascot at York's organisation, calling the event a "team tour de force", which has enhanced the reputation of York, Yorkshire and horseracing on the world stage. "I have seldom experienced such unity of purpose and determination to achieve the very best that the United Kingdom has to offer," he added, signing off with "many, many thanks".
Coun Galloway, who attended the final day of Royal Ascot in the Royal Enclosure, was delighted by the Duke's comments. "I take this as a personal vote of thanks to the people of York and the region," he said.
Coun Galloway said York and Yorkshire had "a lot to be proud of" and hoped the event's success meant the city and region would go on to host more international sporting events.
"On any level it's been a huge success," he said. "In the region we have a new prosperity and a belief in the future that makes us ideal for events of this kind. There has been a direct boost to the local economy and this will be multiplied many times over."