Who dares, may win. The controversial future of the city's historic Guildhall is up for good ideas in a competition with the RIBA.

York has the north of England's biggest hockey club, but without new facilities it risks being left behind as the sport develops following the London 2012 Olympics. The club's Nigel Herd outlines his vision for the future - York as a regional centre of excellence

Grim experiences are turned to good account in a novel recording studio. Ciara Leeming listens in.

Knitted bathing costumes and weird 1960s fashions trigger lively debate among those whose minds are winding down

International students are important for the financial health and diversity of universities. Our live chat panel suggest ways to ensure students in turn get the most from the experience

No, we haven't. The women in the team are away, probably celebrating, but here is a contribution, with apologies for its lateness, caused by other duties

Pilot scheme is on track to extend to everywhere within the city walls. As long as it doesn't stop visitors from actually looking round and buying things

The walled city takes another step in a relationship going back beyond the disappearance of the Ninth Legion in Roman times

Follow in the footsteps of Dame Judi Dench. Paint the stable. Run up some angels' wings on your sewing machine. Preparations for the biggest-ever Mystery Plays are under way

St John's descends from two Victorian Anglican teacher training colleges. Over the years, it has gone through various -incarnations and won full university -status in 2006. Its course programme has diversified a bit, too, though you can, of course, still train to teach here. There are around 6,000 students and almost half of them are over 21. There's also a male-female ratio of 28:72. The campus is located almost literally a stone's throw from York Minster, the stunning medieval cathedral. All the other amenities of the charming and compact city centre are on your doorstep. Just remember to negotiate the crowds of camera-clicking tourists as you negotiate the lovely, traffic-free streets.