West of the Walls Issue 1

To kick us off, we’ll look back into the mists of time and raise a wee nip to the first folk who farmed these fields, the Celts.

Here’s a few thoughts based on chats we had with Acomb expert Gordon CampbellThomas.

“The name's origin suggests the area was heavily wooded."

OAK / CELTS

THE NAME ACOMB It is thought that the Brigantes, a Celtic tribe, lived in the area during the Iron Age this might be the origin of the connection with Oaks Oaks were sacred to the Druids In Old English acum, In the Domesday book (1086), the name of the village is spelt as both Achum and Acum and during the next one hundred years other spellings can be found, such as Achu, Acun, Akum and Acham. In the 13th century, the spellings Acome, Acorn and Akome can be seen, whilst Akam and Acombe are 15th century.

Once printing was established, it enabled the standardisation of spellings to the one seen today. The traditional pronunciation of the name was "Yackam“.

THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF YORK MINSTER OWNED ACOMB, WHICH PREDATES THE NORMAN CONQUEST AND IS REFERENCED IN THE DOMESDAY BOOK

Based on an illustrated talk by Gordon Campbell-Thomas With help from Stuart Wilson and Alan Powell

ROMAN PERIOD By the end of the fourth century, the population of Roman York, which was known as Eboracum, peaked at around 15,000 people. The Roman fortress housed around 5,200 soldiers, while the civilian population was probably around 5,000 plus.

Many of Britain’s major towns and cities we know today such as London (Londinium), Manchester (Mancunium) and York (Eboracum), were founded by the Romans.

Some historians believe that the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (sometimes called the African Emperor) was cremated near the modern-day site of Acomb (possibly on Severus Hill) after dying in York in 211 AD. Today his influence can be seen in the street names Severus Street and Severus Avenue, and of course Severus Hill (Holgate) Acomb also has Roman roads, including one to Tadcaster (Calcaria) and another to the civil capital near Aldborough (Isurium Brigantum).

Eboracum

Based on an illustrated talk by Gordon Campbell-Thomas With help from Stuart Wilson and Alan Powell

A Roman Building in Acomb. Alan Powell has a theory that this was the residence of Septimius Severus himself, if this true that increases the importance of discovery. In the 19th century, a building and mosaic pavement were discovered behind Acomb House in Front Street by the Rev James Raine, which was confirmed by the Yorkshire Museum in 2023.

This is not the actual mosaic found behind Acomb House, this is The Four Seasons mosaic found in Coney Street, but the Acomb mosaic was probably of a similar style and quality

A SELECTION OF ANGEL ART FROM HOLGATE’S OLQM SCHOOL

INTERGENERATIONAL CHATS AT SANDERSON HOUSE, CHAPELFIELDS

We sat down with good folk of Acomb Methodist Church and talked of Acomb Explore and the buzz found therein

Lidgett Community café

A CIVIC SEAL OF APPROVAL We’ve been made welcome by Acomb’s Lidgett Grove Methodist Church and the Community Cafe that runs every Wednesday from 9:30am to 11:30am (try the bacon sarnies - best in the west of York). We’d been sharing intergenerational stories, creating art, even using innovative digital AI to consolidate IT confidence.

I knew from past meetings that the Lord Mayor of York sees the crucial work done by spaces like Lidgett Grove as the lifeblood of communities. As expected, he jumped at the chance of getting involved and joined us for a morning of art and video making based on Christmas cards and personal memories.

“It’s humbling to see how well a welcoming place like this runs. All credit must go to the people who organise it, week in, week out.

With more places like Lidgett Grove Methodist Church we can work together to lessen social isolation and keep communities happy places to be.” And, reader, let me tell something ‘twixt thee and me - the Lord Mayor of York can draw a cracking Santa!

GETTING CREATIVE

CHECK LIDGETT GROVE METHODIST CHURCH ONLINE: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PROFILE.PHP?ID=61569461612389

AGE UK SLIPPER SOCIAL EVENT

As well as getting creative, the Lord Mayor helped launch the Slipper Social

STEPPING OUT AND PICKING UP SLIPPERS Slipper Socials are community events, often run by local councils and charities like Age UK and City of York Council in the York area, offering free, well-fitting slippers to older adults (usually 60+) to prevent falls, alongside tea, biscuits, and information stalls. The events combine social connection with practical health support, helping reduce fall risks by up to 60% with proper footwear.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/york/aboutus/news/articles/articles-2025/slippersocialevents/

“IT’S WONDERFUL WORK FROM A WONDERFUL TEAM.”

Free Slippers: Qualified attendees (often 60+) get measured and receive a free, supportive pair of slippers.

Health Info: Stalls provide advice on fall prevention and other health/wellbeing topics.

Socializing: Enjoy a cuppa and chat with others in a relaxed setting. Community: Partner organizations support the event

https://www.york.gov.uk/news/article/1759/new-datesannounced-for-slippers-to-be-handed-out

“IT’S BEEN A DAY FOR GREAT CAUSES AND GREAT ART.” As part of their work to prevent falls, the Council has assessed 750 customers. Besides giving them tailored advice, the Falls Prevention Service made minor improvements with big impacts to around 370 homes with our joiner carrying out the free jobs there and then. These included fitting extra banisters or grab rails, replacing light bulbs or tacking down loose carpets.

https://www.yorkmix.com/free-slippers-on-offer-topeople-aged-60-and-over-in-york

HTTPS://WWW.YORKMETHODIST.ORG.UK/CHURCHES/LIDGETT.HTML

MARY’S ACOMB TIPS

READING IS LIT BOOKS & BEVS

Books and Bevs is a fantastic new independent book and coffee shop and a really exciting addition to Acomb. Run by a young couple who have lived in Acomb for several years.

Speaking to them I found out just how much they like living here and enjoy the feeling of community. The perfect place for them to open their shop.

Books and Bevs has a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a hot drink and a sweet treat while browsing the shelves, which include a great selection of books, including a selection by local authors.

As I was sitting in my favourite armchair ready to settle in for a read and a coffee, it was lovely to overhear two ladies stating.that 'their' table should be named the 'locals table' since they fully intend on calling in regularly and becoming part of furniture.

There are plans in place to host craft and storytelling events, which will be a real asset to the community.

Definitely worth a visit.

Although I have to warn you, the selection of books is irresistible.

Check out this cracking shop’s site: hwww.booksandbevs.co.uk/ See you there!

Mary Passeri

REMIXING SOUNDTRACKS

ACOMB’S ADRIANO’S REIMAGINES SCENES AND FILMS Acomb based music fan Adriano knows a thing or two about music.

Often found at gigs or sipping drinks at Accomb’s many cafes, he’s a trove of anecdotes and opinons.

We hand the microphone to discuss soundtracks and whther they should be left alone.

The first Terminator would benefit from a new soundtrack. The film’s great as it is, but I often wonder how a new soundtrack would bring new elements to it.

There’s a lot of industrial music, and a lot of industrial ambience, stuff like 9 Inch Nails and Depeche Mode and some Marilyn Manson, that would fit the film well.

‘Alien’ is the same. Aphex Twin, atmospheric techno music, Boards of Canada would be interesting, but also a lot of Radiohead work.

Thom Yorke’s solo stuff has elements of it too.

That famous scene, where Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is crawling through the tunnel, that would really come alive with new music, with perhaps tracks from Kid A, and Aphex Twin’s ‘Come to Daddy’ that would fit perfectly with the suspense found in these dark sci-fi films.

NEW VISUALITY 25/26

HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ACOMBALIVE

SU

NEW VI

ALITY

Here’s to 2026 Vision “We were delighted to be part of the Acomb Christmas light switch in and help spread some festive cheer. It was wonderful to see the community come together, and we loved sharing sweets and tote bags with everyone.”

Alexandra Brightwell, Specsavers, Acomb https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/acomb

Having a Banger of a time “Kings Fish & Chips is my chippy of choice. Just when I started to feel the cold, a Kings employee came round with chips, battered sausage, and a nice friendly smile!

Acomb’s class on nights like this.” Angie, Acomb resident

https://www.kings-fishandchips.co.uk/

Cardio-Christmas “We sent our team to the YorkMix Christmas Light Switch On in Acomb. They did a great job and were complimented on their dancing to all the Christmas tunes! We sponsored the event this year and had a stall with information about staying fit and healthy over Christmas. There were also prizes to be won! A great event.”

Energise Leisure Centre, https://www.facebook.com/energiseyork “YorkMix brought the music and the entertainment! It was a proper party.” Neil, Acomb resident

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS . WWW.REALLYGREATSITE.COM

ACOMB CAROLS “It chucked it down but people still thought it was a sensible idea to gather in our St Stephen’s churchyard to sing beautiful carols. We then conga’d down to The Crooked Tap for mulled wine and a good old fashioned Acomb community knees up. Thanks to all who came.”

Rev Matt Woodcock

Acomb's Front Street was the setting for the Acomb Community Carols on Thursday, December 18, starting at 6.30pm. Organised by Gateway Church and St Stephen’s Church, the festive event aimed to bring the community together for a celebration of Christmas.

Attendees gathered by the Christmas tree to sing carols, accompanied by a scratch brass band. Free mulled drinks were also offered.

"Christmas is all about community, hope, and joy," said Caleb Ellwood, pastor at Gateway Church. "We wanted this event to be something that everyone in Acomb felt part of – a chance to gather, sing, and celebrate Christmas together as a community."

The evening was designed to attract people of all ages to enjoy the seasonal music and atmosphere.

Matt Woodcock, vicar at St Stephen’s Church, added: "There was something special about singing carols under the Christmas lights with friends and neighbours. We would have loved to see Front Street filled with people enjoying the music, the atmosphere, and the sense of belonging that makes Acomb so special."

Brass players were invited to join the scratch band, with a short rehearsal scheduled for 5.30pm on the day of the event.

Photos by https://www.instagram.com/snapshots.by.isaac/

HTTPS://WWW.ACOMBPARISH.ORG/

NEW VISUALITY

ACOMB AND THE WEST OF YORK

ONWARDS They shared their hopes for the area of Acomb and listened closely to the memories of what Acomb used to be like more than half a century ago, with some specific focus on the building of Lidgett Methodist Church. The conversations widened, and the mood was so positive and pride in the weekly Pop Ups so palpable, that we hit on an idea. Let’s make a digital magazine, ‘West of the Walls’, celebrating Acomb.

Lidgett Community Café Special thanks must go to Lidgett Community Café. A parish is defined by more than just its worship or even its physical building; fundamentally, it is an essential concept that offers stability in a fragmented world—a reliable source of energy, positive sentiment, and ground to lean on. Our experience with the patrons at Lidgett Community Café powerfully reinforced this understanding.

For 14 years, our York-based charity has been working with vulnerable people in community centres and learning academies.

We have run creative activities for diverse groups, including young people with disabilities, elderly residents experiencing solitude, and, most recently, refugees from Syria and Ukraine. We are acutely aware that the environment in which creative activities take place is as crucial as the activities themselves in fostering engagement over apathy.

We sat with patrons and listened to stories and co-created art.

https://newvisuality.wordpress.com/

These pages are our small attempt to chronicle the bright stories we received. Thank you, Lidgett Methodist Church, keep up the good work. The tough times are a little less dark with the light you nurture.

Here’s to a bright 2026.

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