The Bishy Road is complete! It has been a delight to draw this street and to get such an enthusiastic response to my drawings. Thank you Bishy Roaders!
As my first drawing of this street went to press, you were just about to greet Le tour de France in some style. As I write this time, you have entered the competition to find the Great British High Street – excellent! You are a lively, supportive and welcoming community and I wish you all the very best. I admire how you have made the most of your street: the shops are well maintained, you throw a street party with ease, you support charitable causes and you cherish your local history. Most of all, you have a unique quality and energy which I wish you could bottle and share as it would spark a revival on the most downtrodden street. Go Bishy Road!
Starting with Cycle Heaven three shop fronts reflect the degree of bike-love in York. When I was growing up in Acomb, everyone cycled. I remember floods of railworker cyclists pouring out on to Holgate Road at the end of a shift. I think the freedom bikes gave us are imprinted into our fabric and possibly why Yorkshire connected so easily to the cyclists on the Tour. Where else have there been so many hallowed yellow bikes?
To see how Cycle Heaven looked pre-WW1 as Lunds Drugs Store, have a look at the Clements Hall history archive here.
I had to include my husband looking in the window, with my York sister. Cycle Heaven – your loyalty card is up on our notice board – he will be back!
The greengrocers shop, Fruitique, has been in the same use since 1911 Link to archive and the butcher has been in the same use since 1891.
Link to Archive There has been an off-licence on this corner for many years.
Thanks for reading. Bishy Roaders – all the very best for your entry into the #GBHighSt – you get my vote!
Drawing the Detail 
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