The Diary was right on the scene when the leader of Her Majesty's Opposition made his way to York.

The visit on Friday of David "Dave" Cameron to the city's hospital was, of course, all part of the political merry-go-round.

But there was a surprise in store for The Diary - when we spotted Selby MP John Grogan slipping quietly out of the building.

So what was this Labour stalwart doing at this decidedly Conservative event? We caught up with Mr Grogan to find out, to be told that it was all just a spooky coincidence.

"I was attending a regular meeting at the hospital, just to get an update on how things are going there," he told The Diary.

"I can confirm that I am not defecting to the Tories."

Well, it did seem a little unlikely, though we were wondering what Mr Grogan was planning on doing after the next election following his announcement that he would not be standing again for the Selby seat.


STAYING with the hospital theme, York singer/songwriter Steve Cassidy has been using the power of music to boost the infirm, with his touching song "Little Poppy of Flanders".

A rendition of the song was recorded at last Sunday's Festival of Remembrance at the Barbican Centre, and on Saturday the recording was broadcast by York Hospital Radio to lift the spirits of those unfortunate enough to be laid up.

Steve has had a long career, first performing at the tender age of 14, when he opened the bill at a Cliff Richard concert.

He has also recorded with the legendary John Meek, and York-born film composer John Barry.


A gruelling three-hour meeting of Ryedale District Council last week saw even the most dedicated councillors (not to mention The Press) begin to flag.

Debate after debate seemed to drag on for an eternity.

One of the lengthier motions was about climate change and the council's response to it.

After a good 20 minutes, Coun Linda Cowling quipped: "I think we've generated enough hot air tonight already."

Earlier, Coun John Clark had made a particularly long, impassioned speech beginning with the stark warning: "I believe that unless I'm hit by a truck I will see severe effects of climate change in my lifetime."

The next speaker was Coun Stephen Preston. His cheeky words: "Where can I get a truck?"