N-ICE sculptures

A trail of impermanent ice carvings in York is leading visitors past a centuries-old building

Feature by Claire Brine

HOW cool! Visitors to the city of York are being invited to take a walk through history and step into the future while admiring a collection of carefully handcrafted ice sculptures as part of the York Ice Trail. Running today (Saturday 4 February) and tomorrow, A Journey Through Time features 36 sculptures, each of which represents a different time or space dimension. Live ice-carving displays and interactive experiences are also dotted round the city, so families are hoping for a brrr-illiant day out.

According to the trail map, the frosty journey includes a stop at Middletons Hotel in Skeldergate, where visitors can check out a number of mythical ice sculptures, including The Enchanted Unicorn and The Monstrous Chimera. The towering York Minster also plays a part in the walk, as people pausing on the south piazza are able to view an icy creation called Gothic Grotesque, inspired by the building’s medieval architecture.

People find connection to the past

Unlike the frozen sculpture, which can do nothing but slowly melt, the minster is an impressive building that has been standing for centuries. Today people of all faiths and none continue to gaze upon it, finding connection to the past and inspiration in its craftmanship.

Some visitors recognise that the place of worship points towards a timeless, powerful story which changed the course of history. It’s the story of a God who loved the world right from the beginning and whose love will never melt away, no matter what the future holds.

One Bible writer summed up the story of God succinctly with the words: ‘His love endures for ever’ (Psalm 136:1 New International Version). Many experiences that we face in life are fleeting. Sometimes we try to cling on to people and places because we want them to last for ever – even though we know they cannot. But countless people throughout history have found that a relationship with God knows no end. Whoever seeks his love is guaranteed a warm welcome.

12. Youngster (8)

15. Pardoned (7)

16. Stain (6)

18. Boss (5)

20. Cruel giant (4)

Honeyc O M B

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