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David Harbourne

@davidharbourne.bsky.social
135 followers 111 following 191 posts

Chair of Yorkshire Philosophical Society and the Welfare Benefits Unit. Opinions are entirely my own.

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Reposted by David Harbourne
Ryan @ryanwright.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This is how I remember the order of Henry VIII’s wives.
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
As far as I'm concerned, the plural of Sussex should be Sussices. Yes, I know I am wrong about that but it's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
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Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
On the River Greta, Lake District, 1868, painting by John Atkinson Grimshaw.
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 03/09/2026
‘Internal exclusion’ of England secondary school students almost triples in three years
theguardian.com
‘Internal exclusion’ of England secondary school students almost triples in three years
Exclusive: new data shows poorer pupils and those with Send are disproportionately affected by the measure The proportion of secondary school students in England removed from class and placed in “internal exclusion” as a disciplinary measure has almost trebled in three years, according to new data. The data shows the proportion of secondary pupils removed from normal lessons went up from 5% in the 2022/2023 academic year to 13% in 2025/26 – a 160% increase. Continue reading...
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
#eclipse crowds in York this evening
A large number of people gathered on York's medieval city walls to observe the partial eclipse of the sun
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
My review of The Odyssey: Odysseus leaves Troy with a large number of loyal warriors, loses his way, stops at various beaches where he and his men are set upon by monsters before some of them run back to the beach and set sail for the next almighty fuck up until everyone's dead apart from Odysseus
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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
'The way we prioritise looked-after and previously looked-after children today will determine whether future data finally tells a different story – one of belonging, aspiration and genuine opportunity' schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-and-...
schoolsweek.co.uk
Schools must know every looked-after child’s story
Children in care come to school carrying layers of vulnerability and complexity that too often remain unseen
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
My only minor quibble is that the first three UTCs were approved pre-2010 by Andrew Adonis (Labour). After 2010 they were championed by George Osborne (Conservative). After a sometimes troubled start, UTCs have proved their worth.
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Paul Brand @paulbrand.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Louise Casey makes the point that care is underpaid compared to the NHS - another example of a Cinderella service so painfully laid bare during Covid-19. Care workers get an average annual salary of £23k. NHS healthcare worker starts on £25k. We undervalue care as a society.
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Ben Zaranko @benzaranko.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Apprentices will now be eligible for a £4,500 bursary, so that there's no longer a financial disincentive to take up an apprenticeship. Seems eminently sensible, especially for a government looking to promote technical post-16 routes. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Government invests in young people with more opportunities close to home
Thousands more young people will be able to gain the skills, qualifications and experience they need for future careers, as the government today rolls out a major package to break down barriers stoppi...
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Finding beauty in the shabby: the Picture House, Castleford
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Laura McInerney @missmc.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Yes! Audible cheer from me for @pollymackenzie.bsky.social on Any Question saying we should bring the Regional Development Agencies back! (Much more sensible than random No10v2)
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NPR @npr.org · 11/07/2026
If an undergraduate program's graduates don't earn more than workers who never went to college, that program could be cut off from federal student loans. But is a degree just about making more money?
n.pr
Under a new federal rule, colleges must leave grads better off or lose financial aid
If an undergraduate program's graduates don't earn more than workers who never went to college, that program could be cut off from federal student loans. But is a degree just about making more money?
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
A Humboldt penguin lying comfortably on its stomach at Sewerby Hall, Bridlington
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Barry Dorrans @blowdart.me · 29/06/2026
Hey @oracularhades.com what do you think these were for?
a box, slide open, revealing circular things with a circular hole in them. The box says they’re gummed reinforcements.
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Antiquity Journal @antiquity.ac.uk · 15/06/2026
📰 For the first time, objects from the Melsonby Hoards, Britain's largest Iron Age metalwork deposit, are on display in the Yorkshire Museum 🏺 #ArchaeologyNews via @currentarchaeology.bsky.social the-past.com/review/whats...
the-past.com
Chariots, treasure and power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard | The Past
Dozens of items from the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork ever found in Britain have gone on display for the first time at the Yorkshire Museum in York. ...
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Ruth Curtice @ruthcurtice.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
As debates rage about where to get the money for higher defence spending, it’s important we have a clear picture of how we spent the peace dividend while it was around. Thread 🧵⤵️
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Greg Jenner (Historian) @gregjenner.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Fabulous new Melsonby Hoard exhibition at Yorkshire Museum in York 👇
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Antiquity Journal @antiquity.ac.uk · 09/06/2026
Base of a cauldron from the Melsonby Hoards, depicting a fish set in a ‘Celtic Art’ style pattern of swirling water #InternationalDayofCelticArt Fish consumption may have been taboo in Iron Age Britain, raising questions as to the vessel's use. 🆓 doi.org/10.15184/aqy... 🏺 #Archaeology
Oxidised, partially damaged piece of metal, decorated with a design of a fish surrounded by swirling patterns.
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Rachael Maskell MP @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Healthwatch does incredible work across local communities, and champions people's voices to hold services to account. Their recent Mental Health & Wellbeing guide is a brilliant example of their work, featuring a comprehensive list of all the support networks people can access in #york
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
DfE pupil data is out today and shows that the number of private school pupils has dropped 5.6% since VAT was introduced. Not 25% like the independent schools council predicted. Or the 50% we saw in some right-wing papers. 5.6%.
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John Crace @mrjohncrace.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
As Badenoch saw sense, it was just Farage playing politics over a young man’s death | John Crace
Everything is material for Nige, who made rare appearance at PMQs to ask question about Henry Nowak case
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Un soir de pluie, by Blues Trottoir. Beautiful, atmospheric ... and completely unknown in the UK. youtu.be/d2nCP92YJ44?...
youtu.be
Blues Trottoir - Un soir de pluie
YouTube video by crachetonvenin
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
I'm not related to Christopher Harborne. I have a "u" in my name and he doesn't. Oh dear. I see Carole has added a "u". I'll never hear the last of it.
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Absolutely delighted that my talented son in law, Nic Sampson, has written a new BBC comedy series with Amy Gledhill. Can't wait to see it! www.bbc.com/mediacentre/...
bbc.com
Opening Up - BBC Comedy announces new scripted series from Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Amy Gledhill
Set and filmed in and around Manchester, the warm relationship comedy is coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One
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Reposted by David Harbourne
Go Green @ecowarriorss.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Its been heartbreaking to see so many majestic Ash Trees die from disease So its great to hear this Fantastic news - hope for the return of the Ash tree after so many gone Hundreds of thousands of seedlings can be produced in weeks not years www.channel4.com/news/hope-fo...
channel4.com
Hope for Britain’s Ash trees thanks to scientific ‘eureka’ moment
Scientists at the John Innes Centre in Norwich have found a way to speed up the germination of seeds, allowing disease-resistant Ash trees to grow, writes Alex Thomson.
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Antiquity Journal @antiquity.ac.uk · 08/05/2026
Metal vessel from the Melsonby Hoards: one of the largest Iron Age metalwork deposits found in Britain #FindsFriday 🏺 #Archaeology Unusual for Britain, it shares similarities with Etruscan cauldrons used to mix wine, hinting at cultural connections to the continent. 🆓 doi.org/10.15184/aqy...
Metal bowl with a decoration depicting a human face mask.
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Yorkshire Philosophical Society @ypsyork.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
A fascinating discovery in York! www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2026/05...
archaeology.wiki
Rare imperial purple cloth found in Roman infant burials in York
Two infants buried in Roman York were laid to rest in costly purple cloth normally reserved for emperors and members of the aristocracy.
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Yorkshire Philosophical Society @ypsyork.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
There's more about the discovery of Tyrian purple textiles in this blog: seeingthedead.ac.uk/blog/discove...
seeingthedead.ac.uk
Discovery of Tyrian Purple Textiles in Roman Gypsum Burials in York
A stunning discovery of Tyrian purple in the gypsum burials of Roman York sheds exciting light on the wealth and prestige of those employing such textiles in life and in death.
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Some signs speak for themselves.
The sign reads, "In the interest of public safety, please do not climb on the Superlambananas."
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Rochdale scored in injury time. If they held on to their lead, they'd be champions. Play resumed after a pitch invasion and then...York equalised with the last kick of the match, making *them* champions! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Rochdale 1-1 York City: Incredible radio commentary of promotion-sealing goal
Listen BBC Radio York's commentary of York City's dramatic 103rd-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Rochdale which sealed their promotion to League Two after a decade outside the Football League.
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Luna won first prize for the waggiest tail in our local dog show!
Luna is a poochon puppy (a cross between a miniature poodle and a bichon frisé). She is sitting on the grass and looking up. She has a prize rosette pinned to her harness.
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Rachael Maskell MP @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
We are at a dangerous brink, where innocent lives of civilians are threatened without regard for international law. We need peace. UK air bases cannot be used and complicit in such war crimes and I join the calls for them to be withdrawn if they are to be used in this way.
Screenshot of Trump's social media post threatening "a whole civilization will die tonight....."
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
A recommendation for anyone who loves #cake. I tried Olga's Sacher Torte and Napoleon cake - absolutely delicious! olgishcakes.co.uk/about
olgishcakes.co.uk
About Olgish Cakes | Professional Ukrainian Baker Leeds
Meet Olga Ieromenko, professional Ukrainian baker in Leeds. Specializing in authentic Ukrainian cakes including honey cake (Medovik), Kyiv cake with cashew n...
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Still wondering if inequality is out of control?
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Antiquity Journal @antiquity.ac.uk · 25/03/2026
The Melsonby Hoards are "probably the largest deposit of Iron Age metalwork ever encountered in Britain"! In an #AntiquityBlog, Tom Moore and Sophia Adams discuss the hoards' exciting discovery and the next steps for research and display in the Yorkshire Museum 🏺 www.cambridge.org/core/blog/20...
cambridge.org
The Melsonby Hoards: rerouting the evidence for vehicles in Iron Age Britain
Our article for Antiquity provides the first overview of the Melsonby Hoards, probably the largest deposit of Iron Age metalwork ever encountered in Britain. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that the…
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Antiquity Journal @antiquity.ac.uk · 23/03/2026
Read the original research in Antiquity 🆓 doi.org/10.15184/aqy...
doi.org
Vehicles of change: two exceptional deposits of destroyed chariots or wagons from Late Iron Age Britain | Antiquity | Cambridge Core
Vehicles of change: two exceptional deposits of destroyed chariots or wagons from Late Iron Age Britain
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Peter Mitchell's photos are a perfect combination of seeing the moment, glimpsing lives, depicting urban landscapes and framing nostalgia.
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Antiquity Journal @antiquity.ac.uk · 19/03/2026
📰 Melsonby Hoards "are reshaping understanding of wealth, technology and ritual practices in ancient Britain" 🏺 #AntiquityResearch #ArchaeologyNews via @heritagedaily.bsky.social www.heritagedaily.com/2026/03/majo...
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Gavin Thomas (he/him) @gavinhthomas.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Check out the first of our public lectures on AMR run by the YPS - kicked off by the fantastic Prof. Jess Blair from Birmingham. What is a superbug? @jessicamablair.bsky.social @ypsyork.bsky.social @ybri-uoy.bsky.social - two more in the series coming soon! www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFYs...
youtube.com
What is a Superbug? The global threat of antibiotic resistance
YouTube video by Yorkshire Philosophical Society
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Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
A fitting footprint on the history of our Isles. Review of 'These Isles: A People's History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales' by David Robinson last month in the Yorkshire Post magazine.
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Jeanette died 17 years ago, 12 March 2009. I dreamt about her last night. I expect I always will. #HuntingtonsDisease
Jeanette Margot Harbourne, nee Barkel, pictured in 1998 with our son James.
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
To restore democracy and create a fairer, safer, greener world, we need massive taxes on the ultra-rich. As in the 1940s. People get confused about this. The main purpose of such taxes is *not* to raise revenue. The point is to stop the few dominating the many. It's an essential democratic measure.
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Off-rolling by mainstream schools had a big, negative impact on University Technical Colleges. Baker Dearing trustees were told, 'There are numerous documented examples of students and their parents being “directed” to UTCs by schools and local councils as an alternative to permanent exclusion'.
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Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
❌ Labour’s off-rolling crackdown could finally 'shed light on a practice that is currently invisible' but must be supported by councils and trusts to work, experts have said schoolsweek.co.uk/off-rolling-curbs…
schoolsweek.co.uk
Off-rolling curbs welcomed, but warnings over ‘gaps in data’
Ministers plan to tighten up scrutiny of pupil moves - and to interrogate leaders suspected of off-rolling
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York CVS @yorkcvs.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Work or volunteer in a charity, community group or social enterprise? IVAR is running its biggest survey on what it’s really like to get and manage grants. Your experience can help drive change - yorkcvs.org.uk/4-march-deadline-to-…
yorkcvs.org.uk
4 March - Deadline to Complete IVAR’s 2026 Funding Experience Survey - York CVS
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
"In a typical classroom of thirty children, there are around ten growing up in poverty." Says everything we need to know about economic, social and political failure in this country. www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
Every child achieving and thriving
Reforms to the schools and SEND systems in England to ensure that every child can achieve and thrive.
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Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
These people are poison. They will unleash racist thugs on the streets of this country and call it security. They will subjugate us to the US and call it patriotism. They must be stopped. There is no more important task in politics.
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation @jrf-uk.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
🫂 'Without stronger support, poverty rates for carers will continue to be higher' In the final of our short videos for #UKPoverty2026, Lead Analyst @datataha.bsky.social explains that carers face a far higher rate of poverty than those who don't have caring responsibilities 👇
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David Harbourne @davidharbourne.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Mesolithic antler masks feature in a temporary exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, York, along with many other items found at Star Carr in North Yorkshire. Open until 19 April. www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/exhibition/s... #MesolithicMonday
yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
Star Carr: Life after the ice | Yorkshire Museum
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