Fundraising has begun for a “fitting tribute” for Long Boi, one of the University of York's most famous campus resident, Long Boi, after it was announced that the duck was presumed to have died earlier this month.
The York Uni Students' Union has launched a campaign for a statue to commemorate Long Boi, hoping to raise £10,000 for a memorial statue.
If you were unfamiliar with the social media sensation that was Long Boi, he’s not only well-known among the York student community, but he’s probably considered to be one of the most well-known ducks in the world.
When photos of Long Boi were shared social media in May 2021, they went viral shortly after, and the new star was then featured on TV and radio broadcasts all around the world.
The 'statue for his longthness' is the end target, but the YUSU announced that the following goals had been made to remember Long Boi with a fitting tribute.
Under £1,000 - a donation to a good cause within the university
£1,000 - £2,000 - a memorial bench with a plaque in Long Boi's memory
Over £2,000 - a bespoke statue of Long Boi to be installed on campus
At present, £2,887 has been raised, but the statue fundraising page, announcing:
"It is with the greatest sadness that we have had to announce the passing of the most cherished member of the York community, our beloved Long Boi."
"For many, Long Boi was much more than just a very long duck or just another University mascot. His 2’4” brought a smile to all of us, allowing us to see that it was okay to be a bit different, and for that, we miss him already. He adorns our merch, features on our social media, and is a cornerstone of the community - his loss will be widely felt and we know he can never be replaced."
"He was loved by all and a true celebrity, rubbing shoulders (or necks) with the likes of James Corden and Greg James. His Royal Löngthness was the King of Campus West, the ruler of the lake, the pride and joy of students. Although Long Boi became a pop cult icon for many, his popularity also brought into the mainstream the importance of looking after our animal neighbours on campus and protecting wildlife."
Standing at a proud and impressive 70cm tall, the duck was originally spotted towering above all the others in the pond back in 2019, and was subsequently given the nickname he would be known by, ‘Long Boi’, as went on to become an attraction at the University of York.
But sadly, after sightings became slim, Long Boi was declared missing in mid-March 2023, and despite search parties looking long and hard for him over the last two months, the University of York was forced to issue an official statement yesterday that they “conclude he has passed away”.
In an official statement, a university spokesperson said: “Following a period of almost two months without a confirmed sighting of Long Boi, we are today forced to conclude that he has passed away.
Image: Long Boi (via Instagram)
“We appreciate this is not the resolution that many people were wishing for, but hope that acknowledging his passing allows us to focus on celebrating his life and commemorating the time he spent with us.”
The admin of the famous Long Boi Instagram said it had been “an absolute pleasure” to run the account over the last four years and to “see the joy” he brought to university students, staff, and visitors who loved to meet, feed, and photograph him on campus.
“Walking across campus, you’ll always spot a group of students looking for Long Boi, his image adorns our student society logos, merch and advertising, and he has even become an unofficial mascot of the University itself.
“Whether going to feed Long Boi as a well-earned stress relief during exam season, or awaiting his lighthearted Instagram updates through times of uncertainty and lockdowns, Long Boi has always brought a smile to his fans and friends.
“Long Boi will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the University is “working on plans to organise a fitting tribute to Long Boi”, but asked that people feed ducks or make a charitable donation in Long Boi’s, memory instead of leaving flowers on campus.
Details about Long Boi’s memorial will be “confirmed in due course”, the University concluded.
Exciting news for brownie lovers, as The Savvy Baker is expanding its sweet treat empire to the historic city of York.
The Savvy Baker is one of Leeds’ best lockdown success stories.
Savannah Roqaa became an overnight sensation after sending her friends brownie care packages in the first lockdown two years ago, and has since captured the attention of the entire city with her innovative brownie flavours, charismatic demeanour and pop-up events in and around Leeds.
The baking entrepreneur is now celebrating four years of baking brownies, opening a cafe in Roundhay in 2022, where her business first began and has since opened sites inside at Red Brick Mill, Ultra Flex gym and now Elland Road.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And now, she's set to open a brand new cafe and bakery in the nearby town of York.
The new spot will be located on 18 Swinegate, and Savvy says she'll be stocking "Brownies, blondies, all of the new special drinks, great coffee from North Star roast and some new bakes just for York!”.
It comes alongside another announcement of opening a further site in Chesterfield. There is just no stopping The Savvy Baker is there?
Announcing the news to Instagram, Savvy said: "THE SAVVY BAKER YORK IS COMING SOON!!!!! ? opening 2 cafes in one month? are we mental. you will only see me looking tired and in battered clothes for the foreseeable till these cafes are up and running… see u soon."
Image: The Savvy Baker
Since churning out 30-40 boxes of brownies per week from her small Roundhay home kitchen, Savannah has grown a cult following of devoted foodies.
With over 50,000 followers and a fanbase with celebrities like Kalvin Philips and Tyler Denton, The Savvy Baker has been going from strength-to-strength since opening, and we’re sure the new addition to the Savvy Baker cafes will only be another example of why they stock Leeds’ favourite brownies.
Shambles in York has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK
Daisy Jackson
One of Yorkshire's best and most historic attractions has been singled out as being among the UK's most beautiful places.
Shambles in York, with its cobbled street, ramshackle buildings and quaint shops, was singled out for its stunning appearance.
It was one of several destinations in the north of England to make it onto the list, The Manc reports.
Time Out's list of the 15 most beautiful places in the UK, compiled by travel writers, has picked out 'pinch-me' destinations across the nation.
Several of the places chosen are within a couple of hours' drive of Leeds, too, so you really don't have far to go to seek out the very best of the British isles.
Over in Yorkshire (and it's a surprise to no one to see this on the list), is Shambles in York.
The well-preserved medieval street features ramshackle buildings, cobbled street, and quaint little shops, and again looks like something straight out of a storybook.
Skipping over its gory past, Time Out said: "There are few easier, more atmospheric ways to transport yourself back hundreds of years (without the iffy smells and sights) than a stroll down Shambles."
One spot that was well-deserving of a mention is Portmeirion, a popular village in North Wales that's famous for its colourful architecture.
The village is the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was inspired by the Mediterranean, which is plain to see in the colourful buildings and palm trees jutting out from an otherwise very British scene.
Portmeirion village in North Wales has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Credit: Unsplash @shawnagggPortmeirion village in North Wales has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Credit: Unsplash Karen Cann
The tourist hotspot completed in 1975 and Time Out says it's 'like something out of a dream'.
The guide said: "This unique tourist village has established itself as the most romantic spot in north Wales.
"Of course, it certainly helps if it comes with Italianate architecture, colourful facades and an unforgettable sense of romance. How could you not fall for Portmeirion?"
Another spot in the north of England that has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK is Rydal Caves, tucked in the heart of the Lake District.
Rydal Caves in the Lake District made Time Out's list of the Most Beautiful Places. Credit: Unsplash, Jonny GiosShambles in York. Credit: Unsplash, Karl Moran
Now us Mancs know that nowhere in the country can compare to the majestic scenes right across the national park, but there is something really special about the dramatic cave system.
Located right between Grasmere and Ambleside, they're accessible in just a 15 minute walk from the nearest car park.
You can leap across stepping stones all the way to the back of the cave, then look back out at the surrounding woodland through the cave's huge entrance.
This spot was chosen by Netflix for scenes of the second season of The Witcher - told you it was magical.
The Hoot -
17th May 2023 
