THE Diary has seen the future. We passed through a doorway into a different dimension on a preview tour of the Museum of Psychic Experience in Stonegate, York.

A collaboration between spoon/mind bender Uri Geller and York stargazer Jonathan Cainer, the museum does not open officially until later in the year.

But this month it has quietly been conducting test-out tours, and the Diary paid £7.50 to tag along (it will be £15 a shot when fully up and running).

There were ten of us altogether, including three women from Hull and three from Durham, who had responded to a mailshot from Jonathan.

Our guide, Andrew, had the friendly air of a family GP, although much of what was to follow was somewhat removed from orthodox science.

Perhaps the wackiest exhibit is the museum's Water Room. People are apparently transmitting negative thoughts to one glass of water, and positive thoughts to another. Both receptacles will then be flown to Japan, where the water will be frozen and the crystals analysed and examined for differences.

Urgent work, you'll agree.

The building itself is worth the price of admission alone. We were told it dates from 1605, although the website variously places the Stonegate property at 650 and 500 years old.

Accessed by various narrow staircases, many of the rooms have original, head-smacking beams and sloping floors. You also get to see the coal cellar while oblivious shoppers pass by above.

The building was once the home of craftsman John Knowles, whose stained glass adorns the Minster. His own ornately decorated window is certainly a sight for third eyes.

During the tour, the Diary underwent various psychic tests, and we confidently predict more revelations about the tour in the very near future.

YORK'S council leader has been misquoted. According to an email from York Liberal Democrats' political assistant Tom Cowen, Coun Steve Galloway made an error in a press release titled: '100% better than £100'. And this is Steve's clarification...

"Fortunately there has been no radical shift in the government's local

authority grant allocation policy and my reference to a 'tits grants system'

was simply a typo on my part.

"It should of course read 'its grant system'.

"I would nonetheless like to point out that I abhor any formula that would

allocate government grant on such a basis, which goes against all liberal

principles of fairness, justice and equal opportunities."

In other words, it gets right on Coun Galloway's its.

THE Evening Press's reputation as a campaigning voice of the people is unsurpassed. Our rallying cries to save everything from York City to Terry's has inspired Michael Craven to offer his own suggestion for our next crusade.

"Hello," his email begins. "I know you have started some recent campaigns, such as the recent 'Save the Odeon' campaign (which I support fully).

"I work for a company based on Clifton Moor, and feel that the time is right for a KFC to be opened up here.

"I know this is a strange request but I feel that the Evening Press has the power to make this happen."

This could be the big one. Forget our attempts to salvage York's manufacturing base. The overwhelming need for retail park fried chicken is far more important.

The Diary is on to it, Michael. Petition forms are being printed, banners made, rallies organised. If anyone wishes to chip in with suggestions for a logo and slogan (Finger Lickin' Clifton?) please feel free.

Write to: The Diary, Chris Titley, The Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN

Email diary@ycp.co.uk

Telephone (01904) 653051 ext 337

Updated: 09:55 Wednesday, May 19, 2004