Countryman's Diary | Darlington & Stockton Times

February – a short history

11:50am Friday 5th February 2010

THROUGHOUT history, February has had a chequered existence and, even today, it differs from other months because it is the shortest. It is the only one with fewer than 30 days; most years it musters a mere 28 but in bissextile years, alias leap years, this is extended to 29.

A beautiful sight heralds bad luck

11:47am Friday 29th January 2010

TOMORROW witnesses a full moon. With the snows of recent weeks still in mind, there used to be a strong belief among country people that a full moon on a Saturday, even if it happens only once every seven years, is far too soon.

Did it snow, or has it snew?

11:53am Friday 22nd January 2010

THE recent heavy snowfalls, spread over a long period, have reminded many of us of the severe winter of 1947. I retain clear memories of the latter even if my area of recall was more than 60 years ago and restricted to my home village deep within the North York Moors.

This is nothing compared to 1947

11:23am Friday 15th January 2010

S I AM compiling this week’s diary some two weeks ahead of publication, I can only guess what this week’s weather will produce. Even as I write, however, the prognosis is not good. More snow, ice and freezing winds are forecast.

Recalling the days when ‘tyke’ was an insult – and not a compliment

11:23am Friday 8th January 2010

ONE of the regular queries I receive is why Yorkshire men are often known as tykes. This name does not seem to apply to Yorkshire women and it can be spelt as both tyke and tike.

Who will be your first foot?

12:09pm Thursday 31st December 2009

IN parts of this region, some ancient New Year’s Day customs continue to be honoured and, perhaps the most popular, is the lucky bird, otherwise known as the first foot.

Christmas, but not as we know it

9:20am Thursday 24th December 2009

THE FEAST of Christmas means different things to different people.

Fending off enemies of Christmas

11:33am Friday 18th December 2009

EARLIER this year, I was in Poole, in Dorset, but never expected this coastal town to lead the way in revealing the stupidity of some of our health and safety regulations.

Mapping the history of our A1

11:33am Friday 11th December 2009

A RECENT visit to Darlington reminded me of the continuing changes that affect the Great North Road, now more widely known as, or perhaps largely substituted by, either the A1 or the A1(M).

Future is bleak for hen harriers

12:41pm Friday 4th December 2009

I WAS sorting through some old files this week when I came across a note I had made about 30 years ago.