http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/ Darlington and Stockton Times /columnists/countrymansdiary/ en-gb Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:39:48 +0000 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:39:48 +0000 http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/rssterms/ M6 nvincent@newsquest.co.uk (Nigel Vincent) webmaster@digitalmedia.newsquest.co.uk (Tim Joy) http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/resources/images/999292/?type=rsslogo http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/ http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/5043985.Hazels_are_thriving__despite_winter/?ref=rss MY MORNING walk takes me along a lane where hazels grow in profusion and, in recent days, I have noticed that their catkins, the so-called lambs’ tails, seem to be thriving despite the tough winter. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:20:18 +0000 516e0b4803cad836578eb3ee2c7bf6f4 http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/5030940.Buried_treasure_in_the_rubbish/?ref=rss IWAS chatting to a Yorkshire farmer this week and we were discussing the difficulty experienced by some us when it comes to throwing out things that others might regard as rubbish. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:44:29 +0000 bb3fad76325b29674c65dae666462332 http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/5018072.Tensions_as_the_otter_returns/?ref=rss ONE of the enduring memories from my childhood is exploring the banks of the River Esk at Glaisdale where it flows between East Arncliffe Wood and Limber Hill Wood deep in the North York Moors. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:51:52 +0000 1c0dfff2797c95c84adbbf63efca7170 http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/5004776.The_hidden_charms_of_the_kestrel/?ref=rss ONE of the regular sights in the open countryside is a kestrel hovering over the verge of a road or perhaps above a field. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:29:12 +0000 932b73d09d5027b05bbac5c13cc9afcf http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/4984744.February_____a_short_history/?ref=rss 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. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:50:26 +0000 8930e7e69b7cbd517b44ca5d4627748a http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/4880184.A_beautiful_sight_heralds_bad_luck/?ref=rss 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. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:47:10 +0000 703a53813ec97b8399753befb2d23905 http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/4866152.Did_it_snow__or_has_it_snew_/?ref=rss 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. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:53:30 +0000 ba7f6e1028bad44b7c9e085cd0ae2a4a http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/4853488.This_is_nothing_compared_to_1947/?ref=rss 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. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:23:45 +0000 0981118bafb71b37454b65fb4a555375 http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/4841033.Recalling_the_days_when____tyke____was_an_insult_____and_not_a_compliment/?ref=rss 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. Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:23:33 +0000 39569b384e75d67e547d079dbf867fcf http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/columnists/countrymansdiary/4827217.Who_will_be_your_first_foot_/?ref=rss 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. Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:09:02 +0000 bf19dd9780581099079c917a98e19f01