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On this day: Ryedale Archive

Ryedale Archive

• F and M

  Down on the farm, read more

• Poet's work turned to a good cause

  "NOBODY buys poetry." The words of a York publisher who turned up his nose when John Nursey first attempted to get his writing into print. read more

• Rural respect

  Fields are standing empty, due to foot and mouth read more

• July Sales

  I'm working my way towards Christmas read more

• 'Thingammyjig' or 'thingammybob'?

  THOR is having a right old bang around this evening as I write this, and I'm hoping that after he's had his say, the 'oppressive' feel to the weather will leave us and come fresher. read more

• When ball pens were like gold

  I HAVE a 'thing' about pens and pencils - forever searching for the ideal writing instrument ever since Laszlo Biro of Hungary invented the ball-point pen which took his name in 1938. Currently, I seem to favour the so-called 'gel' pens, with a writing ball of half-a-millimetre in diameter and always seeming to be first-time starters. read more

• Yesterday's bread was half price

  Back in August, Mr Cass of East Heslerton gave me a call. What it basically was about I can't remember, but during the course of our chat we covered many subjects, and from the notes I made at the time we discussed the subject of the Hurricane versus the Spitfire. This is especially interesting, as the Battle of Britain took place in the same month, in 1940, and winning it meant our very survival. At the start of the battle, there were some 32 Hurricane squadrons, which were shooting down more enemy aircraft than all other air and ground defences combined, and the average daily strength of the two aircraft were 1,326 Hurricanes and 957 Spitfires. Thus the 'Hurri' showed its worth, despite being slower and older than the 'Spit', and with 19 squadrons of Spits, as well as the 32 Hurricane squadrons, the combination saved the day. It was, however, the newer Spitfire which became the symbol of victory to the British people at this dark hour which made it a legend of all time. read more

• Whole of the country stood still

  I WRITE this on the day that Malton and Norton, and indeed the whole of the country, stood still, being perhaps the one universal way in which this country could show its sympathy and support to our American cousins. read more

• History repeats itself

  History, for want of a better description, seems to repeat itself. read more

• Cut the carnage on the roads

  TWO kind folk responded to my comments about indelible pencils by actually sending me one, both going out of their way to deliver them personally, which is much appreciated. First, through my letterbox, a Canadian WWII purple pencil, from Malcolm Horsley of Old Malton. Last used, he tells me, in the '60s. read more

• Ryedale - Home of Flying

  THERE was a time when I didn't read the writings of other Gazette & Herald columnists because of a subconscious fear that I should happen to write about some subject which they had already touched on, and which looked as though it was 'copying'. N read more

• My first port of call - lunch

  CALLS for the dualling of the A64 continue to be made, and the reason for dualling is so that traffic can move faster. Not everyone wishes to travel faster. read more

• Prepare for Christmas rush

  THAT'S it then, another month gone, Christmas looms ahead, and many of us would still like to hang on to summer a bit longer. read more

• A time to remember not forget

  Today, September 6, was a Wednesday in 1939. This was the first week of World War II and lots of local lads were away from home for the very first time, leaving behind anxious mums, dads and sweethearts. read more

• Cycling through the countryside

  The countryside was especially delightful today. It had started off quite warm and sunny but by the time I'd got my bike ready and organised myself the clouds started to roll in. read more

• The wrong side of the bed

  A WET Sunday morning as I write this. Puts a stop to most outdoor pursuits. Still, the water barrel needed topping up so all is not lost. read more

• Happy 91st year, Major John

  LOOKING at Norton's own newspaper, the Norton Chronicle, for this month in 1890, I see that Welham Cricket Club were having an evening sports event in the form of a one-mile and a two-mile bicycle race, the first event having no less than 28 entries, and the latter 25. read more

• A village that's bursting with life

  AS the A170 road winds through the undulating North Yorkshire countryside towards the coast, the motorist will come across a village noticeably different from any other along the same highway. read more

• Nothing comes cheap these days

  SOME of you may have noticed the hanging baskets around the town recently; others may not have spotted them, which is understandable if you have your eyes down looking in shop windows. read more

• Unsung heroes of World War II

  THURSDAY of last week was Air Gunners' Day at Yorkshire Air Museum and marked, once again, the getting together of so many of the unsung heroes of the Second World War. read more

On this day: Ryedale Archive