Author name: Richard Clarke

19th May, 2017.

Recently saw most excellent programme on the origin of modern Islamic terrorism – from historical perspective and interpretations of parts of the Quran. As it happened also on the same day looked-up the meaning of the phrase ‘post-modernism’ having heard it used glibly on news media a thousand times as if we all knew exactly what […]

19th May, 2017. Read More »

16th May, 2017.

Currently walking dog first thing along lower Middlegate. Like the effluent from the cement works the English flag flying from South Ferriby church tower gives evidence of wind strength and direction. National flags are a relatively recent convention. The flag of England (an oblong Greek cross according to Church Furnishings, A NADFAS Guide, P. Dirsztay, 1988)

16th May, 2017. Read More »

15th May, 2017.

Now flowering; ox-eye daisy (picture), forget-me-not, speedwell, herb Robert, cornflower (particularly alongside west approach road to Barton/A15 roundabout), early field scabious. ‘Doom and gloom’ in last blog followed by heavy over-night rain! Ash trees (my favourite) have been in leaf-bud for few weeks but very few have opened-out. It’s almost like they have an on-board

15th May, 2017. Read More »

13th May, 2017.

Miscellaneous; Have seen first migrating swifts this past week, generally arrive second week in May, probably regretting it already. First swallows seen a month ago but only seen since in ones and twos, however today saw first small flock. No April showers and semi-arid conditions on the land, taking to a person who had been

13th May, 2017. Read More »

12th May, 2017.

First comparatively long distance walk for ages on Wednesday, this to celebrate the long-awaited improvement in the late spring weather. From Humber Bridge Country Park walked the wide footpath next to the rail line and just above the Humber foreshore to North Ferriby. Lots of red valerian just coming into flower, also speedwell, dandelion, buttercup, bugle

12th May, 2017. Read More »

9th May, 2017.

No sign of the ducklings or goslings, am thinking they may have died of hypothermia, unable to endure the unrelenting cold east and north winds of late and the lack of warmth from sunshine. If so their corpses have probably been ‘hovered-up’ by local foxes that live in local reed-beds and have their own young to

9th May, 2017. Read More »