MALTON, January 23 and now, late afternoon, the wild geese have just flown over on their westwards course, in what was about the straggliest formation I've ever seen. Normally they're in a fairly tidy 'v' but today something must have happened to upset their progress, for a small group of perhaps ten or so was followed by another group of five or six, then three, and finally, three separate stragglers. Usually their progress is rhythmic, with a bit of chattering going on, today there seemed to be an air of agitation as they hurried along, and I wondered what predator had upset the usual pattern, was it perhaps some winged enemy who lay in wait, although I've not heard whether they have such enemies, or perhaps some itchy-fingered idiot with a gun who couldn't resist the temptation to have a go. Hopefully they'll be safely home to settle down for the night.

The subject of 'tierfall' just doesn't seem to want to lie down, with variations of 'teefall' and 'teafall' being aired. A gentleman whose voice I knew but who didn't give his name phoned to tell me that he'd come across it in a 'Yorkshire' dictionary spelled in the first way, and another reader, who had obviously done some research on it, confirmed this spelling. Today I have a kind letter from Mrs McAllister-Rees of Wood Brow, which was quite a coincidence, as I'd just been looking at some photographs taken there just before war and afterwards, with lots of memories. However, as her name might well suggest, her reference book is Chambers Scots Dictionary and her word comes out as 'Tee-fa'. Referred to as a "building leaning on another". Which indeed it is. What I still can't equate is the fact that as the roof levels are tiered, then the word must surely relate to a tier, and not a 'tee' which most reference books seem to come up with. Otherwise what do the letters 'tee' mean? Anything?

Mrs Rees also puts the question "when did railway stations become train stations?" When indeed. I can't say I've noticed this one, but it is suggested that the younger generation refer to them as train stations, whereas my generation has grown up with railway stations. Another one to get your teeth into. Incidentally, she tells me that Force is available at Sainsburys at Monks Cross, should you have a fancy for that delicacy.

Today's Gazette & Herald has an article about householders being urged to have fewer bonfires because of the cancer-causing toxins they produce. Government instructions order dramatic cuts, based on EU guidelines, which will please those who have to suffer the effects of someone else's smoke. Whether this is likely to include a guide to the better combustion of household fires, some of which emit foul smoke continuously, and cannot be very efficient, I don't know. Household chimney smoke never used to smell like this.

Folk continue to be getting concerned about the use of Fylingdales Early Warning Station, and really, despite the fact that the present site is within the national park, it is but a pimple in that huge area, and no detriment. Whilst it surely cannot cause this country any adverse problems, it must be remembered that it must be to our benefit that it exists as a control over unlawful acts. Whether or not it is part of America's Defence Structure is beside the point, for their structure is also ours. Without their help in World War II, when almost every piece of equipment we used came from the USA, as well as the food we ate, and more than anything, they gave the lives of thousands of their youth to help us, what a poor attitude to adopt to refuse a few acres of moorland, which only very few people ever see. We should be proud to be able to help.

I'm delighted that so much concern is being shown in defence of Malton Hospital, but concerned that it is necessary that the community has to start to raise petitions in order to preserve what by rights is surely theirs. This is forever happening in one way or another, and always goes back to some bureaucracy which wants to change things. If it ain't broke don't fix it, leave well alone and any other clich you can think of, but above all hands off our hospital. Alteration does not necessarily mean improvement, or economies, and above all let us hang on to what we have.

What a lovely story Emma Edmunds tells in RYEview (page 7) this week, and what a wonderful mum she must be. I'm sure we all wish her the very best of good wishes, and no doubt she will keep us posted!

Thank you Mr Farnaby for your explanation of the Ryedale Millions, this gives a plain English explanation for which I, for one, find most acceptable, and common sense, and going into print to tell the public just what is happening is just what the man-in-the-street appreciates.

Seen on church notice board: "Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, February 05, 2003