Stories told in words and pictures, by Derek and Sarah Niemann
For Derek it’s a great privilege to write for what is (almost) the world’s oldest newspaper column.
The Guardian’s first Country Diary appeared in 1904. And but for forgetfulness on the part of one contributor (he forgot to send his copy in one day), it would be the longest-running on the planet.
Enjoy its eccentricities and range of styles (including that of Derek, writing on every other Thursday). Each column is just 350 words, a vignette you can absorb in less time than it takes to boil up a cuppa.
Derek is curious about a gleam in the undergrowth.
“An ape-like shuffle brings me under coppiced hazel bushes to a string of pale, sunlit fungi, their fresh young caps wrinkled like old skin.”
Read the full story on the Guardian website, and don’t miss Sarah’s photo.