Most days we cross a small bridge over the little stream called the Gypsey Race. All through the dreadful wet summer months I kept looking for the expected torrent but there was nothing but a pathetic trickle.

Suddenly, in the last few weeks, the flow has increased incredibly and now the stream is almost over the bridge. Some local villages, such as Burton Fleming, are flooded and lots of fields up the Great Wold Valley are under water. The volume of water ends up with a mad rush into Bridlington Harbour.

I was always under the impression that the stream was given that name because, like the Gypsy travellers, it comes and goes without any warning or expectation. But after investigating further, it turns out that it’s not nearly so romantic but that the name derives from the Norse word for a spring; gypa.

I was also fascinated to discover that the random appearance of the stream, was seen to have otherworldly qualities during Neolithic times.

The Great Wold Valley became an important place of worship leading to the string of Neolithic burial sites along the valley, including the amazing Rudston Monolith – if you ever come to our part of the country it’s worth a look; it is a massive standing stone which we can only wonder at how on earth it was ever moved and erected.

We are very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful and interesting place!

Rob