IT is always a temptation, in this parish of Spectator's, to keep the secret of its pleasures in order to enjoy them without what passes for crowds in this region. But credit where it's due.

On a damp and dreary December weekend, when the moors and dales tempt only the hardiest souls and most attractions have been closed since at least half-term, two splendid organisations came up trumps for entertaining visitors to the area.

The first jaunt was to Thirsk, where warmth, light and smiles welcomed us to the Herriot Centre, chasing away the gloom. Well-established as a "must" for anyone with an interest in the local vet come famous author, the centre has had a hard year with foot-and-mouth disease hitting visitor numbers in the region. All was cheer, however, on Saturday and Spectator was impressed at the housekeeping which has kept the rooms and contents and exhibits as fresh as when the centre opened.

The original ploy of moving visitors into the town by means of discount vouchers is still flourishing - thanks for a tasty lunch - and the shop proved a boon for some Christmas shopping with a difference.

The second attraction was one which the neighbouring local authority had a go at sending under by threatening winter closure - the Bowes Museum. Happily now in more comfortable ownership, the outside still provokes a Wow! from those not expecting to find a French chateau in deepest Teesdale and the inside offers more enticing doors than can be gone through in one visit.

Sometimes it takes an outsider to help those familiar with something see it with fresh eyes again. Certainly this weekend Spectator was proud to be able to offer two treasure houses ready to welcome people through their door.

A great drain

RAIN, eagerly awaited, finally broke over Darlington. The question was, was in safe to walk across Stanhope Park?

For years this pleasant short cut has held a trap at the Duke Street end: a growing pool of water followed every shower and grass was churned to mud as walkers tried to circumnavigate it.

A few weeks ago, the borough put in a drain. Joy - the drain drains and the park becomes a pleasure even in wet weather.

Spectator sees the hand of the Friends of Stanhope Park in this work, a group which has quietly made several improvements and this Christmas has sold cards of scenes, reproduced in black and white, taken by the Darlington photographer, Jim Lycett.

The black hole

DAYS before Christmas, shoppers could stroll along High Row in Darlington, passing stalls laden with the trimmings deemed necessary for celebrating.

At the same time they could stroll past the frontage which used to be Dressers and has remained behind now fading blue boards since the shop closed. Why isn't something happening at this prime site?