Small Delights

The top bar of a standard, 12-foot, five-bar, wooden field gate is tapered, thick at the hinge end for strength, narrow at the latch end for lightness. I didn’t know until I bought a new gate. I have since noticed it on every gate I see, old or new. JOHN FOAD, KENT

Readers are invited to send in life’s small delights. Email editorial@theoldie.co.uk.