I don't know how true that is, though you could find out on't'internet:

http://allotmentblog.dailymail.co.uk/2011/06/why-do-runner-beans-spiral-clockwise.html

but maybe you're too young to remember the Flanders and Swann song: Misalliance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMPlYA4sNXM

It's more than likely true, but I don't grow them to either confirm or deny, what I can tell you is that wisteria, also twines anti- clockwise, Derek.

Yes runner and climbing beans twine anti-clockwise.

We grow climbing beans rather than runners and, as I remember, they climb anti-clockwise.

I grow runner beans every year and can confirm that they always climb anti clockwise.

Not dialect thing, Steve, they are different but i don't know the technicalities! Runner beans are flat and climbing beans are more rounded. Runners are more tender and rarely do well up here. Most seed catalogues list both. No problem with your query :-)))

Derek - not all wisterias climb anti-clockwise, some go clockwise. From memory, Chinese and Japanese wisterias go in opposite directions I think

Its because Chinese and Japanese peope write in columns instead of horizontal lines. Thats a joke. Ha ha.
I find its best to gently tie the young shoots onto the canes with wool, as it rots easily. They then get a stronger start if its windy weather.

And remember to have some Lemon Balm in a pot beside the row, this keeps the Black Fly off the flowers, the birds dont knock them off to eat them, and you get beans
3 weeks earlier.

Yes you're right Andrew, I think it's the sinensis that goes anti clockwise, and the japonica goes clockwise, but I dont think you see japonica as often as sinensis, which is why I just said wisteria, sorry for any confusion, Derek.

Ach we are all confused at times Derek :-)

Aint that the truth Mg, Derek.

This weather isn't helping...

Always cheering to read your good advice MG.

Lol Diane