Today, dragons, unicorns and other such beasts are represented in novels and computer games, but heraldry began as an early system of identification, says John J Tunesi of Liongam. These…
Country House
Hyundai i30 Fastback N
Charlie Flindt finds himself determined to join the ‘hot hatch’ brigade after driving the Hyundai i30 Fastback N. It may not win any points among eco warriors – but it’s…
Jonathan Pointer, sporting artist
Context and authenticity is vital to Jonathan Pointer. Janet Menzies discovers how he encourages viewers of his wildlife art to examine the whole scene. For more sporting artists, Debbie Harris’…
Phillippa Hake, sporting Diana
It began with a fly-tying starter kit and became a passion for Phillippa Hake, as she discovered the joy of catching a fish on a fly she had tied herself.…
Cathedral choirs: sweet singing in the choir
The boy treble’s solo in Once in Royal David’s City, sounded in a darkened cathedral, is a truly special moment for many. The true start of the festivities commences with…
Rural community churches: serving a rural congregation
Village life relies upon rural community churches, as they are often the only community building left. This is never more so than at Christmas, as three Anglican bishops explain to…
Winter solstice traditions: a bleak but beautiful mid winter
The days are shortening and darkness has descended – midwinter is more certainly bleak. But the colour brought by the winter solstice traditions, expertly adopted into our culture by the…
Christmas tree farming: o, Christmas tree
The tradition of decorating a tree for Christmas goes back to the Victorian times. But the techniques behind Christmas tree farming are decidely modern, discovers Graham Downing. There is no…
Audi A4 Avant 40 TDI quattro
The Audi A4 has come a long way in 25 years. Charlie Flindt is impressed by the new Audi A4 Avant TDI quattro, though restrained in its styling, it reeks…
A Christmas Carol: a Dickens of a Christmas
Shocked by the effect of the Industrial Revolution on working children, Charles Dickens planned to write a political pamphlet. Instead he published A Christmas Carol, with a festive blueprint that…