Most seasoned anglers will no doubt have heard the phrase ‘observation, imitation, presentation’ or OIP. This three-step mantra neatly condenses the complexity of fly-fishing (and arguably many other forms of fishing) down to a stark summation of its parts. Fly anglers place a huge amount of emphasis on the ‘imitation’…
David Howden is regarded by many as the insurance world’s answer to Richard Branson. His dynamism has shaped Howden, the insurance company he helped found 30 years ago, into the empire it is today. However, it’s not the likes of Necker Island and taking to the skies that occupy him…
Over the past 10 years I have become increasingly beset by magpies. Do you know of any solutions to deter magpies rather than a hands-on method to trap them? DB, by email
This test looks at the latest model of Maxum over-and under from Caesar Guerini, imported by Anglo Italian Arms in Solihull. It is a 30in 20-bore with a single selective trigger and a solid, tapered sighting rib. The gun, proofed for high-performance steel (up to 1/2 choke) at 1,320 bar…
Once the straws are made and twisted, you can freeze them flat on a baking sheet then store in a zip-seal bag. When required, spread them out on a lined baking sheet and allow to defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking as normal. Ingredients 12 anchovies in oil Pinch…
“I grew up a showground brat and absolutely loved it,” laughs Simon Brooks-Ward in his typically unstuffy manner. “My identical twin James and I were born on the first night of the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley in 1963, and my father Raymond Brooks-Ward was one of the…
Crab cakes made well are a delight. So try this recipe, made with fresh crab and a good amount of fresh herbs. They are the perfect thing to delight the palate before lunch. Or hand round before supper. And are sublimely easy to make, with a short and simple ingredient…
Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser and the addition of ricotta to this rhubarb cheesecake gives it a light, creamy texture that goes perfectly with the bright, sharp lemon curd and rhubarb. Serves 8 You will need a deep 8in springform cake tin Base 110g stem ginger 100g ginger snaps, finely…
Good for: Nevill Holt Festival goers Picturesque market towns History buffs Carrying off the role of both boutique hotel and vibrant village boozer isn’t easy but The Nevill Arms in Medbourne, Leicestershire manages it with aplomb. Any night of the week the pub will be busy with locals and the…
It is in an unassuming corner of his stately Palladian mansion, away from public eyes, that the 9th Marquess of Hertford prefers to hang his most treasured accolades. Two are certificates: one awarding him fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE); the other from the late Queen appointing…
