Winning formula! Kate Middleton recycles a scarlet Catherine Walker coat dress and floral fascinator for Commonwealth Service Duchess of Cambridge, 38, last wore the stylish outfit on Christmas Day in 2018 Kate sported a floral fascinator adorned with red roses and swept hair into a bun Teamed her ensemble with matching red-brown suede heels and … Read more
Sherry and port will get you drunk more quickly than most other alcoholic drinks… and they also cause the worst hangovers, doctor warns Sherry and port provide the ‘optimum way of getting very drunk very fast’ Dr Hal Sosabowski of Brighton University analysed the effects of the tipple They contain relatively high volume of alcohol … Read more
Edinburgh’s city-centre gin distillery will get you in the Christmas spirit – you can take a tour and make your own concoctions Take a break from the Scottish capital’s festivities at the Edinburgh Gin distillery Go on a tour and see the gin-making process – then make your own concoction And of course, when it’s … Read more
US manufacturer Whirlpool could face criminal prosecution over washing machine fires that led to a mass recall Whirlpool issued alert over fire risk Hotpoint and Indesit machines in December There have been 79 fires and ten injuries dating as far back as November 2016 US manufacturer could face criminal prosecution over washing machine blazes Whirlpool … Read more
Devastating scenes in BBC documentary Hospital show anxious parents insist there ‘will be a time’ their son recovers – hours before he passes away. Jack, 22, was born healthy but suffered a catastrophic brain injury at the age of eight, after he was hit by a car outside his house as he crossed the road. The youngster … Read more
CHRISTMAS IN AUSTIN by Benjamin Markovits (Faber £16.99, 432 pp) CHRISTMAS IN AUSTIN by Benjamin Markovits (Faber £16.99, 432 pp) If you haven’t read the first in this rangy, yet addictively immersive, American family saga, all you need know is that Paul Essinger, retired from his undistinguished tennis career, is having a slow-motion breakdown. Now, … Read more
A PIG CALLED ALICE by Paul Heiney (The History Press £10.99, 176 pp) A PIG CALLED ALICE by Paul Heiney (The History Press £10.99, 176 pp) It’s often said that pigs are smarter than dogs, but it’s rare to find a farmer who regards his hog as man’s best friend. In this slim volume, Paul … Read more
MOUSE’S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Tracey Corderoy illustrated by Sarah Massini (Nosy Crow £6.99) PICTURE BOOKS MOUSE’S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Tracey Corderoy illustrated by Sarah Massini (Nosy Crow £6.99) ’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house’ . . . except here a lonely little mouse is very much stirring, making a … Read more
A festive walk on the wild side: Our critic reveals the best books for nature lovers this Christmas Christopher Hart rounded-up a selection of the best books on British landscape The Easternmost House is a series of letters Julie Blaxland dedicated to Suffolk Still Water celebrates ponds throughout the traditional countryside By Christopher Hart For … Read more
Haemin Sunim is a Zen Buddhist teacher, and author of in Love For Imperfect Things (pictured) Should it all get a bit much for you this Christmas, console yourself with the thought that at least you’re not working as a doctor in an NHS maternity ward. Such was the fate for several years of Adam … Read more