Folklore, religion and revelry have combined over the centuries to create the festive figure so central to our celebrations today, writes Ettie Neil-Gallacher
The Field
Testing partridge day at Newton Mulgrave, North Yorkshire
From the edge of Borrowby Moor the views over the North Yorkshire countryside, across wooded ghylls to the North Sea beyond, are spectacular. And on a crisp December morning, with…
Sporting Wagers: King George VI Chase
Ahead of the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, bookmaker Fitzdares takes a look back at the names – both human and equine – who have…
The Field’s guide to shotgun barrels
Don’t be distracted by the decoration – when choosing a new shotgun, barrel construction should be a top priority, too says Luke Davison
Warm pheasant salad with spelt, beetroot and blackberries
As the season for our most prolific gamebird begins, it’s time to introduce friends and family to the joys of eating game. Philippa Davis offers a recipe using pheasant that…
Breed standards – the problems
There has been a much-needed overhaul of breed standards, says David Tomlinson, although show and working animals are often still worlds apart. A Slumber spaniel, anyone?
Sporting Diana Joy Wheatcroft: ‘Shooting has become my way of life’
A competitive streak and desire to try new things has taken Joy Wheatcroft from gymkhanas to the CPSA World Championships, with much inbetween
Sporting Wagers: Rugby Autumn Internationals
Bookmaker Fitzdares takes a look at how different nations have fared at the Rugby Autumn Internationals
Why we’re dreaming of a spin in the Land Rover Defender 90
This triumphant new version impresses with its capabilities and comfort, however, Charlie Flindt feels bad about leaving his mucky fingerprints on the interior
If it’s not a labrador, what makes the perfect family gundog?
David Tomlinson risks offending loyal labrador enthusiasts by suggesting some alternative breeds that make the perfect family gundog