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…
Country House
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…
Debbie Harris, sporting artist
Her atmospheric oil paintings have attracted a legion of admirers, but for Debbie Harris it all began with a love for dogs and hunting, as Janet Menzies discovers. For more…
Wool churches built on golden fleeces
Once a wonder of England, wool had both economic and ecclesiastical benefits, says Matthew Dennison, as he considers the country’s wool churches. From country Christmas cards and what to serve…
Rosie van Cutsem, sporting Diana
From learning to shoot as a child to discovering her true love for horses and hunting, Rosie van Cutsem founded The Riding Club London for like minded equine enthusiasts and…
Range Rover Sport HST
With flash styling, shiny black wheels and suede-covered interior, the farmyard doesn’t seem the natural home of the Range Rover Sport HST. Yet a week in the country and it…
The Forestry Commission: 100 years of forest fortitude
It would seem that in 1919 and at the end of World War I, there would have been more pressing concerns than conserving and developing the country’s woodland resources. And…
John Frederick Herring Snr, sporting artist
As popular today as in the mid-19th century, John Frederick Herring Snr began painting pub signs and coaches and became a popular genre artist, says Janet Menzies. For more sporting…
Marina Gibson, sporting Diana
Having spent a childhood on the river bank, Marina Gibson has now founded the Northern Fishing School to introduce as many people as possible to the sport and it’s enormous…