"I've been fascinated by Antarctica"

A new book is charting the global history of Antarctica using a series of unique objects. Bill Gilbb finds out more.

Tied In Knots

Tommy couldn’t understand why weddings made everyone act so Strangely...

Talking Point

Is there too much pressure on people to create the perfect Christmas?

It's the same soil that Champagne is famous for

Oz Clarke explains to Alex Corlett why there's never been a better time to buy British bubbly for your Christmas celebrations.

On Pins And Needles

Penny needed an idea for her Christmas tree theme, and the sooner the better!

We obviously have to make it look wintry

Costume designer Ros Little brings an authentic magic to All Creatures Great And Small”. Bill Gibb discovers how she gets it all sewn up.

Give a love of gardening

Many people say that their love of gardening was ignited by grandparents or another relative, so Christmas is a good time to interest children in gardening.

Notes From my garden

Alexandra Campbell looks at how we can all contribute to protecting biodiversity, especially in winter.

Midnight Meeting

There was one person Riccardo looked out for at Mass every year...

The trick is to Style hair when it's pliable

Janey Swanson is amazed by one of the world’s wackiest contests, held on the north-western tip of Canada.

Paws For Thought

Erin hadn’t expected to be bowled over by Milo and his very attractive owner...

Ready, Player Two?

The twins were always on the same wavelength, much to everyone else's confusion . . .

A Good Pitch

Henry had his heart set on one chorister to sing the solo, and nothing would change his mind!

Return To Petershaven

It seemed to Megan that Jonathan was full of surprises...

That human Connection binds us all together

Gillian Harvey learns about Rainbow Trust, a vital charity providing invaluable support to families of ill children.

The Guessing Gift

Maddie’s present was so thoughtful if only Julie could figure out what it was!

Sugar And Spice

My new job at Pencarney’s would have been sweet, if not for the fearsome Miss Acaster..

The Show Must Go On

SISTER BERNADETTE of the Sisters of Mercy sat in her office in the little school of St Monica's in Ballymore, County Mayo.

Dogs With Jobs

Lorna Cowan falls head over heels for a gentle surrogate “mum\" called Ollie, who cares for yoga puppies.

An Annual Surprise

The bookshop discoveries always held some unusual at this time of year ...

Within the Palace Precincts

Even though Susanna was growing closer to Savaric, life in the convent was drawing her in ...

A Royal Tradition

lan Lloyd reflects on 90 years of the monarch’s Christmas message.

That Silent Night

Christmas had brought a beautiful, temporary peace to the trenches ...

Christmas magic simply radiates from this ballet

Janey Swanson falls under the spell of Birmingham Royal Ballet's \"The Nutcracker\" as it enchants audiences this festive season.

Festive Spirit

Could Bradley find a way to regain some joy before the big day?

It Takes A Village

If Jen was to continue her dad's Christmas traditions, she'd need some help...

Secret Santa

THANK heavens you got here quickly!\" The store clerk's voice was strained.

I spent two weeks working with the Muppets!

Holly Crawford goes behind the scenes of the much-loved film The Muppet Christmas Carol”.

Return To Petershaven

In a little fishing village like Petershaven, people would never remain strangers for long...

We light candles and sing Christmas carols

CHRISTMAS greetings to our wonderful The People’s Friend” family! can hardly believe am writing you a Christmas update letter. Time seems to fly by, doesn’t it?