32 h. ago In the Rhododendrons by Heather Christle review – back to the mother land

A poet’s memoir of family, trauma, and Virginia Woolf pulses with feeling and intelligenceLike most kids, Heather Christle was drilled about “stranger danger”. Like some, she had a family codeword designed to show that an adult picking them up from school when her mother was busy could be trusted. But, in her American home town in the 1980s, no other kid’s word was a bygone British sweet. And so “Dolly Mixture” joins the growing list of things learned from her English mother that Christle, looking back, finds out of place. Things such as dining etiquette, cardigans, M&S outfits, margarine. But also bigger stuff: beliefs and behaviours. Assumptions. Silence. Shame.With her mother in her 70s and their relationship strained, Christle, a poet and academic, embarks on a quest for new understanding – of her mother, of “Englishness”, and of herself. In a memoir that pulses with feeling and intelligence, she excavates the past to expose difficult truths. As she proved with her acclaimed...

Events

38 h. ago Underrated UK seaside town next to famous gem with top fish and chips

Lytham St Annes in Lancashire is the perfect place to disconnect for a few days from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life - Plus, it's next to a popular town. Do you fancy some fish and chips?

Politics

63 h. ago Charming UK bay is a hidden gem sitting in quiet shadow of bustling city

This tranquil bay offers an unexpected pocket of natural beauty only 30-minutes from the busy town of Liverpool. Full of salt marshes and mud banks, it has also become a hub for endangered wildlife.

Politics

1 week ago The £2million cycle lane and crossing on busy town centre dual carriageway

The work has been going on for the last few months

Economics

1 week ago Moment dog walker is nearly dragged to his death and cyclist stares down oncoming train revealed in level crossing near misses

The incidents were part of several dramatic near-misses captured at the Clapping Lane crossing, near Goring-by-Sea in West Sussex.

Events

2 w. ago Legal duty to bring Irish language signs decision to Executive – Little

Controversy has flared after Sinn Fein minister Liz Kimmins announced dual language signage will be installed at Belfast’s Grand Central Station.

Politics

3 w. ago Bespoke whisky business awarded licence in the heart of busy West Lothian town

West Lothian Licensing Board agreed to award a premises licence to The Wee Whisky Shop in Linlithgow High Street run by Andrew Ure.

Events