Throw in the towelling

Souvenirs from past times bring back happy memories for Jenny and Tess

Our round-up of the funny, fascinating and unusual stories this fortnight

I must extend my huge thanks to Jon Winder for his excellent article Swings and Roundabouts (July). I am currently scribbling notes which I hope to turn into a memoir of my childhood, and one chapter

Graceful and practical in equal measure, the parasol has a long and colourful history when it comes to creating shade. Deborah Nicholls-Lee takes cover

That threatened thrones

Animated by two profound love affairs, Gabrielle Chanel established a symbiotic connection with Britain that remains a source of inspiration for the maison a century on