1. In the carol ‘The twelve days of Christmas’, what does ‘my true love’ give on the 10th day? a. Maids a-milkingb. French hensc. Geese a-layingd. Lords a-leaping 2. In which royal residence was Queen

LET me state at the outset that I am not a nosy-parker, not a busybody and definitely not in the habit of opening other people’s post. But one December, it started. I found it on the hall mat with my

HAVE YOUR SAY

“Merry Xmas, Everybody” No.1, 1973 Slade’s chart-topper was recorded in New York while the band toured the world. Flamboyant guitarist, Dave Hill – remembered for his trademark high-heel boots and dis

Christmas stamps, as featured on this year’s COUNTRY LIFE Advent calendar cover, are a cherished annual event– but how did they become one? Emma Hughes investigates

Q What is the coldest winter the UK has experienced? A In more recent times the Met Office points to the winter of 1963, which was the coldest since 1740, with temperatures dropping to as low as -20°C