Mary had a little lamb

All around was snowy and frozen – yet someone was making Maria’s heart melt

Our latest fiction writing competition asked entrants to pen a love story, and we found find three romantic tales which we’re sure you’ll enjoy over the next few pages. Congratulations to Daniel Taylor with The Clockmaker’s Valentine , which you can read overleaf, along with two runners-up. Plus on page 58, find out details about our next themed short story competition...

MRS Sefton, my dear, we are moving,” Lord Denning Sefton announced to his wife. “We are?” she asked. “To where, my love?” “It seems that my great-uncle has left me a property in Derbyshire: Marchdale

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I f the brighter days have inspired you ...

MEAT ✣ Medium whole chicken (1.6kg) ✣ 70g chorizo slices ✣ 500g beef mince (12% fat) DAIRY ✣ 150g pot natural yogurt ✣ 4 medium eggs ✣ 260g Cheddar cheese FRUIT/VEG ✣ 7 onions ✣ 1 red onion ✣ Garlic b