Bob Cooper of Macclesfield, Cheshire remembers: From an early age, I have always loved reading and writing. My best subject at school was English to the detriment of maths, and I managed to become top

IF YOU STROLL ACROSS THE GREEN SWATHE OF the Maidan in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) – past the monumental marble Victoria Memorial built to honour that Empress of India – and keep heading south, the ci

The worst loss of life among animals during the Second World War occurred before a single bomb had dropped on Great Britain. Official notices of advice to the public on how to prepare for air raids we

THE buildings on either side of the street seemed to bend in upon Meg Talbot. Their upper windows were looming as she picked her way through the slime and detritus. She could hardly see the September

T RACY’S passing a box of teacakes across the scanner. She’s also chatting to one of her favourite customers – Mrs P – when her eyes stray to the clock in the corner of her screen. Ten-thirty a.m. on

IN the rear of her stationary motor-taxi, a young milliner reached up a careful gloved hand to pat her black-felt cloche, snug on her smart, fair curls. Constance Smart had been sitting patiently for