Feb 28

Feb 28 Ultimate Inland Cruise Across Scotland

Discover the elegance of luxury barge cruising with "Spirit of Scotland" by European Waterways. Experience the grandeur of Britain's Great Glen, traversing the Caledonian Canal and scenic lochs. Enjoy sumptuous on-board dining, comfortable cabins, and enriching excursions to historic sites like Cawdor Castle and Glen Ord whisky distillery. Ideal for families and groups, this six-night cruise offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. Book your journey through European Waterways for an unforgettable, picturesque UK holiday experience.

Feb 28

Feb 28 It's Back! Wild Garlic is growing profusely in the West Country hills

Martin Hesp

Food & Drink

About the delights of foraging wild garlic, a flavourful herb thriving in England's South West. This short article explores its culinary uses, from homemade pesto to sauces, highlighting renowned chef Mark Hix's insights. You must distinguish safe wild garlic from toxic lookalikes like Lilly of the Valley, ensuring a safe foraging experience.

Feb 28

Feb 28 Newspaper column - staying on the Isle of Man in winter

Martin Hesp

Travel

A newspaper column about the unexpected beauty of the Isle of Man in winter. Discover the island's wild seas, scenic landscapes, and rich folklore. Experience the thrill of uncovering hidden gems in Britain, challenging misconceptions about familiar places. From the stormy seas of Douglas to the cultural richness of the UK, this piece inspires readers to embrace adventure close to home, revealing the Isle of Man's captivating charm beyond its famous motorbike races and tax haven reputation

Feb 28

Feb 28 Newspaper column - my 50 years in journalism

Martin Hesp

Journalism and PR, Media

Explore a journalist's 50-year journey from a cub-reporter in the 1970s to an eminent storyteller. This memoir reflects on evocative memories from the traditional newsroom era to digital journalism. Highlights include experiences at a weekly newspaper, insights into reporting, and the rich life of a journalist. It also touches on personal stories like eloping to Texas, and the legacy of a journalist father during World War II. A tribute to the enduring spirit of storytelling in journalism

Feb 15

Feb 15 Laxey Wheel, Isle of Man

Martin Hesp

Travel

Discover the Laxey Wheel, Isle of Man's engineering marvel from the Victorian era. Preserved by the Isle of Man National Heritage Trust, this iconic waterwheel symbolizes the island's rich mining heritage. Explore historical landmarks and learn about 19th-century technology at this educational and cultural heritage site.

Feb 15

Feb 15 British Guild of Travel Writers Visits The Isle of Man

Martin Hesp

Travel

In February the British Guild of Travel Writers held their annual meeting on the Isle of Man, exploring its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culinary scene. The trip highlighted the island's year-round appeal, Viking heritage, and warm local interactions, showcasing it as a captivating destination for travellers

Dec 30

Dec 30 The Zytglogge Clock Tower and Einstein's Apartment, both in Berne's Old Town

Martin Hesp

Travel, Switzerland

The astronomical clock in the Zytglogge Clock Tower of Bern, Switzerland, was designed by master clockmaker Kaspar Brunner. It was installed in the tower in the year 1530. This intricate and historically significant clock has been captivating visitors and locals alike for centuries with its mechanical and astronomical features. Kaspar Brunner's work on the Zytglogge Clock is a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of his time and remains an enduring symbol of Bern's rich heritage - alongside the amazing Einstein House where the world famous mathematician used to live during a more humble early part of his career

Dec 30

Dec 30 A Traditional West Country Kind Of Christmas

Martin Hesp

Books, Food & Drink

This article nostalgically contrasts traditional West Country Christmas customs with modern celebrations. It reminisces about unique practices like ashen faggot burning, where participants drink and toast to banish spirits; the Mummers’ Play, featuring characters like Father Christmas; and 'guise-dancing' in St Ives, where people wore disguises and danced. It also mentions the belief of master bullocks kneeling at midnight on Christmas Eve and tradesmen's tradition of giving extras to favoured customers. The customs of a robin in Christmas lore and a unique Christmas drink, Lamb's Wool, are also highlighted. The article laments the loss of these traditions to modern, commercialised celebrations, aiming to evoke a sense of old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

Dec 17

Dec 17 Emmental Cheese - Learning About its History and How to Make it

Martin Hesp

Travel, Food, Switzerland

This article explores Emmental cheese's history and the Emmentaler Visitor Centre in Switzerland. Originating in the 13th century, Emmental is famous for its large holes and nutty flavor. Made from raw cow's milk, its quality is marked by the holes' size, created during fermentation. The Visitor Centre offers an immersive look into its production and cultural significance, showcasing traditional and modern cheesemaking methods, attracting cheese lovers worldwide.

Dec 17

Dec 17 Engineless Foot Ferries Cross the Rhone in Basel

Martin Hesp

Travel, Switzerland

The article describes Basel's engineless foot ferries, known as "Fähri," which cross the Rhine River using the river's current instead of engines. Connected to a steel cable, these eco-friendly ferries offer a serene journey with panoramic views of Basel. Four distinct ferries operate at different river points, serving pedestrians and cyclists while preserving the city's riverine heritage.

Dec 16

Dec 16 Switzerland Christmas 2023 - Basel Christmas Market

Martin Hesp

Travel, Switzerland

The Basel Christmas Market in Switzerland is celebrated as one of Europe's most enchanting holiday destinations, drawing nearly a million visitors annually. Set in Basel's medieval city centre, it blends historical charm with modern festivity from late November to Christmas Eve. The market features over 180 stalls offering traditional Swiss crafts and gastronomic delights

Dec 15

Dec 15 Bob Bell's TREBOROUGH TALES - THE PLOUGHMAN’S TALE

Martin Hesp

Bob Bell

Bob Bell reminisces about the time he spent in the Brendon Hills

Dec 1

Dec 1 The Deer Park - A Modern Fairytale

Martin Hesp

Books

Martin Hesp has been taking a look at his Christmas fairytale, The Deer Park, and imagining some new images.

Dec 1

Dec 1 Bob Bell: Remembering a Move to the Countryside

Martin Hesp

Bob Bell

Bob Bell recalls moving to the deep West Somerset countryside many many years ago

Nov 17

Nov 17 Bob Bell reviews new book on the history of Island Records

Martin Hesp

Bob Bell

Bob Bell has read a new book which is all about the record company where he worked for so many years - and he gives ‘The Island Book Of Records 1959-1968’ top marks

Nov 16

Nov 16 Exmoor Walk: The Chains and Pinkery Pond

Martin Hesp

Travel, Walks

Winter walk to Pinkery Pond on Exmoor

Nov 16

Nov 16 Exmoor Walk: West Lyn River

Martin Hesp

Walks, Travel

A walk up the West Lyn River on Exmoor

Nov 16

Nov 16 Exmoor Walk: Withypool Common

Martin Hesp

Walks, Travel

Here’s a superb Exmoor walk for winter

Nov 13

Nov 13 It's a Magical Mystery Island Tour

Martin Hesp

Travel

Embark on a transformative journey with Hayes & Jarvis to Sri Lanka, a tailor-made adventure blending thrilling experiences like climbing Lion Rock with luxurious relaxation. This trip, perfect for all ages, offers a deep cultural immersion, from Kandy's sacred sites to tea plantations and bustling markets. Guided by experts, it's a safe, mesmerizing exploration of Sri Lanka's rich landscapes and vibrant culture, concluding in the coastal town of Bentota. A truly unforgettable, life-changing holiday experience.

Nov 3

Nov 3 Another excerpt from The Lemon Tree Forest

Martin Hesp

Travel, Books

Embark on a literary journey with "The Lemon Tree Forest," an evocative novel intertwining Greek culture, mystical experiences, and personal memories. Partly set in the heart of rural Greece, the soon-to-be-published book offers a vivid portrayal of 1980s life in a landscape steeped in history. The author draws from personal experiences, crafting a narrative that's as refreshing as the lemon-tangerine hybrid juice featured in the story. From thrilling encounters with local wildlife to the delicate balance of respecting village customs, this novel promises an escape to a world where the past and present merge, and every sense is engaged. As you wait for the unveiling of the cover, savor this snippet and prepare for an adventure laced with the aromatic scents of mountain thyme, rosemary, and, of course, lemons.

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