Search Results for: General Interest

Far away from the bright lights of international rugby, there is another version of the game played by ordinary blokes of all shapes, sizes and degrees of physical ability.

Steven Gauge was the last person anyone would expect to find on a rugby field, being somewhat shorter than average, bespectacled and decidedly “unsporty”. But as a gentleman of a certain age when strange life choices are sometimes made, Steven chose to pick up a rugby ball and run with it.

He discovered a hidden and hilarious world of convoluted nicknames, creative interpretations of the laws of the game and the inevitable, beer-related, post-match mayhem. But he also found a heartfelt sense of belonging and camaraderie of the kind that only a good, honest team sport can provide.

So forget everything you think you know about rugby and join us on the touchline of Warlingham Rugby Club as Steven leads out the 4th XV. Welcome to the world of mud, sweat and beers…

Meet the inspirational animals who went from being rescued to becoming rescuer in these incredible true stories

You’ll read all about…
– Constantine and Crystal, the guinea pigs who gave a bullied girl with autism a reason to smile
– Alex, the tiger who inspired a homeless drug addict to get her life back on track
– Angel, the horse who helped her owner to lose weight and regain her confidence
– Daniel, the duck who was rescued from a food market and succeeded in soothing his owner’s PTSD

… as well as many other animal heroes who came to their owner’s aid – whether it was helping them to recover from mental illness, relationship breakdown or bereavement.

These remarkable creatures all repaid the love and appreciation that their human companions displayed in caring for them. Let these uplifting stories warm your heart, and show you that adopted animals can heal our pain and transform our lives.

Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2018

If you had told Helen two years ago that she would be getting up at 6 a.m. on Sundays to swim in a freezing reservoir and spending her Saturday nights unshowered and covered in mud in a pub, she would have spat out her champagne. But when everyone around you starts settling down, what else is a glamorous party girl to do but to launch herself into the world of endurance sport?

For someone who didn’t even own a pair of flat shoes (and definitely no waterproofs), Helen would soon find she had a lot to learn.

Join Helen on her hilarious and soul-searching journey as she swaps a life of cocktail bars and dating for the challenges and exhilaration of triathlons, trail runs, obstacle races, long-distance cycles and ocean swims… and sets herself the seemingly impossible goal of qualifying as a Team GB triathlete.

Whether you’re looking for a one-stop shop to track and improve your general well-being, or you want to focus on a specific area of your health, this journal is the perfect place to start.

Divided into monthly chapters to help you stay on track 365 days of the year, My Fitness Tracker includes tips and advice on how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, along with lots of inspiration to keep you motivated. You’ll also find a variety of interactive pages where you can record your fitness journey, including:
– Your exercise goals and achievements
– How well you hydrate
– What you’re eating and where you can improve your diet
– How exercise and healthy eating affect your mood and sleeping habits
– Your alcohol intake and how you can reduce it

Simply spend five minutes a day recording your eating and exercise habits and enjoy looking back on the progress you’re making. There’s no better time to get your life on track and form a healthier relationship with fitness and food. You’ve got this!

Sport can bring out the best in us… and the worst.
The high-pressure world of competitive sport has been shaken over the years by a series of major scandals. Involving drugs, sex, violence, money or pure and simple cheating, these incidents have ruined reputations, fuelled suspicions and shocked loyal supporters. Highlighting some of the most memorable cases from around the world, Norman Ferguson explores both recent and historic instances of dishonesty, betrayal and outrageous unsporting behaviour.
Over 35 scandals, including:
How cancer-survivor Lance Armstrong deceived his fans and cheated his way to seven Tour de France victories The World Cup bidding processes that brought the FBI to FIFA’s door Figure skater Tonya Harding’s sinister plot to break the leg of her rival, Nancy Kerrigan

Meet the inspirational dogs who went from being rescued to becoming rescuer, in these incredible true stories.

You’ll read all about…
– Toby, the golden retriever who performed the Heimlich manoeuvre to save his owner’s life
– Liam, the Lhaso Apso-Poodle mix who helped his owner battle an eating disorder
– Hercules, the St Bernard who saved his owners from burglars on the first day he moved in
– Alfie, the terrier who gave a bullied girl a new lease of life

… as well as many other canine heroes who came to their owner’s aid – whether it was saving them from physical threats, or helping them to recover from mental illness, PTSD and bereavement.

These remarkable dogs all repaid the love and appreciation that their owners displayed in rescuing them. Let these uplifting stories warm your heart, and show you that adopted dogs truly are man’s best friend.

Put your knowledge of real-life kidnappers, killers, con artists and thieves to the test with this gripping compendium of puzzles and trivia

Journey to the darkest corners of human nature and discover the events that have ensnared the interest of humankind across the globe and throughout time. Dive deep into this entertaining book, where the most notorious heists, cons and crimes are reimagined as puzzles.

From crosswords and counting conundrums to spot the differences and sudoku, whether you’re a true crime junkie or just morbidly curious, there’s plenty in these pages to sharpen your mind and shred your nerves.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:

– Spot the differences between the two detective boards
– Shuffle the letters to reveal three types of murderer
– Guide the stolen goods through the maze to the getaway vehicle
– Solve the trivia questions to uncover gruesome facts about notorious serial killers

Political idealism? Financial reward? The thrill of the chase? What drives a person to risk their life by entering the deadly world of high-level espionage? 

A unique investigation of the most important cases of the twentieth century, this exploration of the world’s most glamorous and dangerous job – including information newly released under the Freedom of Information Act – will keep you enthralled until the last page. Find out the dark secrets of:

• Sidney Reilly, considered by many to be the greatest spy of the century and an inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond

• The ‘Atom Bomb’ spy Klaus Fuchs, who gave the Russians atomic capability

• George Blake, who betrayed over forty British agents, and is still alive in Moscow

• The Cambridge Spies, the double agents who did more damage to British intelligence in the twentieth century than any other group

Neil Root’s insightful book focuses on the personalities of these enigmatic figures, discusses their motivations and influences, and asks whether they were heroes, traitors or just scapegoats.

An exhilarating and deeply moving story of one man’s attempt to sea kayak the areas of the Shipping Forecast, perfect for fans of The Salt Path and Attention All Shipping

Foreword by Charlie Connelly, author of Attention All Shipping

The Shipping Forecast has been described as the UK’s national lullaby: a source of dependability and calm in our often chaotic world, it has charmed millions of listeners and aided generations of seafarers across the decades. No stranger to weathering a storm after living with a rare life-limiting condition and facing the death of his brother, avid kayaker Toby Carr set out to explore the areas of the Forecast.

On a journey that took him to the harshest and most tranquil stretches of our sea, Toby found the real people, places and stories behind the familiar names and imagined environments of the well-loved BBC broadcast. From the wildness and peace of the sea, looking back at the land, Toby hoped to gain the strength and balance he knew nature could provide and to discover what anchors us to each other.

Written by Toby’s sister Katie from his extensive notes and recordings after his untimely death, Moderate Becoming Good Later is both an epic adventure – sometimes choppy, constantly moving – and a personal voyage of discovery that includes old friends and new, plenty of wildlife, and the ever-present sea.

Daisy, the tiny Dachshund who put her life on the line to save her humans from a bear. Charco, the veteran sniffer dog who has saved countless human lives, and yet still keeps his tail wagging. Delta, the dog who died trying to protect her young owner from a volcano – after already having saved his life three times. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that dogs are pretty great. But when it comes to facing peril, these loyal creatures always seem willing to step up to the mark and become true doggy heroes. Whether they’re saving humans from dangerous people or situations, helping those who are ill, fighting crime or just following their animal instincts to do good, the true stories collected in this book prove that dogs aren’t only man’s best friend – they’re also inspirational, courageous and selfless companions.

Emily, the feline that survived an epic journey across the Atlantic trapped in a shipping container from America to France.
Scarlett, the brave mother that went into a burning building five times to rescue her kittens.
Oscar, the care-home cat that predicts when residents are about to pass on and comforts them in their final hours. Whether they’re testing the boundaries of their nine lives or demonstrating unusual talents, cats are always full of surprises. In Super Cats, prepare to meet the most surprising of all. Discover loyal moggies and extraordinary survivors in this heart-warming collection of true tales, and marvel at the astonishing powers of these remarkable animals.

This heart-warming and humorous collection of true furry tales follows the highs and lows of Barrie and his wife as they take on the challenge of rescuing large dogs.

After losing his beloved dog, Elsa, Barry can’t face replacing her. But when he accepts a rescue worker’s proposal to become a dog foster parent he doesn’t quite realise what he is letting himself in for.

With every four paws comes a story: the German Shepherd who lived in an abandoned car, the unwanted Christmas puppy, the twelve-year-old dog who’s never been walked or played with. From a four-week old bundle of fluff in a peg bag to the ex-guard dog with a lion’s mane, the husband and wife team welcome them all into their hearts and home.

This collection of heart-warming stories shares true accounts of some extra-special pups and celebrates the many ways dogs uplift and enrich our lives every day

Dive into these pages to meet some of the most incredible dogs and puppies who have touched the lives of their owners in unforgettable ways. From loyal service dogs who have helped their owners through some of life’s toughest challenges, to playful puppies who bring joy to every moment, the furry friends featured in this heart-warming collection of stories will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Whether you’re a dog lover or simply need a dose of positivity, the stories inside are sure to raise your spirits. Filled with tales of courage, love and loyalty, this book is here to remind you of the unbreakable bond between dogs and humans. So settle in with your furry friend and get ready to be inspired by the stories of these amazing pups!

This collection of uplifting stories shares true accounts of some extra-special cats and reminds us that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest impact on our lives

Cats are more than just pets – they are family. This heart-warming book is filled with tales of the incredible bonds we form with cats, and inspiring examples of how these furry friends have brought joy and love into so many lives.

From rescuing their owners from loneliness to being a source of comfort during tough times, the cats featured in these stories have proven that they are so much more than just cute and cuddly companions. Each tale serves as a reminder of the powerful connection we share with these fluffy animals and the lessons they teach us about healing, hope and happiness.

Whether you’re a cat owner or you simply appreciate the magic of these adorable creatures, this book is sure to warm your heart and remind you of the power of their love and companionship.

Felix, the resourceful feline that survived an epic journey trapped in a shipping container from the Middle East to Britain
Scarlett, the brave mother that went into a burning building five times to rescue her kittens
Oscar, the care-home cat that predicts when residents are about to pass on and comforts them in their final hours.
How much do you really know about the abilities of domestic cats? Whether they’re using up one of their nine lives to make a lucky escape or demonstrating unusual talents, cats are full of surprises. From loyal moggies to courageous life-saving kitty heroes and extraordinary survivors, Wonder Cats contains heart-warming and moving tales that demonstrate the astonishing powers of remarkable felines.

Swansea Jack, the Labrador who saved more than 25 people from drowning.

Maya, the pit bull who defended her owner from a brutal attack

Max, the police German shepherd who chased and caught two convicted criminals.
Connie, the Newfoundland who cares for her disabled owner.

These are just a few of the incredible canine characters whose true stories are recounted in this inspiring collection of dog tales. Hounds from all walks of life are united within these pages in the search for the world’s most devoted dogs.

Heart-melting, dramatic and often deeply moving, Dog Heroes champions the often underestimated role of man’s best friend and gives a unique insight into the lives of both working dogs and personal companions. Each loyal dog has its own story to tell and each owner or handler has individual reasons for loving them, but these dogs have one thing in common: they are all truly dog heroes.

Running isn’t a hobby, it’s a way of life.

Runners run to be the best they can be, to challenge who they are, to inspire others and to champion their cause.

From the woman who ran for three and a half days without sleep, to the 61-year-old man who broke records in an 875-km ultramarathon, this collection of unforgettable stories will inspire anyone who’s ever pounded the pavement to keep on running and enjoy every minute of this liberating sport.

A gripping compendium of some of the world’s most infamous and shocking mass murderers, such as John Wayne Gacy, the Boston Strangler, the Moors murderers and Harold Shipman, as well as some lesser-known figures

Who was the Zodiac Killer?
What drove Jeffrey Dahmer to dismember his 17 victims?
How many women really fell prey to Ted Bundy?

Maybe it’s because our animal instincts draw us to dangerous situations; maybe it’s because reading about predators allows us to learn about their behaviours in a safe setting. Whatever the reason, serial killers and their crimes have fascinated us for centuries.

This true crime compendium not only relates the disturbing events that transpired but also delves into the psychology of the perpetrators. The stories within are shocking and often difficult to comprehend, but with this deep dive into the world of the macabre, readers may gain a greater understanding of the motivations and thought processes of these murderers. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the psychology of crime and the human mind.

This bedtime workbook is for children aged 7-11

Packed with soothing ideas and gentle activities, My Good Night Journal will help you to find calm and sleep well

A good night’s sleep can make you feel like a superhero with all the energy in the world! But when you’re feeling worried, it can be tough to switch off your brain and relax before bedtime.

With My Good Night Journal, say goodbye to your worries and hello to a night full of calmness and sweet dreams. You will learn how to:
– Transform your bedroom into an incredible zen den
– Create a special calming bedtime routine
– Let your worries float away with mindful breathing
– Make your very own cosy night-light
– And much, much more!

Parents, this is for you: This book has been peer-reviewed by a child psychologist, and there are explainers throughout just in case your child has questions about the activities.

Life isn’t perfect, but dogs certainly make it better

Meet the incredible dogs in this inspiring collection of true stories, championing the often underestimated role of man’s best friend

– Daisy, the tiny Dachshund who put her life on the line to save her humans from a bear.
– Charco, the veteran sniffer dog who has saved countless human lives, and yet still keeps his tail wagging.
– Delta, the dog who died trying to protect her young owner from a volcano – after already having saved his life three times.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that dogs are pretty great. But when it comes to facing peril, these loyal creatures always seem willing to step up to the mark and become true doggy heroes. Whether they’re saving humans from dangerous people or situations, helping the sick, fighting crime or just following their animal instincts to do good, the true stories featured in this expanded and updated collection prove that dogs aren’t just man’s best friend – they’re also inspirational, courageous and selfless companions to us all.

Belief system or brainwashing? Captivated or captive? Community or cult? Uncover stories of the world’s most infamous cults in this true crime compendium…

Building spacecrafts to transport humans to a new plane of existence, kidnapping children to create a master race that would survive the apocalypse, murdering innocent people to secure a place in the afterlife… these only scratch the surface of the strange, sinister and shocking world of cults.

Throughout history, cult groups have formed across the globe, promising followers freedom, family and fortune. In reality, religious, destructive and doomsday cults capture, coerce and control people. From mass murders to child marriages, polygamy to life insurance policies, blackmail to sex bait, discover the cruelty and curiosities of cults in this illuminating anthology.

Filled with stories of the world’s most notorious cults, this book details their origins, beliefs, leaders, followers and victims, and uncovers the unthinkable horrors hidden by these “utopian” societies.

Whether you’re new to the subject or looking to expand on your knowledge, discover the truth behind the world’s killer and criminal cults in this gripping compendium.

Kindness matters

When times are hard, we pull together. Despite the difficulties of life during the coronavirus pandemic, love and kindness prevail.

Dive into this heart-warming book and discover the many uplifting and inspiring acts of kindness that have come from the crisis. Read about the postman who donned fancy dress while doing his rounds to bring a smile to his community, the mum who set up a virtual story time for young children, or the schools that worked together to manufacture face masks for local care homes and hospitals.

The coronavirus crisis may be a challenging time for the world, but the amazing stories in this book show that nobody is too small to make a difference – and that, no matter what, we can always find light in the darkness.

All of these men and women were in good professions… and all of them were hiding dark secrets.
Why do outwardly normal people commit horrendous crimes? In this collection of incisive profiles, veteran crime writer Carol Anne Davis turns the spotlight on men and women from respectable backgrounds who crossed the line into depravity. Whether a model pupil, a trusted member of the clergy or the chief of police, these otherwise ordinary people revealed their hidden capacity for the darkest crimes.
 Over 35 profiles, including:
The Sunday school teachers who killed their spouses in order to be together The nurse who wanted a baby so badly that she cut one from another woman’s womb The trainee vet who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend’s entire family out of jealousy

It was two in the morning. We dragged ourselves out of bed and went downstairs again. The conservatory was devastated. Anything free-standing had been pulled over; anything wooden had been attacked. There, in the middle of the scene, the queen of chaos herself was standing on top of the table with rolling eyes and a tongue twice its normal length.

Andrew had always wanted a dog – something you could mould into the perfect playmate. Tail going like a windscreen wiper, tongue a pink strip, wet-nosed, bright-eyed – what boy wouldn’t want such a force in his life?

But a man of thirty-seven? And an ex-racing greyhound?

Dash is a heart-warming memoir about the adoption of a champion greyhound bitch and her transformation into ring-bearer at her new owner’s wedding. Set over a watershed twelve months, it’s the story of wanting the perfect dog and planning the perfect wedding. ‘Dash’ is far from perfect, but that’s half the fun. The novelty of a man trying to organise a wedding is the other half.