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…

A leisurely ramble through the woods, a meandering city stroll, a blustery seaside promenade or a vigorous mountain hike – all have their delights and incomparable joys. Whatever your walking style, you’ll be captivated and enthralled by the stories and excerpts of classic writing, trivia and practical tips in this book – perfect for anyone who loves the freedom of lacing up their hiking boots and heading for the hills.    

Learn to forage in the hedgerows like the herbalists of the past with this best-selling beginner’s guide.

For centuries our ancestors looked to nature not just for food, but also for healing. To this day, our ancient hedgerows, woodlands and forests are still full of remedies – and they’re waiting to be discovered.

This is the essential guide to enjoying the bountiful delights of the natural world. Learn how to make delicious preserves, healing balms, soothing toddies and cures for colds with nature’s jewels such as rose hips, elderberries and mugwort.

You will also find:

– Photographs to help you safely identify edible plants
– Advice on what is available in each season
– Guidance on how best to prepare and preserve your finds
– The fascinating folklore and history of foraging
Every walk is an opportunity to learn, identify a new plant, gather something to eat and reconnect with nature – so dive in to begin your foraging adventure.

It’s more than just a radio station – Radio 4 is a celebration of curiosity, knowledge and entertainment, and it’s a beloved soundtrack to life for millions of Britons. But for the moments when you’re not tuning in, how about a puzzle or two to pass the time? From quizzes and riddles to crosswords and sudoku, whether you’re an expert on all things Radio 4 or merely a casual listener, there’s plenty in these pages to tickle your fancy and tease your brain.

Tips and ideas for travelling the world
So you’re off to explore the big, wide world: head filled with possibilities and hiking boots laced.
But a big trip raises big questions, like ‘How do I go about choosing and packing a bag?’, ‘How should I handle money abroad?’ and ‘What the hell do I do when my hostel dorm is filled with snorers?’ Luckily this handy guide is filled with essential tips, advice and hacks to make your adventures on the road truly unforgettable. 

Dive into this deck of 52 cards containing delicious cocktail recipes, both classic and modern. The box also includes a pocket-sized booklet and stand for displaying the recipe cards.

Bottoms up! Whether you’re a mixologist in the making or looking for new ideas to refresh your repertoire, let The Cocktail Deck help to make any occasion one to remember.

From the crowd-pleasing classics such as the Margarita and Piña Colada to modern must-know recipes like the Paper Plane and White Negroni, this beautifully illustrated deck includes over 50 recipes to spark your imagination, as well as a handy booklet full of expert tips and techniques on blending the perfect drink.

This is an ideal gift for all those who appreciate the unique alchemy of cocktail making.

– Box includes 52 individual cards and a 16-page booklet with extra cocktail tips, tricks and presentation ideas
– Display your cocktail recipe in the high-quality wooden stand as you create the perfect sip
– Each card features a bespoke illustration

Can you recall the year that the Dracula fish was discovered?


Do you know the height and location of the world’s tallest building?


Remember the company that discovered a way to convert water and CO2 into fuel?




This unique trivia compendium presents an illustrated snapshot of the world twenty years after the new millennium.


Taking stock of the most impressive achievements, terrific disasters and marvellous innovations that have changed our world, 2020 brings together top twenties of fascinating facts and figures on subjects ranging from life-saving technological advancements to freak weather phenomena, outstanding sporting achievements to unexpected political shake-ups.  


Whatever your interests, you’ll be amazed, amused, surprised and enlightened by this testament to the catastrophic lows and unbelievable highs of human endeavour.

Tips and ideas for wild nights in the woods


Whether you’re a seasoned camper or it’s your first time sleeping under the stars, this pocket-sized book, packed with tips and advice on what gear you need, where to pitch up, how to perform basic first aid and much, much more, will be your essential guide to surviving and having fun in the great outdoors.

Did you know…

…that the oldest tree in Wales is a yew in Llangernyw in Conwy, thought to be around 4,000 years old?

… that London is one of only three cities worldwide to have hosted both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games?

… that Ebenezer Place in Wick, Caithness, is officially recognised as the shortest street in the world, at a mere 206 cm (81 in.) in length?

From a Scottish waterfall three times the height of Niagara Falls to the last foreign invasion of Britain and the birthplace of the first Oscar-winning Welshman, The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer brings together hundreds of remarkable facts and feats each pertaining to a different location from across Britain and Ireland. As much an accessible and informative reference book as it is an entertaining miscellany, it aims to expand our knowledge of these extraordinary islands while uncovering and celebrating some of their most remarkable people and places.

The sun is out. The temperature is soaring. And you are starving. If these factors don’t give you a valid licence to grill, then what does?! (NB: a BBQ in winter is totally acceptable, too!)

Whether you are hosting a large gathering or you want to whip up something quick and easy for one, this book covers all BBQ bases, including:
– Meat, fish and veggie grills – raise your culinary game with BBQ pulled pork and creamy slaw burgers, grilled squid with a Thai dipping sauce, and mixed vegetable and seitan skewers, to name just a few!
– Sauces, marinades and rubs – heighten the flavours of your food with BBQ and whisky glaze, homemade mayonnaise, Cajun rub, and much much more!
– Side dishes – serve up some old favourites and new delights, such as chargrilled aubergine and quinoa salad, cheesy Portobello mushrooms and classic egg mayonnaise.
– Sweet treats – top off the feast with some delicious desserts, including s’mores and grilled fruit kebabs.

It’s time to don your apron, fuel the flames and get grilling!

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

This captivating collection of puzzles and trivia, exploring the world’s weirdest events and crazy conspiracies, is sure to set your mind reeling

Test your knowledge of US presidents with fiendish trivia questions
Solve clues to discover how the CIA allegedly control their subjects
Help the reptilian find the right path to its royal throne

Discover some of the most perplexing mysteries that have bewildered humankind for centuries! Dive deep into this entertaining book, where the most enduring conspiracy theories are reimagined as puzzles.

From crosswords and counting conundrums to spot the differences and sudoku, whether you’re a sceptic or a self-confessed conspiracy obsessive, there’s plenty in these pages to sharpen your mind and have you believing the impossible.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Spot the difference between two Illuminati symbols
– Find the names of the politicians who are secretly controlling us within word searches
– Shuffle the letters of anagrams to identify the names of paranormal beings
– Figure out what happened during the most mysterious unexplained events throughout history

Did you know?
Nessie is not the only monster supposedly living in a Scottish loch. Loch Morar has its own: Morag. The first Open golf Championship was played in Scotland, at Prestwick in 1860. As well as television, insulin, chloroform and the telephone, Scotland has given the world kaleidoscopes, contour lines, tinned salmon and Andy Murray. This miscellany of all things Scottish will have you quoting Burns, reeling off famous battles and fizzing with fascinating trivia in no time. As well as getting the low-down on the who, what, when and where of Scottish history – including profiles of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie – you’ll gain plenty of insight into the food, drink, landscape, culture and everything else that makes Scotland exceptional.

Featuring simple tips, practical advice and inspiring ideas, this book will help you discover how to reap the mental, physical and spiritual benefits found in nature

We all know that our environment is critical to our well-being, so when seeking a boost to our happiness, where better to look than the garden? Whether you’re hoping to cultivate a calmer mindset, nurture your physical strength or connect with your community, the restorative powers of gardening can help you flourish.

With valuable information, actionable tips, creative project ideas and feel-good gardening facts, this book will help you discover the all-round health benefits that can come while honing your green fingers.

Inside you will discover:
– How the aromas, colours and sounds of plants and nature can both relax and invigorate you
– Why gardening and its therapeutic actions are beneficial for your mental health
– How to energize your body, tone muscles and improve flexibility for overall fitness
– The plentiful spiritual aspects to be found through breathwork and grounding exercises
– How and why gardening can plant you within your community and encourage teamwork and cooperation

Discover the fascinating world of mushrooms with this beautiful pocket guide, featuring trivia, history, identification tips, delicious recipes and more

One of nature’s most extraordinary organisms can be found right under your feet: the mushroom. For thousands of years these fungi have intrigued humankind, providing food, inspiring folklore and proving to be both poison and cure.

The Little Book of Mushrooms will allow you to uncover this mysterious kingdom for yourself. Learn the difference between a giant puffball and a scarlet elf cup and discover how mushrooms and the fungal network help plant life to communicate. You will also find:

– Fascinating facts about the fungi kingdom
– Mushroom folklore from around the world
– A beginner’s guide to identifying common wild mushrooms
– A collection of delicious mushroom-based recipes
Mushrooms are vital to life on earth, and this book will be your guide to these spectacular organisms that have influenced our past and could shape our future.

Have you ever wondered…




how the orchestra got its name?


who wrote the longest-ever symphony?


just how do we know when to clap – and when not to?




From Bach to Beethoven, Vivaldi to Vaughan Williams, the world of classical music has something to enchant every listener. Whether you’re an armchair connoisseur, a regular concert-goer or an ardent musician, For the Love of Classical Music will take you on a tour encompassing landmark pieces and performances, key artists and composers, and surprising facts about the world’s most beautiful music.

From the best-selling author of The Hedgerow Apothecary

Learn how to make the most of your common garden plants like the herbalists of the past

Unlock the sustainable and ethical art of the apothecarist, and explore its rich folklore and history. Discover the hidden delights in your own garden and how to use them to make delicious edible treats, herbal cures and restorative beauty products. With photographs to help you safely identify edible plants and tips on how best to prepare and preserve your finds, this is the essential guide to enjoying the home-grown riches of your garden.

Enjoy the therapeutic delights of the plants to be found in your own garden with easy-to-follow recipes.

– Heal dry hands with calendula balm
– Encourage restful sleep with cherry moon milk
– Get creative with a vivid blue ink made from cornflowers
– Try a borage infusion for tired eyes
– Soothe itchy skin with herbal bath tea
– Bake a delicious nettle and lemon sponge cake
– Freshen up with a rosemary mouthwash
– Enjoy a cool glass of red clover lemonade
And much more!

Home is where your dog is

When you’re a dog parent you know that life just isn’t complete without your canine companion by your side. Packed with trivia and puzzles, quotes and crafts, care tips and even tricks to teach your dog, this trusty little book is a celebration of all things canine – perfect for anyone whose best friend has four legs, a wet nose and a wagging tail.

You can never know too much stuff. For example:
Today, the people of earth take more photos in two minutes than they did in the whole of the nineteenth century. When the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris in 1911, one of the suspects was Pablo Picasso. The surface area of Russia is larger than the surface area of Pluto. This outrageously informative book is packed full of fascinating nuggets of history, science, literature, technology, sports, geography, culture and miscellanea from every corner of the world – enough mind-blowing trivia to ensure you’re never short of a jaw-dropping conversation starter (or stopper) again.
 

Whether you’ve established yourself as an elite cat parent or you simply love kitties and their quirks, this collection of cat-themed puzzles is certain to set your mind purring

More than just ruling the world, cats rule our hearts and homes. When you deserve a rest from giving head-scritches, or if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, why not press “paws” and enjoy a puzzle or two?

From classic conundrums and quizzes to cryptic crosswords and sudokus, whether you choose to while away the hours or simply dip a paw in, there is plenty within these pages to keep your mind as agile as your favourite feline.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Find the names of famous cats hiding within word searches
– Spot the differences between snapshots of common cat habits
– Solve the maze to reunite the kitten with its ball of wool
– Answer trivia to learn about rare cat breeds

Whether you’ve already established yourself as an elite pup parent or you simply love canines and their quirks, you’re certain to have a ball with this collection of dog-themed puzzles

When your hands need a break from giving nose-boops, head-scritches and tummy rubs, or if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, why not press “paws” and enjoy a puzzle or two?

From classic conundrums and quizzes to cryptic crosswords and sudokus, whether you choose to while away the hours or simply dip a paw in, there is plenty within these pages to keep your mind as strong as a dog’s devotion.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Find the names of famous dogs hiding within word searches
– Spot the differences between snapshots of common dog habits
– Solve the maze to reunite the puppy with its bone
– Answer tail-wagging trivia to learn about rare dog breeds

All you need is love… and a cat

They’re furry, they’re purry, and they’re the ultimate cuddly companion. This cat-pendium of epic purr-portions celebrates your feline to the fullest with trivia and puzzles, quotes and crafts, care tips and nifty ways to make your kitty happy. Dedicated to our favourite pawed pals, this little book is a must-have for any cat parent.

Welcome to Cottagecore – a world full of wildflower meadows and picnics, homemade jam and floaty dresses, traditional crafts and cosy country retreats. Embrace a more peaceful way of life where there’s always a delicious pie baking in the oven and birdsong drifting on the breeze. Rekindle your love for nature and find solace in the soothing art of cottagecore with the help of this beautiful book of recipes, crafts, activities and design ideas. Wherever you live, bring the beauty, nostalgia and simplicity of country living into your home and heart, all year round.

You don’t need a huge space to have a beautiful garden! This book is the perfect beginner’s guide to micro-gardening, featuring tips on how to start, what to choose and how to grow over 20 types of indoor and outdoor plants.

Have you ever been curious about gardening, but lacked an outdoor space? Or are you a pro gardener looking for your next creative horticultural challenge? Then this book is for you!

Whether you want to attract local pollinators, grow a handy collection of herbs for your kitchen, create a relaxing indoor oasis, or enjoy the simple pleasure of watching something grow, My Tiny Window Garden is bursting with tips and ideas to help you get started. You will find:

The basics of micro-gardening
– Troubleshooting tips
– Plant profiles to help you choose what to grow
– Craft ideas to help you style your plants

Perfect for both budding gardeners and seasoned experts looking for seeds of inspiration, this book will hone your green fingers and help you cultivate your very own tiny window garden.