Features Sneak Peek: February 18, 2023 Issue


SYSTEM © Illustration of Ripon

Neil McAllister shares some of his favourite spots in historic Ripon, in the February 18, 2023 issue of “The People’s Friend”.

It is hardly surprising that Yorkshire, being such a huge county, is a place of immense contrasts.

From the industrial heartland of the south to the empty northern moors and from lovely coastal villages to glorious western dales, the county offers something for every mood.

Cathedral city Ripon, a few miles north of Harrogate, impressed traveller and author Daniel Defoe. In fact, he declared it “the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England”.

Join Neil as he explores the city, discovering its many charms along the way.

Lost Radio

Dr Steve Arnold.

Photograph by Alison Arnold.

These days, thanks to digital content and catch-up services like BBC Sounds, if we miss a bit of radio, then listening back is just a click away. But what about the days before that existed?

Days when broadcasters didn’t keep recordings of shows, or scrubbed tapes, and classic moments of radio with our biggest stars vanished into the ether. Trying to make sure that doesn’t happen are the armchair detectives of the Radio Circle.

Founder Dr Steve Arnold and his colleagues spend hours tracking down missing gems and ensuring they can be heard all over again. Recent successes include finding a long-lost episode of “Hancock’s Half Hour”, the only one featuring Peter Sellers.

In the magazine, Bill Gibb chats to Steve to hear more about how he is recovering missing gems at risk of completely disappearing from our airwaves.

Cats With Careers

Gary the cat.

Photograph by James Eastham/@greatgramsofgary.

Canada is world famous for its wildlife and is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. Visit Bow Valley in Alberta, though, and there’s another animal you should look out for  – a seven-year-old domestic longhair cat called Gary.

In the summer he hikes and paddles with his owner James Eastham. And in the winter he’s often on the ski slopes.

In the first instalment of our new “Cats With Careers” series, Lorna Cowan meets Gary, the social media star.

Female Photographers And Filmmakers

Jenny Gilbertson at work in the late 1930s.

Photograph courtesy of Shetland Museum & Archives.

The ground-breaking work of a group of pioneering women photographers and filmmakers is currently the subject of a fascinating exhibition in Edinburgh – “Glean“.

“Glean” showcases the work of 14 women who capture images of Scotland’s rural landscapes, cities, people in the early 20th century.

According to curator, Jenny Brownrigg, the exhibition uncovers a previously untold story.

In the magazine, Janey Swanson gives a snapshot of the pioneering women photographers of the early 20th century.

Elsewhere, we have a selection of delicious pancake recipes , and a craft project to make colourful and fun fabric boxes.

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