Features Sneak Peek: February 25, 2023 Issue


SYSTEM © An illustration of Glen Lochay.

Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a stroll near Killin in Perthshire, in the February 25, 2023 issue of “The People’s Friend”.

Few visitors to Killin don’t stop to admire the Falls of Dochart as the river races wide and angry beneath the narrow road bridge. Not so many, however, take time for the less dramatic Lochay. It’s so often still and carrying wonderful reflections.

There is much beauty to be witnessed in this area, as you’ll discover in the magazine.

The Art Of Laughter

One of Norman Thelwell's artworks.

Photograph courtesy of www.nationaltrustimages.org.uk.

Art exhibitions can be serious affairs. However, as Gillian Thornton walked around the latest show at Mottisfont estate in Hampshire, she was aware of people laughing. That’s because they were admiring the artwork of cartoonist Norman Thelwell.

The artist was famous for his humorous drawings of chubby children on plump ponies, in particular Penny and her pony Kipper.

Join Gillian in the magazine as she visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.

Marmalade Awards

Jane Hassel-McCosh

Photograph by Hermione McCosh Photography.

Down a narrow winding road in the glorious Cumbrian countryside sits award-winning Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It houses an incredible collection of nationally important fine art, furniture and ceramics. Apart from its grand status, it is also home to Mrs Jane Hasell-McCosh, founder of the World’s Original Marmalade Awards.

The inaugural marmalade competition started 17 years ago with a total of 60 jars of home-made local marmalade, each one hoping to win an award. Since then, it’s grown into a festival attracting 3,000-plus entries a year. Roughly 10,000 people from all over the world attend, including a bear from darkest Peru, who always puts in an appearance.

Margaret Mather discovers how the founder of the World’s Original Marmalade Awards is spreading joy everywhere.

Marine Life Rescue

A seal pup.

Photograph by Shutterstock.

They’re on hand for the big rescues we witness on our TV screens – and for the many smaller ones we don’t see.

When a creature is in peril on our shores, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) rush to help.

That can be anything from a mass stranding of heavyweight whales to aiding a stricken seal. In every case, those who undertake these mercy missions are volunteers giving up their own time to make a difference.

Inside the magazine, find out more about the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.

Elsewhere, we have a selection of delicious meals that can be cooked in 30 minutes or less, and a knitting pattern to make a gilet.

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