Features Sneak Peek: April 22, 2023 Issue


SYSTEM © An illustration of Culross.

Willie Shand takes us to the historic and picturesque town of Culross, in the April 22, 2023 issue of “The People’s Friend”.

With its narrow cobbled wynds, red pantiled roofs, corbie-stepped gables and external forestairs, you might think you’d just walked into a staged mediaeval film set. In fact, Culross does have links to the film world.

Anyone who has watched the latest take on John Buchan’s “The Thirty-Nine Steps” or “Outlander” will recognise familiar scenes.

Join Willie as he explores the local area and finds himself captivated by the Scottish town on the banks of the River Forth.

Plant And Share Month

Learning about plantshelps biodiverity, too.

Photograph by Cardiff Growing Together/Soil Association.

It all started in a small fledgling fashion, but – so fittingly – it has grown and grown. Plant and Share Month is a celebration of all things growing, encouraging communities to sow, grow and share fruit, veg and herbs with local groups.

In five short years, it has blossomed incredibly. The numbers of those who took part more than doubled in a year to over 20,000 in 2022.

Now, as this year’s event begins on April 22, hopes are high for another bumper crop.

Bill Gibb chats to Anna Wade about the blossoming work of Plant and Share Month.

Wonderful Waterways

Horses at work on the waterways.

Photograph by Living Museum Events.

The canals and towpaths of the British Isles are enjoyed year-round by walkers, cyclists, and leisure boaters.

But dotted along the way are clues of another – largely forgotten – way of life, shown in the groove-marked metal plates often found affixed to the sides of bridges and locks.

Their purpose was to protect stonework from the tow lines of the countless horse-drawn boats that at one time had sole use of these waterways.

Sarah Muir takes a trip back in time to explore the forgotten age of horseboating.

Rescued Shih Tzus

Chilli and Bean, the rescued shih tzus.

Photograph courtesy of RSPCA.

They couldn’t have had a worse start in life, but now two gorgeous little shih tzus have found happiness and are bringing joy to young and old alike.

Both were rescued by the RSPCA and, after being adopted by Julia Sanders, make weekly visits to a care home and a primary school.

Find out more in the magazine about how these two rescued shih tzus have made a big impact in their local community.

Elsewhere, we have a collection of tasty recipes for St George’s Day, and a pattern to knit a sweater.

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