After years hidden away, Oldham’s memorial to six local volunteers who died fighting fascism in the Spanish civil war has been restored to public view, marking both a victory for campaigners and a renewed tribute to the town’s proud International Brigade heritage, says ROB HARGREAVES
Rise like dandelions
Gardening with MAT COWARD
MY CHICORY plants, intended for producing blanched chicons for winter salads, fell victim to the drought this summer, so I’m going to have to improvise.
As luck would have it, my garden contains plenty of dandelions. I realise this will come as a shock to readers of this column, whose own vegetable plots, I have no doubt, are scrupulously tended and free from weeds.
But perhaps your less meticulous neighbours might be able to provide you with your source material.
Similar stories
MAT COWARD presents a peculiar cabbage that will only do its bodybuilding once the summer dies down
It’s a dead easy crop to grow and can be made into one of Britain’s best sauces. MAT COWARD explains how
MAT COWARD battles wayward pigeons in pursuit of a crop of purple sprouting broccoli
Although there’s not much growing in the garden in January, globe artichokes are worth a try if you follow these tips from MAT COWARD



