Once the bustling heart of Christian pilgrimage, Bethlehem now faces shuttered hotels, empty streets and a shrinking Christian community, while Israel’s assault on Gaza and the tightening grip of occupation destroy hopes of peace at the birthplace of Christ, writes Father GEOFF BOTTOMS
Top of the crops
MAT COWARD gives his pick of the best seeds for January
White Peacock kale
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
The June 2025 attacks on Iran have heightened the risk of a wider war, exposed the fiction of a rules-based international order and left ordinary Iranians trapped between external aggression and internal repression, says the Committee for Defence of Iranian People’s Rights
While pretending to seek peace, Europe is heading toward a collision course with Russia – using security guarantees, troop deployments, expropriation and censorship as tools, writes SEVIM DAGDELEN
A WWI hero, renowned ornithologist, medical doctor, trade union organiser and founder member of the Communist Party of Great Britain all rolled in one. MAT COWARD tells the story of a life so improbable it was once dismissed as fiction
The long-term effects of chemical weapons such as Agent Orange mean that the impact of war lasts well beyond a ceasefire
MOST growers reckon that tomatoes raised in a greenhouse don’t have quite the flavour of those grown outside. Despite this, a lot of people have more or less given up outdoor toms because they’re so susceptible to blight, a common disease which can ruin the entire crop.
If that’s you, you’ll be glad to hear of a new cultivar called Oh Happy Day, available from Plants of Distinction (01449-721720; www.plantsofdistinction.co.uk).
In trials it’s been found to be the last variety to succumb to late blight, meaning it’s got an excellent chance of ripening its fruit before the plant topples over. The flavour is said to be a pleasing balance of sweet and acid.
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Commiserations if you failed this year, MAT COWARD offers six points which, if followed religiously, will ensure you succeed next year
MAT COWARD sings the praises of the Giant Winter’s full-depth, earthy and ferrous flavour perfect for rich meals in the dark months
Well, MAT COWARD did, and here’s his introduction to it
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