Antonia Windsor

A mother takes her children on a guided walking break at Holnicote House in Exmoor with HF Holidays, where structured walks, communal activities and knowledgeable guides turn the initially reluctant children into enthusiastic hikers. The trip blends nostalgic traditions with varied landscapes, steam train rides and visits to local attractions, while offering a supportive community for solo parents. Positive experiences with group camaraderie, well-paced routes, and good food lead to a renewed appreciation for walking holidays and a new hiking companion in her son.

Virtual open days and online tours offer students in clearing a quick way to assess universities when in‑person visits are impractical, with features ranging from Google Maps integration to tailored subject-specific content and virtual classrooms. Ucas provides a consolidated list of available virtual tours, while universities also run clearing open days later in August. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, help incoming students connect with future peers and course groups, though users are advised to stay cautious with personal information.

Universities increasingly use social media, live chat and messaging apps to engage prospective students during clearing, offering alternative routes to ask questions, begin applications and receive offers. Institutions adopt platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and WhatsApp to provide updates, answer queries and deliver personalised information, aiming to meet the communication preferences of students more comfortable with digital channels than phone calls.

Guidance for parents preparing children for university emphasizes planning based on distance from home, duration of stay and accommodation type. It outlines essentials such as clothing, toiletries, bedding, documents and electronics, and notes that most forgotten items can be purchased or ordered locally.

Lee Durrell describes her deep attachment to Jersey, recalling her first impressions, life within the Durrell Wildlife Park and the island’s landscapes, villages and wildlife. She highlights favorite local spots, the zoo’s conservation mission, the impact of tourism decline in earlier decades and the development of new visitor accommodations to support conservation efforts. She also notes the island’s vibrant natural history community and the places and people that contribute to its character.

Venice advances toward completion of the multibillion‑euro Mose flood barrier, designed to protect the sinking city from increasingly frequent high tides. Technical teams simulate gate operations while officials balance environmental concerns, economic impacts and rising sea levels. Supporters cite long-term protection and reduced flood damage, while critics question ecological effects and highlight ongoing corruption investigations that have slowed progress. Scientific studies indicate the city continues to subside, intensifying urgency. Despite delays and controversy, authorities insist the project will be finished and provide critical defense against future sea level rise.

A reflective appraisal of Tove Jansson’s The Summer Book describes its portrayal of a young girl and her grandmother living on a Finnish island, highlighting themes of nature, imagination and emotional resilience after loss. The narrative’s attention to the island’s ecology and its connection to Jansson’s broader work underscores the book’s gentle meditation on life, love and the natural world.

The writer visits Derek Walcott in St Lucia for a personal tour of his favourite places, exploring how the island shapes his life and work. Walcott shares recommendations including restaurants, beaches, boat trips and cultural experiences while reflecting on the island’s history, landscape and tourism industry. The piece highlights his close connection to St Lucia’s natural beauty, its communities and its artistic influence.

A review of Le Monde hotel in Edinburgh describes stylish interiors, lively bars and themed rooms, noting both attractive features and minor faults. The food is praised for its value and quality, while breakfast is seen as underwhelming. A Sunday night deal offering a free room with a minimum spend on food and drink is highlighted as a strong draw.

Government ministers in Mozambique agreed to protect the newly documented rainforest of Mount Mabu after an expedition uncovered numerous previously unknown species. Scientists from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, and other international groups presented findings showing the area’s exceptional biodiversity, prompting commitments to conservation before commercial logging begins. The forest, long shielded by its remoteness and civil war, now faces risks from returning residents and economic pressures. The expedition identified multiple new amphibians, butterflies, and other species, strengthening the case for formal protection.

A conservation mapping project in northern Mozambique led to the accidental discovery of a 7,000‑hectare untouched mid‑altitude rainforest on Mount Mabu, now considered the largest of its kind in southern Africa. Julian Bayliss recounts identifying the site through Google Earth, confirming its scale and condition during multiple field visits, and documenting new species of butterflies and snakes. Limited human impact, difficult access and local cultural respect for the forest have helped preserve the ecosystem, prompting calls for urgent conservation efforts. The discovery highlights the region’s exceptional biodiversity and the importance of continued scientific and conservation work.

Jersey is depicted as an accessible summer escape from London, offering warmer weather, scenic beaches and strong culinary traditions rooted in local produce and the slow food movement. The island’s heritage, unique culture and agricultural community are highlighted through visits to restaurants, farm shops and local markets. Recommendations are provided for accommodation, dining, activities and transport, emphasizing Jersey’s blend of natural beauty, food culture and distinct identity.

Scarborough is depicted as a traditional seaside town slowly modernising while retaining its charm, with the Stephen Joseph Theatre marking cultural significance and local venues ranging from contemporary cafés to long‑standing fish and chip shops. Beiderbecke's Hotel aims to attract younger visitors, and the area balances emerging trends with its enduring appeal.

Three contrasting Madrid accommodations are highlighted: the modern, gadget‑filled ME Madrid, the stylish and relaxed Hotel De Las Letras on Gran Via, and the theatrical, aristocratic Casa de Madrid near the Opera House. Each offers distinct atmospheres, from rooftop parties and contemporary cuisine to minimalist design and a bohemian, historic setting favored by opera performers.

Paris’s 13th arrondissement emerges as a hub for creative and cultural activity, with new galleries, eclectic dining and modern architecture reshaping the district. Boutique hotels and contemporary restaurants signal broader urban changes, while longstanding establishments such as Brasserie Bofinger preserve traditional Parisian character. Major museums, including the Musée des Arts décoratifs and the Musée du quai Branly, showcase both historic and global collections, highlighting the city’s continuing evolution as a cultural centre.

Istria is presented as an emerging high‑quality Croatian Riviera, shaped by its diverse historical influences and strong emphasis on local gastronomy. The region avoided major wartime damage and shifted toward upscale, sustainability‑focused tourism, promoting boutique hotels, refined cuisine, and local wines. Coastal towns such as Rovinj and Porec offer Venetian and Roman heritage, while inland areas highlight wine producers and truffle culture. Improved access via Ryanair and mild weather support growing off‑season tourism, complemented by attractions such as the Brijuni Islands and historic sites.

A British traveler explores Pakistan one year after its devastating earthquake, finding welcoming communities, striking landscapes and a tourism industry eager to recover. Local guides emphasize that visiting supports economic rebuilding, and organized tours allow safe access to remote areas such as the Khyber Pass. The journey includes Islamabad, the Hunza valley, the Karakoram Highway and cultural sites like Taxila and Lahore, highlighting both traditional life and modern contrasts. Practical travel details, safety advisories and recommended destinations underscore Pakistan’s potential as a diverse and rewarding destination.

Sir Peter Crill, former Bailiff of Jersey, is remembered for his judicial career, political service, and theatrical flair. Educated in Jersey and Oxford, he escaped German-occupied Jersey in 1944 before building a long legal and political career culminating in his appointment as bailiff in 1986. He presided over major trials, including those of Edward Paisnel and the Newall brothers, and was known for embracing the ceremonial aspects of his office while questioning some of its duties. Knighted in 1987 and later made KBE, he published his autobiography shortly before his death and is survived by his wife and two of three daughters.

Advice from media professionals emphasizes that entry-level roles, including unpaid or low-paid work, often lead to career advancement when approached with reliability, enthusiasm and initiative. Several industry figures describe beginning in mundane positions before progressing through training schemes, work experience and demonstrations of competence. Training programs, temping through media agencies and direct outreach to preferred companies are presented as viable entry routes. Persistence, practical skill development and a willingness to take on any necessary task are identified as key factors enabling newcomers to move into more senior creative or editorial roles.

Public debate intensifies over Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ, with critics and Jewish organisations warning that its portrayal of Jews may be antisemitic. Media coverage highlights concerns amplified by comments from Gibson’s father and by the film’s religious framing, while supporters argue that any depiction of the Passion based on the Gospels risks similar accusations. The controversy expands across major US publications and political spaces, fuelling scrutiny of Gibson’s intentions and the film’s potential impact.