Writer, Journalist, Modern Manners Author
This is me (above). I write on food, travel, human behaviour, children, pubs, parenting, property, health, countryside, television and education.
Mainly in the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, but also in the Readers Digest, the Radio Times, the Daily Mail, The Times, The Independent, The Daily Express, Sunday Express Magazine, Saga Magazine, Saab International Magazine, The
Sainsbury's Magazine, Junior Magazine, and the Hotel Guru website. I also do a weekly column on the website for fathers, Daddy Be Good, to be found at http://daddybegood/category/shopping
You can contact me at CMidton@aol.com Here are my most recent articles. They're also listed on www.journalisted.com/christopher-middleton
*Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Or should you be giving up your seat to a lady - sorry, woman? I explore the do's and don't's of on-train chivalry, circa 2012. Daily Express - 9 February 2012
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/300734
*A Touch Of Magyk
The last-ever Daily Telegraph Family Book Club feature. Author Angie Sage talks about her wonderful Septimus Heap series. Daily Telegraph - 4 February 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/9065054/February-Family-Book-Club-Angie-Sages-Magyk.html
*Notting Hill - Gateway To Neverland
I visit the house in W11 where the real-life Darling family used to live. Daily Telegraph - 4 February 2012http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/9064171/The-original-wendy-house-Peter-Pans-home.html
*End Of Story
MP Zac Goldsmith says goodbye to the £7m country estate he was turning into an eco-haven. Daily Telegraph - 28 January 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/greenproperty/9042223/Cream-of-Devon-Zac-Goldsmith-sells-country-estate.html
*The Long Run
Buying a place near an Olympic venue could be a good idea, though the returns won't be immediate. Daily Telegraph - 28 January 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/rentingproperty/9038911/Get-a-head-start-in-the-Olympic-property-race.html
*Mixed Messages
Why don't girls want boys in their school? I explore why co-ed is all one-way traffic. Daily Telegraph 21 January 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/9028486/Co-ed-education-A-lesson-in-growing-up-together.html
*Huskie Racing With A Difference
It's happening not in the Arctic Circle, but Leicestershire. Daily Telegraph 20 January 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/9028551/Husky-sledding-comes-to-Sherwood.html
*One Dog And His Boy
The wonderful last novel of Eva Ibbotson, about a rich, little boy and an abandoned dog. Daily Telegraph - 14 January 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/9022995/Good-prevails-in-Eva-Ibbotsons-novel.html
*The World's Best Places - a dozen different locations in which to live: Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, New York - Tasmania! House prices and more. Daily Telegraph - 7 January 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertypicturegalleries/8992055/Worlds-best-places-to-live-in-2012.html
VIDEO
I go to Chinatown, to test out a pair of translation machines. Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelaccessories/4370561/No-longer-lost-in-translation-Testing-mobile-language-devices-in-Chinatown.html
*Loose Endings - The BBC have given Great Expectations a new ending, and here I imagine a whole series of other classic yarns that could be given a new, 21st-century twist - Daily Telegraph 24 December 2011http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/classic-movies/8975255/Bond-hit-with-law-suits-Alternate-endings-for-classics.html
*The Peacemaker Poet
Roger McGough explains how, as the new president of the Poetry Society, he's going to try and reconcile the warring factions. Daily Telegraph - 17 December 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/8962683/Rhyme-and-reason-of-the-peoples-poet-Roger-McGough.html
*Return of the Lodger
Got a spare room? Get a paying guest. Daily Telegraph - 17 December 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/rentingproperty/8963386/A-simple-way-to-turn-a-spare-room-into-spare-cash.html
Great Scott
The Polar explorer was a success, not a failure, says the man leading the Antarctic expedition in his honour. Daily Telegraph - 10 December 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/antarctica/robert-falcon-scott/8944739/The-team-behind-the-British-Services-Antarctic-Expedition.html
*Essays For Sale
You can buy an essay on any subject you like - provided you are prepared to pay. Daily Telegraph - 7 December 2011http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/8938495/A-first-class-essay-Yours-for-just-660.html
*The King of Christmas Lights - meet Paul Toole, a man who illuminates his bungalow with 40,000 lights each year - Daily Telegraph - 3 December 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/seasonal-property/8930302/Let-it-glow-Paul-Tooles-Christmas-lights.html
*Fairy Tale Houses - the winner of this year's Homebuilding and Renovating Awards have a giant dragon on their roof - Daily Telegraph - 26 November 2011http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/homebuildingandrenovatingawards/8916242/Homebuilding-and-Renovating-Awards-2011-Fairytale-endings-for-those-with-a-dream.html
*Rules of Retirement - How to choose the right kind of place for you. Daily Telegraph - 26 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/retirementproperty/8914960/The-golden-rules-for-your-golden-years.html
* 30 Million and One Hugs - VIDEO
I meet, and am embraced by, Amma, the Indian born saint who has hugged her way round the world. Daily Telegraph - 19 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8893453/Hugging-saint-shares-her-love-with-Telegraph-reporter-and-30-million-others.html
*Don't Panic
What Britain's high-price homeowners are doing to make themseves feel more secure. Daily Telegraph - 12 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/luxuryhomes/8884087/Dont-panic-Hi-tech-security-for-your-home.html
*Foreign Bodies
If you're buying a house overseas, there will be lots of organisations wanting a slice of the purchase price. Daily Telegraph - 12 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/overseasproperty/8884156/The-true-cost-of-buying-property-abroad.html
*Catholics and Protestants From Northern Ireland
Fought alongside each other in the First War - for the British Army! As a prizewinning community theatre scheme reveals. Daily Telegraph - 12 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/8881142/National-Lottery-Awards-We-Were-Brothers.html
*A Lot of Head Scratching
I put the questions to crossword compiler Peter Chamberlain, as he celebrates a quarter of a century of clue-devising. Daily Telegraph - 12 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/games/8881004/Peter-Chamberlain-interview-Its-been-a-puzzling-25-years.html
*Angels With Dirty Hands
The people who give up every weekend to save the nation's heritage. Daily Telegraph - 5 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/angel-awards/8871540/Angels-who-guard-our-heritage.html
Virtual Kirstie and Phil
I go househunting armed with a Location, Location, Location app. Daily Telegraph - 5 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buyingsellingandmoving/8867707/House-hunting-with-Kirstie-Allsop-and-Phil-Spencer.htm
Sprites and Frights
Actor Mackenzie Crook (Gareth, from The Office) tells me about the children's book he has written and illustrated. Daily Telegraph - 5 November 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8867926/Family-Book-Club-Mackenzie-Crooks-The-Windvale-Sprites.html
*There Has To Be A First Time
Yes, there are lots of lovely, expensive houses in the West Country, but if you're a young person starting out, how do you get onto the property ladder in the first place? Daily Telegraph - 29 October 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/newhomes/8852984/First-time-buyers-get-a-step-up-down-south.html
*The Weird West
Lighthouses, windmills, railway station, water tanks - people will buy any kind of property in the West Country. Daily Telegraph - 29 October 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/westcountryproperty/8853033/West-Country-special-Quirky-and-historic-buildings.html
*Shuttlecocks and the Kremlin
Russia's two top tough guys show that badminton can be butch. Daily Telegraph - 26 October 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/badminton/8848914/As-Russias-Prime-Minister-Vladimir-Putin-knows-there-is-plenty-of-bad-in-badminton.html
*Money Off
How to get discount on school fees. Daily Telegraph 22 October 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/8838238/10-tips-for-private-school-busaries.html
*Antiques Shopping With Judith Miller
Who better to take on a buying spree than the author of the antiques world's bible, Miller's Guide To Antiques? Daily Telegraph - 8 October 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/interiorsandshopping/antiques/8813158/Antiques-How-to-find-a-bargain.html
*JK Rowling And The Gift Of Money
How the Harry Potter author is showing the way in terms of donating to medical charities. Daily Telegraph - 3 October 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8799400/J-K-Rowlings-mission-was-inspired-by-love-for-her-mother.html
*Building A Dream
Kevin McCloud explains what kind of person is best suited to building their own home (self-doubters need not apply). Daily Telegraph - 1 Oct 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/newhomes/8796036/Kevin-McCloud-How-to-build-your-dream-home.html
*How To Win The Fathers' Race VIDEO
I get some special training in a bid to outdo the other dads. Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/5567445/Fathers-Day-2009-how-to-win-at-sports-day.html
*Heroine With Red Hair
Dame Jacqueline Wilson introduces me to Sapphire Battersea, the carrot-topped protagonist of her new novel. Daily Telegraph - 1 October 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8798995/Family-Book-Club-Jacqueline-Wilsons-Sapphire-Battersea.html
*Get Thee To A Rectory
Or a vicarage; in property terms, you're onto a winner if your place has a clerically themed name. Daily telegraph - 1 Oct 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/periodproperty/8796156/Live-in-an-old-vicarage.html
* Keeping A Little Mystery
If an estate agent is nice to you, chances are, they think you're a mystery shopper, checking up on them. Daily Telegraph - 24 September 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertymarket/8781198/Secrets-of-the-mystery-shoppers.html
*The Book That's As Big As A Wall
The entire history of natural life on earth - 24 September 2011 - Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bath-childrens-literature/8789975/Bath-Festival-of-Childrens-Literature-What-On-Earth.html
*The Cider Dynasties of Somerset
I meet the families who have been turning apples into alcohol for centuries. Saga Magazine - October 2011
http://saga.inbro.net/seeinsidebrochure/SAGA-Magazine_October/The-features/Cider-dynasties/pages_34-35
*Jade Jagger Sells Her Home
And tells us what life is like on the (quieter) north side of the party island of Ibiza. Daily Telegraph - 24 September 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/overseasproperty/8781095/Overseas-property-Jade-Jaggers-Ibiza-villa-for-sale.html
*A Chance To Buy The White Cliffs of Dover
Well, 14 acres of them, anyway, plus an unusully vast bungalow and an artist's studio - from which you can see France on a clear day. Daily Telegraph - 24 September 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/8781226/A-piece-of-Dover-coastline-for-sale.html
*A History Of Everything That's Ever Lived
Introducing the What On Earth? wallchart, which chronicles the development of everything from prehistoric plankton to the modern-day blue whale. Daily Telegraph - 24 September 2011
*I Could Have Been A Dentist...
But instead I became a rock star, says Roger Taylor, drummer for Queen, as the band celebrates its 40th anniversary. Daily Telegraph - 24 September 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopmusic/8785343/Being-in-Queen-was-a-privilege.html
*Undergrad For A Day
A student-run tour that gives you the inside track on what it's like to be up at Cambridge - Daily Telegraph 17 September 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/8765735/Oxbridge-tours-Within-the-walls-of-Oxford-and-Cambridge.html
*Lucky For Some
How the National Lottery is helping prevent riots (among other things). Daily Telegraph - 10 September 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8753383/The-proof-that-funding-charity-projects-is-making-a-difference.html
*House Hunting With Hugo
I go looking for flats with Made In Chelsea reality star Hugo Taylor - Daily Telegraph 20 August 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/luxuryhomes/8709800/Flat-hunting-with-Made-in-Chelsea-star-Hugo-Taylor.html
*Out Of The Fire
How the pupils of one Hackney school are managing to keep out of the riots - and the gangs behind them. Daily Telegraph - 17 August 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/8698216/The-school-that-beat-the-rioters.html
*The CofE Schindlers
Two vicars who used Christian baptism to save 1,800 Jews trying to get out of Nazi-occupied Austria. Daily Telegraph 11 August 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/world-war-2/8693554/Nazi-persecution-of-Jews-saved-by-the-C-of-E-Schindlers.html
*An Uphill Struggle
Olympic gold medal winner Tessa Sanderson's latest battle is to keep the athletics flame burning after the 2012 Games. Daily Telegraph - 30 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/news/8672152/Olympic-torch-still-burns-brightly-for-Tessa-Sanderson-a-golden-pioneer.html
* Village People
You can join a retirement village at the age of 55, but average age of new arrivals is nearer 79. Daily Telegraph - 30 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/retirementproperty/8668273/Retirement-villages-are-tailored-to-your-needs.html
* Marrying Into The Royals
As Mike Tindall prepares to marry Zara Phillips, I gather some advice about how not to end up floundering in the Windsor soup. Daily Telegraph 27 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8663292/How-to-keep-up-with-the-Windsors.html
*The Drama Of Chipping Norton
The people of this maligned Oxfordshire town have their say on the
International hacking scandal! Daily Telegraph - 26 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/phone-hacking/8660536/Chippy-about-their-neighbours-You-bet.html
*You Must Come And Visit Us in Ho Chi Minh City
How to go about getting a second home in Vietnam, or Leipzig, or Albania, or somewhere equally unusual. Daily Telegraph - 23 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/overseasproperty/8652030/20-best-places-to-buy-a-second-home-abroad.html
*Teenagers Reading Badly - Daily Telegraph 23 July 2011
How one woman is helping 14-year-olds who have a reading age of six. Daily Telegraph - 23 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/8653110/Dianne--literacy-revolution-in-London-classrooms.html
*Lord Linley of the Lancasters
I meet the viscount who's moving into interior design, with a £5.4 million show home overlooking Kensington Gardens. Daily Telegraph - 16 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/luxuryhomes/8640488/Linleys-touch-of-luxury-at-the-Lancasters.html
*The World's Worst Journey
We re-live the nightmare mission to find penguin eggs in the Antarctic, in the year 1911. It was so cold, the explorers' teeth cracked. Daily Telegraph - 16 July 2011.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/antarctica/robert-falcon-scott/8637473/The-heroic-history-of-Robert-Falcon-Scott-and-his-men.html
*The Cricketers, at Cobham
A pub where there's no cricket, but there is artificial grass. Daily Telegraph - 16 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/8637773/Surrey-pub-guide-The-Cricketers-Cobham.html
*Doing The Lambeth Talk
The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams gives his views on teenagers, TV and the existence of God. Daily Telegraph - 9 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationadvice/8622564/Faith-in-World-essay-competition-winners.html
*No, Not That Priory
Bentley Priory, the house where the Battle of Britain was masterminded, and where you can now buy a home. Daily Telegraph - 9 July 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/luxuryhomes/8625274/Bentley-Priory-The-home-where-the-Battle-of-Britain-was-won.html
*John Connolly and the Devil
I interview the author of a children's book that is set in Hell, and is a comedy! Daily Telegraph - 2 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8611240/Family-Book-Club-Hells-Bells.html
*Down By The Riverside
They used to be the home of rats and the poor, but nowadays the banks of the Thames are for the really rich. 2 July 2011 - Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/luxuryhomes/8615417/Luxury-flats-on-the-Thames.html
How To Buy Or Sell A House - Effectively
A new book explains how to sack your solicitor, energise your estate agent and make £10,000 just by sucking your teeth. Daily Telegraph - 2 July 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertyadvice/8611016/Confessions-of-an-estate-agent.html
*Scott's Shadows
I meet (posthumously, at a conference) the men who accompanied Captain Scott on his final expedition. 25 June 2011 - Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/8594047/The-explorers-who-went-with-Scott-of-the-Antarctic.htm
*Covering Yourself Against A Rainy Day
There's an insurance policy which will pay out if the heavens open. Daily Telegraph - 14 June 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/8573424/Covering-the-cost-of-a-rainy-day.html
*Tomorrow's World
Gadgets that are today in wealthy homes will - in 10 years' time - be in everyone's home. Daily Telegraph - 11 June 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/greenproperty/8568136/Houses-of-the-future-here-and-now.html
*Bricks and Mortar
We meet the four buyers of crumbling Hay Castle. Daily Telegraph - 11 June 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/periodproperty/8564523/Hay-Castle-to-become-a-festival-venue.html
*PJ PInkerton - The Boy (Or Maybe Girl) Detective
Children's author Caroline Lawrence switches from Ancient Rome to the Wild West for her new series of books. Daily Telegraph - 4 June 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8555222/Family-Book-Club-The-Case-of-the-Deadly-Desperados.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/8653110/Dianne-Murphys-literacy-revolution-in-London-classrooms.html
*The Nuclear Option I meet two men who are selling an underground bunker on the Devon coast. Lovely views, but no windows! Daily Telegraph - 4 June 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/westcountryproperty/8554924/West-Country-Special-A-Cold-War-bunker-for-sale.html
*DIY Gone Mad
I meet people who are prepared to live in a caravan for two years, in order to build the home of their dreams. Daily Telegraph - 21 May 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/homebuildingandrenovatingawards/8524495/Homebuilding-and-Renovating-Awards-2011-Building-on-a-dream.html
* Captain Scott - The Unsung Heroes
I hear about the men who travelled with the doomed explorer on his fateful expedition 100 years ago. Plus his surprising wife Kathleen. Daily Telegraph - 21 May 2011.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/antarctica/robert-falcon-scott/8589205/Robert-Falcon-Scott-Explorers-inspire-on-stage-and-on-ice.htm
*Arthur Ransome Gets Real
Swallows and Amazons - rewritten 2011 style. Daily Telegraph - 18 May 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/8519157/What-would-health-n-safety-make-of-Swallows-and-Amazons.html
*A Weekend With Bear Grylls
The indestructible explorer goes kite-flying with his children and paragliding over the Welsh coast. Daily Telegraph - 14 May 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/8509710/My-perfect-weekend-Bear-Grylls.html
*The Scarrow Brothers
Two siblings who are taking the world of children's books by storm. Daily Telegraph - 14 May 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8512150/Family-Book-Club-The-Scarrow-brothers-rivalry.html
*Crease Is The Word
Test-driving a Marks and Spencer linen suit that's meant to be crumple-free. Daily Telegraph - 13 May 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/8510177/Will-my-linen-suit-lose-its-lustre.html
* Floating Homes
People are drifting towards houseboats for a number of reasons. Daily Telegraph - 14 May 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/seasonal-property/8509208/Voyage-of-discovery-Why-you-should-buy-a-houseboat.html
*Beating A Retreat
Ten countries you might like to retire to. Daily Telegraph - 7 May 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/retirementproperty/8497588/The-10-best-places-to-retire-overseas.html
*Glimmers of Hope
Small rays of sunshine for first-time buyers, provided they go for a new home. Daily Telegraph - 30 April 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buyingsellingandmoving/8489741/Steps-to-success-for-first-time-buyers.html
*Their Carriage Awaits
But William and Kate hope it's not the one that makes you sick. Daily Telegraph - 29 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8481190/Royal-Wedding-will-married-life-get-off-to-a-bumpy-start-in-the-glass-coach.html
*Blooms In The Dust
I dig up some less than lovely truths about the world of tulip-picking. Daily Telegraph - 26 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/8466007/The-great-Norfolk-tulip-massacre.html
*Where Will They Live?
I go house-hunting on William and Kate's behalf, from Anglesey to Balmoral, from Buckingham Palace to Bucklebury. Daily Telegraph 23 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8473919/A-home-fit-for-Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton.html
*Leading The Line
Lt Col Dan Hughes, of the Household Cavalry, talks about his role as the officer in charge of the Queen's escort, at the royal wedding. Daily Telegraph - 23 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8465978/Royal-wedding-Lt-Col-Dan-Hughes-will-be-leading-the-line.html
*A Hand To Hold Onto
How elderly people can get help in overcoming the obstacles - emotional and administrative - that make moving out of the family home so hard. Daily Telegraph - 9 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/retirementproperty/8438757/Helping-to-solve-an-age-old-problem.html
*Noblesse Not Necessary
How you can live in a stately home without having to pay for all the upkeep - and the servants. Daily Telegraph - 9 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/rentingproperty/8437495/Royal-living-at-a-fraction-of-the-cost.html
*Cashing In On Space
How to make money, by renting out your front drive to car owners. Sunday Telegraph - 3 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/cities/8426697/Cash-in-the-garage.html
* Dressing Up Your House
In order to sell it quicker. The secrets of homestaging are revealed. Daily Telegraph - 2 April 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/interiorsandshopping/8419733/Perfect-pitching-with-the-help-of-the-homestagers.html
*How The Past Smelt
Five historians reveal the odours of yesteryear, at the start of the new TV series Filthy Cities. Radio Times - w/c 2 April 2011
* Product Of More Than One Sheep
I go to meet Nursey and Son, provider of sheepskins to Del Boy and Eric Clapton, and winner of the Britain's Best Traditional Business Award. Daily Telegraph - 26 March 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/8404942/Countryside-Alliance-Awards-Tradition-is-not-for-plonkers.html
*There Has to Be A First Time
Or does there? How do you get onto the first rung of the property ladder? Best chance, it seems, is buying a new-build place. Daily Telegraph - 26 March 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buyingsellingandmoving/8404056/Rescue-plan-help-at-last-for-first-time-buyers.html
*Turning Breakfast into Biofuel
How to transform used cooking oil into diesel that will power your car - for 18p per litre. Daily Telegraph - 22 March 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/8396085/How-to-run-a-car-on-cooking-oil-at-18p-a-litre.html
*Fear of Flying
And of travelling generally. Dramatist Alan Bleasdale tells me how his perfect weekend involves staying put. Daily Telegraph - 19 March 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/8388370/My-perfect-weekend-Alan-Bleasdale.html
*Midsomer Multicultural
Amid the storm over the exclusively English cast of Midsomer Murders, I imagine a much more ethnically diverse episode. Daily Telegraph - March 16 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8383939/Murder-most-multicultural.html
*Sharing With Animals
No, not a student flat, a Devon longhouse. Once upon a time, these housed humans in one half and livestock in the other. Daily Telegraph - 12 March 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/westcountryproperty/8374247/Houses-that-are-there-for-the-long-haul.html
*When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Forty years on from publication, I talk to Judith Kerr about the real-life background to her story of escaping the Nazis. Daily Telegraph - March 5 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8361651/Family-Book-Club-Soft-toy-reveals-a-much-harder-truth.html
*The Perfect Weekend For Rupert Penry-Jones
The star of Silk and Spooks talks about red wine, dog-walking and breaking a leg in the real-life, non-acting sense of the word
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/8359348/My-perfect-weekend-Rupert-Penry-Jones.html
*A Chance To Buy A Railway
The Bridgnorth Funicular is up for sale. Daily Telegraph - 26 February 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/8347450/All-aboard-the-Cliff-Hill-Railway.html
*James Purefoy and the Mark Antony diet
It mainly involves drink, says the star of Rome. Daily Telegraph - 26 February 2011.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/8344856/My-perfect-weekend-James-Purefoy.html
*Dinner Party Riots
Middle-class parents are almost coming to blows over the subject of tuition fees. Daily Telegraph - 26 February 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/8345199/Tuition-fees-From-the-barricades-to-the-petits-fours.html
*Underground Children
This half term, take your offspring to a subterranean attraction. If it rains, you'll never know. Daily Telegraph - 12 February 2011.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/familyholidays/8318644/Half-term-holidays-in-Britain-historic-tours-reveal-secrets-from-theunderground.html
*Star Inn, Bath
This atmospheric old pub re-unites me with my lost wallet. Daily Telegraph - 12 February 2011http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/8319232/Somerset-pub-guide-The-Star-Inn-Bath.html
*Eek, It's Revision Time!
Tips for parents on how to get children up to exam speed. Daily Telegraph - 12 February 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/8316989/Exam-revision-How-to-cram-in-some-quality-time.html
*The More Affordable Alps
Off on a family holiday to Slovakia. Daily Telegraph - 5 February 2011http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/familyholidays/8302899/Slovakia-Family-holiday-in-a-country-thats-come-back-to-life.html
*The Tree Plague Is Upon Us
I visit the hills of South Wales, to witness the felling of thousands of larch trees, suffering from a deadly new pathogen. Daily Telegraph - 3 February 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/8298946/Red-alert-in-Britains-forests-as-Black-death-sweeps-in.html
*A Little Bit of Latin America in The Alps
A visit to Barcelonette, the little French town whose citizens were, bizarrely, the making of modern Mexico. The Times - February 2011
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/travel/article2926474.ece
*Making Hay
The Telegraph Family Book Club joins up with the Hay-on-Wye Festival, in a bid to promote middle-class reading. Daily Telegraph - 29 January 2011.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/8286346/Catching-Hay-Fever-Chris-Evans-launches-competition-to-boost-literacy.html
*Mind The Gap
Holidays that will suit three different generations. Daily Telegraph - 29 Jan 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/8288150/Inter-generational-holidays-10-of-the-best.html
*Rather You Than Me
Owners of eccentric properties, featured in a new book Home Sweet Home, explain why they have chosen to live in houses from which other people would run a mile. Daily Telegraph - 29 January 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/8285995/Who-would-live-in-a-place-like-that.html
* Pub With A Deep Well
I peer into the murky ground below The Bell Inn, Nottingham. Daily Telegraph - 29 January 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/8288200/Nottinghamshire-Pub-Guide-The-Bell-Inn-Nottingham.html
*Living in a School
How former seats of learning make A-Plus homes. Daily Telegraph - 22 January 2011http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/schools/8270979/Top-marks-for-schoolhouse-conversions.html
*A visit to David Cameron's favourite pub
Which is the Royal Oak, at Ramsden, in Oxfordshire.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/8271438/Oxfordshire-pub-guide-Royal-Oak-Ramsden.html
*The World's Most Expensive Terraced House
I go to visit a house which has got neighbours on both sides, but still costs £39 million! Daily Telegraph - 15 Jan 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/luxuryhomes/8256908/The-worlds-most-expensive-terrace.html
*Return To The Lost World
A sequel to the original Conan Doyle epic, set in the 1930's, but written in the 21st century. Daily Telegraph - 8 January 2011http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8244150/Make-reading-into-an-adventure.html
*Apocalypse Ambridge
A sneak preview of the Archers 60th Anniversary episode, which is predicted to "shake Ambridge to the core"! Daily Telegraph - 1 Jan 2011
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8234510/The-Archers-60th-anniversary-Apocalypse-Ambridge.html
*A Cheapskate's Christmas
How to get away with giving gifts that cost next to nothing. Daily Telegraph - 18 December 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8210432/Christmas-shopping-on-the-cheap.html
* Narnia Revisited
The Daily Telegraph Family Book Club reads Voyage of the Dawn Treader, with the help of CS Lewis's adopted son. 4 December 2010 - Daily Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8177540/Book-Club-On-a-mission-of-honour.html
*Snowbound!
How to make the most of a guilt-free day off work. Daily Telegraph - 3 December 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/8177187/Your-Snowed-In-Stay-at-Home-Guide.html
*Let's Hear It For Lisbon
Singing the often unsung praises of Portugal's capital city. Sunday Telegraph - 28 November 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/lisbon/8170085/Lisbon-Portugal-a-cultural-guide.html
*Sir Cliff and Barbados
Like a rubber ball, the island known as Little England is bouncing back when it comes to the property market. Daily Telegraph - 27 November 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/overseasproperty/8162268/Barbados-bounces-back.html
*A Good Day To Be A Middleton
On behalf of all Middletons everywhere, I reach out to our namesake Kate, on the occasion of her engagement. And ask her - where is my invitation? Daily Telegraph - 18 November 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8140793/Yes-Kate-its-a-good-day-to-be-a-Middleton.html
*Ten Things You Didn't Know About The International Baccalaureate
What's the IB got that A-Levels haven't? And vice versa. Daily Telegraph - 13 November 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/8125719/IB-or-not-IB-That-is-the-question.html
*Home From Home
It's not just the giant Scotch eggs that are warm at this Suffolk pub, it's the welcome.
Daily Telegraph - 13 November 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/8127287/Suffolk-pub-guide-The-Fat-Cat-Ipswich.html
*Bitter Sweet
An interview with Cathy Cassidy, author of Cherry Crush, the story of a girl and her widowed father joining a new family. Daily Telegraph - 13 November 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/8112890/Book-Club-Cherry-Crush.html
*Is The Gap Year Over?
Will the increase in university tuition fees see the end of the pre-college year off? Daily Telegraph - 4 November 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hubs/gapyear/8108446/Is-this-the-end-of-the-gap-year.html
* The Pub With The Severed Hand
A trip to the ancient Haunch of Venison hostelry, in Salisbury, where a gambler's chopped-off hand is preserved in a glass case in the wall. Daily Telegraph - 30 October 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/8102172/Wiltshire-pub-guide-The-Haunch-of-Venison-Salisbury.html
*The Middle-Class Hunter-Gatherer Guide
I go foraging for reduced-price items in the nation's food halls - and learn about the laws that operate within this discount jungle. Daily Telegraph - 21 October 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/8076226/On-the-trail-of-The-Reducer-or-how-to-snare-the-ultimate-bargains-in-supermarkets.html
*Saturday Night's All Right
How real men have taken to Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor. Daily Telegraph - 19 October 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8071450/Why-Ive-joined-my-wife-and-succumbed-to-Saturday-nights-with-Strictly-and-X-Factor.html
*Kirstie Allsopp's Battleplan
The presenter of Location Location Location presents a tactical guide for sellers and buyers in a cut-throat market. Daily Telegraph - 16 October 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buyingsellingandmoving/8063608/Kirstie-Allsopp-My-battleplan-for-house-buyers-and-sellers.html
*Making History Interesting
An interview with Patrick Dillon, who has written a history book with the emphasis on stories, rather than dates. Daily Telegraph - 16 Oct 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8064534/Historys-players-get-a-human-face.html
*The Good Leaf Guide
Where to admire the autumn leaves - Daily Telegraph - 13 October 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/8055553/Autumn-in-the-UK-Britains-best-foliage.html
*Falconry on the Curriculum
I visit a school for disabled children where real, live birds of prey come into the classroom. Daily Telegraph - 9 October 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoors/8049021/Falconry-Students-spread-their-wings.html
*The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
Author Alan Garner talks about his 50-year-old children's classic that's still a favourite - with 50-year-old children!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/8034300/The-Weirdstone-ofBrisingamen-review.html
*I Uncover The East Devon Diamond
A property jewel in the West Country! Daily Telegraph - 25 September 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/westcountryproperty/8020031/West-Country-proprety-Jewels-in-the-Diamond.html
*Why We've Stopped Honking
The reasons why 21st century strikers don't get the same cheery parps from motorists as they did back in the 70's. Daily Express - 23 September 2010http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/201221/Why-work-is-no-longer-a-laughing-matter
*For the Retiring Type
Properties for discerning pensioners. Daily Telegraph - 18 Sept 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertypicturegalleries/8007276/Britains-most-desirable-retirement-properties.html
*The Joy of Clouds
There are thousands of people all over the world who belong to the Cloud Appreciation Society. I visit their spiritual HQ, the Cloud Bar in Lincolnshire. Daily Telegraph 11 Sept 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoors/7995124/Cloudspotting-Skys-the-limit-for-a-new-high-society.html
*Ask Mr Snell
The Telegraph's property columnist can tell you anything you need to know about houses. He's had 39 in 35 years! Daily Telegraph - 11 Sept 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertyadvice/7989892/House-Doctor-David-Snells-DIY-career.html
*History of the World In One Page
It's seven feet long, and it tells the story of Earth from Big Bang to President Obama. Daily Telegraph - 4 Sept 2010 -http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/7979831/Family-Book-Club-The-What-on-Earth-Wallbook.html
*London Opens Up
A preview of the Open House weekend, when you can go up the BT Tower or inside the Foreign Office. Daily Telegraph - 4 Sept 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/7977596/Open-House-Weekend-Buildings-set-to-give-up-their-secrets.html
* A Bite To Eat At The Viper
A trip into the Essex countryside, to the only pub in Britain called The Viper. Daily Telegraph - 28 August 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/7972853/Essex-pub-guide-The-Viper-Mill-Green-Essex.html
*Not The End of the World
Good news for students who've failed their UK entrance exams; there's a foreign university that wants you - and will charge less! Daily Telegraph - 21 August 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7956493/University-Clearing-Students-the-world-wants-you.html
*Meet The Armstrongs
I go on a Who Do You Think You Are? road trip with comedian Alexander Armstrong
Radio Times 21-27 August 2010
*Social Climbers
How grown-ups are using children's treehouses to entertain friends. Daily Telegraph - 21 August 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/7952639/Modern-tree-houses-live-the-high-life.html
*The Global Student
How overseas universities can work out cheaper and better than their UK counterparts! Daily Telegraph - 19 August 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/7954667/A-level-results-a-world-of-study-options.html
*Help! No One Will Insure My House
I meet people whose homes are considered too hot for most insurance firms to handle, either because they're at risk from fire or flood - or just too old. Daily Telegraph - 14 August 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertyadvice/7939517/Home-insurance-help-no-one-will-insure-my-home.html
*An Elephant In The Garden
Children's author Michael Morpurgo talks about his new book, based in Dresden during World War II, about a family who adopt an elephant to save it from the bombs. Daily Telegraph - 7 August 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/7937136/Family-Book-Club-An-Elephant-In-The-Garden.html
*Don't Make Me Go On Holiday
How eve-of-vacation anxiety can really get to people - such as me. Daily Express - 4 August 2010
http://www.express.co.uk/ourcomments/view/190944/Two-weeks-in-the-sun-I-d-really-rather-not
*Put Your House To Work
You can't sit back and wait for your house to go up in price - you've got to add value to it yourself. And TV's Phil Spencer tells me how. Daily Telegraph - 24 July 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buyingsellingandmoving/7906602/Phil-Spencers-top-20-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home.html
*Sects And The City
A meeting with the Amish teenagers who have come to Britain to explore the outside world as part of their formal "Rumspringa", or "running around" period. Radio Times - 24-30 July 2010
*Are They Britain's Greenest Couple?
Well, possibly. I visit the mainly underground eco-home of Tim and Zoe Bawtree. Daily Telegraph - 17 July 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/greenproperty/7889820/Green-property-Watt-lies-beneath-Dirt-cheap-energy.html
*The Beer and Battlefields of Belgium
The guided tour that takes in a heady mixture of strong beer and World War I nostalgia. Sunday Telegraph - 11 July 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/artsandculture/7885503/Beer-and-battlefields-in-Belgium.html
*The Pub That Does Everything
The Jolly Farmers, in Surrey, is a cafe, restaurant, delicatessen, off licence, bakery, patisserie, bistro - and pub. Daily Telegraph - 10 July 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/7882179/Surrey-pub-guide-The-Jolly-Farmers-Buckland-Surrey.html
*Gap Years Get Serious
Parents are getting more gimlet-eyed about the prospect of school-leavers taking a pre-university jolly. Daily Telegraph - 10 July 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/7880216/Gap-year-students-choose-jobs-over-jollies.html
*Champions of the Countryside
I meet the people who are looking after the nation's wild places and wildlife, from farmers to eco-pioneers, from birdwatchers to racing drivers. Sunday Telegraph - 4 July 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/motoring/countryside-life/7859270/Range-Rover-we-are-the-champions.html
*Sherlock Holmes At A Sensitive Age
Introducing a new series of books, approved by the Conan Doyle Estate, introducing us to the sleuth as an adolescent. Daily Telegraph - 3 July 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/7864227/Book-Club-Mystery-of-Sherlocks-childhood-revealed.html
*Famous People's Foreign Homes
A mixture of celebrities tell me where they'd like to live as expats: Peter Owen Jones, Charlie Higson, William G Stewart and others... Daily Telegraph - 2 July 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/expatproperty/7861513/The-worlds-best-places-to-live-celebrity-dream-homes.html
*Poor Man's Goose and Auntie Dorrie's Lemon Trifle
Some of the age-old family dishes sent in to the Daily Telegraph Best British Recipes competition. I talk to head judge Xanthe Clay about the more unusual sugestions, such as lemon sole with clotted cream! Daily Telegraph - 26 June 2010.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/7851198/Best-British-Recipes-Traditional-food-is-the-clear-winner.html
*Summer Reads
Amanda Ross, queen of the TV Book Club, explains how she chooses the new season's recommended reads. Radio Times - 26 June to July 2
*My Feet Are Sucked By Fish
And in the process, made smoother and more beautiful. Daily Telegraph - 19 June 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/7833539/Fish-pedicure-with-100-hungry-creatures.html
*Seville Soul
I try to find my inner gipsy, on a flamenco course in Southern Spain. Sunday Telegraph - 13 June 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/spain/7826164/Seville-flamenco-lessons-in-Andalusia-Spain.html
*Boarding's Not So Bad
Even for eight year olds. I talk to some boarding school heads about how things have changed since Tom Browne's Schooldays. Daily Telegraph - 12 June 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7817548/Theres-no-bored-in-boarding.html
*Stig Of The Dump
We re-visit this children's classic, 50 years after it was first published. And no, Stig is nothing to do with Top Gear. Daily Telegraph - 5 June 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/7798351/Book-club-Stig-the-wild-thing-rises-from-the-chalk-pit.html
*Salute The Shepherdess
The grassy hills of Cumbria is where you'll find the extraordinary Alison O'Neill, wearing a skirt in all weathers . Daily Telegraph - 5 June 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoors/7798361/Cumbrias-shepherdess-A-dyed-in-the-wool-fan-of-farming-life.html
*The Ship Inn, at Rye
A pub that's all things to all people, in a part of town that's got a new lease of life. Daily Telegraph - 5 June 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/7800892/Sussex-pub-guide-The-Ship-Inn-Rye-Sussex.html
*John Grisham - The Plot Takes A New Twist
I travel to America to talk to best-selling author John Grisham about why his new book Theodore Boone - Young Lawyer is for children, rather than grown-ups.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/authorinterviews/7770412/Exclusive-best-selling-author-John-Grisham-explains-why-hes-courting-children-with-his-latest-legal-thriller.html
*Picture Postcard Pub
The Crown, at Northill, in Bedfordshire, is at the heart of a chocolate box setting
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/7744181/Bedfordshire-pub-guide-The-Crown-Northill-Bedfordshire.html
*Britain's Only Desert
Eyes peeled for signs of wildlife, I explore the parched, vegetation-free wilderness that is Dungeness, in Kent. Daily Telegraph 22 May 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/safariandwildlifeholidays/7744750/Dungeness-nature-reserve-Secret-life-of-Britains-only-desert.html
*Walking With Wolves
A stroll through the fields of Berkshire with a creature whose jaws are twice a strong as a pit bull's. Daily Telegraph 22 May 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoors/7741761/Wolf-project-is-a-howling-success.html
* When The Exhibits Come To Life
I look at the events happening all over the country during Museums at Night Weekend. Some spooky, some gruesome, some not. Daily Telegraph - 15 May 2010.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/7719361/Museums-open-at-night.html
*Going, Going....
I get some one-to-one tuition from the international head of auctioneering, at Christie's. He says I need to brush my hair and get a new tie. Daily Telegraph 15 May 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/interiorsandshopping/7710656/Being-an-auctioneer-going-once-going-twice.html
*The World's Wackiest Places To Stay
The 66 strangest spots to spend a night in Europe. A giant barrel, a concrete drainpipe, a nuclear bunker, an underwater cottage - and more. The Times - 8 May 2010 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/where_to_stay/article7118042.ece
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/travel/wheretostay/article2503184.ece
My Perfect Weekend - Nanette Newman
The Fairy Liquid ambassadress and film star takes us to 1930's Le Touquet. Daily Telegraph - 8 May 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/7686841/My-perfect-weekend-Nanette-Newman.html
* The Fonz Goes Back To School
An interview with Henry Winkler, star of Happy Days and now writer of books for young underachievers! Daily Telegraph - 8 May 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/7646107/Hank-Zipzer-Meet-the-cool-underachiever.html
*Are House Husbands Doomed?
Do women secretly despise stay-at-home dads? Daily Telegraph - 1 May 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/relationships/7646172/Richard-Parkes-Did-he-fall-or-was-he-pushed.html
*The Hobgoblin of Reading
Enter a different world with a trip to this extraordinary pub in the middle of Reading town centrehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/7624026/Berkshire-pub-guide-The-Hobgoblin
*National Service
I get my hands dirty for the National Trust, at a volunteering weekend on the Tyntesfield Estate, in Somerset. Daily Telegraph - 17 April 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/budgettravel/7590060/National-Trust-When-volunteering-can-be-fun.html
*Fair Play For Both Sexes
The civilised sport of UK Ultimate Frisbee, where men and women play alongside each other - and there's no referee! Daily Telegraph - 10 April 2010.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/7560038/Ultimate-Frisbee-is-fair-game.html
*A Pint Of The Middle Ages, Please
Review of the Lews Arms pub, in Lewes (through the castle gateway, past the jousting ground). Daily Telegraph - 10 April 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/7568393/Sussex-pub-guide-The-Lewes-Arms-Sussex.html
*A Brief History Of Working With Dad
An interview with Lucy Hawking about how she and her famous scientist father Stephen joined forces to write an educational space novel. Daily Telegraph - 3 April 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/7544051/Family-book-club-Georges-Cosmic-Treasure-Hunt.html
*Lambs To The Slaughter
I look ahead to the bloodshed the Easter DIY binge always brings. Daily Express - 30 March 2010http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/166024/DIY-disaster-zone
*Clothes For Premature Babies
A new range of clothing specially for ultra-tiny tots. Daily Mail - 26 March 2010
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1260764/Premature-baby-clothes-des
igned-miniature-marvels.html
*The Debit Side
How utility companies are digging deeper into our pockets, using direct debits. Daily Express - 22 March 2010 http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/164403/Gran-was-right-about-the-direct-debit-habit
*Teenage Detectives
I go to watch a class of 14-year-olds get CSI training. Daily Telegraph - 20 March 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7449396/Junior-Detective-Course-The-classroom-detective.html
*As You Make Your Bed...
I try and find my way through the minefield of mattress-buying, for the Daily Mail Good Health section. Daily Mail 16 March 2010http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/health/article-1258170/emailArticle.html
*Posh Food In Petersfield
I visit JSW, a lovely Hampshire restaurant with luxuriously creamy carpet. Daily Telegraph 13 March 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/7421916/Crunch-lunch-JSW-Petersfield-Hampshire.html
* A Tale Of Two Daughters
Dame Jacqueline Wilson talks about her latest book Little Darlings, telling the story of two girls with the same father, but very different lives. Daily Telegraph 6 March 2010
*Meet The Cyber Teacher
A look at the growth of online tutoring. Daily Telegraph 9 March 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7361509/Coming-to-a-screen-near-you-an-online-tutor.html
*The Man For Whom The Earth Moves
Television's Mister Geology, Professor Iain Stewart, describes his perfect weekend - not down a volcano, but in Claire's Accessories. Daily Telegraph 27 February 10.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/7299570/My-perfect-weekend-Iain-Stewart.html
* Is Boarding School As Bad As It Was?
A look at how the Dotheboys Hall model is no longer in such use. Daily Telegraph 27 February 10.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/7299032/Boarding-schools-Board-at-your-leisure.html
*Get Me A House, Quick
How people at the top end of the market pay other people to do all the hard work. Daily Telgraph 27 February 10. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buyingsellingandmoving/7324573/Property-buying-agents-Would-you-spend-15K-just-to-find-a-home.html
*Help! Computers Are Eating My Children
A look at how parents can manage their children's screen-gazing time. Daily Telegraph 20 Feb 2010.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/familyadvice/7251645/Virtual-parenting-A-valuable-tool-or-a-dangerous-web.html
*The Down Side of Up-Selling
I complain at some length about how everyone's trying to squeeze another sale out of us. Daily Express - 19 February 2010http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/159177
*Pub Review: The Surrey Oaks
No prizes for guessing in which county this pub is located, and with what trees it was built. Daily Telegraph 13 February 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/7213858/Surrey-Pub-Guide-The-Surrey-Oaks-Surrey.html
*Taking Teenagers To India
The ups and downs of Rajasthan when you're with older children. Daily Telegraph 13 Feb 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/familyholidays/7205029/India-Divine-guidance-on-a-family-holiday.html
*Ten Reasons To Take The Family
What works well when you go with your family to Indiahttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/familyholidays/7205258/India-Ten-reasons-to-take-your-family.html
*Cookery A-Level
Well, almost. I visit the school where the syllabus is set by Leith's. Daily Telegraph 13 February 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/7197878/Leiths-cookery-courses-School-for-scrumptiousness.html
*Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief
An interview with author Rick Riordan, as a big new Hollywood film of his book opens in the UK, featuring dyslexic boy hero Percy Jackson. Daily Telegraph - 6 Feb 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/7155592/Family-Book-Club-Percy-Jackson-a-hero-with-dyslexia.html
*The Greyhound Is A Winner
The Cumbrian village pub that was saved by the local community and a year later has come first in a national competition. Daily Telegraph 30 January 2010http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/7091548/Countryside-Alliance-Awards-The-Greyhound-Inn-Cumbria-declared-The-Daily-Telegraph-Best-Traditional-Business.html
*Crunch Lunch in Kent
Review of classy, cut-price lunch at Read's Restaurant, in Faversham. Daily Telegraph 16 Jan 10 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/6989558/Crunch-lunch-Reads-Restaurant.html
*Belfast Rock Around The Block
I take a guided bus tour round Belfast's rock music landmarks, visiting the venues where The Rolling Stones played, and where big names like Van Morrison and Snow Patrol grew up. Telegraph Online 11 Jan 10
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/6965823/Belfast-Music-Tour-rock-around-the-block.html
*Trainer To The Stars
Tips from celebrity fitness trainer Matt Roberts about how to achieve a body I'm more proud of. Daily Telegraph 2 Jan 10
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/6904837/Work-towards-a-new-shape-in-the-New-Year.html
*The Amulet of Samarkand
Author Jonathan Stroud talks to me about his remarkable Bartimaeus fantasy trilogy. Daily Telegraph 2 January 10
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/6937088/Jonathan-Strouds-lucrative-world-of-wisecracking-demons.html
*Crunch Lunch in Oxfordshire
A two-course game menu at a knockdown price, at the Kingham Plough. Daily Teelegraph 26 Dec 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/6866758/Crunch-lunch-The-Kingham-Plough-in-Oxfordshire.html
*Life in Churchill's Bunker
I meet thewomen who spent their youth underground, working in the Cabinet War Rooms. Daily Telegraph - 26 Dec 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/6857064/Churchills-staff-reveal-their-hidden-stories.html
How The Gruffalo Got Going
As the film version of The Gruffalo gets its world premiere on TV, I hear how author Julia Donaldson wrote the story the aid of a few basic scribbles in a notebook. Radio Times Christmas issue
*Ten Years Of Tinkering
Throughout the past decade, there's always been another education initiative just around the corner
Daily Telegraph 12 Dec 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/6753252/A-decade-in-education-tough-lessons-for-the-future.html
*Teens and Tiaras
As a gentle new TV documentary looks at what it's like to be a modern-day debutante, I meet the woman who runs the "season". Radio Times pre-Christmas issue
*Bed of Dreams
I try out a magnetic therapy mattress that is meant to alleviate a mind-bogglingly long list of ailments. Daily Mail - 8 Dec 09http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1233932/Can-10-minutes-magnetic-bed-cure-aches-ailments.html
*Not Quite Like Home
Pirates of the Caribbean and White Teeth star Naomie Harris looks at how her new drama Small Island echoes the experiences of her grandparents and other West Indian immigrants just after World War Two. Radio Times covering week 11 December 09 to 17 December 09.
*The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
I visit Belfast's most beautiful boozer. Daily Telegraph - 21 Nov 09 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/6605385/Belfast-Pub-Guide-The-Crown-Liquor-Saloon-Belfast.html
*In Lost Dog Limbo
The plight of dog owners whose pets have been stolen, I visit an event run by doglost.co.uk
Daily telegraph - 14 Nov 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/6544000/How-to-find-a-lost-dog.html
*Crunch Lunch On The Kent Coast
Two cheap courses at fish restaurant Harvey's of Ramsgate. Daily Telegraph - 14 Nov 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/6550895/Crunch-lunch-Harveys-of-Ramsgate.html
*World Have Your Say
I visit the world's most ambitious and outspoken phone-in at the BBC World Service. Daily Telegrapy - 7 Nov 09 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/6501080/World-Have-Your-Say-global-discussion-that-asks-the-unaskable.html
*Crocodile Tears
Exclusive interview with Anthony Horowitz about his latest book. Daily Telegraph - 7 Nov 09. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/6508053/Alex-Rider-returns-in-Crocodile-Tears-but-author-Anthony-Horowitz-hints-it-might-be-the-end.html
*The English Pub That's 100 Per Cent French
I visit the Timber Batts Pub, in Kent,otherwise known as Froggies!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/6455232/Kent-Pub-Guide-The-Timber-Batts-Kent.html
*Across The Line
The Team Telegraph runners overcome strong headwinds and disturbed nights to finish the Great South Run. Daily Telegraph website - 26 Oct 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/6436410/Great-South-Run-Team-Telegraph-triumphant.html
*Re-Inventing The Wheel
I drive round Britain's best car museums, starting at the National Motor Museum, in Beaulieu, home of a wartime spy school.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/artsandculture/6404902/Motor-museums-Reinventing-the-wheel.html
*The Harris Way
How the philanthropic Baron of Peckham, millionaire boss of Carpetright, has helped turn round half a dozen failing South London schools.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/6377202/Harris-Federation-good-teachers--discipline--uniforms--A.html
*Crunch Lunch
Suburban loos, retired civil servant lunchers, good table spacing.Review of Drakes On The Pond Restaurant, in Surrey. Daily telegraph - 17 Oct 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/6334200/Crunch-Lunch-Drakes-on-the-Pond-nr-Dorking-Surrey.html
*Racing Certainty
I go for a horse-themed weekend at Newmarket, taking a tour of the town, the gallops - and the grandstand. Daily Telegraph Oct 10
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/6281924/Newmarket-A-sure-fire-bet-for-a-weekend-horse-racing.html
*The Michelin-Starred Mouse
I interview Anne-Sophie Pic, the first French female chef to win three Michelin stars for 75 years. Saab International Magazine 2009.
*De-Boozerfication
I visit a pub that has 90 per cent eating, 10 per cent drinking. Daily Telegraph - 10 Oct 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/6315716/Buckinghamshire-Pub-Guide-The-Mole-and-Chicken-Easington-Buckinghamshire.html
*Tudor Table
Review of the Oak Room Restaurant, at Great Fosters, in Surrey. Part of the new Telegraph Crunch Lunch feature. 3 Oct 2009http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/6247882/Crunchlunch-The-Oak-Room-Egham-Surrey.html
*Honey I Shrunk The House
How all our homes are going to be smaller and fuller of our relatives in the future! Daily Telegraph 3 Oct 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/newhomes/6248079/Future-homes-Winning-the-space-race.html
*Sir Terry Pratchett Interview
The celebrated author talks about his book Nation, the story of a young boy in a post-tsunami world. Daily Telegraph 3 Oct 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/6250567/Terry-Pratchetts-Nation-is-our-Family-Book-Club-of-the-month.html
*Across The Line
Report from the Great North Run on how James Cracknell and the rest of Team Telegraph triumphed . Daily Telegraph 21 Sept 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/6213291/Great-North-Run-Team-Telegraph-cross-the-line.html
*Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall's Perfect Weekend
The author of The Good Granny Guide (and mother of the famous chef) says how she likes to spend her Saturdays and Sundays. Daily Telegraph 19 Sept 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/6202576/My-Perfect-Weekend-Jane-Fearnley-Whittingstall.html
*Antiques Roadshow - Rags to Riches
The Antiques Roadshow presenters reveal which everyday possessions could earn you a small fortune. Radio Times issue covering 19-25 September 2009
*Britain's Schoolboy Soldiers
I go on manoeuvres with members of the City of London School Combined Cadet Force. Daily Telegraph - 12 Sept 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/6198557/Lads-Army-breaks-new-ground.html
*The Two Of Us
Trevor Eve and his wife Sharon Maughan talk about appearing on screen together for the first time ever, in Waking The Dead. Radio Times, issue covering 5-11 Sept 09.
*Jamie Oliver On America
The TV chef opens up about his latest series - and his own black roots. Radio Times, issue covering 29 August-4 Sept 09
*Everything (Almost) On Track
I interview the Team Telegraph runners about their ascent on Mount Half-Marathon.
29 August 09 - Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/6081759/Team-Telegraph-everything-is-mostly-on-track.html
*Boys Who Babysit
I visit a class which shows teenage boys how to take a leaf out of their sisters' book, and earn money from babysitting. Daily Telegraph - 22 August 09
*The Power of Grouse
A good year for grouse means a good year for everyone within flying distance. Daily Telegraph 9 August 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/5979263/How-grouse-shooting-helps-rural-economies.html
*Rick Stein in Bali
I talk to the famous TV chef about his food odyssey in Bali. Radio Times, covering week August 8-15
*Children and Dancing Sheep
Instead of a day in the classroom, children spend a day watching animals kick up their feet. 8 Aug 2009 - Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/6100724/The-Sheep-Show-so-you-think-ewes-can-dance.html
*Going The Distance
Meeting the Telegraph team - both fit and unfit - who are training for the Great North and South Runs. Daily Telegraph - July 25 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/5893312/Team-Telegraph-going-the-distance-at-the-Great-North-and-Great-South-runs.html
*Mind That Pony!
A new book urges motorists to drive less dangerously through the New Forest
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/5888156/New-Forest-ponies-face-same-old-dangers.html
*What Your Tongue Says About You
I visit a dentist who can tell all sorts of things, just by looking in your mouth. 21 July 09 - Daily Mailhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1201020/emailArticle.html
*All The Fun Of The Fair
A look ahead to the shooting world's version of Wimbledon, the annual Game Fair. 18 July 09 - DailyTelegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/outdoors/5844863/All-the-fun-of-the-CLA-Game-Fair.html
*To The Manor Born And All That Jazz
He inherited an Elizabethan stately home at the age of 12; now Simon Cunliffe-Lister holds an annual jazz festival there. 11 July 2009 - Daily Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/5796472/Inheriting-a-mansion-to-the-manor-born-and-all-that-jazz.html
*Ten Top Pub Walks
Ten country strolls with a drink involved somewhere along the route. 5 July 2009 - Sunday Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/5720921/Great-British-pub-walks.html
*University Challenged
Interview with Peter Gwyn, executive producer of University Challenge, on how last year's kerfuffle has affected the show. Radio Times 4-10 July 2009
*Lest We Forget
Free meals for our armed forces - and other stories. 27 June 2009 - Daily Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/5648478/Armed-Forces-Day-nation-joins-forces-to-honour-our-heroes.html
*How To Win The Fathers' Race
The secrets of the egg-and-spoon. 20 June 2009 - Daily Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/5567445/Fathers-Day-2009-how-to-win-at-sports-day.html
*James May Goes To The Moon
I talk to the Top Gear presenter about his training as an astronaut. 20-27 June - Radio Times
*The King's Head, Aylesbury
How to spend a whole day in a pub! 13 June 2009 - Daily Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/5497835/British-pub-guide-The-Kings-Head-Aylesbury-Bucks.html
*No Business Like Home Business
How to get your home hired out as a film location. Daily Telegraph - 6 June 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/5430523/How-to-get-your-home-into-show-business.html
*Striking Gold
It's like a Tupperware party, only you sell your jewels for cash! Daily Telegraph - 30 May 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/gold/5560128/Gold-parties-the-new-way-to-turn-your-unwanted-jewellery-into-cash.html
*Home Cooking
An unusual Indian cookery class, in the teacher's house! Daily Telegraph - 30 May 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/5388836/Indian-cookery-classes-with-Monisha-Bharadwaj.html
*Ten Wacky Revision Tips
Ideas for young swotters. Daily Telegraph - 23 May 09http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/5345028/Top-10-last-minute-exam-revision-tips.html
*Women Need Shooting
A plan to increase female participation in clay pigeon shootinghttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/5361334/National-Shooting-Week-shooting-dames.html
*Healing from afar
How a lock of hair can help you to be healed: the strange art of radionicds> Daily Telegraph - 23 May 09
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/5356013/Radionics-can-a-lock-of-hair-hold-the-key-to-health.html
*Pine Nut Mouth
The foul taste that is afflicting eaters of chinese pine nuts all over the world - including me!
19 May 09 - Daily Mail
Daily MailPine mouth puzzle: Why do these nuts leave you with a bitter taste?
Daily Mail - UK
By Christopher Middleton They are a favourite with celebrity chefs and hailed as the latest healthy salad ingredient. But a liberal sprinkling of pine nuts ...c
*Meet The Enforcer
I meet a man who has carried out 14,000 evictions in his time. 16 May 2009 - Daily Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/5320121/Bad-tenants-Meet-the-enforcer.html
*The Salt Cave
I visit a salt-caked cave in London, where people go to rid themselves of asthmatic and other bronchial conditions. 9 May 2009 - Daily Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/5286616/The-health-benefits-of-Britains-first-salt-cave.html
*Ye Olde White Harte, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex
Review of this handsome waterside pub, with scenic wooden drinking-jetty - 9 May 2009 - Daily Telegraphhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/5286400/British-pub-guide-Ye-Olde-White-Harte-Essex.html
*Vampirates!
I interview Justin Somper, author of the Vampirates series, for the Daily Telegraph Family Reading Club - Daily Telegraph 2 May 2009http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookclub/5251425/Family-book-club-something-to-get-your-teeth-into.html
*Sticking Up For Organic Food
A family who are sticking to organic, despite the credit crunch - Daily Telegraph 2 May 2009http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/5251447/Real-food-family-where-dad-does-all-the-cooking.html
*On The List
I meet the members of the Listed Property Owners Club - and their homes. Daily Telegraph - 25 April 2009http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/periodproperty/5208846/Period-property-Avoid-heritage-horrors.html
*Pub Review -The Valiant Trooper, Aldbury
A visit to this wonky, little inn on the edge of a Hertfordshire village. Daily Telegraph - 25 April 2009http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/5207391/British-pub-guide-The-Valiant-Trooper-Aldbury-Hertfordshire.html
*Off The Beaten Track - I stay the night in a lonely, but beautifully converted railway station - Daily Telegraph 26 April 2009http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/journeysbyrail/5188912/Rail-adventures-on-and-off-the-beaten-track.html
*The Turf Tavern, Oxford
A review of this hard-to-find, tumbledown inn - Daily Telegraph 18 April 2009http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/5160081/British-pub-guide-the-Turf-Tavern-in-Oxford.html
*Ashes To Ashes
Radio Times cover story, issue covering 18-24 April 2009. Interview with Ashes to Ashes star Philip Glenister, plus retro-exploration of 12 cultural phenomena from the 1980's (jump suits, New Romantics, Mrs Thatcher etc!)
*What Your Feet Say About You
I have my feet read by reflexologist Jane Sheehan. She can tell all sorts of things about you, just by looking at your toes. Daily Telegraph-11 April 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/5125678/Foot-reading-what-your-toes-say-about-you.html
*Laughing In The Face of Evil
Telegraph Family Book Club feature on Derek Landy's new children's book Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones. An interview with the author - Daily Telegraph 4 April 2009
*Heartfelt Horseplay
An interview with Toby Sedgwick, award-winning movement artist behind the extraordinary, life-sized horse puppets in the West End play War Horse - Da
You can contact me at CMidton@aol.com
