The Countryman

If like me you have an interest in history and all things country as well as the sea coast then this little gem is worth a look. This month is particularly special as there is a small boat cruising article about sailing on the River Stort and a look at the Suffolk coast. Website link is here   History and mystery along the shore of shingle street Gill Moon enjoys the solitude of the Suffolk coast Wroth silver ceremony David Norris visits the country’s oldest annual ceremony, held in Warwickshire Shire pleasure in horses Siân Ellis meets a Welsh horse-breeder who has been bitten by the shire horse bug Sailing the River Stort Tony Smith likes messing about in boats What have the Romans ever done for us? Gillian Hovell assesses the Romans’ impact on rural Britain From Clee to eternity Siân Ellis meets Shropshire local historian Alf Jenkins Exploring St Catherine’s Hill Stephen Roberts takes to the hills in Dorset How do bats survive the winter? David Worley is the man with the answers for all questions bat-related

Armistice time Topical verse from Norman Viles On the hoof in Aberdeenshire Julian Schmechel explores the heather-clad hills One man and his pig Is Graham Ward telling porkies? Making Windsor chairs Paul Felix meets a master craftsman Circum­nav­igat­ing Wales Catherine Hughes meets a fundraising marvel who is a pioneer of the Wales Coast Path The Northants nobleman who gave away the gunpowder plot Dave Phillips profiles Francis Tresham of Lyveden estate Full steam ahead on the farm Rural nostalgia from Lincoln­shire with Alan Stennett