Meet Merv: The Internet’s Talking Cat, Her Beloved Charals – And the Merv Merch

If your social-media feeds have somehow escaped the phenomenon that is Merv the Cat, prepare to enter a very strange world indeed.

There are wispies. There is Ohio. There is the mysterious and apparently alarming BAGAGWA. And, most importantly, there is CHARALS!

Merv, gloriously formally known as Mervyn Cumberland Weems, is actually a female cat living in Los Angeles with her humans, actor Chad Jamian and celebrity make-up artist Chanel Cross.

Rescued as a tiny kitten in 2017, Merv has subsequently become one of the internet's great feline personalities. What makes her particularly special is her extraordinary range of vocalisations, some of which sound remarkably like words.

Whether Merv really believes she's talking to her humans is another question entirely, but millions of people have happily entered into the joke.

And Merv has quite a vocabulary.

There's "Ohio", "Pad Thai" and, of course, the ominous BAGAGWA.

However, one word towers above all others:

CHARALS!

Who is Charals?

"Charals" is Merv's distinctive pronunciation of Charles, the gardener who works at the home of Chad and Chanel.

Charles has unwittingly become the romantic leading man in the ongoing soap opera that is Merv's life.

Merv watches him through the window, becomes tremendously excited at the sight of him and apparently calls his name. The fact that Charles frequently goes about his gardening without a shirt has also become part of the running joke.

It has reached the point where Charles isn't simply the gardener any more. Within the strange fictional universe surrounding Merv, he's Merv's great love interest.

And, inevitably, Charals has made it onto the merchandise.

Yes, there's official Merv merchandise

Merv now has her own official merchandise shop – wonderfully named Official BAGAGWA Merch! – selling products based around the phrases and characters that regular followers instantly recognise.

There are Merv T-shirts in colour and black and white, but naturally there are also Charals T-shirts, currently listed from $22. Long-sleeved versions are available too.

The Merv/Charals romance gets even better. Fans can buy CHARALS magnets, mugs, stickers, pins, pillows and hats, along with Valentine's Day designs featuring Merv and her beloved gardener.

There is even a separate Charles Secret Stash range offering, amongst other things, a Charles and Merv T-shirt.

But Merv fans will probably be equally delighted by the merchandise celebrating her wonderfully peculiar vocabulary.

"BAGAGWA" appears on mugs, magnets, stickers, pins, pillows and clothing, while "Don't Summon BAGAGWA" has become an entire merchandise theme in its own right. There's even a BAGAGWA tapestry for those who feel their home décor is currently rather too normal.

"NO OHIO!" hasn't been forgotten either, appearing across mugs, magnets and other items.

Prices are quoted in US dollars and, as products, prices and availability can change, UK Merv fans should check delivery costs and availability before ordering.

Visit Merv's official BAGAGWA merchandise shop

And there's a talking Merv!

Perhaps the ultimate piece of Merv merchandise has been the Talking Merv plush, produced by Youtooz.

Merv's own official links have promoted the nine-inch talking plush alongside the official merchandise shop and Merv vinyl stickers.

It is somehow entirely appropriate that a cat who became famous for apparently talking should eventually be transformed into a talking toy.

From abandoned kitten to merchandise empire

There's something rather lovely underneath all this silliness.

Merv began life as a vulnerable rescued kitten and has ended up bringing enormous amounts of laughter to people around the world. Chad and Chanel have spoken about receiving messages from people going through grief, illness, heartbreak and burnout who say Merv has helped make difficult days a little brighter.

That's probably why the merchandise works.

A CHARALS mug or BAGAGWA T-shirt isn't merely another piece of internet merchandise. To someone who follows Merv, it's a reference to an elaborate shared joke – one which has gradually developed its own characters, vocabulary and mythology.

It's almost like being a fan of a long-running comedy series.

Except the star is a rescued cat.

And the romantic hero is the gardener.

For readers of That's Books and More who love cats, internet oddities and unusual gifts, the Merv phenomenon is certainly worth discovering. But be warned: watch a few videos and you may soon find yourself discussing wispies, worrying about Ohio and shouting "CHARALS!" at entirely inappropriate moments.

Just whatever you do...

DON'T SUMMON BAGAGWA.

https://www.bagagwa.com 

http://mervthepet.dashery.com

https://www.youtube.com/@MervTheCat

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NHS GP turns 20 years of frontline experience into gripping debut medical thriller

What happens when the systems designed to protect vulnerable people begin to serve those with power instead?

That unsettling question lies at the heart of What Can’t Be Unseen, the debut medical thriller from British NHS GP Michael Crisp, who has drawn on more than two decades of frontline medical experience to give his fiction an unusually authentic edge.

While the conspiracy at the centre of the novel is entirely fictional, Crisp says the pressures, ethical dilemmas and human stories surrounding it have been shaped by his years working as a doctor.

“Medicine is built on trust,” Crisp told That's Books and More. “But trust can sadly be exploited. The aim of my debut novel was to explore what happens when the systems designed to protect the vulnerable begin to serve power instead.”

The story introduces Dr James Harland, an NHS physician left deeply shaken after being unable to save a young migrant woman in a London emergency department.

However, her death soon becomes considerably more troubling. Toxicology reports reveal an unknown pharmaceutical compound in her blood, drawing Harland into an increasingly dangerous investigation involving illegal drug testing, organised crime and political corruption.

Alongside journalist Emily Morris and his estranged daughter Lucy, Harland faces a choice familiar to many a good thriller protagonist: protect his career and walk away, or risk everything by pursuing a truth that powerful people would rather keep hidden.

Yet What Can’t Be Unseen isn't simply a conspiracy thriller. Crisp uses the story to explore some of the less visible realities of working in medicine, including exhaustion, difficult decisions, professional responsibility and the emotional burden that can follow doctors home after their shifts have ended.

“I have seen how overstretched systems create cracks and how vulnerable people can fall through them,” he explains. “I wanted to explore what could happen if those cracks were deliberately exploited – and who ultimately pays the price.”

There are also themes of family, regret and redemption, with the novel asking how ordinary people might respond when extraordinary circumstances make doing the right thing personally costly.

With shades of medical thrillers in the Michael Crichton tradition combined with the darker territory of contemporary British crime fiction, What Can’t Be Unseen promises readers both a fast-moving mystery and some uncomfortable questions about trust, power and professional ethics.

Crisp continues to practise as a doctor while writing and is already working on his second novel, The Shadow Helix.

What Can’t Be Unseen is published by Foreshore Publishing, priced at £12.99 and available from Amazon at our own bookshop: https://link.amazon/B06iJE6mF

Why Is Murakami's Norwegian Wood So Good? A Review by Nick Dixon

Nick Dixon has asked his friends to share his review of a new novel called Norwegian Wood.

He writes: I have just released a new video on Haruki Murakami, particularly his extraordinarily successful novel, Norwegian Wood.

I try to work out why this strange, rather dark book resonated with so many people, compare it to his magic realist novels, and consider some of the odder aspects of Murakami’s writing life."

The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists Comes to Horden’s New Playhouse

A powerful story about work, poverty and the struggle to stand together is coming to the stage in Horden this autumn.

Ensemble ’84 will present its own adaptation of Robert Tressell’s classic novel The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists at The Playhouse from 30 September. 

It will be the third major production staged at the new venue this year, following The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet and the return of the musical documentary Pits, People and Players.

Set during the early years of the twentieth century, Tressell’s story follows a group of painters and decorators who spend their working lives creating beautiful homes for wealthy clients. Meanwhile, they struggle to keep their own families warm and properly fed.

The work is exhausting, wages are low and the threat of unemployment is never far away.

Among the workers is Frank Owen, who begins questioning why those responsible for creating wealth are so often the people left living in poverty. As he encourages his colleagues to look at society differently, he discovers that fear, insecurity and the daily need to earn a wage can make collective action extremely difficult.

Funny, moving and unapologetically political, The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists explores friendship, working life and the challenge of creating a fairer society.

The production is directed by internationally acclaimed theatre-maker and Ensemble ’84 Artistic Director Mark Dornford-May. The company’s adaptation will introduce Tressell’s ideas to a modern audience through a distinctive mixture of storytelling, movement and music.

“The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists was written more than 100 years ago, but it still speaks directly to the world we live in today,” Mark told That's Books and More.

“It asks who creates wealth, who benefits from it and why so many people who work the hardest continue to struggle. These are conversations that belong everywhere, but especially in communities with proud industrial histories like East Durham.”

The production continues an ambitious opening year for The Playhouse. Since Sir Ian McKellen helped launch the Horden venue, Ensemble ’84 has welcomed thousands of audience members through its doors.

Its production of The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet attracted a string of four and five-star reviews, while also introducing many audience members to Shakespeare for the first time.

Ensemble ’84 is also an original partner in Into the Light, a county-wide cultural programme intended to support long-term growth across County Durham.

Into the Light Director Julia Handelman-Smith said East Durham had always been shaped by “hard work, solidarity and creativity”, describing Ensemble ’84 as a brilliant example of culture-led regeneration in action.

With its enduring questions about inequality, employment and solidarity, The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists feels particularly at home in a community with such a proud industrial heritage.

The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists will be performed at The Playhouse, Horden, from 30 September. Tickets are available through the Ensemble ’84 website.

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Land of the Buffalo: A Powerful Portrait of Survival, Beauty and Betrayal

Just 150 years ago, the wild American buffalo came perilously close to disappearing from the face of the Earth.

An estimated 60 million of these extraordinary animals were killed as the United States expanded westwards. 

Their destruction was presented by some as the inevitable price of progress and “national destiny”. 

Yet this was not progress. It was an environmental catastrophe and an assault upon an animal that had sustained Indigenous peoples for countless generations.

In Land of the Buffalo, acclaimed wildlife photographer and writer Larry Laverty combines passionate writing with more than 150 remarkable photographs to document the lives of the buffalo of Yellowstone National Park.

The American buffalo, more accurately known as the American bison, has become a symbol of strength, resilience and survival. 

These are animals capable of enduring bitter winters, deep snow, scarce food and sub-zero temperatures. Their physical power is undeniable, but so too is their vulnerability to human decisions.

“Like the bald eagle, the American buffalo is a powerful symbol of the United States,” Laverty told That's Books and More.

“Yet while the buffalo may represent national qualities of strength and resilience, it’s incumbent to remember that the American buffalo, like the American Indian, were here first. This was their land, their home, and we destroyed it.”

Laverty’s photographs reveal Yellowstone through every season. Winter brings desperation as food becomes scarce and temperatures plummet. Spring transforms the seemingly lifeless landscape as plants return and new calves are born. 

During summer, the herds enter the dramatic mating season known as the rut. By autumn, the survivors of the previous winter are already preparing for the ordeal to come.

However, Land of the Buffalo is far more than a celebration of natural beauty. It also examines the deeply controversial management of Yellowstone’s wild bison.

The park is required to maintain a population of between 3,500 and 6,000 animals. Numbers are controlled through tribal and state hunting when bison leave the park, capture and slaughter, and the Bison Conservation Transfer Programme, which seeks to move suitable animals to new locations rather than kill them.

The Stephens Creek Bison Capture Facility has consequently become a focus of criticism. Environmental campaigners, including the Buffalo Field Campaign, argue that wild herds should be allowed greater freedom and have raised concerns about transparency and the continued slaughter of these iconic animals.

After humanity came so close to eradicating the species, we have a profound responsibility to ensure that survival does not simply mean being tolerated within tightly controlled boundaries.

Land of the Buffalo asks readers to look beyond the familiar national symbol and recognise a living, breathing community of animals. 

Magnificent, resilient and still threatened by human choices, Yellowstone’s buffalo deserve more than our admiration. They deserve space, protection and a future worthy of their extraordinary history.

That's Books and More believes this will be an excellent Christmas gift for Christmas 2026.

https://lidpublishing.com

ANAAR Artisan Network aims to give the world's craftspeople the recognition they deserve

For generations, artisans have created some of the world's most beautiful clothing, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and decorative objects, yet many of the skilled hands behind these creations have remained largely invisible. 

A new initiative launching in the UK hopes to change that by giving craftspeople a secure, verifiable digital identity that can connect them directly with global fashion brands and designers.

ANAAR Artisan Network CIC, a new UK-based social enterprise founded by sustainable couture designer Lucy Tammam and entrepreneur Aditi Angiras, has officially launched in partnership with Chia Network Inc. The platform has an ambitious goal: to provide an accessible digital identity and professional record for the estimated 200 million artisans worldwide who currently have little or no online verification of their work.

For many craftspeople, especially those working in developing countries, proving experience, documenting skills and showcasing previous commissions can be difficult. Existing records are often fragmented, difficult to verify across international supply chains and inaccessible to the very people who need them most.

ANAAR hopes to solve this problem by creating permanent artisan profiles that record an individual's identity, specialist skills and completed work. These records are owned by the artisans themselves, providing a trusted portfolio that brands can rely upon when searching for highly skilled makers.

The network uses decentralised identity technology alongside the Chia public blockchain to create secure, tamper-resistant records. Rather than replacing traditional craftsmanship with technology, the system is designed to ensure that handcrafted work receives the recognition, traceability and fair value it deserves in today's digital economy.

Aditi Angiras, Chief Executive of ANAAR, believes the platform will finally shine a light on the people whose craftsmanship has long been overlooked.

She says that while handmade objects have travelled the world for centuries, the identities of their creators have too often been lost along the way. By making artisans visible, she believes economic value can flow more fairly to those responsible for creating luxury goods.

Lucy Tammam, whose sustainable couture label has championed ethical craftsmanship for many years, agrees that technology should support rather than replace human creativity. She says the network gives artisans the digital presence needed to gain the respect and remuneration their expertise deserves.

Importantly, artisans will never be charged to join the network, reflecting ANAAR's social enterprise mission. As membership grows, brands will also be able to commission makers directly, reducing unnecessary intermediaries that often absorb much of the value generated by handmade work.

The first artisans are already joining through TAMMAM's Embellishment Artisan Programme in London, with the first fashion collection using ANAAR's verified artisan profiles expected to debut during London Fashion Week this September.

For readers who love books about craftsmanship, fashion history and traditional skills, ANAAR represents a fascinating example of how modern technology can help preserve and celebrate some of humanity's oldest creative traditions.

www.anaar.network

Jack Coulter's Synesthesia Inspires Stunning Collaboration with Elton John

Discover how Irish artist Jack Coulter uses synesthesia to transform music into colourful paintings, including his recent collaboration with Sir Elton John for charity.

Every so often an artist comes along who changes the way we think about creativity. Irish artist Jack Coulter is one of those rare talents. 

Living with synesthesia, a neurological condition that allows him to experience sound as colour, Coulter creates paintings that are quite literally inspired by music, transforming melodies into vibrant works of art.

His remarkable ability has recently brought him into the spotlight through a unique collaboration with music legend Sir Elton John. Earlier this year, Coulter performed live alongside Elton John, creating an original painting inspired by a solo performance of the classic song Tiny Dancer. The finished artwork was later auctioned in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, raising funds for one of the world's leading HIV charities.

For most of us, music is something we hear. For Jack Coulter, every note carries a burst of colour, movement and texture. His paintings aren't simply illustrations of songs, they are visual interpretations of the emotional landscape that music creates in his mind.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish have been full of praise for Coulter's extraordinary talent, describing his ability to harness synesthesia as "awe-inspiring". They also highlighted the authenticity and generosity he brought to their collaboration, which left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Although That's Books and More usually celebrates literature, stories are told in many forms. Great paintings can tell stories just as powerfully as great novels, and Coulter's work reminds us that creativity often crosses traditional boundaries. His canvases invite viewers to imagine what music might look like if it could leap from the ears directly onto the canvas.

The collaboration with Elton John has also shone a light on synesthesia itself. While estimates vary, the condition is thought to affect only a small percentage of the population. 

People with synesthesia may associate letters with colours, numbers with personalities or, as in Coulter's case, sounds with vivid visual experiences. For him, this neurological difference has become the foundation of a distinctive artistic voice rather than something to overcome.

Fans will soon have another opportunity to experience his remarkable work in person. Coulter's new exhibition, With Every Light and With Every Song, opens in London later this month, featuring 25 new paintings inspired by artists ranging from Amy Winehouse and David Bowie to Radiohead, Harry Styles, Tracy Chapman and The Beatles. Each painting captures the colours he experiences while listening to their music.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music lover or simply fascinated by the incredible ways the human brain can interpret the world, Jack Coulter's work offers a powerful reminder that inspiration can come from seeing life through an entirely different lens.

https://www.artnet.com/artists/jack-coulter

Kate Shackleton Mysteries by Frances Brody: The Perfect Christmas Gift for Crime Fiction Fans

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a mystery lover? Discover why Frances Brody's Kate Shackleton historical crime novels make an unforgettable festive present.

If you're searching for a Christmas present that will delight lovers of classic crime fiction, look no further than the wonderfully atmospheric Kate Shackleton Mysteries by acclaimed British author Frances Brody.

For readers who adore clever puzzles, richly drawn characters and beautifully evoked historical settings, this series is one of the finest examples of modern historical crime writing. Better still, with more than a dozen novels to enjoy, a Kate Shackleton book could be the start of a gift that keeps giving well beyond Christmas Day.

Set primarily in 1920s and early 1930s Yorkshire, the series follows Kate Shackleton, a determined and intelligent private investigator. Inspired by her own search for answers following the disappearance of her husband during the First World War, Kate develops a reputation for solving mysteries that leave the police baffled. 

Each novel combines an intriguing whodunnit with fascinating glimpses into post-war Britain, where society was changing rapidly and women were beginning to forge new roles for themselves.

Frances Brody has a remarkable talent for transporting readers into another era. From windswept Yorkshire villages and bustling market towns to grand country houses and elegant seaside resorts, every setting feels authentic. The historical detail never overwhelms the story but enriches it, making each mystery as enjoyable for history lovers as it is for crime enthusiasts.

The series begins with Dying in the Wool, where Kate is asked to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a mill owner who vanished years earlier. What starts as a missing person enquiry soon uncovers long-buried secrets, hidden motives and murder. It is a superb introduction to Kate and her world.

As the series progresses, readers become familiar with Kate's loyal assistant Jim Sykes, her housekeeper Mrs Sugden and an ever-growing cast of memorable characters. Whether she's investigating a jewel theft, an industrial conspiracy, a country house murder or mysterious deaths in the Yorkshire Dales, Kate approaches every case with intelligence, compassion and quiet determination.

Fans of Agatha Christie will feel instantly at home. The books feature intricate plots, believable suspects, satisfying twists and fair-play mysteries that invite readers to solve the crime alongside the detective. Yet Kate Shackleton is very much her own character, independent, resourceful and refreshingly modern for her time.

A boxed set or a small collection of the first few novels would make a thoughtful Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries, historical fiction or classic detective stories. Add a cosy blanket, a mug of hot chocolate and a packet of mince pies, and you've created the perfect festive reading hamper.

As winter evenings draw in and Christmas offers the chance to slow down, few pleasures compare to curling up with a gripping mystery. Frances Brody's Kate Shackleton novels provide exactly that: compelling stories, memorable characters and enough twists to keep readers guessing until the very last page.

This Christmas, give the mystery lover in your life a gift they'll treasure, and introduce them to one of Yorkshire's most engaging fictional detectives.

I am reading through the series and find them first rate mystery novels. 

One Story, Two Books: New Family Book Subscription Brings Generations Together Through Reading

Discover the new One Story, Two Books subscription that delivers matching adult and children's editions each month, helping families share stories, conversations and a love of reading together.

In a world where screens often compete for everyone's attention, a new online book subscription is encouraging families to reconnect through something far more timeless – a great story.

Launching this July, a newly established online bookstore has unveiled an imaginative subscription service that delivers two versions of the same story each month: one for adults and another specially adapted for younger readers. The idea is simple but inspiring – allowing families to enjoy the same adventure at their own reading level before coming together to talk about it.

Designed for children aged seven and above, with options for advanced readers aged five and over, the subscription pairs a full adult edition with a carefully selected children's adaptation. Whether shared between parents, grandparents, carers, aunts, uncles or godparents, the service aims to make reading a regular family tradition once again.

Rather than everyone disappearing into separate digital worlds, families can enjoy the excitement of following the same characters, discussing favourite moments and debating the choices made by the story's heroes and villains. Even if one reader sneaks ahead, there's still plenty to talk about once everyone reaches the final page.

The idea grew from a simple observation that while families want to spend more quality time together, modern life often gets in the way. During their research, the bookstore's team discovered a wealth of classic novels and well-loved stories that had been thoughtfully adapted for younger readers without losing the heart of the original tale.

Every monthly package is designed to make the experience feel like more than simply receiving two books. Subscribers receive matching bookmarks, personalised ownership stickers, book review sheets for both adult and child, conversation prompts to spark lively discussions, a mystery envelope to open after finishing the books, exclusive stickers, a personal letter from the company's self-described "Chief Everything Officer", and a selection of surprise book-themed gifts.

The first subscription closes on 28 July, with the inaugural boxes due to be dispatched on 1 August.

At a time when reading for pleasure has become an increasing concern among educators and parents alike, initiatives that encourage families to read together feel especially welcome. Shared stories not only help develop literacy and imagination but also create meaningful conversations that continue long after the final chapter has been turned.

Sometimes, all it takes is one story, two books and a little curiosity to bring generations together. In an age dominated by notifications and streaming services, that may be one of the most magical adventures of all.

www.WillowChapterHouse.com

The Man With The Plan Brings William Beveridge's Vision to UK Cinemas

Christine Edzard and Simon Callow 

Simon Callow stars as William Beveridge in The Man With The Plan, an imaginative new British film touring UK cinemas from September 2026 exploring the legacy of the Beveridge Report.

A thought-provoking new British feature film exploring the legacy of one of the country's most influential social reformers is set to tour cinemas and community venues across the UK this autumn.

The Man With The Plan, written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christine Edzard, stars Simon Callow as William Beveridge and examines whether the visionary principles that shaped the modern welfare state still have relevance in Britain today. 

The independently produced film begins its nationwide tour on 20 September 2026, with screenings taking place in independent cinemas, theatres, universities and community venues.

Rather than presenting a traditional historical drama, the film takes an imaginative and highly original approach to Beveridge's famous 1942 report, which proposed tackling the "Five Giants" standing in the way of a fairer society: Want, Disease, Squalor, Idleness and Ignorance.

The story follows Flea, played by screen newcomer Sophie Jenkin, a young person who discovers Beveridge's blueprint for rebuilding post-war Britain. Through a series of surreal encounters featuring the Five Giants, the Devil, dancing magpies, media sheep and even Alice in Wonderland's Dodo, Flea explores how political choices and social change have shaped modern Britain.

One of the film's most distinctive features is its commitment to authenticity. Beveridge and the politicians portrayed throughout the story speak only words taken directly from their speeches and writings, making the production a unique verbatim film that blends historical fact with fantasy, political satire and documentary filmmaking.

As Flea's journey continues, she encounters leading academics and campaigners including Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Professor Kate Pickett and Professor Danny Dorling, whose work continues to address many of the inequalities Beveridge identified more than 80 years ago.

The impressive cast also includes comedian and activist Mark Thomas as The Narrator, Alan Cox as The Devil and Miriam Margolyes providing the voice of Squalor. Supporting roles feature Neil Gore, Hal Cruttenden, Michael Mears, Andrew Tiernan and several other familiar faces.

Written over six years of research, The Man With The Plan is an entirely independent, self-funded production created by Christine Edzard, whose distinguished career includes Little Dorrit, The Fool, As You Like It and The Good Soldier Schwejk. The film was produced and edited by Olivier Stockman and filmed at Sands Films Studio in Rotherhithe between October 2024 and May 2025.

Running for one hour and 45 minutes and carrying a 15 certificate for strong language, the film has already attracted praise from early viewers. Professor Kate Pickett described it as "a deeply engaging and inspiring watch", while The Big Issue founder John Bird called it "an urgent film for our times."

Following its September launch, the UK tour includes screenings in Liverpool, York, Sheffield, Salford, London, Bristol, Wolverhampton and many other locations, with further dates expected to be announced. For readers interested in British history, politics and socially engaged cinema, The Man With The Plan promises to be one of the year's most thought-provoking independent film releases.

To check out venues and for more details please visit https://www.sandsfilms.co.uk/the-man-with-the-plan.html

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Eight-Year-Old Sets Guinness World Record While Inspiring a New Generation of Young Writers

An extraordinary eight-year-old author is proving that age is no barrier to literary success after earning a place in the record books while encouraging children across the UK to rediscover the joy of storytelling.

Jayce Joyce has officially been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's Youngest Editor of a Published Anthology, thanks to his work on Our Stories Our World.

The remarkable publication brings together 20 original stories written by 20 young authors from across the UK, making it the country's first nationally curated child-led anthology. 

Created over eight months, the 50-page collection celebrates imagination, diversity and inclusion while giving children the opportunity to become published authors.

The anthology was inspired by the legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah and features a wide variety of stories and poems covering friendship, culture, family, football, identity and adventure. From tales celebrating multicultural Britain to imaginative fantasy stories and heartfelt reflections on personal experiences, every contribution demonstrates the creativity of young minds when given the chance to shine.

Jayce's achievement arrives at a time when children's reading habits are under increasing pressure. Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that reading for pleasure among young people has fallen to its lowest level in almost 20 years, with only around one in five children now reading every day.

Rather than simply highlighting the problem, Jayce hopes to be part of the solution.

A literacy advocate, Mensa member and recipient of the prestigious BBC Blue Peter Gold Badge, his passion for books began almost as soon as he could hold one. By the age of four he had already published his first book series, and his latest Guinness World Records title is another milestone in an already remarkable journey.

More importantly, Jayce wants other children to discover the confidence and creativity that writing can bring.

His growing Books from Children to Children initiative has evolved into a national child-led literacy movement, encouraging youngsters not only to read stories but to write and publish their own. Through school visits, workshops and community events, the initiative aims to inspire children to become confident readers, writers and future leaders.

To build on the success of the anthology, Jayce has now launched the 2026 Books from Children to Children Summer Writing Competition, inviting young people across the UK to swap screen time for story time during the school holidays. Successful entrants will have the chance to see their work professionally published in next year's anthology.

In an age dominated by digital entertainment, Jayce Joyce's remarkable achievement is a timely reminder that a single story can still spark a lifetime love of reading, writing and imagination.

https://jaycesworldoflearning.co.uk/competition/

https://jaycesworld.co.uk/books

1,000 Year History of Cathedral Music Marked

Gloucester Cathedral has opened an exciting new chapter in its remarkable 1,000-year musical history with the dedication of a magnificent new pipe organ that promises to inspire worshippers, musicians and visitors for generations to come.

The historic dedication service, held on 5 July, welcomed Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Gloucester and The Duchess of Gloucester, who attended as Joint Patrons of the Cathedral's In Tune Music and Organ Campaigns. Their presence recognised both the national importance of the project and the enduring place of cathedral music within Britain's cultural heritage.

Designed and built by Nicholson & Co, the impressive new instrument has been carefully installed within the Cathedral's beautifully restored 17th-century organ cases, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with modern engineering.

The organ itself is a remarkable achievement. Containing an astonishing 3,338 individual pipes, each capable of producing its own unique note or tone, it offers an extraordinary range of musical expression. From the softest whisper of sound to a thrilling, full-bodied crescendo, the instrument has been designed to take full advantage of Gloucester Cathedral's magnificent medieval acoustics.

Anyone who has experienced a great cathedral organ knows that its sound is something far beyond simply hearing music. 

The deep foundations, soaring reeds and sparkling upper voices resonate through vast stone spaces, creating an atmosphere that can be both uplifting and deeply moving. It is one of those rare experiences where music seems almost tangible.

The new organ will play a central role in daily worship, major services, concerts and recitals, while also supporting the Cathedral's acclaimed music education programmes. It will accompany the renowned choir, enhance performances of the great organ repertoire and provide exciting opportunities for creativity and community collaboration.

The Cathedral is also investing heavily in the future through its Singing and Organ Academies, helping young musicians develop their talents through chorister education, scholarships and outreach programmes. Thousands of people of all ages already take part in its musical activities each year, ensuring that music remains firmly at the heart of Cathedral life.

Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester Cathedral, described the organ as "a gift to the Cathedral, to the city and to future generations", while Director of Music and Organist Adrian Partington called it "a once-in-a-generation event" that will transform both worship and performance.

For lovers of music, history and magnificent architecture, the new organ offers yet another reason to visit Gloucester Cathedral. As its first notes now echo beneath the Cathedral's soaring medieval vaults, they signal not only the completion of an extraordinary project but the beginning of a vibrant new era in one of England's great centres of sacred music.

www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Craftland by James Fox Review. Britain's Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades

Discover why James Fox's Craftland is a fascinating celebration of Britain's disappearing crafts, traditional skills and the people determined to keep them alive.

In an age dominated by automation, artificial intelligence and mass production, it is easy to forget that Britain was once defined by the remarkable skills of the people who made things with their own hands.

 In Craftland: A Journey Through Britain's Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades, acclaimed art historian and broadcaster James Fox sets out to rediscover that forgotten world, and what he finds is both inspiring and deeply moving.

Travelling from the Isles of Scilly to the Scottish Highlands, Fox meets many of Britain's remaining master craftspeople. From blacksmiths and wheelwrights to coopers, bell-founders, watchmakers and stone wallers, he uncovers stories of dedication, patience and extraordinary expertise that have often been passed down through generations.

Rather than presenting these traditional trades as museum pieces, Fox reveals them as living skills that continue to have value in the modern world. Many of the people he meets reject the idea that they are simply preserving history. 

They are professionals who continue to earn a living through craftsmanship that demands precision, creativity and years of experience.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to connect the reader with Britain's rich regional heritage. Every county and community once had its own specialist trades, many of which helped shape local identity.Fox demonstrates how these crafts built towns, supported families and created objects designed to last for generations rather than years.

The writing is engaging, accessible and filled with fascinating encounters. Fox's enthusiasm is infectious, making readers appreciate the beauty hidden in everyday objects that most of us rarely stop to consider. Whether describing the careful construction of a dry-stone wall or the intricate mechanics of handmade watches, he reminds us that true craftsmanship combines knowledge, patience and passion.

At its heart, Craftland asks an important question: what do we lose when these skills disappear? The answer extends far beyond the objects themselves. Traditional crafts preserve stories, communities, identities and ways of thinking that cannot simply be replaced by machines.

For readers who enjoy history, British culture, traditional skills, or beautifully observed travel writing, Craftland is an absorbing and rewarding read. It is both a celebration of those keeping endangered trades alive and a thoughtful reminder that progress does not always mean leaving the past behind.

James Fox has produced a book that encourages us to look more closely at the makers around us and to value the remarkable human skill behind the objects we often take for granted. In doing so, Craftland becomes much more than a history of traditional crafts—it is a love letter to Britain's ingenuity, resilience and creativity.

Rating: ★★★★★

A BBC Radio Four Book of the Week, we can heartily recommend this book, it will make an excellent Christmas gift.

You can buy it from our Amazon-powered shop at a discounted price:- https://amzn.to/4vf1jwy

Lucy Connolly's Prison Memoir Explores Free Speech, Justice and Life Behind Bars

Discover Lucy Connolly's powerful prison memoir, exploring personal tragedy, freedom of speech, the UK justice system and life behind bars through her own experiences.

Some books entertain, some educate, and others invite readers to wrestle with difficult questions.

A new memoir from Lucy Connolly firmly falls into the latter category, offering a deeply personal account of tragedy, prosecution and life behind bars.

Lucy's story begins long before the events that brought her national attention. She writes movingly about the devastating loss of her only son, Harry, whom she believes died as a result of medical negligence. It is a loss that shaped every aspect of her life and one from which, she says, she has never fully recovered.

The book then turns to the aftermath of the horrific killings of children attending a dance class in Southport. Overwhelmed by emotion, Lucy posted a message on social media that she later removed just three hours after publishing it. 

Despite deleting the post, she was subsequently arrested, prosecuted under the Public Order Act and remanded into custody before later receiving a custodial sentence of 31 months.

In this memoir, Lucy recounts her experience from her own perspective. She describes how an ordinary family woman, a childminder, wife and the spouse of a Conservative councillor, found herself navigating the criminal justice system and adapting to life inside prison. Through her eyes, readers are taken behind the walls of the prison system and introduced to the routines, challenges and emotional realities of incarceration.

Beyond the personal story, the book explores wider themes that continue to generate public debate. It asks readers to consider where the line should be drawn between freedom of expression and criminality, whether sentencing in social media cases is proportionate, and how confidence in the justice system can be maintained. These are questions that have prompted strong opinions across the political spectrum.

Whether readers ultimately agree or disagree with Lucy's conclusions, her memoir offers a first-hand account of extraordinary circumstances and provides an opportunity to reflect on some of the most challenging legal and social issues facing Britain today.

For anyone interested in memoirs, contemporary legal debates, prison life or the evolving discussion around free speech in the digital age, this is a book likely to provoke conversation long after the final page has been turned.

You can buy your copies here https://amzn.to/3QPRyqr

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Ancient Tibetan Sand Mandala Installation Comes to London for Buddhist Film Festival

Tibetan monks will create and ceremonially dissolve a traditional sand mandala at London's Oxo Gallery as part of the Buddhist Film Festival, celebrating art, reflection and impermanence.

Visitors to London’s iconic Oxo Tower Wharf will soon have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary artistic and spiritual tradition as part of this year's Buddhist Film Festival.

From 17th to 21st June, the Oxo Gallery will host a live sand mandala installation created by Tibetan monks, offering a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old practice that combines artistry, meditation and profound philosophical meaning.

Presented through a collaboration between the Pure Land Foundation and Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, the free event aims to shine a spotlight on the Buddhist Film Festival, which begins online on 16th June and promises its most accessible and international programme yet.

For five days, visitors will be able to watch as monks carefully construct an intricate sand mandala using finely coloured grains of sand. The elaborate geometric patterns are created entirely by hand, requiring immense patience, concentration and precision.

What makes the event particularly intriguing is that the completed artwork is not intended to last.

On Sunday 21st June, the finished mandala will be ceremonially destroyed in a traditional dissolution ritual. While that may sound surprising, the act is central to Buddhist teachings, symbolising impermanence and reminding us that all things, no matter how beautiful or significant, are ultimately temporary.

The installation reflects many of the themes explored by the Buddhist Film Festival itself. The festival showcases a carefully curated selection of short and feature-length films inspired by Buddhist philosophy, contemplative practice and cross-cultural understanding. Alongside works from established filmmakers, the online fringe programme provides a platform for emerging voices exploring spirituality, compassion and human connection through cinema.

Bruno Wang, founder of the Pure Land Foundation and co-curator of the festival, believes both the sand mandala and the film programme offer valuable opportunities for reflection in an increasingly fast-paced world.

He explains that the creation and destruction of the mandala demonstrates how meaning can be found in the process itself rather than in permanence, encouraging visitors to slow down and engage more deeply with the present moment.

As an added bonus, visitors attending the Oxo Gallery installation will receive an exclusive code granting free access to the full Buddhist Film Festival programme.

Whether you're interested in world cinema, cultural traditions, spirituality or simply witnessing a remarkable artistic achievement unfold before your eyes, this unique event promises a memorable and thought-provoking experience in the heart of London.

Snowdonia church becomes unlikely winner in global Reddit competition

A small church in Eryri (Snowdonia), Cymru, has gained widespread online attention after emerging as the final location remaining in a month-long online competition involving thousands of Reddit users.

St Mary's Church, Beddgelert, was the last place standing in a challenge hosted by the Reddit community https://www.reddit.com/r/terriblemaps/, which invited users to repeatedly vote out half of a map until only a single location remained.

The competition began with the entire world divided into two halves. Users voted on which half should be eliminated before the remaining area was divided again and the process repeated. 

Over 29 rounds, continents, countries, regions and towns were gradually removed until the contest narrowed to a small area around Beddgelert.

In the final round, St Mary's Church emerged as the last surviving location.

The result reflects a well-known aspect of Reddit culture, where online communities often embrace unlikely underdogs and develop running jokes around them. As larger regions were eliminated and the map narrowed towards Beddgelert, users increasingly rallied behind St Mary's Church. 

News of the contest also spread beyond Reddit, with local residents joining the online discussion and helping build support for the village during the final rounds.

Reddit users praised both the village and the church. One described Beddgelert as "a gorgeous place", while another wrote: "Beautiful Church. No wonder it won." As the contest drew to a close, supporters rallied around the church and encouraged people to visit.

Local vicar Revd Kim Williams says, "We were quite surprised to learn St Mary's Church had become the focus of an online competition but it’s nice to see so many people speaking positively about Beddgelert and Eryri.

“I might be biased saying this but it definitely deserved to win! St Mary's has served the local community for generations. We are always pleased to welcome visitors who come to enjoy the village, the landscape and the church."

Beddgelert is a popular tourist spot for exploring Eryri, with the Welsh Highland Railway, walks through the Aberglaslyn Gorge, the start of the Watkin Path up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), and the nearby Sygun Copper Mine.

St Mary’s Church stands close to one of Beddgelert’s most famous landmarks, Gelert’s Grave. The grave is linked to the legend of Prince Llywelyn and his faithful hound Gelert. According to the story, Llywelyn returned from hunting to find his baby son missing and Gelert covered in blood. Believing the dog had killed the child, he killed Gelert, before discovering the baby unharmed beside the body of a wolf Gelert had slain. Visitors can reach the grave by a short riverside walk from the church.

https://bangor.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk