Portfolio
Poirot actor’s Bible world-first
Known to millions of people as ace detective, Hercule Poirot, the actor Sir David Suchet is set to take on a role he regards as a real ‘privilege’ – reading the gospel of St John’s from Westminster Abbey on Easter Sunday. In a world premiere,... read more »
A thought for Palm Sunday
Anger has its place – but venting one’s spleen on social media every day of the week is definitely not the right thing to do. Many use the keyboard as a weapon to make themselves feel better, and to allow an often inflated ego to... read more »
Churches applaud legal win
Church leaders in Scotland have expressed their relief at a judge’s decision to overturn a Scottish Government ban on public worship. And now the way has been cleared for them to do so, they are able to open their doors to their congregations and communities... read more »
Cricket star targets gambling
A leading county cricketer is attempting to hit gambling companies for six – by seeking curbs to ‘in your face’ advertising. Hampshire all-rounder, Chris Wood, is spearheading attempts by the Professional Cricketers’ Association – the sport’s trade union – to reduce the opportunities broadcasters offer... read more »
PM praises selfless Christians
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has for the first time publicly thanked churches for the role they have played during lockdown and recognised the ‘selfless stoicism’ Christians have demonstrated throughout the pandemic. It has been a hard 12 months for everyone, including Britain’s churches, but Christians... read more »
Time to build a life plan
The world has a funny habit of hitting us hard when we least expect it. And it did just that to Gwyn Williams in 2001 – on the fateful and harrowing day of 9/11. How many of us have been on journeys with unscheduled stops,... read more »
Taiwan goes sushi-crazy
If you think the British are barking mad and liable to doing weird and wonderful things, think again. For it seems the people of Taiwan can beat anything the crazy Brits can do. In a bid to get themselves a freebie – in this case... read more »
Covid's spurring us on
Pubs and restaurants have been devastated during the course of the last 12 months. But two innovative and community-focused Leicestershire businesses have used the pandemic to change their working practices, making them more customer-focussed and COVID-proof. As Louis Mason reveals. I can’t wait to get... read more »
Minister's plea to royals
A Christian minister and charity leader believes the fallout from last week’s bombshell TV interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could pave the way for ‘lasting racial reconciliation’. The Reverend Alton Bell, who oversees the work of the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation,... read more »
Vicar laughs off Zoom gaffe
A Zoom filter blunder has accidentally turned a Warwickshire Vicar into a Blues Brother – and a social media sensation to boot! During a church service streamed live to churchgoers, Reverend Vaughan Roberts was turned into the spitting image of Joliet Jake Blues from the hit... read more »