Quiz | What's in my pocket?

It’s quiz time! Can you match the fictional character to the contents of their pocket?

We’ve made a list of items found in the pockets of people from the literary world. Can you guess which item was kept in which person’s pocket? Scroll down for the answers.

The unnamed 7-year-old narrator of The Witches (Roald Dahl)

Mr Pepperpot in the Mrs Pepperpot series (Alf Prøysen)

Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet (Arthur Conan Doyle)

Virgina Woolf

Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit (JRR Tolkien)

Marian in Tess of the d’Urbervilles (Thomas Hardy)

William Brown in William Below Stairs (Richmal Crompton)

Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (The Brothers Grimm)

The Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist (Charles Dickens)

Harry in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (JK Rowling)

Lennie in Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck)

The soldier in The Tinder Box (Hans Christian Andersen)

Douglas Gold in the story Triangle at Rhodes from Murder in the Mews and Other Stories (Agatha Christie)

1 Gold coins

2 Breadcrumbs

3 Gin

4 The One Ring

5 Strophanthin

6 Stones, top, penknife, bits of putty, and other small objects… and a dying lizard

7 Silk handkerchiefs

8 Heavy stones and a heavy heart

9 A blood red stone

10 A dead mouse

11 Mrs Pepperpot

12 Two mice called William and Mary

13 A magnifying glass and a tape measure

In our April issue, we take a look at pockets and why it’s so important for women’s clothing to have them.

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Answers

1 Gold coins - The soldier in The Tinder Box (Hans Christian Andersen). 2 Breadcrumbs - Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (The Brothers Grimm).  3 Gin - Marian in Tess of the d’Urbervilles (Thomas Hardy). 4 The One Ring - Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit (JRR Tolkien).  5 Strophanthin - Douglas Gold in the story Triangle at Rhodes from Murder in the Mews and Other Stories (Agatha Christie). 6 Stones, top, penknife, bits of putty, and other small objects… and a dying lizard - William Brown in William Below Stairs (Richmal Crompton). 7 Silk handkerchiefs - The Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist (Charles Dickens). 8 Heavy stones and a heavy heart - Virgina Woolf. 9 A blood red stone - Harry in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (JK Rowling).  10 A dead mouse - Lennie in Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck). 11 Mrs Pepperpot - Mr Pepperpot in the Mrs Pepperpot series (Alf Prøysen).  12 Two mice called William and Mary - The unnamed 7-year-old narrator of The Witches (Roald Dahl).  13 A magnifying glass and a tape measure - Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet (Arthur Conan Doyle)

More from our April issue…

More quizzes…

Music appreciation | The Flight of the Bumblebee

Join us for a brief music lesson on Rimsky-Korsakov’s 1900 composition The Flight of the Bumblebee and find out what all the buzz was about

The fast and frenetic Flight of the Bumblebee is probably one of the most loved and recognised pieces of music in the classical canon. Obviously, it’s intended to imitate the noise and flight pattern of a bee. But here are a few more facts about it so that if it’s ever played in your presence you can nonchalantly comment on it and look very clever indeed. 

Why was it written?

It’s actually just a very small part of an opera called The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Flight is an interlude between scenes one and two of Act Three. 

What’s it all about, then?

At this point in the opera, Gvidon has been separated from his father, but an enchanted swan, whose life he once saved, turns him into a bumblebee so he can fly to find him. 

Which instruments can I hear?

It’s been played by many different ensembles, but chances are you can hear a lot of strings (mainly violins) and a flute and piccolo. Originally it was written for a symphonic orchestra. 

What should I be listening for?

Note the unusually fast tempo, which never slows, and actually becomes more frenetic as the piece moves towards its end. It’s made up of running chromatic semiquavers (sixteenths of a note), which give the buzzing, humming effect. 

Have I heard this somewhere else?

Definitely. Artists of all kinds have sampled and referenced it over the years. It’s appeared in the computer game Tetris, in a Bob Dylan track, and it even appeared in the pilot episode of The Muppets. 

Do say… “Rimsky-Korsakov’s composition really is a stunning piece of violin virtuosity. Doesn’t it just lift the soul?”

Don’t say… “Oh. LOVE a bit of Rip Your Corsets Off. Pass the fiddle, I can play a passable version myself, I reckon.”

The beautiful bumblebee picture above was used on our subscriptions page this month, which you can find out more about by clicking the subscription link below. .
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From our April issue…

More musical appreciation…

Why we love | ridiculous romantic novel titles

We know you should never judge a book by its cover but sometimes it is rather fun

In our April issue, we’ve been celebrating the romance novel in all its forms. From Austen heroes brooding in drawing rooms, to steamy scenes from more modern times, romance as a genre is something we can all relate to and something we love to love, even though we know it’s just a bit silly. So in honour of all that, we’ve collated eight of the more silly and very real titles of romance novels we encountered and have imagined how their plots might pan out. 

Mad, Bad and Dangerous in Plaid

Two kilt makers in the Highlands are driven to a turf war over ownership of a design. The last thing they expected was for love to blossom over a patent rights dispute. 

Beginner’s Guide to Rakes

When Susan gets her first allotment, she is confused by the range of garden and DIY tools on offer in her local Homebase. Fortunately, Roger is there to lend a hand. 

Aroused by Two Lions

A chance encounter while on a day trip to Whipsnade brings more than Elsa bargained for.

Emily’s Magical Bejewelled Codpiece

Tudor historian Emily discovers the costume department of the museum contains a secret door to the court of King Henry VIII and adventure awaits. 

Desert Prince, Defiant Virgin

Prince Ali has never left his village home on the edge of the desert and decides if he is to find love, he must take his search to further flung lands. Unfortunately, due to Richard Branson’s cuts, the flight is cancelled. 

Grace Before Meat

The Reverend John Alford is a regular at his village butcher. Then one day a new apprentice arrives in the form of beautiful Emily Bones, and love blossoms over the lamb shanks.

Romance Goes Tenting

A dark and rainy night, a young couple on their first holiday… a row over why on earth he didn’t book the caravan as she’d suggested. Things are going to get stormy before they get steamy. 

Apollo’s Seed

An unlikely romance blooms between Ted, who is putting in his annual Thompson and Morgan’s seed catalogue order, and Octavia, a young Greek woman, working at the call centre. 

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More from our April issue…

More literary inspiration…

New hobby | Plein Air Sketching

Make a walk an event by sitting down to sketch the landscape for a short while

There aren’t many things that don’t feel just a bit more ‘alive’ for being practised outdoors; eating alfresco is so much more than just supper, sleeping under the stars turns a daily fact of life into something magic… And art? Well, painting a landscape, live, out in the fresh air, is like the difference between watching a BBC schools TV film of Julius Caesar and being in the Globe watching the RSC perform it live. 

‘Plein Air’ painting, the act of painting a landscape like a sitting portrait, with the artist able to better capture the changing light, weather and atmosphere, began in the 1800s, pioneered by Constable, whose painting, Boatbuilding, Near Flatford Mill was conceived and painted entirely outdoors. The catalyst, lovely though the great outdoors is, was the rather more prosaic fact of tubes of oil paints suddenly becoming available. Paints had previously needed to be mixed from raw pigments which did not lend themselves to being thrown into a bag for an impromptu day’s painting out in the fields. A few tubes fitted nicely into your artist’s knapsack alongside a Thermos and a cheese sandwich. 

The Plein Air movement soon spread to the continent, its high point coming with Impressionist landscapes; think the likes of Monet, Renoir and Pissaro with their dappled light and soft, outdoorsy colours. 

Perhaps it’s the fresh air going to our heads, but we think we might just be inspired enough to give plein air a go ourselves now the weather’s warming up. How hard can a few water lilies be to paint anyway? If you fancy trying it too, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Put together a bit of a kit. You don’t need a full-on pochade box, though. In fact, it’s best if you travel fairly light. Just a modest art kit (more on that below), something to keep warm if you’re sitting still for long periods, a hat if it’s sunny (or chilly), and we recommend a flask of tea and a generous slice of cake. Art is not fuelled on inspiration alone, you know. 

2. If you’re painting you just need something to paint on (paper, card, a sketchbook or canvas), a couple of brushes of different sizes, something to put water in and a cloth to wipe your brushes. Watercolours travel more easily than oils but don’t be put off oils or gouache if that’s what you prefer. You don’t need to take them all either; just consider your location, and pick out a few tubes of paint to match the colouring of the scenery.  Plein Air fans often say they prefer to use ‘found’ water for rinsing brushes than taking their own. There’s definitely something charming about using water taken from the sea to paint your beach scene, or even just asking the cafe that features in your scene for a glass of water to paint with.

3. Of course, sketching with coloured pencils or charcoals is lots of fun, too. We think if Monet had had the wealth of colours offered in a Faber Castell kit, he’d have given it a go, too. 

4. Choose a location that inspires you. It doesn’t have to be a pastoral idyll; just somewhere that ‘speaks’ to you. It also needs to be somewhere you can easily sit undisturbed (so if the roundabout at Elephant and Castle speaks to you maybe think again). You also need somewhere comfy enough to sit, whether that’s a grassy hillock or a camping chair on a street corner. 

5. Take a photo of the scene you’re painting just for reference later on. It’s very satisfying once you start to get a little bit good.

6. Before you start, do a quick sketch of the scene you want to recreate; what plein air artists call a ‘thumbnail sketch’. It just gives you an idea of composition and what’s going where. Try to pick just one or two elements to focus on in the picture.

7. Once you’re painting or drawing, your watchword is ‘speed’. That might seem to go against the whole ethos of the thing, but you’ll be surprised how quickly the light changes. If painting, use a broad brush and just block in colour. You can add more detail and colour on top later, but you need to get the basics in first so the light doesn’t change the colours and where shadows fall too much while you’re working. 

8. Be prepared to chat to passers by and show off your work (or adopt the look of a serious artist who must not be disturbed by trivialities and wear obvious headphones). 

The photograph above is by Dr Ali Foxon, who we spoke to in our April issue for our ‘Walking with Purpose’ feature. Ali runs boggydoodles.com which organises green sketching events for groups. Turn to page 44 to meet Ali and more people who have added ‘purpose’ to their walks in different ways. 

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More from our April issue…

More artistic inspiration…

Make | Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Balm

A simple project for a sweet-smelling Easter gift to make a change from a chocolate egg

Homemade lip balm is easier than you might expect. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can experiment with different flavour combinations. This version is like mint choc chip ice cream for your lips.

Makes two pots of lip balm

1 tbsp coconut oil
1½ tbsp shea butter
1½ tbsp cocoa butter
1 tbsp cocoa powder
3 drops peppermint essential oil
2 x 30ml jars

1 Put the coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and cocoa powder into a jam jar or bowl.

2 Set the bowl over a pan of boiling water, taking care not to let it touch the water. As soon as they’ve all melted, remove from the heat. Alternatively, heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or until melted.

3 Let the mix cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oil.

4 Stir well before pouring into your jars. Be careful not to spill the mixture around the top of the jar as this’ll make it difficult to open once cooled. To speed up the cooling process, put your jars in the fridge or freezer.

This recipe is just one of the creative projects by Lottie Storey that feature in our Heart, Body and Soul pages, which this issue focuses on chocolate (of course). There are also instructions for making a chocolate and rose petal salami, chocolate tagliatelle and a pain au chocolat miso pudding. Photography by Kirstie Young.

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More chocolate (because there can’t be too much)…

Recipe | Campfire Salmon

You don’t need to catch your fish for it to taste just better when eaten on the beach

This campfire salmon with tomato skewers is just the ticket for an impromptu day spent at the beach. It’s best eaten with windswept hair and mopped up with crusty bread after. 

Serves 4 

4 salmon fillets 

Salt and pepper 

1 lemon, sliced 

A punnet of cherry tomatoes 

Olive oil to drizzle 

1 Take two pieces of foil big enough to wrap the fish in. Place them on top of each other and place the salmon fillets in the middle. 

2 Season the salmon with salt and pepper then cover with lemon slices. Wrap the foil over the fish making sure there aren't any holes or gaps. 

3 Using wooden skewers, thread the cherry tomatoes onto the sticks, drizzle with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Place a wire griddle over the fire – above the burning embers and away from the flames – and place your skewers on top, turning regularly until they begin to blacken. 

4 Meanwhile, place the foil salmon packet directly in the fire and flip roughly every 5 mins, cooking for around 25 mins, or until the fish is fully cooked. Serve with the tomato skewers and home-baked soda bread. 

Cook’s note: Soak your wooden skewers before using to stop them from charring and bring an old wire rack to balance on the fire to make cooking quicker. 

This recipe is part of our Gathering feature, Bright and Breezy, from our April issue, a complete guide to having an impromptu spring day by the sea. Alongside campfire and picnic recipes, it also features ideas for enjoying the beach responsibly and games to play on the sand. Photography by Brent Darby Photography and Narratives Photo Agency.

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Wellbeing | cold water therapy

Plunging into something a little chilly brings benefits that go far beyond a thorough wake-up call

In our March issue, we’ve looked at the rise in popularity of cold water immersion and some of the benefits it can bring to both mind and body.

You don’t even need a lake or river to swim in; these days, folk are getting wet and wintry in barrels and baths in their garden, and even just dipping their toe into cold water immersion with a quick blast at the end of a morning shower. 

You can read more about it all from page 74 of our March issue. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you get started on your cold water journey. <Passes you a Thermos and a warm towel>

Ready to take the plunge? Some good preparation will help 

1 Let yourself acclimatise to cold water by slowly increasing the time you spend in it and if you’re swimming outdoors, starting when the water is warmer in the summer and autumn. 

2 Stay warm as long as you can before you go in. Wrap up warm if you’re outside or have a warm shower before you turn the temperature down. 

3 Practise some breathwork to help you keep calm when you get in. Visit wimhofmethod.com for tips. 

4 Take your time getting in, splashing water onto your legs, torso, arms and shoulders before immersing yourself. 

5 You’ll be at your coldest 10 minutes after you come out, so get out while you’re still feeling good, dry off then layer up and keep moving. 

6 Don’t be too brave. If you prefer to wear a wetsuit, then wear one. 

7 If you don’t fancy going the whole hog, try immersing your face in cold water for a few seconds (more than just a splash!). 

8 Have fun! Experiment with water butts, barrels and icy baths, and play music and dance about to distract you from the cold.

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More ways to be well…

Recipe | Whitby Lemon Buns

Whitby lemon buns are similar to Iced Fingers, but are usually square. The icing will harden, so for a softer version, add 1 tsp of water. 

These have been a speciality of E Botham and sons of Whitby since the 1860s, but are made by other bakers now, too. Plump, filling and beautifully zesty, they make an occasion of any cup of tea and are a cheering sight in the cake tin. Here’s how to make them yourself.

Makes 12 buns 

For the buns: 

15g dried yeast 

250ml lukewarm whole milk 

500g plain flour 

½ tsp baking powder 

60g demerara sugar 

100g butter (room temp), cubed 

2 eggs 

5g fine sea salt 

Zest of ½ lemon 

150g raisins or currants 

For the glaze: 

200g icing sugar 

35ml lemon juice 

1 Add the yeast to the milk and stir to gently activate. Meanwhile, in a bowl or electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, baking powder and sugar, then add the butter on top. Pour in half of the yeast mix and knead. When fully absorbed, add the rest of the yeast mix, along with the eggs, and knead for 5 mins more. Leave to stand for a few mins. 

2 Add the salt, lemon zest and raisins and knead for 10 mins more, or until it’s formed a smooth, elastic dough. 

3 Cover and set aside for 1 hr. Line a 39x27cm tin with baking parchment. 

4 Divide the dough into 12 equal parts. Take each piece and lightly flatten, pulling in the outer parts like a purse and squeezing together. Turnover and place in the baking tin. 

5 Cover with a cotton cloth, then wrap in a plastic bag. Rest for 1 hr, or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 210C/Fan 190C/Gas 6. 

6 Bake for 8–10 mins, or until golden. Allow to cool, then make the glaze by mixing the icing sugar with the lemon juice and using to top each bun. 

Cook’s note: You can freeze these buns before icing: thaw and revive in a hot oven before adding the icing.

This recipe is taken from Oats in the North, Wheat From the South by Regula Ysewijn (Murdoch Books). Photography by Regula Ysewijn.

You can read more of the recipes from the book, including Tottenham Cake, Manchester Tart and Devonshire Splits, in our April issue, on sale now. 

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From our April issue…

More bakes to make…

Sponsored post | Blackdown Shepherd Huts

If you’re after something a little different for a garden retreat, home office or business venture, look no further than a beautiful Blackdown Shepherd Hut

While we may not all have a flock of sheep to tend to, a traditional shepherd hut can still provide a practical addition to your home, as well as a touch of luxury and escapism from the humdrum of life. Whether you’re after somewhere to retreat to at the bottom of the garden to watch the fruits of your labour grow, a peaceful sanctuary from which to work, or an additional living space where you, or others, can rest, the team at Blackdown Shepherd Huts can turn your dreams into reality.

ROOTED IN HISTORY
Established in 2011, it’s been over a decade since Will and his cousin George built their first shepherd hut in Will’s garage in Ilminster, Somerset. Inspired by the Victorian origins of these structures and with backgrounds in farming, they were both captivated by the heritage of these discerning spaces and the flexibility that they can bring to peoples’ lives. Mentioned as far back as the 16th century, shepherd huts were originally built as a mobile shelter so that the shepherd could tend to their flocks. They included a fire for warmth, a bed to rest in and wheels to move base whenever they needed. Nowadays, our needs may have changed, however the craftspeople at Blackdown Shepherd Huts are able to tailor your ideas to create a bespoke garden room, home office, overspill accommodation, relaxation retreat or glamping business.

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Once you have the initial seed of inspiration for your design, the next step on your Blackdown journey is to contact the team and to join them for a chat over a cup of tea at their display garden and workshop, still located in Ilminster. There, you’ll see the heart and passion that they put into making each hut, fully aware that they’re producing a beautifully bespoke piece of design, built to withstand the test of time, and which, one day, will surely become an beloved heirloom of the future.

Seven steps to shepherd hut heaven

From those first sparks of inspiration to enjoying your bespoke design, there are several steps on the Blackdown journey

1 Visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on social media – watch their videos and gather inspiration.

2 Drop the team an email or give them a call to chat about your ideas. They can also pop a beautiful brochure in the post to help your thinking process along.

3 Join the team for a cuppa and to chat through your ideas. You can also have a nosey around the workshop and see first-hand the craftsmanship that goes into every hut.

4 If you need any further convincing, why not road test a Blackdown shepherd hut at Dimpsey Glamping, just down the road from HQ, in Somerset (dimpsey.co.uk).

5 When you’re ready to take the next step, the team will draw up your plans. They may even pop over to visit the spot that you have planned for your hut.

6 Once completely happy with the plans, place your order . You can now sit back and relax while the team build your dream space. They’ll send regular photos and updates throughout.

7 Delivery day! Have your bubbles at the ready – your hut will be delivered on its due date and placed in exactly the right spot. Congratulations, you are now officially part of the Blackdown flock!

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @blackdownshepherdhuts.

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Competition | Win a weekend break in the South Downs

You could enjoy three nights in this boutique bolthole in Sussex and £100 to spend at nearby Stuff & Co.

Do you love to shop till you drop? If so, we’ve a three-night stay at West Street Loft in Midhurst, West Sussex, plus £100 to spend at neighbouring Stuff & Co, up for grabs. With its aged timbers and wonky walls, West Street Loft is a 16th-century conversion that’s been given a modern makeover, providing a luxurious base from which to explore the local surroundings, such as Cowdray Park polo, Goodwood and the glorious South Downs Way. Top of your list, though, should be to explore Stuff & Co, quite literally on your doorstep. Featuring a beautiful range of designer and vintage homewares, fashion, jewellery and furniture, treasures include locally-produced soaps, faux plants, cards and scented candles, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

To enter
Just click on the button below and answer the following question:
Q Which century was West Street Loft Built in?

For more information, visit stuffandco.co.uk or follow at: @weststreetloftmidhurst.

Terms and conditions

This competition closes at 11.59pm on 5 May 2021. One winner will be selected at random from all the correct entries received and notified soon after. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap for cash. Prize subject to availability. Details of our full terms are on p127 of the magazine and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

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Competition | Win a UK holiday worth £500 courtesy of Classic Cottages

A luxury self-catering break in the UK could be yours

As the days grow longer and warmer, our minds inevitably turn to holidays, and the memories that will be made. Whether you’re looking for golden sands and turquoise seas or beautiful woodland and tranquillity, Classic Cottages has something to suit all tastes thanks to its exclusive collection of luxury self-catering cottages.

COAST OR COUNTRY?
If your ideal getaway is to escape to the breathtaking British coast, there are plenty of options to call your ‘home from home’, while you explore the rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, charming fishing villages and bracing coastal walks that this country has to offer. Should the restorative nature of a rural retreat be more your cup of tea, then head to the countryside with many properties just a stone’s throw from stunning woodland, wildflower meadows and windswept moors.

ADVENTURE FOR ALL
For the adventurous, there’s also Classic Cottages’ quirky line-up of glamping getaways. With shepherds’ huts, treehouses, safari tents, airstreams and cliff-top cabins to choose from, you’re sure to recharge your batteries while watching the twinkling night sky from your hot tub, or perhaps snuggled around a firepit, toasting marshmallows.

Whatever your dream break, Classic Cottages has something for you. Now, one lucky reader could be a step closer to making it a reality as The Simple Things has a £500 voucher up for grabs. Your only quandary is deciding on just where exactly to visit. For more information and to book online, visit classic.co.uk.

How to enter
To be in with a chance of winning, just click on the button below and answer the following question by 5 May 2021:
Q. What can Classic Cottages offer for adventurous types?

Terms and conditions

This competition closes at 11.59pm on 5 May 2021. One winner will be selected at random from all the correct entries received and notified soon after. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap for cash. Details of our full terms are on p.127 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

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Playlist | A Breath of Fresh Air

Songs that bring a bit of spring breeze to your day. Stop, look and listen here.

“Here comes the breeze
Come on blow me out”

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More of our playlists…