What should be the countryside's New Year resolutions? Certainly, the big freeze demonstrates how neighbourly we can be in adverse conditions. So let's not lose these Samaritan values when the snow eventually disappears and the temperature starts to climb.
First, countryside organisations would do well to stop point-scoring and bickering. Too often, the drive for new members sits above the ideals that they are supposed to stand for and for which their members pay subscriptions; far too often, one organisation will attack another for its own personal gain.
Of course, they can't be expected to agree on everything, but it seems that we already have a Government with rural sympathies, so surely it would be better to impress them with a more united front? Currently, I have a strong feeling that the disparate factions end up doing more damage than good. This may suit Westminster, but it's hopeless for rural Britain.
Second, buy local. We're all going to have to pay more for food due to the savage increase in the price of wheat and other foodstuffs, but what we can try to control as individuals is demanding more that is local and in season from supermarkets. It won't be easy, but adversity has always brought out the best in the British people.
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380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
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'A delicious chance to step back in time and bask in the best of Britain': An insider's guide to The SeasonHere's how to navigate this summer's top events in style, from those who know best.
