As usual there were crowds at Stonehenge this morning to witness the sunrise at 4:52 and welcome the summer solstice. Rising behind the Heel Stone the sun cast its first rays along The Avenue that leads from the east directly to the centre of Stonehenge. It was a particularly clear and beautiful morning today and the many pictures capture the wonder and spirit of the occasion.
 
We can be thankful that this interaction of man and nature remains as it has for thousands of year because on two occasions in the past hundred odd years it was nearly not so.
 
In 2014 the Ministry of Defence proposed building of hundreds of new houses at Larkhill and there was uproar that the development would obstruct the sight of the rising sun on Midsummer Day. Larkhill to Stonehenge is less than a mile so any structures on the line of sight will interfere directly with witnessing dawn break at the summer solstice. 
 
After hundreds of objections, and an online petition that drew more than 20,000 signatures, sensibility prevailed and the plan was revised. The houses were moved north of the earlier proposed areas so as not to interfere with the sight lines to Stonehenge.
 
However over a century earlier, in 1913, the area to the south of Larkhill – where the new housing estate has been developed - was in use as one of the earliest airfields in the country. Many of the fliers at Larkhill were aware of the importance to others of the midsummer traditions at Stonehenge and a ‘sun gap’ was left between the first permanent sheds (hangars) built for the British and Colonial Company in 1910 and later military sheds erected for the Air Battalion, the precursor to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Air Force.
 
In August 1912 the Military Aeroplane Competition was held at Larkhill. The purpose of this Competition was to determine the type of aeroplane best suited to the requirements of the RFC. Valuable prizes were on offer: Up to £1,500 for the best British-built machine and £4,000 for the best machine from anywhere in the world. To accommodate the influx of people and machines additional temporary sheds were erected. It seems some of these went up in the ‘sun gap’ and it was pointed out that if left in situ they would obscure the Stonehenge sight line come the following June.
 
In March 1913 Major Brooke-Popham, Officer Commanding No.3 Squadron of the RFC then based at Larkhill, wrote to the powers at nearby Bulford Camp:

‘I understand that a ceremony is held every year in connection with Stonehenge. As far as I can gather one of the sheds erected for the Military Aeroplane Competition will intercept the sun’s rays when it rises on Midsummer Day. Can you inform me whether this shed should be removed before then?’
 
The response from a staff officer of the Royal Engineers was curt: 

​‘I do not consider I should be justified in recommending expenditure of WD [War Department] funds on removing a shed to avoid the possibility of interfering with the sun’s rays falling on Stonehenge.’
 
However the officers of the Royal Flying Corps were obviously men of foresight and tact. Notwithstanding the attitude of his Army brethren Major Barrington-Kennett, Adjutant to the RFC, took action and was able to report back to Brooke-Popham in May confirming that the interfering structures, two temporary sheds, were taken down and stored.
 
A potential for much ill will was averted and no doubt those gathering at the summer solstice in 1913 were unaware that the sun almost didn’t rise quite as expected that day.
 
We are lucky that, 105 years later, the actions of a few have preserved this vista and enabled us to celebrate Midsummer as undoubtedly our ancestors have done for so many years.

Why not take a look at our ebook The Boys' Book of Aeroplanes? First published in 1912, the same year as the Larkhill Aeroplane Trials, this title is well illustrated with contemporary and rare photographs, and provides a fascinating insight to aviation, right at the start.

​Keeping chickens is a very popular hobby today that has enjoyed a revival in the past few years. Many urban gardens now contain a run with a few chickens or bantams. As well as fresh eggs these birds provide colour and enjoyment and, if allowed to roam free in the garden, are a great help to the gardener as they seek out slugs, snails and other pests.
 
Their gentle sounds can be very soothing to the ear and I enjoy hearing them everyday over the garden wall as my neighbour’s chickens roam about their run, even though we are within half-a-mile of a busy city centre.
 
Chicken keeping was popular in the past but was often a money-making enterprise that anyone with a small amount of land could undertake. Searching the shelves of second-hand bookshops we found a copy of Poultry-Keeping.This was written and published exactly one hundred years ago in 1918 and we have reproduced this book as an ebook ready for the modern reader.
 
The advice given in Poultry-Keeping is provided by acknowledged experts and stands the test of time. There are wise words here on keeping chickens clean, well-fed and healthy, with regular reminders that chickens need space and time to scratch and forage for food themselves in order to stay well and productive. This is in a time before battery hens were crowded into tiny cages with no room to stretch their wings or have a dust bath. The authors also provide guidance on the breeds of birds to buy for different purposes – egg-laying, chickens for eating, showing, etc. – breeding and care of chicks, showing chickens (which was very popular in 1918), the business side of poultry-keeping, information on ailments and diseases, as well as advice on keeping other poultry such as ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowl.
 
There is a great deal of practical benefit and simple enjoyment to be gained from keeping chickens. They are not too demanding and can give a great deal of pleasure. You do need to keep them safe from the local fox though!
 
One interesting benefit explored in recent years is the effect animals can have upon people’s wellbeing. Hen Power is an organisation that was set up to help combat loneliness amongst elderly people. It does this by engaging them in both arts activities and hen-keeping to promote health and wellbeing. This has been achieved by taking chickens to individuals and groups; into care homes for example, where the birds provide a focus of attention and a catalyst for conversation. It has also enabled links between elderly people and schools where the hens provide the source of partnerships between the old and the young.

​For more information see: www.equalarts.org.uk/our-work/henpower www

Although the English weather is proving as changeable and erratic as ever this year the signs of spring have finally burst forth. In my garden there is sumptuous pear, apple and quince blossom, and the tulips are at their peak while the first blush of wisteria has made an appearance over the weekend. And everywhere there is the sound of lawnmowers.
 
In a few weeks it is the Chelsea Flower Show that will be followed by shows, exhibitions and plenty of reasons for garden lovers across the country to have a ‘day out’.
 
William Heath Robinson tackled a range of subjects in the 1930s when he collaborated with wordsmith KRG Browne in a series of guides for motorists, husbands, golfers and flat-dwellers that provided ample scope for his illustrative imagination.
 
Gardeners were not forgotten and ‘How to make a garden grow’ was published in 1938.
​
KRG Browne kicks off this particular title as follows: 
 
‘It was Napoleon, I believe, who once remarked laughingly across the teacups to somebody whose name escapes me for the moment: “These English (ces anglais et anglaises) are a nation of gardeners! Zut, alors!’ Rather a sweeping statement, but one containing more than a grain of truth. Of every ten Englishmen accosted at random in the street at least six would prove to be keen amateurs of the trowel, the shears and the two-penny seed packet. Affection for flowers of all sorts has been a British characteristic since the dawn of Time.’
 
He continues in this vein covering garden planning, plants and flowers, the kitchen garden, rock gardens, roof gardens and garden entertainment. However it is for Heath Robinson’s wonderful illustrations that this book and the others in the series are worth reading. He provides over 100 illustrations that are typical Heath Robinson with their humour, whimsy and sheer eccentricity.
 
We have re-editioned this title as an ebook and in recognition of Heath Robinson’s unique style and skill will donate 10% of all proceeds to the Heath Robinson Museum. The museum opened a few years ago located in Pinner, North London and is a repository for all things Heath Robinson 

To buy your ebook How to Make a Garden Grow click here.

And here are just a few of those marvellous illustrations.

Every year we make our own marmalade. Seville oranges, lemon juice and demerara sugar: it's not at all difficult and the taste is so much better than the mass-produced versions available in the local supermarket.

Originally made from quinces the Greeks called this melimelon (honey fruit) and this was transformed into Portuguese as marmelo. In turn this became marmalada when referring to quince paste.

Although most citrus fruits can be made into marmalade it is the orange and less usually lemon or lime varieties that are most popular. Seville oranges are regarded as the best for marmalade as they have a high pectin content and this provides a good set.

Mrs Beeton, in her book Jam-making and Preserves offers twenty different marmalades but her basic orange marmalade recipe is as follows:

Take 12 Seville oranges, 2 lemons and some preserving sugar.

Slice the fruit thinly, removing inner pith and pips. Weigh it, and to each lb. add 3 pints of cold water. Let the whole remain covered in an earthenware vessel for 3 days, then turn the preparation into a preserving pan and boil gently until quite tender. Let it cool, weigh again, and to each lb. of fruit add 1 lb. of sugar. Bring to the boiling-point, skim well, and cook gently until the syrup stiffens quickly when tested on a  cold plate. Turn into pots, cover with paper brushed over on both sides with white of egg, and store in a cool, dry place.

The recipe we used this year is provided by Pam Corbin in her book Preserves.  www.amazon.co.uk/Preserves-River-Cottage-Handbook-No-2/dp/0747595321/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518605724&sr=1-1&keywords=preserves

She uses 1kg of Seville oranges, 75ml lemon juice, 2kg demarara sugar.

Scrub the oranges, remove the buttons at the top of the fruit, then cut in half. Squeeze out the juice and keep to one side. Using a sharp knife, slice the peel, pith and all, into thin, medium or chunky shreds, according to your preference. Put the sliced peel into a bowl with the orange juice and cover with 2.5 litres of water. Leave to soak overnight or for up to 24 hours.

Transfer the whole mixture to a preserving pan, bring to the boil then simmer slowly, covered, until the peel is tender. This should take approximately 2 hours, by which time the contents of the pan will have reduced by about one-third.

Stir in the lemon juice and sugar. Bring the marmalade to the boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Boil rapidly until setting point is reached, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the heat. Leave to cool for 8-10 minutes - a little longer if the peel is in very chunky pieces - then stir gently to disperse any scum, pour into warm, sterilised jars and seal immediately. Use within 2 years.

​Yummy!

A Christmas roast turkey always needs the right accompaniments and an essential is cranberry jelly. Mrs Beeton provides her take on this festive 'must have' in her book on Jam-making and Preserves.

Take 1/2lb of cranberries, 6oz of sugar, a pinch of soda, a teaspoonful of lemon juice and 7.5fl ozs of water.

Pick over and wash the cranberries, put them in a stew-pan with the water and soda. Remove the scum as soon as it begins to boil, then add the sugar, and boil gently for about 20 minutes, and keep covered whilst boiling. Remove the lid and add the lemon juice, reduce briskly for a few minutes until the liquid stiffens; strain into a wetted mould or any earthen vessel, allow it to set in a cool place, and turn out when required. This is not exactly a sauce, although the Americans usually describe it as such. It forms a very excellent and most appropriate accompaniment with roast turkey.

And this shows it can be taken literally!

In her book Jam-making and Preserves, Mrs Beeton provides recipes for over twenty different fruit jellies.

Today there is a wide variety of equipment available for jam-making but Mrs Beeton recommended preserving pans of copper or brass as she felt that the preserve was less likely to boil over or stick to the pan and burn. She also approved of enamelled pans as a cheaper alternative but today the best preserving pans are stainless steel as they do not react to the fruit acids and are much easier to clean. Of course the spoon should be wooden!

When straining the jelly she emphasises that you should not rub the pulp through the sieve, simply press it firmly to extract the juice. Care should be taken not to boil jellies too much; for if they are over-boiled their colour is spoiled, and they become ropy, like treacle.

Fruit jellies are prepared with juices from fruits containing pectin or vegetable jelly with the addition of an equal amount of sugar.

The best fruits, and those most adapted for making jellies, are according to Mrs Beeton,  red currants, gooseberries, apples, quinces and Seville oranges.

Here are a couple of her recipes for apple jelly. She refers to sugar loaf, which was how sugar came in the 19th century, until it was superseded by the  granulated sugar with which we are familiar today. Measures are imperial.
​
Apple Jelly 1
All sour or tart apples make excellent jelly. Wash the apples and remove all unsound parts. Cut them into pieces without paring or removing the core. Place in a preserving pan, add enough water to cover, and cook until tender. Drain the juice, and allow 3/4lb of sugar loaf (granulated sugar) to each pint. Measure 3 pints of juice into the preserving pan, boil about 15 minutes, then add the sugar and cook until it forms a jelly when cold.

Apple Jelly 2
Take 10lbs of apples and 10 pints of water.

Rub the apples well with a dry cloth, but do not pare them. Cut them into quarters, remove the cores, and put them into a preserving pan with the water. Simmer until perfectly soft, but not broken, then strain off the liquid without squeezing the pulp. If not clear, pass though a clean dry cloth until it becomes so. To each pint of liquid obtained allow 1lb of sugar and the juice of 2 lemons, and simmer gently until a little, poured on a cold plate, almost immediately begins to stiffen. Pour into pots (jars), cover closely, and store in a cool, dry place.

The apple pulp can be sweetened, flavoured with ginger or cinnamon, and made into jam.

Alternative jellies recommended by Mrs Beeton include apricot, blackberry, cranberry, red-currant and, for the adventurous, prickly pear!

The year-round availability of so many fresh fruits and vegetables in supermarkets and local food shops provides both attraction but also a certain sadness. The former that we can eat what we feel like when we feel like, no matter how exotic our taste might be. The latter that this ever-present availability robs us of the natural cycle ,linked to the seasons,  that determines when apples are ripe and therefore to be eaten or that mandarin oranges are ready in their place of origin and soon on board a ship heading our way.

Although I am drawn to respecting the seasonality of food in general the ready availability does mean I can make certain jams whenever i feel like it.

Looking through Mrs Beeton's Jam-making & Preserves this recipe for Orange and Rhubarb Jam caught my attention. Here is how she does it:

Take 1 quart (2 pints/1.1 litres by volume) of finely-chopped rhubarb, 6 oranges and 1.5 lb. of preserving sugar.

Cut the rinds off the oranges into sections, remove and scrape off as much of the white pith as possible. Free the pulp from fibrous skin and pips, put it into a preserving pan, with the sugar, rhubarb and orange-rinds, previously finely shredded. Bring slowly to boiling point, skim well, and boil until the jam stiffens when tested on a cold plate. Cover closely and store in a cool, dry place.

That's it, as far as Mrs Beeton is concerned, but I will be completing the job and putting my jam into jars!

There are many more jam recipes in her book, over 40 in fact, from the unusual - banana jam, barberry jam - to the ever-popular strawberry jam.

In his book Living Together and the Law author David Cobern, Director of Legal Services at The Family Law Company, starts by exploring the fundamental legal differences between marriage and cohabitation.

Cohabitation defined:
 
To live together and have a sexual relationship without being married.
 
The legal statutory definition:
 
A man and a woman who are (or were) living together as if they were husband and wife; or
Two persons of the same sex who are (or were) living together as if they were civil partners.
 
More couples are choosing to live together outside marriage. In 2015, out of a total of 18.7 million families living in the UK, 12.5 million consisted of married couples (including same sex married/civil partnerships) and 3.2 million families included unmarried couples.  This is compared with just 2.1 million cohabiting unmarried couples in 2000. Very significantly, cohabitation appears to have reached a tipping point in terms of social acceptability so that it is moving swiftly from rare to commonplace and (if present trends continue), in due course to the norm. To illustrate the pace of change, the number of people who were cohabiting with one another in the 1980’s were a fraction of the number doing so now. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of children living in opposite sex cohabiting families increased from 1.3 million to 1.8 million (an increase of over 38%).
 
Over the last three decades, there have been developments in the law affecting the unmarried. Unmarried fathers can now acquire parental responsibility for their children by being present at registration of the birth rather than having to seek a court order or written agreement. Unmarried couples have been recognised as potentially providing a stable and loving relationship into which children can now be legally adopted. Limited rights have been introduced for unmarried partners who are financially dependent on their partner to claim against the partner’s estate on death.

However, popular misconceptions remain. In fact the above developments have contributed to this. Many couples in long term unmarried relationships mistakenly believe they enjoy rights akin to their married counterparts. Some cohabitees think of themselves as the ‘common law spouse’. Calling oneself a ‘common law spouse’ might to the more conservative minded, carry some significance in terms of respectability, but it is no more than a self-appointed ‘label’ to which no legal rights attach whatsoever. The lack of awareness is sufficiently widespread that the Ministry of Justice has funded two voluntary sector partners to manage a campaign to make cohabitants more aware of their legal status and provide them with practical advice on how they can protect themselves and their families, should they wish to do so.
 
What is the difference between being married and unmarried?
 
Here is a familiar quote:
 
I John take you, Jane,
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God's holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow

Jane, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,    
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
 
They are beautiful and momentous words. Whatever you think about marriage as an institution, the meaning of the marriage vow is clear. The couple openly promise to stick with one other through thick and thin for the rest of their lives and to share all that they have. Whilst some unmarried couples may make informal promises to one another, there is no legal significance to this and many more couples make no promises at all. They are free to separate at any time without legal repercussions.

There are some legal implications in relation to the arrangements for unmarried parents and their children (dealt with later), but the really significant practical and legal differences lie in the approach to financial arrangements on separation.

From a legal perspective the promise made by a married couple makes the task of deciding how to deal with their financial arrangements simpler on separation. This is reflected in the act of parliament, which gives the courts powers to decide these things. It is known as The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. It gives judges a clear set of guidelines. It requires them to take into account things like:

• The needs of the children;
• What each spouse earns;
• How much capital they each have;
• What they each need;
• Whether either of them has health problems;
• How long they have been married;
• What standard of living they have enjoyed together;
• What they have each contributed;
• Whether either of them has behaved very badly;
• What benefits either of them would lose when the marriage ends (e.g. pension rights);

Regardless of who owns property, savings or pension rights or generates the income in a marriage, the court can adjust it to produce a fair result. Lots of case law (previous decisions) has been created to help judges interpret the rules. Consequently lawyers are able to advise their married clients of the range of possible outcomes with a fair degree of accuracy.

To give effect to their decisions the divorce courts have the powers they need. They can adjust shares in marital property (regardless of which spouse is the legal owner at the end of the marriage). They can make maintenance orders, lump sum orders and share out pension rights.

For the unmarried, fairness is irrelevant to the outcome. The court cannot take into account any of the things referred to in the list above when deciding how to settle their financial arrangements. Neither can the court:

• Adjust shares in property;
• Make a maintenance order for one partner against the other;
• Make lump sum orders for one partner against the other;
• Share pensions;

So for example, a judge cannot:

• Order an unmarried man to transfer some of his share in a jointly owned property to his former partner because she is earning less and cannot borrow enough to purchase a home of her own.
• Order the high earning former cohabitee of an unemployed, disabled woman to pay maintenance to her.
• Order a wealthy banker to pay a lump sum to his former unmarried partner who has no savings of her own.
• Order an unmarried fireman with a generous pension to share it with the mother of his children even though she might have sacrificed career aspirations to look after them.

Why does this difference sometimes create problems for unmarried couples?

The commonest cause of dispute in unmarried relationships is differing expectations combined with reluctance to address ‘the elephant in the room’. ‘Maybe our relationship will end or be damaged if I ask the question which is troubling me.’ For some, not asking is a risk worth taking and so the couple proceed at cross-purposes. Some labour for years under the illusion that their partner shares their view about what should happen financially if they separate.
 
Consequently, separation after a committed relationship can have catastrophic consequences for one party. The most extreme situations will see the person who owns none of the assets left virtually penniless after a long relationship because their partner owns all the assets and offers no financial provision whatsoever. There are remedies available for financial provision for children, but one partner often finds themselves left out in the cold financially.
 
Irrespective of what may be said after a relationship ends, we have all felt moved to give assurances to our partners about our love for them and our shared plans for the future. In hindsight, these conversations are often interpreted differently. For example, ‘I vaguely remember saying this was to be your home for life before you moved to live with me. But that was ages ago and I remember a few months ago you said you knew it was my house and you have no right to stay here’. When it comes to their day in court people will almost always have conflicting recollections about what was said between them and which conversations actually mattered.

If the couple end up in court, at the court’s findings about these frequently vague and historic recollections will determine the very uncertain outcome of litigation between them. It all too often comes down to the performance of the witness on the stand; a terrible way to decide something which could have been agreed in better times.

In court cases between the unmarried, where there has been no clarity or agreement, the present law requires detailed (and costly) examination of past dealings between the parties. Ironically, this defeats the very object that motivates many cohabiting couples who reject the idea of marriage - ‘Let’s keep it simple by staying unmarried’. 

Whether we choose to confront these difficult issues or not, as time passes in any relationship, financial security becomes ever more important. It must be helpful for unmarried partners to be clear about what will happen if their relationship ends or on the death of one of them. This allays anxiety about the future or suspicion and misunderstanding about the other’s intentions. Fairness avoids dispute, but so too does clarity. In some respects, clarity is most important, because it helps us to make the right decision about our future. If someone is wondering whether their relationship will last or whether to have a child with their partner, clarity about the financial arrangements between them will help them to make the right decision, not only for themselves, but also for their partner and (ultimately) any children.
 
At the end of the day, if the answer is that one unmarried partner doesn’t want to share assets with the other, even though they are expecting their partner to make sacrifices for the relationship (by, for example, giving up job opportunities for children or supporting their partner’s business), then the disadvantaged partner commits at their own risk.
 
We lawyers strongly advocate discussions about these issues between unmarried partners. Granted, it is not a romantic proposition, but if you can reach an understanding, so much the better for all concerned. At least you won’t end up lining the lawyers’ pockets!
 
There are many different situations in which unmarried couples may want to understand their respective financial positions in their relationship:
​

• At the outset of the relationship (very sensible, but perhaps optimistic!);
• When deciding to buy property together;
• When planning or expecting a child;
• When going into business together;
• When one party is about to introduce capital (e.g. on inheritance);
• When illness strikes;
• When the relationship is ending or has ended

Living Together and the Law: A Guide to Cohabitation by David Cobern of The Family Law Company

Quince Cheese is a very tasty treat, and British quinces are ripening and ready now. I picked these from the tree in my garden this morning.
 
Also know as quince paste or membrillo its full Spanish name is Dulce de Membrillo. Long associated with Spain and Portugal quince were the original ingredient for marmalade, a word derived from the Portuguese marmelada meaning to prepare quinces.
 
Quince cheese is a thick, sweet jelly made from the pulp of the quince. In her book Preserves (River Cottage Handbook No.2) jam-maker Pam Corbin describes it thus,  ‘A fruit cheese is simply a solid, sliceable preserve – and the princely quince, with its exquisite scent and delicately grainy texture, makes the most majestic one of all. It can be potted in small moulds to turn out, slice and eat with cheese. Alternatively you can pour it into shallow trays to set, then cut it into cubes, coat with sugar and serve as a sweetmeat.’
 
There are numerous recipes for preparing your cheese or membrillo but the difficulty in the UK can be finding quince. If you are lucky to know the owner of a fruit-bearing quince tree or see some quince for sale in your local shop then have a go at making your own – it’s delicious!
 
Pam Corbin’s tried and tested recipe makes about 1kg of jelly.
 
You need the following ingredients:

• 1kg quince
• 500-750g granulated sugar
• Food-grade paraffin wax, for sealing

Wash the quince. Roughly chop the fruit but don't peel or core them. Place in a large pan and barely cover with water. Bring to a simmer and cook until soft and pulpy, adding a little more water if necessary. Leave to stand for several hours.

Rub the contents of the pan through a sieve or pass through a mouli. Weigh the pulp and return it to the cleaned-out pan, adding an equal weight of sugar. Bring gently to the boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer gently, stirring frequently, for an hour and a bit until really thick and glossy. It may bubble and spit like a volcano, so do take care. The mixture is ready when it is so thick that you can scrape a spoon through it and see the base of the pan for a couple of seconds before the mixture oozes together again.
If you're using small dishes or straight-sided jars, brush them with a little glycerine. This will make it easy to turn out the cheese. If you're using a shallow baking tray or similar, line it with greaseproof paper, allowing plenty of overhang to wrap the finished cheese.
When the cheese is cooked, pour it into the prepared moulds or jars. To seal open moulds, pour melted food-grade paraffin wax over the hot fruit cheese. Jars can be sealed with lids. Cheese set in a shallow tray should be covered with greaseproof paper and kept in the fridge.

For optimum flavour, allow the quince cheese to mature for 4–6 weeks before using. Eat within 12 months.

For more quince recipes, and jelly from all types of fruit including prickly pear and medlar, then Mrs Beeton's Jam-making and Preserves has it all.

And if all went well your quince cheese will look something like this:

Even if it was broadcast way past their bedtime, grandads of a certain generation will have been brought up knowing of the monthly BBC television programme The Sky at Night, which (with only a couple of exceptions because of illness) was hosted by Patrick Moore from April 1957 until January 2013 – thus making it the longest-running programme with the same presenter in television history. Astonishing enough for that fact, even more remarkable is that it continues still with a different host (Patrick Moore having died in December 2012) and just shows the fascination that astronomy and star-gazing has for many people.
 
It is easier to star-gaze in some parts of the country than others. Light pollution over built-up areas sometimes prevents seeing the sky and stars clearly from the back garden but, elsewhere, on a clear night, it’s possible to observe some of the 4,000 stars that twinkle in our universe all year round. Certain constellations are undoubtedly easier to recognize than others (‘The Plough’ and ‘Orion’s Belt’, for instance), and among them all can often be glimpsed shooting stars and various satellites that orbit the earth. In Britain, if you want to see how close you live to some of the best star-gazing areas, take a look at the places that have been awarded ‘Dark Sky Discovery’ status: www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/dark-sky-discovery-sites/map.html
 
On all but the warmest of summer nights it can get quite cold out there so, when taking your grandchildren star-gazing, make sure they are wearing warm and suitable clothing. A drink and a bar of chocolate might also be a good idea. When star-gazing from a bedroom or back garden, a telescope is useful but otherwise, for the sake of mobility, a pair of binoculars will do the job just as well.
 
Those in the know advise that star-gazing is best done before the moon is full and suggest looking at the next new moon dates in order to work out the optimum times. However, star-gazing can (bearing in mind the light pollution and weather conditions) be done virtually anywhere and at any time – but particularly when camping and quite literally spending a night under the stars.
 
Meteor showers
 
Periodically throughout the year it is possible to watch meteor showers and, on a clear night, very impressive viewing they make. Travelling at 132,000 miles per hour, 500 times faster than the world’s fastest car and 1,760 times quicker than a cheetah, these showers are caused by the debris from comets. Comets – described by one website as being ‘dirty snowballs running around our solar system’ – leave bits of dirt particles behind and our planet runs through many comet debris trails throughout the year. When Earth encounters these trails, the flecks of dirt strike our atmosphere and burn up to create a fascinating and quite beautiful natural light show.
 
When the various meteor showers are likely to occur, the media get quite excited and frequently mention the dates and times on TV, radio and in the social media – so you’ve no excuse for not knowing when the next one is likely to happen. If the weather is cloudy in your area, don’t worry, as it might still be possible to watch them online. NASA frequently film such events as they happen so take a look at: www.nasa.gov/ntv   
 
The Perseids meteor shower happens every year in August. This the year the best viewing opportunities are on Saturday 12th and the peak time will be at 01:00 (BST) on Sunday morning with meteors visible across the sky although most likely when looking to the north-east. Meteor rates should be around 80 per hour.  This year there is a three-quarters moon so in a clear sky that might interfere with your viewing but only perhaps to reduce slightly the number you might spy. The Met Office has some useful information and tips as well as likely weather conditions over the weekend.
www.metoffice.gov.uk/events/perseid-meteor-shower

If you are inspired to go meteor-hunting JC Jeremy Hobson provides many more ideas for activities across the generation in his book The Dangerous Book for Grandads.
​