Ward: Good News

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‘An unsung alternative to the Cotswolds‘: exploring Leicestershire’s Welland valley

This hidden gem has country inns, canalside walks, a stunning viaduct, the historic town of Market Harborough – and not a tour bus in sightIt was a chilly Sunday in November 2000 when the gods chose to smile on Ken Wallace. The retired teacher was sweeping his metal detector across a hillside in Lei…

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The 12 best last-minute Christmas gifts for 2025 that will arrive by December 24

We’re almost out of time — the holidays are just about here, and if you’re still doing your holiday shopping, you’re not alone. Between wrapping things up at work before some well-deserved time off and making sure you have everything you need to host family and friends, it can be hard to find the ti…

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King's Christmas speech to come from Westminster Abbey

The King is expected to talk about the "pilgrimage" of life, and the lessons it can teach.

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Treat your pup with 50% off your first box from The Farmers Dog

Treat your pup to human-grade, fresh food. Get your first order for half off.

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Christmas Is Back in Bethlehem, but Peace and Joy Have Yet to Arrive

Palestinian Christians are reviving their seasonal public celebrations, hoping to bring light and holiday spirit at the end of a gloomy year in the West Bank.

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Hamas Releases Four Female Israeli Soldiers Under Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

The hostages are the second set to be released since the multiphase agreement came into effect, raising hopes for a lasting end to the war.

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Dynastic Jewels combines stunning stones with compelling stories

The choicest European and Asian regal jewels from the Al Thani Collection are on show in Paris

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A Christmas Fair review – site-specific heartwarmer is bathed in goodwill-to-all sentiment

Chadderton Town Hall, OldhamSet over the course of local village hall fundraiser, Jim Cartwright’s play is charmingly performed and has a built-in sense of communityYesterday it was the salsa class. Coming up is the panto. On other days, it may be anything from language lessons to arts and crafts. T…

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After three years of long-distance, my partner and I aren’t sure if we should stay together

These types of relationships can be challenging – you need to have an honest conversation about what you both wantMy partner and I are professionals in our early 30s. We’ve been together for five years, and long-distance for the last three, but have just moved back in together.While we were long-dis…

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‘It just went insane’: why the Christmas garland is making a comeback

The homemade velvet ribbon chain garland is one of the most popular home accessories this festive seasonChristmas is always the busiest time of year for Josie Rossington, 52, the owner of the Follie gift store on the edge of Lincoln town centre. Christmas cards and ornaments are ordinarily her best …

221

Jingle belles: what to wear on Christmas day

Set the seasonal mood with special pieces – from cosy knits to a touch of sparkle Continue reading...

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Sign up to House to Home: our free interiors email

Upgrade your space today, with eight emails packed with tips to brighten up your home - whatever your budgetEmbrace your space: the Guardian’s House to Home newsletter is bursting with tips and tricks to help you boost your bedroom and give your living room some love.Sign up any time, and get eight …

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To give or not to give presents at Christmas, that is the question | Letters

Becky Kennedy thinks many people see no need for the performative gift buying for a person who needs very little. Laura Matthews says no one should feel obliged to buyYour anonymous correspondent (Letters, 19 December) implies that those who say “Shall we just not do presents [for Christmas] this ye…

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Reliquary of the Holy Crib: Remains of Jesus' manger from Bethlehem

Five pieces of wood in a silver-and-gold container at a basilica in Rome may be the remains of the manger Jesus was laid on when he was born.

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Taylor Swift Makes $1 Million Donation to American Heart Association in Honor of Her Dad

“Taylor Swift’s remarkable generosity will create lasting change far beyond its financial value," AHA CEO Nancy Brown said.

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‘Miracle’ of Zealandia: chick is born to rare takahē pair thought to be infertile

Unexpected arrival is a boon for birdlife in New Zealand, where there are only 500 takahē leftA pair of rare native New Zealand takahē birds who were believed infertile have stunned staff at the world’s largest urban eco-sanctuary, after hatching a “miracle” chick.The roughly seven-week old chick wa…

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An 11-year-old needed two new organs and doctors made history

In a rare and historic achievement, Children’s Hospital Colorado successfully completed its first dual heart and liver transplant in a pediatric patient. The life-saving surgery was performed on 11-year-old Gracie Greenlaw, whose congenital heart condition eventually led to liver failure. Dozens of …

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No more kitchen martyrs – a guide to sharing the load at Christmas

From peeling sprouts to pouring drinks, there’s an art to being genuinely useful during festive cooking• Sign up here for our weekly food newsletter, Feast“Anything I can do to help?” If ever a line was guaranteed to incense the person in charge of cooking for a crowd, it is this one: uttered in see…

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The best slippers for men and women, from cosy sheepskin mules to chic ballet shoes

Whether you’re trying to stay warm at home or smarten up for guests, we’ve found the perfect slippers and bed socks for everyone – even if you don’t normally like them• The best women’s pyjamas• The best men’s pyjamasIf it’s true that you can judge a person by their shoes, then it’s perhaps even mor…

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The best subscription box gifts for 2025

Subscription boxes are the rare gift that keeps its charm long after the wrapping paper is gone. You make the choice once, but the surprises keep landing on their doorstep for months after that. For anyone who loves the buzz of a delivery, these are gifts that extend the season well past December. E…