A comprehensive natural history of one of Britain s favourite animals The badger has for many years occupied a unique place in the British consciousness. Despite the fact that most people have never seen one the badger has become one of Britains best-loved animals. The number of organisations that use the badger as a logo the number of websites featuring information about badgers & the number of voluntary badger protection societies that exist are testament to this popularity. In fact the attitude of most ordinary people towards badgers is complex & contradictory involving a combination of familiarity & ignorance concern & indifference. For an increasing number of people badgers constitute an important source of interest & pleasure be it through watching them in their gardens or in the wild sharing badger-related knowledge & experiences with others via the internet or defending badgers against threats to their welfare. For others on the other hand badgers are a problem species that requires active management. In this highly anticipated new study Prof Tim Roper explores every aspects of the biology & behaviour of these fascinating animals. In doing so he reveals the complexities of a lifestyle that allows badgers to build communities in an astonishing variety of habitats ranging from pristine forests to city centres. He also reveals the facts behind the controversy surrounding the badgers role in transmitting tuberculosis to cattle shedding new light on an issue that has resulted in one of the most extensive wildlife research programmes ever carried out. ...

Badger is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event but he does die they are still grief-stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them & so Badger lives on in his friends' memories of him. ...

Badjelly the Witch can turn children into sausages or chop them up to make boy-girl soup. She can turn policemen into apple trees or bananas into mice & she is the wickedest witch in all the world. Tim & Rose become lost in the great black forest where they are captured by Badjelly. ...

This title describes a game of skill deception & finesse that has rightly made it the worlds most popular racket sport. Written for players wanting a better knowledge of the game as well as for coaches & teachers looking for new ideas this book explains the game from the basics to advanced shots & game tactics. The book offers an overview of the game through to advice on match play & fitness programmes plus training practice exercises & idead for coaching juniors. The Skills of the Game" series aims to provide in-depth instruction for players & coaches written by leading names in the field." ...

The Know the Game series is firmly established as the leading introduction to a huge range of sports. For years they have been the first step into a new sport for many people children & adults alike. The series has now been relaunched in a new format & a modern design
- making the best even better. The aim has been to make the books more accessible & they are now packed with colour photos & illustrations top tips & interesting facts. Each book contains everything you need to know about the sport including equipment rules techniques & training tips. There's even information on how to find a club & meet new people to play the sport with. & having been written & endorsed by the sport's professional body you can be sure that you are getting the best information available.", 5.24"
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Judith Summers life is about to change dramatically. Her five-year relationship with her on-off boyfriend has finally ended. Her son Joshua is off to university & for the first time since her husband died shes living alone. Well not entirely alone. She still has George her King Charles Spaniel. Judith knows she needs a new challenge. But how free can she ever be with George in tow? He is of course immensely lovely. But hes also spoilt lazy & prone to flouncing around the house like a fluffed-up diva. But then during a chance encounter Judith finds out about Many Tears a dog rescue centre. Before she knows it she has joined a nationwide network of canine foster carers. Far from having Judith all to himself George suddenly finds he has to share his owner with lots of other less fortunate dogs. & hes finding adjusting to this new way of life a bit of a challenge... ...

From the author of the bestselling The Bag Making Bible comes an outstanding collection of 12 inspiring bags for you to make at home. Lisa Lam of U-Handbag.com brings you a stunning collection of sewing patterns to make your own bags. The book features 12 brand new bag designs with full photographic instructions for how to make a bag with truly professional results. The book features full-size patterns on three separate pull-out sheets so that you can get started right away
- no photocopying or enlarging required. The book opens with Lisa's in-depth advice on all the aspects needed to get started from the tools & equipment you need to understanding & interpreting patterns to choosing preparing & cutting fabrics. A comprehensive Techniques section explains some core bag-making techniques such as how to insert a zip pocket how to use magnetic snap closures how to sew bag straps & handles including adjustable straps & how to bind edges & use piping for a truly professional finish. There is also guidance on how to insert a lining to your bag. All the techniques are fully explained with easy to follow photographs so you'll be creating professional practical & great-looking bags before you know it! The 12 projects that follow range in complexity. If you're new to sewing & bag making there are beginner bag projects such as the Compact Groceries Tote All-Sorted Laundry Bag & Access-All-Areas Pouch to get you started before progressing to the more fully featured bags such as the Too-Cool-for-School Satchel & the 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack. You can make your own iPad case sew a child's backpack create a pretty purse using a metal purse frame make your own tri-fold wallet make a baby changing bag with matching changing mat sew your own bicycle panniers & sew a vanity case for your beauty essentials. The bags all have style & substance & are designed with real-life practical uses in mind. Within each project Lisa gives her hints & tips for success along with advice on how you can customize the patterns to create your own version of the design. The book is presented in a spiral bound format making it lay flat so you can follow the instructions with ease while sewing. This information-rich book will elevate your sewing know-how with versatile techniques & inspiring suggestions for making these bags your own." Amy Butler"
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The ultimate practical guide to sewing fabulous bags from expert Lisa Lam whose technical knowledge creative flair & enthusiasm have helped & inspired thousands while promoting the craft of bag-making worldwide. Whether you are getting started improving your technique or want to design your own creations this is the book you will grab for every bag you make! Detailed photographs illustrate every technique in this unique book from choosing fabric to inserting fastenings. Expert tips trade secrets & inspirational advice result in professional & beautiful results every time allowing you to create a capsule wardrobe of eight exclusive bag designs which will amaze your friends
- they will never believe you made it yourself! Lisa's helpful & friendly tone comes through in her instructions & it really feels like you have an expert by your side holding you hand every step of the way. She starts with the basics of how to read & interpret patterns how to prepare & cut fabrics & how to select the right interfacings & interlinings for your bags then moves on to more specific techniques in each chapter. The Structure & Reinforcement chapter covers how to sew darts pleats gussets flat bottoms & gathers
- showing you in detail how to sew these features. The Linings chapter reveals how to insert zip pockets into your linings as well as different methods of inserting a bag lining. The Closures chapter explains how to insert a zip in three different scenarios plus how to insert magnetic snap fastenings twist lock fastenings & how to use eyelets & rivets. The Handles & Straps chapter teaches you six different types of straps from making simple straps to adjustable straps & even designer looking piped handles. The Pockets chapter contains a wealth of different pocket types showing you how to sew a slip pocket to sewing roomy bellows pockets elasticized pockets & darted corner pockets. Finally the Edgings & Trimmings chapter reveals how to bind raw edges for a professional finish including how to make bias binding & also shows you how to sew piping & how to use ribbon jewellery & embellishments on your bags. At the end of each chapter there is a bag project to make so you can put the techniques into practice straight away. These exciting & desirable designs are explained in full detail with helpful photographs to guide you every step of the way. Starting with how to make a tote bag the projects build in complexity. You will learn how to make a clutch bag how to sew a messenger bag how to make a hobo bag how to make a travel holdall bag & more. Crucially the pull-out pattern sheet gives full-size patterns meaning there is no resizing or photocopying to do
- you can get straight into cutting & sewing bags. This one-of-a-kind book is the ultimate guide to bag-making & an invaluable resource that you will reach for time & time again. An amazing sewing education coupled with beautiful bags that of course you can customize!" Amy Butler."


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When Mike Noonans wife dies unexpectedly the bestselling author suffers from writers block. Until he is drawn to his summer home the beautiful lakeside retreat called Sara Laughs. Here Mike finds the once familiar town in the tyrannical grip of millionaire Max Devore. Devore is hell-bent on getting custody of his deceased sons daughter & is twisting the fabric of the community to this purpose. Three year old Kyra & her young mother turn to Mike for help. & Mike finds them increasingly irresistible. But there are other more sinister forces at Sara Laughs
- & Kyra can feel them too...
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To his fellow West Indians who assemble every weekend for the all-night poker game at Mrs Knights he is always known as Bageye. There arent very many black men in Luton in 1972 & most of them gather at Mrs Knights
- Summer Wear Pioneer Anxious Tidy Boots
- each has his nickname. Bageye already finds it a struggle to feed his family on his wage from Vauxhall Motors but now his wife Blossom has set her heart on her sons going to private school & she will not settle for anything less. This is the story of a feckless father seen through the eyes of his ten-year-old son. Its a wry & gently comedy about unfulfilling day jobs & late night poker games of illegal mini-cabs & small-scale drug-dealing. & it is also about a family struggling to belong & a vivid tale of growing up in a vanished world of 1970s suburbia.

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