With the rise of Reform and the flag-raising phenomenon, it’s hard not to recall my family’s struggles with racism, from Teddy Boys attacking my pregnant mother to me being told to ‘go back to the jungle’ at only five years old, writes ROGER MCKENZIE
The artichoke challenge
Although there’s not much growing in the garden in January, globe artichokes are worth a try if you follow these tips from MAT COWARD

THERE aren’t many vegetable seeds you can sow in January, but globe artichoke is worth trying if you’re able to maintain an even temperature of around 55-60°F (13-15°C). If not, leave them until March or April.
Whenever you start, put each seed singly in a three-inch (7.5cm) pot, about a fingernail’s depth in seed compost, in a place with plenty of natural light.
Keep the compost just the moist side of dry, because artichoke seeds are large and can rot rather easily if they stay wet for too long.
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