Latest news with #WarHorse
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gavin & Stacey's Ruth Jones gets award at Hay Festival
Actress and writer Ruth Jones has been awarded this year's Hay Festival medal for drama. The Gavin and Stacey co-creator was honoured in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, where she was speaking about her new novel. War Horse author Michael Morpurgo won the fiction medal, while British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak won the medal for prose. "We are honoured to celebrate three exceptional storytellers," said Hay Festival chief executive Julie Finch, who said the three winners had "each done much to push the boundaries of contemporary writing and spread the joy of stories here and around the world". Jones, from Bridgend, writes about finding joy in unlikely connections in her new book, By Your Side. Morpurgo is one of UK's best-known children's authors, writing more than150 books and serving as Children's Laureate. Shafak's most recent novel, There Are Rivers in the Sky, is the story of three lives – in Victorian London, 2014 Turkey and 2018 London – connected by a single drop of water. Postbox topper marks Gavin & Stacey festival talk Why Ruth Jones accepted Nessa's Bafta in bare feet Ruth Jones hints at new project with James Corden
The Courier
6 days ago
- General
- The Courier
Families forge transatlantic bonds on back of century-old Angus war horse story
The astonishing story of a First World War army officer and his trusted mount continues to bridge the generations in Angus and America. In 2021, the remarkable tale of Captain Alexander Wallace and his chestnut mare, Vic, came to light. Their journey stretched from the tranquil farmland of the Angus coast to the horror of Flanders' fields, and home again. It was uncovered by Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre volunteers Sian Brewis and her late husband, Michael. Their detective work unearthed a story of how the elegant horse was selected by Capt. Wallace's father – and Arbroath vet – to go into battle with his beloved son. Together, the pair survived the war. Capt. Wallace was twice mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Military Cross for bravery. Vic was the only one of more than 130 Royal Field Artillery horses from the Forfarshire battery to return home. Capt. Wallace's fondness for the mare saw him ensure his brother bought her at auction. On May 10 1919 at Aldridge's Repository in London, the faithful steed was secured for the sum of 45 guineas. Fate then brought them together on a London railway platform as the officer was returning from leave just as the horse was starting her journey home. He emigrated to America and worked as an engineer. Capt. Wallace died in 1977. But Sandy, as he was known to his family, remained in touch with the McGregor farming family who gave Vic the life she deserved. On Saturday, those two families met at the air station museum for the first time to add the latest layers to the story of Montrose's War Horse. These include the gift of the Capt. Wallace's war diaries, brought from America by his grandchildren, John and Jeanne. It was a return visit to Angus for John, who made a poignant trip in 2022 to see the permanent display in honour of his grandfather. It features the soldier's tunic and medals. The US guests have also gifted the museum their forebear's cigar case. It is inscribed with the list of battle names Captain Wallace and Vic saw action in, including Festubert, the Somme, Amiens, Ypres and Passchendaele. Also there were Dave McGregor and his sister, Shona, the great-grandchildren of Mains of Rossie farmer William McGregor. The Angus family previously donated letters Alexander and William sent to each other in the post-war years. Those detailed Vic's war history, and in response Captain Wallace received updates on his companion. It was a special moment 106 years on from the friendship formed over the beautiful mare. The two families said it was an 'amazing' experience to finally meet, having each separately held Vic's story close to their hearts for a century until the Sian and Michael Brewis brought the pieces together. And the Montrose display now also includes a prized photograph of Vic and one of her foals at Rossie in 1920. Sian said: 'When the story was revealed four years ago we thought it was incredible. 'To have the families together and now hold these other special items in our hands is just amazing.' Angus Lord Lieutenant Pat Sawers accepted the latest donations on behalf of the air station museum. 'This event is one of the most poignant occasions I have had the honour to attend,' she said. 'Today completes the historic record of Captain Wallace and his loyal and trusted companion, Vic who endured the most horrific battles imaginable.'
Tatler Asia
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
10 inspiring horse movies that gallop straight to your heart
2. 'Seabiscuit' (2003) This Depression-era underdog story stars Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and a scrappy horse with the soul of a heavyweight champ. Based on a true story, Seabiscuit is the ultimate against-all-odds tale: a horse too small, a jockey too broken and a nation too sad—until they all start winning. Bonus: the movie features lavish 1930s costuming and enough slow-motion horse galloping to bring a tear to even the most stoic cowboy. 3. 'War Horse' (2011) Bet you didn't think horse movies could make you cry. Steven Spielberg delivered a sweeping World War I drama centred on a horse named Joey and the teenage boy devoted to him. Joey ends up on the frontlines, galloping through barbed wire and breaking hearts on both sides of the trenches. Bring tissues and a blanket. 4. 'The Horse Whisperer' (1998) Robert Redford plays a horse therapist, while Scarlett Johansson (in her breakout role) is a traumatised teen. Add a majestic Montana ranch and a horse recovering from a terrible accident, and you've got yourself an emotionally charged romance-drama that's equal parts cowboy ASMR and soul-repair retreat. 5. 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron' (2002) This animated gem follows a wild mustang voiced by Matt Damon. Spirit battles humans, captivity and colonisation to keep his herd and freedom intact. The movie features Bryan Adams power ballads, sweeping Western landscapes and the kind of noble, untamed energy that makes you want to quit your job and move to Wyoming. 6. 'Horse Girl' (2020) This one veers sharply into psychological territory. Alison Brie stars as an awkward woman obsessed with her childhood horse and increasingly unsure of what's real. It's more of a meditation on mental illness than dressage, but it's a reminder that for some, horse girl isn't a phase but a cosmic calling. This film is a must-watch if only for its unique take on horse movies. 7. 'Dreamer' (2005) A wholesome entry starring Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell about a broken-down racehorse and the little girl who refuses to give up on her. It's got all the warm-and-fuzzy underdog energy of Seabiscuit , just in a more family-friendly, mid-2000s cardigan aesthetic. 8. 'The Black Stallion' (1979) Part survival epic, part mythic friendship tale, this film follows a boy and an Arabian stallion stranded on a desert island. What follows is gorgeously shot bonding and a comeback story so poetic, it could've been written by Lord Byron (if Lord Byron had a GoPro and a deep affection for slow-motion). See more: The sport of kings: investing in thoroughbred horses 9. 'Racing Stripes' (2005) We need to include this on a list of horse movies because there's not enough material for a curation of zebra films. Here, a zebra that thinks it's a racehorse dreams of competing. Absurd? Absolutely. Delightful? Undoubtedly. This talking-animal family comedy proves that with enough heart and a training montage, even a striped outsider can win the Kentucky Derby—or at least your Saturday night. 10. 'Hidalgo' (2004) Viggo Mortensen, playing a half-Lakota cowboy, rides his mustang across the Arabian desert in an epic endurance race. The horses are majestic, the vibes are Lawrence of Arabia -meets-Wrangler ad, and Viggo looks like he's been kissed by the sun.
NDTV
19-05-2025
- NDTV
5 Hidden Villages In The UK That Feel Like A Real-Life Fairy Tale
When people think of the United Kingdom, famous spots usually come to mind - London's lively streets, Edinburgh's old-world charm, or the picture-perfect Cotswolds. But tucked away beyond the usual tourist trails are quiet, lesser-known villages that look like they have been pulled straight from a storybook. Imagine cobbled lanes, thatched cottages, calm harbours, and rolling green hills. These are the spots where time slows, and nature invites you to stop and take it all in. Here are some of the UK's most magical hidden villages, ideal for your next peaceful break. Here Are 5 Secret Villages In The United Kingdom To Add To Your Travel List: 1. Clovelly, Devon Hidden on the North Devon coast, Clovelly is a car-free village that feels like stepping back in time. With steep cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and wide sea views, it has charmed visitors for generations. Clovelly's official website ( notes it was once part of William the Conqueror's royal estate and stayed under royal influence until the 13th century. Thanks to its seclusion, it avoided the tourist rush until the mid-1800s, and today it proudly preserves its maritime heritage and timeless feel. This is when flowers bloom, the weather is pleasant, and local festivals bring the village to life. 2. Portloe, Cornwall Known as the jewel of Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula, Portloe is a tiny fishing village tucked into steep valleys that have kept modern development at bay. Its name, from the Cornish Porth Logh meaning "cove pool," reveals its strong sea connection. explains Portloe thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries as a pilchard fishing port, with over 50 boats working from its sheltered cove by the early 1900s. Now, only a handful of boats fish for crab and lobster, keeping the village's authentic charm alive. Best time to visit: May to October Cornwall's mild climate during these months makes it ideal for visiting. 3. Staithes, North Yorkshire Perched on the rugged Yorkshire coast, Staithes is a village full of character. Narrow cobbled streets wind through 18th-century cottages. Once a busy fishing port, it now draws visitors with its fossil-rich beach, scenic cliff walks on the Cleveland Way, and laid-back coastal vibe. shares that Staithes is also a cultural hotspot, with an annual arts festival and links to Captain Cook at the local heritage centre. Whether you love art, history, or nature, Staithes offers a calm and rich escape. Best time to visit: June to September These months bring the best weather for beach walks, fossil hunting, and exploring the Cleveland Way. 4. Castle Combe, Wiltshire Often called "the prettiest village in England," Castle Combe is a perfect Cotswold village just 12 miles from Bath. With honey-coloured stone cottages, a tranquil brook, and a historic Market Cross, it is no surprise that films like 'War Horse' and 'Stardust' were shot here. notes that the village's history goes back to Roman and Norman times, later becoming a wool industry centre. Today, Castle Combe is a protected conservation area, carefully kept to maintain its natural beauty and historic charm. Spring brings blooming gardens and lush countryside, while autumn offers colourful foliage and a peaceful atmosphere. 5. Plockton, Scottish Highlands Called the "Jewel of the Highlands," Plockton is a stunning coastal village on Loch Carron's shores. Its sheltered spot and mild climate allow palm trees to grow in sea-facing gardens - a rare sight in the Highlands. According to The National Trust for Scotland, Plockton was founded in 1801 as a planned fishing village and now thrives with a lively harbour, cosy cafés, and a lively traditional music scene. Highlights include the Open Air Church, built during the 1843 Church of Scotland split, and beautiful walking trails showcasing the village's natural beauty. The weather is nicest for exploring the loch and the nearby walking paths. These hidden gems do not often make it to the typical travel guides, and that is exactly why they are special. They are quieter, less crowded, and full of surprises - perfect for slow travel and road trips. Bookmark these villages to make your UK itinerary even better.
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
War Horse actor's school visit makes 'core memory' for pupils
A former school caretaker brought some of his new stage colleagues - including a large horse puppet - to Derbyshire to meet the children he used to work the Covid-19 pandemic, actor Karl Haynes, from Ilkeston, worked as a classroom assistant, cleaner and handyman at Ladywood Primary in nearby Kirk he is now back on stage and plays the role of Ted Narracott in the touring production of Michael Morpurgo's War Haynes returned to the school on Friday with fellow actors, puppeteers and a foal model, and head teacher Melanie Lawson said the visit "made a core memory" for the children. Miss Lawson said the idea came after the school booked a trip to see the production during its visit to Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall. She said: "It was incredible - we're a small school in Kirk Hallam but we have big hopes and dreams."We were really lucky to have incredible puppeteers, actors and production staff come to the school."Mr Haynes has multiple roles when he joined us in lockdown, so the children who saw the show knew who he was."The kids were able to interact with the baby horse called Joey, it did feel like there was a real baby horse in the hall." The novel was first adapted for the stage in 2007, and has toured the West End, Broadway and around the UK Haynes said the puppets like the one he helped bring to meet the schoolchildren in Kirk Hallam "are immense", and took eight months to build and three people to added: "I've invested a lot of time into this school as a cleaner, caretaker and handyman, so to see the children's reactions was one of the best moments of my acting career."
