Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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New era for the Caledonian Sleeper
ANGUS REID explains the significance of Cuba’s egalitarian in letter and spirit Family Code and the pertinent lessons it holds for democracies anywhere in the world
Special report by PEOPLE’S WORLD
NICK WRIGHT considers how the isolation of Israel and a new film on the controversial Italian communist leader are creating new reference points for Italy’s left
CARLOS MARTINEZ says Cuba’s achievements in the face of a criminal blockade are startling, but the island’s future if the United States succeeds in crushing it looks bleak
AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports that far-right MPs who mobbed the event organised by Hadash may have helped raise awareness of the brutality of the Israeli right
HEADING to London last weekend, I snapped up a cheap berth on the Caledonian Sleeper.
For as long as anyone can remember, you’ve been able to save a considerable sum by agreeing to cohabit a two-bunk compartment with a stranger of the same gender. Often you end up on your own nonetheless — a relief if you’re not in the mood for small talk.
Andrew Marr often recalls travelling up for his interview for his first job at the Scotsman, sharing with a man in shorts and semmit who kindly shared his 24 cans of Special Brew and supersize cigarette cartons.
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