Since he was a child in the 1950s watching Vampires and Meteors operating from RAF Turnhouse, Jim Walls wanted to fly aircraft, he just never envisaged that his flying career would be spent in the back seat as opposed to the front. Jim guides readers through his 40-year RAF career that started as a Boy Entrant at RAF Cosford, then as an air radar tradesman, before specialising as an air electronics operator (AEOp) in the Nimrod MR1, and later as an air electronics officer (AEO) who flew in Nimrod R1s and Vulcan B2s. With detailed insight into the world of radar, electronic countermeasures and signals intelligence, Jim highlights the role they played in warfare for numerous operations during the Cold War as well as the Falklands campaign, First Gulf War and Bosnian War. He also recalls the peacetime role of the Nimrod and Vulcan with stories from his time on 51, 120 and 617 Squadrons. As well as focusing on his career, Jim gives his viewpoint on matters such as Operation Black Buck and the reduced war-fighting capability of the Vulcan as it neared retirement. This fascinating book showcases the vital role that AEOs held and the importance of radar and electronic warfare in the fight against enemy forces. It is also a tribute to the much-loved Cold War icons, the Nimrod and the Vulcan. With photography throughout, mainly from the author's personal collection, this book will appeal to Cold War enthusiasts and fans of the iconic jets of that era.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 16-05-2022

For centuries the storecupboard was the most important feature in every European castle, house or hovel. Its contents were jealously guarded and fiercely protected because they represented survival. In Preserving, Potting and Pickling Elisabeth Luard chooses the best of these larder-store treasures to give recipes for pickles to jams, bottled sauces to potted and dried meats, and directions for drying and storing vegetables, pulses, herbs and funghi. She goes on to present whole meals built around convenience foods such as Portable Soup (the original soup-cube) and the two ketchups - mushroom and tomato - which have provided the secret ingredient for so many of our ancestors delicious dishes. There are recipes for storable treats like French pain d'epices (better a month or two in the cupboard) and sweets such as the lovely honey-and-almond turron of Moorish Spain and the marzipan specialities of southern France. Finally the book offers a section on natural home remedies from soothing syrups to herbal teas. Very much a companion volume to her highly acclaimed European Peasant Cookery this treasure trove is illustrated throughout with the author's own delightful drawings and paintings. Proving once and for all that fast food need not be junk food, Elisabeth Luard will once again enchant her world-wide audience with her enthusiastic celebration of good food and good husbandry. This is a timely and practical tribute to the wisdom of the past.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 24-04-2020

This is the perfect guide for every budding forager. Exquisitely illustrated with full-colour paintings of all the plants and herbs in the book, ranging from dandelion and sorrel to sea beet and samphire, Edible Wild Plants and Herbs is both a cookbook and field guide to the identification and use of foodstuffs from the wild. There are almost 400 recipes covering nearly 100 different plant varieties and the illustrations, drawn from life by one of the country's leading botanical artists, show the edible parts of the plants at their peak time for picking. In addition there is a calendar indicating what plants to look for at each season of the year, information on where the plants are found and how to identify them. In the past the home kitchen provided a family with all its medicines and cosmetics as well as its food, wine, pickles and preserves. Our ancestors were resourceful and imaginative and very much in tune with nature; this book recaptures their harmonious, sustainable way of life by setting down for the modern reader all that knowledge and lore. There are recipes for soups, sauces, main dishes, salads, pickles, jams, sorbets, as well as teas, syrups and lotions. Published originally in 1980 under the title All Good Things Around Us, this book became a classic work on the subject. It has been entirely revised and updated and redesigned with new recipes and information.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 185 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2022

As Britain’s first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor has had a remarkably varied and lengthy life. But whilst many books have focused on its development and service history, the time has come to hear the personal experiences of its air and ground crews. By interviewing over forty veterans, author Steve Bond has written an incredibly detailed insight into this iconic aircraft, which is supported by anecdotes and accounts from those who knew it best. One example is Alan McDonald who described the Meteor as ‘a bit unforgiving if you got it wrong, as many pilots found out to their cost, especially on one engine, but I must admit I got to like it very much – it was a great adrenalin rush.’ Alongside these entertaining anecdotes are details of the Meteor’s origins and developments. Starting with the first deliveries in 1944 working through to the present day, Steve Bond documents the diverse role which the Meteor has had. From use in operations against the V1, photo-reconnaissance missions, as a training machine and later a display aircraft – particular attention is given to its major service period of the 1950s through to the early 1960s. This detailed history of this iconic and much-loved jet fighter will appeal to all aviation fans.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 30-04-2020

Tapas are the wonderfully tempting little dishes of food that are traditionally served with sherry in southern Spain. Beautifully simple, tantalisingly delicious and easy to prepare, they are perfect for all kinds of occasions. The recipes and suggestions in this book demonstrate how simple ingredients can be quickly transformed into mini feasts designed to delight the senses. Among the recipes are salted almonds, bread with olive oil and garlic, salt cod, asparagus with 2 sauces, chicory and blue cheese, mushrooms with garlic and rosemary, aubergine puree, broad beans with ham, tortilla, pickled sardines, spiced mackerel, lamb ribs with paprika, beef in red wine, potted game, croquettes, empanadas and many, many more. In addition there is plenty of helpful advice including a selection of menus that show how to combine tapas to provide meals for every occasion - such as spring, summer, autumn and winter parties, children's tapas party, vegetarian tapas party and a no-cook tapas menu. The wealth of background information and the superb collection of recipes vividly evokes the spirit of a country where food is the essence of the community.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 129 x 198 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2022

The basis of society in Arabia, especially in the south, was agriculture – cereals, aromatics and spices were produced and exported via the caravan routes which passed from Syria through Arabia to the Yemen. Thus Arab dishes are subtle, varied and exotic. The basic diet largely comprised, and still does, dates, rice, milk, goat or lamb meat and coffee. The patchwork of peoples and countries that form this medley comprise dishes from Egypt – some of the oldest recipes in the world such as melokhia, the famous soup of the Pharaohs. From Syria – an enormous range of vegetable salads. From Lebanon – sun-ripened fruits. From Iraq – date, hazelnut, mushroom and fig recipes. From Armenia and Kurdistan – the cracked wheat burghul dishes. From Cappadocia – the exotic flavours of sesame and tahini. From the Caucasus – the vast array of kebabs. From Assyria and Armenia – classic stuffed vegetable dishes – mahsi, and from Persia – yogurt dishes, fabulous rice dishes, sherbets and sweet and sour dishes. Incorporating the history, traditions, and techniques of these countries Arto der Haroutunian has assembled an unparalleled breadth of recipes representing the whole gamut of Arab cooking.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 384

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 31-07-2023

Since the 1970s, when it was first used as a Cold War nuclear deterrent, the Panavia Tornado played a vital role in the RAF until its retirement from service in April 2019. Serving in both Gulf Wars and more recently as a key player in Middle East operations, this unique aircraft achieved many great things. This includes being the first aircraft to be flown by men and women in the RAF following the introduction of female pilots to the force in 1994. In Tornado Boys, there are stories of Scud hunting in Iraq and Red Flag exercises in the US, along with the tale of a stunning competition victory over the USAF’s Strategic Air Command in their own backyard. The short-lived anti-shipping role is not neglected. There are also tales from those who flew Tornados on exchange, loan and contract service with foreign air forces. Finally, the book highlights the essential part played by ground crew in the Tornado story, with chapters by front-line engineers and an army ground liaison officer. All in all, through the eyes of the men and women who have operated this extraordinary aircraft, the volume presents an entertaining and illuminating series of tales and anecdotes. These light and informative stories come from those who were proud to serve on and loved to operate the impressively versatile Tornado.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 200

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 30-04-2020

A recent YouGov study named Italian cuisine as the most popular in the world and year after year, for decades, pasta dishes have been in the UK's top 10 favourites. The UK was also the most popular country for veganism in 2019, according to Google Trends, followed by the US, Australia and New Zealand. And the sign-ups for the Veganuary campaign - where people eat vegan for the month of January - hit record highs in 2021, with over 582,000 people joining up, all proof that eating a vegan diet is becoming more mainstream as every year goes by. So Vegan Pasta by Clemance Catz is a perfect combination for home cooks world-wide. There is nothing easier than making homemade vegan pasta, with or without gluten. Thanks to her 5 fresh basic pasta recipes by mixing ideas and toppings you can make a myriad of combinations: Reinvented classics such as pesto gnocchi, lemon and almond penne and silken tofu pasta gratin Vitamin-filled, healthy pasta with smoked paprika and roasted garlic zucchini or eggplant salad Pasta ideas from around the world such as rice noodle rainbow pad Thai or leeks and roasted tofu Original and creative recipes for beetroot cream, roasted nut and purslane pink pasta Every recipe, accompanied by the author's stunning photographs is a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite. She is the author of many vegan cookbooks and is an advocate of vegan cuisine for its ethical and nutritional benefits.

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2022

Most health experts agree that the UK is facing a huge increase in the number of people with diabetes. Including the number of undiagnosed people, there is estimated to be over 4.8 million people living with diabetes in the UK at present. There are also estimates that more than 130 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States. Most of these cases will be Type 2 (noninsulin dependent) diabetes and happily this form of diabetes is controlled by diet and exercise. So understanding nutrition and diet is essential to maintaining your health as a noninsulin dependent diabetes sufferer. However because of our ageing population and rapidly rising numbers of overweight and obese people among younger generations many diabetics today are either living alone or are a couple. So preparing meals using regular diabetic cookbooks which cater for four or more people can provide meals that are too big and wasteful. Diabetic Recipes for One and Two solves the problem by offering a collection of easy, tempting recipes in smaller portions. Based on the latest research it gives nutritional guidelines, a menu planner, advice on how to shop and plan your meals, with over 100 recipes catering for contemporary culinary tastes, consisting of meals with a high intake of vegetables, pulses, fruit and whole grains.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 30-08-2023

208 Squadron based at RAF Valley in Anglesey will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in October 2016, making it one of the few RAF squadrons to achieve this unique distinction whilst still part of the RAF’s current order of battle. To celebrate this achievement, Air Commodore Pitchfork has compiled a chronological history of the squadron’s main activities and personnel with the aim of illustrating the spirit, comradeship, and professionalism of the squadron.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 20-04-2016