Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (14): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1236)

Part 14 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. At the timber market, Neil learns what happened to Thomas and sees how Uncle Robert uses whisky to numb the pain of exile, family and loss. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family and belonging.

Episode 14: A Drink to Numb the Pain

As they unloaded the wood from the wagon, there was a silence between them. Neil hadn’t yet found out where Thomas was or exactly what had happened. He had already learned that information in the family was shared strictly on a need-to-know basis, so there was little point in asking, at least not yet.

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1234 Celebrate Milk Chocolate Day | The Sweet History of the World’s Favourite Chocolate

Celebrate Milk Chocolate Day with a look at the history, invention and worldwide popularity of milk chocolate. Discover fascinating facts about this delicious annual celebration.

Milk Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate one of the world's most beloved treats. In this episode, we explore how milk chocolate was invented, why it became so popular, and the fascinating history behind the smooth, creamy confection enjoyed by millions. Whether you're a chocolate enthusiast or simply curious about food history, join us for a delicious journey into the story of milk chocolate.

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Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (13): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1233)

Part 13 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Thomas fails to return home after a night at the inn, while Neil and Uncle Robert take timber to market and learn that trouble has followed him. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family, faith, and belonging.

Episode 13: Where Is Thomas?

Suddenly a shaft of light hit Neil’s eyes. He looked up to see Uncle Robert standing there.

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Better Read Book Fest: UK’s Wellbeing Book Festival This August

Discover the Better Read Book Fest, a unique literary festival celebrating books on wellbeing, mental health and personal growth, taking place this August.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPdDcjPg7SM

A new literary festival dedicated entirely to wellbeing books is set to take place this August, bringing together authors, readers and experts to explore mental health, personal growth and emotional wellbeing through the power of books.

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What Does “What a Palaver” Mean? | British English Explained

Learn what “What a palaver” means, its origin, and how to use this common British English expression naturally in everyday conversation.

Have you ever heard someone say "What a palaver!" and wondered what they meant? In this podcast, I explain the meaning, origin, and everyday use of this classic British English expression. You'll learn when to use it, hear practical examples, and gain confidence understanding natural spoken English.

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Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (12): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1228)

Part 12 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Neil and Esther encounter a mysterious masked horseman whose appearance is linked to local stories of death. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, superstition, mystery, and belonging.

Episode 12: The Horseman

As Neil and Esther got ready to leave the cemetery, they both heard a noise. Looking towards the road, they heard a horse galloping, its hooves thumping against the ground. In the distance, they could make out a figure dressed in black, riding a black horse that was drawing ever closer.

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Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (11): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1225)

Part 11 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Esther helps Neil uncover Maggie’s final months and the hidden grave marked by a pebble. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family, grief, and belonging.

Episode 11: The Pebble

Esther and Neil playfully sat on the ground on a summer’s day. “Oh, my mother’s the same, Neil,” muttered Esther with a deep sigh. “Even the mention of the Catholic Church can throw her into a rage. I think it was a Lowland Scotland thing. Around Glasgow it became much worse because of Irish immigration. My mother’s family came from Kilbirnie, but my father’s people were from Skye, and they never seemed to carry the same bitterness.”

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Neil McTaggart’s Crossing (10): A Story of 1920s Scottish Emigration to Canada (Podcast 1223)

Part 10 of Neil McTaggart’s Crossing. Neil confronts three silences around grief, religion, and the Keating threat. A historical fiction audio story about Scottish emigration, Canada, family, and belonging.

Episode 10: The Three Silences

After feeling more settled because of the café visit, Neil was thinking of ways he could help the family move on from the death of Thomas’s sister Maggie. Thomas clearly couldn’t speak of her except when he was upset and the rest of the family seemed to have forgotten her, but it was simply their way of grieving.

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1222 Neil McTaggart’s Crossing Returns | A New Home for the Story & Audiobook

Neil McTaggart’s Crossing now has its own permanent home. Read and listen to the complete story so far, follow every chapter in order, and continue the journey from Scotland to Canada.

After a break, Neil McTaggart's Crossing is returning.

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1219 BBC Ends Long Wave: The End of an Era for Radio 4 on 198 kHz

BBC Radio 4 Long Wave on 198 kHz has ended. A podcast reflecting on BBC Long Wave history, the Shipping Forecast, transmitters and British broadcasting heritage.

After nearly a century on the air, the BBC has ended its famous Radio 4 Long Wave broadcasts on 198 kHz, marking the close of one of the most significant chapters in British broadcasting history. For generations, Long Wave carried the Shipping Forecast, news, drama, Test Match Special, and countless memorable programmes across the UK and far beyond its shores.

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