It’s 2012 and Bradley Wiggins has been catapulted into the spotlight, going from winning the Tour de France to dominating the track and winning gold in the London Olympic cycling time trial. Fans flock to the Tudor palace at Hampton Court for the final stretch and a glimpse of cycling’s new golden boy sprawled on the winner’s throne, oh so coolly throwing peace signs out to adoring crowds in the grip of Olympic fever.

Oonagh Turner catches up with the beloved children’s author, finding out about her Kingston connections, the upcoming Wimbledon BookFest, and her unique creative writing process

Helen Edmunson’s skilful interpretation of the novel, Small Island, by the late Andrea Levy, artfully unpicks themes of race, the Commonwealth, immigration and postwar British society by focusing on the stories of individuals, whose lives poetically intertwine. It does so with the aid of stunning set design, with Jon Driscoll’s projections screening everything from Caribbean sunsets to the bright lights of London, to the dreariness of the Blitz.

Be Military Fit has been bringing its distinctive blend of outdoor fitness, sports science, and its rich military heritage to people’s lives since 1999. Pioneered by MD Tommy Matthews and with the help of British former SAS serviceman and survival instructor, Bear Grylls, the training sessions enlist the help of ex-veterans as instructors, getting people outside, whatever the weather, getting active, using local parks and green spaces, and feel part of the local community. With the launch of the Special Ops programme, Oonagh Turner talks to Bear Grylls to find out more

Oonagh Turner looks at the drive to go zero waste and what the local community is doing to tackle the plastic problem

Arriving at Duncan’s studio on a rainy day in April, the proximity of the Wimbledon practice grounds to his office window is startlingly close – the gleaming lawn still pristine despite grisly weather. “We’re just 500 metres away from Centre Court,” he proudly discloses. Being so close to the lawns is an ever-present reminder of the photographer’s inspiration and is handy for the self-confessed tennis photography obsessive: “I managed to shoot Andy Murray in practice from my window once,” he tells me. Duncan’s time photographing the most famous tennis tournament is full of excellent anecdotes – and it’s this fun side of Wimbledon that he likes to capture – from the cheeky tennis bums of the Williams sisters he has framed in his office, to his shot of Andy Murray’s wedding ring tied to his shoe – stories that narrate and capture the personal – and what will be hanging at Hotel du Vin come late June.

Italy is known for its vibrant culture that celebrates food and and its spectacular cities that reflect both an ancient historical heritage and modern cosmopolitanism. The country is also celebrated for its array of natural landscapes – from the verdant green Tuscan trees of the north to the hot, scorched earth of the south. Adding to all of this is a sweeping coastline peppered with colourful villages that cling to seemingly impregnable cliffs. Where many have typically begun life as humble fi

Visitors to the graffiti-clad, urban-chic city of Melbourne may notice the faint aroma of roasted beans and frothed milk wafting through the city streets. In recent years, the capital of South Australia has become a haven for latte-art lovers and the home of the very prestigious Australian coffee culture. These are the city’s top 10 Instagram-worthy coffee shops that have got the art of coffee-making down to a tea (sorry). A trip to this hipster hangout is a pilgrimage for any coffee fanatic. W

Dress to impress at this year’s summertime society events with floral patterns aplenty

Opt for something different and embrace the great outdoors with a stay in one of these cool accommodation options

As the Tate gears up to host the widely anticipated Van Gogh and Britain exhibition this month, Oonagh Turner looks to the local locations visited by the Dutch painter

The Colosseum? Seen it. The Eiffel Tower? Done That. La Sagrada Familia? Meh. If you’ve well and truly ticked off Europe’s biggest landmarks from your travel bucket list, it’s time to stray from the norm. We’ve come up with some alternative options for a European city break that’ll convince your friends that you’re actually a really cool, trendsetting and totally off-the-beaten-track kind of traveller. For those wanting a taste of the real Italy, Bologna is a spellbinding medieval city in the h

St Petersburg is a spellbinding city dotted with the colourful spires and domed roofs of Orthodox churches that strongly resemble gingerbread houses. Its architectural splendour, coupled with the city’s rich history, place St Petersburg at the top of our cultural destination wish list.

Oonagh Turner interviews IT Crowd star, Katherine Parkinson, on growing up in Kingston, her latest West End venture - Home I'm Darling - and why she feels on home on the stage

All too often disregarded as mere thoroughfares, hallways are in fact a key room where visitors are welcome and first impressions are made

A stylish sofa can act as the focal point of any room, getting it right is about striking the balance between style and comfort.

Clapham Battersea Fulham October what's on highlights.

With colder autumn days ahead, we bring you a comprehensive guide to bringing the garden indoors this season.

Where to see explosive autumnal hues in their prime and how to bring a bonfire of colour to your own back garden.

After a week or two of relaxing under the shade of swaying palms, waking up when it suits rather than at the command of a shrill alarm clock and no stressful commute, it’s little wonder that when the time comes to return home, we’re partial to a touch of the post-holiday blues.