Andrew Martin

Journalist and novelist Andrew Martin is the author of the 'Jim Stringer' series of novels based around railways. He has written for the Independent on Sunday, the Evening Standard, the Sunday Times and the New Statesman among others.

I recalled an article I wrote which began: “In the all-time rankings of bad jobs to have, that of turkey masturbator must come fairly high.”

My long and winding road to becoming a vegetarian

The rightness of seasonal ingredients: cold, heavy clothes, a fire in the hearth, a topped-up glass at a good party

The memory of snow underfoot at Christmas is retreating fast

My guide to a happy Christmas. Make it quick

One in three of us accepts every social invitation, whether meaning to attend or not

An RSVP is your cue to think up excuses not to attend