Table talk

Taking product testing to extremes Patricia and Michael Fry-Foley had been living together for 34 years, but it was only when their Somerset guesthouse became licensed for marriages that Michael popped the question and they became the first couple to tie the knot at the Old Rectory, Cricket Malherbie, near Ilminster. "I accept that after 34 years some people might question why we should get married," said Michael. "But I think there are times when a man must make a decision and make a commitment. He needs to take the odd risk to add spice to his life. Besides, it was the best way to ensure that the Old Rectory really worked as a venue for weddings."

Has the nutrition bug gone a little too far? A German restaurant has added maggots to its menu. Dishes at the Espitas restaurant in Dresden include maggot ice-cream, maggot salads and maggot cocktails. The restaurant is importing the "nutritious and extremely tasty" maggots from South America. Espitas chef Uwe Engert said: "Maggot meals are very healthy, a real protein bomb."
The maggots have been so popular that grasshopper and ant dishes are to be added to the menu shortly.
silent night… Apart from the aeroplanes

Silent night…apart from the aeroplanes
Here's a tip for anyone going over to Helsinki today (26 May) for the WorldSkills competition. Like us, you may find all the hotels in town are full, so why not stay at the airport? On its website, here's how the Scandic Gateway is winning over customers: "The hotel is handy because you can walk straight here from arrivals without going outside. Why queue for a taxi when you could be enjoying a drink in our lobby bar or taking a rest in your quiet comfortable room? Our simply but freshly decorated rooms are all windowless, allowing you to be sure of a quiet night."
Sounds perfect. Windows would only be a distraction. And as for fresh air… well, who needs it?