The Observer from London, Greater London, England • 53

a THE OBSERVER, SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER 1988 Traditional muve mew wool Slave to a proud past If she were a man, she would be king. MICHAEL PYE talks to Ayo Vaughan-Richards about her family. JONNWEDOOOSB sweaters 2OiS3 1 las The Celtic knittine tradition is at aiujE NEWMAN with a tag bearing the name of its knitter. With only a little care and attention paid to washing and drying these sweaters will give you long wear and would make excellent Christmas presents for family and special friends. Also available to readers is a list of further designs from Inverallan Hand Knitters, with a choice of colours in Donegal tweed wool.

Please send off for our list if you would like a wider choice hut do note that these sweaters are made to order and will take longer to deliver than the sweaters chosen for today's offer. Return within 7 days for refund if not completely satisfied. Prices include -PLEASE CUT Pleas Indicate mtyle, siza, colour and quantity required (alzea in Inchee). Ayo Vaughan-Richards, a nurse by training and now a powerful TV personality. SHE COMES IN like a lion under a mane of braided hair: black, glorious and in her prime.

Her name Ayo means joy you could guess that. The accent has the singing notes of Yoruba, and the fine legs are a young woman's legs, and the eyes are brilliant. She is a star among the powerful women of her dynasty an aristocracy of lions, in Africa, Britain and America, that slavery could not divide. Ayo Vaughan-Richards goes into war for women's rights and her black culture, alongside her cousins the director of Mobil Oil, the ambassador, the actress. One minute, she's with family in some grand lawyers' office in Chicago the next at the equally distinguished Eyo ceremonies in Lagos (gatherings of the chieftancy families) where the men, dressed in flowing white agbadas and high white caps look like the Ku Klux she says, their followers using their strong staffs to settle grudges and bother the pompous.

There are Vaughans in the Watergate, and they were in the Nixon Administration, and they're starring in the fashion trade in London. What's more remarkable, from Carolina to Cuba, London to Lagos, they've known and helped each other for more than a century. Ayo has been talking with her elders, tracing the epic of her family. She began with the knowledge that if she was a man, she'd be Oba (king) of Lagos today. She was born in Nigeria 50-plus years to a dynasty of Baptist Ladies Men'e Second WAISTCOAT 34 1 36 1 38 I 40 I 2 3B404g4446 OOlour choice Graam Grey On1rift.il CHEWNECK Cream Grey r.ii "-if Jiast a thousand years old.

Today Jnverallan Hand Knitters in Clack-SEannanshire continue this tradition of craftmanship and rare skill. From their range we offer readers a crew neck sweater for only 55 and a waistcoat with Jeather-style buttons for 39.95. ioth are very beautiful garments. The sweater with raglan sleeves has a patterning of interwoven, horse-shoe arid simple cable stitching with moss stitch at sides and under arms indicating this rweater's design has its roots in a fishing community. The more complex the design, the more northerly the sweater's origination.

This sweater's design probably aune from north-west Scotland. The waistcoat has different origins. The filled diamonds down the front and back are indicative of wealth, whilst the central panel of honeycomb down the back represents hard-work. These and the other patterns including the ribbed or fancy cable and Irish moss stitch, indicate that this jarment was probably made by and worn by a West Irish coastal farming family. Both garments were originally made in Bainin wool the natural cream colour, but we have light grey and a traditional oatmeal on offer too.

Each sweater is made completely by hand and comes I I Please send me leaflet of further styles and Donegal coloured wood. I enclose crossed cheque (with address on back)PO No(s) value made payable to Observer Offers OR debit my AccessVisa account by the above amount. I 1 i I 11 I I I I I I Data. Signature merchants who started the fight for independence from the British, and two royal families on her mother's side. Among her forefathers Oba Taiwo Olowo, known as Taiwo the Rich, who bought himself the first car in Lagos, and in embarrassment gave it to the carles3 British governor.

She grew up in an elegant, closed world long gloves for church, a solar topee while bicycling young men at parties had to ask her chaperone father if they could dance with her. There were lots of parties, lots of clubs and you were excepted to marry But it was also expected that children went abroad, to be finished or taught; Ayo's aunt, Lady Ademola, was the first African woman to go to Oxford, and wrote a book about it. The cousins Vaughan all descend from a Yoruba man who was sold into slavery in 1807, and bought by a failing white planter called Wilie (sic) Vaughan, of Camden, South Carolina. Wilie gave his new slave the grand classic name of Scipio. He was a skilled carpenter who also worked in wrought iron.

When Wilie died he promised freedom to Scipio and as Scipio lay dying, a free man, he made his two sons swear an oath: that they would return to Africa. In the 1850s, Southern Baptists were only too eager to fund the passage home of free black men, who might set a bad example to the slaves. So the brothers sailed for Liberia, and one stayed there. The other, James ChurchwUl (sic) Vaughan set out overland for Nigeria. When he found the tribal scars which matched his father's, he knew he was home.

He came with Baptist missionaries, but as their gun-runner. Only when the tribal wars ended, and British had shelled the coast into submission, did he settle in Lagos, in the hardware business cauldrons for feasts a speciality. He prospered greatly. He helped found the Native Baptist Church, with the first black pastors, and a dynasty of doctors and hotelfceepers and merchants; Ayo is his great-grand-daughter. His sisters, Scipio's seven daughters, stayed behind in America, and five married; their children's children starred in the new black middle class, not always comfortably.

There were the five Vaughan sisters who, burned out of Florida by bigots in the 1930s for daring to be black and successful, took their cosmetics business across the sea to Cuba. A Vaughan cousin, Jewel Lafon-tant, cracks champagne across the bow of a Mobil supertanker in Japan, because she has a seat on the environment. Largely due to these, citizens of Lagos now stay home half a day each month to clean the city. The military can no longer ignore the steady creep of desert into the fertile areas of the north and north-east. 'I don't claim all the she says, but I helped make people It was logical she should write a book, Black which is an Afrocentric guide to taste, beauty, colour, cloth, how to tie a head-dress, and something more about how being beautiful is in part being a hero.

She lists the African queens, the stars and the leaders, from Winnie Mandela and Miriam Makeba to the military Queen Amina of Zaria and insists that a black woman has class, which is not a snobbish precept. The book sings about pride in being black. Ayo barks, croons, reasons down the phone, planning the moment when her book is launched in her country this month, and her friends can judge. She is so used to being articulate on black women's behalf that the judgment makes her nervous. It all matters, with passion, because it is her life.

Black Beautiful is published by Collins (5.95). UK readers only and subject to availability. Allow 28 days for delivery. Send to Observer Scottish Sweater Offer, co BL MarfcaUng, SB Station Road, Latimer. Kettering, Northanto NN15 SJW.

MrMrsMlas Address Postcode R0 In England 146482. The Observer Ltd, 8 St Andrew' Hill. London EC4V 5JA. Observer Scottish Sweater Offer, co BL Marketing, 88 Station Head. Burton Latimer.

Kettering, Northanta NN15 SJW. Gloraf ilia's Mew Cross Stitch Rug Mobil board (and the Hilton board, and until recently on the TWA board) she was the first woman, and the first black, to be Deputy Assistant Attorney-General of the United States. In the Lagos branch of this tribe, I was brought up to do anything that a man can Ayo says. But when the time came to go abroad, there wasn't money enough for Ayo, her brother and sister, all to do just what they wanted. She had funds to become a nurse, but not a doctor.

I think it suits me she says. Doctors are not with the patient 24 hours a day. She came to train in Birmingham, 18 years old and glorying in her new freedom, and almost left nursing before she'd begun to qualify. Her cousin Jimmy was moonlighting as a supplier of black extras and he found her a part in Love Lottery (1954) as a native girl, in a native hut, 'longing to marry David She told her family she was going on the stage, and was told she would be disowned. She returned to the wards, and was soon bicycling round 1950s Winchester, which was startled by its new black midwife and curious, but not unfriendly.

Ayo firmly believes, 'If you're confident and you are intelligent and you are not colour-conscious all the time, then you will get Back in Lagos, she tested the principle the hard way by falling for a visiting white architect called Alan Richards He was Ayo sighs. She beat off a flock of his admirers ('He had too many S'rlfriends. I had to run after '), followed him to London, and proposed to him. 'What's wrong with me she said. Why don't you marry me He was vetted by the family a nerve-racking grand tour of grand Nigeria, and he was approved and the marriage is a roaring success.

We have never, Ayo says, 'had any trouble because he is white and I am black. Their four children are the same, but it can be tricky to be of mixed race in a world which only approves of black or white. Americans ask Ayo's second daughter Pinky, now a fashion designer in London, what problems she's had, and she says she hasn't. Part of the reason is that her parents insisted their children should learn about both cultures brought them up in Nigeria until they were II 'with nannies who could not speak English at all, from the interior so they could learn the Indeed, Alan and Ayo draw on each other's culture like a well. Alan Vaughan-Richards (he added her name) has built handsome flanks for Oxford colleges, but now his buildings have a distinctly African look: he dreams of computer-aided designs for plastic buildings which will use the modules and flexibility of traditional African palaces of mud and clay.

And Ayo took back to Africa from Britain her new qualifications as a nurse tutor (the first woman tutor in Nigeria, but not the first Nigerian 'Aman beat me by six she says and growls). She rose to be head of a nurses' training college, replacing the often unqualified white expatriates, and then, in 1978, she took early and abrupt retirement. After the first sweet spur of independence, Nigeria's tribal rivalries had become too much she was under pressure to take nurses only from certain tribes. I never did she says. She has Yoruba blood, but Nigerian loyalties.

Next she made a Nigerian TV empire three shows a week, all her own and she shouted about women's issues and gave focus to the growing campaigns on the Glorafilia's rugs, with their glorious colouring and designs, are making rug-working more enjoyable than ever before. The Ribbon Rug looks and feels luxurious, while the cross-stitch makes it very hardwearing. It measures 32 53" tnchxting cream fringing wool, and workedonlarfguaicanvaa(5holestoin to do. The rug comes in two colourways: mainly gentle shades of peach and coral, with soft beig and grey on a stone background, or mainly china blue with beige and warm yellow, again on a stone background. Kit contains: rug canvas printed in full colour, pure rug wool, needles, latchet hook and wool for fringing, colour photo, instructions for stitching and making up.

Excellent value at 49.50. Fill in the form below to order use FREEPOST, no stamp needed orphone AccessVisa 01-906 0212. QorcfUi Ltd, Old MiH House, The Ridgeway, London NW7 4SB. ill! 5-1 f21m4ilia I A iTDS-Tr EXACT I TOIT 1 VTk i a 111 II in Send me PeachGrey rug kits at 49.50 Zp BlueYellow rug kits at 49.50 2 FREE WOODENl houses, kit, furnlrur. Chequeenclosed for or debit AccessVisa catalogue.

The DOLLS HOUSE EMPORIUM, Dept. DOB 5 FREEPOST DERBY DE5 3XA Signatur phvw (2A hrs.) 0332 883222 Expiry Dat PRINT NAME. A ADVERT ISC.MCNT BH-ORfc CHRISTMAS PRINT ADDRESS. GOOD s.roCKS AVAILABLE ORDERS SEN! IN DAYS MOT2KhyidaJivf, Mom, nftmdM (HOLIDAYS TRAVEL LSZ301-236 1231 ACTIVITY AVON I CORNWALL" AUTUMN BREAKS I DORSET GENERAL SELF CATERING QUEENS ARMES HOTEL. AA" Charmouth.

Dorset. (0297) 60339. WINTER BREAKS EMSWORTH SAILING SCHOOL. Courses for all ages and standards in Chichester Harbour. Brochure Haylmfthiard (24hr).

ATLANTIC HOTEL Newquay, Cornwall Ashley Court asaa GETTHE FACTS FOR 1987 FROM BATH. Beautifully restored Georgian mansion house, 1 mile to City. Victorian decor. Open fires most rooms. 4 poster beds, breakfast in dining room or conservatory on sunny mornings.

Full use of house garden. 9 hole outtmtt course OiaracterCottagesl Rows; SEA HORSE HOTEL, CHAR-MOUTH. Winter breaks from 63 for 4 nights. in small licensed hotel overlooking Lyme Bay N.T. Open all m.

Tel 0297 60414. NEW YR. Guided Walking hols. N. Wales.

Whole food or Vcg. Wild Wales Walks Co. Pen-y-Bont hawr Cynwyd, Corwen, Clwyd. 049Q-2226. croquet.

Open Xmas-NY. from aeas.de ana vounnysiae sen-Catering Holidays to suit vour 1 herefordshirT I CHANNEL ISLANDS THL NATIONAL NOW GET OUT OF THAT COMPETITION 1987. bOT further details contact (0524) 761710. Set on hs own headland in about 11 acres. Every room with a sea view.

Every conceivable facility including 2 squaah courts. We are now taking boo tenses for the 1987 season. Please phone or write for full colour brochure, menus and tariffs. Telephone 0637 872244 or 872245 Don't book before you see our brochure hr.Colour withfulldetailsof200superpropertiesin BroctimseniC9 the loveliest parts of England, Scotland 0420)bbb92 andWales.Allinspected.Manywith l'ahst Alton I colourTV. fHantsGU3t1BH I I character.

For FREE 1987 colour JERSEY. Self-catering cottages PRIVATE wing of cottage, own key, riverside village. opt CH. Super wholefood. Broch: (05473) 6S5.

Diuuiuie: rrecaam nonaayt, 4U New St, Jersey. tQ534) 25259. DUNBAR BELLEVUE HOTEL AUTUMN BREAKS Elegant late Victorian hotel overlooking the sea. Superb restaurant and cellar. 2 mini championship golf course.

Convenient for Edinburgh i'i hr). Ideal for touring the Lammer-niuirs Hills. 4 hrs Kings Cross. 3 days dinner, bed and breakfast 63 TEL 0368-62322 Book now for NEW YEAR brochure: Character Cottages RONNIE RONALDE'S HOTEL, Guernsey. (0481 1 35644.

Pool, tennis. WEEKEND sail on the Solent. Very comfonable accommodation. Beginners or experts welcome. Weekly courses available.

Non-saifors wef-come. Dolphin Sailing. Wootton, IcAV, P033 4JR. Tel 0983 882246. I ISLE OF WIGHT aancing.

lamiiy suites. 34oBFore Street Sidmouth Devon EX10 8AQ (03955) 77001 I WALES CHRISTMAS BREAKS A FINF SELECTION of 400 cottages on both coasts of Cornwall and on Scilly. 1987 brochure now available free from Cornish Traditional Cottages, Lostwitbicl, Cornwall PL22 OHT, or tel. (0208) 872559. seven-day personal answering service.

9 a.m. -9 p.m. I AFLOAT THE GADLYS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, are pleased to tie able to offer throughout November, December and January, WEEKEND WALKING SHOOTS on one of the Isle of Anglesey's most picturesque and well-stocked estates. The full cost of the weekend will be 115 per person including en suite accommodation. For further Information write to The Gedlye Country House-Hotel.

CamtMi Bay. Anglesey, Gwynedd. TELEPHONE: 0407 710227. Cottages 87 BEMBR1DGE. Take a warm autumn break CH yachtsman residence, sips 6, col TV, microwave, cot, nigh chair stairgates.

Tel avail. No dogs. Avail Nov 86-Marcb 87. 125 fully inc. 1-5 months lease from 85 p.w.

Tel Mrs Shaw (0293) 33208 for brochure. CANAL HOLIDAYS. Ring (0905) 773S8. Brookline Line. Dunhamp-stead Wharf.

Droitwich WR9 7JX. somerset' I SCOTLAND House Bungalows Yorkshire Dales TUCKED AWAV Superior self-catering cottages near St Davids. Enjoy stunning scenery, secluded beachescoves, exhilarating clifftop walks. Riding, golf, fishing nearby. 234 bedrooms ideal for families.

Mini breaks available. Brochure from Felindre. 73 Market St, Longton, Stoke on Trent (07S2) 329476. ATLANTIC HOTEL, Newquay. See above.

Tel. (0637) 872244. ALFOXTON PARK HOTEL MIDLAND CANAL holidays. Luxury narrow bouts. Broch: 0X5881 bSO.

Beautiful Georgian man inn in Hnt. Morthumbna. Peak Disinct 1 ISIES OF SCILLY I COUNTRY COTTAGES. Nr Looo. In 7 acres secluded woodland.

Christmas and out of season breaks from 45.00. Col brochure (0579 20660. Lake district TiTCHWELL MANOR HOTEL NORFOLK Christmas Winter getaway breaks between Hunstanton Brancaiter. Small, friendly family run country-house hotel, centrally heated St log firea. Overlooking RSPB reserve aea.

Perfect for walking, golf exploring Norfolk etc. 4 day Xmas packige175pp. Sharing double i twin room with bath. Includes entertainment. Also available winter price bueur getaway break with 10 off asual getaway prices.

Telephone 0485 210221 For Brochure ford. Once home of poet Wordsworth. Set in 50 acres of Quantock Hills, offering good food and wine (organically grown vegetables, free range eggs, home made h3irtfi jZostle WIND DOWN on a luxury 3 10-benh narrow boat in "87 ree col. brochure Clavmore Navigation, The Wharf, Preston Brook. Cheshire WA4 411A.

(092HI 717273 (24 hrs I. Raeburn cooker. (0736) 796977. Wales Herefordshire, Shropshire JOIN the people of Cornwall this Chirstmaa. Well appointed, cosy cottage overlooking picturesque I LAKE DISTRICT" orcaoj.

Kciaxea inenaiy aimospnere. Special autumn breaks. Also self. COASTAL COTTAGES of Pembrokeshire. 160 high quality properties in spectacular locations along ihc quieter sections of this dramatic coastline.

All close sandy beaches. For 1987 brochure Tel. 034 Cotswolds AUTUMN BREAKS TKerVa a lot going cm at our t-owey riaroour. foiruan (Uosj 406. catering accom available.

Tel 027874 211. COTTAGES APTS. Dec vacs. Windermere Holidays. (09662) 3627.

West Country MULUON COVE. New lodges and cara villas in sheltered valley. 200 yrda KESWICK BASSENTHWAITE SOMERSET farmhouse. BB A EM. Hot and cold in all rooms.

Telephone 0458 42984. naroour. iyizo) 4wvt. Lake. uuseDriagc notei, overiooxtng lake.

2 nts D. from 25. FuUy lie. CH. Brochure (059 681) 322.

NMID WALES. Secluded cottages farmhouses (inc Nat Trust). All dates. Log fires. Pengelly, Conwy, Gwynedd.

(0492) 82492. caaue i rui uuutmu ma New Year. Aixth Castle Hotel date, back over 700 year, ideally situated is central and has excellent leisure facilities. We have mit together iionwrwL Sussex, ftent Norfolk Suffolk. Cambridgeshire Scotland OLD STONE COTTAGES by the sea, log fires, play area, lovely views.

Around 50 pw. 0 1 -748 7537. Countrpotel RAC WAREHAM, AA DORSET BH20 5AL Family run in 6 acres of grounds Tennis Riding stable Gme rooms Snooker, Pool, etc Solarium Swimming pool (May-October) New Restaurant Lift Central heating, large Colour Television, Radio, Direct Dial Phones, en-suite Bath 10 all Bedrooms Coast 15 minutes. BARGAIN BREAKS Colour brochure and tariff Telephone "Wareham (09295) 217751783 ROYAL LION HOTEL LYME REGIS, DORSET 16th Cent coaching inn offering col TV, tei coffee-nuking facilities, toteiwm in sit rooms, fresh province prerred daily, comp wine list, 2 (trill and. tofee-hop.

Ideal for touring scenic coastline. October Brt-ikv L70 pp incl any 3 day. November December 39.50, 2 day. Brochure (02974) 276S SUFFOLK KESWICK. Off-season breaks or XmasNcw Year in cosy off-tho-beaten-track hotel.

Superb food. Cottage-in-the-Wood (059682) 409. NORTH WALES. 750 cottages, flats, c'vans. Shaw's Holidays, Pwllheli.

(0758) 612854 (24 hrs). Lowland, Highlands, Islands TRADITIONAL COTSWOLD COMFORT Emoy the Autumn beauty of tbe CotSWOlds sad Stay at our rharmmj mnrket town hotel with imaginative fare, cosy atmosphere and friendhr service. Conservatory rettiurast crowned by 120-year vine. 14 individual en suite rooms, TV's etc From 19.50 D.B.B. GRAPEVINE HOTEL Stow on the Wold (0451) 30344 AARAC ETB 4 crowns POLPERRO- Just lift from sea.

2 fisherman's cottages, alio farm cot' tages. (0503) 72121. exciting Xmas and New Year 5 BOO property Brrocbar OLD England cottages, houses, bungalows in rural England. Suffolk H0RSINGT0N HOUSE HOTEL Nr TEMPLE COMBE, SOMERSET Luxurious country house hotel set in 8 acres with beautiful views of the Blackmoor Vale. Ideal base for touring country.

All bedrooms have private facilities Col TV, radio, phone it teamak-iog. CHRISTMAS BREAKS 280 pp for 4 days full board, roily Inc For brochure tel (0963) 70721 packages combining good I fmri DinH antsufainmait N. WALES. S00 seaside cottages, etc. Vacs all dates.

Mann's Holidays, Pwllheli. (075 Sj 613666 (24 hrs). LAKELAND. Self-catering cottages, farmhouses, chalets, etc. Grey Abbey.

Broch (0946) 3346. 2075-678-776 noiiaav touagcs, i Lower GlemsfoTd. Nr Sudbury (0787J and good fun. SOUTHWEST CORNWALL. Over 100 well equipped cottagesflats farm houses.

Coastal or rural settings. Unspoilt tranquil beauty. Very reasonable rates. Winter Breaks available. Colour brochure Hinton, Country Holidays uont miss out-nng now fori PORTHMADOG.

Harbour flat. Winter bargains. 0244 570577. WALBERSWICK. Cottaee lo let.

1 Skipton. M.Yorks.. SDZ3 3RW mins sea. Sips 6. Wood burning ttove.

01-328 6373. SMALL, FRIENDLY, tasteful 2-star hotel. Lovely, peaceful riverside setting. Ashley Courtenay and Mich-elin recommended. Riverside Hotel and Lodge Rothaybridge, Ambleside.

(0966) 32395. ourexating brochure. Alrth Ctt Hottt Airth, by Falkirk' Manaccan, Helston (032623) 415. I YORKSHIRE" ST IVES. Luxury apartments and cottages.

Tel. (0736) 794495. WALES 0324 83411 A THE LEAVES HAVE TI1BNFIV I SUSSEX H0RSINQT0N HOUSE HOTEL NR TEMPLE COMBE, SOMERSET Lux ur njus country house hotel set in icres with teautiful views of the BJackmonr Vale. IJeil ba for ttjur.nx V. ikiuntry.

All bedroomt have pnvjre jciJities col TV, radio, phone tea making- ALTUMN BREAKS Pmtn 125 p.p. inc. hal! board (minimum 2 days; For brochure tel (0963) 70721 FALMOUTH. Spend your Christmas on the Cornish Riviera, it's warmer. Family licensed hotel.

Special Xmas menu, low rales. 85 p.p. for 4 days. Brochure Harbour Hotel. Harbour Terrace.

Tel (0326) 311344. sips 25. 50 pw. Tel. 0736 795053 TAYLOR.

LANE A CREBER. Sc GUERNSEY Enjoy tread sea air. country lana and stunning views or ralax by tri open firs of our country house hotel (3 crowns) All rooma arnauit and canirally heatsd. Special Autumn Rates. Including travel and car hlra.

Irom around 120 tor 3 nights Phon (0481) 35M or writa O. B. Wood, La Favorlta, Farmaln Bay, Guernsey The crowds have gone, why not enjoy an autumn break at the Glen Rothay Hotel. Log fires and oak beams, good food and real ale. 2 nights from 52 pp.

Write or telephone Tho Glen Rothay Hotel. Rydal Water, Amb- accom. west tomwau. (u joj ouu i. wfcihlre Daks, Moon and Heritage Coast.

EAST SUSSEX The Olde Place Hotel, Rottingdean CATSLEY HOUSE. DORSET Wholefood Country GuBithouae Expert Wnotetood CookinQ. Vieiofuji Braee Beds, Linen lace. ConssrvatMy, Attnra Studio, Oak Beams. Log Fites.

Romantic Period House in (Hardy Country. Dramatic secturM wltmfl: wooded valleys, anosfit M-tom. Superb walking, fisfnng, riding, sailing, tMrdwatching. Sea 1Q mis. ExoWsnt local trrm.

Sc collage also availaaa. Special Ctirlitmtt breaks. CO RS COM BE (093599) 558. Lcke Dttfrict Northumbria ard Peak District ELFCATRNG I Scotland I STONE COTTS, Wales. Sip 2-i I Open fires, hed outdoor cvd pool, tennis, games rm.

Ideal Xmas reunion. Free broch. 055-935 280. lesiae, cumoni. (ioo) 32524.

Ptattooaipaitu. FOR BROCHURE I DEVON TEL: (0751) 75555. Over 3,000 props. 20 discount on LONDON ADULTS ONLY Open fires and candlelight, a few rooms left for our Christmas House Party. Superb food, music, enter TRADITIONAL FAMILY XMAS COUNTRY COASTAL COTTAGESj all 1987 hols, paid tor in full by rVkcting.

N. Yorks. YUI87AL mov. sv. write or pDone tor it tainment, bus trip, etc.

hrom 170. on peaceiui uevon Jarm. Superb accom Sc. laahings of seasonal fayre. 4 days f.b.

120 inc. Cullompton (0884) 32292. DFochura, at Lovely Lazy Licensed Lamacraft CH and log fires, bar, superb food. Open except Christmas. BB from 15.

3 sc cottages, sips 4-6, available from Easter '87. Lamacraft Start Point, Kingsbridge, Devon; 054 851 291. From now to Christmas, 2 -day LONDON Lodge Hotel C0TSW0LDS DALES COTTAGES. Sleeps 46. All amenities available from November.

All services fully inc. Tel (07292) WINDERMERE Superb country house in 8 acres. Excellent food and log fires. Delightful candlelit restaurant. Dinner, bed and breakfast from 18.

Colour brochure from German proprietor chef Rudi Garth Hotel, Nr Windermere Tel. 09662 3761 dristmas and New Year Special Breaks orcMM cum iac. Telephone Brighton 0273 31051 LYME VALLEY Enjoy a break in our warm and comfortable house with iu Jog fires, oak beamb and relaxed atmospbera. All rooms en suite with TV. Frh Fatcmating Food Licensed (cider to champagneV Fbhing hooting arranged.

Thia secluded valley, near Lyme Regis. Dorset is ideal for exploring i counties. Dinner, bed breakfast from 25. DEVON COTTAGES for top qual HARROGATE. Cavendish Hotel.

3 A MANOR ity noiiaay properties tnrougnoui Devon. Free brochure tel. 0626 52214 Valley Drive, licensed. A RAC. All WEST DORSET Seif-coterlng Winter, Chrlttmaa ft New Year Breaks Minimum 3 nights.

Wing at manor houet, deeps 4. Also cause for 2 sot in beautiful country, coast 7 miles. All linen, (swats, healing, hgming, TV. Indge. freeier.

InduM in tantf. Initial shopping done il required DETAILS 030 588222. (24 hrs). 30 Frederick Stree Edinburgh EH2 2JR rooms coi i radio, icicpnonc, tea coffee, most en-suiic. BA 11 "ifl- DEVON.

Nr Totnes. Immaculate ie 18.50, dinner 4.50. 2-day breaks country cottages. (0803) 862495. BRICKWALL HOTEL Sedlncombe, nr Battle, East Sussex YORK.

ABBEY HOUSE. Seir- RENT IN THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK In the Dovay Valley The ultimate holiday in the most luxurious rental accommodation in Wales. Magnificent garden apartments, villas and Bungalows in the 50-acra grounds of our superb hotel. All our units are fully fitted (just bring your own toothbrush), have private balcony or terrace, colour TV with video channel, baby alarm system, telephone etc. German solid oak 'dream' kitchens, fitted with every conceivable extra, leather suite, our apartments are 1 ,300 sq ft, sleep six people and have their own whirlpool spa bath and sauna.

You can eat in our gourmet restaurant, bistro or clubhouse bar. Swim in luxurious indoor outdoor swimming pools- Gymnasium, spa bath, saunas and solarium, Turkish sleam room, squash courts, trim trails, play tennis on our all-weather court, watch the wildlife from our hide, try our barbecue or use one of our bicycles. Everything is there for your enjoyment. Prices from 195-550 p.w. BARRATT MULTI-OWNERSHIP HOTELS LTD, 6 Half Moon St, London W1Y 7RA.

Tel. 01-629 2731 (24-br service) or direct: Plas Talgarth Estate, Pennal, nr Machvniieth. Tel. Pennal (065475) 631. ONE OF THE WORLD GREAT TMESHARE RESORTS FOR CHRISTMASAutumn Winter Breaks.

The Crown Hotel, Lynton, Devon, offers good food and fine wines, log fires and peace in 200-yr-old Coaching Inn. All rooms with private hnthrnnm colour TV. some catering aparts. Superior accommodation in a quiet residential area in the heart of historic York. 50-19O 01-244 8444 Everything you want from a hotel and a little more 134-136 Lexham-Gdn London YV8 6JE Tudor Manor House in the award winning Best Kept Village in Sussex for 1985.

Log fires, colour TV and teacoffee WINTER BREAKS Bsautlful country houa on ma banks o( tha Avon. Con van (ant Bath A Cotswolda, M4, MS. Luxurloul bedrooms, oak-panalled lounge. Fins food relaxing atmoaphara. 2 to 6 night winter breaks.

Maimesixiy (068 62) 2888 EDINBURGH HAYMARKET Rosebery Guest House for bed and breakfast, opposite Haymarket Station, close to shops, theatres and cinemas. Within walking distance of Princes Street. 031-337 1085. Kv. Mrs m.

lanson. Litticthorpe all, Littlethorpe, Ripon, N. Yorks. Tel Ripon (0765) 5133. WfcST LYN VALLEY UNIQUE 1840 a PRIVATE HOTEL SfWieriw pcS'lori G'orous ws.

Sa and Hat'orjJ V.ocC'flrd. Se resirlant cwrrs ci' t'esn loci wrroj jnj iranqL i ccTifcrt PiVtMin D'eafcs Accew Year Details: Valley House Hotel, Lynton, Devon. (D598) 52285. 4-poster beds. Write or phone Lyn naiibea to all rooms, au en suite.

Egon Rooay recommended. Heated swioming pool (AprilOct). ton vuayaj m.zs. LYME REGIS DORSET ALEXANDRA. HOTEL A A RAC Set in magnificent grounds with unrivalled sea views.

Most rooms envjite. col TV. Central heating. Modern amenities, old fashioned hospitality. 2 day breaks from 44 p.p.

(02974) 2010 Any 2 nights from 53 including and VAT. Auniumwiiuar bnuka avail YORK. ClassiqueRiverview. Central lux sc apartments from 55 p.w. Shortbreaks.

4.75 pppd. 0904 42 1 339. GLENUVET LODGES Self-catering Scandinavian Chalets, Cottages. Brochure. Tel 08073 209.

Snowrfrjnla National fart Nannau Superbly situated Georgian mansion amidst magnificent mountain scenery adjacent precipice walk. Restaurant, bar, squash court, same room. Family run home. Peace and quiet. Los fire, room and breakfast, self-catering apartments, mini breaks or a Christmas stay all at attractive winter terms.

Nannau Hall, Llanfachreth, Dolgellau, Gwynedd. Tel (0341) 41225S. LOVELY LYME BAY. Cottages, flats, farmhouses for winter weekendsholidays. Details Jean Bartlett Holidays, (0297) 23221.

able. Telephone (042487) 253 for brochtre. AUTUMN Cotawold break 22. Cotswold village family Georgian Hotel, beautiful mature srounds. WILLIAMS Select Gucit House.

Cloie HampsieadyHighgete and West End. Northera fine. TuTnell Park mins. Ideal families and business men. From 14 per night p.p.

Mr. Udell, 01-263 12187 YORKSHIRE DALES, Moors. Peak and Lake District. Over 150 sccotts. Illus broch.

Holiday Cottages Yorkshire, Water St, Skipton, Yorks BD23 IPB (0756) 69S1S. SCOTTISH ISLAND MAGIC on Mull. Lux sc from 15 pn or 60 pw. Ferry offer avail. 0688 2301.

I DORSET spacious, well appointed en suite- COTNWOLI) cottage. Super food. Lo lire. DHH 25 p.p. 01-937 1035.

Dec! rooms, relaxing atmospnere. Children dogs welcome. Superb cuisine, co-owner chef. 2-dav breaks. D.

SELF CATERING ARGYLL KLNTYRE. 7 cottages by aea. Sip 2-12. Farm beach, boats, fishing. Brochure 08806 236.

FERNHILL HOTEL CHARMOTJTH, DORSET AARAC In 14 acres of nlorious countryside. BB 44 per night (double). Spring- HMtFVOKDSHlRK. Farmhouse area. Lashings of O'-rnc-priiLluLL-d tuod U.

0. l.i:o:::insi (05frSl 2f07. I NORFOLK NORFOLK. WalsinBham. Collage, sips 8.

Heating log stove. Avail now! (076 384) 461. CLASSIC COTTAGES. 200 in Cornwall. Worval (8), Gar- neia riouse Hotel, enaitora U45j 883555.

Excellent food friend lv service. iai, nc'ston i kiz OLr. uj tsl 751 NR BROADWAY. Cottage, sip 56. SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS.

Nr Inverness. Holiday cottages woodland chalets, each in a natural setting on a Highland Estate. M. Fraser, Reelig Glen, Kirkhill, Invemess-shire. Tel 046 383 208 (24 hrs).

NORTH CORNWALL. Character cott.iyc. quid village, sleeps 4. Log fires. I.020SSII 21X2.

hew vacs. Hign stfls. Uigo JUM6. NORFOLK COUNTRY COTTAGES. Free colour brochure.

North Norfolk Holiday Homes. Lee Warner Avenue, Fakenham. (0328) 55322. SeptyOct vacs. THE OBSERVER Readers arc advised to satisfy themselves beforo entering into obligations that the accommodation offered meets their requirements as The Observer cannot accept responsibility for its suitability.

Adjacent golf course with concession fees. Relax and enjoy Special Winter Break for the price of3. Now taking booking for latum TO THE MANOR BORN Georgian maniion cotugei converted into bomforubly furnished i sccom. Rambling Rroundi with swimming pool, puttinp, badminton croquet lawns set in beautiful Devon countryside. 10 miles from ea Children pecs welcome.

Apply now for special ratca Widwortfay Court, Nr Houitott, Devon EX14 9JN or Tel. Wilmington (040483) 202. I derbyshirF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, WALES. Most areas including. London.

Cottages in scenic locations. Excellent value off-season- Taylings Holidays, 14 High St, Godalming, Surrey. (04868) 28522. THE CREW AND HARPLIR. Aut.

PORTHMADOG. Harbour flat. Winter bargains. 0244 S70S77. TREAT YOURSELF to a Winter Break in our lovely listed Victorias farmhouse.

Superb food, luxxurious en suite rooms, central heating, open fires. Beautiful countryside. Tots to do, or simply relax in peace and quiet AA listed. Any wo nights DB 5.00 p.p. Cheshire.

210. THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay. Argyll PA61 7YP. Brochure, map, etc. Tel 09512 316.

winter oreaxa Brochure 0297 60492 umn specials. Per week BBEM 95 d.d. Anv 4 niflhts BBEM 56 o.o. I GENERAL HOLIDAYS TRAVEL also on pages 55 57 ANGLESEY FLATS overlooking the sea, heated swimming pool, bowls snooker. Beautiful walks, short breaks from 50.

0407 S60789 or write Plas Darien. Trearddur Bay. BOURNEMOUTH. Facing aea. Hoi flats, indoor htd pool.

Saluire, Sea Southbourne. 0202 420296. THINKING of 1987 A quiet country holiday. Achness Hotel. RosehaU Lairg, Sutherland.

054 984 239. Any 2 nights BBEM 30 p.p. Xmas 3-day special 98 p.p. Sc 10. For brochure (029) 883 205.

GUESTACCOM. (0273) 722133 for new guide. LAKE DISTRICT. Countrv Cottages. 1 2 price off peak.

059fif 1) 393..