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Check FAQAbout Richard
Richard Assheton has half a decade's experience reporting from across Europe, Africa and Asia for news brands including The Times, the Financial Times and the Guardian, covering global events and producing exclusive news and features. His subjects are not always easy interviews: he has sought out child soldiers, catwalk models and long lost jungle-dwelling mammals. He has a specialism in Nigeria and West Africa having spent two years in Lagos as The Times and Sunday Times' West Africa correspondent. In 2024 he was named gold winner of MHP Group's 30 under 30 awards in international affairs. He has appeared regularly on Times Radio, Monocle Radio and on podcasts. As an editor he has commissioned a team of 35 reporters at The Times, the UK’s leading serious newspaper, editing their news and long reads for publication across digital, social and mobile platforms, as well as in print. He has provided research and copywriting for agenda-setting books by authors Peter Oborne and Lord Ashcroft, and is writing a memoir. His photography regularly appears in The Sunday Times. He works on a freelance basis and is available for writing, reporting and copy-editing projects as well as photography and media training. Based in Marseille, he holds two passports: British and Luxembourgish.
Portfolio
Meet the woman who has a French district all to herself
The article explores the life of Lecomte, the sole resident of La Bâtie-des-Fonds, France's smallest village, highlighting the challenges and dynamics of living in a remote commune. It delves into the historical and current state of French communes, emphasizing the attachment of the French to their localities and the role of mayors. François Deloupy-Dobin, Lecomte's son, serves as the mayor, balancing his duties with his personal life. The narrative touches on the broader issue of rural depopulation and the resilience of the commune system in France.
Want Michelin style at home? Buy used plates like the French
A growing trend in France sees food enthusiasts purchasing used crockery and cutlery from top restaurants, including items from Michelin-starred chefs, at a fraction of their original cost. This initiative, led by Chefs’ Dishes, not only allows people to bring haute cuisine into their homes but also supports charities like Kiwanis and Apprentis d’Auteuil. The market has gained popularity, with events held in cities like Lyons and Paris, drawing large crowds eager to own a piece of culinary history. The concept is celebrated for its eco-responsibility and cultural significance, reflecting the French appreciation for the art of the table.
Grab your bathrobe, we’re heading to the sauna pub
In Finland, the sauna culture is experiencing a revival, with public saunas becoming popular again due to rising energy prices and a desire to preserve cultural heritage. Koskinen and his friends have opened a sauna pub, blending traditional sauna experiences with social drinking. The Finnish government and organizations like Sauna from Finland are actively promoting the sauna as a national symbol. The global sauna industry is expected to grow, with increasing interest in sauna culture worldwide. The article highlights the social and health benefits of saunas, drawing parallels to the global rise of yoga.
Mushroom-spotting apps are big in France. So are poisonings
In France, the popularity of mushroom-spotting apps like Champignouf and Picture Mushroom has coincided with a rise in mushroom poisonings, prompting warnings from health authorities. The National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses) cautions against relying on these apps due to their potential inaccuracies, which have been linked to a significant number of poisonings. Traditional foraging knowledge is declining, with fewer pharmacists trained in mycology, leading foragers to rely on apps and online resources. Despite the risks, some foragers continue to use traditional methods, while others, like Jordan Monnot, develop new tools such as the Mushroom Hunters app to predict mushroom-rich areas.
Kemi Badenoch, symbol of a changing Conservative party and country
Kemi Badenoch's election as the leader of the Conservative Party marks a significant shift in the party's approach to race and diversity, reflecting broader societal changes in the UK. Born in London and raised in Nigeria, Badenoch's journey to leadership symbolizes the 'British dream' of success through talent and hard work. Her leadership style is characterized by a focus on principles over policy, and she is known for her anti-woke views. The article highlights her upbringing, political career, and the challenges she faces as the leader of the opposition, including potential internal party conflicts and opposition from other political parties.
Unleash the ferrets: the father and son tackling France’s rat crisis
In Marseilles, Alexandre and Gilles Raynal are using ferrets to tackle the city's rat infestation, a method that has proven effective in reducing rat populations without harming the environment. Their approach, which involves scaring rats into nets and euthanizing them humanely, has been implemented in several French cities and even in Guadeloupe. The initiative is gaining traction as cities like Paris reconsider their stance on rat control, with some advocating for coexistence. The Raynals' efforts highlight a shift towards more ecological pest control methods, contrasting with traditional poison use.
Watch Your Steps!
The Spanish Steps in Rome, a renowned cultural landmark, have become the center of an international dispute between France and Italy. A recent report by France's Court of Accounts suggested that the steps, built with French funds in the 1720s, are part of France's property portfolio in Rome. This claim has sparked criticism from Italian officials, who argue that the steps are a public space maintained by Rome. The historical context reveals that the steps were originally constructed by France to connect a convent and church, with the Spanish embassy at their base leading to their current name. The dispute highlights ongoing cultural tensions between the two nations, with both sides asserting historical claims over the landmark.
Strange history of Rome’s Spanish Steps … which are really French
The article explores the historical and cultural significance of Rome's Spanish Steps, which were funded by France in the 1720s. The French Court of Accounts recently suggested clarifying the steps' status, sparking controversy in Italy. Italian officials, including Fabio Rampelli and Daniela Santanchè, criticized the suggestion, highlighting historical tensions over cultural assets. Gaël de Guichen, a French expert, provides historical insights, noting the steps' French origins and their eventual public use. The article also touches on broader issues of foreign property ownership in Rome and recent corruption claims involving the Pious Establishments, a French foundation managing cultural assets in Italy.
France lets you buy lost parcels by the kilo, so I tried my luck
Entrepreneurs in France are capitalizing on a new law allowing the sale of lost parcels by the kilo, with businesses like Destock Colis offering these packages to the public. Customers, unable to open parcels before purchase, often find a mix of valuable and mundane items. While some enjoy the thrill and potential bargains, others express dissatisfaction with the quality and condition of goods. Jérémy Martinez, founder of Destock Colis, reports significant sales but acknowledges customer complaints. The business model has expanded across Europe, with branches in France and pop-up sales in Spain.
The real Ibiza: locals packed into slums while rich tourists live it up
Ibiza presents a stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of wealthy tourists and the harsh living conditions of local residents. While tourists enjoy high-end amenities at places like Pikes, the island's first boutique hotel, locals are forced to live in makeshift slums. This disparity highlights significant social inequality on the Balearic island.
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