Your Weekender reads: chefs' Christmas feasts; Benjalu; blacksmiths are back; Tom Jones

Explore what's inside the Herald Weekender, December 9.

Sunny Chae. Picture by Marina Neil

What's on Hunter chefs' home Christmas menus 

It's the time to eat, drink and be merry. We ask a handful the region's best-known chefs what they have planned on December 25.

Branxton blacksmith Will Maguire. Picture by Edwina Richards

Breathing life into blacksmithing

Branxton blacksmith Will Maguire is proud to be an organiser of Australia's first National Blacksmith Survey exhibition, now on at Port Macquarie.

Friendship remains at heart of Benjalu

It's safe to suggest that Benjalu underestimated just how exciting their reunion would be to their fans. Benjalu's first show since 2015 is raising money for charity.

Crooner's still got the moves

Tom Jones brings his Ages & Stages Tour to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in April. He's come a long way and, as he tells Josh Leeson, his first Australian tour was almost cancelled.

There was no more terrifying sight than a sailing ship helpless and in flames at sea. Inset: Author Joseph Conrad

Dramatic passage on the high seas

Mike Scanlon tells author Joseph Conrad's dramatic relationship with the sea. Also, what's the Hunter's intriguing link to the famous writer?

Festive cheer will be echoing around the Hunter this weekend with various Christmas carols scheduled

It's time to jingle your bells this carol season

There are plenty of opportunities to get your Christmas on this weekend. Check out the What's On Guide.