Three cheers for Fred and George Weasley's enchanted pyrotechnics, and another three for the lasting image of the "sparkler float[ing] past the tower, still resolutely spelling out the word 'POO'" 3. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones For a magical explosion, you can't beat the clash of enchanted power between the Witch of the Waste and Wizard Howl.
But she isn't in the workforce.Eric Anderson Teaneck, New JerseyNapoleon's flair for geniusSIR – It is unfair to label Napoleon's legacy in France as a failed one ("Flawed sparkler", September 20th).
Yet here is another.In this section Flawed sparkler Sturm und Drang Nosebags From one who should know Loaded terms Stuffed full ReprintsBeethoven was probably the most famous composer who ever lived.
The men in khaki have ruled directly for 33 of the country's 67 years and have meddled heavily in politics the rest of the time, right up to the present day.In this section Flawed sparkler Sturm und Drang Nosebags From one who should know Loaded terms Stuffed full ReprintsThe warriors in charge take the lion's share of public spending.
Buy now 7. Bisol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Cartizze, £32, Selfridges This doesn't come cheap, but it's such a delicious sparkler that this faintly off-dry prosecco is well worth the extra money if you can afford it.
The flower made up of monochrome beading and crystals set on a black velvet cuff combine to make a luxe-looking sparkler.
Players who cannot chip or who putt like a child holding its first sparkler will be on the last flights out of North Carolina on Friday night.
£6.99, Wine Rack Bargain basement Don Cristobal Premium Vintage Brut Cava 2008 Still in northern Spain, but from the coastal region of Penedès comes this premium sparkler made for M&S by Freixenet and currently at a bargain price.
Buy Now {7} 2012 Philippe Michel Crémant du Jura: £7.29, aldi.co.uk From Jura, in eastern France, comes this surprisingly good sparkler.
£80 (as part of a purchase of six mixed bottles; normally £100), selected Majestic stores; £120, cellarviewines.com Taltarni Taché Rosé 2010 Wonderfully different sparkler from southern Australia, the colour coming from a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes added to the normal champagne mix.
£19, ocado.com; £19.95, finecheese.co.uk SPARKLERS Knightor Brut NV In deep midwinter, what better to be reminded of the Cornish countryside in spring, contained in every mouthful of this sparkler made from traditional champagne varieties plus Seyval Blanc and Reichensteiner, grown on the sunny slopes around Portscatho and Looe.
