CALLING THE bottom on a sinking share price can be a hazardous business. When a company in trouble protests that things cannot possibly get any worse, they usually can - and do. But Arjo Wiggins Appleton, the paper maker, which yesterday announced plans to split itself into three divisions, could just be an exception to the rule.

YOUR PROFILE of Lady Powell contained a reference to my late husband, Sir James Goldsmith, which is totally untrue and must be corrected. So far from resenting Lady Powell's involvement in his referendum campaign, he was profoundly grateful for her help, which he publicly acknowledged on many occasions. Jimmy regarded Carla Powell as a loyal and devoted family friend whose energy and enthusiasm were invaluable assets in his campaign.

Letter: Carla: the best pasta cook in London

GOLDSMITHS, the jewellery retailer, issued a downbeat Christmas trading statement yesterday amid speculation that the company will be taken private in the next two weeks.

Goldsmiths rises on bid talks

SHARES IN Goldsmiths, the jewellery chain, shot up from 112p to 164p yesterday, after the group confirmed it had received a "very preliminary approach" which could lead to a bid.

From a speech by the president of the Conservation Foundation to the London Churches Conference on the Environment

Never mind about the fetish party. The kitchen's already such a tip, it's been declared a no-go area. Week 2 at the Manchester student house

If you weren't lucky enough to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth, now is the chance to make amends. All manner of items, from elaborate tableware to simple jewellery, will be displayed in the resplendent Goldsmiths' Hall, which hosts its annual fair this week. Britain boasts many of the world's leading designers in jewellery and silversmithing: 80 will be showing their wares here, including work by Stephen Webster (below). Whatever your tastes, there will be styles, materials and prices to suit everyone. Who knows: you might find yourself in possession of tomorrow's collector's item!

THE FAMILY of the late Sir James Goldsmith has decided to jointly fund a pounds 40m campaign against the single currency, masterminded by Eurosceptic millionaire Paul Sykes.

Sir: There is something extremely distasteful about rich men seeking to use their enormous wealth to influence the democratic process. The only consolation for the rest of us is that given the Goldsmith and Perot examples, Mr Sykes will spend an awful lot of money to no avail.

Sir: Businessmen like Paul Sykes who seem anxious to find ways of spending their excess fortunes should consider funding medical research or the relief of worldwide poverty instead of wasting money, like the late Sir James Goldsmith did, on lost causes.

A MULTI-MILLION pound campaign against Britain's entry to the European single currency is to be launched by Paul Sykes, the millionaire Euro-sceptic businessman.

First 'Madam Butterfly' at the Albert Hall, now a vast 'Aida' at Earl's Court: Nick Kimberley has seen the future of opera, and it's as big as stadium rock