Coalfires

[teash]

Any experts out there who can tell me the best way to start/keep it burning

[Quizmonster]

Traditionally, you should scrumple up a couple of sheets of newspaper and place them in the grate, then place - in a sort of criss-cross lattice-work on top - about 10 kindling sticks. These should be cut in about 1"x1"x10" pieces. Then place some smallish pieces of coal on top of these. Now light the paper.
Of course, people more usually nowadays dispense with the paper and sticks and just use fire-lighters!

[Quizmonster]

I should have added above that, once the fire is burning steadily, you can add larger pieces of coal to keep it going. Try to avoid the mistake younger people today make when handling a coal fire...they can't keep the blessed poker away from it! Just leave it alone. A poker is necessary only when large quantities of cinders build up and when helping it to go out at the end of the evening...ie by "stirring things up".

[teash]

Cheers for that Quiz i`ll give it a go tonight