Rachel Unthank's Magpie

For Rachel Unthank a lifetime interest in the magpie provides inspiration for this Tweet of the Day.

Along with her sister Becky, Rachel is part of the family affair The Unthanks from the North East of England. As one of the leading exponents of traditional music The Unthanks are equally at home playing to Tyneside folk club one night, 2000 Londoners the next before inspiring the next generation of songwriters at a primary school. They see their work as delivering an oral history for the modern audience. Which is perfect for Tweet of the Day, as Rachel recalls how her son drew her a special button to represent a magpie, and why offering an old lady a lift may inspire some deep held beliefs on the role of magpies in bringing bad luck as they cross your path..

You can hear more from Rachel in her Tweet of the Week podcast, downloadable from BBC Sounds

Producer Andrew Dawes