Refresh, revive, renew…
Ithink there’s a real sense of change at this time of year as we move headlong into autumn. And, while we might not all relish the shorter days and chillier temperatures, this season does offer the opportunity to shake things up a bit and press reset. For starters, it’s time to put on some warmer layers and pack away those summer dresses. Our fashion team have been busy looking at the most stylish ways to turn over a new leaf in the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness (page 20), and they’ve edited the
best new coats and boots on the high street for you, too (page 32 and 36, respectively).
It’s also a time to switch up what we cook in the kitchen – and who doesn’t love the kind of hunker-down food that comes into its own right during this season? I know in my family there’s nothing more guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces than serving up a piping hot crumble with custard – and our new blackberry, apple and sloe gin one (page 156) is a sure-fire, utterly moreish hit.
As we often say, it’s so important to take some time for you – to practise the art of self-care – and I think that’s especially true at this time of year, when life seems to get busier and busier as we hurtle towards the year’s end (the clock really does seem to speed up, doesn’t it?). We hear from three readers who have found their happy-place pastimes (page 52), offering them a chance to do something away from the daily grind and to lose themselves in the moment, playing netball, golf and horse riding. I hope you’ll be inspired to revisit an old hobby or to try something new yourself.
Now, if I were a fairy godmother, the one person I would love to give some extra self-care time to is our amazing cover star Kate Garraway. Talking to Kate, her schedule leaves me breathless – on the day of our photoshoot, she’d already been presenting on TV at dawn, completed her Smooth Radio show and edited her new book before arriving at the studio! Then, when she left at 8pm, she was going home to care for her husband, Derek, and her children before getting up at 2am to do it all again the next day. She is the linchpin for her family, and her devotion to Derek – who is still battling the terrible ravages of Covid to his body – is unerring. I feel nothing but admiration for her. She’s a very special human being indeed, and I think you’ll feel the same when you read our interview with her (page 14).
Meanwhile, one of the country’s most famous historians
Dame Mary Beard talks to us this month, and I have to say I’m chuffed to bits. We’ve been after an interview with Mary for years – literally! – and she doesn’t disappoint with her candour and no-nonsense views (page 48). Enjoy.
Gaby Huddart EDITOR-IN-CHIEF gaby.huddart@hearst.co.uk
@gabyhuddart
PS After inspiration for your next getaway? Turn to page 185 for this year’s Good Cruise Guide, which will help you sail away…