Dear Readers ...

Our new Special is packed with great reading to entertain you on chilly autumn days, with 14 original stories from favourite authors and eight pages of puzzles and brainteasers to keep your mind active.

With climate change on everyone’s minds at the moment, Dawn Geddes chats to the curator of an important archive that records its impact on people, and film-maker Doug Allan shares his passion for the planet with Bill Gibb.

Nick Drainey reveals the fascinating story of the real Robinson Crusoe, and Neil McAllister discovers his own tropical paradise in Belize. Laura Brown delves into the history of the ancient art of rug making and Lisa Crow looks at the phenomenon of misheard song lyrics.

We’ve a gorgeous Kaffe Fassett designer quilt for craft enthusiasts, and some tasty recipes from Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen to try.