Make most of the simple life as the dark winter nights draw in

It’s time to coorie in folks. The clocks have gone back and the rain clouds have settled in for the long haul. Most of us don’t relish the idea of the dark, dreary nights ahead but throw lockdown into the mix and it’s hard to find anything to cheer the soul.

With no fun events or parties on the horizon, we have to make the most of simple pleasures – like shopping! I especially love buying a good coat. From vintage fake furs to smart tailored overcoats, my wardrobe is bulging – and any attempts to convince me to have a cull is futile (ask my partner).

We know many of you won’t be feeling confident about venturing out to the shops so our trusted style expert Wendy Rigg has put together the ultimate high street coat edit (pages 10&11).

From perfect puffas to smarter military styles, we’re sure there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

It’s more important than ever to look after our mental wellbeing and to help us we’ve turned to the “Queen of Positivity”, mental health expert Jo Jo Fraser, who shares her tips on finding your winter mojo (turn to pages 38&39).

Leading by example is Children’s TV legend Lady Floella Benjamin, who we caught up with this week.

At 71, she is brimming with vitality and her interview on pages 6&7 is a lesson in optimism.

She tells us: “I’m not saying I never get down but when I do, I pick myself up, dust myself down – and I smile. If you believe that life is good, it will be.”

We can but try Floella.