Most soulful of seasons is here with so much to look forward to

We’re feeling very autumnal this week in the P.S. office. It’s my favourite time of the year, when the leaves are beginning to turn but there’s still a warmth in the air.

Of course, for some it heralds the dreaded darker days and colder weather. But the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, to quote John Keats, can also be a balm for the soul, as we explore in our health story on pages 46 and 47.We spoke to experts about how the transition of the season can encourage us to reflect and make postive changes in our lives.

Autumn is an excuse to slow down, eat comforting food and indulge in some much-needed selfcare. It’s also a fun time for families. I have fallen back in love with Guy Fawkes Night and Halloween since becoming a mum as it allows me to get back in touch with my inner child.

For our style editor,Wendy Rigg, it means attending the autumn/winter high street launches. Next week she’ll be getting a sneak peak of the new M&S collection.And she’ll be bringing us all the best buys over the coming weeks, with a special eye on bargains as we tighten our belts this winter.This issue, on pages 8&9, she has style picks for autumn walkies with your best friend (canine or otherwise), including a very lovely chocolate-coloured coat for just £28!

With cosy nights in on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to introduce our brilliant new weekly puzzles section, Bamboozled.

Turn to the middle for pages of brain-teasers and mind-benders.We hope you enjoy it.We’d love to hear how you get on.