Hello everyone

Welcome to February, which possibly vies with January

Dark star

This season, take inspiration from the colour Future Dusk, a moody and intriguing hue that sits between purple and blue

IN MY EXPERIENCE… Bear Grylls

The survival expert and adventurer, 50, talks living on a houseboat, his fear of public speaking and why he prefers to age by percentage

This month we talk…

cleaners

Welcome to February

Hello everyone. I know editors are supposed to

BROOKE SHIELDS IS NOT ALLOWED TO GET OLD

Despite being a household name for half a century, and having suffered her fair share of life traumas, Brooke Shields is anything but your average child-actor-gone-bad. Now, as she prepares to enter her sixties, the Hollywood star remains refreshingly down to earth – and determined to age with dignity

A good yarn

Knitters love to knit – but what happens when you run out of people to wear your jumpers and hats? We visit a charity taking in thousands of beautifully crafted garments every year and sending them to people who need them most

Keeping our cool

Magnificent sculptural giants or giant eyesores? The power station cooling towers that once dominated our landscape are disappearing fast. Should we save them?

The true story of Bridget Jones

She’s sold over 40 million books globally and, so far, her movies have made £600 million worldwide – with a new instalment about to arrive in cinemas. But not many people know the slightly chaotic origins of everyone’s favourite fictional diarist

Back on the road

Some memorable motors from yesteryear, including the Ford Capri and Renault 5, are making a comeback – only this time round they’re all electric

Here comes the (older) bride

With later life marriages on the rise, we talk to two first-timers who fell for their spouses just when they thought they might never meet ‘the one’

Making waves

Diana Nyad swam 110 miles in shark infested waters at 64 and was immortalised in the film Nyad . She’s a firm believer that age shouldn’t be a barrier to following your dreams

‘I couldn’t hide my thrill at meeting prisoner 46664’

From an impromptu dance on live TV to securing the first interview, our columnist recalls the hours after Nelson Mandela was released

Ask Annie

Our straight-talking, no-nonsense agony aunt Anne Robinson tackles the problems troubling you

A LIFE IN COLOUR

Daisy Fior’s bohemian flat has turned into a personal museum full of paintings, pottery, quilts – even stuff she’s found on the street and the banks of the Thames

Sweet love

TV chef Nadiya Hussain rustles up two easy chocolatey Valentine’s Day treats that everyone will adore

Tried & tasted

this month profiteroles

Star performers

There’s nothing better than settling down in front of the telly with a glass (or two) of wine. But which bottles best match your box sets?

Grow your own way

For flavour money can’t buy, plus a connection with nature that’s good for your soul, nothing beats home-sown food. And, by starting now, not only can you eat well all year, you’ll save time and precious pennies, too

Spring into action

As our gardens reawaken, set your sights on summer blooms – and witnessing the antics of wildlife just doing what comes naturally

Ones to watch

Remember Dad’s slide and ciné shows? The latest home projection systems are on another level

Golden oldies

The old ones really are the best when it comes to beauty products. It’s no wonder so many are making a comeback

Generation games

Our columnist is all in favour of leaving a tip, but let him make that choice – and pay it in cash. It’s just not British otherwise…

Ask Dr Mark

YOUR QUESTIONS / HOW WEATHER AFFECTS OUR HEALTH / HRT Q&A

Cloudy with outbreaks of pain

When it’s cold and wet outside, do you find sore joints and headaches worse? Growing research suggests a link – so much so that in Germany sufferers even get their own meteorological forecast

HRT your questions answered

Hormone replacement therapy seems to swing in and out of medical fashion. As new guidelines are published, we ask experts if it’s safe for older women

Drill master

Do you dread dental appointments? As recently retired dentist Gerald Feaver explains, a certain piece of equipment could be to blame…

Old age, young love

Our columnist does not understand why Miranda is so cross. All he did was put his new pullover in the washing machine…

Paul Lewis

TAX / MONEY NEWS

Money news

February 2025

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

MEXICO CITY / WESTERN AUSTRALIA / LETTER FROM AMERICA

The wonders of Western Australia

With wilderness walks, wine tastings and wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else, this sunshine paradise should be your first port of call on a trip Down Under

Win a holiday for two to Western Australia with Singapore Airlines

Win A HOLIDAY FOR TWO WORTH £6,000 How

Letter from America

A s the political year gets truly underway,

Bitten by the bug

It started as a hobby, but now social historian Helen Day, 60, has more than 10,000 vintage Ladybird books – and counting

Out and about

CONCERT Lust for life Iggy Pop will perform

DECADE BUSTERS

TURNING 50 Brad Thorn New Zealand rugby

Staying in

PODCAST Lives Less Ordinary BBC SOUNDS BBC

Absolutely Feb-ulous

From funeral knells to wedding bells, this month’s books bring courtroom drama, murder most foul, and – joy of joys! – a new release from Anne Tyler

Letters

THANKS FOR WRITING TO US, WE LOVE HEARING WHAT YOU THINK

grey matters

More puzzles! There are loads more puzzles on

The pub Quiz

Steve McQueen, debut singles and West End shows all take centre stage this month…

KT Tunstall

The world according to…

Word to the wise

Love snuggling up with a book in bed at this time of year? Naturally, our columnist knows a word for that – and many other terms for bibliophiles