Saga Magazine

Saga Magazine is packed full of informative financial features and news from our experts Paul Lewis and Annie Shaw, health tips, inspiring real-life stories, travel, gardening and food. Enjoy in-depth celebrity interviews, our columnists’ wry take on life and our brain-teasing crosswords. Plus coverage of not-to-be-missed events, the arts, music, film, TV, books and much, much more...

Saga Magazine

Hello everyone

Welcome to November

This month's CONTRIBUTORS

Christmas countdown • From book collections to craft gin, get into the festive spirit with these amazing advent calendars

Jenni Murray • After quitting smoking a year ago, our columnist shares her view on banning lighting up in outdoor public places

IN MY EXPERIENCE… Sandi Toksvig • The author and presenter, 66, on the joy of being a grandmother, leaving Bake Off, and why she'd love to master a forward roll

This month we talk… winter fuel payments • Each month our insight team conducts an in-depth poll of Saga customers to find out what you're thinking. This month: government cuts

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW The new adventures of Alexander Armstrong • The presenter and author tells us about playing Pointless with the late Queen and how his good friend Richard Osman ‘bullied’ him into writing his debut novel

‘The right to die …but where sounds simple will it lead?’ • There are myriad powerful arguments in favour of legalising assisted dying, but we don't often hear the other side of the debate – and why the idea frightens so many

What's your story? • Far from being a last resort for writers who can't land a book contract, self-publishing is becoming increasingly popular among older authors who want more creative control – and a bigger slice of the profits

The land of giants • The world's biggest species of tree is not only thriving in the UK but is also helping us make huge strides in the battle against climate change

MEET THE REDWOODS

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Nuclear fallout • In the Fifties and Sixties, more than 22,000 British servicemen took part in a nuclear test programme. Many have since suffered from chronic health conditions – as have their descendants. Now they want some answers

Belle of the ballrooms • With its gold-leaf balconies, ornate murals and sprung dance floor, Blackpool Tower Ballroom has brought the wow factor to the waltz since the 1890s. As the stars of Strictly salsa their way to the town this month in the annual pilgrimage, we celebrate this iconic venue

THE REAL MISS MONEYPENNYS • Women in the intelligence services did more than just take notes and chide spies for their flirtatious advances. Many had real power and ran daring missions, yet their stories have gone untold – until now

‘I finally got the call telling me: “Baghdad will see you now”’ • In November 1990, after tortuous negotiations, our columnist was eventually granted an interview with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein

Ask Annie • Our straight-talking, no-nonsense agony aunt tackles the problems troubling you

Let's go outside • Cosy up on country walks this autumn in snuggly scarves, stylish coats and toasty knits

MIGHTY MINCE • Two celebrity chefs plate up tasty mince recipes – hearty fare that's perfect for autumn nights in

Tried & tasted • Nothing beats sweet, silky custard on a pudding, but which ready-to-serve option is the cream of the crop?

Box clever • Great wines don't have to come in a bottle. With party season here, get some top tipples in the bag – literally!

Bloomin’ good reads • Need some gift inspo? We leaf through some of the best horticultural books of 2024 to bring you the pick of the crop for every gardener

Out with a bang • As fireworks light up...