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We’ve really enjoyed putting together this month’s bumper issue, which turns the spotlight on inspirational wedding ideas, stylish fashion looks and wellness feel-good factors.

Kate Chapman caught up with super talented designer Sanyukta Shrestha (page 68), who has created her own sophisticated brand of luxury, hand-crafted sustainable womenswear and bridal designs.

Her stunning collection has proved a hot favourite on the red carpet at the Oscars, BAFTAs and Cannes Film Festival.

Cup, Kate also talked to Lincoln City Women’s team defender Rachael Howes, who is based at RAF Coningsby (p.34).

Rachael grew up with a passion for the ‘beautiful game’. She recalls how “back in the 1990s there weren’t many girls’ teams about, so I joined the boys’ ones and was often the only girl playing!”

How things have changed – with doors opening to provide more opportunities for women’s teams worldwide and sponsors lining up to have their brands highlighted, Rachael is understandably excited about the future of the sport.

Talking of enjoying outdoor activities, as the second most popular spectator sport in the UK (after football), I was interested to discover that horse racing attracts six million people at meetings up and down the country each year.

This month marks National Racing Week (9th-17th September) so I caught up with Ben Atkins, stud director at Fairfield Stud, which opened earlier this year (p.154). The elegance, intelligence and majesty of Thoroughbreds has long held a fascination for Ben, whose forward-thinking vision has created a centre of equine excellence at this historic stud.

If you’re looking for a unique family day out, National Racing Week sees numerous training yards, studs and retraining centres open their doors to the public, providing an opportunity to discover what life as a racehorse is really like.

Nominations for this year’s ‘Taste of Excellence’ Awards are just about to close. The votes are now being counted and our judges are preparing for the exciting final stages, so watch this space.

Have a wonderful September!